The annual Earthworm Award Proposal

I have long been an admirer of earthworms. Say What? The lowly earthworm, as it burrows underground, plays an essential ecological role. It’s activities throughout its 600 million years “in” earth have both enriched the soil and in some instances totally transformed it. Most notably, they replenish the soil through their waste and open up…

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Defy authority — but take care

One of the most vexing of leadership issues is how anyone should appropriately defy authority. Throughout history we have read of those who did not (Abu Graib prison in the Iraqi War) and of the many whistleblowers who did. One instance on which I write in my book is that of an impaired executive and…

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A refreshing drink of civility

With the resolution of the most raucous presidential election in my memory, I sought out what appeared to be a civil voice. I don’t know much about him but have always admired David Gergen. He is a CNN commentator and in my opinion is a voice of reason amidst other more partisan, bickering and angry…

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The media, way back when, and today

There were so many “moments” in touring the National Civil Right Museum in Memphis, Tennessee founded on the site where Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered. The word “inspirational” is inadequate to describe those moments. They made you live and remember what is almost too painful – when people, actual people, were enslaved and bought…

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No disrespect.. but

I actually kind of liked it when Bob Dylan did not acknowledge receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. I do not hold it against him that he finally made contact with the Committee though I note that he has announced that he will not be attending the ceremony. Another writer expressed discomfort in accepting…

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The Butterfly Effect

I had always been aware of what is commonly known as the “butterfly” effect but it was not until I watched a video of author Andy Andrews explaining it, complete with a story and book of that title, that I found the joy of its premise. The theory that a butterfly fluttering its wings in…

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