Be A Part-Time Extremist

Ever consider the thought of becoming vegan?  Entertain joining the “green” revolution by giving up your automobile?  Thought about giving up your technology toys (phone, TV, internet)?  For most of us, the mere idea of going to one of these extreme lifestyles is enough to discard the possibility forever.  In the last year, while traveling,
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My Dough Girl Good. Pillsbury Bad.

Last week, I visited Tami Cromar, owner of My Dough Girl, the gourmet cookie shop in Salt Lake City that is facing legal pressure from Pillsbury® to change its name. I felt a follow-up to my earlier blog post on the matter was appropriate. After talking with Tami for an hour and after following all
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Adventures In The Public Library

After spending most of the past year traveling the world, I have a renewed appreciation for libraries. No other country can boast the accessibility, variety, and depth of US public libraries. We have librarians to thank for being such fierce protectors of free speech and press, and brave enough to pursue materials that might offend
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Thoughtful Stereotyping

Several months ago, I wrote about stereotyping and why it is helpful for personal safety. Stereotyping has always bothered me in that so many people stereotype stereotypes as being horrible, mean, nasty ideas that should be banished from existence. Today I want to repeat my belief in the benefits of stereotyping, particularly when approached thoughtfully.
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Day of Reflection

Yesterday was Nyepi, or Lunar New Year. Nyepi is a distinctly Balinese Hindu tradition, in which no “fires” (lights) are to be used, no one is to be outside houses, and everyone is to spend time meditating or reflecting. I spent my day reading the last 400 pages of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath,
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Global Ignorance Is Bliss: Thinking Locally

I have a confession to make: I am ridiculously well versed on current events, but believe that following so many things so emotionally, yet powerlessly,  actually takes away from my energy and daily enjoyment. Something I have been trying this year, especially since beginning my second round of travels the last half of January, is
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The Law of Diminishing Returns: Finding the Balance

When is enough enough? When is something quality or excellent? Is there even really such thing as perfection? Does the level of effort put into a project always have to be high? These are questions I ask myself when working projects. Unfortunately, my actions don’t always correlate with my answers. Finding a healthy balance in
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The Southeast Asia Oreo Diet®1

Lose inches FAST! Drop pounds NOW! Eat anything available including a daily dose of Oreos®! For a limited time only, this diet is available COMPLETELY FREE! Willing subjects are needed to validate this revolutionary diet! Here are the steps: Travel to SE Asia2, finding accomodation2 in rural areas. Get a good night’s sleep every night.
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The Upside of Traveling Alone

Have you ever had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something so funny or profound that it could never be repeated, and immediately afterward wished a friend were there to share it? Me, too. Traveling with another has to be the best way to build a better friendship, share interesting memories, and look out for the safety and
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Cash in Your Lottery Ticket!

I won the lottery when I was born an American. Most readers here are probably winners, too. Many Americans, however, never realize the value of their winnings. Have you cashed in your ticket or have you taken for granted your potential as an American citizen? There is no other country that infuses its citizens with
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