Today is the first day of 2018. Please take a moment to reflect back on what a year 2017 was. I think we can all agree it was one for the history books. I honestly have feelings of trepidation looking forward to 2018. The world is unstable and we have people of horrible character in charge seemingly oblivious to the negative rhetoric they foster. Sabre rattling is non-stop and we have rulers who openly embrace methods that most well-educated people and people who value tolerance shun. We all feel so helpless watching these machinations. These days anger rules reason and hatred rules compassion.

Enough of that. We should be more hopeful.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Yule. It’s a time for family and friends and reflection. ‘Mother’s Night’ has a long tradition in Anglo-Saxon lore and was borrowed by Christianity for Christmas. It is a midwinter night where we gather to feast and celebrate. The sun will hang a little longer in the sky and with it comes hope.

Be kind to this home of ours floating in space. Weather patterns are getting worse and worse. Gaea warns us. Stay safe and keep reading. Reading brings knowledge. Scientific method validates knowledge and lifts us out of ignorance. Fight those who would strip knowledge and science. And as always: embrace life.

Happy New Year!

Ciao

donald