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Some things seem like a good idea if you agree to them far enough in advance. Case in point: Last year, after my husband finished a sprint triathlon in Brigantine, NJ, my 12-year-old suggested we compete as a family relay team in 2010. It seemed like a good idea at the time and, hey, I had a whole year to train. Right?

Here’s what we agreed to: My husband would do the quarter mile bay swim; I would do the 11-mile bike portion; and our 12-year old would complete the 4-mile run. No sweat. Especially once I trained for it. With a year to go I figured I’d start my training about four months before the event. When the time to start training rolled around, four months of training for an 11-mile bike ride seemed a bit overzealous, three months of training should do the trick. Or maybe I could do it in two. Or one. The night before the event the only option left was to pray for rain.

August 7, 2009 – the day of the Brigantine Sprint Triathlon – dawned as a picture perfect summer day. Not a cloud in the sky and zero percent chance of precipitation. It was on.

Of course, when I say I didn’t train at all, I’m exaggerating a bit. Bike riding is my outdoor activity of choice and in the weeks leading up to the race, I hopped on my bike at least a couple of times a week. A few times I even rode eleven miles just to make sure I could do it. As a suburban soccer mom who had never been in any type of race before, let’s just say I wasn’t your typical triathlon participant – even for a sprint. My relay partners and I agreed that we had one goal – to finish. In my mind, I established a somewhat leisurely pace for myself of 6-minute miles. Factoring in the run through the transition area (gulp), I emphasized to my husband and daughter that they shouldn’t look for me for at least an hour and ten minutes after my start.

As anybody who has ever participated in an event like this probably knows, I wasn’t factoring in race day adrenaline. As I waited in the transition area for my husband to complete his swim, my heart was pounding with equal parts excitement and fear. He made good time on the swim, despite the unusually strong bay current that day, and before I knew it he was running towards me to transfer the ankle bracelet that contained our time chip. Once the transition was complete, I ran the bike through transition to the bike staging area. Then it was eleven miles of pure bike riding adrenaline. After the first five miles I stopped hyperventilating. The last mile I smiled the whole way. I finished the ride twenty minutes faster than I expected. My 12-year-old ran her four miles (with her dad beside her for support) like a champ. The best part? Now we have a time to beat. We’re all in again for next year. Training begins in April.

Our favorite new sandwich shop is Jake’s Sandwich Board, located just 2 blocks from our office. They are truly artists of great sandwiches. Here’s their website where you can learn more and see their fantastic menu.

Recently, the fine folks at Jake’s issued their Philly challenge, and it’s not for the faint of heart—or stomach. Here it is:

Think you have what it takes? Write to me at trosato@alstin.com. We’ll select one “winner” and we’ll pick up the $35 tab for the challenge. Win or lose, you’ll be forever immortalized on Jake’s wall of fame/shame and your story will be featured in one of my upcoming blog posts.

“Renaissance” may not be the best word to use, but typography, more specifically font faces, underwent an explosion in the past ten years. Thankfully, it’s slowed down a bit and the waters are beginning to clear.

The computer, which set desktop publishing afire, allowed just about anyone to design a typeface or create a flyer. The results have not been pretty. A quick search will turn up thousands of typefaces based on people’s own handwriting. Where typeface designers used to spend months giving faces a matching look and feel, where weight mattered and the kerning between the letters would allow elegance to come through, we now have wild one-offs with absolutely no consideration for how the letters fit together is taken. Sometimes classic faces are simply tweaked and given a new name. Think of the ubiquitous “Arial” font, a Helvetica stand-in that has awkward tweaks (like the slant on the top of the lowercase “t”) that apparently were made to simply avoid paying royalties to Helvetica.

People love their fonts, and for some people, the uglier the better. “Comic Sans” is the reigning leader of a long line of fonts that are seldom appropriate for anything. Yes, you could add “Bradley Hand” and “Papyrus” to round out the podium, but using a single ugly font is not the most grievous assault to the senses. That comes from those who insist on mixing it up a bit. Perfectly reasonable people, who know better than to wear polka dots and stripes together, or plaid and paisley, will somehow feel comfortable creating a four font ensemble that would scare even the most stalwart “Dingbat” off of the page. Alternatively, though you’d think most would know better than to wear two different shades of red together, it’s not uncommon to see two fonts that are close enough to be siblings mashing it up on the same page. Just ground one of them and let the other hog the spotlight. The less fighting the better.

Fortunately, the internet has largely been free of this assault, due to the limitations of HTML 4. The upcoming HTML 5 allows “designers” to embed their fonts in the pages. The future is looking bright. And tacky.   - j

Last Thursday two co-workers returned from their lunch break breathless with excitement. Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro were filming a scene for their upcoming movie, The Dark Fields, just a few blocks from our offices. Our friends had gotten close to the action and they thought that we could too. Angela, Nikki, and I grabbed our jackets and ran for the elevators. But first, I stopped by my office to grab my camera – a Nikon D60 SLR with a zoom lens. The three of us worked our way over to Market Street using 17th Street as our access point. According to our friends, this would put us closer to the filming. They were right. When we got there, we politely worked our way to the front of the crowd in no time. Unfortunately, there were no stars in sight. We watched a few scenes being filmed mainly involving extras. There was a lot of “hurry up and wait” between the scenes. Just as my interest was beginning to wane, a ripple of excitement went through the crowd. The boom mike (which signals where the action is taking place) was moved to the entrance of the building. On scene, the extras were cued to walk, then the doors to the building opened and out walked Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper. For take after take, we watched the actors (both looking suave) repeat the scene. I was, of course, snapping pictures the entire time. This is one of the better photographs that resulted. Some days it just pays to have your camera with you.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

I enjoy being able to make my living doing graphic design, which I tend to think of as aesthetic problem solving in two dimensions. Coming up with something that not only works, but does so with a twist brings a lot of satisfaction. Being able to do so under the absurd timeframe of contemporary deadlines adds to that feeling. And yet, as a creative endeavor, it’s missing something…

Call me old-fashioned, but knocking something out on the computer, either to end up online, viewable by millions, or as a brochure that might be seen by hundreds or even thousands, lacks a tactile individuality. One postcard looks like all the other printed ones, and if you wanted more, just call the printer. The masthead on this blog looks the same to everybody on their own screens. The designs may be effective, but they’re not precious.

One could say that my hobby is starting hobbies. I’m a poly-amateur (from the Latin “amare”-to love), and find that most of the pursuits I engage in revolve around having something to hold, hear, or taste. They’re one-offs, culminations of efforts that are intimate expressions of myself.

A recent loss of a Danish Modern figure in an ebay bidding war started me down the path to woodcarving this past winter (I thought I could do just as well). I started off with a stylized teak cat, followed it up with a number of 2″ tall teak woolly animals (mammoth, buffalo, rhinos, another mammoth), an oak manta ray, and finally an 8″ tall mammoth made from black cherry with poplar tusks. All that within the span of six weeks before losing interest (at least for now).

When I look at the pieces, I do like the way they look, but I LOVE the way they feel in my hands and in my heart. Their weight, their polish, and their smell are all intimate sensory experiences, but what I appreciate the most about them is their uniqueness and individuality–their preciousness.  - j

In my last blog post, “Music and Creativity: Let the Music Play. Or Not,” I asked for input on music that inspired people creatively. I got back recommendations that were thoughtful and unique. As promised, I’ve compiled a playlist that partially reflects those responses. As a Creative Director, I have a front row seat to subjectivity, so I know this list won’t fit every musical taste. But I think it does fit the bill for inspiring creativity. Some recommendations were great choices, but they didn’t fit the flow of this list (I’m looking at you, Mike T). That will be another blog post altogether. Anyway, here’s the playlist that resulted – and a download is available here via iTunes. Hope you are inspired by it.

Intro – The XX – XX (Bonus Track Version)

Fans of this buzz band put the “fan” in fanatical. I think I agree. What iTunes describes as “steely quiet-storm soundscapes” is an ideal start to settling in to a creative mindset.

Serenata – Charo – Charo and Guitar

Charo. Yes, that Charo. A great suggestion from Melissa. No lyrics to distract just yet. We’re still getting the easel set up. Really beautiful sounding.

All Apologies – Sinéad O’Connor – Universal Mother

Okay, I just thought Sinead should be on this list. Probably a little too slow for this point in the playlist, but “All Apologies” stays. Bonus points that it’s a Nirvana cover.

Sweet Tides – Thievery Corporation – Radio Retaliation

Loved Lisa’s comment that her Art Teacher always played Thievery Corporation to get them in the creative zone. This one is for all of those inspiring Art Teachers that we all remember with affection.

Act of the Apostle – God Help the Girl – God Help the Girl

This whole cd for me is less a favorite than an obsession. To me, it’s a must have for any music lover. You’ll play it over and over and over again.

Islands  – The XX – XX (Bonus Track Version)

Circling back to another The XX song since they set the overall tone for this playlist from the first song. This one with lyrics, but still in that same low-key vibe.

Congratulations – MGMT – Congratulations

Love MGMT and this one is a good song for when you’re well into the creative process. Haven’t given it a full listen yet, but I’m hoping that “Congratulations” is at least half as good as “Oracular Spectacular.”

To Kingdom Come – Passion Pit – Manners

A great suggestion from Angela for a less-familiar band. Also, a natural progression from MGMT. “The giddiest music possible . . . with dark and soul-searching lyrics.”

God Help the Girl – God Help the Girl – God Help the Girl

More “God Help the Girl,” because they’re so, so good. Love this song, love these lyrics. “You have been warned, I’m going to be contrary.”

A Beautiful Mess (Live) – Jason Mraz – Jason Mraz’s Beautiful Mess – Live On Earth

Fun to end with something live. Hopefully, “A Beautiful Mess” matches up nicely to something you’ve accomplished creatively after listening to this playlist.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

As I celebrated my 40th birthday in bed a few weeks ago (get your minds out of the gutter — I caught my daughter’s stomach bug), I got to thinking about how I felt about my fourth decade and realized I’m stuck somewhere between incredibly grateful and horribly blind sided.

On one hand, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for. I have a wonderful husband/marriage (don’t ever believe you can’t meet anyone good in a bar…), kids that I once thought I wouldn’t be able to conceive, and parents who’ve always been about being there and enjoying today. Though I feel the need to knock on wood, I’ve been pretty healthy, can still run a faster mile than most high schoolers (though my 14-year old nephew can definitely kick my butt in a 5k), have a job I enjoy, and friends I know, love, and can share, cry, work out, compare notes, and drink with without traveling more than a hour.

On the other hand, I’ve noticed some kinks in the armor. Ligaments that don’t recover quite as quickly as they used to. I’m investing a small fortune in retinol creams and large sunglasses to “rejuvenate” the delicate eye-area skin that I abused on the beach for ten years. I’m pretty anxious about the general well-being of our government, planet, and our nation’s kids. And I attended more funerals for the parents of friends in the past twelve months than I have weddings.

40 really isn’t just a number. It’s not even a milestone. It’s more like the mileage on my car’s odometer. Though I still feel like I’m chugging along at a good rate, I’ve got quite a few miles behind me, and the road ahead definitely has a horizon line. Am I at the halfway point? Or, like my Nana, who lived to 94, am I just getting to the good stuff?

To celebrate the beginning of my 41st year, my friends reminded me of who I used to be. My kids showed me they love me for who I am today. And my husband? He’s taking me to see Chelsea Handler, to laugh off any worries I have about what may happen from here on out.

This week, as I went from entering “39″ on the elliptical machine to entering “40″— does a machine REALLY need that much information?— I looked around the gym at the other people chugging along, just like me.

I admired the twenty-something, but I didn’t envy her. Too many decisions coming. Too much time spent thinking about the future. Too much proving yourself. I wondered about the sixty-something. Was she where she wanted to be? Did her kids still keep in touch? Did she still hold hands with her husband? But it was the seventy-something who really caught my attention.

It was when I saw her walking around the indoor track with her friend, moving to let others pass, happy to be where she was — heading toward what was around the turn with a look of contentment and grace — that I knew the answer. 40 is The New Me.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

For me, the only thing funnier than Graffiti artists beefin’ with each other is when the venerable Wall Street Journal covers it. Enter Robbo -  a pioneer of the 80′s London Graffiti scene, Banksy – Graffiti artist turned world-famous street artist, and a stretch of wall, under a bridge, along the Regent Canal otherwise known as London’s “Little Venice”.

The bite sized chunk version: 1985 Robbo classically tags the wall “ROBBO INC”, Robbo becomes legendary “Graffiti artist” by tagging the hell outta London with his traditional (time consuming), freehand, spray-painted work through the 80′s & early 90′s, slides into obscurity to be a dad and gives up Graffiti altogether. Banksy enters the “street artist” scene in the mid/late 90′s, becomes a master at the stencil & postering stealth style (quick & easy according to Graffiti artists), exhibits & sells his street art to worldwide acclaim (2007 work “Keep it Spotless” sells for 1.87 milli at Sotheby’s), publishes books, and exhibits in reputable galleries around the globe AND THEN in December 2009 visits the Regent Canal and defaces “ROBBO INC”. Team Robbo and Team Banksy war ensues. The article must be read to be believed. And I thought I was gonna read about the DOW tanking again. Thanks Wall Street Journal for a great piece. 

Since we are on the subject of Graffiti, I have to admit I am a big fan when it becomes sanctioned street art/Graffiti. Jane Golden, founder of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, is a local and probably national hero at this point in her career with what she has done with the program, an organization whose mission is to “unite artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives”.

Recently the husband and I went on a Mural Arts Tour around Valentine’s Day affectionately titled “Love Letters”, a public art project consisting of 50 rooftop murals from 45th to 63rd Sts. easily viewable from the Market-Frankford El line. Stephen Powers, the mural artist, was born & raised in Philly and became a renegade (illegal) graffitti artist.

Jane, who legitimized the medium IMO, famously gets renegade graffiti artists like Powers to pledge not to do traditional tag & run graffiti but rather develops their skills and artistry into city-sanctioned beautiful works of art that often reflect the spirit of the community in which they are displayed. Powers did not want to sign the pledge but went on to become a famous NYC based artist. “Love Letters” is not only a personal exchange between him and a woman, but between him and the city he grew up in as well. 

You can visit the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program website to find out how you can take the “Love Letters” tour, or grab a $2 SEPTA token and take a self guided tour. Be sure to jump out at a few stops along the way and view from the stillness of the El platform- 52nd and 63rd Sts. are good stops where you can see a number of “Love Letter” murals.

Also be sure to check out this New York Times story featuring this and other Philly based art: Art to Make You Laugh (And Cry).

As a Creative Director by day and an artist by night, I’m especially interested in tips and tricks to stimulate creativity. As I’m writing this, there is a base line pumping through my office wall. Every once in a while, a “wiki, wiki, wiki” floats over. This is one of our graphic designer’s music of choice while she gets creative. On days she’s out, the designer she shares a workspace with tunes in to the softer sounds of adult alternative. Somehow they make it work. Me? I need silence if I’m writing and something soft and slow if I’m painting. We’re all creative, we just use different types of music to fuel our creativity.

Two recent articles in Psychology Today shed some light on these differences. The first, “Your Music, Your Personality” talks about how taste in music can reveal key components about the listener’s personality, including creativity levels, open-mindedness and extroversion. It may even reveal the intelligence level of the listener. (Hats off to you jazz and classical lovers.)

The other article, entitled “How Music Feeds and Steers Your Imagination,”  provides insights on how music can specifically boost creativity and energy – as anyone who has ever compiled a gym playlist can attest.

So, here’s the challenge. I’m converting a corner of my basement into a den of creativity. In the back of my mind, I’m compiling the ideal playlist to boost my creativity while I work in this new studio. While musical tastes are subjective, I’d like to know what music works for you when you’re getting into the creative flow. I’ll compile the responses into an ideal creativity playlist and share with our readers. Bonus points for obscure tracks. Thanks for your feedback . . . and thanks for listening.

Alstin’s President, Mike Schluth, had one of the hottest tickets in town. And it didn’t have anything to do with baseball. 

It is rare when a regular Joe or regular Jane is in the same room with the President of the United States. But there I found myself on Monday, March 8, 2010 just a few steps away from Barack Obama as he addressed a throng of about two thousand people at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA.

Regardless of how you vote, to stand front and center a mere five people back from the leader of the free world can be categorized as the experience of a lifetime.

Three days prior, I was in a morning meeting of the Board of Trustees when the big news of the President’s visit became known to the 35 or so people then in attendance. The buzz was prolific even though President Obama’s proposed visit to promote his health care reform initiative was not absolutely certain at the time. We were told that Arcadia was considered mainly because there were only two entrances to the property from the roadways and because they had successfully demonstrated proper security measures for a visit by Al Gore back in 2000. As a Trustee, I would be able to secure admission to the event. However, we were told that seating would need to be on a first come, first served basis. The VIP seating at the athletic center were reserved mostly for White House stipulated guests and a few politicos such as Governor Rendell, Mayor Nutter and the like.

“No problem on this end,” I thought to myself, “I’m just happy to be able to be in attendance. I’ll get there early for the President’s eleven o’clock address. Say, maybe I will even get to rub elbows with him.” You can imagine my elation at 6:30 a.m. that morning as I motored from my home in Doylestown down Route 309 toward Glenside. With my golden ticket clutched firmly in hand, I arrived at the University just past seven, a full two hours before the doors were to open at nine a.m. “Most of the people in attendance will be students and they already stood in line for hours on Saturday to secure their space,” I mused. “Therefore,” I reasoned, “I should be one of the first in line with two hours to spare.” That notion was dispelled the moment I drove onto the campus. Even at that early hour, there were already a couple of hundred people in line. I knew that if I positioned myself at the end of the line as it was, I would still have a prime place to view and listen to what Obama had to say. However, with my Arcadia Trustee badge secured to my suit jacket, I ambled toward the front. I don’t believe it is correct to pull rank and I make a habit not to do that to people, but YO!, this was the chance of a lifetime for me to be up close and somewhat personal with the most powerful person on Earth.

“Hey kids,” I said as I gingerly stepped past sleeping bags and blankets, “I see that some of you have been here all night. Must have been chilly. Hey, do any of you want to know who took home any of the Oscars that were awarded last evening?” The sleepy eyes of the students lit right up and I was instantaneously welcomed into their conversations.

The temperature was in the low 30′s that morning as we waited patiently for the doors to open. Secret Service and other White House representatives, local police and firefighters were in abundance as one would expect. (I learned later that the Secret Service had been at Arcadia 24/7 during the previous four days and they went as far as to take every single fixture apart in the Athletic Center in order to protect the President.)

Finally, 9:00 arrived and we were allowed inside. I had the option to sit in a great spot in the bleachers off to the side, but I (along with every student I entered with) chose to stand in front of the podium – a mere 20 feet away from where the speech was scheduled to be delivered at 11:00. Other than being a bit of a strain on these old gams of mine, the wait was quite enjoyable. The atmosphere throughout the gym was near frenetic in a good sort of way. Then, at about 10:45, cell phones were ordered muted and an Arcadia student ascended the stage to speak at the same microphone that would soon be used by the President. He asked everyone to bow their heads as he offered an opening prayer. Then I, along with all those who chose to participate (which was most everyone), recited the Pledge of Allegiance. We stood tall and full of pride as four wonderfully talented students sang The Star Spangled Banner a cappella. My goose bumps had goose bumps!

At long last, the Presidential caravan arrived and the time was almost at hand. President Obama walked on stage at 11:10 to a thunderous ovation. And after he acknowledged the other politicians present, he ditched his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves and got down to business. No matter one’s political persuasion or no matter what side of the fence one is on regarding health care reform, you could not help but be impressed with this man’s captivating persona as he delivered his speech. Make no mistake about it, Barack Obama’s stage presence and his ability to speak fluently, effortlessly and casually is something to behold. “That’s the most fiery I’ve seen him since the early campaign,” said U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, who flew with Obama on Air Force One. “When I was listening to him, I wished that he had given that in the State of the Union!”

The students, who numbered more than 1,800 of the approximately 2,000 people present, cheered President Obama repeatedly. One of their loudest and wildest cheers came as Obama said that part of his proposed bill calls for offspring to be able to remain on their parents’ health insurance policies up to age 26. Stating that his bill has been derived from the aspects put forth by both Republicans and Democrats, Obama said: “If not now, when? When you’re in Washington, folks respond to every issue, every decision, every debate, no matter how important it is, with the same question,” he said. “What does this mean for the next election? What does it mean for your poll numbers? Is this good for the Democrats or good for the Republicans?” Furthermore, the President concluded, members of Congress need to spend “a little less time worried about their jobs and more time worried about your jobs. The United States Congress owes the American people a final, up-or-down vote on health care. It’s time to make a decision. The time for talk is over.”

 Less talk. More action. (And hopefully, more hiring.) That’s the ticket.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

As readers of my blogs know, I’m a big fan of great fiction (click here to read my link to my favorite novels of 2009). Certainly, one of the seminal novels of this century has been J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, first published in 1951. While popularity and critical acclaim of the novel seem to rise and fall with each generation, it’s generally regarded as a true masterwork and an American original. J.D. Salinger died last week at the age of 91.

Like many young readers, I first came across The Catcher in the Rye in high school. On the surface, I didn’t have a lot in common with Holden Caulfield, but at the time I, like many of the novel’s teenage readers, felt it was the first book that was truly about us. I know the novel’s theme is sometimes reduced to as “teen angst”–but I think there’s much more there, from Holden’s sardonic view of the world and adults, his desire to protect innocence, and his feelings of despair and detachment.

As famous as he was for The Catcher in the Rye and other works (including Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, Raise High the Roofbeam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction), Salinger was even more renown for his desire to hide from the world.

Salinger said that he loved everything about writing but hated everything about publishing. He retreated to his home outside Cornish, NH where he was barely seen for half a century, shunning the attention so many people today would kill for.

While I can be as nosy and voyeuristic as the next guy, I always found this obsession with Salinger’s private life distasteful. Through the years, so many people in the media, as well as his fans, have found it necessary to question or ignore his simple, basic request to be left alone. It must seem even stranger to us today, as we live in an age where people will do literally anything (including humiliating themselves) to get noticed and “famous.” Reality TV, Facebook, YouTube: what would Salinger have made of all this? My feeling is that our obsession with penetrating Salinger’s privacy says more about us than it does about him.

In 1988 Ian Hamilton tried to write a biography of Salinger that would include previously unpublished letters. Salinger sued, and the quasi-book that remained after the whole mess is In Search of J.D.Salinger. It’s really a book about failing to write a book, and I think that overall, it’s a disappointment. I can’t imagine anyone reading it without thinking, “Just let the poor guy alone already.” Not much is revealed about Salinger we didn’t already know, including the old salacious rumors that had been circulating for decades, many of which don’t seem credible. Ironically, I read an interview in Time with Hamilton (who seems like a nice enough guy), and even he seemed strongly reluctant about exposing someone who just wanted to be left in peace.

So now Salinger is gone, but the obvious questions remain: Did he leave us scores of unpublished work stashed away somewhere? Did he write multiple novels, edit them to perfection and then burn them? Will we see in an upcoming New Yorker (where Salinger published nearly all his stories–including the classics “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” and “For Esme–with Love and Squalor”) a new work by Salinger?

Maybe we will, but I doubt it, and I think once the tributes, rumors and remembrances die down, we won’t hear much more about J.D. Salinger, except through the short but remarkable body of work he left us–which is probably the way he would have wanted it.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

I love great fiction. My tastes fall more on the literary, non-commercial (my wife would say snobby) side; or what is normally called trade fiction. As we start the New Year, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite novels of 2009.

Obviously, there were a lot of great novels published this year I just couldn’t get to (that pesky combination of work and family really get in the way). My apologies to Anne Tyler, Philip Roth, Paul Auster, Lorrie Moore, Dave Eggers and other great writers who wrote widely-praised novels in 2009–I’ll get to you in 2010. By the way, I’m no pseudo-literary critic; I judge novels not by deep themes, pretty prose, socio-economic impact or any other lofty criteria, but by how well the author tells a good story. Looking over this list, I noticed that all of these works are very accessible and entertaining. I’ll aspire to get back to my pretentious ways in 2010! Here were some of my favorites from 2009:

Once a Runner, John Parker

A cult classic from 1978 that was republished in 2009, and universally considered to be the best book ever written about running. The novel once had the (not entirely desirable) distinction of being the most requested out-of-print book. The descriptions of the life of a competitive runner have never been matched. Intense, well-written and serious inspiration to those looking to get their sneakers laced up for 2010.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson

So much has been written about this novel, I’m not sure I can add anything original except a glowing endorsement from a guy who doesn’t normally read mystery novels. Originally published in the late Larsson’s native Sweden in 2005, this book deserved all the attention it received. Once you get the myriad of characters sorted out in your head (this is the opposite of a 1-2-3 whodunnit) you’ll fly through this novel as the disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and punky researcher Lisbeth Salander negotiate twists and turns to get to the bottom of an old Vanger family mystery.

That Old Cape Feeling, Richard Russo

Richard Russo is one of my favorite authors, and even a mediocre effort from him is still better than reading just about anyone else. This is certainly not his best work–that title probably goes to the Pulitzer-Prize winning Empire Falls, Nobody’s Fool (which was made into a great film with Paul Newman) or in my opinion, one of the funniest, wisest and most underrated novels ever written, Straight Man (if you haven’t read Straight Man, stop what you’re doing now and go buy it). Still, reading That Old Cape Magic you’ll find yourself in the hands of an American master. I know some people had issues with the large amounts of exposition and flashback-style narrative, but the sadness and tenderness of Jack Griffin’s story and Russo’s incredible writing makes it more than worth the trip.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, Jeff Kinney

Laugh if you want, but the fourth book in Kinney’s Wimpy Kid Series is a big home run. Without 2 daughters nearly the same age as the hilarious protagonist Greg Heffley, I would never have picked this book up–and that would have been my loss. So many children’s books are written as if children aren’t just younger, but some type of stupid sub-species, and books aimed toward them are usually filled with groaningly predictable plot twists, cloying dialogue and a contrived, patronizing ending. Kinney gets it right. This is a very fast, very funny (even for adults) story with laugh-out-loud simple drawings that capture tween angst and awkwardness perfectly.

The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis, Lydia Davis

Known as a “writer’s writer,” Lydia Davis creates very powerful, very brief short stories. Many in this collection are less than a page long, and some are just a paragraph. This collection includes her stories from her noted debut Break It Down in 1986 to the 2007 National Book Award nominee Varieties of Disturbance.

When Love Was Clean Underwear, Susan Barr-Toman

Full disclosure: Susan is a friend, but trust me, that doesn’t make her debut novel any less of a winner. Pick up Susan’s book, and you’ll meet a great character, Lucy Pescitelli, a South Philly virgin and part-time funeral worker saddled with a mother so overbearing she forces Lucy to help her commit suicide. What Barr-Toman does so well here is bring a lot of heart to Lucy’s story, and she captures the flavors of her South Philly neighborhood without resorting to the usual cliches and stereotypes. A solid, really strong first novel.

Juliet, Naked, Nick Hornby

Probably the most entertaining novel I read this year and a must for anyone who’s a “serious” music fan. I’m always envious of people who have never read Nick Hornby, because his writing is so wonderful and accessible. Hornby has no writerly pretensions; he’s just a great storyteller and his novels are funny, quick and (I think) surprisingly reflective about modern society. Hornby is also a very tactile writer; he creates vivid scenes in such simple language–which may be why so many of his novels have translated well to film (High Fidelity with John Cusack, About a Boy with Hugh Grant, Fever Pitch and he wrote the screenplay for this year’s super well-reviewed An Education). He is also a noted music critic.

In Juliet, Naked, we learn about Tucker Crowe, a Dylanesque rock star who disappears suddenly from public life after releasing his eighties masterpiece, Juliet. His fans, unabashed music snobs, refuse to let him go, and so Tucker remains vibrant on the Internet where his devotees exchange old pictures, swap bootleg tapes, trade “Tucker is working on a new album” rumors and endlessly analyze his song lyrics. Like many of Hornby’s novels Juliet, Naked exists on two levels: there is a great story, comedy and romance, but I think there’s a lot going on underneath here–like how the Internet has connected (and disconnected) us, the trappings of celebrity and what happens when we can’t separate an artist from his/her art.

Coraline, Neil Gaiman

I’ve been a fan of Gaiman for a long time. He can do anything–great adult novels (Anansi Boys, Neverwhere, Stardust) children’s books (The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish) and comics (The Sandman series, one of the most critically acclaimed comics of the last 40 years). You may be familiar with the movie (which was also great), but this quasi-kids’ graphic novel illustrated by P. Craig Russell pulls no punches. I read this to my nine-year-old in one day–and she had some problems sleeping that night, so note to parents: The graphic novel is much darker and creepier than the film version.

Generosity: An Enchantment, Richard Powers

Probably the most literary novel on my list, but a pleasure to read. Richard Powers is known for combining science and humanism into his novels. Here he asks the question: Does the happiness gene exist? What would the pharmaceutical and science community do with it should they be able to isolate and market it? Is this the logical next step for our medicated society and does this path of “genetic enhancement” we’re all going down signal the end to what it really means to be human? Russell Stone is a creative non-fiction teacher with a student who seems to have hyperthymia, a very rare trait that manifests itself in a near-constant state of euphoria. I won’t spoil any more of the plot, but in addition to being an exceptional novel that really makes you think, I believe this is the first novel I’ve read that successfully incorporates the effect of the Internet, TV and social media on our daily lives.

Okay, where did I get it wrong. Which novels did you read that didn’t make it on my list?

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

Long before I could download a song for $.99, I would get my cheap thrills in the dollar bins. Still a favorite weekend pastime of mine, spending a Sunday afternoon flip, flip, flipping through bin after bin of vinyl records, each for $1, never fails to deliver.

I’ve bought albums for the sheer nostalgia of having owned the same record in my youth, the love of a particular song (It’s only a buck!) and even for crazy cover art that is either way cool, or just flat out hilarious. But most of all, I still buy a ton of music on vinyl for the joy of bringing home good tunes, unwrapping the plastic, firing up the hi-fi and letting it spin. Some vinyl lovers, my husband included, also like to claim that records just sound warmer.

I’ve never counted how many records I have amassed over the years, but a good guestimate is in the 1,000’s. Not all of them picked up at the bargain bin rate and not all of them used lost treasures.

Answers to FAQs: Yes, you can still get new music on vinyl Yes, there are a lot of other people like me who also buy music on vinyl. Yes, there are actual stores that still sell them, new and used. (My regular haunt is Princeton Record Exchange.)

If you have ever seen the movie High Fidelity, or read the book by Nick Hornby, you get a pretty good glimmer of what it’s like to have a wee bit of an addition to collecting vinyl. The scene where Rob Gordon, played by John Cusak, rearranges his records based on his autobiographical moments really slayed me when I first saw it. Still does. I relate. I’ve conducted bizarre personal sorting and arranging of my records too.

When I am making a pasta dinner I like to play a little gem I found called Mandlino Italino. I spin Irish folk music on St. Patrick’s Day and on the first real blustery fall afternoon you can bet that Vivaldi’s Four Seasons will be blaring out of my speakers. I even have a record put out by one of the Mummer String Bands that I pop on while making breakfast every New Year’s Day … “Oh ‘Dem Golden Slippers”. Life always needs a little background music.

One of the wackiest albums I have ever come across I don’t (yet) own. It remains at the DeHaven homestead and was purchased, oh I guess sometime in the 50’s or 60′s by my father, a lover of the automobile and a former racecar driver. It’s of the Indianapolis 500. It’s just the sounds of the racecars going around and around the track. Over and over. It is totally insane. He won’t part with it, which I tell him is also totally insane because there isn’t even a turntable in my parent’s house anymore. But I get it.

I had to squirrel away my turntable this past year from a pair of very grabby toddler hands. Now that the grabby phase seems to be fading alway, I was beyond happy to bring it back into the living room full time this past weekend as we decked the halls. In our house, setting up the Christmas tree just isn’t the same without a rendition of Jingle Bells by Old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.

For the first album of the day however, I gave the honors over to my little guy. After flip, flip, flipping through a row of albums, he recognized the cover art from a corresponding CD he knows and loves and made his request: The Best of Leonard Cohen. It was a proud-shared moment for us parents – our kid likes good music!! And you know what, Leonard’s voice and his music really did sound warmer than our CD.

I’m getting a jumpstart on the 2009 “Year in Review” articles. Just for fun, I’ve assembled a list of my all-time favorite iPhone apps. They aren’t in any special order and they don’t represent any particular app category. They’re just my go-to favorites. The ones I turn to most often for assistance, information, or thrills. Drumroll please.

Shazam – Even if you’re not an iPhone user, this is the app that you’ve probably heard the most about or remember most readily from the Apple commercials. Hear a song you like? Simply double tap your Shazam app, hit “Tag Now,” and hold your phone up to the music. 9 out of 10 times, Shazam will come back with the song name, artist, album artwork, and numerous helpful links, like “View YouTube video” or “Album Review.” Of course, there’s a link to “Preview and buy on iTunes,” too. The cool factor is definitely there, but the app is darned useful, too.

Maps – It’s not an app per se, because it comes bundled with the iPhone, but nothing beats being able to quickly find out how to get where I want to go. And it couldn’t be simpler. I simply search for my goal destination (in the search box) and then route it from my current location. My built-in GPS gives me a real-time visual of my current whereabouts moving along a nifty map. If I prefer, I can flick on “List” and get written directions. I don’t have a GPS in my car, so this app has helped me more times than I can count.

Doodle Jump – I’m not typically a gamer, but this is an all-time favorite. If I describe it, it won’t sound as fun as actually playing it. Download this game and become instantly addicted. The kiddies love it, too. All you have to do is tilt your phone and fall upward. Trust me. It’s a blast.

CNN – If CNN is one of your preferred news sources, this is a great app to add to your iPhone. It is a well-designed news app that updates content frequently. It puts lots and lots of info at your fingertips, including robust video content, that doesn’t require a wifi connection to view. There’s also a “Live Video” option and a “My CNN” function that aggregates local content from your location. My experience with the “Live Video” option has been positive, even through 3G connections.

Flixster – As a big movie fan, I like being able to find theaters, showtimes, and movie information at the tap of a finger. This was the first and only movie app I downloaded and I still love it. I can effortlessly check showtimes, view movie previews, check out upcoming releases, get ratings and reviews, and lots more. I haven’t tried the Fandango app out yet, so the final jury is still out. But, as of this writing, Flixster has served me well.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

One of my favorite things in Alstin’s new location is the large picture window near my desk. I am the lucky AE who sits facing a fabulous view of the city while I work.

I can see from my seat the hustle and bustle of the Center City streets, the neon sign of the restaurant EL Vez – a favorite for happy hour – and I even get to watch a helicopter take off from the launch pad at Jefferson Hospital to save someone’s life.

My fellow AEs and I have developed our department to feel comfortable to us all. We enjoy the natural light beaming in everyday, and will often leave the overhead lights off to let the sunshine fill the space. I believe it is true that sunlight stimulates happiness. On a bright sunny day we will open the window and breathe in the fresh air as opposed to the usual office ventilation. The feng shui of our space seems to give us the energy and enough comfort to enjoy  the day to its fullest.

With the number of well-known healthcare institutions I have worked with, I’ve seen that sunlight is often one of the key factors during renovations and expansions of patient care areas to aid in the speedy recovery of patients.

According to a study in Psychology Today:

Patients in recovery rooms full of natural light take less pain medication, and, days after surgery, they report lower stress levels. Their hastened healing may be due to sunlight’s ability to stimulate serotonin production, which helps regulate mood, sleep, and sex drive.

Now, if the sun can do all of that, think what it can do for employees – let the sunshine in!

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

When the autumn season returns, one of my “favorite things” to do is spending a crisp, fall day with my family at a pumpkin patch. This marks the third year I will be heading to Shady Brook Farms in Yardley, PA for their annual PumpkinFest.

I love standing back and watching my now three-year-old son pick the biggest pumpkin he can find and his attempt to carry it back to me, falling down all over the place. There are lots of fun activities for young children – a moon bounce, pony rides, face painting and so much more. We always make sure we have Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream before we go on the hayride. Homemade pumpkin ice cream – MMMMMM!

Then we try our luck finding our way out of Shady Brook’s corn maze. Just before it gets too cold and too dark – you really can spend the whole day there – we each get a cup of hot apple cider and sit back, relax and enjoy the fall weather.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

In the not-too-distant past I was known as a walking, talking restaurant directory. Everybody’s go-to guide for the latest and greatest places to eat. No matter how obscure the request, I had a recommendation. Malaysian food in a kid-friendly atmosphere? Penang, of course. A michelada within walking distance of The Kimmel Center? Try Tequila’s. Particular steak for a particular client? Take them to The Capital Grille. Call ahead for the bone-in filets.

At any price point, for requests that ranged from the exotic to the mundane, I was a one-person Zagat’s. And my recommendations weren’t just canned responses from “Best Of” lists. I had been there. Done that. Tasted it. In the bygone days of fast metabolisms and flush expense accounts, if my friends and I had any one consistent craving, it was this: Something Different. We already had our favorites, but when Friday night rolled around, we didn’t want the usual: We wanted what was next.

So how did this happen? How is it that when friends and I actually do go out we always end up at the same place? What is it about Misconduct Tavern that brings us back again and again? 

You can chalk some of it up to the usual suspects. Nights in the city get trumped by kids in the suburbs every time. Money matters, too, and calories. These days a parade of tapas looks less like a great meal and more like five hours in the gym. But there’s some deeper reason, too. In a world that seems increasingly chaotic, there’s something to be said for a comforting and familiar place. A dim and cozy bar where everybody really does know your name. And Misconduct Tavern is just such a place. It’s comforting right down to the food. Need proof? Try their homemade macaroni and cheese, with a variety of tasty add-ins like bacon, oven-dried tomatoes, and roasted garlic. Want something healthier? Go for the grilled Caesar or baby spinach salad. Or try the exceptional Misconduct fish cakes. And for the best lunch bargain in the city, order the five ounce, five dollar burger. It’s served with a side of thin and crispy fries and their own chipotle mayo. Sure, it’s bar food. But it’s bar food with an emphasis on local ingredients and “home” cooking. And it’s a bar that isn’t afraid to pepper their menu with things like blue cheese butter, tarragon aioli, and truffle oil. While you’re there, be sure to save room for Diane’s “Best of 15th & Locust” cheesecake or homemade bread pudding. There are new flavors every day. If that day’s cheesecake is Turtle, stop counting calories right then and there. 

Have I sworn off new restaurants entirely? Or course not. For special occasions, I’ve still got a go-to list of novel places to try. But on days where I want comfort and consistency (and these days, who doesn’t?), you’ll find me at Misconduct Tavern.

One of the best aspects of my job is getting there. When there is no rain or snow, I walk or ride my mother’s sweet 1974 Schwinn suburban. I always pack a camera and take shots along the way, to and from work. It’s a nice 24 block haul and there is always some great art along the way whether it be public & commissioned; renegade, free & illegal; or a moment in time I capture myself.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

My passion for Iced Tea (specifically Honest Tea) is well known throughout our office and even by some of our clients. I’m happy to blog about it, but in many ways it’s your typical boy-meets-tea, boy-falls-in-love-with-certain-flavors, boy-rearranges-his-life-around-consumption-of- tea type of love story.

First, a note about myself. I think by anyone’s measure, I am a man of few vices. I don’t smoke, never did drugs, I have a beer or glass of wine now and then, but I don’t really drink much. I also uphold nearly every stereotype of the forty-year-old suburban dad. I drive a minivan, I cater to my daughters’ every whim, I take my cholesterol medicine every day, my hair is disappearing at an alarming rate, I fight the losing battle to stay fit, etc.––you get the picture.

But underneath this mild-mannered exterior, I have a passion. A secret. An insatiable thirst that can’t be quenched.

Actually, I like to think that as far as crippling addictions go, this is a pretty good one to have. The benefits of tea are well documented–of course, if the medical community ever reverses its position and proclaims that tea is bad for you–well, by the time you read this I will already be dead.

So why Honest Tea? Well, when it came to ice tea, I had been around the block. I did the crazy sweet teas like Arizona, Lipton and Snapple, and they all felt like drinking powdered sugar. I even had a slew of one night stands with diet iced teas loaded with chemicals and horrible aftertastes.

Then I was in Whole Foods one day and I tried my first Honest Tea. It was Moroccan Mint (you never forget your first time) and it was delicious; just a little sweet and you could actually taste the tea and mint. Plus, most Honest Teas are only around 75 calories for the whole bottle, which is great when you suck down 3-5 a day.

So how far does my love of Honest Tea go? Here’s some evidence I may have a problem:

• I know which Wawas in the area carry Honest Tea and which don’t.
• I not only receive, but read every word of the Honest Tea newsletter. In fact, I just learned they are discontinuing one of my favorite flavors (Cinnamon Spice Decaf), so if you see me with a black armband on, you’ll know why.
• When vacationing in Siesta Key, Florida, I found a health food store back on the mainland of Sarasota that carried Honest Tea–so yes, I crossed a body of water to get Honest Tea.
• When Men’s Health and other fitness magazines proclaim Honest Tea the best tea in its surveys (which they often do), my chest swells with pride.
• I can tell you the different caffeine contents of the different Honest Tea flavors.
• I drive to Maryland for business at least once a month. On the way, I pass 4 rest stops . I always stop at the 3rd one because I’ve learned from trial and error they carry Honest Tea.

My top three flavors? Jasmine Energy, Morcoon Mint and Honey Green.

I could go on, but you’re probably getting a little weirded out already. Trust me, if you’re looking for a healthy, refreshing beverage, you can’t beat Honest Tea. They have a great variety at any Whole Foods and if you happen to be in Center City Philadelphia, DiBruno’s Brothers at 18th and Chestnut has a nice selection. Enjoy!

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives.

Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.
- Benjamin Franklin

Winery of the Year.
45 acres of estate vineyards.
All told, more than 200 awards and medals.

Sonoma County? Napa? Nah! New Jersey. Yea, that’s right Jersey.

Just off the Delaware River in Musconetcong Valley (Huh, Musconetcong Valley? Click here for directions.) rests Alba Vineyard. A place I’ve returned to again and again after discovering their wines about three years ago. This day trip just north of Philly offers worthy pit stops along the Delaware – New Hope, Lambertville and Frenchtown for sure – to a beautiful hillside setting (where I saw my first Orchard Oriel -I’m such a nerd a bird watcher) and 1805 barn turned tasting room. The journey in and of itself is great, but it’s the wines that will keep bringing you back.

2009 marks the third time in five years that Alba’s been honored as “New Jersey’s Winery of the Year” by the NJ State Wine Competition. In addition to scooping up 15 more medals, the winery also took home the “Best State Vinifera” for their 2007 Estate Reserve Chardonnay – my favorite Chardonnay of the moment. Really, it’s that good. So happy trails to you wine-lovers out there in the Delaware Valley – get on the road to Alba Vineyard, you will be glad you did.

By the looks of this blog, you might think we over here at Alstin eat, breathe and sleep all that is recruitment and retention. Every so often we’ll stray from the HR talk and bring you more on some of our favorite things, places and activities that also populate our daily lives. 

Next time you’re in town – for work or to escape it -
the Schuylkill Banks deserves an hour of your time.

Despite Philadelphia’s rank as the second-largest city on the East Coast, it’s home to a surprising number of parks and trails. One, the Schulylkill Banks, is a metropolitan version of a boardwalk. Though the wakes caused by the river’s many sculls can’t rival those made by the speedboats racing down the New Jersey shoreline, I find running along the river as stimulating (and relaxing) as I do the Atlantic Ocean.

Doublechecking my spelling on www.schuylkillbanks.org, I found more than I expected about The Banks, including a breath-defying definition of what has become my favorite Philly fitness trail: “Philadelphia’s newest riverfront destination, Schuylkill Banks is home to greenways, parks, docks, the nation’s leading educational institutions, award-winning residential developments and active industrial sites that are making way for livable spaces.” Turns out, there are kayak and river tours, outdoor movies, and a bunch of construction as the Schuylkill River Development Corporation Destination begins a flurry of “Priority Projects” that will enhance the trail’s appearance and make it more accessible to surrounding sections of the city.

Here’s my running tour of some of “The Banks” most interesting sites.

My usual run begins just after 7am outside my gym (VigorWorks on 13th & Walnut). I head up Walnut on the sidewalk for about eight blocks, jog down the winding staircase at 22nd and onto the paved path, and join a steady stream of runners, bikers (Spandexed exercisers and suited commuters), walkers, and doggy Moms and Dads making their way along the picturesque path. Here, I come across my favorite running partners – the whales that are part of the series of huge building murals done by Wyland. From there, I head through a short series of underpasses which seem to be perpetually under construction and are a great place for a short sprint. Next is the only negative of The Banks – the Trash Train. There’s a train that travels along the tracks next to the path transporting (you guessed it) trash that is quite fragrant on the days I am unlucky enough to pass it. Moving past the tracks I head up a slight incline and come upon an empty area to my right that, according to a sign that’s been there forever, is supposed to become a skatepark. I’m now a stone’s throw from the Art Museum and ready to enter an older underpass while watching out for bikers who use it as a chute of sorts (can’t blame them…it seems fast and fun). Emerging and looking to up to the right, I see the gorgeous new hillside pathways with the iron railings that leads up to picture-perfect gazebos. To the left is the fountain just before the historic WaterWorks location – now a restaurant with views to dine for. This is the part of the path that leads to the start of Boathouse Row. Though this section gets a bit busier, the flow of fine young crew team members, more mature but impressively active recreational rowers (who I’m sure at one point were fine young crew team members themselves), commuters and dog walkers give each other just enough space. Though my 28 year old brain urges me to keep going, my 39 year old body usually reminds me that I still have to run back. I spy my usual turnaround point – the Viking, tap him on the foot, take a deep breath and make my way back along The Banks, happy with the time I’ve deposited.