WORTH WATCHING: History of Thanksgiving Holiday

Do you know what the Pilgrims really ate at the first Thanksgiving feast? Did you know the idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday was the idea and obsession of the woman who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb”? Do you know what president picked the day and declared it a holiday?

WORTH WATCHING: The Day JFK was Shot

The assassination of JFK on November 22, 1963, was a turning point for my generation. On this anniversary of this momentous event, I encourage you to take a few minutes to see coverage of this day. It is very disturbing and moves me to tears even today.

WORTH READING: A “Thank you, Dad” poem

Thank You, Dad for always being there for being strong yet showing you cared. For being my protector and setting the rules for the rides, the money, and the help with school. For all the times I was grounded for my own good I may not have been happy, but I always understood that I am lucky to be one …

WORTH READING: Learn more on how to identify and deal with toxic relationships and emotional vampires.

Life coach Cheryl Richardson describes six types of toxic qualities in people. The Blamer: This person likes to hear his own voice. He constantly complains about what isn’t working in his life, and yet gets energy from complaining and dumping his frustrations on you. The Drainer: This is the needy person who calls to ask for your guidance, support, information, advice or …

COMMENTARY: Making Lives

A few years ago I came across a video by a very dynamic speaker, a former middle school teacher named Taylor Mali. He is now what’s called a performance poet — someone who delivers poetry as singers deliver songs. The poem that caught my attention was “What Do I Make?” an articulate and aggressive response to a critic who was putting down teachers. …

WORTH WATCHING: Teachers in Action

Great videos about Great Teachers. What Makes Great Teachers? ABC Special The character John Keating (played by Robin Williams) in Dead Poet’s Society   The real Jaime Escalante (the teacher portrayed in the movie Stand and Deliver) on teaching:  

WORTH READING & WATCHING: A Perspective of Service from a P.O.W.

It’s hard for some folks to take off their political glasses with lenses that like or dislike, see or not see, according to political predispositions. I think it’s important to remove these glasses when thinking about the nature of the experience that men and women who serve in the armed forces may be subjected to. This story, oft told by …

WORTH READING: Here’s to the Heroes

Here’s to the heroes Those few who dare, Heading for glory,’ Living a prayer. Here’s to the heroes Who change our lives. Thanks to the heroes, Freedom survives. Here’s to the heroes Who never rest. They are the chosen, We are the blessed. Here’s to the heroes Who aim so high. Here’s to the heroes Who do or die. Here’s …

Better Isn’t Always Good But It’s Always Better 746.2

I am recording this Lagos, Nigeria. I’m here to meet with private citizens and government officials to talk about bringing CHARACTER COUNTS! to Nigeria’s schools. If you grunted a cynical “good luck” and thought about scam e-mails, street vendors selling counterfeit designer purses and sun glasses and the country’s reputation as one of the most corrupt in the world, you’ve …

Just arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, a few hours ago.

I’m anxious to learn about the people and culture, and to move beyond the stereotype of Internet fraudsters. In researching the country and culture, I came across a fantastic YouTube video of a speech by Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie, one of Nigeria’s most profound and mesmerizing literary voices. In it, she warned of the dangers in hearing a single story about …

A Personal Note

Change is risky. Some will always love the old way while others crave new things and variety. This new format for our newsletter and the blog behind it are the result of the change caused by the loss of one of my major platforms for communication – daily broadcasts on KNX radio in Los Angeles. This format represents our attempt …

Converting Pessimists into Optimists 743.3

Every full life has its bright days and its dark days, its triumphs and defeats, its calm and stormy seas. All these high and low experiences could justify viewing the past through the lens of gratitude or disappointment. And the way we characterize our history will determine whether we look toward our future with hopeful expectations or anxious trepidation. Scientists …

Learning Humanity in the Context of Competition 737.2

Competition often brings out the best performance but it doesn’t always bring out the best in people. Even in the arts, actors, singers, dancers, and musicians must survive and thrive in a competitive community as rude and rough as any. Ambitious parents often introduce toxic gamesmanship and back-biting attitudes very early as their children are judged and ranked by the …

Reveling in the Death of a Villain 721.4

Yesterday I admitted I was glad and grateful to learn of Osama bin Laden’s death, an emotional reaction I’ve had some difficulty connecting to my principles as I became increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of reveling in the death of another human being, even though he was a villain. My niece Eliana helped me realize the complexity of the situation …

Mataya’s Coming of Age 719.2

This weekend family and friends gathered to witness our daughter Mataya’s bat mitzvah*, the symbolic transition from childhood to adulthood. It was our fourth bat mitzvah in five years, and frankly, we’re glad we’re done. Anne and I make them major productions. Anne has the hard part. She plans a party equal to a significant wedding and personally creates a …

The Power of Kindness 718.2

Bob wrote to tell me that, having just lost his bride of 42 years, it’s been deeply important to him to be the beneficiary of grand and spontaneous acts of kindness of strangers. In one case, he was overcome with emotion while seeking to make copies of all the notes of love and support he received. A young woman seeing …