Decision Fatigue
Some might wonder why anyone would go to the trouble of minimizing their wardrobe, simplifying wants, and doing away with the mundane. They might even ask if such notions represent an affront to...
View ArticlePush, Push, Push—Expanding your Comfort Zone
I’m 40 meters underwater. It’s getting cold and dark. It’s only the third dive in my life, but I’m taking the advanced training course, and the Caribbean teacher was a little reckless, dashing ahead,...
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Is There a Method to Achieving Happiness?
Every once in a while, I think I’ve heard enough about Stefan Sagmeister. The darling of the design community, many of his efforts have become seemingly ubiquitous in design annuals, shows, and...
View ArticleLife is a Laughing Matter
It shot up at a 90 degree angle. After 3 or 4 inches, it banked hard and raced back—paying little mind to the bald crater it could no longer mask. This Brylcreem-dependent pompadour was a curious...
View ArticleBringing Our Boardroom to Burning Man
People always ask what Burning Man is about, and it’s a tough question to answer. That’s because it can be whatever you make of it. Stated as simply as I can, it’s an art festival that encourages...
View ArticleWhat’s Your Escape Plan?
Imagine being on a run-of-the-mill flight and suddenly finding yourself torn from your seat and pushed out the door. The recent economic collapse was a bit like this for some. A lucky few were...
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Blisters, Wind, and Gnarly Drivers… A Cycling Odyssey
While you were sitting on the couch, watching True Blood, Geoff was busting his ass. Cycling across the country—from Vancouver, BC, to St. John’s, Newfoundland—he covered a total of 8,400 kilometers,...
View ArticleHow You Will Die
Every time the flight attendants act out their safety instructions, I feel as though I’m partaking in something risky. Odds of dying in a plane crash: 1 in 400,000.* Meeting one’s demise at another’s...
View ArticleThe Shopping Maul
In Canada and America, “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving) is fast approaching. The ominous sounding name is hardly a bad moniker for multi-national corporations, as hoards of consumers flood...
View ArticleWhat to Wear
Buying clothing can be fun: the visceral thrill of all the new colors and textures; the gratification of clerks catering to your whims; the way a garment can make you feel like a different person....
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Friday Finds for January 9th, 2015
You Have too Much Shit is a book by Chris Thomas. Send the PDF to everyone you know. Michael Grab makes bridges and towers of balanced rocks The Oregon Public House is part of the beer-for-charity...
View ArticleHappy: The Film
Although the film is now a couple of years old, I only managed to watch Happy recently. Since then, I’ve referenced it a number of times, and asked my friends to put aside an evening for it. Glad to...
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Write to Learn
“Adam and Eve before the Tree of Knowledge” by Jan Pietersz, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art I don’t feel my age. I’m excited by the many interesting subjects and places I have yet to explore....
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My Neighbor’s Ox
Woonhuis aan Zee, courtesy of Het Nieuwe Instituut As a young man, I confused goals with things. Given the messages found in popular culture, there’s little wonder why. I spent my days painting, and...
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This Family Produces No Household Waste
The Johnsons total household waste in 2014 fit in a quart-sized jar; Image courtesy of Zero Waste Home Late last year, Vancouver instituted a new program. This initiative requires that residents...
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He Was Dying
Image from “The problem of age, growth, and death” by Charles Sedgwick Minot, courtesy of Internet Archive Book Images Our rental car pulls into the parking lot. I have little desire to step out. I’m...
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Friday Finds for January 16th, 2015
Image: Pigs swimming in the Bahamas, courtesy of cdorobek Today marks the end of the second week, of our reboot. Thanks to all of you for returning to take in a post, and send your warm wishes! If...
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We Should Love Things
Image: Lachlan Donald “Love people, use things.” That’s the gist an article Arthur Brooks wrote this past summer. Mostly, I’m with him. Those who define their lives by their possessions are spiritually...
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A Thing is Not a Destination
Image: Forgemind ArchiMedia I abhor knickknacks and objects that clutter my home; but, I’m thankful for my gear. These functional items help me do my work, take in the outdoors, and explore my creative...
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Riding the Bull
Image: Eli Christman If the floor beneath you suddenly starts to shake, you’ll tense up. This reaction is hard-wired into your being. It allows you to assess the potential risk, determine a suitable...
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