I used to be adamant against people going to film school to learn how to make movies. Simply because, the best guys never had to. It was natural to them. I still believe that. That's why I'm taking design classes. Because I can't do it. And I want to. And since I'm not one of those people who can just see the world like that, my next best option is learning how to imitate them.

I've been thinking about changing my personality, to emulate Don Draper, lead character on the hit AMC series, "Mad Men" about ad executives from NYC in 1960. Most noticeably, the dude is always calm, and speaks intentionally. His personality commands attention. So, why shouldn't I emulate this? Because it's not "me"? Our personalities subconsciously evolve over time to adjust to our circumstances. We intentionally rid ourselves of bad habits because of how they are received. Why shouldn't I forcefully adjust my personality in order to be more successful?

(a continuation) Do you think pedophiles are born that way?

There's an overweight man. He's embarrassed about his appearance, and really needs the motivation and personal attention of a gym membership. Here's the problem. He is embarrassed about his appearance. And joining a gym would require him to go out into that very public he's embarrassed to be seen by in his condition, wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt that don't hide much. So, instead, he buys a treadmill and never uses it. How do we tip this?

I wonder if people from other countries are confused when they watch the Olympics and see that a large majority of American athletes are black? They know our politicians. They know our Hollywood stars. And then they watch track and field, and basketball contests being dominated by Americans who largely look nothing like these people. So, in all cases except China, as they're likely upset by American athletic dominance that overshadows their own, don't they have to be slightly intrigued by the apparent melting pot of American awesomeness?

Feminism: For someone in my parent's generation, feminism meant the belief that women were inherently equal in both worth and talent to men, and should not be limited from career options based on incorrect social stigmas of inferiority. Whereas, I grew up thinking that feminists believed men were evil, stay-at-home mothers were victims and being pro-life meant being anti-woman. I think my generation needs to watch more 50s real-life dramas (aka Mad Men) to get some perspective. One more quick one. Liberal: Simply means liberty. And think about what that word has come to imply, both good and bad. Words are powerful. Loaded. And dangerous. Avoid them at all costs. Either that, or think.

There's a tight hallway in my office. And I realized this morning that whenever I pass someone, I turn toward them, with my back to the wall, and slightly touch my stomach, almost as if holding it in to prevent our bellies from bouncing into each other. What's your standard procedure for avoiding collisions?

My wife and I hardly ever fight. When we do, it's typically when working on household projects together.

Why is this? Because no one's in charge.

We've touched on this concept before, but I never associated it with marriage.

Every task requires leadership. Yet, neither myself or my wife's natural skill set involves painting doors or moving furniture. So, when we work together on these tasks, it is often challenging, because we both start directing and disagreeing.

To avoid these arguments, my solution until now has simply been to split up these tasks into solo efforts as much as possible.

But, now I think there's a better option. Decide who's in control for each task. And follow the leader.

I'll be on vacation 'til next Wednesday. Going to Seattle for a friend's wedding. Here are 2 topics to think about and discuss amongst yourselves 'til we meet again. 1) What SHOULD the role of the federal government be? Do not let it's current role sway you. Try to start from scratch. By golly, read the constitution if you have to. Then, in the most basic form you can, share your thoughts. 2) Complete the following limerick, in a PG fashion. There once was a nun from Mantucket...

Do you remember the first time you saw someone drink bottled water? For me, it was about 20 years ago. My aunt. We all thought she was ridiculous. She was simply ahead of her time. So, here's my idea. Bottled Air. You start running commercials talking about the disgusting amount of impurities in the air you breathe every day. Asthma rates. Cancer rates. Quivering blood cells. Then, you show a person pull out a beautifully packaged pouch. In it, one lung-filling gulp of crystal-clear air. Purified. Packed with minerals that are immediately absorbed by the blood stream to jump-start your blood cells. Live Healthy. Live Happy. Breathe Again. Let the money flow begin.