Category: Owning a Niche

It’s Good To Be King

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(Listen to this post, here.) According to the Data Storytelling daily newsletter published by Chartr (hey, they’re statisticians, not good spellers), my first name – Michael – was the most popular boy’s name in the U.S. in 44 out of 45 straight years. That’s correct. Beginning in 1954 and running through the next four-plus decades with just one exception (David, in 1960), Michael took first place more than any other name over the past century. Not that I find this surprising. Throughout my entire K-12 education, I was rarely the only Michael in any of my […] Click to read more…

What’s Your Value Imbalance?

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(Listen to this post, here.) Did you hear the recent story about Shaquille O’Neal? Apparently, and according to the … let’s say, “journalists” … at Inside Edition, the retired basketball star was jewelry shopping at a store in Atlanta, when he overheard a young man talking with the salesperson about layaway terms for an engagement ring. So, Shaq pulled out his credit card and paid for the ring. I love that story – and not just because any video involving Shaq is an opportunity to gawk at how insanely large he […] Click to read more…

Give Up The Funk

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As a man over … let’s say, 40 … I have discovered that exercises intended for younger people, no matter how well designed, are potentially harmful. It all began at the start of the pandemic, as I searched for home-based exercise programs. That’s when I found Jeff Cavaliere. Jeff’s a physical therapist (which gave me confidence that he knows what he’s talking about) and the possessor of a physique that looks like someone hit the “enhance” button on Photoshop one too many times. I have no idea how old he is […] Click to read more…

All Niches Are Not Created Equal

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(Listen to this post, here.) Statistically speaking, it’s due to arrive in my inbox any day now.  The “it” I am referring to is the more or less, once a year request that I receive from a parade of strangers who share my name.  The email usually goes something like this:  “Hi, my name is Michael Katz too and I see you own michaelkatz.com. Would you consider selling it?” I’ve owned that domain since 1999 and my answer to these inquiries is always a polite, “Sorry, but no thanks.” As […] Click to read more…

Food For Thought

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(Listen to this post, here.) I’m no scientist, but when it comes to the relative temperature of various foods, I am happy to share the following facts: #1. Oatmeal is the hottest consumable substance on earth. If your castle walls are in the process of being scaled by hordes of blood-thirsty enemies, this is the (food)stuff to pour on them. #2. Nothing heats up faster in the microwave than quinoa. Five seconds on “high” and these once benign pellets will melt the roof of your mouth like nobody’s business. #3. Pancakes retain heat the longest. Go back to the […] Click to read more…