Author: Stephanie Hills

  • Looking at the stars

    A new employee calls the Help Desk to complain that there’s something wrong with her password. “The problem is that whenever I type the password, it just shows stars,” she says. “Those asterisks are to protect you,” the Help Desk technician explains, “so if someone were standing behind you, they wouldn’t be able to read […]

  • Logical arguments

    Logic is great for puzzles and games, which take place in a finite imaginary world with known facts and rules (and usually only one right answer). But logic has its limitations; it cannot lead to conclusions outside of that world. Regular equations can’t explain quantum phenomena, just as a game of Cluedo cannot conclude with: […]

  • Alternatives to Anxiety

    Online workshop 7.00 – 9.00pm Monday 19 August 2024 (NZ Time) Anxiety is a horrible feeling, but avoiding it or blocking it out are not healthy answers. In this workshop, learn some tips for thinking in more helpful and empowering ways. Identify some common thinking mistakes and learn an instant trick to uplift your thinking […]

  • Why Our Minds Wander

    Why Our Minds Wander. Understand the Science and Learn How to Focus Your Thoughts                                                                       by Arnaud DeLorme We all experience mind-wandering, sometimes without even noticing that it’s happening. DeLorme approaches the subject from the point of view of social psychology (asking subjects what they are thinking about at regular intervals), neurology (looking at brain scans […]

  • It’s fun to pun

  • Citizenship and contribution

    I call this website Happy Nation, not because it’s about a particular country, but because nationhood implies citizenship. Citizenship is a way of belonging that includes loyalty and duty towards the group to which you belong.  Just like nations, social groups – households, communities and workplaces – all thrive when their citizens are active contributors. […]

  • Going the extra miles

    A lady in Victoria went into her local council office recently, as she was having trouble understanding the local buses.  One of the council employees took the time to walk with her up to the bus stop, but it was clear that she wasn’t going to get home in a hurry.  So the thoughtful worker […]

  • Helpful motorist

    Mary was out driving and while she was stopped at a red light, the car just died.  It was a busy intersection, and the traffic behind her starting growing. The guy in the car directly behind her started honking his horn continuously as Mary desperately tried to get the car to start up again. Finally, […]

  • Is your support group helping you grow?

    Nowadays it’s relatively easy to connect with others who share challenges that we thought were unique to us. It can be wonderful to find people who understand what we’re going through and who can share tips for getting by. Support groups can be a great way to uplift one another, pool information and help educate […]

  • Not the End of the World

    Not the End of the World. How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet by Hannah Ritchie Environmental problems are an emotionally charged topic, but solutions require a clear head, all the relevant information and an understanding of the complex interweaving of economics, science, and social justice. Hannah Ritchie has done […]