To Shill or Not to Shill?

Recently I saw an article on ESPN about former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling. Apparently he’s considering running for senator from Massachusetts in a few years. His decision was considered somewhat controversial because he owned a video game company that received a $75 million loan guarantee to move to Rhode Island in 2010, only to go bankrupt … Read more

What Is Your Favorite Position? (for working)

Recently I noticed something about the way I work: I prefer doing different types of work in different positions. Creative work (writing, prototyping, future planning): Sitting down at my desk. Logistical work (spreadsheeting, Skyping): Standing up at my desk (it’s a sit/stand desk). Brainstorming (game design/development): Turning off my computer and sitting at a separate … Read more

Is Generosity an Indicator of Success?

In a recent episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Jerry Seinfeld asks Lorne Michaels (7:20), “How did you see in Jimmy Fallon that there was a talk-show host in him?” Michaels replies (I’m paraphrasing here), “He’s truly funny, and he’s incredibly talented, obviously, but he also is generous. I’ve been thinking about that line ever since … Read more

Is Life Easier If All of Your Clothes Are the Same?

Every morning/afternoon when I get dressed, I spend about 67 seconds selecting my outfit for the day based on my mood, activities that day, and availability of clean clothes. 67 seconds isn’t much, but is that time and mental energy I could better spend on other things? Steve Jobs (who I generally try not to emulate) thought … Read more

Would You Want to Live at Work?

A few days ago when I read the following article–“From WeWork to WeLive: Startup moves members into its first residential building”–I bookmarked it because it seemed like a pretty novel concept. It read to met that a company was offering housing to employees, presumably to build community, reduce commutes, and blur the line between business and … Read more

Is a Bigger Staff Better?

The other day I was watching an online clip of Conan O’Brien involving him talking to various staff members on the show. In one of the conversations, he revealed that the show employs over 180 people. That number surprised me. 180 people working to create 1 hour of content a night? How is that possible? … Read more