RatLinks: February 2019 - Issue #2
Amsterdam | Eisenhower Matrix
Hello Again
At some point I will put something snarky in this box.
Until then, I will use this space to follow up on the most commented part of last months newsletter, which happened to be a quote by Henry Ford.
Behold another Henry Ford quote:
Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it. - Henry Ford - Michael Scott
Forget Henry Ford quotes. I found something for this box
Ariana Grande’s new tattoo “七輪” means Japanese style bbq grill, not 7 rings.
Preamble
This month I had the good fortune to visit Amsterdam with my wife Nikki. Before going I joked the reason we were going is that, I love tulips and my wife loves hookers. Turns out my wife also loves tulips too.
The first day we got there my wife had to take a few work calls, so I was on my own. I ventured out to explore the local sights. After trying some local coffee, I visited a vintage store. I picked out a few items, but realized everything was final sale. Knowing my wife would be unhappy with my shopping spree. I was about to put everything back. Luckily a local Drag Queen was in the dressing room next to me, and told me that I had to get at least one item, but they all looked fantastic. As I put the items back I had a brief existential crisis - should become a silk shirt guy. Unable to answer this unknowable question I left the store. With the benefit of time, I now know the answer is yes.
Shaken, confused and not knowing where to go next. I did the logical thing and attempted to find something near by, which happened to be a local museum. I tried to enter, but the door was locked. As I turned away a man named Kees waved me inside. He welcomed me and asked me why I was there. I told him I have no idea where I am, why I am here or what this place is.
Kees responded:
You are in the home of the most famous dutch author
You of course know Multituli.
You do, don’t you.
Stop reading right now.
Take a second.
Think of four counties, the first four that come to mind.
Now name their most famous authors.
No, Justin Bieber is not Canada’s most famous author, by a long shot.
Now that you have realized you are far less cultured that you think you are. Welcome back
At this point, Kees turned to me and said it’s 4:45 and the museum closes at 5. I expected to be shown the door, instead he said “we better get to work.”
And so began my whirlwind 15 minute “AMERICAN” style tour of the home of the author of Max Havelaar. Please read about Multituli and his book Max Havelaar. Feel free to borrow my copy if so inclined.
Be forewarned. Next time you see me, you best be ready to swap Multituli stories, because your boy not only saw where Multituli was born, the desk where he wrote Max Havelaar, but also the couch he died on. Photos available upon request.
Kees asked if I came alone and I said no my wife is back at the hotel. He implored that I bring her tomorrow but alas he wouldn’t be there. Obviously, I asked this older gentleman, what his plans were just in case we wanted to kick it. Turns out he has quite the schedule for retired high school teacher. Kees now teaches Dutch to Syrian refugees 2 days a week. Volunteers at the museum, competitively rows, bikes and makes pancakes. Kees was not only impressive, but also indirectly made me feel that I’m not living up to my full potential. At least I’m proud to say he is now a RatLinks reader.
Books
Recently, I bought a kindle, which has been a game changer. This is leading me to accumulate books faster than I can read them. Kindle books don’t take up physical space. Therefore, my wife doesn’t think I am cluttering our home and that is a win.
You can see all the books I am reading here
This month I began Great at Work which details how to perform better at work. It is quite simple actually. Focus on quality over quantity. Work harder and better on fewer things and you can outperform 90% of people who are disorganized or trying to do everything for everyone. Read these 7 principles if you don’t have that much time, but want to be great at work.
In order to increase my own productivity. I have begun using the Eisenhower Square (below) as my go-to to-do list.
Use Google Images to find your own Eisenhower Matrix template
Links
Fyre Fest is a thing again! Like everyone else I can’t get enough content. There are two dueling documentaries and now a third Vice documentary in the works. We all need more #AndyKing in our life.
It is a shame how many millennials were bamboozled and therefore unable to party with Blink 182 on Pablo Escobar’s private island. Sad!
My prediction: When Billy McFarland the founder of Fyre gets out of jail. He immediately attempts to sell people fake VIP passes to the 2025 Grammy’s.
These are the hilarious memes and tweets that destroyed Fyre Festival
Exclusive: The Leaked Fyre Festival Pitch Deck Is Beyond Parody | Vanity
The Hot New Channel for Reaching Real People: Email - WSJ
I read David Hieatt’s book about email newsletters mentioned in the below article. If you are running or launching a business a newsletter is great way to connect and develop a following. In fact, you may want to create multiple newsletters for niche audiences.
RatLinks Finance coming soon?
If you were forwarded this newsletter please subscribe at the bottom or here.
Please feel free to forward this issue to your friends.A 2019 goal is to make Rat Links a “thing”.
Office Space 20th anniversary: Behind the scenes of the cult classic | EW.com
Frustrated and fatigued by social-media challenges, businesses and others looking for an audience turn to an old standby. Did you know the studio wanted Matt Damon to be the lead in Office Space?
EW spoke to Mike Judge, Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, and more about the box-office-flop-turned-cult-classic that ultimately became one of the most relatable workplace comedies of all time.
Meet the man behind a third of what's on Wikipedia - CBS News
Steven - kids all-across America thank you for helping them with their homework
Steven Pruitt has made nearly 3 million edits on Wikipedia and written 35,000 original articles — all for free
Post Script
My grandfather used to talk to everyone. It is a great way to learn. Another friend of mine said when you travel ask the locals for recommendations.
While in Amsterdam I did just that.
I went into a street wear store. A place where the “cool kids” would hang out and asked a young employee his favorite places in town. He recommend a traditional brown bar near the red light district. The next night we went there and unfortunately there were no seats. Another couple was at a four top and slid over to let us sit next to them.
Eventually we got to talking.
Them: Oh you are from America! What do you think of Trump
Evan: Oh you are from Amsterdam! What do you think of Multituli
Them: Why would you ask us about a book from high school?
Us: Have you been to the famous windmill town, Zaanse Schaans?
Them: We are from Zaandam the town a few kilometers away. Make sure you download our train app called 9292. I don’t know why it’s called that, I guess Dutch words can be hard to pronounce
Them: When you go to Zaanse Schaans you must visit the factory where they make our famous wooden shoes. How do you say it in English
Us: You mean a clog
Them: Clog noooooo! It is klomp (pronounced clue-m-p)
Us: No you asked what it is in English, it’s called a clog
Them (shuddering): No it’s a called a klomp, who would say clog. Is it so hard to pronounce klomp?
Us: So, how often do you wear your klomps
Guy: When I was a boy, I would wear them when it rained, but never now
Evan: I’m going to get a pair and wear them on Park avenue.
Nikki: That is not going to happen
At this point our discussion turned us asking if they had any other recommendations. Turns out this couple has never been to the Anne Frank house and only went to the rijksmuseum last year.
We began to think it’s odd, but it’s not. When you live in a city most people don’t visit the sites, because there is a sense that you are a local who will eventually make time to visit the always accessible tourist highlights.
Most people unfortunately don’t make time. This summer I plan to take Nikki and Ryan to visit the statue of liberty for the first time. We welcome anyone who hasn’t visited to come along.
If you plan to visit Amsterdam feel free to reach out for recommendations. A hobby of most white people is giving and receiving recommendations.
Before you go here is one gratis recommendation:
Eat at The Avocado Show. The food is fantastic and soooooooooo instagrammable.
¡Quédate sediento mis amigos!
Evan