A collection of reflections, quips and observations......Hard to believe this is the 300th issue of the FoD, Friends.When I read it, it sorta feels like this should be the name of an endurance race or something...the Friends of Dave 300 brought to you by Mylanta....And for those of you long time FoDs, I'm sure it feels like it has been. I appreciate you sticking with me.So this week, I thought I would share some quick random thoughts, observations, rants, etc. to mark the occasion.Here we go:Keith Richards outlived Queen Elizabeth. It just proves he is an alien.A silver bullet is said to magically kill fictional creatures. No one ever said they are the answer to solving real life problems.The last birthday where someone did not sing “Happy Birthday” to you was most likely the day you were born.Hugs and handshakes are intuitively graded by the force applied and their duration.The fact that we live in a world where I can watch videos of dogs learning to skateboard whenever I want blows my mind.If you don’t yell “So good! So good!” during “Sweet Caroline” we cannot be friends.The next time you are stuck without power with people under the age of 18, find a corded land line phone and ask them how to work it….sit back and thank me later…It was either massively presumptuous or a masterclass in marketing by the US Postal Service to offer “Forever” stamps…The greeting cards in the “Funny” slot at the card store always disappoint.Everyone should own a convertible car at least once in their lives.I’m always wary when someone calls themselves an “evangelist.”People who order the “make your own” fajitas at a restaurant are narcissistic. I don’t care what science says — 55 degrees Fahrenheit in August is colder than 55 degrees Fahrenheit in March.There is no feeling like the feeling you feel when you know that you are next.Describing the attack on Pearl Harbor to young people in 1962 is probably the closest thing to what is like describing 9/11 to young people today. However, a year later they had a their own point of reference. The next new car you buy/lease will very likely be the last new car you own that is 100% gas powered.It may also be the last time you go into a dealership to buy one.With all of the advancements we have in manufacturing, why do we still need shoe laces?Why all of the cloak and dagger and mystery, restaurants with “market price” items on the menu?You probably cannot remember the last time you checked out an actual book from the public library.Everyone has a go-to beverage that they order on an airplane. Mine is ginger ale.Have you ever seriously said “no” when you order a Coke and the server says “Sorry we don’t have that. Is Pepsi okay?”Why does every Walmart always smell like a combination of calzones and despair?Europeans who try to imitate American accents always sound like they are from Texas.If you don’t freak out just a little when your fortune cookie does not have a fortune in it, you are not human.People who are taking Social Security right now AND are angry about student debt being cancelled need to check themselves.If someone simply mentions Pee-Wee Herman, you hear his voice in your head.When was the last time you watched that video you took at that concert?People seldom remember all of the details of an event — but they remember exactly how they felt.This especially holds true for kids sports games. Years later they will not remember a score, but they will remember how they felt afterwards.The best thing you can do is tell a kid “I love to watch you” after a performance or sporting event.This also applies to adults too.Having pumpkin spice anything while wearing short sleeves and shorts is offensive.I’d rather watch a Hallmark Channel marathon than call customer service for anything.And chat bots on websites are complete BS. You might as well ask a 6 year old with an iPad for the answer.Did anyone ever consider that Charlie Brown might have been on the spectrum? The Netflix series “Cobra Kai” is a love letter to Generation X. So fun and I am big fan.However, almost 60 year old Daniel LaRusso’s unhealthy near 40 year obsession with Mr. Miyagi is an obvious cry for help. If Tony Soprano could go to therapy, so should you, Daniel-san.Better Call Saul > Breaking Bad. Fight me.Too often modern parents put more emphasis on what their children achieve versus whether or not they are actually learning to become self-sustainable.This is because parents today largely view their children’s achievements as a reflection on them.This then leads to children over-relying on their parents to be able to sustain themselves. And parents wonder— when will my kids move out? You are unique, but to the world aside from your parents and maybe your children, you are not special.Regardless of how hard you try, you will likely NEVER be viewed as special on a large scale.So no matter how old you get, count yourself as fortunate if you are able to speak to the people on the planet who see you as both unique AND special.Be grateful for the gifts your parents gave to you — the value is far greater than whatever you are walking around pissed about that they didn’t.After centuries of existence, this may be the last generation to believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny…the culprit: Google.I’m convinced that the theme of every popular song from 1974-1980 is really a derivation of the lyrics of Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” Remember, in business, time kills all deals.While everyone else’s might seem interesting, focus on owning your own sh*t. There is plenty of it. The quickest way to stay away from drama is to remind yourself to stay in your lane.The most negative voice you usually hear is the one you hear in your own head. The smartest people are the ones who understand that they will always have more to learn.The strongest teams are those where continuous alignment is an unspoken core value.Every generation is convinced that they were the first to experience something when in fact it is usually just history repeating itself.This occurs at a time when we have more tools and resources easily at our disposal to prove that this is true.Why is it that we will usually take the advice from a stranger before taking it from someone who knows us best?I don’t understand people who eat sushi but also like their steak well done.Despite what people think, most disruptive technologies tend to be adopted via “evolution” as opposed to “revolution.”Along those lines, whether it is people or companies, if you don’t evolve, you will dissolve.COVID proved what many have known all along: the rising costs of undergraduate higher education are really driven by placing a premium on the opportunity for young adults to grow via a multi-year supervised community experience away from their families. For the majority of students, the difference in value of the subject matter actually being taught in classrooms from institution to institution is negligible.This validates the notion that if you had $100 to spend, you can get a much higher personal ROI if it is invested on an experience than on a material good. Fear is not real — it is actually a choice.The best way to get more out of someone, particularly when they are exhausted, is to tell them that they are doing a great job. People will increase their level of effort if they know that the effort they are putting forth is appreciated.Sleep quality and self esteem play bigger roles in productivity than people realize.If you are not compelled to air drum when you hear the iconic drum fill in Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight,” we cannot be friends.Crickets chirping at night is literally them making booty calls.When you think of it that way, it’s strange that humans find this relaxing.“Per my last email” is universal corporate speak for “Look, dumbass.”Yawns, sneezes and snoring are all proof that your body doesn’t need you to control it.The fact that cuts to our skin can heal themselves is pretty badass as well.Other people think a lot more about themselves than they think about you. No one is thinking about you as much as you think they do — except your mother.If you are looking to make a connection with someone, ask them about a topic you know is close to them (family, hobbies, talents, etc.).The value of your network is not measured by how large it is, but by what each individual can do for someone else when needed.Cold brew coffee is an abomination.The default for coffee should ALWAYS be hot.I find it odd that I will drink tequila but I will not drink kombucha.The Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham” is really a masterclass in how to sell.I have eaten camel, ostrich and frogs — sure I’d try green eggs and ham if asked.Comfort zones make us smaller.“Should” can be a dangerous word because it causes you to think about something that never has really existed.Spend less time thinking about how things “should” be and spend more time accepting how things really are.If you really want something to be how you think it “should” be, know that it can only be in the future and you need to make that happen.One of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself is the ability to be present in what is happening around you at any given moment.Trust is not easily given, but must be earned.It is better to keep things deep and simple versus shallow and complex.If you are going to own a car, own one that brings you joy to drive.I don’t understand people who speak on cellphones while occupying a public bathroom stall.There is nothing like randomly getting some ice cream on a warm sunny day.Admit it —you probably didn’t read every one of these.I was originally going to write 300 of these but it took much longer than I expected.We regularly thank members of the military and police for their service but for some reason don’t hold teachers and nurses in the same regard.Thank a teacher — they don’t get paid enough for what they do.While you are at it, be sure to call your parents and thank them too.Stop what you are doing and turn off the notifications on your cellphone apps. You will be happier that you did.Find something that brings joy to your life and make an excuse to do it as often as you can.Thanks again for being along for the ride and giving me an excuse to publish 300 of these newsletters.Just one article to share this week. Enjoy your weekend!XOXODave
Share this post
Friends of Dave #300: some observations
Share this post
A collection of reflections, quips and observations......Hard to believe this is the 300th issue of the FoD, Friends.When I read it, it sorta feels like this should be the name of an endurance race or something...the Friends of Dave 300 brought to you by Mylanta....And for those of you long time FoDs, I'm sure it feels like it has been. I appreciate you sticking with me.So this week, I thought I would share some quick random thoughts, observations, rants, etc. to mark the occasion.Here we go:Keith Richards outlived Queen Elizabeth. It just proves he is an alien.A silver bullet is said to magically kill fictional creatures. No one ever said they are the answer to solving real life problems.The last birthday where someone did not sing “Happy Birthday” to you was most likely the day you were born.Hugs and handshakes are intuitively graded by the force applied and their duration.The fact that we live in a world where I can watch videos of dogs learning to skateboard whenever I want blows my mind.If you don’t yell “So good! So good!” during “Sweet Caroline” we cannot be friends.The next time you are stuck without power with people under the age of 18, find a corded land line phone and ask them how to work it….sit back and thank me later…It was either massively presumptuous or a masterclass in marketing by the US Postal Service to offer “Forever” stamps…The greeting cards in the “Funny” slot at the card store always disappoint.Everyone should own a convertible car at least once in their lives.I’m always wary when someone calls themselves an “evangelist.”People who order the “make your own” fajitas at a restaurant are narcissistic. I don’t care what science says — 55 degrees Fahrenheit in August is colder than 55 degrees Fahrenheit in March.There is no feeling like the feeling you feel when you know that you are next.Describing the attack on Pearl Harbor to young people in 1962 is probably the closest thing to what is like describing 9/11 to young people today. However, a year later they had a their own point of reference. The next new car you buy/lease will very likely be the last new car you own that is 100% gas powered.It may also be the last time you go into a dealership to buy one.With all of the advancements we have in manufacturing, why do we still need shoe laces?Why all of the cloak and dagger and mystery, restaurants with “market price” items on the menu?You probably cannot remember the last time you checked out an actual book from the public library.Everyone has a go-to beverage that they order on an airplane. Mine is ginger ale.Have you ever seriously said “no” when you order a Coke and the server says “Sorry we don’t have that. Is Pepsi okay?”Why does every Walmart always smell like a combination of calzones and despair?Europeans who try to imitate American accents always sound like they are from Texas.If you don’t freak out just a little when your fortune cookie does not have a fortune in it, you are not human.People who are taking Social Security right now AND are angry about student debt being cancelled need to check themselves.If someone simply mentions Pee-Wee Herman, you hear his voice in your head.When was the last time you watched that video you took at that concert?People seldom remember all of the details of an event — but they remember exactly how they felt.This especially holds true for kids sports games. Years later they will not remember a score, but they will remember how they felt afterwards.The best thing you can do is tell a kid “I love to watch you” after a performance or sporting event.This also applies to adults too.Having pumpkin spice anything while wearing short sleeves and shorts is offensive.I’d rather watch a Hallmark Channel marathon than call customer service for anything.And chat bots on websites are complete BS. You might as well ask a 6 year old with an iPad for the answer.Did anyone ever consider that Charlie Brown might have been on the spectrum? The Netflix series “Cobra Kai” is a love letter to Generation X. So fun and I am big fan.However, almost 60 year old Daniel LaRusso’s unhealthy near 40 year obsession with Mr. Miyagi is an obvious cry for help. If Tony Soprano could go to therapy, so should you, Daniel-san.Better Call Saul > Breaking Bad. Fight me.Too often modern parents put more emphasis on what their children achieve versus whether or not they are actually learning to become self-sustainable.This is because parents today largely view their children’s achievements as a reflection on them.This then leads to children over-relying on their parents to be able to sustain themselves. And parents wonder— when will my kids move out? You are unique, but to the world aside from your parents and maybe your children, you are not special.Regardless of how hard you try, you will likely NEVER be viewed as special on a large scale.So no matter how old you get, count yourself as fortunate if you are able to speak to the people on the planet who see you as both unique AND special.Be grateful for the gifts your parents gave to you — the value is far greater than whatever you are walking around pissed about that they didn’t.After centuries of existence, this may be the last generation to believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny…the culprit: Google.I’m convinced that the theme of every popular song from 1974-1980 is really a derivation of the lyrics of Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” Remember, in business, time kills all deals.While everyone else’s might seem interesting, focus on owning your own sh*t. There is plenty of it. The quickest way to stay away from drama is to remind yourself to stay in your lane.The most negative voice you usually hear is the one you hear in your own head. The smartest people are the ones who understand that they will always have more to learn.The strongest teams are those where continuous alignment is an unspoken core value.Every generation is convinced that they were the first to experience something when in fact it is usually just history repeating itself.This occurs at a time when we have more tools and resources easily at our disposal to prove that this is true.Why is it that we will usually take the advice from a stranger before taking it from someone who knows us best?I don’t understand people who eat sushi but also like their steak well done.Despite what people think, most disruptive technologies tend to be adopted via “evolution” as opposed to “revolution.”Along those lines, whether it is people or companies, if you don’t evolve, you will dissolve.COVID proved what many have known all along: the rising costs of undergraduate higher education are really driven by placing a premium on the opportunity for young adults to grow via a multi-year supervised community experience away from their families. For the majority of students, the difference in value of the subject matter actually being taught in classrooms from institution to institution is negligible.This validates the notion that if you had $100 to spend, you can get a much higher personal ROI if it is invested on an experience than on a material good. Fear is not real — it is actually a choice.The best way to get more out of someone, particularly when they are exhausted, is to tell them that they are doing a great job. People will increase their level of effort if they know that the effort they are putting forth is appreciated.Sleep quality and self esteem play bigger roles in productivity than people realize.If you are not compelled to air drum when you hear the iconic drum fill in Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight,” we cannot be friends.Crickets chirping at night is literally them making booty calls.When you think of it that way, it’s strange that humans find this relaxing.“Per my last email” is universal corporate speak for “Look, dumbass.”Yawns, sneezes and snoring are all proof that your body doesn’t need you to control it.The fact that cuts to our skin can heal themselves is pretty badass as well.Other people think a lot more about themselves than they think about you. No one is thinking about you as much as you think they do — except your mother.If you are looking to make a connection with someone, ask them about a topic you know is close to them (family, hobbies, talents, etc.).The value of your network is not measured by how large it is, but by what each individual can do for someone else when needed.Cold brew coffee is an abomination.The default for coffee should ALWAYS be hot.I find it odd that I will drink tequila but I will not drink kombucha.The Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham” is really a masterclass in how to sell.I have eaten camel, ostrich and frogs — sure I’d try green eggs and ham if asked.Comfort zones make us smaller.“Should” can be a dangerous word because it causes you to think about something that never has really existed.Spend less time thinking about how things “should” be and spend more time accepting how things really are.If you really want something to be how you think it “should” be, know that it can only be in the future and you need to make that happen.One of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself is the ability to be present in what is happening around you at any given moment.Trust is not easily given, but must be earned.It is better to keep things deep and simple versus shallow and complex.If you are going to own a car, own one that brings you joy to drive.I don’t understand people who speak on cellphones while occupying a public bathroom stall.There is nothing like randomly getting some ice cream on a warm sunny day.Admit it —you probably didn’t read every one of these.I was originally going to write 300 of these but it took much longer than I expected.We regularly thank members of the military and police for their service but for some reason don’t hold teachers and nurses in the same regard.Thank a teacher — they don’t get paid enough for what they do.While you are at it, be sure to call your parents and thank them too.Stop what you are doing and turn off the notifications on your cellphone apps. You will be happier that you did.Find something that brings joy to your life and make an excuse to do it as often as you can.Thanks again for being along for the ride and giving me an excuse to publish 300 of these newsletters.Just one article to share this week. Enjoy your weekend!XOXODave