The Not-So-Weekly Rapport #12: Books, Beverages, and Semi-believable Products

I’ve fallen back into my bad habit of stringing a couple of articles together for consecutive weeks and then forgetting to write for a month. So far, right on track…

It’s been a year since I gave my credit card information to WordPress and registered a domain name of ObserveAndRapport.com which I slowly regret every day… But by doing that I made myself financially obligated to continue writing. It’s my creative outlet’s version of a gym membership, or a New Year’s Resolution.

Since you may not see another article on here for a while, enjoy this week’s share of books, beverages, and semi-believable products I’m expermenting with:

Book I’m Reading

Exteme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

In line with my last post about a crazy Navy SEAL, I’m following that book up with Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. More of a business or management/leadership book than a straight-up Navy SEAL book like American Sniper or Lone Survivor. Willink and Babin use real-life military combat examples to explain their management and lifestyle philosophy of being ultimately responsible for everything that happens under your watch. Your team didn’t meet expectations? That’s your fault. Your company didn’t hit the revenue goals? Your fault.

I’m now in a management position so it’s cool to hear how successful your team can be if you ultimately accept responsibility for the actions and behaviors of everyone beneath you. “There are no bad teams, only bad leaders.”

Tea I’m Drinking

Jocko White Tea

Speaking of Jocko Willink, my brother got me some of his Jocko White Tea for Christmas. Ever since he made his first mainstream interview appearance on the Tim Ferriss Show in 2015, Jocko has blown into stardom, writing books, making his own podcast, and now his own caffeinated tea. I’m just starting to get in to teas (turmeric is my favorite at night), but coffee has always been my preferred caffeine of choice. I’m not a fan of green tea’s effects or matcha’s taste.

But this tea is seriously delicious and very well caffeinated. It’s white tea blended with pomegranate, hibiscus, and lemongrass, giving it a nice red hue. I’ve been drinking this first thing in the morning before I work out on an empty stomach and it’s been awesome. You can get a 25 pack of tea bags for about $14.

Oh, and in case you’ve never heard of Jocko – close your eyes and imagine what a badass Navy SEAL who’s first name is JOCKO looks like. Ok, now open them.

Is that what you pictured? Probably close enough…

Lastest Product I’m Experimenting With

CBD Oil

Every hip coffee shop and tree-hugging yogi has been raving about CBD oil and it’s stress-relieving, inflammtion-reducing effects. Is it snake oil? Does it actually do anything?

I still haven’t fully formed my own personal verdict on it, but I can say most of the time I’ve had it has been a very relaxing experience. I’ve had CBD oil about 15-20 times, and no, it doesn’t get you high. But it definitely puts you in more of a chilled-out zone and relaxes you. I’m not sure how much it has helped with aches and pains, but then again I’m not sure how much Advil really helps either. If you have pain in your knee or elbow, you don’t necessarily “feel” anything when you take Advil, same thing when you take CBD oil. I do know many retired athletes use it to treat concussion symptoms as well as chronic pain and have had great success with it.

Personally, I think it’s great to put in your nighttime tea or glass of water right before you watch a show, read a book, or go to sleep. Many coffee shops sell it as a $2 add-on to your drink but I don’t really see the benefit of caffeine and CBD, or paying $6 for a cup of coffee. Much better to have it with a relaxing drink at night.

I picked up some CBD oil derived from hemp from my yoga studio (I really hope the Navy SEAL stuff makes up for that last sentence… Jesus). But if you want the good stuff, it’s gonna cost you. I bought it at my studio for $135 and I bought my brother some online as a Christmas present for $150 at ElementHealth

I put a 1-3 drops in my tea and since it has about 0.3 THC I definitely taste it. You can also feel a tiny little bit of the sensation of a typical cannibis high – for about 5 minutes, but it’s not long lasting at all – just enough to de-stress for a bit. I find it perfect to take after a heavy run or workout when your muscles are tight and you want to stretch out. Be careful if you get drug tested – some of the stronger oils may have trace amount of THC that could show up in a urine test.

Best Instagram Post I’ve Seen in a While

This is such a cool video, seeing a young kid help his brother train with encouraging words and tough leadership. My older brother used to just punch me in my arm until I went numb… Same thing basically.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq54g5GBwpr/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

Great Reads Across the Internet

Bring Back the AIM Away Message – this is a really good article about creating an “Away Message” for social media. I deleted Snapchat a few months ago and my friends who were sending me snaps were wondering why I was being an asshole and not responding – I had no way of telling them that I was no longer on the app. People are always posting to Facebook “Hey, taking a break for a while” but who ever sees that or remembers? Creating a social media OOO message may be a great option for those looking to give up Instagram over the holidays, or for a two-week challenge.
I Used to Write for Sports Illustrated. Now I Deliver Packages from Amazon – most of us take for granted how easily we’re able to search for a product, pay with one click and have it personally delivered to our doorstep in 48 hours. Very few people actually know what the life of an Amazon delivery person is like. This article goes through it all. The long hours, getting lost in apartment complexes, having nowhere to go to the bathroom, etc. Be grateful for the delivery peeps, especially around the Holiday season.
Here’s How A Colorado Dentist Became Big Sugar’s Worst Nightmare – “At a dental conference in 2007, Kearns couldn’t help but notice that some things weren’t adding up. According to one handout she received, dentists should tell patients to improve their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol by “increasing fiber and limiting saturated fats and salt.” What about sugar? she wondered.”

And finally, some funk for your Friday evening.