Americans are anything but cheap

This is the ultimate conclusion reached by John Stossel in a recent ABC News 20/20 feature entitled "Are Americans Cheap? Or Charitable?"

We Americans get a bad rap because the American government gives away less of a percentage of GDP than many other countries. However, according to the report, private charitable giving, even giving directed to overseas charities, more than makes up for the gap, and makes America the most charitable nation on Earth.

I learned in my college history classes that one of the defining characteristics of American society is our history of voluntary association. We associate in communities, churches and congregations, businesses, clubs, sports teams, fraternities and sororities, non-profits, and often community aid and other organizations with a charitable mission. And we pony up real money to support these organizations and to fund our own voluntary association and that of others.

For all of our collective faults as a country, we do have a lot to be proud of, and a real legacy of positive contribution to continue.

I guess this 20/20 piece reminded me why I give, and why I often find myself asking others to give as well. We have to ask. And when asked, we do, despite popular opinion to the contrary, respond.

Thanks to all you givers out there!

Team Goodman's Mascot, Abbey Says "Hi!"

 

Giving thanks

My favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.

Today, the Fort Worth Turkey Trot was run for the 25th year. I participated in the 10k event.

I beat my goal (modest, I think, for this point in my training) of finishing in under one hour. The official times are not yet posted, but I did something like 56 minutes.

This event supports the YMCA.

A very well run event.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all! We've a lot to be thankful for.

Fundraising update #2

It's easy to forget that the real work of this effort is to raise money for LLS. With all this training and working my body into shape, it feels like I'm making the world a better place and doing my part. But that's just half of this adventure. So watch out for my next appeal for donations and with the help of my right-brain better-half and some friends, maybe some new and creative fundraising ideas.

Oh yeah, and LLS offers several ways to supplement the effort with volunteer work and such.

My goal is to raise $3,000 by Christmas (yes, I'll accept donations in lieu of Christmas presents... gladly!!)

Finally, thank you to all those who have made generous donations already. You know who you are - heck, check out these rock stars on my campaign page!

Rock stars, all of you!

Sources of Inspiration

The North Texas Winter TNT Triathlon Team is a bunch of badasses. I like to joke that on Saturday morning runs that I have plenty of people to chase.

Well, a significant number of our team "upgraded" their regimen to train for the Half Ironman. That's the event which basically doubles the Olympic distance for which I'm training.

These people have to start their Saturday mornings 30 minuter earlier ; and I don't get to chase them anymore.

All good people and each an inspiration.

Bill Walsh: "positive but not evangelistic..."

"I'm positive but not evangelistic. I'm pragmatically doing everything my physicians recommend, and I'm working my way through it. I always felt I'll accept my fate as it unfolds."

Man, I love Bill Walsh. (I grew up a 49ers fan; an Ohio boy whose big sister had a crush on Joe Montana and through some osmosis led to my adopting that team from across the country. They called me 'Joe Montana' on my high-school football team in Indiana - they were being ironic.)

Coach Walsh just announced to the public this past week that he has leukemia.

And according to accounts in the press, he's handling this challenge like others in his professional life - with grace, determination and intelligence.

He is the genius.

He added: "If we continue with the ongoing treatment, the future could look very bright."

We're all pulling for you Bill.

'60 minutes' reporter Ed Bradley died today of leukemia

Ed Bradley was a total bad ass. I come from a "60 minutes" home. Both my parents watched it every Sunday. Both happen to be Mr. Bradley's age, both born in 1941.

Here's the tribute to Ed Bradley from CBS News.

Jameson 5k @ Southwestern University

Hats off to the event organizers of the Jameson 5k. For all you SU grads or Texas residents, this is a well run event (pun intended). Next year, it will run on November 3rd.

And the results for 2006? Here you go.

Scroll down a bit to #80 and you'll find yours truly.

In the world of endurance sports competition in support of worthwhile causes, I am most certainly a neophyte. This was a truly humbling experience. I can't wait to do my next event!

Homecoming

I love the fall season. The change in weather. Pulling out those comfortable winter clothes.

Fall brings in the Homecoming season too, and I like that.

Deirdre and I are off to Southwestern University for our Homecoming. My college fraternity is celebrating 120 years on campus which will make it an even more special weekend.

To support a good cause and to keep up with my training, I'll be participating in the Jameson 5k run which supports a scholarship fund named for the late Jaysn Jameson.

Thanks again to all of you who have, plan to, and will offer your support!