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.

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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.

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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.

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On February 4th, 1988, thirty eight years ago, my father Thomas Francis,"Te Te" Mahar passed away at the age of 55yrs. This podcast is a tribute to my father the love we shared, and lessons I learn during the 8 months leading up to his death. This is shared through the lyrics of his favorite song, Frankie Lane's 1949 hit, "That Luck Old Sun". A song that played constantly during this time, and is a warm hug to this day. As the song say's: " like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do, but roll around heaven all day." I know my dad and his friends are rolling.

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Everyone is flicking the "bird"! Drivers flick it, kids flick it, leaders flicked it, old, young, red, blue, it does not matter the entire world is getting flicked off. This once cherished gesture of last resort has become a common form of accepted communication, and not in an affection manner I might add.

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The snow just keeps falling! It is like living in a snow globe. There is sense of peace as the snow falls, and also the reality of having to shovel or plow. It does seem as if time stops during the a snow storm, then starts ticking as soon as it is over. As pretty and peaceful as it may be, after a while it just is not cute anymore. I hope that damn groundhog see's his shadow!!

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Put another log on the fire we are in a deep freeze! It's so cold I opened the refrigerator to warm up. This is old school cold, comfort food cold, ping pong in the basement cold. The kind of cold that bites your face and freezes your nostril hairs. The frost of winter's breath.

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The rush and crush of the holiday season is past. Since Halloween, Christmas trees went up, houses illuminated like the Las Vegas strip, pressure shopping, pressure cooking, pressure fun, all gone with the drop of a ball on New Year's.

What does that leave us with? A tree that goes out as fast as it came in, broken New Year's resolutions, utility bills, and bills!! The Christmas sprite gone and the middle finger back, while on the road. Goodwill passed on for another ten months and a real strong whiff of reality. Welcome back!!!!

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