Connection

Why it’s better to be a volunteer than an attendee

  Within a space of two weeks, I have volunteered at two events: World Domination Summit and Northwest String Summit. (Interesting coincidence how both events happen to use the word “Summit” in their title.) The two events couldn’t be more different: … Read MoreRead More

Why self-sufficiency is a myth

  The guy at the table was describing his situation growing up. “We were totally off the grid, pumping our own well water and everything. We were totally self-sufficient.” As a suburbs kid, I couldn’t deny that I was impressed. … Read MoreRead More

The lesson I learned from the pre-flight safety announcement

  After a lot of flying, many of the things we endure (security screening, etc) we tend to look at in different ways, the way that saying a word over and over slowly rotates the word in your head until … Read MoreRead More

Who is responsible when a pedestrian is killed?

  My neighbor in New York City was killed a few years ago. She was riding home on her bicycle, and was hit by someone driving an SUV. Criminal charges were never filed against the driver, though he was sued … Read MoreRead More

Year in review 2013: Your top 10 favorite posts

  This site is as much about you as it is about me, so coming off the heels of my top 10 favorite posts for the year, I thought I would also highlight your top 10 favorite posts. As I … Read MoreRead More

Year in review 2013: My top 10 favorite posts

  With the year closing out, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my favorite posts from this year that you may have missed. With two posts a week, that’s over 100 posts, so I’m sure new … Read MoreRead More

Mind the empathy gap

  Take the following scene. You’re in line at the supermarket, behind someone with a full shopping cart. The cart is full of what, to you, seems like some pretty unhealthy food choices. Boxed frozen foods, a huge bag of … Read MoreRead More

Don’t let being alone stop you

  Last time, I talked about how experiences are better shared with people, and in fact can be less important than the people themselves and their camaraderie. But as I was writing, I had a interesting devil’s advocate thought: “That sounds … Read MoreRead More

It’s about the people

  I climbed Mt. St. Helens a few days ago. I’m not bragging, though; it’s not actually a technical climb like you might expect. Despite the snow-covered peak you see north of Portland, peeking (peaking?) out in the distance, you … Read MoreRead More

The true stars of the Seattle to Portland bike ride

  I took part in the Seattle to Portland bike ride this past weekend. The temptation right now is to talk about how you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. That no matter the obstacles, you can do … Read MoreRead More