The Oath

When I was 24 years old, my mentor, Eli Segal, asked to write an oath. It was for this new program called AmeriCorps, to help people see the power of service. Co-writing that AmeriCorps oath is one of the things I'm most proud of. I've see it uttered by Presidents Clinton, Bush, and today, President Obama, who administered it via simulcast as I was swearing in 1,000 people in Florida. There's no politics with this one. We all can serve and help others.

When I was 24 years old, my favorite line that I wrote was this one:  "Where there is adversity, I will persevere."  It's strong, defiant and never quits.

Today, 20 years later, I love this line just as much: "I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond."

Back then, it was a hope. Today, it's a reality.

Happy 20th anniversary, AmeriCorps. And thank you, Eli.  In honor of this, go thank your own mentor or even the person who gave you your first real job.

Secret History

Here's the perfect way to finish the year.

This week, a 97 year old man named Jerry Fine passed away. Nearly a decade ago, Jerry invited me into his house. The reason I was there was because when Jerry was a kid, he introduced his cousin Jerry Siegel to a boy named Joe Shuster. Siegel was a writer; Shuster an artist. And yes, together, those 17 year-old kids from Cleveland created the character known as Superman.

History is just the best, isn't it? Jerry Fine did many things with his life. And on one particular day, though nobody knows his name, he changed the planet. Without him, Siegel and Shuster potentially never forge their famous friendship and we never get Superman.

So thank you, Jerry Fine. Thank you for that day in your house where you shared your memories, your family, and your friendship. And thank you for proving that there's no such thing as an ordinary person.

Healthy and happy new year to you all!

Please Help!

It's that time! Please help us pick the cover for the next book. It's our first illustrated children's book, coming in January. Please vote which you like best for I AM AMELIA EARHART. A or B? (And yes, I always lose the vote).

Decoded!

Here it is -- world premiere of the cover of our new DECODED book (that's right, book) that's coming out in October. It counts down the top 10 conspiracies throughout history -- and even comes with removable pieces (letters from John Wilkes Booth, escape maps, etc, so you can see the evidence yourself). So proud of it. And yes, let's hear your top conspiracies for the list. As for the show, stay tuned...

Only in my Family

Yesterday, my father-in-law Bobby sees a homeless guy begging with a sign that says, "I won't lie -- I just want  beer." Bobby also helps enough homeless at his restaurant, so he looks past the guy.  But then, the homeless man spots the JUMBO'S bumper sticker's on Bobby's car. He knows JUMBO'S, the legendary soul food restaurant and civil rights landmark.  At which point, the homeless man yells through the window, "I read all you son-in-law's books!" Only in Miami.  Only in my family. Needless to say, Bobby told him to come in for a free meal.