"The best argument against democracy is a 5-minute conversation with the average voter." - W. Churchill

I went to see Ray Zahab and Geoff Green speak about their adventures in the Sahara and the Ant/arctic. It was incredible to hear Ray's story of running across the Sahara in 111 days and Geoff's expeditions to two other incredible deserts on the planet. Both of them talked about the changes they saw in these environments due to climate change, which was incredible.

The most interesting comment from the audience was that neither of the two presenters were "stereotypical" endurance runner/arctic explorer in their physical appearance; rather, they both looked like average, everyday people. In response, Ray especially, emphasized that his success in running across the desert was 90% mental and 10% in his head, believing that everyone has the potential to do what he did.

I have heard a friend speak of Antarctica as a place that hits your inner reset button. Geoff's stories definitely echoed the sentiment. He explained that when he brought people to this desert, something in their eyes changes and often their lives change thereafter. I'm totally inspired by these two seemingly "average" guys.

"To have the opportunity to use this life to leave this world a slightly better place than when you found it -- what could be more amazing?"

I have created over 23 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the past year in flights alone. This is a violently disappointing number. This number makes all my composting, walking to work, and buying locally- grown/organic foods seem like a drop in the ocean. I don't know how I feel about buying my way out of this, but I can't seem to find any other solution. Carbon-offset purchase may be the only way to go at this time.

Ok, Kelso. Someone somewhere said that pain in people is caused by a decided resistance or rational nonacceptance of their emotions. Specifically, when controllable, conscious efforts are pitted against uncontrollable, spontaneous feelings, people feel pain or discomfort. So, if one is an overly rational person, it may be possible that this conflict between rationality and emotion is experienced more often. (On a side note, the English language is insufficient sometimes . . . using "you", in a general sense, assaults and accuses the person you're speaking to and using "one" makes you sound like the Prince of Wales/the Queen . . . still, I had to use you even in this sentence. Argh.)

Does giving in or ceding to the uncontrollable make people happier? Or is that just a short term gain?