Todd's Must Reads for Last Friday of the Summer

1-The Truth about Down Syndrome.
This is a terrific piece that reminds us that happiness isn't always as we conventionally see it. For individuals with DS and their families, the challenges are many, but the rewards are greater than most of us may realize.

2-End the Tyranny of 24/7 Email.
Just yesterday, I was writing about the toxicity of smart phones and what they've done (er, what we've allowed them to do) to every facet of our lives. This very good article shows how some very big companies have decided to take action and give their employees a "mandatory" break from email, the tool that prevents us from getting anything done. I've taken to shutting off my work email when I leave the office (shhhh) and not looking again until the next morning. And, guess what? The sky hasn't fallen and I haven't lost my job. I'm less agitated; enjoy my evenings more; and sleep better. Give it a try. If your boss or CEO needs to reach you, there's always texting. or Facebook messenger.

3-http://itstartswith.com/2012/07/how-to-live/
I discovered the web site itstartswith.com last night and loved the first article I read. It's a somewhat meandering riff on how to live your best life. Hold hands. Say hello. Build things. And many more. It got me to thinking (yet again) about how I want to live my days. As I learn (and forget) and learn again, it's about mindfulness, awareness, presence.

Ok, off to the gym to lift heavy shit and then my first visit to Governors Island. Book, crossword (and yes, that damn smart phone) in hand.

Bring it on.

Todd's Must Reads of the Day

1-Is Everyone a Little Bit Racist? Nicholas Krisof speaks an often unspoken truth. How many of us (white people) have black friends? How many of us ignore a young black male asking us for directions, while not hesitating at all to offer help to a white male of the same age? http://alturl.com/ubwqe

2-Plugged in Over Preppy. Over the past year, I've become absolutely convinced that smart phones are hurting us in so many ways. We don't communicate directly; we don't see what's around us; and, as this article in today's NYT says, we don't even care about what clothes we wear anymore, at least teens don't. For them, I-phones and the myriad accoutrements that are available with them are now more important to teens than tight jeans.http://alturl.com/vgrio

3-A 9-Year Old at a Shooting Range. No Words. http://alturl.com/5kztu