Any time you have a problem with someone, it really helps to reflect on the situation and ask yourself if there was a possibility you had something to do with that problem.

Profound belief, even in complete contradiction to science, has proven to be miraculous.

“Do I look like a cat to you boy? Am I jumpin’ around all nimbly bimbly from tree to tree? Am I drinking milk from a saucer? DO YOU SEE ME EATING MICE?”

Giving freely of oneself without any expectation of recieving something in return is at the core of all the world’s greatest teachings.

The wise master teaches more through being than doing. Leading often requires us to be still and listen.

When I signed onto what was then a fledgling internet forum on fire serivce issues, I imagined a place on line similar to some of the think-tank type collaborations I have at times, found myself participating in.

If the culture is who we are, and we are the culture, how do we change that?

It is best to look for opportunities, to engage when the timing is right, and to focus resources on the battle at the appropriate time and in adequate numbers.

When you can be like this, your people will follow you wherever you need them to go and will do whatever it takes to create success.

The point is that true leadership requires sacrifice. Real leaders don’t just mail it in when they are tired, or sick, or having a bad day. They put others first and they continue soldiering on.

The reality is that those in our government on both sides have failed us, and those extremes that have driven our agendas on both sides are more about themselves and less about the rest of us.

It is one thing to create art, it is yet another to create art that inspires others to create art.