A decade ago, AMC was just the channel you’d skip because it was playing an old movie you’d either never heard of, or you’d seen too many times already. But when AMC’s “Mad Men” premiered ten years ago today, and it quickly became one of the most iconic shows of all time, and proved that television was in a Golden Age. “Mad Men” was AMC’s first try at an original series. And before it aired, expectations weren’t high. It starred mostly unknown actors: No one knew who the lead, Jon Hamm, was. The biggest draw to the show was that Matthew Weiner, the show’s creator, had written on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” which ended its run about a month before “Mad Men” started. But in 2007, showrunners and television writers weren’t really big names yet, they were more behind-the-scenes. While the first season of “Mad Men” wasn’t very popular, it was a hit among critics and at awards … [Read more...] about Why 10-year-old ‘Mad Men’ is still the best show to come out of television’s Golden Age
Mens world
What Does Successful Leadership Look Like in a ‘MeToo’ World? This Industry Is Starting to Figure It Out
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images Recent allegations of sexual misconduct have been levied against some of the food world's most visible stars. Workplaces around the country are assessing behaviors that have gone unchecked for decades, and the cultural shift we're experiencing as a result will be a defining moment for women and men alike. Let's look at the food, beverage, and hospitality space, which has seen allegations against high-profile people like Mario Batali, Ken Friedman and John Besh. As the culture shifts, space is opening for both women and men to disrupt the traditional ways that work in this industry has always been done. Hospitality is (has always been) about the guest experience. With increasing attention on the experience of the employee as well, there is a double opportunity to enhance the way relationships are built. Though the hospitality sector is the inspiration for this post, the three applications below are universally relevant for reshaping the gender dynamic … [Read more...] about What Does Successful Leadership Look Like in a ‘MeToo’ World? This Industry Is Starting to Figure It Out
These Custom Fit Men’s Sneakers Lace up by Themselves
Kizik Design is making moves in smart footwear—and its latest innovation meets consumer demands for a more customized, functional and comfortable footwear. The Utah-based company announced the debut of its patented hand’s free sneakers for men—smart shoes that self-lace and conform to the shape of consumers’ feet. Founded by Michael Pratt, former chief executive officer of Ogio International, a travel gear company, the shoes are set to take footwear to the next level with ease and optimal comfort. “Unlike a slip-on, Kizik shoes are a step-in, automatic sneaker that give you a custom fit without using your hands,” said Pat Hogan, Kizik’s president. “At Kizik, we believe there is no longer a need for shoelaces in modern day footwear and when you step into a Kizik shoe, you are stepping into the future. Once you put these on your feet, you’ll realize they are truly life changing.” Foot Activated Shoe Technology … [Read more...] about These Custom Fit Men’s Sneakers Lace up by Themselves
I spoke to a really smart guy – a doctor – who thinks the world is flat
Let me tell you about John. John says he’s not crazy. I believe him. “I am a normal person,” he says. But John isn’t a ‘normal’ person. Not quite. Well, he is and he isn’t. John is a Doctor. A medical doctor. Actually, John is more than a doctor. John is the kind of Doctor who manages other Doctors. John earns a substantial amount of money. John lives with his wife and three children in a large house in a well-to-do suburb in Sydney. John is comfortable. Comfortable enough to have a hot tub and sauna in his backyard. Comfortable enough that when he arrived home from a work trip to find his wife had spent thousands of dollars on a brand new tree house for their kids, John didn’t blink. Barely even mentioned it. Went on with his day. John is intelligent. Intimidatingly intelligent. When John talks he holds eye contact. You’re afraid of saying something silly in John’s presence. You want him to think you’re smart. You … [Read more...] about I spoke to a really smart guy – a doctor – who thinks the world is flat
What it was like in the room when Nazi Germany finally surrendered to end World War II in Europe
When German and Allied military officials gathered again in Berlin near midnight on May 8 to sign surrender documents, the atmosphere in the room was laden with emotional and political weight. The Germans, characteristically severe, went through the proceedings in a mix of resignation and resentment, while the Soviets, Americans, and other Allies were relieved at the war’s conclusion. All of them were uncertain what would come next. Historian Antony Beevor’s sweeping history of the final months on the eastern front, “The Fall of Berlin 1945,” captured the mood in the room as victors and vanquished gathered to bring their conflict to an end: “Just before midnight the representatives of the allies entered the hall ‘in a two-storey building of the former canteen of the German military engineering college in Karlshorst.’ General Bogdanov, the commander of the 2nd Guards Tank Army, and another Soviet general sat down by mistake on seats reserved for … [Read more...] about What it was like in the room when Nazi Germany finally surrendered to end World War II in Europe