Op-eds, columns and personal essays.

Ground Rules for Guy's Night Out-MainPhoto

Ground Rules for Guys’ Night Out

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It’s time for a guys’ night out. You work hard, you provide for your family, now it’s time to relax with the guys and maybe take in a ball game or celebrate a buddy’s last night of bachelorhood. Like every activity, there are rules…
As Black History Month Comes to a Close Mamiverse Continues to Celebrate Diversity-MainPhoto

As Black History Month Comes to a Close Mamiverse Continues to Celebrate Diversity

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My school years during the 70s and 80s were filled with diversity. After spending my early childhood in the United States, I was fortunate to attend a British school in Spain. It was more of an international school, a melting pot of races,…
In defense of alcoholics and addicts

In Defense of Addicts, Alcoholics, and Philip Seymour Hoffman

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When I posted the news of the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman on my Facebook page, a friend from my school days commented on it. It was something to the effect that Hoffman was a great actor but not a great human being.  Then he…
Why We Still Need Black History Month-MainPhoto

Why We Still Need Black History Month

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Last February, I asked my older kids how they were commemorating Black History Month at school. Both children gave me blank stares. “My teachers haven’t even mentioned it,” said my 10-year-old daughter. “What’s Black History Month?”…
How to Relate To and Deal With Difficult People-MainPhoto

How to Relate To & Deal With Difficult People

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We all have someone in our lives with whom we have difficulty relating. Your mother-in-law you always fight with. The sister who always manages to cut you off. A friend who drains your energy by talking about her problems all the time, and…
7 Reasons to Love Cold Weather-SliderPhoto

7 Reasons to Love Cold Weather

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It’s that time of year again, when people start to get really sick of the cold weather. I, for one, love cold weather. I love all the seasons, really, but winter just may be my favorite. I’ve been told I’m nuts by more than one friend…
If I Were Richard Sherman’s Mom-MainPhoto

If I Were Richard Sherman’s Mom...

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People are still talking about Richard Sherman’s post-game “rant” after his decisive play sealed victory—and a Super Bowl invitation—for the Seattle Seahawks. But if I were Richard Sherman’s mom, I wouldn’t be chastising him…
Despite Advances, Women Still Have a Long Way To Go-SliderPhoto

Despite Advances, Women Still Have a Long Way to Go

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Here are some facts that will make your eyes pop: In the U.S. today, 47% of the workforce is comprised of women, yet 42 million women live at or near the brink of poverty. Women are the breadwinners or co-breadwinners of nearly two thirds…
How to Keep the Kids Busy When They Can’t Play Outside-MainPhoto

Snow Day? How to Keep the Kids Busy When They Can’t Play Outside

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Like to take quizzes? Try this one: When it’s too cold for my children to play outside, I: a) Let them watch unlimited television and videos b) Organize a marathon session of board games c) Force them to clean their rooms d) Lock myself…