Web Secret 412: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet to Reinvent Yourself

So the other day I was using StumbleUpon to get new ideas for this blog and my Twitter feed.

And I came across something brilliant.

That does not happen everyday.

In fact, it happens only a couple of times a year.

This is what I found:

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet to Reinvent Yourself an essay by James Altucher.

Apparently I have been living under a rock, because James is a pretty big deal: James Altucher is an American hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and podcaster.[1] He has founded or cofounded more than 20 companies, including Reset Inc. and StockPickr and says he failed at 17 of them. He has published eleven books, and he is a frequent contributor to publications including The Financial Times, TheStreet.com, TechCrunch, Seeking Alpha, Thought Catalog, and The Huffington Post.

No matter what stage of life you find yourself in, you will find wisdom there.

I promise.

Web Secret 411: 2016 tech trends to watch

Goldman Sachs tech bankers advise companies about top trends that will dominate the tech sector in a given year.

Sometimes, it is difficult to understand how these monumental forces will impact those of us in the mental health/employee assistance arena. It can take a while for the implications to reveal themselves.

In a video posted by Wired magazine, the bankers do a pretty good job of explaining what they predict for 2016.

Trend 1: Big Data analytics. We have had the capacity to collect large amounts of data for a while now, but the tech bankers predict that improvements in software will enable us to harness this data in ways that were previously unimaginable. Think: we may actually be able to predict the future.

Trend 2: e-commerce paradigm shift. Consumers can shop anywhere, anytime by using their mobile devices. Think about: we have our mobile devices within arms reach 90% of the time. We check these devices, on average, 150 times a day. Mobile commerce is on the verge of eclipsing conventional commerce. If you aren't thinking about serving your clients in this mobile world - you should.

Trend 3: Cyber security. More and more of our critical infrastructure connects to the Internet these days. And if it connects to the Internet, it can be hacked. For mental health practitioners this means communicating with clients via encrypted channels. Storing online charts in a secure environment. Selecting strong passwords. Medium institutions like hospitals and school systems are especially vulnerable. A new form of piracy is for hackers to hold records hostage and refuse to release them unless a ransom is paid.

Trend 4: semiconductors. Stay with me. Don't glaze over. You've got this. Semiconductors are the brains and memory of our electronics devices. Thanks to them, our capabilities are marching into the territory of science fiction. Can you unlock your smart phone with your finger print? Soon your device will recognize your face. Walk around your home or your office, and you are likely to be surrounded by semiconductors.

Now sit back, and watch it all unfold.

Web Secret 410 - the Haka

This morning I realized that there are things I know that I would NEVER have known about without the Internet or social media.

It's everything from the sublime to the ridiculous. From designer lipstick dupes to historical facts, from the best way to eat a pomegranate to cutting edge science.

Every now and then there are small, unexpected, enriching pieces of information that come my way via the World Wide Web.

One such is the Haka.

The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace. Haka are a fierce display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity. And they are an amazing sight.

It's a New Zealand thing. And New Zealand is a small, very remote country. It is so far from where I live, that though I have dreamed of visiting - it may never happen.

Here are three epic videos, each garnering millions of views that vividly portray the Haka.

First the Haka performed by the New Zealand Rugby Team:


Second is an incredibly moving Haka performed by high school students honoring their deceased teacher as his hearse slowly drives past them:


Finally, watch this amazing wedding Haka - the subtitled words explain everything:


Wonder-ful.

Web Secret 409: 1,000 hacks

Define "hack".

Hack is an interesting word that can connote great evil and great good.

Hacking into a computer network and stealing information: bad.

Hacking something tedious so that it becomes easy: good.

Last year I was flying somewhere for business and steeled myself to stand in a horrifying security line at JFK airport. I showed my ticket and ID to the keeper of the horrifying line when she said "you have TSA pre - go there!" she said pointing to a line that consisted of only two people. I whizzed through security without needing to take off my shoes or unpack my laptop for inspection.

As soon as I got home, I looked up TSA pre and learned that "TSA Pre is an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience. Passengers considered low-risk who qualify for the program can receive expedited screening."

Now truth be tailed, applying to get TSA pre is a pain in the ass. It involves filling out forms and usually making an appointment to go to the nearest airport for an interview.

But once you get it - you have hacked the security line the next time you fly. It makes me giddy with satisfaction every timed I travel by air.

So now, imagine a website that shares hundreds of these secrets to a better life and you have 1000hacks.com.

The hacks consist of a single PowerPoint slide and cover a variety of topics including tech, money, health, and more.

If it can't be communicated in a single slide - it's not on the website.

Hack number 93 in tech: Steps to boost your iPhone's battery life.

Hack number 16 in money: how to keep your credit card secure when ordering from an unfamiliar website.

Hack number 55 in health: 5 second methodology to compare the nutritional value of two foods.

I can hack this.