HFK Presents College Programming

The Music of Politics

2012-01-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

It’s happened again! Another Presidential candidate has decided that they will use the intellectual property of someone else to further their cause… without asking!!

Of course all of the hub bub the past couple of days has been about the Republican candidate for president, Newt Gingrich, and his use of the Survivor song “Eye of the Tiger” for use at political rallies.

Newt is in good company. Along with a handful of candidates this political cycle who have decided to use songs without not only the master use rights from the record company, or the synchronization rights from the song’s publisher…they never even asked the artist if they could use their song…much be associated with their campaigns!!!

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Of course, this is nothing new. In 2010, John McCain got himself into trouble using the Jackson Browne song “Running on Empty” without permission. Sarah Palin decided to do the same in 2008 using Heart’s “Barracuda”. Ronald Reagan decided Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A” best personified his 1984 Presidential campaign. Obviously, he not only neglected to ask for permission, but I tend to think he neglected to listen to the lyrics! Probably not something the Gipper would have wanted in people’s minds when they thought Reagan ’84!!

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While I may not have memories that go back that far, why don’t these candidates, as long as they are so fond of “borrowing” ideas, take a page from history and have their OWN song written for them. In 1952, the “I Like Ike” song helped Eisenhower win the election. JFK’s 1960 “Kennedy” song also proved to be successful. Candidates didn’t always hit it out of the park with their campaign ditties. Barry Goldwater’s “Go Go Goldwater” campaign song in 1964 probably didn’t go as he would have wished. Richard Nixon’s “Nixon Now” is good for a few giggles in today’s political climate.

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Politicians should take note. If you use someone else’s song without permission, you will pay the price one way or another. Here's an idea...you say you want to bring jobs to Americans. I know plenty of American English and Music majors in American colleges who aren't getting jobs when they graduate. This has the potential to be a win win situation!! Spend the money you will have to pay getting busted for using someone else’s song, and have a brand new campaign song written just for YOU by a talented educated American college student!

So Long 2011, Hello 2012!

2011-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

Rather than bemoan the fact that this New Year's Eve brings with it (once again) an economy that leaves a lot to be desired, unemployment, clowns running for office, etc., I thought I would be fun (remember fun?) to look at the reasons why we have certain traditions on New Year's Eve. Some of them are very interesting.

January 1

The date of our new year in terms of time, is relatively new. Up until the time of Julius Caesar, the new year began on March 1. The January 1 date coincided with the date that the Roman governmental figures and new consuls were inducted into office. The occasion also brought with it games and partying. Caesar decided to change the date to January to honor the god Janus--the god of all beginnings and the gatekeeper of heaven and earth. This god was also depicted with two faces. This was rather apropos for New Years. One face looking back at the past, the other looking forward to the future.

When emperor Constantine came along and with him Christianity, he decided to keep the date January 1, as opposed to returning it to March 1. He decided to take it from a day of festivals and merriment, and make it a day of fasting and prayer--a chance for Christians to turn over a new leaf.

However, even as late as 1582, Great Britian and the English colonies in America kept March for the beginning of the year. Perhaps they felt that spring was a better beginning. It wasn't until 1752 that Britain and it's colonies adopted the new Gregorian calendar and January 1 as the beginning of the year. Many Puritans in New England felt the Roman god Janus was a pagan god and chose to ignore January 1 as a New Years Day. Instead they just made the entire month of January as "The First Month" of the months.

Father Time
This symbol of the new year once again has roots in Greek and Roman Mythology. The Greek god Cronus, known to the Romans as Saturn, god of agriculture, is thought to be the source of the image of the bearded, scythe-carrying old man known as Father Time. Saturn is typically associated with the sowing of seeds and the tilling of the soil.

The ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a week-long harvest festival in December, to honor Saturn, and this festival has in many ways influenced Christian tradition. In A.D. 354, when Pope Liberius ordered that Dec. 25 be observed as the birthday of Christ, he cited the precedent of Saturnalia, probably hoping the new holiday would divert attention from the pagan revelry. That’s why the images of Father Time and Father Christmas, and the passing of the old year and the coming of the new have all come to be associated with one another over the centuries.

Scholars now believe that the name Cronus is actually pre-Greek and is not etymologically related to chronos, one of several Greek words for time. But the confusion between Cronus and chronos has probably reinforced the scythe-wielding Father Time image.

Auld Lang Syne
"Auld Lang Syne" the title of a Scottish folk song that many English speaking people sing at midnight on New Year's Eve translates roughly to "days gone by" Poet Robert Burns has been credited with transcribing
adapting, and partially rewriting the song in the late 18th century. The lyrics rhetorically ask whether "auld acquaintance" should be forgot have been interpreted as a call to remember friends and events of the past.

Noisemakers
As far back as 335 AD, New Year’s Eve was the night of Holy Sylvester, the Pope who converted the Roman Emperor Constantine to Christianity. After the Emperor’s conversion, pagan gods fell from favor but fought back through the souls of the living. The people protected themselves from their return during the darkness of New Year’s Eve by wandering the streets shouting to strangers, frolicking with noisemakers, and generally acting foolish, a custom that resurfaces every New Year’s Eve. Sound familiar??

Resolutions
Once again, this goes back to Roman times. ancient Romans. They took it upon themselves to indulge in alcoholic and sexual excess as a way of acting out all the chaos that they hoped a new year would get rid of. They reasoned that the New Year's festival was a way to start over. By purging yourself of all this so-called excess energy and confessing your sins, there was a hope that you would be much better in the year ahead.

As time went on, the Puritans never did approve of this merriment at the New Year. They instead celebrated the date as a time of religious renewal of cleansing, purging, and fasting. They encouraged young people not to waste the new year on foolish things but to use it as an opportunity to make a good change in their lives for the good. They in turn also made New Year's vows or pledges focused on overcoming their own weaknesses and to enhance their god-given talents and to make them better citizens to others.

The popular idea of making New Year's Resolutions began during the 20th century. It was mostly done tongue in cheek with an understanding that they would not be kept--seriously, how many resolutions have you kept over the years?

The resolutions today are a secular version of the religious vows people made in the past toward spiritual perfection. They are often made with good intentions and broken with a sense of humor and renewed annually.

Champagne
One theory for the consumption of champagne on New Years Eve is that the correct way to open the bottle, by popping the cork, sounds very much like a starter's pistol...a new beginning. Just a theory, but it makes sense!

As we all look with OPTIMISM toward 2012, let's hope it brings with it all of the good things we hope for and aspire to in the coming year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Spirit of St. Nicholas--Week 4

2011-12-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

St. Nicholas of Myra became a saint because of the miracles he performed. He continues to perform miracles today in the form of the goodwill that seems to permeate the world at Christmas. People who might not get along at any other time of year, or people who might walk by a homeless person without a thought at Christmas time take the time to say a kind word, or give some money with a message of encouragement. That is truly the miracle of Christmas.

There are many other celebrations of St. Nicholas and Christmas throughout the world. In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas happens in the summer!

In South America, the presepio, or nativity plays a very important part in the celebrations. The presepio is part of a series of novenas, public gatherings of worship in the form of prayer, hymns, and religious poetry usually in a nine-day period or morning church services, or re-enactment plays and pageants of the nativity scenes recalling the journey of the Holy Family to Bethlehem under the guidance of a star and angels

In South Africa, the most important part of their Christmas worship service is the love offering, this is the gift in honor of Jesus. Then at about 8 or 9 o'clock everyone makes their way to the celebration of the birthday of Jesus. Everyone who attends the service goes forward to lay down their gift upon the raised platform near the Communion table. Not one person will attend the service without giving a gift.

No matter where in the world St. Nicholas travels, it is important to remember through all of the presents, music, and food that make the holiday season so festive, that he wants us all to look out for the other person, show some kindness, and as he told the man whose daughters received the bags of gold for their dowries—if you want to make me happy, do good deeds for others expecting nothing in return, and you will be rewarded tenfold. Merry Christmas!

The Spirit of St. Nicholas--Week 3

2011-12-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

How did the legend of St. Nicholas come to the New World or the United States? . This had a great deal to do with the Dutch settlers who came to this country in the 17^th century.

When these settlers came to the New World, their lead ship had a figure head, or statue, on the front of the ship, of St. Nicholas, or as the Dutch called him, Sinter Klaas, the patron saint of sailors, to guarantee safe passage. When the Dutch arrived in the New World, they gave thanks to the Patron Saint of Sailors for their safe arrival.

St. Nicholas’ influence continued far beyond that of the safe arrival of ships. As retold in Washington Irving’s famous book DiedriechKnickerbocker: An History of New York City from the Beginning of the World tothe End of the Dutch Dynasty Oloffe Van Kortland, a member of the Dutch development council, was asked to choose a site for the new city. Van Kortland went in search of an appropriate area and promptly fell asleep in the woods. He awoke when he heard the sound of sleigh bells. He looked up in the sky and saw a miniature sleigh pulled by reindeer above the treetops. Soon it landed in a clearing and out of the sleigh hopped Sinter Klaas. He came to Van Kortland and said he would assist him in finding the ideal location to establish what would become the greatest city in the New World.

Sinter Klaas gave Van Kortland very specific instructions. I will take drag of my pipe, and blow the smoke into the air. You are to follow that smoke until it settles on the ground. Where that smoke settles, I want you to establish the city of New Amsterdam. Van Kortland followed Sinter Klaas’ instructions exactly.

When all was said and done, New Amsterdam was established, and became one of the busier cities in the New World. As thanks to Sinter Klaas for help in establishing the city of New Amsterdam, the people of the city made St. Nicholas the patron saint of the city.

Eventually, people of many countries came to New Amsterdam. Many of them were British. They eventually became the leaders of the town and on June 12^th, 1665. New Amsterdam was renamed New York in honor of the King of England’s brother, the Duke of York. The British did not however, change their patron saint. St. Nicholas remains to this very day the patron saint of New York City. To date, there are six churches of various denominations dedicated to St. Nicholas in the city of New York. One of them, The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas (Reformed Church in

America

) can trace its roots back to the original St. Nicholas Church established by the Dutch in New Amsterdam.

Time passed, and more and more immigrants came from

England

to New York City. The English did not speak Dutch, so rather than call St. Nicholas Sinter Klaas; they began to call him Santa Claus. In 1822, Clement C. Moore wrote a poem for his children about a Christmas visit from St. Nicholas. In this poem, he talked about a jolly old elf that came down the chimney and filled the children’s stockings.

Many of Mr. Moore’s friends asked for copies of his poem and in 1823, one of these friends published the poem anonymously in the Troy, New York Sentinel. It later became popularly known by its first line “T’was the night BeforeChristmas”.

As more immigrants came to

America

, they brought with them their traditions of St. Nicholas. Decorating Christmas trees, hanging of stockings and the giving of gifts are all traditions brought from the celebrations of St. Nicholas throughout Europe.

All of the wonderful celebrations are still celebrated to this day. Many children put out their shoes on December 5^th for St. Nicholas Day. Many oldest daughters adorned in white gowns and candle lit wreaths bring their parents breakfast on December 13th for St. Lucia Day.

The main holiday for many people is the birth date of Jesus on December 25^thChristmas Day. There are others that celebrate the coming of the Magi, or the Epiphany on January 6^th.

It doesn't really matter when you celebrate; all of these wonderful feasts celebrate the Christmas Season.

To hear more of the stories of St. Nicholas, check out Nicholas Comes to America, the Story of Santa Claus. There is still time to order in time for Christmas delivery!

www.hfkpresents.com

The Spirit of St. Nicholas--Week 2

2011-12-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

We continue our journey to the big day, Christmas Day!! This week we celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas. Many set out their shoes in hopes of getting a small treat or two to help them in their long wait for the main event. Candy canes, books, decorative pencils, Christmas sox have all graced the shoes of children in our family. What do you do to celebrate the day?

There are many special stories of St. Nicholas that remind me of the importance of giving to others at this time of year. One of the most famous examples of Nicholas’ good deeds was how he secretly helped a man and his three daughters. There was a man in town, who had fallen on hard times, and had lost his wife. He raised his three daughters on his own.

When the oldest daughter wanted to get married, the man had no money to give as a dowry. He thought if he sold her into slavery, he could use the money as dowries for the other daughters when they wanted to get married. Nicholas found out about the poor man’s situation, and the night before she was about to be sold, he took some of his own money that was left to him by his parents, wrapped it into a ball in his handkerchief, snuck out to the man’s house in the dark of night when no one could see him, and threw the money into the window.

The next morning the man woke up, found the money, and was about to use it for his daughter’s dowry and wedding. She was not sold into slavery. The man was so happy for the gift, that he asked everyone in the town who had done this wondrous deed, so he could thank that person. No one knew who had done it, so the man didn’t know who to thank.

Time went by, and the man’s second daughter wanted to get married. He was still down on his luck. He has no money. Again he thought if he sold his second daughter into slavery, he would have money for his third daughter’s dowry. Nicholas heard of the poor man’s situation. The night before she was about to be sold into slavery, he again took some of his own money, put it into his handkerchief, tied it into a ball, sneaked out to the man’s house in the dead of night, and threw the money into the window, making sure he was not seen by anyone.

The next morning, the man woke up, found the money, and was again able to save his second daughter from slavery and pay for her wedding and dowry. Once again he asked around town, and no one would take credit for helping the man with his financial difficulties. Unfortunately, the man continued to suffer hard times, and when it came time for the third daughter to marry, he again had no money. He thought if he sold this daughter into slavery, at least she would be taken care of. The night before she was about to be sold, Nicholas again came with his handkerchief full of money. Carefully he crept up to the house. Just before he threw the money into the window, the man jumped out of the shadows, grabbed his arm, and said “Bishop Nicholas, is it you who has saved my children from slavery?” Bishop Nicholas admitted that it was he who had thrown the money into the window. The man was so grateful; he wanted the world to know of Nicholas’ wondrous deeds. However, Nicholas said that if he really wanted to make him happy, keep this as their little secret, and instead do good deeds for others, expecting nothing in return. Nicholas said that this would make both him and Jesus very happy. He told the man that if he did this, he would be rewarded tenfold. However, when the time is right, I will allow you to tell people what I have done for you. This is how Nicholas came to be known as the giver of gifts, and the protector of children--someone who leaves gifts in the middle of the night, unseen by children, expecting nothing in return. That is how his legend began.

How can we give anonymously this season expecting nothing in return? Have you seen the red kettles of the Salvation Army outside of you favorite store? Give generously to this wonderful organization, and you will be rewarded ten fold. Enjoy this short segment of a classic holiday movie that shows the sentiment of the season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoekfgmbe-o

The Spirit of St. Nicholas--Week 1

2011-11-28T13:39:00.000-08:00

It is finally here—the holiday season with all of its shopping, parties and hoopla. This year, let’s take a few moments during the season to remember the spirit of St. Nicholas.

There are many inspiring stories of the patron saint of children. The following is one of those stories. It rings true even today. Many people are in need. Many of those in need are in need for the first time in their lives. Let’s try to do something as Nicholas would have—without expecting anything in return.

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During a famine in Myra, Bishop Nicholas worked hard to find grain to feed his people. He learned that cargo ships bound for Alexandria with cargos of wheat were to anchor in Myra’s harbor, Andriaki. The bishop asked the captain of the ship to please sell some of the grain from each of the ships to feed his people and relieve their suffering. The captain said he could not because the cargo was meted and measured. In other words, the cargo has already been accounted for at the beginning of the voyage, and he was responsible for having the same amount of cargo at the end of the voyage. If he did not have the same amount of cargo, he would be responsible for the shortage. Nicholas assured the captain that there would be no problem with the grain when it was delivered. Reluctantly, the captain finally agreed to take 100 bushels of grain from each of the ships. The grain was unloaded, and the ships continued on their voyage to Alexandria.

When the ships arrived at their destination, and the grain was unloaded, it was weighed and measured, and weighed exactly the same as when it was put on board. As the story was retold, the emperor’s ministers worshiped and praised God with thanksgiving for God’s faithful servant, Nicholas.

Back in Myra, Saint Nicholas distributed the grain to everyone in need, and no one was left hungry. The grain lasted for two years until the famine ended. There was even enough grain to provide seed for a good harvest.

Do we help others to make sure they have enough seed to provide a good harvest? Do we give them a moment in a day to see the goodness in ourselves?

Chicago’s ABC 7 has joined forces with Dominicks again this year for their annual Holiday Food Drive. The drive benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank.

This would be a great way to help others in a way that St. Nicholas did, without expecting anything in return.

The spirit of St. Nicholas need not be a big thing. Check back daily for ideas great and small to spread “The Spirit of St. Nicholas” to others this season.

The View From the Voting Booth

2011-10-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

The 2012 election season is starting to heat up. Will you be casting a vote in the presidential election for the first time? How will you decide who will get that very important first vote? What issues are important to you? Does it matter how your candidate is viewed?

How my candidate is viewed, you may ask? Why should that matter? So many questions…so many things to keep in mind when making the decision of whose name to touch on the ‘ol touch screen on Election Day.

The issues that matter are very personal indeed-- and these days, they are as complicated and varied as the number of votes to be cast. Issues involving the economy, war, equal rights, unemployment, all matter in the upcoming election.

One issue that has come up during the current election cycle is how a candidate is viewed by their would-be constitutes. We want our next president to be intelligent, but not too bookish, tough, but compassionate. Lately, an anti-elite sentiment has taken over. We want a “regular guy or gal” who can get this country back on track-- BUT--we have to remember to be sure we still get the guy or gal with the “right stuff”. We must listen to what they are saying and even read between the lines of the stump speeches to be sure they have the wisdom AND compassion to lead. We DON’T want to wind up with someone like Kevin from the Office who said “When me President, they see.”

Therefore the question bears asking, do we want a truly “common man”? Do we want Joe or Suzy down the block to be in charge of the complex issues involved in running our country? Are we so arrogant as to think that we want the president of our country to be our intellectual equal, or might we want someone with a bit more up in the old cabeza?

In an effort to be non partisan, I will try to walk that ever increasingly narrow “middle road”, and look back at an example of a president who tried to be for the common man, while at the same time, lived a life of privilege.

One good example is from the Roosevelt dynasty… old TR, Theodore Roosevelt himself. Born of privilege, this son of a wealthy philanthropist and grandson of a wealthy southern plantation owner, TR spent his life and presidency looking out for the common man.

Educated at Harvard University, Roosevelt initially wanted to become a natural scientist. However, he later became interested in politics and after he graduated from Harvard, he attended Columbia Law School. From there he entered the New York State General Assembly, and eventually the Presidency of the

United States

. It was during his presidency that TR began the work that would have him seen as a progressive reformer with democratic appeal.

How did he do this? Despite the fact he was wealthy and invested heavily in the companies of the barons of industry at the time, Roosevelt became known as a “trust buster” because he broke up the trusts or monopolies in industries such as the railroads, and oil industries by taking them to court to prove the monopolies were illegal.

The captains of these industries were in shock over TR’s actions. This meant person income loss for Roosevelt, a significant shareholder in these industries. He lost personal gains for the benefit of the common man.

Theodore Roosevelt also developed policy known as the "square deal", which stated that no one-- rich or poor-- would benefit or get special treatment from his administration. This was important because in the past, the people with the ear of the president, more often than not were the wealthy. This proved to be the first time an administration looked at the plight of the worker as opposed to management. A result of this policy was the reduction of working hours and safer working conditions for laborers.

Teddy also knew that education was the pathway out of poverty. He also knew the importance of a college education. An advocate of exercising the body as well as the brain, Roosevelt knew that a major draw to the college campuses was athletic competition. In 1905, when 18 college athletes died playing football, a movement swept the nation to ban the game. Roosevelt called representatives from Yale, Harvard and Princeton known at that time as the “Big Three”, to the White House to create a set of rules to protect the safety of student athletes. In December of that year, the “Big Three” called a meeting in New York of 13 institutions to change the rules of football. In March 1906, after several meetings with other colleges and universities, they formed what is now known as the NCAA.

As you educate yourself on the candidates for the highest office in the land, contemplate this question. The price of mounting a presidential election these is so astronomical; can a presidential candidate truly be a common man? Or does the fact that he or she needs so much money preclude him or her from that category? Perhaps what we need to look for is a candidate who has the intelligence, and the money to become president, but also has the compassion of working for the everyday Joe. Do you think such a candidate exists?

September 11, 2001

2011-09-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

This week, I join many others in taking a moment to remember all of the people who lost their lives, jobs, and ways of life on September 11, 2001.

As college students today, I know you were very young on that beautiful September morning; however, I will not insult your intelligence and say you were too young to realize what was going on that day. Did you know all of the political ramifications of the events? Perhaps you did not. The one thing I do know is that pain and hurt, grief and fear cross all age boundaries.

You weren’t too young to see the fear or grief in your parent’s faces. You weren’t too young to see the confusion in your teacher’s eyes. You couldn’t escape the pain on TV that day.

The days that followed passed like a never ending funeral dirge. You couldn’t help but see what was happening. The endless funerals of the victims, the replaying of the planes hitting the towers or the towers themselves falling to the ground, it was a never ending nightmare.

While the pain and grief we may have felt as bystanders was NOTHING compared to what the victims or the people of New York felt-- whether you realize it or not, what did change forever was the feeling of peace and security that people who are older than you may have taken for granted. That feeling changed forever. That security is possibly the only thing that you may have been too young to miss. The only life you have ever known includes terror warnings (unknown in our vocabulary before that day), endless TSA screenings, and the sinking feeling on every 9/11 anniversary that a little of all of us died that day.

May we never forget-- may we never relive.

Standing on the Edge

2011-07-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

It’s been a month or two now. You've either graduated from high school, and are busy at Target, or the Container Store getting those necessities for your first taste of living away from home, or you have graduated from college, and perhaps you are still waiting to land that job where you will change the world.

Both “edges” can be pretty daunting. You might be saying, “I can’t WAIT to leave for school and be on my own” or “I can’t wait to start work and make my first million before I’m 30!” Hold it there Buckaroo!! We need to take a minute before we cross over this particular “life threshold”. There’s nothing wrong with blasting off to catch your star. However, these days, you have to be realistic and go into things with eyes wide open.

College Bound Student

Believe it or not, the "average joe" didn't attend college until about the mid 20th century. It was something for the wealthy. After WWII, the G.I Bill helped to finance countless soldiers returning home after the war. Gradually, more and more people began to attend institutions of higher learning.

That being said... okay, freshman, before you fall headfirst into your first keg, settle yourself down. Let’s organize ourselves. I would be remiss if I didn’t give you this tip. Make sure your dorm has been decorated with safety in mind. No doubt mom or dad, or even the college has recommended that you get some sort of strong box for your valuables. The Bureau of Labor Statistics study from October of 2010 says that 68.1 of high school graduates were enrolled in college. People wondering in and out of dorms during the “party of the century” are really strangers—and there are a lot of them-- be aware!

Also, you aren’t invincible. Please be aware of your surroundings, and stay safe. It might also be a good idea if you at least tried to eat better than I know you will. Don’t let all of the work mom or dad have done over the past 17 or 18 years go to pot during the first semester of freshman year!

Colleges and Universities host many “getting to know you” activities. They are a great way to get to know people, and see just how you will fit in at the college or university that will be your home for the next four, five…anyway, they will help you to fit in, but we all know the real reason you’re there…to get an education.

Organization is key when you want to balance school and fun. It may sound corny, but a calendar with big squares can help you see at a glance where you have to be when, and make sure you don’t over schedule yourself. Also, you’ve heard it since grade school, but don’t leave projects, papers, studying until the last second. You’re a big kid now, and your professors aren’t on you every second to be sure you are keeping up. They don’t care if you decide to blow off a class because it’s nice out, and they don’t look favorably on you texting in the back of the lecture hall. YOU’LL MISS SOMETHING!! Plan your month, week, or day, and you will have time for everything.

Millionaire in the Making

Yep, the economy stinks. Are you still looking for that first job? Are mom and dad starting to get on you? Are your college loan bills coming due soon? Welcome to the world of grown ups!

The best advice? Keep at it. Network, send out those resumes, and hound your college’s career center. Also, while it may sound trite, you may not get your “dream job” right out of the box. If you can get something to keep the bill collectors at bay while you keep your eyes and ears open for something a little better…TAKE IT!!

Maybe you were lucky…VERY lucky, and got a job within weeks of graduation. Get on your knees and thank God because you are among a very small minority, my friend. In this economy know that you need to work hard, and think out of the box. You can’t afford to get cocky. It’s a buyer’s market out there and there is always someone to take your place. The June 2011 jobless rate rose from 9.1 to 9.2. It doesn't look like it will change anytime soon.

Yes, the edge-- it can be a scary place. You are on this precarious perch at a unique time in history. It’s not all bad news. Company’s are hiring. One PA based organization said that it planned on hiring 53 percent more 2011 college graduates than from the previous year. Does it sound confusing? You bet, and you aren't the only one who thinks so. The bottom line remains that keeping at it and trying not to get discouraged is the way to go. We all, regardless of the edge we are on, need to be smarter about how we cross the threshold.

Are You the Next "Greatest Generation"?

2011-06-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t see history as an exercise in memorizing names and dates to regurgitate on a test or paper. I see history as a living breathing series of connections. We are all connected to each other in some way, shape, or form. Most people get this, or there wouldn't be programs like “Who Do You Think You Are”. It’s fascinating to see who our ancestors were and how they muddled through life.

Take it a step farther, and see people as a whole. How did people live and work 20, 40, 60 or 100 years ago? Where did they go for fun? We can also see the flip side of the story. What types of adversity did they have to overcome? How did they make it through?

I am thinking specifically of college students of the Great Depression. I use the example of the great depression because I recently saw a segment on a local morning show where a group of woman aged 90 and above were asked which was worse, the Great Depression, or the “recession” we are now suffering through. All of the women admitted that they thought the “recession” has been worse. Why? One of the main reasons, the women explained, was that during the depression, FDR created the WPA to help give people a leg up. It seemed the government tried to help. I won’t go into all of the reasons why I don’t think Congress could work that magic today.

However, in some ways, college students today are a bit better off than their historical counterparts. MANY students simply didn’t have the money, and there weren’t the plethora of opportunities for scholarship and aid that, while they seem to be steadily dwindling, are still for the most part available today. Back then the average Joe didn’t go to college.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t see politicians of either party coming up with an idea to get us back on the right track. That’s where you come in, gang! Why does it need to be a politician? Yes, I know, it eventually has to go that route for it to help people, but it doesn’t have to start there. Google the WPA, or any of the programs that helped people out back then. Apparently, the major push that got us out of the trouble of the depression was WWII. Well, we know that won’t help-- you only have to take a look at the menu of wars we are involved in today to see that isn’t the solution! (Not that it should be)

Are you capable of becoming the next “Greatest Generation”? I think so. You have so much right at your finger tips! Technology in itself brings you to the rest of the world in ways that even your parents could never have dreamed. I have a feeling that it’s going to take someone slogging through the muck of politics to get us back to basics. One of my favorite acronyms…K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, stupid) explains that quite succinctly. Cut through it, and get it done! Come on…become the next greatest generation!

Planning for the Future

2011-05-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

You made it!! Whether your school is on semesters or trimesters, you are coming to the end of another fun and anxiety filled year. Did you graduate? Congrats! Now you get to join the rest of us in pounding the pavement to find gainful employment. I mean, those loans have to get paid back somehow!

If you are on summer break, you are probably going to begin that all important summer job. Whether it's slinging burgers at your local burger joint, or helping little tykes learn to make tissue paper butterflies at summer camp, these all have a means to an end. Years from now, whether you remember these days with fondness or wince every time they're mentioned your summer job had its place in your life and added a notch or two to your character.

You can also take solace in the fact that you will NOT be defined by the part time job you have in high school or college. Need convincing? Take a look at some of these powerful people and where they started their careers.

General Colin Powell did not start out a diplomat. He started out working in a baby furniture store. He also learned Yiddish because that is what was preferable to his bosses! [source] Financier Warren Buffet started out in his father's grocery store, but worked his way up to a clerk at J.C. Penney.[source]

There are some powerful women who also had humble beginnings. Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright sold bras at Jocelyn's Department Store in Denver the summer between her junior and senior year of high school. [source] Condeleeza Rice gave piano lessons. [source]

So, as you scoop out that ice cream, or mop floors this summer, remember, that this too shall pass, and NO job is too small. All money is green, and it will build the character you will need to take on the important jobs of the future.

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Are You at Loose Ends?

2011-04-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Did you ever look in the mirror in the morning and wonder when in the world you were going to figure out what to do with your life? How many classes have you taken wondering if this was finally going to be the key to unlock your life’s calling? Worse yet, did you enter the hallowed halls of your beloved institution thinking you had it all under control—you were the woman or man with the plan—only to find that the classes in your major, your life’s ambition, made you cringe?!?

DON’T PANIC!! You are not the first to have these doubt and fears, (and you won’t be the last, either). Once again, let’s look to history to find a guy who originally, just couldn’t find his niche.

You all know of Ulysses S. Grant (if not, just humor me before I cry). Commanding General of the Union Army in the Civil War—on the winning side—admired by Abraham Lincoln because he was always moving forward. The man with the plan, right?? Guess again!

Like most kids, little Hiram Ulysses Grant (called Ulysses by his parents) had to deal with his share of neighborhood bullies. The little tykes referred to our future Civil War hero and President as “Useless Grant”. Some of the reasons for this were the fact that, he paid WAY too much for his horse, he could never win any of the childhood games the other kids played—he was a quiet kid who never seemed to succeed at anything!

When it came time to go to college, Grant’s family couldn’t afford to send Hiram to a well known upper echelon school. His father got him an appointment to West Point and basically said “You’re going!” When Hiram was packing his trunk for West Point, he noticed that his initials printed on his trunk were H.U.G. He knew he didn’t need any more problems in his life; much less having the word H-U-G spelled out on his trunk in blazing letters, and switched his name to Ulysses H. Grant.

When Grant got to West Point, he found that he had been register by Congressman Hamer, from Ohio, an old friend of Grant’s father, and the person responsible for submitting the request for Grant’s admission to the Point, as Ulysses S. Grant. Hamer never bothered to find out Grant’s middle name, and simply assumed it was “S” after his mother’s maiden name, Simpson. This episode taught Grant a valuable lesson…learn to pick your fights. So forever more, he was known as Ulysses S. Grant. As it turned out, the name U.S. Grant would serve him well later in life!

Grant didn’t feel he fit in at West Point. The only place he felt comfortable was the library. He enjoyed reading the classics--something that would influence him for the rest of his life. Grant figured he’d finish his schooling, put in the perfunctory military time, and go out and start a business. While he was an excellent horseman, he was NOT a spectacular student. Graduating 21 out of 39 in his class prevented him from joining the cavalry. He joined the 4th Infantry Regiment as a second lieutenant and served as a regimental quartermaster during the Mexican War from 1846-48. After the war, Grant developed a drinking problem which forced him to leave the military in 1854.

Grant tried his hand at farming, real estate, and even peddling firewood for a while. Nothing seemed to work. He finally took a job in his father’s leather goods store in Galena, Illinois.

At the beginning of the Civil War, Grant offered his services to the union Army…and something started to click. He was commissioned as colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteers. Even before he had engaged the Confederate forces, Grant was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general and placed in charge of the District of South-East Missouri.

Things were beginning to happen. Grant continued to rise though he ranks. His daring and bravery led to victories at the Battles of Vicksburg and Chattanooga, as well as at Appomattox. In 1866, he was awarded his fourth star, making him the first full General of the Armies.

After the war, Grant was twice elected to the Presidency from 1869-1877. During his presidency, Grant was responsible for, among other things, the signing the act establishing the first National Park, Yellowstone, in
1872.
After his presidency, Grant settled in New York to write his memoirs. He drew on his love of the classics to formulate his writing style. His memoirs were completed two weeks before his death in 1885. It sold over 300,000 copies, becoming the best selling book in U.S. history, and earning his wife Julia a staggering $500,000.00. Even today in the 21st century, Grant’s work is still considered the most well written memoirs of a U.S. President. Not bad for a kid whose nickname was “Useless”.

So, as you stand before that mirror tomorrow morning, if you still feel you are at loose ends, and can’t seem to figure out your calling in life, don’t panic, don’t give up. Sometimes it takes longer for some people to see where their true talent lies. Sometimes, a little adversity goes a long way to clear away the fog on the mirror to show you the true reflection of your character. You know what…it looks great, you’ll be fine.

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton: Colonial Hotheads

2011-04-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

This story should really be called “How not to overcome adversity”! Did you ever know someone who was intelligent and quick thinking; someone who seemed to have everything in the world going for them, but because of their temper and stubbornness, threw it all down the drain? Take a gander at a list of famous hotheads in history, and you’ll see quite a few familiar characters. You have to wonder about the thought processes of someone who would give it all up because of their petulant personality. Two examples of such dimwitted behavior were Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.

Aaron Burr was born into relative comfort in 1756. His father was Aaron Sr., the second president of Princeton University, and Aaron Jr. graduated from the University at the tender age of 16. He went on to study theology, but eventually changed to law.

In 1776, when the Revolutionary War came calling, Aaron left school to join the fight for independence. He saw action in many battles, and spent that infamous winter at Valley Forge. However, he and General Washington did not always see eye to eye. He wound up having to leave the military in 1779 due to poor health, and went on to become a successful attorney in New York; for a while sharing a practice with his soon- to- be nemesis, Alexander Hamilton.

Eventually, he went into the political arena, but was never really successful. He was often known to change opinions or political parties when it best suited his purposes. This did not please the likes of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, or Thomas Jefferson. The Presidential election of 1800 brought all of this dirty laundry out into the open. When Burr and Jefferson were tied in the Electoral College after 35 ballots, Alexander Hamilton finally persuaded Federalists to support Jefferson because, as he said, “At least we know where he stands”. Coming in second to Jefferson, Burr went on to become Vice President, but was never trusted by his commander-in-chief, Thomas Jefferson.

Knowing the Republican Party would never support him in Jefferson’s reelection, Aaron began secretly negotiating with the Federalists to become the governor of New York in 1804. Alexander Hamilton found out his plan, and threw his support behind Burr’s opponent, Morgan Lewis, ensuring a landslide victory for Lewis.

Born under very different circumstances, Alexander Hamilton was born out of wed lock to a French Woman and a Scottish drunkard in 1757. He was, as John Adams so delicately put it, “A true bastard”. Despite these meager beginnings, Hamilton became a real life rags to riches “American Dream” story. After coming to America, he was educated, and fought alongside George Washington in the Revolutionary War. He became Washington’s aide de camp, his most trusted advisor, during not only the Revolutionary War, but the Constitutional Convention.

He also became instrumental in the first presidential cabinet. His strong Federalist opinions, which he never kept to himself, were for a strong centralized government. He felt there was a real need to unite the nation, and lower its debt. Unfortunately, many of his policies were stopped cold in their tracks, courtesy of none other than Aaron Burr.

Due to his questionable beginnings; Hamilton felt the need to overcompensate, to always prove he was the better man. His reputation for being honest and forthright meant more to him than anything else. If Alexander Hamilton felt you weren’t being true to the red white and blue, he was the first to call you out on it!

Every time Burr changed either his political party, or was caught secretly negotiating deals, it increased Hamilton’s disdain and distrust of Burr. He thought Burr was a threat and capable of destroying the young republic.

In any election, Hamilton opposed Burr. Even when Burr was running against other well known foes of Hamilton’s as in the Election of 1800 when Burr ran against Thomas Jefferson for President.

Everything came to a head when Aaron Burr campaigned to win the New York Governor’s election in 1804. During the campaign, a letter was written in the Albany Register. The author, Dr. Charles Cooper recalled an episode the previous February when Hamilton questioned Burr’s qualifications to become governor. Whatever it was that Hamilton said about Burr was not specified in the letter. However, the letter ended with Cooper stating, “I could detail to you a still more despicable opinion which General Hamilton has expressed about Mr. Burr”. Burr felt the word “despicable” was slanderous and libel. He demanded an apology from Hamilton, even though Hamilton was never actually quoted in the article. What followed were several correspondences between Burr, Hamilton, and their representatives. Burr insisted on an apology, Hamilton denied he had anything to apologize for-- he was never actually quoted in the article!

Every successive letter caused each man to dig in his heels and become more and more stubborn. Neither one would back down. The situation escalated until finally, Burr challenged Hamilton to an “interview” to defend his honor. Interview was another word for duel. Why the coded verbiage? Dueling was against the law! Believe it or not, at that time, there was an entire series of terms and actions drawn up, so that anyone who was party to a duel could escape prosecution on technicalities. These technicalities included no one at the scene, doctors or even people who had given the hotheads a ride to the fight, could even look at the duelers as the shots were being fired. They had to turn away and look in the other direction. Only the “seconds” were allowed to actually be in the vicinity. Why? So anyone else involved, other than the chief participants, could honestly say they never saw a shot fired. Society had devised a series of “gentlemanly” loopholes!

Most “interviews” were resolved before they ever took place. Those that did take place usually ended with the participants receiving non- serious or flesh wounds due to the inaccuracy of the weaponry, or as was the practice, the choice to fire away from your opponent. Firing away from your opponent worked because you could technically say you fired your weapon. Your honor was saved, and no one got hurt.

On July 4, 1804, both Burr and Hamilton attended the Order of the Cincinnati. This was a private club for officers of the Revolutionary War. During their July 4th celebrations, Burr and Hamilton were actually seated next to each other. Burr was uncharacteristically quiet, and Hamilton had a great time. He even went so far as to sing military songs! No one could guess what was to come. While no one had any idea what Burr was planning for the “interview”, Hamilton made it quite clear he had no intention of firing to hit Burr. He planned on following the “gentleman’s code” for dueling. However, this was not to be. On July 11, 1804, on a bluff overlooking Weehawken, New Jersey, two heroes of the American Revolution, and political adversaries, met for an “interview”. One intended, as he had written in letters written before the meeting, to discharge his round into the air. The other, however, chose to take steady aim when he, according to the rules, was allowed a free shot. In an instant, Burr took aim and mortally wounded Hamilton just above the hipbone. Some thought that this proved that Burr’s intent was to inflict a “flesh wound”.

Whatever Burr’s intent, rumors and lies began to surround the duel almost as soon as the shots were fired. This is interesting, especially when everyone involved was supposedly either not there, or looking away, as it is stated in the “rules of conduct” for such activities.

The end result was that one of the authors of the Federalist Papers was hours from death. A man despised by many for his strong opinions would become a martyr for liberty. Aaron Burr, the Vice President of the United States would be accused by many as the new “Benedict Arnold”. Because of this, he would flee to South Carolina, only to eventually return to finish his term as vice president and fulfill the prophecy by attempting treasonous acts with Great Britain and France that were to eventually end his career.

These two political hotheads couldn’t find it within themselves to put aside petty differences for the good of their county. They let one word – despicable – ruin two promising careers.

How did this story play out in history? Check out this and other stories of great Americans overcoming adversity in Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity available for purchase at http://www.hfkpresents.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/

New Leadership Programs Available!

2011-02-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

There are two fantastic leadership programs available from HFK Presents! These programs are NOT the historical portrayal you are all used to seeing Terry Lynch perform. This time he speaks as himself (oh-oh) and discusses various aspects of the pitfalls and responsibilities of leadership.

The first program is a new one, titled “One Size Does Not Fit All”. In this program, Terry discusses how leadership styles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One size does not fit all! It takes work to customize a style that can lead effectively. Among other things, it takes diplomacy, service, teamwork, determination and selflessness to tailor a style for a leader that fits.

Audience members will gain a greater understanding of the wide variety of styles utilized by leaders from the past. They will learn that it takes more than a single strategy to become an effective leader.

After all, leadership is like a good suit--you simply can't “buy it off the rack"! History has shown that a good leader must be customized to fit the situation.

The other leadership program is a very popular crowd pleaser. “Mistakes Happen” discusses some of the pitfalls of leadership. Mistakes or adversity can be life changing, but not necessarily for the worse! History is full of people who threw up their hands and said “NOW WHAT!” What separates the successful people from those who failed is that after they brought their hands down they set them to the task of figuring out what would come next.

Audience members will learn effective leadership strategies, and develop important everyday decision making skills. They will discover that everything is on purpose-- so don’t let little mistakes cloud the greatness to come. Most importantly, they will see that even great leaders learn from their mistakes.

This program also has a companion book: Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity. This book is available at http://www.hfkpresents.com/ OR http://www.amazon.com/.

Bookings are now being taken for both of these programs. Call or email now to ensure your date. History happens when you least expect it!

Snowww Noooo!

2011-02-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Much of the country has been affected by weather in one form or another this week. The Midwest and more specifically the Chicago area was hit by a monstrous blizzard. The history of major snow storms has become in recent decades, very political. While snowfall records in Chicago date back to 1884, five of the largest snowfalls in the area have occurred since 1930.

The 19.2 inch snowfall of March 1930 saw the advent of horizontal curved blades mounted on trucks to push snow to one side of the street or another.

The greatest snowfall recorded in the Chicago area since the beginning of snowfall records in 1884 remains the “Blizzard of 1967” This snow storm paralyzed the city for several days. Looting was rampant, and many school children were camped out in the libraries and gymnasiums of their schools until their school busses could make the trip. Mayor Richard J Daley pleaded with private corporations to donate their snow removal equipment.

The “Blizzard of 1979” proved to be the undoing of a mayoral candidate. Mayor Michael Bilandic was the incumbent looking to be re elected to office that winter. The 18.8 inches of snow that fell on January 13th of 1979 came on top of a 9 inch snowfall earlier in the month. The lack of snow removal and Bilandic’s failure to communicate accurate information to beleaguered Chicagoans infuriated the citizens. Mayoral candidate Jane Byrne took this opportunity and won the election that year to become the city’s first female mayor.

The 21 inches that fell on the city over New Years in 1999 remains the second largest snowfall to hit the Chicago area. Coming in at a close number three is the snowstorm of this week, to be forever known as the Blizzard of 2011. While at 20.2 inches, it does not rate as the biggest, but the repercussions of the 70 mile per hour winds, and the finger pointing for the mess on Lake Shore Drive with hundreds of cars being stranded during the height of the storm, continues to play out for the political history books.

It has been a difficult week for Chicagoans. However, you can always count on them to band together and help each other out with their snow removal —despite the actions of the Dept. of Streets and Sanitation. Spring is only a month and a half away!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 22

2011-01-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

It's time to celebrate some famous birthdays! Founding father Benjamnin Franklin and Minister Owen Lovejoy have something more in common that their both being Capricorns! Find out the answer in this week's episode.

Ben's Birthday Wish List...

2011-01-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Ben Franklin would be (if he were alive) 305 years old this week. At this ancient age, it’s interesting to wonder what he would think if he were to come back for a birthday visit. Would we, as a country, be able to give him a birthday present of his visions realized? Would he be pleasantly surprised…or disappointed?

Ben the Birthday Boy was a renaissance man who had creative ideas on many important aspects of life. He seemed to have an adage for everything. Did he follow through on them? There were a few subjects that were near and dear to Ben that are still very much a part of this country’s consciousness in 2011.

As one of the founding fathers, Franklin’s signature is on all five of the documents that established the United States. He once stated “I look on the dignity of the American Congress equal to any assembly on earth.” Everyone in the Constitutional Convention came to the table from various walks of life. They were farmers, ministers, lawyers, and even blacksmiths. They each volunteered to help to form this young country. Even Ben came to the convention as a retired printer! He considered it a privilege to serve his country in this capacity. He also felt Congress should not be paid for their work. He reasoning was that the laws makers would be equally affected by the laws they created as the average citizen.

Ben always stuck me as the “Sherriff Andy Taylor” of the young government. He always remained calm during the heated arguments / debates during the ratification of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He did this by relating folksy anecdotes, not unlike the fictional sheriff, to bring the rhetoric back to a more civil and productive tone.

Mr. Franklin also believed the key to a successful life was education. He once said “Genius without education is like silver in the mine”. To Franklin, education was a gift to be shared. He was always interested in the improvement of the condition of mankind. Franklin and other businessmen of his area founded Junto, a group consisting of elite intellectuals who were the core of cultural life and politics in Philadelphia. He was also one of the founders of what would become the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1731, few of these Junto members owned their own books, and thus could not turn to the written word to settle disputes or increase their knowledge. However, together, they had more purchasing power! Franklin and fellow Junto members drew up Articles of Agreement to form a library. Fifty members became subscribers invested 40 shillings each to start a library. These members also promised to invest 10 additional shillings every year to buy books and to help maintain the library. Today, there are over 120,000 libraries in the United States. From books, to periodicals, CDs, DVDs, video-- libraries carry forms of educational materials Franklin could never even have dreamed of in 1731!

Benjamin Franklin was considered by many to be the most approachable and likable of the founding fathers. He once said “Be civil to all; sociable to many, familiar with few, friend to one, enemy to none.” Ben lived these words. If he didn’t, how could he be known as the great statesman who negotiated with the King and Queen of France to gain financial support for a Revolution fought to abolish monarchial rule in the Colonies? He accomplished this with, among other talents of persuasion, civility and respect. The lack of these two virtues, so to speak, have been in the news a lot lately. If we looked back to other times of crisis in our country’s history, we might find that more often than not, calmly and civilly solving problems often go the farthest to achieve our goals.

Well Ben, did you get a pleasant birthday surprise, or have we failed miserably? This country is always a work in progress, as anything worthwhile should be. Are we going in the right direction? Or do we need to turn 360 degrees to get back on track? Remember, as Franklin said, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

The History of Chicago's Flag

2011-01-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

Symbols play a large part in marking change in our society. Sometimes they mark specific events—good and bad. Symbols can also suggest goals or attributes we aspire to.

Lately, Chicago, along with the rest of the country, seems to be at a crossroads. The city is about to get a new mayor for the first time since 1989, and the old ways of doing business, and of living life, seem to be due for a change. When we are on the precipice of moving forward, it is sometimes best to look back to gain a perspective on exactly where we wish to go!

Looking at the rich history of Chicago, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Let’s make it easy, and examine a symbol-- the Chicago flag.

In 1917, Chicagoan Wallace Rice, a former lawyer turned writer, reporter and drama critic designed a flag for Chicago with four stripes and only two stars, not the four stars we see today. Each of the stripes and stars, as well as the points of the stars has a specific significance to the history, and attributes of the city.

The top white stripe of the flag stands for the north side of the city. The center white stripe stands for the west side of the city. The top blue stripe represents Lake Michigan and the north branch of the Chicago River. The bottom blue stripe represents the south branch of the Chicago River as well as the Great Canal (I&M).

The first of the two original stars of the flag of Chicago stood for The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The six points of that original star hold special significance. They stand for religion, education, aesthetics, justice, beneficence, and civic pride.

The second of the original stars represents the 1893 Columbian Exposition. The points of this star represent the various political entities Chicago has belonged to over the years. They include France (1693), Great Britain (1763), Virginia (1778), the Northwest Territory (1798), the Indians Territory (1802), and finally the state of Illinois (1818).

In 1933, the Chicago City Council decided to add a third star after the success of the 1933 World’s Fair – Century of Progress. The points of that star represent the World’s Third Largest City, Chicago’s Latin Motto (Urbs in Horto) “City in a Garden”, Chicago’s “I Will” motto, the Great Central Marketplace, Wonder City, and Convention City.

In 1939, the Chicago City Council once again decided to add a star to the city’s flag. This time, they went back in the city’s history to represent Fort Dearborn, built on the Chicago River in 1803. The points of this final star symbolize transportation, labor, commerce, finance, populousness, and salubrity.

There has not been another star added since 1939. There have been many suggestions over the years for additional stars. Stars for everything from the advent of the nuclear age in 1940, to election of Harold Washington in 1983 as the city’s first African American mayor, to what was hoped to be the Chicago Olympics of 2016 were all at one time suggestions for additions to the stars of the flag of the city of Chicago.

As the city enters this “new age” and the country is struggling to overcome a recession, and political discord, what future events will prompt the City Council to finally add to the collection of stars? We always hope it will be a happy and momentous occasion. While the future may seem uncertain, one thing remains a constant—change.

The End of Another Year!

2010-12-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

The end of 2010 is looming near. Many people will be glad to see it go! Hopefully 2011 will be a bit better for everyone…we’ve been waiting long enough.

We’ve been through this before, you know. This country has suffered through 47 recessions since 1790. You’d think we’d learn…but we don’t. They all have the same basic structure. The fat cats get greedy, and the bottom falls out.

Take for instance the recession or Panic, as they have also been called of 1893 . The basic cause, as in the Panic of 1873, was the collapse of railroad overbuilding, which set off a series of bank failures. Some would call it the bursting of the “railroad bubble”. In something we could entitle “The Story Says the Same”, the republicans then blamed the democrats and visa versa. The recovery finally began in 1897 when William McKinley was elected. Confidence was subsequently restored with the Klondike Gold Rush. The economy enjoyed 10 years of rapid growth until…the Panic of 1907.

That panic began when the NYSE fell to close to 50% from the previous year’s peak. Some believe one of the main reasons for this panic was the retraction of market liquidity of NYC banks and the subsequent loss of confidence by its depositors. What was the trigger? Some feel it was the San Francisco earthquake in late 1907, others believe it was a failed attempt in October of 1907 to corner the market on stock of the United Copper Company.

Of course one of the most famous economic failures was the Great Depression of the late 20s and 30s. The trigger was, of course, the stock market crash of 1929. Again, the story remains the same. Banks began to fail, and with an increase in unemployment, there was a general reduction of purchasing across the board. The Smoot- Hawley Tariff created in 1930 to protect American businesses charged such ponderous taxes on imports that it resulted in less trade between the U.S and foreign countries which of course adds insult to injury in an economic downturn.

One other nail in the coffin of Americans during this time was a very untimely drought in the Mississippi River Valley beginning in 1930.

Times began to improve for a couple of reasons. Some believe the economy recovered in large part to Franklin Roosevelt’s “New Deal” which put many unemployed Americans back to work. Others believe the bleeding stopped with the county’s entry into WWII. Whatever it was, we didn’t learn much!

There have been about 12 other recessions of varying degrees since the depression. However, the downturn we are in now, sometimes called the “Great Recession” seems to be hitting as hard for some as it did in the 30s. Another bubble, of the housing type this time led to the problem. While economists insist we came out of it in June of 2009, ask anyone out of work or needlessly suffering WITHOUT any help from the government which gladly accept our tax dollars, and I’d guess they would disagree with that date.

Hopefully, 2011 will bring better days. Hopefully, we’ll have learned something from all of this…if only to watch our nickels and dimes a bit more. Happy New Year!!!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 21

2010-12-20T07:50:00.000-08:00

At last! The big day is upon us! This week, host Terry Lynch is taking some time off and allowing Father Christmas to take the reindeer reigns for this week's episode. St. Nicholas throughout the world is discussed, as well as some of his not so nice helpers! The symbol of the Christmas tree, and the 12 Days of Christmas are also spotlighted. Merry Christmas to all!

Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity

2010-12-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

WGN Morning Show segment on the book Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity. Book available at http://www.hfkpresents.com/ or http://www.historiesforkids.com/ Excerpts available at http://www.authorsden.com/ Search for Laura Lynch.

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 20

2010-12-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

The big day is getting closer! This week, host Terry Lynch continues with part 3 of his 4 series of Christmas programs. This week, it's Happy St. Lucia Day! The symbols and traditions of this beloved saint will be discussed. Also-- Knut Day! Find out why you always get that orange in your Christmas stocking!

...his attire is becoming stranger by the day!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 19

2010-12-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

This week, host Terry Lynch continues with part 2 of a 4 part series of Christmas programs explaining the symbols and traditions of the Christmas season. The candy cane and the poinsettia are both highlighted. Wait...first a wreath, now white hair-- something funny is going on!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 18

2010-11-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

This week, host Terry Lynch begins his first in a four part series on The Legend of St. Nicholas. Included are answers to such questions as: "Why do we hang Christmas stockings?" and "What are the origins of the advent calendar?" Hey...what's with the wreath?

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 17

2010-11-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! In this special holiday episode, host Terry Lynch discusses the first Thanksgiving. Who came to this special feast? How long did it last? Has Thanksgiving always been a national holiday?

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 16

2010-11-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

This special Halloween episode has host Terry Lynch on the road at the Park Ridge Senior Center for a special "Haunted History" program. Audience members heard spooky tales of Kaskaskia from "Ol Hank the haunted train conductor.

Have a Holly Jolly....!

2010-11-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

The stores have been screaming Christmas since before Halloween. That's a bit early for me. Granted, with things the way they are these days, it takes a bit more to get into the Christmas spirit, but not that long!

Memories of Christmases past always bring a smile to my face. College years are a time when you are sometimes stuck between the phases of childhood and adulthood. Not as much as when you were in high school, but it still rears its head once in a while. Christmas is a time when you can throw yourself whole hog into the the happy memories of childhood. Santa, stockings, Christmas trees...do it ALL...Enjoy it!

Debates about commericalization of the holiday are always bantied about at this time of year, too. SHOP, SHOP, SHOP seems to be the mantra this year. I can understand wanting to get the economy rolling again--but, as is preached year after year-- let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas.

The history of the holiday is facinating. Taking pagan traditions and using them to help convert them to Christianity is very interesting. Of course the history of St. Nicholas truly emphasizes the history and culture of the world! The one thing that seems to be a common thread in all of the traditions of Christmas throughout the world is family and friends. From the Eastern European countries of Poland, Romania, and the Ukraine, to the Western European countries of Germany, France and Great Britain, and everywhere in between-- the traditions and symbols of the holiday are many times as varied as the families who celebrate them! Christmas celebrations in the United States are a mix of all traditions. Traditions originally brought over by the Dutch to New York bring the jolly old elf to our shores.

HFK Presents has a new book: Nicholas Comes to America, the Story of Santa Claus tells the story of

St. Nicholas of Myra and the legends and stories that brought him form presents day Turkey around the the world. Symbols and traditions of the holiday, explanations of the symbolism in the song the Twelve Days of Christmas, as well as some holiday recipes, and a place to journal about YOUR favorite holiday memories are all part of this family keepsake.

This book is now available for purchase at http://www.hfkpresents.com/ . It makes a great stocking stuffer, and might even start a few traditions in your family. Ten years from now, you might not rememebr what you got as a gift from Aunt Suzy, but you might have a great memory of what you did together on Christmas. Get a great cookie of Christmas cake recipe from mom or grandma-- or take one from the book! They have been time tested for over 50 years..and I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Scroll to the bottom of the blog for the book trailer. If nothing more, the music might get your toe to tapping, or get you humming in the halls of the dorms! Happy Holidays!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 15

2010-10-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

This week, host Terry Lynch answers a viewer's question about Baron von Steuben. How did von Steuben "revolutionize" the colonial arny? Also, a "hot" little ditty is sung by the host.

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 14

2010-09-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

On the road again! This week, host Terry Lynch visited Elgin CC in Elgin, IL and Berkshire College in Pittsfield, MA. Learn a bit of history about the game of baseball, and the city planners of Elgin. Also, did Ben Franklin ever fail?

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 13

2010-09-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

This week, Terry Lynch was on the 1st leg of his September college tour. MCC Penn Valley, Herkimer CC, and Corning CC were all of the itinerary for this week's "Mistakes Happen" programs, concentrating on the Constitution. Learn a little about the Constitution, and a bit of history on the great schools visited this week!

Mythology and the Season of Autumn

2010-09-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting cooler, leaves are beginning to change color, and the football season has begun. This could only mean one thing... summer is ending and autumn is upon us! While this is definitely one of my favorite seasons, many people begin to feel a little melancholy over the end of summer.

How did people throughout history look at the harvest season? They definitely didn't have scientists to explain the movement of the earth away from the sun's most direct rays... how did they explain this meteorological phenomenon? As with most unknown entities, a story was made to explain away the fear the ancient people may have felt regarding the impending "death" of nature. Perhaps the best known of all the harvest mythologies is the story of Demeter and Persephone. Demeter was a goddess of grain and of the harvest in ancient Greece. Her daughter, Persephone, caught the eye of Hades, god of the underworld. When Hades abducted Persephone and took her back to the underworld, Demeter's grief caused the crops on earth to die and go dormant. By the time she finally recovered her daughter, Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds, and so was doomed to spend six months of the year in the underworld. These six months are the time when the earth dies, beginning at the time of the autumn equinox.

Many cultures see the change of season as a time for celebration. Early agricultural societies understood the importance of hospitality -- it was crucial to develop a relationship with your neighbors, because they if it was a tough winter, you and your family might have to depend on the friendliness of neighbors for food! Many people, particularly in rural villages, celebrated the harvest with feasting, drinking, and eating. Cattle was brought from the pastures and prepared for the coming winter, and the grain and crops were made into the staples of the diet such as bread, beer and wine.

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving was originally celebrated on October 3. This made much more sense agriculturally than the November date celebrated today. By the time the end of November rolled around, there was not much left to harvest! It wasn't until 1863 that Abraham Lincoln changed the date to November.

So go apple picking, rake some leaves, and enjoy the hibernation of nature...before you know it, the holidays will be upon us!

A Bit of History as You Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend!

2010-08-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Many holidays in this country are associated with either battles or rememberances of specific people, races or nations. However, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

Peter McGuire is no the only person to be associated with the origins of the holiday. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is agreed upon is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The second Labor Day holiday was celebrated a year later by theCentral Labor Union, on September 5, l883.

In l884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea caught on and spread as labor organizations grew. In l885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Finally, on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Today, Labor Day is often associated with picnics, the end of summer, and the beginning of the new school year. Enjoy your time off, and remember those who toil for you!

HFK Presents: College Programming

2010-08-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Speaker, author, humorist Terry Lynch gives a brief expalnation of his program for colleges "Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity". Segments include Ben Franklin and the Tin Whistle. Don't let the little mistakes cloud the greatness to come!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 11

2010-07-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Let's play ball! In this week's episode, host Terry Lynch goes back in time to find out the origins of Major League Baseball's All-Star Game. Where did it originate? When was the first game? Who were some of the baseball giants to play in that first game? It's summertime fun, and a bit of history, too!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 10

2010-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

This week's episode has HFK Presents...On the Road! Terry Lynch portrays George Washington at the Blue Island Public Library / Historical Society for an Independence Day celebration! See a brief behind the scenes look at an HFK Presents program, a sample of the performance, as well as testimonials from satisfied clients. Look for more HFK Presents...On the Road in future episodes.

Intergalactic...um...no, Intercontinental Visitors

2010-06-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

This week's episode has host Terry Lynch pondering aliens...and not the extraterrestrial kind! Is this the first time in our history the the U.S. has debated illegal aliens? Who can we look to for advice? Let the past inspire the future!

The Greatest Road Trip of All Time!

2010-06-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ahh, summer! Some of us can't think of summer without looking back nostalgically to those great road trips we took in the 'ol family station wagon. Whether is was to a National Park, Disney World, or even to see the biggest ball of twine, those trips helped to shape our lives. They also could not have been made without a great deal of leadership from one or possibly more adults involved in the decision making processes during the course of the trip.

You remember those decisions: who decided when we ate at the nearby Shoney's or HoJos, when we took...ahhem other breaks, and who was keeper of the snacks. Who made the executive decisions about who sat by a window...or who got stuck in the middle??? Most importantly, who was the NAVIAGTOR IN CHARGE OF THE SACRED MAP!!

All road trips, big and small need leadership. Too many cooks spoil the brew, so everyone knew the head honcho was the one and only person to make these decisions. The rest of us in the back seat knew we’d better tow the line, or else…no stopping at Dairy Queen!

When Lewis & Clark started out on their infamous expedition over 200 years ago, who do you think was the decision maker, the "head honcho"? In many ways, it seemed to be ruled by the proverbial triumvirate: Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea.

Sacagawea helped navigate the various waters, communicated with Indian tribes unfamiliar to the rest of the expedition, and navigated unfamiliar Shoshone trails. She was even given an equal vote in important decisions. Oh, and by the way, she didn’t speak English, and she traveled with her infant son!

Lewis & Clark were of differing temperaments. Lewis was introverted, and Clark the extrovert. They complemented each other perfectly. During the entire journey, there is no record of any serious quarrel or dispute between them. They were truly brothers in command and leadership.

So what can we take from this? When it comes time to pack up the family mobile for that long awaited vacation this summer, make sure everyone knows their role, and does it to the best of their ability, and everyone will have a good time. It is doubtful that either Lewis or Clark had to threaten the men of the expedition with a strangled, “If I have to stop this keelboat and come back there, you'll be sorry!"

Fort Dearborn: Early Chicago History in an Urban Setting

2010-06-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Those of you who live in the Chicagoland area have probably passed by a very important landmark and never even known it. It is a landmark that commemorates a very famous event in Chicago history; an event so significant to the city's history, it is represented by the first red star on the flag of Chicago.

This event took place on August 15, 1812 during the War of 1812. It was the Ft. Dearborn Massacre. During the War of 1812, the Potawatomi Indians were aligned with the British. Joined with their Native American allies, the British enjoyed early success. This alliance compelled the surrender of the 79-man garrison at Mackinac, where a U.S. fort defended the strait that connected Lakes Huron and Michigan. As a result of the the fall of Mackinac on July 17, 1812, Chicago could neither be supplied nor reinforced. From his base in Detroit, General William Hull, the commander of all U.S. troops in the Old Northwest, ordered Fort Dearborn evacuated. Captain Nathan Heald immediately complied, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to what would be called “Chicago’s grimmest tragedy.”

Led by Captain William Wells, soldiers and civilians living in the fort were preparing to evacuate to Ft. Wayne, IN. As the soldiers began the march toward the beach, residents of the fort, which included women and children, many of whom were too small to walk, were put in wagons to head toward the beach, about where 16th Street and Indiana Ave. are now located. Watching from the banks were hostile Potawatomis led by Siggenauk and Mad Sturgeon who began the attack on the garrison. There was a sudden milling about of the scouts at the front of the line and suddenly a shout came back from Captain Wells.... the Indians were attacking! A line of Potawatomi appeared over the edge of the ridge and fired down at the column. Totally surprised, the officers managed to rally the men into a battle line, but it was of little use. The carnage was so great that many of the officers fell from immediate wounds and the line collapsed. The Indians overwhelmed them with sheer numbers, flanking the line and snatching the wagons and horses. What followed was basically a butchering of the men, women and children. While some of the Americans were rescued by friendly Potawatomis such as Black Partridge and Métis Alexander Robinson, more than 50 Americans and 15 Indians were killed.

The fort itself was burned to the ground by the victorious Indians and the bodies of the massacre victims were left where they had fallen, scattered to decay on the sand dunes of Lake Michigan. When replacement troops arrived at the site of Fort Dearborn in 1813, they were greeted with not only the burned-out shell of the fort, but the grinning skeletons of their predecessors and the luckless settlers. The bodies were given proper burials and the fort was rebuilt in 1816, only to be abandoned again in 1836, when the city would be able to fend for itself. This tragic story underscores the risks early settlers took living in this area of the Midwest.

So, the next time you are walking down Michigan Ave, and are about to cross Wacker Drive, look down. You'll see something that looks like this.

After you see the plaque, look up at the relief sculptures in the concrete bridge towers on Michigan. This relief commemorates the massacre and its victims.

Another plaque on the northeast corner of 18th and Prairie Ave., commemorates the fort. It is easy to forget the sacrifice that early Americans, not to mention Chicagoans suffered for freedom. In 2009, a decision was made to rename the event the "Battle" of Ft. Dearborn. This is another episode of political correctness that will soon whitewash American history books to the point that future generations will no longer know the pain, struggle and sacrifice of our ancestors. A Spanish born American author of the late 19th and early 20th centuries named George Santayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". I hope that soon we change the tide in this country of "tidying up" history. While the history of this country is great and glorious, it is also dirty and painful. Let us not forget the sacrifices of those who have come before us.

Black Hawk Mania!!

2010-06-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well, bet you didn't hink we could do it, but we worked the Blackhawks into this week's episode!! Terry Lynch discusses Black Hawk and the dispute that led to his eventual move to a reservation.

Abigail Adams - The Consummate Plate Spinner!

2010-06-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Those who are old enough may remember the plate spinners from the old variety shows. Plate spinners were performance artists dressed in colorful circus attire, who would have a long table mounted with six or so long vertical sticks of a few feet in height with ceramic plates spinning on the top of the sticks. The plates needed the constant tending of the plate spinner in order to keep all of the plates spinning at the same time. The spinner would run wildly from one plate to another as each slowed down and wobbled wildly on the sticks. This fanatic race was usually done to a popular plate spinning song of the time called the "Sabre Dance".

As kids, we’d anxiously bite our nails as many of the plates not only wobbled wildly, but sometimes BROKE if the plate spinner didn’t get to it to spin it into submission in time!

Many of us sometimes liken our own lives to spinning plates. Family, work, friends, everything that makes up our lives sometimes feel like plates we are constantly trying to spin into submission, lest they smash on the floor.

History’s most consummate plate spinner was Abigail Adams. Abigail Adams was the wife of the John Adams, lawyer, signer of the Declaration of Independence, Member of both the Constitutional Convention

and Continental Congress, diplomat, Vice President, and eventually the second President of the United States. Yes, her husband had a bit on his plate, if you’ll pardon the pun.

For the most part, Mrs. Adams’ adversity was the result of society at the time. Abigail was a very strong minded, independent woman. From the very beginning, when other colonial girls in her home town of Weymouth, Mass. were learning to read for the sake of reading Bible passages, sewing, and cultivating good manners to catch a husband, she wanted more. Her father, the good Reverend William Smith - one of the few Parsons of the time to have a college education- taught all of the Smith girls to read and write. Abigail was not however, ever able to be allowed to study with the “great masters” who taught the male members of her family. The fact that she could not, she later said was one of the most crushing disappointments of her life.

An early proponent of women’s rights, Abigail saw marriage as a partnership. In a time when women gave up all legal rights to their husbands, Abigail wanted equal legal status as men, and fought, unsuccessfully, to have women included in the Declaration of Independence.

If you'd like to read more about Abigail and her plate spinning, tune in to future blog postings, or look for the upcoming book, Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity, due out in the fall.

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 7

2010-04-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

In this week's episode, a brief anecdote from the forthcoming book Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity. During the Spanish American War, Theodore Roosevelt's "charge" up San Juan Hill wasn't all it seemed!

Mistakes Happen! Ask for Directions!

2010-04-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Did you ever meet someone who REFUSED to ask for directions? They would rather go around in circles, getting more desperately lost as the minutes ticked by? Believe it or not, history is full of these people. How did they fair after their mistake? Did they take those proverbial lemons and make lemonade? Did they eventually ask for help?

Consider for a moment our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. The time: the Spanish - American War (1898). Roosevelt was in charge of the first volunteer cavalry regiment, made up of cowboys he met out west in the badlands, and society friends with whom he played polo in New York. These fine gents would eventually be known as the "Rough Riders" They sound like an imposing bunch, don't they?

On July 1, 1898, in San Juan Heights in Cuba, TR was assigned to attack a hill thus taking the strong position of the high ground and leaving the Spanish unable to to defend the city, forcing them to retreat. TR and the Rough Riders were assigned the duty of capturing Kettle Hill. As the attacks commenced, TR led his men to the top of the hill with no resistance. It was only when the troops reached the top of the summit that they realized; they had ascended the WRONG HILL!

Now here is where you separate the men from the boys. TR and his men regrouped, came back down that hill, and led an attack up Kettle Hill. Incidentlly, the entire battle for Kettle Hill took less than an hour! After securing Kettle Hill, TR and his men joined forces in the fight for San Juan Hill.

Roosevelt's entire political career changed after the victory at San Juan Hill. He was credited with leading the charge, and regrouped when he realized his mistake. He and his men eventually met up with the other troops, and took San Juan Hill. Roosevelt's great victory, called the charge up San Juan Hill, was actually up Kettle Hill.

Afterward, the press reported on Roosevelt's heroism in battle. Stories in books, magazines, and newspapers resulted in the public wanting to meet the hero of the battle of San Juan Hill. The Republican Party of the time begin to see advantage of having a hero on their ticket, and TR quickly became a popular national figure, moving up the ranks in the party from running for Governor of New York (1899), to being asked to run as the Vice Presidental candidate on the McKinley ticket (1901), and eventually becoming President in September of 1901 after the assasination of William McKinley. During each campaign, he would travel with rough riders, reminding people of the charge up San Juan Hill.

If Roosevelt had never made it to San Juan Hill, would history have been changed? Of course it's hard to say. Roosevelt was a very charismatic figure. Would his campaigning with the Rough Riders had been as effective if they recounted their charge up Kettle Hill? Again, it's hard to say. However, the main point is this: he kept going, he never gave up. He realized something was amiss and worked to rectify the situation. As a result, he went on to have an historic politcal career.

Mistakes happen! Sometimes the result of which open opportunities we never culd have imagined. It's all in how you deal with the mistakes that says much about your character. Many times we can't control the mistakes...but more often that not we can control the eventual outcome - discover your greatness!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 6

2010-04-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

This week, HFK Presents meets...Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition! Hear a little about the adventures of the Corps of Discovery, and a special treat...what was Commander Lewis' favorite dish on the expedition! A sun shiny program of 5 Minutes of History!

HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History - Episode 5

2010-03-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I know it's been a while; we have been devoting a lot of time to getting the word out about our programs to you college students - but it's time for another installment of HFK Presents: 5 Minutes of History. This week's episode is devoted to that master bargain hunter, Thomas Jefferson. Please give us your feedback, and join us on Facebook!

It's Never Too Early!

2010-03-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for spring...I've had waaaaayyyy too much winter, thank you very much! However, in the business of college speaking, ya gotta keep a season ahead of the calendar. Sooooo, while you may not want to, now is the time to start thinking about college speakers and programs for next fall.

Along with "Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity", HFK Presents also offers historical portrayal. At holiday time, it can be a lot of fun!

For the Halloween season, "Haunted History" is a big hit. Sit back and listen (if you dare) to the entertaining and chilling tales of the historical hauntings of the U.S. This program may be customized to focus on your particular geographical area. Guaranteed goosebumps, and learn a little bit about history along the way.

Looking for a little something for the Christmas Season? How about
"The Legend of St. Nicholas"? You'd better watch out! The Old English Father Christmas tells the stories of St. Nicholas, the protector of children, and sailors throughout the ages. Learn about the origins of: St. Nicholas characters in various countries, popular Christmas symbols, and worldwide Christmas traditions. This special show for November and December may be customized for kids from ages 1-92, so if you plan to invite families, NO important secrets are EVER revealed!

HFK Presents has many other characters to choose from. "Mistakes Happen" mentions many of these characters! You can also read about them in the book of the same name, due out in the fall of '10. Look for it! Don't forget to check our website at http://www.hfkpresents.com/ for schedules, and descriptions of all of our available programs. You can also email us at info@hfkpresents.com, or give us a call at 708-218-7001. 'Tis the season to book your fall and winter shows!!

Constitution Day Tie-In

2010-03-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

Some of the people who have contacted us about the presentation and companion book for "Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity" have had an interesting question. They want to know if this program would be suitable for the required Constitution Day programming for colleges. The answer is YES!!

While a portion of the book deals with some of the problems encountered by the founding fathers, the presentation can easily be customized to focus exclusively on the trials and tribulations of the writing of the Constitution.

Also, we offer the historical portrayal of several founding fathers! George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison are all great ideas for your Constitution Day observances.

HFK Presents will be in the New York, Massachusetts area the week of September 13th! If you are interested in having any of these programs performed at your college or university, contact us, and we'll put you on the tour!!

What a Response!

2010-03-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

I just have to say WOW! What a response to my resent emailing to college sabs, cabs, etc. about the new program. Some of you are watching the video, and some are just calling to find out what it's all about. There are still dates available for the spring semester, summer sessions, and of course, the fall semester. It works great for orientation and welcome weeks! Remember, I also have historical portrayal programs available. Haunted History and The Legend of St. Nicholas are big hits at the holidays.

Hey...why not join our Facebook Fan page, and I'll join yours (look up HFK Presents)
Give me a call, or email me at info@hfkpresents.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

New College Programming!

2010-03-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Terry Lynch describes his latest program: "Mistakes Happen: An Historical Guide to Overcoming Adversity" A companion book will be available beginning fall of 2010.