P A L L I D P L A C E B O
Written by Gabriel Shapiro
Graphics by David Higgins
Is total mediation your goal?
Some thoughts
ACME Pocket Toilet
Written by Max Waterman
Illustrations by Charles “Edward” Hunt
Local homeless man details the difficulty of fulfilling basic needs — and his solutions for doing so.
Maybe we’re doing it wrong?
By Dr. Brian Frederking
Illustrations by Andy Cross
A common perception is that the United States is the best democracy, that it is a shining example to the rest of the world. Despite that, there is much angst about the future of our democracy.
Summer Guestbook
Art by Kathryn Norton-Remillard
Written by Gabriel Shapiro
Summer rentals often come equipped with a prominently placed journal wherein guests can leave their thoughts on their lodging experiences. The below entries are from a very small, hut-like structure on Cape Cod.
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Where is the silverware?
Essay by Eddi Bellando
Artwork by Emily Cross
The spoons are supposed to be in the drawer across from the sink.
I just arrived at my second home, and it always takes me some time to remember where things are. The same will be true for the other essential items in the next minute, hour and day. This is what happens when you have two homes – a “first world problem” if there ever was one.
Long live peacekeeping?
By Dr. Brian Frederking
As civil wars predominate, the United Nation’s approach to mitigating conflicts has changed dramatically.
Sailing alone around the world
Text & illustrations by Don Burgett
With apologies to Joshua Slocum for using the title he chose to tell about his circumnavigation, I can relate my excuses for not completing my tour, by sail, around the globe.
Country Mouse takes Urban Ride
Essay & illustration
by Greg Kassen
This past winter, when temperatures were low and snows frequent, I decided to travel into the Big City via MetroLink. I live in Albers, a small town in Southern Illinois. Here on the east side of the river, we believe that the train has become more unsafe the longer it has been around. This opinion reigns despite many articles, studies and officials arguing to the contrary. I have been fairly ignorant about the realities of the urban conveyance, having only traveled amid large crowds to infrequent Cardinal games or major wrestling events. Nonetheless, I shared my fellow Illinoisans’ fear of the Metro. I wanted to experience the ride solo, so I went without a crowd on a random snowy Tuesday.
Self-Parodying Institutions
By Gabriel Shapiro
We must hold our society’s venerated institutions to higher standards. They occupy much indulged positions that bring them many attendant rewards; consequently, they must continually prove worthy of such regard and accord. There are many institutions in this position, but the following ones must be subjected to even higher expectations by us all: education, healthcare, religion.