Author Archive

The media perpetually feeds the public’s hunger for lists. There are useful lists, such as Oprah’s “Top 10 Superfoods”, Time’s “25 People to Blame for America’s Credit Crisis”, or Esquire’s “Best Bars in America”. Then there are more gratuitous tabulations — Star magazine’s “Best and Worst Beach Bodies”, or The … more

It’s neither a restaurant nor a bar – it’s a pub. That’s a distinction owner and native Londoner Rosemarie Tate prides herself on.

A new year is upon us and it’s time to reflect, right? In that spirit, the Advocate editors looked back on our favorite stories of 2009. In this special end-of-the year podcast, we talk about the people and stories that touched us the most. LISTEN HERE.

Jump for links to … more

We are kind of obsessed with restaurants/food around here, so it’s a frequent topic of conversation. This week’s podcast is devoted to the subject — in six minutes, we tell you about the restaurant in each of the neighborhoods we cover that we can’t live without. I have a feeling … more

We all know (or should know) the proper etiquette for tipping at restaurants. But should we be a little more generous around the holidays? What about the salon? Coat checking? Valet? Should you give something extra to the landscaper and the housekeeper (if you are so fortunate to have one)? … more

The air conditioner was in pieces — all the copper gone.

Like many hard-working Americans, Marilyn Rothstein owns a rental home to make a few extra bucks each month. The money helps, but keeping the home rented and in good shape can often be hard work. Also, if the home sits … more

By now, you have hopefully received the December issue of Advocate at your door. In our cover story, “Think Outside the Gift Box”, we highlighted several neighborhood crafters of jewelry, hardware, clothing, accessories, soaps, buttons and belts  — from kitschy to classic and everything in between. In this podcast, the … more

I don’t know about you, but usually when someone comes knocking at my door trying to sell me something—unless it’s the cute little Girl Scout from across the street—I assume he or she is up to something shady, at best.

In this week’s “What’s Up With That?” podcast, the Advocate… more

Christmas is a time for tradition. In a world in which things change at an unprecedented rate, Christmas is a time for practicing the tried-and-true.

Each year in early December, we get the same tree out of the attic. We decorate it with the same old ornaments, some made by … more

There is no more familiar or beloved Psalm than “The Shepherd’s Psalm”, the twenty-third. Attributed to King David, it speaks of God as “my shepherd”, and provides a portrait of a close and loving relationship between the human and the divine.  

In almost 37 years of ministry, I … more

RISD interim superintendent Carolyn Bukhair received the Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award, the highest honor given out by the organization. Bukhair has worked in education for 37 years, 29 of which have been in Richardson ISD. She is also active in Richardson Women’s Club, Northwood Woman’s Club, Youth Services … more

Thinking back on my holidays, I wonder if that’s a good or necessary goal.

My only vivid memory of Thanksgiving, for example, involves what seemed like a 50-person gathering every year, without fail, at Aunt Hill’s and Uncle Walt’s house for a gigantic family feast.

My memory doesn’t revolve around … more