What is middlemann essays about?

Often times, when I think, I want to write. Usually they're little thoughts - sometimes a part of a larger whole, but sometimes not. Most of them are thoughts I'd put down without any sort of audience. In fact middlemann essays wasn't public for the first few months; I just found Blogger to be an easy medium for this. These posts are different from my other blog because they're really just stubs. Some of them I may come back to, others I may not, but my hope is to capture snapshots of thoughts and see if anyone has ideas or reactions to add.

New content

The best way to keep people coming back to a web site is to provide fresh, interesting content. Are people the same way? Are we drawn to spending time with people who provide us with fresh, interesting content and bored by those who don't?

Sick Time

Knowing what they know, I wonder if Epidemiologists take more sick time than other people.

Coping

It seems like everyone utilizes coping mechanisms of some sort. They may range from benign to life threatening, but whether it's smoking, eating, napping or drinking, what is it that "takes the edge off" or restores some sense of balance? Is it a feeling of control? An escape?

Mistakes

It fascinates me to hear certain people talk about the mistakes they've made in life when in fact they've worked out pretty well. I don't mean the guy that gets strung out on drugs and goes through a painful recovery from addiction in order to hold down a job at a restaurant. I'm talking about the guy who works 80 hours a week and doesn't spend enough time with his kids. Then when he retires at age 50 and has $25M under his belt, he realizes his mistake and decides that from now on he'll have a better relationship with his family. Since he's retired it's pretty easy to find the time, and money is no object when it comes to family vacations. So the family all bonds and forgives Dad of his shortcomings, and he's the grandkids' favorite guy to have around. So what's the take home lesson of a mistake like that?