To call it memorable would not to it justice.

To call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience wouldn’t do the trick either.

Spending the day with Gloria Steinem is almost too big for words and even harder to capture on paper.

And perhaps that’s the beauty of this legend, this indefatigable champion…this enigmatic force. Hearing Steinem speak at the YWCA luncheon was magical (and to witness a crowd of some 850 people give her a standing ovation before she even opened her mouth was epic!) but to then have the honor of sitting right next to her in our Earth2World studio, conducting the 1-on-1 interview with a small audience on board…well, suffice it to say: it was the most impactful moment in my 30+ years in the broadcast business. And what struck me the most was not how wicked smart she is….how fiercely devoted she is and will always be to the women’s movement…or how she remains involved in the battle with tireless dedication. Yes, those elements of Gloria Steinem were evident every time she eloquently made a point or touched on an issue. But what really touched me about this brilliant, brave, and courageous woman was how deeply engaged and genuinely approachable she was. Steinem made it a point to make sure that we had set enough time aside for the studio audience to ask questions because, as she said, ‘I want to learn from all of you, I want to hear your stories.’  And she meant it. Boy, did she mean it. 

Every question was met with respect, dignity, and a thoughtful answer after reflective consideration and deliberation. Every single one. You could just feel this undeniable connection, collaboration and energy in that room---activism at work. Activism, compliments of the Gloria Steinem effect.

Over the course of an hour, she had us laughing, furiously writing down some of her thoughts and musings, and feeling valued and included. Valued and included.   Gloria Steinem has not forgotten the value of being human. This icon (a label which she pooh-poohs; ‘I don’t like labels’) left a deeply personal touch on me that I will never forget and will always treasure and draw from. In this world of chest-beating, ‘look at me’ theatrics, here is one of the most revered, relevant, ground-breaking Americans of all time…generously giving of herself, her time, and her energy.  Witnessing that interaction between Gloria and the Earth2World studio audience was pure magic.

And my dream day was just getting started

Steinem graciously agreed to have dinner with a few of us from Earth2World and the YWCA and then I got to take her to the airport! There we were, just the two of us, heading to PDX. Casually chatting as if we’d been friends for years! I pulled up to the curb, dropped her off, thanked her and nearly died when she gave me a hug. Too good.

I couldn’t wait to get home to tell you about my favorite Gloria Steinem moment and now I would love to hear yours.  Click on this link for a rare opportunity to check out the 'unedited' version of my interview with Gloria. 

I was recently driving through some back highways of the beautiful state of Iowa...the fields were humming with combines, tractors and huge trucks. I have traversed these ribbons of roadway hundreds of times and on this particular day I was thinking about a small, intimate golf course near Logan, a 9-hole gem that is popular with the locals and passers-by, too. 

Years ago, my dad had pointed out that very course, telling me that it was one of his favorites and not just because of the forgiving par 3's and lack of water hazards. I pressed him for more details and he said he really admired the course's 'honor system' and how seamlessly it worked with the golfers.  'You'd make your way up to the 1st tee and there was a box for your greens fees. There was a price for 9 holes and one for 18. Put your money through the slot and you were good to go.'  I asked him if he ever saw anyone just walk past the box and play for free. 'Well,' he replied, 'I've only played the course a few times but I never saw anything like that. That box was always full of cash. People knew to do the right thing'  

I kept after him (after all, I was all of about 9 or 10): 'What do you mean, 'the right thing'?'

'Well, it's really pretty simple. You have a choice to act in a way that is right, that is honorable, that isn't hurtful. And you answer only to yourself when you make that choice. Life is all about your own personal 'honor system' and it sure tells a fella a lot about himself'

Looking back, it was one of many Atticus Finch/Scout moments that I had with my dad. Little, personal life-lessons that I would dust off years later to admire and learn from.

The honor system. Doing the 'right thing'. 

Is it still possible in our frenetic world, where deals and dollars have taken over our personal landscapes?  That doesn't sound simple at all, Dad!

So I now wrestle with his so-called 'honor system'. I have challenged myself to quietly, pointedly look inward and see if I would always, not occasionally, do the 'right thing'. Make the 'right choice'.  Without conditions or motive. I'm still not sure how I will grade out but I am quite sure that my increased awareness and soul searching ensures better results in this day-to-day challenge.

And I like my chances to grade out with high marks as I like a good challenge

Do you?

I don't have children but if I did, and they had extracurricular aspirations, i would want them under the tutelage of Mr Bill Buldini. Never heard of him? Me neither, until today, when I read about his recent suspension from an Orlando-area high school. His crime? Well, it seems that Buldini, head football coach of St Cloud High, allowed one of his homeless players to move in with him and that is a direct violation of the rules and regulations put forth by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

I guess that sort of compassion works in the movies ('The Blind Side') but clearly in Buldini's 'real world', he stepped over the line.  As John McEnroe would bellow: 'YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!"  

Bill Buldini apologized for the distraction and for not being up front with the St Cloud administration.

Sorry Coach, apology not accepted as it is certainly not necessary.

What you did was selfless, kind, and honorable. What you did was give your team one of the most remarkable 'teaching moments' of their young lives. And one that they will draw from for a long, long time. You were aware of a young man who was hurting, alone and scared and gave him safety, security and comfort.  Yes, the specifics of the FHSAA guideline are there for a reason and I'm sure there are all kinds of legal ramifications for 'housing' one of your players. That said, you're my kind of guy and your players are lucky to have you in their corner. 

For the record, Buldini has been reinstated and will be on the sidelines for tonight's game vs Evans. For the first time in my life I will be checking a Florida high school football score, pulling for Buldini's Bulldogs, and hoping that every one of his players has a safe home to go to when it's all said and done. 

And I will raise a glass to Bill Buldini.