Sitting Bull was a warrior, holy man, and chief among the Hunkpapa Lakota of the Sioux Nation. He and his people withstood repeated betrayals by the government over tribal lands and rights, treaties notwithstanding.
Since this series is about elections, Rhinos wonder if the candidates will deliver on the promises they are making now, or will there be convenient lapses of memory once the elections are over?
Nobody knows, though We must have our doubts. That is what History has to teach Us.
Casey Stengel was a legendary manager for the NY Yankees, and later, the NY Mets. He had a lot of colorful things to say about baseball.
Rhinos like snappy patter. Yup, We do.
Mr. Stengel was left-handed, which might explain something, though We’re not sure what.
Mr. Isaac Asimov was a celebrated author in both science and science fiction. He was a voracious reader as well.
Clearly Mr. Asimov valued the active, inquisitive mind, so his Inner Rhino was fueled and functioning. (Cue the tasteful applause.)
He also taught biochemistry, which impresses Us, since We know nothing about that. Maybe We prove his point?
Henry David Thoreau was an influential 19th c. author, philosopher, speaker, and naturalist. He wrote an essay called Civil Disobedience, in which he recommended that citizens advocate against faulty government. Sounds reasonable to Us. No violence, just speaking up. As often as needed.
We Rhinos are of course entirely comfortable with Mr. Thoreau’s approach to Nature, since We live there and know a lot about it. Living outdoors will do that for anybody.
Rhinos at home; in the Wild. We like it.
Phyllis Diller’s comedic career spanned an interesting time in history, dealing with Women’s Lib and the reorientation of women’s identity. Her humor was first self-deprecating, and then morphed into something more pointed and challenging.
Rhinos do not make good housewives either. We do make great Mothers however. Ask anybody.
Today’s quote is from Mr. William James, who is reputed to be the Father of American Psychology. He was an influential teacher and public speaker in his day, his study was Pragmatism. His works are a statement of American philosophy, highly regarded. Plus, he seems like a good guy.
Rhinos are pragmatic, doing what needs doing, and getting on with it. We cope with obstacles as best We may, either a) pushing through, or b) skirting around. Or c) chatting with the obstacle itself, to work things out. The first two systems are emotionally fulfilling, the last solution is more productive.
In 1830, Sarah Josepha Hale (b.1788) penned ‘Mary had a little lamb’, which has held up well, as nursery rhymes go. Ms. Hale had another role to play in US history; for 40 years she was the Editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, the 19th c. delineator of domestic taste and fashion in a time when magazines were uncommon.
Ms. Hale was also a prime mover for Thanksgiving Day, petitioning President Abraham Lincoln for its establishment.
Rhinos understand the place of Gratitude in daily life, so a little official recognition is a good idea, say We. (This year it is November 24, all day.)
Even when a day has a shortcoming or two, We Rhinos like to focus our attention on our inherent Rhinotude. If that doesn’t make Us kick up our heels, well, We just don’t know…!?!
The ‘elephant in the room’ is always our Rhino Core. If We have that, We’re always good to go.
Mae West was the original Blonde Bombshell, with a great deal to say about relations between the sexes. She was nobody’s fool.
Her humor is very Rhino-Friendly, having lots of spin and innuendo. Heh heh.
Today was Oscar Wilde’s birthday, in 1854. A remarkable wit and commentator, Mr. Wilde’s target was the limited thinking that led to British complacency, a sense of privilege and superiority that he felt could use some serious re-examination, on every level.
He was Stylish and demanding. Many of his contemporaries found him distinctly unsettling. Today many people find his work confusing, given the byplay of ideas, one against another.
He is often quoted, but Rhinos like this: “True friends stab you in the front.”
Your Inner Rhino 