Dog Days

These are the Dog Days of summer. Today we mostly think of them as hot sultry summer days. Many think it's a lazy, slow moving time.

The Romans believed the Dog Days to be an evil time.

Both the old and modern interpretations fit this summer. There's a feeling in the air. Nothing big seems to be going on right now. It's a lazy time. Yet, there are indications of bad things to come.

The passing of Matt Simmons is a case in point. Reports say he died of a heart attack in his hot tub, or perhaps he drowned. Details are a bit unclear. Conspiracy minded individuals have suspicions that perhaps he was done in.

I'll say this. His passing certainly removed a loud critic of the oil industry -just when things seem to be getting quiet in the Gulf. Very fortuitous that a knowledgeable and informed insider is no longer making waves. Could just be coincidence . . . if you believe in such things. As for me, I have no proof, just nagging questions.

People in general are dissatisfied, but not angry enough to do act. Picture a summer day when the dogs are too hot to move. They just lie there, panting in the sun. Disturb them, and they may go mad and bite. Americans are like those dogs: inactive at the moment, but liable to go crazy at a moment's notice.

There's a stillness in the air, but it's the stillness before a thunder storm. Perhaps you too hear the rumble in the distance?

What's a citizen to do? As for me, I'm getting ready for a harsh fall and winter. Split a couple cords of firewood today. 40 ponds of green coffee just arrived for my storage. Ordered another 100 pounds of wheat. Picked up some self-defense rounds for the pocket gun. Just being prudent.

So how's your Dog Days treating you? Just soaking in the sun, or are you preparing for evil times?

-Sixbears