Catastrophe provokes varied responses. Particularly if the catastrophe is truly unexpected, like the arrival of interstellar aliens on the White House lawn. One of the more common responses to disaster is the psychological defense of denial – the problem doesn’t exist. Covid-19 demonstrates that denial is more than protean, it can provide (for some) […]
Unsafe: Surviving the New Age of Anxiety
A different, new age of anxiety is brewing. To understand why, look around. One of the world’s favored centers of “chill” just burned to the ground. In the peacefully pleasant California wine country residents woke to winds whipping fire. Within minutes their homes reduced to ashes, their vehicles melted. They had no warning. In the morning light […]
Smoking Is My Retirement Plan (8/8/12)
Better Living Through Denial? Smokers, one fifth of American adults, often tell me they’re not worried about the future. Why? Because, as my webmaster and other smokers tell me, they don’t foresee a long term future. Retirement? Long term care insurance? Pointless. As many explain, “Smoking is my retirement plan.” Sorry, guys. It doesn’t work […]