Life 2.0

Earth Day 2021

Over time, I've become a conservation curmudgeon, when it comes to the ongoing environmental challenges we face, mostly because we're the ones creating the problems, then denying they exist. With over 20 years of effort in using my media platform to inform, entertain and inspire a greater awareness and responsibility, I wonder if any of it really matters in the big scheme of things. But, as always, there is a corridor of hope, of change and of stewardship that remains, no matter how much plastic we put in the oceans. Music from old friend John Denver always puts things in perspective as well.

Remembering Hillary

It dawned on me earlier this morning, that today would have been my friend Hillary Raimo's 48th birthday. Hillary passed away suddenly last November, not long after she was a guest on the international radio show I host called "The Bridge." She was a force of nature, a fierce warrior and incessant seeker of those truths that live between the lines, that most of us miss. She was a best-selling author, internationally recognized artist and radio host. Taking a few moments to listen to her voice, lessons and laughter, I am reminded that tomorrow is promised to no one, and while she is no longer here in the physical, her gifts are still alive in the world.

Disclaimers and Reminders

So, I forked over $69.95 to watch five seasons of The Muppet Show on Netflix-and was surprised to find a disclaimer, warning me of the dangers and stereotypes that are embedded behind the antics of Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang. Then, a few of Dr. Seuss's books were on the chopping block for the same reasons. As recall the one year anniversary , when Cyrus The Virus put us into barely controlled chaos, I was reminded by my conversation from many years ago, with the late, great Christopher Reeve of what's important.

The Dilemma

When a friend of mine suggested I watch a documentary about the effects of social media on humanity at large, I carved out 90 minutes-which might have better been spent watching "Creature from the Black Lagoon." The documentary made some great points, but being a media insider for a couple of decades, nothing I haven't really heard before-and since I still think that common sense in uncommon times is usually the best answer-I offer up a solution to the "Social Media Dilemma."

Nitwits, Dimwits & Halfwits.

I received an email last week from Christopher Wray, the Director of The FBI-informing me that after much searching and validation, I've been chosen to receive $10.7 million dollars tax free! I deleted the email of course, but somewhere in the world there's someone who thinks they finally hit the lottery-but only nitwits, dimwits or halfwits need apply.

 

That email had me going down the rabbit hole of human behavior and our seeming lack of common sense during uncommon times-which of course is nothing new.

Post-It Note

What do the following things have in common?

 

Theodore Roosevelt, my barber, an internet troll, Burger King, a Post-It Note and the American flag have in common?

 

They are all part and parcel of the latest episode of the Life 2.0 Podcast.

 

Enjoy.

JSA

Coming Attractions

Finally! 2020 is officially in the history books, and life can start anew! Well...not exactly. While the concept of a clean slate is a good thing, but expecting 2021 to be a cake walk, is a set-up for depression, anxiety and a host of other soul crushing maladies, and while some major names passed away last year, I also wanted to take a little time and remember a few friends I lost, and also what I found, in their passing. 

The Lessons of Scrooge

'Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house, hardly a creature was stirring, except my computer mouse. So, I fired up my mic and swung into action, just to see if I could get a reaction. As we put another Christmas in the books, perhaps it's the perfect time to remember a few lessons that Charles Dickens wrote about 177 years ago, and that unfortunately are still much needed reminders today, and as a matter of fact...every single day of the year.

Lest We Forget-Pearl Harbor

George Reinwand was a lanky 19-year-old sailor aboard the USS St. Louis, on December 7th, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. Remembering him and the "day that will live in infamy" 79 years later. 

Lessons of Camelot

THIS IS THE WORST TIME IN AMERICAN HISTORY! WE'VE NEVER BEEN SO DIVIDED! WE WILL NEVER HEAL THIS NATION! 

 

Meh...okay.

 

Sometimes a little perspective is in order, to maintain and preserve our brain cells, as they are bombarded with news we can't use- or do anything about.  57 years ago today, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 46.

 

One year ago, I recalled some of that time, as a matter of perspective, as we were heading into 2020 and I'd forgotten about what I had written in 2019, until a friend sent me a note, thinking it might be a good time to re-share my thoughts, in light of the current reality show we are all cast in.

 

This is the year so many people hoped would bring everything into a much clearer view of the world. 

 

Oh, we got clarity all right.