Personal Touch

What exactly is one to make of a new World Bank study finding that an uneducated farming father is mostly likely to propel his children into poverty. Obviously, "DUH," is the first reaction.

And this isn't to suggest someone can't be happy when poor, only that they can't be rich. And rich doesn't make for happy. After all, David Cornwell — better known as author John Le Carré, whose newest, A Most Wanted Man is built around the the story of Issa, a "fatherless" son — is fabulously wealthy. And Cornwell, whose con man dad let him live at some high economic levels, is angry ... then and now.

But, still, financial support makes a (generally positive) difference in people's lives. So it's hats off to father and son Armstrong as Mike and Dave, respectively, will be biking together to raise money for the poor of Malawi. The goal is to change lives not just with money, but by becoming a presence, even for a short while, in the lives of those in need.

Of course, if you can't make it to Malawi or find your own path to someone else's poverty, there is always the gift to honor your father by helping out people in need rather than making him find some place for another thingamajig.

Give to those who need. It will make dads happier and no less rich.