America: I Am

So this coming Friday, I will be attending an Exhibit called, America I Am: The African American Imprint Exhibition. It apparently is supposed to chronicle important achievements by Black people (you guys know I prefer the term "black" to "African American").

Here is some more information about America I Am:

So apparently it is the 6th stop in a 4 year tour of the exhibit. Also it is hosted by Tavis Smiley, thats what reminded me to blog about it..

AMERICA I AM: The African American Imprint 

is mounted as the broadest museum exhibition of its kind. An assembly of poignant artifacts 

representing nearly 500 years of American history, the exhibition will convey and celebrate the 

undeniable imprint African Americans 

The exhibition examines four themes in particular: economic, socio-political, cultural, and spiritual impact on America. These themes serve as recurring touch points throughout the galleries, as visitors discover how our experience as Americans has been shaped by African Americans throughout history.

The 15,000 square-foot exhibition is divided into twelve galleries, leading visitors through time 


on a journey from struggle to triumph.

-

Featuring more than 200 artifacts culled from every period of U.S. history, the exhibition  includes objects, texts, religion, music, narration, and media. An interactive component of the exhibition allows visitors to leave their own video “imprints,” and this collection will grow throughout the life of the exhibition with the potential to become the largest recorded oral history project in U.S. history

Anyways, I think this will be interesting. I'm going to try my 'darndest' to write a follow up post about my thoughts, reactions. I'm going with an open mind, especially since the tickets are free. lol.

Until Next Time...

"Too Important to Fail"

As you all know, I do not have cable television. This is the second year that I havent had cable and if you told me that I would be able to live and thrive without it a couple years ago, I would have called you a liar. lol.

SO I have been watching a lot of PBS. I have never watched so much PBS in all my years alive combined compared to this year. I have watched so many awesome documentaries on PBS world. I'll try and list of them as I remember them.

As we speak I am watching a documentary on why so many Black males are struggling in the education gap. I guess this is now a mini series I have started. I didnt do it on purpose, this is just things that have been in the media lately...kind of like the phenomenon of successful single black females.... but here is the link to a previous post I did on "The Boy Crisis" a couple weeks ago.

I am halfway through the documentary and it is indeed informative. Check it out below. 

Watch the full episode. See more Tavis Smiley.

Until Next Time...

Articles I read today and my one sentence commentary..or not.

In my silent effort to rededicate myself to Reason to Believe, I wanted to share with you some articles that I read today...Just in case you were interested ...

The StayOver
This one discusses this "new" relationship, where couples stay over at each other's places 3 to 4 nights a week, even though they each have their own place... lol. This one made me laugh, because I thought this was normal. ::shrug::

Black Scientists Less Likely to Win Federal Research Grants
Surprise, surprise.. ok not really. But I hate to be pessimistic, but it's hard to see things as ever really changing

Is Natural Hair Dangerous...TSA seems to think so..
Aaah...ok, I read this article yesterday and I almost died at work. Thank you!! Finally someone has acknowledged this.. THis same thing happened to me, I always joke around, but its always something new when I go through security. But I remember this one particular time, I was going through TSA and even AFTER I went through the body scanners, this lady put on some gloves and "searched" my hair. I had some cute bobby pin do, and she completely messed it up. I was just ocnfused, b/c I was like if there was anything in my hair, they would have seen it in the body scanner. SMH.. (Ok that explanation was more than a sentence...eek)

::sidenote:: Yes I've been through the body scanners numerous times... do I feel violated? Umm the fact that they can see my nude body doesn't bother me..what bothers me is I have to spread my legs and put my hands up while all the other passengers watch for that thing to whirl around..lol. anyways.. :sidenote over::

Until Next Time...

Really trying to keep my promise...aah!

Why? Why? Why? I have just been so absent this summer. There has been so much going on, but then again nothing really. This weekend, I really just got to relax in my apartment, which was nice. Last weekend was the 4th of July, I spent most of it in Chicago, which was really great. I keep promising to post pictures of all my adventures, but I've been slacking... aaah!!

I have so many posts already concoted in my head, it is just to get them down on "virtual paper."

I just watched the Jaycee Duggard special on ABC with Dianne Sawyer. It really is baffling to me. The short synopsis is an 11 year old girl was kidnapped by this really sick man and was held captive for 18 years. During that time she had 2 kids by this sick man. In addition, over 60 parole officers visited his house and failed to find the tent and shelter that he and his wife had built that was housing Jaycee in his backyard.

There is so just so many crazy things that are in this story. whew. First when Dianne Sawyer was interviewing her, she just seemed so "numb" and distant. I guess you would be after having been through all of that. I was just really disgusted, with the man and the fact that his wife was an accomplice in all of it.

Ok I really got off on a tangent with the Jaycee Duggard story, but click here if you want to find out more about her story. She also has a book out.

Ok I really am going to get on it. I should have about 5 posts done by the end of the evening. Hopefully I won't get too distracted.

Until Next Time...

Earth Hour, "Lights Out"

Hey Guys!! I want to first say, "IT'S SPRING BREAK!!!" Woohoo... But (yes there is always a but)... The first one is unfortunately I'm still in St. Louis... womp womp. The even bigger womp is, it snowed this morning... Yes. It is officially Spring, but it snowed this morning. Needless to say it is below freezing right now. Anyhow, I am glad to have this small break. I'll be going home later on in the week, but I have a lot of stuff that I needed to get done, and I know I would have just worried about them at home. So I needed to just stay, suck it up and get all of my extra work done. 

Ok so back to the reason I came to write this post. Currently I am in the dark, typing by candle light. Why? It's not because I didn't pay my light bill, but today is the day that "Earth Hour" is being observed.

So what is Earth Hour? It is a movement that was started in 2007, to observe an hour out of the day (8:30-9:30, your time zone), in which all lights would be turned off. Sounds simple right... Exactly. I think it is is awesome, that people are so concerned about the earth and the fact that we as humans really need to be more sustainable.

Since living on my own, I have become way more conscious about the amount of my personal electricity use. Even as a child, my mom would constantly "remind/nag" us about turning off the light when you leave a room or turning off the TV. After a couple electricity bills that have been extremely high, I have adopted the same principles.

Yesterday when I was driving home, at the "wee" hours of the morning, I was one of the few cars on the road, and I could help but notice how many lights were on.. It was actually quite baffling. I live by several car dealerships and the parking lot was so bright it was outrageous. Many stores and buildings had so many lights on even though they had long closed for the light. The amount of energy that we are using is taxing our environment and just because we dont see the impact directly, does not mean it is not happening.

Gas has now reached the highest that it has ever been since I have started driving. Currently it is ~3.46 a gallon. It hurts every single time I go to the gas station. Ugh...

Below is some more detailed information about Earth Hour and some really cool pictures!!


Earth Hour is held on Saturday March 27 at 8.30pm-9.30pm and succeeds in being a global call to action to stand up, to take responsibility, and lead the global journey to a sustainable future. A record 128 countries and territories take part and iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas stand in darkness.


http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/26/earth-hour-2011-photos/

---

1. What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a global grass-roots movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrating their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

Earth Hour 2011 aims to show the actions that people, businesses and governments world-wide are taking to reduce their environmental impact. Thereby establishing and encouraging others to join an interconnected global community engaged in dialogue and resource sharing that generates real solutions to environmental challenges.

The highlight of Earth Hour 2011 will see the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour, as hundreds of millions of people transcend race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography, switching off their lights in a global celebration of their commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all – the planet.

Until Next Time...

A random rant, a little bit of everything...

So it is nice to know that people actually read my blog. During my hiatus for about a month, I've gotten a few comments inquiring about new posts. So that made me feel pretty good. lol.

Last month was interesting... 2nd year, 2nd semester has been tricky. We have periods where there aren't that many tests and then this past week has been beyond crazy. Several different tests in a relatively short time period. I have been doing well on most of them, so that makes me happy.

So I decided to come write a post because I had a really long rant on twitter on African Americans and certain diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, etc...

Basically I am tired of sitting in class and hearing my professor tell us about how most disease black people are more at risk. I could get technical and find all of the data/figures/statistics, but I really dont feel like it right now.

So my original twitter rant, which I might copy paste after this post in case you want it in real time (with grammatical errors and all), stemmed from the fact that I decided to flat iron my hair. So as most of you know my hair has been natural for almost 3 years. In that 3 years I have rarely straightened my hair. I think that is for several reasons. The first reason is I took a swim class both semesters my senior year, while I was at Emory. And straightening your hair is kind of counter productive when you are in the pool at least 3 times a week.

That kind of just carried over to me being here in Missouri. In addition, I love the versatility and creativity that natural hair provides me. Do I think I am making some type of "statement" by having my hair natural, not necessarily. I do think it is more exciting and a break from the mundaness of it all.

Ok whew I just got off on another tangent. So my "flat iron" iron hair rant started mostly because I noticed that this past week, I have only worked out twice. The day after I straightened my hair I wanted to work out, but I decided not to so I dont mess my hair up (::problem::). And the two days I did workout it was a "mini-workout"... So I didnt think about it much until today.

I was sitting in class (not tweeting) and I remembered an article that I read a couple months ago about black women and their health. The author linked her lack of consistent exercise to her inability to workout often and how ridiculous that was...while reading the article (with my head full of kinky curls) all I could do was shake my head. But now I have found myself suffering from a similar predicament.

With all of the stress, I decided that I was going to do an intense workout once I get home so I can release some tension/stress, which was going to help me focus more for my test tomorrow.

Ok so I completely forgot where I was going with this... my blogging got interrupted by an "interesting" phone call.

Until Next Time...

Is it getting warmer or colder??

First off, let me start by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Secondly, so I was on twitter earlier, and for some reason, the idea of global warming popped into my head. I have been thinking a lot about temperatures and climate. Given that it actually SNOWED on christmas...like semi-real snow (not just flurries) and it actually stuck to the ground. Anyways, I remember hearing a couple places that due to "global warming" we are expected to have Colder Winters...

So I was just curious about why is this the case. So I started looking up random articles, and each and everyone seemed to contradict each other.Some articles in fact did not want to acknowledge that the colder temperatures we are experiencing is even significant or related to global warming.

Something that I think is interesting is when this global warming is being discussed, in my mind I was thinking things are warming up by 5 or 6 degree's. But we are talking about approximately 1.33 degree increase in a century. Ok...so that definitely wasnt as alarming as I thought it would be. But then again, I guess it is an issue, because the polar ice caps are "apparently" melting at alarming rates.

The reason I think this has also been on my mind, because I was watching Parker and Spitzer the other day and this guy, Bjorn Lomborg, he is a climate change skeptic and has a documentary out that is called "Cool It". He says that Al Gore has people so worried about climate change and what not, but instead of focusing on that, we should be more worried about the people that are dying every single day because of war, poverty, etc... It is so true. He also says that we shouldnt necessarily focus on the here and now, but we as a society/world won't be able to make it another century if we dont change what we are doing right now!

Another reason that it has been on my mind is because I watched 2012 the other day. Yes the movie was over the top, and quite ridiculous (because the main character and his family should have died, within the first 20 minutes of the movie starting), but their whole premise was on the earth's crust suddenly heated up within like 48 hours,and melted everything. So there was just so much wrong scientific information, that I am not even going to start in on it, but one of the things I was wondering is whether the temperature outside stayed the same? While the earth was opening up and people were falling into molten lava (gosh so unrealistic)...

One of the few concise articles, that did not manage to contradict itself by the end is one that I found from foxnews... Yes we all know how Right Wing / Ridiculously Radical Fox News and it's news can't be trusted, so keep that in mind, but they basically said we were going to go into a mini-age for about 30 years. Ok first of all, a mini ice age... do they not understand the ice ages lasted for supposedly millions of years, so 30 years would actually be a very tiny miniscule microscopic of a fraction ice age. But anyways, here is the brief article..it still doesn't quite all add up to me. But one person did mention that it is actually a "blip" and is not explained at all by the "supposed" global warming that is allegedly going to happen.

I dont know what to believe. I don't want it to get warmer or colder, just stay the same... You know.

Until Next Time...

List of Common Food/Drink Items with HFCS

As I said in my last post, as I started to really take notice of HFCS it started to seem like it was in everything. Some of those stuff I am really going to make a concerted effort to cut back on, others will be really hard. The first thing that will suck is my morning Yoplait Yogurt...that I love love love! aaah...we will see. lol. But this website, lists a list of 100s of items that has HFCS, I will just take about 20-40 items that most people eat or I eat and put it on here. (The * will indicate foods that I eat, **stuff I love, - other common foods.) Prepare to be shocked!

**Stove Top Stuffing: Chicken, Cornbread, Turkey, Pork, Homestyle Herb
- Capri Sun: Pretty much all flavors
*Coca-Cola
*Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice
**Powerade
**Starbucks Frappucinno
-Thomas English Muffins
-Kellogg's Cereals: Cornflakes, Frosted Flakes,Apple Jacks, Raisin Bran, RiceKrispies, Special K
-Eggo Pancakes
*Nestle Baby Ruth
**Heinz Ketchup
-Pop Tarts
*Rice Krispy Treats
**Nutri Gran Bars
*Oreos
-Chips Ahoy
-Lorna Dornes
-Robitussin
-Vicks Nyquil
**Wheat-thins
**Yoplait Yogurts
-Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
*Kraft BBQ Sauce
-KC Masterpiece
-Oscar Meyer Lunchables

Remember by no means is this a complete list, there are way more on the website and other websites. It's important to be aware.

Until Next Time...

What's in a Name? (HFCS/ Corn Sugar)

So for those of you who have watched Food Inc, you have already heard of High Fructose Corn Syrup. For those of you who have not, then this post is for you. This has been something that I am really starting to be cognizant of since I read the ingredients label for pretty much everything I eat. Because I am a firm believer in not reinventing the wheel, below is an excerpt on the wikipedia entry for High Fructose Corn Syrup

HFCS comprises any of a group of corn syrups that has undergone enzymatic processing to convert some of its glucose into fructose to produce a desired sweetness. In the United States, consumer foods and products typically use high-fructose corn syrup as a sugar substitute. In the United States, it has become very common in processed foods and beverages, including breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments.


In the U.S., HFCS is among the sweeteners that have primarily replaced sucrose (table sugar). Factors for this include governmental production quotas of domestic sugar, subsidies of U.S. corn, and an import tariff on foreign sugar; all of which combine to raise the price of sucrose to levels above those of the rest of the world, making HFCS cost-effective for many sweetener applications. Critics of the extensive use of HFCS in food sweetening argue that the highly processed substance is more harmful to humans than regular sugar, contributing to weight gain by affecting normal appetite functions, and that in some foods HFCS may be a source of mercury, a known neurotoxin


Here is the link for the article that was ran in the NYTimes about the "name change" of High Fructose Corn Syrup" Keep in mind that this very current and pertinent to today. This request/approval happened as late as September of this year. 


So basically what do I think? Yes.. I think there is a serious epidemic in the US, from staggering rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure to the "inactivity" of our population, all of that starts with our diet. It is the consumers responsibility to know EXACTLY what is going into their bodies, and it is also the manufacturer's responsibility to make it clear to the buyer what is in their product.


For those of you who know me, I do NOT like artificial sweeteners. Well let's start with the obvious... they are nasty. Why give me something fake when I have the real thing?? It doesn't weird anyone out that a single pack of equal/sweet n low/splenda is way sweeter than 2-5 tablespoons of regular sugar. I believe all of this food engineering is having serious effects on our bodies and we are unaware of it. 


The long range studies of the effects couldn't possibly be that conclusive. First of all, Splenda was introduced in 1999, which is a little over a decade ago. So there is no way to even know the long term effects. Equal has been around a little longer, while Sweet n' Low has been in existence since the 50s. I don't know, maybe I am just suspicious.. but I'd rather my desserts NOT have any artificial sweetener. I don't care if I am consuming more calories; I will just eat less of it. Ok I just went off on a really long rant. I am a major coffee drinker, and I faithfully put my "regular" sugar in my coffee every morning. 


If you are really interested, here is another NY times article about "the worries that americans feel when it comes to sweeteners" This entry is getting a little long, I will post a follow-up one. 


Until Next Time...

Half The Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

This is a follow up on the post I just wrote about Sheryl DuWann. I just checked out her website, and I figured I would continue to do my part and Spread the Word.

Half the Sky lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. We know there are many worthy causes competing for attention in the world. We focus on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference.


The best way to fight poverty and extremism is to EDUCATE and EMPOWER women and girls.

Until Next Time...

Stop Abuse of Women Worldwide

So any of my "faithful" blog readers know that I love Ted Talks. Last week I started watching a talk by Sheryl DuWann. She is the author of the book, Stop Abuse of Women Worldwide. I had to stop and take the time to create a blogpost on this, not only because the video was moving, but I think it is essential information that people need to know.

I have found myself many times having heated debates/discussions on gender inequities in America and around the world. Honestly the people that I usually have these debates with are men. Sometimes I leave feeling so defeated because I don't know if "male privilege" is really operating that much or do people refuse to see the gender inequalities that span worldwide.



There are some highpoints from this video that really stuck with me.

She talks briefly on Female Sex Trafficking (also known as "modern day slavery", which is at an all time high around the world. This topic has really had an eye opening transformative effect on me, for several reasons. In undergrad my sorority held a Symposium on Sex Trafficking, that was extremely informative. Things are things that often go unlooked and thought about, mostly because it doesn't involve the every day person (or does it?). It's also important to know that many of these women are in fact young girls. As young as 6 or 7. Lisa Ling has also done a wonderfully enlightening documentary on sex slavery.

She also talks about childbirth and how around the world a woman dies every 1.5 minutes while giving birth.

Infanticide is a large issue when it comes to girls, because around the world, even in America...male children are often looked at as being more valued than girls.

DuWann's solution to these problems are to educate girls. Often girls are not given the opportunity to be educated, but instead they are married off at young ages and forced to be domestic servants to their husbands. She also reiterates that when a woman is educated, she tends to have fewer kids, get married later on in life, and also educate her own child. Which would inevitably stop the vicious cycle.

Overall the video is extremely informative, and it is something I think is worth taking a look at, especially for men, who think that we have reached gender equality.The specific stories she gives are so moving and dynamic. For me, it is especially touching as I sit here in my apartment and take a break from studying. I have been blessed beyond measure. There are girls around the world who will never go to school, let alone college and a doctoral program. It gives me strength and motivation to keep going, so that I can help those that are less fortunate.

Until Next Time...

The Story of Cosmetics and Story of Bottled Water

So earlier this year, January 31st to be exact, I did a blogpost on the STORY OF STUFF... It was through this great website that I stumbled upon. Well since then The Story of Stuff has become a Project and more informative videos have been released.

With over 12 million on-line views, The Story of Stuff is one of the most widely viewed environmental-themed short films of all time. Since its release in December 2007, The Story of Stuff has been shown in thousands of schools, houses of worship, community events and businesses around the world.
The Story of Stuff Project was created by Annie Leonard to leverage and extend the film’s impact. We amplify public discourse on a series of environmental, social and economic concerns and facilitate the growing Story of Stuff community’s involvement in strategic efforts to build a more sustainable and just world.

 I recently watched two more videos which were the Story of Cosmetics and the Story of Bottled Water.
The Story of Cosmetics was only 8 mins long, but in those very short minutes I was enlightened
so much. She discusses how a lot of the the beauty products that both men and women use such as shampoos, conditioners, shaving cream, lotions, lip sticks, etc are actually really hazardous to our health. Also she talks about how the FDA really has no direct policing policies on these industries.. Prolonged use of these products are actually detrimental to our health. She even talked about how perms (relaxers) are so very bad for you and how the harsh chemicals can be absorbed into your body and mentioned that it can also be detrimental to beauty standards...she really "hit the nail on the head."

The other video was on the Story of Bottled Water...amazing! Very concise and she really unearthed the "Conspiracy" that these companies have used to brainwash soo many American consumers. For example, both Dasani and Aquafina have admitted to bottling filtered tap water. I must say since last year I have gotten a lot better with reducing my consumption of bottle water and just using my Filter and a reusable water bottle (check out this blogpost that I did on "Doing YOUR Part")...sidenote: but it seems as though since I've been home for the summer, I havent been doing so well on that because the fridge in my house is full of bottle water....Anyways.. Annie does a remarkable job of coming up with effective solutions and just informing you on how using and buying bottled water can be detrimental to the environment and each other.

Below are the videos..ENJOY!





Oh and I decided to use the above picture because I think it really made a statement...we shop and then we take out so much trash...If we had less things, we would have less trash...oh Consumerism.
Until Next Time...

Empowerment Experiement...Buying Black

Here is a quick narrative from an article in Clutch Mag on "Hood Politics: The Foreign Business Takeover"....

Darren walks into the American Deli on Random Rd. in Atlanta, Ga. Orders the usual Chicken Philly and Wings special. The waitress  – Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Japanese, who knows – takes his order, shouts back to the cook in an indecipherable dialect and takes the next person’s order.

10 minutes elapses and the waitress shouts, “89!” Darren looks down at his receipt. One more order away.

“Number 90!” Darren steps to the counter, grabs his order, looks in the bag and asks for more blue cheese.

“It’s gonna to be fifty cents extra,” the waitress says.

“It was just thirty cents last week,” he responds.

The waitress, with a bewildered grin on her face, gives a half shrug. Darren pays the extra fifty cents, grabs the blue cheese and walks out the store. As he opens his car door, he turns around to notice the Korean Beauty Supply store and the Discount Store on the same strip as the American Deli. Across the street is a nail shop, ran by Vietnamese business owners (he knows that much).

Shaking his head, he dips into his car and cranks it up. Pausing for a second, he ingests the situation of it all. The movies. The looks of perceived condescension. The lack of Black business owners in the hood.

With the blare of Nas and Damian Marley through the speakers, he drives off.

So I honestly thought I did a blogpost on the Empowerment Experiment, but I guess I didn't,...and I just sent it in an email to some of my friends. Basically a family (The Anderson's) decides to only buy from and support black businesses for a whole year. Yes you might think that it is nearly impossible, but after watching the video, you will see that it isn't as crazy as it sounds.

I think it is so important that black people become more aware of their "buying power"...It seems as though whenever my family or certain groups of my friends get together the topic of black businesses always surfaces. As you can see from the narrative of "Darren" and his experience in American Deli, others have come into the black community and have been reaping the profits of the "black dollar"... The Clutch Mag article refers to a lot of these issues...so what should be done? It is just such a problematic situation. Some would say boycott/forgo buying from these businesses (which can work, but there needs to be more of a movement)..also there is a need for more black businesses, but more importantly black people need to support each other... I'll keep this short for now. It's really To Be Continued..

Until Next Time...

Conscious Capitalism: Buy a shoe, help a child

So today I saw an email from one of my line sisters... She enclosed a link to an interview by CNN Money with the founder and Chief shoe giver of TOM's shoes, Blake Mycoskie. She said it made her think of one of the blogposts that I did on TOM's shoes a month ago, check it out here.. Well below is the video, its only ~3 mins:



There is a lot I can say about this. First off, I love when I get feedback from people on my blogposts. It reminds me that people are actually reading my blog and semi-care about what I have to say. (That is one thing I want to thank my oldest sister for...she often comments on my posts when we talk on the phone.) It ALWAYS warms my heart. It is just weird, because I find it hard to believe that people actually read the randomness that I write/that flows out of my head. So feel free to leave me a comment on here, drop an email, or just check off the reaction thingy.. (Yes I do read/see every comment)

Secondly, the title of the video on CNN money was "Conscious Capitalism"...wow that is actually very powerful. How many people can say they are conscious consumers, let alone capitalists. Basically do you know where the goods come from that you buy? How they got there? Who manufactured them? Roughly how much they costs to make? Why they are marked up almost 500% before they are even sold to you in the store? Anyways...I think as consumers we are blind consumers...we should be more in control of what we buy and why.

It seems as though the media/fashion industry markets certain labels that will make us look and feel better about ourselves if we spend over a certain amount of money on a particular clothing item. Don't get me wrong, I like certain labels..but a lot of time things can get a little excessive especially if you can't afford it. Oh well...I got one of the first things off my list, I'll cross it off...woohoo.

1. Toms Shoes follow up
2. 1 year blogaversary (Recap)
3. First Year of Opt school (Looking Back)
4. Diversity/ Janelle Monae
5. St. Louis/Midwest

Until Next Time...

Making Glasses for Haiti

So last week was just one of those weeks... it wasn't necessarily bad, but I wouldn't want to do it over again. Anyways yesterday turned out to be a good day after I volunteered with NOSA. So NOSA (National Optometric Students Association) is one of the organizations that I am a part of; actually I'll be President next year, which is kind of exciting.. (I'll make another blogpost sometime about NOSA, in the meantime check out the link) Anyways we volunteered with a local black optometrist in St. Louis and made glasses to send to Haiti.

So hmm...how do you make glasses? I didn't know until yesterday. Here is a rough outline, hope it isn't too confusing.

1. The lens were marked with the optical center (which was done with a lensometer) We had a lot of prescriptions lenses ranging from (-.50 to -6.00 D) that were all one large circular shape.

2. So we got trial lens frames, frames with lens without any prescription (that were donated from various optometrists)  and popped the lens out. This took some force, it took me a while at first with some coaching from the optometrists cause I was scared I was going to break the frames...lol.

2. Anyways once you pop the lens out. You put the frames in a machine that traces the shape of the glasses frame.

3. Set the interpupillary distance and mount the lens using the optical center marking that was done earlier. Then that machine sends the information it to the lens grinder. It literally cuts the lens with water and sand and this other stuff.

4.You pull the lens out, heat up the frame and then pop each prescription lens back into the original frame.

It was so crazy!! It was like man I just made some glasses. I know this might sound confusing, because at first it was, but once you got the hang of it, it was pretty easy. Between the five of us, we ended up having an pseudo-assembly line going... and ended up making about 20 glasses. we didn't finish all, but we had been there for a while.

Oh and the Doctor who had his own practice was pretty cool. He was an UMSL graduate and his practice was pretty afrocentric. I He had lots of black figurines, african print, an african drum, portraits of Malcom X, MLK, this Choices portrait that really stood out to me, it was a tiny bit cluttered but really different. like seeing people's practices so I can get more ideas for my own. I loved it!

After that we headed to the loop to get some "Mexican food" was pretty cool. It is nice volunteering and feeling like I am making a difference instead of studying for tests/exams all the time. Needless to say, this is one of those times that I am so happy that I am in optometry school. It helps me stay motivated and exciting about my career choice. In 2 weeks I will be 25% of an optometrist...lol. Just 3 more years..

Until Next Time...

One for One- BareFoot

So I recently discovered the company TOM's shoes.. About two weeks ago, one of my classmates came to class without shoes. This seemed a bit odd, especially when he went to the restroom without shoes (yuck!). So instead of completely judging him, I decided to ask him why he didn't have on any shoes and he told me all about TOM's shoes and what a great company it is and how for every shoe you buy, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in a country that is unable to afford them. Then he told about the "Day without Shoes" which occurs on April 8th. It is exactly what it says it is...the day is supposed to bring awareness to the millions of children/people around the world that are unable to afford proper shoes. I thank my classmate for having the courage to participate in this movement, in spite of the judgment that people in professional school may pass on him.


I know that in the morning when I am getting ready to go to class, I don't stress out about NOT having shoes to wear, I am usually more concerned with what shoe will look better with my outfit...Honestly I want to purchase a pair a Tom's shoes, but maybe later on in the summer, when I start making some money. Below is some facts that I got from their website. Enjoy!


One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. On April 8th, we ask people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes first-hand, and inspire others at the same time.

It’s Hard Without Shoes

Through everyday encounters with domestic poverty, we are reminded to appreciate having food and shelter, but most of us all but forget about our feet. Food, shelter, AND shoes facilitate life’s fundamentals. Imagine a life without shoes; constantly aware of the ground in front of you, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infection after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but heat and cold.

The problem is large, but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and practicing basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. On April 8th, communities, campuses, organizations, and individuals are banding together to walk barefoot for One Day Without Shoes.

Take a walk with us on April 8th, 2010.

Facts:

• In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
• Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
• Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
• In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
• Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with proper foot hygiene.

Until Next Time...

For Freedom Not For Beauty

I am in the library about to jet off to a review session, but I just wanted to make a quick post. So breaking news on the natural hair blog circuit, Chrisette Michele has decided to BC.. and a few noted bloggers have had the chance to interview her. I am not that big into interviews of celebrities and what not, but her interview (the parts I read) was insightful. I'll post a few excerpts below, also the poem that she wrote, "For Freedom Not for Beauty" is beautiful. (And yes that is Chrisette in the picture) Enjoy!

For Freedom Not For Beauty

There’s a beauty that lives so deep inside each of us.

There’s a fickle eye that doesn’t believe anything it sees.

There’s a benefit in love that erases all doubt and believes good intentions.

There’s an ear that isn’t free enough to give the honest man the benefit of the doubt cluttered by lies not-mentioned.

Since when is creativity subject to criticism?

When is honesty subject to a jury of fears who wouldn’t believe rain if it fell, or sun if it shined?

Sometimes a flower grows when no ones watching.

Sometimes a bird sings and no one hears.

There’s a meadow no one runs on and a cloud no one names

And what would the sky be with out the sun?

What would the earth be with out its rose?

They’d still be the sky and the Earth.

So perhaps there is a peace in becoming.

Perhaps the meaning is in the experience and not the sight.

Maybe a flower grows because it suffocates under ground.

Whether or not she is always noticed, beauty must become.

She doesn’t look for an eye.

She doesn’t listen for a voice.

She just becomes,

For Freedom Not For Beauty

-Chrisette Michele

Thanks to CurlyNikki...the interview was great, here are two ques/answers that I particularly liked!

CN: What would you tell someone toying with the idea of transitioning or Big Chopping?
Chrisette: Do what’s best for you. What is your heart saying? Follow it. We are incredibly beautiful, us curly girls. Let’s be proud and supportive of each other. To be quite honest I’d have to say...are you ready for what I’m about to say? Ok... Don’t be one of those girls out there who have our beautiful curls but wear no smile, head is down, ain’t got no presence! Give it! Cat walk down the street! Rock that hair with the fiercest of outfits. This is not just a spiritual journey, it’s an incredible fashion statement that not everyone can wear! Treat it like a manicure or a new Prada bag and be the most amazing diva on your block. This beauty is fierce and it’s ours naturally! Let’s make each other proud! Amen?!

CN: Anything else you'd like to add?
Chrisette: I am so grateful for the bold acceptance I’ve received from my sisters. I think together we are breaking down barriers in the main stream and I’m excited about our journey ahead. There is a new integrity and honesty that we are experiencing that says “Take us as we are, or don’t take us at all”. There is a new pride rising from our community reminiscent of the times when we knew each others poetry, and held our fists in the air. We are going to support each others new business ventures, we are going to see each other in graduate schools, we will see each other in government and we will lift each other out of this depression. It starts in the heart and I pray I’ve inspired many of my sisters to follow theirs.

Until Next Time...

Ann Cooper: Food= Health, Part 2

As I continue the series on school lunch and it's importance on the epidemiology of Disease and the future of our country, Ann Cooper is name that must be mentioned. I saw her speak on TedTalk Tuesdays and it was even more fact filled and riveting than Jamie Oliver. If I tried to summarize and present her ideas I am sure that I will be unable to do her justice. She is definitely a trailblazer for the type of reform that needs to take place in school across America. Below are some quick facts about Ann Cooper and below that will be the video... A must see!!

Why you should listen to her:

Ann Cooper has a frontline view of the daily battle to keep kids healthy -- and of the enemy, the processed-foods industries that, it sometimes seems, want to wrap every single thing that children eat in a fried coating and then a plastic bag. As the director of nutrition services for the Berkeley (California) Unified School District, she's an outspoken activist for serving fresh, sustainable food to kids. Her lively website, LunchLessons.org, rounds up recipes, links, and resources for food activism.
Cooper's influential program in Berkeley involves kids in every stage of the food they eat, from growing to disposing of it. And along the way, eating some delicious cafeteria lunches.
She's the author of several books, including Bitter Harvest, an examination of the food chain, and her latest, Lunch Lessons: Changing the Way We Feed Our Children.


















Until Next Time...

Video Game Outrage

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/03/30/japan.video.game.rape/index.html
This makes me sick to my stomach... Women are constantly being objectified around the world, and it is ridiculous that the object of a game is to find and rape women. Utterly and completely disgusting... Everyday it seems as though things in the world are getting more and more ridiculous... I'm at a loss for words..

Until Next Time...

African-American youths account for half of new HIV infections; CDC launches "i know" campaign to reach them | ajc.com

African-American youths account for half of new HIV infections; CDC launches "i know" campaign to reach them  | ajc.com

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I have so much to say about many of the articles I read, and I rarely have time to provide my commentary, so I am just going to post/share when I read something particularly intriguing...I have been saying I am going to do it later and I just never get around to it...Also on many of the websites they have Blogger feature so all it takes is me entering my username/password and it automatically posts to my blog, which is cool..

However this article is personally VERY scary... WE (definition: Young Black Americans) really need to address this and do something about this...this pandemic that seems to be infecting Blacks, including young Americans at alarming rates has got to be stopped...

Until Next Time...