19 Apr 07
I read half a dozen self-improvement blogs every day. This week, I’ve become increasingly disillusioned with them. Several of them focus on things to do to improve your life. Go to the gym. Get away from toxic people. Envision wild success and focus all your time on that. But these are all external circumstances. Isn’t […]
17 Apr 07
After watching the first episode of an amazing BBC documentary, “The Secret Life of The Manic Depressive,” I’ve made a few key realizations. Most of my major life decisions are driven by pride. I crave fame. My reach exceeds my grasp. I start many grandiose projects when I’m feeling great, only to feel overwhelmed when […]
15 Apr 07
David Allen writes: One subtle life skill should become part of the competency set for all professionals (and all people): How fast can you get back to “ready”? How easily and rapidly can you relax and refocus when it’s necessary to do so? How good are you at creating a centered, balanced, aware, and open […]
13 Apr 07
Just finished watching Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress. I like Kurosawa’s films, but I just don’t love them like many people do. This one’s no exception; it’s very good, but I’ve no interest in watching it again. Well, except for one spear fight halfway through. But he holds his shots for much longer than I feel […]
11 Apr 07
I admit it: I’m frustrated with my progress on many projects. I haven’t had the energy for much beyond playing Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on my Wii or watching anime. That worried me until I realized I just started a new job (okay, technically re-started, but my responsibilities are quite different). Nevertheless, I feel […]
10 Apr 07
Just finished watching the first episode of the first anime: the original Astro Boy. A few thoughts: The animation is often terrible. …but occasionally excellent. Tezuka’s direction shines in a few amazing, dramatic, downright cinematic shots. Often they’re motionless, but the shadows and angles provide amazing power. If today’s anime fans complain about American actors […]
9 Apr 07
I’m increasingly sympathetic to the Butlerian Jihad. While I don’t plan to abandon email any time soon, I’m worried by fellow humans’ reliance on technology. If a fact is unknown, people rush to Wikipedia or Google. Those I know over forty are noticeably better at mental math than those under forty. People don’t memorize, except […]
8 Apr 07
We all hear stories of ordinary people achieving greatness, of the man who rescues children from a burning building, or the female CEO who’s still Mom to four kids. Yet I look around at bus drivers and fast food service (heck, “service” anywhere), and most don’t even reach beyond mediocrity. We’re surrounded by images of […]
7 Apr 07
The American Heritage Stedman’s Medical Dictionary definition of “addiction:” ad·dic·tion Habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one’s voluntary control. Some are addicted to getting money, others addicted to getting love. Some are addicted to getting time. I’ve been guilty of time addiction, and surely haven’t completely kicked it. Time addiction […]
5 Apr 07
I have a Wii. I’m most impressed by its slickness; everything is just pretty and easy to do. I wish computer applications were this clean.