Some rational thoughts on the root causes of the recent shootings in California and how removing guns will NEVER fix the mental instability behind the trigger.

Here's another share from one of the modern founders of public relations and social psychology Edward Bernays from his 1942 essay entitled, "The Marketing of National Policies: A Study of War Propaganda." Key propaganda strategies are discussed--basically the playbook for how to win wars and how to break down the enemies psychologically and socially. Pay attention...because history can and will repeat to those who are ignorant.

I just got back from the winter track & XC coaching clinic for the state of Oklahoma. What a great experience to be around coaches who have been coaching 30-50+ years. Here are a few thoughts and some great quotation shares from some veteran coaches this weekend here in Oklahoma USA.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are in the news this week for new updates on the growing problem of childhood obesity along with new treatment guidelines. This is a very critical show of what we are being led to believe and how these guidelines and strategies will never provide root-cause solutions to our failing health in youth and adults. They are recommending "early and intensive" treatment and interventions without ever mentioning PHYSICAL EDUCATION! Are you kidding me? Fasten your seat belts because I have a lot to say on this one. Wear a mask too because what we are being told--smells like #@!$!

*Language Disclaimer-While this show is about children, it is not suitable for children.
Photo Credit: Ron Jones

I taught my hardest PE lesson of the year this week to my elementary school students--the kettlebell deadlift. Here's how and why I taught this fundamental strength movement along with the psychology behind it. Strength matters. Moving well matters. Let's roll.
*Photo: Ron Jones

I took some time last night on a crisp evening to sit on my gazebo by a little fire. I had time to reflect on how life is like music where the music is not the actual notes themselves but the "space" between the notes. It's been written that many new ideas can come from just sitting around to think--as well as some rejuvenation too. Here are some random thoughts on sitting by a fire...or sitting around quietly in some other kinds of spaces...

*Photo by Ron Jones

I started reading "The Phantom Public" by Walter Lippmann (1925). In just the first few pages--I was stunned by the quality of his writing...he was truly a wordsmith and a gifted journalist. I've shared just a few passages in hopes to encourage good writing and quality communication.

*Photo by Ron Jones

In the latest round of fragility and triggering topics, apparently worksite health initiatives that promote excess body fat reduction are triggering and cruel to those obese or morbidly obese. The youngsters on the forefront of the complaint side of fat are telling us that being obese has no bearing on health and that they are just as productive as any other employee. FALSE. After 15 years in corporate wellness at a very high level, here are some insights based on my work with hundreds of overweight and obese clients.
*Music Credit: "Line of Fire" by Stanley Jay Tucker

"Affirm the truth. Scratch the lie." -Edward Bernays (1940)

Edward Bernays wrote an important essay in 1940 at the onset of WWII entitled, "Speak Up For Democracy: A Program Outlined for Patriots...Group Leaders...Believers in America." Bernays was the father of the modern public relations industry and was known for the development of modern propaganda methods. Bernays was also one of the most influential people of the last 100 years, and many of his writings are still used as a basis for modern PR campaigns.

In this segment, I go over a section from the above essay where Bernays lays out eight common criticisms of democracy and then answers each with a rebuttal. These are true words of wisdom, and many of the issues Bernays warned about the last century are in fact happening right NOW.

Reference: "The Edward Bernays Reader: From Propaganda To The Engineering Of Consent" introduced by Nancy Snow.
Graphic Credit: "Communist Security" Security Education Poster by the US National Security Agency (Circa 1950s-1970s)

"It is part of our democratic American heritage to abhor censorship." -Edward Bernays (1938)

Edward Bernays wrote an important essay in 1938 entitled, "Public Education for Democracy." Bernays was the father of the modern public relations industry and was known for the development of modern propaganda methods. Bernays was also one of the most influential people of the last 100 years, and many of his writings are still used as a basis for modern PR campaigns.

In this show, I offer a review of the above essay as Bernays underscores the importance of teaching people about democracy so that they can learn to appreciate its benefits and expose how Bernays cautions us about letting democracy slip away along with our freedoms and mobility.

Reference: "The Edward Bernays Reader: From Propaganda To The Engineering Of Consent" introduced by Nancy Snow.
Photo Credit: "Sussex Avenue School Classroom" courtesy of Newark Public Library (1957)