The Harlem Miracle

This NY Times op ed article was sent out as a "must read" from New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker. Be sure to read David Brooks' article, The Harlem Miracle if you haven't already.

Mark Cooper

"You'd almost think there's something wrong with you."

Unexpected Changes

Social Innovation Fund

On Tuesday night, Michelle Obama delivered the opening remarks at the TIME 100 gala in New York. I searched for the article because... well, because I wanted to see what she was wearing (which, by the way,  was a fabulous full length black dress accessorized with multiple long-strand necklaces).

When, however, I read her remarks I learned that the president's budget proposal for next year will include $50 million to help promote national service and advise nonprofit groups. The new Social Innovation Fund is designed to help nonprofits think about service in new ways and approved by Congress as part of a national service law.

The Social Innovation Fund was authorized in the Edward M Kennedy Serve America Act. The White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation will coordinate efforts to enlist all Americans - individuals, non-profits, social entrepreneurs, corporations and foundations - as partners in solving our country's great challenges.

OK To Tell

Fellow Americans who are gay and lesbian are serving honorably in our military right now. However, they are forced into the closet and cannot openly enjoy the support of their partners or spouses. It is time to move beyond "Don't ask, don't tell".

Be an advocate for these service men and women. They deserve the same rights we enjoy.

New York Times Article: In Military, New Debate Over Policy Toward Gays

and AMERICAblog

playing for change

We stand at a moment of great challenge, great possibility, and great opportunity. Seize the moment. Come together and choose a new and better future.

Sunday Children's Book

The Hello, Goodbye Window

This book celebrates a child's love for her grandparents, Nanna and Poppy. I love the Caldecott Medal winning illustrations... although it has been much criticized online. To quote Poppy, "Hello World! What have you got for me today!"

I took a chance it would work

I took this idea from Boomerang

A fantastic thing to try this weekend ... a 1000 piece jig-saw puzzle!

• non-eye contact conversations yield great insight and conversation from kids (especially boys).
• tackling a 1000 piece puzzle has no winners or losers ... it's all teamwork.

Justice Souter

A great article on Justice David Souter. Go to  CNN

Health Care

Should a country's social safety-net be the responsibility of corporations? America is the only advanced nation that operates much of its welfare state through corporations.

Listen to Matt Miller on Marketplace and let me know if you think, "Linking health care to jobs is a dead idea..."