Can You Imagine?
More than 40 years ago, John Lennon released a song entitled Imagine which asked the listener to imagine a world of peace without borders, religions and nationalities that divide us. Imagine offered us an ideal but one which most of us would find unobtainable. Still, the song can be recited word for word by many generations who loved and admired the message Lennon was trying to convey to his listeners. But, what if we took a few steps backwards and tried to imagine small changes in the world in which we live. Can you imagine…… Read more 
Kinky Boots
Years ago I remember hearing the difference between a man and a woman is best exemplified by looking at Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Both extraordinary dancers but Ginger did everything he did backwards and in high heels. So, when a new Broadway show – Kinky Boots – features seven men who dance in high heels as if they were born with stillettos on their man-sized feet, people take notice. But, Kinky Boots which recently opened on Broadway (April 4, 2013) is more than a dance performance; it’s a true story with spectacular music by Cyndi Lauper and a message for all of us about individual discovery, the love between a father and a son, and universal acceptance.
The Give
Last year, through a Facebook friend who has a child with a serious health issue, I learned about a woman named Donatella Botolino, a mother of four young children in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Donatella lost her 11-year old son, Denali to pancreatic cancer on June 11, 2012 after a two-year battle. She chronicled her son’s and her family’s struggle on a Facebook page called Please Pray for Denali Botolino which has over 7,500 followers. The story is heartbreaking and will bring most readers to tears. Read more
Top Ten Family Games, Part 2
Computers, i-pads, and i-pods have diminished the popularity of board games but sitting down with family and friends to play a game is still one of the all-American after dinner activities in our home, especially in the summer when we have no access to a television and intermittent access to the internet. Everyone has their preferences but we all agree that taking the time to sit down and play the game isn’t just about the game, it’s about sharing time together, talking, laughing, and having fun. Below are a few games bound to bring laughter and fun to your family: Read more
Top Ten Family Games, Part 1
Family activities are important ways to spend time together and although a family member or two may be reluctant to play a game that’s not on a screen, the attitude usually changes once the game gets underway, especially if television and the internet are not options In our home and especially during the summer after dinner, we gather around a big circular table and often play one of the following games: Read more
Will Ferrell and Diane Savino on Equal Rights
Over the past week the country has been preoccupied with two cases before the Supreme Court regarding the equal rights of gays and lesbians to wed. In the first case, the Court is considering a challenge to Proposition 8, the California Constitutional Amendment which eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry; and in the second case, the court is hearing a challenge to DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) that authorized states not to recognize same-sex marriages. Read more
Kakawa Chocolate House
On a local street that winds around the historic district of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a small chocolate store called the Kakawa Chocolate House – an ode to all things chocolate and Santa Fe. Well known in warm drink circles as the place to go for hot chocolate, the store serves a variety of this rich intense elixir made from recipes that date back hundreds of years.Equally famous for their chocolates – truffles, caramels, mediants, and Chili d’Arbols, Kakawa is also known as an artisanal chocolate source where the chocolatiers make their own blend of 80% dark chocolate. Nary a milk chocolate in site, which is how the artisans dedicated to balancing tradition with cutting edge want it. Read more
Don’t Blame CVS For Mandatory Health Screening
This past week, Rhode Island based CVS announced its 200,000 employees will be required to participate in a health screening or pay $600 more in annual health insurance premiums. The health screening will be paid by CVS and will assess employee weight, height, BMI (body mass index), cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels. This information will be submitted to a third-party administrator (not CVS affiliated) who will review the data and assess healthcare risks. Read more
Food Allergies? Try the Tasterie
For people with food allergies or parents struggling to find nutritious and tasty snacks for their kids with food sensitivities, allergies or special diets, consider the Tasterie, a company whose mission is to find delicious and healthy food and snacks for a wide variety of dietary needs. Read more
Ted Cruz on the Second Amendment
Junior Republican US Senator Ted Cruz from Texas made quite the scene a few days ago when he decided to enlighten Senior Democratic US Senator Dianne Feinstein on his grasp of constitution law during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on a bill to ban assault weapons. If you happened to miss this explosive exchange, click here to see and listen to the 6-minute cross-examination, of sorts.
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Paddock Post 