Last Hubnugget Hub of 2011....Cheers!
Pay It Forward
Franz Kafka had a short story called 'The Hunger Artist', about a man who showed his craftsmanship in a cage for a fee at amusement parks. People stopped by to see his rigorous fasting, curious in their minds but indifferent in their hearts. The artist himself did not care about them; he was there to fast only for himself to the point he would do it for free.
I recall this story now and then when I see a homeless person on a street corner. There he stands, in the winter cold, staring at us; and we, drivers in our warm cars are staring at him (some though try to avoid eye contact). It's a strange ritual in which we all participate and each of us has different moral approaches to this phenomenon. Usually I don't give money, not because I'm cheap, but because I have always believed in the "teach them to fish so they can eat for a lifetime" philosophy. And sometimes I wonder if my money will only go for a drink for them, and that will inadvertently make me responsible for keeping them in their plight. At least that is how I think.
What happened yesterday made me ponder further. I went to a gas station to fill a tire with air. The self-service pump was left working; apparently someone had just driven away. Since I only had one tire to fill, I used all the air, which saved me 75 cents that I would normally pay for air. As soon as I was done with the tire, I overheard someone calling me and asking something. I turned around: it was a man and he wanted money; I said I had none and got in the car and then realized that I still had three quarters in my hand. As I drove on I thought more about it. I was given the air for free and indirectly used someone else's money. Now I'm a person who never asks for money or any assistance, so this situation made me feel rather uncomfortable. I should have given the money to the guy, I thought trying to analyze the dissonance I felt, but he was already miles away left behind.
So today I drove by this other what I assumed homeless man on the street. I felt compelled to give him money to make up for yesterday. Why? He had nothing to do with it. But I realized he earned it by just doing his "thing" in the cold as Kafka's Hunger Artist. As I was trying to dig in my purse, the green light came on and I had no option but to press on the gas pedal. Too late! And then I became strangely calm, at peace with everything: each to their own, and I got the air for free, so they will get something for free from someone else, Hopefully!!
Lesson learned is that a new year is coming and we should practice as many acts of kindness as possible. Maybe the last person that used the air at the store was "paying it forward". Granted it is a small token but a good deed just the same. We cannot put monetary value on acts of kindness because most people could use our time and attention rather than money and it certainly has more value. I guess my message today is just be kind to each other and try to do a good deed everyday no matter how small, and perhaps that person will do the same and eventually the world will be a better place. Happy New Year Everyone.....Cheers.
The categories this week are Travel and Places, Books, Literature and Writing, and Politics and Social Issues. The hubs are great reads so please don't forget to vote for your favorites.
Which one of this week's Travel and Places nominees is your favorite?
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Travel and Places Nominees
- Ten Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Visit Kandy, Sri Lanka. Here are the best ten ways to spend time in Kandy while having fun and relaxation. - The 12 Hottest Rooftop Bars With Spectacular Views in NYC
Looking for the hottest nightspots and spectacular views in New York City? Well, look up, because New York's party scene isn't just limited to the street-level but extends atop the roofs of trendy high-rise hotels. Manhattan's rooftop bars, some of.. - Edisto Beach, SC: The Inside Scoop
Read to discover the allure and secrets of Edisto Beach in sunny South Carolina. Get the inside scoop on this lovely uncommercialized barrier island. It may be your next vacation destination! - Things to Do Outside of Disney Theme Parks in Orlando
Who goes to Orlando and doesn't stop by the Disney theme parks?! When each theme park can cost you $85 and up per person, those are some choices people make. And that's all okay because there are still plenty of entertaining activities and attraction - Riding an Amtrak Train Overnight — Tips for First-Time Rail Travelers
Traveling overnight on an Amtrak train can be an unusual, enjoyable, and even exciting adventure. Hopefully, some of the tips in this article will be helpful if and when you decide to try this unique travel experience.
Which one of this week's Books, Literature, and Writing nominees is your favorite?
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Books, Literature, and Writing Nominees
- Is Literature always subjective? Could someone validly claim The Catcher In The Rye is garbage?
As I'm taking a college Literature class, I've been subject to many plays and novels that are supposed to enhance both my knowledge of and appreciation for American Literature. We've read Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, and multiple... - Words that don't make the perfect couple
Oxymorons are a figure of speech that combines contradictory words, an example would be jumbo shrimp. There are so many oxymorons in the world that most people don't even realize they say them. The words do not fit together. - How To Improve Your Creative Writing: Show, Don’t Tell!
The golden rule for creative writing is "Show, don't tell." But why is it important, and how do you use it effectively? Here are some tricks of the trade for both aspiring writers and veterans alike.
Which one of this week's Politics and Social Issues nominees is your favorite?
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Politics and Social Issues Nominees
- Why Do People Swear?
You hear foul language everywhere from people of all ages. Not everyone is accustomed to such filthy language but it is a part of the culture. Everyone utters a cuss word or two during their daily lives. Some people use it casually and others say it. - Is Learning Languages the Solution to Racism?
It seems that multiculturalism is inevitable, but for how long are we willing to resist it? Indeed, racism is still evident in society today. Perhaps, learning languages will be the solution. Read on... - What's wrong with people these days?
Why has society become so jaded? What is wrong with people that they have lost their moral compasses, mistreat animals and still get dogs for company or security? People have become lazy and used to computers, automation and smart phones to get by, a - December 17th: A Day The World Stood Together
This hub is recap of a few of the protests, going on globally, on December 17th. The happenings in London, Cairo, New York City, and Tunisia are featured. - Three Great Peacemakers - Mother Teresa, Rigoberta Menchu, and Deganawida
These three incredible people have contributed immensely to human history. Their accomplishments in helping to create a better humanity have made them famous. What makes a great Peacemaker? Each one of these people is a prime example of...
To All The Wannabes Out There
To All The Wannabe Hubbers Out There
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Each week 18 great Hubs written by new Hubbers are nominated in the HubNuggets contest. We invite the HubNuggets community to vote for their favorites, and the winners are featured in our newsletter. Visit this Learning Center guide to learn more.
- If The Shoe Fits
Its time once again to announce our new hubnugget wannabes. This weeks categories are Business and Employment, Technology, and Family and Parenting. So make sure you read and vote but before we get to that a fairtytale for you! Once upon a... - The Night Before Christmas Eve HubNugget
Twas the night before Christmas Eve and all through HubLand, Nothing was going the way anyone planned. The decorations were in boxes, the tree it was bare, And wherever you looked no spirit was there. Maddie was tired and Patty was... - What are HubNuggets?
You may have noticed a super sticky Forum thread that changes every week- one which always curiously refers to HubNuggets. This Forum links you to a curious Hub full of wacky shenanigans and voting capsules regarding several selections of Hubs. What.