November

When I was younger and hooked on the idea of writing a great American novel, my father used to advise me to take a look at the lives of ordinary people. People who go through their days, happily and purposefully, but without much attention or celebration. Look at these people, he said, and the extraordinary will start to reveal itself. And, of course, it did. I started noticing people who had made great sacrifices for the future of their children, their communities, even for strangers. In essence, my father taught me to seekout the unsung heroes in our society.

For the next four weeks, SpeakUnited will be taking on a search of its own. We will be looking for local heroes, individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of the people and communities around them. Help us, by nominating a local hero via the comment form.  read more »

• When the Cupboard Is Bare: A New York Times article documents increases in food insecurity, "In the four months since June, demand for food aid has risen 20 percent in areas of the country with the healthiest economies and more than 40 percent in areas with the weakest, leaders of nonprofit food-distribution organizations say." Definitely take a look at the photoessay that accompanies the article and listen to the reporter podcast.

• Boston Odds of getting part-time job at a department store this holiday season are slimmer than getting into Harvard: One out of every 45. (Thanks to Canatabrigia for the head's up)

• CNN to name Nation's "Heroes" on Thanksgiving night. United Way of America has partnered with CNN for the program. Ten citizens who have made a difference through extraordinary deeds will be honored.