Time Magazine Remembers 9/11

Ten years after 9/11, I’m still at a loss for words for how to describe the events of that horrible day, when horror and heroism collided on the streets of New York.  The shocking images of perhaps America’s darkest, most unfathomable hour continues to reverberate.

But as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 passes, I find myself drawn more to stories of survival than images of destruction.

If you feel the same then don’t miss Time Magazine’s special report, “Beyond 9/11: Portraits of Resilience”, a graceful, masterful collection of testimonies and tributes that say everything you need to know about character and fortitude.

Bravo, Time.

Afghanistan Rebuilds; Restoration Works International Recruits

Casualties of global conflicts are myriad. Those in Afghanistan have and continue to be well reported. There is a really interesting story on NPR’s Morning Edition about the restoration of two massive 6th century Buddha statues in the Bamiyan Valley of central Afghanistan destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. According to NPR’s report, these monuments were erected centuries before Islam came to the region. Listen to the NPR story here.

To learn more about historical and cultural restoration, or to get involved, check out Restoration Works International. Formerly known as the Cultural Restoration Tourism Project, this good will, good works organization recruits volunteers to help restore civic structures in communities through the world while providing them with a unique, cross-cultural immersion experience that has economic and social benefit to the region. Take a peek at the org’s work in the Nepali village of Chhairo and join an upcoming project. Fall trips are filling up!

Spotlight on the CBS Evening News and “Assignment America”

I simply cannot resist a “slice of life” story. These deceptively simple snapshots of everyday life are usually about complications and conditions that we all can relate to, and thus have a homespun quality that recalls a bygone era. 

Recently my friend, well aware of my weakness for the anecdotal, turned me on to journalist Steve Hartman’s “Assignment America” on the CBS Evening News.

For two minutes every Monday night, Hartman tells a uniquely American story in way that is both charming and compelling (credit ace reporting, witty writing, and the human factor).  Most amazing is how in the telling Hartman manages to tug at the heartstrings without over-sentimentalizing or manipulating the subject matter or the viewer.  Two of Hartman’s more memorable snippets—“Man and Goose Form Unlikely Friendship” and “Father Read to Daughter Every Night Until College" --are super examples of fine sketch journalism (and I dare you to not get sucked in).

Both accounts touchingly illustrate the beauty in unlikely connections—and isn’t that what history is? The great connector of all things, people, and experience? If reality TV were anything like it is on Monday eve, I’d reconsider my decision to ditch cable.

Got a story that you think deserves 15 minutes of air-time (or at least two)? Email your ideas to Steve Hartman online via the CBS Evening News.

Memorial Day: Don’t Forget the Fallen

 As you prepare for what I hope is a long, wonderful weekend, take time to remember those who have served and bravely made the ultimate sacrifice. In their honor, here are a few Memorial Day observances...

O, No! Please Don't Go!

T-minus four episodes before the Oprah Show takes a final bow, and this armchair historian has been glued to the tube every day at 4 o’clock to see what’s coming down the pike (Oprah pays the mortgages of every member in the audience, then takes care of the national debt?).

OK, so the ramp-up to Oprah’s big farewell has been a little much, even for me (a total sap).  Which marketing genius did Harpo get to create those curtain call promos, anyway—the “remember-when” montages featuring O audiences shrieking like jungle monkeys, crying like babies, and rocking out to whoever their Leader has managed to coax on stage after a 30-year absence, six months in rehab, a stint in prison, and other drama that only Oprah has access to. (Watch out, Nike, you’ve got competition of the advertising gold variety.)

This season has been a non-stop promo for OWN, a parade of celebs worshiping at the altar of Oprah, and more “A ha” moments than I ever thought I’d see in my lifetime. Oprah pulled out all the stops to outdo herself (the only person who could—and did, revealing to the world a long lost sister!). She even managed to make amends with James Frey for heaven’s sake, by offering up an apology—and a not-so subtle treatise on the evils of leading from your Ego—years after publicly stoning the man. 

While the idolatry for Oprah borders on unhealthy, her influence on popular culture and her place in social history is unequaled. Detractors might say, “Well, she’s only one person. She hasn’t cured cancer or anything.” True, but here’s the point: a whole lot of people have faith that she—Oprah, not the president (who many believe is occupying the Oval Office thanks to O’s endorsement)—has this kind of power. We’re talking real sway, people. And, like her or not, she uses it—for good.  In my world, this forgives all other talk show trespasses. (Remember when Oprah shared the same demo as Maury?) Like it or not, the world has witnessed Oprah make history (many times over).

Here, a few of The Oprah Show’s greatest hits:

•    Oprah’s Book Club launches (“Night” finally sees the light of a new day...and people dig it!)
•    The Rwandan family reunion
•    The Great Audience Car Giveaway of 1994
•    This season’s “Ultimate Favorite Things” two-parter (I wonder if the one guy in the audience commanding the attention of Camera B ever recovered?)
•    Oprah’s bra intervention (thanks to this episode, I am actually wearing a bra that fits, and you probably are too)
•    Oprah drops a bombshell (back the truck up Oprah, you have a half-sister you never knew about?)
•    Oprah reveals she was a victim of childhood sexual abuse, starting a national discussion
•    World, meet Dr. Phil

 What’s your favorite O(MG!) moment? Please post a comment and share with us!