4x Friday – September 25, 2020

Welcome to the 4x Friday, four of the coolest things I’ve found, learned, or experienced this past week.

What I discovered – The Bubble Deck Slab. In the 1990s, Jorgen Bruenig developed in Denmark a type of biaxial hollow slab inspired by the dome of the Pantheon in Rome, which employs several construction techniques. It looks like a very cool solution for large buildings, and I can’t help but wonder if there would be benefits in high-end residential construction.

What I read – Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss. I’ve been reading it for months; it’s almost 600 pages. It’s not the kind of book you have to read from start to finish, although I did. It’s one of the most fantastic resource books I’ve ever owned (thoughtfully gifted to me by Garrett Mickley. Thanks!). After reading one or two chapters, I’m instantly implementing the ideas (such as this weekly email) or buying tools mentioned. It’s that good.

What I learned – How to do algebra (again) taught by Khan Academy for free. I was listening to How I Built This with Guy Raz, a podcast on NPR, and I listened to how Sal Khan walked away from a high-paying job to start a tutoring business that had no way of making money. I was thinking, “I could use some tutoring.” So, I signed up, and I have a list of courses in the cue. I’ve passed on the link to the AIBD Certification Director to share with building designers taking the CPBD exam. Especially those wanting to brush up on their algebra, geometry, and trig.

What I watched – The Last Dance. It’s a 10-part documentaryabout the 1997-98 Bulls. It felt more like a documentary about Michael Jordan. Netflix released it in May 2020, and some of the comments from N.B.A. players are controversial. So what if he got most of the screen time and was an a-hole? “As steel sharpens steel, one friend sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17. Plus (I.M.O.), Jordan is the main character of the Bulls’ story. My takeaway is Jordan’s dogged determination and work ethic; he, more than anyone, made the Bulls champions. Could he have motivated the Bulls without verbal or physical abuse? Could his work, play, gutting through injury and illness serve as enough of an example? Check it out, and see what you think. The show has motivated me to manage my A-team team always to be stepping it up.​

Have a wonderful weekend!

Steve

P.S. – Given up on social media as a source of (valuable) information and education? Looking for a tool that separates the signal from the noise? Subscribe to the #HomeDESIGN Professional Daily. An online paper I edit and publish for AIBD. By sifting through hundreds of posts by industry influencers, I cut through the content and provide clarity. Although the content is 100% social media, you don’t have to sign into anything or have any accounts. I limit each issue to twelve articles/posts, one pic, and one video (12-1-1), and I deliver it to your inbox every weekday evening.

P.P.S. – This is the last chance to support my 300-mile cycling challenge to fight kid’s cancer. Please consider supporting me https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/SteveMickley/. All funds raised will support the Children’s Cancer Research Fund to continue developing innovative treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer.

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