Four medieval villagers whispering and reacting to rumors swirling as sticks and stones in the town square

Sticks & Stones: Is gossip all bad?

Growing up in the Protestant Christian Church, gossip was routinely criticized for its harm and divisiveness. Pastors regularly debunked the adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. Words can and do hurt people. But is gossip sometimes helpful?

Cartoon character dancing energetically at a street dance battle surrounded by cheering crowd and colorful lights

Naive, Defensive, & Uncultured: Being Square in a Shapeshifting World

I briefly discuss the challenges of distinguishing between AI-generated content and genuine articles, societal pressures to integrate marketing and entertainment into content creation, and the balance between being yourself and changing yourself in a rapidly-evolving world.

“No Kings” 3 in Rural Missouri: Local Residents Rally in Warrenton to Express their Support for Constitutional Rights & Opposition to Trump’s Politics

On a brisk Saturday in Warrenton, Missouri, a crowd gathered for the No Kings rally, expressing discontent with the current political climate. Attendees voiced concerns about authoritarianism, government corruption, and the degradation of constitutional rights. The rally reflected a desire for democratic principles and connection among like-minded individuals in a predominantly conservative area.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, as described by Daniel Goleman, encompasses self-awareness, self-management, self-motivation, social awareness, and relationship management. It is a complex skill affected by various factors, but can be improved through mindfulness, empathy, and dedication to healthy relationships. Developing empathy is a crucial step towards enhancing emotional intelligence.