File under Set the Bar Low
It snowed here yesterday for the better part of 3 hours and i had no idea it was even going to snow at all. A nice little surprise. Funny because my wife just told me this theory the other day:
I Have a Theory...
...that your excitement for snow is inversely proportional to your "young at heart" age.
The older at heart you are, the less excited you get about snow. Therefore you can't be young at heart and also hate snow. Impossible. However this theory breaks down over the winter, because unfortunately the superceding theory is that your excitement for snow is also inversely proportional to how many times you have seen it this season.
Enjoy it now. Winter just began.
Song of the Day
No reason why, just felt like playing this song. It's long but it's great. Definitely an over-the-ear headphones kind of song. The song of the day is Neil Young's "Cowgirl in the Sand".
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Perfect Gift
File under Set the Bar Low
I probably should have posted this earlier this month because there was recently a study on gift-giving, detailed in the NY Times, that may have changed how you gave this holiday season.
Apparently spending lots of time or money on the perfect gift is most often lost on the recipient, and typically only satisfies the giver. "Spending extra time and money for the perfect gift may make them feel better, but it’s not doing much for the objects of their efforts" the study found.
When asked about memorable gifts, gift-givers typically recall expensive items, while gift-receivers tend to recall a gift they actually asked for, even if it was a T-shirt. The researchers also noted that, although not creative and somewhat boring, choosing a gift off of a registry is the best way to go.
It's kind of counter-intuitive to think that spending 5 minutes on a gift registry or asking for a wish list increases the recipients happiness more than spending hours on end thinking of and searching for the perfect gift. But i do agree that it's much less fun for the giver. At least just remember this when stressed out about finding the perfect gift - that the effort you put in is really mostly only satisfying yourself!
Find the NY times article here.
Song of the Day
In honor of giving, the song of the day is Public Enemy's "Give it Up". A bit of a stretch i know, but i love this song.
I probably should have posted this earlier this month because there was recently a study on gift-giving, detailed in the NY Times, that may have changed how you gave this holiday season.
Apparently spending lots of time or money on the perfect gift is most often lost on the recipient, and typically only satisfies the giver. "Spending extra time and money for the perfect gift may make them feel better, but it’s not doing much for the objects of their efforts" the study found.
When asked about memorable gifts, gift-givers typically recall expensive items, while gift-receivers tend to recall a gift they actually asked for, even if it was a T-shirt. The researchers also noted that, although not creative and somewhat boring, choosing a gift off of a registry is the best way to go.
It's kind of counter-intuitive to think that spending 5 minutes on a gift registry or asking for a wish list increases the recipients happiness more than spending hours on end thinking of and searching for the perfect gift. But i do agree that it's much less fun for the giver. At least just remember this when stressed out about finding the perfect gift - that the effort you put in is really mostly only satisfying yourself!
Find the NY times article here.
Song of the Day
In honor of giving, the song of the day is Public Enemy's "Give it Up". A bit of a stretch i know, but i love this song.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Quotable Antidote 12.28.2011
File under The Quotable Antidote
On the heels of the last post...
"Worrying is a lot like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere." - Van Wilder
Song of the Day
The past week or so has been great because i've been able to spend a lot of time with my wife. In honor of how awesome she is, the song of the day is G. Love's "Baby's Got Sauce".
On the heels of the last post...
"Worrying is a lot like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere." - Van Wilder
Song of the Day
The past week or so has been great because i've been able to spend a lot of time with my wife. In honor of how awesome she is, the song of the day is G. Love's "Baby's Got Sauce".
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Mind-Body (Dr. Robert Adair)
File under Cage the Rage
Although it seems intuitive now, even up to 16 years ago many researchers and doctors regarded the concept of one's mind affecting one's immune system as bunk, even 'folklore'.
But the work of Dr. Robert Adair, beginning in the mid-1970's, changed all of that. He defined the connections that linked the neurons of the central nervous system to the cells of the immune system. Today it's widely accepted "that meditation helps reduce arterial plaque; that social bonds improve cancer survival; that people under stress catch more colds." He definitively showed that not only does worrying not get you anywhere, but it is also deleterious to your health.
Dr. Adair passed away this week but the importance of his work remains. In honor of his discoveries, the perfect antidote encourages everyone to question what it is you are stressed about. Is it worth your health?
Here is a link to a memorial article for Dr. Adair.
Song of the Day
I've been wanting to feature this song for a while, but never really had a reason too. Not that i do now though. In honor of not getting any mail today the song of the day is The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights".
Although it seems intuitive now, even up to 16 years ago many researchers and doctors regarded the concept of one's mind affecting one's immune system as bunk, even 'folklore'.
But the work of Dr. Robert Adair, beginning in the mid-1970's, changed all of that. He defined the connections that linked the neurons of the central nervous system to the cells of the immune system. Today it's widely accepted "that meditation helps reduce arterial plaque; that social bonds improve cancer survival; that people under stress catch more colds." He definitively showed that not only does worrying not get you anywhere, but it is also deleterious to your health.
Dr. Adair passed away this week but the importance of his work remains. In honor of his discoveries, the perfect antidote encourages everyone to question what it is you are stressed about. Is it worth your health?
Here is a link to a memorial article for Dr. Adair.
Song of the Day
I've been wanting to feature this song for a while, but never really had a reason too. Not that i do now though. In honor of not getting any mail today the song of the day is The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights".
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Bumpus Hounds
File under Useless Information
I had written a post a while ago about how i thought the name "Cytokine Storm" was a great name for a band. Well in honor of "A Christmas Story", i should add that i think the name The Bumpus Hounds would also be a great name for a band. And apparently i have good taste because i found out they actually are band names. Check them out:
The Bumpus Hounds
Cytokine Storm
Song of the Day
In honor of continuing the Christmas festivities the song of the day is my favorite SNL Christmas song.
I had written a post a while ago about how i thought the name "Cytokine Storm" was a great name for a band. Well in honor of "A Christmas Story", i should add that i think the name The Bumpus Hounds would also be a great name for a band. And apparently i have good taste because i found out they actually are band names. Check them out:
The Bumpus Hounds
Cytokine Storm
Song of the Day
In honor of continuing the Christmas festivities the song of the day is my favorite SNL Christmas song.
The Christmas Spirit
File under Joy
I love Christmas. I love Christmas eve. I love Christmas morning. I love how peaceful, how quiet, and how joyous it is. I love seeing my niece and nephew, and talking to friends and family. I love the desire to be selfless and put others first. They are all feelings i wish i felt all year long, but by January 2nd the world and it's demands slowly win back the day. Work, kids, school, parents, building a legacy, having an impact, changing the world. All of those things muddle the picture of what is important.
Advocating procrastination and the lowering of expectations isn't the most common advice. In fact you'll typically hear just the opposite. I've been asked about the 'perfect' antidote theory before - "You don't really believe that do you?" Well the truth is that i couldn't be more serious or passionate about this philosophy, and it's value is most inherently evident around the holiday time. Somehow we take a break, somehow we make time, somehow we figure out what is truly important to us. We share, we spend time with family and friends, we give of ourselves. We look forward with eager anticipation to the season and then lament that it went too quickly.
Did it go too quickly, or did we too easily just revert back to our busy lives of worrying and focusing on things that aren't important?
As the holiday passes and the spirit fades, i have but one wish for this next year. Instead of trying to do too much, to be too perfect, or to change the whole world...i'm just going to try to change someone's world.
I hope you have a very merry and blessed Christmas!
Song of the Day
In honor of not letting our lives pass by each other in absent indifference, the song of the day is 10,000 Maniacs' "Verdi Cries" performed by Natalie Merchant.
I love Christmas. I love Christmas eve. I love Christmas morning. I love how peaceful, how quiet, and how joyous it is. I love seeing my niece and nephew, and talking to friends and family. I love the desire to be selfless and put others first. They are all feelings i wish i felt all year long, but by January 2nd the world and it's demands slowly win back the day. Work, kids, school, parents, building a legacy, having an impact, changing the world. All of those things muddle the picture of what is important.
Advocating procrastination and the lowering of expectations isn't the most common advice. In fact you'll typically hear just the opposite. I've been asked about the 'perfect' antidote theory before - "You don't really believe that do you?" Well the truth is that i couldn't be more serious or passionate about this philosophy, and it's value is most inherently evident around the holiday time. Somehow we take a break, somehow we make time, somehow we figure out what is truly important to us. We share, we spend time with family and friends, we give of ourselves. We look forward with eager anticipation to the season and then lament that it went too quickly.
Did it go too quickly, or did we too easily just revert back to our busy lives of worrying and focusing on things that aren't important?
As the holiday passes and the spirit fades, i have but one wish for this next year. Instead of trying to do too much, to be too perfect, or to change the whole world...i'm just going to try to change someone's world.
I hope you have a very merry and blessed Christmas!
Song of the Day
In honor of not letting our lives pass by each other in absent indifference, the song of the day is 10,000 Maniacs' "Verdi Cries" performed by Natalie Merchant.
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Weekly Theory 12.23.2011
File under Useless Information
This week's theory comes from the late, great comedian Mitch Hedberg.
I Have a Theory...
...that a duck's opinion of me is highly dependent on whether or not i have bread.
In honor of Christmas and the holidays, don't be a duck.
Shameful Christmas thought of the Day
Every time i hear the very, very beginning of "Little Drummer Boy" i can't stop thinking about the "Imperial March" from Star Wars.
Song of the Day
Might as well:
This week's theory comes from the late, great comedian Mitch Hedberg.
I Have a Theory...
...that a duck's opinion of me is highly dependent on whether or not i have bread.
In honor of Christmas and the holidays, don't be a duck.
Shameful Christmas thought of the Day
Every time i hear the very, very beginning of "Little Drummer Boy" i can't stop thinking about the "Imperial March" from Star Wars.
Song of the Day
Might as well:
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Solstice
File under Useless Information
The solstice has arrived. The moment when the sun has stopped it's downward turn and begun to head north again. Enjoy folks, it only gets better from here.
"I've only got the sunny hours, the brightest hours of day
i've never got the gloomy hours, i let them slip away."
Song of the Day
In honor of the slow return to long, sun-filled days the song of the day is Long Beach Dub All-Stars' "Sunny Hours" featuring Will.I.Am.
The solstice has arrived. The moment when the sun has stopped it's downward turn and begun to head north again. Enjoy folks, it only gets better from here.
"I've only got the sunny hours, the brightest hours of day
i've never got the gloomy hours, i let them slip away."
Song of the Day
In honor of the slow return to long, sun-filled days the song of the day is Long Beach Dub All-Stars' "Sunny Hours" featuring Will.I.Am.
The 10,000 hours
File under Meet Yourself
[Note: This is a re-post from a May 2011 post]
Last post I talked about the concept that opportunity and time are more important to success than any desire for greatness may be. I’ll build on that here by talking about how they are also more important than any inherent skill or talent is.
A renowned psychologist by the name of K. Anders Ericsson has spent his life studying “experts”. His life thesis, proven through many of his and others’ studies, is that an expert is created through deliberate practice and work for a very long time. How long? 10,000 hours. And this practice is infinitely more important of a factor than any talent, IQ, or God-given gift.
New York Times columnist Malcolm Gladwell talks of this phenomenon in his book Outliers. He argues that certain “great” individuals such as the Beatles and Bill Gates achieved their vaunted success, not through inherent intelligence or skill, but rather through having the opportunities to practice and master their crafts. The Beatles had opportunities to practice for 10,000 hours by playing together all night for several years at bars in Germany before hitting it big back home. Bill Gates had opportunities to do computer programming for 10,000 hours as a teenager by being granted access to university computer labs where he spent nights writing code.
10,000 hours. Imagine deliberately practicing at a skill 8 hours a weekday for 5 years. I’m not talking about the approach we typically have at work. I’m talking about focused, deliberate concentration for that long and that consistently. That is a daunting threshold to hit for anyone trying to master a skill or achieve a success. It’s like the Sisyphus myth I talked about previously. Unless we hit that threshold, everything else is just average. Which begs the question, is it worth the effort if we don’t have that opportunity?
Song of the Day
I was at a wedding last weekend of a friend of my wife’s. The bride, who incidentally is not quite the strong believer in the ‘Perfect’ antidote theory, made the joking comment that this blog was for lazy potheads. Ironically we had a brief conversation where she brought up the 10,000 hour threshold. So in honor of Nell and Derry’s wedding, lazy potheads, and hearing this song three times in one day yesterday, the song of the day is Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”.
[Note: This is a re-post from a May 2011 post]
Last post I talked about the concept that opportunity and time are more important to success than any desire for greatness may be. I’ll build on that here by talking about how they are also more important than any inherent skill or talent is.
A renowned psychologist by the name of K. Anders Ericsson has spent his life studying “experts”. His life thesis, proven through many of his and others’ studies, is that an expert is created through deliberate practice and work for a very long time. How long? 10,000 hours. And this practice is infinitely more important of a factor than any talent, IQ, or God-given gift.
New York Times columnist Malcolm Gladwell talks of this phenomenon in his book Outliers. He argues that certain “great” individuals such as the Beatles and Bill Gates achieved their vaunted success, not through inherent intelligence or skill, but rather through having the opportunities to practice and master their crafts. The Beatles had opportunities to practice for 10,000 hours by playing together all night for several years at bars in Germany before hitting it big back home. Bill Gates had opportunities to do computer programming for 10,000 hours as a teenager by being granted access to university computer labs where he spent nights writing code.
10,000 hours. Imagine deliberately practicing at a skill 8 hours a weekday for 5 years. I’m not talking about the approach we typically have at work. I’m talking about focused, deliberate concentration for that long and that consistently. That is a daunting threshold to hit for anyone trying to master a skill or achieve a success. It’s like the Sisyphus myth I talked about previously. Unless we hit that threshold, everything else is just average. Which begs the question, is it worth the effort if we don’t have that opportunity?
Song of the Day
I was at a wedding last weekend of a friend of my wife’s. The bride, who incidentally is not quite the strong believer in the ‘Perfect’ antidote theory, made the joking comment that this blog was for lazy potheads. Ironically we had a brief conversation where she brought up the 10,000 hour threshold. So in honor of Nell and Derry’s wedding, lazy potheads, and hearing this song three times in one day yesterday, the song of the day is Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Velvet Revolution
File under Avoid the Machine
This past weekend, the former Czech playwright and president, Vaclav Havel, died. The leader of the velvet revolution and the man most recognizable for the demise of communism in Czechoslovakia was the antithesis of the odd, totalitarian, megalomaniac world leader who unfortunately shared the same day of passing as Havel.
Havel was by all accounts a sensitive social thinker and artist, a reluctant face of a movement, but a willing statesman nonetheless. He had many great contributions to society, but i'm drawn to his interpretation of language as a reflection of reality.
"I love logically constructed, totally convincing arguments which defend total nonsense. It interests me to explore the misuse of language, the special role language plays in our conditions, where language is peculiarly misused and at the same time elevated so that often the way we speak about something is more important than reality itself. And someone who has mastered a certain language can go a long way whatever the reality the situation. It is as if language became a motor of events, the creator of reality, more real than reality itself."
There is a great BBC profile of Havel here, from which the above came.
Havel's description of language and it's reflection (or lack there of) of reality reinforces the thought that a well-constructed argument doesn't necessarily need to be based in reality. Language is intended to persuade, to dissuade, or to influence. We use language to create our reality, and others use it to create their own, sometimes at our expense. The self-help machine is adept at telling us what our faults are, but a carefully crafted description of our shortcomings may have little to nothing to do with the truth, especially when it comes to others' benefit.
When does the language not represent your reality? When do totally convincing arguments only truly defend total nonsense?
Song of the Day
In honor of the millions who at the end of the 80s woke up to a new reality that Vaclav Havel helped create, the song of the day is Arcade Fire's "Wake Up".
This past weekend, the former Czech playwright and president, Vaclav Havel, died. The leader of the velvet revolution and the man most recognizable for the demise of communism in Czechoslovakia was the antithesis of the odd, totalitarian, megalomaniac world leader who unfortunately shared the same day of passing as Havel.
Havel was by all accounts a sensitive social thinker and artist, a reluctant face of a movement, but a willing statesman nonetheless. He had many great contributions to society, but i'm drawn to his interpretation of language as a reflection of reality.
"I love logically constructed, totally convincing arguments which defend total nonsense. It interests me to explore the misuse of language, the special role language plays in our conditions, where language is peculiarly misused and at the same time elevated so that often the way we speak about something is more important than reality itself. And someone who has mastered a certain language can go a long way whatever the reality the situation. It is as if language became a motor of events, the creator of reality, more real than reality itself."
There is a great BBC profile of Havel here, from which the above came.
Havel's description of language and it's reflection (or lack there of) of reality reinforces the thought that a well-constructed argument doesn't necessarily need to be based in reality. Language is intended to persuade, to dissuade, or to influence. We use language to create our reality, and others use it to create their own, sometimes at our expense. The self-help machine is adept at telling us what our faults are, but a carefully crafted description of our shortcomings may have little to nothing to do with the truth, especially when it comes to others' benefit.
When does the language not represent your reality? When do totally convincing arguments only truly defend total nonsense?
Song of the Day
In honor of the millions who at the end of the 80s woke up to a new reality that Vaclav Havel helped create, the song of the day is Arcade Fire's "Wake Up".
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Weekly Theory 12.19.2011
File under Useless Information
This week's theory comes from an avid reader in Raton, New Mexico:
I Have a Theory...
...that no matter how fast you are going you will always hit the brakes when you see a cop. Always.
Seriously, even if you are currently going 10 miles under the speed limit, and even if he currently has someone else pulled over.
Song of the Day
I heard this song today and it is just as ridiculous as that theory, yet i was reminded how much i love it. In honor of corporate rock and looking to the sea, the song of the day is Come Sail Away by Styx.
I think i'm going to bring back the neckerchief and open shirt look. Watch out. By the way, how is the lead singer not the same guy who played the neighbor Steve in the early episodes of Married with Children?
This week's theory comes from an avid reader in Raton, New Mexico:
I Have a Theory...
...that no matter how fast you are going you will always hit the brakes when you see a cop. Always.
Seriously, even if you are currently going 10 miles under the speed limit, and even if he currently has someone else pulled over.
Song of the Day
I heard this song today and it is just as ridiculous as that theory, yet i was reminded how much i love it. In honor of corporate rock and looking to the sea, the song of the day is Come Sail Away by Styx.
I think i'm going to bring back the neckerchief and open shirt look. Watch out. By the way, how is the lead singer not the same guy who played the neighbor Steve in the early episodes of Married with Children?
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Holiday Party
File under Get a Smaller Plate
This past weekend was my work team's holiday party.
It was a typical holiday party: food, drinks, 30 Irish Car Bombs, a white elephant gift exchange, a Guy on a Buffalo, a birthday celebration, two guys trying to crash hotel rooms (you know who you are), making fun of each other in team member profiles, ridiculous bets, and debating crappy mid-90's music.
But most of all it was an opportunity to be with and talk to the people i may see everyday but never really get to know very well. It's those opportunities that i will remember 20 years down the road, and I left with the feeling that those opportunities shouldn't come only once a year.
Song of the Day
I've been a big fan of the band Muse for a while now, but i heard this song again at the team party and it reminded me just how much i like the band. This song was featured on my top ten running songs here, but i think it may be making it onto my greatest songs of all time list. In honor of spending time that matters with people because no one is getting out of here alive, the song of the day is Muse's Knights of Cydonia, live from Wembley Stadium. Oh, how I wish I was at this concert. The 3:38-5:00 mark is ridiculous especially around 4:30.
This past weekend was my work team's holiday party.
It was a typical holiday party: food, drinks, 30 Irish Car Bombs, a white elephant gift exchange, a Guy on a Buffalo, a birthday celebration, two guys trying to crash hotel rooms (you know who you are), making fun of each other in team member profiles, ridiculous bets, and debating crappy mid-90's music.
But most of all it was an opportunity to be with and talk to the people i may see everyday but never really get to know very well. It's those opportunities that i will remember 20 years down the road, and I left with the feeling that those opportunities shouldn't come only once a year.
Song of the Day
I've been a big fan of the band Muse for a while now, but i heard this song again at the team party and it reminded me just how much i like the band. This song was featured on my top ten running songs here, but i think it may be making it onto my greatest songs of all time list. In honor of spending time that matters with people because no one is getting out of here alive, the song of the day is Muse's Knights of Cydonia, live from Wembley Stadium. Oh, how I wish I was at this concert. The 3:38-5:00 mark is ridiculous especially around 4:30.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Decision
File under Meet Yourself
Today was a landmark day in our new 'old' house. We finally had the gas line run. So what? you ask. Well, the contractors would be turning our heat on by noon today. And more than just having heat for the first time this fall/winter, it was that little event that reminded me of our sometimes crazy decisions. Let me explain.
I have been fighting a cold for several days now and today was especially bad. I had work to do but wasn't going to go into work. I also told myself when I woke up that i didn't want to work in the cold house, so i decided to go to the local Starbucks to work in the warmth of public caffiene addiction. After working for a while I decided to head home knowing that the heat would be on. I won't even get into the joy of knowing that i can put the space heaters away and continue with the story. Despite everything working perfectly and the temperature slowly rising inside, within 10 minutes i decided to go back to Starbucks.
Why?
I went there to avoid the cold, right? Apparently not. Apparently my decision was based in some other reason, whether to avoid distractions, whether to avoid dog barking, or maybe just because i just like working there. In any case, i spent the rest of my day there.
The realization that my decision wasn't based on what i logically thought it was, reminds me of the core concept of the book "Why Choose This Book: How We Make Decisions" by Read Montague. A neuroscientist, Montague discusses not just the science, but the psychology of the decisions, showing that logic and reason often need not apply. Understanding our penchant for certain decisions and the basis of our decisions, both good and bad, is important to defining which ones support our desired endstate.
Song of the Day
In honor of decision making and the warmth of radiator heat, the song of the day is Black Sheep's "The Choice is Yours". Famously sampled by Fat Boy Slim on "Weapon of Choice".
Today was a landmark day in our new 'old' house. We finally had the gas line run. So what? you ask. Well, the contractors would be turning our heat on by noon today. And more than just having heat for the first time this fall/winter, it was that little event that reminded me of our sometimes crazy decisions. Let me explain.
I have been fighting a cold for several days now and today was especially bad. I had work to do but wasn't going to go into work. I also told myself when I woke up that i didn't want to work in the cold house, so i decided to go to the local Starbucks to work in the warmth of public caffiene addiction. After working for a while I decided to head home knowing that the heat would be on. I won't even get into the joy of knowing that i can put the space heaters away and continue with the story. Despite everything working perfectly and the temperature slowly rising inside, within 10 minutes i decided to go back to Starbucks.
Why?
I went there to avoid the cold, right? Apparently not. Apparently my decision was based in some other reason, whether to avoid distractions, whether to avoid dog barking, or maybe just because i just like working there. In any case, i spent the rest of my day there.
The realization that my decision wasn't based on what i logically thought it was, reminds me of the core concept of the book "Why Choose This Book: How We Make Decisions" by Read Montague. A neuroscientist, Montague discusses not just the science, but the psychology of the decisions, showing that logic and reason often need not apply. Understanding our penchant for certain decisions and the basis of our decisions, both good and bad, is important to defining which ones support our desired endstate.
Song of the Day
In honor of decision making and the warmth of radiator heat, the song of the day is Black Sheep's "The Choice is Yours". Famously sampled by Fat Boy Slim on "Weapon of Choice".
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Daily Awesomeness
File under Useless Information
I apologize for this next post, but...
I Think it's Awesome...
...when a dog poops and then tries, but fails, to cover it up.
It's always a half-ass effort, too. They do a little turn to kick up grass, but 9 times out of 10 they're not even aiming in the right direction anymore. And when they are aiming in the right direction, they only kick 2-3 times at which point only 4 or 5 blades of grass even come close to covering the poop. You may then see them sniff the butt just to make sure they've covered all their bases, but in any case they always trot away with a smug confidence that no one could possibly know they just pooped. Awesome.
Song of the Day
I also apologize for this admission, but this song is my favorite Christmas song. In honor of the holiday season, dogs, and cool light shows, the song of the day is The Waitresses' "Christmas Wrapping".
I apologize for this next post, but...
I Think it's Awesome...
...when a dog poops and then tries, but fails, to cover it up.
It's always a half-ass effort, too. They do a little turn to kick up grass, but 9 times out of 10 they're not even aiming in the right direction anymore. And when they are aiming in the right direction, they only kick 2-3 times at which point only 4 or 5 blades of grass even come close to covering the poop. You may then see them sniff the butt just to make sure they've covered all their bases, but in any case they always trot away with a smug confidence that no one could possibly know they just pooped. Awesome.
Song of the Day
I also apologize for this admission, but this song is my favorite Christmas song. In honor of the holiday season, dogs, and cool light shows, the song of the day is The Waitresses' "Christmas Wrapping".
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Weekly Theory 12.10.2011
File under Useless Information
This week's theory comes to us from a friend and former colleague of mine.
I Have a Theory...
...that movies are never as enjoyable as they were when you were 16.
Apparently while watching Inception he was picking apart scenes and concepts as ridiculous, when a 16 year old would be content with it just being awesome.
It reminds me of a comment about Rocky from my favorite comedian, Gary Gulman:
Song of the Day
So speaking of looking at life through the eyes of a kid, the movie Elf was on today and it is just a fantastic Christmas movie. The song of the day was featured in the movie and i'm sure most of you have heard this song before, "Baby, it's Cold Outside." I want to feature it for two reasons. First of all, i'm not sure how it got to be a Christmas song. There's no mention of Christmas or the holidays in it at all. In fact it's just a dead-cold of winter song. How come you don't hear it in February? Second of all, isn't the song borderline sexual harassment/precursor to date-rape? Seriously, no means no, buddy! How is this a holiday song?!
Probably because it gives me that warm feeling inside every time i hear it.
In honor of feeling like a kid again during the holidays, the song of the day is "Baby, it's Cold Outside" sung by Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell in Elf.
Here is the original recorded version by Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer:
This week's theory comes to us from a friend and former colleague of mine.
I Have a Theory...
...that movies are never as enjoyable as they were when you were 16.
Apparently while watching Inception he was picking apart scenes and concepts as ridiculous, when a 16 year old would be content with it just being awesome.
It reminds me of a comment about Rocky from my favorite comedian, Gary Gulman:
Gary Gulman - Rocky
Song of the Day
So speaking of looking at life through the eyes of a kid, the movie Elf was on today and it is just a fantastic Christmas movie. The song of the day was featured in the movie and i'm sure most of you have heard this song before, "Baby, it's Cold Outside." I want to feature it for two reasons. First of all, i'm not sure how it got to be a Christmas song. There's no mention of Christmas or the holidays in it at all. In fact it's just a dead-cold of winter song. How come you don't hear it in February? Second of all, isn't the song borderline sexual harassment/precursor to date-rape? Seriously, no means no, buddy! How is this a holiday song?!
Probably because it gives me that warm feeling inside every time i hear it.
In honor of feeling like a kid again during the holidays, the song of the day is "Baby, it's Cold Outside" sung by Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell in Elf.
Here is the original recorded version by Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer:
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Fisherman and the Businessman
File under Get a Smaller Plate
Many months ago i read a parable in a book and since then i have been searching for it without luck. So i'm going to take the liberty of recounting what i remember of the story. My apologies to whomever wrote this.
A wealthy business consultant decides to take a vacation in a small fishing village in Mexico. At lunch one afternoon in a beachfront restaurant he has the most magnificent fish he has ever tasted. He compliments the waiter and asks where the fish comes from. The waiter explains that the daily catch comes from a fisherman who lives down the beach. The businessman comments that the fisherman's operations must be quite expansive and busy because the fish has to be in such high demand. Surprised, the waiter replies that no, the fisherman is a one-man operation. He wakes up in the morning and sets out early to fish, then returns for lunch and a siesta in his hammock. He then welcomes his children home from school and spends the afternoon playing with them, and the evening walking the beach with his wife. Amazed, the businessman's consulting skills begin to spin and he decides he must meet the fisherman.
The next day he approaches the fisherman after he comes in with the daily catch. "Excuse me Senor, I wanted to compliment you on your fish. Have you ever thought of expanding your business?"
"Not really, how would i do that?"
"Well, first i can help you develop a plan to sell your fish to restaurants in other villages nearby. Then we can travel to the villages to sell your services and set up exclusive supplier agreements. Then we can hire individuals to help fish and transport the catch to the new markets."
"And then what?"
"Well after we've saturated those markets, we can open your business to the entire country. We will work with the government for exclusive distributor rights and we can travel to the far reaching areas to bring your fish to new markets. We will have to buy new boats, and trucks, and hire many new staff."
"And then what?"
"Well then we can sign deals with the major distribution and wholesale houses on the west and east coasts of the U.S. We will make presentation at trade shows and conduct sales calls at the most prestigious and exclusive restaurants. To ensure freshness we will also need to purchase planes to transport your products."
"And then what?"
"Well then, after 20 or so years you can retire a wealthy man with the comfort of knowing you have worked hard and provided for your family."
"And then what?"
"Well then you can fish when you want to, spend time with your family, and take siestas in your hammock every afternoon."
What are you searching for, that in 20 years you'll realize you have right in front of you?
Song of the Day
It's almost been a whole year since i started this blog and this will be the first country song to make the Song of the Day cut. So there are two take-aways here: first, i'm not the biggest country fan, and second this song really resonates with me. In honor of knowing what you have, the song of the day is Trace Adkins' "You're Gonna Miss This."
Many months ago i read a parable in a book and since then i have been searching for it without luck. So i'm going to take the liberty of recounting what i remember of the story. My apologies to whomever wrote this.
A wealthy business consultant decides to take a vacation in a small fishing village in Mexico. At lunch one afternoon in a beachfront restaurant he has the most magnificent fish he has ever tasted. He compliments the waiter and asks where the fish comes from. The waiter explains that the daily catch comes from a fisherman who lives down the beach. The businessman comments that the fisherman's operations must be quite expansive and busy because the fish has to be in such high demand. Surprised, the waiter replies that no, the fisherman is a one-man operation. He wakes up in the morning and sets out early to fish, then returns for lunch and a siesta in his hammock. He then welcomes his children home from school and spends the afternoon playing with them, and the evening walking the beach with his wife. Amazed, the businessman's consulting skills begin to spin and he decides he must meet the fisherman.
The next day he approaches the fisherman after he comes in with the daily catch. "Excuse me Senor, I wanted to compliment you on your fish. Have you ever thought of expanding your business?"
"Not really, how would i do that?"
"Well, first i can help you develop a plan to sell your fish to restaurants in other villages nearby. Then we can travel to the villages to sell your services and set up exclusive supplier agreements. Then we can hire individuals to help fish and transport the catch to the new markets."
"And then what?"
"Well after we've saturated those markets, we can open your business to the entire country. We will work with the government for exclusive distributor rights and we can travel to the far reaching areas to bring your fish to new markets. We will have to buy new boats, and trucks, and hire many new staff."
"And then what?"
"Well then we can sign deals with the major distribution and wholesale houses on the west and east coasts of the U.S. We will make presentation at trade shows and conduct sales calls at the most prestigious and exclusive restaurants. To ensure freshness we will also need to purchase planes to transport your products."
"And then what?"
"Well then, after 20 or so years you can retire a wealthy man with the comfort of knowing you have worked hard and provided for your family."
"And then what?"
"Well then you can fish when you want to, spend time with your family, and take siestas in your hammock every afternoon."
What are you searching for, that in 20 years you'll realize you have right in front of you?
Song of the Day
It's almost been a whole year since i started this blog and this will be the first country song to make the Song of the Day cut. So there are two take-aways here: first, i'm not the biggest country fan, and second this song really resonates with me. In honor of knowing what you have, the song of the day is Trace Adkins' "You're Gonna Miss This."
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