The Silent Generation

In Defense of Cramer

A Few Branding Thoughts

Are You a Turtle?
Initiatic societies and fraternities come in all varieties - some of which protect esoteric knowledge or carry deep rituals and traditions. The Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles does nothing of the sort. Still, it is one of my favorite organizations out there.The Turtles began during WW2 on January 12, 1943 in an English pub. This honorable drinking fraternity started with Air Force pilots looking for a way to lighten up the otherwise strenuous war efforts. To join, one must have the highest morals and good character and never be vulgar.

The 15 Laws of Life
One of the most remarkable aspects of Swami Vivekananda is his ability to take high spiritual teachings and explain them in simple and understandable ways. His 15 Laws of Life is such an example of concentrated and distilled truth. This 19th century monk studied the world's various religions and reached a central understanding that did not hinge on any particular dogma or tradition.As the first Indian spiritual teacher to speak to the western world, his 1893 visit to the Parliament of World's Religions in Chicago was a historic event. Beginning his speech with "sisters and brothers of America" instead of the sober "ladies and gentlemen," he received a two minute standing ovation

Rama: Attributes of Perfection
Within the rich Indian literary history, perhaps no figure is more adored than Ramachandra, often known simply as Sri Rama. His life's exploits and lessons were first recorded in a 50,000 verse epic poem called The Ramayana. While other historical and religious figures such as Krishna and Buddha are also highly regarded within India, Rama bears a unique distinction.

What John Adams Taught Me About Family
Family is quite a bit like country. Both are inherited at birth, and although we choose neither family nor or country, they play defining roles in our lives. Very early on, we learn that as a good child cares for his family, so does a loyal patriot care for her country. Indeed, what is a society is but an extended family?Knowing this, in remembering the brave Americans who declared independence from the British, we have to see not only the beginning of a country, but also of a family. They were known as the Founding Fathers for a reason.Whether our family sailed on the Mayflower or arrived in the new millennium, we have all become part of the American family. One of

The Infinite Spirit Is Not Your Homeboy
How often have we heard people say that they "know the will of God" or claim that their holy book is the "exclusive word of God." Let's put these assertions to the test:Everybody defines God as infinite. This is a bold claim: A force lives in all existence, transcending even time. It created our vast and ancient universe. In the 93 billion light-year wide observable universe, our Earth occupies a mere .044 light-seconds. Suppose the Earth’s history was condensed into 365 days. From the genesis of humanity to life today represents a mere 22.8 seconds in a year of our diminutive planet’s existence. This is a shorter period of time than your typical television advertisement.