Disregard the self-righteousness, but two domains I find more important than frivolous politics and the Kardashians: health and the environment.  In an age of diabetes, climate change, and dwindling resources... how can we simultaneously protect the environment and maintain ideal health?  Well... (open minds only) let me fastidiously introduce... Exo Protein and the cricket bar. 

If a counterintuitive edible food appeased our palates, safeguarded our resources,  and nourished our cells... would you discriminate or participate?  Before you dismiss the proposal, hear me out.  From a health perspective: crickets are a complete protein source, contain all essential omega-3's, and have 2.2 x more iron than spinach.    From an environmental perspective:  crickets produce 100x less greenhouse gasses than cows, only use one gallon of water per production pound (cows consume 2000 gallons/pound), and crickets reproduction time is minimal.  From a savor perspective, Exo protein only uses real ingredients (paleo friendly options), offers five enticing yet simple flavors , and the creator is a world class chef. So... what's not to like?

Other than the aforementioned benefits; I find these bars ideal for travel, surprisingly satiating, and fairly priced.  Give it a try!  Nothing to lose and all to gain (enhanced health, environmental stewardship, and most importantly... a new way of thinking.   

No doubt about it, my biggest fears in life are not taking risks, accumulating "what if's", and reflecting regretfully on my deathbed- knowing I had more to give.  It is a morbid, yet sobering thought.  To quote a sage Washington Mutual executive, "I wish at 20 I knew I would be 30 in a month.  And I wish I knew at 30, I would be 40 in two weeks".    Wow- he ain't lying. 

Disregard the cliché philosophical maxims, but life is short and seems to only exponentially accelerate.  Be the hero of your story- be the nicest f'ing human being possible- discover yourself- seek a life of service.  These aphorisms, although necessary, can be daunting. 

I get it- we need to live more effectively, but how?  Well, not to burst any bubbles and beat a dead horse with the adages, but how do you eat an elephant?- one bite at a time (see what I did there?).  A meaningful life is simply a collection of meaningful days.  Meaningful days comprise of a dedicated purpose, thrilling passions, and valued principles.  Yes, I have heard this before- get to the point!  Point is, despite the overwhelming advice a). don't be too hard on yourself and b). answer these three questions daily. 

Question 1: What did I do today to help someone? 
One word- "service".  That is a simple as it gets- life is about taking your eyes off yourself and helping others.  A selfish bonus- there is no greater reward than positively affecting another's day.  That feeling alone overflows the brain with happy endorphins.

Question 2:  What did I do today that scared me? 
Challenges, risks, and breaking comfort zone barriers are the only route to true growth. Constantly strive to better yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, intuitively, and spiritually. 

Question 3:  What did I do today that makes me proud? 
This can be anything- practiced an instrument, told my family I loved them, repaired the sink, did a backflip, etc... We have to give ourselves small victories- no matter how insignificant they may seem.  Any chance to move the dial in a positive direction is a win.  I could write about this topic for decades, but I'm not even sure anyone is still here to read this- so... I'll check the three question boxes and call it a night.

Be Authentic,

Sterling

People are brilliant.  Innovation is very much alive and continues to astonish us on a daily basis.  When we think we have seen it all... E! News is still popular (unbelievable).  Kidding, but the saying, "What will they think of next?" is more relevant today than ever.  With growing nano and biotechnologies... what will it look like in thirty years?  Will we be prepared?  Humans are adaptable creatures, and so far... all is well.  However, not everything is all water parks on Mars and Back to the Future hover boards- we still live in a chaotic and unpredictable world... this is an undeniable fact..  Yes, we face insurmountable problems (over-population, educational conundrums, and the gum-smacking, pen-clicking, close talking co-worker, who breathes satan breath so potent... it melts your skin).  

Despite our differences, we are all in agreement over certain universal needs: clean air, clean water, and an abundance of food (along with many others- but this list will suffice for now).  Regarding the aforementioned thirty years scenario- it won't be pretty unless we protect what we, as a human species, are completely dependent upon... nature.  Yeah, we know, we have been hearing this for years... what is your point?  Point is, there are people who do more than worry and fret over the issues... they act..  Ecosia has acted.  

After an simple and harmless thirty minute conversation, I was educated on the diminishing governmental solar incentives, economical and environmental benefits, and azimuth.  I am pleased with the findings.  I see a few beers and a serious discussion in my future.  Below are the results of installing solar PV panels:

What is it about New York City?  The inconvenient conveniences?  The relentless and resilient energy?  The West Village?  The historic Yankee pinstripes?   Regardless of your chosen NYC fascination... this city is the center of the world, and arguably the world's most important. Thousands of people, industries, ideas, leaders, and ways of thinking amalgamate into an irreplaceable conglomerate... the Big Apple.  Imagining this city any other way is an arduous task.  In fact, how did this place look before ambitious people from anywhere and everywhere, made it their playground?

In a TED talk, Eric Sanderson had the same question.  With an 18th century map, Geographic Information System (GIS) software, and sufficient data, he converted the Metropolis to Henry Hudson's first 1609 view.  During his research, he found a map of Manhattan circa Revolutionary War, and was interested in the ecological findings.  Discovering marshes, streams, and beaches, he wanted to orientate himself and plot exactly where they would exist in modern day Manhattan.  

He calculated slopes, examined elevation, and measured wind patterns.  Equipped with the technology to map bedrock geology, soil formations, and water bodies, he discovered 55 different ecosystems supporting extraordinary biodiversity.  This is greater per acre than Yosemite and Yellowstone parks.  Turns out-Time Square was once a wetland, Gramercy Park was a swamp, and Native Americans and black bears were prevalent.  Taking any view (window, rooftop, etc...), Sanderson can replicate (using GIS) exactly what species, fauna, animal, or tribe existed in that specific area.   

It is hard to imagine Manhattan as a biodiversity hotspot.  Well... I guess... technically it is.  The interconnectedness and resilience  that made it unique back then, is the same interconnectedness and resilience that makes it the greatest city today.  Combining science, technology, and visualization, GIS can be an impetus for innovation.  Click here to watch this TED talk.  

Be Authentic

- Sterling