Tag Archives: charity

Marriage Fights: Communication

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Over the last two weeks, I’ve done a series of articles based on the top four causes of marriage fights and divorce. All four of these disagreements stem from one essential problem in a relationship: lack of communication. When you and your spouse communicate and work together, the relationship runs smoother. But when you choose to work separately, you pull in different directions instead of as a team, and the wagon breaks apart. Let’s quickly review the four causes we touched on. First, money. When the two of you sit down and decide on your financial goals, and devise a … Continue reading →

A Million Dollar Kiss

Okay, maybe it didn’t cost that much, but I’m sure it felt like it was worth as much. After all, it was a kiss by George Clooney. The hunky “Ocean’s Thirteen” co-star was put on the auction last night (or at least his lips were) at a charity event benefiting AIDS research. According to news reports, the actor along with his friends and castmates Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia and Ellen Barkin made a brief appearance at the annual Cinema Against AIDS dinner to auction off a seven-day Mediterranean getaway on a private boat. That’s when auction host Sharon … Continue reading →

Hollywood Do-gooders Strike Again

Can you image walking across the stage at your high school graduation and locking eyes with actress Sandra Bullock? That’s exactly what happened to some unsuspecting New Orleans high school seniors just a few days ago. Bullock and her husband Jesse James sat in the front row to witness 191 students receive their diplomas. The students make up the first graduating class from Warren Easton High School since Hurricane Katrina nearly leveled it in 2005. According to the school’s principal, Bullock donated more than $100,000 to the school and provided more than two dozen $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors. School … Continue reading →

The Dream Concert

It’s a star-studded event to honor a man that helped shape history. This fall Radio City Music Hall in New York City will be filled with stars raising money to build a memorial to The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall. The event dubbed “The Dream Concert” is being spearheaded by the likes of Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons and Tommy Hilfiger. The group of Hollywood A listers is hoping to raise about $20 million—the amount needed to complete and maintain the memorial. (More than $79 million has already been raised for the memorial, but organizers say to … Continue reading →

Celebrities’ Weekend Adventures

Oprah Winfrey spent part of the weekend spreading her seeds of wisdom to young adults in our nation’s capital. The celebrated talk show host spoke at commencement ceremonies at Howard University Saturday. “My integrity is not for sale, and neither is yours,” Winfrey told more than 30,000 people who attended the graduation ceremonies. She was referring to the times when network executives tried to pressure her to avoid topics to boost ratings or appease advertisers. “Do not be a slave to any form of selling out,” Winfrey advised the new graduates. The former TV news anchor went on to tell … Continue reading →

Flea Brings Music To Inner City Kids

Whenever I hear someone talk about the “Red Hot Chili Peppers” I instantly think of Flea, the band member who is always flashing his gap-toothed grin and heavily tattooed body. Let’s face it; the guy is no wallflower. But, what most people don’t know about the man who was born Michael Balzary is that he defines himself more by the moves he makes when he’s off the stage. It wasn’t until recently that I learned about some of those moves, including his role as co-founder of the non-profit school, Silverlake Conservatory of Music. Flea says he decided to create the … Continue reading →

Celebrities’ Unexpected Callings

When we watched her cuddling an emaciated extraterrestrial on the big screen as a little girl I’m sure not very many of us would have imagined Drew Barrymore would grow up to be an advocate for the world’s hungry. But, alas, life is unpredictable. Yes, it is true. Actress Drew Barrymore has been named an ambassador against hunger for the World Food Program. The global humanitarian program provides food aid to more than 90 million poor people, including 58 million hungry children who live in 80 of the world’s poorest countries. Members of the media have been following the 32-year-old … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Brought Back Into the Fold

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Every time I read the parable of the lost sheep, it makes me scratch my head. It always seems unfair to me that there is more joy over the return of one who wandered than there is over the 99 who had the sense to stay together. Maybe it is my oldest child mentality coming out; like the brother in the prodigal son, I get a little resentful. However, today I took a different (and more accurate) view of the parable. I thought about Sunday Sacrament meetings. When I attend church (as I do every Sunday), no one gets really … Continue reading →

The Concert That Keeps Giving

If you find yourself near the Atlanta area this week—consider yourself lucky. That’s where you will find what is being billed as the “World’s Largest Open Mic Night.” Only instead of one night, the concert will last 10 straight nights. Ten nights of music featuring 500 bands and solo artists performing hits from a variety of genres–rock, R&B, rap, and bluegrass–but, with a couple of twists. First, the tunes will be performed, in order, each of the 500 greatest songs of all time, as ranked by Rolling Stone magazine three years ago. The other twist: the songfest’s goal is to … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Seeking Out the Lost

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Luke 15 focuses on three parables of lost items that were reclaimed. In each case, the finder rejoiced exceedingly at relocating their treasure, be it lamb, coin, or child. Every year, stories of those who are physically top the news. The one that stands out most recently was of the family who became lost in a blizzard; the wife and children were saved but the husband, who left the car to seek help, was lost. Hikers, children, and older folks with memory troubles are similarly sought after with great effort, and the nation rejoices when they are found or mourns … Continue reading →