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by Steve Skinner, Aspen Daily News Columnist Tuesday, October 7, 2008 Bail, bail, bail! That’s not something you want to hear shouted from the highest commander in the admiralty, especially when all that bailing will only keep the heads of the crew just above water. Two-thirds of our economic engine depends on consumers consuming. The more we consume, the better the picture. So as people tighten their life vests and consume less, the economy turns down even more.
Still, no one is calling for change of lifestyle. But guess what? Economic circumstances are changing lifestyles in a big way. And why shouldn’t they? We’ve all heard how America, with less than 5 percent of the world’s population, produces nearly a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions and consumes nearly a third of the world’s electricity (mostly from coal) and 43 percent of the gas. Sounds like a shift in consumption habits might be in order. Full Story »
by Steve Skinner, Aspen Daily News Columnist Tuesday, September 30, 2008 We Americans often hear that our standing with the rest of the world is not so great, particularly in Arab countries, Latin American countries, certain Asian and former Soviet Bloc countries and a few indigenous cultures (which shall remain homeless).
This was obvious when after 9/11 we were treated to Al Jazeera footage of Arab mothers dancing in the streets and celebrating the attack. Justified or not, some of those Arab countries can really rally around the flag, especially when it comes to railing against the great Satan. Full Story »
by Steve Skinner, Aspen Daily News Columnist Tuesday, September 23, 2008 “Working’s for suckers. Playing, that’s the secret to life.” Minnesota Fats said that to a friend of mine once. It was said hustler to hustler, with a knowing wink and a conspiratorial chuckle. It’s not like you want everyone to know the Fats secret. Because if everyone was playing right now there’d be no one left to do the work. So don’t tell anyone.
I was crossing Main Street in Aspen when a very sweet Porsche stopped at the crosswalk. I whistled my appreciation, like a construction worker watching the office girl in the mini with long legs confidently strutting past. Full Story »
by Steve Skinner, Aspen Daily News Columnist Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Amazing that we may have a soon-to-be vice president elected on “do-ability.” Obviously Republicans are breathing a huge sigh of relief. The ticket is finally full of snappy business skirts, gleaming glasses, shapely legs and tight blouses. She’s a former Miss Alaska! She skins bears, for chrisssakes! She’s friggin’ perfect for at least half of the people in this great country, especially the ones clinging to guns and religion. John McCain was serviceable but in no way “do-able,” so Sarah Palin is just the ticket for the Republican ticket.
Oh, and she’s smart. And witty, but ultimately it’s her “do-ability” that most people talk about. Full Story »
by Steve Skinner, Aspen Daily News Columnist Tuesday, September 9, 2008 I knew it was coming. The second I decided to take my new, 11-foot “Shredder” raft through Westwater Canyon, I knew I was playing with fire. I knew early on that the rapid, “Sock It To Me” was going to be the vortex of my destiny. I knew this in placid Carbondale before I had even loaded the truck. It was all going to come down to Sock It To Me but I was amazingly calm.
Of all the rapids on the Colorado River, “Sock It To Me” has given me the most nuisance. The first time I ran into trouble was when I was a passenger on my own boat, having relinquished the helm to a fellow floater for the last couple of rapids. Full Story »
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Horoscopes
- Aries
 - Taurus
 - Gemini
You might want to slow down a bit. The possibility remains that, as good as everything looks, you still might hit a snafu now or down the line. Give yourself the gift of time. You could be questioning a long-term decision. Tonight: Easy does it.
- Cancer
Defer to others, as you have little to no choice. In the long run, try making this seesaw effect positive. What might you ultimately gain if you let go and allow others to see the end results of their actions? Tonight: Say "yes."
- Leo
Slow down, and realize how confused someone might be. You might want to not push quite so hard with someone you value. Your creativity surges, but a risk could be a bad problem. Listen to others' money ideas. Take your time. Tonight: Pull your body and your mind away from "work."
- Virgo
You might want to rethink a decision and not cause yourself a problem. Sometimes your imagination can take you down a very wild and different path. The unexpected action of a friend, loved one or associate might cause a jolt out of the blue. If you maintain a sense of humor, you will do just fine. Tonight: Let the child in you out.
- Libra
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
You do, and others seem to watch. As a result, you could be erratic or very unpredictable. If you resent holding the bag, calm down and say so. Open the door to more expressiveness, not only on your part, but also to others'. Tonight: What would make you smile? Go for it.
- Aquarius
 If you feel funky or not up to a task, don't do it. There is a strong likelihood that you will have to redo what you will or think you will accomplish. Though you might not always be sure of yourself, let others see your vulnerabilities. Tonight: Get a good night's sleep.
- Pisces
Your innate unpredictability points you down a new path. Investigate news with a positive eye, and be willing to join in. Though you are independent and have your own ideas, an element of teamwork is important. Tonight: Where there are people.
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