noun : an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff.
Nothing will change your future trajectory like your habits.
~ Shane Parrish from, Habits vs. Goals
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This article is a great overview. It’s basically the article I wish I could have written… or at least one that I could have found decades ago.
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That even though we evolved as ruthless replication machines, we’ve somehow risen out of the muck and we currently find ourselves running cultural software that’s way out of sync with what game theory would dictate, and perhaps we can seize the moment and build a civilization that can tame the brutal dynamics that created us.
~ “Dynomight” from, About
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Eliding a long explanation, I’ll just say: I hope that’s still accessible by the time you read this. Also, my normal routine is to bookmark stuff and to later—often much later—write a blog post around it. But not this time. This one caused me to drop what I was doing and blog about it… before even having finished reading it.
You’ll instantly see (once you go there… why are you still here?) why it appeals to me. You’ll be way ahead of the average level of science knowledge if you just skim the list. But the big take-away for me is: It’s not at all hard to find things to be thankful for, and I don’t just mean insanely technical things like that which are on that list. No, I mean…
All you have to do is look around, and start imagining changes. Completely realistic changes. Small changes even. And every single thing that we think, “oh, that’s nice,” becomes something to be thankful for.
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Over the course of six months, Stone observed the breathing patterns of hundreds of people while seated at a computer. She found that four out of five held their breath or breathed shallowly while checking their email.
~ Jessica Fish from, Stop, Drop, and Breathe: Curing Email Apnea for Community Professionals
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This is not a metaphor. Literal apnea while reading email. Not some people, but most people. Practice breathing— far too many people think they know how to breath, when in fact they don’t. Practice posture— far too many people think they know how to sit, when in fact they don’t. Practice getting up and fleeing from your computer— far too many…
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Conflicting opinions. Confusing data. Unexpected developments. Interpersonal conflict. We sometimes miss the bliss of the vision and despair. I’m not sure I can do this. You respond immediately, “It seems an impossible thing. Of course it’s hard, but we are going to do this together and I’ll explain how.”
~ Rands from, The Way I Heard It Was…
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There’s an array of skills that a leader has to master to be a good leader. Explaining things is one of those skills. Everyone who knows me even slightly, knows I’m great at explaining things. But as I try to lead more, I’m realizing that no, actually I’m a mediocre—possibly even a poor—explainer. I’ve recently realized that vastly too much of my explanations are about attempting to control other people’s reactions, (or their opinions,) to what I’m suggesting.
“Take this jacket. It’s lightweight, water proof and will keep you dry if we encounter rain. And rain is likely on the mountain we’re setting out to climb. I once went without such a jacket, and I wound up wet and miserable. The color also happens to be one you normally like, and it looks good. It’s got lots of pockets, which are all taped and the design of the flaps keeps water out.” (Alas, a decade ago, that explanation would have also unpacked what “taped” means, and why it’s a desirable feature.)
But that’s way too much information, all intended to convince the listener. It’s a sign of attempted consensus building. It’s all hedging. It’s all me sharing the reasons why you too would make the same decision—to bring this jacket—if you too had all the information and perspective that I have.
A real leader would say, “This is the correct jacket to take, considering the weather we are going to face when we climb that mountain.” Because then, if it turns out it is in fact not the correct jacket, then I’m on the hook for that error. Which is exactly where—on the hook that is—a true leader should be.
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Hanlon’s Razor teaches us not to assume the worst intention in the actions of others. Understanding Hanlon’s Razor helps us see the world in a more positive light, stop negative assumptions, and improve relationships.
~ Shane Parrish from, Hanlon’s Razor: Not Everyone is Out to Get You
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And there’s a rather long, (by Internet blog standards,) article after that opening paragraph. I read it. It resonates with me. It has heuristics and suggestions, points and counterpoints. There are some memorable quotes, including some famous Army General’s way of using the razor to categorize officers based on their combinations of traits.
But, being well aware of my title, I could just take the entire article and train of thoughts and teaching and simplify it to a pithy two-sentence reminder:
Don’t assume the worst intention in the actions of others. Instead, see the world in a more positive light.
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How can integrating play into our personal and professional lives improve creativity, productivity, and well-being?
Discovering the connection between joy and resilience reshapes the way we approach work and life.
Play integrated in everything you do. So when you’re doing something at work, that you are so absorbed by— that you absolutely love about your work and you kind of lose track of time in that space. That’s the play I’m talking about.
~ Brandi Heather (13:55)
The conversation examines how play influences personal and professional development, emphasizing its role in creativity and joy. It explores how podcasting enabled one individual to discover and refine their voice, eventually translating this journey into a book. The discussion highlights the intersection of storytelling, science, and personal experience in effectively communicating complex ideas.
Further topics include societal misconceptions about play and how redefining it as a state of absorption and joy can benefit both individuals and organizations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of blending academic and experiential insights into accessible narratives while advocating for preserving playfulness in both childhood and adulthood.
Takeaways
Discovering one’s voice through podcasting — It serves as a stepping stone to larger creative endeavors like writing a book.
Play as a state of absorption — It transcends traditional definitions and integrates seamlessly into work and life.
Societal misconceptions of play — Play is often undervalued or misunderstood as frivolity rather than a powerful tool for creativity and connection.
The challenges of combining science and narrative — Effectively communicating technical information in a relatable format is key to engaging diverse audiences.
The role of intentionality in play — Being mindful of joyful moments can help foster resilience and motivation.
The diminishing spaces for childhood play — Early academic pressures risk eroding valuable opportunities for children to experience play’s benefits.
The influence of supportive communities — Collaboration and feedback from others enhance the creative process and provide accountability.
Resources
Return to Play — Brandi’s book exploring play’s role in resilience and creativity.
Daniel Pink — Author who responded to an interview request for insights on play and work.
Seth Godin — Renowned author and entrepreneur who contributed thoughts on play’s impact.
Finite and Infinite Games — James P. Carse’s book referenced for its discussion on play and motivation.
Ryan Fahey Consulting — Book coaching service that supported the creative process of writing.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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How does podcasting serve as a medium for creativity, self-expression, and transformation, and what challenges and insights arise from engaging in this art form?
Podcasting emerges as both a blank canvas and a stage for personal transformation.
It’s the tricky thing about podcasting, is that it’s got a really, super-low barrier to entry, but a super-high barrier to continuation.
~ Jey Jeyendran (7:23)
The discussion begins with an exploration of podcasting as a creative and transformative medium. It highlights the realization that podcasting is more than a simple extension of oneself; it involves curating and presenting a version of oneself that aligns with the needs of the audience. This performative aspect is juxtaposed with the authenticity often touted as essential in podcasting.
Another key topic is the unique challenges inherent in podcasting. While the barrier to entry is low, maintaining momentum and overcoming “pod fade” proves significantly harder. The conversation underscores the importance of feedback, both as a measure of growth and as a motivational tool. However, podcasting often lacks sufficient avenues for such feedback, which can leave creators feeling unmoored.
Jey and Craig also touch on the joy and playfulness that can be rediscovered in podcasting. Through low-stakes exercises like creating short recordings, participants can reconnect with the essence of creative expression without the pressure of perfection. This emphasis on enjoying the process rather than fixating solely on the end product is framed as critical for sustaining passion and avoiding burnout.
Takeaways
Podcasting as a blank slate — A medium requiring creators to blend performance and authenticity effectively.
The challenge of continuation — The difficulty of maintaining podcasting momentum despite its low entry barrier.
Importance of feedback — The role of meaningful feedback in driving improvement and combating doubt.
Embracing playfulness — Rediscovering joy through low-pressure creative exercises.
The transformative aspect — Becoming the version of oneself that fits the podcasting persona.
The focus on process — Loving aspects of the creation process to sustain long-term engagement.
Resources
Radiolab — A podcast known for creating immersive soundscapes.
This American Life — A podcast blending narrative storytelling and unique perspectives.
Derek Sivers — Mentioned for his insight on performance and persona in creative work.
Stephen Pressfield — Referenced for his concept of the “shadow career” and creative pursuits.
Grant Cardone’s Podcast — A source of energy and motivation, particularly for overcoming inertia.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Sometimes, definitely more often than I like to admit, I need to have my attitude adjusted. Like, a giant kick in the ass, adjustment.
Someone once explained to me their self-esteem box idea. Which is, by the way, a frickin’ brilliant idea. Ever since then the idea has rattled around the back of my head. Finally, this idea gelled into something I can use. It goes like this:
Sometimes I find experiences that eject me from Grumpy Land. They are rare, but they are glaringly obvious to me when it happens. POW! Well, that adjusted my attitude. The first part of my idea is to capture those into posts here on the ‘ol blog. (It’s easy to jot a simple note and write a blog post later as I do that a lot already.) This is classic “capture” in action.
The second part is that I’ve created an Attitude adjustments tag, and I’ll be tagging those posts as such. It’s easy for me to get to that tag. (I find it trivially easy to type, off the top of my head, the full URLs to specific tags.)
…and the magic part is a little plugin I found which will bounce me to a random post for a given tag. Depending when you are reading this, there might be 1 or 100 items in that tag, so this may or may not be random and interesting: Random attitude adjustment, please.
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People think that leadership is something that just happens. One is anointed a leader. One is promoted to leadership. One is born into leadership. And of course, this is not the case.
~ Ryan Holiday from, 18 Things I Stole From Some of History’s Greatest Leaders
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Holiday is most famous for his work raising awareness of the ancient, but still very apropos today, philosophy of Stoicism. (Not to be confused with the very different english word, “stoic.”) But this article is all about leadership. It’s a wonderful survey of guide stars. I’m particularly fond of the idea that a leader doesn’t make things worse.
My bias towards taking action… my urge to make a change to make things better… far too often I make things worse. If my life had an omniscient narrator, there’d be a lot of scenes that start with, “Here Craig forgot a hard won lesson. Despite not having a clear idea how to help, he still put his two cents in.” (Cue slow-motion footage of car crash unfolding. Cut to black. Roll end credits.)
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Then I noticed a huge mound of stones stacked on the flat-topped summit, a clearly man-made production, tight as an Inca battlement and resembling a stone obelisk or maybe an altar. How someone scaled that red junker to stack those stones in that manner rather confounded me.
~ John Long from, «https://www.rockandice.com/john-long-tales/john-long-it-started-with-a-pile-of-stones/»
This is an amazing story told about rock climbing— actually it’s about rock not being climbable, except for the fact that people, who were not modern rock climbers clearly did climb these things. A simply amazing story.
Also, and not at all related, some web sites have these visual “hide” affects that tease you with some initial content. Some web sites do that the lazy way, by sending all the content along but then telling your web browser to hide it visually from you. Also, some web browsers have a “readability version” feature that will turn a hot-mess of a web page into easy-to-read text. If you use that feature on one of those sites, you can read all the text. Furthermore, some web sites actually include the full text of things in their RSS feeds even though they hide it if you go to the web page directly. Curiously, all of these things are completely not at all no way nuh-uh related to this article that I’m sharing today.
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How do personal experiences and creative approaches in stand-up comedy and podcasting intersect to explore humor and connection?
The conversation explores the transformative power of combining humor and reflection in stand-up comedy and podcasting.
I’m interested in the kind of laugh you do when you look at things in a new way. Like, you pierce through something, and it’s a new thought people connect to and identify with.
~ Abby Wambaugh (17:59)
The discussion touches on the creative intersections between stand-up comedy and podcasting, focusing on personal expression and audience connection. Abby shares her journey of creating a podcast during the pandemic to explore humor’s societal impact and their later transition into stand-up. Through podcasting, she experimented with audio formats and advertising parodies, which helped her embrace spontaneity and humor.
Another key topic is the role of feedback in creative processes. Stand-up is highlighted for its immediate audience response, contrasting with podcasting’s private, controlled creation. Insights into how humor fosters social connection and challenges perspectives underscore the transformative potential of laughter, with a focus on maintaining kindness in comedy.
Takeaways
Creating humor that builds connection — Stand-up and podcasting are tools for fostering understanding through laughter.
Feedback as a guide — Immediate audience reactions in stand-up provide invaluable lessons for refining material.
Laughter as social glue — People laugh significantly more in shared settings, emphasizing its role in connection.
Experimentation in formats — Exploring unconventional formats like parody ads can inspire creativity.
Kindness in comedy — Avoiding divisive humor reflects a commitment to constructive engagement.
Exploration of identity — Stand-up and podcasting can be platforms to navigate and express personal identity.
Private versus public creation — Podcasting offers a reflective space, while stand-up demands immediate public interaction.
Resources
Why We Laugh podcast — Abby’s exploration of humor and its societal purpose.
Transom — A platform for sharing crafted audio pieces.
Sarah Schaefer — Comedian and podcaster known for creative projects like the Ha Ha Hole.
Casper Addyman — Baby laughter scientist studying the social and developmental roles of laughter.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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What lessons and insights emerge from the process of podcasting, and how do they shape personal growth and creativity?
Sharing inner strength moments evolves into a profound practice of learning and giving.
It’s a great opportunity to learn, and you do it and you can transfer that to other parts of your life.
~ Lizzie Rhodes James (18:25)
The conversation explores the dynamics of podcasting as a platform for sharing insights, personal growth, and creativity. Themes of learning and gratitude are central as the speaker reflects on their podcasting journey, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful and timeless content. The discussion also touches on the process of pausing and reevaluating projects, highlighting the cyclical nature of inspiration and effort.
The technical and creative aspects of podcasting are also discussed, including the routines and systems developed to sustain the work. Lizzie shares experiences of integrating podcasting with other writing platforms, like LinkedIn, and the evolving goals tied to their creative output. Personal habits, such as morning productivity routines, play a significant role in supporting this creative process.
Takeaways
The cyclical nature of creativity — Reflecting on when to pause or continue a project.
The value of timeless content — Creating material that resonates across different periods.
The interplay of gratitude and giving — Sharing experiences to support and inspire others.
The technical evolution of podcasting — Learning from tools and systems developed along the way.
The role of habits in creativity — Establishing consistent routines to foster productivity.
The power of short-form content — Crafting concise yet impactful messages.
The importance of reflection — Stepping back to view the broader themes in one’s work.
Learning through doing — Applying podcasting insights to other areas of life.
Resources
Lizzie’s Inner Strength — A short-form podcast exploring personal growth and resilience.
Lizzie Rhodes James on LinkedIn
Stoic Philosophy — Referenced for its enduring relevance to personal growth.
Timeless principles from ancient literature — Encouraged as a source of wisdom over modern business books.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Listen to some, or all, of Rush’s 1984 live recording from the Grace Under Pressure tour.
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How can individuals integrate nature, education, art, and personal healing into creating positive change for themselves and their communities?
Lindsey Kleinberg advocates for nature play in the most important way; practicing what she preaches. She shares her experiences raising her family through alternative and nature education, and why it’s important to her. Lindsey describes the benefits home gardening, self-care, and how she approaches creating change. She discusses books, blogging, art, and what she hopes to achieve in her community.
When you’re really working on a personal journey, if you are making those steps for positive impact and change, people around you, whether or not they will admit, they start to feel those things.
~ Lindsey Kleinberg (44:22)
Lindsey Kleinberg is an educator, artist, avid gardener, and nature play advocate. She is the founder of the Finding Place LV, a Reggio-inspired micro school whose mission is to reconnect kids with nature. In addition to her Masters degree, Lindsey is certified in many areas, including Nature-based outdoor education and School Garden Coordinator.
The conversation explores how integrating nature, art, and alternative education can foster healing and inspire positive change. Discussing the importance of organic gardening, Lindsey emphasizes the transformative effects of hands-on, sustainable practices in raising children. These practices encourage empathy, environmental stewardship, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Topics also touch on the role of art in healing, with examples of how creative activities—ranging from murals to gardening—can reconnect individuals to themselves and their communities. Lindsey advocates for simple actions, such as planting seeds or creating small garden spaces, to initiate broader personal and societal shifts. A recurring theme is the necessity of self-care to sustain these efforts, ensuring individuals remain grounded and effective in their pursuits.
Takeaways
Planting seeds of change — Small, intentional actions like gardening can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.
Self-care as a foundation — Addressing personal well-being is critical to sustaining efforts for broader change.
Nature as a teacher — Hands-on experiences in nature foster empathy, creativity, and resilience in children and adults.
Art and creativity — Engaging in art is a powerful tool for personal and communal healing.
The ripple effect of change — Personal growth and intentional practices can influence and inspire those around you.
Raising environmentally conscious children — Early exposure to sustainable practices helps develop lifelong habits of stewardship and care.
Balancing digital presence — While online tools can spread awareness, maintaining human connections remains essential.
Holistic education models — Integrating principles from Waldorf and Reggio Emilia philosophies creates dynamic, experiential learning environments.
Resources
Lindsey is the founder of The Finding Place Lehigh Valley
Lindsey’s recent blog post, searching for ‘home’.
Rodale Institute — A leader in regenerative organic agriculture and education.
Julian Is a Mermaid — A children’s book advocating for self-expression and creativity.
Kutztown University’s Program in Regenerative Organic Agriculture — Collaboration with the Rodale Institute to provide a unique degree program.
Waldorf: Environment as teacher, play, storytelling, natural learning
Reggio-Emilio, community learning, art, intergenerational
Let’s Play Books and Now and Then books
Book most often given away: Julián is a Mermaid, Jessica Love
Largest book: Hobbit/Lord of the Rings combo book, Welcome to the Museum series
Book you most want, but can’t get: Iwigara
Interactive art, Juxtahub
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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This might be the range most of us should expect to be in at an intake of 10,000 IU/d. This is the equivalent to the body’s own natural production through sun exposure.
There are other factors that may affect levels. For example, being overweight tends to reduce them. Excess cortisol production, from stress, may also reduce them.
~ Ned Kock from, What is a reasonable vitamin D level?
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…and some days this turns into a bit of a medical blog.
This is mostly a blog post for me, so the next time I search for Vitamin D I can find this article. When Vitamin D supplementation comes up, and I mention that I take 10,000 IU daily… people ask why? …and I cannot remember why. This article from 2010 is why; 10,000 IU is about how much vitamin D my body would make if I lived somewhere sunny and I was a life guard.
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Critically, as Gribbin’s explains, during this period Galileo was also occupied in part by his success in “leading a full and happy life,” in which “he studied literature and poetry, attended the theatre regularly, and continued to play the lute to a high standard.” He was not, in other words, locked up, grinding away in relentless pursuit of results. Yet results are what he did ultimately produce.
~ Cal Newport from, On Pace and Productivity
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Everything wears down, wears out, and wears away. The light that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long. There are cautionary tales about the hedonic treadmill. The tortoise and the hare. The ant versus the oxen; I’ve always liked that aphorism from Lao Tzu.
Let’s grant that the ant walks a great distance, removes debris from the colony, and collects food for 10 ants. Meanwhile, the ox accomplishes nothing. But when he awakes refreshed from his nap, he can plow a field in a few hours. For comparison, how long will it take the ant to plow the field?
I’ve always liked that aphorism from Lao Tzu: It reminds me to always be the dozing Ox.
I am frequently asking myself two questions:
What would world-class look like?
Is this thing I just did world-class?
I may fall short— honestly I think I always fall short of executing world-class. That does not mean I stop asking those questions. That does not mean I stop trying. The mantra is not, “do more!” It’s not, “hurry up!” I am not alone in this thinking:
The constructive evaluation of activities, asset allocations, communications, policies, and procedures against purposes and intended outcomes has become increasingly critical for every organization I know of. The challenges to our companies continue to mount, with pressures coming these days from globalization, competition, technology, shifting markets, erratic economic swings, and raised standards of performance and production, making outcome/action thinking a required twenty-first-century behavior.
“What do you want to have happen in this meeting?” “What is the purpose of this form?” “What would the ideal person for this job be able to do?” “What do we want to accomplish with this software?” These and a multitude of other, similar questions are still sorely lacking in many quarters. There’s plenty of talk in the big meetings that sounds good, but learning to ask, “Why are we doing this?” and “What will it look like when it’s done successfully?” and to apply the answers at the day-to-day, operational level—that will create profound results.
~ David Allen, p272, Getting Things Done circa 1989
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How can podcasting serve as a transformative tool for personal growth, cultural exploration, and creative reinvention?
Transitioning from memoir to fiction reshapes the creative journey of a writer.
I’m fascinated with the cultural differences, the difference between coming from a patriarchal society where there are arranged marriages to the western culture which is far more permissive.
~ Lovelace Cook (11:22)
The conversation highlights the impact of podcasting as a creative outlet, especially during a time of professional and personal challenges. It explores how podcasting offers a sense of balance, enabling the speaker to engage with writing, creativity, and self-expression. Starting from a marketing background, Lovelace integrates various media elements like a blog, podcast, and website into a cohesive brand identity.
The discussion also touches on cultural exploration, particularly through interviews with Indian-American authors. These interactions shed light on cultural contrasts, such as patriarchal norms and societal transitions, and their influence on writing and storytelling. Lovelace reflects on their evolving podcast journey, sharing insights about personal growth and community support through workshops and collaborative spaces.
Takeaways
Podcasting as a creative balance — It can provide structure and inspiration during challenging times.
Evolving creative projects — Ideas often transform significantly from their original conception.
Cultural storytelling — Examining cultural contrasts deepens understanding and enriches narratives.
Community support — Workshops and collaborative environments can significantly enhance creativity and growth.
Writing as a dynamic process — Switching from memoir to fiction can reshape perspectives and storytelling.
Persistence through challenges — Immigrant experiences often involve overcoming expected failures through determination.
Creative influences — Inspiration can come from unexpected sources, such as Bollywood films.
Gratitude for collaboration — Connections made through creative communities often inspire and sustain.
Resources
Joanna Penn’s podcast — A source of inspiration for starting a podcast.
StoryGrid Publishing — A community and methodology for revising novels.
Akimbo Workshops — Collaborative spaces for learning and creative growth.
Purple Lotus — Veena Rao’s novel that won awards and was featured in the podcast.
Scrivener — A tool used for organizing and revising writing.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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What can be learned from reflecting on personal growth and authenticity through the lenses of podcasting and movement?
Exploring the intersection of self-expression and discipline through creative mediums.
Experimentation was key for me. And I think it’s just like, where are you finding the growth?
~ Brandon Douglass (13:04)
This conversation explores the themes of personal growth, authenticity, and creative expression, using podcasting and movement as central mediums. Topics include navigating the gap between public persona and authentic self, the therapeutic and self-reflective aspects of podcasting, and the challenges of overcoming fears both in movement and public speaking. Insights are shared on how the process of self-expression can foster understanding and self-awareness.
The discussion also covers practical aspects of podcasting, such as experimenting with formats, balancing consistency with creativity, and reflecting on past work to identify growth. A significant focus is placed on the importance of intentionality in creative practices and the value of embracing novel approaches to stand out in saturated fields. Movement is presented as both a physical and metaphorical language that enables exploration of different dimensions of self-expression.
Takeaways
The role of fear challenges in fostering personal growth — How embracing fear in movement and creative expression leads to growth.
The gap between public persona and authentic self — Reflections on how podcasting highlights this dynamic.
The therapeutic aspects of podcasting — Using podcasting as a tool for self-reflection and emotional processing.
Experimentation as a path to growth — The value of trying novel approaches to discover new insights.
The interplay of consistency and creativity — Challenging traditional content models to foster innovation.
Movement as a multidimensional language — Exploring different styles and expressions through physical practice.
The value of intentionality — Emphasizing meaningful and deliberate approaches in creative work.
Resources
Height Drop Podcast — A podcast focused on movement, culture, and personal growth.
MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani’s — A podcast format discussed as an inspiration for creative interview styles.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Stone tools were the first invention, dating back to the beginning of that 2.5-million year period, eventually including simple hand tools such as axes and spears. Maybe a million years later or more, other cavemen learned to control fire, and at some point began cooking their food. They lived in tribes, hunting and foraging together, possibly caring for their weak and infirm, and burying their dead. But other than stone tools, fire, and simple tribal behavior, they had almost nothing else, for most of that 2.5 million years—including at least 100,000 years or more of Homo sapiens existing.
~ Jason Crawford from, The beginning
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I often joke that there are three thing I can stare at endlessly: Fire, moving water, and other people working. And I’ve often expressed my theory that it’s the movement of those first two, (the third we’ll leave aside for today,) which is the key to holding my attention. Fire and water both dance semi-predictably; But not so predictably that the movement is easily ignored. There’s always just enough movement to hold my attention.
When I let the idea settle in that we’ve been staring at small fires—fires which literally represented warmth, safety, food and tribal companionship—for about a million years… Actually, a “million” is hard to apprehend. Let’s say, there are 25 years per generation. We’ve been staring at small fires for about 40,000 generations. No wonder I’m staring at this fire. We’ve evolved to be attracted to fire!
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My mom got married today—on her birthday, November 11th. She does read these emails, and so I hope she gets a little thrill when she comes back from her honeymoon.
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