I've been keeping myself way too busy lately, catching up on a lot of personal things, planning an insane trip to Thailand for New Years, and also working hard on a new eCommerce site I'm building. Oh, and not to mention working my normal job.

But for now, I just want to share a few Friday Funnies. Enjoy!

Low Resolution Girl - Halloween costume
http://kindacarsick.com/post/230881676

Pimp My Jet - Costa Rican Style
http://matadornights.com/pimp-my-jet/

Religion Flowchart - Which one are you?
Religion Flowchart

Opening bottle of wine with shoe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s89FqNpXO4&feature=player_embedded


Related Links:
Friday Interesting Links

Labels: interesting, link-friday, random

I'm pretty sure that come Friday everyone is looking for something besides work to do, so I've decided to start a new feature here that I'll publish every Friday morning. I guess for a lack of anything better to call it, I'll call it my Friday Interesting Links until I can come up with something better. If you have any you want to share, let me know, and I'll be sure to credit you for bringing it to my attention.

So here are my votes for this week, just a few I've found that are worth sharing:

Videos
India Monkey King scales new heights - YouTube video, 1:35
You'll never do this on a bike - YouTube video, 6:21 via Wend Magazine
Hanuman the traveling cat - LonelyPlanet.tv video, 2:58
New Wedding Dance - YouTube video, 5:09

Articles
Denver Post Barefoot Running Debate - Barefoot running article, thx barefoot ted
How to send food back at a restaurant - Bohemian Revolution

Labels: interesting, link-friday, random

Photo credit: juicyraiI found this article about how to send food back at a restaurant over at Bohemian Revolution, and I think it's great advice. For a lot of people, this is trivial information, but it's always good being reminded that it's ok to send food back if you are not happy, and that there is a way to do it without being a jerk.

How to send food back at a restaurant

Labels: how-to, interesting, personal development, tips

The other day Chris Guillebeau at The Art of Noncomformity posted a really interesting article about social networking for introverts. It really struck me because I tend toward being introverted myself. And in one of the comments, someone said something that really resonated with me. Nicole from Just Make It Better noted that someone she knew would say

It’s not that I don’t like being around people, it’s just that I prefer to be around the ones that I like.

And that pretty much explains me.

I am good at conversation and I enjoy being around people, the catch is I have to like them to have a good time. In the past I have been told that I can be a bit standoff-ish or unfriendly, to which I say, I am neither, it's just that I have to know you first. Chris says in his article that when he is seated on an airplane next to people he may not have much in common with that "sometimes we’ll talk and sometimes we won’t, and either way is fine with me."

All of this makes perfect sense to me. However, I think that there are extroverts who don't quite understand this mentality, they think this behavior tends towards anti-social. They thrive on conversation, and on meeting new people, whether or not there is any mutual connection. Whereas for me, when I meet new people I have no problem with chit chat, but once I know that there isn't much in common, I become bored and the conversation can get strained. For me to be stimulated and to really enjoy someone's company, I need a deeper connection. I don't mean a sexual or intimate connection, but I need to know that the person I'm speaking with really understands me, and then the conversation can go on for hours. I have had several friends like this in the past, and spending time with them was always great. We would debate and philosophize and talk about dreams and aspirations and life and bounce topics off each other. But when I don't feel that connection, I am ok with being alone. And enjoying solitude is a scary thought for some people, but that's another topic altogether.

So to get back to Chris' article, the thing that is really profound is that the majority of the people who commented on his post seemed to share the common trait of being introverts. Maybe there is some correlation? Maybe he attracts fellow introverts? Who knows. But maybe a reason we introverts can embrace social networking so well is because it allows us to create the deeper connections that we thrive on more easily. Another thing of note is that I'd say most of Chris' followers are independent, motivated, and intelligent people.

Certainly all people I'd like to call my friends, in real life or not.


Related Links:
Social Media Makes Us Approachable

Labels: interesting, personal development, social networking, thinking

I've found another blog I like, so I figured I'd share it. I'll give another little shout out on Monday regarding what led me to Nicole's blog, Just Make It Better, but for now I want to pass this article along.

I won't waste my time paraphrasing what she wrote, but I will say she's right on regarding what she says about being yourself and doing what makes you happy. And she also points out a couple of the traps that we (myself included) fall into when it comes to following the rules even if it doesn't benefit us.

It's not how it's done, it's how you do it.

Labels: interesting, personal development

Shantaram
Gregory David RobertsAs promised last week, here is my review for one of my favorite books of all time, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.

The book is very long, over 900 pages (!), but because it is so action packed it can be a quick read if you have the time to let yourself get involved. In brief, the book is about a man who escapes prison in New Zealand and ends up in Bombay working as a slum doctor. Thus the book is about the life he build in Bombay, and follows him over several years, first as a slum doctor, then moving on to mafia man and then mujahadeen fighter. The twists and turns of the plot make you want to keep reading, never knowing what will happen next. What makes this even more interesting is that, while fictional, much of what happens is based on experiences from Roberts' life. In real life Roberts had been a former heroin addict who managed to escape from prison in Australia and ended up in India. There is debate as to which events in the book are true and which are not, however Roberts claims that most of it is fiction. Never the less, there is at least some that is based on true events, and the book is sure to hold you attention.

In real life Roberts is ultimately recaptured to serve out the remainder of his prison sentence, and it is during this time that he wrote much of the novel, which makes the story even more amazing. There are many parts of the story that seem like they could be exaggerated, scenes that you wonder if could ever have really taken place, but the reality is it doesn't matter since this book is a novel, and a great one at that. He manages to write in such a way that as the reader you feel like you are experiencing the heart and soul of Bombay, and being taken to places that you will likely never venture on your own.

Shantaram is a real piece of work, and I would highly recommend it to most anyone, especially if you have an interest in adventure, travel and/or India. That said, there are parts that contain extremely violent events, so keep that in mind before picking it up. But if you choose to read it, you will not be disappointed.

Related Links:
My Top 10 Books

Labels: books, interesting, random, reading

Thanks to Matador for pointing me to this series of photos, "Intolerable Beauty, Portraits of American Mass Consumption" by Chris Jordan. It definitely makes you think about how much we as a society use, and more importantly, waste. In addition to this photo of cell phones, there are photos of enormous piles of cigarette butts, old hard drives, old cars, sawdust, bottles, and more. Go over and check them out.

Labels: consumption, interesting, trash

Photo credit Matt HammI have been thinking a lot lately about how social media has changed how we communicate. But not in the way you might think. It is obvious that sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have changed the game, but not only have these platforms made everyone connected in simple, straight forward and immediate way, I think they have also made the majority of people more accessible and approachable. Of course this has some obvious downsides like spam and stalkers, but now our worlds are much smaller and people who would have otherwise been unable to be contacted can now be located and contacted in less than a minute. Obviously, this has downsides too, but I'm focusing on the positive aspects. In a way, it has leveled the playing field for everyone since there are all sorts of people from all walks of life and of varying degrees of success all using these same platforms of communication.

Every day I take in quite a bit of media, including blogs, Twitter feeds, news, and also good old fashioned books and magazines. In the past (before online social media), there were distinct lines of separation between people and all the different medias of the time. There were publishers and consumers, writers and readers, and most everyone belonged to some group or category, whether it was based on their career, what they read, or what they did for work. But now, no matter how we fit into the picture, most anyone who does anything online is just a tiny piece of this great social media puzzle. From CEOs to cubicle drones, Hollywood stars to high school geeks, once we starting tweeting or reconnecting with friends on Facebook, we're all in the same game.

I've had this thought several times before, but it all came together for me today. What prompted it is this book I'm currently reading, Born to Run. In brief, the book is about running, the Tarahumara people of Mexico, ultra marathoners, and the art of running. So as I'm reading, I note the different people the author mentions, then it hits me... This is a non fiction book, I wonder if I can get some background on these people online? Next think you know I find the Facebook page of one person in the book, the Twitter feed of another, and the blog of another! I mean, ten years ago could you read about someone in a book, and then go find their personal ramblings online? Of course not! There was barely even an internet then.

Another book I've recently read is Scott Stoll's Falling Uphill. In the past I would have never thought twice about how to even contact someone who had written a book that I've quite enjoyed reading, but after a blog post I wrote about the book several weeks ago, he's now following me on Twitter!

Chris Guillebeau, internet rock star and non conformist, found a post of mine where I linked to him, and he sent me a direct email message thanking me. (Side note, he replies to everyone who messages him, whether on his site or on Twitter.)

I mean seriously, when I was a kid it would take some time to work up the courage to send a letter to my favorite basketball players to ask for autographs (not to mention the time it took to find the contact info and write the letter by hand), and if I received a response within a month or two I was ecstatic. Now, I could send Shaquille O'Neal a tweet and he'd probably reply to me in less than 24 hours.

Even something as simple as a comment thread on a blog can bring together different people who have never met for random dialogue. This simple interaction is something that would have been virtually impossible years ago. There are blogs that I follow and comment on where this happens regularly, and there are people online who I've never met or even spoken to who I would consider friends.

There are a million examples to illustrate these points, and most certainly there are downsides too. I'm sure that some of this online interaction has become a substitute for just walking outside and chatting with people the old fashioned way. Hell, I'm guilty of this too. Have we lost some of our innocence in this? Is it a good thing to be a little nervous to contact someone who is very successful, or to approach one of our idols? Or is it good that the playing field is now even, and that even if it's a perverse sort of approachability, we're all equals if we want to be? There are plenty of people who don't get this online interaction and are leery of it. My girlfriend doesn't quite buy into it yet. And I know there are plenty of others out there who don't as well. To many people, there is something about being "friends" with someone you've never met, or acting like you know someone based on their daily ramblings, that can certainly be a little weird.

The internet, and especially social media, is a weird beast. It takes normal everyday people, brings some of them extraordinary success, rockets others to superstar status overnight, while allowing them to still be your neighbor in relative anonymity, and without the paparazzi. Hell, Dooce was just named number 26 on the list of most influential women of all time.

What do you think? Have our perspectives just changed? Other thoughts?

Labels: interesting, internet, lifestyle, random, thinking

Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek and Tarahumara runner
Photo credit: not sure, I think hereMy new interest. Well, an interest maybe, but that's about where it ends. I do run, but typically only 3 miles at a time. Hardly even a 5K, never mind an ultra marathon. Though I do love the idea of being able to run long distance, it is just so raw and primal and is truly the way we were meant to get around. But is it really possible for anyone to run 100 miles at a time?

I've been reading the book Born to Run and it's just amazing. I'd heard of Dean Karnazes and ultra marathoning in the past, but sort of just figured he was some super human guy and there were only a few crazies out there who did this sort of running. But after flying through the first half of this book in just a few days, I'm wondering if it really is true that anyone is capable of running great distances. Not only does the book thus far tell the interesting story of the Tarahumara natives of Mexico who regularly run distances of 100+ miles, but there are a few profiles of other some interesting people who actually do this sort of running regularly too.

The most I've ever run at a time is when I did a half marathon three years ago, and that took 3 months of training to be able to complete. And for me that was tough, as I've never been a runner and never found running that enjoyable. But maybe there is something to it, a technique that most people just can't figure out. I know that since I've started running semi regularly, I've been able to adjust my technique to a point where I can do it a bit easier, though conditioning is still my issue.

Maybe I'll try it barefoot or with sandals like the Tarahumara. I'll get on it right after my calf heals from when I pulled it running last week...

Labels: adventure, inspiration, interesting, lifestyle, running

Photo credit: fr1zzThis post may be a little too new-agey or "out there" for most of you, in fact it's even a little too new-age for me too. But I've been having some interesting coincidences in my life happen recently that I can't ignore. They are related to the 11:11 phenomenon. Before you write me off as someone who's losing his mind, let me also say that I am not an overly spiritual person, nor am I into metaphysics or anything like that.

According to Wikipedia:

Numerologists believe that events linked to the time 11:11 appear more often than chance or coincidence. This belief is related to the concept of synchronicity. Other authors believe it is an auspicious sign, and others that it signals a spirit presence.

I have always heard of coincidences with numbers, and have had them happen before in the past, and quite honestly I always attributed them to confirmation bias. But lately I have been having a LOT of weird 11:11 coincidences and it seems that it's more than just coincidence, though I'm still not entirely sure.

I had never heard of the concept of 11:11, but a few months back I read an article by Steve Pavlina, and to be honest, I kind of laughed it off as a little kooky. Not that I don't think there are "signs" or other things in our lives that can help us confirm our thoughts or feelings, but I'm still a bit skeptical of anything too radical or seemingly "out there". Mind you, I read Steve's article months ago, so it's not as is the topic was fresh in my mind. Which is part of what is nagging at me now, since I'm seeing all these coincidences, I think that maybe it could be more than confirmation bias. I don't know about it being a bridge or a pathway to another reality or anything like that, but I'm starting to believe there just may be some message behind it. If nothing else, perhaps something my subconscious is trying to tell me.

This started happening maybe a week or so ago, and I've had quite a few moments of 11:11 coincidences happening since then:

• Almost daily while I'm at work I check the time while at my desk and it's 11:11. This had never happened before that I can remember, but now it's almost daily.
• The other day I decided to do some Googling about the 11:11 topic, and while I was reading an article I had this feeling and I said to myself, wouldn't it be funny if it just happened to be 11:11 right now? So I looked over at my clock and it was exactly 11:11
• A few days back I was microwaving lunch while at work, and I left the kitchen and then came back and walked over to stop it to check my food, after I stopped it I checked to see how much time was left, and 1 minute and 11 seconds were left
• I stayed up late the other night to work on the computer after my girlfriend went to bed, when I got into bed I rolled over to check the time, and it was 11:11.
• I typically get hungry sometime between one and two o'clock for lunch, and I looked to see the time the other day and it was 1:11
• Was online paying bills the other night, pulled out my debit card. Expiration date? 11/11
• I took a $20 bill out of my wallet the other day, and someone had written in pen on the bill the number 11, really big...
• My girlfriend likes the band Rodrigo and Gabriela (check out their website), I just recently found out that they have a new album called 11:11 with 11 songs on it coming out this fall. Additionally, I found out that Regina Spektor, an artist who I like, has a CD called 11:11 too. (I realize these aren't really coincidences, but it is interesting that I found them both out this week.)

I know this probably is making me sound a little nuts, but there have been even more than this, and it's just been really strange to me, since like I said, I don't usually look for these coincidences or number patterns, and the topic was not even on my mind recently. I'm not sure how to interpret this, but I am trying to be more aware of my thoughts and what is happening around me to see if there is any insight I might be able to find that may be related to these occurrences.

Labels: 1111, interesting, random

I've had strawberries growing in my garden for a few months, but unfortunately have only been able to eat a few because they seem to disappear from the plant the day they reach optimal ripeness. I've just chalked it up to the birds or the ants, though I did catch my cat lurking in the garden too. And I'd be surprised if a colony of ants could make a strawberry disappear, but who knows?

But the other morning I had quite a surprise. Every single jalapeno on my jalapeno plant had disappeared. There were probably 10 or more that were an inch or two long last time I looked. This was definitely not the work of ants, nor was it due to the cat or dogs. Is it possible that the birds at all of them?

I did do a google search and saw that birds can eat hot peppers no problem as the heat of it does not affect them. But wow, has this happened to anyone else before?

Additionally, now a small cucumber has gone missing, as have the buds on my pea plants. I can only guess that this is the birds. Is there a way to keep them out of the garden without having to cover it with chicken wire or something like that? Do scarecrows really work?

Labels: garden, interesting, pests, random

Image credit: Letz DesignI figured I'd share interesting article about drought tolerant landscaping, known as Xeriscaping, that I found via my Ode Magazine Newsletter. It's especially relevant since I live in San Diego at a house with a lawn that uses irrigation. It's not very detailed about specific plants that can be used for making changes, but it is definitely food for thought.


View article here: Yanking out lawns saves water and money

Interesting side note: I started thinking about writing this post the other day while at work. Ironically, as I was pondering drought tolerant landscapes and the water shortages and new water rationing rules here in San Diego, I looked out the window into Petco Park to see them watering the dirt in preparation for the night's baseball game. My office is located in such a position that we can see down into the ball field, and I think based on what we see it's safe to say that they are one of the biggest water wasters around. Even next to the ball park is a public park, my guess under the same management, and it is watered so frequently that you sometimes can't even walk in the grass because it's so squishy from over watering. Nice job city of San Diego.

Related Links:
Succulents, perennials make a colorful drought-tolerant team
How the neighbors are coping

Labels: conservation, interesting, San Diego, water

Do I need to say more? Follow the link for the story. Thanks for another laugh Wend Magazine!

Stoned Wallabies Make Crop Circles

Labels: interesting, random

Photo credit: cizauskasI grew up in the Northeast, where there were a lot of microbreweries, so I got past drinking Bud and Coors pretty early on. Since I've been with my girlfriend who used to work at one of the best beer pubs in San Diego, I've been introduced to even better beer. I've since learned two things about San Diego that I didn't know before. 1) It is home to one of the biggest craft beer markets in the country and 2) it is well known for producing some of the hoppiest beers in the country. My college days were spent in breweries back east, and now almost ten years later I have gotten my second schooling on beer; not in breweries but in brew pubs, and have been introduced to some of the tastiest beers that not only San Diego, but the entire West Coast, has to offer.

Being environmentally minded though, the one thing I noticed was that options for organic craft beers, or at least beers produced with organic hops, was limited. But now thanks to a very informative write up by Wend Magazine, I have learned a lot more about craft brewing, and most interestingly, how more often than not craft brewing can be inherently sustainable due to its very nature, even if it is not certified organic. I'm not saying that I wouldn't like to see more organic brews out there, but supporting local and small businesses that in turn also buy and support local is better than the alternatives.

Check out the full Wend Mag article about sustainable, craft brewing here

Labels: beer, interesting, organic, sustainable

If you are into sports, basketball, or just like seeing people with some pretty interesting talents, spend two minutes watching this video.

When I was younger I played a lot of basketball, and spent a lot of time trying to come up with interesting ways to shoot a basket, so I definitely can appreciate this video. And I know some people will say he probably makes one out of a hundred, but regardless, to make one of these shots at all is pretty impressive.

Enjoy.

Labels: basketball, interesting, random

A few weeks ago I came across this video on YouTube, which I've posted below. It's a video made by a guy named Christoph Rehage from Germany who had the goal to walk from Beijing to Germany. From the looks of his blog, The Longest Way, it looks like currently he is not walking, but is at university. Also, it doesn't appear that he has completed the entire trip just yet, but walking over 4000KM is quite a feat none the less.

Here on Idealist Cafe I would like to start profiling inspirational blogs and websites, so if you have one or know of one, feel post in the comments or email me. I would love to hear about any journeys or adventures that are outside of the box and are inspirational. They don't have to necessarily be about pushing physical limits, as I am also interested in stories that create a greater connection with humanity or show what is possible if only we follow our dreams.

Enjoy the video. (If video doesn't show up, you're probably reading from a feed and need to visit the page.)

Labels: adventure, fear, inspiration, interesting, travel, unconventional living

Thanks to Brave New Traveler for the laugh today. I got a kick out of this and as much as it seems interesting, they are probably right, I don't want to see that sign.

Hijacking Hotspot - South Africa - Road sign you do not want to see

Labels: interesting, travel