“The Gunfighter”

Just days after writing the above essay, a friend sent me the link to this hilarious short film. Besides poking fun at a cliché of cowboy movies, it actually advances the idea I was writing about – that the end of privacy might lead to greater social acceptance of differences – and then shoots it down. By the way, according to YouTube, this little masterpiece has been watched by more than 51 million people, which I have to believe would make it the most-watched films of all time.

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. Its population is 1,000. Its area is 109 acres.

 An inspiring TED Talk from a person that refuses to consider himself a victim.

* In a study of 700 participants with varied incomes, social statuses, and family size, Dr. Robert Waldinger found that brain function declined sooner in those who were less satisfied in their relationships.

* A study of more than 3 million people over 20 years found that those who were not socially active increased their risk of mortality by 90%.

* Researchers at the University of Texas found consistent evidence that a low quality or amount of socializing contributes to the development and worsening of cardiovascular disease, repeat heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, cancer, and slowed wound healing.

* The same researchers found that having a strong social circle reduces the damaging effects of stress on the brain. Whether it’s the sense of feeling loved, cared for, or listened to, they noted, close relationships improve mental health by fostering “a sense of meaning and purpose” in people’s lives.

Another lesson in smart salesmanship from Donald Miller

Fossils of horse teeth worn down by bridles indicate that horses were used as transportation 5,000 years ago. But they were almost certainly ridden without bridles long before that.

“Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Tax Expert”

If this sort of thinking weren’t becoming more commonplace, it would be funny.

Calorie counting was originally devised as a way to gain, not lose, weight.

“What It Takes to Be a Millionaire” LINK

The US military has developed drones that can carry as much as 1,800 pounds of supplies.