Self-restraint, resolve, drive, determination, discipline, and willpower all refer to the same thing: mastery over the self. This unique trait seems to raise humans to another level of existence. This is the ability to master instinct, rationalize long term gains over short term pleasures, and overcome our most formidable foe, ourselves. Unfortunately, this power is not limitless. Like a muscle, it can be exhausted, and every act of stubborn resolve depletes our reserves of will. Fortunately, like a muscle, it can be strengthened through exercise and mental toughness. Continue reading “Digging Deeper and Finding Willpower”
Author: chrismtwo
Every day I try to learn and experience new things. The infinite wonder of the universe provides endless opportunity for adventures. My favorite thing is to enjoy these adventures with friends, and to share my stories with others.
At the very core, all people are storytellers. Whether it is a full length motion picture or a chat over a cup of coffee, most of what makes up the human experience is the communication of ideas. For this reason, I am always looking for opportunities to write. I would like to share what I've seen with as many people as possible.
Is the Detroit Bankruptcy Just the Beginning?
Detroit has filed for chapter 9, making it the largest municipality ever to declare bankruptcy. The city owes over $18 billion, which amounts to over $25,714 per resident. While that is less than the average person’s federal debt ($52,945.64), Detroit does not have the luxury of printing money and controlling the world’s reserve currency. Detroit’s financial woes are long in the making, but they are hardly unique. Continue reading “Is the Detroit Bankruptcy Just the Beginning?”
Deficit Day
This year September 25, is the day that the government starts living off its credit card. Today the U.S. Federal government spent the last of its $2.7 trillion in 2013 revenue and will be borrowing for the rest of the year. The debt ceiling, the limit of the total debt, is about to be reached. At this point the total U.S. debt will total $16.4 trillion, 607% of this year’s tax revenue. Continue reading “Deficit Day”
Death Penalty
Warren Lee Hill Jr.’s execution has been delayed, but not prevented, yet again. Jodi Arias’ second sentencing trial is expected sometime in September. With all this delay and legal wrangling, you may ask if anyone who is sentenced to death is actually executed. You might be surprised in how few actually are, how much money it takes to get there, and how long the process really takes. Continue reading “Death Penalty”
Dead Marriage
Just because no one is filing for divorce, it doesn’t mean that a marriage is alive and healthy. The reasons for staying together may vary, from children, to finances, to complacency. But the spark is gone, the romance lost, the relationship is barren. You might not even like each other. So what do you do to try and reanimate a dead marriage and how do you know when resuscitation is futile? Continue reading “Dead Marriage”
A Cyber War is Raging across the Globe
The U.S. has attributed cyber espionage attacks against U.S. government and business entities to the Chinese Government and Military. The more serious secrets stolen to date include technical details of the F-35 fighter jet, F/A-18 fighter jet, Navy Littoral combat Ship, Advanced Patriot missile defense (PAC-3), the Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and the Navy Aegis Ballistic-Missile defense system. In recent months, the U.S. has also ramped up research on offensive cyber warfare technology, in order to provide deterrence. Continue reading “A Cyber War is Raging across the Globe”
Employers Can’t Refuse to Hire Felons
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is filing lawsuits against both BMW and Dollar General over discriminatory hiring practices. In the BMW case, people were asked to reapply for jobs and were subjected to criminal background checks. After failing the background check 88 people were fired, 70 of which were black. Dollar General revoked job offers to two black women after conducting criminal background checks. Continue reading “Employers Can’t Refuse to Hire Felons”
Courage
The highest medal in the U.S. is the Medal of Honor, an acknowledgement for courage and gallantry in battle. This value, courage, is respected and revered as one of the greatest qualities a person can have. But courage is not reserved to those who bravely put themselves in the line of fire. Courage is not the sole province of those who give their lives in the defense of others. There are acts of courage, great and small, that every person has the ability to achieve. They are found in the daily choices we are faced with, and our resoluteness when dealing with our fears. Continue reading “Courage”
Cougars and Silver Foxes on the Hunt
The rule is half your age, plus seven years. That is, unless you are under 22. However, this rule is really more of a guideline. Some take the opinion that age is only a number. Really, a lot of it depends on how serious you intend the relationship to be. Continue reading “Cougars and Silver Foxes on the Hunt”
Corporate Activism
Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy tweeted, “Sad day for our nation; founding fathers would be ashamed of our gen. to abandon wisdom of the ages re: cornerstone of strong societies.” The tweet was later retracted because Chick-fil-A said the views were the personal views of Dan Cathy, and not an official stance of the restaurant. Continue reading “Corporate Activism”
Ronin Pen 