Help Haiti Now

Please see the below message from the Pan American Development Foundation, an organization I support to get much needed help to Haiti: With Tropical Storm Tomas only hours from striking Haiti and its 1.3 million vulnerable displaced persons, the Pan American Development Foundation is urgently seeking cash donations for relief and recovery supplies. Your help is needed [...]

The Sound of Silence: I Dare You to Give it a Try

Silence is the relative or total lack of audible sound. By analogy, the word silence may also refer to any absence of communication, even in media other than speech. Silence is also used as total communication, in reference to non verbal communication and spiritual connection. Okay so like many of you I saw the new [...]

Understanding Ramadan

Wednesday night signaled the beginning of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual activities from dawn until sunset. Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. It is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God (Allah) and to offer [...]

The President’s Taste in Art

Or perhaps First Lady Michelle Obama’s taste in art. Whatever the case the President and First Lady had a wonderful collection to select from while decorating their new home. One of the many perks of being Commander-in-chief is to have the entire Smithsonian and its myriad of galleries and museums as your own private art gallery. On [...]

Save $$: Restaurant Weeks Across the Country

Just because the economy is in the dumps doesn’t mean you can’t dine well for a special occasion (or no occasion at all). Restaurant “weeks” have become ever more popular in major cities trying to cajole diners back into their restaurants. Open Table keeps a running list of restaurant weeks/specials for the frequent diner. Listed [...]

R.I.P. Ernie Barnes

It may take awhile for some to recall who Ernie Barnes was, until you see his art.  Barnes passed away last month and left behind his incredible and iconic art to be appreciated in his absence. As October Gallery writes, Americans became familiar with the art of Ernie Barnes via the television show “Good Times,” and [...]

Importance of Learning A Foreign Language

I graduated with my degree in Spanish, with my mother shaking her head wondering if I’d ever find a job. Fortunately for both of us, I remain gainfully employed 12 years later. But my diploma assigning my Bachelors of Arts in Spanish neglected to fully realize the incredible lessons that language has taught me, and that continues to guide me today. Those lessons are passion, perspective and place.