The holiday season is the most festive time of the year but it can also be extremely stressful if you are not careful. Malls are full of people shopping looking for the perfect gift for the perfect price. It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of going from store to store Continue reading

Charles Ramsey has become an overnight internet sensation. Charles Ramsey is a regular guy, an ordinary American citizen.  Except, he aided in the rescue of Amanda Berry and two other Cleveland women who had been missing for over a decade.  The women were being held captive in Mr. Ramsey’s next door neighbors house, unbeknownst to Continue reading

Many Americans live in urban neighborhoods that deal with a myriad of issues. The police don’t always respond; corner stores allow loitering; children are left unattended; neighbors are apathetic; and the fear of gun violence is very real. The violence and crime issues that plague many urban American communities’ have become so much a part Continue reading

  If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard… “I can’t believe that happened in this neighborhood” “This neighborhood is really safe; if a crime happened here people would be shocked” …I could fund some really cool community activities. Recently, in a very trendy section of North Philadelphia there was a shooting at Continue reading

My little sister is going to be a senior in college next semester and she is ready to leave roommates behind and branch out on her own.  This will be her very first time living alone and she is excited to be in a cool walkable neighborhood in downtown Baltimore.   I am sharing 9 Continue reading

There are so many buzz words that connotate the urban planning of healthy communities.  Thanks to trusty ole Wikipedia I put together some of my favorites. Urbanism:The study of how dwellers in towns and cities interact with their environment. Urbanism focuses on the geography, economy, politics and social characteristics of the urban environment, as well Continue reading

I really like to shop at Ikea; it’s a fun place filled with a bit of whimsy.  It inspires me to make my living space inviting for guests and it makes me want to optimize every nook and cranny.  I really appreciate the design of the stores, the product innovation, and the cinnamon buns.  So, Continue reading

The path to creating a risk management plan for a safe community, school, organization, business (circle one)  can be a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be.   The truth is with a committed team and good pizza  you can break it down into simple steps to  get started. Objectives: • Identify risks early Continue reading

Spring is here!  The trees and flowers are budding and the days are getting longer.  People have come out of their winter hibernation and they are headed outdoors to lead more active lifestyles. Studies show that exercise can boost your mood and lower your stress, not to mention help you tone up and get rid Continue reading