Best of the Brain

INCIDENT:
Slate just put out a special issue on the brain. There was an article about the five biggest neuroscience developments of the year, which frankly is mind boggling. It is amazing how this work is illuminating new aspects of brain function in shorter and shorter timelines. But the multitude of ethical issues that will result from neuroscience research will certainly take neuroscience into everyone's vernacular.

MORAL:
As humans, we are intellectually curious about everything. But do we ever consider the consequences of our inquisitiveness? Don't they say that ignorance is bliss? The resulting ethical questions that evolve from our inquiries is enough to make me wonder... What will the future hold as a civilization?

Global House Warming

INCIDENT:
My friend recently celebrated the near completion of his eco-friendly house. This house is evidence that it really does take a village to build a house. He was able to make the personal journey of remodeling a house into a community effort.

If you are interested in the process of remodeling a house, or in the difficult decisions that need to be made in trying to be eco-friendly, or how an individual's decisions can have real impacts on a neighborhood, or all/none of the above, you need to check out his very well written blog.

Grow a House

MORAL:
What if this heightened level of detail and care was given to each endeavor that we undertake? Can you imagine the implications to everyone's quality of life?

It is amazing what can happen when you open your house, your trust, and your heart to friends and strangers. It is quite a risk. But when you approach people with honesty, many times they respond with honesty. We each can learn a lot about humanity when we are prepared to meet the obstacles and challenges that go along with life's lessons.

Hookie Pride

INCIDENT:
Yesterday an incredibly tragic event occurred. It is a reminder of how the balance between life and death can be so delicate. The facts that this occurred at what will officially be my alma mater later this year and that an architecture student was a victim made it an especially salient moment.

MORAL:
We all grieve and remain so thankful for those that have touched our lives.

"You are an Ironman"

INCIDENT:
This morning 2086 people started a 140.6 mile journey that would take them across a lake, over desert land, and along waterways. The fact that almost 60% of these people had made this journey in the past is pretty amazing. Among them 7 men and women who were over 70 years old. Another amazing factoid is that a little over 40% of those people would be making this journey for the first time. Most having trained rigorously for a year.

MORAL:
What makes one start such an epic journey? What drives one to attain an almost super human goal? Aside from determination, fitness, and dedication, what it takes is heart.

The strength of the human spirit was evident this morning and I was really lucky to witness it first hand at Ironman Arizona. There were participants that looked like your typical athletes - thin, low body fat, long legs, etc. And then there were others that had I seen them on any other day I would have not even imagined that they could be an Ironman. But by the end of the day many proved that they were...

When you cross the finish line, they call out your name and say "You are an Ironman!" It is a phrase that is not treated lightly. It is a phrase some people wait 17 hours to hear. To be an Ironman means to have accomplished a goal not many will or can accomplish. It means that you managed to find some sort of balance between life and the ambition to finish. It means that you stuck to the training with a decisive will even when you did not think you could push yourself any further.

To be an Ironman means risking failure and finding that you hold the courage, strength, and faith to succeed.

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T.S. Eliot

Street Life

INCIDENT:
There is a lot of disturbing stories in the news. And I was particularly moved by this story because it brings to light a reality that has never really crossed my consciousness. But unfortunately it does exist.

Child Hookers and the Law: The Tale of a 13-year-old Prostitute

MORAL:
What service are we doing our children when they cannot be protected from such a horrible life? Humanity is a strange beast. How can it renew your faith in life at one moment and then make you question everything the next? Once again it shows us how we persist, or rather need to persist, with a certain level of naivety to just get through life. But when we are made aware, what should we do?

Deal Breakers

INCIDENT:
Many times in conversations with my friends about relationships we have talked about what would be a deal breaker. Certain personality traits, political affiliations, personal habits/hygiene, and intelligence have all come up. This article from the New York Times is just funny.

It’s Not You, It’s Your Apartment

MORAL:
People can be so eclectic. It makes me smile that some people hold true to their personal quirks... even it might compromise another aspect of their life. But in the end it shows that life tends to work out if you can work through the challenges along the way. And if you can stick to your beliefs and be true to yourself you will be happier in the end. But I think that is just good living in general.