For many years, I have been baffled by our collective indifference to the fact that our planet is being thrashed. But I think I have figured it out.

You see, when we first began to send cameras into space, a startling discovery was made. Earth has an identical twin. This planet is in direct oppositional orbit to Earth, exactly 180 degrees from us. For this reason, it has never been visible from Earth as the sun is always directly in between. It was only when we were able to alter our perspective by viewing the solar system from space that we were able to detect it.

This planet is identical to the earth in every respect except for the fact that no human species evolved on it. For that reason, it has remained pristine and untouched.

Of course, this was kept secret. Those in power realized that the implications of this were staggering. Imagine, a fresh planet, untouched by human development. Clean air and water. Plentiful resources of every kind. Their first thought was to exploit this new planet. But then they had an even better idea. Keep it secret and develop it carefully and slowly over time, creating a refuge that would be ready for occupation once the Earth's resources were exhausted.

The privileged few have been slowly building the needed infrastructure and creating a utopian world to which they can escape. At the appropriate time, those who are in the know will simply disappear in the night.

Wacko? Conspiracy theory on steroids? Maybe ...

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Woodworking. Well then, what would you say to virgin forests of Brazilian rosewood, Cuban mahogany and ebony?

D.D.