(Published by Zocalo Magazine on Oct. 05, 2013.) In a Downtown lecture series, five University of Arizona faculty members share how to utilize scientific research and ancient philosophies as tools for improving life. In unscientific Facebook and verbal polls conducted by this writer, the question “What is your definition of happiness?” elicited responses ranging from one-word certainties (acceptance, self-respect, good friends, love) to a list of experiences that bring pleasure (a … [Read more...]

(Published by Zocalo Magazine on July 22, 2013.) Most desert dwellers love, crave, the summer monsoons. The magical intensity of clouds building up to bring forth los chubascos results in a full-body experience. The scent and taste of the showers, the cooling of the air; the visuals of grey and purple skies lit up by white-hot lightning, the BOOM of the thunder claps and the sound of the sheeting downpours is always so mind-blowing. What isn’t so awesome are the resultant flooded … [Read more...]