Hyperbole and a Half. Wild Animal (The Simple Dog Goes for a Joy Ride) My simple-minded dog recently went on an unplanned adventure. Because the simple dog is so very simple, her adventure was alarming and horrible for everyone involved. Even in her normal, familiar environment, the simple dog exists in a state of almost constant confusion. She also appears to have very little control over what she is doing or why she is doing it.
For example, the other day, she was standing in the middle of the room just staring vacantly. But instead of completing a few rotations and then lying down like a normal dog, she got stuck in the repetitive motion and couldn't stop turning slowly in place. She is definitely not the type of animal that would thrive in the wild.
Unfortunately, she managed to escape one day while we were out walking, and she very nearly became a wild animal. In the park where we were walking, there is a large horse statue. I chased her all the way across the park and into an adjacent neighborhood. She had forgotten who I was. Political Ninja's Blog. Why We Believe the Dream. “I’m sick of following my dreams. I’m just going to ask them where they’re going and hook up with them later.” -Mitch Hedberg Throughout most of our childhood we are told we can be and do anything. Do you want to be astronaut? Work hard enough and you’ll walk on the moon.
How about the next Michael Jordan? At some level we are an optimistic people. Success is only possible if we believe in it. Finally, we all want whats best for those we care about. Does knowing the motivations behind this misleading practice justify eliminating such idealism from the dialogue? Like this: Like Loading... Why We Are Headed for a Government Shutdown in Minnesota. This year has been quite the divisive year for politics in Minnesota. We saw the house and senate switch to a GOP majority. A trend that was in many ways reflective of what was happening at the national level. Meanwhile, Mark Dayton became the first DFL candidate to become governor in 20 years. The resulting conflict from the republican wave, not only almost forced a federal government shutdown, but is on the verge of creating a similar shutdown in Minnesota.
At first glance one might think this is natural considering what has occurred federally, but the state of Minnesota has had a legislature and governor of differing political ideologies for years. So why now are we facing this potential dangerous gridlock? The State of Minnesota faces an approximate $5 billion deficit. The GOP refuses to compromise on the tax issue. The extreme elements of the GOP are making it difficult for their representatives to negotiate. A government closure will have ramifications for all Minnesotans.
Ardent Ambition vs. Complacent Contentment. “Content is a word unknown to life; it is also a word unknown to man.” – John Fowles So much of our lives we are told the secret to happiness lies in our ability to be content with what we have. A noble sentiment far easier to accept if we were not simultaneously encouraged to aim for something better than what we currently have. Complete contradictions of one another these competing philosophies are driven into our heads from the moment we are born. On one hand there will always be something beyond our reach so accepting one’s place in the world seems like the route to take. However, the desire to achieve more has driven some of the greatest innovations in history. Considering both ideas can be seen as logical options, what then is the true secret to happiness and success?
Acceptance of our circumstances seems to be the nobler of the two. As potentially perilous as the notion of more equals happier can be, its not without merit. What then must we do? Like this: Like Loading...