Lafayette, Indiana

I used to think that the gap in age explains that I don’t understand or appreciate the artistic choices of young, popular artists. But then I remember that when I was young, older people thought that our outfits and forms of expression were immature and embarrassing. Of course I dismissed them. But in fact, they were right. Disco glam was inane and counter culture outfits were mostly a visual abomination. This is not to say that we should deny everyone their fun and stupidity. But it does mean that if you see a musician who opts for the face shield with no real reason then…yes…you are correct to note that they look like a moron. It’s okay to laugh.

Wednesday, Lafayette, Indiana

In an era of experts - and I qualify as an expert in some few areas- the danger is to presume that we have expertise beyond our reach. This is especially evident when it comes to politics. Most people have passionate opinions about their ideology, their candidates and their party. But in most cases their opinion is based on partial information, flawed conclusions and the blustering opinions of their small circle of similarly poorly informed friends and associates. In other words, we tend to vote using our gut more than our head. And the gut is an abysmal organ for judgement. The gut is what gets people to drink to excess, paint their faces at games and get into bar fights.

I have not really figured out what party I am most affiliated with - I like the compassion of the Democratic party as I understand it; I like the small government approach of the Republican party as I understand it. In the end I am most influenced by a combination of my gut feeling tempered with my intellectual judgement about the candidates I hear. And on this score I was a happy voter for Barack Obama, based on his intellect and pragmatic approach to decision making. This is also a strong reaction to the approach of George Bush who led almost exclusively using organs below his neck.

So I have a modicum of hope and optimism that the dire predictions about the economy in the coming year will be addressed assertively - and intelligently - by the new administration. I am praying fervently!

Sunday, West Lafayette, Indiana

One of the arguments against the candidacy of Barack Obama and the Democrats is the traditional worry that they are too soft and lenient when it comes to international threats - especially in the age of terrorism. So despite his dramatic win, there is anticipation while we await his posture facing enemies of America. So on top of the deep worries about the economic seizures we also have angst about our safety.

In such a situation many already nervous individuals become vulnerable to elevated levels of panic. How are you handling it all? Some ignore such matters, focusing on the concerns of their daily life. Others embrace a the uncertainty with a sense of resignation, acknowledging that in the end, we cannot individually control such events. But for those who are unable to shut it out of their mind or come to terms with the fragile nature of human life, these times are debilitating. Perhaps you or someone you know struggles with what mental health professionals call Panic Disorder.

See if you can you relate to these symptoms of Panic Disorder

Symptoms: A  discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four or more of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within ten minutes:

 1.  Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate:
 – Your heart rate is so fast, rabbits approach you without fear.
 – You can only tolerate listening to music whose percussion is in  time with your heartbeat.

 2.  Sweating:
 –  After exercising at the gym, the staff must mop up your areas.
 – You must launder your clothing at least twice each day.

 3.  Trembling or Shaking:
 – In order to focus your eyes to read, you must lean against a  solid object.
 – Unbeknownst to those you meet, your vigorous handshake requires no energy on your part.

 4.  Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering:
 – You can only fall asleep without covers.
 – When listening to your breathing through the phone, others suspect that your dog is nearby.

 5.  Fears of choking:
 – You are terrified of eating chicken or fish.
 – Activities such as scratching your face or trying to apply lipstick triggers your gag response.

 6.  Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint:
 – Even while standing perfectly still. You weave from side to  side.
 – You pass out into unconsciousness at least seven times each week.

 7.  Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself):
 – You don’t always really know it’s you in the mirror.
 – You often have a strong desire to step aside away from yourself.

 8.  Fear of losing control or going crazy:
 – You only feel completely secure when you are physically  attached to a solid object or another person.
 – Even though you do not have panic disorder, this test is causing  you to develop the illness.

 9.  Fear of dying:
 – Your funeral arrangements have been made and prepaid since you  were 20 years old.
 – You spend every free moment of spare time sitting still in a chair  in your basement.

 10.  Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensation):
 – In order to lift something, you must look at your hand to insure that it is really grasping.
 – Every few minutes you make a little jump and cry "Wooo."

Monday, West Lafayette, Indiana

Wow! I was amazed at the news reports today that Sarah Palin is so unhappy with the direction of the Republican campaign that she is considered by some a a rogue candidate! according to some reports Palin is following her own script, she is off the McCain reservation. She is speaking her mind and ignoring the orders of the campaign about what she is supposed to say. The reports indicate that she feels used and abused by the campaign that have allowed her to be portrayed as incompetent, not ready for prime time. And if this is true she is concerned - rightfully so - about ruining her future in politics should McCain go down in flames.

Of course the fly in the ointment here is that she seems to believe that the problem with her political future rests with the poorly managed image created by the media - as opposed, for instance by the possibility that she really is not competent enough to aspire to national office. It shows that people who are famous don’t always have an accurate perception of their actual gifts and capabilities. Should John McCain lose to Barack Obama, I simply cannot imagine that Sarah Palin is destined to rise to prominence and respect within her party. I simply cannot believe that she is the most able woman available to represent the philosophy and political point of view of the Republican party. God help them if this is true.

Personally I believe she is destined to have a popular talk show on Fox.

Thursday, West Lafayette, Indiana

And for those of us minions who are not in power, about all we can do is vote with passion and, at a more practical level rethink how we are going to live our lives. Sally and I made a decision four years ago that we were going to significantly downsize our life. We sold our large home and moved to a smaller house in a modest neighborhood. We decided to focus on our lifestyle of friendships, neighbors and activities. And we are so grateful that we made this decision early. It was one of the best things we ever did to make a decision to “get small” with our lifestyle. It’s very liberating and it might be time to consider it for yourself. Blessings!

Monday, West Lafayette, Indiana

Without giving away my exact political preferences (although regular readers here may be able to tell - or think they can) mostly what I am is averse to rigidity and narrow ideologues. And so, as we are all aware, cretins of both stripes occupy the bleachers of both the Democrats and Republicans. And they all make me gag!

I find the bombast of Al Sharpton as odious as that of Sean Hannity. Neither of these morons demonstrate any flexible thinking. Everything about them and their ilk (Ann Coulter & Moveon.org) is about attacking anyone not fitting into their preconceived ideas — which is the depth of stupidity. And as a citizen, I have had enough of over exposed stupidity in the media and in government.

With all that said, I do recall listening once to the millionaire blowhard Rush Limbaugh and agreeing with his analysis about the difference between Republicans and Democrats. I’m paraphrasing, but he said in effect that Republicans are generally unified by some few core beliefs — small government, economic conservativism, etc..

In contrast, he asserts that the Democrats are a motley collection of mixed ideas and are really not joined collectively by any particular principles. And to a large degree, although I have certainly voted for Democratic candidates in the past, and will again this fall, I think this is an accurate assessment. And I believe that it accounts for the fact that only 2 Democrats have been elected president in the past 46 years.

The Democrats, quite frankly have become a tiring and irritating soap opera. Whether or not you are a supporter of Obama, it has certainly been disconcerting to watch Bill and Hillary Clinton engaged in the juvenile antics of rejected teenagers making problems for the Democratic initiative. The latest is Bill Clinton apparently complaining about the role he has been assigned at the convention. This is a guy I used to admire. And in less than one year he has so turned me off that I want him to just disappear. I for one believe that he was personally responsible for sabotaging his wife’s campaign with his stupid antics during the primaries. As much as I admire Obama, I believe that Hillary Clinton would have secured the nomination if it wasn’t for the negative presence of her idiot husband.

It will be interesting to watch the show this week. Let’s see if Democrats can come out of this and into the campaign behaving like something other than recent Democrats.

Tuesday, Indianapolis, Indiana

Living and working at Purdue University has given me an appreciation for the genius of engineers. Every day I am appreciative of the stunning advances in technology that have allowed me to work on my own terms living in the Midwest. Just a few years ago it was imperative that I reside either in New York or Los Angeles for my career. What a country.

Part of the thrill I have as a consumer is keeping up with the continuing advance of ever more breathtaking devices and technologies. And this week is no exception with the announcement that our scientists are getting close to developing…are you ready…INVISIBLE CLOTHING! Say what!?

That’s right, according to a story in the Associated Press, “researchers have demonstrated for the first time they were able to cloak three-dimensional objects using artificially engineered materials that redirect light around the objects.” It went on to suggest that this development would allow us to “hide people and objects from visible light.” Wow!

Not surprisingly the earliest applications will likely be military, which means that we could see a live battle on CNN with the only thing visible are the smoke from the weapons and the targets. And then there will be commercial applications as well. Certainly the private detective business has to be hugely buzzed about this prospect. And even their spouse cheating targets can stay ahead of the divorce authorities. What a world!

Thursday, Providence, Rhode Island

Finally!! The other shoe dropped and Brett Favre is now with the New York Jets.

For weeks the legendary Packers Quarterback was in the middle of a soap opera of his own making. After twice retiring from the team and twice coming back to play, Favre gave the team fits about his plans for the future. And for several tense days he was hanging around the Packer’s training camp, doing what the other guys are doing: running sprints, practicing his throws. You know, the usual stuff of a preseason athlete.

However…

Obviously there is a difference in this case. Favre’s presence was, quite frankly, an embarrassment to the team and millions of sports fans everywhere. With the exception of some percentage of fanatic Brett fans in Green Bay, he became unwanted in Packer Land. As a result of his approach to seeking reinstatement, Favre has become a poster child for the self serving athletic superstar - putting self interest above all else - even at the expense of other people.

Favre has generally become persona non grata in the Green Bay organization. And football fans who formally had great admiration for him have now lost their good feeling about Favre. The reason for the animosity is that it was just a few months ago that Favre made a tearful and adamant announcement that he was retiring from football. The fans and the organization celebrated his great career and wished him good luck. And they did what you would expect - they moved on with plans for the future of their franchise.

But now Favre pulls a fast one and decides that he changed his mind. No matter the impact on the management, his replacement quarterback and the teammates - it’s about what is in his interest - a gloried Hall of Fame millionaire celebrity who has second thoughts about his certain decision.

I always admired Brett Favre. But as far as I am concerned, I am happy the Packers shipped him out. He deserves boos for his nonsense.

Monday, Indianapolis, Indiana

Dr. Will is on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show today. He will be promoting the release of his latest book on television psychobabble:

Why We Watch: Killing the Gilligan Within

This book is a satire of a self help book that promises by properly watching television, you can "watch your way to wellness!"

Friday, Lafayette, Indiana

If I had to summarize what I do, I suppose you could say that I’m in the “what does this mean?” business. In other words, as a psychotherapist, a minister and (even) as a comic, my life’s work is to trade in observing what is going on in human living and interpreting what it means.

As a therapist I interpret this meaning for the person I am seeing in counseling. As a minister, through teaching and preaching, I try to bring meaning to the lives of the people sitting before me, by using the history and inherited perspectives offered in the testimony of believers and the sacred writings. And even as a comic, I satirize and ridicule, for the purpose of interpretation, the goings-on in the world around us.

This work offers a steady diet of difficult intellectual challenges. Because, as we all realize, the meaning of certain events just escapes logic and interpretation. Unexpected illness and death, terrible setbacks and unexpected eventualities are all an assault on higher reason. We accept this as a feature of human life, but, from the smartest to the dumbest of us, it’s troubling to our core that we don’t know why we are in such straits.

When I was a graduate student at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, one of my favorite professors was the biblical scholar, Dr. Phyllis Trible, who had a book entitled “God’s Fierce Whimsy!” To me, this title perfectly captured the insanity of our reality - the reality that we are vulnerable creatures whose principle tool for coping is, ironically, logic and sanity.

The older I get, and the more experience I accrue with helping people, the more I focus not on discerning meeting, but rather on response, reaction and coping. No one has the answer to why something horrific happened to you. But there is lots of excellent, available counsel about how you can then live in the aftermath of these experiences.

For me it is my Christian faith, its promise of hope, and, most importantly, its command to be a person who loves others, even as I roll through the whimsy of my own life.

Hope you have a great weekend that is peaceful and uneventful.