Sure, automation is good, but...

Sure, automation is good, but...
I’d like to get to the point where Medium Rare never has a week off. Even when I’m on a little writer’s vacation, be able to share the work of guest authors. This week I’m excited to pass the keyboard over to my older brother, Tom, for his thoughts on automation, pet peeves, and what... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
July 7, 2020 at 8:10 am • 

Wait, where did June go?

Wait, where did June go?
In the Midwest, our calendar starts off with an endurance test. January and February combine to be 59 days of grind it out. Just get through it. During this time, we’re naturally looking ahead at the calendar. Crossing days off. March traditionally brings us the first round of excitement. St. Patty’s Day. March Madness. Spring break.... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
June 30, 2020 at 7:38 am • 

The wonder of saying yes and letting go (part 4/finale)

The wonder of saying yes and letting go (part 4/finale)
Back in early March, I  don’t know if it was optimism or skepticism, but I was holding onto a ray of hope that Covid-19 would be overhyped. The talk of sheltering at home, self-quarantining, maybe this would last for a couple of weeks, but then everything would blow over. Go back to normal. Note: To catch up on... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
June 23, 2020 at 8:23 am • 
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The wonder of saying yes and letting go (Part 3)

My fondest memories of school had nothing to do with class. And my favorite work memories weren’t really about the work. It’s always been about the people and the stories that happened somewhere along the way. And great stories, great memories always start with a yes. Note: For this story, it might be helpful to start with Part 1... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
June 16, 2020 at 7:26 am • 

The wonder of saying yes and letting go (part 2)

Samer Asous learned how to make bagels from his dad and uncle. What started out as the family baking for H&H Bagels in Manhattan eventually turned into their own Mom and Pop shop down in Brooklyn. Samer helped his family by learning both the baking and business side of operations. Note – If you’re new to... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
June 9, 2020 at 8:08 am • 

The wonder of saying yes and letting go (part 1)

The wonder of saying yes and letting go (part 1)
They say you miss 100 percent of the shots you didn’t take. And that our biggest regrets in life aren’t over the mistakes we made but, instead, the moments when we were too timid. Didn’t take any risks. These chapters were never written because we met life with a fragile No instead of a trusting Yes. And... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
June 2, 2020 at 7:45 am • 
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Kierkegaard finale (or "Why your hobbies matter now more than ever")

Kierkegaard finale (or "Why your hobbies matter now more than ever")
I clicked the blue publish button. Closed the laptop. Walked down the foggy street to that little bar in Rosario, Argentina, right by the Paraná River. Søren Kierkegaard was still there, jotting down notes on a napkin. Note: This is a work of fiction/philosophy. For this post to make more sense, I recommend starting with the first... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
May 12, 2020 at 7:48 am • 

Chicago, Argentina (Part 2: The Family Behind Tango Sur)

Chicago, Argentina (Part 2: The Family Behind Tango Sur)
El Mercado is a little grocery store on the corner of Southport and Grace in Lakeview Chicago. Across the street is a Dairy Queen. A couple of doors down is the Music Box Theatre. Wrigley Field is about a half-mile away. On the front counter, you’ll find—in my humble Midwestern opinion—the best empanadas in town.... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
May 5, 2020 at 7:56 am • 

Chicago, Argentina (Kierkegaard Intermission)

There’s a little bar in Rosario, Argentina right by the Paraná River. The Paraná River starts in Brazil, carves south through Paraguay, then makes its way east through Argentina emptying into the Rio de la Plata. It’s the second-largest river in South America, trailing only the Amazon. I’ve never been to Rosario. Never been to the bar... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
April 27, 2020 at 7:28 am • 
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Chicago, Argentina (part 1)

Chicago, Argentina (part 1)
I love getting a new idea. I love the magic of that initial spark. I’ll be walking Crash, taking a shower, sitting at my laptop, and something will just click. Oh! What if I wrote about this!  It’s hard for me to say, “I came up with the idea,” because the idea came up to me. At... Read more »
By Chris O'Brien,
April 13, 2020 at 7:26 am •