My life does not lack for things to do. I’m a list kinda guy by nature – and my list is long and complicated and filled with large projects each making its case for top billing. And so when the invitation came to join with a small band of unfamiliar people to invest ten days in a land as problematic as any on earth (That is to say, Israel/Palestine) I had to ask: Do I really want to do this? Can I even afford the time away from all that is calling out to me here at home?

Prior to my first trip to the Middle East a decade ago, I’d been aware of the plight of Jews and Palestinians – both locked in a struggle that all-too-often appears as one without answers and maybe even fewer reasons to hold hope for a peaceful resolution.

In a world of conflict, the Israeli/Palestinian situation seemed as deep, complex and constant as any conflict on earth. Continue reading…

Yet another cultural hero has fallen. This week the many fans of Tiger Woods (and I’m one of them) awoke to reports that Tiger was in a minor car accident outside of his home. Details were sketchy but it appeared he may have been on medication which could explain how he could hit a fire hydrant and then a tree as he exited his property at approximately two in the morning – it was also reported that at the scene Tiger appeared to be going ‘in and out of consciousness.’

Initially I didn’t think much of it. I mean, hey, at two in the morning I often go in and out of consciousness as well – without any medication! I also remember wondering what the heck he was doing leaving his house at 2am. Continue reading…