Keeping it all in perspective

All right already with all the negative news.

It’s time to turn off the television and quit focusing on the stock market—the quiet will bring you peace of mind and rejuvenate your spirit. This was part of my advice to a friend the other day as he spoke to me about the fear, anxiety and the high level of stress people are living with these days.

The conversation got me thinking about the world we live in today. It’s only when we step back from daily events in the press, the breaking news and political rhetoric we’re bombarded with, that we begin to gain perspective. If we step back for a moment we can see a very different picture of how better we’re doing today than just 20 years ago.

Let me give you a few examples:

Health. I read recently about something called “Compression of Morbidity.” It is used to describe one of the goals of healthy aging and longevity. In other words, we’re living longer, while late-life infirmity is shrinking. What that means is we’re living longer, healthier and more capable lives. To continue this trend, all we have to do is take care of ourselves: exercise, watch our diet, stop smoking (if you still do) and have regular check-ups and exams. It’s all about living a health-conscious lifestyle. Make sure you take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.

Life. A child born today can expect to live longer, by 2.6 years, than a child born only 20 years ago. Government figures show an improvement from 74.7 years in the late 1980s to 77.8 in 2007 (the most recent year figures are available). And while we all know females usually outlive males, men are catching up. Additionally, death rates for 8 out of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. have declined.

Technology. In 1986 the Internet was an obscure tool used only by the government and academics. Today, thanks to Tim Berners-Lee, we have the World Wide Web. We have Google, eBay, Yahoo! and Amazon.com. We can find information on homes, cars, finances, books, wines, restaurants, events and any other resource you can think about, from virtually anywhere at anytime. Computers are three times faster, yet cost a third what they once did 20 years ago. The Internet has changed how we live and work, shattering the boundaries of geography and slashing the cost of information. That’s why at 225 we will be launching some new online resources for readers and advertisers in 2009, all of which will make information and resources more accessible with a mere click that, thanks to the collective force of our advancements and improvements, grows more efficient and powerful all the time.

In this issue

The guy behind the guy. Mayor Kip Holden enters his second term with the support of 71% of the voters, an astonishing mandate. But many voters are unfamiliar with a man Holden credits with a big part of his success: Walter Monsour, Holden’s chief administrative officer. He’s Mr. Inside using his business experience dealing with day-to-day issues and Kip is Mr. Outside dealing with the people, the politics and selling the city. This month’s cover story reveals how Holden tapped this Republican master of bureaucracy and management, and the impact Monsour has had on East Baton Rouge Parish and its governance. LSU journalism professor and veteran journalist James E. Shelledy wrote this month’s cover profile of Monsour, which begins on page 62.

Jim Hawthorne. Tigers win! Tigers win! Is there anything more exciting on a Saturday night than the voice of LSU announcer Jim Hawthorne declaring another victory for LSU? Learn how Hawthorne landed what is the dream job for many Tiger fans in this month’s Signature feature by Jeff Roedel on page 75.

Gifts that matter. Anyone can run to the store and buy a Christmas present, but giving a gift that makes Baton Rouge a better place to live is something special. Contributor Paige Dampf researched a variety of ways to give more than a gift, but to give something back to Baton Rouge. Check her list beginning on page 56.

225 EXTRA makes its debut

Louisiana is known for lagniappe—that little something extra. So it’s in that spirit that 225 magazine is giving our readers and fans something special beginning this month with the launch of 225 EXTRA. A quarterly supplement to 225 magazine, 225 EXTRA will be published mid-month and will feature a theme. The premier issue’s theme this quarter is the Ultimate Menu Guide sponsored by Coca-Cola of Baton Rouge. 225 EXTRA will feature a little different shape, but just like the magazine you’re holding now, it will be available free at 225 newsstands, and they’re sure to go fast. So pick up a copy of 225 EXTRA at the middle of the month, and look for even more EXTRAS in 2009.