Rite of passage - man’s first grill. (Taken with instagram)
I enjoy the debate. Every four years we get to hear some big ideas for tackling big problems. Income inequality is a serious and growing problem and should be a central issue in this year’s presidential campaign. The unfairness in the tax burden is one example of that divide. There is no argument that the tax system needs to be overhauled. But I’m not here to argue the politics of tax reform.
Whichever way we go, our leaders need to learn that press conferences are not the best way to explain big changes. Tell the American people a story. Stories are amazingly effective at conveying a message. Over 50 years ago when the government needed to explain changes in the income tax, it looked to a credible spokesman: Donald Duck. So when the government needs to explain the changes to the people the next time around, they may want to turn to Mater rather than Buffett.
Until World War II, the income tax was levied only on the rich. But wartime spending meant the government needed money, and ordinary folks are now asked to pay.
The government needed to get the word out. It needed a spokesperson. Someone credible, and easy to understand.
The government needed Donald Duck.
The movie at the top of this post is from 1943. In it, Donald Duck marches around his house, listening to the radio and filling out his tax form. Occupation: actor. Dependents: three (Huey, Dewey and Louie).
Source: http
All of this is a long way of saying that despite the obvious differences in circumstance and opportunity, there so many small, poignant things that are completely universal. We all worry about dirty toilet water splashing our butts. We all want to make our homes beautiful and comfortable. We all seek opportunities to provide for our families and children.
Right now, my classmates are scattered around the globe presenting their final recommendations for their International Business Development (IBD) projects. IBD is a management consulting program offered through Haas where MBAs assist businesses/NGOs in developing countries with business plans, market research, feasibility studies, financial assessments, and/or strategic plans.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have kept up with their amazing adventures through emails, blogs, FB, Twitter, etc. Each project is a unique adventure and is helping change the world in its own way. While I am amazed by all of their stories, I was struck by one specifically.
Alicia and her team are in Nairobi working with an NGO to improve the water and sanitation in the urban slums. Taking completely herself out of her comfort zone, Alicia has wholeheartedly embraced the NGO’s mission. Despite all the obstacles, including an extreme amount of violence and poverty, she remains determined to effect change. Every once and a while, you witness a combination of humility, passion and determination that inspires you. I can’t wait to hear more about her adventure when she get back.
-tvl
The quote above is from Alicia’s blog the Glass Half Full.
6,442 Americans have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. This Memorial Day, we stand together to remember and honor their lives, legacies and last full measure of devotion for our country.
Amazing shot of last night’s fireworks at the Golden Gate.
(via Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Celebrated with Massive Fireworks Display & Light Show)
Source: Laughing Squid
Just like a good Italian grandson, keeping the family sauce, rich in flavor and long on love, alive. Looking forward to celebrating Memorial Day and good food with friends and another Italian Jersey boy this weekend.
A brand is more than a logo—it’s a promise to the consumer and the idea that each of the products carrying that brand will embody the company’s mission and standards. It should appeal to both emotion and reason.
Getaway to Rancho Pescadero. Loved Baja.
Rancho Pescadero Margarita (h/t Danny)
2oz Tequila reposado
2oz Cointreau
Juice of 2 1/2 key limes
A splash of fresh orange juice
Pour all the ingredients and ice into a shaker, shake vigorously and pour in a chilled glass. Don’t forget the salt!
Adios and vaya con Dios. Yeah, I’m leaving CA (w/ @awitty) (Taken with instagram)
What am I doing in line?
It is a reflex. The moment that I see a line, I grab for my phone. Scanning Twitter or checking my Tumblr dashboard is the perfect way to spend that idle time. A couple days back I headed to the market without my phone. This is normally a risky move because I inevitably have a question about what I’m picking up and seek a life line to my wife. Luckily the list that day was standard. Standing at the checkout, I struck up a conversation with another shopper. Nothing extraordinary came from the conversation, but it got me thinking about what I’m missing.
Akio Morita of Sony attributed part of his success developing disruptive products to simply walking around and watching what people are trying to do. Once Morita truly understood what people were trying to do, he would go home and think about it in a way that no one else had before. I think this is the same approach Steve Jobs took as well.
What if I made a habit of just walking around and watching what people are trying to do? I really believe that you can learn something important from anybody, so this summer I’m going to make walking around and watching more of a habit. Forget the feeds and the earbuds, something more interesting may be on the other side.
-tvl
