Lighten up

march15_2

Sure sign of spring is that I wake up earlier and don’t fall back asleep. I have no way of tracking time by my bed, which is a minor nuisance both in summer and winter, but right now I can get up at the crack of dawn and know that I’ve had enough sleep. (I wake up multiple times in the middle of the night too, not feeling or seeing the difference between 3 am or 8, but I know I’ll ruin my day later if I get perky and rise too early)

Continue reading “Lighten up”

Too many people, not enough trees

not_enough_trees1

The following quote is by Matthieu Ricard in his book “Happiness”. I don’t know whether the facts are actually true, but it’s certainly interesting in these times of iPads and global warming, and perhaps especially at this time of year.

Unlike GNP, the economic indicator that measures cash flow through an economy, GNH measures the happiness of the people as an indicator of development and progress. In order to improve the quality of life for its people, Bhutan has balanced cultural and environmental preservation with the development of industry and tourism. It is the only country in the world where hunting and fishing are banned throughout the land. That is a happy contrast to the two million hunters in France. (MR is a buddhist. Personally I’m not as opposed to “real” hunting as to factory farming and hobby shooting)

In addition, 60 percent of the land is required by law to remain forested.

Continue reading “Too many people, not enough trees”