Voir Diary

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.

How I learned to stop worrying and love summer. (Well, sort of...).

I am not a summer person. Not only that, but I wince every time someone describes sunshine and high temperatures as “good weather.” To me, good weather is darkness and coolness. And the best weather is a thunderstorm. But I am hesitant to share this, lest I come off as a joykill or a wannabe punk.

When I lived in Georgia (almost 10 years), I struggled to find anything to like about summer. The brightness gave me a migraine. I didn’t like the heat or humidity. Yet the air conditioning felt nothing like a natural breeze. My apartment was my refuge. But I still felt a sense of alienation when I heard the sounds of the streets below. The season soured my mood.

I attribute my reverse seasonal depression to my childhood in South Florida. In the American tropics, seasons do not exist. It’s one endless humid summer. And I don’t recall my time in Florida fondly. My parents fought non-stop. The houses in my neighborhood were owned by retirees and vacant most of the year. So, I had few companions. Even if I had wanted to venture outside, I was constantly warned to avoid the sun because of my family’s history of skin cancer. I associate the Florida weather with these experiences.

Relief came when my father got a new job and relocated us to Oregon. We were there for 2 years before we moved to Michigan to be closer to family. When my parents split, I went with my mother to Atlanta. Two years ago, I headed to Washington solo.