It's a marvel to most adults that we made it this far. At least, I know some of the chances I took as a young adult might well have killed me.

The field of brain development research continues to shed light on all facets of human life. And what we've learned, at least about teenagers, borders on the insulting. Or does it?

In brief, it comes down to this: teenagers have a high predilection for risky business, coupled with a really startling lack of judgment.

Jamie LaRue is on vacation. This week's column is written by Art Glover, Human Resources Manager for Douglas County Libraries.

"How do you feel about public employment verses private employment?"

It is a question I have been asked many times since I began working for the Douglas County Libraries as the district's Human Resources Manager.

Often, the question is delivered with a knowing wink. I imagine they are thinking, "Surely you must be happier now!" And generally, I would say they are correct.

Suppose that there were a simple formula for happiness?

Well, according to Jonathan Haidt, there is. In his book, "The Happiness
Hypothesis," he just gives it away:

H = S + C + V

Any questions? I thought there might be.

H stands for "happiness."

S stands for "set point." That's the idea that you're more or less genetically
programmed to have a range of responses to the world, broadly falling into
either optimistic or pessimistic.

A couple of years ago, we were working on the design of our Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock. To that end, we did what we always do: talk with the community.

We held meetings with seniors, elementary school students, civic groups, and storytime moms. We listened to business people and government workers. Over and over, we asked, "What do you want to see in a library?"

There was a lot of overlap. Everybody wanted us to have books, books, and more books. Another strong contingent asked for recorded books -- on audiotape and CD.