If you don’t have time to read the whole post, here’s the bottom line: paging through Facebook posts and looking at other people’s pictures will make you unhappy. Using the platform to connect and converse with friends in a positive … Continue reading →

I’ve been asked the question many times lately, and I honestly believe the single most important contributor to my success is the number of books I’ve read. I’m a voracious reader with a voracious mind, and all those books continually … Continue reading →

Let’s get the disclaimers out of the way immediately. Holidays can be intensely personal for some. Perhaps there is personal tragedy or joy associated with a holiday that make it meaningful and sensitive. You should celebrate holidays as you want … Continue reading →

The first step is always acceptance. Because it doesn’t feel fair to say that I’m privileged. I’m black, Jewish, Native American (to a tiny degree), grew up without a father, spent most of my adult life as a single mother … Continue reading →

Happy birthday to my grandfather, William Grant Still. He was born on this date 122 years ago, in 1895. The first in our family born completely free of slavery. His mother wanted him to be a doctor, but music was … Continue reading →

Catch 22- noun; a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem (see Joseph Heller) – Merriam-Webster Public opinion of Congress has never been lower. The American people think better of stock … Continue reading →

The Golden Rule: “Do unto other people’s kids as you would have them do unto your kids.” (From participants of “Children, Families, and Social Issues Seminar”-The Poynter Institute 1998) Yesterday was a tough day for the nation, but it was … Continue reading →

First of all, let me set to rest your concerns about my headline.  Yes, everyone can sing and everyone should sing.  The health benefits of singing have been exhaustively researched and universally lauded.  (In case you didn’t know, even singing … Continue reading →

My first reaction after finally reaching the end of this seemingly interminable movie was, “I hope people don’t pay movie theatre prices to see this film.” On the most basic level, it’s just not a good movie. There are funny … Continue reading →

Last night, George Zimmerman was found not guilty of all charges in the killing of Trayvon Martin. There were loud and passionate protests as far away as San Francisco, but so far there has been no violence. Many people expressed violent … Continue reading →