Women are less happy now than they were 30 years ago, according to a recent study by Penn/NBER researchers. This is a silly study to begin with, as happiness is impossible to measure objectively. But suppose their methods and findings are legit... I wouldn't be too surprised if their findings were true. With the empowerment of women comes increased burden. We have much more economic, social, and political responsibility. In other words, life is more complicated for us females, and isn't happiness the simplest of all states?
EDIT: Of course, female unhappiness is much more complicated than what I explained above. Factor in the effects of media and consumerism, for example, and our misery is compounded. And what about secularism?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Abshir Boyah: Confessions of a Somalian Pirate
Mr. Boyah, who lives in a simple little house, explains: “Don’t be surprised when I tell you all the money has disappeared. When someone who never had money suddenly gets money, it just goes.”
He claims that his estimated take of several hundred thousand dollars disappeared down a vortex of parties, weddings, jewelry, cars and qat, the stimulating leaf that Somalis chew like bubble gum.
Also, because of the extended network of relatives and clansmen, “it’s not like three people split a million bucks,” he said. “It’s more like 300.”
Oh, Mr. Boyah added, he also gives 15 percent to charity, especially to the elderly and infirm.
“I’d love to give them more,” he said.
Over all, he seemed like a man on a genuine quest for redemption — or a very good liar.
“We know what we’re doing is wrong,” he said gravely. “I’m asking forgiveness from God, the whole world, anybody.”
-NY Times
So maybe not all pirates are such terrible people after all...? Haha.
He claims that his estimated take of several hundred thousand dollars disappeared down a vortex of parties, weddings, jewelry, cars and qat, the stimulating leaf that Somalis chew like bubble gum.
Also, because of the extended network of relatives and clansmen, “it’s not like three people split a million bucks,” he said. “It’s more like 300.”
Oh, Mr. Boyah added, he also gives 15 percent to charity, especially to the elderly and infirm.
“I’d love to give them more,” he said.
Over all, he seemed like a man on a genuine quest for redemption — or a very good liar.
“We know what we’re doing is wrong,” he said gravely. “I’m asking forgiveness from God, the whole world, anybody.”
-NY Times
So maybe not all pirates are such terrible people after all...? Haha.
Wonderlust
She’s always more confused than she was before
where to put her left foot down.
Lost in action doesn’t get her far.
This world will not wait long for stragglers,
no such thing as a time-stopper.
That’s too bad, just too bad for wanderers.
Lost sight of the road,
hidden beneath her own junk.
Vagrancy isn’t as romantic as it sounds.
Let’s hope it’s north.
Let’s hope it ends.
Let’s hope she gets there before it ends.
where to put her left foot down.
Lost in action doesn’t get her far.
This world will not wait long for stragglers,
no such thing as a time-stopper.
That’s too bad, just too bad for wanderers.
Lost sight of the road,
hidden beneath her own junk.
Vagrancy isn’t as romantic as it sounds.
Let’s hope it’s north.
Let’s hope it ends.
Let’s hope she gets there before it ends.
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