Archive for April 2014
15 thoughts from a Moth StorySLAM
I told a story on Wednesday night at The Moth’s StorySLAM at Housing Works in New York City. The theme of the night was Secrets. I was lucky enough to win with a childhood story about discovering that Santa Claus wasn’t real (and uncovering an even worse secret as a result). Here are some thoughts…
Read MoreDid we buy this for the cat or the boy?
Photoshop? No.
I know. I couldn’t believe it either. But this photo (did you even think it was a photo?), which you have probably seen a thousand times (the Windows XP default wallpaper), is the real thing, unadulterated and untouched in any way. Here’s the story behind the wallpaper from the man who took the photograph.
Read MoreCharlie says yes to chocolate-covered matzo
How lucky we are to have a wife and mother who makes so many delicious foods for us.
Read MoreCompletely cringe-worthy and painful to watch(unless you’re mean like me)
This is undoubtedly the worst Wheel of Fortune performance of all time. This poor guy will never live this down. He will never forgive himself. First one million dollars. Then a car. Then $7500. It’s hard to watch, unless of course you’re mean like me. If this is the case, you may find yourself watching…
Read MoreDon’t even try to invade North Hampton
If you plan on invading a small, New England town anytime soon (and who isn’t?), I suggest that you avoid targeting North Hampton, Massachusetts. I was in North Hampton recently for a performance with The Moth. In the center of town, at the top of a hill, is City Hall, complete with crenelated towers and…
Read MoreDictionary revision required
I would like to propose replacing the dictionary definition of the word “joy” with this image.
Read MoreSpite is good. Science agrees. Tim Martin agrees.
The New York Times recently published a piece entitled Spite is Good. Spite Works. Research seems to indicate that human decency and cooperation require “a certain degree of so-called altruistic punishment: the willingness of some individuals to punish rule breakers even when the infraction does not directly affect them — challenging the guy who broke…
Read MoreWriters Abroad and perhaps a writing program for adults, too?
For the last month, Elysha and I have been designing a summer camp for young writers called Writers Abroad. The Hartford Courant recently ran a piece about it. As of this week, we’re pleased to announce that more than half of the spots have been filled and we’ve received inquires that may fill most of…
Read MoreChipotle and education: Upside-down organizations where the best people are removed from the most important positions
This piece on how Chipotle develops their management team is fascinating. Essentially, the company builds from within, plucking cashier, cooks and other highly effective, downstream employees and rapidly elevating them through training and incentives to management positions. Last year, nearly 86% of Chipotle’s salaried managers and 96% of hourly managers were the result of internal…
Read More