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Derek Scruggs
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There is also room for a middle ground. Living in Boulder, I know a lot of outdoors fanatics who do 9-5 jobs they like -- but merely like -- so they can devote weekends and vacations to the things they love (rock climbing, triathlons, climbing fourteeners etc).
Being Individuals in an Increasingly Individualistic Culture
Career advisors and motivational speakers are obsessed with "passion" as the key to a happy successful career. I do not question the underlying message but I do think the message ought to be complicated a bit and placed in a broader context. First, "find a job you're passionate about" isn't a si...
It's important to make a distinction between policies that are ideologically coherent and those that win elections. With either party, one must make a deal with the devil. I kinda liked McCain until he picked Palin. I still generaly like Obama even though he's slapping tarriffs on tire imports. It comes down to which I can stomach more.
The Nationalism of Liberals vs. Conservatives
Compare American liberal and conservative attitudes toward nationalism. (Pardon the generalizations.) Conservatives tend to be proud nationalists. They poll higher on questions that ask, "Are you proud to be an American?" There's the image of conservatives with their big American flags and truck...
You Gen Y types are so jaded... ;)
Short. Bursts. Of Advice. To Do Something.
Leo Babuta, on his very popular blog Zen Habits and in a post titled "Do Interesting Things," writes: Do something. Do something interesting. Be a part of the conversation, and say something remarkable. Create something unique, new, beautiful. Build upon the works of others and transform it into...
Oh and BTW I really enjoyed the interview.
A Chat with Penelope Trunk: IM Transcript
My friend Penelope Trunk is the most influential careers blogger on the web, author of the hit book Brazen Careerist, and sought-after public speaker. She also runs a company called Brazen Careerist. While I don't always agree with her, she is provocative, perceptive, honest, and kind, so it'...
My two cents: can you name anyone who's held his job -- Republican or Democrat -- who is not a member of the elite?
Not that I'm a fan of Wolfowitz, but I don't think his elite status has anything to do with it. Brent Scowcroft is in the elite too.
You'd prefer Sarah Palin or Monica Goodling?
A Chat with Penelope Trunk: IM Transcript
My friend Penelope Trunk is the most influential careers blogger on the web, author of the hit book Brazen Careerist, and sought-after public speaker. She also runs a company called Brazen Careerist. While I don't always agree with her, she is provocative, perceptive, honest, and kind, so it'...
But what if you are not aware of the "little man's" existence? Suggestion: go visit a group home for the profoundly mentally handicapped (those who can't expect to ever function beyond the ability of a five year old.)
I did as an education major -- we were required to take a course in special ed -- and it shook me to my core. Most of us will never experience anything like that or even be aware that such people exist. Imagine hundreds of them in one place.
That's part of the reason we look to the government - to assist with things that the private market doesn't do well.
"Best" over "Better." Gifted vs. Special Needs Children.
In his exchange with Bill Simmons at ESPN.com, Malcolm Gladwell writes: I wonder if there isn't something particularly American in the preference for "best" over "better" strategies. I might be pushing things here. But both the U.S. health-care system and the U.S. educational system are exclusi...
I used to go to America's Back for my low back pain and it was amazingly effective. I had tried lots of other things (chiropractic, accupuncture, exercies), but this worked in just 15 minutes per week. Unfortunately their business model didn't work and they shut down.
Now I do a combination of stretching and full-body isometric workouts. In my case the source of the pain is diagnosable shows up on an x-ray.
Back Pain Made Simple: Just the Facts
The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine has a helpful, authoritative review of back pain, its causes, and advised treatments. Back pain is the second most common reason for doctor visits (after the common cold). I recommend sending it to anyone dealing with back pain. Some of the key points: M...
I personally love these ads and have often thought they modeled the character on Richard Branson.
Appealing to the Classiness Aspiration of Young Men and Women
The Mexican beer Dos Equis has very popular TV ads running right now called "The Most Interesting Man in the World." Watch the 30 second ad here (viewed 800k times on YouTube!) or see the embed below. The announcer boasts about the most interesting man in the world: The police often questi...
I play indoor soccer religiously. While it's not 1% as competitive as professional sports, the thing I've noticed is, dirty players are the worst. If the player's a jerk, that's one thing, but when you're on the field and he is over-agressive (and it's always a he), it's really embarrassing and ultimately demotivating.
Usually dirty play is worse when you are losing, so it makes you look like sore losers. So my response is to dial it back and be prepared to play peacemaker in case a fight breaks out.
Every Group Needs an Outcast
The always interesting Bill Simmons, in his recent ESPN.com column, rejects the usual line that superstars like A-Rod or Barry Bonds, while cancers in the clubhouse in one sense, are on the whole destructive to team unity. On the contrary, the "guy everyone hates" can be helpful in fostering tea...
I mostly listen to podcasts, so I don't get this experience often. Though people probably look at me funny as I laugh out loud from something Dan Savage or Ira Glass says.
The "Soundtrack of Your Life" Delusion
Ryan Holiday nails it: Try spending the day listening to an iPod as you go about your business. How much more important it all seems. Put your hands in your pockets and start walking down the street. It's you, oh fearless warrior, and your battle against the world. Welcome to the narrative falla...
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