Jack Perry's Respect Factor

Thank you Salmon, Idaho.

The Salmon River, the River of No Return, is a crown jewel in the vast Idaho wilderness. The historic river begins its epic journey to the sea forty miles north of Sun Valley and joins the mighty Columbia on its way to the sea. If you’re attracted to the magic of a wild mountain river, you’ll embrace the raging Salmon with its daunting whitewater rapids, wild trout, giant elk, fields of wildflowers, and deep forested canyons.

Early one morning in August of 2006, my wife Judy and I were spell-bound as we drove along the winding narrow road that hugged the banks of the roaring Salmon. I glanced at Judy and noticed that her face was perspiring in spite of the early morning chill.

The Miracle in Watts.

The dark shadows of Watts receded as the sun rose early Tuesday morning.  I was parked  in a grocery store parking lot waiting for Verbum Dei High School  to open its doors.  The early morning activity on South Central Avenue in Watts California is an eye opener and a  Real World experience . Watts and its infamous housing projects are home to some of the poorest African Americans and the Watts Riots. Gangs once ruled this combat zone with the Bloods and the Crips holding court. And as no surprise, 500 homicides were reported from 1989-2005. An ideal environment for an education? This is not your every morning Starbucks experience.

Sharing Abundance: Have Three, Share One.

Sun Valley, Idaho is truly a magical place. We chose to move our family there for some obvious reasons: mountains, skiing, vast blue skies, trout streams and hiking trails laced with wildflowers. Back country was studded with pristine lakes. We were not disappointed. We did receive an additional bonus – the friendship of the locals who lived, worked and raised their families in the Wood River Valley. It was a friendly place with no class barriers. By first name you know the butcher, the fishing guides at Silver Creek Outfitters, the pharmacist, the post office staff, the gang at the Pioneer Saloon and local business owners.

Only in America: One Becomes 600+

Imagine for a moment that as a young teenager you are emigrating to the United States. Language is a challenge because you have limited knowledge of English, you have no contacts in America and only $50 in your pocket. You are alone and concerned about tomorrow, about next year. What are your options? Work? School? What are you chances of college admission and subsequent education? It doesn’t look promising.

Let me share with you a glimpse into the life of a great man who faced just these challenges. Nido Qubein had a secret weapon: the discipline and habits his mother taught him. Nido’s view is “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” When Nido started life in America, he was focused and disciplined. He studied English, went to work, and started school.