Organic doesn’t mean that your food will taste any different

Information & Education, Life & Living
When my wife first told me of her interest in learning more about organic foods, I didn’t really give it much thought. An environmentalist at heart, she’s always been curious to learn about new products and services which promote a healthy lifestyle and improve the sustainability of our planet. But when I noticed a gallon of organic milk sitting on the top shelf of the refrigerator, I immediately blurted out, “That’s gonna taste weird!” I never did master the art of thinking before speaking, because if I did I would’ve understood how idiotic what I was saying truly sounded. In my defense, I don’t think I’m alone in my misconception of what it truly means to be “organic”. I think many of us simply don’t understand this popular new classification.…
Read More

My resignation from the hypocrites at Catholic Church

Life & Living, Youth
It’s been a long time since I’ve stepped foot inside a Catholic Church – unless of course you count the Christmas Eves when my wife and I just went to enjoy the holiday music. In truth, I’ve given up on the Catholic Church a long time ago – ever since the sexual abuse scandal in which priests were allowed to roam free, even though every day citizens would’ve been criminally charged with prison time. I don’t accept hypocrisy in anyone closest to me and I certainly don’t accept it in my religion. I recently read that the Archbishop of Newark, one John J. Myers, released a 16-page statement on the archdiocesan website - vehemently denying his churches support for civil same-sex marriage equality, sadly comparing it to incest. If you’re…
Read More

Healthcare is also about empathy not just medicine

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
Something the healthcare profession is missing is a dose of empathy. My 92 year old grandmother took a little tumble the other day. The result? A painful break in her shoulder. And yet even with that, still not a complaint from this stubborn, strong-willed Italian. Me? I’d be crying over in the corner somewhere begging for some pain medication. My wife and I went to see her in the hospital last night and her spirits were good, though I can’t say she was getting all that much attention from the nursing staff. I understand they’re busy, but for the hour and a half we were there, nurses were nowhere to be found, and when I did ask them a question they weren’t the most friendly or helpful individuals around. It’s…
Read More

Finding yourself in familiar territory with an old hobby

Life & Living
Today didn’t start off so well, but an old hobby made it all better. Rain clouds darkened the sky and the precipitation beating on my window made the thought of getting up and ready for work almost unbearable. As if the commute wasn’t bad enough already, add a few drops into the mix and it transforms into utter chaos. But I’m happy to say that the day gradually improved with each hour – especially after revisiting an old hobby of mine that was obviously still alive and well. Throughout my life, the theatrical world had always interested me – at least the technical end of the spectrum. I stage managed all the main stage productions during my tenure in high school and college, even had the privilege of directing a…
Read More

Our love affair with coffee is also about brands

Life & Living
Americans certainly love their coffee. According to the National Coffee Association (yes, there is one) coffee consumption was up in 2011 and is expected to continue climbing in 2012. Here’s a few numbers for you. • 40% of 18-24 year olds drink coffee daily, up from 31% in 2010. • 54% of adults age 25-39 said they drink coffee daily, up from 44% in 2010. I’m highlighting the 18-39 crowd because I truly believe that drinking coffee has become more about fashion than about taste and enjoyment. On any given morning take a look around your environment as you head off to work, school or to drop off the kids. You’ll notice most people are carrying disposable cups with Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks logos on them, but few no-name, reusable…
Read More