The Ukulele--just what we need in these times, so says the richest man in the world

The idea of charity concerts isn't new, but 2 guys from Brooklyn have put an indy twist to the culture of Performance Art + Charity. Their concept is Performance Philanthropy. They held a concert for charity, and all the songs were Beatles covers performed in ukulele. The cash they raised was put in a brown paper sack and delivered to the world's richest man. Warren Buffet said he will use the money to buy ukuleles for girls in Omaha. If you're wondering how they got to Mr. Buffet, one of Warren's sons was involved in the project and sings a Beatles cover in this video (FYI...he's a philanthropist too).

The execution of this causal idea is so lighthearted and authentic, so atypical to what we typically see in social marketing. After watching the video, I just get a feeling of happiness. Context research, who just published their latest on what Americans want to feel in these recessionary times, say consumers are searching for happiness and joy. As we've been hearing this past year from consumers, they want to get back-to-basics and celebrate the simple things.

I feel inspired to pick-up the ukulele. I've been thinking about it for sometime, since it's a favorite of one of my fav rockers, Mr. Todd Rundgren. Who knew? Todd and Warren would have something in common!


http://forthebenefitofmrbuffet.blogspot.com/

Is Happiness the Road to Fulfillment?

What makes us happy? That's the topic in this month's Atlantic. A 72-year longitudinal study of Harvard graduates suggests that fulfillment doesn't necessarily come from happiness, but from the wisdom, resilience and tolerance to stress and life adversity. Dr. George Valiant has been studying these Harvard men, circa class of 1942, over time in terms of how fulfilled they were at the ends of their lives. The study reveals the men who struggled or had something to prove in life tended to be more successful. Relationships, and the connections we make in life, are essential to fulfillment.

According to Dr. George Valiant "It is social aptitude, not intellectual brilliance or parental social class, that leads to successful aging...the only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people.” The article goes on to present Valiant's beliefs that positive emotions —awe, love, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, joy, hope, and trust (or faith)— are more powerful than negative emotions. Positive emotions make us healthier. However, they are more future-oriented and make us more vulnerable and open to risk of heartbreak and rejection. Negative emotions like fear and sadness, serve as psychological protections that insulate us from risk.

Some interesting anecdotes about the Grant study subjects: JFK and Ben Bradlee participated (JFK's file is sealed until 2040). How "normal" a man appeared to be early in life did not always predict a happy middle age or senior life. The lesson: always enjoy where are you now in your life.

www.theatlantic.com/doc/200906/happiness