Things That Matter To People Who Matter

World Café Live | Breakfast at Tiffany's | Nonprofit plush | Local art community

World Café Live

Being a musician and, more importantly, a big fan of live music, I have seen both sides of most of the venues in Philadelphia. Having this perspective helps me appreciate how lucky we are to have the diamond in the rough that is the World Café Live: It's got friendly and intelligent staff, quality performance areas and acoustics, good food and free parking. It's the total package! Most importantly, they treat everyone (both performers and fans alike) with respect. WCL — don't change! Other local venues — take a lesson!

Breakfast at Tiffany's

There's something about the Breakfast at Tiffany's chic party scene in Holly Golightly's (Audrey Hepburn) cramped apartment that always brings a refreshed and heartened playfulness back to life for me. The precisely timed synchronicity of the guests' movements sets in motion a hilarious mousetrap-like chain of events that is so irresistibly charming. Step into this dance party with your highball and cigarette holder and start grooving to Henry Mancini's hip music score with the closest guy dressed in a slick suit and skinny tie.

Nonprofit plush

Years ago, I was sent a gift from World Wildlife Fund just for being a member. It was a green fleece blanket with the panda bear logo on the corner. My two pugs quickly laid claim to it, and it now resides in their little bed, perfect for snuggling. Next came a cute stuffed wolf from Defenders of Wildlife. The howl it makes when you squeeze it proved to be irresistible. My pugs are now addicted to nonprofit plush, having also acquired a red-headed crane and a fuzzy orangutan from the Nature Conservancy. On the wish list for this holiday season is a sea turtle from the Ocean Conservancy. I happily indulge their habit knowing it not only makes them happy, but it also helps a worthwhile cause.

Local art community

Looking at the new couch in my living room, I am relieved not to find the words "made in" anywhere, but rather a note indicating "unique hand-printed textiles upholstered upon once-discarded furniture, LaRD Ink, Lauren Rossi Designs(.com)." The vibrant colors and simple graphics complement the other pictures hanging in the room — all photographs by local artists. This scene created a new feeling for me; it is so rewarding to be part of the local community while maintaining a global mind-set. I am glad to know that there are better options than trendy big box stores selling stereotypical Nordic design.