via It's More Than Just 140 | mykehurley.net.

A beautiful post by Mr. Hurley on the many benefits he has received from Twitter. I too, can say that I have had a similar experience. That said, in order to receive such benefits, like any tool, one must use it with the right intentions and a mindful approach. Seems as if his are in the proper place.

I have added all that had an RSS feed to my daily reading list. I’m not sure all will remain but there are at least a few real keepers here and feel already the better for having done this.

They are not in any order and are offered with no further comment then what was in the title bar of their site. If you had suggested one that is not here and I somehow missed, please feel free to let me know.

Also, I know this begs the question about what people I would have added to this list. Not to worry, that is forthcoming soon.

• Gershom Gorenberg

• Approachably Reclusive

• Zero Distraction – Intersecting Culture and Technology

• Lev Navrozov | World Tribune

• Matthew Wayne Selznick – Creator

• Murakami

• Bill James Stories, Blogs, Podcasts – Grantland

• First Today, Then Tomorrow — Practical thoughts on living today and being prepared for a very different tomorrow.

• Digital Asceticism | J. D. Bentley

• the Journey

• The Parallel Parliament

• The Authenticity Hoax – Blog

• Curious Rat – Home

• brian s hall | the voice of the new working class

• iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple opinion and news | The Loop

• Marco.org

• asymco

• A Better Mess: Productivity | Creativity | Struggle | Geekery

• Derek Powazek – It’s pronounced poe-WAH-zek.

• HomePage – Tao of Mac

• Donald Miller’s Blog

The rich are those for whom having a lot of money is relatively new. These are the folks who got the right breaks or worked hard enough and now they are firmly members of the haves. They think nothing of buying a lavish home, expensive clothes, a luxury car. They often have high salaries and powerful positions. They tend to spend more than they save or invest. And, after all, why shouldn’t they. This is America. They earned it. They own it.

The wealthy are those who inherited their riches through the generations. While some distant relative may have initially acquired that wealth through the same means and circumstances as the rich, they adopted the tactics of the wealthy to ensure their dependents were secure. Such abundance was then passed down through generations. These folks may live in a big house, but it often is one that has been in the family for a while. Sometimes their clothes are plain and their cars average. They often work hard despite not having to because it is what they believe is right. They likely invest at least as much as they spend (if not more). And, after all, why shouldn’t they. This abundance was granted by many before being just as careful. It is now their duty to do the same and ensure the security of future generations. They are not owners. They are custodians.

Now this is not to say that an owner can not adopt the values of the caretaker or vice versa. In fact, there are countless stories of the rich giving away their fortune for the greater good and teaching their children the lessons of wealth. There are at least as many stories of the child of inheritance blowing the family money on foolish expenditures and shady dealings. But the fact remains that the difference is not rooted in ways and means but in approach and values.

And, because it had nothing to do with the stuff but how it is treated, one in the 99% can learn and apply these same lessons (and, as this economy has taught, fail just as spectacularly). When we start to see ourselves as caretakers instead of owners of what meager abundance we have, we are far more likely to maintain it.

Instead of adopting endless cycles of replacement, we’ll put more upfront thought and investment into the final choices of things that will last. Perhaps, even things that will outlast us.

It does not matter what a house is worth relative to the mortgage if one plans to pass it on. Does it matter if your home is “underwater” as they say if you never plan to sell it or borrow against it? Homes that are well cared for can become those of our children and their children. What greater gift could you provide for your descendants then a home that is paid for a well maintained? The comfort and security this could provide them is the only measure that matters.

Abundance may seem to be antithetical to the idea of enough. But it is not in every case. It is only so when one is not doing enough with the abundance they have. When they are not allowing it to provide for others or being judicial custodians of the gifts they have.

Even most of those who feel they do not have enough generally have far more than they realize.

Micro Pod | Office | Gear.

I would love a place of my own like this one.

(via Christoph Schobel)

It is with great pride (and a certain sense of relief) that I release my very first book. It’s titled Keeping It Straight – You, Me, & Everything Else. It’s available today in both paperback and eBook form. I would be humbled and honored if you would consider buying a copy.

Keeping It Straight is a collection of short essays that explore topics such as mindfulness, compassion, truth, and living a purposeful and productive life. There’s plenty of practical advice to take away as well. For instance, how to deal with email overload and sensible task management.

Here is what some others have already had to say about it:

“Patrick’s writing is like warm butter on dry toast. Each page is full of musings and personal discoveries from Patrick’s life that will make you think about how you’re spending your time and energy, and, more importantly, it will make you think about what priorities are most important in your own life.” – Shawn Blanc

“Fans of David Allen’s ‘Getting Things Done’ will instantly embrace Patrick Rhone’s work. Patrick offers the “Why” to GTD’s “How.” – Randy Murray

“Patrick is a wonderful writer and many of the thoughts he conveys in this book compel you to put the book down right where you are in order to make some real changes in your life.” – Ben Brooks

Keeping It Straight is a delightful mixture of advice, reflection and exploration that reads like a poem. Patrick’s honest, genuine approach to a variety of topics from happiness to efficiency make this book a joy to read. Highly recommended. – Brett Kelly

Most of this book has been written over the past few years, originally published online in various forms, for various projects and in many locations. While most of these ideas are out there, somewhere amongst my uncollected works on the internet, and available for free, everything in this book is different from the original. These are now collected, professionally edited, and presented in the way these ideas seem destined to live on – together. Also, I believe you will find that many take on a new life in this form.

Finally, I’d like to thank all who have helped make this possible especially Randy (and Penny) at First Today Press, Aaron at Wet Frog Studios, and Pat Dryburgh for designing the book website.

Buy it today:

• Paperback

• ePub

• PDF

Alice Waters sources the food served each night at Chez Panisse through a network of local farmers and growers. What is served on the plate each evening is usually selected and delivered earlier that day. Often times, Chef Waters does this personally.

One day, she visited a fruit grower to find perfectly tree ripened pears. She knew immediately that she must have these to serve her guests that night. The grower happily picked, packed and delivered them to her kitchen.

As the day progressed, and she began to prepare that evening’s menu, her mind kept coming back to the puzzle of how to serve those pears. She swore to herself that she had never seen a more perfect pear and wanted to conjure a recipe that would bring out their best.

Now, let me take a slight detour to tell you a bit about her restaurant. It is legendary. It’s generally regarded as one of the top restaurants in the world. Founded in 1971, the entire local and organic food movement in America can trace large sections of it’s roots back to Alice Waters and Chez Panisse. Because the menu changes daily based on local ingredients, there is only one prix fixe menu and you pay whatever it costs. It will cost a lot and you will not regret a single bite nor penny spent for it will be one of the best and most memorable meals of your life.

And so it was, the evening’s guests arrived for their reservations that night, fully prepared to spend several days salary on the dining experience to come. And come it did as always. Course after course of some of the most fresh and deftly crafted plates they would ever eat, delivered by an expert staff that explained the motivations and stories Chef Waters wished to tell of each one.

Then, finally, after the main course plates and silver were cleared, fresh silver delivered, drinks topped off… Desert! The wait staff appears from the kitchen, domed plates held aloft as they quickly fanned to each table in what one might read as choreographed chaos. As the plates arrive, the wait staff take pains to explain to each guest the unusual nature of what was to come. You see, Chef Waters found this pear tree in the orchard of one of her favorite local growers. The tree had a bounty of the most perfectly ripened pears she had ever come across. She knew she had to serve them that night, for to save them for tomorrow would be too late. They had to be served, but how? How could she honor this pear with a dish that allowed it to shine on the palate, befitting it’s true nature, neigh, to sing? With this, the dome was removed and upon that plate rested…

A single pear.

You see, even Alice had to eventually admit that there was no way even one of the greatest chefs in the world could improve upon that pear. There was no dish or accompaniment she could use to feature or enhance such perfection. Sometimes, the greatest artistry even a master can perform, and the greatest gift one can give, is to leave something alone.

Then, the other day, an idea occurred to me. My life has blessed me with many talented, creative, and industrious friends. Many of these fine folks have businesses and products to sell that deserve attention. Therefore, what better time of year, and what better occasion as my first gift guide, then to shine a light on them and encourage you to buy some gifts for others (or even a little something for yourself).

Pen and Paper

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love nice pens and paper. They are one of my life’s most fulfilling luxuries. Trust me on this, once you experience what it is to write on high grade paper with a beautiful pen and nice ink, you will never for get it. Thankfully, I have some friends who can help in this area:

Idea Cafe – My friend Chris Bowler is the proprietor of this online shop dedicated to equipping creative types like myself with some of the finest paper goods available. There are even some pre-packaged notebook bundles that are perfect for gift giving.

Pear Tree Pens – If you are looking for some quality pens and ink, this is where you should go. Run by my friend Ryan who taught me just about everything I know about pens and ink.

Levenger – Another excellent source for not only pen and ink but a variety of goods for the writer, reader and beyond. I’ve been a customer for almost 20 years. Heck, my desk essentially looks like a Levenger advertisement. That said, I’m now also proud and humbled to consider the founder Steve Leveen a friend.

Photography

I also love good photography and am thankful to have the works of the following two artists gracing my walls:

Jorge Quinteros – My friend Jorge does amazing photography. Seriously, there is not a single print he sells that does not deserve a special place in your home or office. Conveniently, you can also buy some of his work at Idea Cafe as well.

Michael Armstrong – What I love about Michael’s photography is that it is all about the Twin Cities or Minneapolis/Saint Paul (where we live). So many of the shots are things I have passed by but never noticed before. That said, one does not have to live here to appreciate their beauty.

Music

I actually know a number of musicians but only one has a recent release that I think deserves your Christmas dollars:

Boss Rebel – The band of my good friend Pat Dryburgh. It’s got a good beat and you can dance to it. Go give it a listen. What more do you need?

Books

We have a home filled with books and I’m lucky enough to know an increasing numbers of authors and fellow writers:

Writing Assignments by Randy Murray – Look, writing is a craft. Like any craft or skill, it takes practice. Practice is often best when it is guided. That is what this is. A collection of fun, guided writing exercises that will improve you as a writer. It does not matter if you are a budding writer or well established. I even contributed a lesson or two.

iPad Means Business by Julio Ojeda-Zapata – This is an invaluable resource for the person in your life who either has an iPad or will be getting one under the tree and they want to know how to use it to get “real work” done. I wrote one of the forwards for this book. It’s great.

Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin Doland – I don’t think Erin will mind that I consider her a friend. Especially in order to highlight one of the most useful, sensible and practical books on reducing clutter and friction in your life. Fantastic book filled with many “a ha!” moments.

The Power of Less by Leo Babauta– Leo has just released another book called Focus but I still think this is the more accessible of his works. Sane advice about the benefits of living with, and simply living, a life with less.

Then I met my wife. She is worldly and cultured. How she ended up with a guy like me is a wonder. I’m sure my meager and pedestrian collection of Target prints in no way impressed her when she entered my place for the first time. Due to the circles she travels in, she knows lots of local artists. And one of the greatest and earliest lessons I learned from her is how easy, and relatively inexpensive, it is to own real art, made by and purchased from, real artists.

In fact, just tonight we picked up the first share of our C.S.A – Community Supported Art. It’s a great idea put on by a local arts organization dedicated to connecting artists with direct local support. Especially if you live in a major city, I am sure there are similar programs and ways to find out who the artists are and how you can buy amazing work. Find them. There is a special magic to looking up at a print, a photograph, or a sculpture in your home, and knowing that the money you paid went straight into the hands of the person who made it.

Of course, now the Internet makes this even more possible. Frankly, there is no longer any excuse to have anything less hanging on your wall or adorning your home. It is way to easy to buy real art, from real artists.

Want to start off with some great pieces? Here are some suggestions. This is in no way meant to be a complete list (obviously). Just a few off the top of my head and others I asked:

Photography

• Dezene Huber

• Jorge Quinteros

• Michael Armstrong

Prints and Other Media

• Erik Natzke

• Jonathan Wilkinson

• Brad Blackman

• The next time you see a car parked at an expired meter, if you have a quarter, stick it in.

• Have a full “buy some/get one free” punch card for your local coffee establishment? Give it to a random person in line.

• Hold the door or elevator for someone coming.

• On a toll road, pay for the car behind you.

• Buy flowers and give them to someone. Perhaps even someone random.

• Simply tell someone that they look good that day, or their dog is really cute, or their kid has good manners.

• Leave the book you just finished reading in a public place with a note to say it’s free for the taking.

• Write a thank you card or letter to someone “just because”.

What I aim to suggest you put in motion here is karma. Karma is the based on the idea of cause and effect and that ones actions have an effect on the past, present, and future. The positive and good actions you put out into the world will, in turn, make the world as a whole a better place, thus benefiting you. Karma is often thought of as good deeds one does for the benefit of others. But that is only half the story.

If you have any level of basic compassion, and a bit of natural human selfishness, you will do such things because they have the immediate effect of making you feel good as well. Do not be ashamed of this being part of the motivation. It’s OK. Really. It’s alright to do something for someone else because it makes you feel better. Because, in turn, your good feelings will reflect and spread to others who care about and encounter you as well. The karma is instant and is supposed to travel in both directions. That’s the whole point.

Therefore, without further ado, here are just some random thoughts, observations, and, in the words of Arseno Hall, things that make you go “hmmmmm”:

• If I were Apple, and I was considering creating an App Store for the Mac, I might start by making the Mac Developer program the exact same price as the iPhone program (and by “iPhone” I mean any iPhone OS based device). It would certainly be the step I would take before I merged the two programs. In fact, perhaps the best reason for doing so would be that, eventually, the tools would be in place for developers to write one application and have it behave in device specific ways. In other words, install it on an iPhone and it looks and runs like an iPhone app. Install that same application on a Mac and it magically works and feels like a Mac application.

• I don’t think enough emphasis has been placed on the real and advantageous reasons (in their mind at least) Apple might have for creating a Mac App Store and making that the only way to install Apps on a Mac as it is with the iPhone/iPad. This is not only about control for the sake of control – which they clearly prefer. It is also about control for the sake of quality and security. The Mac OS only remains fairly secure and virus/malware free mostly through obscurity. The folks who would want to exploit the many known security holes just don’t see enough money in it for it to be worth the time. That said, as Apple’s marketshare increases, so does that metric. Certainly, if the only way to get any executable on the Mac required going through the App store, or installation of a specific Ad Hoc Profile that requires the user supply their UUID, and then that had a forced expiration date and creating such required Developer Program membership… I think you see where I am going. The system in place for the iPhone is an incredibly secure one in comparison to the Mac OS. There is a lot of value in that – especially from a marketing perspective.

• The fact that Tim Cook has been increasingly more visible as a public face of Apple has not escaped my notice. Also, I have noted that so many of the times he has spoken at some event, he goes well out of his way to talk about the “culture” of Apple is what allows it to perform at the level it does. Not any one person and, in a sense, not specifically people at all. It is, in his mind, the culture that powers the success machine. Good ideas develop at one end and magic comes pouring out the other and it is the culture that drives that. Once thing that a lot of people don’t think about is how incredibly flat of an organization Apple is compared to most others like it. By flat I mean that the number of people between, say, a retail store employee and Steve Jobs himself is quite a bit less than say, at Microsoft. Such flatness works very well for maintaining and instilling a unique culture. Simply hire the right people that fit well into that culture and the machine will keep churning out successful products.

  • The subtext of the above: Everything will be fine when Steve leaves and Tim Cook takes over, it is the culture that drives Apple’s success, not any one individual. So every time you hear an Apple executive mention “culture”, this is what they are saying.

  • Pixar is a good example of a post Steve Apple. Put the good stories at one end, let the culture develop them, watch the magic happen.