Ah, the dreaded writer's block - the arch-nemesis of every aspiring wordsmith. When creativity decides to take a vacation and leaves you high and dry, it can feel like trying to squeeze blood from a stone.  But fear not, I am here to offer some tongue-in-cheek advice on what to write about when your creative well runs dry. After all, I’ve been doing this for a while. The first column I wrote for a weekly newspaper covering western Greene County was in 1989, and I have been writing steadily since then. First, let's address the elephant in the room -- the blank computer screen staring back at me like my dog Otis when I forget to give him his evening Milkbone. Why not start by writing about the absurdity of writer's block itself? You could pen a satirical piece about the trials and tribulations of trying to summon the muse when she's off sipping Dr. Pepper on a tropical island. Trust me, she's not thinking about you. If self-deprecation is more your style, consider wri...

  Television and media company A&E has an online show known as Neighbor Wars. The videos are easily found on YouTube; even the boring ones get over 2 million views. Week after week, A&E shows videos of neighbors at their worst arguing over fence lines, parked cars, barking dogs, and lemonade stands, or seeking revenge over a conflict. My worst neighbor experience was having a group of boys play on and run across my new muddy yard when I was trying to get grass to grow 30 years ago. Thankfully, no video exists of me yelling, “Get off my lawn.” Other people have endured worse situations with neighbors. Just searching the websites of Springfield media outlets, you can find recent stories of arguments, shootings, and drug busts in Springfield involving neighbors. NEIGHBORS FROM HELL Bob Borzotta knows enough about dealing with difficult neighbors that he wrote a book titled, “Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home.” A former news reporter, Borzott...

Loving your neighbor may seem outdated or countercultural in a world that often emphasizes individualism and self-interest. However, genuinely caring for and showing kindness to those around us holds immense transformative power. Let’s consider how loving your neighbor goes against societal norms and why it remains crucial in fostering a more compassionate society. 1. Challenging Self-Centeredness In a culture that often prioritizes personal success and achievement, loving your neighbor requires a shift in focus from oneself to others. It challenges the prevailing notion that self-interest should be the driving force behind our actions. By actively seeking to understand and support our neighbors, we break free from the self-centered mindset and embrace a more empathetic perspective. 2. Overcoming Social Divisions Loving your neighbor transcends societal divisions such as race, religion, or socioeconomic status. It encourages us to see beyond these superficial differences and recognize ...

  The longest Super Bowl game in history will also be remembered the most-watched program in U.S. television history. According to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics, Kansas City's 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco on Sunday night averaged 123.7 million viewers across television and streaming platforms. For this Super Bowl, CBS sold 30-second television spots for $7 million (or $133,000 per second). That does not include production and talent costs, of course. You may look at your checking account and think $7 million is a lot. But advertisers consider it a way to reach a large audience for about half a penny per person! Plus, Super Bowl commercials have become a phenomenon in their own right, creating social media buzz and gaining views on YouTube. A 2020 survey revealed that 79 percent of viewers see the commercials as entertainment. After the 2019 Super Bowl, consumers spent 641 thousand hours watching Super Bowl ads on YouTube! The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events on th...

  "For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out the Gospel" by Matt Carter and Darrin Patrick is a powerful book that challenges churches to be deeply involved in urban communities. The authors, both experienced church leaders, argue that cities are important places for sharing the gospel and serving people. Instead of retreating from the challenges of city life, churches should move toward them, bringing the love of Jesus to those in need. The book has two main focuses: proclaiming the gospel and living it out in daily life. The first part explains why sharing the message of Jesus in cities is essential. Many people in urban areas have little knowledge of Christianity, and the authors stress that churches should communicate the gospel in ways that connect with city dwellers. They also argue that planting churches in cities is one of the best ways to spread Christianity effectively. The second part of the book is about putting faith into action. Carter and Patrick explain that Ch...

  Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference is an exciting and eye-opening book about negotiation, written by a former FBI hostage negotiator. It teaches readers how to negotiate in business, personal life, and even high-stakes situations. Voss’s stories and lessons make it easy to understand and apply his techniques to everyday life. Five Lessons Learned: “No” is Not the End, It’s the Beginning – Voss explains that when someone says “no,” it doesn’t mean the conversation is over. Instead, it’s an opportunity to learn more and keep talking. He writes, “‘No’ is not failure. It is an opportunity to clarify what you really want.” Mirroring Builds Connection – One of the easiest yet most powerful techniques is mirroring, or repeating the last few words someone says. This makes people feel heard and understood, which helps you gain their trust. Use Tactical Empathy – Understanding how the other person feels can give you an advantage. Voss suggests using phrases like “It seems like…” ...

  When I teach about being an engaged neighbor, nothing I say generates more pushback than when I talk about connecting with the people behind the eight closets' front doors to my own. You know, the eight neighbors that adjoin your property. Why does this idea generate so much negative feedback? One is because we are always looking for a loophole. But there are other reasons. One of the earliest stories to ask, “Who is my neighbor?” is found in the Bible's book of Luke. In that story, an attorney was looking for a loophole! That was 2000 years ago.  Most of us, me included, still fall into this trap. We have tried to define the word “neighbor” so that it begins to lose some of its power.  We end up thinking to ourselves, "Wow, that's incredible. Everyone is my neighbor, and I'm doing a lot of good stuff, so I'm just neighboring all the time. Look at me. I’m a wonderful person." Oddly enough, the other thing we do is pick and choose neighbors. We pick the p...

  Maggie Stuckey's Soup Night: Recipes for Creating Community Around a Pot of Soup is more than just a cookbook; it's a heartfelt guide to fostering community through the simple act of sharing soup. The book combines a diverse collection of recipes with inspiring stories of neighborhoods coming together, illustrating how food can bridge gaps and build lasting relationships. Three Lessons Worth Remembering The Power of Simple Gatherings Stuckey emphasizes that hosting a soup night doesn't require elaborate planning or gourmet cooking. The simplicity of serving soup allows hosts to focus on the joy of bringing people together, demonstrating that meaningful connections can be forged without grand gestures. As noted in a review by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, "This simple low-key event has done much to cement relationships in the neighborhood, making it friendlier and safer." Seasonal Cooking Enhances Experience Organizing recipes by season, the book en...

  Catherine Steiner-Adair and Teresa H. Barker's The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age delves into the profound impact of technology on family dynamics and child development. Drawing from extensive research and interviews, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of how digital immersion affects communication, relationships, and the psychological well-being of both children and parents. Three Lessons Worth Remembering Prioritize Face-to-Face Interaction The authors emphasize the irreplaceable value of direct, personal engagement within families. They argue that while technology offers convenience, it should not supplant in-person interactions that are crucial for developing empathy, trust, and emotional intelligence in children. Steiner-Adair notes, "Parents and children may be enjoying 'swift and constant access to everything and everyone on the Internet,' but they are losing 'a meaningful personal connection wit...

  Jeff Speck's Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time presents a compelling case for transforming urban spaces into pedestrian-friendly environments. Speck, an experienced urban planner, articulates the multifaceted benefits of walkability, emphasizing its impact on health, economics, and community vitality. Three Lessons Worth Remembering The Four Tenets of Walkability Speck introduces a framework for creating walkable cities, emphasizing that walking must be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. He argues that for pedestrians to choose walking over driving, urban design must integrate these elements seamlessly. This holistic approach ensures that walking becomes a practical and enjoyable mode of transportation. Rethinking Parking Policies A significant insight from the book is the critique of prevalent parking norms. Speck contends that excessive free parking encourages car dependency and detracts from urban vibrancy. He advocates for reducing par...

  Tom Nelson's The Economics of Neighborly Love: Investing in Your Community's Compassion and Capacity explores the intersection of faith, work, and economics, urging readers to integrate their spiritual beliefs with everyday economic activities to foster community flourishing. Three Lessons Worth Remembering Integrating Faith and Economics Nelson emphasizes that economic activities are not separate from spiritual life but are integral to practicing neighborly love. He argues that understanding and engaging in economics is essential for Christians aiming to contribute to their communities' well-being. As he states, "You cannot help your neighbor well if you do not understand economics well, because human flourishing and economic flourishing go hand in hand." Balancing Compassion and Capacity The book highlights the necessity of combining compassion with the capacity to act. Nelson asserts that possessing a compassionate heart is insufficient without the means to ...

John McKnight and Peter Block's The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods delves into the transformative potential of local communities in fostering a fulfilling life. The authors argue that true satisfaction arises not from consumerism but from active citizenship and neighborly engagement. Three Lessons Worth Remembering Rediscovering Local Assets McKnight and Block emphasize that neighborhoods possess inherent resources—skills, talents, and knowledge—that can address communal needs. By recognizing and mobilizing these local assets, communities can become self-sufficient and resilient. This approach shifts the focus from external solutions to internal strengths. The Power of Association The authors highlight the significance of forming associations within communities. These voluntary groups, whether formal or informal, enable individuals to combine their gifts, fostering collaboration and mutual support. Such associations are foundational for build...

  Peter Kageyama's Love Where You Live: Creating Emotionally Engaging Places builds upon his earlier work, For the Love of Cities , delving deeper into the emotional connections between people and their communities. The book offers practical insights for both official and unofficial community leaders to foster environments that residents can genuinely love. Three Lessons Worth Remembering Empowering Local Co-Creators Kageyama emphasizes the importance of building networks of co-creators within communities. He suggests that by engaging passionate residents in the development process, cities can cultivate a sense of ownership and pride among inhabitants. This collaborative approach not only enhances the city's appeal but also strengthens community bonds. Embracing Authentic Identity The author advises communities to discover and embrace their authentic identities. By highlighting unique cultural, historical, or natural attributes, cities can differentiate themselves and foster a...