Craig Ruvere

15Oct 2012 by CJ

My resignation from the hypocrites at Catholic Church

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…

12Oct 2012 by CJ

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…

10Oct 2012 by CJ

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…

06Oct 2012 by CJ

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…

03Oct 2012 by CJ

A sense of purpose and balance in your work ethic

Life & Living

Everyone has their own personal work ethic. Just look around the places you work and you’ll see a wide variety before you. Some are constant givers – always going above and beyond what’s expected of them – while others do as little as possible within the confines of a 9-5 day. I consider myself one of the “constant givers” – however, you won’t catch me burning the midnight oil at some odd hour, that's part of my work ethic. Why you might ask? Dr. Kathleen Hall says it best: “We have overstretched our personal boundaries and forgotten that true happiness comes from living an authentic life fueled with a sense of purpose and balance.” Our work takes up an enormous part of our lives, and while you certainly should enjoy…