LIFE LESSONS

• On a frigid winter day, a little bird flying south froze in the air and fell to the ground -- landing in a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. Soon, the bird began to warm up, and started to sing for joy.  But a cat heard the singing. It followed the sound, found  the bird under the dung, dug it out and ate it. So remember: not everyone who sh*** on you is your enemy, not  everyone who gets you out of sh** is a friend and it's best to keep your mouth shut  if you're in deep sh**.  

• One afternoon, while a turkey was chatting with a bull, the big bird said ,  "I'd love to be able to get to the top of that tree, but I haven't got enough energy."  The bull told the turkey to "try nibling on some of my droppings because they are packed with nutrients." So the turkey pecked at a small lump of dung, and it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating more, he got to the second branch. Finally, a day later, the turkey was perched proudly at the top of the tree. But a farmer spotted the turkey and shot him out of the tree.    So remember, bull **** might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

• A rabbit saw an eagle sitting near the top of a tree, resting and doing nothing. "Can I sit like you and do nothing?" the rabbit asked. "Sure, why not," the bird answered. So, the rabbit sat down on the ground and rested. But suddenly, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.  So remember, if you want to sit and do nothing, you must be very, very high up.

• As Mrs. Jones was finishing a shower, she heard the doorbell. She wrapped a towel around her and foolishly rushed to  open the door. It was Bob, a neighbor, who instantly said he'd give her $800 to take off the towel. After a moment, she did it, Bob stared, gave her a handful of cash and walked off. As she went back to the bathroom, her husband asked who rang the bell. "Just Bob," she replied, and he quickly called out, "Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

• A priest driving to church saw a nun at a bus stop, so he stopped and offered her a ride. As she sat down, she crossed her legs, partially exposing one under her gown. He decided to reach out and touch the leg. "Remember Psalm 129?"  she asked. The priest quickly removed his hand, saying "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak." When they got to the church, the nun sighed and walked away. The priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."   So remember, if you're not well informed in your job, you can miss a great opportunity. ay what you mean, mean what you say, do what you say, get it done.’” 

 The country is changing fast.

• It's estimated that 20 years from now, less than half our population will be white. It's also expected that 20% of it will be over 65, the first time older people will outnumber children and. put more stress on our Social Security and health care systems.
• Immigrants will make up a record-breaking share of the population
• The vast majority of the population (87%) will live in urban areas, according to projections. The nation's cities will likely continue to accumulate all the power, technology and wealth, while rural areas fall behind. 

There's widespread discontent. It's time to drop the status quo

 NY Times 5/13/24

A new poll shows nearly 70 percent of voters think the country’s political and economic systems need major changes or to be completely torn down. 

Biden’s lengthy list of accomplishments did little to assuage frustration over high prices and concern about the economy, an issue consistently at the top of voters’ concerns. Infrastructure projects were underway across the country. America is aggressively pouring money into the establishment of facilities that manufacture semiconductors. Inflation is lower, and the economy has defied expectations.

“They got a 5 percent pay increase that they’re grateful for. Food now costs 11 percent more,” Luntz said. “And Biden is saying: ‘Look at me. Look at Bidenomics.’ They’re saying: ‘I can’t afford to eat meat. I can’t afford to fill my car with gas.’”

It would be nice if there were an all-encompassing course that prepared us for this crucial aspect of our lives — something like Financial Adulting in American Capitalism. But we’re often left to figure it out on our own. How do you cover your expenses on an entry-level salary? Should you focus on paying down student debt instead of saving for retirement? What kind of health insurance do you need — and how much should it cost? 

Experts offer numerous recommendations if you're seeking success and happiness. Here are some of them. 

Enthusiasm -- Enjoy what you do. It rubs off on those you contact. 

Cooperation -- Seek the best way, instead of your way. Listen a lot. 

Loyalty -- Never betray yourself or those who depend on you. 

Friendship – Offer it to others, it will be returned. It is a joint effort.

Industriousness -- Nothing beats hard work. Planning gets results. 

Focus -- Set realistic goals and achieve them by being persistent.

Initiative – Learn how to decide, take action and recover from failure. 

Alertness -- Be observant, open-minded and eager to improve. 

Discipline -- Control your emotions and use common sense. 

Team Spirit -- Be willing to sacrifice your interests to help others. 

Skillful -- Know all details of your work and how to do it fast. 

Conditioning -- Be fit mentally, morally and physically with exercise. 

Confidence -- Plan for the unexpected, keep things in perspective. 

Competitive Greatness -- Enjoy challenges, be your best when needed.