Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change?
Friday, November 6, 2009
LIGHTNING FAST
http://www.lightningfastjamaicans.com/“How could a little island of less than three million people captivate the world in the manner in which it did at the Twenty-ninth Olympiad?”
In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, one country’s speed dominated the Games. The tropical vibrancy of Jamaican track athletes, with their scintillating performances, undoubtedly left a mark not only on the competing countries but also on the millions who witnessed this event. Author Floyd Graham, in his new book entitled LIGHTNING FAST! JAMAICA’S STARS AT THE BEIJING OLYMPICS, features these superb athletes who captivated the world with their astounding speed.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
TRIAL OF JOHN BROWN-HORACE PIPPIN
http://bit.ly/27hMeI trial of john brownThis painting is from a trilogy about John Brown painted by Horace Pippin. The other two paintings show Brown at home reading a bible and Brown being transported to the scaffold. Pippin painted two other trilogies around the same time. These depicted the lives of Jesus Christ and Abraham Lincoln. According to Pippin, all three men were visionaries who met untimely deaths as a result of their moral convictions.
Asenscion Broadcasting
http://ascensionbc.org/
Ascension Broadcasting Company is a faith-based, non-profit organization that aims to empower youth by increasing literacy and job-readiness among young adults 12-21 while reducing substance abuse and negative behavior through Creative Arts Therapy initiatives with existing service providers.
Ascension Broadcasting Company is a faith-based, non-profit organization that aims to empower youth by increasing literacy and job-readiness among young adults 12-21 while reducing substance abuse and negative behavior through Creative Arts Therapy initiatives with existing service providers.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
DiGiTaL OvErDoSe Musical Productions
http://www.d-o-music.com/home.htmlDiGiTaL OvErDoSe Musical Productions
Modern Rock/Spoken Word Songstress, Shadow
Modern Rock/Spoken Word Songstress, Shadow carries 6 strings, 76 keys and a couple of sequencers to present poignant poetry, riveting rhythms, uncluttered yet vibrant choruses and melodies dancing up and down a 4 octave range to spew spoken word and song, with a ferocious flair to fan the flames that feed the fire, as a one woman, rock and roll medicine show spreading love from place to place.
Playing primarily festivals, bookstores, coffeehouses, libraries, subways, parks, house concerts and art exhibits, Shadow is joined by bassist/guitarist, Joe Cavanaugh and together they form, Shadow and Company. Fast becoming a global presence.....
Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn
http://visioncarriers.com/wordpress/Lard’s Greasy
Full Moon
November 1, 2009
10 Taurus 48’
“You don’t believe lard’s greasy and sugar’s sweet.”
This saying of my mother’s comes to me just as Saturn enters Libra. Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn* is an alignment of the planets taking place in the heavens that we experience together, but in our own way. We have to understand that lard is greasy and sugar’s sweet. Ignore the obvious at your own peril. If you touch lard and taste sugar you know their properties. There is no denying them. My mother also used to say, “Call a spade, a spade.” It is another way of saying the same thing. Things have their properties. If you don’t correctly label and live in acknowledgment of things, you will be in trouble and cause yourself needless sorrow.
Make A Twitter List And Check It Twice by David Berkowitz
Make A Twitter List And Check It Twice
by David Berkowitz , Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Twitter just introduced Twitter Lists, the biggest change to its service that ever came from the top down, rather than from users or third parties. The best way to understand the feature is to try it out yourself, as it's rapidly rolling out if you check twitter.com. But I'll give you a taste of what it means for your day job, as well as your day-to-day Twitter usage.
With Twitter Lists, any Twitter user can create a list of other users and make the list public or private. You can follow others' lists and see what lists you're on (assuming the feature's live for you) by going to http://twitter.com/[username]/lists/memberships ( mine are here).
I wrote on 360i's blog about how Twitter Lists are the " Web's newest popularity contest." The next day, Mashable titled one of its posts, "Twitter Lists: Only You Can Help Mashable Beat Barack Obama :)". This is bound to happen, but Lists are easily gamed. Say you're a large company, or a smaller but tech-savvy one, with 100 people on Twitter, and these employees all add your main corporate account to 10 different lists. You're instantly on 1,000 Twitter Lists, which for now will probably put you well in the top 1% of the most popular listed brands on Twitter. Meanwhile, if I'm on 100 lists through 50 people each adding me to two lists, and you're on 75 lists but added by 75 different people, who's more popular? The allure of gamesmanship over this will be short-lived. I hope.
Meet David Berkowitz at Search Insider Summit Utah!
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Register today and save.
The utility, however, will be far more appealing. The list creation feature has been around in other Twitter applications like Tweetdeck and Seesmic, but this is the first time lists have been available from Twitter itself. It's one of the biggest reasons I haven't spent much time making lists in other Twitter clients; I figured if and when Twitter built in that functionality, such lists would be more portable. That's what's happening now, as Twitter opened its API, and Seesmic already incorporated the feature.
Any Twitter user should find lists worthwhile. I was showing my wife how to make lists of family members, while my mother-in-law may make a list of businesses near her home in Dallas. Marketers should find even more value. Here are five ways marketers can use lists:
1) Aggregate multiple professional accounts if you have several faces of your business on Twitter. It's a natural for businesses like Comcast, which has a number of customer service representatives on Twitter, or Zappos, which has hundreds of employees tweeting. This can also work well for a company like Walmart that has a section on its site with all of its Twitter handles. A newspaper can bring together all of its reporters, or a packaged goods conglomerate can compile all of its brands in lists. Even if these lists don't bring in millions of new consumers or clients as followers, they may be useful for important constituents such as reporters, investors, or employees.
2) Aggregate passionate consumers. If you run a TV show, make a list of tweeters who love talking about every last plot twist. If you're a travel company, consider making lists of some of the most vocal Twitter users in each city where you have a presence. If you're a product manager for a technology brand, pull together all your die-hard fans. At the very least, you'll make it easier for all of these influencers to find each other to expand the noise in your echo chamber. But packaged right, it could be a way to pull in new fans and show others how much passion there is for your brand beyond those on its payroll.
3) Be a resource. Make lists of the most knowledgeable people in your industry, whether they're colleagues, reporters, consumers, or even competitors. While my lists are a work in progress, I've added many friends and people I respect from other agencies to lists. Mostly this will be convenient for me, but I'm more than happy to make these lists public in case they're useful to others.
4) Monitor what lists you're on and what lists include your competitors and peers. It's a way to gauge anecdotal brand perception. You can also find new people to follow this way.
5) Share lists beyond Twitter. It's going to take a while for lists to catch on beyond early adopters; this highly anticipated feature for die-hard tweeters may just be one more thing to learn for casual users. If you cater to early adopters, though, creating useful lists and sharing them in other channels like your site, email newsletters, or Facebook page should resonate.
I'm convinced Twitter Lists will change Twitter, and entirely for the better. I'm very curious what it will do to follower counts, though. When you create a list, you don't need to follow the people on it, even if you're likely to. I might create a list of brands on Twitter without following them and use it as a reference. Additionally, when you follow someone else's list, that probably includes many people you're not following. To counter that though, you may wind up discovering great people to follow.
I also wonder if people will be more likely to increase the number of Twitter users they follow. Now that you can isolate the handful of people you most want to follow and group them in a list, it's easier to run up the count of people you're following without worrying about the glut.
These effects, if they show up at all, won't be noticeable right away. But when you try Twitter Lists, I'd wager it will immediately impact how you use and think about Twitter. And as the feature appears in other Twitter clients over the coming months, lists will be as much a part of the Twitter lexicon as @-replies and direct messages.
This commentary is insightful. I recommend it to others.
Post your response to the public Social Media Insider blog.
See what others are saying on the Social Media Insider blog.
David Berkowitz is Senior Director of Emerging Media & Innovation at digital marketing agency 360i. You can reach him here.
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Social Media Insider for Tuesday, November 3, 2009:
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TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION TO BE TOPIC OF SCSU FORUM
TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION TO BE TOPIC OF SCSU FORUM
New Haven, Conn. - How does one prepare to become a college or university professor? A forum to address this question – “Preparing for Opportunities to Teach in Higher Education” – will be held at Southern Connecticut State University on Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. The forum, which will be held in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom, is free and open to the public.
The forum will address such topics as teaching opportunities at SCSU; qualities department chairmen look for in qualified applicants; the need for a diverse faculty; the role of full-time and part-time faculty, and working in the SCSU learning community. A presentation and panel discussion will be followed by a reception for networking and employment opportunities. Refreshments will be provided.
Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by Nov. 13 by calling (203) 392-5899 or emailing smithglaspm1@southernct.edu.
New Haven, Conn. - How does one prepare to become a college or university professor? A forum to address this question – “Preparing for Opportunities to Teach in Higher Education” – will be held at Southern Connecticut State University on Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. The forum, which will be held in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom, is free and open to the public.
The forum will address such topics as teaching opportunities at SCSU; qualities department chairmen look for in qualified applicants; the need for a diverse faculty; the role of full-time and part-time faculty, and working in the SCSU learning community. A presentation and panel discussion will be followed by a reception for networking and employment opportunities. Refreshments will be provided.
Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by Nov. 13 by calling (203) 392-5899 or emailing smithglaspm1@southernct.edu.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Princeton University - 650 attend largest gathering of black alumni in University history
I'LL BE JOHN BROWNED
What brings a former Black Panther, a former SDSer,reenactors, students, teachers, matriarchs and members of the citizen's militia together to honor and commemorate the 150th Anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry,especially when much of the two day talking head program barely discussed the Harper's Ferry raid? Only the Lord knows, but what I can testify to brother and sister is that to have listened to the provocative and detailed presentations does posit the familiar question of whether this American democratic experiment is a dream or a nightmare. Of course history, herstory our ourstory should not be painted as polar opposite scenarios. The collage of blood,guts, hopes, dreams, storms and moral pontifications needs a broad and expanding canvass. Like the expansion of the American experiment from Plymouth Rock to the Monterrey Peninsula, to the Big Island and to Juneau Alaska, his truth our truth keeps marching on.
Participating in the 150th commemoration as an attendee, seized my sense of time and convulsed the past, present and future into a cauldron of whirling emotions and theories. Were Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and SDS for example natural extensions of the John Brown activist legacy. Was John Brown a madman or a saint. Is violence as American as apple pie, as embodied by the Sons of Liberty and the KKK and reiterated by H. Rap Brown ? Go to the Gilder Lehman web site link and read the bios, panel topics and schedule.(abbreviated below) Consider the fact that one of the most influential institutions on the planet considered it important to remember what happened 150 year ago in these "united" states. http://bit.ly/4xcGj7
John Brown, Slavery, and the Legacies of Revolutionary Violence in Our Own Time:
A Conference Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Harpers Ferry Raid
Gilder Lehrman Center's 11th Annual International Conference
October 29-31, 2009
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut
Thursday, October 29, William L. Harkness Hall, Room 201 (Sudler Hall), 100 Wall Street
Friday and Saturday, October 30-31, Luce Hall Auditorium, 34 Hillhouse Avenue
Discussions of the place of violence -- its forms, its causes, its justice or injustice -- in American history often begin with John Brown and his exploits in Kansas and at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in the 1850s. Brown's image has been appropriated by groups from the left and the right. He is a historical as well as a legendary figure, and often the myth overshadows the reality. This conference will explore the meaning and memory of John Brown as well as the problem of violence in American culture, past and present.
The conference will open on the evening of Thursday, October 29 with a performance of John Brown: Trumpet of Freedom by actor and playwright Norman Marshall. On Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, conference panels will focus on four major themes:
* John Brown: A Problem in Biography
* John Brown and the Arts
* John Brown and the Legacies of Violence
* John Brown and Abolitionism
* Concluding Roundtable: A Problem for Our Own Time
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Fund Raising Event to Support the Freedom Schooner Amistad
Freedom Schooner Amistad Under Full Sail
Sage American Grill & Oyster Bar
"On the Water"
100 S. Water Street, New Haven, CT
Fund Raising Event to Support the Freedom Schooner Amistad.
City youths will have safe place to go- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut
Welcome to Original Ancestors
Welcome to Original Ancestors
Posted using ShareThis
Original Ancestors, Inc. has traveled extensively throughout the United States reviewing and selecting authentic historical artifacts.
Enslaved Africans were brutalize, tortured, raped and murdered yet they still found the God given strength to struggle and help shape their own destiny. This God given strength has made African people in America what they are today.
The private collection of Original Ancestors provides a glimpse of what our ancestors had to endure. On display are Middle Passage Shackles, American Slave Shackles, Branding Slave Irons, British Slave Shackles, Runaway Slave Ankle Shackles (crab shaped), Slave Currency, Ku Klux Klan robes, Quilts related to the Underground Railroad, Civil War muster roll belonging to colored troops, Revolutionary War documents, Slave documents, books and pamphlets (pro and con slavery), abolition newspaper and other notable items of interest.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Jazz Articles: Roy DeCarava, Photographer, Dies at 89 — By Lee Mergner — Jazz Articles
Roy DeCarava dies at 89; art photographer depicted the African American experience -- latimes.com
Social Media Resources and Inspiration for Independent Filmmakers | culturalentrepreneur.org | Britt | Bravo
The World Voted In Support Of Cuba’s 50 Years Embargo Lift
United Nations: The World Voted In Support Of Cuba’s 50 Years Embargo Lift
Sierra Leone today Wednesday 28th October 2009 counted among other Member States who voted by a landslide majority, on Item 19 on the “ Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba” (resolution A/64/L.4).
The showers of blessings pouring from the clouds outside were replicated in the halls of the 64th session of the General Assembly in the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the twelve million people of Cuba as the nations of the world took turns in advocating on her behalf, to lift the embargo imposed on 6th April 1960.It is the “longest and cruelest embargo” that has ever been imposed unilaterally by one nation against another with extra-territorial effect and implications , some of the advocates said in an intervention.
A total of 187 nations voted in favour of a repeal while the nations of Israel and Palau joined the United States to vote against the lifting of the embargo, described by a few States, including Cuba, as an act of “genocide.” The Marshall Islands and Micronesia (FS) were the only two states that failed to take a decisive position; they abstained.
A resounding applause succeeded the outcome of the result of the vote prior to which, roughly 20 States and organizations like the G 77 and China, CARICOM, the EU, and Nicaragua, Brazil, Egypt, India and South Africa to name but a few had vehemently condemned the 50 year old embargo. The States argued that the embargo is a “continued violation of international law” and the sanctions ultimately fail to meet their desired goal. It “threatens” the freedom of Trade and Investment, deepens the impact of the Global Economic Crisis on Cuba thereby aggravating the hardship for her peoples, who, incidentally are the ones that
bear the brunt of the embargo especially the vulnerable groups as women and children. It also affects the rights of US citizens (over 70% were in favour of lifting the embargo a survey was quoted as finding).
They also argued that the embargo did not adhere to the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, while “frustrating the efforts” of the country (with 70% of her present day peoples being born under the embargo) in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The economy of the Cuban nation, whose embargo has endured the power of eight US presidents since it was imposed, has lost over $100 million in trade opportunities.
Notwithstanding the embargo the States argued, Cuba has stood tall catering to the welfare of her peoples and making vital contributions in the areas of health, education, sports, technology, expertise and offering her friendship to other developing countries. They said that in the absence of an embargo, the socialist country could do even more. They challenged Nobel Peace Laureate President Obama that if he really deserves the Nobel Prize, he should demonstrate his resolve for peace and equality among nations in ending this 50-year-old“blockade”.In her argument to continue enforcing the embargo, the US Ambassador and Permanent Representative Dr. Susan Rice said the use of the word “genocide” in describing the impact of the embargo was a “misuse” and ultimately undermines the suffering of people of actual genocides. She said the US government was committed to renewing negotiations and called on Cuba to release prisoners of conscience. She furthered her country’s defense by referring to the allowed remittances and family reunions as glaring examples of her country’s commitment to cushioning the impact and describing the export of agricultural and health products to Cuba as humanitarian effort. She mooted on her government’s readiness for further dialogue.
The Foreign Minister of Cuba H.E Mr. Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, touched the right cord that contributed to the resounding victory, and increased votes from 182 (last year) to 187 by describing gloomy situations whereby children needing surgery had been denied access to high quality medical facilities because of the US’ enforcement of a unilateral embargo.
Jack Dovidio
Jack Dovidio
Posted using ShareThisMy work centers around issues of social power and social relations, both between groups and between individuals. I explore both conscious (explicit) and unconscious (implicit) influences on how people think about, feel about, and behave toward others based on group membership. I continue to conduct research on aversive racism, a contemporary subtle form of prejudice, and on techniques for reducing conscious and unconscious biases.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
After Complaints, Gates Foundation Opens Education Aid Offer to All States - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
WHO IS GORDON LIDDY
The information below is from wikipedia pertaining to G.Gordon Liddy. I was moved to post this after watching a TV commercial where he is the spokesperson. It does make one wonder what product or network for that matter would want a convicted felon who
threatened our democratic institutions to be the spokesperson and representative of product integrity.
George Gordon Battle Liddy (born November 30, 1930) was the chief operative for the White House Plumbers unit that existed during several years of Richard Nixon's Presidency. Along with E. Howard Hunt, Liddy masterminded the first break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate building in 1972. The subsequent cover-up of the Watergate scandal led to Nixon's resignation in 1974; Liddy served four and a half years in prison for his role in the burglary.
Liddy later joined with Timothy Leary for a series of comedic debates on various college campuses, and also similarly worked with Al Franken in the late 1990s. Liddy is currently a radio talk show host. His radio show as of 2009 is syndicated in 160 markets by Radio America and on both Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio stations in the United States.[1] He has also been a guest panelist for Fox News Channel in addition to appearing in a cameo role or as a guest celebrity talent in several television shows.
HBO: By The People -The Obama Campaign Premieres November 3 at 9pm ET
HBO: By The People - Synopsis
Posted using ShareThisNearly a year before Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency on Feb. 10, 2007, filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams began to roll cameras on the young senator. Over the next 19 months, they found themselves traveling all across the country, chronicling the daily ups and downs of the campaign trail as experienced by Obama, his family, his staff and volunteers. While Obama's meteoric rise to the White House has been well documented in the press, few have witnessed the behind-the- scenes story of the passionate campaigners who helped a young African-American freshman senator attain the nation's highest office.
Rice conceived the idea of making a documentary about Obama long before the Illinois Senator announced his decision to run for president. Inspired by his oratorical skills and star appeal at the 2004 Democratic Convention, she set out to film his political career in 2006. Rice approached documentary producer Sams, who joined to co-direct and actor Edward Norton's production company, Class 5, agreed to produce the project. After Norton approached Obama's team with the idea, the senator agreed to grant the filmmakers what turned out to be unprecedented and exclusive access.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Traces of the Trade: a story from the deep North - Eventbrite
Traces of the Trade: a story from the deep North - Eventbrite
Posted using ShareThis
Traces of the Trade: a story from the deep North
Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (ET)
New Haven, CT
In her feature-length documentary Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North, filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. She and nine cousins retrace the Triangle Trade and gain a powerful new perspective on the black/white divide. You are invited to a free screening on Thursday, Nov. 12, 5:30-7:30pm at New Haven Free Public Library,133 Elm Street.
Discussion to follow / Refreshments / free parking
( I have seen Traces several times and have been blessed to hear Katrina Browne as well- each time has been a remarkable reflective and educational personal self-discovery journey- I hope the room is backed with students, teachers and everybody else- if anyone is interested in american history and american herstory this is the place to start.( just consider the fact that the european pioneers attempted to enslave the Native Americans first, then tried the indentured servant scheme, and then latched upon the idea of globalization -creation of the stock market-creation of the insurance industry-creation of world empires all at the human expense of the mother continent of us all!)
Swine Flu Prevention Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice
Swine Flu Prevention
Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice
Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive….under $15.
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to
eat, bathe or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt)... *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know 20 who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it...
Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice
Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive….under $15.
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to
eat, bathe or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt)... *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know 20 who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it...
Spike Lee’s Criticisms of Tyler Perry Are Indicative of the Ongoing African American Pop Culture War
Southern White Teams Just Didn’t Play Black Ones, but One Game Ended All That - NYTimes.com
2morrowknight: 16 Amazing Men on Twitter and the Awesome Charities They Support
SISTER'S JOURNEY-ABOLITIONISTS ON THE MOVE
SISTER'S JOURNEY held their annual Pink Tea Fundraiser at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center on Saturday, October 24, 2009. These modern day abolitionists and suffragettes are fired up and taking action. Do not tell them that they do not have the power to help win the war against breast cancer. Soldiers and new troops assembled and mustered up armed with passion, beauty, love and dedication. This war is not about bullets or bombs. This war is about penetrating the hearts,minds and souls of a nation. This is a war to save yourself, family members and friends.The Sister's Journey army understands the stakes.They understand the need.They have heard the call and have responded.The fact filled , entertaining and informative luncheon was hosted by the simply marvelous Desiree Fontaine. This annual gathering celebrated cancer survivorship and honored those that have fought the good fight such as founder Linda White Epps.Thirteen Breast Cancer survivors were introduced and are featured in the 2010 Annual Calendar and everyone in attendance reenlisted.For further information or to join up call 203-288-3556, sistersjourney@sbcglobal.net
Photo Album: http://bit.ly/S8rfS
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Yale Law School Conference on the Future of Journalism
Yale University News
Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 203/432-1345
Fax: 203/432-1323
http://www.yale.edu/opa
CONTACT: Gila Reinstein 203-432-1325 gila.reinstein@yale.edu
Or Kathy Colello 203-432-4854 kathleen.colello@yale.edu
For Immediate Release: October 23, 2009
Yale Law School Conference on the Future of Journalism
New Haven, Conn.—A dramatic shift in the way Americans receive news and information, stimulated by the growing dominance of the Internet and other electronic media, is the focus of the conference “Journalism and the New Media Ecology: Who Will Pay the Messengers?” at Yale Law School, November 13-14.
Internet media outlets have cut deeply into the circulation and advertising revenues of traditional news media and diminished their ability to practice the level of good journalism on which an informed citizenry depends. Only this week, The New York Times announced plans to eliminate 100 newsroom jobs by year’s end.
Yale Law School’s Knight Law and Media Program will bring together scholars, media leaders, journalists, faculty members and students to share their insights and explore new ways to support the work of the “Fourth Estate.”
Panels will consider such topics as “Who Uses the News and How?” “Preserving Local Journalism” and “Who Will Pay the Messengers?” Additional sessions will delve into “The Quest for Pay Models,” “Publicly Owned and Operated Media,” “The Changing Ecology of News Media,” “Non-Profit and Foundation-Funded Models” and “Direct and Indirect Government Subsidies.” The final panel discussion will consider “The View from the Newsroom.”
Speakers include Stephen Brill, co-founder of “Journalism Online” and founding editor of American Lawyer; Jay Rosen, author of “What Are Journalists For?” (Yale University Press, 1999) and PressThink, a weblog about journalism and its ordeals (www.pressthink.org ); Jonathan Leibowitz, chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Pew Center for Excellence in Journalism; and many others.
The conference begins at 10 a.m. on Friday with welcoming remarks by Yale Law School Dean Robert Post ’77 J.D. and Professor Jack Balkin, director of the Knight Law and Media Faculty Program. Jonathan Klein, president of CNN-USA, will deliver the keynote address on Friday evening to an invited audience. The conference concludes Saturday afternoon.
“We will meet at a pivotal moment, as major news organizations, the Knight Commission on the News Needs of Communities, and government confront and shape decisions in response to the urgent need to sustain high-value journalism,” said Stephen Nevas, executive director of the Knight Law and Media Program.
The conference is open to the public. There is no charge for Yale students and faculty. The registration fee for non-Yale students and scholars is $25; for non-profits, government representatives and the public, $75; and for corporations and trade associations, $225. Full details, the complete conference schedule, and required online registration are available on the conference website at http://www.law.yale.edu/lawandmedia. For more information, please contact Stephen Nevas at stephen.nevas@yale.edu or Perry Fetterman at perry.fetterman@yale.edu.
The Knight Law and Media Program, part of the Information Society Project at Yale Law School, is supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Yale News Releases are available at http://www.opa.yale.edu
Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 203/432-1345
Fax: 203/432-1323
http://www.yale.edu/opa
CONTACT: Gila Reinstein 203-432-1325 gila.reinstein@yale.edu
Or Kathy Colello 203-432-4854 kathleen.colello@yale.edu
For Immediate Release: October 23, 2009
Yale Law School Conference on the Future of Journalism
New Haven, Conn.—A dramatic shift in the way Americans receive news and information, stimulated by the growing dominance of the Internet and other electronic media, is the focus of the conference “Journalism and the New Media Ecology: Who Will Pay the Messengers?” at Yale Law School, November 13-14.
Internet media outlets have cut deeply into the circulation and advertising revenues of traditional news media and diminished their ability to practice the level of good journalism on which an informed citizenry depends. Only this week, The New York Times announced plans to eliminate 100 newsroom jobs by year’s end.
Yale Law School’s Knight Law and Media Program will bring together scholars, media leaders, journalists, faculty members and students to share their insights and explore new ways to support the work of the “Fourth Estate.”
Panels will consider such topics as “Who Uses the News and How?” “Preserving Local Journalism” and “Who Will Pay the Messengers?” Additional sessions will delve into “The Quest for Pay Models,” “Publicly Owned and Operated Media,” “The Changing Ecology of News Media,” “Non-Profit and Foundation-Funded Models” and “Direct and Indirect Government Subsidies.” The final panel discussion will consider “The View from the Newsroom.”
Speakers include Stephen Brill, co-founder of “Journalism Online” and founding editor of American Lawyer; Jay Rosen, author of “What Are Journalists For?” (Yale University Press, 1999) and PressThink, a weblog about journalism and its ordeals (www.pressthink.org ); Jonathan Leibowitz, chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Pew Center for Excellence in Journalism; and many others.
The conference begins at 10 a.m. on Friday with welcoming remarks by Yale Law School Dean Robert Post ’77 J.D. and Professor Jack Balkin, director of the Knight Law and Media Faculty Program. Jonathan Klein, president of CNN-USA, will deliver the keynote address on Friday evening to an invited audience. The conference concludes Saturday afternoon.
“We will meet at a pivotal moment, as major news organizations, the Knight Commission on the News Needs of Communities, and government confront and shape decisions in response to the urgent need to sustain high-value journalism,” said Stephen Nevas, executive director of the Knight Law and Media Program.
The conference is open to the public. There is no charge for Yale students and faculty. The registration fee for non-Yale students and scholars is $25; for non-profits, government representatives and the public, $75; and for corporations and trade associations, $225. Full details, the complete conference schedule, and required online registration are available on the conference website at http://www.law.yale.edu/lawandmedia. For more information, please contact Stephen Nevas at stephen.nevas@yale.edu or Perry Fetterman at perry.fetterman@yale.edu.
The Knight Law and Media Program, part of the Information Society Project at Yale Law School, is supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Yale News Releases are available at http://www.opa.yale.edu
Keeping the Peace: A Five Year Journey in Sudan Beatrice Mategwa, Producer/Head of Television, United Nations Mission in Sudan and Yale World Fellow
The Council on Middle East Studies presents:
Keeping the Peace: A Five Year Journey
in Sudan
Beatrice Mategwa, Producer/Head of Television, United Nations Mission in Sudan and Yale World Fellow
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 12:00-1:20 PM
Location: ISPS A001, 77 Prospect Street
Beatrice writes: “I have been working in Africa's largest country, the Sudan, for almost five years as a video journalist. I
joined the peacekeeping unit with the United Nations Mission in Sudan at the end of 2005, but I previously worked for
Reuters Television covering the country at large. Through my work, I have watched the country emerge from conflict to its current state of relative peace - where former foes involved in a 20-year battle have been trying their best to honor a
peace agreement signed in January 2005. The transition to peace has not been easy, especially with the unrest in Darfur and the tribal conflicts which have emerged in the southern part of the country. Sudan is now preparing for its
first elections in over 20 years - expected to be held in April 2010 - and a referendum on southern secession that will
follow in 2011.”
For Immediate Release October 23, 2009 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT SENATOR DODD FUNDRAISING DINNER
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 23, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT SENATOR DODD FUNDRAISING DINNER
Stamford Hilton
Stamford, Connecticut
5:47 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Connecticut! (Applause.) Hello, Stamford! (Applause.) It is good to be back in Connecticut. Thank you so much. Everybody, please have a seat -- have a seat. Relax for a second. I'm just warming up here. (Laughter.)
I'm going to talk a little bit about this guy in a second. Let me begin by just acknowledging some wonderful public servants who have just been serving their constituencies with great distinction for, in some cases, a lot of years.
First of all, Congressman John Larson is in the house. Where's John? There he is, John Larson. (Applause.) Congressman Chris Murphy. Chris. (Applause.) Congressman Jim Himes. (Applause.) Yes, sir. This is Jim's district, so he's got the home court advantage. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. (Applause.) And Mayor of Stamford, Dannel Malloy is in the house. (Applause.)
I can see this is a feisty crowd. (Applause.) What are you guys eating? (Laughter.) You don't know yet, huh? It's a surprise? All right.
It is great to be back in Connecticut. It is an honor to be here with and for your outstanding senator, my great friend, Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Now, here's the general rule of politics: When you're President you're not supposed to pick favorites. But I have a confession to make. From the moment I arrived in the United States Senate, Chris Dodd was one of my favorites. (Applause.) And contrary to what Chris thinks, it's not his good looks -- (laughter) -- Jackie may like that, that doesn't move me. (Laughter.)
It's a fact that he's someone who believes deeply in the core ideals of our country and the nobility of public service -- and he's lived those ideals from the moment he joined the Peace Corps as a young man through his leadership in the Senate today. He has never lost that wonderful quality that's all too rare in Washington -- the quality of taking his work seriously, but not taking himself seriously; a man of good humor and a good heart. And that's why he is liked and respected not just in the Democratic Caucus, but across the aisle. That's why he's so effective, and why, over the past three decades, his name has appeared on some of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress has produced.
Today, every American who can take a leave from a job to care for a newborn or relative who is sick, they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every young child who has early access to educational opportunity through Head Start -- thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every firefighter and first responder who is safer on the job because of the FIRE Act and the SAFER Act -- they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Chris has been so good that you could excuse him if he decided, you know, I'm going to start taking it easy a little bit; I don't want to have to just work this hard. But that's not what he did, he -- I don't know what -- he's got some Energizer bunny battery in him or something, but this year he's kind of gone crazy, he's just gone wild. I mean, look at what he's done this year. There are few leaders who have been as busy getting things done in Congress as Chris Dodd.
Just this year, led the fight to pass legislation that is helping homeowners keep their piece of the American Dream. Then he helped pass a law that will stop Big Tobacco from targeting our children. Then he was there to pass a national service bill that will inspire another generation of Americans to serve their country -- just like Chris did when he served in the Peace Corps. Then he wrote the credit card legislation that finally became law this year -- a law that will stop credit card companies from ripping off the American consumer with abusive fees and rate hikes. And that's only nine months in. (Applause.) It's just the first nine months.
And in between -- tonight he's got his swimming trunks; he's going to take the girls swimming at the hotel pool. (Laughter.)
So Chris knows how to get things done in Washington. That's why he's currently leading the fight on not one, but on two of the most important issues that we face today and two of the biggest priorities in my agenda.
Before our friend and champion Ted Kennedy passed away this summer -- Teddy Jr. is here tonight -- (applause) -- Teddy turned to Chris and he asked him if he would be the one to shepherd health reform through the committee that Teddy had chaired. And in that role, Chris did an outstanding job both leading and listening; incorporating Republican and Democratic ideas. And thanks to Chris Dodd's work and the work of senators like Max Baucus and others, we are now closer to Ted Kennedy's dream of health care reform than we have ever been. It will pass this year, in part because of the work of Chris Dodd. (Applause.)
But Chris -- Chris isn't just dealing with health care reform. He's also leading the fight to reform our financial industry so that we don't have another crisis like the one that brought our economy to its knees.
Now, I know that there are a lot of hedge funds and financial institutions here in Stamford. We flew over by helicopter; we saw some of the housing around here. (Laughter.) But I want to stress the urgency of this reform. I have always believed, and I know Chris believes, in the free market. And we believe with all our heart that the financial industry is essential to a healthy economy and the well-being of the country as a whole. And that's why we stepped in. And we continue to believe it was the right thing to do to step in to prevent a collapse in the financial sector that would have had far-reaching and devastating consequences for the American people. We came very close to a Great Depression.
And so we had to intervene. But I think all of us can agree that as a country we should never again be faced with such a potential calamity because of the reckless speculation and deceptive practices of a short-sighted and self-interested few. (Applause.) So I have to say -- so I'd like to say to you tonight, if there are folks from the industry here tonight, join us. Don't fight us. Join us in passing what are necessary reforms. It is important for our country, and in the long run, it will be good for your industry to have a level playing field -- (applause) -- where everybody knows the rules and everybody is competing fairly for the business of American consumers. It's the right thing to do. (Applause.)
Now, one of the most essential financial reforms is the one that Chris has been leading the charge on -- a Consumer Financial Protection Agency whose mission will be to look out for the financial interests of ordinary Americans.
And this is an agency that will equip every American who signs up for a mortgage or a credit card with the information they need to avoid getting ripped off by predatory lenders or big banks. Now, if the American people win this fight, these banks and lenders won't be able to exploit consumers through complicated contracts or fine print. No longer will they be permitted to game the system so consumers are at greater risk to face arbitrary penalties or fees. In a financial system that's never been more complicated, and at a time when middle class families are under such duress, such strain, it's never been more important for consumers to have their own watchdog -- that's exactly what this agency will be.
And I have to say it's predictable -- a lot of the big financial firms, they don't like it very much. Because confusion among consumers oftentimes means big profits. And lately we've seen an army of industry lobbyists descend on Capitol Hill to kill this proposal or at least to water it down. Now, fortunately, I think everybody understands now is the time to get this done. (Applause.) And despite all the lobbyists and all the power, we scored a major victory yesterday when the House Banking Committee voted in favor of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The lobbyists lost, and the American people won. And thanks to the strong leadership of Chris Dodd, we're going to win again in the United States Senate. (Applause.)
Chris is leading that fight just as he's leading the fight against deceptive and punishing check overdraft fees, and a whole array of safeguards to ensure that hard-working Americans are treated fairly in our financial system. Every resident of this state and every American has a stake in his success.
So Chris has a lot on his plate these days. And that's because we're facing pretty big challenges as a nation right now. You know, it's important for all of us to remember what was happening when we walked through the front door of the White House, because, you know, there seems to be some selective memories afflicting certain people. (Laughter.) We were facing an economic crisis unlike any we've seen in generations. We were losing 700,000 jobs per month. Our financial system was on the brink of collapse. And economists not just of the left, but of the right and the center, every political persuasion, were concerned about the possibilities of a depression.
And that's why we acted boldly and we acted swiftly to pass a Recovery Act that's made a difference in the lives of families across America. We just stopped by a small business, a landscaping firm that was able to benefit from an SBA loan facilitated through the Recovery Act. They are now hiring folks, just bought a new building, they are expanding -- right here, just next door to this hotel. We put a tax cut into the pockets of 95 percent of working Americans as well as small business owners. We've extended and increased unemployment insurance for 16 million Americans to help them get by in tough times. We made COBRA 65 percent cheaper so that if you lost your job you didn't have to lose your insurance. We provided relief to states, including Connecticut, to help prevent them from having to lay off teachers and firefighters and police officers.
According to initial estimates, it has saved -- the Recovery Act has saved some 250,000 jobs just in our schools. Just in our schools. (Applause.) And we've supported more than 30,000 loans to small businesses, which helped create thousands of jobs in the private sector.
But here's the thing. The Recovery Act wasn't just about tax cuts -- the most progressive tax cut in the history of America. It wasn't just about emergency relief for middle-class families who are buckling under the strain of this recession. It was also the largest investment in education in American history. (Applause.) It was -- it was the largest investment in clean energy in American history. (Applause.) It was the largest boost to medical and basic research in history, not just American history. (Applause.) It was the largest investment in infrastructure since Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s. (Applause.)
All across -- all across the country folks are rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, but also setting up smart grids and broadband lines where people hadn't been able to get to before.
And we didn't stop there. We passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act because we believe women should get paid the same as men for doing the same work. (Applause.) We lifted the ban on stem cell research and restored science to its rightful place in America. (Applause.) We extended health care to 11 million children across this country, 4 million of whom previously had no insurance. For the first time in our history, we've begun to put in place a new national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States of America. (Applause.)
So next time somebody asks, well, what have you been doing? Simple fact is we've already had one of the most productive first years of any administration. (Applause.) And you helped make it possible.
But as Chris pointed out, the reason you are here, the reason we're here, is because our work is not done. We know that there's still far too many Americans who are out of work and seeing their hours and their wages cut; too many Americans who are subject to the whims of health insurance companies dropping them because they've got a preexisting condition, charging exorbitant out-of-pocket fees, and millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance in the first place.
We know we still face enormous challenges in this country, and that's not news to you. But here's the thing -- because there are a lot of long-time activists here and maybe some new people who got involved just in recent campaigns -- I certainly know, when I look at some of the young congressmen who are here in the room, we didn't get involved in this because it was easy. You didn't decide to support our cause because you thought somehow that, in the blink of an eye, we were going solve health care or energy or education. And you certainly didn't sign up because once things got tough you expected that we were just going to kick it on to somebody else, have some future generation, have some future President, have some future Congress deal with these things.
Now is the time for us to build a health care system that works for every American. Now is the time for us to create the kind of clean energy economy we need. Now is the time to make sure that every single child in America gets a first-class education so they can compete for jobs all across the globe. (Applause.)
And so we have to combine a sense of urgency with a sense that this is going to be hard. And we should draw energy from the fact that it's hard. We should be invigorated by the fact that it's hard because that's the sign that what we're doing is worthwhile. The fact that we're able to pull off some things that haven't been done before.
And there are going to be arguments about these issues. This is a democracy. It's messy. That's the way it's supposed to be. That's the way it was designed to be. And I want all the non-Democrats who may be watching tonight or may be in the room -- surprisingly enough -- (laughter) -- I want folks to know that I believe in a strong and loyal opposition. I believe in the two-party system where ideas are tested and assumptions are challenged, and I am not always right and Chris is not always right. And that back-and-forth, that debate makes us better. That's how our democracy works. (Applause.)
Now, what I do reject is when folks just sit on the sidelines and they're rooting for failure -- whether it's on health care or energy or the economy -- or the Olympics. (Laughter and applause.) What's going on there? It's the Olympics, guys -- you know? You don't want -- you don't want America to host the Olympics? (Laughter and applause.)
What I reject is when scoring political points is so important that you'd rather see failure. What I reject is when some folks want to go to the policies that helped get us into this mess in the first place -- as if we don't remember.
I don't mind, and I know Chris doesn't mind -- we don't mind cleaning up the mess that was left for us. We're busy, we got our mops, we're, you know, mopping the floor here. But I don't want the folks who made the mess to just sit there and say, you're not mopping fast enough. (Laughter and applause.) I don't -- I don't want them saying, you're not holding the mop the right way, or, that's a socialist mop. (Applause.) I want them to grab a mop. Grab a mop. (Applause.) Grab a mop -- or a broom or something. Make yourself useful. (Laughter and applause.)
I think all of us in Washington -- Democrat and Republican -- we've got a responsibility to rise to the occasion; to look past our differences and understand this is a critical moment in our history; and we've got to move beyond the failed policies and broken politics that allowed our toughest problems to go unsolved for decades. I will work with anyone and everyone willing to do that -- and take heat from my own party in order to do that. But I've got to have a sense that everybody is trying to pull their weight.
You know, in the end, you travel this country -- the American people, they're not looking for a lot; they -- they know they've got to work hard, they don't expect government to solve all their problems. But if they are willing to work hard, then they hope they can find a job that pays a living wage so they won't be bankrupt when they get sick; that they can save for a secure retirement; that they can send their kids to a great school so that they can aspire and achieve to things that the parents could never aspire and achieve.
And that's all they're asking for. They want the opportunity to make the most of their lives. That's the chance every American deserves. That's the American Dream. That's the promise that Chris Dodd is working every day to fulfill.
And at this rare moment in history we've been given a rare opportunity to change our world for the better. But it doesn't start in Washington. As good of a job as Chris is doing, it starts with you. It starts when you refuse to accept the status quo. When you say, I'm not going to be distracted by the usual political games. When you reject cynicism. When you decide that we can close that gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be. That's when America moves forward. That's been the cause of Chris Dodd's life. And if everybody remembers that in the weeks and months to come, then I guarantee you Chris is going to continue to be my partner as we remake Washington -- (applause) -- and we remake America and we remake the world. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, everybody. God bless you. (Applause.)
END 6:09 P.M. EDT
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 23, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT SENATOR DODD FUNDRAISING DINNER
Stamford Hilton
Stamford, Connecticut
5:47 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Connecticut! (Applause.) Hello, Stamford! (Applause.) It is good to be back in Connecticut. Thank you so much. Everybody, please have a seat -- have a seat. Relax for a second. I'm just warming up here. (Laughter.)
I'm going to talk a little bit about this guy in a second. Let me begin by just acknowledging some wonderful public servants who have just been serving their constituencies with great distinction for, in some cases, a lot of years.
First of all, Congressman John Larson is in the house. Where's John? There he is, John Larson. (Applause.) Congressman Chris Murphy. Chris. (Applause.) Congressman Jim Himes. (Applause.) Yes, sir. This is Jim's district, so he's got the home court advantage. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. (Applause.) And Mayor of Stamford, Dannel Malloy is in the house. (Applause.)
I can see this is a feisty crowd. (Applause.) What are you guys eating? (Laughter.) You don't know yet, huh? It's a surprise? All right.
It is great to be back in Connecticut. It is an honor to be here with and for your outstanding senator, my great friend, Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Now, here's the general rule of politics: When you're President you're not supposed to pick favorites. But I have a confession to make. From the moment I arrived in the United States Senate, Chris Dodd was one of my favorites. (Applause.) And contrary to what Chris thinks, it's not his good looks -- (laughter) -- Jackie may like that, that doesn't move me. (Laughter.)
It's a fact that he's someone who believes deeply in the core ideals of our country and the nobility of public service -- and he's lived those ideals from the moment he joined the Peace Corps as a young man through his leadership in the Senate today. He has never lost that wonderful quality that's all too rare in Washington -- the quality of taking his work seriously, but not taking himself seriously; a man of good humor and a good heart. And that's why he is liked and respected not just in the Democratic Caucus, but across the aisle. That's why he's so effective, and why, over the past three decades, his name has appeared on some of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress has produced.
Today, every American who can take a leave from a job to care for a newborn or relative who is sick, they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every young child who has early access to educational opportunity through Head Start -- thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Every firefighter and first responder who is safer on the job because of the FIRE Act and the SAFER Act -- they can thank Chris Dodd. (Applause.) Chris has been so good that you could excuse him if he decided, you know, I'm going to start taking it easy a little bit; I don't want to have to just work this hard. But that's not what he did, he -- I don't know what -- he's got some Energizer bunny battery in him or something, but this year he's kind of gone crazy, he's just gone wild. I mean, look at what he's done this year. There are few leaders who have been as busy getting things done in Congress as Chris Dodd.
Just this year, led the fight to pass legislation that is helping homeowners keep their piece of the American Dream. Then he helped pass a law that will stop Big Tobacco from targeting our children. Then he was there to pass a national service bill that will inspire another generation of Americans to serve their country -- just like Chris did when he served in the Peace Corps. Then he wrote the credit card legislation that finally became law this year -- a law that will stop credit card companies from ripping off the American consumer with abusive fees and rate hikes. And that's only nine months in. (Applause.) It's just the first nine months.
And in between -- tonight he's got his swimming trunks; he's going to take the girls swimming at the hotel pool. (Laughter.)
So Chris knows how to get things done in Washington. That's why he's currently leading the fight on not one, but on two of the most important issues that we face today and two of the biggest priorities in my agenda.
Before our friend and champion Ted Kennedy passed away this summer -- Teddy Jr. is here tonight -- (applause) -- Teddy turned to Chris and he asked him if he would be the one to shepherd health reform through the committee that Teddy had chaired. And in that role, Chris did an outstanding job both leading and listening; incorporating Republican and Democratic ideas. And thanks to Chris Dodd's work and the work of senators like Max Baucus and others, we are now closer to Ted Kennedy's dream of health care reform than we have ever been. It will pass this year, in part because of the work of Chris Dodd. (Applause.)
But Chris -- Chris isn't just dealing with health care reform. He's also leading the fight to reform our financial industry so that we don't have another crisis like the one that brought our economy to its knees.
Now, I know that there are a lot of hedge funds and financial institutions here in Stamford. We flew over by helicopter; we saw some of the housing around here. (Laughter.) But I want to stress the urgency of this reform. I have always believed, and I know Chris believes, in the free market. And we believe with all our heart that the financial industry is essential to a healthy economy and the well-being of the country as a whole. And that's why we stepped in. And we continue to believe it was the right thing to do to step in to prevent a collapse in the financial sector that would have had far-reaching and devastating consequences for the American people. We came very close to a Great Depression.
And so we had to intervene. But I think all of us can agree that as a country we should never again be faced with such a potential calamity because of the reckless speculation and deceptive practices of a short-sighted and self-interested few. (Applause.) So I have to say -- so I'd like to say to you tonight, if there are folks from the industry here tonight, join us. Don't fight us. Join us in passing what are necessary reforms. It is important for our country, and in the long run, it will be good for your industry to have a level playing field -- (applause) -- where everybody knows the rules and everybody is competing fairly for the business of American consumers. It's the right thing to do. (Applause.)
Now, one of the most essential financial reforms is the one that Chris has been leading the charge on -- a Consumer Financial Protection Agency whose mission will be to look out for the financial interests of ordinary Americans.
And this is an agency that will equip every American who signs up for a mortgage or a credit card with the information they need to avoid getting ripped off by predatory lenders or big banks. Now, if the American people win this fight, these banks and lenders won't be able to exploit consumers through complicated contracts or fine print. No longer will they be permitted to game the system so consumers are at greater risk to face arbitrary penalties or fees. In a financial system that's never been more complicated, and at a time when middle class families are under such duress, such strain, it's never been more important for consumers to have their own watchdog -- that's exactly what this agency will be.
And I have to say it's predictable -- a lot of the big financial firms, they don't like it very much. Because confusion among consumers oftentimes means big profits. And lately we've seen an army of industry lobbyists descend on Capitol Hill to kill this proposal or at least to water it down. Now, fortunately, I think everybody understands now is the time to get this done. (Applause.) And despite all the lobbyists and all the power, we scored a major victory yesterday when the House Banking Committee voted in favor of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The lobbyists lost, and the American people won. And thanks to the strong leadership of Chris Dodd, we're going to win again in the United States Senate. (Applause.)
Chris is leading that fight just as he's leading the fight against deceptive and punishing check overdraft fees, and a whole array of safeguards to ensure that hard-working Americans are treated fairly in our financial system. Every resident of this state and every American has a stake in his success.
So Chris has a lot on his plate these days. And that's because we're facing pretty big challenges as a nation right now. You know, it's important for all of us to remember what was happening when we walked through the front door of the White House, because, you know, there seems to be some selective memories afflicting certain people. (Laughter.) We were facing an economic crisis unlike any we've seen in generations. We were losing 700,000 jobs per month. Our financial system was on the brink of collapse. And economists not just of the left, but of the right and the center, every political persuasion, were concerned about the possibilities of a depression.
And that's why we acted boldly and we acted swiftly to pass a Recovery Act that's made a difference in the lives of families across America. We just stopped by a small business, a landscaping firm that was able to benefit from an SBA loan facilitated through the Recovery Act. They are now hiring folks, just bought a new building, they are expanding -- right here, just next door to this hotel. We put a tax cut into the pockets of 95 percent of working Americans as well as small business owners. We've extended and increased unemployment insurance for 16 million Americans to help them get by in tough times. We made COBRA 65 percent cheaper so that if you lost your job you didn't have to lose your insurance. We provided relief to states, including Connecticut, to help prevent them from having to lay off teachers and firefighters and police officers.
According to initial estimates, it has saved -- the Recovery Act has saved some 250,000 jobs just in our schools. Just in our schools. (Applause.) And we've supported more than 30,000 loans to small businesses, which helped create thousands of jobs in the private sector.
But here's the thing. The Recovery Act wasn't just about tax cuts -- the most progressive tax cut in the history of America. It wasn't just about emergency relief for middle-class families who are buckling under the strain of this recession. It was also the largest investment in education in American history. (Applause.) It was -- it was the largest investment in clean energy in American history. (Applause.) It was the largest boost to medical and basic research in history, not just American history. (Applause.) It was the largest investment in infrastructure since Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s. (Applause.)
All across -- all across the country folks are rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, but also setting up smart grids and broadband lines where people hadn't been able to get to before.
And we didn't stop there. We passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act because we believe women should get paid the same as men for doing the same work. (Applause.) We lifted the ban on stem cell research and restored science to its rightful place in America. (Applause.) We extended health care to 11 million children across this country, 4 million of whom previously had no insurance. For the first time in our history, we've begun to put in place a new national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States of America. (Applause.)
So next time somebody asks, well, what have you been doing? Simple fact is we've already had one of the most productive first years of any administration. (Applause.) And you helped make it possible.
But as Chris pointed out, the reason you are here, the reason we're here, is because our work is not done. We know that there's still far too many Americans who are out of work and seeing their hours and their wages cut; too many Americans who are subject to the whims of health insurance companies dropping them because they've got a preexisting condition, charging exorbitant out-of-pocket fees, and millions of Americans who can't afford health insurance in the first place.
We know we still face enormous challenges in this country, and that's not news to you. But here's the thing -- because there are a lot of long-time activists here and maybe some new people who got involved just in recent campaigns -- I certainly know, when I look at some of the young congressmen who are here in the room, we didn't get involved in this because it was easy. You didn't decide to support our cause because you thought somehow that, in the blink of an eye, we were going solve health care or energy or education. And you certainly didn't sign up because once things got tough you expected that we were just going to kick it on to somebody else, have some future generation, have some future President, have some future Congress deal with these things.
Now is the time for us to build a health care system that works for every American. Now is the time for us to create the kind of clean energy economy we need. Now is the time to make sure that every single child in America gets a first-class education so they can compete for jobs all across the globe. (Applause.)
And so we have to combine a sense of urgency with a sense that this is going to be hard. And we should draw energy from the fact that it's hard. We should be invigorated by the fact that it's hard because that's the sign that what we're doing is worthwhile. The fact that we're able to pull off some things that haven't been done before.
And there are going to be arguments about these issues. This is a democracy. It's messy. That's the way it's supposed to be. That's the way it was designed to be. And I want all the non-Democrats who may be watching tonight or may be in the room -- surprisingly enough -- (laughter) -- I want folks to know that I believe in a strong and loyal opposition. I believe in the two-party system where ideas are tested and assumptions are challenged, and I am not always right and Chris is not always right. And that back-and-forth, that debate makes us better. That's how our democracy works. (Applause.)
Now, what I do reject is when folks just sit on the sidelines and they're rooting for failure -- whether it's on health care or energy or the economy -- or the Olympics. (Laughter and applause.) What's going on there? It's the Olympics, guys -- you know? You don't want -- you don't want America to host the Olympics? (Laughter and applause.)
What I reject is when scoring political points is so important that you'd rather see failure. What I reject is when some folks want to go to the policies that helped get us into this mess in the first place -- as if we don't remember.
I don't mind, and I know Chris doesn't mind -- we don't mind cleaning up the mess that was left for us. We're busy, we got our mops, we're, you know, mopping the floor here. But I don't want the folks who made the mess to just sit there and say, you're not mopping fast enough. (Laughter and applause.) I don't -- I don't want them saying, you're not holding the mop the right way, or, that's a socialist mop. (Applause.) I want them to grab a mop. Grab a mop. (Applause.) Grab a mop -- or a broom or something. Make yourself useful. (Laughter and applause.)
I think all of us in Washington -- Democrat and Republican -- we've got a responsibility to rise to the occasion; to look past our differences and understand this is a critical moment in our history; and we've got to move beyond the failed policies and broken politics that allowed our toughest problems to go unsolved for decades. I will work with anyone and everyone willing to do that -- and take heat from my own party in order to do that. But I've got to have a sense that everybody is trying to pull their weight.
You know, in the end, you travel this country -- the American people, they're not looking for a lot; they -- they know they've got to work hard, they don't expect government to solve all their problems. But if they are willing to work hard, then they hope they can find a job that pays a living wage so they won't be bankrupt when they get sick; that they can save for a secure retirement; that they can send their kids to a great school so that they can aspire and achieve to things that the parents could never aspire and achieve.
And that's all they're asking for. They want the opportunity to make the most of their lives. That's the chance every American deserves. That's the American Dream. That's the promise that Chris Dodd is working every day to fulfill.
And at this rare moment in history we've been given a rare opportunity to change our world for the better. But it doesn't start in Washington. As good of a job as Chris is doing, it starts with you. It starts when you refuse to accept the status quo. When you say, I'm not going to be distracted by the usual political games. When you reject cynicism. When you decide that we can close that gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be. That's when America moves forward. That's been the cause of Chris Dodd's life. And if everybody remembers that in the weeks and months to come, then I guarantee you Chris is going to continue to be my partner as we remake Washington -- (applause) -- and we remake America and we remake the world. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, everybody. God bless you. (Applause.)
END 6:09 P.M. EDT
Award Winning Filmmaker, Stacey Muhammad of Wildseed Films . . . (http://www.wildseedstudios.com) is seeking African American Men and Women, above th
Sis. Stacey Muhammad is truly a force to be reckoned with!
---------------------
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE!!!
Shooting Dates: November 4th - 14th, 2009 - If you are not available during this time, please let us know. Production will take place in and around the Brooklyn, NY area . . .
Award Winning Filmmaker, Stacey Muhammad of Wildseed Films . . .
(http://www.wildseedstudios.com) is seeking African American Men and Women, above the age of 18 to participate in the upcoming documentary (Out of Our Right Minds, the Rise of Depression Amongst Women of Color)
We are looking for those who are ready and willing to share their experiences!
Interested in interviewing:
African American Women who have suffered from or who are currently suffering from Depression and any other form of emotional or mental disorder (clinically disgnosed or not)
African American Women who have treated Depression and other emotional or mental disorders with either traditional (Western) medication, i.e. antidepressants...as well as those who have opted for a more wholostic approach i.e., yoga, herbs, meditation, etc . . .
Also interested in interviewing:
African American Men
Psychologists / Psychiatrist (any race or gender) who have experience in the treatment of African American patients who have been clinically disgnosed with Depression and other mental / emotional disorders
About the Filmmaker: Stacey Muhammad is an Award Winning Independent Filmmaker and Activist committed to using the power of media to educate, enlighten and empower humanity. Her first film, “A Glimpse of Heaven, The Legacy of the Million Man March”, screened at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, MD in 2005 and received rave reviews.
KRS ONE , 50 Cent Track from Stacey Muhammad on Vimeo.
Since that time, the New Orleans native has begun the work of documenting and preserving Hip Hop culture through film and digital media. Her projects include several multi-media projects, music videos and short form documentaries, including, the award winning "I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak", which made it’s film festival premier at the New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival.Ms. Muhammad has worked with several media outlets as well as numerous hip hop artist. She also served on the national staff for the planning of the Million Man March and the planning committee for the Hip Hop Summit Action Network. Ms. Muhammad lectures and participates in panel discussions on filmmaking, activism as well as hip hop culture.
As co-founder of "IntelligentSeedz", Youth Media Organization, Stacey is committed to teaching youth the art of filmmaking and equipping them with the necessary tools to tell the stories that affect their lives.
Her latest film, "Out of Our Right Minds" is slated to be released in January 2010.
For more information, please visit the sites below:
http://www.wildseedstudios.com
http://www.vimeo.com/wildseed
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3549323/bio
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1474225/
http://www.facebook.com/staceymuhammad
To participate, please contact Wildseed Films @ 347-405-6784 / via email @ wildseedfilms@gmail.com / or via Facebook
Participants will be required to sign a release form...there is no monetary compensation for this film...Credit / DVD copy provided . . .
You can donate to the projects Wildseed Films are currently producing by clicking the link below:
Thank you for your continued support!
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9111018
Tai Chi Chuan and The Code of Life
Tai Chi Chuan and The Code of Life
Posted using ShareThisTai Chi Chuan & The Code of Life for Both East & West details how to build chi, circulate and store it. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi & Chi Kung, Graham Horwood has highlighted parallels from its source, The I Ching and the archetypal principles from both Eastern & Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, yet show how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi. This will strengthen both the mind and body opening the gateway to the inner person.
Posted using ShareThisTai Chi Chuan & The Code of Life for Both East & West details how to build chi, circulate and store it. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi & Chi Kung, Graham Horwood has highlighted parallels from its source, The I Ching and the archetypal principles from both Eastern & Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, yet show how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi. This will strengthen both the mind and body opening the gateway to the inner person.
OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE FAMILY PHOTO
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose in the White House's Green Room with their children, Sasha, left, and Malia.
Official White House Photo by Annie Leibovitz.
2nd Annual National Opportunity to Learn Education Summit 2009: Building a National Movement to Close the Opportunity Gap | Summary | powered by RegOnline
Umm Kulthum-Arab Film Distribution: Home Page - Films, Videos, and DVDs from the Arab World, Middle East, and North Africa
Arab Film Distribution: Home Page - Films, Videos, and DVDs from the Arab World, Middle East, and North Africa
Posted using ShareThisShe had the musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, the public presence of Eleanor Roosevelt and the audience of Elvis Presley.
Born a peasant at the turn of the last century, legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum earned a position of great wealth and influence.
Poverty and Income in 2008: A Look at the New Census Data and What the Numbers Mean - Brookings Institution
BlackPublicMedia.org: Mandisa
BlackPublicMedia.org: MandisaMandisa was produced as part of the National Black Programming Consortium's New Media Institute: Africa project when it traveled to Durban South Africa in 2008. Working with the local arts center, Ekhaya Multi Arts Center, in the township of Kwa Mashu, students were tasked with capturing interesting short documentary stories about South Africa. Mandisa tells the story of a young woman who works a the arts center and also trains as an artist/poet. It chronicles her determination to get her younger sister a better life, and documents the artistic youth environment that fuels her creativity in Kwa Mashu.
Harlem One Stop: Music, Art, Historic House
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Yale University African American Affinity Group Cordially invites you to join us to hear Dr. Hilda Hutcherson discuss "Ten Keys to a Long, Healthy
The Yale University African American Affinity Group
Cordially invites you to join us to hear
Dr. Hilda Hutcherson discuss
"Ten Keys to a Long, Healthy and Satisfying Life"
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 5:30 - 8:00 pm (Including reception)
The Anlyan Center (TAC) Auditorium
300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06511
This event is FREE and open to the public
Please call the Learning Center to register at 432-5660
PLEASE PASS THIS ON!
Date: Wednesday, October 28th 2009
Where: The Anylan Center (TAC) Auditorium
Address: 300 Cedar Street, New Haven CT
Speaker Series: Dr. Hilda Hutcherson
Please join us to hear Dr. Hilda discuss: "Ten Keys to a Long, Healthy
and Satisfying Life". This event is free and open to the public.
SCIP Connecticut/Southern New England Chapter:Tapping Social - Training and Events - SCIP
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
2009-10 Yale Repertory Theatre | Eclipsed
2009-10 Yale Repertory Theatre | EclipsedEclipsed
By DANAI GURIRA
Directed by LIESL TOMMY
October 23-November 14, 2009
Yale Repertory Theatre
1120 Chapel Street (at York Street)
Open Captioning - November 7, 2009, 2PM
Audio Description - November 14, 2009, 2PM
shim
Ten Dollar Tickets
October 26, 27, and 28 - All Tickets $10! On Sale Now.
A SHOUT OUT TO PHYLLIS HAINES- you go girl
WBDC Member ~ Phyllis Haynes from Southern Relishes for her great interview on Connecticut Style/News Channel 8!Mariah’s Chow Chow Relish is the gourmet relish with the southern flavor of vegetables and spices combined into a savory condiment. Mariah’s Relishes are excellent food enhancers and an everyday
The MacMillan Report-Interview withYale Professor Kamari Clarke
The MacMillan Report
Posted using ShareThisEpisode: October 21, 2009
Guest
Kamari Clarke, Professor of Anthropology, and Chair of the Council on African Studies at the MacMillan Center
Professor Clarke’s areas of research explore issues related to religious nationalism, legal institutions, international law, the interface between culture and power and its relationship to the modernity of race and late capitalist globalization. Her recent articles and books have focused on religious and legal movements and the related production of knowledge and power, including the 2004 publication of Mapping Yoruba Networks: Power and Agency in the Making of Transnational Communities. We talk with Professor Clarke about her newest book, Fictions of Justice: The International Criminal Court and the Challenge of Legal Pluralism in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Guinea Shaken By Wave Of Rapes During Crackdown : NPR
Guinea Shaken By Wave Of Rapes During Crackdown : NPR
Posted using ShareThisI have never seen such violence in my life. I swear that this is the first time in Guinea that we have witnessed women's bodies being treated as if they were battlefields. It goes against our culture and traditions. I'm horrified. We're all horrified.
Posted using ShareThisI have never seen such violence in my life. I swear that this is the first time in Guinea that we have witnessed women's bodies being treated as if they were battlefields. It goes against our culture and traditions. I'm horrified. We're all horrified.
AMISTAD AMERICA CARIBBEAN FREEDOM TOUR
Amistad America is preparing for 2009/2010 Historical Caribbean Freedom Tour to
15 islands, several CARICOM countries with special programs, including possibly Cuba.
Havana "Homecoming" in March 2010 would mark 10th Anniversary of the Amistad's Launch at Mystic Seaport.
Stay tuned for more details.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
John Brown, Slavery, and the Legacies of Revolutionary Violence in Our Own Time
John Brown, Slavery, and the Legacies of Revolutionary Violence in Our Own Time
Free and Open to the public:registration required
John Brown, Slavery, and the Legacies of Revolutionary Violence in Our Own Time:
A Conference Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Harpers Ferry Raid
Gilder Lehrman Center's 11th Annual International Conference
October 29-31, 2009
Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut
Thursday, October 29, William L. Harkness Hall, Room 201 (Sudler Hall), 100 Wall Street
Friday and Saturday, October 30-31, Luce Hall Auditorium, 34 Hillhouse Avenue
Discussions of the place of violence -- its forms, its causes, its justice or injustice -- in American history often begin with John Brown and his exploits in Kansas and at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in the 1850s. Brown's image has been appropriated by groups from the left and the right. He is a historical as well as a legendary figure, and often the myth overshadows the reality. This conference will explore the meaning and memory of John Brown as well as the problem of violence in American culture, past and present.
The conference will open on the evening of Thursday, October 29 with a performance of John Brown: Trumpet of Freedom by actor and playwright Norman Marshall. On Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, conference panels will focus on four major themes:
* John Brown: A Problem in Biography
* John Brown and the Arts
* John Brown and the Legacies of Violence
* John Brown and Abolitionism
* Concluding Roundtable: A Problem for Our Own Time
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