"Competing is Living" "Like Animals"

**to be played while reading this post

In response to Eugene and his post "Competing is Living" with reference to Brian's post "Like Animals"

I suppose I cannot disagree with their arguments (partially because they agree with each other so I'm out numbered) on the current psychological state of the US, but I would like to address my concerns with it.  

Eugene states 

"Life is all about competing against others. The people who you joke around with and play with are your friends on the surface, but they too are your competition." 

Well, I guess it depends who your friends are. But seriously, I have never felt much threat in competition, which I suppose may be a resultant of my upbringing (the constant reminder that you can not always be a winner, and that is fine), we are all just human beings, and it is our nature. However, in interview situations we are taught to as Brian states

"...sell ourselves, whether at work, in a classroom at a major university, or on an interview. The latter is the most extreme form of selling yourself. You literally tell a potential employer why they should hire you." 

Do not be a loser, how far will you go to sell yourself? Is it safe to, in a work environment, put on a second face and express the attributes they want to see if it is not really who you are? Let's use a simple example:

Tomorrow you have an interview for a position you really don't want, BUT the money is great, and may allow you to move out of your shabby apartment and into a neighborhood close to your favorite pub. The position is prestigious, and in a public relations office. The job requires you to be constantly in communication with the media. But, let's be honest, you're not really a people person, in fact you really don't like people at all., and quite frankly would prefer a desk job. You'd rather wait for another elevator than take one with a group, and feel very awkward when publicly speaking. But, you can sell yourself well, you've been trained (thanks college). Your whole life, you've thrown a mask over the person you are, stretched your lips into a smile, and done what had to be done. You can will get the job, no doubt (let's be honest you're over qualified), but you're not going to be happy and will most likely be very uncomfortable on a daily basis. How long can you sell yourself before you lose your soul, your passion and your sanity?

Between friends, and during interviews, competition is authentic, but if you are lying to yourself, how can you enjoy it?

Is it healthy to plan your future on the stigmas of success in society? What is more important to you, your mental health or your socioeconomic status? 

I suppose it depends on your personality. It breaks my heart to see people drag themselves through life by the laces of their boots. If you enjoy what you do, you're getting paid to play. 

Brian writes 

"Even though we long for others’ approval, the most important acceptance is innate."

A concluding position in Eugene's post is

"In the end, you will either be a winner or loser based on your salary, position in life, and social economic situation."

I suppose this is a result embedding success as fast cars and large houses in the minds of our youth (thanks hollywood). Not every passion is accompanied by riches, but who says they need to be?

We need to move away from this "competition" and our "animal" ways.
Brian says

"We are just like animals. We react and conform more than create our own ideas and opinions."

How do we depart from our faunal ways and facilitate independence of thought and pursuit of passion?

Hippie moment: Why can't we all just be friends and admire/respect the paths our peers have chosen? That is what's great about life; options and diversity. Not everyone wants to be a doctor, lawyer, CEO, and nobody should be demeaned for their interests.
  

Climate Change: Retire Your Binoculars

source

While browsing NPR, a chilling title crossed my page, jabbing a needle through an issue that has grown to be near and dear to my heart.

More Than Half Of U.S. Bird Species Threatened By Climate Change

Bologna, there's no way that climate change has begun to affect anyone, it is still being debated..
Wrong, while the government has been disputing where the finger should point, mother earth has not been waiting for an answer.

It is easy to get caught up in how this can affect us, the "center of existence", but who is the real victim and how are they going to be affected?

BIRDS

In the study outlined by this article, of 588 species of birds in the U.S. and Canada, 314 of them will be facing, as the ornithologist have the displeasure of saying, "unsure outcomes" in the near future due to climate change.

Warmer climates have forced many birds, for example 40 species of Western song birds, to seek refuge in the cooler climate of the Western Mountains. But, as is discussed: What happens when these animals leave their natural habitats for lands they are unsure possess the ingredients they need for life? Uncertainty.

Climate change is not discriminative; your favorite all-american birds such as the bald eagle and the common loon will experience drastic reduction in habitable landscape within the next 65 years (up to 75%). Is it fair to our symbol of freedom and glory to be limited by humanly negligence?

Is it natural for record setting droughts in California, now exceeding the 1988 drought and the 1930's Dust Bowl? Is it natural for 90-95% of raptors nests to fail, in these areas because of droughts? The absence of these apex predators (such as raptors) will have a profound effect on the ecosystems they live in.

The effects of global warming are not localized to droughts and bird population. The effects go much deeper than the news media cares to cover:
1. Higher temperature
2. Changing landscapes
3. Wildlife danger
4. Rising seas
5. Increased drought, fight and flood chances
6. Stronger storms and increased storm damage
7. More heat-related illness and disease
8. Economic losses
For more comprehensive information on climate change and it's effects go HERE.

The summation of these consequences will bring changes in your lifetime and change the world as we know if for your children and your children's children.

Climate change is now, and collateral damage is imminent if we cannot find a way to secure the global environment.

What excuse will you use for spying on your neighbors when the local birds are dead or gone?