There is no substitute for practice and preparation. Every athlete knows this. It also applies to nearly every other field of human endeavor. Musicians spend far more time practicing than performing. Airplane pilots spend enough time training in simulators that when an in-flight crisis occurs they will respond quickly and accurately.

The successes that result from th...

I suspect that this quote is an exaggeration, but it contains a good point. The traditional dinner table is a bridge across the generation gap. Ideally, it provides an informal atmosphere for all of the family members to share their ideas, concerns and triumphs. In addition to strengthening the family, this type of free exchange of ideas engenders innovation and positive changes. 
Let's try to maintain that "dinner table" atmosphere in more of our issue oriented conversations.

 Photo: Wounded Knee Cemetery, SD

 During the 1800's there was a great deal of fear and anger between groups of settlers and Native Americans that erupted into violence. Attempts at avenging wrongs often resulted in attacks on innocent members of both groups, which created more anger. The anger was natural and justified, but the response led to shameful actions like the slaughter by U.S. troops of over 200 Lakota civilians who were camped at Wounded Knee under a white flag.

During the 1950'...

Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. – John F. Kennedy

 The world we live in bears little resemblance to the natural world that existed a million years ago. If it did, our life expectancy would be under 40 years. While the changes mankind has made have significant benefits, they also have caused significant problems. When we look at the problems that modern society has created, we shouldn’t despair and attemp...