Women’s Independent Press

May 2011

All programs begin at 12:15 pm at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield Street, Downtown.  They are free and open to the public.

 Thursday, May   5         Using Social Media to Grow Your Business

David Tusick, Co-Founder/CEO

                                    Optimal Brand Development

David Tusick, a social media and advertising expert, will discuss the the development of social media and why it is so important in today’s business environment. The core of the presentation will analyze the elements of an effective social media advertising campaign and outline strategies that will help you set up your own successful campaign.

Thursday, May 12          “The Eldercare Journey”

 Julian Gray, Certified Elder Law Attorney
 Principal, Julian Gray Associates

The cost of long-term care insurance is the greatest threat to our life savings. Mr. Gray, one of only four Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Pittsburgh and a VA certified attorney, will discuss various options along the journey from retirement through the need for long-term care at home or in a facility. He’ll also cover the new rules for Medicaid eligibility in PA as well as unknown benefits and planning tips for veterans and their spouses who want to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Thursday, May 19          The Road to Credit Recovery

Todd Miller, Education Representative

                                     Advantage Credit Counseling Service

For many people, bad credit is the result of circumstances beyond their control. Mr. Miller will explain the steps you need to take in order to improve your current situation and re-establish credit after experiencing financial problems.  He’ll also discuss credit reports, credit card scams and how to manage future credit.

Thursday, May 26          Freakonomics:  The Movie

(DVD – 90 minutes)

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, was on the New York Times’ best-seller list for more than two years. The DVD version explores the authors’ theories about the influence that a baby’s name has on his or her future, the relationship between corruption in sumo wrestling and Wall Street, the real reasons for the dramatic decrease in U.S. crime in the early ‘90s and the possibility that 9^th graders can be bribed with cash to improve their grades.  Don’t be surprised if some of their conclusions will challenge you to re-examine your opinions on many of these issues.

May 4 - Gala in the Garden - Benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank - Enjoy cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres in the lush Tropical Forest, a stations dinner in the glass-walled Special Events Hall, an awards presentation and auction, then top the evening off with dancing and fantastic entertainment by Finesse - 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh
Host: MPI Pittsburgh Cost: $50 - Register online at: http://www.mpipittsburgh.org

May 4 – NAWBO – Downtown Divas  - Villa Southside, 1831 E. Carson St, Pittsburgh - Legendary Etta Cox, Jazz Diva & Soon to be Legendary Women’s Networking Happy Hour – Meet & hear about organizations that help, promote, & advocate women – Networking presentations, 6-7 PM, Music 7-9 PM

May 4 – SBDC – Thinking About Starting a Business? Mechanics of Starting a Small Business Seminar – Whiteball Community Room – 6 pm – 8pm – Free – Represented by Raymond Vargo

May 5 - PCA Spring Celebration - A Networking Event - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
Place: Atria’s in Wexford, 12980 Perry Highway, Wexford - Host: Pittsburgh Coaches Association - Cost: $15 in advance (online); $20 at the door

May 5 – Women on State Boards & How to get there – Allegheny HYP Club -5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Registration & Networking, 5:30 to 7:00 PM – Program - Program fee $25 for EWC Members, $45 for non-members – Register by email: ewcpgh@aol.com

May 6 -Tools for Coaches - A Gestalt Approach to Conflict - Presented by Ann L. Begler of the Begler Group - 11:15 - 11:30 a.m: Registration and Networking, 11:30 - 12 noon: Announcements & Luncheon -12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: Featured Presentation, Highland Golf Club - Westview, 450 Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, Host: Pittsburgh Coaches Association, Cost: By 5 p.m., May 6: Members -$30, Nonmembers-$40 - After 5 p.m., May 6: Members-$40, Nonmembers-$40 - http://www.pittsburghcoaches.org Further info: contact Roberta Rollings at Pghcoachesassoc@aol.com

May 7 - The Pittsburgh Gospel Choir will perform a series of pieces ranging from spirituals, to traditional, to gut-busting gospel music in their upcoming concert: “O Sing Unto The Lord A New Song: An Afternoon of Tribute, Recognition & Celebration” at 4 PM - East Liberty Presbyterian Church. For more information about the concert or to purchase tickets, please visit www.pittsburghgsospelchoir.org or call 412-613-5825.

May 10 - Breakfast Briefing Empowering Citizens and Communities: A View from the Czech Republic - 8:15-9:30 a.m. - Jirí Bárta Executive Director, Via Foundation (Prague, Czech Republic) - The Pittsburgh Foundation Offices, 5 PPG Pl., Suite 250, Pittsburgh

May 10 - Greater Harmony Chorus invites you to Family and Friends Night on at 7:30 p.m.  This event is free and will be at Richland Elementary School, 3811 Bakerstown Rd., Gibsonia, Pa.  It will be a dress rehearsal for our Region 17 Competition May 20 - 21 in Cleveland.  Please attend to send us off to competition in grand style.  Refreshments will be served.  

May 11 -  Business for Breakfast Networking Event - 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. - McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, SouthSide Works, 2667 Sidney Street, Pittsburgh - Hosts: Pittsburgh Business Times and McCormick & Schmick’s  - Cost: $25 (includes cont.breakfast & $10 McCormick & Schmick’s gift card.)
RSVP: Suggested by May 6th (Seating is limited. http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event - For more info, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or komondor@bizjournals.com

May 11 – WIN Pittsburgh - Accessorize & Socialize Event – Guest Speakers: Gwyn Cready, Fashions by Doncaster, Robyn Bracco – Complimentary makeovers – 11 AM – 1:30 PM – Olive or Twist, 140 6^th St 2^nd floor, Pittsburgh – RSVP required – Raffles - Joining WIN-Pittsburgh gives you all of the benefits and membership in the National Association for Female Executives!  To visit www.winpitt.org click here.  If you are not a member of WIN-Pittsburgh and decide to become a member on the day of the event, we will give you a $15 discount off of your membership, if you paid the $45 non-member registration fee for the Accessorize & Socialize event. 

May 11 - Brown Bag Lunch -12:00 – 1:00pm -Speaker:  Linda Handley, Founder at Building Bridges for Business -Topic: How to Start Internet Marketing and Blogging - What do you do if you are just starting to use the tools of internet marketing? Join us to learn how Internet marketing can attract more people to your website, increase customers for your business, and enhance branding of your company and products. Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania - 1650 Main Street Pittsburgh – FREE -RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

May 12- Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference - Keynote Speakers: Jason Brown, CEO of Right by Nature Steven Breuner, Founder of 48 Supercuts stores - Discover ideas that can transform your business. Choose from 15 expert-led workshops on the hottest topics in business today.- Workshops on strategic planning, management, finance, marketing, starting a business, and more. A business building trade show featuring more than 50 support organizations. Unparalleled networking opportunities with entrepreneurial veterans, top service providers and the region’s most promising entrepreneurs. - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -  Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh - Host: Duquesne University Small Business Development Center - Cost: Full Day-$119 (By April 28); After April 28-$139; Afternoon Only (including lunch)-$79; Lunch & Keynote Only-$50; Walk-ins-$159. Full day fee includes continental breakfast, discount parking, luncheon, workshops & business-building trade show.) RSVP: Required to receive advance price. Questions: Call 412-396-1633. http://www.duq.edu/sbdc

May 13 - Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series - Speaker: Lynsie Camuso, Co-founder and President, ShowClix - Topic: “Taking on Ticketmaster: Achieving Success Against an Industry
Giant” - Time: 7:30-9:00 AM -Venue: James Laughlin Music Center, Chatham University Shadyside Campus Cost: $25.00 - Register online: www.chatham.edu/cwe

May 18 - Presented by Julie Ann Sullivan, MBA, President of Learning Never Ends
and author of “Life Lessons” - Each situation gives us a new opportunity to react in a different way.  Different styles of listening help you to be a better listener. The “art” comes in our capacity to respond appropriately. Participate in this interactive workshop and develop the “art” - 10:15 a.m. - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Squirrel Hill - Cost: Free - To RSVP, email Julie Ann Sullivan at julieann@julieannsullivan.com

May 20 – Women’s Power Lunch -Come be a part of the longest running networking luncheon in the Pittsburgh area.  Bring 50 business cards or brochures to hand
out and be prepared to give a short presentation on your business to introduce yourself to other business women and professionals.  - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Sharp Edge Restaurant-Bistro, 922 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh - $30.00 cash at the door, receipts provided - RSVP: By May 18^th - To register, contact Suzanne McMahon-Froehlich at
724-452-5152 or suzannef@zoominternet.net.

May 20 - Give Your Spanx a Workout! Graze and Sip the night away at “Cocktails and Cuisine for Women in Crisis” at the Woodlands in Bradford Woods. This fabulous evening, 6pm to 10PM. showcasing over 20 food and wine purveyors benefits Crisis Center North.  For tickets or more info - Www.CrisisCenterNorth.org Or call 412-364-6728 ext. 15

May 21 - Find Your Inner Rock Star -Presented by Dayna SteeleAuthor of the forthcoming book I’m With the Band: Network Your Way into Anything, Anywhere, Anytime! Discover how to how to unleash your rock star potential and grow your business using rock star principles.  - 8:00 - 8:30: networking & continental breakfast;  8:30 a.m. - 12 noon: introductions and featured program - Location: LaRoche College, Zappala College Ctr, 9000 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh - Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter - Cost: NSA Members & Affiliates-$35, Nonmembers-$45, At the door-$55
RSVP: Suggested by May 19^th - For more information and to register, go to: http://www.nsapittsburgh.org

May 25 - Business Exchange Networking Lunch - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. -  Comfort Inn (The Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC Park, Ohara Twp - Cost: $15 - RSVP: By Monday, May 23 -To register, contact Carol Briney at 412-781-8773 or PlanBConsultant@comcast.net

June 10 - Inspired Women in Business and Life – Four Points Sheraton – An empowering full-day of breakouts, keynotes and inspiration! Speakers from Tampa, Sacramento, Manhattan as well as local talent. Don’t miss the Girlfriend Early Bird Special of $75 per ticket before May 10th. Silent Auction to benefit Treasure House Fashion. For details about workshops, sponsorship, vending or tickets – www.Inspiredwomen.com or call 724-935-6100

FYI

May 21 – Salsita! Pittsburgh Opera, 2425 Liberty Ave –  9 pm – 1am – Silent Auction, Salsa Cook Off, VIP ticket $75, Salsa Dance Lesson, Auction Preview - salsitapgh.com

May 21 - Walk for a Healthy Community - Heinz Field -ACLD, An Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, and its special education day school program, the ACLD Tillotson School, are participating in the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Walk for a Healthy Community.  The Walk is an annual fundraiser that benefits local, nonprofit health and human service agencies in southwestern Pennsylvania. Because of Highmark’s commitment, 100 percent of the money raised by walkers goes to the participating organizations. The primary goal of the walk is to help participating organizations raise money for their individual missions.

This year, we invite your company and its employees to join us in supporting our “School to Work Program” which is designed to help our high school students with severe learning disabilities.  Money raised would be used to purchase needed equipment, materials and transportation to simulate and increase our students’ exposure to real life work experiences. Call 412.325.2476 or email bmartin@acldonline.org for more information

June 7 - Members of the Pittsburgh Police will be participating in the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics - Our leg is the first (roughly 4 miles) and will kick off the 150 mile run from PNC Park in Pittsburgh to Medlar Field in State College, Pa. The event will consist of 50 miles a day and the final leg will coincide with the opening Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games at Medlar Field and State College.

Any assistance you can provide by sponsoring Team Pittsburgh Police or a specific runner is greatly appreciated. All of the proceeds help the wonderful athletes who participate in Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. You are also invited to stand on the sidewalks along the route and chair on our officers as we carry the torch.

Save the Date

August 26 - Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa - 18th Annual Golf Event - More than just a golf event; there’s something for everyone at Nemacolin!Support victims of domestic violence and teen dating violence prevention @ the 18th Annual Golf Event to End Domestic Violence - Sponsorship opportunities, Golf & Special Packages Available. Register at www.womansplace.org OR call (412) 664-7146 for more information.

When I moved into my house about six years ago, I hung a wreath above the fireplace in my outdoor space.  The wreath was made of vines and ribbons and baby’s breath.  Within a month, I saw that the robins in the area were picking away at it, taking pieces of the vine and ribbon and flying off to add to the structure of nests they were building elsewhere.  On one particular evening, I noticed that a very industrious robin had chosen to use the wreath as the very foundation of his nest.  He began by packing mud between the fireplace wall and the wreath.  To discourage this building project, I removed the wreath, removed his structure and re-hung the wreath.  I came home the next day to see that this determined robin had rebuilt the nest.   Taking it down one more time, I came home the next evening to see that he had built it again; and that his female partner had moved in. I was amazed.  I decided that such determination should be rewarded, and I left them alone.  Within a few weeks, eggs appeared; and within a couple of months, baby birds were born, were fed and taught to fly; and finally the entire family left the nest.  A nice experience to watch. 

Even though I removed the old nest when the family moved out, for the next five springs, new robin families have come, built their nest, bore and raised their children and moved on.  Somehow all feeling very secure in my space; and all willing to share the space with me and my family.  When we came out to sit, or watch TV, or cook outside, or just take in the evening air, the robin families did not fly away; but instead they watched our activities just like we watched theirs. They filled the mornings with their chirping and singing. On occasion, after the babies were born, the mothers sometimes squawked if we got too close, just to remind us that we were sharing their space, too, after all.

Then last year something new happened.  After the robin family moved away, I had forgotten to take down the nest.  I had been traveling a lot; and upon returning from an extended trip, I was surprised to see that a male and female dove had taken up residence in the old robin’s nest.  Not only had they made it their home, but they had added an addition of more mud and twigs and leaves.  It was big enough for the two of them to sit in it side by side.  Upon further investigation, I discovered they were sitting on two eggs.  For weeks they took over my deck, flew in and out, perched on the furniture; and even sat on an outside ceiling fan, while it went round and round as the air blew past it.  They were having a great time and really making themselves at home.  When the babies hatched, the parents littered the area with seed pits and other food sources that they shared with their family. Unlike the robins, they were very unwilling to share the space.  They squawked anytime I came out the door and frantically flew from side to side in the space anytime someone approached. 

By the time they moved out the wreath that had been the foundation of all the nests and the source of building materials for so many robins had totally deteriorated; and so I took it down with nest attached and threw it away.  It was like the end of an era. 

But in the process of clearing out the wreath and cleaning up the space I found myself meditating on what life lessons I had learned from this odyssey. 

All of these birds do what comes naturally. They follow their instincts.

They are determined to accomplish their goal. They let nothing stand in the way of their progress.

They use natural elements to create a home and raise a family. And the doves recycled an existing structure to adapt it to their needs.

The priority for these birds is their family; and the parents work together to create a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment. They protect their nest from outside influences.  They raise their children to ultimately become independent creatures, teaching them to fly, to search for food and to leave the nest. They teach them to become productive members of their society.

Their life is uncomplicated.  It includes work and family, but creativity and fun.  The perfect example of simplicity, joy and abundance all rolled into one of God’s small creatures.

I am glad they have shared their lives with me. I am glad that I had the chance to share my space with them.  And I am glad they reminded me of some basic rules for living well.

As we enter the Spring of this year, I am anxious to see who comes to live on my deck.  A new wreath has been hung and robins are already flying by scoping it out. 

And as you begin the Spring of your year take a lesson from my “friends”.  Learn to live without stress; create and accomplish your goals; enjoy life’s simple pleasures.  Build your personal “nest” with joy and abundance. 

Mary Grace Musuneggi

Executive Director and Founder

Mary Grace Musuneggi

For over 30 years, Mary Grace Musuneggi has focused her efforts on helping individuals and small business owners develop comprehensive strategies to help them achieve their financial goals.  As an award winning entrepreneur, she is President & CEO of The Musuneggi Financial Group.  She is also a financial educator, author and motivational speaker; and she lectures on financial planning and lifestyle issues.

Throughout her career, she often met women who were facing challenges that greatly affected their lifestyles and dramatically changed the quality of their lives.  Mary Grace designed and founded a life planning program to help these women work towards an abundant, balanced and successful life.

Single Steps Strategies was designed to empower women through information and education.

Mary Grace received a BA degree from the University of Steubenville in Ohio, and received the Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.  She is also a Registered Financial Consultant.

Mary Grace was honored in 1998 by being selected as one of the 50 Best Women in Business by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2003 she was the recipient of the Lifetime Circle of Honor Award from Veravest Investments for her work in the financial planning industry.  She is the recipient of the “Make the Connection Award” given by the National Association of Women Business Owners. In 2009, she was chosen by the Zonta Club as a Rose Day Award Honoree for her outstanding leadership and service in the business community. 

In 2007, Mary Grace was selected as a finalist in the International Stevie Award Competition for Women in Business in the “Women Helping Women” category.  She was honored by Dress for Success Pittsburgh in 2010 for her invaluable support of their organization.

She is a certified bereavement counselor and a member of various community groups including Executive Women’s Council of Pittsburgh.  She is a former board member for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.  In addition, she served for many years as the Director of Financial Services for Allmerica Financial of Pittsburgh.

Mary Grace writes life planning articles for various magazines.  She has been a guest on various radio shows including Pittsburgh Radio Station 1550, “Business in The Fast Lane.” Mary Grace has also authored the book, “Single Steps: Strategies for Abundant Living.”

 By Stacy L. Smith and Marc Choueiti

www.womensmediacenter.com

A new study from researchers at the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
shows that females remain less visible and less valued than males in top feature films—both
in front of and behind the camera.
In cinematic content, females appear to be cold, hungry, and alone.  At least that is what our
recent gender analysis reveals about the 100 top-grossing theatrically released fictional films in 2008.
  We evaluated more than 4,300 on-screen speaking characters and more than 1,200 above-the-line
personnel (directors, writers, producers).  Among our current findings:
Females are still lacking visibility in popular motion picture content. Across the 4,370 speaking characters
coded with an identifiable gender, a total of 32.8 percent are girls or women.  Put differently, just over
two boys/men appear on the silver screen to every one girl/woman.
On one hand, this is some good news.  To date, this is the lowest ratio of males to females we have observed
 in our film research!  Further, the percentage of females on screen in 2008 is 2.9 percent higher than it was in 2007.  
Though a small and positive step in the right direction, the findings reveal that females still take up far less
space than males do in popular motion picture content.
Turning to behind-the-camera employees, the gender gap is far more problematic.  For every one working
female director, writer, or producer, there are 4.9 working males in the same above-the-line gate-keeping positions.
 Stated in another way, only 8 percent of directors, 13.6 percent of writers, and 19.1 percent of producers were
female across the 100 top-grossing films in 2008.  These numbers are unsettling, as one way to diversify images
 on screen may be to vary the personnel responsible for making the content.  In fact, this is exactly what our results
 showed.  When one or more females are involved directing, writing, or producing, the number of females on screen
increases substantiall.  In the case of screenwriters, the presence of at least one female on the writing team was
associated with a 14.3 percent increase in the percentage of female characters on screen.
Unfortunately, there is another way to interpret these findings.  Studio executives may be more likely to hire female
 directors or writers when developing female-centric storylines.  Such narratives also may depict a higher percentage
of females in the cast.  Through the lens of this interpretation, female directors and writers may have substantially
 fewer options and less opportunity than their male counterparts to helm or pen a diverse range of stories across a
variety of money making genres.   This lack of opportunity, in turn, may affect females’ earning potential.
 Indeed, the recent Writers Guild Report shows that female screenwriters’ (in film) median income has been markedly
less than white male screenwriters from 2003 to 2007.  In the last year studied in the report (2007), females’ median earnings
were more than $40,000 less than white male’ median earnings.

Not only are females lacking visibility in film, but they are often portrayed as pretty and dressed provocatively. 
Clearly, it is not a surprise that alluring and attractive characters fill the silver screen.  The problem emerges
, however, when this burden falls disproportionately on the shoulders of females.  This is exactly what our data reveal.
 Females are more likely than males to be shown attractive, in sexy outfits, or partially naked (see Figure 2).  Further, females
are more likely than their male counterparts to possess a small or diminutive waist.  Given the lack of clothing worn and narrow
mid sections, the terms ‘cold’ and ‘hungry’ may be fitting descriptors for some of these female characters.  Interestingly,
no meaningful differences (5 percent or greater) by gender were observed for chest size or unrealistic body ideal.
Perhaps what was most disconcerting was the physical emphasis placed on 13- to 20-year old females.  Our data show that
 teenaged females are far more likely than teenaged males to be depicted in revealing apparel (39.8 percent of teen females
compared to 6.7 percent of teen males), partially naked (30.1 percent to 10.3 percent), physically attractive (29.2 percent to 11.1 percent),
and with a small waist (35.1 percent to 13.6 percent).  Again, chest size and presence of an ideal figure did not vary meaningfully with gender.
Overall, the findings suggest that males and females are differentially valued in motion pictures.  Despite the fact that it is 2011,
females are still far less important or esteemed than are males, particularly behind-the-camera.  When they are shown on screen,
 females are prized for provocative (or noticeably absent) attire, attributes of their physique, and prettiness.
 This is also true of teenaged females. The hypersexualized focus on teens is disquieting, given that exposure to objectifying
 media portrayals may contribute to negative effects in some young female viewers.  Such depictions may also affect young
male consumers, by teaching and/or reinforcing that girls/women are to be valued for how they look rather than who they are

Bty Kathryn Atwood

ISBN 978 0 7524 4972 2

The biographical facts of Odette Brailly Sansom Churchill Hallowes, as presented in Penny Starns’ new book, form a tale of sweeping historical context, duty, passion, and courage. The daughter of a fallen French WWI hero, young Odette Brailly was determined to marry an Englishman and spent the first part of the second world war as a British homemaker.  Almost by accident, she was recruited into the ranks of the F (French) Section of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), the British wartime organization intended to galvanize resistance efforts in occupied countries with the assistance of native speakers trained in Britain.

Odette worked in occupied France as a courier for the Spindle network, answering to her superior (and eventual lover) Peter Churchill.  After being betrayed and captured, Odette was interrogated and tortured but remained stoically silent regarding the whereabouts and activities of her fellow resisters.  Condemned to death and sent to Ravensbruck, she miraculously survived to receive both the George Cross and the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her silence under excruciating torture.  After testifying at the Nuremburg trials, she tried to settle down to a quiet life.

It was not to be.  For a decade following the war, she was the darling of a demanding press and public who couldn’t get enough of her story. A fictionalized account of her experiences, written in 1949, became a bestseller and was transformed into a film the following year. Publicity-shy Odette felt it her duty to cooperate with these endeavors but only so that she might bring attention to the work of all the SOE women, many of whom did not return.

Then the SOE came under a cloud of suspicion and public disfavor.  Had it been a dangerously amateur organization?  Did it knowingly betray agents into the hands of the Germans in order to present the enemy with disinformation?  Odette’s star fell with the SOE’s, especially when one particular female politician took a special and energetic interest in seeing her fall.

The impetus for this new biography – the first in 60 years – seems to have been the recent opening of previously sealed Odette-related SOE files.  Dr. Starns makes full use of this information but occasionally overuses it a bit. For instance, the narrative will explain something in detail and then present long paragraphs of SOE quotes regarding the same information.  In these cases, Starns should have either explained less before presenting the file quotes or else worked them into the narrative.

However, to have access to this material must have seemed like a gold mine to Starns, a professor of World War II, and one can forgive her for sometimes overusing it.  She’s obviously fascinated with her subject and the book generally moves along at a compelling, no-nonsense, page-turning clip.  Odette’s story is a life-affirming one, a long-overdue biography of a fascinating and heroic woman.

Feng Shui for a Beautiful Wedding
Applying its Practical Wisdom for a Balanced and Harmonized Ceremony

With another wedding season upon us, the eyes of the world will be watching the most spectacular
 ceremony in a long time with the royal wedding of William and Kate. It`s a reminder of how lavish
an occasion the exchanging of vows can be.  

As a most welcome opportunity to celebrate the joining of two hearts, it’s imperative that the positive energy
 be encouraged to flow freely, uplifting the bride and groom and everyone in attendance and working behind the scenes.

With all the details and things to check off the list in planning a flawless day, there are important considerations
 that should not be left to chance. With some knowledge and intention of how to best support a positive and
 joyous wedding, the best possible atmosphere can be created. Feng Shui harmony is about colors, elements,
shapes and numbers to all support one another in a beneficial way.

There are some ancient Feng Shui guidelines that will help you with the harmony and balance of the ceremony as well as with the reception.

• Selecting the luckiest date - According to Feng Shui traditions, the number 8 is auspicious for love and 9
represents eternity, so try to choose a wedding date that contains these numbers or at least adds up to them.
• The colour of the wedding dress and tuxedo – The most beneficial color pairing is based on the Chinese
 tai chi symbol of yin and yang (black and white). Black represents female (yin) while white is male (yang), so adorning
the colors of the opposite sex balances the female and male energy of each person. For the bride’s dress, opt for a softer
more relaxing tone such as light beige or cream colour, off-white or pearl, rather than stark white.
• The colours of the groom and wedding party - Earthy colors like cocoa, olive, honey or dusty rose are ideal shades
for the bridesmaid’s dresses.
• Enhancements for the wedding dress – Sparkle with the energy of the metal element by wearing a glittering necklace,
 earrings or crystals woven into the dress material to catch the light and dazzle. Avoid overdoing it however as a little goes a long way.
• Flowers – Healthy and colorful flowers increase the flow of positive chi to any environment. Choose pink roses which
 symbolize love, lilies for abundance, chrysanthemums for happiness, or peonies for longevity.
• Lighting – For both the ceremony and reception, place soft crystal salt lamps and candles around the space for livening up the
 energy with the fire element. Be sure to leave no dark corners.
• Scents – Pleasurable smells have a powerful affect, and can subtly enhance the energy of any room. With either essential oil
diffusers or scented candles, choose scents to enliven the mood such as rosemary, ylang ylang, lemon or rose.
• Crystals – Bring along two Rose Quartz crystals, (representing the bride and groom), and place them in the relationship area of the c
eremony and reception space, which is the farthest right hand corner. Rose Quartz is auspicious for romance and represents beauty and love.
• Furniture – The shapes of the reception tables are important, and can make a big difference on the quality of everyone’s experience
of the evening. Avoid square or rectangular tables with sharp jutting edges, which attract conflict. Rather, choose round or oval shaped
 tables which encourage harmony and inclusiveness, leaving no one sitting alone at the far end.

The goal of Feng Shui is to create a nurturing, uplifting environment that supports people, and incorporating this ancient wisdom
 into your wedding day will contribute to a loving energy that can have a positive effect on your marriage for years.

Yvonne Phillips is a available for speaking,mentoring or home or office consulations.
 She can be reached at 412-215-8247 or yvonnephillips1@aol.com

by Anushay Hossain

Amidst all the frenzy surrounding the upcoming Royal Wedding and what Kate will wear, Salon addresses a more important point: what will Miss Middleton say?

When Kate Middleton walks down the aisle to wed Prince William on April 29, spectators all over the world will be hanging on her every word. And the one they’ll be listening for in particular isn’t “love” or “cherish.” It’s “obey”… In 1981, William’s mother Diana dropped it from her vows to Prince Charles. But five years later, Sarah Ferguson slipped the word back into her wedding vows to Prince Andrew. And in 1999, Sophie Rhys-Jones did likewise when she tied the knot to Prince Edward.

Much good that little word did for Sarah or Sophie. The latter has all but disappeared from the public’s radar, and Sarah not only ended up divorcing Prince Andrew, but was last seen trying make money in some hotel room by selling access to her former husband. Can we say pathetic?

Salon states that the Palace, along with most other details, is remaining mum about whether Kate will “obey” or not. Archbishop Rowan Williams, who will marry the couple, had a report issued by his Council back in 2006 that labeled the word as outdated.

However, I would not be surprised if Kate did opt to keep the word in her vows. After all for Kate it has been one sacrifice or compromise after the other. From putting an end to her photography exhibition, to abandoning her career in fashion, Middleton has only been too willing to prove to Queen Elizabeth that she is no Diana.

What I am more interested in than William and Kate changing language in their vows is whether or not they change a 300 yr old tradition giving preference to sons over daughters for royal succession.

In January of this year, Keith Vaz, Labour Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, introduced legislation which would attempt “to remove any distinction between the sexes in determining the succession to the Crown”. Vaz stated that, “Britain is an egalitarian country and this should be reflected in our succession rules.

With the law as it currently stands, if Kate and William have a daughter she will immediately be passed over if Kate has a son.

Forget about who Kate swears to “obey” or not. If there is anything this couple must change right away it is legislation that denies women access to power simply because of their gender. That in my mind, is seriously outdated.

Julie A. Monzi          
juliemonzi@comcast.net
                                                           By Julie Ann Monzi

 When our children were young, our family spent vacations at my parents’ house near Pittsburgh.
The kids loved playing in the huge backyard and swimming in the pool.
 On a summer visit many years ago, my then-four-year-old daughter, Abby, who has autism, came down with a fever.
My mom and I kept her comfortable and hydrated. Two days later and still no change in her temperature, I called a local pediatrician.
He was an older doctor, the father of a former high school classmate. Abby was non-verbal so he checked her
thoroughly and finally prescribed penicillin. She hated the taste but took it fairly well.
 The next morning Abby had a small rash. Just little bumps on her arms, neck, and face. I called the pediatrician immediately.
“It’s probably an allergic reaction so stop giving her the antibiotic,” he said.
As we left for home the next day, her rash looked a little more prominent. I decided to schedule an appointment with her regular pediatrician.
In the morning, I woke her up and gasped. Abby’s face was swollen with one eye almost all the way closed. She looked like she’d been punched.
 The rash covered her cheeks and arms.
At the pediatrician’s office, the doctor walked into the exam room and immediately said in a sing-song voice, “I know what’s going on here.
Someone got into the poison.”
 Poison?!!! My mind was reeling. The doctor continued talking and making notes in Abby’s chart, but all I could focus on was that my
 daughter, my baby, had gotten into poison, somewhere, somehow.
 My first thought was my parents’ basement. She played down there and maybe got into the cleaners under the laundry area sink.
That had to be it! At home I kept everything locked up.
 “My parents’ basement,” I told the doctor breathlessly. “That’s where it could have been.” What if I couldn’t figure it out?
Would my daughter get poisoned again?
 The doctor looked at me like I had two heads. “No. It grows outside.”
 My mind was still reeling. Outside? What could she have gotten into outside?
 “Wait a minute! My dad sprinkled something on his flower garden. That must be it!” I was getting frantic.
 “No, no, no,” the doctor said. “It’s a plant. It grows outside.”
 “A plant?” I shook my head in confusion.
 “Yes, a plant. You know. Like poison ivy.”
 “Poison ivy?” What was he talking about? “But you said poison.”
 “Yes, there is poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.”
 I felt relieved and irritated all at once. “But you said poison, not poison ivy. Poison is bleach, poison is cleaner, poison is Drano.”
 “But poison could be any one of those plants not just one. That’s what it’s called. Poison.”
 “Well, I’ve never heard it called that before.”
 So I got a lesson in botany, and my daughter got a prescription for her “poison”. And I learned a new vocabulary lesson: it may
be poison ivy in Pittsburgh, but in Gettysburg it’s just plain poison.

Councilman
510 City County Bldg.
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Dear Councilman Shields,

My name is Maya Rosen, and I am an eleventh grade student at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School. I am involved in a group called Racial Justice through Human Rights that is sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee. We are a diverse group of high school students from across the city, and we are committed to equality, justice, and human rights.

Our group has discussed some of the issues that are currently facing Pittsburgh. Education, the achievement gap, police behavior in the community, violence, transportation, jobs, and fair housing are all issues of paramount importance to us as young people, as leaders, and as involved and passionate citizens. We believe that these issues, and many others as well, can be solved within the context of human rights.

I am writing to propose making Pittsburgh a Human Rights City. A Human Rights City is one whose residents and local authorities participate in ongoing discussions and creative exchange of ideas in order to more fully understand human rights. When these ideas are incorporated as a way of life, they assist in identifying the issues and informing the actions in our local government, for meaningful, positive economic and social change. Pittsburgh would become the fifth Human Rights City in the United States, joining other Human Rights Cities around the world where inhabitants have undertaken ongoing learning with the understanding that human rights is central in bringing forth a viable vision and mission for the 21^st Century.

We care deeply about Pittsburgh and want to eradicate any form of injustice that we see here at home. I believe that declaring Pittsburgh a Human Rights City would have an immensely positive effect on our communities. If the decisions of our city are made within a framework of human rights, and we continue to engage with and learn about human rights ideology, I am confident that Pittsburgh will become a safer, happier, and more just community.

I am enclosing a copy of the resolution that Washington DC passed to become a Human Rights City, so you can see a model of what we are discussing.

Please contact me with any questions.

We would be excited to work with you to make this idea a reality.

Sincerely,

Maya Rosen