THE DOWNSIDE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL

(sigh)

The new buzz phrase these days is social capital, what was "face time" or "networking" in the past. There're lots of things to which "capital" may refer, for example:

venture capital - private equity given to companies, usually in exchange for stock OR a "trail"blazing trip to Argentina to visit one's "soulmate."

human capital - those assets which cannot be separated from an individual, such as training and education OR that which is used as excuse for trips to Argentina, i.e., "He's only human."

physical capital - non-human assets made by humans and used in production of goods OR that which follows venture capital in one's trips to Argentina

personal capital - one's ability to make a difference in an undertaking OR that which is provided to Argentine mistresses

gender capital - men's and women's gender-related assets and talents OR those endearing qualities of soulmates not your wife

working capital - operating liquidity available OR that which is used for trips to Argentina, unbeknownst to taxpayers

natural capital - sustainable environmental goods and services OR those assets which allow for "back to nature" trips along the Appalachian trail

intellectual capital - intelligence and psychological qualities of an individual OR that which is deficient from individuals making trips to Argentina

investment capital - money paid to purchase a fixed asset OR that which is paid to mistresses to remain silent

social capital - connections within social networks OR infections contracted during visits to Argentina

I'm not in search of ANY of these.

(sigh)