The Brainwashed Intellectual on Parenting

A fantastic response and thought that counters the "parents brainwashing their children" argument in favor of free will...from the words of a child!

I had a lot of people tell me this while I was growing up as well. Honestly, it always bothered me because they spoke in my face about how my choices had no bearing on myself because I was only a product of my upbringing. I think that this person shares a great viewpoint/opinion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isLtc5lFgf8

Criminals have hearts too

I once watched a wonderful documentary called "The Interrupters" about a group of people that "interrupt" violence before it breaks out in the most dangerous city of USA. What really struck a chord for me, was to see one of the people who I thought was beyond gone (high, violent, angry) turn his life around and get involved with improving the city himself.

The idea that nobody is too far gone to give up on has resonated with me ever since that viewing. I just came across an article that strengthens that.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/08/08/210092385/burglars-return-loot-to-group-that-helps-sex-assault-victims?utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20130808

What's great about this is not only did they give back, but the community gave more. As a society we are a good people and try to do the right thing as a whole.

Police Chief keeps the peace, and applauds the community

There's been a lot of talking about riots after the zimmerman case. This police department did something really unique, I was impressed with the person's positive outlook on the community and humility to not take credit for himself but to praise those around him.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/21/sanford-police-chief-keeps-peace-in-days-after-zimmerman-verdict/

Youth doing right in the community

With everything going on with the Zimmerman trial, one may think society has plummeted back to racism in the days of slavery. Whatever side you may fall on, we can all agree that the event was a tragedy, but it is not the all encompassing representation of our current society. Here's a link to remind us that.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/15/temar-boggs-jocelyn-rojas_n_3597825.html

Tootsie and societal norms

I believe that empathy can play a large role in stopping a lot of the anger and hate that's out there. Dustin Hoffman's interview about his experience in the film Tootsie was really good and insightful.

http://www.themarysue.com/dustin-hoffman-tootsie/

I've grown up playing video games, and an interesting development has been the observation of player rage in online games. Most think it's a lost cause to solve the problem, but it's great to see a company really trying to understand it

http://gdcvault.com/play/1017940/The-Science-Behind-Shaping-Player

I found this talk and thought it was fantastic. It's always encouraging and inspiring to see people with passion accomplish amazing things through simple means. Be a gangster gardner, that's all I have to say.

http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la.html

I am a Star Wars fan, I am a father, and I found this beautiful

http://writeshesays.wordpress.com/2013/06/13/the-most-beautiful-ruined-moment/

Hello everyone. I've noticed that as social media, internet, and communication has expanded that it feels like people in the world are becoming more harsh and bitter. News always runs stories of tragedies, and the majority of people are more interested in blaming and putting others down more than lifting others up.

I believe that people are inherently good, and that there are amazing stories out there that are often overlooked for various reasons. So I'm hoping to use this blog as a place for people to come to see the good that is going on in the world, examples to emulate, to become better people ourselves.

The video I'm posting today, is one that perfectly captures how we should strive to help those around us.

http://www.upworthy.com/a-brave-fan-asks-patrick-stewart-a-question-he-doesnt-usually-get-and-is-given-a-beautiful-answer?c=ufb1

I love the compassion that he shows to others from his experiences with his parents.
I love his open mind to help his father rather than merely condemn him.
I love that he has found a way to externalize this for the well-being of others.

I hope that you enjoy this first post and will help me make the world a manner place.