I love to play with tight language, which is why Haiku has always been my favorite poetic form (17 syllables and rigid rules, yet infinite possibilities). I also love the brutal simplicity of six-word essays, a format over which I obsessed in high school (see https://www.sixwordmemoirs.com for more) Since January I have attended 28 … Read more
Happy 6th Birthday, IDOH! The United Nations created the International Day Of Happiness in 2012 on a unanimous vote by all 193 member nations (a rare occurrence!), and the day has been celebrated since 2013. The UN Resolution recognized the pursuit of happiness as a human right and a “fundamental human goal.” The founder of … Read more
So I was checking out my Klout score today — having received an upbeat message about how I’m showing so much IMPROVEMENT since I signed up for my account. Go, me! — and the site froze. This was their error message: I laughed out loud for several minutes. I am ever so grateful to the … Read more
Do you remember learning to tie your shoes? Put on pants? Button a shirt? Neither do I, but last evening I was reminded of the experience. I had the pleasure of giving my three-year-old grandson his bath. After I dried him off, he escaped and ran naked into his room, all excited — he has … Read more
Love this quick video — an inspiring reminder that our fears are most often ONLY in our minds.
Yes, a high-fructose, corn syrup-based soft drink that is currently under attack for being a significant contributor to the obesity epidemic has gone on the Happiness offensive. First, watch this delightful video, then keep reading. Coke = Brand Mastery I must admire Coke for their masterful work in Brand Management. I mean, how can you … Read more
Sigh. I just deleted from my mailbox YET ANOTHER newsletter that promised insights or wisdom about Happiness, yet turned out to be hawking STUFF. I sometimes feel frustrated that so many marketers — on TV, in print, and on the Internet — hijack the concept of happiness. Because that’s been happening so much, we’ve gotten … Read more
By popular demand: Jim’s Dark Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Making the Fudge Put 4-5 candy canes into a plastic bag. Bang with a hammer till in small pieces. Set aside. In non-stick saucepan, mix the following over low/med heat: 1 lb bag confectioner’s sugar ½ cup powdered cocoa – Hershey’s Special Dark is wonderful. If you … Read more
“If you start waiting for other people to stop being stupid, it will take too long.“ ~Raskilnikov, in the play Crime and Punishment Isn’t that just the greatest quote? Raskilnikov utters this line near the end of the play, shortly before he breaks down and confesses his crime. He holds a theory that some men … Read more
<<Oh, this was too precious to pass up! Jim>> Memo from Management: All employees will be required to look happy while at work. Here is the new low cost, company approved solution to cope with multiple priorities and assignments! Each employee will be supplied 2 paper clips and rubber bands. (See Fig 1.) Fig 1. … Read more