Escape From Pianosa

For a libertarian analysis of the housing bubble, check out this podcast. Mark Thornton’s conclusion? The bubble is not nearing the end, and it’s all the fault of the federal reserve.

I’m not a very good real estate blogger, am I?

The Carnival of Maryland is now up at Crablaw’s Maryland Weekly and I am now a member of the Maryland Blogger Alliance, hosted by Pillage Idiot. Take a look at some of the links on the right if you’re interested in what other MD bloggers are saying.

Looking at my reader stats, I’ve discovered that while many of you come in search of celebrity gossip, the overwhelming majority come to find out “how to become an extrovert.”

I wrote the original post half-jokingly after going to a commercial real estate networking event, alone, without knowing anyone in advance. It was an interesting experience in the spirit of self-experimentation.

I’ve been experimenting, in the last six months or so, with ways to become more extroverted. I don’t really believe that someone can “become an extrovert” per se, because introverts are just people who need time alone to recharge. I do however believe that introverts can become more comfortable and outgoing in social situations. Yes, my shy friend, you too can be the life of the party, as long as you recharge when you get home.

Here’s some advice:

1. Learn to embrace the discomfort zone. That feeling of unease that accompanies a new activity is a good sign: it means you’re growing. It hurts at first, but if you work past that initial resistance, good things lay ahead. This goes for anything new you’re learning or experiencing.

2. Go out and meet people. I’ve found that networking functions are great because you already have an “excuse” for being there, namely that you are trying to drum up new business. One you’re there, talk to new people. Just walk up and start talking to them or ask them about what they do. If you freeze, don’t worry, go to the bathroom, clear your mind, and then talk to the next person you see (after you leave the bathroom). Business drumming optional.

2. Join local clubs or meet-ups. This is a comfortable way to meet new people and will help prepare you for when you’re ready to meet and socialize with total strangers.

3. If you travel, try traveling alone. This is a great way to meet new people and works really well if you’re doing the backpacking/hostel style of travel. Faced with the prospect of staring at the hostel wall all night, you will soon learn to make new friends. After traveling alone quite a bit, I really prefer it because I’ve met so many people this way.

4. Take an improv class. I signed up for one here in Baltimore about two months ago and it’s been one of the most fun and exciting things I’ve ever done. I took the class more for the fun aspect than the “become an extrovert” aspect, but it’s had a really noticeable effect on me. It teaches you to enjoy that feeling of not knowing what to say when you meet someone and to turn it into a fun and humorous experience.

Blogging has been light this week due to the return of fantasy baseball. Every February I prepare for my draft, usually in one massive fifteen hour effort over the span of a few days. My apologies to neglected friends, family, girlfriends, and clients.

From an interesting commentary by Theodore Dalrymple on the state of bureaucracy in the UK:

“His speech reveals what I have long suspected: that antiracism is the new racism.”

I still get emails from the University of Maryland and this month they’re having a whole line of workshops for the “Diversity Job Search.” To me, the message is: “you’re colored, and that means you’re different. That’s why we have a special job search program for you.”

To me, that sounds insulting, and pretty racist to boot, even though I believe that UM’s intentions are good.

And really, how would you feel if a company wanted to hire you just because you’re black or Hispanic? Wouldn’t that lead you to question your abilities? Shouldn’t the goal be color-blindness?

The sun reports. No word yet on whether the state will also approve laws banning the unjust seizure of homes for unpaid property taxes, an archaic and unfair practice that goes back to the early days of Maryland.

I saw Pan’s Labyrinth last week at the Charles, and I was mesmerized. It’s a strangely compelling story, weaving moments of violence and magic together in a remarkable way. Highly recommended.

Lenny Dykstra? As in Lenny Dykstra the baseball player?

Here’s Lenny on Comcast stock:

I am adding to my position in the July $35 (CCQGG) calls, buying 10 more July 35s at a limit price of $7. This will give me control of 2,000 shares all the way until the third Friday of July, July 20, with the average price now coming in at $7.80. In setting up for the exit, adjust the GTC (good till cancel) sell order down to 1 point higher than the cost, which is this case would be $8.80.

Sadly, Aaron’s bid to be the next Apprentice has come to an end. You can watch the final episode here.

Aaron was the latest victim of an unforgiving format that tends to ignore past performance and focus squarely on “what have you done for me in the last 24 hours?” Despite having won two weeks in a row, Trump (and the producers) came down on Aaron. This seems to fit the pattern in which the losing project manager gets canned, barring any really obnoxious or poor behavior by one of the losing team members.

The only thing that really bugged me was how they set it up, to portray him as quiet and ineffectual. The big deal about not speaking up the ‘week’ before in the boardroom was ridiculous. Trump thoroughly dominates the boardroom and having the winning PM in there with him is so gimmicky. I mean, as part of a job interview, you’re encouraging the prospective hire to criticize his team members and create drama? Ah yes, teamwork. As in the team working together to boost ratings. That’s reality TV for ya…

Obama in 2007:

“We can build a more hopeful America. And that is why, in the shadow of the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln once called on a house divided to stand together, where common hopes and common dreams still live, I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America.”

Lincoln in 1858:

I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, [applause]—that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will for ever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality.