Learning to Surf

I'm not going to lie... for this surfer Dad, a very proud moment!

Scooter Goes Surfing!

Beach Beard

I don't grow beards. I wish I could, but I can't. Don't have enough facial hair...

Bill Richardson's was the hit of the Democratic primary season. That was a beard.

Then I went on vacation and our condo had a pipe burst and viola - no running water!

Shaving in Iraq with bottled water is one of the few things I really don't miss -- so I decided to let it go for a few days... 

The water is back on, but the beard seems to have stayed. 

Get a good look - it's a very rare occurence!

Toe Nibbling Therapy

Apparently, a much over-looked, but very effective way to get that really good pedicure... is to stick your toes into a tank full of Carp and let them nibble away.

The AP wrote about it here.

I am a workoholic that dreams of running a marathon soon, and I often take off and run long distances without having trained consistently. This is not a good way to take care of one's feet. But certainly should ensure that the Carp in my tank won't go starving anytime soon.

In Memory of Tony Snow

Many of you have inquired how you might honor Tony's legacy...

Tony believed deeply in the advances being made in Colon Cancer Research and his family asks that you direct your donations towards the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

We have set up a direct link where you can make donations: HERE.

Or you may call a special number: 866-534-2371.

And if you prefer mailing a check:

Donations in Memory of Tony Snow
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
10 Brookline Place West
Brookline, MA 02445

One of a Kind

I was blessed to have had a special relationship with Tony Snow. He taught me more about optimism than anyone I have ever met. It is difficult letting go as the reality of losing a friend far too soon sets in. But in true Snow fashion, I kick myself with every tear, as he would have us all celebrate his life and be of good cheer in the wake of the things he tried to impart on others.

I loved Tony dearly for the lessons in character, faith, family, hope and love that he shared with me. But above all, the true lesson of Tony's life was how to live our lives: boldy, with zest for those that you love, unafraid of the challenges ahead... and smiling all the way.

My heart breaks for his wife Jill and their three kids: Kendall, Robbie and Kristi. But I take comfort in knowing what the rest of the world will tell them about who their father was and what he meant to all of us.

RIP, Tony Snow, 1955-2008.

Code Pink Armada... by Land and by Sea!!

Watch Out Obama... Code Pink is an Equal Opportunity Protester (EOP)!!

Real or Fake?

I can't attest to whether this is REAL or FAKE... but if it is real, this dude is NUTS!!

Happy Fourth of July!!

May YOU and YOURS have a SAFE and wonderful Fourth of July!!

This is AWESOME!!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

The Homeless World Cup

When my friend and colleague Shannon Bream told me about homeless people from different countries around the world playing soccer against each other, I must admit... I laughed. Sounded too... well, weird to be honest!

But it's anything but weird - it's brilliant, exciting and inspiring. Go to www.homelessworldcup.org and check it out. Here's a little about it from the website:

There are one billion homeless people living in our world today.

The Homeless World Cup exists to end this, so we all have a home, a basic human need.

The Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament, uniting teams of people who are homeless and excluded to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever. It has triggered and supports grass roots football projects in over 60 nations working with over 25,000 homeless and excluded people throughout the year.

The first tournament took place in Graz 2003 uniting 17 national teams. At the 5th Homeless World Cup in Copenhagen this summer, 48 nations, 500 players were united for a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country. Melbourne is the host city for the next tournament from 1-7 December 2008.

The impact is consistently significant year on year with 73% of players changing their lives for the better by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams.

The Homeless World Cup supporters include UEFA, Nike, UN, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Ambassador Eric Cantona and international footballers Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand.

The national tryouts for the USA team was this past weekend here in Washington and I really hope that I can figure out how to get myself to Melbourne, Australia in Decemeber to see them compete.

There is also a movie/documentary out now about the Cup called "Kicking It." Check it out here.