Parents, Have You Done Your Chores Today?

I'm guessing a study would show: kids who are put on punishment for bad behavior are less likely to end up behind bars. That's because thinking twice is the kind of learned behavior best embedded in childhood.

I'm also guessing a study would show: kids who have chores are more likely to have better work habits--as well as better housekeeping habits--as adults. What's more, they make better roommates!

And I bet a study would show: kids who do charity work are more likely to be giving, compassionate adults. And make better spouses!

Need more proof? Check out the Best Reality Show About Raising Kids.

Black Man Declares Love for America

This is the greatest country on earth. The best democracy. The most freedom. America is the greatest place in the entire universe!

That's what I've heard from the mouths of white people my whole life. That's what I read in school books. That's what I hear in the national anthem. That's what I see on television and in the movies.

All my life, the assumption that America is the Greatest Country Ever has permeated my world as if it were another element in the air we breath.

Now I get it! All those white people were right!

How to Survive Voice Mail Hell

One simple tweak of your voice mail system could help change the world.

How much collective time could we all save without having to wait for an automated voice constantly telling us:

"To leave a voice mail, press one, or just wait for the tone, or just..."

Save yourself and everyone who calls you the pain and misery of voice mail hell.

How? Find out in We Interrupt This Interruption!, a humorous take on our modern mobile world that could be subtitled: How to Survive in a World Where the Cell Phone Is Always Ringing.

Trikking with Trikke Europe

Do what you love and fulfillment will follow, so says what amounts to an urban legend, allegedly spoken by the wisest among us. Lately I'm starting to think: they might be onto something.

I love trikking and a whole lotta fulfillment has followed.

First, the joyride of the 21st century whipped my body into the best shape of my life (as I approach age 50!).

Then joy came from being part of the group rides on the So Cal Trikke Circuit, where I’m able to meet and commune with my fellow Trikke nuts.

Next came the joy of creation with my good friend Jeri Thompson. For Jeri and I, it was love at first Trikke, er, sight.

I fell in love with the three-wheel wonder upon seeing an infomercial. Jeri fell in love with the three-wheel wonder upon seeing my first Trikke.

Our first creation was Long Beach Trikkers, the local club responsible for the Labor Day Ride of Long Beach and the MLK, Jr. Trikke Ride, co-sponsored by SouthBay Trikke, the local dealer we rely on like a good mechanic.

Then we gave birth to TrikkeWorld Magazine, to chronicle the carving revolution we love being part of. True to urban legend form, more fulfillment has followed.