Rhinos have often debated the meaning of Progress. Are We falling behind, or leaping ahead? Are We closer to Perfection, or perhaps falling short of the Ideal?
We have difficulty because We compare ourselves to a slithery idea, a memory, and try to see the state of things around Us as stable, which it isn’t.
Perhaps the concept of Progress is meaningless, an ideal which Rhinos cannot apply to our own brief lives.
Wyoming (admitted to the country today, 1890) has a rich history. It is the there that the first women were elected justice of the peace, governor, and court bailiff- in the nation. Speaks of sensible thinking, at least that’s how Rhinos see it.
Almost half the land of Wyoming is held for the public to enjoy. The western 2/3 of the state are developments of the Rocky Mountains, and the eastern third is high plains. There are numerous mountain ranges, all of them pretty grand. And lots of national parks as well.
We salute Yellowstone National Park. Mighty fine- and astonishing too.
Today YIR wanted to direct your attention to the Gothic novels of Mrs. Ann Ward Radcliffe (b.1764). In her day, she was wildly popular in Britain, her heroines suffering non-stop in tempestuous situations, facing manipulative villainy at every turn.
The drama of these stories is dynamic, and Rhinos like the churning agitation and fast pace of her tales, such as ‘The Mysteries of Udolpho’ (1794) and ‘The Italian'(1797.)
Again, these stories were widely read, and their influence on consequent literature, drama, and film is self evident.
On July 3, 1890, Idaho became the 43rd State of the United States. Congratulations!, say We.
Henry H. and Eliza H. Spalding had already (1836) introduced the Potato at Lapwai, in an effort to help the Nez Perce tribe with a viable crop. Idaho has many crops today, mainly grain, but somehow the Potato has held the spotlight.
Idaho has many National Parks, and a large part of the state is protected land. Rhinos are all for that way of thinking.
‘Your Inner Rhino’ salutes July 4. Modestly and without ulterior motive.
Epictetus (b. 50 AD) was a Greek philosopher and authority on Stoicism. The main idea (as far as Rhinos grasp it) is that emotion should only be spent on things We can change in ourselves. Passion is often wasted, fretting about external issues.
In the face of Thundering Rubbish, We should calmly withstand disturbance. Deal with reality, and limit our involvement to Action. Where that is possible.
Rhinos are susceptible to flipping out, so Stoicism is a challenge. Still, knowing a bit about it is a beginning.
‘Your Inner Rhino’ extends our warmest Salutations to Canada, today celebrating its Constitution Act of 1867.
Sounds like a good thing to celebrate, probably. Rhinos are not critics of incomprehensible Human political decisions; We leave that to Humans.
What Rhinos do like are Parties. And Cake. And Leapfrog.
Today Virginia became the 10th State back in 1788. Virginia has had an interesting history, which you might look up. It is too tremendous for YIR.
What We can mention is the Virginia Reel, which has its roots in European folk dance. It involves hopping and skipping, both of which are Rhino specialities. As you doubtless know.
The state mammal of Virginia is the big-earred bat, so We showed an Opossum instead. The Virginia Possums are accomplished dancers. Also, they are marsupials, which should count for something!
New Hampshire was the 9th State, admitted June 21, 1788. There is nothing to prove that Snowfall was invented in New Hampshire, but there isn’t much to prove it wasn’t.
New Hampshire gets plenty of Winter, but make no mistake: for the native Critters, it can be demanding in the Wild.
Rhinos seldom live in New Hampshire year round. We visit, We enjoy the beauty of the territory. Still, We are not good at winter sports. When you weigh in over a ton, slipping is only funny in theory.
West Virginia was established by Congress as the 35th State today in 1863, separating from Virginia at that time.
West Virginia seems a bit confused about whether it is the Northernmost Southern State, or the Southernmost Northern State. It is too tricky a discussion for Rhinos to voice, or even have, an opinion.
One thing We can tell you is, the Rhododendron is West Virginia’s state flower. Rhino Alert: Rhododendrons are not good for you, so look but don’t nibble. Really.
Your Inner Rhino 