Voir Diary

What is a Democracy Voucher?

As a recently-registered Seattle voter, I was confused when a packet containing something called “Democracy Vouchers” arrived in my mailbox. How did they relate to voting? Could I use them for booze? So, I hit the WWW to find out.

Gun reform paves the way for police reform

In the wake of recent killings at the hands of police, many believe that the American police force needs to be defunded, less funded, or otherwise reformed. The outcry takes aim at qualified immunity, over-policing, white supremacy, no-knock warrants, and more. But, almost all of the criticism of police brutality includes a denouncement of the police’s use of lethal force, including guns.

Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz: Select Quotes

• “Positive thinking” does indeed “work” when it is consistent with the individual’s self-image.

When it comes to the “Karen,” aging women bear the brunt of the joke

The Karen trope is funny, perhaps because it is relatable. It’s a familiar image: a middle-aged woman with zero tact who thinks that “asking for the manager” is the solution to any customer service dilemma. But it also belies societal attitudes towards aging women.

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: Summary

Chapter 1: The New Rules - Successful negotiation is about building trust and getting information.

• Good negotiators approach the bargaining table attempting to gain as much information as possible, both about the situation and their counterpart. Naturally, during this process, new stuff comes to light. So, success means being prepared for a bend in the road.
• Nobody is going to provide you with information if they don’t trust you, and that’s why rapport is essential. If you manage to establish it you’ll build trust in the process, making it much more likely that the other person will divulge useful information.