This is what investors mean when referring to an “unfair advantage.”

So you have to figure out what your own aptitudes are. If you play games where other people have the aptitudes and you don’t, you’re going to lose. And that’s as close to certain as any prediction that you can make. You have to figure out where you’ve got an edge. And you’ve got to play within your own circle of competence.

- Charlie Munger

In order of best to worst:

• Skype/Gchat
• Text message – (678) 665-2753
• @ Twitter message – @taylorbrooks
• Facebook/LinkedIn message
• Email – tbrooks at gmail dot com
• Call/voicemail

Over the years I’ve owner some pretty killer shades.  I, however, suck at keeping a pair of sunglasses for any respectable length of time.  I’m a brand snob, so I never buy the cheap convenience store ones like I should.  This summer is no exception.  I’ll buy another expensive pair from Sunglass Hut and likely lose them in no time.

Here are the different models I’ve owned in the past:

1.  Oakley Frogskins – $59 – left at the beach

2.  Oakley M Frame Sweep – $120 – stolen by brother

3.  Oakley Sub Zero 0.6 – $89 – left on back of car

4.  Maui Jim Wailea – $259 – lost in the lake

5.  Spy Optic Zoe – $100 – sat on them

6.  Ray Ban RB4057 – $170 – left them in a golf cart

Nothing says “urban assault vehicle” like a flat black SUV. These things are tough.

Some days I just feel like doing GOB’s chicken dance when people are talking to me.

Staff Infection — Season 1 (Performed by GOB)
Amigos — Season 2 (Performed by GOB)
Switch Hitter — Season 2 (Performed by GOB)
Burning Love — Season 2 (Performed by GOB)
Ready, Aim, Marry Me — Season 2 (Performed by GOB and Lindsay)
Spring Breakout — Season 2 (Performed by Lucille)
For British Eyes Only — Season 3 (Performed by Lucille, Lindsay and George Sr.)

I just got this email from Andrew Warner of Mixergy.com:

Looks like a normal email announcing some new interview he’s doing right? Wrong.

I haven’t clicked on any of these links, but I know this is a survey in disguise.

People don’t fill out surveys. And when they do, they are not honest.

If I sent you an email, would you rather get a survey that said, “when you choose a freelancer, do you:”

1. look for freelancers that have repeat clients?
2. look for freelancers with proven experience?
3. look for freelancers that you can pay on milestone basis?
4. ask freelancers to sign an NDA?

The video has 301 views as of this posting. It’ll hit 1 million by the end of the day…

I’ve built dozens of WordPress sites since college and each one needed a subscribe form.

So what did I do? I searched high and low, looking for a free WordPress plugin that I could use. The problem is: they all suck.

Who knows how many countless hours I’ve spent searching that stupid thing… Like a unicorn, they just don’t exist.

Until yesterday.

I just found Optin Skin, a new plugin that does everything I need. And it’s pretty bad-a.

Not only is it stupid, simple to set up a form. It has this wicked cool a/b testing framework. where I can put up two different versions of the form and it will alternate showing them and tell me which one is better.

It also syncs with all the major email companies (MailChimp, Campaign Monitor, etc.) so when someone signs up, they are automagically added on my MailChimp list.

Watch this video to see what I’m talking about:

These are my new screensavers whenever my Kindle goes into rest mode.

I followed the directions from this site and downloaded images from this Kindle screensaver gallery.

The excerpt below is from the Navy Seal Team Ethos. Read the full version here.

I’ve only read these words and been inspired. Can you imagine how different I’d be if I actually had that kind of conviction? I want to be that kind of man.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time.  I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me – my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.