The current financial crisis has given us all plenty of reason to think about money. Much that we’re exposed to in the form of reporting, commentary, punditry, policy, etc. is tinged with negativity…panic even. This is a dramatic departure from the halcyon days (superficial though they were) of just a few years ago when money was this culture’s favorite accessory and object of adoration. Remember “bling?”

I experienced an unexpected and positive change in my own perspective on the subject the other night; and it didn’t come from the media. It came from a conversation I had with a man who knows firsthand what money can do. Continue Reading »

I’ve been really hungry for real women in entertainment. Tonight I got a big helping.

Gwen Stefani took the stage on American Idol (of all places) to sing with her old band, No Doubt. They did a classic number, “Just a girl,” and she rocked. It was as if the whole solo career, hip-hop, Harajuku moment never happened. We were treated to unadulterated Gwen, ska Gwen, punk Gwen and it was…awesome. Continue Reading »

A friend of mine once told me that she is fascinated by the stories people repeat about themselves. One repeated story, she explained, contains more truth and insight about that person’s hopes, dreams, and self-esteem than everything else you know about that person combined.