Ken Frank

Besides being one of the best Super Bowl games I've seen, this year's sports extravaganza claimed my keen interest for another reason. During half time, the music superstar who performed four of his best-known hits with his band of almost four decades was once our Freehold, New Jersey neighbor from around the corner.

And what better place to watch this show than in my hometown with my wife, parents and one of my sisters.

On Thursday, February 19, 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama made his first foreign tour as head of state, traveling to his northern neighbor, the gentle giant, Canada. President Obama restored a decades-old tradition of presidents making Canada the destination of their first foreign trip.

Before there was Martha Stewart, there was Martha Washington. January 6, 2009 marked the 250th anniversary of her marriage to our first President, George Washington. An article by Sheri and Bob Stritof describes their courtship, "George and Martha were introduced by friends of Martha when George was on leave from the French and Indian War. George only visited her home twice before proposing marriage to her 3 weeks after they met."

How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions?  Are you determinedly following through on your personal commitment to improve your appearance or your behavior?  Or, are you feeling guilty because you are behind schedule?  Maybe you haven't even started them yet.  One of my favorite TV shows is CBS News Sunday Morning.  Last Sunday's show had a brief segment about human guilt – why we feel guilty.  This report explained that one of the things making people feel guilty most frequently at this time of year is failure to live up to New Year's resolutions.  First, let's discover what guilt is. 

Did you enjoy Christmas this year as much as last?  Because of the worldwide economic downturn, many decided to spend less on gifts than in past years.  Retailers certainly are not happy about this change.  But many discovered that what really makes Christmas special to them is not the material gifts but the special time they spend with loved ones.   Our consumer-driven Western culture has deceived us into thinking that the good life is only possible as we can buy it.  Perhaps this recession will cause many to refocus on their loved ones with increased appreciation and devotion.