If no, then I applaud your sacrifice; preach it, brother. Spreading awareness and sensitiivty is critical.
If yes, then we get into the nasty business of setting goals and priorities. Or, rather, the nasty business of having our priorities set for us. Or can you see an achievable path that doesn't lead to a green coat of paint on the status quo?
I can say this: As much as I believe anything, I believe I was born to write a widely acclaimed novel. But I'm also a rational person who recognizes this is ridiculous. Even a person seriously dedicated to writing a novel faces a long shot. I'm not a serious person, even though I've made a decent living as a journalist/propagandist. Now I'm of an age that my failure bothers me. But I just don't have the time--or, more accurately, I don't have the wil--to forego pleasant distractions. Priorities. Make a call.
More practically, maybe a counterpoint, maybe not: My wife's constant scrolling of her social media feed drives me crazy. What a waste of a time, I insist. Yet moments ago she shows me the below. Does it qualify as learning something new, a diversion worthwhile? It's a lifesaving technique I didn't know; arguably an investment of a few minutes that's more valuable to me than the weeks/months/years I might spend to craft a piece of fiction that likely would be unread.
This is very much a state-by-state issue. Of note, however, because Texas is so large and orders so many textbooks, and because publishers don't want to customize their titles for all 50 states, the Texas version winds up elsewhere. And in Texas, successful candidates for the state Board of Education are often right-wing ideologues.
Okay, I'll bite. I was at a urinal today that had a mesh screen of a style I'd never noticed, and I thought: Some guy with a degree in engineering/fluid dynamics has this on his resume.
But when you consider there are what, 3.5 billion or so males on the planet, the benefits of urinal hygiene add up pretty quickly.
Plus ça change, the better it has been said before:
In philosophy, anamnesis is a concept in Plato's epistemological and psychological theory that humans possess innate knowledge (perhaps acquired before birth) and that learning consists of rediscovering that knowledge within us.
Rich on so many levels—must read for anyone considering grad school with a real, research component. Also a good, broad look at team/organizational dynamics—and, surprise: the best self-promoter wins.
Would women's significantly superior graduation rates to men's in NCAA basketball qualify as 'toxic masculinity'? Or benign disinterest? Not that disinterest can't be toxic...
Many, many communities still rely, at least in part, on volunteer firefighters. I know a number of former military guys that love it--provides that the risk/rush and camaraderie you're looking for. And it ain't a cakewalk.
The real testament to Waffle House is the way more than a few hipsters of my acquaintance started going for a serving of post-party irony--then found out they really love hash browns in some variation of Scattered, Smothered, Covered, Chunked & Topped. Even more especially, it's the the vibe: Waffle House is one place pretense won't get you anywhere, so just chill with your crew and confess your sins as the sun comes up.
So our metro library system (well respected) is promoting an eclipse education event, with free viewing glasses. Should the sourcing be suspect? (95% viewing area)
Side note, forgotten (by me): Post-Dunkirk, Britain and France--represented by Churchill and DeGaulle--planned to unite. From The Atlantic story:
"Although that battle story is fairly well known, the accompanying political drama that almost saw Britain and France merge is now largely forgotten. But the drama of that near-fusion can help explain the origins of European integration—and the reasons why Britain ultimately pulled away from the European Union in the decision we know as Brexit."
Common knowledge in GB/France? How's the Brexit analysis?
Not trying to to be flip, but with age and experience much will be revealed. Until then, the author is boxing himself in by coming up with his tidy categories. Some people are naturally glib and conversational, some people can bench press 300 pounds, some people pick up geometry proofs right off the bat; most people can get better--even very good--at any of these things.
For somebody who seems to run into the same issues in all aspects of his life, I can only recommend the Costanza method. [0] I did however begin to wonder if the author was pulling my leg when he complained of partners wanting to talk during sex--because, based on the rest of the post, how is this guy getting laid? FWIW, when in doubt, whisper in French. [1]
I am truly bewildered. Was in Madras a couple of months ago, and all the talk of eclipse was, I thought then, preposterous. Now Portland businesses are making contingency plans for employees. Have friends in Charleston, SC, with 1.5 minutes of full coverage, and it's just an excuse to drink a little more, a little earlier.
Is this a social media/regional/generational thing? Do people really think they need to be on the 100% line for some reason? Do people think they won't live to see the next one in 2024?
Yes, it's an unusual event, and creepy if you're a caveman. Otherwise, this strikes me as Chamber of Commerce hype cashing in on Facebook vanity. Seriously, I don't get it.
Semi-related, and with all due props to GOT: Check out the first couple of episodes of Michael Wood's The Story of China on PBS. The Westeros plotters were pikers compared to the real history of Chinese dynasties.
More broadly, systemically, the states still manage highway projects, for instance. The US federal government just funds them--although post-earmark programs (TIGER grants, federal freight projects legislation) have tried to address this. But, yes, there is no long-term plan because the federal funding system isn't set up that way. {Supply chain guy pet peeve; see also 'cooruption' comment below}.
Ironically, the pinnacle of corruption was the way Congress swapped district-specific funding ("earmarks") in lieu of outright cash/votes swaps on non-transportation legislation. The "bridge to nowhere" system got burned in 2005 and long-term surface transportation funding has been a wreck ever since. Congress hasn't done much worthwhile since, either.
Otherwise, a lot of the "corruption" is just federal contracting hoops and hurdles--again, in place, theoretically, to limit corruption. More irony: Republicans are, essentially, arguing that old-fashioned cronyism is more efficient and cost-effective. Last laugh: It might be.
Money chart (2022) is here: https://www.fleetowner.com/perspectives/running-lights/blog/...