The Lowdown on Sweet? - New York Times

The Lowdown on Sweet? - New York Times

Another reason to show moderation...

Rather than use diet products with aspartame, consume smaller quantities!

Tragedy of the commons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tragedy of the commons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Wikipedia link for reference...

Judith Warner - Domestic Disturbances - New York Times Blog

Judith Warner - Domestic Disturbances - New York Times Blog

An interesting discussion that touches on a philosophical issue of balancing the preservation of an individual's choice that may be very damaging to overall public good. The comments also contain some interesting anecdotes supporting a strong position one way or another.

The position of a less convenient delivery method (at a higher personal cost) seems to be a reasonable trade off.

This is a curious instance of the tragedy of the commons...

opinionistas: Avant Garde

opinionistas: Avant Garde

Another interesting post from Opinionistas looking at the different choices people make and how one perceives the choice one doesn't make.

It is funny how we are seemingly wired to construe a decision we do not agree with as implied criticism. Then we turn around and attack that criticism by dismissing the other alternative as "stupid".

Why is it so easy to be judgemental?

Does a more balanced philosophy and viewpoint make you more aware that there is more than one way in the world? We don't all need to define success the same way. The fact that friends of mine bought a house I would never buy does not justify me criticizing them. Why waste my breath? It meets their needs and makes them happy. Be happy for them...

Does this tie back to the fact that we are wired to be happy only in comparison to others? Interesting... It is not affluence, but relative affluence by which one judges ones standard of living... This makes comparison and judgement inevitable... No, not inevitable, but we are wired that way.

We need to be concious of that and avoid the prediliction. Can one condition oneself NOT to be judgemental?

Laziness

Another example of someone who is off-balance... I think O's prediction is dead on.

Laziness: "D partner has announced he's leaving the firm. Rather than pull the stealthy Captain Ramius defection - stealing in the dead of night to the detested white shoe competitor down the street, dragging a slew of boxes, his entire client list and a few loyal associates safely lassoed behind him - D diplomatically conveyed his departure as a transition out of bigfirm life entirely. He allegedly plans to continue his practice at a tiny firm ten minutes from his house in the suburbs, and will happily turn his current caseload over to the remaining partners, all of whom are likely salivating over division of the spoils. I heard the news through the gossip chain, he's out of here for good in two weeks, which explains his conspicuous prancing through the halls on winged sandals the past few days, a beatific smile laminated across his face. 'Hey O, I was just coming by to talk to you.'I turn from my coffee expedition to find S, an older associate, trailing me in the hall. Thick-necked and stocky, with curly brown hair succumbing to a mercilessly receding hairline, S has made no secret of his lust for partnership. He's smart, mildly personable, and meticulous to the point of near-mania - the perfect set of ingredients to place before a partner committee. 'Hi S. What can I do for you?' I usher him into my office and half-close the door. S only speaks to me w"

Massive Change: The Future of Global Design

Massive Change: The Future of Global Design

Optimism in the face of an unbalanced situation.

For those who are not fortunate enough to see the exhibit itself. The site is effective, if not as inspiring.

The exhibit leaves you excited, but will it last...

Iraqi Insurgency - Why and what motivation...

An interesting paper out of a Washington Think Tank. It is curious that the media never addresses why this is going on. What is the goal of destabilization? What is the aim of the extremists? Just ousting the US seems to obvious and simple. They would leave sooner if things just settled down... Or would they?

Reading further you begin to realize the insanity of the why. The claim is that it is just to create an extremist anti-western state. A breeding ground for hatred and a void of understanding. The West doesn't deserve any more or less compassion than anyone else. Well, maybe less. But one also has to ask if this is clever Republican propaganda. Critical of the Bush Administration, but still inciting fear, and drumming up support of the need to control the situation in Iraq.

Maybe I need another does of Occam...

Occam's Razor

Occam's Razor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A principle to live buy. The bane of conspiracy theorists. Sometimes the conspiracies are true though! [sic]

Wikipedia is almost too good to be true. Altruism at its finest, although I am interested to see if the revisionists ever wage a campaign against the truth...

Whatever that is...

My experiments in writing

I keep coming back to the thought that ideas about balance, moderation and equilibrium and how they relate to our society need to be explored or we may grow and consume ourselves out of existence. This vein of thought is rich with connection to other areas of thought. It brushes close to the presumption of grasping the "purpose of life". But, I am not trying to create a new religion; I just want to discuss the things that make me worry about children and children's children.