Escape the Mundane + Experience the Remarkable

Why the iPhone is Ruining Your Life (and What To Do About It)

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Minimalism

Another new iPhone? It’s overwhelming!

Everyday there are new headlines featuring fancy new technologies promising to slice and dice through our daily tasks.

Endless streams of commercials for new computers, widely publicized press events for new smartphones, email blasts for new apps, huge store displays for new TV’s… there are disruptions for new everything… no wonder our society has a collective case of ADHD.

And our pain is understandable. We may buy an expensive new cell phone that is outdated before taking it out of the box. We may spend a week learning how to use a new app that receives a complete facelift two days later.

But is this technology ruining our lives? Or are we letting our lives be destroyed by technology?

There must be a silver lining to the rise of technology?
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Lunch at AJ Bombers in Madison WI

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Lifestyle

AJ Bomber's Madison

The crunch of the p-nuts under our feet rings familiar of a small town dive bar.

But the decor along the walls reflect a view of quality reminiscent of those unique destination restaurants I’ve seen only on the Travel Channel.

The cheerful waitstaff has me wondering how people can be so happy while working. And the bartenders are having seemingly far too much fun launching railed bombs filled with p-nuts to tables throughout the restaurant.

And as my business partner, Greg Hartle, and I take our seat in the booth, the confusion continues with a glance of the menu. How can the prices be this insanely low? Yet, I’ve heard only but good things, so I keep the faith.

With our friend Joe Sorge (who happens to own the place) at the table, he reassures us his staff has every guest in good hands.

Joe’s philosophy: Great food, consistent taste, served quick – matched with outstanding service and a fun experience – will create a happy guest every time. And while it’s simple to write, most restauranteurs I’ve met will never come close to achieving this formula.

But will AJ Bomber’s prove me wrong?
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The Three Words That Will Destroy Any Adventure

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Mentality

Three words said everyday by almost everyone in all scenarios.

These damn words. Seemingly harmless when muttered, are slowly eroding away your individuality.

And whether we know it or not, we all say these words out of habit when we are with other people.

From simple choices of where you want to eat… to more meaningful decisions of locations you’d like to travel to or sights you’d like to visit.

And from an exploration standpoint, these three words will ruin a trip.

So what are they?
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How to Go Barefoot All Winter Long

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Lifestyle

I can count on one hand how many times I’ve worn socks and traditional shoes in the past 6 months.

Instead, I opt for Vibram Five Fingers, Reefs, or most usually, nothing at all.

In fact, this has been the case for at least 3 summers now.

But at this time of year – when mother nature starts to crap out buckets of cold snow on the Midwest – is when I face the unbearable reality: shoes & socks!

Not anymore!

The Solution for a Barefoot Winter

With the leaves changing colors and the temperature slowly losing its comfortable numbers, fall is clearly upon us.

As sad as I am to see summer go, I have new hope for an enjoyable cold season thanks to my buddy, Ian.
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Why Society Tells Me I’m Going to Die at the Age of 50

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Perspective

“You gave away all your shit? Are you having a mid-life crisis, man?”

This is oftentimes the response I receive when I tell people about my new project.

My project, it seems, is unusual for most. But why?

Having given away most of my worldly possessions, moving from my four-bedroom house, and exploring the world did seem daunting to me. Even a little overwhelming.
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