Note to visitor
Posted by: RR on: 21 January 2010
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I apologize for the lack of posts. I have been terribly busy and I honestly don’t know when my next post will be. Please browse through the archives in the meanwhile. =)
A Child’s Speech to the UN
Posted by: RR on: 27 September 2009
At the age of 12, Severn Suzuki gave a courageous 5-minute speech to the UN’s earth summit in Brazil. She boldly reminded the world leaders of their responsibility for our planet. I was blown away with the passion of this little girl. She speaks with unexpected conviction and power. Remarkable.
Even though the speech is from 1992, Severn said in a recent interview with the NY Times: “The shocking thing about the speech I gave at Rio is that the exact same speech could be given today.” =(
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What Teachers Make
Posted by: RR on: 20 September 2009
This is a powerful poetry performance by Taylor Mali, a teacher and advocate for the nobility of teaching. I thought it was an appropriate post now that the back to school season is in full swing. This poem definitely puts the value of teaching into proper perspective. Mr. Mali says that beyond the salary, teachers “make a goddamn difference! What about you?”
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Drum Major Instinct
Posted by: Jennifer Joseph on: 23 August 2009
Part 1
Part 2
In this sermon, Martin Luther King, Jr. explains that the drum major instinct is a “quest for recognition”, a “desire for distinction”. He points out that this instinct causes turmoil in the world when nations and races have an attitude of superiority. At the same time, he provides insight into how people can put that instinct for greatness to good use. This is truly a thought-provoking sermon that helps us to recognize what kind of drum major instinct we have. The last couple minutes of the sermon especially made an impact on me.
Free Compliments
Posted by: RR on: 24 July 2009
The Compliment Guys, Brett Westcott and Cameron Brown, from Purdue University are flippin’ awesome. From time to time they’ll go out on campus with their “Free Compliments” sign and just start complimenting people that walk by. I’m really inspired by their courage. How often do you compliment total strangers?? Sometimes people find it hard to give compliments to their own friends or family. Interesting. I hope this story inspires more people to be more genuinely outgoing and appreciative.
Back in March I first heard about these guys on NPR. Recently I was delighted to read that Brett and Cam are currently on a 10-city Brightside tour during which they will be stopping off in 10 cities on the east coast to do their thing. They’ve gained a lot of national media attention even from the likes of Oprah and Jay Leno, just Google them. Good luck fellas!
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Shining Eyes, Ben Zander talks about music and passion
Posted by: RR on: 22 July 2009
- In: Speeches
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If you’ve never been excited about classical music, this witty TED presentation by the energetic Benjamin Zander may change your mind. He humorously describes the art of one-buttock playing and the fundamentals of classical music. He proclaims “Everyone loves classical music! They just haven’t found out about it yet.” LOL!
I especially appreciate his discussion of the shining eyes metric. As the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, Ben realized his job is to use his power to awaken possibility in other people. His measure of success is the number of shining eyes that surrounds him. If he notices the eyes are not shining, Ben confronts himself asking “Who am I being that my players’ eyes aren’t shining?”
Of course we can hold ourselves to a similar standard in our own spheres of life. What sort of power do we have to awaken possibilities in those who surround us? Do we make our friends smile? Do we empower them? We should fill ourselves with passion so our peers can’t help but be inspired. There’s always room for improvement. Get started!
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Mankind Is No Island
Posted by: RR on: 21 July 2009
- In: Videos
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I’ve been wanting to post this award winning short film for a long while. It is a simple yet touching piece. I love it! In only three-and-a-half minutes the cell phone images and piano music convey the tragedy of isolation in the crowded cities of New York and Sydney. “Do we love the people or the place?” How could such a thing happen in a thriving community?
The play on the classic adage “no man is an island” is fitting as the film questions our values. How often do we pass by opportunities to reach out to one another? Even our family? How often do we show that we care? How often do others show us that they care?
We are all simply in search of love. Mankind is no island. We depend on each other to brighten our days. A smile, a pat on the shoulder, or even a “hello, how are you?” to one’s family or friends let alone a complete stranger has power beyond our understanding. Be nice. Be kind. Practice empathy.
Give the love that you would like to receive.
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Dr. Seuss: “Be Who You Are”
Posted by: RR on: 20 July 2009
- In: Quotes
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“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
— Dr. Seuss
The works of Dr. Suess are well known to convey deep messages in a whimsical way. In today’s web 2.0 world we are inclined to censor and inhibit ourselves more than ever before. It’s foolish to do this because we might be blinding ourselves from a wonderful character trait or talent. This might lead to a feeling of unfulfillment. Sometimes we can’t help but overvalue the public opinion and discount our friends and family. That’s an unfortunate mismanagement of our priorities. In this powerful quote Seuss reminds us to be true to ourselves because the most valuable people will be there to support us. When we swallow our pride and embrace our strengths and weaknesses, we gain a sense of peace and freedom. Be free! Be yourself!
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Work for Peace – FBL Dalai Lama billboard
Posted by: RR on: 15 July 2009
This is a wonderful billboard run by the Foundation for a Better Life.
FBL encourages people to pass on the values that inspire them. This billboard of the Dalai Lama is especially inspiring because it is a call to action. The Dalai Lama has been working tirelessly for decades to achieve peace for his country, Tibet. Even in the face of violence he peacefully continues on.
What are you willing to work for?
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Inspiration for Time Management
Posted by: RR on: 8 July 2009
- In: Quotes
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(c) ted1um
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”
— Michael Altshuler
