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An economist’s studies led him to the insight that failure and unexpected obstacles are major drivers of innovation and creativity. But innovation and creativity aren’t just virtues for the workday. Creativity–creation–is the fundamental attribute of God. What starts out as an economics principle becomes an insight into the fundamentals of life: it is when we are desperate that we become the most godlike. We blaze brightest when thrown into the fire. (more…)

“Due to an aging population, non-Hispanic whites last year recorded more deaths than births.” (link)

Driving down a narrow, rural highway seventy miles west of Washington, D.C., I slow for the tiny Virginia town I’m passing through. A banner on the side of a commercial building proclaims “WE’RE FASTING TODAY.” How interesting. I will be fasting with my LDS Ward the next day. Is there a special need this community is rallying around. Is a town fast a recurring thing?

The seconds it takes to think about all that brings the car closer to the banner, and I glance at it again. The F is actually a T, and WE’RE is actually WINE. WINE TASTING TODAY. Oh. That makes more sense. Too bad.