From past to present, a message to graduates
In the spirit of celebrating graduation season, here's what I said to 2021 graduates in hopes it might be of value to the Class of 2026.
Ben Here. Saw That.
Missives, musings, reporting, and recommended reading/viewing/listening by a journalist working in a think tank world.
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Latest episodes
'What started as a concern over population decline has evolved into a vision for renewal...'
Changing the narrative when it comes to population decline
Critical Lifeline Gets Support
A local-level response to a nationwide problem worth paying attention to.
From the 'Streets Of Minneapolis' to the heart of Pittsburgh -- Recommended Listening, Viewing
Two powerful songs -- one a timely original, the other a timely rendition -- worth giving a listen to.
Recommended Reading, (Re)Connecting
It's been loud out there and quiet over here... Here's to re-engaging in hopes of changing things.
Small city, big idea
The U.S.'s eastern-most city plans to build up its airport -- a look at why it matters, why we should care.
The Fifth of December: A new reason to celebrate the day
Cheers and congrats to our friends in South Carolina!
On the Future of the American City, the Rise of the 'Meta City', and the Geography of Innovation
Are cities dying? What's a 'Meta City'? How is the geography of innovation evolving?
On the passing, and legacy, of the Rev. Charles Brock
It is easy to lose sight of the inevitability of death when we are in the presence of someone so full of life and living life so fully.
On Civic Engagement in Action
Answering a question I recently posed.
On 'Going Far by Going Together'
A look at the power of partnership playing out at the local level.
'Think Globally, Learn Locally'
'...Not just to have 'something for everyone' but to excite everyone about something...' Or, in other words: Civic Engagement.
On Civic Engagement and Philanthropy
The power of bringing residents together and turning ideas into action
'Can't pour from an empty cup'
An update on how life can change in an instant, how ours did on Aug. 11, and how change, as the cliché goes, is the only constant, but we're refilling the cups.
Tuesday, Aug. 8 is a Day to Give
The Erie Community Foundation's Erie Gives Day happens today, and is already in full swing with time left to give.
Sharing a Poem and a Song on an Occasion
Reflecting on my dad's passing six years ago with 'Canaries in the Coal Mine,' and 'Heart of Gold.'
Recommended Reading: On 'Ambulance Deserts', and America's Loneliness Problem
If we know social isolation is killing us, what can we do? And how can we address our nation's emergency response ecosystem?
Shout-Out: Roundup
Woodworking with Tom Bodett, a New Threat to Global Food Security, a Public-Private Partnership Leading to a New State Park, and 40 (more) Reasons to Cheer.
Transatlantic Idea-Sharing Can Lead to Just Economic Future
Exploring Germany's Approach to 'Structural Change' and How US Stands to Learn, Teach
On the Other Side of the Questions
Tune in to the 'We Are Here' podcast