I recently read Malcolm Gladwell’s new book Outliers , a fresh perspective on genius and success. Gladwell's central aim is to challenge the notion that individuals who are at the top of their field got there by sheer talent and hard work. He argues convincingly that there are number of external factors outside of the…
Cash incentives to join a social network? Tacky or smart?
I just got this message from a certain virtual world-focused social network. Is this a clever means of boosting your membership numbers or fake engagement? Welcome to our first [redacted] Membership Drive. To enter simply invite friends and colleagues you know and who might be interested, to join the [redacted] through your [redacted] 'invite a…
Clearing my head in Clearlake State Park
Today I returned from a wonderful weekend camping trip with my family in Clearlake State Park in Northern California. For three days, I've been completely offline — with no internet, no Twitter, and no cell phone service. It has been a nice break honestly. I was invited by my cousin Ryan to join a group…
Perpetual Worship in the Ether
How does a Quaker stay centered, living in the Light, as he lives his daily life in this complex and noisy world? It’s a question I struggle with often. During Meeting for Worship, I feel such a strong connection to the Divine, to my fellow Quakers, and to life in general. And yet it only…
Umi Nom brings Pan Asian delicacies to Clinton Hill
Chef King Phojanakong, the wizard behind the Filipino tapas joint Kuma Inn in the Lower Eastside, has recently opened a new Pan Asian restaurant in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Christened "Umi Nom" (Filipino for "to drink"), the new spot is at the corner of Classon and DeKalb Avenues, just a stones throw from Pratt University (Google…
Lindy hop in the news in Iceland (video)
Here's a news story on Iceland television about the Arctic Lindy Exchange, a week-long dance event in Reykjavik which just finished. I love the extended dance footage, but I wonder why it goes on for so long? Anyone who speaks Icelandic want to translate for me?
America’s Best Dance Crew Season 4 kicks off! (video)
America's Best Dance Crew (Season 4) – MTV Shows Now that season 5 of "So You Think You Can Dance" has finished (congrats, Jeannine!), it's time to move on to my favorite dance show on TV "America's Best Dance Crew." Season 4 kicked off last night on MTV, and the first full episode is already…
“Second Skin” documentary explores the highs and lows of gamer culture
My friend Josephine and I just saw a screening of the new MMORPG gamer documentary "Second Skin." For people who want to understand better the remarkable growth of online games over the past five years, what makes them so compelling, and how they effect the lives of their most avid fanatics, "Second Skin" is a…
Quaker Service erupts into dance party! (video)
Here's a really cute music video that has been flying around the Quaker online community, directed by Ben Schiller featuring Quaker musician Jon Watts. Who says Quakers don't dance? I want to go to THAT Meeting for Worship. That said, I wish the content were a bit more accessible to non-Quakers. Rapping about our internal…
Baby Soda Jazz Band in Washington Square Park today (video)
I played hookie from work for an hour to catch the Baby Soda Jazz Band playing in Washington Square Park today. Baby Soda is always a joy to see and almost impossible not to dance to, particularly when they are joined by the inimitable Meschiya Lake of New Orleans on vocals like they were today. …