Set a Spell

by in Naturally Speaking, R vs History, Rhino Nifty | 2 Comments

Texas has had a complex history, dating far back before it became a state in 1845. It seems to be a place where Enthusiasm runs rampant, and the populace fans its own flames. There are so many memorable features to the doings in Texas, that YIR found it hard to pinpoint just one to feature.

But here We are. Not all states have a State Dinosaur, but Texas has a State Everything, the list goes on and on. Texas claims the Paluxysaurus, which lived 110 million years ago. That is a Long Time. It was three Very Large Bignesses long, and a Lot of Bignesses tall as well. Very Texas, where Bigger is Better.

Texas is a natural home to Armadillos, as its state small mammal. Nice folks, in Texas.

Cornfed

by in R Attitude, R Mindset, R vs History | 2 Comments

Iowa, admitted today to the Union in 1846, lies in the Great Plains. The Iowans are renowned for pluck, determination, and hard work.

Iowa produces more soybeans and corn than any other state, and supplies the nation with ten percent of its food supply. Rhinos take our hats off to that. For certain.

Congratulations, you Hawkeyes, you!

 

For today’s image, We referred to Mr. Grant Wood, 1891-1942, an Iowa boy, whose paintings of rolling farmland tickle our Rhino Fancy.

Singleminded

by in R Attitude, R Life Lessons | 1 Comment

Rhinos are used to solitude. We wander around with other Rhinos, but not in a herd, like elephants. We hang out together when it suits Us, and otherwise, less so.

What We can tell you for certain is: it’s better to be alone and know what We’re doing and why, than hanging out with Bad Influences.

It’s far easier to get into trouble with Encouragement. Rhinos take these warnings into consideration when selecting playmates.

Opera-tive…

by in R Mindset, R vs History | Leave a comment

December 22 is the birthday of Sr. Giacomo Puccini, born 1858. He is one of the most famous opera composers ever. So far…

Shown is Turandot, a fiery Chinese princess, subject of Puccini’s last work, incomplete at his death. We like to think she is not singing ‘In Questa Reggia‘, her big aria, but “Happy Birthday to You”.

Grimm Reminder

by in Plain and simple, R Attitude, Your INNER Rhino | 2 Comments

On December 20, 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm first published their “Children’s and Household Stories”. It was successful, and was later expanded to include even more German folk tales.

Rhinos like these stories, even though they defy logic on every level. There is Something Powerful lurking behind the simplicity.

Part of our pleasure in these tales is that We can’t figure out what the Something Powerful is.

Looking before you…

by in Department of the Interior, R Life Lessons, R Temperament | Leave a comment

There is some debate among Rhinos about where Bad Decisions originate. Are We momentarily overcome by stupidity, inexperience, or bravado?

The performance might be seen as a ‘learning opportunity’ if the Bad Decision allows for a replay. In the Wild, often they do not.

Bad Decisions are not the same thing as Accidents. Bad Decisions require a dedicated Decider.

Geography 101

by in Plain and simple, R Life Lessons, R vs History | 2 Comments

New Jersey was admitted to the USA, the 3rd State, in 1789. Frankly, there are amazing facts about New Jersey, many of them pleasant.

For Readers who forgot; New Jersey is a peninsula, being more surrounded by water than not. Much of that water is ocean, but rivers complete the isolation. New Jersey only attaches to New York, northward.

Rhinos are Natural Geographers; We are Adventurous. But We are thwarted by bodies of water now and again. Be Advised: Peninsularity can lurk anywhere.