By Jon Gertner Published: The New York Times on March 9, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/magazine/09metrics-t.html

Editor's Note: Smile Train is a significant breakthrough in the non-profit world. It was also a place we sent one of our first donations as a foundation. Still, I didn't know the story told here - it's inspiring and typifies the end game I seek in our work. That is, to support charities who develop good business disciplines so that they can do more good. [more]

By Leonard Felder from Ode Aagazine September 2008 issue
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/56/burn-bright-dont-burn-out/

Editor's Note: While freerice.com seems to be waning in popularity (see Wikipedia update) I've long been charmed by the simplicity of this concept. It reminds us all that "a little can go a long way." It's also a stellar example of something I may be too old to learn - good viral marketing. [more]

By John C. Bogle from The Wall Street Journal - April 20th 2009
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124027114694536997.html

Editor's Note: This might be my favorite success story so far because it is so simple - started by a guy making $33,000 a year and is still a modest and fundamentally sound "business of good." My son reminds me from time to time of the old "starfish" story most of us have heard. (Man tells boy who is throwing starfish stranded on beach that there are millions of starfish beached and he can't hope to help them all survive. To which boy says as he tosses one back into the sea, "Yes, but I'm helping this one".) Keith Taylor is an inspiration to me because he concentrates on only what he CAN do... that one starfish he's throwing back in the sea. [more]

According to Stewart Kohl, CEO of Riverside, a virtuous circle is what he seeks in his business and his life. He believes it is accomplished by being open to mistakes and willing to correct them; all with the goal of leading a more successful business and fulfilling life. [more]

From The Economist print edition - Mar 12th 2009
http://www.economist.com/specialreports/

Editor's Note: This story from NPR inspires me. Jerry Skoch uses this unique premise with the homeless in his work (www.westsidecatholiccenter.org) on the near west side of Cleveland and I'm becoming more convinced of its validity by the results I'm witnessing directly as well as in articles such as these. Three cheers for social innovation! [more]

By Peter Van Dijk
from Ode Magazine - March 2008 issue
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/51/professor-of-happiness/