2008
Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori offers message of hope [National Press Club]
By Hope Katz Gibbs
The Record, National Press Club
Photo by Marshall Cohen
December 16, 2008
“Help us tell the world that fear is not the answer,” Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told a room filled with the faithful and skeptical who came to hear her speak today at the National Press Club.
“When one part of this nation or world suffers, we all do,” insisted the 26th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, who is the first woman to lead a national church in the 520-year history of Anglicanism. “We no longer live in a hermetically sealed nation or economic system — if we ever did. Protectionist and isolationist policies are not going to heal us. We are all going to be affected by massive layoffs in the manufacturing sector, and in the financial sector. The same maxim applies to us in this country as is often quoted in the developing world, that when the U.S. sneezes, Haiti or Honduras gets a cold.”
Do Your Giving While You Are Still Living [The Parent Diaries]
By Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries
December 23, 2008
I love the title of this new book by Washington, DC activist / philanthropist Edie Fraser and TV journalist Robyn Spizman. Not only is it a great message to send our kids, it’s a message that parents need to hear — especially in this time of economic uncertainty when more people are hoarding what they have, out of fear for the future.
“We believe the most important word in our vocabulary is love,” the authors write in the introduction. “We’re talking about the kind of love that opens our hearts to others and expects nothing in return. It inspires us to do kind and caring things even when no one is watching.”
It is that belief that inspired the these two truly amazing women to put together nearly 300-page tome that gave 66 leaders of some of the country’s most influential nonprofit organizations the opportunity to talk about the benefits of giving.
DNC, RNC Chairmen Review Presidential Campaign at Luncheon [National Press Club]
Article by Hope Katz Gibbs
National Press Club Blog
News & Noteworthy
Nov. 6, 2008
The Democratic and Republican national committee chairman paid homage to their candidates, voters, and the political process at a sold-out National Press Club luncheon.
“We accepted this invitation long before we knew how the election would turn out, and that was a bit of a risk,“ joked DNC Chairman Howard Dean who shared the stage today with RNC Chairman Robert M. (Mike) Duncan. “ My heart goes out to Mike, because I know he is in a tough spot. ”
Nonetheless, a proud and admittedly sleep-deprived Dean announced that America chose hope over fear and unity over division when they elected Sen. Barack Obama last night with 52 percent of the vote compared to 46 percent for McCain.
Hope Gibbs tells The Mom Entrepreneur show she "Turns Lemons into Lemonade"
By Hope Katz Gibbs for Traci Bisson’s blog
The Mom Entrepreneur
November 22, 2008
In addition to blogging and working as a freelance journalist, I am also the owner of Inkandescent Public Relations — a PR firm I officially launched this fall.
I left a good-paying part-time job as the leader of corporate communication for a global futurist firm to embark on this new venture, and although I had an inkling that the economy was faltering (I worked for futurists for two years, after all) I hoped for the best and took the plunge. So when our financial institutions tanked and the recession firmly took hold, I continued to stick to my plan and hope for the best. How could I not when that’s what I always tell my kids to do!
An American Love Story: Suzanne & Bob Carbone
By Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women
Nov. 27, 2008
In support of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month (November) and in celebration of what it truly means to give thanks for your loved ones this Thanksgiving Day — we honor Suzanne Carbone, a caregiver and advocate for research into the prevention and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. Last May 14 she testified before the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging on behalf of Bob Carbone, her husband of nearly 40 years who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2000.
“In many ways, his story is a classic American success story. He was born in Plentywood, Montana, where his immigrant father was a section foreman for the Great Northern Railroad and his mother was a homemaker. Relying on his sharp mind and love of learning, Bob earned a Masters degree from Emory University and PhD from the University of Chicago. He was the Special Assistant to President Fred Harrington at the University of Wisconsin, and before his diagnosis, was the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Maryland. Always interested in the political process, he ran for the Maryland State Legislature in 1982.”
“In January 2007 my husband moved into assisted living, when caring for him at home was no longer an option. I am just one of millions of caregivers who are faced with such a difficult decision. Every day, I meet another caregiver who needs help and doesn’t know where to turn. Our country is not prepared for the emotional, physical, and financial impact of this disease.”
Yes We Did!
By Hope Katz Gibbs
The Democratic Women of Clifton
Nov. 2008
As a journalist for 25 years who recently launched a PR firm, Inkandescent Public Relations, I’ve long been most comfortable working behind the scenes, making others look good. So the idea of knocking on doors, handing out campaign literature at the polls, or even making cold calls to change the minds of angry Republicans to vote for my candidate of choice simply wasn’t something I ever wanted to do.
But after eight years of living in the Fear Factor and suffering from Bushonomics, I simply had to do something.
Mind you, I was a Hillary supporter. I thought she had the experience needed for the job of President, and it sure would have been great finally to have a strong, brilliant woman making decisions for our future.
My husband, illustrator Michael Gibbs, and most of the smart men I know and admire, liked Obama from the start of the campaign. They saw him as the ideal leader of our time, a man who embodies the leadership qualities of Lincoln, JFK, – and Jesus.
So once Obama defeated my favorite lady, I was willing to jump on the Barack brigade. But I wanted to know more. Was he really up for the job? Would Middle America, not to mention my Jewish mother, actually be able to put aside their prejudices and vote for a black man for President?
I needed to find out for myself what power Obama held over people, so Michael and I took our two kids to a rally in Fredericksburg. After standing for six hours in the rain, Obama finally took the stage — and it was an awesome thing.
32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny [The Parent Diaries]
Book review by Hope Katz Gibbs
Book by Phillip Done
Winner of the Schwab Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award
Every now and then a book comes along that makes you laugh until you cry. Such is the case with this first tome by veteran third grade teacher Phillip Done.
He weaves a tale that’s so engaging you’ll either be rolling on the floor in hysterics – or be so touched that a tear will suddenly appear in your eye. Either way, this 288-pager is a something you’ll likely want to share with every teacher, parent, and third grader you know.
“After my first week of teaching, I knew I had to write this book,” Done explains from his home in Northern California. “But after a day of working as a third grade teacher, I had absolutely no creativity left in me. So for years the book just lived in my head.”
Then about two years ago, Done had the opportunity to teach in Eastern Europe. He learned something interesting while abroad: He didn’t have to teach his class alone. While one of the other teachers was working with the students, Done found time to write.
To Explain Election Dean Cites Hope, Unity; Duncan Cites Spending [The Record]
Article by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Record, National Press Club
Nov. 7, 2008
Read this issue of The Record
The Democratic and Republican National Committee chairmen paid homage to their candidates, American voters, and the political process Nov. 5 at a sold-out National Press Club Luncheon.
A proud and admittedly sleep-deprived Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman, announced that America chose hope over fear and unity over division when it elected Barack Obama with 52 percent of the vote (349 electoral votes, as of the morning of Nov. 5) compared to 46 percent (163 electoral votes) for McCain.
Data-Driven Instruction [INSIDE Instructional Services, Fall 2008]
Newsletter by Hope Katz Gibbs with Peter Noonan
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fall 2008
“When it comes to maximizing student performance, concepts like data-driven instruction are often bandied about in education circles
as the ‘new thing,’ writes Fairfax County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Peter Noonan in the Fall 2008 issue of INSIDE, a quarterly newsletter for his Instructional Services Division. “This suggests that perhaps the idea isn’t sound, or it will likely go out of favor when another educational fad becomes more popular.”
Nonetheless, he adds, he has long been a proponent of this concept, and knows that with technological tools such as eCART principals and educators can successfully use data to help all students master
the curriculum.
“A tool like eCART helps educators thoroughly and concretely understand where students stand in the core subjects so they can intervene in the areas where kids are struggling, and enhance
learning opportunities in the areas that they have already mastered,” he explains.
The Gooseberry Patch is Cooking [Costco Connection magazine]
By Hope Katz Gibbs
The Costco Connection
November 2008
Things are cooking at Gooseberry Patch, a multimillion-dollar company with a country flair that publishes catalogs, comfort-food-friendly cookbooks, calendars and organizers.
Last year, the company published its 100th cookbook and shipped out more than 350,000 packages from its catalog of more than 500 items less than $20-which includes a selection of wall and pocket-size calendars, night lights, Mason jars, bowls, kitchen accessories, food items and kits, Christmas ornaments and soap pumps.
The company’s 100 employees are like family, say founders Vickie Hutchins and Jo Ann Martin-two entrepreneurs who didn’t expect to build an empire back in 1984. They were both stay-at-home moms looking for something to do after the kids went off to school. One morning the neighbors were chatting over their shared backyard fence in picturesque Delaware, Ohio, and decided to start a catalog company.
CEO Stephanie Cohen to Host First Annual DC Health Summit: Oct. 29
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
October 27, 2008
Truly Amazing Women
Mark your calendar for Oct. 29 when award-winning entrepreneur Stephanie Cohen hosts the first annual DC Health Summit, a meeting that is bringing together 100 of the top minds in the health care industry on Oct. 29 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Mandarin Hotel in Washington, DC www.dchealthsummit.com.
This free, groundbreaking event is open to business leaders and health care professionals who want to learn more about workplace wellness and how it can not only potentially lower health insurance rates. Wellness expert Steven Aldana, CEO of Wellsteps, Inc. and author of “The Culprit and the Cure,” will give the keynote speech: “The Truth About Return on Investment and Worksite Health Promotion Programs.”
A representative from the Barack Obama campaign, Dr. Melinda Buntin, will be on hand to talk about each candidate’s health care plans. (Although a representative from the John McCain campaign was invited, they declined our invitation.)
Nardos King: 2008 Outstanding First-Year Principal Award [Truly Amazing Women blog]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
October 24, 2008
Truly Amazing Women
Earlier this year, beloved Fairfax County Public School educator Nardos King, the principal of Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria VA, took home one of the most prestigious FCPS awards: the 2008 Outstanding First-Year Principal Award.
Praised for her ability to motivate students, she set several goals when she became principal. The first was to have Mount Vernon become a positive focal point in the community. She also wanted to reach out to Hispanic parents who were underrepresented at the school.
Then last year she did what few other educators might be willing to do: She promised to cut her hair into a Mohawk if students raised their SOL scores to 80% or higher in each of the four core areas. Not only did they accomplish that, but 28 students in the class of 2007 earned the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma—the highest number in the school’s history. Last November 20, King headed to the hairdresser to make good on her promise.
"Don't Bother Me Mom, I'm Learning" [The Parent Diaries blog]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries
Oct. 24, 2008
Educator Mark Prensky’s book begins with a warning: “You are about to hear a message that, while absolutely true, will fly in the face of prevailing wisdom about computer and video games: Computer and video games arent as bad as you think they are. In fact, theres good reason to believe that they do a tremendous amount of good.
And so it goes in “Don’t Bother Me Mom I’m Learning,” a 254-page paperback published by Paragon House that outlines why, and how, the technology provided in games is actually helping prepare children for the jobs they’ll have as participants in the 21st century workforce.
In chapters that include, “Economics and Business Lessons for a 10-year-old from a Computer Game,” and “Video Games Are Our Kids First Ethics Lesson,” Prensky convincingly argues why its a good idea to let children have access to such titles as The Sims, Harvest Moon, and Zoo Tycoon.
Gen Y in the Workplace: HR expert Alice Waagen offers tips [The Parent Diaries]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries
Oct. 17, 2008
I don’t know of a parent today who isn’t worried about how their children are going to fare in the future. Our young adults who have already entered the workforce are reportedly struggling to find their place — and evidence suggests that employers are struggling right alongside them.
Fortunately, Alice Waagen, PhD, president of the executive Workforce Learning, has some advice. Waagen suggests:
• Dress to impress.
• Listen, listen and listen.
• Avoid office politics.
• Don’t loose your outward focus.
• Build and keep a budget.
Q&A with Dr. Howard Book, co-author The EQ Edge [Leadership Strategies]
Book review by Hope Katz Gibbs
Leadership Strategies newsletter
Dr. Howard E. Book, the author of The EQ Edge, is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and is guest faculty at the INSEAD School of Business in France. He is also a founding member of Associates in Workplace Consultation, and works with mid- and large-size corporations in enhancing the EQ of their executives and developing EQ programs for middle managers.
Hope Gibbs: You explain in your book that emotional intelligence, which you also call “street smarts,” “savvy,” or “know how,” is the personal quality that gives you a competitive edge for success. You also seem to believe that successful leaders are in touch with their emotions and that emotional intelligence is key to business and personal success. Is this something you are born with, or can be learned?
Dr. Book: It can definitely be learned. Studies in the workplace have demonstrated that an increase in emotional intelligence can lead directly to a better bottom line. For example, in a study at American Express Financial Services, a group trained in emotional skills sold 10% more life insurance than a comparison group of salespeople. The group trained in emotional competencies produced 16% higher sales than other salespeople across the company. This resulted in millions of dollars of additional sales. Interestingly, participants reported improvements in their personal lives as well.
Two Time Emmy Award Winning Producer Janet Shalestik [Truly Amazing Women blog]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
October 9, 2008
Truly Amazing Women
When it comes time to make that incredibly challenging decision to be a stay-at-home-mom or follow your career, two time Emmy Award winning TV producer Janet Shalestik didn’t hesitate.
“When I was in my 20s, I thought my greatest accomplishment was winning two Emmy Awards as a producer for ‘Capital Edition’ on WUSA-TV, Channel 9, and getting nominated for a national Emmy for an ‘America’s Most Wanted’ story against producers for Nightline, 60 Minutes and 20/20,” she says.
But then came Alison in 1991 and Sam in 1994.
“It wasn’t a choice,” she says. “I simply knew that my kids were the most important people in the world to me. That made giving up the glamour and the world of TV a lot easier.”
The Importance of Learning Chinese [The Parent Diaries]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries
Oct. 10, 2008
First graders in Grace Yuan’s Chinese class at Providence Elementary in Fairfax County, VA aren’t shy about showing off what they’ve learned since the start of the year. The 6-year-olds are all eager to come to the front of the class to recite their names in Chinese, the days of the week, numbers from 1-31, months of the year, the four seasons, and some basic greetings.
“I couldn’t be more impressed,” beams Providence’s Principal Joy Hanbury. “To say these students are picking up Chinese with great ease and enthusiasm is an understatement. I can’t wait to see what they’ll know by the end of the year.”
She credits the 1st graders’ success to the high-energy and creativity of Yuan, who has also helped Fairfax County Public Schools develop the curriculum for the Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) Chinese program that is being integrated into the 1st grade curriculum at Providence this year.
These students will continue with the program next year when they become 2nd graders—and the new 1st grader class will begin learning Chinese. Within six years, all 1st through 6th grade students at Providence will be studying the language.
Hope Justman Hikes China's Old Roads [Blog: Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women
October 1, 2008
Hope Justman is one of those women who younger broads look up to and say, “If only we can grow up to be her.” As a retiree, she penned a “Guide to Hiking China’s Old Road to Shu.” So not only has she written a great book, which was published in December by Universe Press — this academic adventure, who as a 60-something grandmother, has hiked some of the toughest paths in China. And she wants us to, too!
“I first became interested in China as an art history major at Mount Holyoke College,” she writes on her website, http://www.chinasgreatroads.com. “I also first heard of the Road to Shu at this time as we studied the painting Emperor Ming Huang’s Journey to Shu. I was particularly intrigued by the plank road skirting the sheer mountain peaks in the background (lower right), although I was convinced that the artist had taken a few liberties in perching it so precariously on the side of a cliff.”
Safe Young Drivers
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries
September 29, 2008
Driving on highways and winding back roads is scary enough an experienced driver is behind the wheel — but when teens start driving cause for concern increases. Reports of teens dying behind the wheel seem to dominate the news. That’s why Phil Berardelli’s book, “Safe Young Drivers: A Guide for Parents and Teens,” is an essential read for every parent.
The Fairfax County, VA dad, former teacher and journalist originally penned the 176-page paperback in 1996. In its fourth edition, it has sold thousands of copies — and still, he says, each year far too many teens die or are harmed due to unsafe driving. In fact, he was inspired to write the book 10 years ago after an area crash killed three teens and disabled another.
“Those kids reminded me of my own two girls, who I had taught how to drive a few years before. The tragedy launched me on this course of urging parents to protect their teen drivers,” says the journalist, who immediately crafted an article on the topic for The Washington Post. The piece generated so much fan mail that an editor at the Post encouraged Berardelli to turn it into a guidebook. He did, making sure his message was effective.
Chef Kim Alvarez: A Dinner to Remember [Blog: Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women
Sept. 19, 2008
Entrepreneur and chef Kim Alvarez was featured today (Sept. 19) with her husband Edgar in a front-page article in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Entitled, “To market, to market, to buy a dinner to remember,” by reporter Adam Stone, the story focuses on how the two young entrepreneurs manage their gourmet shop and catering company in a dicey economy.
“As business plans go, the one for the Delaware Market House is perhaps not the most sophisticated. But it sure is straightforward,” Stone wrote. “Kim and Edgar Alvarez [pictured right] have a catering business to run, they’ve got a retail shop to manage, and they have ambitions for growth. Their strategy: Make the best food they can.”
Nature vs. Nurture: A Father's Debate [The Parent Diaries blog]
Written and illustrated by Michael Gibbs
An Illustrator and Dad
From his blog, perceptiion
Illustration by Gibbs, “Here’s the Catch”
www.michaelgibbs.com
The floor of my son’s room is an almost comical testament to the life of a typical nine year old boy.
A baseball glove. Drumsticks. A Game Boy. Stuffed animals. His stash of coins. A week’s worth of clothes. A Captain Underpants book. A book on scientists. Gizmos made of disassembled old toys. Stacks of his drawings, next to a toolbox filled with crayons and markers.
Two of those things stand out, for not so obvious reasons; the baseball glove and the toolbox of crayons and markers. He’s very good at throwing a ball, and he’s very good at creative thinking and drawing. Yet those two things also represent opposite extremes of social behavior: team sports, and solitary expression of self.
One of my jobs as father is to figure out where he’s going to go in life, and help him sort things out and get there.
The Council on Competitiveness Issues a Challenge for the 44th President: Put energy policy first [National Press Club]
by Hope Katz Gibbs
National Press Club luncheon
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008
Photo by John Metelsky
The next president of the United States must put the full of weight of his office behind an energy plan, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson said at an NPC luncheon Tuesday.
“The priorities and legacy of a new administration are often defined and judged by the actions that are taken within its first 100 days,” said Jackson, a MIT-trained physicist and current president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, who is the vice chairman of the Competitiveness Council — a group of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and labor leaders committed to enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the global economy through the creation of high-value economic activity.
“The future economic competitiveness, national security, and prosperity of our nation will be determined by how we obtain and use energy, protect our environment, and address global climate change,” she said.
Barbara Mitchell and Sharon Armstrong: The Essential HR Handbook [Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews
Barbara Mitchell and Sharon Armstrong
Authors, “The Essential HR Handbook”
September 8, 2008
In 14th-century England, masons, carpenters, leather workers, and other skilled craftsmen organized themselves into guilds—the first unions that were used to improve their work conditions.
With the Industrial Revolution came divisions of labor, negotiable wages and hours, and challenging work conditions, and the owner was replaced by a new character, the boss, who was solely focused on getting the job done fast and right.
Conflict ensued—and so the human resources industry was born to help set things straight, explain authors Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell in their new book, The Essential HR Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource for Any Manager or HR Professional.
An Answer to Cancer? [The Costco Connection]
By Hope Katz Gibbs
September 2008
Dr. David Servan-Schreiber believes we have the power to fight cancer
BEFORE HE WAS diagnosed with brain cancer at age 31, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber could be found scarfing down a bowl of chili con carne on the elevator at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in between teaching classes and seeing patients.
“I’d sometimes add a bagel to the mix, and wash it all down with a can of Coke,” admits Servan-Schreiber, the author of Anticancer: A New Way of Life, which hits bookstores in September. “It’s a pretty scary mix to me now.”
However, it took another bout with cancer seven years later, when he was 38, before the neuropsychiatrist could bring himself to slow down or change his habits.
Help your kids live a Creative Life
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries interviews
author Elaina Loveland
“Creative Colleges,” and “Creative Careers”
When she was a little girl, Elaina Loveland dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. The graceful waif of a woman was a dynamic dancer, but after attending the dance program at Goucher College to study for a few years, she realized the reality of her choice might not make for an ideal career.
“It became clear that I should have gone straight to New York City to dance instead of going to college to study it,” she admits. “I also realized that my dance career would probably only last as long as my body held out—and that seemed like a bit of a gamble.”
So she opted for Plan B and became a writer—and ever since hasn’t let anything get in her way. Elaina firmly believes anyone who wants to have a creative career can do it. All they need to do is plan, prepare, and be brave enough to take the leap.
Making Money in the Metaverse [Change)Waves newsletter]
By Hope Katz Gibbs
Change)Waves newsletter
Summer 2008
When Daniel Terdiman set out to write a book about Linden Lab’s virtual world Second Life (SL), the award-winning CNET News.com reporter was hoping to answer
one basic question: Can you really make money in the metaverse?
The answer is yes, and Terdiman proves how in his 309-page glossy trade book published last October by Wiley. In 11 chapters, he offers a multitude of ideas about what it takes to become a successful cyberpreneur. He also covers the history and economics behind Linden Labs, and even offers case studies and business plans.
But Terdiman doesn’t sugar coat the reality of making money in the land of avatars and sims. “Despite some breathless press reports that suggest that making money in Second Life is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel, that really isn’t true,” he insists. “The reality is that conceiving and running a Second Life business is, in many ways, very much like doing so with any kind of business. Those who do well are the ones who come up with a plan, commit to it, put in the time required, and are willing to be flexible as conditions demand.”
How exactly does all this work and what is the future of Second Life? Change)Waves managing editor Hope Katz Gibbs recently interviewed Terdiman about that and other aspects of his book.
Bratproofing Your Children [The Parent Diaries]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries interviews
Janet and Lew Solomon, authors
Bratproofing Your Children: How to raise socially and financially responsible kids
When college professors Janet and Lew Solomon were raising their son Michael, now 33, they were determined to teach him the value of money. On the morning of his 10th birthday, they got their chance.
Young Michael came bounding down the steps and announced it would only be 6 more years until he could get a car. Lew (a lawyer who taught taxation and trusts and estates at George Washington University Law School), and Janet (a business school professor who specialized in human resources management) gave each other a sideways glance and sat Michael down for breakfast and a taste of reality.
Karaoke for Charity [Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women on
Cynthia de Lorenzi’s new charity
Mark your calendar for Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008 when the life of Bobby de Lorenzi will be celebrated in grand karaoke style. The event is a fundraiser for the beloved brother of Success in the City founder Cynthia de Lorenzi, who has started a foundation in Bobby’s name.
“When Bobby died suddenly in 2002 it was completely devastating to the entire family and all of the people who worked for him at his company, Patriot.Net,” explains Cynthia today. “Bobby was one of those people who lit up a room the second he walked into it—who changed people just because he knew them. This foundation is our way of honoring his life and bringing joy to the people who never got to meet him.”
The mission of the Bobby de Lorenzi Foundation is to provide a grant to an adult who has had to stop their studies or career so they can continue on their path with renewed confidence and support.
For more, Read Entire Article and visit http://trulyamazingwomen.blogspot.com
Handbag entrepreneur Laura Lee Williams [Truly Amazing Women blog]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews
Handbag entrepreneur Laura Lee Williams
August 11, 2008
Beautiful beads from Tokyo—more than 30,000 of them—grace the most elaborate offering by Laura Lee Designs, an international handbag firm founded in 2005 by California native Laura Lee Williams.
Other designs—such as her trademark M bag—feature fewer beads, but the focus here is on the three-inch wrap of Australian snakeskin in the middle. “The white version is perfect for weddings, and pink version is a personal favorite because we contribute a portion of the proceeds from each purchase to Breast Cancer Research,” says the soft-spoken brunette, who shares the tale of how she got started in the handbag business as she sips chamomile tea at a café not far from her current base of operations in Tyson’s Corner, VA.
IIF chairman Josef Ackermann offers remedies for worldwide financial crisis [National Press Club]
by Hope Katz Gibbs
The National Press Club
June 28, 2008
What can be done by the to address the turmoil the financial industry finds itself in today? That was the question that banking industry leader Dr. Josef Ackermann tried to answer before a room packed with journalists, bankers, business leaders, and politicians at the National Press Club on July 17.
“What became a sub prime mortgage crisis has since turned into a much deeper problem and spread across a wide array of global markets,” said Ackermann, who in addition to being chairman of the board of Deutsche Bank heads up the Institute for International Finance (IIF)—a Washington, DC-based association of 380 financial firms worldwide. He spoke to the NPC in that capacity.
Miami Mayor Urges Rescue of Cities [National Press Club]
by Hope Katz Gibbs
The National Press Club
Aug. 4, 2008
At a packed National Press Club luncheon on Aug. 4, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz challenged the next president of the U.S. to invest in solutions to the growing problems that threaten America’s cities.
“Is this country still willing to provide the tools necessary for advancement?” said Diaz, a lawyer born in Cuba who immigrated to Florida on a “freedom flight” at age 6, spoke not only as a second term mayor — but also as the new president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Obesity and Kids: What can parents do? [The Parent Diaries blog]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries reports on a new study by CSPI
“Kids’ Meals: Obesity on the Menu”
August 4, 2008
“Nearly every single possible comibination of the children’s meals at KFC, Taco Bell, Sonic, Jack in the Box, and Chick-fil-A is too high in calories,” according to Margo Wootan, Nutrition Policy Director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, who released a new report, “Kids Meals: Obesity on the Menu” on Aug. 4 at a press conference at the National Press Conference in Washington, DC.
Wootan explained that 93% of 1,474 possible choices at 13 top chains exceed 430 calories—an amount that is one-third of what the Institute of Medicine recommends that children aged 4 through 8 should consume in a day.
The problem, Wootan explains, is that kids are eating out more than ever and when they do they consume twice as many calories as when they eat a meal at home due to the extra saturated fat, less fiber and calcium in fast food meals vs. home-cooked ones.
Click on “Read Entire Article” for other weighty facts.
Is Baby Einstein Bad for your Toddler? [Blog: The Parent Diaries]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries interviews Pat Wolfe
Brain researcher / author “Brain Matters”
Pat Wolfe is worried about your toddler.
“I’ve been reading a lot of articles lately about the growing number of parents who are concerned about getting their children into the best academic preschools to ensure they do well when they begin their formal schooling,” the leading brain researcher and author of “Brain Matters,” tells The Parent Diaries.
“Some are even signing their babies up before they are born. Given the research on early brain development, trying to create a ‘super baby’ or ‘super child’ doesn’t make sense. In fact, it runs counter to what we know about how a child’s brain develops.”
Click on “Read Entire Article” to learn what Wolfe suggests.
Pam Skillings "Escapes from Corporate America" [Blog: Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews Pam Skillings
Author of “Escape from Corporate America”
In her new book, “Escape from Corporate America,” reformed corporate ladder-climber, Pam Skillings (pictured here at her very hip New York City book launch party) offers advice to wannabe escapees. “If your corporate career is leaving you stressed out, burned out, or just plain bummed out, you’re not alone,” she writes. “You don’t have to choose between paying the bills and enjoying a fulfilling career.”
With humor and personal accounts, she offers a seven-step approach to breaking free:
1. Assess your job’s “suck” factor.
2. Identify your true calling
3. Develop your escape plan
4. Find jobs that don’t bite.
5. Be your own boss.
6. Follow your creative dreams.
7. Overcome any obstacle.
Kimberly Maxwell on the Future of Men [Social Technologies]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews
Kimberly Maxwell
Senior Director of Brand & Consumer Research for Spike TV
July 7, 2008
Read more: http://trulyamazingwomen.blogspot.com/
When it comes to knowing what men want, Kimberly Maxwell is the gal to ask. As Senior Director of Brand & Consumer Research for Spike TV, she recently commissioned a study on the “Future of Men” from the Washington, DC-based research and consulting firm Social Technologies.
“We wanted to check the pulse of American guys to be better able to understand their lifestyles, their daily habits, and values,” she says, noting that the research builds upon Spike’s 2004 “Guy’s State of the Union,” which delivered a wide-ranging overview of guy’s lives.
Maxwell worked with Social Technologies’ senior analyst Chris Carbone to investigate how men aged 18 to 49 feel about fatherhood and family, politics, relationships and women, role models, work and stress, technology, and more. They outlined five segments of American guys: young carefrees, above average joes, good ol’ boys, mac daddies, and worry warriors. (See definitions by clicking to Read Entire Article.)
The Future of American Men [Social Technologies]
Social Technologies and SPIKE TV collaborate on groundbreaking study on how men 18–49 feel about fatherhood and family, politics, relationships, role models, stress, technology, women, and work for Spike’s “State of Men 2008” study
Washington, DC— What are guys’ lives like today? What is important to them and how can we better relate to them? That was what Spike TV asked the Washington DC-based futurist research and consulting firm Social Technologies to help the network find out.
As the home of everything “men,” Spike TV commissioned the study to gain a deeper understanding of the many facets of men, according to Kimberly Maxwell, senior director of brand and consumer research.
“We wanted to check the pulse of American guys to be better able to understand their lifestyles, their daily habits, and values,” she says, noting that the research builds upon Spike’s 2004 “Guy’s State of the Union,” which delivered a wide-ranging overview of guy’s lives.
Sharon Rockefeller on the Importance of PBS [National Press Club]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews
Sharon Percy Rockefeller
CEO of WETA
June 16, 2008
Read more: http://trulyamazingwomen.blogspot.com/
The question came at the end of Sharon Rockefeller’s luncheon speech at the National Press Club on June 5: What is your response to critics who say that public broadcasting is too liberal? Rockefeller paused, looked out into the audience, and with a hint of a smile said: “No, it isn’t.”
With similar poise and style, the CEO of Washington’s flagship public TV and radio stations WETA spoke for 30 minutes about the role of public media on our democracy.
Success in the City [Blog: Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews
Cynthia de Lorenzi, founder Success in the City
June 16, 2008
Read more: http://trulyamazingwomen.blogspot.com/
Nearly 200 women clad in their diva best packed the AMC Theater in Tyson’s Corner VA on Friday, May 30 for the first public showing of Sex in the City, the best chick flick of the summer that is based on the popular HBO series.
“Not a single seat was available,” says Cynthia de Lorenzi (pictured right, being interviewed Jennifer Cortner, by president of EFX Media in Arlington) “and it was only 8 a.m. on a week day.” That’s just what Cynthia hoped for when she planned the event, the biggest yet for her 2-year-old Washington DC-based networking group Success in the City. “It was fabulous,” Cynthia said after the show, referring not only to the romantic comedy on the screen but to the hundreds of executive women who dressed up and headed to the theater instead of the office.
The Future of Helicopter Parenting [The Parent Diaries]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries interviews
Futurist Kevin Osborn
June 15, 2008: Father’s Day
In celebration of Father’s Day 2008, we asked futurist Kevin Osborn to talk about a topic near and dear to his heart: Helicopter Parenting.
For those not familiar with the term, “helicopter parents” are those well-intentioned Gen Xers who are micromanaging their offspring not just in kindergarten and elementary school, but all the way through college and into adulthood.
Osborn, a senior analyst at the Washington, DC-based futurist research and consulting firm Social Technologies, says his research shows that the numbers of helicopter parents are on the rise, the trend will have ramifications for educators and employers alike as well as for the parents and children themselves.
“The phenomenon seems to be spreading beyond pushy preschool parents,” he explains. “As a result, some educators have called the 80 million children of baby boomers the most protected and programmed children ever.” Here’s why.
Historically speaking with Rosalyn Schanzer [Blog: Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews
Children’s book author / illustrator Rosalyn Schanzer
May 2008
Read more: http://trulyamazingwomen.blogspot.com/
If American history has never tickled your fancy, you haven’t read one of Rosalyn Schanzer’s illustrated picture books.* Take “John Smith Escapes Again!” which National Geographic Society in 2007 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.
Setting the record straight Rosalyn realizes her historically accurate version of Smith will raise a few eyebrows among fans of Disney’s Pocahontas. “Many people don’t know, for instance, that as a young man John Smith was tossed into the briny deep and became a pirate,” she explains. “Later became a wretched slave, and he didn’t have that platinum blond hair—as he did in the Disney version—but a mane of dark brown locks and a thick brunette-colored beard.” Of course, a brave and beautiful Indian girl named Pocahontas did rescue Smith from certain death, though she was never his girlfriend.
Read Entire Article for more.
The Future of Youth Happiness [Blog: The Parent Diaries]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries interviews
Futurist Andy Hines
May 2008
Last year, MTV approached the futurist research and consulting firm Social Technologies to help them answer a question: “What makes 12- to 24-year olds happy today and going forward into the future?”
“We had some basic ideas,” says futurist Andy Hines, who headed up the study. “We figured that friends and technology would be important to this group. But how did they feel about religion, their parents, fame, and money? We began reading everything we could on the topic, and then the real research started.”
MTV also enlisted the Associated Press to add a quantitative component to our qualitative findings. Their researchers polled 1,280 more youths in the 12-to-24-age range, and in late August 2007, published a series of press releases based on this data. Here’s what they found …
Press Release: Future of the Metaverse [Social Technologies]
Press release by Hope Gibbs
Client: Social ) Technologies
1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 815
Washington, DC 20036
Image: by epredator [flickr]
DISCONTINUITIY: THE METAVERSE
*Washington, DC, April 28, 2008*—As part of our series on discontinuities (those sudden, sharp breaks that can strike consumers, business sectors, nations, or the world with disruptive force), comes this brief on the Metaverse by Social Technologies analyst Simeon Spearman.
″The Metaverse is the fusion of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space that allows users to experience it as both—or either,″ Spearman explains. ″It will knit together technological threads as varied as online games, mobile telephony, videoconferencing, GPS tracking and location-based
services, satellite imagery, and online social networks—creating a visually rich, interactive user experience that transcends today’s so-called 2D Internet and transforms the way business, leisure, education, and scientific research are conducted.″
Press Release: The Obesity Pill [Social Technologies]
Press release by Hope Gibbs
Client: Social ) Technologies
1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 815
Washington, DC 20036
Image: e-magic [flickr]
DISCONTINUITY: THE OBESITY PILL
*Washington, DC, April 22, 2008*— Consumers have long hoped that medical and pharmacological research would lead to a so-called “fat pill,” an easy-to-use pharmaceutical answer to the growing scourge of obesity.
Social Technologies’ analyst Christopher Kent recently considered this possibility as part of our series on discontinuities (those sudden, sharp breaks that can strike consumers, business sectors, nations, or the world with disruptive force).
“The ideal solution would allow consumers to continue their regular eating and lifestyle behaviors without gaining weight,” Kent explains, noting two drugs in development, Rimonabant and Alli, offer some benefits of an anti-obesity pill, but neither is 100% effective–and both may have serious side effects.
Edward R. Murrow's 100th Birthday [National Press Club]
by Hope Katz Gibbs
The National Press Club
May 9, 2008
Image by bsoist, flickr.com
Could Edward R. Murrow get a job in radio and TV today?
That was one of a dozen questions posed to a panel gathered last Friday, April 25, at a luncheon to celebrate the 100th birthday of the man historians consider one of journalism’s greatest figures.
After a meal Murrow would surely have enjoyed—Caesar salad, roast beef, and three-layer chocolate birthday cake—three of his past employees at CBS took to the stage to discuss the life of the legend: Richard C. Hottelet, a 41-year veteran of CBS; Daniel Schorr, the last of Murrow’s former employees still working in broadcasting; and panel moderator Marvin Kalb, host of the Kalb Report on National Public Radio and the Edward R. Murrow Professor of Practice, Emeritus, and Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Business.
“Mr. Murrow didn’t hire personalities,” said Hottelet, who was working for the United Press when Murrow called offering a job. “He looked for survivors of places like UP, which turned out hard scrabbled reporters.”
All three panelists agreed that Murrow would indeed be able to land a job today—but that he’d only be willing to work for one contemporary broadcasting organization: National Public Radio. “I don’t think he’d fit in anywhere else,” Schorr insisted.
Murrow’s son Casey, who also sat on the Friday’s panel, agreed—and offered a glimpse into the private Murrow.
“On weekends we’d go to Yankees games, fishing, and just relaxed,” says Casey, an educator and author who in 1984 founded Synergy Learning International. “He was a great storyteller, as you can imagine, and really engaged me and my friends. My relationship with my dad was a great pleasure to me.”
Casey notes that was also his pleasure to see his father’s life honored in this way, and extended thanks to Marc Wojno, director of the NPC history committee, who organized the luncheon.
“Edward Murrow is a symbol of what can be achieved in broadcast journalism,” says Marc Wojno, chair of the Club’s History Committee, who organized the luncheon. “This event was highly attended, from college students to Club Owls, which shows how much this man was admired and respected.” — Hope Katz Gibbs
PR: Delaware Market House Chosen to Cater Clinton Fundraiser
PR by Hope Gibbs
Incandescent Public Relations
Client: Delaware Market House
Photo: Chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez
DELAWARE MARKET HOUSE CHOSEN TO CATER HILLARY CLINTON FUNDRAISER
Gladwyne, PA, April 15, 2008—Delaware Market House was chosen from a list of a dozen Main Line catering companies to prepare a feast for the Hillary Clinton fundraiser held April 11 in Penn Valley.
Chef Kim Alvarez got the call a few weeks ago from Marjie Katz, co-chairman of the fundraiser.
“We picked the Delaware Market House to cater this important event because of its excellent reputation for serving delicious food, and also for being an incredibly easy and enjoyable company to work with,” says Katz, who worked with Chefs Kim and Edgar Alvarez to choose the menu.
Katz expected several hundred Clinton supporters to turn out for the event—but more than 300 showed up, raising more than $300,000 for the presidential hopeful’s campaign.
“The food was fantastic,” says Samantha Burmberger, who hosted the event at her home. “Everyone was so excited to be there in support of Hillary, but they couldn’t stop talking about how yummy the food was. I’m so glad we decided to hire Delaware Market. It has long been one of my favorite gourmet markets to shop at, and now I’ll also be recommending their catering services to everyone I know.”
Click on Read Entire Article for more.
PR: Passover Menu [Delaware Market House]
PR by Hope Gibbs
Incandescent Public Relations
Passover Menu 2008
Delaware Market House
Happy Holidays!
from CHEFS Kim & Edgar alvarez
Owners, The Delaware Market House
“Let us help you cater this special holiday meal,” says Chef Kim. “From a crudites tray and Matzo Ball soup to homemade brisket with gravy, our menu has something to please everyone in your family.”
Chef Edgar adds: “Simply call us at 610 642-7120 to place your order, and remember, for a small fee we’ll even deliver your meal right to your door. Happy Holidays!”
PASSOVER HOLIDAY MENU, 2008
Click on Read Entire Article to view menu and order delicious treats.
Kristina Bouweiri, Reston Limo [Blog: Truly Amazing Women]
Blog entry by Hope Katz Gibbs
Truly Amazing Women interviews
Reston Limousine owner Kristina Bouweiri
April 2008
Read more: http://trulyamazingwomen.blogspot.com/
When Kristina Bouweiri co-founded Virginia-based Reston Limousine 17 years ago with her husband William (pictured here), she didn’t have much leadership experience. She had worked for five years in sales, but had never built or groomed a staff. In the beginning, she concentrated on being a positive, easy-going boss and didn’t worry much about boosting her team’s morale. During the booming 1990s, that approach worked brilliantly. “Sure we had some turnover,” she admits. “But the phone was ringing off the hook, so I didn’t focus on motivating employees.” Then came Sept. 11, and business came to a screeching halt.
Turning lemons into lemonade “Americans were afraid to travel, and that meant they didn’t need limos to take them around Washington,” she explains. “It was very scary.” The business downturn proved to be the perfect time to turn around her leadership approach. Kristina began reading management books, joined several professional business groups and attended luncheons where successful business people described how they led their firms. “I heard them talk about playing games to team build, and a light bulb went off,” she recalls. “It’s not that I didn’t know about the benefits of team building—dozens of companies used our limos and vans to transport their own employees to nights out on the town or other adventures. It just never dawned on me that it was so critical.”
Read Entire Article for more.
BLOG: Note to Educators — Keep Moving Forward [The Parent Diaries]
DAN PINK / PETER NOONAN DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
Part 3 of a 3-part series from the Blog of Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries: How to help your child succeed in school — without going insane
April 29, 2008
During a recent conversation with author Dan Pink (pictured here), Peter Noonan, the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in the Fairfax County Public Schools, talked about the future of public education. In Part 1 of their conversation (posted April 9), they talked about Pink’s new manga graphic novel, “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko.” In Part 2 (posted April 16), they talk about what life — and school — might be like when their own young children graduate from high school in the year 2020. In this final segment, Pink and Noonan discuss what it will take to get all educators to focus on the future …
Peter Noonan: Increasingly, it is becoming clear that there are two things that really impact how well a child will do in school—and probably in life: the parent’s income level and the parent’s education level.
Since we can’t control either of those, what keeps us going is the ability to see the future and think about what is important. In Fairfax, more than a third of our students are either English as second language learners, in the special education program, and / or in poverty. We’re working hard with that group to try to bring them up.
Dan Pink: As a self-proclaimed non-educator, speaking to an experienced educator, I’d ask you this: how would you do that in the current system?
Peter Noonan: Excellent question, and one we are really wrestling with for we are traveling down the road of creating a whole team initiative — that means we’re teaching science, technology, engineering and math by means of career and technical education. Options for kids include classes in auto tech, beautician school, and engineering and physics, as well.
We’re also looking to do something similar on the humanities side by incorporating English and Social Studies classes into the program. In time, there will be other subjects and professions that we target, but this is our initial foray into this completely interdisciplinary approach and its very new. And for some educators, it is scary because it is so new.
Read Entire Article for more …
BLOG: Seeing the world with 20/20 vision [The Parent Diaries]
DAN PINK / PETER NOONAN DISCUSS SEEING THE WORLD WITH 20/20 VISION
Part 2 of a 3-part series from the Blog of Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries: How to help your child succeed in school — without going insane
April 16, 2008
During a recent conversation with educator Peter Noonan — Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in the Fairfax County Public Schools — and author Dan Pink talked about the future of public education.
Their conversation started with a discussion about Pink’s new manga graphic novel, “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko.” In this excerpt, they talk about what life — and school — might be like when their own children graduate from high school in the year 2020 …
Peter Noonan: You spoke at our leadership conference in August 2007, and probably remember the event was called 20/20 Vision. I am the father of a 4-year-old son (and an eight year old daughter), but the idea of the conference was that kids my boy’s age will be graduating from high school in the year 2020. My question to you is what do you think the world is going to look like in 12 years?
Dan Pink: Well, my honest answer is that I don’t have a clue. But I can tell you some of the things I’m seeing now, and how they might play out.
What we consider public education is increasingly less cabined away from other aspects of society. That is, we had this notion of education being something that happens at a certain moment in your life, then you finish it and are put into the real world. On some level, it never really worked that way. But today the school isn’t the only spot where leaning takes place. Kids are learning by playing video games, so is that education, right? And learning doesn’t end after you stop going to school. It becomes part of your every aspect of your life. Learning is not an activity that is reserved for a finite part of time in a discreet place.
I think the real question we need to be asking kids isn’t “what do you want to be when you grow up,” but rather, “what’s your passion?” It would be great if educators can find out what turns a kid on.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE for more.
Press Release: Coming Soon — LA STRADA Restaurant [Public Relations]
Press Release by Hope Gibbs
La Strada Restaurant
1905 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301
Online: www.lastrada-ontheave.com
Phone: 703 548-2592
Stephen Scott, executive chef
For Immediate Release
Coming Soon: LA STRADA Restaurant
New family-friendly, family-owned Italian restaurant opening in Del Ray
Alexandria, VA, April 1, 2008—If you love Northern Italian cuisine, get your taste buds primed for La Strada, a new restaurant opening this month in the heart of Del Ray.
The executive chef is Stephen Scott, the former maestro of the kitchen at such D.C. area dining icons as Zola, Argia’s, Primi Piati, Galileo, and I Matti. His parents Stephen and Diana, and sisters Courtney and Kristen, will be managing the restaurant.
Stephen’s grandmother, Argia Balboni, knew early in Stephen’s life that he was destined to become a chef. As a little boy, he would sit in her kitchen every Sunday and watch her fix the traditional weekend brunch: a roast of beef, braised chicken, Italian meatballs and handmade tortellini.
Also special was Argia herself, who emigrated to the U.S. from Italy in 1917. Putting family and good food first was always her priority. In fact, most of the ingredients for the family feast came from her garden — a giant yard in suburban Boston.
“Argia taught me the essence of Italian cooking, and it makes me proud to carry on her traditions in my restaurants,” Stephen says today, noting that La Strada is certainly about “la familia” —but not just because it’s family owned …
BLOG: How can Manga help kids learn? [The Parent Diaries]
DAN PINK / PETER NOONAN DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
Part 1 of a 3-part series from the Blog of Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries: How to help your child succeed in school — without going insane
April 9, 2008
At a Starbucks coffee shop in suburban Washington, DC educator Peter Noonan — Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in the Fairfax County Public Schools — recently sat down with world-renown author Dan Pink to talk about the future of public education.
Although Pink quickly admits he is not an educator, his previous books, “A Whole New Mind,” and “Free Agent Nation,” have struck a chord with the education community.
“We are interested in learning what Dan has to say because he seems to have a good understanding about what makes people tick,” Noonan explains. “Since our sole mission as educators is to help children realize their potential, his insight is very appealing.”
Noonan said he was particularly interested in Pink’s latest book, a graphic novel written in a popular Japanese graphic novel style manga, entitled “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: the Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need.”
Their conversation started with that topic.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE for more.
The Future of Youth Happiness [Change)Waves]
by Andy Hines and Hope Katz Gibbs
Illustration by Jason Forrest
Change)Waves newsletter
Social Technologies
Winter 2008
What makes 12- to 24-year olds happy today and what will make them happy in the future? That was a question MTV hired Social Technologies to look at earlier this year. The findings were fascinating.
Read entire article to learn more.
The birth of a baby, and a blog [The Parent Diaries]
by Hope Katz Gibbs
The Parent Diaries: How to help your child succeed in school — without going insane
March 2008
SHE WAS NEARLY PASSED OUT WHEN I FOUND HER.
Anna was two days from turning five months old on that freezing February morning in 1996. She was so cute, so sweet, smelled so good, and my husband Mike and I couldn’t take our eyes off our little wonder.
But on that day, I decided to go down into the basement with two hands free and do the laundry all by myself. In my best sing-songy voice I told her mommy-would-be-riiiiigght-back, strapped her into her bouncy seat with a toy to swat at, and grabbed the basket of dirty baby clothes.
Anthropologist Helen Fisher on “Why We Love” [Change)Waves newsletter / Social Technologies]
by Hope Katz Gibbs
Social Technologies
Winter 2008
What is love? Why do we choose the people we choose? How do men and women vary in their romantic feelings? Is there really love at first sight? How did love evolve?
For decades, Rutgers University anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher has been working to answer these eternal questions. The 62-year old has traveled from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa to Tokyo, Moscow, and back to her home in New York City to determine if one culture perceives love differently than another.
“My research has proven to me that everywhere, people fail into romantic love,” she explains in her current book, Why We Love. “And I have come to see this passion as a fundamental human drive. Like the craving for food and water and the maternal instinct, it is a psychological need, a profound urge, an instinct to court and win a particular mating partner.”