The 1/3/98 "Both Sides Now" Opinion section was very thought-provoking! Larry Shumaker's "When it comes to global warming - we will change" brought to mind the Chinese Proverb "If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed." And Melinda Monaghan's "There are so many larger issues to freak out about" covered some very important key issues that we (not Them - you, me, all of us) should ponder. That brought to mind a quote by Dr. T.H. Harris: "The problems of the world essentially are the problems of individuals. If individuals can change, then the course of the world can change. This is a hope worth sustaining." But what can we as individuals do? On Global Warming, it's as simple as "waste-not, want-not" and the local yellow pages have quite a few "Energy" and related listings. My internet site @ www.TheEnergyGuy.com, and others like it, are also intended to help individuals find sensible energy solutions. If you don't have a computer, you can visit your local library (only be sure to fund it if you want it open for your next visit). If you want to help young adults, advocate improvements for our Juvenile Hall, join "Big Brothers & Big Sisters," contribute to "Adventure Playground," lead a Boy Scout troop, a soccer team, or whatever "works" for you. If you don't like lies and deceit, speak only the truth. Which reminds me; who are the 100 scientists Melinda Monaghan says believe "one volcanic explosion sends more emissions into the air than we every could"? Is this "truth" or simply "hollow banter", worthy of a good hearty laugh and a slap on the knee, but not to be taken seriously? Then a Big thought hit me! What if we all just remained calm and used our human capacity for intelligence and compassion to solve all our problems? It's gotta be more effective than "freaking out" and we can contribute something meaningful and productive at the same time! Thanks for the thought-provoking opinion section!