Category Archives: environmentalism

DeLillo’s ‘airborne toxic event’ is still unfolding


My neighbor Swamp Rabbit dropped by on Sunday to wish me a happy Father’s Day, but we ended up talking about that strange day earlier this month when the air smelled like burnt toast and the skyline looked like a … Continue reading

Posted in apocalypse, arts, climate change, environmentalism, fiction, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Energy update: Clean vs. dirty in Texas showdown


“You and them other cynics were wrong,” Swamp Rabbit said. “Texas ain’t gonna cut back on wind and solar. That creepy little gov’ner and his oil cronies can’t win on account of there’s too much money to be made in … Continue reading

Posted in climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Deep in the heart of Texas, yahoos still rule


Just when it looked like Texas might be prioritizing clean energy over dirty, this happens: The Texas Legislature is moving to erect barriers to clean energy development while providing incentives for fossil fuel production. This would make the task of … Continue reading

Posted in apocalypse, climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Trumpers love whales. Who knew?


We were discussing the rumor that whales are being killed by sonar emanating from offshore wind turbines in the northeastern part of the country. Swamp Rabbit explained: The world is like a big house with a crawl space in the … Continue reading

Posted in climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The suburban Philly gods bring you — fire!


We lingered last weekend at the 18th Firebird Festival in Phoenixville, PA, where a giant wooden figure shaped like a phoenix had been set ablaze for hundreds of fire worshippers to behold. “This is my kind of celebration,” I told … Continue reading

Posted in climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Save the planet in three easy steps


We were discussing the recently completed COP26. Too bad we couldn’t afford to be there, I told Swamp Rabbit. In the news reports, the Glasgow natives seemed more serious about fighting climate change than your typical gas-guzzling American, maybe because … Continue reading

Posted in apocalypse, climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Moral midgets like Manchin hold sway


“Lighten up, Odd Man,” Swamp Rabbit said as he stepped into my shack with a bottle of Wild Turkey. “You can’t call Joe Manchin a moral midget. What’s moral to him might not be moral to you, and vicey-versey.” “No … Continue reading

Posted in apocalypse, climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Vegans, anti-vaxxers and the automatic smile


Covid-19 was surging again but Swamp Rabbit and I were back on the road, selling environmentally friendly products upstate at a vegan fest. Most of the vegans were polite and receptive, but it was my misfortune to cross paths with … Continue reading

Posted in climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Grilling tips from the Ugly American


“Here, read this column,” Swamp Rabbit said. “Some peeps ain’t content to just mess up the planet, they gotta brag about it too.” It was a piece by a Washington Post columnist who is peeved because the food website Epicurious, … Continue reading

Posted in climate change, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Coping with pollution in a post-postmodern world


I was driving fast and lamenting life’s unfairness. “There are 12-step groups for drunks and druggies, smokers, porn addicts, compulsive hand washers, you name it. But what about me? Hello, my name is Odd Man Out and I’m a climate … Continue reading

Posted in apocalypse, environmentalism, humor, mainstream media, philosophy, unemployment | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment