Meh, no yard work, repairs are taken care of, new carpet every few years for free, free carpet cleanings, new "built in appliance" replacements if what was already installed breaks down...

There's a thing floating around the internet that says "Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes that reason is that you're stupid and make bad decisions." I sort of like that, myself....

This shitty thing that is happening to me is for a reason you say? OK, does that mean it's for a good, bad or indifferent one. I know you are trying to make me feel better but just let me be upset about the shitty thing that makes me upset. Here's some advice, tell a suffering person, "Wow, that sucks. I would feel…

Yeah, when I hear that "Everything happens for a reason" I know I'm dealing with someone who is engaged in magical thinking.

Both your tips, the whiteboard diagram and re-reading, are great! Thanks!

Ha, whoops. You're right, thanks!

Everything makes me want Google Fiber :P

My wife and I go through the five stages of eating out.

My method that I've always had good luck with is: Both people can veto any suggestion, but they must suggest something else if they veto it. So as long as someone throws out a suggestion it gets the ball rolling.

I hate this because it's such a dumb problem...but it's one of those things we all know happens EVERY DAMN TIME we get a group together. Heck, it even happens when there's just two of us.

But...but...I said that in the article...

...they can just as easily deny that the argument you refuted was the "best" one...

The "social implications" are actually variable dependent on culture. Western etiquette says slurping is bad - and yes, as a result many of us find the sound irritating. But at my friendly neighborhood ramen shop, I'm surrounded by customers happily slurping noodles from their bowls. It's okay as long as everyone else…

#1 best tip. I recently got my knives resharpened professionally for the first time since I bought them, even thought they probably really didn't need it. I try to rehone as much as possible, but I always do it before cutting tomatoes. My utility knives slide right through the skin!

I have found that mingling is very important for hosts. People like to feel welcomed. An enthusiastic greeting at the front door followed up by a conversation gives people a sense of belonging and value. My favorite thing to do after making rounds through guests is making introductions between those who have something…

Fiction or self-improvement type non-fiction: E-books by far. Using an e-ink screen the weight, convenience, etc. are all so much in favor of e-books. Anything where I expect to read from front to back and don't need to make many notes. I have only bought 1 paper fiction book in the last 3 years (280+ read) and that…

Another thing I should mention is that promoting other people's stuff helps too. Even if you don't benefit (but often you do), it's good practice.

I use a variation of this: 17 minutes of work followed by 52 minutes of getting coffee, wandering around the office, and reading Lifehacker.

Nope, that is, in fact, the Bane pose or, if a prop is involved, the "Are you not entertained?!".