Gift giving creates a lot of anxiety in our lives. Or maybe just in mine. I hate the obligation and second-guessing that surrounds birthdays, holidays, special occasions, and invented special occasions. This goes for friends, family, colleagues, and romantic partners. … Continue reading
Since returning from San Francisco last week, I’ve been enjoying the presence of two mourning doves outside my apartment. There are few trees where I live in Over the Rhine (downtown Cincinnati), so I’m surprised that any birds are nesting … Continue reading
I’ll start by saying that I have always advised writers in good faith. I would never suggest a writer undertake something harmful, obstructive, or a waste of time. But lately I’ve started idly imagining how my favorite author, Alain de … Continue reading
My recent post on romance inspired beautiful comments, both on this blog and on my Facebook page. One of my favorite observations came from Beth Leslie: “The person who we choose to empathize with is the person we love … … Continue reading
From “Beyond the Elevator Speech” by Michael Carroll, Shambhala Sun (March 2010) My survey indicates that most of us think we want to be happy, successful, and stress-free at work, but we also know that such aspirations are wishful thinking. We all … Continue reading
From “We Can Measure the Power of Charisma”, Q&A with Alex Pentland, Harvard Business Review (Jan-Feb 2010); read full article at HBR site. The more successful people are more energetic. They talk more, but they also listen more. They spend more … Continue reading
Rainbow Over the Ohio River (Cincinnati) I have been categorized by best friends—as well as by significant others—as “not romantic.” I’m always surprised when someone makes this observation, because (of course) I find myself to be ridiculously, if silently, romantic. … Continue reading
Go through your phone book, call people and ask them to drive you to the airport. The ones who will drive you are your true friends. The rest aren’t bad people; they’re just acquaintances. (Jay Leno) I’ve always loved this … Continue reading
From “Man of Extremes”, a profile of James Cameron by Dana Goodyear, in The New Yorker (October 26, 2009) Cameron behaves as if he were the embattled protagonist of one of his own films—an ordinary Joe beaten on the anvil … Continue reading