12/30/09
Situation in Iran - A Message From Sting
Amnesty International Bulletin Posted by Amnesty International USA
I was shocked to hear reports that Iranian security forces arrested 29 mothers and their supporters who were silently mourning children killed in post-election violence this summer.
These Mourning Mothers gather peacefully each week to call for an end to widespread human rights abuses and justice for their dead children.
The disturbing news of their arrest brought to mind profound memories of the Mothers of the Disappeared in Chile and Argentina. Like the courageous mothers in Iran, the Mothers of the Disappeared faced threats and harassment for seeking justice for their children kidnapped during the Dirty Wars in Chile and Argentina.
My song "They Dance Alone" is dedicated to the Mothers of the Disappeared. I had the honor of performing it with them in 1988 during Amnesty International's Human Rights Now! Tour.
Dancing on stage with the Mothers of the Disappeared in Chile and Argentina was one of the most moving moments of my career.
I am heartbroken to see that once again others have to face the anguish that the Mothers of the Disappeared endured. I am compelled to speak out again. I hope you will too: http://bit.ly/7tgwQt
What gives me hope is knowing that Amnesty International is fighting on behalf of the Mourning Mothers and others threatened with abuse in Iran and around the world.
As you read this, Amnesty International is investigating and reporting on the human rights situation in Iran. It's publishing the names of prisoners of conscience and documenting the use of brutal force to crush dissent -- even as it continues to respond to human rights emergencies across the globe.
The people of Iran deserve to speak peacefully without fear. Show them they are not alone. Donate to Amnesty International today. Click here: http://bit.ly/7tgwQt
Sincerely,
Sting
11/27/09
A Site with a Cause
Almost 4 years ago, my 36-year old sister, Barbara, discovered to have ovarian cancer. Her life and the lives of those close to her changed forever. Since th
at day in July 2006, we have traveled along a route of sudden turns, real hopes, false hopes, illusions, disillusions, laughs, cries and a lot of learning. The purpose of my
new blog – or site – is the one of becoming a meeting point for people going through the same tough journey. A place where we can share information, links and stories about people like my sister and their families.
The symbol of New Life is a “stem”. Stems hold flowers together and bring nutrients and new cells to them. All the experts seem to agree that stem cell research is the future in the fight against
cancer. Hope that, one day, a “new life” will start, is what keeps warriors like Barbara fighting.
11/2/09
No Separation
10/29/09
L'Infinito
Song by U2 (2009)
10/27/09
Cancer Won't Wait
(CNN) --
On October 2, 1996, I was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. Like many 25-year-olds, I was fearless, ready to conquer the world and without health insurance. I was lucky. One of my sponsors, Oakley, stood up for me and threatened to take all their business elsewhere if their insurance carrier refused to cover me. Without their help, I might not be alive today. Or I might be completely broke, still trying to dig my way out of a massive pile of medical bills. That kind of luck shouldn't have anything to do with whether the 1.5 million people in the United States who will be diagnosed with cancer this year go broke trying to get the treatment they need to survive.
Go to full article
10/25/09
Leadership - The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation and The Gentlemen's Fund
Together, The Gentlemen's Fund ® initiative and Mark Wahlberg are supporting the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which-by offering leadership now-provides kids with the skills to become leaders in the future.
Through financial and community support, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation aims to eliminate barriers that prevent youth from succeeding.
This collaboration is not a quick fix; it gets to the root by helping young people find their way. The Gentlemen’s Fund® initiative raises support and awareness for issues that are essential to modern men. Established in 2007 to commemorate GQ's 50th anniversary, The Gentlemen's Fund encourages men to become agents of change by contributing to charities that champion these causes.
Visit the Gentlemen's Fund
Visit the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation
10/23/09
The Battle Within Us
Source: www.legacydad.com
A similar theory is offered by Tom Rath and Donald with the acclaimed publication: "How Full Is Your Bucket?"
The Last Lecture
He shared his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously. "If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself," Pausch said. "The dreams will come to you."
The video appeared on countless websites and has been viewed by millions. Appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC's Good Morning America and the CBS Evening News followed.
A book version, "The Last Lecture" co-written by Jeff Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal (and a fellow Carnegie Mellon alumnus), became a best-seller.
Randy Pausch died at 47 on July 25th, 2008, he has inspired countless students in the classroom and others worldwide.
Randy Pausch's Home Page
The Last Lecture and other resources
Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
10/16/09
When Capitalism Works
Success Magazine article on TOMS Shoes
Blake Mycoskie's Blog
10/9/09
The Right to Love
- But if homosexuality occurs among animals, does that necessarily mean that it is natural for humans, too? And that raises a familiar question: if homosexuality is not a choice, but a result of natural forces that cannot be controlled, can it be immoral? - Read full article: "Love That Dare Not Squeak Its Name" By Dinitia Smith
- Rob Calhoun and his partner, Clay Calhoun, of Avondale Estates, Georgia, have two adopted children -- 4-year-old daughter Rainey and son, Jimmy, who is 18 months old. The children share the same biological mother.
"We're not moms, we're not heterosexual. We're not biological parents," Rob Calhoun said. But "we're totally equal and just as loving as female parents, as straight parents, and biological parents."
"Love makes a family, not biology or gender," he added. - Read full article:"Gay Adoption: A new take on the American family" By Taylor Gandossy
10/8/09
Another Day in Paradise
"Sir, can you help me?
It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?"
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there
Oh think twice, it's another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise...” - Another Day in Paradise (Lyrics by Phil Collins)
“When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed.”
“Love begins at home , and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do.” - Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Turn around , someone may need your help. Not all of us are saints or a missionaries, ready to fly to Chad, but pay attention and you'll see someone who is down, a friend, a co-worker, a sibling. Be there for them. According to the Talmud to save one person is to save the World. A young person may need a mentor, a child may need a parent, a sick person may need comfort. Don't look the other way!
A man who turned around...
Last summer, my family and I were desperately searching for a cure for my sister Barbara. Many doors were shut on us, because of insurance reasons. My sister needed to prove that she was able to cover treatment costs, before being considered as a research patient.
Finally, Dr. Penson opened a door to hope. I spoke -- and cried my heart out -- to him on the phone. Two days later Barbara was on a flight to Boston, ready to start a treatment recommended by Dr. Penson.
The first time we met Dr. Penson was during a visit on August 2008. I was struck right away by his humanity and people-skills. He asked Barbara about her hobbies and what she enjoyed doing in life. It was only later in the discussion that he started talking about her disease and possible medical treatments. He wanted to meet Barbara as a person, first, then as a patient. We met him as a man, first, then as a doctor.
I am thankful to Dr. Penson for turning around and paying attention to someone I deeply love.
9/24/09
Heidi's Story
Heidi is a cancer survivor. She describes on the Livestrong blog how she won the battle with the disease and how this fight has changed her life. Read Heidi's story on Livestrong
Patrick’s beautiful life came to an end, but his courage and story will continue to live on in our memories.
7/24/09
Emotional Capital
How important are characteristics such as self-realization, assertiveness and people-skills in management and leadership? How important is for a manager or anyone in a leadership position to show reliance, confidence, empathy and let transpire a sense of optimism to people? As a Project Manager, I believe it is fundamental in my professional area. A highly qualified subject matter expert: Dr. Martyn Newman, wrote a terrific book on this topic: Emotional Capitalists: The New Leaders, Wiley, 2008. The book is quickly becoming a best seller.
Read:
Great post on emotional capital from the "Leading Answers" Blog
Martyn Newman’s “Emotional Capitalists: The New Leaders”:
Assess your Emotional Intelligence – free test
7/14/09
A World Without Poverty
Muhammad Yunus runs Bangladesh's Grameen Bank, a leading advocate for the world's poor that has lent more than $5.1 billion to 5.3 million people. The bank is built on Yunus' conviction that poor people can be both reliable borrowers and avid entrepreneurs.
http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/meet/yunus.html
Partnership with Danone
The mission of Grameen Danone Foods speaks for itself: to reduce poverty by bringing health through food to children using a unique community-based business model. http://muhammadyunus.org/content/view/146/128/lang,ja
A joint venture launched by DANONE and Grameen (the “Bank of the poor”) in March 2006, Grameen Danone Foods is a business—and as such must turn a profit—but its priorities are reversed.
Junus Interviewed in Chile
6/30/09
A Wonderful Life - Michael J. Fox
By: Lisa Ocker - Success Magazine, July 2009 Issue
Michael J. Fox seems at peace, even grateful for lessons learned from Parkinson's disease. He's inspiring millions with a new book and a hit TV special. But his journey has not been easy.
Read full article (Success Magazine)
6/12/09
Virgin Entrepreneur - Richard Branson
The 20-something Richard Branson racked up a résumé that would impress no one: high-school dropout with poor reading and math skills. Failed get-rich-quick schemes. Long-haired, barefooted hippie. Struggling business that led to two arrests and a night in jail on suspicion of tax evasion. But as he turns 59 in July, Branson’s life seems as golden as his locks. Worth about $4.4 billion, he ranked as the 236th richest person in 2008, according to Forbes.
6/4/09
Weathering the Storm
By: Bruce Grieson - Psychology Today magazine, May/June 2009 Issue
Apple founder Steve Jobs describes three apparent setbacks—dropping out of college, being fired from the company he founded, and being diagnosed with cancer—that ultimately proved portals to a better life. Each forced him to step back and gain perspective, to see the long view of his life.
"I have failed over and over and over again, and that is why I succeed," said Michael Jordan. Failure destroys some people. Others rise from the ashes, only to come back stronger.
Failure destroys some people. Others rise from the ashes, only to come back stronger. This article by Bruce Grieson is a guide to surviving tough times.
- Read full article (Psychology Today Magazine)
5/13/09
Race of a Lifetime - Lance Armstrong Leader of the Pack
- Read full article (Success Magazine)
- Watch the LIVESTRONG Challenge Video
5/1/09
Union of Souls
Sometimes, when I am with my sister Barbara and her husband Davide I pause and think about their marriage. They deeply and genuinely love each other. When they are not together I can see from their faces that their minds are on each other. Their souls are truly united. They are “ONE”.
My sister was diagnosed with stage IV cancer 3 years ago. Since that terrible day, Davide has been on her side. He has not missed a single day of chemo with her or a doctor’s visit. When cancer patients are under heavy chemo treatment their auto-immune system is very weak, and a simple cold could kill them. Davide drove Barbara to work and picked her up every day, in order to minimize the risk of her catching germs on public transportation.
Davide was put to the test at some point. I can’t expand too much on this, but he had to choose between his wife wellbeing, at one end, and putting at risk things that were dear and important to him, at the other. He chose Barbara without any hesitation.
His mission is to keep her happy and excited every day until this terrible ordeal is over. Quite often he turns into a comedian to keep my sister’s beautiful laugh alive. They live like a normal couple, and sometimes they fight over normal things. But nothing ever stains the strength and purity of their marriage.
I recently wrote a poem called “The Dove”. In “The Dove” a man sees a dove flying behind a glass. He breaks the glass to reach her, without fearing pain and consequences. The dove flies over his hands and lays there. His blood is over her and the white, the purity, of her feathers and soul, penetrate his soul.
Barbara and Davide are a true inspiration to me and they make me still believe in a thing of the past called “Love”.
The Dove: http://sites.google.com/site/risersserengeti/dove
4/17/09
Robert Redford. A man of courage and vision
Thanks to his leadership and vision today Sundance is one of the major movie festivals in the World and attracts 50,000 visitors a year and runs over 200 movies.
Robert Redford’s interview with Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123266544269807877.html
4/12/09
Graceland
My friend Andres’ cousin: Juan Vanegas is a Catholic Priest in L’Aquila. His church and residence were destroyed. Father Juan had the option to leave after the disaster and go somewhere safe, to an easier life, perhaps rejoin his family abroad. He decided to remain with his new family and fight a long and demanding battle. He is guiding his people like a good shepard, leading them to a new life out of rubbles, pain and chaos. People like Juan help me believe in resurrection.
People have choices after disasters strike their lives. They can pull themselves out of the rubbles, let their wounds and pains heel and head to their "Gracelands" or do nothing and let death win. I believe anyone can make a resurrection. I know someone who went through a rough time in his life. Disasters seemed to happen all at once around him. One of his close family members was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, his 18-year old marriage came to an end, and he was on the brink of losing his job. These events can put anyone on his/her knees. This person decided to stand strong and make a trip to his "Graceland". He is still fighting some of these battles but something good came from his ordeals. There is an old say: “What doesn’t break you will make you stronger”. Today this person feels much stronger and a better person that he was 2 years ago. He found his resurrection.
Like the great Italian Dramaturg Eduardo de Filippo used to say: "Tests never end in life", and personal "earthquakes" will keep testing us. We win only if we decide to pull ourselves out of the heavy rubbles, stand on our feet and rebuild our lives. It is never easy.
I believe in the ability of people to rebound because of the strength they have in their hearts and the deep desire to choose life versus death. I will tell my friend Marina that resurrections can happen. Like in the song: "Maybe I've got a reason to believe we all will be received in Graceland". A
4/11/09
High Altitude Leadership
4/10/09
Ken Blanchard on how to establish your leadership point of view
http://www.theleadershiphub.com/videos/ken-blanchard-how-establish-your-leadership-point-view
4/9/09
A Second Life
4/1/09
Moment of Surrender
U2 with the help of master musician Brian Eno composed a song that blows my socks off every time I listen to it: “Moment of Surrender” from their latest album “No Line on the Horizon”. “I was speeding on the subway through the stations of the cross… At the moment of surrender a vision of visibility…”
American scientist and business author Pete Senge’s interpretations of Jesus analogy: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” is that the only way to feel connected is by empting our mental load from worries and our attachment to material stuff, so that we can pass through the needle and feel the whole. It may be too hard to do for a bunch of neurotics beeping on minivan horns, rushing for a metro, fighting with teenage kids and losing sleep over a Powerpoint presentation.
The only way to “feel” the One, God, Manitou, or something as simple as love for the world (or whatever that good feeling that has gotten over me is) is by empting ourselves. Put everything behind and just surrender to the best part of you.
Give it a try and let yourself go.
3/31/09
Inspirers
We can have nothing but admiration for people such as Patrick Swayze who still works and performs at his best despite painful treatments and Lance Armstrong who after beating testicular cancer that spread to his brain went on to win 7 Tour de France races.
My sister Barbara has been fighting cancer for almost 3 years now. During this time she had the strenght and motivation to help many people understand how it feels to live with cancer. She wrote a beautiful book currently used by medical schools in Italy to sensitize aspiring doctors. She has also composed a beautiful song available at emusic (soon on iTunes) in MP3 format: http://www.emusic.com/album/Barbara-Paolinelli-Chi-Vincer%C3%A0-MP3-Download/11411413.html
All I need to express is that Barbara has been a true inspiration to me. I feel lucky to be his brother.
3/30/09
Raising Funds for a Good Cause
I am coordinating a fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Funds will help me run a half-marathon in September for the Livestrong Team. The money raised by the team will go toward cancer research and other initiatives supported by the foundation. Please kindly donate by accessing the following site: http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/stefanovabeach09 .
Thank you!
3/29/09
The Power of Visualization - Focus on what you want
3/25/09
Timeless Heroes
Different times and areas of the world but similar acts of true leadership and heroism.
3/24/09
Forever Fighters
There are many champions out there, in the business world, sports, social services, who can call their fights off, whenever they need to or want to. They have a choice they can afford to quit, to retire or semi-retire. People with a disease have no choice they must fight their beast day after day, with all strength they got in their bodies.
They deserve their space in heaven - and in our hearts - with full medals and honors.