Are We There Yet? vol. 97

If you’re like me, you sometimes wish karma would intercede when you witness bad behavior. For example, when someone is weaving in and out of traffic recklessly, I hope that there is a police officer just ahead to write a ticket.   Rarely is that wish granted.

Earlier this week, I heard a story that restored my faith in karma.  Earlier this month in Key West, Florida, someone set fire to a Christmas tree and damaged a beloved landmark.   Unfortunately for the two vandals, it was all caught on video but the police then still had to actually find them. The video spread on social media. In steps karma. The two had been drinking at Irish Kevin’s, a local bar and were easily remember by the bartender because they had not left a tip for him when they settled their bill. That fact also made it easy for the bar to find the credit card receipt as they had to find a receipt without a tip of which there was likely only one. 

We live in a society that tends to favor a “nice guys finish last” mentality but often, a little kindness can go a long way and the lack of kindness can get you identified to the police.  As we fight through worries on this current Covid wave and fears about what the future holds, I believe we have to be more intentional about expressing kindness and civility.  And, please remember to tip your servers!

This week’s selection is:

BOOK:

Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older by Andrew Steele

Ageing - not cancer, not heart disease - is the world's leading cause of death and suffering. We accept as inevitable that as we get older our bodies and minds begin to deteriorate, and we are increasingly likely to be struck by dementia or disease. Ageless introduces us to the cutting-edge research that is paving the way for a revolution in medicine. It takes us inside the laboratories where scientists are studying every aspect of the body - DNA, mitochondria, stem cells, our immune systems, even longevity genes that have helped animals to a tenfold increase in lifespan - all in an effort to forestall or reverse our decline. Computational biologist Andrew Steele explains what is happening as we age and practical ways we can help slow down the process. He reveals how understanding the scientific implications of ageing could lead to the greatest discovery in the history of medicine - one that has the potential to improve billions of lives, save trillions of dollars, and transform the human condition.