Posts by Michael Freed
A Nicer Way to Say Some Things
I travel alone a lot — so, I eat out alone a lot. When I go into a restaurant, the hostess usually greets me with some version of, “Is it just one?” And right way, I feel like I let her down… “I thought one would be sufficient,” I think to myself… “Should I go…
Read MoreHearty Vegetable Soup?
I ordered this “Hearty Vegetable Soup” today at one of my favorite lunch spots. Delicious! But…. it raises the question of what exactly qualifies as a “hearty vegetable?” Potatoes and carrots? Absolutely! I can even accept celery as hearty. But leaks and chives? No way! Even an onion, which itself is not hearty in a…
Read MoreMotel Heat Light
Just back from Little Rock, Arkansas, where my luxury motel room included this “heat light.” It’s something between an interrogation light and the light on an execution chair. Instead of singing in the shower, I found myself continually confessing to things. Sorry Mr. Burke, my 5th Grade Teacher…I did take your pencil.
Read MoreZoom Comedy
There is no substitute for live comedy, but Zoom Comedy is not half bad. It’s a great way to reach a large audience spread over a wide geographic area. It can even be interactive through video and chat communications and yes…even hecklers. We need more laughs, especially in the middle of an otherwise serious conference.…
Read MoreSocially Distanced Games
Covid 19 social distancing requirements are opportunities for creativity. I stumbled upon this scene in the mountains of North Carolina. As I sized it up, and I could be wrong, the wise folks at the Biltmore have devised a way to play pin the tail on the donkey with a real, live donkey. As you…
Read MoreThe Peril of Good Credentials
I went to a highly ranked law school – Georgetown University — and am grateful for the opportunity and education. But…. the worst part about good credentials is that, for the rest of my life, every time I do something stupid – e.g., forget to pick-up one of the kids from day-care; leave the car…
Read MoreSo many leadership books… why are there none on following?!
There are aisles of books on leadership. Some great nuggets out there, like “the trick to leadership is keeping the people who hate you away from those who are still undecided.” And, “if you want to be a leader, find a parade and get in front of it.” Good stuff! But, for every leader, there…
Read MoreMy Zoom Faux Pas
I learned of a troubling Zoom feature during a recent “networking” conference with more than 50 participants. Apparently, the personal chat feature – which allows you to send a private message to other participants – sends the message to EVERYONE when the person you message leaves the conference. This left me red-faced when I accidentally…
Read MoreTV Cops Are Great At Hide and Seek
I have watched a lot of TV Cop shows during quarantine. One of my favorite parts of each show is how the police enter a bad guy’s home or hideout, split up and go from room to room with their guns pointed, shouting to each other…. “Clear” to report that there is no danger in…
Read MoreCan we be more specific?
Exotic Plants – Really?!
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