Archive for January, 2011
I Am ME: Dan and Irma O’Connor, Buffalo, NY
Dan and Irma O’Connor have been married 36 years. After being amazed at the skills they learned in marriage education, they began teaching classes to help Buffalo area couples improve communication and problem-solving skills.
Egypt’s End to a Vacation from History and Our Own
Tools to widely communicate, inspire and mobilize dreamed up by youngsters in America may have led to the downfall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Groundhog Day is Wednesday, What’s It To You?
Groundhog Day is Wednesday, February 2. Instead of watching for a sign that winter’s ending, many are reminded of Bill Murray’s 1993 comedy and what it took for Phil Connors to finally begin reexamining his life and priorities.
Egyptian Uprising and Five Freedoms for Humanity
What’s going on in Egypt? As the government of President Hosni Mubarak appears headed for collapse, people throughout Egypt and other nations of the Middle East inspire courage in each other for five freedoms that reflect our common humanity.
Texas Study Finds 237 Reasons People Have Sex
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin wanted to know why people have sex. They came up with 237 reasons.
Much Ado About Nothing for William and Kate
While tabloids may be counting Prince William’s hairs, it’s a safe bet the Prince and Kate Middleton’s thoughts couldn’t be further away as their April 29th wedding date approaches.
Families Fading from State of the Union?
Is the theme of family fading from State of the Union? Presidents Reagan and Clinton made family central to their speeches to Joint Sessions of Congress. George Washington and George Bush didn’t. Barack Obama referred to family seven times in the 2011 State of the Union.
To Bless the Space Between Us
The late John O’Donohue’s collection of poetry for each of life’s special moments delivers meaningful inspiration for heart, mind, and spirit.
Training Helps Veterans Succeed in New Mission
President Obama told America’s servicemen and women today, “we’re going to keep your family strong and secure.” A two year study of 160 couples participating in marriage enrichment retreats following combat deployment shows a significant, positive impact on family resiliency and offers a promising national model.
I Am ME: Helen Gallen, LMSW, Augusta, Georgia
Helen Gallen, LMSW, feels a special commitment to families impacted by combat deployment. The Tulane graduate says leading marriage enrichment retreats for veterans and their spouses through the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center has helped her contribute to the lives of those who have served America and provided a priceless gift for her own marriage.
The Unexpected Legacy of an American Tiger Mother
The unexpected legacy of an American Tiger Mom is not that Chinese parenting is better. Amy Chua’s memoir of her struggle to protect time-honored traditions while adapting to life in America captures challenges that are as old as America itself.
Keith Olbermann is Having a Tough Year
Keith Olbermann’s difficult year didn’t start with being fired from MSNBC this week.
At 42, NFL Cheerleader Laura Vikmanis Dreams Big
Laura Vikmanis, 42, the NFL’s oldest cheerleader, delights Bengals fans on the field while inspiring and training women in her Dayton, Ohio suburb to make their dreams come true.
Portman, Kutcher Tackle Friends with Benefits
Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman bring the subject of friends with benefits to the big screen this weekend in No Strings Attached as their characters struggle to decide if physical and emotional closeness belong together.
From the Streets of LA, Alex Lambert Cries For Help
Alex Lambert, 20, the former American Idol star, tweeted yesterday that he’s homeless in LA and can’t take it anymore. The Season Nine standout’s plea for help deserves attention.
Best Valentine’s Day Gift Won’t Cost You a Dime
The best Valentine’s Day gift this year won’t cost you a dime. It will be one of the most important things you’ll ever do for yourself and your family.
Sargent Shriver’s Personal Contribution
While Sargent Shriver’s work, passions, and family were changing the world, he always made time to share a kind word, enjoy, appreciate, and nurture the wonder of children. Over the years that I’ve paused to reach out to thousands of youngsters, my early experiences with Sargent Shriver remain a lasting example of the difference we can make in a moment of kindness.
Online PAIRS Class Teaches Skills for Lasting Love
When it comes to love and intimacy, the trial and error approach too often comes at a very high price. PAIRS Essentials is a research-validated, educational program that has helped thousands of couples create and sustain lasting, joyful, love relationships. The ten-hour class will be offered online over four consecutive Thursdays beginning January 27th. Space is limited.
Steve Jobs asks, “If this was your last day …”
Five years ago, Steve Jobs urged Stanford graduates to consider: “If this was the last day of my life, would I be doing what I’m doing?” Apple’s founder said today he’s stepping back from his job as CEO to focus on what matters most.
