Tomorrow I turn 60. Or, as I’ve been telling friends, I’m being updated to Version 6.0. I like thinking of birthdays that way. Not as something wearing out — but as something improving. A new release. A better build. Some bugs worked out. A few patches installed. Maybe even a redesigned interface. Now let’s be clear: Version 6.0 is not flawless software. There are still glitches. There are still slow processing days. There are still moments when I wish I could reboot and try again. But compared to Version 2.3 or 4.7? This one runs steadier. Less reactive. More patient. More aware of its limits. In Christian terms, that ongoing update is called sanctification — the slow, steady shaping of a life by grace. It’s not instant. It’s not flashy. It’s rarely dramatic. It’s the daily work of becoming more like Christ through ordinary faithfulness, hard lessons, repentance, and mercy. In cultural terms, I think we call it wisdom. And wisdom doesn’t come from having an easy life. It comes ...

Alone Together is one of the most important cultural analyses of the digital age. In this compelling and carefully researched book, Sherry Turkle — a sociologist and psychologist at MIT — examines how technology, particularly social media, smartphones, and relational AI, is reshaping human relationships. Her central question is both simple and unsettling: Are we becoming more connected — or more alone? The book is 16 years old (as of 2026) and that question has never been more important, or more relevant. Turkle does not approach technology as a technophobe. Instead, she offers a careful, compassionate, and research-based reflection on how our digital tools are influencing identity, intimacy, and community. The result is not alarmist — it is sobering. Structure of the Book The book unfolds in two major sections: The Robotic Moment Turkle examines how humans relate to machines — particularly social robots like Tamagotchis, robotic pets, and eldercare robots. She asks: Why do we form em...

  Are lower-income households more or less likely to connect with neighbors? The honest research answer is: it depends what you mean by “connect,” and what kind of neighborhood you’re comparing.   Studies consistently show that income shapes the type of connection people have, how far their networks reach , and how much trust and “shared expectations” exist on a block. Here’s what the evidence suggests. What large surveys suggest in the U.S. When researchers ask broad questions like “Do you know your neighbors?” or “Do you trust your neighbors?”, higher-income Americans tend to report higher connection and trust . A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that some groups are more likely to know and trust most of their neighbors , including upper-income Americans . Pew also reports that more affluent and more educated respondents are more likely to say they do helpful, relationship-building things for neighbors. So, on standard survey measures of knowing/trusting/helping, u...

  I have noticed something interesting over the years.  When people hear the word neighboring — really connecting with the people who live next door — they rarely argue against it outright. Almost everyone agrees it’s a good idea. Instead, we look for loopholes. We don’t say, “I don’t want to know my neighbors.” We say: “I’m just really busy right now.” “It’s not safe like it used to be.” “People don’t want to be bothered.” “I wouldn’t even know what to say.” “That’s just not my personality.” "My neighbors are crazy." Fear is often the biggest driver. But it’s not the only loophole we use. Let’s name a few. 1. The Busyness Loophole “I just don’t have time.” We live in an era where exhaustion is a badge of honor. Our calendars are full. Our evenings are consumed by work, kids’ schedules, streaming shows, scrolling, or simply recovering from the day. But here’s the hard truth: neighboring rarely requires large blocks of time. It requires margin. It requires noticing. ...

  "The Great Disconnect" emerges as one of the most compassionate and compelling documentaries of its era — a film that courageously tackles one of the most pressing and understated societal challenges of the 21st century. That is the epidemic of loneliness and the erosion of genuine human connection in a world more technologically connected than ever before.  Directed and narrated by wellness expert Tamer Soliman, this documentary stands out for its thoughtful blend of personal curiosity, social investigation, and emotional resonance. What could have easily become didactic or heavy-handed is instead presented with nuance, empathy, and a deep belief in human potential — making for a film that feels both timely and timeless.  A Global Exploration with Local Intimacy Soliman’s journey across North American cities isn’t just a travelogue — it’s a genuine social inquiry. By meeting everyday citizens, grassroots organizers, and experts in social health, urban design, and commu...

  There’s something special about calling a place home — and for me, that place is Republic, Missouri. I care deeply about the direction of our city and the kind of community we’re building together. That’s why I’d love to see our City Council revisit the idea of neighboring — even after the vote two years ago to end those efforts. Not because we’re going backward. But because neighboring moves us forward. Neighboring Aligns with Our Vision If you read through the mission and vision statements of the City of Republic, you’ll find themes like connection, quality of life, safety, and belonging. Neighboring isn’t a side project — it’s the grassroots expression of those values. ( See my recent post on this topic ). A thriving city doesn’t just happen through infrastructure and development. It happens when people know each other. When neighbors wave. When someone notices if your garage door is left open. When kids have trusted adults up and down the street. Policies build cities. Neighb...

  Missouri Good Neighbor Week has always been about one thing: reminding us that the people who live closest to us matter most. But this year, we are making an important shift. Our new theme says it clearly:  “A Year of Neighboring Activity, A Week to Celebrate It.” At first glance, that may sound like a simple slogan. In reality, it represents something much bigger. It marks the evolution of Missouri Good Neighbor Week from a single annual event into a year-round movement. For years, we encouraged Missourians to do something intentional during the week of September 28 through October 4. Host a gathering. Check on a neighbor. Deliver cookies. Write a thank-you note. Organize a block cleanup. And thousands did. But neighboring was never meant to be seasonal. It was never meant to be squeezed into one week. It is something that happens on ordinary Tuesdays in February, on hot evenings in July, on snowy mornings in January. It happens when someone notices a porch light left on. W...

  If you have spent any time on the City of Republic’s website , you’ve seen it clearly stated:  “We will be aggressively progressive through Processes, Relationships, and Trust.” That mission isn’t just a slogan. It’s a framework. And one of the most practical — and often overlooked — ways to bring it to life is by building connected neighborhoods and engaged neighbors. This isn’t sentimental thinking. It’s civic strategy. Mission Alignment: Processes, Relationships, Trust Let’s start with the three pillars of Republic’s mission. Processes City processes work best when they are informed by real people in real neighborhoods. But reaching them often requires going to where the neighbors are living. Engaged neighbors don’t just attend events — they provide feedback on street design, public safety concerns, park improvements, stormwater issues, and infrastructure needs. They ask questions. They share insights. They respond to surveys. They attend meetings. When neighbors are con...