Short Stuff: Wainscoting: When Half a Wall is Enough | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

If you’ve ever pushed a “pull” door or accidentally flipped the wrong light switch, you’ve experienced the impact of bad design. You may have blamed these mistakes on yourself, but in reality, the way we interact with the physical world is often driven by design. From smartphones to stovetops, faucets to fighter jets: Every object we encounter on a daily basis is designed. Good design streamlines our lives and makes everyday tasks easier. Bad design, on the other hand, causes frustration, errors, and even dangerous accidents.

In order to tell the difference, we need to understand how we perceive the objects all around us, and how our brains make sense of that information. Combining the principles of cognitive psychology and engineering makes all of us smarter consumers and helps designers create products that work with users, rather than against them.

In this heartfelt episode of "Just Jack & Will with Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack," the dynamic duo alongside esteemed guest Bob Greenblatt dive into behind-the-scenes stories, societal impact discussions, and hilarious name-related anecdotes. Fans of the iconic sitcom are in for a treat as Sean and Eric offer a charming mix of personal reflections and insights into the universe of "Will & Grace," seasoned with their warm camaraderie and witty banter. With ad-free and exclusive content, Wondery Plus listeners get an even more intimate experience as they learn about the influence of the beloved show on cultural norms and LGBTQ+ representation.

Listen to the thought-provoking commentary as Sean confronts his struggles with internalized homophobia and how portraying an openly gay character shaped societal perceptions. As they dissect "The Buying Game" episode, audiences will find themselves chuckling at the show's timeless humor and nodding along with the recognition of progress in television. The hosts also tackle heavier themes, balancing them with the signature comedy that made "Will & Grace" a pioneering force in inclusivity and representation. Interactive and engaging, this episode not only offers laughs but also invites fans to be part of the ongoing narrative—keeping the spirit of "Just Jack & Will" alive beyond the airwaves.

No matter your current skill level, William Zinsser believes anyone can practice the craft of writing. On Writing Well offers a back-to-basics approach, focusing on honing essential writing skills rather than trying to employ complex stylistic techniques. Even if you’re not a professional writer, you’ll often find yourself in a position where you need to express an idea with words, and whether you’re crafting an email or a resume, you can apply Zinsser’s principles of simple, clear, and engaging writing. This book explores how to approach the discipline of writing and effectively put your ideas into words.

In this guide, we’ll explore Zinsser’s principles of simplicity, clarity, and identity, how to achieve each of them, and the specific challenges of creative nonfiction genres. Along the way, we’ll examine how his principles align with or differ from other writing experts, and we’ll provide actionable tips so you can apply Zinsser’s ideas to your writing.

In Ego Is the Enemy, bestselling author and marketer Ryan Holiday defines ego as an unhealthy belief in one’s own importance. He notes that many successful people are famously egotistical, and he contends that as a result, society tends to think that ego is an important ingredient in success, as if ego leads to accomplishment. However, Holiday argues that ego leads far more often to failure, and that people find success only when they’re able to control their egotistical impulses.

To make his arguments, Holiday draws on the philosophies of Stoic thinkers, advising us to resist the urges of our emotions in order to maintain clarity of thinking. In our guide to his book, we’ll examine his theories through the lens of Stoicism, and we’ll compare them to other management theories that similarly aim to help you find success.

Jack Canfield struck gold as a co-author of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, but it took years for him to achieve success. In The Success Principles, he details 67 principles to help anyone achieve their goals and dreams, based on his study and interviews with hundreds of successful people. The basic formula for success is to identify what you want, know that you deserve to have it, and use the book’s principles to get you there.

The book's Principles include taking responsibility for your life, setting goals and visualizing success, facing your fears, forgiving others so you can move forward, asking for and graciously receiving feedback, and appreciating your successes.