Positively Possible by 2015

Today's is World AIDS Day. Check out this video on the status of this pandemic. I was dumbfounded and elated to learn that the transmission of HIV from mother to child can be virtually eradicated by 2015. That is just three years! With so many things going wrong in the world that seem impossible to fix, it is encouraging that if we work hard we can reach a major goal in the near future.

The AIDS quilt was started in 1987 as a way to remember friends, lovers, and families that had died. Today the quilt is over 1,290,000 square feet and includes more than 91,000 names (learn more here). 2015 Quilt has started a virtual quilt, allowing you to create your own panel to show your support. Here is mine. Create your own panel! It is an easy way to support this very worthy cause.

Song of the Day
Today's song in U2's Beautiful Day.

Calmness and Respect Totally Rock

One of the speakers at Camp Mighty was Brian Piotrowicz, a producer from Oprah. It was cool being in the presence of someone who works closely with "The Great One," but Brian was inspiring in his own right. He talked a lot about the environment at Harpo. While they all work very hard, with insane hours, it is a place of calmness and respect. He said that is come from the top (Oprah) down but that everyone subscribes to the idea and it works. 

Watching a clip of the Great One during Maggie's interview of Brian

Brain had been in TV for a while before coming to Harpo, working on shows like Jenny Jones and Sally Jesse Rafael. In his other positions it didn't seem like calmness and respect were high priorities...more like screaming and insulting. I could relate because I've worked in a few places where screaming and insulting were the modus operandi. Along with belittling and punishment. And who doesn't love a little belittling and punishment? No one! No one likes or deserves to be treated that way. 


Brain said that it was like entering a new world when he got to Harpo. When he came into work each day he knew he didn't have to fear getting screamed at. And that made it easier for him to do a good job. When he said that I wanted jump up and shout "Truth!" One because I'm crazy like that and two because it is so true. 


Note: As a personal policy, I don't like to talk about my job on this blog. I like to keep the two separate. And I'm only writing about it now because a good work environment is important to me. I now work in a place where if I make a mistake I can tell my bosses immediately, and while they won't be happy that I screwed up, they acknowledge that mistakes happen, believe that I've learned my lesson, and we move on. In other work places when employees make mistakes they are so paralyzed by the fear of how their bosses will react that they cover it up. I don't have an MBA but I know that ain't no way to run a business.


Like Brain, I recognize how lucky I am to work where I do. And no matter where my career takes me, I plan to bring a feeling of calmness and respect along. I urge you to do the same.

Brian and Maggie

My friend Leslie was also inspired by Brian. Check out her cool illustration of what she took away from what he had to say.


Song of the Day
Today's song is Aretha Franklin's Respect.

TED Tuesdays: Stroke of Insight

Today's video comes from Jill Bolte Taylor. Jill is a neuroanatomist (ie brain doctor), who suffered a stroke. In this emotional and poignant video she describes her experience from the unique perspective of someone who knows a lot about the brain.



If you are interested in learning more about this amazing story (how could you not be!?), check out Dr Taylor's interview with Oprah and her New York Times Best Seller, My Stroke of Insight.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Pearl Jam's The Fixer.

101 Things in 1001 Days: 3

I'm an East Coast Kid and I love the winter. But man, those cold dark months can drag on and on. That is why I my 101 List included #4: Go some place warm during the winter. I got to cross this item off by going to Palm Springs for Camp Mighty at the beginning of November.

Like most vacations, the best day weather wise was the day I had to leave. But it was gorgeous! 80s and sunny. So I sat pool side at the Ace Hotel and ate bacon! Can you believe it? I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

What my heaven looks like.

That was definitely one of the best days of the past 1001.

Song of the Day
Today's song is The Mamas & The Papas California Dreaming, because that is what I've been doing since I left Palm Springs.

TED Tuesdays: The World Needs All Kinds of Minds

Today's featured TED Talk is from Temple Grandin. An incredible woman, whose presentation is particularly inspiring. Grandin proves that everyone has strengths, and that with the right encouragement, we all can be great.



Thanks so much to Annie for recommending this Talk. I'ld love for you to tell me which TED Talks positively inspire you.

Song of the Day
Today's song is Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguillera. I've got them moooOOOoooves like Jagger!