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DIY Civic Fitness

Civic fitness is the Jan Brady of Open-Source Learning; it’s the easiest of the five fitnesses to overlook. Now it’s starting to feel ignored, and it’s acting out. People generally understand the importance of mental fitness. Physical fitness is the stuff of magazine covers. Spiritual fitness is literally awesome. Technological fitness constantly dominates the headlines. Civic fitness doesn’t peacock for two reasons: 1) the palindromic name brings to mind middle school history class and your ...

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Surprise!

Apart from shocking us out of our reverie and causing us to pay more attention, surprise can be truly delightful.

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What Really Counts

“What does the Crimean War have to do with Ironman?” I’m so glad you asked. Let’s talk about statistics.

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Best For Last

I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. I’m writing from Cozumel, Mexico, where Sunday I finished my first (& maybe only) full Ironman triathlon.

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Charlie Hustle

Two Pete Roses died. Pete Rose the man hit more pitches for base hits than anyone else who ever played Major League Baseball. Pete Rose the myth stood for much more and became larger than life.

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E Pluribus Unum

I want to live in a country that is pluralistic and inclusive. That may sound idealistic, but it’s actually selfish.

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You Can Be Immortal

I spent DĂ­a de los Muertos remembering people.

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The Legend of Rob Kurowski

The van got closer and we could see Rob’s face. He was smiling. This was his gift to us on the last day of the summer.

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In/action

Last week I was eating dinner in a Los Angeles restaurant when a woman at the next table got something stuck in her throat and began to choke.

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It’s Not Political

“Don’t come in here spreading your mess.” When I was a kid I’d sometimes go to my friends’ houses after school or basketball practice. Every single one of my friends’ mothers...