I saw someone get really bad news today. It was upsetting to witness. We were walking along the always interesting State Street, Madison's hot spot for fun and folly. This woman in her mid-20s was on her cell phone and it was obvious that she had just received news that would change her life. She stood there devastated, crying and hiding her face from the crowded street, shuddering into her boyfriend's arms. I couldn't help but wonder. What happened? …
General
Your Daring Adventure Is Waiting
Most people I run into seemed bored with their life. The status quo for a "happy life" these days is pretty watered down, pretty blah. Once you get your demanding (and often life-sucking) career, the 2.5 kids, the dog, the house with the white picket fence, two nice cars, yadda yadda... you should officially find happiness (as if it arrives in a FedEx box upon completion of such requirements.) But does this magic formula for happiness really work? If so, why are so many people so darn bored, seeking fleeting moments of happiness in trivial things? …
Why Adultitis is China’s Biggest Problem
I hear a lot about how China is going to take over the world. That the days of America as world superpower are almost over. China certainly has some good things going for it, but it also has its share of challenges, like the caring and feeding of a population of 1.3 billion people, staggering air and water pollution, and oh yeah, the whole communism thing. I'd submit that their biggest obstacle of all is their Adultitis-ridden viewpoint on fun. In watching the coverage of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, I got the impression that they take themselves WAY too seriously. And consider …
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You Have 13 Years Left To Live. Go!
This week, Jason, Lucy and I attended the wake of a friend of ours who lived just 13 years. Just by hearing that you may say, "How tragic," but I would say back to you that actually, Jesse lived morein his 13 years than most people live in 85. Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was three, he approached his childhood with an attitude of appreciation for life and persistence that he could (and would) be able to do all of the same things a kid without the disease could do. …
12 Things You Must Do In 2010 – EA Show #50
With this being our 50th episode, our show is officially over the hill. In this episode, broadcast live from Madison, Wisconsin, we run down our list of 12 things you absolutely, positively MUST do in 2010 to keep Adultitis at bay. Also included are some great ideas for words of the year, excellent made up holiday suggestions, and some banter on Happy Meals. | Subscribe with iTunes | Download (262 MB) Share Your Thoughts... What do you think about this month's show? What's your word for the year? What was the best Happy Meal toy you ever got? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment …
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Unclutter Your Christmas – EA Show #48
If you love watching your kids' eyes light up when they unwrap gifts from Santa, but cringe at the thought of even more toys infiltrating and cluttering up your home, we have an idea that will help. In this episode, we share a great tip for decluttering your Christmas while teaching your kids to be grateful for what they have. Share Your Thoughts... What do you think about this week's show? What was your best tip for decluttering Christmas? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or in the video itself by clicking the little plus sign in the player. Got photos or videos? Send …
What I Thought About While Shoveling Snow
Today was a snow day. Over a foot of snow. Blizzard conditions. The governor declared a state of emergency and authorities urged people to stay off the roads if at all possible. Since Kim and I both work from home, we were able to stay in and decided to take most of the day off. Sure, we have a lot of stuff on our to-do lists, but days like this don't come around all that often. You have to take advantage of them when they come. But I must confess: I did partake in my share of inner grumbling as I struggled to shovel the driveway and sidewalk. (Ah the joys of home ownership!) The snow …
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A Quick Thought on Toys
If you still have some shopping left to do this holiday season, let me offer up something to think about. When it's garage sale time, and people go to purge all the old stuff their kids used to play with, what's the first thing to go? All the loud, spinning, whizzing, battery-operated, brightly colored, one trick pony plastic crap. And the stuff that gets saved and passed down? The classic, high quality handmade stuff made from natural materials like wood and fabric. Well-constructed doll houses. Sturdy, smooth, hand-stained block sets. Super soft teddy bears. …
What to Read if You’re Feeling Old
Tim Piotrowski is an awesome dude who writes a blog about well-rounded living called 360 Degree Self. I've known Tim for a little while now, although we haven't met in person -- yet. The thing that strikes me about him is that he is a curious fellow, and I'm a big fan of curious fellows. He's definitely an example of someone who would be considered a life-long learner. Besides being a Sesame Street fan, he also has a spirit of helpfulness that is very rare these days. Apparently, he is also a man of excellent taste. This becomes obvious when you read his review of our latest book, …
What You Can Learn About Treating Adultitis from Bert and Ernie
Cut from the same cloth as Laurel and Hardy, Bert and Ernie are Sesame Street's classic comedic duo. They were the only Muppets to appear in the 1969 pilot episode. Their appearance was the only segment that tested well, which led to the decision that Muppet characters would be the "stars" of the show. Over the years, Bert and Ernie have helped many kids strengthen their math and language skills while learning about important concepts like sharing and cooperation. Even though the show is geared toward children, there are actually some pretty good lessons we can all learn about dealing with …
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