Consumerism is totalitarian, with constant repetitions, screen staring and the overwhelming threat of boredom.  Then a natural disaster hits and a crack of hope appears.  200 mph winds for a couple days can really work wonders.  Even a billionaire in outer space can clear the air for a moment.  But products rush to fill any vacuum.  It would be nice if we could say to each other that the physical environment is really collapsing and we had better do something to save ourselves...  but a product sponsor will interrupt.  The Earth, though, is releasing so much energy now, an eery silence is inviting us forward.