Turn off the Lights...

Last week the music world lost a legend. Teddy Pendergrass died at the age of 59 on Wednesday, January 13th. Teddy was a great musician and singer who started his career with a Philly based group called the Cadillacs. Later he joined Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and as the lead singer helped propel the group to stardom in the early '70s. They enjoyed a string of hits with Philadelphia International Records, including: "Wake Up Everybody" & "If You Don't Know Me By Now". Teddy left the Blue Notes in the mid-70's for a solo career that turned him into a sex symbol, and made him one of the most recognizable voices in soul music.

I remember being introduced to Teddy's music at family BBQs, and long rides home as a kid. As a music lover and resident Philadelphian, I am sadden by his loss but ever grateful for his music. We'll miss you Teddy.

A perfect example of how Teddy's music will forever be timeless...

Philly Weekends

What a dreary, rainy weekend in Philly!.....But cheer up folks because Restaurant Week is here! Today officially kicks off the first day of what is sure to be a wonderful week for all in the foodies living in Philadelphia. Restaurant Week runs from Jan 17th-29th, and brings major business to Center City. Basically you can dine at any of the 100+ participating restaurants for lunch and/or at reduced prices. 3 course meals for dinner will run you about $35, and 2 course lunches for about $20...you can't beat it! As much as I would LOVE to try nearly EVERY restaurant, I am limiting myself to two. Morton's Steakhouse on Wednesday night, and Postiano Coast. I love food, the company of people and new places! It's going to be a great week :)

L'Union Fait La Force!

On Tuesday January 12, a devastating earthquake ravaged the small country of Haiti. It hit 7.0 on the Richter scale and immediately toppled homes, government buildings and hospitals. Haiti has long been a country rooted in peril and poverty. For hundreds of years it's maintained its status of  "poorest country in the Western Hemisphere", but rich in culture and life.

The land that is Haiti is deeply rooted in the history of a resilient people, dating as far back as Columbus when he began to settle the island (which he dubbed Hispanola) in the 1400's. This is evident even as I watch continuous news coverage. All I see are people helping people, finding dead bodies under rubble, and dressing their physical wounds; their emotional wounds too dramatic for the brain to process.

Since the quake countries from all over the world have poured into Haiti to get aid to the capital and surrounding areas. Like many Americans I sit and watch helplessly day after day and wonder what I can do to help. Part of me wants to get up and go to Haiti, help them dig out, but I know that is not the wise thing to do now. So what can I do? What can you do? Below are links to different organizations where you can donate money, clothing, food, medical supplies and more to get to the people who need it the most. Every little bit counts. The average Haitian lives off of $2 a day, for many of us that's a cup of morning Joe, a cup that I am more than willing to sacrifice.

Latism-- Latinos for Haiti who are teaming up with AARP to raise money for relief. AARP is going to match their total goal of $1,000+ so donate today!

DJ PHNX & DJ VIPER "Use Your Talent" Chatroom Party-- Sunday, Jan. 17th 2 DJs team up for 1 cause. Visit www.haiti-relief.ning.com from 7pm-2am.....and bring your debit cards!!

Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc.--  

The sisters of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. have joined millions of other Americans doing all they can to help with the Earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.  It is without a doubt that we must all stand in solidarity until Haiti is restored.  Nationwide, the sisters of Chi Upsilon Sigma will be collecting canned food, bottled water, medical supplies and monetary donations until 2/6/10.  It is our hope that the infrastructure of Haiti is restored by this point and able to receive non-monetary donations.--Chi Upsilon Sigma 1.14.10 Press Release

 To help us donate here: http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/chiupsilonsigma 

Check our website and Twitter to see what we're doing Nationally to help the victims of the quake.

Fellow Greek Organizations that are working to help Haiti:
Lambda Theta Phi
Lambda Sigma Upsilon
Omega Phi Chi
Gamma Phi Sigma


....and many more