Columnists

ON MENTAL ILLNESS: The Usefulness of Journaling

Jack Bragen
Friday September 20, 2019 - 02:28:00 PM

Journaling of thoughts and feelings can allow almost any person to gain a greater understanding of oneself. When you write down some of the content of your conscious mind, it allows better ability for you to know what you are thinking.

It might surprise you to realize that you may not be conscious of many of your thoughts and feelings. This is because some of them may be in the periphery of consciousness or beyond the periphery. Or, in other instances, some thoughts and feelings are submerged.

Sometimes we submerge emotions to protect our consciousness. Therefore, journaling could give some amount of air and light to things we've been avoiding. We could get in touch with pain that we've been afraid to face. Sometimes this can cause adverse results. Yet, for the most part, journaling will help most people. -more-


ECLECTIC RANT: Trump versus Iran

Ralph E. Stone
Sunday September 22, 2019 - 12:17:00 PM

Last weekend, coordinated strikes on key Saudi Arabian oil facilities knocked out half of the country's oil capacity. On Monday, U.S. oil prices spiked. Without presenting convincing evidence, the Trump administration and the Saudis claim that Iran was behind the attack. Iran denies responsibility. Given Trump’s history of lying, who would believe any “evidence” Trump provided? -more-


THE PUBLIC EYE:Consequences of the Saudi Oilfield Attacks

Bob Burnett
Friday September 20, 2019 - 02:42:00 PM

On September 14, Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil fields were attacked by drones and cruise missiles, and approximately half of the Saudi oil capacity was "disrupted." The details are in dispute but Yemens' Houthi rebels took credit for the attack that appeared to originate across the Persian Gulf -- either in Kuwait, Iraq, or Iran. -more-


SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces

Gar Smith
Friday September 20, 2019 - 02:54:00 PM

Sprouts Gives Loiterers a Pass

Between the parking lot behind the Spouts outlet on San Pablo Avenue and the adjacent forest of the Gill Tract, the powers-that-be have posted a sign.

The sign was meant to punish people for "loitering." But because of a punctuation error (a missing period), it actually grants one and all the opportunity to loiter without fear of consequences.

Here's is the message the sign was intended to send:

"No loitering. Violators will be prosecuted."

But here's what the sign actually promises:

"No loitering violators will be prosecuted."

So feel free to linger, all you local lay-abouts. Period. Full stop. End of sentence. -more-