Taking "the other" to lunch

TED talks are mind and spirit candy. In this talk, Elizabeth Messer talks about the increasing polarity in our culture. Those of different religions, opinions, parties, etc. aren't just different, they're evil or stupid or wrong. We reduce the worth of those who think other than we do.

This isn't any big revelation. But Messer's suggested antidote is. Take someone who doesn't share your viewpoints or religion or party or affiliation to lunch. Go and listen. And be listened to. It's a small step but it's a step. And that's something.

It starts a bit slow but be patient. It's worth it!

Sniffing, rats and landmines

Bart Weetjens on how and why he is training rats to sniff out land mines and TB. How fabulous is this?



One day I would love to go to TED. (You have to apply, and be accepted, to go.)

I don't like Mondays but I do like Bob Geldof

Bob Geldof at Live Aid. He saw a problem, the famine in Ethiopia, and gathered the best musicians of the day to raise money and visibility. I love his audaciousness!

Better than a resolution

From Jack Cheng, writing about Buckminster Fuller.

Buckminster Fuller saw each person as an experiment by the universe, and therefore each has important role in the greater story. Fuller believed that it was his responsibility to take on what the Universe called him to do and live as proof of what a single individual was capable of. With this sense of purpose, he was able to approach projects, successes and failures alike with gratitude and patience.

Photography inspiration

This inspires me to take and display more photographs of everyday objects (from 20x200). I purchased this and will hang it in my bathroom.