Art Break: Take That, You Swine!

Art Contrarian looks at depictions of Circe.

Entertainment Break

The trailer for "My Favorite Wife."  It is difficult to think of a comedic match for Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.

First Paragraph

The history of modern economics is a cunning plot that can match the best of historical novels. The running story line is man's search for wealth and prosperity and the economic model that best serves the needs of the common man.

- From The Making of Modern Economics: The Lives and Ideas of the Great Thinkers by Mark Skousen

Now If We Can Get Chocolate-Dipped Chilis

What we've long suspected: More information on the health benefits of spicy food.

Voice Mail Messages

Recent experiences have triggered this sad little post.


I don't recall ever being upset when people slowly repeated their telephone number in a voice mail message. Even slowly restating their name and organization at the end of the voice mail is a welcome touch.


Some of us must have been warped by the old telephone answering systems that gave a very short time to leave a message. As a result, many voice mail messages are exercises in fast talking before the blade of a cut-off beep descends.


Aargh.

"Handle That, Will You?"

How do many people build their careers? I believe a large part comes from the fact that when a boss says, "Handle that, will you?" they do. 


For the most part, they are problem-removers, not problem-bringers, and that trait is highly prized in places where the latter group seems to be the most populous. They handle the problem and don't make matters worse in doing so. They don't seek great praise but rather prefer the silent accolade that is represented by the assignment itself.


That part about not making matters worse is vital. Sometimes, it includes holding off on taking action and getting back with the boss to note its downsides. These individuals are not robots; they give the benefit of their insight as well as the effectiveness of their actions and that involves speaking truth to power.


One of their skills is the ability to get a quick grasp in situations and to see when the real problem is not the one shouting in the middle of the room but the one hiding in the corner. Either way, however, they can handle it and the boss knows that when the assignment is made, a solution will be created.

Scams: How to Get a Wooden Commodore Keyboard

A look back at Ron Rosenbaum's article from The Atlantic on the efforts of anti-scam artists.

Quote of the Day

To work is simple enough: but to rest, there is the difficulty.


- Ernest Hello

Sunday in Newark, Ohio

Cultural Offering gives us a picture of life when it is as good as it gets.

Leadership Development Carnival

Assembling a carnival on leadership is no minor task. Tanmay Vora has done an excellent job.


You'll find a variety of extraordinary posts at his blog.