In spite of a horrendous childhood, Lear developed the necessary elements for success. Yes, he's a talented writer, producer and executive. He is also a master salesman. As a mid-level development executive in his Embassy Productions, I witnessed the executive Lear in action.

More than any other couple we've ever interviewed, Ron and Mariah embody the principle that when two hearts are separated, all difficulties can seem insurmountable, but when they are united as one, nothing is impossible.

The overstatement of Jeter's intangible contributions, efforts to make him into a paragon of integrity and honor when he is essentially a great ballplayer who managed to stay out of trouble and not say anything stupid to the media in 20 years, all make it increasingly difficult to either like Jeter or take his farewell tour seriously.

On July 4, 1939 a frail Henry Louis Gehrig stepped in front of a packed crowd at Yankee Stadium. The Manhattan-native knew he was sick, but he was unaware that his illness (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS) would soon claim his life.

Gehrig was not only a great baseball player, he was a great man. Not only did he set a standard that all baseball players can aspire to, as Landis pointed out, he also set a standard that all human beings can aim for, whatever role they play in life.