And Divided We Fall! There is a reason that leaders like to have people divided simply because it weakness their voice and power of influence. In this time of division and name calling, I find myself constantly reflecting on the basic conflict resolution model. In that model sides work through emotions, to issues, towards common interests, then to consensus. We all have common interests, in our case freedom, stability, security and opportunity. These may look different for some, but they are common. If parties and groups are kept in the emotional phase through fear, anger, and other rhetorical tactics they never realize their shared interests and combined strengths. Unfortunately, It then takes a crisis for those parties to come together.

timothymahar.org

Way back when I was in college a little wild and all over the place, a dear friend of mine at the time who had vast interest and depth of knowledge with rock music suggested I listen to the Kinks song Celluloid Heroes. This song written by Ray Davies, that debuted on their 1972 album, Everybody's in Show-Biz instantly moved me, as it in some ways hit home for me. This is one of the most beautiful and meaningful rock ballads of all time, written and performed by one of the most underrated bands from the, British Invasion. Though the song was written with a different meaning at the time, I feel it reflects our fascination and craving for fame in our current social medial, click, realty television YouTube culture.

timothymahar.org

Well, every four years I love Curling. The Winter Olympics has one of the most mellow sports in Curling, but it is action packed and high-risk with the other events. In fact, the Winter Olympics is far more exciting then the summer games. I mean come on, the Luge, the Skeleton, Bob Sled, Down Hill Skiing, Snow Boarding, Ski Jumping and of course, Curling. Every four years I become an expert in sports I know nothing about, and find myself glued to the television watching a stone slide down the ice.

timothymahar.org