Really, this page of "My Einstein Job" is more of an archive for what was approximately the first quarter of 2013. There was some good stuff with Richard's 35th and I just don't think it should go away.
In case you're wondering, Richard's 35th was an attempt to challenge myself, grow a project, and simply experiment with life during the 35th year of my life. Richard's 35th has evolved to the "My Einstein Job" point, and I'm perfectly ok with that.
The Move
I haven't done a log in quite sometime, so in this one I look at some of my biggest "stories" that include
1) The move to my new place (link to the timelapse video)
2) Trying to get my M2 license
3) The problem with my Internet expectations.
1) The move to my new place (link to the timelapse video)
2) Trying to get my M2 license
3) The problem with my Internet expectations.
The Narcissism Epidemic
Today, I did one thing I've never done before...and that is "troll" a celebrity. In this case, a UFC fighter named Nick Diaz. Now, the reason why I trolled him, and the reason why I chose to do a blog about it is quite simple:
He represents EVERYTHING that I'm trying to change about Western Society, and this entry explains why.
...Below, you will find two things:
1) Trolling tweet #1 and #2
2) My views on what leadership should be
3) My video entry
He represents EVERYTHING that I'm trying to change about Western Society, and this entry explains why.
...Below, you will find two things:
1) Trolling tweet #1 and #2
2) My views on what leadership should be
3) My video entry
Reason why I'm going mobile
There have been a few people wondering why I'm decided to sell most of my belongings, and going from furnished apartment to furnished apartment. I think this series of tweets will explain all that :-)
A thousand times tougher for her
My first "Moment of Clarity" in a long time, and I cover the following:
1) The "Transition"...It's finally over, I hope 2) A new website coming through...with help from the inside 3) Moving...yet again, but differently 4) Acknowledging my mom...and her many sacrifices
1) The "Transition"...It's finally over, I hope 2) A new website coming through...with help from the inside 3) Moving...yet again, but differently 4) Acknowledging my mom...and her many sacrifices
Giving food away
One of the things that quite literally disgusts me, is how much food is wasted/thrown away at work...so, I decided to not waste some and give to the homeless. But, late on a Friday night, it's hard than you think.
Car Purgatory
When I sold my car, I never thought this would be the thing that would bother the most about being car-less.
See the Storify
Ottawa videos are up
I took a while, but I had to sift through a whole bunch of stuff to finally get my videos up on YouTube.
It's a bit of a cluster mess right now, but I'll start putting together storifies...but, if you feel like watching the videos and try to assemble the timeline (much like in Pulp Fiction), then by all means...do so :-)
YouTube Channel
UPDATE - For some odd reasons, Storify isn't catching all my videos on the channel. Once everything is up, I'll send out more links.
Transition
Hello all,
First things first...starting tomorrow, you will see a very different Richard's 35th. Although it seems as though I've gone "incommunicado," I actually did quite a bit of recording while in Ottawa.
Thing is, from a technology perspective, everything went wrong. SO WRONG.
Everything from not being to create Storify's through my tablet, to Klip double publishing my videos AND not allowing people to view the videos unless they are members.......the last few days have been a giant pain the arse.
However, I think I've been able to nail a better way to publish my Openness, but I first need to finish some tweaks, and do a considerable amount of uploading.
By tomorrow everything should be back up to normal ;-)
First things first...starting tomorrow, you will see a very different Richard's 35th. Although it seems as though I've gone "incommunicado," I actually did quite a bit of recording while in Ottawa.
Thing is, from a technology perspective, everything went wrong. SO WRONG.
Everything from not being to create Storify's through my tablet, to Klip double publishing my videos AND not allowing people to view the videos unless they are members.......the last few days have been a giant pain the arse.
However, I think I've been able to nail a better way to publish my Openness, but I first need to finish some tweaks, and do a considerable amount of uploading.
By tomorrow everything should be back up to normal ;-)
Day 62/365 (The Last One)
NOTE - This is a belated entry that goes back to February 25, 2013. Since it was recorded, it wouldn't be right to not publish it.
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - An interesting book that isn't $35 interesting; Explaining the changes to the blog; Terrible connection to Wind Mobile; And exploring a new way to do Richard's 35th
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Saying "hi" first versus saying it "second"
Log - Day 62/365 (The Last One) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Log - Day 61/365 (Quick Change)
-Fun link to a YouTube video where Bill Murray from the Movie "Quick Change" is being mashed-up as the Joker from "The Dark Knight."
-Lunch with a couple of interesting people
-Meeting up with Paul Abraham (#unicycleguy)
-----Storify of #unicycleguy
-----Paul's donation page
-And I'm in the process of changing the format of Richard's 35th....and I explain why.
Log - Day 61/365 (Quick Change) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 60/365 (One Tired Frenchman)
AN UPDATE ON MY TESTS - After walking-up around 5:30am on Saturday morning...I've had one helluva 48hours!
MOMENT OF CLARITY - As Al Bundy famously said, you've gotta keep the brain wet (mind you, he was making a reference that you can replace blood with beer).
Log - Day 60/365 (One Tired Frenchman) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Log - Day 59/365 (The things that shaped my life - Part 2)
SPECIAL - Today, I decided to take a different route and show the different items, books, and pictures that have shaped my life.
When I first started bringing those items together, I didn't realize how much I could talk about them....so, the entry ran considerably longer than anticipated. Tomorrow, I'll continue with the "Show & Tell" :-)
Log - Day 59/365 (The things that shaped my life - Part 2) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 58/365 (The things that shaped my life - Part 1)
SPECIAL - Today, I decided to take a different route and show the different items, books, and pictures that have shaped my life.
When I first started bringing those items together, I didn't realize how much I could talk about them....so, the entry ran considerably longer than anticipated. Tomorrow, I'll continue with the "Show & Tell" :-)
Log - Day 58/365 (The things that shaped my life - Part 1) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 57/365 (Celebrate good people)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Had my first full "9-5" type of work day in atleast a year now; A quick review of my circadian rhythm; and a big curveball is thrown regarding meeting Mrs. Leverette.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I share an idea about doing a Documentary that would look into the great Canadian Public Servants.......they need their day in the sun as well, and who knows......it might even create a bit of a domino effect.
Log - Day 57/365 (Celebrate good people) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 56/365 (Not contempt, but disappointed)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Today was insanely busy.....I was late for an Open Data Day Toronto conference call; I resurrected a presentation on Situational Awareness; A webinar on the future of government; A phone call with great public servants (or bureaucrats?); The Storify on my day at the AutoShow; and a phone call with one more awesome public servant (or bureaucrat?).
Links: My day at the AutoShow
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Today, I chose to investigate this is idea of "bliss" in being ignorant........and how I think there are two types of people who are Blissfully Ignorant.
Log - Day 56/365 (Not contempt, but disappointment) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 55/365 (The Torment) (updated)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - The pain-in-the-butt SlapChop and video of Ben, the person who bought my car, and his experience in buying my car.
Link: Slapchop Remix
MOMENT OF CLARITY - A special request to investigate my statement regarding whether or not you would rather be blissfully ignorant or informed, but tormented.....and today, I chose to delve deeper into the "the torment"
Link: Rationalizing the Seven Deadly Sins
Link: My version of leadership
***Updated*** - Link: A society that requires no Laws to keep Order
Log - Day 55/365 (The Torment) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 54/365 (A moral dilemma)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Clarification on my post on "not wanting to do public speaking," and how I want to create a different model;
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Today, I go into why I do the things that I do...but, I was also faced with a crisis of conscience where I was asking myself "maybe I'm wrong about my perspective...but, how can something so pure be wrong?" One thing is for sure. Much as I mention in entry, today was not exactly a pleasant day.
Link: Storify
Link: Right vs Wrong
Link: Brodie from Mallrats
Log - Day 54/365 (A moral dilemma) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 53/365 (Whoops)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Seeing a side of my dad I haven't really seen before, and a 1 year-old-birthday party cake designed specifically to be smashed
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I missed the posting of my first entry (that I can recall, anyways)....I knew it was bound to happen at some point. I'm actually kinda surprised it took this long!)
Log - Day 53/365 from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 52/365 (Spinning my wheels)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - An Open Data Day downer and a Swiss Chalet upper.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - A while back, I mentioned I wanted to look deeper into being a professional public speaker....now that I have, I know I was wasting my time on that tract.
Log - Day 52/365 ( from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 51/365 (Behind-the-scenes)
Today is a different entry...I decided to talk about how I create the Daily Logs for Richard's 35th.
Log - Day 51/365 (Behind-the-scenes) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 50/365 (...this could set the tone for many things)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - The Big Bang Theory in real life; Reviewing my diction; A lead with Mr. Heartwell...and another name added to the list of teachers: Dr. Persinger, probably the best lecturer I've had the pleasure to listen to.
Link: New-age arcade (1)
Link: New-age arcade (2)
Link: Gamer Grub
Link: The God Helmet
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I've been asked to guest blog for the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.....and once again, I keep being shown there are some great public servants who want to change things.
Log - Day 50/365 (...this could set the tone for many things) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 49/365 (Not heartwarming, but nice to hear)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Driving my first car2go; Open Data Day keeps moving forward....at a rapid pace!
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I be going to Ottawa in a couple of weeks, and as part of that, I've opened up conversations with an old university friend of mine......and I'm surprised at how willing he is to help me out with Richard's 35th
Log - Day 49/365 (Not heartwarming, but nice to hear) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 48/365 (Cable and Car)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - My car is finally sold; Open Data Day Toronto.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Adapting is typically easier than you think...but, you also typically think that adapting to a new situation will be darn near awful.
Log - Day 48/365 (Cable and Cars) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 47/365 (He earned it)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - My YouTube Channel is another place to meet interesting people; The Speaker's Bureau; Gonna meet Mrs. Leverette next week; and a meeting to make Open Data Day Toronto even better!
Links: Hitler reacts to Open Government
Links: Rationalizing the Seven Deadly Sins
Links: Toronto Reference Library (1)
Links: Toronto Reference Library (2)
Links: Toronto Reference Library (3)
MOMENT OF CLARITY - An interesting fork in the road when I'm faced with two very different types of homeless people.
Log - Day 47/365 (He earned it) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 46/365 (Yoda of Nomads)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - First, a quick apology, and then, I finally meet Clarissa, the person whose been leading a Nomadic Life.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I always wanted to make my road trip this summer a very loose adventure, but Clarissa told me that even THAT requires a certain amount of planning.
Log - Day 46 (Yoda of Nomads) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 45/365 (The Kibosh)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - The snowstorm put the kibosh on a number of things, including me finalizing the sale of my car, and dinner with a Nomad. I also added a new Reverse Ad.
Link: My snowed-in driveway
Link: Reverse Ad
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I realized today that my motorcycle trip can't be exactly what I want it to be...and that was a tough pill to swallow. At first, anyways.
Log - Day 45/365 (The Kibosh) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 44/365 (A Judge for all seasons)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Snowstorm curve ball; Coming to terms with the sale of my car; and I'm officially a member of Car2go
Link: Car2go
MOMENT OF CLARITY - My morning at the court of appeals, which includes not being impressed by lawyers speaking ability, being VERY impressed with the presiding judge, and questioning my own future abilities to tell the difference between Sisyphus & Gandhi.
Link: Bazerman Auction
Sisyphus doing his thing
(sorry for the tiny GIF, it's the only one I could find)
Log - Day 44/365 (A judge for all seasons) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 43/365 (Smarting Stupids - Part 2)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - An opportunity with TVO; and a chance to be an audience member in a real life "Law & Order."
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I had a great conversation with two extraordinarily bureaucrats who are trying real hard to change things...and making way at it, too. Thing is, most people don't know people like Kent and Vicki exists, and I hope I can change that.
...I also have 2nd Moment of Clarity, and it's a tough one. I have to admit, I'm not exactly "smarting a stupid" in my attempt to sell my car, and I go into details as to why.
Log - Day 43/365 (Smarting Stupids - Par 2) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 42/365 (The CitizenBridge Organization)
My first message on today's entry is that I feel as though I've gotten complacent with my daily logs...that the premise of "living an open life" has really been dumbed down to a fancy journal.
I have to push my limits. I have to get in uncomfortable zones. I have to challenge myself. So, I've decided to start talking about things that I usually don't talk about much.
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - I've chosen to make my calendar publicly available; Guest blogging for the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation; My upcoming meeting with a successful nomad.
Link: Calendar
MOMENT OF CLARITY - The tough question of what CitizenBridge, the organization, should look like...and this is something that's been discussed for quite some time now, and still isn't resolved.
Link: CitizenBridge
Log - Day 42/365 (The CitizenBridge Organization) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 41/365 (Reality Check)
NOTE: I've been having a tug-o-war with Google today and a MMA Website called MMAweekly. According to the Chrome Browser, MMAweekly has infected my website with malware. So, I sent Google a notice and also tweeted to MMAweekly about the problem. They (MMAweekly) told me that this is a problem they've been having with Google for quite sometime, but everything is clean on their end...and I agree, because when I use Google's own Webmaster tool (see image below), I'm told the site is clean.
With all that being said, I certainly hope the problem has been fixed, but if it hasn't, I apologize to anyone who can't gain access to Richard's 35th...and now, onto the update.
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - One more step closer to finishing my degree and an eye-opening lunch with my dad.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I was asked to moderate a conversation at the School of Public Policy at the University of Toronto, and some of the questions/comments from the audience made me realize something...
Link: Event page
With all that being said, I certainly hope the problem has been fixed, but if it hasn't, I apologize to anyone who can't gain access to Richard's 35th...and now, onto the update.
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - One more step closer to finishing my degree and an eye-opening lunch with my dad.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I was asked to moderate a conversation at the School of Public Policy at the University of Toronto, and some of the questions/comments from the audience made me realize something...
Link: Event page
Log - Day 41/365 (Reality Check) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 40/365 (Unicycling from Montreal to Toronto)
NOTE: I've been having a tug-o-war with Google today and a MMA Website called MMAweekly. According to the Chrome Browser, MMAweekly has infected my website with malware. So, I sent Google a notice and also tweeted to MMAweekly about the problem. They (MMAweekly) told me that this is a problem they've been having with Google for quite sometime, but everything is clean on their end...and I agree, because when I use Google's own Webmaster tool (see image below), I'm told the site is clean.
With all that being said, I certainly hope the problem has been fixed, but if it hasn't, I apologize to anyone who can't gain access to Richard's 35th...and now, onto the update.
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - My car is finally sold and why I've chosen to go with Car2Go as my car sharing service for the time being.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Met with Paul Abraham, someone who works with me at Swiss Chalet, because he's trying to ride a unicycle from Montreal to Toronto all to raise funds for Sick Kids hospital.
Links: Paul's Donation Page
Log - Day 40/365 (Unicycling from Montreal to Ottawa) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 39/365 (Don't make excuses)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - I posted a new picture for "Reverse Advertising" and I'm not sure what the new copy should be...so, don't hesitate to offer your perspectives; My Mars-One ambitions are off to a rocky start.
Link: Reverse Advertising
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I missed an important meeting yesterday, and I feel terrible about it...but, I'm not going to make any excuses, because, as Ben Franklin once said:
"I've found that those who are good at making excuses are rarely good at anything else"
Log - Day 39/365 (Don't make excuses) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 38/365 (Almost broke my word)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Footage from being an extra; Laurentian wants to help me graduate!
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I pride myself on being always true to my word...which is what this project, in a way, is all about. However, today, my Will and Discipline was really being tested.
Log - Day 38/365 (Almost broke my word) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 37/365 (Another test)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - A new path leads results in me having to apologize to someone I very much respect; TopoliWTF: Toronto Casino
Link: Topoli.ca
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Why I would be willing to take a one-way-trip to Mars.
Link: Mars One Project
Below is the aformentioned response on why I'd like to go to Mars.
I’m a big fan of Behavioural Psychology/Economics, Social Psychology, and Evolutionary Biology because I’m fascinated with why people do the things that they do. And in my research, I’ve come to learn that people behave according to their environment. This observation couldn’t be better described than through Stephen Jay Gould’s quote:
“Violence, sexism, and general nastiness are biological since they represent one subset of a possible range of behaviours. ....But peacefulness, equality, and kindness are just as biological—and we may see their influence increase if we can create social structures that permit them to flourish.”
A one-way trip to Mars presents the opportunity of starting a new society from scratch…a society based on strong, social values…not selfish egotism supported by instantly gratifying consumerism.
As a matter of fact, what drew me to the project are the “Five Key Characteristics” listed for potential applicants. Those are the characteristics that ALL people, on any planet, should possess. Unfortunately, I believe our society is built to encourage different qualities…qualities that are less noble and less constructive.
After having dedicated the last 10 years of my life to creating change by BEING the change (as Gandhi famously uttered)… what better way of continuing this goal of mine than by being part of the team who will be charged with starting a new society?
Log - Day 37/365 (Another test) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 36/365 (Accessibility vs Access)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Added one more Reverse Ad and published a new video I started a few years ago on something I like to call "Sophisticated Slavery"
Link: Reverse Advertising
Link: "Sophisticated Slavery"
MOMENT OF CLARITY - One of the tenets of Open Government is Accessibility...but, it's important to understand exactly what that means, and George Zamfir (Co-organizer of Toronto's Accessibility and Inclusive Design Meetup Group) describes that very thing.
Link: Toronto Accessibility & Inclusive Design Meetup Group
Log - Day 36/365 (Accessibility vs Access) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 35/365 (Waiting to die)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Finally got an offer on my car.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - This is perhaps one of my most cynical moments, and as it so happens...there's also two of them.
Log - Day 35/365 (Waiting to die) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 34/365 (How things change)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Open Data Day is recharged; A couple of meetings with great people that include a lesson in Occupy vs TEA party.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I'm of the strong opinion that you can only change things from the OUTSIDE, but a someone whose on the inside (who is trying to change things) believe that some good can also happen on the inside as well.
Here's the Stephen Jay Gould Quote I mention in my log:
“Violence, sexism, and general nastiness are biological since they represent one subset of a possible range of behaviours. ....But peacefulness, equality, and kindness are just as biological—and we may see their influence increase if we can create social structures that permit them to flourish.”
Log - Day 34/365 (How things change) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 33/365 (Don't call me an activist)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Open Data Day and how it's picking up steam; An update on the Open Gov Video
Link: Open Data Day
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Someone who doesn't know me too well called me an activist...and I don't necessarily agree with that label.
Link: Hitler reacts to Gov 2.0 Link: Rationalizing the Seven Deadly Sins
Log - Day 33 (Don't call me an Activist) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 32/365 (Make peace with the worst case scenario)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Puttering around with Calvin & Hobbes
Link: Calving & Hobbes strip
MOMENT OF CLARITY - a UFC fighter leads me into a self-conversation about a true moment of clarity..."When you make peace with the worst case scenario, only then you will live a free life" ....and I've totally made peace with what my future most likely holds for me.
LINK: Deconstruction Series (Distrust vs Hate)
Log - Day 32/365 (Make peace with the worst case scenario) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 31/365 (Engagement matters)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Today was mostly a day of rest, but I was once again impressed by Minister Tony Clement; I also worked on my Android Tablet.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I was disappointed with myself and dropping the ball on Open Data Day in Toronto.
Log - Day 31/365 (Engagement matters) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 30/365 (The Benevolent Dictator)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Situational Awareness; ...and a little ditty about parking tickets, courthouses, and stickers.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - The one thing I keep running into is people thinking that I'm being too much of an idealist and I don't live in the real world....and I'm ok with that.
Log - Day 30/365 (The Benevolent Dictator) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 29/365 (...oh, and another thing)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Started a new Podcast with Lyndon Johnson; Medad; ...and have fulfilled my promise from Day 12/365 by starting the "Reverse Advertising" project.
Link: Reverse Advertising Album
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I've found more active support than I thought I would when I first started Richard's 35th...but, I also need to continue to help others with their projects as well.
Which bring me to Linn Vizzard & Ayla Newhouse ...and their project that involves an investigation on the relationship between people and money.
Don't hesitate to email Linn and/or Ayla if you'd like to be part of their project :-)
Log - Day 29/365 (...oh, and another thing) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 28/365 (Busy, busy, busy)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Mr. Maguire and TED; No word from LU; the Wealth Project; ...and more importantly, I've begun the Open Gov Video, and I've decided to make it a completely Open Project....so, send me your feedback by checking out the album I've created (see below).
Link: Open Gov Video Album
Link: Foreplay/Long Time
Link: Dan Ariely, are we control of our decisions?
MOMENT OF CLARITY - Politicking, gossiping, and tension will continually loom in a closed environment...especially, at work.
Log - Day 28/365 (Busy, busy, busy) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 27/365 (Giving credit where it's due)
UPDATE ON MY TESTS - Very little to say, except that I did send formal letters to Laurentian asking about my Re-admission, as well as updates on Mr. Hartwell & Mrs. Leverette.
MOMENT OF CLARITY - This is by far one of my most vulnerable moments on Richard's 35th...I'll let the log speak for itself.
Link: Derek Sivers; How to start a movement
Note: See below for email thread between Julie and I.
EMAIL THREAD BETWEEN JULIE AND I OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS
My, original email to Julie
Hello Julie,
Thanks for commenting, twice now, on my blog...I’m very humbled that you read it on what appears to be a somewhat regular basis
Julie's reply
Just before retiring for the night, I settle into a very comfortable oversized leather chair with a cashmere throw, the fireplace crackling in front of me adding a warm glow to the room, my feet cozy in slippers, and my hands toasty warm as they gently cradle a hot cup of tea.
As I look outside, I see nothing but the quiet stillness of the night with the fog gathering in a slow subtle floating movement amongst the trees in the forest. Somewhere in the distance a dog howls and it makes the atmosphere in the room appear eerie. I hear a creaking sound in the next room; I turn around to look in that direction, feeling silly doing so, but I just reassure myself the floorboards are just settling. The wind chimes on the patio strike against each other. Even though I have heard them many times in the day, their chime on a dark foggy night feels not quite right.
A sudden chill enters the room and all the candles in the room flicker at the same time as if to announce the presence of someone, or something. I assure myself that it's just the wind picking up outside; I justify that to myself with the sound of a window shutter slamming.
The situation creates a feeling of a haunted aura and of mystery or even suspense, as if something unexpected is just....about......to happen....in the desolate stillness of the foggy night. It's the perfect setup to see what Poirot is up to in Agatha Christie's mystery collection. But. Nope. I am settling down to read Richard's 35th blog! lol.
Humour and scary scene (above) aside....Rich, you're humbled that I read your blog on a regular basis? Really? If it must be said, I'll say it......to entertain someone else's thoughts is to entertain another world, beyond your own. I find this the beauty of communication.
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation (or even in a one way communication; speech or presentation or haha blog) with someone and they say something that never did or maybe never would have ever crossed your mind? Or maybe you've heard it before but had dismissed it, but for some reason, this time, you entertain the thought.
The outcome of this is unpredictable and that's the absolute beauty of it. You walk away from it with either a new concept, idea, debate, consideration, emotion, direction, humor, non-acceptance, etc. Your (and in some cases, the speaker's) world or view of it, has just changed, and of course that's only if you see it. This change may lead one down a different road in life from that moment on; one's life and one's sequence and subject of thoughts may (or may not) have changed.
To see the world from the eyes of another is a gift they offer you; a most unique and priceless experience. If you take to the experience or what you do with the experience, well, that's a whole different ball game.
Rich, I enjoy your blog. Honestly, I think it had a shaky start, but seems to be going very well now. I have become quite used to sitting down to your blog with my cup of tea, and just unwinding for the evening.
----end of email thread.
Since this project is about being Open and collaborating with others, Julie has allowed me to publish her email address...so, should anyone wish to contact Julie, for whatever reason, please do so at jbaranski@hotmail.com
....and if you all understand the premise and the values of this project, I trust Julie will not regret this decision :-)
Day 26/365 (An Open person)
UPDATE ON "MY TESTS" - Talking about the video editing project I want to tackle, and also mention how I will be working with another person on developing a podcast...keep shipping, baby!
Link: Kinetic Typography
MOMENT OF CLARITY - I'm learning more and more that being Open doesn't have so much to do with details, but with intentions...and how I've chosen to add a section to Richard's 35th.
Special thanks: Jodi Leblanc
Link: New blog section
TOMORROW - Gov 2.0 Toronto, Laurentian, Mr. Hartwell...and another OpenData related project...that I really need to get working on.
Log - Day 26 (An Open person) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 25/365 (Shipping Creativity)
I'm all over the place with this log, and I've decided to add a bit of structure from herenonin (which you will see in tomorrow's log). HOWEVER, I can tell you that I really focus more on the idea of "Shipping," the concept presented by Seth Godin in his book Linchpin.
I also provide an update on my tests and Plenty of Fish.
Log - Day 25 (Shipping Creativity) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 24/365 (Finally!)
When I last ran for the Green Party in 2008, I started a mashup video that combined a couple of documentaries into a 10 minute video...a kind of extended trailer that spelled out the current state of things, and where they are going.
I never published it, or even really completed the video, until today.
Log - Day 24 - Edit from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 23/365 (Mr. Card)
I met Mr. Card today, and we had a tremendous conversation that ranged all over the place. Here's a picture of the man himself
Day 22/365 (You get what you get)
First...I note in the video that this is Log #21 (when it is #22)...whoops.
Second...Richard's 35th is venturing into hard areas where tough moral decisions are being made, and it's really testing the parametres of being open.
Log - Day 22/365 (You get what you get) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 21/365 (Siestas, baby)
Not much to report on, but I do touch a few things like my ebay auction, leasebusters, and how to NOT sleep on a loveseat, even when you're 5'6"
The Dude: That's a bummer man
Log - Day 21/365 (Siestas, baby) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 20/365 (It sucks)
This is so far my most difficult blog, and you can tell. I hit on what I believe is the reason why our society is in need of a major overhaul.
Day 19/365 (Movin' on up!)
Although my "full time work" is CitizenBridge and other related projects (like this one), it's not what brings home the bacon...I'm also a waiter at Swiss Chalet, and have been for about 10months. It's now time for change.
Also, here's the link to the ebay auction for my vehicle
Log - Day 19/365 (Movin' on up!) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Also, here's the link to the ebay auction for my vehicle
Log - Day 19/365 (Movin' on up!) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 18/365 (I would like to thank the Academy)
I go everywhere in this entry...everything from Grand Admiral Thrawn to Wind Mobile lol...but, this mostly outlines my first experience at a Literary Reading at the Academy of the Impossible.
Log - Day 18 (I'd like to thank the Academy) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 17/365 (A fork in the road)
This log starts off rather plainly...and then, takes a big curve into what can only be considered a moral dilemma. Also, here's an image of my profile description on POF (as mentioned in the Daily Log):
Log - Day 17/365 (A fork in the road) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 16/365 (Mr. Maguire)
Another busy day, highlighted by checking off one the items from my tests....reconnecting with Mr. Maguire...and it was everything I expected and so much more! Here's a picture of him and I.
Also, here's a link to the TED Talks I mention in the log:
Seth Godin - In a world of too many options and too little time, our obvious choice is to just ignore the ordinary stuff. In a world of too many options and too little time, our obvious choice is to just ignore the ordinary stuff
Dan Ariely - the author of Predictably Irrational, uses classic visual illusions and his own counterintuitive (and sometimes shocking) research findings to show how we're not as rational as we think when we make decisions.
Dan Gilbert - Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness -- sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself.
Also, here's a link to the TED Talks I mention in the log:
Seth Godin - In a world of too many options and too little time, our obvious choice is to just ignore the ordinary stuff. In a world of too many options and too little time, our obvious choice is to just ignore the ordinary stuff
Dan Ariely - the author of Predictably Irrational, uses classic visual illusions and his own counterintuitive (and sometimes shocking) research findings to show how we're not as rational as we think when we make decisions.
Dan Gilbert - Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness -- sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself.
Log - Day 16/365 (Mr. Maguire) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 15b/365 (You take the good...)
Today was very busy for me.
First, Mr. Maguire (one of the teachers I need to reconnect with from my tests) returned my call. I also attended an info-session on the Toronto Casino hosted by the City of Toronto...and the evening was going so well, that is until some "political profiteering" took place.
Log - Day 15b/365 (You take the good...) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
First, Mr. Maguire (one of the teachers I need to reconnect with from my tests) returned my call. I also attended an info-session on the Toronto Casino hosted by the City of Toronto...and the evening was going so well, that is until some "political profiteering" took place.
Log - Day 15b/365 (You take the good...) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 15a/365 (The diving footage)
The much awaited...much anticipated...and, after viewing the video, underwhelming display of diving prowess! lol. Also, I'd like to give a special thanks to James Honeyman from the Regent Park Aquatic Centre for making it all happen.
...he's proof there are good people out there who want to help other good people do good things.
Log - Day 15a/365 (The diving footage) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
...he's proof there are good people out there who want to help other good people do good things.
Log - Day 15a/365 (The diving footage) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 14/365 (Cool, calm, and collected)
An update on the soap opera that erupted yesterday between the Union, Restaurant, and Staff......an update with a happy ending :-)
Log - Day 14/365 (Cool, calm, and collected) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 13/365 (Testing the parametres)
I talk a little about one of my tests...more specifically the one where I try to reconnect with some of my old high school teachers. But, the real meat of today's log is about me being in the middle of a "Union vs Management" situation at my other work.
Log - Day 13/365 (Testing the parametres) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 12/365 (Reverse Advertising)
I hit on two things in today's log...1) I talk about a "good son" moment of mine and 2) An idea for a project I like to call "Reverse Advertising."
Log - Day 12/365 (Reverse advertising) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 11/365 (...and 2 to take him)
A quick update on the status of selling my car...the scammers out there...and a word to the wise. Also, here's a link to my craigslist post.
Log - Day 11/365 (...and 2 to take him) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 10/365 (More good than bad)
Purchased a used tablet (Asus TF101) from craigslist today...and I'm still amazed how genuine people can be when you're open and deal with them one-on-one / face-to-face.
Log - Day 10/365 (More good than bad) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 9/365 (The Long Game)
Richard's 35th is all about using the long game (delayed gratification) in bringing about progress in our society...and how the long game has worked for me in my life.
Here's a link to an article that talks more about Delayed Gratification
Here's a link to an article that talks more about Delayed Gratification
Log - Day 9/365 (The Long Game) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 8/365 (False start)
Tried to get footage of me diving, as promised yesterday...but, life got in the way, and my log explains what exactly happened.
Log - Day 8/365 (False start) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Log - Day 8/365 (False start) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
Day 7/365 (It's already working!)
Just one week into trying to lead an open life, I've been introduced to someone who leads a Nomadic Life and will be meeting her in early February, 2013. This log also hints on tomorrow's video about my diving skills.
Log - Day 7/365 (It's already working!) from Richard Pietro on Vimeo.
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