(Alternate title: How ‘Bout Them Apples?) Often we tend to lump things into categories in a way of simplifying things. We like to talk about comparing Apples or Oranges, but perhaps we need even more distinctions than that. There are a lot of different apple varieties, and while they might […]
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Pancakes
I’ve never really liked pancakes, besides as a delivery vehicle for maple syrup. I’ve never really liked school dances, except as a way to try and dance with my crush. I’ve never really liked grading student papers, except as a way to keep my job as a teacher. I’ve never […]
Talking Smack
“Uh, that’s a terrible idea.” “Who would pay you for that? Are you high?” “You’re not qualified enough to do that.” “You’re not good enough.” I’d wager you’d never say those things to people you care about*. So why do you talk that way to yourself? * If you talk […]
Definitions and Examples
When you’re doing organizational work like writing down your core values, it always pays to be specific and use examples. “Do the right thing” sounds lofty and idealistic, but who judges the right thing? Are you talking about morally? Or are you talking about doing right by the company? What […]
Arigata-meiwaku
Arigata-meiwaku is a Japanese phrase that doesn’t really have a simple English translation. It means the not-so-great feeling of having to thank someone when they’ve done something for you that you didn’t really even want them to do. When I first heard about this phrase, I immediately started thinking about […]
Marketing Raffles
If you’re going to raffle anything off, or have a contest of some sort, when you’re running it, there will be temptation to give it to your best customer, or someone you know will sing your praises to the rooftop. Whether you’re trying to cement a long-term contract or are […]
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are motorized pumps that pull water from a lower place and move it to wherever the hose ends. So even if your home’s foundation is subject to flooding, you can install one of these pumps to suck out the water and spit it out someplace that’s less damaging. […]
Jack In The Box
I’m not talking about the fast food chain that my friends and I would hit up at 2am during college, but the old school toy that you wind up until something pops out of it. The jack in the box was pretty terrifying to me as a kid, mainly because […]
Gratitude
It can definitely feel like there’s not a whole lot to be grateful for. Fires, typhoons, hurricanes, COVID. Ooooff. #2020, amiright? But if you’re reading this, you’re still better off than the 43% of the globe that still doesn’t have regular internet access. I’m not going to go on and […]
Traditions
Traditions can be nice. They can build connections to our past, bridge generations, and give us the feeling that we’re part of something bigger. Traditions can also be oppressive. They can celebrate outdated morals, sanitized histories, and social structures that don’t fit us. Traditions can be nice for some, and […]