Category Archives: Politics

Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them.

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 The municipality of Almelo gives people who are in danger of becoming socially isolated a one-off “happiness allowance” of 450 euros. They have to use the money to do something they enjoy. The city believes that the happiness allowance is … Continue reading

Posted in Better life, Creativity, Politics | 2 Comments

How a 4 year old solves the Greek debt crisis

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After writing about attending Seth Godin’s speech in an earlier post, where he suggested that parents should teach their children to solve complicated problems and volunteered the idea of asking them to solve the debt crisis in Greece…, I owe … Continue reading

Posted in Better life, Creativity, Kids, Politics | 4 Comments

Every aspect of our lives is, in a sense, a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. — Frances Moore Lappe

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I am not particularly fond of politics. It is usually one of the three topics that I try to avoid talking to people about (the other two being religion and sex) because I find that many seem to define themselves … Continue reading

Posted in Ecology, Politics | 2 Comments

Rules eliminate the need for judgement — Barry Schwartz

In this inspiring TED Talk, Barry Schwarz makes a passionate call for “practical wisdom” as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will … Continue reading

Posted in Better life, Education, Politics | 2 Comments

Stereotypes are barriers to be demolished: Europe on an art map

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Each time the EU presidency changes, the country in charge mounts some form of national display at the Brussels EU building. The French, which held the job until January, presented a giant balloon in its national colors. The Czech seem … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Politics | 2 Comments

Thou shalt not voodoo…

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At the beginning of October K&B started commercializing a voodoo doll made in the image of French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy. It comes with a manual that gives tips on how and where to plant your pins to put a curse … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | 3 Comments

EU’s bureaucracy keeps money away from developing countries

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A recent Reuters article mentioned a European Commission proposal to give 1 billion Euros that are left over from the European budget to struggling farmers in the developing world. The article continues:”But the proposal has run into trouble as European … Continue reading

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Ask European leaders to dedicate funds to African agriculture.

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Have you ever heard of ONE.ORG? If you are a U2 fan, I’m sure you have as Bono is its co-founder. Watch Bono’s appearance on CNN. I just signed a petition to support an innovative plan to use extra money … Continue reading

Posted in Better life, Charity, Health, Politics | Leave a comment

Fight with me – Sen. John McCain

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During his nomination acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention (full text and video here), Sen. John McCain’s ended by saying the following: I’m going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I’m going to fight to … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | 6 Comments

People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges

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Politics are not my forte. I am generally aware of what is going on in the world and why. but I must admit that I was surprised when I heard about THE WALL Israel is building. I had of course … Continue reading

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