Posts Tagged ‘Los Angeles Times’

Sound As A Bell?

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Well, it’s official. Civic engagement is the answer! Recent news reports about voting fraud and conflicts of interest in Bell, California, a Los Angeles suburb, underscore the importance of community members getting involved in public affairs.

Apparently Bell city officials lined their pockets with the nation’s most exorbitant local salaries despite budget cuts and layoffs. What? You haven’t heard this one. Wait. Let me share the outrage and disgust rippling through the nation, among California taxpayers, and with Bell residents appalled by the lack of integrity and accountability.
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Leaders: You’re Always On!

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Are you serious? Another microphone gaffe involving a high-profile figure has been reported? Well, yes. I’m beginning to wonder if some of our leaders are really taking notes on how to earn respect and gain followers.

Last week while preparing for a television interview, former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina who is a candidate for state senate seat was recorded seemingly mocking a competitor and disparaging a political ally. A live microphone captured Fiorina’s comments referencing long-time California Barbara Boxer’s hairstyle as “so yesterday.” During her comments she also questioned why Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman would interview with the Sean Hannity’s Fox News show so early in the run for the November general election.

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Reflections On Wooden: Coach and Teacher

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Like you, I’ve had a few great teachers in my life. John Wooden, one of America’s most well-known sports coaches, was just that. He was an extraordinary teacher. Last week he died at the age of 99. But, his legacy will live on through his writing, standards of excellence, and his famous “pyramid for success.”

His fame registered on the national platform with his record-setting achievements as a basketball coach at the University of California, Los Angeles. In fact, ESPN News named him “the Coach of the Century.” The New York Times noted in his obituary that, “he ultimately became viewed as a kind of sage for both basketball and life, a symbol of both excellence and simpler times.”

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