While enjoying a cup of coffee, recently, my attention was pulled away from a sign about a deadly attack cat, who never did make an appearance, to times past. I had spotted Rachel Carson's inspiring book, Silent Spring, on an adjacent shelf. This book created a conflict that continues to this day, which had me wondering about conflict resolution, and how best to deal it? I seem to be better at creating conflict, ... Read more
I love that line, 'raindrops on roses,' as it triggers all sorts of images of the beauty all around us. As I start to ramp up my training for the Western Australia Ironman, and feel my strength and resilience returning, I reflect on how lucky I am. I didn't have a crippling aortic dissection, just a whopping abdominal aortic aneurysm. It changed my life, making me appreciate today and all the good things in life ... Read more
“It’s not the daily increase, but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.” Bruce Lee. Simplifying one's life is a healthy philosophy, but it's not always easy. Years ago, I read a wonderful book, entitled, 'Amusing Ourselves To Death: Public Discourse In The Age Of Show Business.' by Neil Postman. It is actually a long essay, on the impact of technology on epistemology. What are we surrounded and impacted by ... Read more
As you get older, you learn that there are many simple tricks to improve your life. For instance, I was riding along in the car with Nick (16) the other day, when he said, "Kevin, you're in a really bad mood this morning. What's up?" I agreed! Then Nick said, "When I'm in a bad mood I just say to myself, 'No I'm not,' and it goes away." It's easy to change your mood if you find the approach that ... Read more
There are at least two keys to effective scientific research, these being, (1) dreaming up the right questions, and (2) avoiding data misinterpretation. Basically, a level of humility is essential, as we can all fall for it. For instance, take the story of the flea, which I learned I don't know where, and my observation of Speedwells in my garden today: The Story Of The Flea A young man encountered ... Read more
FitOldDog thinks that you should choose your words carefully, though Lisa has to set him straight sometimes, when he fails to do so. But then, old habits die hard and we live within the context of our personal history. Willbe, our yellow lab., awoke in a great mood today. Sometimes he seems depressed (rarely), sometimes just tired, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes distant, but often, like today, he's happy. Wag! ... Read more
Nature's beauty, in the form of a complete rainbow, brought a bunch of strangers together. I was climbing out of my car today, to go into a food store, and I noticed people, all sorts and races of people, staring at the sky, and there was a complete rainbow. The group included Chinese, Hispanic, African American, unidentifiable (by me), and me (Caucasian). They were all excited, taking photos (I couldn't get the ... Read more
A friend of mine, Henry Heck, died recently, and he was not the first to leave us. Each time it happens, I'm left thinking that every day is more precious than the last. People speak of the autumn of life, and I guess it's the natural cycle of things, but I'm in no hurry to go. I'm working to enjoy these lovely fall days and nights in North Carolina. The dogs are certainly happier, and more active, as the ... Read more
Healthy food for a healthy body and a happy planet.
The secret is to be a Jack of All Trades, but master of one. One that will earn you a living if the grants don't come in.
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