Happiness Factor as a F[x] of Weather: 1.0 / 4.0
Split rating this week:Sun / Much needed rain
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Point of View: Try a little Happiness
What is happiness, and how can we all get some? Biochemist turned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard says we can train our minds in habits of well-being, to generate a true sense of serenity and fulfillment. So here's a 20-minute TED Talk (one of their most popular of all time...) from someone many consider to be "the happiest person in the world."
I know someone who won't stand in line to see a miracle, but she'll give MR 20 minutes at the drop of a khata - so, listen up:
more on Matthieu Ricard....
Click Here for Climate Challenges and the Audacity of Altruism
Click here for Interview with Diane Rehm discussing Altruism
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Try a little Civic Engagement
Now that we have the British Open behind us (wow! Jordan Spieth is such an AMAZING competitor with an equally amazing caddie!), there are lots of things to do besides being a couch potato.
This Fall, if you live in an odd-numbered City Council District, your councilman/woman is up for re-election. And if you live within the city limits, you have a mayoral election on October 3rd (Early voting begins 9/13 and continues through 9/29). Over the weekend, because I totally spaced on The Open, I spent 6 hours canvassing for my candidate of choice (Tim Keller, if you're curious -His Website ) and I have to tell you, I was pretty surprised how under the radar this election is --- so, I feel it is my civic duty to inform you and to urge you to research the candidates, attend mayoral forums (there's one this weekend at the UNM Continuing Ed center from 10 am-12noon - Details here) and volunteer to phone bank or canvass. No doubt about it - it's hot out there - but it's also great to get out and do something so granular and grassroots. It's hard to affect change at the national level, although no doubt some of you are signing online petitions and making calls about whateverever blows your skirt up - and I'm glad you are, Republican, Democrat or Independent - Public discourse is a good thing. But there's also a lot to be said for Going Local.
To make your lives a little easier, check this out:
BIOS of all mayoral candidates at the City's website: CLICK HERE
BIOS of all the City Council Candidates: CLICK HERE
Here's another idea: Call your precinct or ward chair and volunteer to help them. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors, and quite honestly, that's a good thing to be doing. With the rash of car theft and burglaries, APD says the more cohesive neighborhoods, the more engaged and vigilant residents, the better your odds are for averting crime.
Your Voter ID gives you your precinct and ward info. I guarantee these folks will be delighted to hear from you.
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Aw Shucks...Happiness as a great golf round
Way to go, you two!
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Advance Warning: CAVU
For more than a decade CAVU has been helping people take ownership of the important issues in their communities. We have worked with more than 100 partners in 9 countries to develop insightful campaigns. Our mission has always been about providing people with new insights and perspectives on complex human and ecological problems by using video to tell authentic stories from the voices of those most impacted by environmental degradation and climate change.(Source: CAVU Website)
CAVU always works in partnership on every initiative we undertake. CAVU brings a unique perspective and storytelling style to organizations and coalitions to help elevate big issues. In what the founders consider their most exciting initiative to date, CAVU will be focusing on New Mexico and an issue we all need to be better informed about.
It's no secret that the largest methane gas hotspot in the country is in the Four Corners area. CAVU will be empowering diverse populations to come together and solve problems surrounding the oil and gas industry here in NM. Antiquated infrastructure is contributing to massive amounts of uncontrolled leaking methane and carcinogenic gases -but this initiative isn't about finger pointing, it's about education, engagement, and empowerment. To learn more: CLICK HERE
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Down the road a piece:
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS
My A-Z to this pup is a Mac 'n Cheese kickoff with a Beer chaser...whaddya think?
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And Happiness is still a warm puppy
Rhodesian Ridgeback
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and that's it for now.