I was involved for a good part of yesterday at work preparing for, and participating in a lunchtime commemoration of Asian Heritage Month supported by our orgaization's Office of Diversity. In addition to the ever expanding social mission, the mandate to honor cultural and racial diversity is another reason why I love where I work. The bottom line isn't about cash profits.

Yesterday's program was called Taste of Asia. Our Chief Diversity Officer (4) along with our president and others (including me) delivered opening remarks. Then came cultural performances, including Burmese Dance, Kung Fu (5) and Indian Classical Raag. Asian foods were served up at 1pm, while the hundreds of guests experienced chinese brush calligraphy, henna tattoo painting demonstrations and more.

My mom and Cianna came along for the show too (7). They toured my offices and met a bunch of staff before going down to our main auditorium. Cianna cried for a second during our president's speech (oops), but then fell asleep in my mom's arms. She was one of two babies who got a lot of attention.

All in all, the day was a satisfying diversion...

- mike lee - washington, dc