Wednesday, December 3, 2008

What would your guess be?

As my dining partner and I seated ourselves at the Midlothian Capital Ale House bar, we noticed two empty seats next to the two we were claiming. The seats were empty, but a half-full mixed beverage and a nearly full wine glass were on the bar.

Noticing our curious glances, the couple on the other side of the two empty seats spoke up.

"Don't mind them," the gentlemen said. "Those glasses were there when we sat down, and the people haven't been back."

"I've half a mind to drink the wine myself," the woman exclaimed.

"We don't know where they went," the man added, "but we figure they must have had a fight. Why else would you leave two perfectly good drinks?!"

I laughed and agreed.

Later, I realized so many other legitimate possible reasons.

If you could guess one thing, what would it be? Think about it, then read on.

As I realized one very possible reason - in a bar, man and woman, in haste to leave - I laughed and wondered: would young people jump to my latest conclusion, that they had better things to do, things that they couldn't do in public, while more age-advanced people would be less likely to consider that possibility?

I've done only one poll so far - our young V interns and slightly age-advanced admin assistant guessed emergencies as the reason. When I posed my latest possibility, even the young women agreed that nothing but a real emergency would stop them from finishing their drinks! So far, then, my hypothesis is incorrect.

What was your guess - and are you young, somewhat advanced, or crowned with maturity? Let us know!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The Handshake - What Do You Think?

Is your handshake firm or flaccid? Which do you prefer to receive? Is one really better than the other?

In many cases, a handshake is someone's first impression of you, professionally or socially. Most often we hear that a firm handshake is a sign of strength and confidence, while a limp handshake communicates weakness. Certainly we want to convey an image of confidence in a professional setting.

But do we want to convey a different image in personal settings, say a holiday party or other social event?

Also, are the principles different for women than for men? If we grant that a firm handshake is preferable for a macho man, it okay for a woman to have a soft handshake?

What do YOU think?!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Motorists, Beware of Deer

With the whitetail deer of Virginia entering the breeding season, motorists should be cautiously aware of their movement during this time of year.

From July 1st 2004 until June 30th 2005, Virginia ranked 7th in states with highest number of crashes involving deer. State Farm Insurance rank Virginia 12th in the likelihood of a collision with a deer.

“We want motorist to be aware of the potential of deer crashes during this time of year and provide them with the information that will aid them in the possible prevention of such a crash occurring” said Janet Brooking, Executive Director of Drive Smart Virginia.

These creatures, both male and female, are very unaware of vehicles on the roadways when their animal instincts come into play. Their movements increase and you should be on high alert during dusk and early evening and pre-dawn to mid-morning. Most deer stay within a one-mile radius, but they may venture further in search of members of the opposite sex, food or water. Also remember that deer roam in herds, so where you see one deer, others will be close by.

Here are tips that motorist should remember:

* Drivers should keep their headlights on high beam unless they are meeting another vehicle and keep an ever watchful eye on the edges of the woods and fields next to the highway.

* If a deer is seen entering your vehicle’s path, apply brakes without locking the brakes. You can lose traction and control if you lock-up or slide the tires. This is not a problem for some late model vehicles, which have anti-lock brakes.

* Be aware of posted deer crossings.

* DO NOT SWERVE TO MISS A DEER. You could lose control of your vehicle, strike a tree or ditch bank and overturn, or strike another vehicle. Fatal crashes or injuries during crashes are rare when just a deer is struck.

* Remember that deer often travel together, so if you see one, others may be nearby and ready to dash in front of you.

If you strike a deer, you should contact law enforcement as soon as possible, if the damage is over $1,000.00. A vehicle crash report is required to be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles under these circumstances. The deer must be tagged and the driver may keep the deer if so desired. Contacting law enforcement also helps with the notification of the Department of Transportation for disposal of the deer.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

ART, MUSIC AND THEATRE FOR HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK, November 11-17th

In recognition of Homelessness Awareness Week, The Daily Planet invites local businesses, residents and community groups to attend the first annual event series of art, music and theater productions designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of issues surrounding homelessness. On November 15 at The Camel – Richmond’s New Social Oasis, 1621 W. Broad Street, will open its doors at 7:30 pm to host the entertaining and educational artistic series with Slash Coleman, author and playwright of the award winning shows will perform a "Matzo Ball Sampler" - monologues from his various shows including "The Neon Man and Me" and "Slash Coleman has Big Matzo Balls". At 9:30 pm, the VeKams, a Richmond based rock-pop creation, featuring Virgil Jones, Scott Gordon and Karen Shealy with drummer, Mackie Blaylock.

Friday, November 16, The Daily Planet will open its doors to the public, offering facility tours on the hour beginning at 11 am until 2 pm. Everyone is invited to experience the inner-workings of the Daily Planet’s health care, mental health, vision, and dental clinics. This community outreach initiative is designed to increase awareness of The Daily Planet’s holistic approach to serving the homeless, uninsured, and underserved of Greater Richmond.

SPADES: a book without a cover will offer one performance on Saturday, November 17th at 7:30 pm at the The Camel. Suggested donation is $10 with proceeds to benefit Daily Planet. SPADES is a co-authored dramatic work conceived and directed by Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, a national and international touring artist and is a collection of the life stories and journeys of the people who live on the streets and shelters of our community. SPADES uncovers the reality of how closely the lives of the homeless intersects with the lives we all live everyday. The Camel – Richmond’s New Social Oasis will host Saturday’s performance of SPADES, which will travel to Washington, D.C. to perform at the Kennedy Center for the National Alliance to End Homelessness Awards and Fundraising Gala on April 7, 2008.

Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates is a playwright, director, actor, poet, writer and teacher. She has appeared on Broadway and in both National and International Touring Companies. The play’s producing co-collaborator, Marc Taylor, MA, Ed.S, LPC, is a mental health clinician on the staff of Daily Planet.

Friday, November 9, 2007

V Is for the Birds

Check out this great Web page examining why geese fly in a V formation - and what we can learn from these majestic birds!

Go to the "The Goose Story" to learn from the birds!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Celebrating for Her - But Envious, Too!

Thirty-four-year old Paula Radcliffe won the New York City Marathon on Sunday, beating a very competitive field of women - ten months after the birth of her baby girl!

I celebrate the accomplishment of this British runner unreservedly. Yet when I saw the photo of her flat stomach merely 10 months later, and visualized my wrinkly tummy 22 years after the birth of my twins, I do feel a little envy! I'd never wish her flat stomach away, but would love to have one myself. Ah, well, they're my "love scars"!

I like to make a clear distinction between "envy" and "jealousy." With envy, you want something for yourself, but you wouldn't take it away from someone in order to get it. With jealousy, not only do you want it, but you don't want someone else to have it!

The green-eyed monster of jealousy is often nasty and mean. Envy, on the other hand, can be productive - you congratulate the victor, but work harder to achieve your own success!

In a Runner's World interview, British runner Paula Radcliffe said of her closest competitor in the race, Gete Wami, "I really respect Gete, and I knew that it was going to be tough and I would have to race really, really strong to beat her."

Now that's the spirit of sportsmanship that we can practice in all aspects of life - we race for our best and leave the nasty green-eyed monster behind!

To read more of the interview with Paula, click here.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

It Hits the Streets Tomorrow, Nov. 2

This month's issue of V celebrates the phoenix, women who have overcome life's obstacles and risen from the ashes. You'll read the stories of several women who have made lemonade out of their lemons. Sally Wetzler is a whitewater kayaker and kayak instructor to wounded vets - despite needing a wheelchair for the past 20 years. Susan Dunham's biggest fight wasn't just against blindness, but against the blows to her self-esteem from a verbally abusive father and husband. Inspired by the birth of her first daughter, Karen Horn overcame a major weight problem that had plagued her since childhood. Kim Dunham-Quigley's story is both a reminder of the importance of leaving abusive relationships and an inspiration that it can be done. And with the help of a concerned dentist, Mary Helen Baird overcame a nagging physical problem.

Even our Art department is a reminder of the beauty of the phoenix - Richmond Ballet instructor who refuses to let lupus stifle the dance in her life.

You'll also find a focus on women of the Virginia Film Festival; how to conquer headaches without medication; an experience at the National Association of Black Journalists convention; financial advice for women facing divorce; and more!

Be sure to check out our advertisers, too! Without their support, we couldn't support the women of Virginia.

May this month's issue of V empower, enlighten, and entertain you!
To discover where to get your latest issue of V Magazine for Women, go to www.vmagazineforwomen.com/find.html.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Film at VFF: African Grandmothers Fight AIDS

This powerful film about the African Dogo can be seen this weekend at the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville. Click here to learn more about the film and see an excerpt.

More information on the Virginia Film Festival in the November issue of V Magazine for Women.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Voices of MammoSite: An Online Connection with Breast Cancer Survivors

"You have breast cancer." The words hang in the air in the sterile coldness of an examination room. The first reaction is often disbelief; followed by, "Am I going to survive? What do I do now?"

Once a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she usually has very little time to make a treatment decision. That's 14 days to cope with the news, research options, fit in doctor's appointments, and figure out who will take care of her family and job during treatment and recovery. Now there is a place where women with early-stage breast cancer can find a new level of support and open arms from those who've been through it before. Voices of MammoSite is a new program supported by a website, VoicesofMammoSite.com, devoted to connecting newly diagnosed women with a network of extraordinary survivors who have confronted the challenges of breast cancer, specifically those who have fought it successfully with MammoSite® 5-Day Targeted Radiation Therapy. (The procedure is a partial breast irradiation treatment available to patients with early-stage breast cancer that can be completed in less than a week. The program is sponsored by Cytyc Corporation.)

At the site, visitors can read and listen to personal stories of breast cancer survivors, find a survivor of similar age and background who is willing to share her own experiences with breast cancer treatment and personally connect with her within 48 hours.

Available mentors include Donna, a 66-year-old retired nurse from Kentucky; Linda, a 58-year-old financial planner from Illinois; Carmen, a 47-year-old accountant from Arizona; and dozens more. They're women of all ages and ethnicities, from all over the U.S., who have one thing in common - they all successfully battled early-stage breast cancer and have volunteered to share their experiences with other women.

For more information, visit VoicesofMammoSite.com.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

View and Vote for a New Short Film

The Science of Love premieres tonight on LOGO, MTV's LGBT channel. It was produced by Joyce Dragonsky, whom V readers may recognize from editor Annie Tobey's travel report on her RSVP Mediterranean cruise. To read about Joyce's last two films and find out how to see them both, click here!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Link to Financial Savvy

Visit MsMoney.com for a wealth of financial guidance, including investing, banking and credit, debt reduction, career strategies, and more!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Tip for a Better Day

"There's no day so horrid or so wonderful that it can't be improved by chocolate!"

Sunday, October 21, 2007

The Wellness Village, for Alternative Health Services

THE WELLNESS VILLAGE AT STARLING, located at 1404 Starling Drive adjacent to Regency Square Mall, celebrated its grand opening Saturday afternoon, October 13. The newly constructed “Village” is the first of its kind in Richmond, featuring an integrated, holistic approach to healthful living. Businesses at this unique facility represent multiple disciplines and services with experienced practitioners offering quality choices for healthy lifestyles, including therapeutic massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, energy therapies, mat pilates and reformer pilates classes, yoga, and offerings for birth and baby needs

The beautiful fall weather provided a perfect day for enjoying friendly conversation with the Village practitioners, and for strolling or sitting in the beautiful gardens with complimentary healthy snacks and relaxing live music on the patio. Other festivities included free gifts and hourly raffles for valuable prizes donated by area businesses and community professionals. Local artisans, artists, and vendors displayed and sold their crafts and products. Master photographer Carla Nelms provided photography services for the event. Village practitioners offered interactive demonstrations and informational discussions to educate the public about the many benefits of alternative and complementary healthcare.

Services include Therapeutic Wellness and Massage Center, Acupuncture, Birth and Baby Kneads, Core Pilates of Richmond, Yoga, A Change of Mind, Advanced Therapies in Hypnosis, and Good For You Energy Therapy!

If you missed out on this special event, please call 804-673-2936, or visit The Village for more information.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Sweet Virginia Breeze

Woke up this morning the breeze blowin' cross my face
And I just had to look up above and thank somebody for this place,
Because he must've been thinkin' bout me
When he planted that very first dogwood tree
It's where I want to be
Livin' in the Sweet Virginia Breeze

Take me out to the country it feels mighty good out there
When I get back to the city of the monuments
It doesn't matter where I hang my hat it's home to me
The Blue Ridge Mountains tend to set me free
It's where I want to be
Livin' in the Sweet Virginia Breeze

Wakes me up in the mornin'
Rocks me to sleep at night
I've got a red bird singin' on my window sill
I know everything will be all right
Livin' in the Sweet Virginia Breeze

Just sittin on my back porch
I'm just watchin' the sun come up
Sweet sweet Virginia Breeze blowin' ripples 'cross my coffee cup
Because he must've been thinkin' bout me when he planted that very first dogwood tree
cause when that breeze comes blowin' through the trees
you know everything will be alright
Livin' in a Sweet Virginia Breeze
Sweet Virginia Breeze


Recorded by Robbin Thompson and Steve Bassett in 1978

Friday, October 19, 2007

Maya Angelou in Richmond

Family Lifeline, a Richmond-based nonprofit that has a goal of changing the futures of at-risk families, announced today that it’s hosting “An Evening with Maya Angelou” as part of its 130th birthday celebration. The former poet laureate of the United States will speak at the Richmond Convention Center on November 1 in an event that is a fundraiser for Family Lifeline. The event is presented by Wachovia Securities and a group of other corporate sponsors, including Owens & Minor; Dominion Resources; Bon Secours, Richmond Health System and Philip Morris USA.

Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world making appearances, spreading her wisdom.

“Maya Angelou is an incredible role model for us all, and we’re thrilled to be hosting her for this event,” said Family Lifeline President Reed Henderson. “We hope that her appearance will be an inspiration to those in attendance on November 1st.”

Dr. Angelou will speak for approximately one hour, covering topics related to her fascinating life. The evening will start at 6 p.m. when the doors of the convention center open. Ms. Angelou will begin speaking at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale for the event, with prices starting at $50. Corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information, visit www.familylifeline.org or call 804-282-4255.

Changing futures for families in the Richmond area since 1877, Family Lifeline is one of city’s oldest and largest private community-based organizations. Family Lifeline’s mission is to strengthen families where they live, work, and learn. For more information, visit www.familylifeline.org or call 804-282-4255.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Composure

"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it's just possible you haven't grasped the situation." Jean Kerr

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Handbag Heaven

Do you love a great handbag, but hesitate to spend the money on expensive designer bags? Thanks to Bag Borrow or Steal, you can carry all the great bags you want, and still have money left to carry around!

Like a Netflix for handbags, Bag, Borrow or Steal charges a low monthly membership plus nominal fees, but never a late fee, and you keep the bag for as long as you want. You can create a wish list of your favorite bags, so you'll know what to order next. You also have the option to buy a bag you fall in love with.

Fees vary according to the level of handbag you choose: Couture (like Gucci & Rosiblu), Diva (such as Louis Vuitton and Charriol), Princess (Betsey Johnson and Pianegonda), or Trendsetter (Dooney & Bourke and Lori Bonn).

For details on the program, the fees, and the huge assortment of handbags, go to www.bagborroworsteal.com.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Have Fun for a Good Cause This Weekend!

Bon Secours Presents Faison’s Amazin’ Pumpkin Palooza
To Benefit The Faison School for Autism

Celebrate the fall season and the art of pumpkin carving. Preview party on Fri., Oct. 19 (cost) where guests will see carving teams in action while enjoying dinner and live music. Sat., Oct. 20, is free and open to the public, with amazing carved giant pumpkins, festivities for children and adults including arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, jewelry making, entertainment, and costume contests. 11am-9 pm at The Carillon at Byrd Park. For Fri. tickets or more information, call 804-827-3801.

15th Annual Art Affair to Benefit
Child Savers and VCU Art Scholarships

Fine artwork by 120 artists from Central Virginia and seven states is being exhibited for sale. Paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastels, sculpture, drawing, photography and carefully selected fine craft. Also features artwork by local high school students, competing for awards. Sat., Oct. 20 (10am-5pm) and Sun., Oct. 21 (noon-5pm) at Stony Point Fashion Park in the parking area across from Saks. Free to the public. Hosted by the Bon Air Artist Association. 804-379-8980 or jillchafinstudio@verizon.net.

Short Pump Ruritan Club, 18th Annual Craft Show
A variety of merchandise, including handmade jewelry, beaded watches, furniture and accessories, floral arrangements, wreaths and many other unique items. Over 90 crafters. No admission charge and food will be served. Sat., Oct. 20, 9am-3pm, at Short Pump Middle School, 4701 Pouncey Tract Rd. 804-360-2371.

Yard & Bake Sale to Benefit
Huguenot United Methodist Church Preschool

Shop for great bargains and enjoy delicious food. Donations accepted beforehand, so it’s also a chance to empty out closets. All to benefit young minds. Oct. 20, 6am-2pm, 10661 Duryea Dr. 804-272-1704 or humcpreschool.com.

26th Annual Midlothian Village Day Festival
To Benefit Local Charities and Scholarship

Parade, craft booths, community booths, entertainment, food, carnival games, moonwalks, silent auction. Sponsored by the Midlothian Junior Women’s Club. Sat., Oct. 20, 10am-3pm, Midlothian Middle School. 804-379-3420 or midlothianfestival.net.

The 6th Annual Power of Hope Prison Ministry Conference
This educational conference features national and regional speakers and panel discussions to raise awareness and funds to help women transition from prison and rebuild their lives. Sponsored by Helping Hands Women’s Outreach Ministries. Sat., Oct. 20, from 10am2pm at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary St. 804-276-3139 or hhwom.org.

Enjoy Bach to Benefit the Free Clinic of Goochland

The Goochland Rotary Club sponsors Richmond Symphony’s Tribute to Bach Series, Bach-lor Party, to benefit the Free Clinic of Goochland. Oct. 20, 7pm, at Goochland High School, 3250 River Rd. West, Goochland.

For more events - benefits, fun, or arts - check out the October issue of V or go to our Web site, www.vmagazineforwomen.com!

Monday, October 15, 2007

The Member of the Wedding

"It happened that green and crazy summer when Frankie was twelve years old." Thus opens Carson McCuller's insightful novel, The Member of the Wedding.

Richmonders can catch the onstage version of The Member of the Wedding at Barksdale through October 28. Frankie Addams, a precocious tomboy in a small southern town, yearns to grow up, and she fantasizes elaborate plans for her part in her brother’s upcoming wedding. Awarded the New York Drama Critics' Prize for the Best American Play of 1950 when it premiered on Broadway, The Member of the Wedding is part of Barksdale’s Women’s Theatre Project, as we celebrate the moving work of famed novelist and playwright Carson McCullers.

For more information, visit the Barksdale Web site.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Interests

"One thing life taught me: If you are interested, you never have to look for new interests." Eleanor Roosevelt

Life is full of stimulating, challenging, gratifying, and fun things to do! Enjoy!