The truth is — and we hate to hear it but — those who attacked the United States, on our own soil, on that ill-fated day 10 years ago…they won. They accomplished exactly what they set out to: they took the most idealistic nation — a beacon of freedom and opportunity, a bastion of liberty and civil rights — and brought us down to their level. Yes, we’d had our missteps and committed our fair share of wrongs (and more) but to many, both in this country and out, the United States was a symbol — a symbol of what was possible, a symbol of what we could be. That all changed.

In the years following the attacks we methodically hacked away at the rights and privacies of our own citizens – those that we should have, at that time, protected the most. We traded death for death abroad until the innocent casualties of non-Americans multiplied to far greater numbers than our own. We became the worst possible versions of ourselves: a nation of bickering children, increasingly stratified and separated by wealth, class and politics. We neglected the content of a man’s character and, yet again, focused our attention, our prejudice, our judgment on the color of his skin. We condemned other religions and points of view. To protest, to disagree, to hope for more became unpatriotic and patriotism became the rallying cry of those who sought to plunge our great nation into hate, those who would nurture the thirst for revenge, those who would embark on an unyielding quest for vengeance.

New York Firemen fly the American flag in the midst of World Trade Center debris.

We can see clearly the change that has happened. That eleventh day of September only ten years ago exhibited what people can do together. Feats thought impossible were overcome. Lives thought lost were saved. All through the power of love – love for one’s country and love for one’s fellow man. Those who aided in the evacuation and rescue efforts in New York and Washington, officers and civilians alike, are the real-life heroes of today. Those who gave their lives to save someone else’s did what I — and I believe all of us — hope we would have the courage to do were we given the same choice. Even now, as I write, I’m overwhelmed by the compassion and conviction with which those men and women acted, and unflinchingly at that.

Then, just more than four months before this tenth anniversary, we saw the culmination of the hate and lust for blood that had been brewing in this country, despicably fostered by those with their eye on personal gain – be it money, power or otherwise. We all heard somehow: the manhunt was over, Osama Bin Laden had been killed. And while I will not mourn the man, there was a part of me that was lost on that day. The part of me that was unbelievably proud to be an American — the part that had been whittled away at over the last nine or so years through two absurd and unjustified wars, which had been justified to us because of 9/11. That day, May 2, 2011, I witnessed my fellow Americans celebrate death. And even though Bin Laden did orchestrate the attacks, as well as numerous others, for some reason it just didn’t feel right; all we had done was add one more to the death toll. We said: “You killed us, so we’ll kill you,” and we did. And just as Al Qaeda celebrated the “downfall of America,” likewise, we celebrated theirs.

To some, 9/11 was all about how we, as Americans, had been wronged and, no matter what it took, we would set things right. That is an empty quest, my friends. I, instead, see 9/11 as a day where people came together to make the best out of something that was terrible beyond our wildest dreams. There was so much potential to bring hope out of despair and to show love instead of hate. But I fear we were so busy trying to avenge the ones we lost that we forgot to honor them. As the saying goes: actions speak louder than words.

Anti-government protesters take part in a demonstration in Cairo on 25 January. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters, courtesey guardian.co.uk

I’m sure many of you have heard about the recent political strife currently shaking the very foundations of government in the Arab world. However, I’m also aware that many people (mostly Americans) have not heard or know much about the current situation. And, even if they have heard, they most likely do not understand the extent of the current political — I may even call it revolutionary — climate in the Middle East.

This first thing that many Americans do not understand, or grasp, about the people who live in the many countries that lay along the Eastern bank of the Mediterranean is that — religion (and it’s a big one), culture and location aside — they’re just like us. People everywhere, no matter how you were raised, where you were born or what you were told you couldn’t do, have, or through certain experiences, find one concept in common: that of freedom and self-determination. It is something that all men (and women, of course) yearn for. It is the same motivation that caused a group of emigrants to leave England more than 250 years ago and start a new way of life in a faraway land. It is the same ideal that caused French peasants to demand of their corrupt aristocracy that they, yes, even peasants, be treated as equals. And it is the same seed of an idea that, after those emigrants had lost sight of their own beginnings, caused a slave to run away from his master in search of a — in most cases harder yet — better life. Because most Americans were born and have grown up with what most of the people of the world lack, we (yes, even myself) take that incredible gift for granted as a God-given right. And, though it may be given by God, that certainly does not stop men from constantly and consistently taking it away.

Another thing that many people do not understand is the area itself. Many see the place we now almost refer to with disdain as the Middle East as an ancient land with a repressive native religion, contempt for technology and progress and a history of suppression and subjugation of women. However, many people (and I largely put Americans in this group again largely because our government/education system has sheltered us from much of the truth) don’t realize that the early Muslim empires dominated the Levant for more than five centuries and were seen as a center of culture and science because of technological advances in chemistry, engineering and more. What people don’t realize is that during the 1950s and on many Middle Eastern countries were becoming more and more accepting of women as full citizens and the idea of social progress. What people don’t know is that, despite many Middle Eastern countries only gaining full independence from British or U.S. influence during the 40s, there were a couple countries (Iran being one of them) that seemed on the brink of Democracy. Of course all progress ended when, unable to watch the Arab countries move towards self-determination because of Western oil interests in the area, the United States and Britain stepped in and set up puppet governments, which inevitably had to resort to violence and suppression to maintain power. All of these events would lead to later events such as the Islamic revolution in Iran that ended with a decidedly and vehement anti-Western sentiment in the region.

Egyptian demonstrators protest near Egyptian police (R) to demand the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak and calling for reforms on January 25, 2011. The protesters, carrying flags and chanting slogans against the government, rallied in a protest inspired by the uprising in Tunisia which led to the ouster of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Courtesy: Washington Post

So, the running-out of Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the anti-Mubarak protests in Egypt and unrest in Yemen, Jordan and Lebanon could be the start to a very exciting chain events that could see — for the first time in the last 50 years — truly democratic government in the region. And, yes, they might be slightly, if not more, Nationalistic and anti-U.S. at least at the outset. But, to tell you the truth, they deserve to be because the United States has — contrary to our pro-democracy talk and our idealistic fervor — been the enemy of true democracy in the Mid-East since we’ve had the ability to exert influence in the area. And why might you ask yourself? It’s obvious: because like everyone else out there, we’re looking out for number one. But if we would let go for a change (and we have, so far), I think we could see the start of something very beautiful.

It just seems that in all of these countries conditions kept getting worse and worse for the largest parts of the population. On Friday, Talal Salman, the editor of Al Safir, an Arabic newspaper was quoted as saying: “The experience of Tunisia will remain the guiding light for Egypt and may be so for people in Yemen, Sudan and the rest of the Arab world looking for change, with a readiness to accept risk, especially given that even the worst possibilities are better than the status quo.” And Fadel Shallak, a Lebanese writer and a former government minister was quoted in the same New York Times article: “After so many years of political stagnation, we were left with choices between the bad and the worse,” he said. “Now there’s something happening in the Arab world. A collective voice is being heard again.”

And this same attitude of desperation has been echoed by the people of Tunisia and Egypt in their protests. They are standing up to say, “We won’t take it any more!” And while desperation is sometimes quite unpredictable, it is also a necessary ingredient of a true revolution, a true “turning of views.” Laith Shbillat, a resident of Jordan and supporter of change may have said it best when referencing poet Abu Al-Qasim Al-Shabi. He said, “If one day, a people desires to live, then fate will answer their call,” quoting the famous poet. “And their night will then begin to fade, and their chains break and fall.” Call it revolution, call it whatever you want but the Arabic people desire to live, and their call will be answered.

Courtesy of AP/Hugo Infante, Chilean Government

For the past 69 days people all around the globe have watched, hoped, tweeted and emailed about and prayed for the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped by an August 5th collapse at the mine they were working in. As of today, the rescue efforts have come to fruition with more than half (21 of the 33) of the miners already above ground and back with their families and loved ones. And this is truly something to be celebrated.

But what impresses and intrigues me the most is not the miners’ determination — though unwavering — or the steadfast efforts of the rescuers — though commendable — but the fact that the entire planet has, in fact, watched this tragedy from start to finish and has taken part in the ebb and flow of emotions that are associated with a situation like this. Twenty years ago, maybe even 10, there would not and could not have been such extensive and ongoing coverage of an overseas event that, in spite of its draw, is not as big as many stories that have been followed as closely in the past. Yes, Americans closely watched the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Iranian Hostage Crisis in ’79 but I don’t remember seeing something that so affected people not either directly or, necessarily, event indirectly involved in it.

It is a fact that, with the evolution of technology, every day it is easier for people to be connected with other people or events far away from wherever they are at that moment. And I believe that — as this crisis showed — people, regardless or nationality or allegiance will be more able and inclined to cheer for humanity as a race; to rejoice in our achievements, learn from our short-comings and sympathize with those affected by tragedy. I’m cheering for everybody but, at this point, I guess all we can do is hope.

His main point — and something that seemed to me as very obvious, but only after he had said it — was that LinkedIn’s power comes not from who you are connected directly to (though it starts there) but from your second and third degree connections through those people. The fact is that these connections have always been there but now you can see all of them so easily!

And it really is quite amazing when you think about the possibilities associated with a tool like this. For my friend, LinkedIn constantly generates business, via his more-than-15,000-connections and ever-expanding network of second and third degree connections. It even allows him to find a summer job for his daughter who just graduated high school. For someone like myself who is searching for work, it gives me the added resource of a job-search website but also allows me to follow certain companies (showing me when they have new opportunities, etc.) and even which of my first, second or third degree connections work at that certain company. And you will be amazed at the reach your connections have (LinkedIn even tells me that 1,945 people have joined my overall network just since October 4th!).

The bottom line is that most people have not yet figured out just how to make this amazing tool work for them. Some see the time investment or the ability for people to actually find you and it scares them away. But let me say that the time commitment will be worth it (in fact, those who have a considerable amount of work experience can build formidable networks over just a weekend) and you really do want to be found! Whether you’re already employed or looking, LinkedIn will drive business or attention (you fellow job-seekers) your way like never before.

So, my recommendation would be to find a seminar or something similar that you can attend on how to use LinkedIn. Even a two-and-a-half hour beginner class will help immensely and then you can get right to using this great tool to change the way you do business.

As I mentioned in the article, Bonnier Corporation, Skiing’s publisher, aimed to provide a “highly engaged user experience” with their interactive magazine and I truly believe they have delivered.  The experience of Skiing Interactive, as demonstrated in their demo video, seems out-of-this-world. With Hi-Def video, loads of photos, an amazing ability to showcase equipment and even the ability to tell you if you would like a certain mountain, Skiing Interactive has everything a skier would want. Absolutely everything.

Something I also touched on before was the fact that, as exciting as this product is, it may very well spell the beginning of the end for print publications (or at least magazines of the same genre). This true because of the richness of the interactivity and the fact that if I were to pick up Skiing Interactive I would never want to simply read Skiing magazine again because when I call Skiing Interactive an experience I mean it; and it is honestly one that you won’t believe.

The new Apple iPad announced by CEO Steve Jobs earlier this weekd

The recent announcement of the iPad, Apple’s newest hi-tech gadget, proves unequivocally that the company has what it takes (as if anyone doubted them) to compete in the ever-evolving environment of next generation devices (I won’t call the iPad a computer because it simply isn’t).

Apple has again succeeded in wowing people by giving them a completely new device with the functionality of an iPhone (pretty smart if you ask me) but close to the size of an actual computer screen. And, though this initial version is lacking some of the features you would hope to see, I believe the product is poised to exceed expectations, demolish the competition (if you can really call it that) and really pave the way for a new type of device; a “crossover” if you will.

First, the iPad has completely ruled out and taken away the sense in buying an Amazon Kindle or Sony’s new E-Book. The iPad simply beats both at their own game (there is a full iBookstore now) as well as being able to do things these two devices couldn’t dream of.

You can surf the internet, manage photos, watch movies and it also has the ability to run current iPhone apps so you can just transfer yours over and use them on the iPad as well. Honestly, there’s really not much the iPad isn’t able to do that we desperately want it to, maybe aside from doing your laundry.

This is, by far, the most exciting product in the last couple years and the scariest thing is that we won’t be able to wrap our minds around what the next generation of iPad will be able to do.

Now, I really should give some background on myself in order to put this in perspective but I’m the kind of person who loves science fiction. If you give me something that isn’t real but is just so fascinating that you wish it was I’m going to love it. For example, The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars are some of my favorites.

With my expectations growing as it got closer and closer to opening night I could hardly wait to see Avatar especially after Roger Ebert said in his review that, “Watching “Avatar,” I felt sort of the same as when I saw “Star Wars” in 1977…”Avatar” is not simply a sensational entertainment, although it is that. It’s a technical breakthrough. It has a flat-out Green and anti-war message. It is predestined to launch a cult. It contains such visual detailing that it would reward repeating viewings. It invents a new language, Na’vi, as “Lord of the Rings” did, although mercifully I doubt this one can be spoken by humans, even teenage humans. It creates new movie stars. It is an Event, one of those films you feel you must see to keep up with the conversation.”

And I was not disappointed. Immediately you get a feel that this movie is special when you hear the voice of Sam Worthington (actor who plays Jake Sully and narrates much of the film). And then Cameron continues to lay it on with astounding visuals, pin-point 3-D and, to the actors’ credit, great, believable performances by a largely unknown — or at least not well known — cast.

But perhaps Cameron’s best achievement is the emotional connection that he cultivates between you and the characters. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for the Na’vi and hoping that Worthington would not betray their trust because, through the trials that Sully undertakes with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), you almost begin to feel that you have also been accepted as one of them and sympathize, even to a further degree, with the indigenous people who have been imposed on by the cruel and single-minded RDA or “The Corporation” as they are often referred to.

The combination of the stunning visuals, 3-D, classic (but still nuanced) story line and the level of emotional investment combine for an unprecedented and unparalleled movie experience that leaves you, as all great sci-fi/fantasy worlds do, wanting more.

Now, you might think that, since I am a die-hard fan of the Green Bay Packers, I would feel betrayed and disown Brett Favre as not being the man we all thought he was (which is probably what a lot of Packer fans are doing as I write this). But, honestly, that’s not what bothers me.

First off, I grew up watching Brett Favre. Brett Favre was the Packers for so long. He brought us out of obscurity as the bottom-feeders of the NFC and took us to two Super Bowls (of course, one of which we won). And that will never change.

So obviously, I never did agree with the decision of Ted Thompson to push Favre out. Yes, all of us knew Aaron Rodgers had talent and was a promising prospect but if a hall-of-fame quarterback and arguably the best at his position ever wants to keep playing for you, you let him, especially after he has, arguably one of the best seasons of his career. Ted Thompson, instead, made it clear they did not want him back; that’s why he retired and that’s why, later, he wanted to come back. But by that time they’d gotten him out the door and wouldn’t let him back in.

So he goes to another team. Favre, almost single-handedly, takes the Jets to the playoffs but then gets injured and we know what happened after that.

It just makes sense that, when offered the chance to play on a team that already won the NFC North last year and only needs a good quarterback to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, he would take the opportunity. Not to mention, he gets to play two games, at least, against the team (the general manager) that rejected him and prove to them why they shouldn’t have let him go.

I do want to make it completely clear that I do not like the Vikings (In fact, I usually throw up in my mouth a little when I think about them) but I love Brett Favre and I understand what he’s feeling and what he wants to do. And for him to win the Super Bowl with the Vikings would be some very satisfying justice and a well-deserved kick in the mouth to a team who slapped him in the face.

With a rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 142 “fresh” reviews out of 161, District 9 has asserted itself as a fan favorite and overall worthwhile movie experience with reviewers describing it as “intelligent,” “action-packed,” “edgy” and “provocative.”

One reviewer, Maitland McDonagh, calls District 9, “a bracing breath of fresh air [that] wears its influences well, integrating them into a well-thought-out drama about what it means to be human.” While, at the same time, another reviewer who also gave a positive review said, “It’s hard to dwell on racism and social injustices too long when you’re being so thoroughly entertained,” proving that District 9 achieves the delicate balance between narrative and entertainment that produces great movies.

We also discussed the fact that many people on both sides of the argument, including those in power in Israel and the Palestinians, agree that the best, and only decent, solution to the problem is one with two separate states. However, there are glaring differences when it comes to the details of any two-state plan and they have been a source of disagreement and controversy  since negotiations began in the mid 1970s.

The conclusion we came to was that the U.S. must leverage some of the influence we have with Israel in order to bring these talks to a acceptable conclusion. After all, unconditional U.S. support of Israel and an Israeli state has allowed them to expand past certain boundaries, both literal and figurative, over the last 30 years, including most importantly the Israeli settlements into the West Bank and Gaza. And I believe it is now time for the United States to not only support an Israeli state but to also support, just as passionately, an equal and completely sovereign Palestinian state and, with it, a solution to the conflict.