Once upon a time, there was a kingdom called Innovation Park. It was a magical place inhabited entirely by innovative animals who frolicked through exciting and original landscapes and ingenious-looking plants that flourished in the particularly creative sunshine.

The especially bright king of Innovation Park was an innovative little rhino named Carlos. His castle, though very beautiful, admittedly needed some renovations. In particular, Carlos wanted very badly to remodel his kitchen.

Unsure of how to do this, he asked his subjects for advice. They all had suggestions but argued among themselves about the best idea. Some told him to expand north into an adjacent field. Others told him to expand east over old paths. Others told him not to expand, but to use his existing space more efficiently. All this talking confused Carlos the innovative Rhino, so he made his own decision.

“I will build a new kitchen ten miles west in the next town over,” proclaimed Carlos.

All the other animals were very confused.

“It will be the greatest kitchen ever constructed,” he continued. “It will be so nice that the world’s best chefs will beg me to work there. They will forge partnerships with local restaurants and bring jobs and economic growth to Innovation Park.”

“But Carlos,” said the other animals. “How will you eat when your kitchen and dining room are so far apart? Who will pay for such an endeavor? And since when have you been interested in cooking?”

“Friends,” he assured them, “if I have learned one thing in my life, it’s this: you can please some of the people some of the time, but you can ignore all of the people whenever you feel like it.” And with that, Carlos the innovative rhino charged on ahead with his plans regardless of what anyone said.

And Carlos lived happily ever after.

*Troy Rummler is a UWM student.*