Tuesday, December 08, 2020

MONOLITH DISCOVERED IN NORCROSS


At lunch I stopped by the bank. Took longer than expected. Then to a store where I found a cool cotton Grizzlies shirt for the summer. Light blue button up, that you leave untucked. When I returned to work I discovered a monolith on my desk.

Have received two Christmas cards. Both the cards we've received at home had a family photo, but still it's the message that's key. One has Christmas greetings with Bible verses. Another from a guy that grew up in church. Says "Merry" and other Christmasy words, but no mention of Christmas or Jesus.  Was just handed a card from a company in Nashville, with a large MERRY CHRISTMAS on the front. Most cards from companies don't mention Christmas.

Of course I haven't seen our card yet. Anna was working on it last night, after meeting a friend at Beetlecat. Matthew brought them out a couple of dishes.

Ceil got a small Christmas tree from Whole Foods. Small group with two other guys, in a big room. Got home at 8:30. Watched a couple more Seinfeld episodes from season two.

Dan and Karen Toholsky's daughter Lila got married this past Saturday.

Trying to decide where to eat tonight and tomorrow night. Several deals. Ruby Tuesday has a $5 burger & tots on Tuesdays. Wendy's has two free burgers with purchase. Got a free shake coupon for Steak & Shake. Can get a triple burger and fries for $4.00. 

A nine pound goldfish was found in a pond near Greenville SC. 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/giant-9-pound-goldfish-found-in-south-carolina-lake/ar-BB1bJLL1?ocid=entnewsntp  

Last week Denison posted: Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe stated in the Wall Street Journal, "the People's Republic of China poses the greatest threat to America today, and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War II. Beijing intends to dominate the US and the rest of the planet economically, militarily, and technologically." They rob US companies of their intellectual property, steal sensitive US defense technology, and have "even conducted human testing on members of the People's Liberation Army in hopes of developing soldiers with biologically enhanced capabilities. There are no ethical boundaries to Beijing's pursuit of power." 

This weekend I cleaned out my inbox, and typed up several lists I'd been wanting to internalize. Posted two yesterday.

Confident people don't make these body language mistakes.

1. Insecure head movements. Appear engaged but not to extreme. Excessive head-nodding = not management material....

2. Being overly expressive. Be sure to smile, but don't go overboard. Don't force enthusiasm. One exclamation point per email (or social media post) maximum.

3. Fidgeting. Less movement is better. Don't tap your feet or play with your pen.

4. Shallow breathing portrays stress. Before an interaction take deep breaths and stay present. Speak clearly.   .

5. Poor posture. Don't slouch or prop your feet up. That's very unprofessional. Sit up straight. Lean forward. Stand tall with your feet spread apart. 

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/the-most-confident-people-never-make-these-5-body-language-mistakes?ltm=nvMIDR7oGXIPNsTkQr9/p%2BdAO0dSc2J3VjX9TZuItKI4YaSEdbaC0tkSMuWiWH0B&subscriber_type=member&utm_swu=6280&utm_source=member&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_content=dnl-9-15-20&utm_term=dnl-9-15-20&utm_medium=email 

Phrases that make you more likeable (on video calls)

1. Can you say that again? I want to write it down.

2. Thanks for asking.

3. Sorry I interrupted you. Please continue.

4. I'd like your input on something.

5. I know I shouldn't complain…but note how the "but"s are all complaining about something in my life, not about the other person: "…it's been a tough week and I could use an ear" or " …don't get me wrong I love my kids, but…" or "…I hit a wall today so if I ramble or don't make sense, please give me a pass" or "…it's been a tough week and I could use an ear".

6. Lately I've been sick of (video), but this has been fun.

7. Do you mind if we turn the video off? 

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/7-magic-phrases-that-make-you-instantly-likable-on-video-calls?ltm=m8R/UFxopNf8powcyENt2KwX4ghCbWiFxWpruE7ZF1GBkJ7eHDvwJAaSr9k3Eddd&subscriber_type=member&utm_swu=6280&utm_source=member&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_content=dnl-10-1-20&utm_term=dnl-10-1-20&utm_medium=email 

Studies show while much changes about you over time: attitudes, mindsets, values, appearance, health, opinions, passions, hobbies - your identity (your sense of self) stays the same. 

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/study-finds-your-personality-may-change-but-this-will-always-stay-the-same?ltm=%2Bwp8p8jI68bgPLvyuP/DGY7DACmSq1xBtgiGa%2BOgBGGKkgofzq7x6PGizefSCF6x&subscriber_type=member&utm_swu=6280&utm_source=member&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_content=dnl-11-25-20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=dnl-11-25-20 

Don't say "thanks in advance." It's rude and abrupt. Some will say "well I'm going to use it anyway. Those people are rude and abrupt. Use one of these instead. 

1. Thanks. That's what I use most of the time. Simple and effective, without presumption. Not hostile or expectant. But don't overuse, or use when there's nothing to be thankful for.

2. Thanks for your consideration.

3. Thanks for your attention. Asks for a reply without presumption.

4. Thanks for your help. More gracious. But make sure the favor will occur.

5. Thanks for (something specific).

6. I look forward to hearing from you. Polite, straightforward, and self-assured.

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/this-email-sign-off-is-great-at-getting-responses-but-its-ruining-your-rep-write-this-instead?ltm=YQuXERWEB89VUXSG2uy3utUL91YxKhNdhk/tlgFFv/0b3sUHywxm44Snbd80qMwM&subscriber_type=member&utm_swu=6280&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_term=dnl-11-25-20&utm_medium=email&utm_content=dnl-11-25-20&utm_source=member  

When faced with indecision, don't overthink it. The uncertainty of the future shouldn't freeze us, but free us. Spontaneous decisions are often as good as (if not better) than carefully planned and considered ones.

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/malcolm-gladwells-3-word-reminder-to-stop-you-from-overthinking?ltm=eeLFpdglSa5kaLQPoDltBIkQ3EOkRrpeZ75o00K8k3Ms9uqF65m3W5%2Bt5Ry7QXXb&subscriber_type=member&utm_swu=6280&utm_medium=email&utm_source=member&utm_content=dnl-11-25-20&utm_term=dnl-11-25-20&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter 

Restaurants worth the splurge

Lazy Betty

Kevin Rathbun Steak

Chops

King & Duke

Marcel Steakhouse West Midtown

Bacchanalia

Bones

Beetlecat 

https://www.atlantaeats.com/blog/atlanta-restaurants-that-are-worth-the-splurge/ 

No comments: