We're ALL in This Together

Watching CBS Sunday Morning's memorial compilation to those we lost in 2014, I'm struck by the thought that those remembered had an opportunity to use full lives to impact or contribute to the betterment of society. When juxtaposed to the news of drive-by slaying last night in Milwaukee of a 1-year old boy, it demonstrates the tragic loss and outrage we all should feel when a life is cut so short.

No opportunity to contribute. No possibility to learn. No chance to love and feel love. 

I don't know what we can do--there appears to be no easy answer--but we should be tireless in our pursuit to bring an end to this senseless violence that is tearing our country apart.

No dialogue unfettered. All means considered.

We're in this together. All of us.

Post with Caution, IMO

Screenshot from OnMilwaukee.com: 

Wow, right? I know neither of these fellows, though I do believe I met Mr. Klemm once.

Another thing I know nothing of is how the grudge between Mr. Camacho and Mr. Klemm was started.

However, what I do know is that, based upon these comments alone, I am much more inclined to give Chef Robert's new employer's restaurant--Madison's Ale Asylum's new Milwaukee establishment--a try before I dine at a Potawatomi eatery.

If Mr. Camacho wishes to comment, that's his right, but knowing that he is the LEAD CHEF at POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO and is making these accusatory and inflammatory comments about a new business in Milwaukee is not in good community character. Let Ale Asylum management conduct their own business affairs, Salvador, just as you'd prefer to have your creations judged objectively and independently. Your pointed commentary subtracts from all of your employer's efforts to market themselves as a good corporate citizen and purveyor of quality and taste.

Personally, I wish you both success. A rising tide floats all boats, as the idiom goes, and besides yourselves, the diners of Milwaukee also win.

Cheers and Happy New Year, boys!

Oh No, Not Another Top 10 List!

Dubai, view from Burj Khalifa

It's that time of year when everything is in list form. There's the best album lists, the people who left us lists, the worst dressed lists... I believe I even saw a list listing the 10 best lists!

Well it's time for a list of my own. 2014 for me, will be a year noted for travel--particularly international travel. In one 3-week span I visited four continents. Definitely a personal record!

So without further delay, here is my list of my favorite, new-to-me cities I visited in 2014:

10) Riyadh, K.S.A.

Colombian countryside outside of Bogotá

 9) Querétaro, Mexico
 8) Cali, Colombia
 7) Guadalajara, Mexico
 6) Dubai, U.A.E.
 5) Manchester, U.K.
 4) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
 3) Vancouver, Canada
 2) Paris, France
 1) Bogotá, Colombia

It was challenge to try to put this list of interesting cities in order, but I asked myself this question: which city would I most like to visit again?

Beautiful Puerto Vallarta

You may be surprised that I've placed Bogotá over Paris, but during my two visits to Bogotá I found the city's frenetic energy intoxicating. It's a little bit intimidating, but everyone I encountered was friendly and the rural areas outside of the city are astoundingly beautiful.

Puerto Vallarta is the only place on this list that I visited voluntarily, i.e., not for work. After having visited numerous warm weather vacation spots (Cabo, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, etc.), Puerto Vallarta is my favorite. Not only is it beautiful, but it's got a charm and energy that are unique. It's a great place to stretch your legs, get off the resort and explore.

Here's hoping 2015 presents additional opportunities for worldly experiences, for me and for you!