Alicia Barreto Jaime

 

Sure you’ve heard about the Comfort Zone concept before. Maybe you know right where you stand when it comes to that or maybe you aren’t really aware. Either way, you may find out by using this innovative calculator at whatismycomfortzone.com created by MarcusTaylor.

The project’s objective is based on William Edwards Deming’s philosophy:

Moreover, it focuses on the professional, adrenaline, and lifestyle aspects so that you can take action as soon as possible depending on which one you get the highest score. In three easy steps, you get to learn about your strengths and weaknesses:

As part of the results, the calculator also includes a variety of links that helps you grow your Comfort Zone.

I already took it…and if you’re curious about my score, check it on Twitter!

How did you do?

@lichabarreto

How many times have you felt like drawing but end up letting yourself down? And mainly because of one reason: you don’t have the talent. One more question: how hard have you actually tried to change that?

One of the best writers of the 20^th century did try: Franz Kafka. He wished to become a draughtsman when he was still a student. His written work is certainly more remarkable as The Trial, The Castle and The Metamorphosis prove; on the other hand, his drawings did reach exposure in 2011.

A collection of 40 drawings was edited by Niels Bokhove and Marijke van Dorst. Each one includes texts that originally belonged to or matched with it.

 Title in english: Franz Kafka pictorial artist

Kafka’s technique wasn’t actually complex, if any. Simplicity is actually what makes these drawings so expressive and enigmatic.  Through them, he portrayed the thoughts that came from his very core. And even when the texts aren’t clear enough on what he’s representing, you may still interpret. 

Let your canvas portray what’s on your mind. Forget about the clarity of your drawings, it’s not a must. That’s the beauty of it. Let imagination fly. Interpretation is, and will always, be free.

Are you ready to retake drawing?

@lichabarreto

Reading is a personal ritual. While some may prefer to stick to physical books, others embrace them in their digital form. Technology has been playing its part through apps like Instapaper, Flipboard, Readability and Read It Later, for example.

How about a web site that posts links to new stories? And yes, this includes publications in journalism, magazine stories, short stories, interview transcripts and historical documents. 

That’s Longreads, founded by Mark Armstrong in April 2009.  

The site allows passionate readers and publishers share storytelling that is 1,500 words or more. All they have to do is tag them on Twitter with the #longreads hashtag.

The Awl and Capital New York are currently participating.

On the other hand, it’s possible to create your own Longreads page by tweeting a link to a story from your Twitter account including the #longreads hashtag. In this case, it’s not necessary to sign-in or register.

Now, if you are a fervent writer, this option is a must!  You can submit your story directly from the web site.

For more information on how Longreads started, the New York Observer published a very interesting article. Click here to read it.

Do you know any other great site for readers?

@lichabarreto