If you only look at social media, it feels like society is collapsing. But the real-world data on how we actually treat each other tells a completely different—and deeply hopeful—story.
Making A Case for Hope
There Oughta Be a Law (And I Have a Few Suggestions)
When I was a kid, my parents watched the CBS Evening News every single night. Walter Cronkite would sit behind his massive anchor desk and, in his calm, authoritative voice, update the world on the day's events. Inevitably, whenever Cronkite touched on a serious earthquake in a far-off land, a crooked politician going to jail, or some... Continue Reading →
Why Are We So Bad at Vacation?
There’s the churning stomach. "If I can just get to Friday evening." I have the classic 1981 Loverboy song "Working for the Weekend" playing on a loop in my head. But then there’s also the excitement. "Time away to relax and chill." Vacation time is a funny thing in the U.S. We take work entirely too seriously,... Continue Reading →
How a curious little monkey changed the world
(A version of this story appeared on September 7, 2023 on The Heart of The Matter. ) When I was very young, I would crawl into my mother's lap wearing my onesie pajamas and beg for a glass of milk and for her to read to me. I had a series of favorite books, everything... Continue Reading →
Grit, Grace, and the 250th
In the weeks leading up to America's 250th Anniversary, politicians on the right and left, glory hounds, and attention seekers have all had their say. They've bathed themselves in the U.S. flag. Heck, the big apparel companies have gotten into the game too. They've plastered the stars and stripes on everything imaginable — shirts with... Continue Reading →
Betsy Ross and the Three Moochers (Why the Flag Has 5-Pointed Stars)
Betsy Ross was down to her last nerve. Oh, you won't find this story in any history book but legend has it that General George Washington visited Betsy in her Philadelphia upholstery business and flag shop in May 1776. Washington, along with two other men — financier Robert Morris and Colonel George Ross, her late husband's... Continue Reading →
Missing the Forest for the Trees!
A few weeks ago, I found an old reporter's notebook of mine. It's from when I graduated from college and had my first real job working as a reporter for my hometown newspaper. I covered the county commissioners and made daily trips to the courthouse to cover meetings, keep on top of the crime docket... Continue Reading →
I call BS!
My wife and I have a game that we play. When we hear something that's too good to believe or something we think is fishy, we'll call out BS. We could be sitting in front of the TV or out and about grabbing a bite to eat. We drive by a gas station and see... Continue Reading →
You scream, we all scream . . . for ice cream
Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance set aside to honor those who gave their lives in service. We owe these heroes our gratitude. The U.S. would be nowhere without these men and women. I plan to take a few minutes later today to pay my respects. Memorial Day also has a more "casual,... Continue Reading →
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
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