This morning, I came across the best Venn diagram that I’ve seen in ages:

The scariest area is at the bottom right: you’ve fooled somebody into paying you for something that you don’t like and don’t do well.

I wonder where the majority of American workers would be placed. I wonder where the majority of my colleagues would be placed.

I wonder how much the productivity and output of the country would improve if everybody were in the magic middle area.

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)

The latest issue of Wired has a feature (and a not-nearly-as-cool wiki) about how to do various tasks. The subjects run the gamut from the mundane to the super-geeky. An example of the latter: how to bake a Wii cake.

That’s all well and good, but what we really need is a how-to for building our own multi-touch display. Now that would be cool.

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)

I’ve sold some big-ticket items on Craigslist recently, and I’ve been shocked by the buyers’ reluctance to negotiate. Whatever the reason, none of the four buyers made any attempts to negotiate a lower price.

In contrast, I almost always attempt to negotiate a lower price when purchasing used items. My favorite deal was when I bought my Outback. I kept quiet during the negotiation except for an occasional “Hmm,” which made the seller nervous. He talked himself down quite a bit in price. I had to hide a smile as he countered his own offers. Great deal for me!

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)

The hike from McCargoe Cove in the middle of the island to Windigo on the western end is about 32 miles via the rugged Minong Ridge. I covered the distance in four days — a leisurely pace.

During the days, I was treated to breathtaking views of the island, the lake, and Canada.

Each night, I camped near the shore of either Lake Superior or an inland lake. Nothing is better for sleep than the gentle lapping of water on rocks.

Throughout the trip, I enjoyed the solitude. It was pure relaxation. It was Nirvana.

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)

Today, my brown leather couch found a new home. So ends an era of quips, pranks, hassles, and naps.

I kind of miss it already.

Wow, I’m getting sentimental about a piece of furniture…

(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)