Musings

Worried Much These Days?

Unlike MAD Magazine’s “devil-may-care” poster boy, Alfred E. Neuman – described as “someone who can maintain a sense of humor while the world is collapsing around him” – many people I know are worried. They’re worried about COVID’s resurgence, especially as flu season approaches, in addition to feeling stressed over continuing political and environmental issues. 

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Special Mother’s Day Tribute from My Favorite Geek

[Note: I’m happy and humbled to re-post the following written many years ago by Jason Stershic, digital marketing professional, blogger, podcast producer, host of The Palmer Files Podcast, and (best of all!) my son. Thanks, kid!] Sybil Stershic is my mother and, for most of my conscious life, she’s been the proprietor of Quality Service 

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A Twilight Zone Episode? If Only!

[Note: I’m delighted to feature this brilliant piece written by Izzy Gesell, who generously allowed me to share it here. A former stand-up comedian and public school teacher turned professional facilitator, coach, and speaker, Izzy creatively applies improvisation to enhance personal and organizational learning. You can learn more about this “organizational alchemist who helps individuals 

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What R-R-Resonated with Me in 2020

Like most people, I’m looking forward to putting 2020 behind us. Reflecting on the year, I noticed many words starting with “r” used to describe the pandemic’s immediate, near- and long-term impacts. Here are the r-words that most resonated with me and why. Response and recovery How healthcare professionals, scientists, leaders, and communities acted to 

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New Books for Holiday Gift-Giving This Year

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” Garrison Keillor I’m a fan of giving books as gifts especially when paired with soothing tea, specialty coffee, indulgent chocolate or other sweet treat. Such gifts feed the senses as well as the mind. So I’m happy to recommend five new nonfiction books that 

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“Hi, this is a truly candid auto-reply you wish you’d thought of first”

“Find lightness and humor in each day. There is a lot to be worried about, and with good reason. Counterbalance this heaviness with something funny each day …” Margie Donlon, psychologist This is why I’m sharing this post from Vu Le, a respected nonprofit professional, writer, speaker, and founder of Nonprofit AF. I love his 

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And Now for This Important Message

As we start the new year, I was struck by the following words of the late comedic actor, writer, and producer Harold Ramis. They’re from a speech he gave during a Thanksgiving service at Am Shalom back in 2006, and his message is still relevant today. (Special thanks to Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein for his permission to share it here.) “When 

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A Very Special Holiday Wish

Unlike his more whimsical writing, here’s a special Dr. Seuss poem. (It’s one of my favorites.) A Prayer for a Child by Dr. Seuss From here on earth, From my small place I ask of You Way out in space: Please tell all men In every land What You and I Both understand … Please tell 

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