I was talking to someone today about soft power, and an hour of me giving advice and workshopping things came down to: Build trust by working in the open and asking people for feedback. Praise them for their contributions, often. Talk to people and ask their preferred work style, and respect it. You build trust… Continue reading A Quick Friday Thought on Soft Power
Coming Out
Two years ago, I wrote about our kids coming out. Well, it’s National Coming Out Day again and I have stuff to talk about. That last post was about preparing for your kid coming out to you, but I think it’s worth preparing ourselves for anyone we care about coming out to us – because… Continue reading Coming Out
On Squid Game
I’m going to put my thoughts about Squid Game below my list of other things you should check out, but first… if you liked it, here are some shows I think you’ll like! Alice in Borderland (Netflix) – The acting and backstories in Squid Game are better, but I liked the premise and WTF factor… Continue reading On Squid Game
Random Pandemic Thoughts
This isn’t really a retrospective, because it ain’t over, but we’re doing a relfection on how we’ve been affected by COVID at work today, so I decided to write some things down before the meeting so my thoughts are in some kind of order. I’m sharing it here because, well, I wrote it down. Now… Continue reading Random Pandemic Thoughts
Browsing For Work
I have a lot of personas when I’m at the computer. There’s me, the person, who has social media accounts and personal email and an Amazon account and various streaming services. There’s work me, who has gmail and a million github tabs open. There’s TechSAV me, and several SKTCS versions of me. All of them… Continue reading Browsing For Work
Write Your Reps
Yesterday, my representative objected to the electors from Georgia based on nothing more than rumors. He continues to support Trump, and well, that’s unacceptable. I wrote him this afternoon. If Buddy Carter is your rep, I think you should let him know how you feel. Dear Mr. Carter, Your objection to the electors from Georgia… Continue reading Write Your Reps
Strong Ties, Weak Ties, No Ties
Doug March sent me this Nieman Lab piece by Ben Collins that asks some good questions, but doesn’t have many answers. I keep thinking of our web of social connections that’s been tattering for a while; I think a lot of peoples’ just completely collapsed during COVID. Without that web of strong and weak ties… Continue reading Strong Ties, Weak Ties, No Ties
My Favorite Songs of 2020
I don’t even have anything pithy to say about 2020. Everyone’s already said it, and everyone knows it, so it doesn’t need to be said. But, on the bright side, a lot of great music was released this year! Every year, I keep a playlist of songs I like that were released that year. It’s… Continue reading My Favorite Songs of 2020
Clinging to This
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” Rabbi Tarfon I don’t really have much else to say right now.
The Wonder of Pantry Staples
Jen wasn’t feeling well, so I made dinner tonight in between work things. It worked, but it got me thinking about how much easier life is when you have a pantry of staples you can throw together to make something yummy. Tonight’s recipe was a Mexican-inspired pork stew. Measurements are going to be difficult, but… Continue reading The Wonder of Pantry Staples