Patrick Bayliss, Biking for a Good Cause!!!

SFP Editor: How far have you biked to raise money for a cause and what about the ride was challenging?

Patrick Bayliss: My first long (100+ miles) bike ride was a 3 day 270 mile NYC to DC ride with a group called World Team Sports which raised awareness (more than money although there was registration fee) for disabled athletes. It was 1200+ riders - most were without any handicap but many were (paraplegic in hand cycles or missing a leg). Any time you are tired and come up next to someone who is missing a leg (sometimes both) and they are pedaling with a prosthetic limb you find another gear to kick it in. That ride was challenging because it was my first and longest ride to date. Access Interview

Local Author Michael Zak, author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party

SFP Editor: How did you become interested in writing about politics?

Michael Zak:I decided to write Back to Basics for the Republican Party back in 1988, while looking back at American politics from Venezuela, where I was working at the Embassy. It was clear to me that most Republican leaders did not know much about their own party. Access Interview

Desi Deschaine, A Simply Wonderful Person

SFP Editor: What is the best way for DC citizens to voice their concerns to the mayor?

Desi Deschaine: Desi Deschaine: VOTE on Election Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get involved and give a damn!!!!! We all lead busy lives, but what goes on in this city effects us all and its important for every resident of DC to get involved in their neighborhoods. Volunteer (www.doingsomething.org) Anyone can volunteer in the District. There are so many wonderful organizations that are doing great things for Washington DC who need the help of the residents of DC!!!!!!!! Also check out www.DCVote.org. Access Interview

Our dear friend Desi passed away in 2009. This is a big loss for everyone who knew him and for the world. His positive energy, optimism, wonderful disposition and great talent are greatly missed. He truly made a difference in the lives of everyone he met.

Dan Okenfuss, Cyclist Extrodinaire

SFP Editor: Why did you get involved in the 111-mile El Tour de Tucson?

Dan Okenfuss: Because you asked me to! Seriously, a good friend of mine passed on the registration information and I thought it would be the biggest physical and financial challenge of my young life! I'm always up for a challenge.

Dan Okenfuss, loyal and dedicated member of SFP, moved to northern California! After ten years in the Washington metro area, Dan moved to California to be closer to his then girlfriend and now wife Ericka. He is a resident of Sacramento - the California state capital - Dan works as a legislative aide for a member of the California State Assembly. Access Interview

Kerri Douglas, Accomplished Photograher

SFP Editor: How did you become interested in photography?

Kerri Douglas: I have always loved photography and art in general. I remember seeing an exhibit of Alfred Steiglitz's photographs at the National Gallery of Art and just being entranced by his photographs. He was able to capture the glow and warmth of the lights of New York City at night in the 1920s. They were stunning. Plus, I absolutely love the photographs from National Geographic! They have always been a source of inspiration. Access Interview

Victor Li, Local Crooner

SFP Editor: How did you first become interested in singing?

Victor Li: I think it must have started about 17 years ago in school and church. I was not in the church choir but I did enjoy singing along. I always enjoyed music class and I was also in a couple of school musicals. Learn more by contacting Victor at Victor_E_Li@yahoo.com. Access Interview

Laurel Collins, Future Female Political Leader!

SFP Editor: How did you become interested in politics?

Laurel Collins: It was way back on the Dukakis Campaign where I first cut my teeth on politics and campaigning. I started working as a volunteer with my Grandfather and then ended up with a paid position. I got totally hooked and addicted. It was very exciting working at the National Headquarters for a presidential candidate and devastating when he lost! I was hoping to go with him to D.C. Instead, I went to UMass/Amherst, rowed crew for four years and majored in Political Science and History and moved to DC after graduation. I think my interest in politics is genetic; I inherited it from my grandfather who was a democratic activist and served as National Vice President of American Federation of Government Employees. Our system of government fascinates me. It is not perfect but, it is the oldest democracy in the history of the world and so is the Democratic Party! Access Interview

Mindy Klasky, A Few Minutes with a Science Fiction Writer!

SFP Editor: When did you first become interested in speculative fiction and why?

Mindy Klasky: When I was in the 5th grade, Tolkien's THE HOBBIT was required reading. My core of best friends and I decided that we would read THE LORD OF THE RINGS over the following summer. It was a stretch for us, but we were fascinated by the other world - by the magic and the mystery and the formality of it all. I've continued to be interested in fantasy and science fiction because I enjoy the intelligent way that authors ask "what if" questions, examining the central underpinnings of our society, our mores, and our lives. Access Interview

Pia Duryea, International Naturalist!

SFP Editor: Your heritage is part Danish - can you describe some traditions that differ from the US?

Mindy Klasky: First of all, let me say Danes DON't eat lots of Danishes and DON'T speak Dutch (They speak Danish). They do have comparatively smaller houses though- it's a small country. Birthdays and anniversaries are always a big deal. Danes will actually write songs for the guest of honor, give people the lyrics and sing the songs. This can go on for hours!! There's lots of drinking involved so by the end of the night the singing can be pretty bad. And dancing. For 25 year anniversaries, the neighborhood gets together and wakes up the couple by making noise outside. Then the couple invites them into their home and has breakfast ready for everyone. Access Interview

Interview with David Walls-Kaufman, formally a member of Land of Malls

SFP Editor: When did you join Land of Malls? Where did the name come from?

David Walls-Kaufman: LOM began in 1995. I was a founding member. The name of the band came from a short story I wrote in a passage sketching a description of America. I liked the sound of it so much that I wrote a song of that name and theme in 1996. Access Interview

Interview with Tony Barone, Biking Enthusiast!

SFP Editor: What do you enjoy most about biking?

Tony Barone: I love the outdoors, I love to exercise and I love to spend my free time socially with friends. Biking allows me to do all three at the same time. My training routine has become a part of my life – every weekend I am out biking to Mount Vernon or Poolesville, Maryland. The best rides are when I am with friends with whom I can enjoy good conversation both on and off the bike and during our much anticipated lunch break! Biking alone is fun too and is a great personal time – a lot like yoga. Access Interview

Interview with Jimmy Shu, Architectural genius!

SFP Editor: Do you think your Chinese Heritage influences how you approach design?

Jimmy Shu: I think there is some, such ways as Feng Shui. I try to design some buildings during my school year with the idea of balance and harmony. Whether it was with nature, a path into different rooms, a focal point where the main piece of the building should be more seen or admired by people that walk through or just by standing. Which in a way is the chi in feng shui. So there is some influences in my design by looking at it in a deeper perspective. Access Interview

Interview with Angela White, DC Artist

SFP Editor: When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?

Angela White: Like most children, I enjoyed drawing, but it was when I was 9 years old and back in the US from France, that a teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up and "an Artist" came out of my mouth without me thinking about it at the time. I have always remembered that moment. Access Interview and Visit Website.

Interview with Tim Kenney, Creating music with a funky style

SFP Editor: What inspired you to record a CD?

Tim Kenney: I have been a musician since I was 8, and enjoyed a very successful career for about 10 years in the music business a few years ago. Have played with endless “one hit wonder” bands and was a sideman on lots of other recordings. Have my own album recorded in 1980, then took a hiatus for about 15 years. This incarnation started as people started requesting music for film, web and multimedia from my marketing firm. This created a body of work that resulted in this CD. It was George Williams of IMCW who suggested that it be finalized and released.Access Interview and Visit Website.

Interview with Andrew Johnston, DC Scientist at the Smithsonian

SFP Editor: What inspired you to be a scientist?

Andrew Johnston: Even as a child, I was fascinated by maps and images of the Earth. I was drawn into these graphical and visual layouts, which can be simple or complex but always had a kind of beauty. Later in life they inspired me to better understand how the planet works and how it is changing. Access Interview

Interview with Musician Laura Tsaggaris

Frank Kim, SFP Music Reviewer: You were nominated for 2005 best contemporary folk vocalist and album for Washington Area Music Awards, but you also were nominated for best new artist. What was that like for you?

Laura Tsaggaris: It was really nice to be recognized by fans and other artists. Trying to get that kind of recognition is important for the future of my career, like it or not, and I realize that. But, in my limited experience of awards and contests and competitions, I definitely get frustrated when I see the whole process, from beginning to end, being reduced to what seems like a glorified popularity contest instead of something that is based on talent or merit. Access Interview and Visit Website.

Interview with Jay Kaufman, International Man of Intrigue.

SFP Editor: How did you get involved in international development work?

Jay Kaufman: Quite by accident! My father was a wholesale distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables in Massachusetts and I worked for him while growing up and through college. He wanted me to come work for him after college. However, I hated the business an wanted nothing to do with agriculture. After college, I came to DC to pursue a Master in International Affairs. During grad school, I worked part-time at Chemonics, a consulting firm that manages projects for USAID. After temping there for a couple months, I applied for a permanent job supporting a Philippines export development project, which sounded great since trade was my area of interest. During my interview, I learned the project was supporting trade in...agriculture! Needless to say my background was a strong fit, including, ironically, the experience working for my dad's company. I still manage agribusiness projects 12 years later so you could say I've accepted my fate! My father still gets a kick out that. Access Interview

Interview with Mike Snow, Journalist

SFP Editor: What inspired you to be a journalist?

Mike Snow: Ernest Hemingway. Although the man himself had some less than admirable personal qualities and passions (I strongly oppose bullfighting, i.e.), the simplicity of his writing is brilliant and the his adventures in obscure, often dangerous parts of the world hard to match. He clearly exemplifies what Robert Frost had in mind when he said: "the people I want to hear about are the people who take risks." The most successful people are the biggest risk takers, who are capable of thinking out of the box. Access Interview and Visit Website.

Interview with Jay Krasnow, Filmmaker/Director -- Journey to the Center of Artomatic

SFP Editor: What inspired you to producte a film about Artomatic?

Jay Krasnow: After a long hiatus from filmmaking I decided to make make a documentary on the arts, but wasn't set on any topic. But when I heard that Artomatic was returning to town I decided that I'd document the event that answers the question: "What if anyone could be an artist?" Joined by an army of volunteers, I set out to tell Artomatic's story, and Journey to the Center of Artomatic was born. Access Interview and Visit Website.

Interview with Dave McCallum, Massage Therapist

SFP Editor: What prompted your interest in becoming a massage therapist?

Dave McCallum: Being a former athlete, I've always been interested in different types of sports injuries: where they're at, what causes them and how to treat them but I never thought much about being a massage therapist until I tore my left rotator cuff about four or five years ago. During physical therapy, the therapist thought getting a massage might help my recovery. I thought it would be a fulfilling profession in which I could help people, but I really didn't begin acting on until after I got married about 18 months ago. Access Interview.

Interview with Jonathan Malkin, a writer for Business Analyst Times

SFP Editor: How did you become a writer for Business Analyst Times?

Jonathan Malkin: It all started at the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA). I met DC chapter president Marcos Ferrer who writes a monthly column for the BA Times. He copied his editor Ollan Delany at the BA times. It just so happened there was an available slot for a monthly columnist. I sent over a writing sample and voila became a contributing editor for the BA Times. I highly recommend getting involved in the professional association for your profession, making friends, and learning about other avenues available to you. Writing and speaking opportunities are fun and great career moves. Access Interview and contact him at Jonathan.Malkin@plateau.com .

Interview with Elizabeth Latham International Affairs Professional

SFP Editor: What inspired you to pursue a career in international development and foreign policy?

Elizabeth Latham: During high school I decided that I wanted to do something other than rack up college credit during my senior year. So, I convinced the local Rotary Club to send me to South Africa for my senior year of high school. It was a difficult period in South Africa, post apartheid but before Mandela was elected. I was 18 and had no idea what was going on, but figured I should study international affairs to learn about what I had experienced. In grad school I learned that I had lived through the bloodiest period of South African history. Access Interview

Interview with Paul Stankus, author of The Hapless Papa

SFP Editor: What was your writing process?

Paul Stankus: The entire book Hapless Papa was composed on my daily commute on DC's metro train (Red Line). Then, late at night after everyone went to bed (when I was still on duty for the waking of the slumbering infant) I would revise and polish. The reason the stories are all one or two pages, is because that's about all you can write in a 45 minute train ride. I designed the book so that you could randomly open it to any page and have a complete story on that page, or at most, by turning a single page. Access Interview and Visit Website.

Interview with Gabriel Riera, Buddhafest co-director

SFP Editor: What inspired you to start Washington DC's first buddhafest Film Festival?

Gabriel Riera, Buddhafest co-director: We believe in the transformative power of film. Eric Forbis, the festival co-director and I came up with this idea because we were both intrigued by the challenge of living our hurried urban lives according to the wisdom of Buddhist philosophy. The gentle, compassionate approach of Buddhism often seems to stand in stark contrast to the ambitious, multi-tasking models that our culture holds up as examples of right aspiration and success.

We were interested in exploring the particular moment in history that we're living. Can we survive the demands of this life by living according to principles that were taught 2,500 years ago? We felt that films about contemporary Buddhism along with teachings and discussions would be a good way consider our situation. Access Interview and Visit buddhafest Website.