Quote of the Day

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

- Chinese proverb

Tax Code Growth

How many pages are in the U.S. Tax Code? Political Calculations, a great blog, has the answer.

Click here and scroll down.

Stroup's Healthy Skepticism

Jim Stroup goes after Management By Best Seller and discusses the triumph of hope over experience.

Advice for a New Boss

You did not get that job to yell at people or to pat them on the back. You did not get it to play ego games or pop psychologist. The people who decided to give you that position desire only one thing from you:

They want you to be effective.

This means that whichever approach you choose, you had better not create more problems than you solve. If you have the place in an uproar overnight and the best team members out searching for new employment, then "effective" is not the right word for your performance. Keep these steps in mind:

1. First, do no harm.


2. Be effective.

Easy Predictions

The next couple of weeks will have stories on the following:

1. The nobility of the jury system;


2. The O.J. Simpson parallels;


3. The fallibility of talking heads;


4. The rising career of the defense counsel; and


5. The need for professional jurors.

Strange Biases

Most of us have strange biases. [I confess to being baffled by that entire "baseball cap turned backwards" look.] Here are a few to watch for:

1. AOL Address Bias. I recall an HR person who said she would never take anyone seriously if that person had an AOL e-mail address. You can imagine how the hyper-geeks feel.


2. Regimental Tie Bias. Some people flip out when they see those red and blue - or other color - stripes. I suspect they associate them with prep schools. (Hey, that's another bias!)


3. Loafer Bias. These folks believe that if you aren't energetic enough to tie your shoes, then you may be a loafer. [Caution: The Tassled Loafer Bias is even more common.]


4. Short-Sleeve Shirt Bias. Wear one with a tie in the workplace and you may harm your career. Trust me on this.


5. Pony Tail Bias. Some people can look good with a pony tail. Make sure you are one of them.


6. Pen Bias. This cuts both ways. Some begin to bristle if you whip out a MontBlanc and others if you use a Bic. Be safe and go for a Cross.


7. Briefcase Bias. The true briefcase snobs won't be pleased unless it is something that Disraeli would have owned. Of course, the real sign of power is to carry nothing at all.


8. Any others?

Quote of the Day

To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.

- George Washington

A Great Life

Eclecticity remembers and honors:

She called the greats in groups of 4 or 5 to talk to them yesterday. She had her wits about her completely. Everyone came in to sing happy birthday to her. 98 next week. That was always part of the tradition on the farm on the Fourth Holiday. Nangie's birthday.

[Be sure to read the whole post.]

Hot Dog

"Before a lot of contests, I’m not the nicest person; I’ll tell the other competitors that I already called my mom and told her I won. When I bring my little brother to a contest, I never lose. I lose contests every year when I get lazy. But on my best day, I can’t be beaten. It’s up to me. It’s an awesome feeling knowing no matter how hard they try, the other competitors are going to barf.”

Read the rest of this regimen.

Washington and Gates

A memorable scene from the film, "The Crossing."