A Merry Mitzvah Christmas

I like this story for a lot of reasons, but most especially because it encapsulates the spirit of what I am trying to capture in this blog. Call me George Bailey, but I want to believe that people want to help one another, given the chance. Too often, it's not how much effort is required, just the "how to."

WXYZ in Detroit has a video of Micki Grossman and Serene Zeni at http://www.wxyz.com/entertainment/around-town/mitzvah-day-on-christmas-day-jewish-and-muslim-volunteers-help-people-in-need. If you are in the Detroit area, you can get in touch via the JCC  at http://jewishdetroit.org/event/mitzvah-day-2016/. However you spend your holiday season, be safe and happy, and full of hope.

The Punishers - part 2

In researching this story, I found examples of many different biker clubs acting "against the public perception." I'll probably do another story or two on these groups, meanwhile, the Punishers have a facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/punisherslemcworldwide if you want to learn more about them.

The Punishers

Here is, yet again, another example of not judging a book by its cover, or a biker by the skull on his leather jacket. There is a biker bar in Leesburg, Virginia, that my wife and I used to kid each other about, with our friends. 

"You go in- no, YOU go in!" we'd say, looking at the line of bikes in front. Now the next time I find myself on Main Street, I'll stop in and have a beer, yelling "Anyone here from the Punishers?!"

Elephants in Space - Part 2

"Courage" is an appropriate title for the suit bearing Jacob and Kat's artwork. I work with children all the time, and I am always aware of how brave they are. I hope this story brings you all some Hope, Courage and Unity in the times ahead, especially if you are dealing with serious illness.

Photo credit: The picture of "Courage" is used with permission by the SAP and was taken by Robert Markowitz for NASA.

Send me some feedback - feel free to comment, or give me a lead on a story of your own or that you might be aware of. I know I need all the inspiration I can get these days.

Elephants in Space

I chose to tell this story from a slightly different perspective, because I think the human factor is what I'm trying to capture in these narratives. I hope you'll approve when you see the next page.

There are several sources I used for this story, including releases from MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Centers and an article for CNN HEALTH written by Ashley Strickland. You can read more about this story and see a video of the suit's unveiling at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEUrPrDUMK0

The second half of this story next Monday. meanwhile, I'm still looking for your input and suggestions!

Home Run, "the REST of the story..."

I should also mention, when telling this story, of how proud Central Washington's coach Gary Frederick was to have his team members perform such an outstanding example. This story was reported several times on local and national news, and Ellen Degeneres had the three players on her show to honor their accomplishment. There's more than one way to win a ball game.

I'm still looking for stories like this one - if you think you have a good example of people helping one another, please share it with me!

Home Run

Since the series is still big news to many people, I thought this story would be a good one to post while we all endure the last few days of the election. There's also a powerful message about sportsmanship and respect, which a lot of people will hopefully benefit from come the 9th. Don't forget to vote!