The Roman army required salt for its soldiers and for its horses and livestock. At times soldiers were even paid in salt, which was the origin of the word salary and the expression “worth his salt” or “earning his salt”

― Mark Kurlansky

Few people realize that we're consuming two volatile and hazardous compounds when we are generously showering our popcorn with salt. Of course, this is only the case when these elements, sodium and chlorine (or chloride), stand on their own. Together, they form sodium chloride — table salt — one of the essential building blocks of human life.

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SCIENCE

A hymn to walking, the mechanical magic at the core of our humanity

Walking upright on two feet is a uniquely human skill. It enabled us to migrate out of Africa and to spread as far as Alaska and Australia. Every day, we put one foot in front of the other―yet how many of us know how we do that, or appreciate the advantages it gives us?

Walking upright on two legs is unique to us as a human species. Sadly, We are walking less and less. I walk regularly and can personally testify to the good it does me…

Attracting and retaining quality talent is essential to any business or industry. It won’t do any good if employees can’t speak their minds, voice opinions, or suggest innovations. For many employees, the prospect of trying to “fit in” while going along with the program is challenging enough.

Success for any company relies on a continuous flow of new ideas and critical thinking. Much the same way an underground spring feeds freshwater into a well, so it doesn’t stagnate. Or worse, dry up completely. …

I’m an old introvert now. I consider myself successful in this ride we call life. However, the definition of success is subjective. If your definition is measured by fame or fortune — I have neither of these.

However, I have more money than I ever figured I would, considering I barely finished high school and never attended college. I hated the classroom. Most of us introverts do. I did pretty well considering.

Much of my contentment and wisdom comes through living, observing, curiosity, and always looking to grow. …

If You Want to Gather Honey, Don’t Kick Over the Beehive
― Dale Carnegie

There’s a story about a guy and his wife checking in at London’s Heathrow Airport with their family. While the man is busy rummaging through his bag for passports, his wife admires a scarf the counter attendant is wearing.

The woman compliments the desk attendant. She responds with a smile and says thank you so much. The man with all the passports now in hand steps up to the desk and asks how much an upgrade would cost.

The attendant glances at the wife, and with…

LEADERSHIP

Your team is your primary mechanism for growth as a leader.
― Mark Divine

To grow to the fullest capacity as a leader, we need to challenge ourselves. Mark Divine, retired Navy SEAL Commander, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author, shares a unique perspective in his book Staring Down the Wolf. Mark discusses proven lessons you need to unlock the full power of your team.

Courage, Trust, Respect, Resiliency, and Alignment. These are the traits of an elite team leader, whether that team operates in Middle Eastern war zones, places of work, or in a smaller family dynamic. …

SCIENCE

We are all time-travelers, journeying together into the future. Let us work together to make that future a place we want to visit.

— Stephen Hawking

I’m a stargazer. Every time I’m on a camping trip or in some remote country area, far away from the noise of city lights, I always find time to step out to experience the night sky show. I try to recruit others to join me. This also allows me to share some astronomy facts I’ve learned. …

One of the greatest compliments I ever received from a coworker was when they told me that I would do really well on the reality series Survivor. What made the compliment even more appreciated was that the comment came from one of the company's owners. I was flattered, even knowing he was dead wrong.

I agreed that I would play a great social game. I would likely do very well on the scarce food rations and uncomfortable living conditions. Even being away from my family for more than 40 days would be tough, but I would probably endure it better…