During college, I was in a political theory program whose verbose name brought me great joy: Justice, Morality, and Constitutional Democracy. Of the three, the latter seemed like the solved problem. There was the rich history of how it began, and of each generation who sacrificed, fought, and steadfastly stood their ground to strengthen, defend, and most importantly, expand it so that everyone was included. If we had a responsibility, it was primarily to appreciate it.
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I was always curious about jazz. I purchased a handful of the revered albums, sparked by lists of the greatest albums of all-time or a favorite artist raving about one. When a music journalist wants to capture how talented and innovative a band is, they often call out their jazz influences.
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I’m writing this in our apartment in Northampton, Massachusetts, just back from a sunny, snowy walk on a 12 degree December morning. Today marks 150 days since we moved here from Austin.
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During the Thanksgiving holiday, there's almost always a movie. Maybe on Wednesday night after everyone's arrived or on Thanksgiving itself with a piece of pie. Whether your Thanksgiving is a small occasion or you have a proper brood, there comes a time when a pause in the conversation, sports, video games, and children racing through the house, is heartily welcomed.
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Once in awhile, you come across an app that feels like it was made just for you. For me, that app is Albums.
I discovered it in January 2020. I was enjoying curating my music collection and wanted a player that was made for albums, not playlists. …
I was there1 1 Grab a favorite beverage and hit play on Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem (Apple Music | Spotify). in 2000, when blogging started.
I published my first post in 2001.
I filled my RSS reader with blogs.
I met fascinating people from around the world.
I had conversations of all kinds—hilarious, sobering, deeply honest.
I was regularly introduced to books, albums, ideas, shows, movies, software, places, and ways of looking at the world.
I developed lifelong friendships.
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I started using <a href="https://culturedcode.com/things/">Things from Cultured Code</a> in 2007 when the alpha version was released. For the past 15 years, I’ve used it nearly every day.<sup class="sn-number sn-toggle" role="button" tabindex="0">1</sup> (1 I wrote about Things a few years ago in anticipation of a new version: Check for Updates.) It’s my personal day-to-day to-do list, but so much more. …
Let's talk about the Vaccines.
No, the band.
In 2011, the Londoners released their first album, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?. If you don't remember it, you may remember its cover.
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If you live in Texas, you know HEB. If you know someone from Texas, you probably know HEB, too, because we talk it more than people typically talk about a grocery chain. It's simply a well-run business with quality products, great customer service, and deep ties to the community. In the winter storms of 2021, we trusted HEB to help more than the government.
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Art bots have transformed my relationship with art. My curiosity about art on Twitter started when a friend shared the Canadian Paintings account. Finding beautiful art in my feed, most of which I had never seen before, was delightful. I wanted more.
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I’ve taken three significant steps into the unknown in my life. The latest was a month ago, when I decided to leave my job.
The first came a year after my wife and I got married. Living in Chicago and having grown up in Michigan, we were eager for sunshine, warm weather, and a fresh start. We decided to move to Texas, a place where we didn't have jobs or know a single person. It’s been our home ever since.
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One of my vague memories of the Clinton presidency is from a press conference. During a rough patch, legendary reporter Helen Thomas listed recent challenges and missteps, then asked the president if his administration was "going down the drain."
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Reflections on 25 years of Fiona Apple profiles
Do Rachel Handler and Fiona Apple exchange texts on New Year’s Eve? Does Fiona send Kristin Iversen cute dog photos? Does Jenn Pelly call Fiona sometimes while she’s making dinner?
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It’s easy to find yourself with too many meetings in a week. Each one has a purpose, but they accumulate until all gaps in your schedule are full.1 (1 Apparently I think about meetings a lot because I previously wrote The Cost of Meetings, which is similar in spirit.) When gaps remain, they’re too small to get focused work done, so they end up being used for email and Slack triage.
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The next time you're struggling to reach agreement at work, pause and consider whether the trade-offs are clear. If they're assumed and unspoken, the conversation lacks a shared foundation.
Imagine that one person advocates for hiring experienced people with signicant accomplishments. They argue they'll accomplish more, faster; raise the level of the team; and require less day-to-day guidance.
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The first post I published online was on my birthday in 2000. Now, I have a new home on the web.
I believe it's important to own your words and publish them under your name and domain. In 2000, blogging had just begun and I started writing on weblogs.com.
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Questions were the heart of Uncommon. Each email dispatch included a prompt and the next edition the responses. The magic was found in the honesty and thoughtfulness of the replies.
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Members of Uncommon were asked to share their 10 favorite things in the world. Not an easy question! We grativitate toward people, places, and products with which we share an uncommon commonality. —Adam M. Grant, Give and Take Enjoy this window into the uncommon we have in uncommon. …
I’m a person who checks out books about public libraries from the public library.
The book was called, unsurprisingly, The Public Library. It’s a photographic essay by Robert Dawson about libraries throughout the United States. The range of photos is striking—from mobile libraries started in Hurricane Katrina’s wake to stately buildings from the 1800s.
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I recently spent a week in Washington D.C., much of it inside the city's phenomenal art museums. Though I feel ill-equipped to fully understand and appreciate what I'm seeing, I'm increasingly drawn to art museums over history and nature museums. Part of that is an introvert's preference for smaller, quieter crowds. But this experience showed me how much I enjoy the inherent focus of an art museum. I love spending time with a single work, even briefly, without distractions. History museums tend to present an overabundance of objects at every turn, each competing for attention. I find myself focusing more on completion than the moment.
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I recently spent a week in Washington D.C., much of it inside the city's phenomenal art museums. Though I feel ill-equipped to fully understand and appreciate what I'm seeing, I'm increasingly drawn to art museums over history and nature museums. Part of that is an introvert's preference for smaller, quieter crowds. But this experience showed me how much I enjoy the inherent focus of an art museum. I love spending time with a single work, even briefly, without distractions. History museums tend to present an overabundance of objects at every turn, each competing for attention. I find myself focusing more on completion than the moment.
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Years ago, I was chatting with a coworker about a software bug. Out of it came an unusual, intriguing phrase—before being before.
Friend:
it's happened before, too (before being before I started working here)Me:
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Years ago, I was chatting with a coworker about a software bug. Out of it came an unusual, intriguing phrase—before being before.
Friend:
it's happened before, too (before being before I started working here)Me:
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I make lists for just about everything, from the week ahead at work to the books I want to read next.
Lists are how I remember the small things and prioritize the big things. For over eight years, those lists have been kept in Things from Cultured Code.
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I make lists for just about everything, from the week ahead at work to the books I want to read next and the concerts I've seen.
Lists are how I remember the small things and prioritize the big things. For over eight years, those lists have been kept in Things from Cultured Code.
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As we walk our neighborhoods and drive our streets, as we listen, talk, read, and watch, we each experience things differently. Much of that is driven by who we are, our past and present. Our experiences and unique perspective shape our observations. They determine both what we see and how we interpret it.
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Does this article sound familiar?
It begins with a tale of a distracted parent ignoring their child who is staring into the abyss of their phone screen. Then, we hear from a musician frustrated at the sea of screens that greet them onstage. A few thought leaders and TED speakers are quoted about the downsides of multi-tasking, the inadequacy of modern communication, and how technology has become too good at capturing and holding our attention.
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The Christmas tree had a pile of games under it this year. In the last dispatch, I mentioned learning about a roleplaying game called Dialect. It’s a Kickstarter project "about language and how it dies". It wasn’t under the tree (it doesn’t come out until July), but simply coming across something so creative and original sparked my interest in games all over again.
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Gift season has arrived. Every gift is an act of kindness and generosity, but now and then, there are gifts that take our breath away. Sometimes it’s the grand scale or overwhelming surprise, but more often it's simply the realization that someone knows you so well that they found the perfect thing, something you didn’t even know existed until you unwrapped it.
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Gift season has arrived. Every gift is a generous, kind act, but now and then, there are gifts that take our breath away. Sometimes it’s the grand scale or overwhelming surprise, but more often it's simply the realization that someone knows you so well that they found the perfect thing, something you didn’t even know existed until you unwrapped it.
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On election night here in the U.S., I was prepping a new edition of the dispatch to send later that evening. As each hour passed, the words on my screen seemed more and more trivial. What good would come from another email in our inbox?
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If our lives we’re plays, they would share a lot in common: a cast of interesting characters, dialogue both riveting and banal, and three acts. One thing that would vary widely, though, is the number of places where the play takes place.
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If our lives we’re plays, they would share a lot in common: a cast of interesting characters, dialogue both riveting and banal, and three acts. One thing that would vary widely, though, is the number of places where the play takes place.
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This issue marks the beginning of Slowly Together. We’re exploring what it means to live slow in our relentlessly fast world. How do we find a sustainable pace in our day-to-day lives? How do we make time for what truly matters to us? How do we embrace the power and wonder of technology without finding ourselves pulled in by its undertow? Is there room for the timeless when everything is realtime?
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Despite the usual traffic, you are on the fastest route possible
On a recent road trip, Google Maps became erratic. The directions made little sense. Simple, direct routes were dropped for overly complicated ones that found us turning on more and more obscure roads. We were still on the fastest route as far as Google Maps was concerned. Our arrival wasn’t delayed, but the app sacrificed common sense in an effort to save just a few minutes. It was overly optimized for speed.
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We hope you’ve enjoyed The Big Mo. We’ve explored momentum’s magic, the part it plays in our work and projects, and how essential it is in our relationships. This is the fourth and final edition in the series.
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Where is momentum taking you? As essential as momentum is to so many aspects of our lives, it doesn’t presume a direction. Momentum is movement, nothing more or less. Like a car, we can find ourselves moving forwards or backwards, toward a set destination or potentially lost.
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This is third issue in this season of dispatches called The Big Mo. This edition explores what part momentum plays in our relationships.
Sparked by love or friendship, a new relationship tumbles forward under the momentum of curiosity and discovery. Each conversation takes our intrepid explorers into uncharted territory. The twists and turns, even detours, are thrilling. Momentum brings people closer and moves the relationship forward.
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Sparked by love or friendship, a new relationship tumbles forward under the momentum of curiosity and discovery. Each conversation takes our intrepid explorers into uncharted territory. The twists and turns, even detours, are thrilling. Momentum brings people closer and moves the relationship forward.
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This is second issue in this season of dispatches called The Big Mo. We're exploring the part momentum plays in projects, relationships, and our own lives. How can we build and sustain forward momentum? How do we keep from being pulled backwards? And when does it make sense to just stand still?
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Working on a project with a lot of momentum is exhilarating. Each step forward is easier than the one before and it feels like progress is inevitable. The work moves forward almost without resistance, as if you've passed the peak and started downhill.
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I discovered the phrase “The Big Mo” in a book on presidential campaigns. It seems candidate George Bush used it in 1980 after an early primary victory, claiming that momentum (“The Big Mo”) was on his side. He lost the nomination soon after.
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I discovered the phrase “The Big Mo” in a book on presidential campaigns. It seems candidate George Bush used it in 1980 after an early primary victory, claiming that momentum (“The Big Mo”) was on his side. He lost the nomination soon after.
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One word has been on my mind a lot recently: turbulence. Shocking violence has established its own disturbing rhythm. Visits to news sites with multi-column headlines and up-to-the-minute counts of lost lives no longer surprise us. A pervasive sense of hatred and injustice, chaos and fear, choke the air.
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One word has been on my mind a lot recently: turbulence. Shocking violence has established its own disturbing rhythm. Visits to news sites with multi-column headlines and up-to-the-minute counts of lost lives no longer surprise us. A pervasive sense of hatred and injustice, chaos and fear, choke the air.
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It’s our birthday! Uncommon began on June 26, 2012 and what better way to mark the occasion than with the 150th dispatch. We’ll look back and look forward, share some news and gamely attempt to express how grateful we are for each and every person who has been part of this story. Uncommon isn’t a product, app, or website. It’s a community of people who share a fierce belief in the inherent value of each person and each moment. We’re so glad you’re here.
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With Uncommon's 4th birthday and the 150th dispatch arriving later this month, I asked a few members to be part of the celebration and share what this community means to them. Jenn wrote about when she joined just a month ago and Drew shared his experience as a founding member. This week, Jenny (@lennyjam) writes about what first brought her to Uncommon.
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Welcome to June, Uncommon friends!
As you know, we've been counting down to the 150th dispatch and our 4th birthday. A huge thanks to Jenn and Drew (and next week, Jenny), for helping us celebrate with their wonderful dispatch essays. It's amazing to read what this community means to each of them. If you've missed the latest, you'll definitely want to catch up.
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With our 4th birthday and the 150th dispatch just around the corner, I asked a few members to be part of the celebration and share what this community means to them. Last time, Jenn wrote about when she joined Uncommon just a month ago. This week, Drew (@DrewCM), one of our founding members, shares his story.
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With our 4th birthday and the 150th dispatch just around the corner, I asked a few members to be part of the celebration and share what this community has meant to them. First up is the fantastic Jenn (@jennwrites).
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Uncommon began with an appropriately uncommon question: What if we took all of the accepted wisdom about social networks and startups and at every defining moment, did the opposite?
Instead of a “free” service paid for by ads and user data, what if there was a subscription fee? Instead of trying to get people to spend as much time as possible, what if we designed every experience to be delightful, enriching, and brief? Instead of pursuing outside investment that has a singular definition of success, what if we built something sustainable, giving each member a voice in its future?
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Hello, friends!
There is an abundance of fun things happening at our internet outpost. Here’s what’s what.
Milestone approachingIn June, we celebrate Uncommon’s 4th birthday and the 150th dispatch! It’s been amazing to watch this community take root. You are an essential part of this story. Thanks for joining, inviting, replying, cheering, dreaming, and making this possible.
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My company recently relocated to a neighborhood just south of downtown Austin. Our appropriately quirky office is surrounded by a mix of homes and food trailers, wildflowers and cacti. I’ve always enjoyed exploring new neighborhoods, especially on foot, and this one gets more interesting with each step.
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My company recently relocated to a neighborhood just south of downtown Austin. Our appropriately quirky office is surrounded by a mix of homes and food trailers, wildflowers and cacti. I’ve always enjoyed exploring new neighborhoods, especially on foot, and this one gets more interesting with each step.
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Our Honda Element came with removable seats, a flat, plastic floor perfect for cleaning with a hose, and expectations. The marketing campaign presented a very specific lifestyle. The Element was shown in beautiful locales—a beach with surfboards spilling out of the back, a mountain base camp surrounded by trees, its attractive occupants staring at the stars through the moonroof.
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Our Honda Element came with removable seats, a flat, plastic floor perfect for cleaning with a hose, and expectations. The marketing campaign presented a very specific lifestyle. The Element was shown in beautiful locales—a beach with surfboards spilling out of the back, a mountain base camp surrounded by trees, its attractive occupants staring at the stars through the moonroof.
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In our always-on, real-time, infinite scroll world, why would a website periodically close?
On Friday evening each week, the Uncommon site goes quiet for 24 hours. During that time, someone who stops by, whether a member or not, sees a lovely page explaining that the site is currently closed. We call it sunset.
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I hope March has started well for you, wherever you're reading this. Spring arrived in Austin and brought with it the pleasures of porches and patios, open windows and long walks.
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I alternate between enjoying following sports and being baffled by others enjoyment of them. I understand the appeal, but empathize with those who don't. One of my favorite scenes from The Office is when Michael, desperate to fit in, asks Jim, "Did you see the game last night?"
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I alternate between enjoying following sports and being baffled by how much of life revoles around them. I understand the appeal, but empathize with those who don't. One of my favorite scenes from The Office is when Michael, desperate to fit in, asks Jim, "Did you see the game last night?"
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The box had been next to my desk for a few weeks, still sealed with copious amounts of packing tape. Glancing down, I decided it was time to see exactly what was inside.
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The box had been next to my desk for a few weeks, still sealed with copious amounts of packing tape. Glancing down, I decided it was time to see exactly what was inside.
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I emailed a distant friend last month asking for a favor. We hadn't been in touch for some time and I felt a bit guilty sending a request wrapped in a hello. The reply came back a few hours later.
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I emailed a friend last month asking for a favor. We hadn't been in touch for some time and I felt guilty sending a request wrapped in a hello. The reply came back a few hours later.
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Invitations bring possibility. They are a path to an uncertain destination. An invitation to coffee might spark a series of events that results in a new career; a lifelong friendship could be the result of saying yes to a neighbor with an extra ticket.
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Happy New Year, friends!
I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating the year that was and the year to come. I love the mix of looking back and looking forward that a new year brings. The past year was filled with milestones and delightful moments for our community and 2016 is full of possibility. I'm terribly excited for what's to come, and enormously grateful to share it with people like you. Each member of Uncommon is essential to this story.
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I fully embrace the time-honored tradition of year-end lists. I happily read the Top 10 Books of the Year (along with the endless sub-genres), dutifully sample as many of the Albums of the Year as possible, and fill the Netflix queue with the shows and films I’m told are better than the rest. Put a curated guide to the best gifts in front of me and I’ll click it without hesitation. I find the mix of curation and expertise appealing. It’s why the favorite things people share on Uncommon are so fascinating. If you can only choose 10 things, what would you pick? Any answer to that question is worth reading.
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I embrace the year-end list tradition. I chase down the best books, sample as many of the Albums of the Year as possible, and fill my streaming queues with the shows and films that are the consensus favorites. Put a guide to the best gifts in front of me and I’ll click it without hesitation. I find the mix of curation and expertise in these lists irresistable.
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For me, it was Boba Fett.
Growing up with Star Wars, my collection of action figures and assorted toys contained many of the usual suspects (including a die cast Millennium Falcon that I treasured). My friends and I each felt the need to claim a character as our own and somehow, I landed on Boba Fett. I suppose I was drawn toward less common options even then.
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For me, it was Boba Fett.
Growing up with Star Wars, my collection of action figures and assorted toys contained many of the usual suspects (including a die cast Millennium Falcon that I treasured). My friends and I each felt the need to claim a character as our own and somehow, I landed on Boba Fett. I suppose I was drawn toward less common options even then. Or it may have just been that outstanding name.
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Greetings, friends!
Thanks for taking a few minutes in this busy season to catch up on news from the Uncommon neighborhood.
We’ve added a brand-new addition to the porch: prompt reply collections! When you visit a neighbor on Uncommon, you’ll see a sampling of the prompts they’ve replied to. From there, you can enjoy all of their replies in one place. Not only is this a wonderful way to get to know one another, but it’s also fun to revisit your own replies. (You'll also notice that we've added an adorable row of favorite mementos to every profile.)
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The door to my favorite coffee shop had a note on it the other day about unusual hours during the upcoming holiday. It was playfully written with markers and even included a few doodles.
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The door to my favorite coffee shop had a note on it the other day about unusual hours during the upcoming holiday. It was playfully written with markers and even included a few doodles.
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In the overflowing river of talks and podcasts, one has stayed with me ever since I watched it last year.
Laura Savino's talk is about how we think about ourselves, specifically the adjectives we use and sometimes hear from others. She explores why we often feel like we don't measure up and how we can change that perspective. It's terrific and I highly recommend watching it.
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Laura Savino's talk is about how we think about ourselves, specifically the adjectives we use and sometimes hear from others. She explores why we often feel like we don't measure up and how we can change that perspective. It's terrific and I highly recommend watching it.
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Cooperstown, New York was where I first fell in love with museums.
Obsessed with baseball growing up, I convinced my sports-adverse dad to take us to the Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in a small, quaint town in upstate New York. Seeing so much history and memorabilia that I had previously only read about was pretty much the greatest thing ever. Playing catch on the baseball field next door and drinking glass after glass of limeade on the porch of the house we were staying in helped, too.
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Cooperstown, New York was where I first fell in love with museums.
Obsessed with baseball growing up, I convinced my sports-adverse dad to take us to the Baseball Hall of Fame, which is located in a small, quaint town in upstate New York. Seeing so much history and memorabilia that I had previously only read about was pretty much the greatest thing ever. Playing catch on the baseball field next door and drinking glass after glass of limeade on the porch of the house we were staying in helped, too.
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Though neither a teacher or high school student, my typical day involves a lot of stories and tests.
I make software with designers and engineers and a large portion of my time is spent trying to define how that software should work. That means deciding what things to work on next (amazing new feature or super-annoying bug) and then figuring out what the end result will be.
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Though neither a teacher or high school student, my typical day involves a lot of stories and tests.
I make software with designers and engineers and a large portion of my time is spent trying to define how that software should work. That means deciding what things to work on next (amazing new feature or super-annoying bug) and then figuring out what the end result will be.
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Why a front porch?
I love playing with metaphors, but what does it mean to call Uncommon a front porch for the Internet?
When I think of a porch, I imagine friends and neighbors talking and laughing together. People sit on the steps, lean against the wall, and relax in one of the misfit chairs. A lucky pair temporarily commandeers the porch swing.
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I often called Uncommon a front porch for internet. Why a front porch?
When I picture a porch, I see friends and neighbors talking and laughing together. People sit on the steps, lean against the wall, and relax in one of the misfit chairs. A lucky pair temporarily commandeers the porch swing.
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Greetings, Uncommon friends!
We recently added a delightful, surprising chapter to Uncommon’s story: our first Table for Six conversations!
Table for Six was inspired by those dinners you wish would never end, when the dimming light and empty plates leave space for memorable talk about meaningful things. It’s a way to cultivate new perspectives and relationships with kind, uncommon people from around the world.
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In the end, Evel Knievel and Arthur Fonzarelli are at least partially responsible, though perhaps not in the legal sense.
These daredevils were a fixture of my youth. It seemed every few months, Evel was performing another hold-your-breath stunt. There was a strange fascination with driving over things. Motorcycles and cars were airborne with surprising frequency, jumping over cars, people, and, when that grew routine, canyons.
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In the end, Evel Knievel and Arthur Fonzarelli are partially responsible, though perhaps not in the legal sense.
These daredevils were a fixture of my youth. It seemed every few months, Evel was performing another hold-your-breath stunt. There was a strange fascination with driving over things. Motorcycles and cars were airborne with surprising frequency, jumping over cars, people, and, when that grew routine, canyons.
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When this community began three years ago, we imagined an experience centered around three ideas.
First, sharing our 10 Favorite Things and the story behind them. We started with postcards and now you can add favorites on the web, marvel at the beautiful mementos, and discover who has favorites in common.
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Art alters perspective, allowing us to see things anew. It also opens our eyes to people and ideas that were missing from our field of vision. These shifts might be sparked by an encounter with a song, play, sculpture, poem, performance, or in this case, a brief, 96-page book.
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Art alters perspective, allowing us to see things anew. It also opens our eyes to people and ideas that were missing from our field of vision. These shifts might be sparked by an encounter with a song, play, sculpture, poem, performance, or in this case, a brief, 96-page book.
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Kathy Sierra’s new book, Badass: Making Users Awesome, is a mind-altering look at creating things that serve and empower the people who use them. It might be an app, talk, book, design, tangible product, API, class, or most anything else. Success isn't people basking in the glow of what we make, it's what we make basking in the glow of what people experience and achieve with it.
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Kathy Sierra’s book, Badass: Making Users Awesome, is a mind-altering look at creating things that serve and empower the people who use them. It might be an app, talk, book, design, tangible product, API, class, or most anything else. Success isn't people basking in the glow of what we make, it's what we make basking in the glow of what people experience and achieve with it.
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Greetings, friends!
Whether you're in the middle of a lazy summer, chilly winter, or relaxing holiday, I hope this month has been good to you. Since you probably have a book to get back to you or are trying to spend as little time in your inbox as possible, let's dive in.
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Does the perfect job exist?
I’ve had a number of wonderful jobs and spent a lot of time thinking about that question. I’ve come to the conclusion that perfect jobs do exist, for a season.
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Does the perfect job exist?
I’ve had a number of wonderful jobs and spent a lot of time thinking about that question. I’ve come to the conclusion that perfect jobs do exist, for a season.
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I've never forgotten Janie Porche and how she saved Christmas.
Of all the Apple ads, this one remains my favorite. In 30 seconds, a single person captures the hero's journey from beginning to end: setting, characters, plot, conflict, and joyful resolution. We imagine ourselves in that moment and by the end, the solution to our predicament is unmistakeable.
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Most of what I know about communities, I learned from the Grateful Dead.
A friend introduced me to the band in high school. Over the next few years, I fell in the love with the music and then, the community around it. The pull of the community was so strong that I didn’t even need to see a show to be consumed by it.
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Most of what I know about communities, I learned from the Grateful Dead.
A friend introduced me to the band in high school. Over the next few years, I fell in the love with the music and then, the community around it. The pull of the community was so strong that I didn’t even need to see a show to be consumed by it.
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Flyers are up around the neighborhood announcing the big news: stacks are here!
On the Summer Solstice, the first seasonal Uncommon release made its debut. With stacks, when you visit our community’s online home, you’ll find a stack of delightful cards waiting for you, including favorite things, introductions to interesting neighbors, thoughtful and surprising prompt replies, and every so often, announcements.
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Rare and inevitably odd, encounters with notable people are always entertaining.
The accidental encounters are often the most fun, just because they are so random and usually free of much pressure or awkwardness. My inauspicious start was realizing I was standing next to Sinbad, the standup comedian, in a college bookstore. Years later, I heard a voice that sounded familiar near a resort pool and turned to see Kelsey Grammer in shorts talking to his kids. Another time, I sat across from Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer as they held hands and whispered to each other at an Austin cocktail bar.
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Rare and inevitably odd, encounters with notable people are always entertaining.
The accidental encounters are often the most fun, just because they are so random and usually free of much pressure or awkwardness. My inauspicious start was realizing I was standing next to Sinbad, the standup comedian, in a college bookstore. Years later, I heard a voice that sounded familiar near a resort pool and turned to see Kelsey Grammer in shorts talking to his kids. Another time, I sat across from Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer as they held hands and whispered to each other at an Austin cocktail bar.
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Everyone has a show, that one show you love completely. Quotes from it find their way into your bio and punctuate your conversations and advice. When the question of favorite television show comes up around people who know you well, they get up to get a drink before you've finished the first sentence of your answer. "This is going to take awhile. Anyone else need something?"
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Everyone has a show, that one show you love completely. Quotes from it find their way into your bio and punctuate your conversations and advice. When the question of favorite television show comes up around people who know you well, they get up to get a drink before you've finished the first sentence of your answer. "This is going to take awhile. Anyone else need something?"
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Hello uncommon friends,
How are things with you? We'd love to hear what's new in your corner of the world. Are you trying something different? Are you stumped on a dilemma? Is there something you need help with? Uncommon is a community and we're here for you. Reply with anything at all—questions, ideas, smoothie recipes, critiques, doodles—and we'll reply with great gusto. If you'd like to chat, even better.
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As soon as we started to climb the hill, I knew I had made a mistake.
Hours into my second visit to Cedar Point, I decided it was time for me to ride my first roller coaster. Living in nearby Michigan, trips to Sandusky, Ohio and its well-known amusement park were a summer ritual. My family fully embraced the various thrills the park offered, while I spent my time revisiting the House of Mirrors. Though my parents and sisters didn’t seem to think less of me for my steadfast desire to remain on solid ground, I had a nagging sense that I was missing out on a right of passage. The books and movies for kids tell the reliable tale of a protagonist summoning the courage to overcome a fear. I was convinced that my own story was working toward this particular act of bravery.
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As soon as we started to climb the hill, I knew I had made a mistake.
Hours into my second visit to Cedar Point, I decided it was time for me to ride my first roller coaster. Living in nearby Michigan, trips to Sandusky, Ohio and its well-known amusement park were a summer ritual. My family embraced the various thrills the park offered, while I spent my time revisiting the House of Mirrors. Though my parents and sisters didn’t seem to think less of me for my steadfast desire to remain on solid ground, I had a nagging sense that I was missing out on a right of passage. Books and movies tell reliable tales of a kid protagonist summoning the courage to overcome fear. I was convinced that my own story was working toward this particular act of bravery.
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Nightwrite is a made-up word about making things up.
It’s a tiny dose of creativity
each day
before bed.
The idea is to take a brief moment
as the day draws to a close
to let your mind wander
and make room for the smallest expression
of something that doesn’t yet exist.
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Nightwrite is a made-up word about making things up.
It’s a tiny dose of creativity
each day
before bed.
The idea is to take a brief moment
as the day draws to a close
to let your mind wander
and make room for the smallest expression
of something that doesn’t yet exist.
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I often wish I read more fiction. When I look back at the books I’ve read, the preponderance of non-fiction titles always surprises me, partly because many of the people I know and respect (including many of you) read a lot of fiction and partly because I once did, too.
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I want to read more fiction. When I look back at the books I’ve read, the preponderance of non-fiction titles always surprises me, partly because many of the people I know and respect read a lot of fiction and partly because I once did, too.
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Hello and happy weekend to you!
While introducing two friends at a get together recently, I searched for what might prompt connection and conversation. It finally occurred to me that they were both Uncommon members, which was a good start, but then I realized that right in front of me were the first two people who chose woodworking as one of their favorite things in the world. It was so fun to connect those dots and experience firsthand the big smiles and instant familiarity sparked by the uncommon they had in common.
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Every reply to the dispatch is savored and responded to, but it’s particularly fun when the reply is from someone new to our community. I cherish these first conversations.
Recently, I asked someone how she came across Uncommon and it turned out she wan‘t new at all: “I’ve enjoyed the dispatches for the past couple of years.”
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I loved to shoot baskets when I was growing up. Since basketball season overlaps with winter and winter overlaps with, well, the entirety of Michigan’s mitten, this meant that two things were required each time I played: a basketball and a shovel.
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I loved to shoot baskets when I was growing up. Since basketball season overlaps with winter, and winter in the mitten state is the real thing, two things were required each time I played: a basketball and a shovel.
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Hello friends,
I hope you've had a great month so far. Here in Austin, the weather has turned beautiful, trees are coming back to life, and patios and porches are increasingly full. It's a season of possibility.
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This week's dispatch features a wonderful essay from Lori on riding the waves of should.
As a teen, I devoured self-improvement articles. My love for learning and the promise of a new and better me was an irresistible combination. I didn’t have to search far to find what I was looking for: "Get the natural look with these 5 makeup tricks!" "10 tips for getting into top universities!"
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A Tangibly Uncommon essay by Jennifer Brook
Dear ___________ (write your name here),
You have a big dangerous idea living inside of you.
It's a big idea because to conjure it feels overwhelming and breathtaking; it gives you goose bumps. It's big because the full consequences of pursuing this idea are unknown even to you.
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A Tangibly Uncommon essay by Jon Bell
I've been thinking about the beauty of imperfection.
Whether it's not wanting to appear foolish in a social situation, or fretting about how we're doing in school or at work, or even something as small as admitting fault, we're reluctant to admit our own imperfections.
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Since our community first formed, we’ve asked more than 100 questions. These prompts provide space for a cornucopia of stories, perspectives, and interpretations around a single theme. The artful, introspective answers are our shared bounty.
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I’ve always loved questions. I suppose it began with friendly debates about everything from baseball players to guitarists. In college, I learned that curiosity about people and a desire to not be the center of attention could both be achieved by asking questions. When my son was young, we noticed that family dinners were often dominated by conversations about work, bills, and the like. So, we created a box of about 75 questions all of us would have fun answering. Hilarious conversations ensued. We called it Table Talk.
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Hello friends,
I hope February has been kind to you and your loved ones. I know many of you are in the depths of winter. Wishing you the pleasures of the season, as well as the assurance that spring will arrive soon :)
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In a sea of headlines, many promising far more than they deliver, Mars Rover Finds Stronger Potential for Life stands out for its understated directness. The headline writer was clearly confident that the story had no need for hype or embellishment. And they were right. The story reads like science fiction and boggles the mind with possibilities.
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In a sea of headlines, many promising far more than they deliver, Mars Rover Finds Stronger Potential for Life stands out for its understated directness. The headline writer was clearly confident that the story had no need for hype or embellishment. And they were right. The story reads like science fiction and boggles the mind with possibilities.
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I don’t remember counting friends before the rise of social networks. Now, that number is part of our public identity. Profile boxscores quantify our performance and provide easy comparisons with others.
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We didn't spend much time counting friends before the rise of social networks. Now, that number is part of our public identity. Profile boxscores quantify our performance and make it easy to compare.
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It’s a good time to be a pet.
We spend substantial sums to feed, care for, entertain, and yes, infrequently and awkwardly, clothe them. Some are pampered at spas while others find themselves at pet hotels for a few days, perhaps working on a long-delayed novel.
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It’s a good time to be a pet.
We spend substantial sums to feed, care for, entertain, and yes, infrequently and awkwardly, clothe them. Some are pampered at spas while others find themselves at pet hotels for a few days, perhaps working on a long-delayed novel.
…
Hello friends,
I hope your 2015 is off to a promising start. I’m eager to see what the new year holds for our community. Who will we meet for the first time? What conversations will be sparked by a prompt or a story about a favorite thing? What moments will we share, online or in-person? What will we learn about ourselves and friends, old and new?
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It's a new year. Anything is possible.
In the year ahead, may your freezer always contain your favorite ice cream and your pets grow even more adorable. May your passwords remain tucked inside their warm, encrypted blankets and the “Check Engine” light stay dim. May your favorite restaurant remain open and your grocery continue carrying that thing you can't find anywhere else.
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It's a new year. Anything is possible.
In the year ahead, may your freezer always contain your favorite ice cream and your pets grow increasingly adorable. May your passwords remain tucked inside their warm, encrypted blankets and the “Check Engine” light stay dim. May your favorite restaurant remain open and your grocery continue carrying that one thing you can't find anywhere else.
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“The plan was to open the garage door and film it right there.”
He points at the door behind him. The air is thick with cigarette smoke. The walls have absorbed so much that it oozes from the wood, even after the cigarette is put out.
…
“The plan was to open the garage door and film it right there.”
He points at the door behind him. The air is thick with cigarette smoke. The walls have absorbed so much that it oozes from the wood, even after the cigarette is put out.
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Hello friends,
I hope things are splendid for you as the year draws to a close. I'm writing this from a coffeeshop alongside Brad and Andy, working on improvements to the front porch.
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This week, we add a new chapter to the Doors series with a wonderful essay by William Van Hecke — creator of quality things, Uncommon member, and purveyor of empathy.
At the Basement door, I stopped dead. What should have been on the other side just… wasn’t. The resilient blue-and-beige carpet, ’70s fake wood paneling, foam ceiling tiles: all of it had been there since before I could remember, and now it was simply gone. What remained was the exposed concrete floor and wooden studs that must have been beneath the surface all along, I guess. I’d certainly never thought of the house as having bones, because it was home long before I wondered how buildings were made.
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This week, we continue the Doors series with this beautiful story from Erin Watson. Erin is a Southern person living in Chicago and on the internet at www.torridly.org. Sometimes she writes some poems. She helps girls and women make art happen as part of Ag47 Collective, a wonderful organization we support with each Uncommon membership.
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"You know what you should play next? That 'so sorry' song."
My son and I have spent a lot of time in the car together over the past few years and as long as his phone has sufficient battery, there is music playing. In the early days, my favorites were well represented, but then his musical curiosity took over and now it's a steady stream of new bands and albums.
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"You know what you should play next? That 'so sorry' song."
My son and I have spent a lot of time in the car together over the past few years and as long as his phone has sufficient battery, there is music playing. In the early days, my favorites were well represented, but then his musical curiosity took over and now it's a steady stream of new bands and albums.
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Our second edition of Doors features a conversation with Erin Anacker. Erin is a People Enthusiast at Betwixt where they help connect women in design with their people. In addition to her passion for developing great relationships and communities, she loves the outdoors, conversation, and deep tear-jerking laughs.
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With this edition of the dispatch, we're starting something new: Each quarter, we’ll introduce a seasonal theme. As our community takes root, we have the opportunity to explore an idea together in more depth. For the last quarter of 2014, our theme is Doors.
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There's something different about friendships formed across great distance. My theory is the lack of proximity requires more intentional effort for these unique relationships to survive and thrive. That investment makes the moments when you do meet in person and bits become atoms particularly special.
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What might a recipe for inspiration look like? Is there a reliable formula?
As with the quest for the perfect apple pie, it seems everyone has a unique answer. Maybe it’s a time of day with a certain beverage, or a location plus the right companion. Perhaps it’s a combination of your favorite pen and notebook, with the right album on repeat. Or maybe, your inspiration is found in a long walk or shower.
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What's the recipe for inspiration? As with the quest for the perfect apple pie, it seems everyone has a unique answer. Maybe it’s a time of day with a certain beverage, or a location plus the right companion. Perhaps it’s a combination of your favorite pen and notebook, with the right album on repeat. Or maybe, your inspiration is found in a long walk or shower.
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An interesting name is irresistible to me. It might capture someone perfectly, make me want to know more about them, or just be entertaining. My grandmother’s maiden name was Grace Funk, which is possibly my favorite name ever. That it belonged to an unassuming midwestern woman born just after the turn of the (previous) century somehow adds to its appeal. Our town included a family with the last name of Booze. The parents actually named their two daughters Brandi and Sheri.
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An interesting name is irresistible to me. It might capture someone perfectly, make me want to know more about them, or just be entertaining. My grandmother’s maiden name was Grace Funk, which is possibly my favorite name ever. That it belonged to an unassuming midwestern woman born just after the turn of the (previous) century adds to its appeal. Our town included a family with the last name of Booze. The parents actually named their two daughters Brandi and Sheri.
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Room is a word whose diminutive stature and common presence mask its central place in so many of our stories. We're told we have room for improvement and we ask for a room with a view. Not leaving your room for a week generates giggles in one context and concern in another. Attaching a tiny word like dorm to the beginning brings to mind endless faces and stories and clever uses of space. Placing mate at the end recalls treasured friends, dalliances regretted or fondly remembered, and arguments over missing leftovers. Boardrooms, bedrooms, living rooms — all conjure up memories, plot lines, and political arguments.
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Room is a word whose diminutive stature and common presence mask its central place in so many of our stories. We're told we have room for improvement and we ask for a room with a view. Not leaving your room for a week generates giggles in one context and concern in another. Attaching a tiny word like dorm to the beginning brings to mind faces and stories and clever uses of space. Placing mate at the end recalls treasured friends, dalliances regretted or fondly remembered, and arguments over missing leftovers. Boardrooms, bedrooms, living rooms — all conjure up memories, plot lines, and arguments.
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Hello, friends!
A month ago, Uncommon's front porch debuted. Thanks to each of you for stopping by and making yourself at home. It's been truly wonderful to learn a bit more about the people who make up this community and begin to see new favorite things. We especially appreciate the kind words and helpful critiques. We've addressed a few problem spots and have more in the works before the public debut.
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It was a memorable trip even before the moving truck broke down.
Having not yet reached our first anniversary, my wife and I were driving 984 miles from Chicago to Dallas. The truck was only partially full of hand-me-downs and wedding gifts, having had neither the time or money to accumulate much. We grew up in the midwest and nine months into our newlywed life in Chicago, found ourselves exasperated by a particularly relentless winter. We decided there wasn't much reason to delay our desire for warmer weather, so we chose Dallas from a short list of options and moved. The fact that we had little money, no jobs waiting for us, and didn't know a single person in the state (and it's a really big state) didn't deter us in the slightest.
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It was a grand adventure, even before the truck broke down.
With our first anniversary approaching, my wife and I drove 984 miles from Chicago to Dallas, her in our car, me in a moving truck. The truck was mostly empty—just some hand-me-down furniture and wedding gifts—having had neither the time or money to accumulate much. We grew up in the midwest and nine months into our newlywed life, found ourselves exasperated by a particularly relentless Chicago winter. We decided there wasn't much reason to delay our desire for warmer weather, chose Dallas from a short list of options, and moved. That we had little money, no jobs waiting for us, and didn't know a single person in the state (and it's a really big state) didn't deter us in the slightest.
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The movie Boyhood is unlike anything I've ever seen. It was filmed over 12 years with the same actors, so you watch an entire family age. That alone makes it a magical experience, but after it was over, I couldn't stop thinking about the life that was portrayed on the screen.
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The movie Boyhood is unlike anything I've seen. It was filmed over 12 years with the same actors, so you watch an entire family age. That alone makes it a magical experience, but after it was over, I couldn't stop thinking about the life that was portrayed on the screen.
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We escaped the Texas heat last week to spend time in Colorado. The highlight of the trip was a hike in the mountains to visit two waterfalls. I love mountain hikes, but am particularly enamored with switchbacks.
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Storms were on my mind a lot growing up in the midwest. Spring and summer brought regular thunderstorms. One Saturday every month, the tornado warning siren was tested. Then, winter arrived with heavy snowfalls, strong winds, and the annual ice storm that would knock out power for days.
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Storms were on my mind a lot growing up in the midwest. Spring and summer brought regular thunderstorms. One Saturday every month, the tornado warning siren was tested. Then, winter arrived with heavy snowfalls, strong winds, and the annual ice storm that would knock out power for days.
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The stories we love are filled with struggle, conflict, and failure, yet so often the stories we present to others are a highlight reel of accomplishments, perfect meals, and sunny days. In quiet moments with trusted friends, though, we share those embarrassing moments and painful mistakes, the missed opportunities and unpleasant conversations. Mistakes and failures don't define us, but they do profoundly shape us.
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The dispatch was going to be on holiday this week, but there were too many good things to share with you!
First, as you might expect, the Uncommon community has a bunch of thoughts about what makes a great coffee shop. From pastries and outlets, to providing space for both conversation and solitude, the various perspectives and priorities collected below are fascinating to read. If they inspire your own thoughts, feel free to send them along and we'll include them online.
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Now that four members of the Uncommon team are based in Austin, we've had a lovely time lately working together in-person. We have our favorite locations, but this weekend, we were compelled to try a brand-new spot, Radio Coffee and Beer.
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A friend recently introduced me to a new coffee shop. It had only opened a week earlier and the evidence was everywhere. A contractor measured for a canvas to shield people in the beer garden from the relentless summer sun. People at a table nearby were asked to relocate for a few minutes so a large print could be hung. A steady rhythm of loud hammering followed. The chairs were a mismatch of styles and comforts, though it's hard to know if that's temporary or not.
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I make a lot of lists.
Here's a list of some of the lists I make:
To-do listsPlace I've beenPlaces I'd like to goBooks I've readBooks I want to readAn annual family list of favorites from the past yearFavorite wordsMusic to tryThen, there are the many Uncommon lists:
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We're almost there.
It brings me great joy to write to each of you, the founding members of Uncommon in Common, to tell you that the online home for our community will soon be released!
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Reading a music magazine years ago, I came across a stray sentence that set me on an obsessive quest. An article casually mentioned that David Lee Roth had recorded a Spanish-language version of his album, Eat 'Em and Smile.
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Reading a music magazine years ago, I came across a stray sentence that set me on an obsessive quest. An article casually mentioned that David Lee Roth had recorded a Spanish-language version of his album, Eat 'Em and Smile.
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This week, I have the privilege of sharing a contribution from Radhika. We met through a moment of online serendipity and she's been a special part of Uncommon's story ever since, including performing an enchanting set of songs at the Kaleidoscope gathering in March. Please enjoy this wonderful story.
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The past few weeks have made it clear that independent online communities are enormously rewarding and challenging. App.net is no longer able to pay for full-time developers, but intends to maintain the platform indefinitely. Our friend, Andre Torrez, announced that MLKSHK, the wonderful photo sharing community he started in 2010, will close. MetaFilter, the long-running community blog, was forced to layoff staff due to declining ad revenue, but may find a brighter future through member support. And there are other hopeful signs. Upcoming.org set out to raise $30K to bring the site back to life and instead received over $95K.
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Communities take many different forms, but most can be classified as horizontal or vertical.
A vertical community is driven by aspiration, a mix of wish and ambition. There is a desire to emulate and embrace what the best of the community represent.
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We're so excited to hear from Cassie Marketos this week. Cassie is both a wonderful writer and member of Uncommon. Her previous dispatch, What could happen in a minute?, was a favorite and we've been eager to share something from her again. Enjoy!
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Last week, I actually checked out a book about public libraries from our public library.
The book is called, unsurprisingly, "The Public Library". It is a photographic essay by Robert Dawson about libraries throughout the United States. The range of photos is striking—from mobile libraries started in Hurricane Katrina's wake to stately buildings from the 1800s.
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One of our family's favorite games to play is Hanabi. It's a cooperative card game with the objective of creating the perfect fireworks show (hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks). The game is similar to many others, but it has a unique twist. When you're dealt your cards, you don't look at them. Instead, you hold them in your hand facing the other players. You can see everyone else's hand, but not your own.
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Hanabi is a cooperative card game with the objective of creating the perfect fireworks show (hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks). The game is similar to many others, but it has a unique twist. When you're dealt your cards, you don't look at them. Instead, you hold them in your hand facing the other players. You can see everyone else's hand, but not your own.
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Across the restaurant table for the first time or maybe at a large gathering of unfamiliar people, the questions are heard again and again.
Where do you work? What do you do?
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Across the restaurant table for the first time or maybe at a large gathering of unfamiliar people, the questions are heard again and again.
Where do you work? What do you do?
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After I wrote about what "I'm on your side" means in the context of friendships, I realized that there is another part to the story. That phrase is often on my mind as we work on the next phase of Uncommon. What does it mean for technology to be on your side?
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I love getting lost in a Wes Anderson movie. After I feasted on his latest, The Grand Budapest Hotel, I met Andy for lunch to discuss. We share a great enthusiasm for his films, so as often happens, the conversation ended up covering the entire catalog. We talked about favorite lines and scenes, how we would rank the movies, and the intricacies of the soundtracks. It was sort of like the Uncommon feature we're currently building, sharing favorite things, with the addition of Thai food.
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I love getting lost in a Wes Anderson movie. After I feasted on his latest, The Grand Budapest Hotel, I met a friend for lunch to discuss. We share a great enthusiasm for his films, so as often happens, the conversation ended up covering the entire catalog. We talked about favorite lines and scenes, how we would rank the movies, and the intricacies of the soundtracks.
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My sister, Laura, passed way one year ago. Such a sad time that was, so much hurt and heartache at the loss of a uniquely wonderful person.
Trying to process it all that weekend, I wrote Saying Goodbye to a Sister. I included a link to a memorial fund, as her medical expenses had grown quite large.
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Based on the principle that there are few things better than laughing with people you love, we've been watching a lot of [Whose Line Is It Anyway?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whose_Line_Is_It_Anyway%3F_(U.S._TV_series) lately. We are enamored by the on-the-spot creativity, wordplay, and unpredictability.
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Laughing with people you love is greate fun, so we've been watching a lot of Whose Line Is It Anyway? lately. I'm enamored by the on-the-spot creativity, wordplay, and unpredictability.
My favorite routine is called two-line vocabulary. It works like this:
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If you're building an app or website, you're likely using a tool to manage the process, such as Trello, Jira, GitHub Issues, or Pivotal Tracker. Some teams use a combination of these (one for big picture planning, one for specific tasks, for instance) and also incorporate more specific apps for design feedback.
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On Sunday, we gathered in Austin for Kaleidoscope. It was a magical evening.
The idea for Kaleidoscope started last year with the news that Marius would be traveling from Bergen, Norway to Austin. Marius has been pouring his considerable design skills into Uncommon since the beginning. He's become a great friend and since this would be our first opportunity to meet in person, I felt the occasion deserved a celebration.
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The dispatch this week is from Lora; friend, traveler, and Uncommon founding member.
I've been flying standby my entire life, and to say that the airline industry has played a significant role in my development would not be much of a hyperbolic stretch. For one thing, my mother started working for a global carrier long before I was born, which means I have, quite literally, been flying around the world since I was an embryo, and for the most part unaccompanied since I was 12.
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One my favorite apps, Editorially, is closing down. Editorially was a beautiful tool that made it possible to write and edit documents, compare versions, add comments, and best of all, work with others easily. We've used it often over the last year for site copy as well as working with collaborators on the dispatch. Unfortunately, the Editorially team wasn't able to build a sustainable business model in a world where Google Docs is an entrenched, often free, alternative.
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One my favorite apps, Editorially, is closing down. Editorially was a beautiful tool that made it possible to write and edit documents, compare versions, add comments, and best of all, work with others easily. Unfortunately, the Editorially team wasn't able to build a sustainable business model in a world where Google Docs is an entrenched, often free, alternative.
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Hello, friends! Last week, we announced Kaleidoscope, an Uncommon gathering next month in Austin. We hope you'll be part of this special evening. Be sure to save your spot.
This dispatch features an essay from Lori, who has been a huge part of Uncommon from the beginning and has improved many a dispatch behind the scenes (Full disclosure: we've been romantically linked since Word Geography in 11th grade). Enjoy!
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Recent cold spells in Austin have left me addicted to fires in the fireplace. I've enjoyed them in the past, but I've never so enjoyed building them. The warmth and sounds are comforting, the flames mesmerizing. Starting the fire is a fun challenge, but keeping it going is the part I enjoy the most. It requires continual partial attention, a skill technology has given us in abundance.
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I received a two-word message recently from a friend: "Coffee soon?"
We get together every few weeks and catch up. Our conversations wander through work and life, music and movies, trips and pets, wishes for the future and lessons learned. I love it every single time.
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I received a two-word message recently from a friend: "Coffee soon?"
We get together every few weeks and catch up. Our conversations wander through work and life, music and movies, trips and pets, wishes for the future and lessons learned. I love every one of them.
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This week, we're so pleased to feature a note from the wonderful Sara Watson. Enjoy!
I’m the dork that was the first person to RSVP to my 10-year high school class reunion. After spending the last two years abroad, I was eager to return home to see friends and familiar faces.
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Light snow is falling on the other side of the window as I write this in Colorado, trees and grass dusted white. I've had a few memorable trips here, first and foremost my family's visit to Rocky Mountain National Park one summer. We spent a few relaxing days with only intermittent connections to our normal life. Each day included a hike, one much longer than we planned.
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Light snow is falling on the other side of the window as I write this in Colorado, trees and grass dusted white. I've had a few memorable trips here, first and foremost my family's visit to Rocky Mountain National Park one summer. We spent a few relaxing days with only intermittent connections to our normal life. Each day included a hike, one much longer than we planned.
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I thought I'd try an experiment this year. I'm curious what it would be like to spend each week listening to a single album, starting a new one after the week is up.
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I'm trying an experiment. I'm curious what it would be like to spend each week listening to a single album, starting a new one after the week is up.
I miss that feeling of knowing something completely, returning to it again and again, intimately aware of its flaws and strengths. I played a vinyl album so many times growing up that I'm a little disappointed with the digital version when that one song doesn't skip.
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If a company's most valuable asset is the time and talent of its employees, why is it easy to schedule lengthy meetings with multiple participants? Increasing the cost and effort involved in arranging meetings would make them rarer and more valuable.
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My Gmail address is simple enough that I regularly get email meant for someone else. I usually ignore it, but sometimes the content seems important enough that I let the sender know. My favorite was when I wrote, "You have the wrong address." and the person replied, "Sorry, what address do you want me to use?"
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My email address is simple and common enough that I regularly get email meant for someone else. I usually ignore it, but sometimes the content seems important enough that I let the sender know. My favorite reply was when I wrote, "You have the wrong address." and the person responded, "Sorry, what address do you want me to use?"
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This week is the last in our trilogy about watching, listening, and reading. I hope you love these thoughts from the insightful, uncommon Sara Watson. Sara is a writer and a fellow at the Berkman Center where she's working on a book about our relationship with data. She currently lives in Cambridge, MA.
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This week we reflect on watching, beginning with this thoughtful essay from Jon Bell. Jon lives in Seattle and can be found at lot23.com.
After enjoying The Great Beauty in a small, charming movie theatre near my house, I was surprised to discover myself stuck.
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I am terribly excited about the next three dispatches. As I mentioned, we're wrapping up the year by sharing the favorite things we listened to, watched, and read during the past twelve months. The replies have already been truly amazing, but there is another fun twist. Each week, the opening essay will be written by a member of Uncommon. This community overflows with amazing people, and I'm honored to share thoughts from Cassie, Jon, and Sara over the next few weeks.
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With nephews around last week, I had the chance to bring out a favorite possession, a rather epic kaleidoscope. It was one of my father's few indulgent purchases. An eclectic toy shop prominently displayed it to entice visitors and start conversations. When he found out that everyone loved it, but no one had yet been willing to pay the substantial price, he mischievously decided to be the first.
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Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. It's a unique holiday set aside for appreciating the abundance all around us. Many travel long distances to be with friends and family (in fact, my sister and her family have joined us from Michigan). There is often a full house and a table overflowing with food, new faces and ones you've always known.
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I collect interesting email and letter closings (or is it valedictions?) and immediately made note of this one from Medium, the publishing service: "Thanks for your attention."
We live in the age of attention. Companies clamor for it and business models depend on it. We chase it for ourselves and give it to the people and things we love.
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Interesting email closings catch my eye, this one from Medium, the publishing service, in particular: "Thanks for your attention."
We are in the age of attention. Companies compete for it and business models depend on it. We chase attention for ourselves and give it to the people and things we love.
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This week's dispatch features a note from our friend, Erin Anacker.
In a car, the intricate details on the clothing of passersby would have been smeared colors. The subtleties of the building facades just generic shapes. We would have missed the gentle interruption of a turtle’s back along the calm river’s edges. Would have merely focused on the destinations rather than spotting favorite houses and lush gardens on our way to catch the bus.
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While the dispatch was on holiday, I had the chance to attend a performance at the Fisher Center in New York. Located on the campus of Bard College, the venue was designed by Frank Gehry. The inspiring experience is captured by Gehry's description of his uncommon creation.
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If you have a side project, you have limited time you dedicate to it. Evenings and weekend are always shorter than you'd like, and that time is often filled with errands, excursions, and ideally, rest.
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My son and I left today on our annual father/son trip. What started with zoos, hotel pools, and baseball games, has morphed too quickly into concerts and college visits. One of our favorite trips was to West Texas a few years ago. We hiked in Big Bend National Park, marveled at the starry sky, walked along train tracks, watched Abbott & Costello movies, and forgot about the rest of the world for a little while.
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My son and I left today for our annual father/son trip. What started with zoos, hotel pools, and baseball games, has morphed into concerts and college visits. One of our favorite trips was to West Texas a few years ago. We hiked in Big Bend National Park, marveled at the starry sky, walked along train tracks, watched Abbott & Costello movies, and forgot about the rest of the world for a little while.
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This week features a note from Adam Keys; friend, Uncommon founding member, and all-around good guy. He writes software and smart things on the internet from Austin, and provides great insight into music, comedy, and furry creatures upon request.
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I remember wondering if missing school for a court appearance counted as an excused absence. I would've been there regardless, but that was the sort of thing going through my head as we waited for our turn before the judge.
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Does missing school for a court appearance counted as an excused absence? I would've been there regardless, but that was the sort of thing going through my head as we waited for our turn before the judge.
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I read a post the other day.
Checking for updates...
It was about how to improve and be better in work or life, I forget which.
A new version is available.
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We watch a lot of live performances at my house. It can't match experiencing a concert in person, but those opportunities are rare compared to the endless catalog of shows available from YouTube, the iTunes Music Festival, and our hometown favorite, Austin City Limits. It's a great way to revisit favorites and sample new bands.
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I watch a lot of concerts. It can't match experiencing a concert in person, but those opportunities are few compared to the endless catalog of shows that you can stream. It's great to revisit favorite bands and try new ones.
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When we found out we’d be moving to Berlin, we shared a knowing smile and then headed straight for our bookshelves.
He started on one end and I on the other, scanning the shelves for anything that could be donated or stored without too much separation anxiety. The donation pile was a modest first attempt at thinning the collection, but anything, we figured, would help. I kept reminding myself of what it took to pack them all up in Boston and unpack them again here in Atlanta. Still, we exchanged helpless shrugs as miscellaneous paperbacks, most still with their “USED” stickers on the spines, were mercifully allowed to maintain their places on shelves that would soon be dismantled.
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My house is swimming in college brochures as we search for the perfect school for my son. I'm intrigued by the ways colleges distinguish themselves. There are a handful of schools that operate on a block plan, like Colorado College). I had never heard of this approach and think it's clever. Not just as a way to run a school, though, but potentially as a way to run a business.
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Greetings from Austin,
I hope each of you are enjoying September so far. The school year has begun here and our mailbox is filling up with college brochures.
I wanted to share a few updates with Uncommon's founding members.
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As the online home for Uncommon slowly takes shape, many knotty questions surface. Features and interactions are designed and built, and what we want Uncommon to be often collides with how we've learned to do things online. A recent example is what should the experience of visiting Uncommon a few days or weeks after your last visit be?
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I cannot resist interviews. I suppose it's those honest moments that are sometimes found within, moments that provide a peek behind the unblemished facade we tend to present. It's the same reason I enjoy one-on-one conversations.
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I find interviews irresistable. The best capture honest reflections that provide a peek behind the unblemished facade people present. It's the same reason I enjoy one-on-one conversations.
I particularly enjoy musician interviews because the craft is such a mystery to me and the artists tend to be more unguarded than most.
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When I was young, I lived for baseball. Since I was in Michigan, that meant a preoccupation with the Detroit Tigers.
I was the only fan in the house. Though we lived far from Tiger Stadium, I was able to talk my dad into one or two games a year. Seeking to maximize the experience, I sometimes chose double-headers, which he gamely attended by my side.
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When I was young, I lived for baseball. Since I was in Michigan, that meant I was preocuppied by the Detroit Tigers.
I was the only fan in the house. We lived far from Tiger Stadium, but I was able to talk my dad into a game or two each year. Seeking to maximize the experience, I sometimes chose double-headers, which he gamely attended by my side.
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We have something new this week; the first Uncommon Conversation! Many of you have mentioned that you'd like to learn more about the wonderful people who make Uncommon what it is. We begin with a terrific conversation between Lisa and Mona, a digital project manager and filmmaker in Vancouver. Mona is a founding member of Uncommon and a constant source of insight.
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There's a common thread in essays and conversations about ideas. When the topic turns to creating something new, the ideas are treated like commodities of little value.
"Ideas are easy," we're told. "Anyone can come up with ideas. Execution is what matters." The inference is that an idea that doesn't result in something tangible is a failure. There is a right way and a wrong way to create, and only one is worthwhile.
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I've noticed a common thread in recent essays and conversations about ideas. When the topic turns to creating something new, the ideas themselves are talked about as commodities of little value.
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A friend sent me a video this weekend of his daughter taking her first steps. It was as adorable as you would expect; the wobbly, chubby legs propelling her forward, arms raised for balance, a burst of momentum carrying her through the last, fumbling step and into her father's arms. A symphony of squeals, cheers, and laughter filled the room and a person at the coffee shop wondered what I could possibly be beaming at on my screen.
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A friend sent me a video this weekend of his daughter taking her first steps. It was as adorable as you would expect; the wobbly, chubby legs propelling her forward, arms raised for balance, a burst of momentum carrying her through the last, fumbling step and into her father's arms. A symphony of squeals, cheers, and laughter filled the room and the person next to me at the coffee shop wondered what could be making me smile so big.
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As I sat down to write this letter, I felt a surge of the familiar impulse that tugs at me each time I find myself in front of a screen. It’s a forward motion that propels me toward the new and undiscovered. Its lighter side is an unwavering belief in possibility—that there must be something surprising and wonderful waiting for me on the other side of a search or at the upper limits of a feed. Its darker side is a worry that I’ve missed something terribly important since the last time I was here (which wasn’t very long ago).
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I finally started watching House of Cards, the Kevin Spacey/David Fincher show about Washington politics on Netflix. I'm sure many of you have already watched the 13 episodes. I know it was released in February, but I'm running behind.
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There is a good chance you’re working on something new right now: a story, game, song, or open-source library. You’re enjoying the challenge and the creative process. The final result, you tell yourself, might resonate with a group of people. Then, a well-meaning friend mentions something she recently stumbled across. “Isn’t this pretty similar to what you’re working on?” You put on a brave face, but your heart sinks.
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We found ourselves at a sprawling garden center last weekend, in search of orchid bark. I am proud to say that we emerged an hour later with only orchid bark, a cactus, and a pot for the cactus. It could have been much worse.
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Greetings!
I hope your July is going swimmingly so far. A long, hot weekend is coming to a close here in Austin. It was filled with Uncommon work, which struck me as a great excuse to say hello to some of my favorite people, Uncommon's founding members.
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My father was a social worker and when I was born, we actually lived at a camp in Michigan which he ran. Every week during the summer, a new group of kids from Detroit would arrive at Franklin Settlement Camp. Located on the shore of a small lake, the camp was pretty much exactly what you'd imagine: a main building and cafeteria, a few large cabins, and a lot of room. My dad played guitar and each evening ended with songs around the campfire.
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A special treat this week as we get to enjoy the wonderful words of Roxanne Krystalli. I met Roxanne through Uncommon and have been eager to include her thoughts in the dispatch. She is a gender-based violence specialist in conflict and post-conflict zones around the world. A fervent believer in the power of stories, Roxanne chronicles her journeys at Stories of Conflict and Love.
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An Evening with Kevin Smith includes a story about Ben Affleck. The person who was casting the movie Daredevil asked Kevin Smith who should play the lead.
I said, "Affleck" because that's my answer for everything. I'm a big fan, so I think he can play anything. If people are like, "Jaws?" I'm like, "Affleck. Affleck plays the .... shark."I told Affleck, "There's a dude checking if you wanna play Daredevil." He's like, "I love Daredevil." I said, "That's what I told him."He said, "What'd you say?" I said, "You should play it." He said, "Why?" I was like, "I think you should play everything.""Like, even the shark from Jaws?""Yes, the shark from Jaws."I love this so much and think about it nearly every day. Wrapped in the hilarious dialogue and delivery is one of the most powerful forces on the planet: one person's complete, unwavering confidence in another.
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The film An Evening with Kevin Smith includes a story about Ben Affleck, who Smith directed in multiple films. The casting director for the movie Daredevil asked him who should play the lead.
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Nearly every other week for the past nine months, I have written you a letter. This letter-writing habit has evolved into a ritual of sorts. It goes like this.
As the appointed time for letter-writing approaches, I get a little stage fright. I start to worry about what you might like to read and what you might not like to read. I pace and procrastinate by snacking, snoozing, and walking the dog, while the wheels begin to turn.
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We'd love your help in making the dispatch better.
We're rapidly approaching our 50th dispatch. The format evolved quickly into what you see now. It has served us well and many of you have had kind things to say. I also believe that rhythm and familiarity are important facets of Uncommon.
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We’d love your help making the dispatch better.
We’re rapidly approaching our 50th dispatch. The format evolved quickly into what you see now. It has served us well and many of you have had kind things to say. I also believe that rhythm and familiarity are important facets of Uncommon.
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Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions about the new site. We greatly appreciate it. Thanks as well for sharing Uncommon with friends and neighbors. It's been fun meeting new folks. This week, Lisa writes about going away, and coming back.
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Our new site introduces Uncommon in a slow, unique way. There is also an About page that gives a little more background on the idea and the people working to bring it to life, and a few other fun elements.
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Hello,
We have a little something for you! Have a look at the new home for Uncommon in Common...
We wanted you to be the first to see it. This release is designed to introduce Uncommon in a unique, slow way. We hope you love it.
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For a former English major, it’s been way too long since I’ve read a novel. My work as a copy editor involves a lot of reading, but reading works-in-progress is a very different sort of reading altogether. It is reading with a mission and reading to take things apart and put them back together in a better way. It is reading for weakness and inconsistency and error, hunting and tweaking as you go along.
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I have a weakness for air hockey.
When I notice a table, I have to find a way to play. Every time I'm in a conversation about whether a startup office should be outfitted with ping pong tables, pool tables, dartboards, or Xboxes, I campaign for the oft-ignored air hockey table. I'm not sure what the specific attraction is, but I seem to get a lot of joy out of the speeding puck, satisfying sounds, and odd angles.
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I have a weakness for air hockey.
When I notice a table, I have to find a way to play. Every time I'm in a conversation about whether a startup office should be outfitted with ping pong tables, pool tables, dartboards, or Xboxes, I campaign for the oft-ignored air hockey table. I'm not sure what the specific attraction is, but I seem to get a lot of joy out of the speeding puck, satisfying sounds, and odd angles.
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I always know I’ll have an easier time writing if I sit down to the task with a clear head and a quiet screen. But on Monday afternoon as I began to tackle this dispatch, I ignored my own advice and dove right in to my favorite streams of news, inspiration, and (sometimes) chatter. I must have had seven tabs open on my browser in a matter of seconds, and I’m not sure any of them had to do with word processing. What I found in each shocked me to the core.
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I was in my early twenties when I realized there were things my dad knew that I wanted to know. Parental knowledge seemed so distant, even a little inefficient, when I was growing up. When would I need to know that? And if I did, wouldn't I just ask someone? Of course, I wasn't keen on admitting I didn't understand something either.
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A fresh dispatch arrives with thoughts from Lisa on the messiness of creating. We hope your week has moments of delightful surprise ahead.
I don’t usually let a blank page and a blinking cursor intimidate me. I generally think of the empty space as more of a friendly invitation than a challenge. Lately, though, I have been working on a piece that is longer than anything I’ve written in a while, and getting started felt like a massive leap of faith.
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An update from the Founder and CEO of World Wide Web, Inc.
October 1, 1998
I know this blog has been quiet lately. It's been a crazy few months of meetings and negotiation here at WWW HQ, but we're finally ready to share our big news: World Wide Web is joining the America Online team next month! We couldn't be more excited.
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My priority this weekend was putting together a site to raise money for my sister's increasing medical bills. Then, I received a phone call that her condition was rapidly worsening. An hour later, my phone rang again from the same number. No part of me wanted to answer it. She was gone.
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My son is learning how to play the guitar. At least, that's how I think of it. The funny thing is, he's been learning for nearly three years now.
I was listening to him play tonight and found myself marveling at his skills. I always tell him how much I love his playing and then follow up with an enthusiastic, only slightly humorous suggestion that he join a band, perform at school talent shows, or write a song of his own. It's like those will mark his transition from learning to play guitar to being a guitar player. The reason you learn something is to do something with it. I'm searching for ways he can use his talent.
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I was listening to my son play guitar the other night and found myself marveling at his skills. I always tell him how much I love his playing and then follow up with an enthusiastic, slightly humorous, suggestion that he join a band, perform at school talent shows, or write a song of his own. It's like those will mark his transition from learning to play guitar to being a guitar player. The reason you learn something is to do something with it. I'm searching for ways he can use this skill.
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Happy Spring Equinox,
A sunny hello to Uncommon founders near and far. I hope March has been fabulous for you so far. If not, may things turn around soon.
ProgressWe have been busy exchanging ideas for the various pages and interactions and are now turning the beautiful designs into elegant code. Soon we'll debut a simple new site that will provide a better welcome and overview for new folks, as well as introduce the core design elements. Then, we'll finish building the first feature for members, our 10 Favorite Things. Soon after that, you'll be able to invite a friend to enjoy a free year of Uncommon. Do you have someone in mind?
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This week's dispatch begins with a note from Lisa, lingers on our favorite days of the week, explores a couple of uncommon reads, and ends with a question for you. We hope you are well, and your week full of possibility.
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This weekend was full of Uncommon moments as people arrived in Austin for the annual South By Southwest festival. There were impromptu conversations with curious folks, plus two small gatherings which were simply wonderful. I left each one grateful for the amazing people who make up Uncommon.
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I have a list for everything. There are the to-do lists, of course, which I can never seem to consolidate in one place. My upcoming tasks land alternately in the cloud and on paper, on post-its, calendars, and notebooks, virtual and tactile. I check them all obsessively.
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My son came home from school last week with a choice sheet, the piece of paper used to choose his classes for the next year. I find inordinate pleasure in such things. My favorite part of college was the day the schedules and course descriptions for the upcoming term were released, a cheaply printed book filled with possibility. I couldn't resist the logistical puzzle of building the perfect schedule and the anticipation of new subjects and ideas.
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I hope you are thriving wherever this dispatch finds you. This week, Lisa writes about the small worlds where our passions are found.
Every small world has its own idols. Whether you belong to the realm of artisan cheese makers or vintage bottle collectors, synchronized swimmers or flash fiction writers, even the most obscure circles of interest or industry have their gods and demigods whose names, when invoked, inspire fear, admiration, awe.
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On Sunday, I was collecting responses to the latest dispatch which asked, What is your favorite song that features a color in the title? Reading and replying to each week's responses are two of my favorite things to do. This edition was especially fun as I found myself listening to a number of songs that I hadn't heard before. One in particular stood out: Song For A Blue Guitar by Red House Painters. Mona wrote:
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Writing for experienced users and first-time visitors is a key content challenge. A company tells an ongoing story to a consistent audience. If the company is doing interesting things and people are talking about its products, though, new people are regularly stopping by. These visitors are starting with little context, most likely just a link from an article or a friend.
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In this week's dispatch, Lisa writes about the wonder of colors, whether bland or brilliant.
Over the weekend, the most recent JCrew catalog arrived, brimming with its mints and melons, fiery reds and highlighter pinks. Even cramped within our dark, little mailbox, it was practically glowing. I brought it home and curled up with it for a while, trying to let the cheery colors wash over my January mind before a certain sort of mental gymnastics kicked in.
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While reading Why We Should Memorize this weekend, a piece on poetry from The New Yorker, I came across a wonderful phrase, "memorable cadences."
I pay my bills by talking to my students about poetry, and about stories and novels and essays—ultimately, about memorable cadences, about the music that occasionally lifts off of words carefully deployed on a page.My first thought, like so many of you I'm sure, was, "I must remember to add cadence to my list of favorite words". Some time ago, I grew tired of saying, "I love that word!" and not remembering what others words I also loved, so I started writing them down in one place (odd, I know). Cadence now joins nefarious, blithely, ubiquitous, belies, apace, nebulous, and cacophony. I couldn't tell you why I love them; they just make me smile.
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I grew up in Michigan where the card game of choice was euchre. My high school friends and I would play whenever we could, especially during lunch.
As we got better, the games got shorter. We learned the patterns and could often see how a hand would play out based on what cards had already been played. Instead of finishing the hand, someone would point out the inevitable outcome and we’d stop where we were, count the points, and start a new hand.
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Warning: You may crave freshly baked cookies after these warm thoughts from Lisa.
Above all other fancy and sophisticated desserts, the homemade chocolate chip cookie reigns supreme in my culinary world. For the longest time, I thought my husband was using a precious family recipe, carefully guarded and passed down from generation to generation, when he made them. It’s true that the recipe was and is used by several generations in his family. It is also true that the original source of the recipe was the back of the iconic yellow Toll House bag.
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Hello Uncommon founders,
Postcards have begun to arrive from around the world! It's a privilege to read your thoughtful, funny, and always interesting responses. A few of the favorite things shared so far are Rome, J.R.R. Tolkien, Disneyland, a bath, and the Internet. For those of you who are still pondering, it would be wonderful if you could return the postcards by the end of the month.
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It's early morning in Austin. The sunrise, visible now and then between the buildings, is spectacular. The air is cold, which is unusual, but the natives seem to be enjoying the chance to wear coats and scarves that rarely see the light of day.
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Hello, friends! We hope 2013 has been a delight so far. This week, Lisa writes about choosing, watching and cherishing films.
Over the course of our holiday staycation, my husband and I watched quite a few movies from the glow of a laptop screen. We’d get all settled on the couch, feet propped on the coffee table, pooch sprawled across our laps, and then came the inevitable question: “So... whaddaya wanna watch?”
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Happy New Year!
Each new year begins with rituals; waiting for the clock to strike midnight, reading lists proclaiming the best of this and the worst of that, reflecting on the year that just ended and making resolutions for the one ahead.
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There's an emotional allure to live performances. The best concerts are not note-for-note reproductions of favorite songs. The artist feeds off of the crowd and they combine to create something unique to that moment. When I think back on concerts I've experienced (whether in person or not), the moments I remember are the mistakes and surprises: Chris Martin forgetting the next verse at a Coldplay Austin City Limits taping, Gary Clark Jr. breaking a guitar string, the Trey Anastasio Band playing a song they learned on the tour bus a few hours earlier, and Radiohead stopping a song to get someone help, then continuing right where they left off. There was the time when Arcade Fire grabbed a branch from the ACL set and used it to beat a drum, and this great moment from Madison Square Garden.
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Happy Winter Solstice!
From time to time, we'll drop a note in your inbox about the site and community especially for you, the 100 founding members of Uncommon in Common. It may be a bit of news, question, or work in progress. As seasons and rhythm are one of my favorite Uncommon ideas, I thought the solstice was the perfect excuse for the first edition.
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In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.
In two straight lines, they broke their bread,
and brushed their teeth, and went to bed.
They smiled at the good, and frowned at the bad,
and sometimes they were very sad.
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In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.
In two straight lines, they broke their bread,
and brushed their teeth, and went to bed.
They smiled at the good, and frowned at the bad,
and sometimes they were very sad.Last week's horrific events in Newtown, Connecticut have been swirling in my mind and heart. I don't think any of us know how to process such a tragedy. Everything seems trivial in the face of such overwhelming sorrow.
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In December, 100 brave souls joined Uncommon in Common as Founding Members. The experience began with a package delivered to members in nine countries, a rather uncommon start for an online community. Inside was an 8x10 screen print, three postcards to return, a button and sticker, and two original essays: "A Preface for a Community" by Jack Cheng and "The API of You" by Kathy Sierra.
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In December, 100 brave souls joined Uncommon in Common as Founding Members. The experience began with a package delivered to members in nine countries, a rather uncommon start for an online community. Inside was an 8x10 screen print, three postcards to return, a button and sticker, and two original essays: "A Preface for a Community" by Jack Cheng and "The API of You" by Kathy Sierra.
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We are thrilled and grateful to announce that we've reached 100 founding members of Uncommon! The dining room table is filled with the many pieces that will be combined and mailed soon. We hope it's a special experience. Thanks to each of you for helping build and shape this community, whether through sending a kind email, offering suggestions, sharing your stories, or joining. Uncommon is what it is because of you.
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The calendar has flipped to December and with it, the bustle of the holidays and approaching new year officially begins. There just doesn't seem to be enough time, does there? The to-do lists grow and you find yourself writing down "Start thinking about gift ideas" just so you have something to cross off. …
The calendar has flipped to December and with it, the bustle of the holidays and approaching new year officially begins. There just doesn't seem to be enough time, does there? The to-do lists grow and you find yourself writing down "Start thinking about gift ideas" just so you have something to cross off. Over the years, I've begun to realize that what matters is not so much what we do during the holidays, it's that we choose what we do. There's nothing more miserable than rushing from party to party and store to store because that's what everyone else is doing. This season is a very personal one and too often, we allow the expectations of others to determine our choices.
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When you're bringing something new to life, can you separate the means from the end?
If you're building a travel app, but you've never left the country, will that show in the end result? Can you paint a serene scene in the midst of a chaotic life? Will a political campaign dedicated to changing the status quo be successful if it's run no differently than the campaigns that came before?
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Late last week, we began welcoming the first founding members of Uncommon in Common. We're thrilled that so many of you have already joined this community of possibilities. I recently picked up boxes of postcards, the last piece of Tangibly Uncommon. They're terribly fun. If you'd like one of the remaining spots, or if you'd enjoy browsing beautiful artwork while learning a little more about Uncommon, stop by /join.
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In America this week, we're celebrating Thanksgiving. It has always been one of my favorite holidays, even though my love of football is now limited to the English version. Somehow the day feels endless, with family and friends gathered around the largest table they can find. By the time the pie is served, a little bit of honesty has usually found its way into the conversation, for better or worse. There's an inevitable closeness that descends as the day turns dark and cold.
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Thanks for the kind notes about last week's dispatch. If you haven't had a chance to read it just yet, I hope you do and share your thoughts. This week, Lisa explores gratitude.
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Late last month, The New York Times Magazine published a long piece by Dan Buettner with the intriguing title, The Island Where People Forget to Die. Buettner tells the story of Ikaria, a tiny Greek island that is home to 10,000 people. The island has become famous for the unusual health and longevity of its residents. A recent study discovered that its reputation is deserved; people on Ikaria are "reaching the age of 90 at two and a half times the rate Americans do." They're also happier and more active, both mentally and physically.
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Late last month, The New York Times Magazine published a long piece by Dan Buettner with the intriguing title, The Island Where People Forget to Die. Buettner tells the story of Ikaria, a tiny Greek island that is home to 10,000 people. The island has become famous for the unusual health and longevity of its residents. A recent study discovered that its reputation is deserved; people on Ikaria are "reaching the age of 90 at two and a half times the rate Americans do." They're also happier and more active, both mentally and physically.
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This week's dispatch features thoughts from Lisa on the magical, unexplainable, power of the front porch.
For three years, I lived in a drafty, old apartment on the third floor of a house just outside of Boston. The windows were poorly insulated, and the weathered hardwood floor creaked. There were few amenities for the four of us graduate students who lived there, but I’ve been remembering the place so fondly as the temperatures finally dip and the leaves change here in Atlanta.
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I trust that October is treating you well. If it's not, I hope that changes very soon, beginning with quiet reminders of loved ones near and far, lifetime friends and recent introductions.
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If someone uses your site, app, or service for a year, reward them, celebrate them, thank them. It's one of the simplest ways to improve your relationship with your customers and few companies do it.
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A few weeks ago, I got a book in the mail from Jack. It had been a while since I’d received a book that way—probably since I began my final semester of graduate school last January.
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Last week, I shared a little about what Uncommon is and what it might be. I really appreciate all of the replies, questions, and kind words. Now, let's talk more about how we begin.
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One Shed Fits All is a story about an architect and the minimalist house he designed. At its heart, is about believing completely in what you make, regardless of what others think.
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I thought we'd pause the weekly dispatch to talk about the future of Uncommon. This week, I write about what this is and what I hope it will be.
Have you ever tried to explain Uncommon to a friend and found yourself saying, "It's a little hard to describe..."? I sympathize. Let me help.
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Last Friday, I had to take our little dog, Maisie, on an emergency trip to the vet. She’s doing great now, but I was so worried about her being sick that morning that I drove a long way in the wrong direction.
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It's birthday season in my family. During a single week in September, we celebrate four birthdays, including my son's. He's in high school now, so the preparations no longer involve dinosaur decorations or trips to a LEGO Store. The milestone is no less memorable or meaningful, though. It's just different. Every year of being a parent, every year of life, is an essential piece of the puzzle. I would never trade one for another. Each is irreplaceable.
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Momentum is key to creative endeavors and side projects, especially solo ones. How do you build and maintain momentum when the deadline is your own and your paycheck is elsewhere?
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This is a special page in the Uncommon story, as I have the privilege of introducing Lisa Sanchez to all of you. Lisa is a talented writer and editor in Atlanta. She has a true love and understanding of our community and has graciously offered to lend her unique voice to Uncommon. Please make her feel at home.
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I hope the new month is off to a terrific start for you. It seems everywhere you turn, there signs of a new school year beginning; school buses on the roads again, internships wrapping up, and office chatter about Meet the Teacher nights. Our social streams display seemingly endless photos of eager faces, beautifully awkward and earnest, filled with anticipation and the thrill and fear of the unknown, whether in front of a locker or sitting in a freshly unpacked dorm room.
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I love turning the calendar to a new month, even if just digitally. There is a surprising sense of potential and possibility, of fresh starts and the slow change of seasons. I’ve always loved September and autumn here in the States—back to school, cooler temperatures, and the anticipation of holidays, family, and eventually, a new year.
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Before you join your first startup, think carefully about what you want to get out of the experience.
If you're looking for a lottery ticket, you'll likely be disappointed. If you're looking for an education, you'll get that and more. It's up to you to take advantage of it.
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My family and I are wrapping up a few days in beautiful Vancouver, which now has a spot on my list of favorite cities. It’s hard to resist the combination of endless parks and natural beauty, great museums, delicious food, and remarkably efficient public transportation.
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I hope this has been a wonderful summer so far, one filled with moments you didn’t expect and won’t forget. For the curious who just joined us, this weekly email is our way of enjoying a conversation about Uncommon in Common, ideas for
its future and the tale of its creation. The dispatch is hopefully a conversation itself, with contributions from the community that is already here and links to other interesting thoughts. Please, make yourself at home.
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Remember last week when I described the community timeline? Well, today would have a small star next to it followed by the words: First website :)
Say hello to www.uncommon.cc
I am terribly excited to have a lovely outpost for Uncommon on the World Wide Web. It’s nothing and everything all at once, a simple page that gives a tiny impression of what Uncommon might be. In will be improved and later, replaced, like the first draft of the first chapter of your first novel. That doesn’t make the beginning any less significant. The key to creating anything is to make a little bit of progress every day. It’s only when you stop for a moment and turn around that you realize how far you’ve come.
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A new month is here! I hope your August calendar is slowly filling with fun outings and fine company, along with a few days left free for unplanned adventures or nothing at all.
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I hope your week is going swimmingly well or at least includes a quick dip in a pool. Or maybe a double dip (more on that shortly).
I thought you might enjoy a little story about how the ridiculous name, Uncommon In Common dot com, came to be. I mentioned the dream of a slow web community to Robin Sloan, who recently created Fish: a tap essay (it’s wonderful, if you haven’t read it yet).
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The summer seems to be passing so quickly this year. Perhaps it’s the delightful weather we’ve had in Austin so far. We’ve been able to enjoy many evenings on our back porch, often accompanied by rare and fabulous rain. I hope your summer has had its share of slow conversations, happy surprises, and moments when you’ve completely lost track of time.
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Why do apps count things so much?
Friends, followers, photos, likes, favorites, retweets, pins, repins, reblogs, checkins, watched repos, followed users, badges, views, comments, notes, shares, visits, and more.
These counts are often given unusual prominence on a person's profile. Visit your favorite social sites and notice how often numbers are central to the experience.
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I hope your week is off to a wonderful start. The last few days have been filled
with delightful conversations about this idea. Your responses to the last email
were fascinating. We share many wishes for this community, but each of you has
your own clever twists on how to turn those wishes into something real. I have
no doubt that we’ll do just that.
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A week ago today, I posted a long piece about an odd idea. I hesitated for a few minutes before I hit publish. I didn't know what the response would be or what this would ever be.
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I've been thinking a lot about communities and the web, about what we do well and what we can do better. Where there were once communities and neighborhoods, now stand social networks that value your content and your attention, instead of you. This environment has produced a few unfortunate side effects.
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If you have to jump through hoops to accomplish something, you're less likely to do it. Hoops are a kind of friction that slows you down. This doesn't mean that hoops are bad; some things should be hard. If a company is struggling, though, the balance might be off; things that should be easy are hard, and things that should be hard are easy.
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If you need help, ask. If you want to meet someone, introduce yourself.
This year has been full of asks and introductions for me, two things I'm not naturally inclined to do. It has been an amazing experience.
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I love to think about words and lately one has been playing over and over in my mind.
Again.
The more I think about it, the more so much of life seems to flow through that short, simple word. Again is in many ways how we define what we love.
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It's an article of faith that culture fit is nearly as important as skills when hiring at a startup. I agree that's it's a critical part of a team's success, but it can also inadvertently lead to a homogenized culture that hurts rather than helps.
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Sometimes its difficult to think through all aspects of an app or feature. An approach I've found that works well is to write the FAQ while still early in the idea stage. It seems counterintuitive since the FAQ is often saved for the end of the project or better, until after there have actually been frequent questions.
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Is your passion planting and tending a garden of different products or a single tree that will grow for years? Think about where your heart is and build your company so that its success doesn't turn it into something you're not.
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I've spent a lot of time with Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno over the past month. The two are some of my favorite people in music, producers of some of the best albums I've heard and fine musicians themselves (I love the debut album by Black Dub, Lanois' new band). Their insights into the pain and wonder of creating art are particularly fascinating. I started with Lanois' film Here Is What Is, a very unique documentary about music and the creative process that includes multiple conversations between Eno and him. The two have worked together on many of U2's best albums. Then came Soul Mining, Lanois' autobiography. I highly recommend them both, especially if you have a deep interest in music and the many artists Lanois has worked with.
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Eulogy delivered for John Andrew Bailey in Mattoon, Illinois.
I wrote most of this on the long drive here, the pen cap in my mouth, reaching for a scrap of paper with one hand while steering with the other. For those of you who have ever taken a trip with my father, and I expect that includes nearly every one of you, could anything be more appropriate?
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