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February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
May 19, 2009/ 25 Iyar 5769
Unhappiness Is What We Need
By
Tom Purcell
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
The experts have it backward.
I speak of the spate of articles, books and boob-tube psychologists who
are advising us on how to be happy during the recession. An article in U.S.
News & World Report offers 10 happiness tips.
Tip No. 1: Spend 20 bucks on an experience instead of a material thing.
Research shows that people feel better when they do things rather than
purchase things. This is because, says one expert, "experiences remind us of the
thrill of being alive."
That expert is on to something. Every day that the Obama administration
takes over more of our lives, I try to forget my worries by spending 20 bucks
experiencing the thrill of bourbon at the local pub.
The experts offer another groundbreaking tip: We must pursue meaningful
goals to be happy. One psychologist says doing things for wealth or fame
don't cut it. She says positive feelings come from personal growth.
I couldn't agree more. I see no point in trying to attain wealth when
insane government spending is going to cause massive tax hikes that will take
away much of the wealth that my hard work would have produced.
So, while I'm at the pub trying to forget about spending and taxes, I
focus on my personal growth. I talk to people and learn new things, such as
Irish jokes I haven't yet heard.
The article also advises us to live in the moment. If you're facing a
balloon mortgage payment you are unable to pay, says one expert, you should
approach the situation with an open and curious attitude.
You shouldn't make judgments on the dumb behavior that got you into your
predicament.
That makes sense. If I was dumb enough to take on a mortgage I couldn't
afford dumb enough to take on a gimmicky loan that would reset to a much
higher amount a few years down the road I wouldn't see the point in
beating myself up over it.
I'd probably borrow 20 bucks from somebody so I could experience the
thrill of being alive at the nearest pub.
Here's an interesting tip: Keep an optimism journal.
The article advises that we write about our dreams and aspirations. My
optimism journal has really helped me. I dream of owning a giant machine that
prints money. I dream of spending money faster than it can be printed.
But then I know I'll never be president, and so I go to the pub to
experience personal growth and the thrill of being alive.
No article on happiness would be complete without this oldie but goodie:
Recognize your strengths. During difficult times, focus on finding your
inner mettle. Don't let your circumstances dictate your attitude.
Of course, that sounds like a bit of work. It would be a lot easier to
borrow 20 bucks and adjust your attitude one bourbon at a time.
The article offers other revealing tips on happiness. We're advised to
nurture meaningful relationships we should be open to sharing our
experiences with others. We need to have a sense of belonging and acceptance to be
happy.
(This is easier to achieve than you think. See multiple references to
"pub" and "bourbon" above.)
The article also advises us to count our blessings look for the silver
lining.
It tells us to be kind to others kindness makes us happier in the end.
It tells us to exercise always good for driving the blues away.
But what it doesn't tell us is this: Unhappiness is what we need.
Recessions have their upside. The unpleasantness forces us to think about
our dumb, risky decisions. It forces us to be more thoughtful and careful.
It paves the way for lasting happiness.
But nobody wants to hear that. It is easier to be duped by silver-tongued
politicians who promise, through massive spending and risky programs, to
make our unhappiness go away.And it is easier for me forget about such
worries by experiencing the thrill of being alive at the pub.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Comment on JWR Contributor Tom Purcell's column, by clicking here. To visit his web site, click here.
ARCHIVES
© 2009, Tom Purcell
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