Chris Guillebeau's Blog, page 93
July 23, 2014
Holding Pattern: Airport Runway Art
It’s no secret that I love airports and airplanes. I get to the airport several hours before any given flight… and I fly a lot.
That’s why it was easy for me to also love this project that compiles photos of active runways from Google Earth.
Copenhagen
Atlanta
Barcelona
Boston
JFK
Madrid
Link + Images: Holding Pattern
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July 22, 2014
The Feeling of Being Unsettled Won’t Just Go Away
From my inbox:
“I have a sneaking suspicion this feeling of being unsettled won’t go away until I control my freedom.”
A common theme in the emails I receive is one of readers feeling unsettled. People are frustrated with one or more parts of their current life, yet they sense that change is possible—somehow, somewhere—if they can only find their way through the confusion.
As this person noted, the sense of feeling unsettled won’t just disappear. Finding true resolution requires genuine action....
Thoughts on Working from the Drugstore
The drugstore in my neighborhood has a deliberate policy of wasting every customer’s time. If you arrive to pick up a prescription, you’ll wait a minimum of 20 minutes, guaranteed. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting a refill. It doesn’t matter if your doctor’s office has called in your prescription. It doesn’t matter if you’ve called ahead to say, “Hey drugstore, I’m on the way—please have this ready for me.”
No matter what, you’ll show up and they’ll say something like, “When do you wa...
A Free-Range Life: On the Road with Pam Mandel
This is a traveler case study. ( Read others or nominate yourself .)
I met Pam Mandel at an event in Seattle. I was interested in how she’d made travel not just part of her life, but also part of her lifestyle. Here’s her story.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a free range human.
I’ve done all kinds of things to pay my bills—farm work, selling art supplies, writing photo captions, making sandwiches, stuffing envelopes, designing websites—but I’ve almost always been freelance or temp because I need spac...
July 21, 2014
“It’s nice to get to a point in life where you can be comfortable with yourself”
Thoughts on unexpectedly becoming blind after surgery.
“Shit happens … nobody said life would be fair, so I just try to move on and be happy.
Do you ever see those people who sit around and bitch about something that happened 20, 30 years ago? I could have sued, but I didn’t want to bother with that … I’m going to concentrate on getting back to nirvana.”
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Managing Your Time as a New Freelancer
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
This series poses questions from readers. You’re invited to answer! You can also send in a question for a future post.
Today’s question comes from Maria in Italy. Ciao, Maria!
One year ago I lost my job, and instead of looking for another I decided to try working independently. I was able to convince my former boss to let me work on a contract basis two days a week, and then I picked up another assignment that requires another day or two. Most of...
July 20, 2014
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: London Heathrow Airport
I love airline lounges and regularly spend four or more hours at a time working from them. This series explores some of my favorites from around the world.
Way back in 2007, one of my very favorite lounges was Virgin Atlantic’s “Clubhouse” at London Heathrow. I’ve been back several times since then, and it hasn’t lost its shine.
Interestingly, flying on Virgin Atlantic is nice but not amazing. A few years ago, they were one of the best Business Class options, but other airlines have since passe...
July 19, 2014
6 Discoveries From Near and Far, Volume II
I. Around the World
Things I found on long walks in foreign cities, or perhaps when someone posted them on Twitter.
How to Make Money as a Writer — Jane is optimistic about publishing, and I am too
6 1/2 years of self-portraits (with a twist) — Beckie shares her journey through depression and trichotillomania, a rare disorder
Murakami’s latest book comes with stickers — A sneak preview from my favorite fiction writer
A Beach in New York City — Not sure this crowdfunding project will reach its goal...
July 18, 2014
Giveaway: Tiny Time Machines “Now” Watch
Every Friday is giveaway day. Comment to win!
I saw someone wearing this watch at an event and loved it right away. I asked if I could take a picture of it, which I then posted to Instagram. “My arm is on Instagram a lot,” he said.
I went to the website and learned that the watches only cost $25 … and they give half their profits to charity. How awesome is that? I bought one for myself, and I’ll buy a second one for a lucky reader. Enter to win below.
What you need to know:
It’s pretty basic. C...
July 17, 2014
Last Chance for 2 Weekend Nights and a $100 Statement Credit
Link: 2 Weekend Nights + $100 Statement Credit (ends tonight)
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In the ongoing battle over signup bonuses, the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card is raising the stakes. In addition to two free weekend night certificates after meeting a minimum spend of $2,500, Citi is now throwing in a $100 statement credit after spending just $100.
Basically, they’re paying users with hotel nights AND cash just to get the card.
Cardholders also receive free Hilton Gold status, which in some ways is nearly as val...
