This may be a peculiarly American obsession: the debate that rages about how science and religion might explain, and provide ethical guidance for, our understandings of nature.  The controversy of late has centered on interpretations of natural selection… Continue reading

     The idea, derived from an ancient Chinese worldview, that natural disasters might tell us something about the effectiveness or legitimacy of the highest national leaders has popped up recently in stories about the political effects of hurricane Katrina… Continue reading

     With his senate confirmation hearings drawing to a close, John Roberts is poised to become the next Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.  But his evasive answers to senatorial inquiries have left open some rather large questions:… Continue reading

     News reports suggest that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership is planning to honor Hu Yaobang, the former party chief whose death in 1989 sparked the dramatic Tianamen protests and the subsequent Beijing massacre.  In the 1980’s, Hu… Continue reading

    The growing tragedy in New Orleans has absorbed my attention of late; so, I asked the I Ching: what can we expect there in the coming months.  The oracle brought back one of the most significant hexagrams, "The… Continue reading

     In the past several years, and most especially in 2005, more and more public demonstrations, some quite violent, have broken out across China.  People are angry about official corruption, environmental pollution, and a host of other problems; they… Continue reading

     OK, let’s look back briefly and see how some of our recent I Ching readings have fared….      Last week, the oracle suggested that work on the Iraqi constitution would not produce significant political progress in that… Continue reading

     We’re back from the beach and, though a little late, ready to get back to our regularly scheduled blogging.      For today’s I Ching question, I asked the oracle if work on the Iraqi constitution, which is… Continue reading

     This week I reveal something deep and fundamental about myself: I am a New York Yankees fan.  I imagine about half of you now have a lesser opinion of me – but that’s all right, I’m used to… Continue reading

    Last week Jon asked for it, and this week we finally deliver.     The question: Will the Six Party Talks on North Korea succeed?     The answer from the I Ching: Yes, if basic US policy… Continue reading