We’re rapidly approaching the turn of another year. And while I’ll be one of those saying "thank goodness, and good riddance", I can’t get particularly excited about putting 2007 behind us or welcoming in 2008. Why? Well, frankly I believe every midnight is a new beginning … a mini new year celebration. Every ending gives us a chance to assess the lessons we’ve learned and (hopefully) apply them to build a better life. We, as a society (and as individuals) have a lot of lessons to evaluate this year. The doors to knowledge have been opened thanks to the internet [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Dec 302007
Did you have a great Christmas this year? Are you already back at work…maybe even trying to catch up the time lost during the holiday? Already stressing over where the next dollar is going to come from? Wait!!! Did you learn anything yesterday? Too many Americans today are driven far beyond reason to be productive at all times. Heck it’s gotten to where people can’t even walk down the street without a phone plastered to their ear. (I sometimes think that’s because they’re afraid to be alone with their own thoughts.) Technology has indeed given tools that enable us to [Click here to see the rest of the story]
It’s been a particularly subdued pre-holiday season this year, never mind how many reports we have heard about how great the economy is doing. This year shoppers didn’t have to fight traffic, scurry for parking places or compete for a spot in the check out aisles. And, if my own shopping list is any indicator, shoppers focused much more purchasing basic necessities for gift giving this year. Many are not as fortunate: The Coalition for the Homeless in March 2007 reported that the number of homeless New Yorkers in shelters increased by 11.1% (to 35,113), the number of homeless families [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Dec 182007
Christmas is right around the corner now….does it seem that the days are getting shorter and the hours are speeding up? Does it seem that there just isn’t enough time and energy to get everything accomplished? Well, that’s not surprising. Our days continue to grow shorter right through to December 22nd, the shortest day of 2007. In fact, psychologists tell us that the incidences of mental illness, natural deaths and suicides dramatically increase this time of year. Winter holidays – as much as we love them – can be particularly difficult. Don’t despair. You’re not alone. With shorter days and [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Dec 092007
When it comes to the state of the economy I’ll leave the reports in the hands of the Bureau of Labor and others who monitor statistical data. I’m more interested in what’s happening on the streets in the communities I work in. Here the dollar is weak, cost of food, gas, taxes and utilities continue to rise. All too many count pennies, live paycheck to paycheck and are seriously concerned about possible layoffs and foreclosures ahead. For many, holiday gift giving this year trends toward the practical. Luxury gifts may not be appropriate this year. Even bargains, may not be [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Dec 062007
Sure we’ve all heard it: "When times get tough, the tough get going." What does that really mean to you? There aren’t many who would argue that today’s economy is not one of the best we’ve seen in the last century. With foreclosures at an all time high, businesses suffering drastically reduced incomes, employees being warned of possible year-end layoffs, and the inevitable increase of costs in both public and private sectors, there’s a lot of negativity on the streets. But we’re not going to focus on that right now. This is not the first time in the last 50 [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Wow! Are we messed up!!! Each new day dramatically reminds us that we’re spinning out of control in our personal lives, our business ventures and our politics. Now, don’t misunderstand. This is not necessarily something new. I am not yet certain that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. There could be a light at the end of this tunnel, but, at the moment ,it looks like we’re moving further and further away from it. Part of the problem we’re dealing with today is too much information — of the wrong kind. The problem is, so much of [Click here to see the rest of the story]
