Life is Good is a company that got popular by making tee shirts with catchy, optimistic, and warm taglines. I bought a few when I lived on the East Coast; my favorite was their “Think Outside the Box” with a graphic of an old-school television with a blank screen. The following is the Life is Good story pulled directly from their website:

In 1989, Bert and John Jacobs designed their first tee shirt. They knew nothing about the business. For five years, the brothers hawked tee shirts in the streets of Boston and traveled the East Coast, selling door-to-door in college dormitories.

They collected some good stories, but were not very prosperous. They lived on peanut butter and jelly, slept in their van, and showered when they could. Chicks were not impressed.

By the Fall of 1994, heading home from a long, less-than-fruitful roadtrip, Bert and John were desperately searching for answers to keep the dream alive. Little did they know, the only answer they needed was back in Boston, hanging up on their apartment wall.

Jake’s contagious grin, simple as it was, seemed to express everything the Jacobs brothers believed in. One fateful September day, they printed up 48 Jake shirts for a local street fair in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They laid the shirts out on their rickety card table. By noontime, all 48 of those tees were gone. A star was born.

Soon Jake was introduced to local retailers, and his simple message of optimism was embraced like nothing the brothers had ever seen. As demand for product soared, Jake’s team grew, and the Little Brand That Could began to spread across America.

Today, the New England based brand stays close to its roots, with an emphasis on humor and humility. Through Life is good Festivals, positive products, and a steady dose of ping pong, Jake’s crew does its best to keep the good vibes flowing.

Bert and John developed a very profitable company from scratch, as Life is Good products are sold everywhere nowadays, from REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods to Marshalls.

The “Think Outside the Box” tee shirt that I bought could not have been imagined if it wasn’t for Paul Gottlieb Nipkow, a 20-year old university student in Germany who patented the first electromechanical television system in 1884. I wanted to tell the world or at least anyone looking my way that I was one of those who was thinking outside the once original box, but I wasn’t. Being more concerned about how I saw myself and how others might perceive me, I was actually thinking inside. Attitudes, whatever they may be, are not something you can own; rather, they are embodied in ideas and actions.

There are a few problems with attributing oneself to thinking outside the box. The first is that many of us do a less-than-stellar job of thinking inside the box, and the second is that thinking outside the box can only be attributed to the process by which something was imagined after it’s creation by those looking from afar. Bert, John, and Paul were simply following their passions. It wasn’t thinking outside the box that specifically made them successful, but rather a willingness to fail, and a belief that they would prevail.

Mahatma Gandhi is famous for saying that, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Rather than talk about thinking outside the box, or trying to convince others that you embody any specific attitude for that matter, simply be it. Trying to think outside the box may bring you back inside.

Coffee and conversation go hand-in-hand, but how about coffee and ballroom dancing? I know how to do the Waltz, Fox Trot, and even a little Tango. I took a series of lessons with my wife before we got married, and have started practicing again at a local community center. Though it some time for me to relax and let go, I mostly enjoy it. Dancing can be rather therapeutic.

Something very different happened at the coffee shop yesterday. A young Barista (on break) and an older woman pushed a coffee table to the side, and a dancing lesson began; her husband watched and gave advice from the couch a few feet away. And I don’t think this was lesson #1.

For more than thirty minutes, I watched. The dance instructor knew her stuff, and was pleased with her student’s progress…

Conversations, business transactions, and browsing the web are common at coffee shops, but this was something unexpected. Maybe, dancing lessons will someday follow open-mic sessions.

What unusual happenings have you observed at coffee shops?

Jason Simon

Coffee and WiFi are two of my favorite things. Coffee shops certainly don’t owe it to their customers to offer Internet, free or for a fee, but I certainly prefer it.

Recently, I found a coffee shop that offers excellent coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters with free refills. In my humble opinion, Urban Coffee Lounge offers some of best coffee in Kirkland, WA.

After buying a cup, I turned on my computer and connected to their WiFi, but soon learned that they were using a web service that requires payment. Disappointed, I completed some offline work and returned home.

The coffee was so good that I returned a few days later. This time, the Barista asked If I needed Internet time, and of course I said yes. The purchase receipt listed an access code for 90 free minutes of WiFi. I browsed the web, completed some work, and a drank a few cups.

The coffee was almost free and the Internet was almost free, but neither were. Do you prefer excellent coffee and limited WiFi time or less than excellent coffee and free WiFi?

Jason Simon

A few months ago, I worked 70+ hours a week, managing two jobs and a volunteer position. When I was able to set aside a few minutes, I couldn’t help but use my time to prepare for my next set of tasks.
When I slept, I dreamed about what would happen if I didn’t complete them. I needed time alone, time to think, and time to imagine. I had to stop and take a break. I finally did.

Philip K. Howard writes:

Smart people spend time alone. They don’t fill their days with appointments from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., as many politicians and executives do. Great science do not emerge from hard logic and grinding hours. It comes from the mysterious resources of the human brain and soul. Inspiration is nurtured by activities like chopping wood and raking leaves, preparing dinner and reading to the kids. These activities soften the rigid pace of the day’s pursuits and allow all our God-given intuition to work its unlogical magic. Only then can we reach our fullest potential. Only then can we leap from thinking to understanding.

Jason Simon

During every election, a number of Republicans vote for Democrats and vice versa. It isn’t uncommon for a person to change their mind and even their politics. Change is the only thing that’s constant, but purposefully trying to change the politics of another person is something I try to avoid. When I catch myself doing just that, I have to remind myself that people can’t change people, mostly.

People can forcefully change others from time to time, but I personally don’t want someone to cast the same vote as myself because I manipulated, pressured, or used whatever other means possible to do so. It’s better to simply ask questions and encourage people with various views including one’s own to challenge the assumptions upon which they derive. Falzon writes:

The intellectual who speaks on behalf of other runs the risk of perpetuating the domination that prevents these others from speaking for themselves.

In many situations, our purpose in starting a conversation is to get the other person to change their point of view. There is nothing wrong with hoping for change, as the urge to change others is near universal, but it generally fails.

Trying to change someone rarely results in change because we are more likely to argue with and attack their story, and less likely to listen to their perspective. This approach increases the likelihood that they will feel defensive rather than open to learning something new.

People are more likely to change if they feel understood, heard, and respected. Rather than demand change, ask open ended questions and come from a place of curiosity. People are more likely to change if they feel free not to.

Jason Simon

Marianna left the Soviet Union in 1991, two years after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Germany. She hasn’t returned to what is now Estonia since immigrating into the United States.

Seventeen years later, Marianna admits that she stills struggles with English, referring to her pocket-sized translation book when she isn’t able to grasp specific words and concepts. Marianna’s English is very good now, but when she tries to follow knitting instructions (for example), she has to pull it our for reference.

She recalls going to the grocery store upon moving to Seattle and crying, feeling vulnerable and alone when asked by the clerk if she would like paper or plastic? She simply didn’t understand the question. Marianna handed over a few dollar bills with one hand, as she wiped away her tears of embarrassment with her other; she wanted nothing more than the exchange to be over. Answering questions at the grocery store is a non-issue nowadays, and says that plastiline (plastic) would have been her answer back home.

As Marianna shares her story, I listen…

Jason Simon

Open Door - In college, many of my professors had an open door policy, encouraging students to simply stop by and talk about whatever they wanted.

Photo by emdot

Open Window - Growing up in sunny California, my parents often kept the windows open to let the fresh air in.

Photo by Ana Cotta

Open Source - If you’re a fan of Wikipedia, then you have probably heard the term open source, a production methodology that thrives on collaboration by volunteers.

Photo by quarterman

Open Mind - Creative people are known to have an open mind, open to new ideas and ways of thinking.

Photo by Crysti

Open to Difference - A favorite professor of mine use to say that truth like beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Open to Difference suggests a willingness to learn about that which you are unfamiliar with.

If you come across any good photos that convey these ideas, let me know!

Jason Simon

As the 2008 Presidential Campaign continues on, I find it interesting that many people are adamant to have an outsider sitting in the Oval office next go-around, someone who has yet to be tained by Capitol Hill.

Governor Palin, the Republican Vice-presidential nominee is an outsider having spent little time outside Alaska. She has been governor for just over two years and was mayor of her hometown of Wasilla for six. Senator Obama (D) also claims to be an outsider though he has spent the last three years in the U.S. Senate.

While Republicans and Democrats claim that their respective “outsider” candidate will be able to reform and transform Washington because of their status, isn’t it true that either would become insiders upon their election?

Governor Palin and Senator Obama can only claim outsider status if they stay outside, but both want in. Both are willing to lose whatever outsider status they currently claim to have in order to be in the White House. That’s okay with me, but it seems that outsiders become insiders upon winning the vote.

Jason Simon

I set up Google Alerts to notify me when anyone uses the term open to difference, and I quickly found it in the title of an article at Harvard Magazine called, “Open to Difference - Three alumnae rabbis help redefine an ancient calling.”

This article explores how female rabbis, who would have been banned from the rabbinate just a few generations ago, are pressing forward. Today, nearly one-third of the rabbis working in the United States are female.

Though the stories of Toba Spitzer, Jennifer (Kirsch) Flatté, and Julia Andelman differ, they have changed the rabbinate and Judaism in significant ways, challenging norms that were held onto for centuries. For example, these and other female rabbis have introduced and legitimized new prayers and blessings for particularly female life-events. Even more controversial is that Rabbi Andelman, who feels strongly about the detrimental impact of hierarchy, stands at the same level as her congregation when she leads services rather than on a raised platform looking down on them.

Some congregants have had a difficult time accepting female rabbis, leaving their place of worship in response. Others have embraced the different perspectives and new ways of thinking that female rabbis bring to their congregation.

Many years ago when I attended temple regularly, I didn’t think twice when a female rabbi in training stood before us during Friday night services. Though provocative today, few will likely think twice about female and male rabbis standing side by side in years to come.

Jason Simon

Numerous organizations are advocating for new policies and for the end of the Iraq War or occupation (whatever you choose to call it). Protests have been organized from time to time and criticism of the Bush Administration has become common place. Liberals and even some conservatives want change. But can an organization or even an individual change the world with nothing more than a candle in the hand?

Andrea Ayvazian writes:

A reporter interviewing A.J. Muste, who during the Vietnam War stood in front of the White House night after night with a candle, one rainy night asked,”Mr. Muste, do you really think you are going to change the policies of this country by standing out here alone at night with a candle?” Muste replied, “Oh, I don’t do it to change the country, I do it so the country won’t change me.”

Sometimes, not allowing the country to change you is in fact contributing to changing the country.

Jason Simon

Organizations have been created and studies have been conducted to foster improved relations among different generations, as they are thought to be less united than years past. Retirement communities where residents must be 55 years of age or older ensure that like-minded older adults or at least people with similar interests, socioeconomic backgrounds, and education live behind the same gated fence together. These regulated and age segregated communities, which may foster an increased sense of security (physically and physiologically) are commonplace and popular in states such as Arizona and Florida.

A recent article titled, “The Big Sort” in the Economist explores how some people in Texas recently decided to start a new community restricted to 100% Ron Paul supporters. The decision to live in neighborhoods where people share similar points of view is becoming less unusual, as more conservatives are choosing to live near other conservatives, and liberals near liberals.

According to Mr. Bishop, author of The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America is Tearing Us Apart:

We now live in a giant feedback loop, hearing our own thoughts about what’s right and wrong bounced back to us by the television shows we watch, the newspapers and books we read, the blogs we visit online, the sermons we hear and the neighbourhoods we live in.

I understand that some people prefer like-minded neighbors; those who reflect their own ways of thinking. I see how the clustering of homogenous groups, those who are less likely to be exposed to contrary points of view, become more extreme and more harsh towards those with views different from their own. Liberals who go out of their way to isolate themselves from conservatives and vice versa are more likely to assume that their counterparts have views more radical than what they may actually be.

However, will the lack of communication between conservatives and liberals and/or young and older adults tear America apart? Not necessarily.

While some conservatives and liberals seek to isolate themselves, others move in the opposite direction, wanting to learn from others, and possibly changing their party affiliation altogether. In a similar fashion, some older adults seek age-isolated retirement communities, but others seek to rejuvenate themselves by surrounding themselves with younger generations.

Forcing people to talk to each other is no different than forcing people to isolate themselves from each other. Nevertheless, when social conditions (e.g. economic recession) require that liberals and conservatives along with young and old work together to realize common goals, communication will transpire. Or maybe not.

Jason Simon

If you’re not happy with my driving and give me the finger, I’ll wave back.

I’m not sure when I started doing this, but I enjoy watching how people respond to my wave since they assume that I’ll be returning with the finger as well. I give them what they least expect. It seems to anger some that I respond this way, but others quickly lower their finger and place their hand back on the wheel.

Thank you for letting me in and not slamming into my bumper.

Jason Simon

In his inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt said:

This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

Fear is an emotional response to threats and danger, real or perceived. The Hummer SUV that this plate was on probably wanted to convey its position in the automobile food chain - the monster of all trucks. It may have been feared by the Geo Metro’s of the world because of its presence and power, but it’s 32 gallon gas tank and 8-12 MPG is now causing great anxiety among many of its owners.

What’s feared one day may not be feared the next, and if so, possibly for different reasons. Fear has been known to induce quick-fire responses, but consider that the response may cause more anxiety than what first initiated it. Fear can paralyze, so question the assumptions upon which your fears are derived before you take action.

Jason Simon

Much has been said about the media and how it manipulates the public by presenting some points of view and not others, perpetuating fears towards different individuals and groups, and furthering partisan politics.

The Internet has fostered new forms of journalism, allowing different voices to be heard; nevertheless, television and networks such as MSN, FOX, CNN, and CNBC remain powerful. While these and other stations claim to be neutral in their presentation, they aren’t fooling anyone.

When asked by my more conservative friends what I watch, they are appalled that MSNBC is on my short list. When more liberal friends ask, they are stunned that I tolerate FOX. When I tell them that I consistently watch them all, they wonder why I waste my time. The O’Reilly Factor and Countdown with Keith Olbermann are always on my to-watch list.

I could easily deny one set of stations and only watch those that more closely match my point of view, but then I wouldn’t learn how others understand and discuss the same or similar topic. How can I be open to different ways of viewing the world if I can’t except that they exist? Sure, I could avoid all that I disagree with, but then I would be no better than the pundits who want to further their agenda and ensure that points of view outside their periphery are not heard or given consideration.

Jason Simon

I have heard the pro’s and con’s of immigration many times, and while proponents of each story make legitimate points, it’s common to hear from people on both sides of the aisle that immigrants must shed their historic identities and adopt the ways of their new country - assimilate and melt away, implying that we all become one and the same.

Immigrants who relocate to United States or any other country for that matter have no choice but to adapt to their new surroundings to some degree. However, integrating and creating new ways of living does not necessarily demand the melting of characteristics that make them unique. Sure, some immigrants strive to shed their differences completely, but others intend to keep them intact.

What immigrants cannot bring to their new country is the rule of law of which they previously lived by. In the U.S., laws may not be applied evenly, but immigrants and non-immigrants have to accept what they presently are. It isn’t the melting away of differences that makes America so unique; rather, it is the rights granted to individuals that help to ensure they can maintain them.

Jason Simon

Just a few weeks ago, Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of Meet the Press, had a heart attack while preparing for his Fathers Day Sunday show. For the last few years, I have spent my Sunday mornings watching Tim do his thing. And while I never thought about him or the show after 11:00 am, I was stunned by this death. For days, I watched MSNBC honor Tim, his family, and the amazing work he has done over the years.

Weeks after his passing, I remain uneasy about it, but I am starting to figure out why I was so affected since reading Washington Post Columnist & Associated Editor Eugene Robinson’s Op-Ed, in The Outsiders Insider, where he wrote:

But why such a huge reaction? I think it’s not just because of who Russert was, but also because of the role he carved out for himself as a kind of ombudsman — the mediator not only of a television show but of a weekly dialogue between the public and the political establishment.

Tim Russert was an Ombudsman of sorts who was charged with representing the interests of the public, not advocating for a specific point-of-view, but rather helping to ensure that politicians were held accountable to whatever view they had. Tim was political, but not in the traditional sense of the word. Like an Ombudsman, Tim was an insider and an outsider, navigating politics in a way that so few can.

Jason Simon

Conflict is a normal part of human life, and while people sometimes reflect upon it as a negative state of affairs, it can be a source of creativity and innovation. As theorists, researchers, and others categorize, label, and dispute the causes and sources of conflict, it persists and continues to shape people including those that study and write about it.

This photo isn’t of me, but it could be. I have red hair and wrote about war and peace, among other things, while I studied Conflict Analysis & Resolution at George Mason University. In three words, I walked away embracing the idea that perception is reality. Thank you Dr. Sandole!

I understand that this string of words pushes truth off to the side. Many people assert that they know it, but I’m quite certain that other people hold truths that conflict with your own.

If you don’t embrace my perception is reality premise, that’s okay. My truth allows me to accept yours even if I disagree with it. It is not my place to change your mind to satisfy my own.

My original perception was that studying conflict would allow me to resolve it. But human behavior is impossible to fully quantify and predict, and points of view are continually changing. Conflict is life, and life is conflict. Resolution is change, and change is constant.

I have pushed my original perception aside, and believe (for some time now) that it is the quality of difference that humans have most in common; drawing upon this trait should be the core of change-making efforts of various types (e.g. improving interpersonal relationships, developing public policy, negotiating an agreement). Change is constant, and with it comes conflict. It shapes us as we shape it.

We all have agendas, so let me more clearly express mine. I believe that an attitude of openness towards difference is the only path to making the world a more humane place to live.

Jason Simon

With an open book in his hand and a heavy accent, Jacob introduced himself while I settled in my chair with a cup of coffee. Hoping to receive new knowledge, an insight from a different world, a different way of living, I listened intently. Jacob pointed to the front page, hoping I would peer in and recognize the title.

He began to speak Russian, as I responded in English. He flipped through the pages, and pointed his finger from time to time, but I simply didn’t understand. I smiled and he smiled back, acknowledging the language barrier. He tipped his hat to me, and I waved in kind. He went on his way…

People are limited by the languages they speak and those they do not. I once met someone who spoke five languages (Spanish, French, German, English, Polish), some more fluent than others, but people like this are not the norm.

How do you communicate with strangers and friends who speak in a different tongue? What gestures do you use when language barriers are present?

Jason Simon

Drinking a cup of Starbucks coffee thanks to a Happy Chrismukkah gift card, I introduced myself to Daniel, and received a handshake that I will never forget. It was the strongest I have ever received, and I made an effort to respond in kind. I never met Daniel before, but I knew he had much to say, and was open to say it.

Without hesitation, he asked about my political views and the 2008 presidential primaries. We talked about Obama’s youth and passion, Clinton’s legacy, and McCain’s honor. Our political orientations differed greatly, I more liberal, he more conservative, but we respectfully continued on, discussing our differences, open to learn about where each other’s views derived. We talked for quite some time.

Parents have been known to tell their children not to talk to strangers, especially those who are older. I was one of those children. But at 27 years old, I look forward to talking with people I don’t know, especially with a cup of coffee in hand.

Jason Simon

Much has been said about the virtues of tolerance and the practice of respecting the beliefs of others. It is an attitude that many strive for.

I was recently reintroduced to the idea by an acquaintance that liberals are more tolerant than conservatives. Referring to policy and personality, she suggested that conservatives are not open-minded or tolerant of those who seek help (e.g. government) to satisfy their basic needs.

While political parties certainly have a core set of values and political positions, points of view and tolerance of others generally vary from situation to situation, much derived from past experiences and future expectations.

On Boston Legal, conservative William Shatner (Denny Crane) is quite tolerant of his very liberal friend James Spader (Alan Shore), and vice versa. I actually prefer to use the word acceptance rather than tolerance to describe this quality of their relationship. Their political orientations and politics are very different to say the least, but their differences bring them together, or at least make the show interesting!

Human differences can separate people as much as they can bring them together.

Jason Simon

I sat a table preparing to type, and a conversation of sorts broke out that caught my attention.

“Why the !@%$#%@ are you talking !@%$#%@ about me?” Who the !@%$#%@ do you think you are?”

I peered over to see a girl about 15 years of age starting to punch another girl who remained in her chair trembling, unprepared for the blows, apparently innocent of the name calling attributed to her.

Mothers and fathers swarmed the young teenagers, as the perpetrator walked away to avoid further confrontation. She soon found herself in handcuffs. A smile of satisfaction - not fear - emerged on her face, as her friends took photos from their camera phones.

I watched from afar, reflecting upon my reaction to the fight, and that of others. Ten to fifteen witnesses intervened or at least discussed the situation thereafter, but I was not one of them. I watched and listened, deeply saddened by the intense anger displayed, and my lack of surprise.

At what point does the fist replace the spoken word? When does punching become as, if not more, comfortable than talking? If you have a difficult time communicating with others and you’re going to punch for a conversation, you might as well have fun doing it.

Throw a pillow rather than a punch, and you’re not likely to find yourself in jail.

Jason Simon

I was born different, and this was a good thing, so my parents told me. I’m sure that you have heard the same. With a full head of red hair (2-6% of world’s population has red hair), glances from others were commonplace. Older adults couldn’t keep their hands off my curls while those in my age group looked the other way, or had something not-so-nice to say.

Rather than embrace my difference, I made efforts throughout much of my life to eliminate it, to become more of the same.

I didn’t know what a fro was, but I had one until middle school. Buzzing my hair, and bleaching it from time to time was how I moved along through much of my later youth. I wanted to fit in, look normal, and simply feel okay.

I continually made efforts to figure out why my most pronounced difference was frowned upon, why others looked down upon me, judged me for it. I was always observing others (still do), trying to understand their point-of-view, so I could avoid internalizing it fully.

Thinning hair, years of college, intense conversations, and books such as Ishmael (Daniel Quinn), Foucault and Social Dialogue: Beyond Fragmentation (Chris Falzon), and The Giver (Lois Lowry), have steered me in a different direction, an openness towards difference. I have come to believe that it is the quality of difference that humans have most in common. It is not only okay to be different, it is unavoidable - it makes us human.

Jason Simon

On our return flight from a wedding in St. Louis, my wife and I were greeted by a crying baby on the airplane. This was not your average crying baby. She cried and cried, and cried some more.

As I sat in my seat, I pondered whether I should speak up, and convey to the parents that it’s okay - no worries. This may have comforted the parents… or could have embarrassed them further. I’m not sure. I often try to anticipate how other people will respond to words I sometimes don’t end up saying. This hasn’t gotten me in trouble, but that isn’t necessarily a good thing. Sometimes you’re better off to speak up, speak out, and of course speak clearly.

Jason Simon

Much has been said about the way Generation X and Generation Y go about their daily lives. Entitled and Narcissistic are two qualities suggested by an article in the Seattle Times titled, Are we grown-up brats?

Read my Are We Entitled to be Narcissistic? response at Qvisory.

Jason Simon