Sunday, April 29, 2007

Susy sends message from the old country

From Anita:
Yesterday I received a call from SUSY in SPAIN. She wanted to let you all know what a great time she is having and really enjoing being in Spain with Steve. Auntie Marian had given her a picture of Uncle Frank in front of a building (house) which belongs to Nana's relatives (I think nephew). The most she hoped for was to just see the house, but instead she ran into many relatives who own a bakery. They were very sweet to her & Steve. So hospitable! They looked at her pictures on her bag I gave her at Christmastime and there was a picture of CEFE. She told them that is "Cefe" named after "Ceferina". They were thrilled and Susy cried. When they left they handed her 2 boxes, which she assumed was pastries but had no idea what kind. When they got back to the hotel at midnight, she opened one up and what do you think was in there:

BOYOS, CHOKERS, Montecados “Spanish Cookie” or “Nana’s Cookies."

She was so thrilled and just had to call me but wanted me to relay the message. I told her to get the recipe, so she told me what they wrote, it was in spanish but read something like "Vino Blanca", "Mantecados", "Azucar", and I'm not sure what else. She did say that they didn't smell like anise or have that flavor so I'm interested to find out where that came from. It's so great. Tradition.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

American Idol + PBS = AIDS/LifeCycle

What does American Idol(AI), PBS (for which I occassionally work for SF affiliate KQED) and AIDS/LifeCycle have in common?

Well if you watched AI last night (and I'm not referring to high scoring Denver Nugget Allen Iverson) you may have a hint at that which I speak. During the popular show, featuring the final 6 contestants, dubbed "Idol Gives Back" they showed the plight of AIDS and poverty in Africa and America in a two-hour pledge drive format. Bringing it to you were the likes of Madonna, Bono, Celine, Ellen and even Elvis-who needs a last name with all that star power.

Without the fancy editing and marketing dollars that's essentially what we're doing as participants benifitting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Asking for your help here (www.sfaf.org) and in Africa through the Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation.

Did you give your dollars to American Idol last night? If you're answer is Yes, good for you. No? Well then, can I have a few. I'm $900 away from reaching the minimum with one month to go. Please don't let me get "voted" off or I'll be working the plege drive at KQED in early June instead of riding to La-La Land.

Peace & Love,
Rick

Thursday, April 12, 2007

THANKS! to my latest ALC donors

Randall K., Founder & Executive Director, SFJAZZ
Gia B., #1 girlfriend
Alicia M., friend from Santa Rosa
Cady S., friend from Mass., SF, NYC
Kyria W., friend from Belden, Calif.
Maureen M., friend from Hollister, SF

Thanks each of you, I couldn't ride without you.
To donate see link to the right: My AIDS LifeCycle Homepage

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

That Rick Warren vs. This Rick Warren

That Rick Warren...
was born in San Jose, California, in 1954, the son of Jimmy and Dot Warren.

This Rick Warren...
was born 50 miles south of San Jose, California in Hollister, in 1965, the son of Wesley and Romana Warren, who's friend Dot looks alot like she did.

That Rick Warren...
His latest book, The Purpose Driven Life, has sold 25 million copies and is the best-selling hardback book in American history, according to Publisher’s Weekly.

This Rick Warren...
Writes this blog which was described by a friend as "great for your family."

That Rick Warren...
As a pastor, he founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., in 1980 with one family. Today, it is an evangelical congregation averaging 22,000 weekly attendees, a 120-acre campus, and has more than 300 community ministries to groups such as prisoners, CEOs, addicts, single parents, and those with HIV/AIDS. Recently, the church fed 42,000 homeless people – three meals a day – for 40 days.

This Rick Warren...
As a lay preacher, he did reflections at St. Dominics Catholic Church in San Francisco, Calif., in 2004 with 7 other lay ministers. Today, he rides his bicycle and helps train others for AIDS/LifeCycle which raises awareness and millions of dollars annually for the SF AIDS Foundation and the Pangea Global Foundation. Recently, he has become involved with Project Homeless Connect. As of February 2007, 18,486 volunteers have provided services to 18,217 homeless San Franciscans.

That Rick Warren...
Leads the Purpose Driven Network of churches, a global coalition of congregations in 162 countries. More than 400,000 ministers and priests have been trained worldwide, and almost 157,000 church leaders subscribe to the Ministry ToolBox, his weekly newsletter.

This Rick Warren...
Changes churches about every four years. He has been a parishioner and lector at Catholic churches in Salinas, Rohnert Park, Oakland, Mill Valley and San Francisco, Calif. However, his longest stint was with Sacred Heart in Hollister, where he attended grammar school and was a proud "Spartan."

That Rick Warren...
“Movie stars and political leaders aren't the only ones turning to Rick Warren for spiritual guidance. Millions of people – from NFL and LPGA players to corporate executives to high school students to prison inmates – meet regularly to discuss The Purpose Driven Life.”-Time Magazine

This Rick Warren...
Has met movie stars and professional athletes while working in media production. From Willie McCovey to Steve Young and Bonnie Raitt to Gavin Newsom. None of whom have knowingly read his blog.

That Rick Warren...
and his wife Kay are directors of the following non-profit corporate fund streams/assets:
Saddleback Church, with an annual budget of US$ 30 million[9]
Acts of Mercy, which had US$ 8 million ending 2004[10]
Purpose Driven Ministries, with US$ 47 million in gross receipts in 2004[11]

Warren no longer takes a salary from Saddleback Church and repaid all of his salary from the last 25 years back to the church, due to the success of his book sales. He now says he "reverse tithes", meaning giving away 90% of his income and living off of 10%.[12]

This Rick Warren...
asks for your donations of any amount to go to AIDS/LifeCycle 6 in his name. His minimum amount to be able to ride is $2500 by the end of May, 2007. His ambitious goal is $5000. Suggested amounts are $30 (3rd year x $10); $42 (his age on Day 5 of the ride); $100 (because it's round); $250 (if you can afford it); or over $525 which would make you the highest donor.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

My AIDS/LifeCycle Supporters!

I'd like to take a moment to point out these outstanding friends and family who have donated on my behalf to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation:

Claire Del Curto, friend and cousin of my girlfriend
Shahera Vernon, eldest niece
Anita Warren, closest sister
Scott Bang, friend
Tony Ureno, high school friend
Josephine & Frank Borelli, Gia's parents
Maria & Marvin Grimsley, Gia's Aunt
Claire Lucas-Warren, only sister-in-law
Terry Bastis, Gia's colleague
Wayne & Catherine Purves, best of friends
Peggy Crawford, eldest sister
Carolyn Hanharan, former co-worker

Thanks so much, your support means the world to me.

If you would like to be listed in the next donor update please click on the LINK to the right: My AIDS LifeCycle Homepage.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Sister Josefa Celebrates 50!

On the last Saturday in March my entire family (sans brother Peter and family, who live in Colorado) gathered in our family home to celebrate my sister Josefa's 50th birthday. Her birth-date was March 19th. Per Joey's request we had traditional dishes which our beloved late Mother served when we were children for special occasions. Think tuna casserole, graduation spread, potato salad w/eggs and homemade cake in large Pyrex dishes. Kevin's large green salad with apples added a modern twist.

Josefa was surprised upon her return home with decorations aplenty including streamers w/records, Elvis posters, childhood photos, dolls (my Dad chose one for each daughter), etc. The decor brightened up several rooms.

Having most of the siblings at home and the next generation in tow was even more than this party animal expected. For the 50's and 60's theme many of us dressed for the occasion. Anita wore an exact replica of one of Audrey Hepburns outfits from "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Maria was in "Grease" clothing as Marty, a Pink Lady. Several had on 50's white button down shirts and jeans. Alana was precious in several costumes from decade's past. Sean's hippy hair and hat was a kick. Gia and I briefly appeared in formal wear for the post-dinner dancing portion.

Many of us played basketball out back as has been traditional for so many years. The unexpected was Johan who at 14 is suddenly 6'2" and proudly going huge to the hoop against his aging Uncles. Only a few bruises, a bloody arm and near heart attack kept us from continuing on through midnight. Soon enough 1 year old Amari will be representing the 4th generation of "Warren" ballers.

The following day was spent at church for Palm Sunday mass with a homily about not complaining. Just what some of us needed to hear. Brunch and more basketball followed.

Celebrations like this allow me to reflect on good times past and remind me of the power of family. As Gia wisely observed, "there's always someone to talk with."

Please contact me for a link to photos on Kodak Gallery.