Welcome Mat The ongoing search for intelligent life in the universe should start at home, in our dumbing-down Earth, where we’re in desperate need of solutions to our problems. Obviously, the scientists broadcasting our whereabouts and our level of civilization expect benevolent aliens to make first contact. What if it’s Pizarro E.T., and his conquistadors seeking treasury and glory, or whatever they lust for and it probably ain’t Earth girls, from the primitive nations more

Revel The new year approaches, celebration for planting completely neglected in a meaningless party that reaches its apex in the drunken counting out of the quickly forgotten previous year. —Gary Beck #GaryBeck

Tribulations Miss Liberty stands proudly in New York harbor once a symbol of welcome to those needing a new life, now tired, aging, weather-beaten, inspiration dwindling as ills infect the people, loss of jobs, homes, drugs pervading the land, lunatic killing sprees, frequent threats of terror, a crumbling economy subtracting hope for the future, immigrants unwelcome, until constant fear poisons existence and we no longer enjoy former pleasures. —Gary Beck #GaryBeck