President Obama and ASU

I watched President Obama give the commencement address to the graduating class of 2009 last night. Was that the greatest speech ever? The ideas were wonderful, but probably not something that hasn't been uttered before to a graduating class.
No, what was great was that he addressed head on the thought that was on every one's mind [that ASU had refused to honor him with an honorary degree] and made it into the theme of his speech, turning it into the most positive, most eloquent, and most gracious speech I have heard in a long time. The crux of it was that we are never "finished', that we must always strive to do more, to be better individuals, and to leave a lasting legacy.
I felt proud, inspired, and happy to be able to call this man our leader.

Kiva.org

Many years ago, I read Gail Sheehy's Passages , a book that profoundly affected me. I was in the beginning stages of the groups she covered in her book and I wondered if life would evolve for me as it had for the people she studied. So far, she is right 100%. I have now thankfully evolved from a self-centered young person into [I hope] a more centered, more accepting, more involved, more peaceful older person.
It actually gives me plessure to reach out.
If you find yourself in the same place, I urge you to check out Kiva. I first heard of Kiva when I read Bill Clinton's book Giving. Kiva is an organization that lends money to entrepreneurs - with micro loans- all over the world. That's what's so unique about it. You and I can make a difference in someone's life by just loaning something as little as $25. It's a great example how a bunch of little acts can do great things.