September 25, 2004

• A few months ago — just after the CEA conference — I thought it would be a cool idea to provide a live forum to discuss work and career-related issues.  Maybe either hosting some panel discussions or preparing some lectures.  That project is still stewing on the back burner, being slow-cooked, and in the meantime I’ve started reading through books on the subject.  So far I’ve re-read What Should I Do With My Life and gotten 90% through Gig.  Now I’m working through Love the Work You’re With.

  
  

  The first chapter is about having passion for your job, or maybe finding out what makes you passionate, and seeing how you can fit that into your job.  The first exercise in the first chapter is to identify five people you admire, and why.  Initially I could come up with only one person, the late physicist Richard Feynman, who wrote the inimitable Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!  He was brilliant scientist, immature rascal, and lover of life all rolled into one.

  
  

  After a few more days, I came up with two more: John Williams, for turning his talent into a series of top movie soundtracks.  And Justin Timberlake, for his 2003 MTV Music Awards Matrix spoof.  The funniest thing I’ve seen in years (you can catch it on the extras-DVD of the Matrix Reloaded).  I mean, I love the Matrix series, but it takes itself so seriously —  it’s a perfect setup for that kind of parody.

  
  

  So, back to the book.  I think all in all, it was a pretty good exercise.  It reminded me that one of my passions is laughing, and making people laugh.  It’s probably why I spend time on xanga, still turn to the comics section first, and collect stand-up comedy CD’s.  Latest recommendation: Margaret Cho.  I wasn’t a big fan of her TV show, but her stand-up is hilarious!

  • 10:10 am
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