puntiglio.com

So, I’ll just admit it. Five years ago, I was a hater. A big time hater who eschewed most of what he believed in in order to advocate for what he believed in. I think the technical term for this is hypocrite. And like most things, it got worse before it got better (assuming I can justifiably call where I am now better… I have no idea how I will judge myself in five more years).

This little epiphany came to me shortly after I was sorting through and processing news related to Jason Collins, specifically the reactions of other people to his announcement. This may seem unrelated to what follows, but bear with me… they connect (at least in they mystical ether more commonly referred to as my brain). A friend came up to me and showed me a picture on Facebook with President Bush and President Obama standing together with a caption that read something like “like if you think Bush was a better President.”

Laughter ensued, and a few snarky comments as well. But then it struck me, there are a lot of people who would be inclined to hit that like button. A lot of good, intelligent, compassionate people for that matter. And here I was mocking them, and then… suddenly… I was transported back in time to 1984 with the sage words of none other than the great prophet General Public resounding through my mind and into my soul:

I don’t know where I am but I know I don’t like it
I open my mouth and out pops something spiteful
Words are so cheap, but they can turn out expensive
Words like conviction can turn into a sentence

Hyperbole aside, this is where my mind went. I pointed out to my friend that, in fact, there is a group of people who really sincerely believe that President Bush was the better leader of the free world. I went on to say (in my mind) “who am I to berate them for that?” Our country is deeply divided right now over… well.. pretty much everything. This is not because one side is clearly right and the other side is clearly wrong (if that were true we wouldn’t be so deeply and evenly divided); more-so, it is because we are investing so much time and energy in pretending that the other side is clearly wrong – and deriding them for it – that we aren’t spending any (or at least enough) time actually trying to come up with solutions.

I, for example, in my excitement to support the candidate I had chosen, jumped firmly on the waxing tide of vitriol being heaped on outgoing President Bush as part of the Obama campaign. Completely ignoring the fact that Bush was not running in 2008, so anything dumped on him had nothing to do with the election that year. What I saw in Obama, a chance for progress toward general equality and tolerance I was conveniently evading in my own political rhetoric.

Coming back to Mr Collins announcement yesterday. I am happy, impressed and (more than anything else) thankful with/to him for taking that all important first step and “coming out.” I was also overwhelmed with the initial outpouring of positive emotion and support for him from athletes and others. Then some of the “other” responses started to trickle in. Mark Jackson said:

“As a Christian man, I have beliefs of what’s right and what’s wrong. That being said, I know Jason Collins, I know his family and I’m certainly praying for them at this time.”

This was actually filed under the “positive” responses… I didn’t take it that way (I’m not going to go into how I did take it as that would run contrary to what I’m trying to say with this post… you can be your own judge).

Mike Wallace posted an update on twitter wondering why, with so many attractive females around, a guy would want to mess around with another guy. An ESPN reporter went off on a bit of a rant about living in sin and what it was or was not to be Christian.

It was Mr. Wallace’s comments that really struck me. My instant (in my mind, again) response was something along the lines of:

That’s like asking a football player (which he is) – “with so many good basketball games going on, why would you want to waste your time on football” – or, asking a person who is eating Thai food – “with so many good Italian joints out there, why would you take your chances on Thai”…

In short, it’s a matter of taste. My sister (despite being brought up in a good family and being loved as a child) loves (**LOVES**) mayonnaise. I, by contrast, loath the fact that it exists and might accidentally get on a spoon I could possibly use months (and numerous washings) later. Other than the fact that *I think* she is bat-shit crazy for liking the stuff, there is nothing wrong with my sisters view. Further, no amount of intense personal loathing of the creamy white menace on my part will make her wrong (let alone change her taste for it).

There is also nothing wrong with Mr. Collins being more attracted to men than to women. In a more open, equal society he might be just as confused about why Mr. Wallace likes women as Mr. Wallace is currently confused about Collins predilection toward men. And that’s the thing, we should be able to treat someones sexual orientation (or political views) like my sister and I treat her taste (or my lack thereof) for mayonnaise (with respectful levity if anything at all).

But somehow we can’t. Bush has to be a villain and the worst President in history, God has to hate fags, I’m supposed to hate Mike Wallace (or Chris Culliver before him) and on and on it goes. What we fail to grasp, at times, is that while something may be a complete abomination to some of us (I’m looking at you, mayonnaise), what someone else feels about it is none of our business. Even when we view it as a sin or a blight against humanity we also need to remember that people are blessed with free will and can sin, blight, and abominate to their hearts content… so long as they are not harming others in the process. It is not our job to “fix” them, and even if it were… hating on them won’t do it.

The same friend who brought me the picture this morning also made the point to me yesterday that people shouldn’t be chided for openly and honestly sharing their feelings (ALA Mr. Wallace), even if they run contrary to the feel good mood of the day. And he’s right. He’s right because at the end of the day it’s not how well we articulate our opinions of someone else’s views that will make the world a better place, but rather, how well we tolerate, understand and ultimately respect those views no matter how much we might disagree with them.

So, I was minding my own business this afternoon, lying in bed browsing facebook intending to do nothing productive at all… when this popped up in my timeline:

There goes the neighborhood…

I spent last week attacking some of the stereotypes that plague women… focusing largely on sexpliotation in advertising and in practice. What I didn’t address at all was the sexist humor sub-culture. Because, honestly, I completely forgot all about it… which is part of why it is so insidious.

When someone tells you a joke (or even if you just see it online, to a lesser extent) it tends to be much harder to run contrary to it than some of the more blatant things we have seen recently. I’m sure very few people had trouble being put off by the cologne ad that was in the sexploitation post; but its much harder to respond harshly to a joke.

“It’s just a joke!” … “Lighten up!” … “You are no fun!”

Not only do you seldom get a meaningful conversation, but, often, you wind up being the bad guy (and not the good kind of bad guy… if there is such a thing). Speaking of which… there is this one floating around out there as well:

That rings more true, I think, and is far less a part of the problem… here’s why.

The first image nearly begs you to treat a woman poorly. It very clearly indicates that, in order to succeed with women (not be single) you mustn’t treat them nicely. Far and away, the number one reason for being single (read: failing in the dating game) – according to this epiphany filled experts guide to relationship Shangri-La – is treating women nicely.

Culturally, if I do not want to be shunned, I am allowed two reactions to this 1. I can think it is funny and laugh… giving it my tacit approval, or 2. I can attempt to imply empathy or comradeship (i.e. “true story, bro”)… seemingly giving it my explicit approval.

Either way, even if I don’t personally treat women poorly, I am enabling and advancing a society that encourages me (and everyone else) to do so.* A culture that fails by creating kids like the Steubinville football players we all know so well. A lot of things contributed to their depravity, to be sure. Not insignificant in it’s influence, I’m certain, is the cornucopia of exposure points for this type of subtle abuse-empowering messaging.

The fact of the matter is, however, that it isn’t funny or true. You can enhance your chances with women by being confident, assertive, and perhaps even a little brazen, but you cannot enhance them by being an ass (read: by being mean, neglectful or abusive). You may succeed in shaming or intimidating a women into not leaving you… but don’t be mistaken… you have not accomplished or “won” anything.

(For the record, being nice to her and no one else is only one small step in the right direction, and is not victory either. But I really feel the intent behind that “bad boy” is more the confidant, take charge kind of guy who is not by definition the bad kind of bad.)

The old phrase that goes “nice guys finish last” – thankfully – is typically (or at least universally) not true. However, jokes like the pie chart above advance a society that supports that mind set and, subsequently, a culture of abuse. It’s not easy to stand up to the weight of a social situation, especially against something the vast majority of people consider innocuous, and say “hey, that’s not funny (or true)” but if not you, than who?

Because at the end of the day, the only way nice guys (or gals) actually finish last is if we allow them to do so, and I really don’t want to live in that world, do you?

*The effect of this is, by the way, no different than it would be with any ethnic, racial, gay, or other stereotype supporting joke you may hear (or choose to tell), I just happen to be focused on women for whatever reason right now. Probably leftover angst over Steubinville, Halifax, San Jose etc.

Yesterday I posted a kind of ranty, kind or preachy, pseudo call to action piece. The theme (at least at the end during the “call to action” part) had to do with the exploitation of women, particularly their sexuality, in today’s society. In response to this (one of a few interesting responses I received) I got an email with the simple subject “practice what you preach!” and this link:

Bad Picture Monday

For those not inclined to follow the link, it suggests – in short – that people post a bad picture of themselves each Monday in order to reject the idea that ones value is based on your appearance. Don’t hide the real you behind a wall of flattering posed pictures taken at just the right angle in just the right light… show the real you.

My instant, admittedly thoughtless, response was (and I quote) “Love it… I’m in… you?” And the fact is, I do (love it) and I am (in). It feeds fantastically into what I have said (or want to say) over and over again. To borrow and build upon (which is not meant to imply improving upon… simply acknowledging that I am adding additional words to his quote) a little from Dr King… people should be judged by the content of their character, rather than the color of their skin, the shape of their bodies, the clarity of their skin, or the bone structure of their faces.

It also reminded me of my crusade against(ish) make-up. I’ve never been a fan and I’ve yet to encounter a time when I think it has been an improvement to a persons appearance. I acknowledge that it can *change* a persons appearance, which is something someone might want to do (like changing the color or design of a shirt, jacket or whatever they are wearing); but that is not the same as improving. In my mind makeup is a facade placed over how someone really looks. Which, is fine, if they are doing it because they want to look different (much like one might get a tattoo if you want your arm, back, leg, whatever, to look a certain way). However, all too often make-up is worn because the person feels they “need it” to look better (or even acceptable), and that is where this here rubber meets that thar road and I take umbrage. No one should feel forced to change their appearance to fit a norm or a standard.

But I digress (I do that a lot)…

In short, it’s what’s inside that counts. Anything that lends credence or support to that idea is “top of the list” stuff to me. To me, this “bad picture Monday” idea is right in the wheelhouse.

But then I gave it a bit more thought on the way into work today, and, frankly, I’m not as enthused as I was. I still like the idea just as much… the problem is this: I already post bad pictures of myself… a couple of random examples (with varying -increasing, I think – degrees of “bad”):

It turns out that it is no big deal to me to post unflattering pictures. This is probably mostly due to the fact that I am tall, employed, relatively fit and healthy, white, and male… with a good family… in America. What, really, do I have to be insecure about? In fact, when I post those pictures it is typically to get a laugh at my own expense.

Which got me to thinking… have I, in the past, been positive/secure/confident and mentally healthy in posting these… or have I been an oblivious participant in an oppressive culture? Am I, without my own knowledge, poking fun at people who are insecure with their appearance, mocking those who do not have the time or resources to make themselves “presentable?” Am I, in fact, part of the problem rather than my objective of being part of the solution? I’m not sure what the answers to these questions are (I’m game to hear from anyone with ideas).

More to the point, a woman rejecting the idea she needs conform to a certain image in order to have value makes sense because that addresses what is broken in society. For a man it is different, typically we are judged by something like our earning potential… so perhaps I should start there. This train of thought reminds me of this image I saw a while back (which I’ve been saving for a blog of it’s own… which may still happen). It paints about as clear a picture as I’ve seen of how society values the respective genders:

It is something I’ll have to ponder and explore a bit more. For now I’m going forward with the plan to post bad pictures on Monday’s; however, I am reserving the right to pull back after re-evaluation. Perhaps, given who I am and the position of privilege fate has given me… there is something more appropriate for me to be doing that assaults some other stereotype.

However, until I figure that all out… viva la mala imagen!!!

I have heard a steady and incessant stream of criticism for Brad Paisley’s new song (featuring LL Cool J) today. Let me start by saying most of it is bush-league and unenlightened and if you don’t have the ability to discern the difference between ignoring history and trying to create a better future, you do not belong in the “critiquing game.” Small minded people with limited depth of thought really need not apply.

Here is what I see in the song, first and foremost, an attempt by two artists to do what the rest of the country (world?) should be doing; specifically, moving toward a better place. The lessons of the past should not be forgotten, and I’m certain that no one, Paisley or Cool J included, wants to pretend slavery didn’t happen. However, in the real world of today, established social conditions of fear and bigotry are a real and tangible problems and attempts to get beyond those are worth far more than clinging or giving deference to atrocities of the past.

There is not a single black person alive in the United States today who has felt the sting of a foreman’s whip on a plantation, who has been denigrated and treated as less than human by their “master” or who has had all of their liberties systematically striped from them (assuming they ever had them to begin with). There is not one who cannot vote because they are property rather than people and they can drink from the same water fountains (et. al.) as everyone else. However, each and every black person in the United States today, does continue to suffer from the residual effects of slavery. They do not enjoy parity as citizens, equality in the workplace, or uniformity of perception by their peers. They live their lives cast in an inescapable societal role defined by outdated and in most cases never accurate assumptions, perceptions and stereotypes. Or, in simpler terms, they exist in the context of institutionalized ignorance and (hopefully an ever reducing amount of) bigotry.

Therefore, while I agree it is important to remember our history so that we do not repeat it, I do not agree that we need to let it take priority over anything attempting to promote communications and understanding. There is no greater potential power against inequality than knowledge. Comprehending someone else’s reality allows one to understand that they are not the enemy, simply another person (or group of people) moving through life, just like you and me. This is the crux of this song, Paisley trying to clear up what his flag shirt means to him, as opposed to what it might mean to someone who has seen it without any context with which to interpret it. LL hits the nail on the head with this (much maligned) line “I’d love to buy you a beer, conversate and clear the air but I see that red flag and I think you wish I wasn’t here.”

I am flabbergasted that critics have elected to point out that “conversate” is not in the dictionary while ignoring the significance of this outreach (the same critic who used the oh-so-compelling argument of “oh LL” – full stop – to make a point and said “…you can’t be no…” ’nuff said). The intent (read: the substance) here is a stated interest in understanding and a candid admission of what scares him about going down that road. There is more actionable content in that sentence than in the entirety of all of the articles/blogs/videos I have seen bashing the song combined.

If people can begin to understand each other and stop crossing the street in fear because a bunch of black kids are approaching from the opposite direction (or because of a bunch of tattoo’d white kids, or whatever) then that is real progress, something that can make a difference in the world. Understanding that a guy can wear a do-rag without being in a gang, or whistle Dixie without being a racist is a worthy goal… something for which we should be saluting these two artists, not disparaging them.

There are some historical issues in the song, for sure. It is even debatable if the song (musically) is good. However, what is undeniable is that two people from opposite sides of the spectrum got together to produce a piece of art that attempts to unify rather then divide. And if you can’t get behind that, then frankly (and bluntly), I can’t get behind you.

After conducting this search (note the search box in the upper left hand corner of the image)… I kinda love Pinterest…

I’m going to keep my comments simple…

• Anorexia nervosa has the highest premature fatality rate of any mental illness.
• For females between fifteen to twenty-four years old who suffer from anorexia nervosa, the mortality rate associated with the illness is twelve times higher than the death rate of ALL other causes of death.
• Research dollars spent on anorexia averaged $.70 per affected individual, compared to over $159.00 per affected individual for schizophrenia.

Eating disorders are no joke and taking them seriously is no small thing. Kudos to you Pinterest, good form.

ps… I checked a couple of other sites, specifically two of the largest search engines on the web… lets just say they could learn a thing or two from Pinterest…

I often think that dedicating ones time to eradicating propaganda might be a more productive undertaking than the fight against hunger, homelessness, or the pursuit of world peace. In fact, the former might just be the most effective method for hastening the realization of the latter causes.

If we could get beyond who’s fault the situation is, and focus – instead – on the situation in need of repair; it seems to me that we would become infinitely more capable of fixing what ails us.

So here’s a thought… spend a week (longer if you wind up enjoying it… or finding it productive… or both) finding no fault in others. Feel free to recognize situations that need remedy, and certainly feel empowered to work toward resolving them. However, do not seek the cause (other than to assist with the solution, of course), do not seek to blame, do not seek accountability. Don’t even seek a learning/teaching opportunity (other than the example you set by working to rectify the situation). After all, if a situation is bad enough enough to solicit blame, there is probably something more important to do anyway (i.e. fixing it).

Both of these worlds exist today, which one you grow up in is decided entirely by luck (where you happen to be born), neither of these children “earned” their fate.  Are you okay with that?  If not, have you thought about what you can do about it?

Cute, ins’t he?

That’s a sewer, by the way…

Today I am starting up a project to try to make a difference (not necessarily for this child, or any other homeless child).  My intention is to start up an organization that facilitates technical support for non-profits.  ”Member” organizations or individuals might provide free web sites, online presence, or simply help an organization put a printer on a network.

I have no idea how successful (success being defined by how many people I am able to help) I (we) will be in this venture, but at least I will not feel as though I am idly existing while this disparity of opportunity continues.

If you think you might have some technical skills that would be of value, and you are willing to donate them (there will be no revenue from this effort… this is an exercise in giving) let me know.  I will follow up with you once things get rolling.

So, here’s the deal.  What started out as a seed for a simple blog entry has turned into more of a project.  Some time ago I solicited my socnet for input and help in creating a playlist that a person might play to their daughters; hoping that they would get the right messages from the songs and the play list could help shape them while it entertained them.

The Youtube playlist below is the result of that solicitation.

Today as I was mastering (which, soon, you will see I didn’t finish doing) the play list I realized a few of things.  First of all, I cannot possibly put all of the songs of value into one reasonably sized play list. Secondly, I also cannot properly express the value (to me, anyway) of each of these songs by putting them in a playlist.  Finally, I realized that neither me, nor my dedicated (but rather small) socnet are going to be able to capture everything I want to say with what is available to us in our musical lexicon.

With all of that in mind I am expanding this little blog post into a not so little project.  A project designed to capture as much musical knowledge from my friends as possible, harness the knowledge and lessons therein, and share it in a meaningful way.

More details on that over the weekend (once I have fully wrapped my head around it).  But, since you all have been so patient waiting for me to put this list together… without further ado… the opening salvo in this little musical journey…

An hour (plus) that just might leave you better than it found you

Ps… I think my love affair with Christina Aguilera and India Arie shines through pretty clearly here, ironically, though, I did not contribute to this list, it is 100% provided by friends.  It appears my friendship “apple” doesn’t stay far from its “tree” either

PPS please please please suggest more songs in comments… I am beyond eager to have more great songs to listen to and share!!!

An old (and former, to be honest) friend of mine used to say something along the lines of “you don’t see a person for who really are until you see them at their worst” (meaning seeing them in the worst circumstances – i.e. facing adversity).

I have never agreed with that statement, however.  I believe that how a person acts and reacts to positive situations is as important and telling as how they react when the chips are down.  And every shade of grey inbetween is also just as valid a reflection of hat person.

Some people respond well to stress and become “more than they usually are,” others, who excel on a day to day basis, shrink some from adversity.  Neither of these extremes is a blueprint for a better or worse individual, in my mind.

Having said all of that, I am still impressed when someone, facing a difficult situation of their own is able to look beyond themselves and think of others.

One of my online friends, known on the internet as Topsurf has recently stood out to me in this area.  Without going too far into her personal life, her father is suffering from a bout with cancer and has been receiving treatments.

In addition to love and support for her father, what has come from her time in the hospital is this

http://layersoflove.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/hello-world/

In short, she has started up a blanket drive to stock the shelves with fleeces (the preferred blanket of patients in treatment rooms, I have learned).  I’ll let you read the rest in her words.

Another old friend of mine, from high school actually, used to always say “a friend is someone who thinks of you, while others are thinking of themselves.”

Thanks Toppy… for being a friend to those nameless and faceless people you will never even know; but who will find warmth and comfort because of your efforts.

If you have read my blog for a while, you are aware of my friend Alison and her project 365 blog. If you are not familiar, in short, she has dedicated her blog to being publicly thankful to the people in her life (no matter how ancillary they might or might not be).

Yesterday, she wrote a piece (http://300sixtyfive.blogspot.com/2009/12/day-290-non-rushing-one.html) that exemplifies why I so enjoy reading her work.  Alison recognizes little things that often go under-appreciated, ignored or just missed altogether.

I have been the driver of that minivan and, I am ashamed to say, have also been upset when they don’t acknowledge the gesture. Every time I have done that I have subsequently felt small and petty.  I didn’t let them in to get thanks, so why do I get upset when I don’t get it?

The simple reality, though, is that people who do good things (no matter how large or small) should be recognized for it and should be encouraged to continue.  In my opinion, that encouragement is as good for the accolader as it is for the accoladee, as the positive aspects of the act are reinforced for both.

I guess what I want to say is, thanks Alison!  It makes my life more pleasant knowing there are people out there like you, paying attention to and acknowledging the real greatness in this world… like a couple unhurried seconds in the life of an anonymous woman in a red minivan.

On a good day it reinforces my world view… and on a bad day… it is… well… a spoonful of sugar

Since I read this earlier tonight I have been pondering things I could say to add to the story.  Bottom line, there aren’t any, so, without fanfare or preamble… here you go.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373

Over the last month, largely because of my sisters urging which preceded an influx of family and then friend “pressure” (in the best sense of the word) I have been dragged (at first kicking and screaming, now just kicking… in more of a “love tap” sort of way) into the world of Facebook.

I have linked up with friends and family from around the country and to a lesser degree, the world, and as much as I hate to admit it, I have not hated it. However, what it has really done it serve as a reminder. Today I added a friend from Kansas, the first thing I did, of course, was to check out her profile. Here is her most recent update:

My Kiva family just made another payment on their loan. I’m really proud of them!

Her Kiva family! In case you are not familiar with http://www.kiva.org it is a service that allows individuals to give loans to other individuals in need. Specifically, entrepreneurs in developing countries around the world so that they can (to quote the website) “lift themselves out of poverty.”

Kiva is a great cause, and, I’m once again impressed and endeared to this particular friend; however, on a broader scale, I am reminded that you become what you surround yourself with and, I am probably on the path of becoming a pretty good person, based on the friends I have chosen over the past couple of years.

I have surrounded myself with some pretty spectacular people; people with amazing value systems and warm and giving hearts. I’m a very lucky person to have such friends and appreciative of my friend in Kansas for (inadvertently) reminding me of this.

That is all, over and out! J

Yesterday I spent the first half of the day sorting roughly 20,000 sticky notes (don’t worry I had lots of helpers, in the neighborhood of 100). Each sticky note contained a comment by a parent, staff member, or student of the Boise School District. The afternoon was spent turning the affinity groups created from that sorting into goals and goal supporting activities to be incorporated into the school districts strategic plan for now through 2015. In short I spent the day helping to set the direction for my children’s schools for the next 6 years.

It was an exciting, important, and, at times, trying experience. As usual, when people are passionate about what they believe in and meet people who are equally passionate about a different facet of the same system there was disagreement. For the most part, though, it was quite benign.

I have been through this process a couple of times now, twice for school district strategic planning and twice for mission, vision, and values work (essentially the same thing) in the business sector and it has stopped being a surprise to me that one of the rules that is always posted at the beginning of the process goes something like this “keep in mind that everyone is here for the same reason, to make _____ better.”

Many snickered when that rule was read… rookies!

It always becomes contentious, and people always forget this basic rule and need to be reminded. This is not because they are bad, or of low moral/ethical character. It is because they are passionate about what they are trying to accomplish. Passionate people are also emotional people, and emotions tend to blot out reason from time to time.

The process of strategic planning requires filtering and focusing. The objective is to boil out, define and focus upon the core tenants of the plan, and this means that some things, very important to some, will be left out of the plan (or at least appear to be, in reality very little is left out, but trusting the process can be difficult when it seems like your hot button issue is being relegated to the scrap heap). When this starts to happen, emotions begin to come to the surface… things get said.

Honestly, if I worked for an hour or two within this process with a group and there was not strong disagreement, I think I would probably leave. It is the passion that makes it worth it for me. It is knowing that I’m in a room with people so dedicated to what they believe in, that they are willing to go to the mat to fight for it.

At one point the principle of my oldest son’s Jr High offered (mostly in jest) to arm wrestle me over whether curriculum or communication should be on our final list of priorities (we didn’t, thank goodness, he would have crushed me!!). Eventually, when debate did not settle the issue, we simply took a vote (he crushed me afterall ).

Regardless of how this plan works out, and what material changes come from it, I know, for me, spending an entire day with that many focused, caring, and passionate teachers, administrators and parents has completely restocked my faith in the people behind the system.

For monetary and other reasons I don’t know if we will be able to accomplish everything we set out to do in that room yesterday, but I absolutely know that the hearts, minds and efforts of the Boise School District are in the right place with regards to the welfare of my children. And for that, I am very grateful.

It’s not often that I use the same vid clip for two different posts in one week. It’s even less often that I use one from a kids movie. But, I’d like you to consider the second portion of this clip:

After ignorning the “smile and wave” portion, we are left with the “well… this sucks” portion. For those of you who have not seen Madagascar, let me provide the background for you. Those diminutive penguins have plotted since the beginning of the movie to get to Antarctica. To get there, they wound up hijacking the ocean liner pictured in the clip and navigating it to their destination.

Getting to Antarctica was their sole mission in life. They were focused, disciplined and determined, and in being so accomplished their lifelong dream… escaping from captivity in a New York zoo and reaching their homeland of Antarctica. However, what we see in the above clip is what happens when you set your sights on something without being prepared for what happens when you get there.

For our President-elect, I do not predict a “Madagascar moment,” however for the some of the people that voted for him, that campaigned for him, that donated money and time to him… I fear this may be their reality.

Last night Obama won the election, but those of us who elected him have not won anything yet. This election is not analogous to winning, or even getting to, the World Series. It is more similar to making the playoffs. It is from this point that the real work begins. We are now in the game, but are we ready to play?

Making real change will require maintaining, if not increasing, the energy and enthusiasm invested in the election process. Where we once spent our time advocating our candidate, we must now advocate the policies of our President. We must remain involved; engage our politicians and our fellow citizens. We must now, as never before, be the change we want to see in the world.

The good news is, if we do… it will not suck

As I was driving around today I noticed several people who were noticeably upset about their fellow auto enthusiasts. I’m not sure if I am in a more grounded place because I have been dealing with my grandfathers turn for the worse, the funeral I attended this afternoon, or something else… but I found myself waxing about the phenomenon of frustration, mockery and even rage on the road.

In doing so I was reminded of a story one of my best friends from high school told me shortly after graduating from college. He and his college sweetheart had flown back (separately) to Boston so that he could meet her family. He was staying in a hotel a few miles from their home, had just checked in and was walking to the corner store for a snack and a magazine with which to pass the couple of hours he had until dinner.

As he began to cross the street, a car turning the corner far to fast nearly clipped him. Caught off guard and nearly scared out of his wits he reacted instantly and hit the back fender of the car with his hand, simultaneously, he encouraged the drive to slow down and look before turning corners in the future. Apparently offended by the young whipper snapper ‘s language and probably a bit emotionally charged up himself over thinking he had hit the youth, the driver indicated that my friend was number one with him as well.

A couple of hours later, as I’m sure you have pieced together by now, the two were formally introduced. Fortunately for everyone concerned, cooler heads prevailed (the father said the young man looked familiar, to which my friend replied “you do too, would you mind holding up your middle finger so I can be sure”) and it became an funny anecdote rather than the death knell of the young relationship.

I was also reminded of another story, this one from a larger context for which we all have some understanding. The date was September 11th, and the event… well today it bears the name of the date on which it occurred. As we watched the news coverage, there was a clip of a man hanging on to the outside of the building, needing a miracle to survive.

My friend and business partner (at the time) turned to me and said something to the effect of “the sad thing is, I keep thinking, those are real people, just like you and me. They have families, they have dreams, they have lives… just like us. The only real difference is that they happen to be working in the World Trade Center today.”

I do not mean to reduce the tragedy of 9/11 to the level of road rage, however the confluence of these two events is where my mind went. Because, the guy taking the corner a little too fast… is just an excited father, racing to get home to make sure everything is perfect for a dinner at which he is going to meet the man his one and only daughter might spend the rest of her life with. The woman who cuts you off in traffic might just be running late to pick up her 5 year old from a day care center that is closing in ten minutes. She’s not trying to beat you to that yellow light, she is trying to avoid putting someone at the day care in a compromised position.

The point, of course, is that other motorists are people too, just like you. They have lives, priorities, and distractions. None of them set out to upset you, head you off, of act like a complete idiot by missing that stop sign. Sometimes, life just happens to people.

Instead of being mad at them for it, how about giving them a smile and a wave to let them know you understand? Instead of saying “no way buddy, you’re not passing me on the right and getting in front of me” why not just ease back a little and let them in” As you ease off the gas and open up space, you will feel your tension level drop too, I promise. Random acts of kindness have been proven to be good for your health… and one or two fewer angry motorists are better for everyone’s health.

So next time you find yourself dealing with a irate or irresponsible driver, consider taking the advice of the penguins from children’s movie Madagascar… “Smile and wave boys, smile and wave”

I’d like to take a minute to recognize some people I know (or know of) that took part in what I view as a meaningful activity yesterday.  Each of these people took the time to dedicate their personal space, their blog to a common cause yesterday.  The cause was Blog Action Day 08 and the focus was poverty.

All of these blogs are on that topic.  Each providing an individual and varried view on the subject.  Please carve a couple of minutes out of your day and read through these blogs.  I’m certain it will be worth your time.  If you get really motivated to read more, each has a link to the “mother ship”, the Blog Action Day web site which contains entries from over 12,000 blogs… enough reading for the heartiest of appitites.

So, without further ado… my short list

http://givecheerfully.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/blog-action-day/#comment-23

http://dresramblings.com/2008/10/15/how-close-are-we-to-poverty/

http://devylgyrl.com/2008/10/15/blog-action-day-08-poverty/

http://www.on-a-limb.com/2008/10/15/turning-on-the-poor/

http://www.northsandiegobusiness.com/ethics/boosting-the-bottom-line-ethically/

http://www.wikyblog.com/CynthiaWunsch/Wednesday,_October_15,_2008

http://www.aimlessdirection.com/2008/hotel-poverty/

http://limetouch.com/archives/blog-action-day-2008-poverty/

Today is Blog Action Day: Poverty.  Bloggers around the world (at last count over 12,000 of them, are taking a moment out of their normal blogging lives to write about Poverty.  Whether raising awarenes, offering solutoins, or just lending a voice of support to the cause, this groundswell movement has momentum and has produced some great pieces.  You can check them out here: http://blogactionday.org/

The question, of course, is what, exactly am I going to talk about that 12,000 other bloggers have not already covered.  I thought about referencing a few of my previous blogs like this one How my son made me a better person this week…(http://puntiglio.com/blog/?p=187), but that seemed a bit like cheating… so I needed a different approach.

The low hanging fruit, of course was to pick on the economy, choose political sides and use this as a platform to advance my choice for president… again… not the best path.

Another option would be talking about various things I and other I know have done in the past, on an individual basis to combat poverty.  Things as simple as picking up the leftovers from conference dinners and taking them with us to distribute to the homeless in the streets of whatever city we might be visiting.  A nice inspiring but not overly prescriptive story, this actually seemed like a decent idea.

However, what I have chosen to do is challenge you.  What I’d like you to do is expend your own knowledge of the issue as it impacts you, in your community.  I’d like you to do a little research, and find out what the homeless and poverty rates in your area are.  Then find out what resources are available to those in your community who are in that unfortunate situation.

You don’t have to give to those organizations (you can if you feel so inclined) but that is not my challenge to you today.  I just want you to be informed.  Informed so that then next time poverty comes up in dinner, water cooler or locker room conversation you will be armed with both knowledge and potential solutions.

Here are some general poverty numbers for the US in 2007 (this data and more avaiable here: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/poverty07/pov07hi.html):

* The official poverty rate in 2007 was 12.5 percent, not statistically different from 2006.
* In 2007, 37.3 million people were in poverty, up from 36.5 million in 2006.
* Poverty rates in 2007 were statistically unchanged for non-Hispanic Whites (8.2 percent), Blacks (24.5 percent), and Asians (10.2 percent) from 2006. The poverty rate increased for Hispanics (21.5 percent in 2007, up from 20.6 percent in 2006).
* The poverty rate in 2007 was lower than in 1959, the first year for which poverty estimates are available, while statistically higher than the most recent trough in 2000 (11.3 percent).
* The poverty rate increased for children under 18 years old (18.0 percent in 2007, up from 17.4 percent in 2006), while it remained statistically unchanged for people 18 to 64 years old (10.9 percent) and people 65 and over (9.7 percent).

This may not seem important to you, or like it will make a difference, but you will probably be amazed how often this topic comes up once you are attuned to it.

At any rate, that is my challange to you… your mission, should you choose to accept it.

This message will never self-destruct… at least as long as people like you continue to care…

I have some wonderfully giving friends, who do some wonderfully giving things.  Honestly, I’m a few points short of a perfect 10 on the wonderful scale, however I do try to keep up where I can.  I was talking to a friend about giving today and she was saying that as much as she would like to, she has trouble with charities (fears of where the money goes, feeling too detached, etc.) and did not really know, other than giving to food drives etc. what she might be able to do to make a difference in other peoples lives.

It probably goes without saying this turned out to be a lengthy and rewarding conversation.  As an offshoot of this, I’d like to share a few random things I have done recently toward making a difference in the lives of those around me.  What is nice about the items on this list is that there is no middle man, the impact is direct and there is no need for concern about detachment at all.

Everything on this list anyone can do for less than $50 (in some cases, significantly less).

Stamp out post office lines – I have actually done this one a few times in the past couple of months, simply because of the fantastic response it receives.  I go to the post office and purchase a roll (or a book depending on my budget) of forever stamps in the morning.  Then, at lunch, when the line is the longest, I go back and offer stamps to anyone in line just for stamps so that they do not have to wait in line.  It saves people time and a (very) little amount of money, and also reduces wait time for everyone else in line.  Everybody wins!

There is a such thing as a “free lunch” – I love to do this at lunch, I’ll walk around down town and poke my head into a random restaraunt, pick out a table and settle their bill with the hostess (without them knowing).  I seldom if ever see the reaction, but it does not take a lot of imagination to anticipate their pleasantly surprised faces as the news of their “free lunch.”

Buy a round for the whole… bus – I did this for the first time yesterday.  When I ride the bus home, I start at the genesis point of my route.  I made sure I got there early and purchased a $20 pass.  With it I paid for my fare, and then paid for the next 19 people who came on the bus as well.  In my case, I actually only paid for 12 people, as the bus was far from full and there wasn’t much point in paying for anyone who had a monthly pass.  So for $12 I paid for entire bus to ride home (or at least to their next connection).

Show some appreciation – When I lived in California and had to cross a toll bridge everyday for work I used really appreciate the people who spent their entire day in a little glass box collecting  bridge maintenance costs 75 cents at a time.  To show my appreciation to those toiling on the bridge, I would periodically include a small gift when paying my toll.  Nothing major, it could be anything from a mixed tape (I believe I may have just dated myself!) with music I knew they appreciated (yes, you can get to know bridge toll takers if you are willing to take the time to do so) to a snack basket.  Just a little something to let them know they are appreciated.

Busted!!! – I started doing this a few months back also.  When I have some spare cash, I purchase a few $10 gift cards from local convenience store/gas stations, and I keep them on me when I’m going about my life.  When I see someone doing something exemplary, especially if it is a selfless act for someone else, I give them a gift card.  Sort of my own little “I caught you doing something good” program.
This is the most enjoyable part of my budget, I absolutely love trying to figure out little things I can do that will make a difference to someone else.  My hope, long term, is that some of these stories will be exchanged at dinner tables, break rooms, or coffee shops and inspire others to do similar things.  I figure if, at a grassroots level, people start taking care of one another, perhaps a fundamental culture change will grow from that which will effect real, substantive change in our world.

At that point I could walk happily into the sunset whispering “my work is done here…”

By Tomorrow, Congress will decide if they intend to extend or let expire (at the end of 2008) the clean air tax credits (AKA Production Tax Credit or PTC). The PTC is a per-kilowatt-hour tax credit for electricity generated by qualified energy resources. It gets adjusted for inflation, but it is in the area of 2 cents per kWh (currently 2.1). The credit can be taken for the first 10 years of production, so, in essence, it is a financial boost to get renewable energy facilities up and running, but not a indefinite tax benefit.  This is a bi-partisan bill that made it easily through the Senate with support from both sides of the isle.

Since the process of extending the PTC began it has been allowed to expire three times. Each time with a significant reduction in new installations (for wind alone: 2000 – 93% drop in installation; 2002 – 73%; 2004 – 77%; estimates for 2009 if the PTC is not extended are in the area of 90%).

What does this mean, financially? The raw numbers (as calculated by Navagant Consulting in February of this year) are 116,000 jobs and $19 Billion in clean energy investment between wind and solar for the year 2009. Of course, just like the interest in your savings account, these numbers grow exponentially over the years due to the lost year (or more) of “principle investment.”

Our country is currently overly dependent on foreign energy supplies. This one of the major issues of our current presidential elections, and an ugly shadow that looms over our society as a whole. We have fought wars over oil and, so long as our dependency is in place, will have commitments to foreign nations that handcuff our ability to conduct business and form foreign policy freely and without restriction.

Our world is currently feeling the effects of global warming. Regardless of whether you think it is a mostly man made phenomenon or is a natural cycle that we are only magnifying with our green house gas emissions; there is no dispute over the fact that our current energy practices are having a measurable effect on the environment.

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar can dramatically reduce both foreign energy dependence and green house gas emissions. Both are completely renewable, and freely available within our own borders. The new wind installations in 2007 alone (which, by the way, represented 35% of the nations new electrical capacity for that year) provide enough energy to power the equivalent of 1.5 millions U.S. homes.

This is a growing, thriving industry, with the potential to not only power our homes, but prevent us from continuing to be beholden to nations who do not share our beliefs and ideologies while simultaneously helping to ensure a stable environmental future for our children and grand-children.

Its hard to imagine the downside to extending the PTC, however, the numbers are very clear about the dangers of allowing it to expire; increased unemployment rates, and an economy further dragged down by stunted investment.

So what can you do? You can write your Legislators and tell them how important the PTC extension is to you and your country. It will only take a minute, because you can go to this site (http://capwiz.com/windenergy/home) Enter your zip code and send a letter to all of your federal elected officials at once. Even better, I have acquired a sample letter (below). You can copy and paste it into the box, use portions of it in a letter of your own creation, or, of course, ignore it and simply do your own thing.

Whatever avenue you choose, however, please write them today. The time to act is now, tomorrow will, literally, be too late.

Sample letter:

Dear Congressperson,

I am writing to urge your affirmative vote in the passage of H.R. 6049, The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008.  This bi-partisan bill allows for the continued growth of renewable energy in the U.S. and clears a path for a cleaner, energy independent future. The Senate overwhelmingly passed this resolution and now it’s up to the House to relay the message to renewable energy industries and the world that we want clean energy, green jobs and thriving rural economies.

Without the extension of the Production Tax Credit for renewable energy, development and construction will come to a halt. This not only hurts industry, but it also increases our dependence on greenhouse gas emitting energy sources and foreign fuel. As our appetite for energy grows, so must our dedication to clean, secure energy sources.

In addition, the renewable energy industry benefits the American economy by creating jobs in manufacturing, construction and engineering. Local taxes invigorate rural economies already struggling to stay afloat. Farmers and ranchers receive royalty payments on their land, while still engaging in their livelihoods. In these tumultuous times, renewable energy is a constant; energy does not fluctuate in cost due to volatile fuel prices.

Please, take the time to speak with your fellow Representatives in support of H.R. 6049. The people want renewable energy, and this is your chance to see that we receive it.

Sincerely,