Journey
A picture is worth a thousand words.
People often talk about the power of words but consider for a moment the power of pictures. The well-known saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” is easily understood when we think of the Mona Lisa or American Gothic but the meaning takes on a whole new dimension when applied to a children’s picture book called Journey by Aaron Becker, a man who has been known to say his favorite destination remains in his imagination. Read more 
Where Does $100 to Samaritan’s Purse Go?
Samaritan’s Purse – based out of Boone, North Carolina – is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) established in 1970 by Bob Pierce who died in 1978. W. Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham) became Chairman, President, and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse in 1979 and has held the position since although he is also an evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational Christian organization that provides “spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.” Read more 
10 Things You Can Do To Make The World A Better Place
Sometimes the problems in our world seem so overwhelming that we underestimate the power of our ability to make a difference in ourselves (both physically and mentally), the environment, and in the lives of other beings. We all tend to think of ourselves first but life would have little meaning if not for others. So, in the spirit of making the world a better place, consider doing one or all of the following “little” things to make a “big” change in your world: Read more 
“Don’t Wait Until Your Doctor Kicks the Habit”
I don’t mind dying. I just don’t want it to be my fault. ~ Dr. Kim A. Williams, MD, Past Pres of ACC
When Dr. Williams was elected President of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in 2015, he became the first vegan president of a very prestigious medical association concerned with education of cardiovascular health. Imagine a cardiologist who promotes a plant-based diet as a way to reverse heart disease and Type II diabetes, lower blood pressure, and lose weight? Read more 
Freida’s Mandarinquats
Eating the skin of a citrus fruit is unfathomable for some people because almost every citrus fruit has to be peeled with the fruit of our efforts in the sweet flesh. But a kumquat (a tiny citrus fruit about the size of an olive) is different in that the skin is sweet and the flesh is sour. Ideal for jams and marmalade, kumquats provide the perfect ying and yang when it comes to making a fruit spread for our toast or bagels, but have never really caught the public’s attention like the Mandarin, Honey Bell, Navel, or Sumo. Read more 
Understanding the NRA Organizations
When most people think of the NRA they think of the National Rifle Association of America and the Second Amendment (“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”) but there are six separate non-profits that comprise the NRA:
- NRA (National Rifle Association of America): 501 (c)(4)
- NRA Foundation, Inc.: 501 (c)(3)
- NRA Freedom Action Foundation: 501 (c)(3)
- NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund: 501 (c)(3)
- NRA Special Contribution Fund: 501 (c) (3)
- NRA Political Victory Fund: PAC Section 527
Roasted Kale with Sea Salt
Say the word “kale” and watch people’s reactions: a raised eyebrow, a snicker, or maybe a smile and acknowledgement that he or she is in on the news: Kale is a superfood rich in nutrients (Vitamins A,K,C, E, the B vitamins, and manganese) and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus) that not only nourishes our bodies but is also a flavorful vegetable that can be used as a side dish or a snack food.
A rich dark-colored curly leaf cabbage, kale has many varieties known for a bitter and earthy flavor although Lacinato Kale (which is also known as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale) enjoys favored status because the leaves are a bit sweeter with a lighter, softer texture than other curly leaf kale varieties. Read more 
Where does $10 to Paws for Purple Hearts Go?
Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) is a non-profit (501) (c) (3) that teaches veterans to train service dogs for their fellow veterans with combat related injuries. According to the organization’s website, PPH provides the guidance for this program but according to the IRS Form 990 (2014) submitted to the IRS, PPH raised $1,311,433 and spent just $150,661 on this program – less than 12% of the revenue raised went towards the organization’s program.
The remaining funds were spent primarily on fundraising – in fact, $805,930 was spent on mailing lists, printing and publications, postage and shipping, professional fundraising services, supplies, and related office expenses. $99,242 was spent on the management of the organization while $255,610 was retained by the organization in their fund balance although PPH did give $29,917 to Bergin University for Canine Studies, which is where the program is from. Read more 


