A tree by any other name
A tree by any other name…is still a Christmas tree. We can rename it a holiday tree, but we all
Columns
Outstanding skywatching opportunities in the coming year
No question about it: 2012 will be a fantastic year in the night sky. All years are not created equal.
Happiness and modern times
Though my bi-weekly column is called “A Laughing Matter,” I do typically use this space at the holidays to talk
Holiday greens in the forest
A century ago, folks went to woods in the winter to make festive wreaths and garlands for the holiday season.
Year ends with a harmonious chorus of heavenly bodies
The sky will be wonderful for the Christmas Eve pageantry at Woodstock’s Village Green, and even more special a week
Idiot moments
I am approaching a birthday, and birthdays always seem like a time to assess my life. Actually, for many years
Make way for meteors!
Everything moves. We know of no object – not one – that doesn’t spin on its own axis while also
Venus is gearing up for its 227-year peak performance
Repetition is the only form of permanence that Nature can achieve. In our own beautiful patch of the planet, we
People pleasing
Are you a people-pleaser? You hear that term a lot these days, and it is not said as a compliment.
Thoughts about the Penn State sex scandal
Fifteen years ago I had the opportunity to participate in a peace-and-justice mission hosted by the Catholic Church. Several artists,