August 30th, 2011
At today’s monthly Philanthropy in Houston breakfast we heard from The Coalition of Behavioral Health Services. (www.cbhshouston.org) A local non-profit that promotes recovery, prevention and awareness for drug and alcohol abuse.
Sandy Olson, Director presented several eye opening statistics concerning recovery activities and needs right here in the City of Houston. Of the many takeaways, this one really stuck with me. “I think that recovery, and the impact of those recovering, is the greatest untold story in America.”
For those who are on their recovery journey, we’d love to help you tell your story.
As we continue our work towards impacting the recovery of visiting cancer patients, we will look for ways to collaborate with organizations with like CBHS Houston.
Tags: cancer, Friday Harbour, Houston, non profit, Recovery
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August 25th, 2011
“A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind, and won’t change the subject.”
Winston Churchill
Tags: cancer, Friday Harbour, Houston
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August 17th, 2011
I’m sure that many of us could rattle off the names of 10 or more Senators or Congressmen if given a few minutes to dial into our recent memory banks. Heck, all we have to do is recall the “talking heads” from just one of last weeks’ squawk box shows on the priceless cable tv. How many of those shows are there now, a couple hundred?
However I’m concerned that my immediate circle of friends might find it difficult to actually name their own representatives that have offices located right in their very own neighborhoods.
This is a subject that I will focus on in a future blog installment.
When I find myself numbingly connected to one of those shows, angrily listening to those Washi-tonians go on and on about how they care so much about the American people, as they argue over services and programs like they are there toys in the sandbox, I wonder just how close they are to the reality that you and live with, or without every day?
I have struggled with finding the right way to equalize the lives, passion and plight of these humbled elected officials. They are obviously crying out for help in keeping them connected with the “public” that they so honestly serve.
I’m talking Congressional Reform.
Here are some thoughts you should share with your elected official the next time you drop in to check-up on their sincerity:
1. No Tenure / No Pension – no more collecting a salary when they are out of office.
2. All past/present/future members participate in Social Security. All of their Congressional retirement fund moves into Social Security immediately.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan. I have a contact at Fidelity.
4. Congress is no longer able to vote themselves a pay raise. Tie raises to CPI.
5. Congress must go to market for their healthcare programs.
6. Congress must abide by the same laws as the American people.
7. All contracts with Congressman, past and present will become null and void effective 1/1/12. It is a honor and a privilege to serve this country. Serve your term with, by and for the people. And then come back home and GET A JOB!
Tags: cancer, charity, Congress, Friday Harbour, Senators
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August 7th, 2011
“A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind, and won’t change the subject.”
Winston Churchill
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August 2nd, 2011
Our Father who art in Heaven, hollowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,
On earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Glory,
Forever and ever.
Amen
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August 1st, 2011
August 1, 2011
A Presidential Connection
Today I finally visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum here in Boston. It’s aptly positioned on a point overlooking Boston Harbour, just south of downtown.
I’m not certain when it happened, but at some point the life, legacy and learnings of President Kennedy became one of my favorite subjects. Whether it’s a documentary on his fateful end on this earth, or the occasional reference to his politics, lifestyle, family and legacy. The Kennedy name and story resonates with me.
My sadness over his assassination lives in my heart today, as if I lived the moment. I was born less than two years after the incident, but I can tell you that my feelings are real.
After many business trips to the Boston area, this was the first time that I took the time to visit the Library. Mostly because I wanted to preserve my memory of this leader, and partly because I don’t want to occupy any more of my brain and heart with that time in US history.
Now that it is done, I have a few key takeaways from my experience.
The JFK Library’s position on the point, to me reflects his ability to maintain a clear view on the happenings in Berlin, the dearth of a segregated South, a risky Cuban Crisis and his commitment to his Faith.
Secondly, I walked away with a better understanding for JFK’s international prowess. Even as a Senator, he spent countless days outside the US borders providing insight to Americas current and future outlook on hope, leadership, power.
And finally, as i begin reading JFK’s book “Profiles In Courage”, I anticipate receiving personal and thorough insight to the brain power that drove a New England man of wealth and prominence to the top position in the world, where he paid the ultimate price much too soon.
Tags: Boston, Brian Hall, cancer, courage, Faith, Friday Harbour, museum
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