MaiBlog~ observations of life

The TakeHome: How music can be used by physicians

2009-07-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Part VI: Natural potential
Music can be used as a tool by naturopaths because it apparently has a cumulative effect. Encouraging young patients to cultivate a love of intricate music has the potential to prime them for self actualization. The implication for those seeking to increase their IQ is evident. However, on a much more general every day level, music may be explored to help with mood and arousal, and to help balance depression and anxiety. Abraham Maslow defined the parameters needed to reach the ultimate in an individuals personality. Reasoning through the humanist perspective, all individuals have a positive push of inner-directedness that if unimpeded will move us towards our fullest potential and growth. Music can be a powerful guide in our journey for this self actualization. It can aide in this by giving us the tools to perform at our very best in several cognitive tasks, including spatial reasoning. There is also potential to rebuild the right hemisphere of the brain after the effects of trauma.

In the end
Unfortunately, research is severely lacking in research of varying forms of music. It is clear however, that music primes the brain to work harder, work better, increase capacity, regulate mood and arousal, and to perform spatial reasoning and other cognitive tasks. Repetition is key, the more you make use of this phenomenon the more you will get out of it. The earlier in life you begin to utilize this phenomenon the longer it will last and the more you will get out of it. Because the style of Mozart and his contemporaries in a up-tempo, major mode is ideal for performance, it is beneficial to cultivate a love for this style as early in life as possible. However, if that is not the case, more familiar and enjoyable forms of music will have similar or better results as listening to classical music of the like. Learning to play, read, and compose music will further increase your brain's capacity to perform tasks, and memorize. Though hyper-focusing may have the potential to suppress some of your innate creativity and spatial reasoning abilities. However overall, the costs don't outweigh the gains, as you will be more likely to be proficient in both hemispheres of the brain, just not equally. Women and men may not differ nearly as much as would be expected in perceiving emotion in music. Though women did show a significant advancement over men in certain cognitive functions, spatial reasoning was not one of them. Spatial reasoning abilities among men and women are fairly consistent between the sexes when listening to classical music in both a major or minor mode, but music in the major mode (cheerful) has a more positive effect on cognitive tasks. Cultivating a love of music and thinking about it in both a right brain intuitive mode, and a left brain logical mode will help the individual reach their fullest potential.

References

Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K.N. (1995). Listening to Mozart enhances spatial-temporal reasoning: Towards a neurophsiological basis. Neuroscience Letters, 44-47.

Schellenberg, E. Glen. (2005). Music and Cognitive Abilities. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14 (6), 317-320.

Brandler, S. & Rammsayer, T.H. (2003). Differences in mental abilities between musicians and non-musicians. Psychology of Music, 31(2), 123-138.

Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K.N. (1993). Music and spatial task performance. Nature, 365.

Sutton, C. J. C. & Lowis, M. J. (2008). The Effect of Musical Mode on Verbal and Spatial Task Performance. Creativity Research Journal, 20 (4), 420-426.

Campbell, D. (2001, 1997). The Mozart Effect. New York: Quill HaperCollins Publishers.

Leeds, J. (2001). The Power of Sound. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.

Jausovec, N., & Habe, K. (2005). The influence of Mozart’s sonata K. 488 on brain activity during performance of spatial rotation and numerical tasks. Brain Topology, 17, 207–218.

Pert, C. (2000). Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind [CD]. Louisville, Colorado: Sounds True, Inc.

Influencing factors of Music's effect

2009-07-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Part III: Style
Music's benefits are vast. It can adapt mood, adapt positive thinking, strengthen survival skills, and sympathy (Leeds, 2003). These are among the improvements that music can make on peoples lives. All music genres have significant implications for the mind. Dr. Alfred Tomatis' research on the workings of the inner ear were undoubtedly the precursor for the focus on Mozart's music and spatial reasoning. Tomatis focused on Mozart's music namely the violin concertos numbers 3 and 4 as having the strongest ability to positively effect students capacity to focus and concentrate. Music can have a positive or negative effect on spatial performance tasks. Sutton and Lowis found that when music is sad (often minor in composition) it can make the listener sad, and depressed people show impairment in spatial tasks because depression effects the arousal in the right cerebral hemisphere of the brain which is associated with cognitive spatial processing. Overall, the Sutton-Lowis study showed that cheerful music enhances spatial reasoning more than sad music, and that this is because music elicits and emotional response. They also found that the degree to which and emotional response is elicited is similar in both men and women.

In a 1995 experiment done by Rausher, Shaw, and Ky, their work suggested that listening to a piano sonata composed by Mozart lead to increased spatial reasoning performance. They also found that listening to repetitive music does not aide in spatial reasoning. These findings are in correlation with Shaw's statements, "We suspect that complex music facilitates certain complex neuronal patterns involved in high brain activities like math and chess. By contrast, simple and repetitive music could have the opposite effect." Shaw suggests a possibility that banal music or sounds may have and adverse effect on the mind and brain functions. Just as highly intricate music containing complicated melodies and rhythms have a positive effect on he mind's ability to reason spatially, simple, repetitive, monotonous music may have the opposite effect on the mind's ability to reason spatially. The latter may actually regress the mind's ability, if even for short periods of time.

Age Matters

It is found that the impact music has on spatial reasoning only last from 10 to 15 minutes in adults. This is a temporary effect. However, it can have cumulative effects concurrently. Therefore, the more you make use of this phenomenon the more readily and quicker it will manifest. It is also of note, that the younger the individual is when in a musical environment, the longer the effect has been shown to last (Schellenberg, 2005). It is apparent that music has a cumulative effect because the younger the person is when introduced to music the longer potential they have to hold on to the benefits of this phenomenon. Schellenberg noted that the phenomenon looses its longevity the later in life it begins to be implemented. He also said that the more it is used (even later in life) the greater its magnitude for positive results. Though listening is sufficient to prime the brain for a boost in spatial tasks performance, learning to play the music is significant in perpetuating longer lasting effects (Schellenberg, 2005). In a correlative test of 147 children and 150 undergraduate adults, (using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III, or WISC-III and the Wechsler Adult Intelligences Scale-III, or WAIS-III respectively) Schellenberg concluded that the effects of music on cognitive abilities are greater with more exposure to music regularly and can be long lasting.

To musician or to non-musician
Though differences in certain cognitive functions between musicians and non-musicians exist, the differences between the two in terms of spatial reasoning did not favor the musicians according to Brandler and Rammsayer (2003). Researchers were surprised to find this to be the case, but hold their finding as reliable as these results were consistently shown by four Cattell’s Culture Free Intelligence Test, Scale 3 (CFT) subscales. In explanation, that they warn is "a preliminary, highly speculative, possible explanation ", they suggest that perhaps our thinking of relegating music to the right hemisphere (because music stimulates the right brain more than the left brain) of the brain should be revised. It is certain that highly skilled musicians utilize both the right and left brains to carry out their musical lifestyles. However, the memory aspect of their mind may dominate over the reason part. This is indicative of a diverse array of mental abilities in musicians and contrasted by a stronger yet more base mental ability in non-musicians. Therefore, "early extensive musical training" results in a change to the cortical organization. This augments the left brain functions of the musician, while diminishing the innate musical abilities of the right brain. This is reminiscent of how in Western education, schooling may lead to strengthening the left brain while neglecting the right brain.

Sounds of Sex
Though there were differences between certain cognitive functions between men and women, the differences in spatial reasoning between the two groups was not significant in the Sutton-Lowis experiment. Sutton and Lowis are interested in determining the differences between sexes when they listen to music on both their verbal and spatial reasoning skills. Overall, they tout that music has an ability to increase spatial and verbal reasoning, and their data supports this claim. However, the most significant correlation was found between women and verbal reasoning. Though the other sectors had over all improvement, their amount of improvement were nominal in comparison to the increase found with women in verbal reasoning. Their study is particularly noteworthy because there is a severe lack of research on the differences of how the sexes are effected by music. Sutton and Lowis found that the degree to which an emotional response is elicited is similar in both men and women.

References available in Part VI

Music and the Neurotransmitters who love it

2009-07-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Part II: Effects on the brain
Music's uncanny influence on spatial reasoning was one of the key correlations that began the work to develop an understanding of music's effect on the brain. Spatial reasoning functions are located in the right hemisphere of the brain. Spatial reasoning is a function processed and elicited in the right hemisphere of the brain. The right brain is categorized by emotion, id-based thinking, feeling, intuition, impetuousness, and creativity. This hemisphere is often marginalized in Western culture and relegated to dreams in most individuals. The left hemisphere is categorized by logic, reality, mathematics, language, and strategy. Music is also attributed to right brain functions because it stimulates the functions of the right brain more than the left brain.

Music can place the brain in an optimal arousal mode (Schellenberg, 2005). Music can effect emotion (Sutton and Lowis, 2008). This happens on a psychological and physiological level. Much in the same way some narcotics mimic the neuronal patterns of some neurotransmitters such as epinephrine and endorphins, to mimic their pleasurable sensations (Pert, 2000), music effects spatial reasoning by mimicking the same firing pathways neurons undergo when we successfully concentrate and focus (Campbell, 2001, 1997). This is why increased concentrating and focus occurs in close proximity of listening for adults. The younger the individual, the longer the effect last because their brains are at the start of creating familiar firing pathways. In addition, their cells divide more often creating the potential to create more daughter cells with receptors primed to perpetuate the pathway. Explained in part by the idea of association and the Hebbian theory of synaptic activity and efficiency which is often summarized as "the cells that fire together, wire together". Sutton and Lowis suggest that music is a communicator that is adept at communicating emotion. In a 2005 experiment conducted by E. Glenn Schellenberg he found that music effects spatial reasoning in part by arousing the mind of the participant. By putting the brain in an optimal state of arousal, this attributed to increased performance. He also attributed increased performance in spatial reasoning to changes in mood directly linked to the major (cheerful sounding), up tempo Mozart selections. Therefore, arousal primes the brain to do more work, and music works as a exercise to strengthen the brain.

References available in Part VI

Music's Effect on Spatial Reasoning

2009-07-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Part I: In the beginning
Music is a part of every culture, and yet it is often taken for granted as it is so ingrained in daily life. Music is one of the broadest elements in our world. New genres seem to sprout every day. It is always developing and evolving, ebbing and flowing. There is little doubt as to why it is listed as one of the seven intellectual fields enumerated by Howard Gardner. Scientist and researchers give a thorough explanation of music's link to cognition and spatial reasoning. These works can give anyone a basic working knowledge of how music effects spatial reasoning, and how it may be used for self improvement. Exploring music's effects on spatial reasoning may help unlock a valuable tool for health and healing.

Professor of Education at Harvard University, Howard Gardner listed music and spatial reasoning as two of seven types of intelligence in the 1980s. Spatial reasoning is called various things including spacial intellect and spatial-temporal reasoning, among others. Though differing phrases may attempt to evoke a particular tone, spatial reasoning is at the core of each understanding. Spatial reasoning is involved in manipulating 2-D images into 3-D images with your mind's eye. This may involve physical navigation, mental imagery, hand eye coordination, and spatial relationships. This skill is used by all. However, it is particularly important to engineers, architects, and computer game programmers. From playing video games to planning out how to arrange furniture in an empty room (topography), spatial reasoning is the core component. The degree of an individual's spatial reasoning capacity can be tested for via an IQ test, as it is a component of intelligence. On IQ tests, spatial reasoning is often tested by the individual attempting to recreate a particular sequence of colored blocks. Some IQ test utilized by the following studies include the Stadford-Binet Intelligence Scale, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III ( WISC-III), the Wechsler Adult Intelligences Scale-III (WAIS-III), and the Cattell’s Culture Free Intelligence Test, Scale 3 (CFT). I have reviewed six articles that explore the relationship between music and spatial reasoning.

What's the phenomenon?
It has been found that music, to varying degrees, positively or negatively prime the cells in the brain to perform spatial reasoning tasks (Jausavec and Habe, 2005). An experiment conducted by Rauscher, Shaw and Ky with undergraduate students in the mid 1990s showed that their IQ scores (Stanford-Binet) rose by 8 to 9 points after listening to music composed by Mozart. It was also found that this effect lasted only temporarily, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This phenomenon was dubbed "The Mozart Effect" (Rauscher et al., 1995). Sutton and Lowis (2008) note that "Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky reported a short-term enhancement in spatial-temporal reasoning following listening to Mozart music". Rauscher conducted an additional experiment in 1998 where he found that certain music increases test subjects' performance, concentration, focus, and spatial reasoning tasks. These results were elicited through a testing format. Rauscher concentrated on the effects of classical music. Don Campbell, author of "The Mozart Effect" credits the music of Mozart and his contemporaries with the ability to "stimulate learning and memory" and "strengthen concentration abilities". Sutton and Lowis found that the phenomenon works without the listener focusing on the music. The emotions elicited by the music act on a subconscious level. The music was not a focal point but rather background music predominately relegated to the preconscious. Furthermore, none of the participants expressed a conscious awareness of the music during their debriefing sessions with the researchers.

Further research (Schellenberg, 2005) has found that music improves social skills, mood, and other cognitive functions in addition to spatial reasoning. This phenomenon is significant and unique because though music is the method, the benefits and improvements extend to non-music related abilities, the results are consistent, and they are most likely to occur by listening or playing music than by other activities. Schellenberg broadened the research substantiated by Rauscher (1993) by noting spatial reasoning and other cognitive ability links to music other than classical. He found that music that is familiar, or enjoyable to the individual often has even greater potential to strengthen these cognitive tasks, with spatial reasoning being at the forefront. To broaden the term, Schellenberg renamed this phenomenon the "arousal-and-mood hypothesis", thus indicating the link between the benefits and the emotional state of the individual. Schellenberg also noted that the emotional state of the individual primes cognitive functions to enhance in ability. Thus, listening to music has the capacity to effect the brain, emotions, and mind set.

References available in Part VI

!!!HAPPY JUNETEENTH 2009!!!/Senate apologies to Blacks

2009-06-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Juneteenth, June 19th, is one of my favorite occasions. I look forward to it every year. I keep thinking, maybe next year, Google or Yahoo! will have a special design for their logo to spotlight Juneteenth... One day...

For anyone oblivious to the occasion, it marks the most recognized end to slavery. The story goes thus:

The Emancipation Proclamation (Lincoln) was a law abolishing slavery and freeing ALL slaves in ALL of the United States. It was issued on September 22, 1862, and was supposed to be effective as of January 1, 1863. However, that news (and enforcement) didn't quite make it to the poor slaves in Galveston, Texas (and other Eastern Texan localities) until June 19, 1865. Yeah... a whole flippin' 2 and a half years after the law was active. (Those law-breaking, self-righteous, Eastern Texan slave-holders really burn me up!!!) On that day, as the story goes, Union General Granger and troops arrived in Galveston not only to enforce the emancipation of the slaves (I bet they didn't get 2.5 years of back pay... I know!!... efforts should be dedicated to getting their back pay to their ancestors!! I think there's a word for that.....) but to also take over possession of Texas. Juneteenth started being celebrated in Galveston the VERY NEXT YEAR. Strawberry pop anyone.......?

It's interesting that recently the Senate apologized for the first time to United State's African-American descendants for the atrocities of slavery. (They really need to apologize to Africa for the atrocities of the American Slave trade... what? You think pilfering millions of Africa's strongest men and women didn't adversely effect their lives for centuries?) Among the apologizers where Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa and Sen. Brownback of Kansas.

Oh well, it just a twisted ritual of America. The apology means little to me (it does little except assuage some people's guilt, and give others ammunition to rationalize deplorable points of view), but I know it means something to some people, and for that, I smile at it.

!!!!!!!!!!HAPPY JUNETEENTH 2009!!!!!!!!!
RBG UP!
UHURU
HOTEP!!!
PEACE

Why wouldn't the US aide Iran?

2009-06-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

The Iranian people are obviously speaking. And not only in Iran, but also with protests near to me in Toronto, Canada.

I love protestors. I was happy to see the people raising awareness of the people, the Tamils, and the military in Sri Lanka. I was even pleasantly surprised when several people walked on to the Gardiner Expressway and shut down traffic. What power protestors have!

Will it just take time for Obama to step up more than just feeling remorse over what happened with the recent Iranian election? John McCain spoke to Congress recently about his dismay with the Obama Admin's stance of inaction. Of not wanting to meddle.

Elections are supposed to represent the voice of the people. But often that is not the case. Where are the groups of equal size, marching for their satisfaction with the President?

The US should begin aide of Iran by giving an ear to the Iranian people. By getting them chance for a collective international voice. The media is so restricted there right now, save images of the Ayatollah. What are the people to do?

When the people do something they have never done before, its because they want change.

change...

'Get your ASS OUT the car, and WALK HOME'

2009-04-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

I really feel for mothers and fathers like Madeline Primoff, Darlene Ong [1], or even mai Mom and Dad who have felt the need to put an underage child out the car to walk home for misbehavior. I feel for mothers like Primoff who have been JAILED for such action.

First and foremost, DONT MAKE EMPTY THREATS. Do what you say you are going to do, or don't say it. This is the only way threats like "Don't make me pull this car over" are ever actually going to be effective. If you’ve set a history with other things that you do what you say.

This issue has come to light in the news recently because Primoff and her mother were in the car when they put out her 10 and 12 year old daughters for 'acting out'. The mother was trying to teach the girls that if they behave badly, then they will have to suffer in a way that they wont like. Primoff (or her lawyer rather) said that she and her mother dropped the girls off on the street, drove around the block, and when they came back to retrieve them, the older girl was there, but the 10 year old was missing! Apparently, a passerby took the 10 yr old for ice cream and then dropped her off with a police officer. (Thank you passerby for not being a crazy person. I hope Primoff is thanking God for that.) Primoff called to report her daughter missing and when she arrived at the precinct to pick her up, Primoff was arrested and jailed overnight for abandoning the child.

Ok, wow this is 'Get your ass out the car' gone WRONG, terribly, terribly wrong. Could I ever image making my child walk home for bad behavior? HELL YEAH! Would I ever make mai child think that I was going to leave them somewhere they didn't know and where they couldn't get home from... NO! Inducing abandonment issues shouldn't be the goal Mom. ABC News didn't make it clear as to if the girls were dropped off at a place they knew and could possibly get home from.

Factors have to be taken in to consideration to effectively enact ‘Get your ass out the car’. (This tactic was supported by the ‘expert’ on ABC News though she said you should drive alongside the child as they walked.) If you think there's a possibility you would enact this sort of disciplinary action on your child, why wouldn't you have a premeditated game plan?

Factor Q: Number of offending children? There is strength in numbers. I'd be more likely to drop off 4 children than 2.

Factor X: Will the children stay with each other if I drop them off? 'Get your ass out the car and you better not come home without your baby sister or this will seem like a walk in the park!" Obviously Primoff didn't think that one thru. I can't believe her 12 year old let the 10 year old go off on her own. I know families, where even if you are fighting, the parents have set up a system whereas the older siblings know they are responsible for the younger ones. I mean lets keep in mind, 12 is babysitting age!

Factor Y: What’s the weather like? What time of day is it? Are the children dressed appropriately?

Factor Z: Do the kids know the area? Do you as a parent know the area? How long will it take them to get home or to their destination? In mai childhood neighborhood I could ride mai bike to the park that was 15min away. I could've walked from there if I was interested in exercising. So dropping a 12 yr old there in daylight to walk home could be totally appropriate behavior. Also, I grew up in a rural country community, I wouldn’t drop a kid off on Skid Row in LA even if it was a short 45min walk to mai front door.

I think making children walk home can be a useful tool if it’s not used in the heat of the moment. That’s where this situation went wrong. If Primoff would have thought out the situation she probably wouldn't be in such hot water. I dont disagree with the practice totally, but I do think the way Primoff went about it was irresponsible. I mean, a passerby picked her child up! Thank God the ice cream wasn't drugged and she was delivered to an officer... but it could have just as easily gone another way. 'Get your ass out the car and walk home’ can only be enacted when the risks have been calculated and its used as a teaching and discipline method not as an unthought about whim the parent goes on. Each situation is different, so assess your situation before you enact this, but there IS a place for it. If they piss you off 25 miles from home, wait till you are 4 miles from home, and make em walk if the factors line up. ‘That’s right Billy, you’re ass was made for walkin’, so that just what your bad ass is gonna do. I love you, see you when you get home’

1. ABC News

Gameplay- Do you want to be my boyfriend? Check Yes or No

2009-04-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

Men and women ARE different, and how we interact with the opposite sex is significant, and depicted about how we view our roles in society. I just had an interesting conversation with two 20-something women* about male/female dynamics in budding relationships. Laney's been married one year, Mona's been dating a guy for one month, and me, married for 5 years.

Mona is anxious to know if her relationship has reached exclusive boyfriend/girlfriend status, but isn't sure about how to find out. She's considering having a friend ask the guy, in a round-a-bout way. Laney advises to 'hold off' and let the guy take the initiative in that respect. Laney finds it best to wait for men to say 'I love you' first because ‘men like to do things like that’. She believes woman can be assertive without being dominant, and that not letting the man take the initiative is usurping his dominance. She says women can be assertive by ‘getting what they want’ without having to have a discussion. She has a girlfriend who's been wanting to say she loves her guy since a few months into their relationship, but has been waiting for 3 years for him to say it first, and therefore doesn't quite know where their relationship stands. I say, if you are in a relationship (where you desire longevity), ask questions flat out, clearly, and as they arise. I don’t see a place for poor communication and inhibition in a healthy adult relationship. I see finding a back-door way of talking about things with your partner so that he feels more like the 'direction-setter' as a form of playing games that everyone should avoid. I am a big believer and appreciator of feminine wiles, but I like to ‘get what I want’ by talking it out.

I'm sure part of my POV comes from my distaste for men who shy away from assertive women. Is being 'too domineering' a concern that women in fledgling relationships ?All men are different, as are situations and relationships. Most would agree that there are times when the woman should say 'I love you' first and such. But the true question is: Is there ANY circumstance where a woman who questions the status of her relationship should wait for the man to establish it before asking questions? Is she gonna 'run off' the potential love of her life? Should you ever stay silent from your partner when you have questions? Should you play 'harmless' covert games to find out what you need to know?

I feel like NOT asking questions as they arise is putting your life on hold. If he wants to be exclusive and so do you, fine; but if he doesn't, and you don’t find out, then you are going to turn down other dating opportunities. How's that fair?

*Names have been changed to protect Mai

ProgressiveU: http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/mai

Gaia: http://markmaiwords.gaia.com/blog

Hood Doctors: http://thehooddoctors.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=3ld643w6vk6z9

Wordpress: http://maiweblog.wordpress.com/

'Not to offend anybody, but I just don't think gays should be getting married'

2009-04-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yikes, touchy subject right? This issue is on the minds of millions. But this is essentially the response that Miss America first runner-up California's Carrie Prejean gave last night on the Miss America Pageant contest. Infamous online celebrity gossiper, and totally gay dude Perez Hilton asked Prejean the tough question. (I felt sorry for the girl when she got it. I mean Miss Arizona had to answer a question about how she got her childhood nickname- lame.) Hilton was obviously not excited by her answer. Though it was neck in neck all night between the top two, Miss North Carolina's Kristen Dalton (gorgeous blue gown btw) won the title. So did that question cause the title for California? And would that be 'just'?

Its funny that Prejean is from California because I tend to think of Cali as a liberal, (somewhat hedonistic), live and let live, anything goes sort of atmosphere, though of course you get all types everywhere... (I mean I don't think fiery Miss Utah was Mormon but I don't know...)

There is never going to be a time where everyone in the country supports marriage equality. There's never going to be a time where we all agree on everything. Keeping that in mind, should Perez Hilton 'hold that against' Prejean? Can a Miss America who doesn't support marriage equality accurately represent this increasingly diverse nation?

I too was brought up with a religious background that doesn't support gay lifestyle. That shouldn't be a big surprise, I dont think most people are. However, I was also brought up not to pass judgement on people. You can still like people and recognize that people are good people without agreeing with everything they do, basically. I also happen to be pretty liberal. And I think that politics and laws are not currently governed by religious morals (beautiful wicked world).... so therefore, its not just (by law/politics/etc) to have unequal marriage rights, en mon avis...

I say all that to say, thought I dont agree with Prejean 'per se' it had to be pretty difficult for her to answer Hilton as she did. And there's a lot to be said for standing your ground. I'm proud of that in her, and I'd like to be proud of Miss America.

'Synecdoche, New York'- WTF? Too abstract for its own good?

2009-04-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

"Synecdoche, New York" is an intriguing, thought-provoking drama about_______________________________________. (fill in the blank)

I'm formulating my ideas and processing my feelings about this work, and have chosen to do so before I research any reviews or analysis so that I can keep my thoughts as pure as possible. But artist and cultural activist Erykah Badu's lyrics come to mind, "What good do your words do, if they can't understand you?" Can art be too abstract for its own good?

This film reminded me of a well thought out play. It's no secret that plays are generally thought to have more depth than movies. I believe this is because (among many things*) the generally short time span plays encompass as opposed to films, and therefore the audience in invited to experience the entire world of the piece infinitely more than with cinema. However, this film spans nearly 2 decades (I think). I still felt like I was watching Angles in America by Tony Kushner or perhaps In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks. That delightful heavy feeling you experience with a show like that, was felt while watching this film. I was so impressed.

Generally, plays tend to lean towards the abstract more than films. Synecdoche, New York was definitely abstract. In this work we follow a theatre director named Caden though several romantic and familial relationships as he attempts to understand himself, a goal he never achieves (or perhaps only slightly achieves by having his life completely manipulated by a theatre director playing himself). He is awarded a MacArthur Fellowship ("Genius Award") and plans to create a huge production to tout his skills. He sets his pseudo-performance art style play in a warehouse and has a cast as large as the community of people he surrounds himself with. Let's just say its a MASSIVE production. The play is never fully mounted (I think).

It's not an easy film to describe. I recommend everyone see this thought-provoking film. What did I take away? A reinforced idea that life is obscure, and the relationships within are based on an innumerable amount of absurd details. That happen to be fascinating because of what they may suggest about one another. (Why where the psychiatrist's shoes so damaging to her feet and why did she ignore it? Why was Hazel's house always on fire?) I also remember that life is not about the individual. Keeping this in mind should put ego, paranoia, anxiety, and selfishness in perspective.

It seemed that Caden (was he ever really sick? and was there anything significant about Olive's green poop at the film's start?) was unable to overcome the stress with directing his own life, though he was astute in directing actors. Eventually, an actor, playing Caden as a theatre director had to direct him in his everyday life until his death. Or had he become just another actor in the play?

This film will leave you with plenty of questions.

Footnote:
* films make more money and have the luxury of being as trivial as they want because they have a larger audience

Ozone Therapy: Methods, Practioners, & Safety

2009-04-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Topic: Methods of administration, safety, importance of skill of practitioner

Ozone therapy and generators must only be administered and handled by trained practitioners to ensure safety. No ozone need come in contact with the respiratory system for this therapy to be effective. Medical grade ozone used in therapies is diluted to a point that can be utilized by our bodies. Trained practitioners can regulate the volume and concentration of ozone production and regulate the quantity administered. This is of utmost importance because all substances in the body out of proper proportion will cause adverse effects. This is true of common medications like aspirin, elements such as magnesium or chlorine, treatments such as radiation, or even the purest of substances, water. Ozone generators are used by taking pure medical grade oxygen and sending electric currants through it, causing the oxygen molecule to decompose, and recombine with other oxygen molecules to form O3, ozone. The ozone gas is then pumped into a closed system (i.e. bottle, tube) which allows no ozone to escape into the atmosphere. This unique quality of ozone decomposing after 40 minutes adds to the safety of administering this gas. It can not be stored, thus no more is produced at a time than what is required. This makes for very little chance of exposing it into the atmosphere. However, if it where to be released in to the atmosphere inadvertently the amount of ozone would be very small. There are a plethora of ways to administer ozone therapy. Autohemotherapy is a predominate intravenous method. In this method anywhere between 50mL to 200mL of the patient's blood may be extracted and combined in a closed system to a bottle with ozone gas or a melange of ozone gas and oxygen gas. The two substances are then gently agitated to instigate infusion. The oxygenated blood turns bright red and is then injected back into the patient's blood stream. Ozone therapy has also been administered via drinking oxygenated water, using oxygenated oils, intramuscular injection, ear insufflation, and ozone bagging to name a few.

Additional Notes:
Ozone generators are extremely safe when used correctly.
Ozone depletion is of grave concern. CFCs have depleted the ozone for years via refrigerators and other appliances, also aerosol cans.
Oxygen has little potential to cause harm if inadvertently exposed in the atmosphere.

More on Ozone Therapy

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51628-dispelling-ozone-myths-science-it = Myths about Ozone

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51624-ozone-therapy-key-foundation = The discoveries of Dr. Warburg, Dr. Watson, Dr. Varro

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51620-ozone-therapy-are-potential-cures... = How Ozone is believed to fight cancer

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51645-why-ozone-kicks-oxygens-ass-ozone... = Why Ozone is better at fighting cancer than Oxygen

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51675-ozone-therapy-methods-practioners... = Methods of administration, safety, importance of skill of practitioner

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51622-usa-behind-cuba-and-europe-progre... = History of use, present day usage, and lack of study

Why Ozone kicks Oxygen's Ass: Ozone Therapy

2009-04-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Like it or not one day, in this crazy, beautiful, wicked world pot will be decriminalized, plus sized models will prevail, abortion will stay, gays will marry, people who don't love the constitution will stop being villianized, and alternative medicine/therapies will flourish. We've seen limitations on stem cell research be lifted, and one day, hopefully sooner than later, we will see more research and practice of Ozone therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells (Warburg). Second, cancer has a viral component (Watson). Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone (Varro). Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

Why use ozone, a known carcinogen which (when tropospheric) may harm the epithelial tissues in our lungs, in oxidative therapies instead of O2 exclusively? The noted and influential Dr. Erwin Payr said, "Ozone can do what oxygen cannot". Ozone is molecular oxygen with one or more extra atoms of oxygen; the more oxygen atoms to disperse, the more effective at diffusing oxygen into the body. Due to the small quantity of ozone required per treatment, (and therefore small amount produced at a time) it poses little threat to our atmosphere. Unstable ozone requires less energy than stable O2 to undergo reaction. Once ozone is infused into the blood, it quickly breaks down into oxygen, readily oxidizes blood and tissue cells, and rapidly circulates more oxygen in the blood stream than O2. Anne Schadde author of O3zone: A Homeopathic Proving says, "The intense reactivity of ozone is explained by suggesting that one of the three oxygen atoms is in an 'atomic' state. On reacting, this atom is dissociated from the O3 molecule, leaving molecular oxygen, O2. The molecular oxygen, O2, is not reactive at ambient temperature and pressures. However, the atomic oxygen, O, is far more reactive" (6). Ozone's 18 electrons have a high energy, making the molecule highly reactive and unstable. This is apparent by its short lifespan of about 40 minutes. After about 40 minutes before ozone decomposes back into oxygen molecules and atoms. In an email exchange with London-based ozone therapist Steven Salem Karim he writes, "The difference between medical Ozone and Oxygen is in the physical and chemical properties...Ozone is far more unstable and has more energy. This energy can be released in a number of ways and can effect the way it reacts with other chemicals or biochemistries. Oxygen is a very stable element and needs more energy to react with chemicals and other biochemistries. These characteristics between Ozone and Oxygen is why Ozone is way more powerful as an oxidiser. The oxidation potential between Ozone and Oxygen is that Ozone has much greater oxidation potential than Oxygen...I describe it as a super enriched oxygen" (8).

The discoveries of Otto Warburg, James D. Watson, and Joaquim Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer.

Research opposing viewpoints for yourself, as I did. Cut out the middle-man and see sources with YOUR own eyes. They are truly easy to find. Check out comments on mai other blogs in this series. What works for some, doesn't work for all, and vice versa. BUT IGNORANCE WORKS FOR NONE. If you or someone you love are in need, and knowledge of this underrated treatment could help you, I'm fully justified and proud to shed more light. This is NOT the first medical care that people have villianized only to later tout as advanced.

"EDUCATION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN IGNORANCE- dont be shamed into not knowing. Its always ethical to be well informed." - mai

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays, sources located at http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51624-ozone-therapy-key-foundation pertain to whole the series.

Additional Notes of Interest:
This is why ozone is often called "supercharged" oxygen.
Some experts define ozone as a molecule having anywhere from 3 atoms of oxygen to 5, 6 or even as much as 21 atoms of oxygen. If this is the case, then that would even boost ozone's ability to effectively distribute oxygen in the body.
There is no getting around free radicals, which are charged and spinning around in lone orbit searching for another electron to pair up with. The problem with free radicals comes in when they are disproportionate in our bodies.

Do you watch movies for free online? Wolverine Leaked

2009-04-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

A full length version (though unrendered) of the unreleased movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine was leaked on the internet.

Ethics-noun
a set of moral principles, esp. ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct

Let's talk about nethics- (a new word as far as I know- I like making words lol). ethics using the medium of the internet.

I only found out around this past January that you can watch (without downloading, but streaming video)full length feature films online (I can hear the youth laughing cuz I'm way behind the times). I told my 60 something yr old mother, and she didn't believe me. 'How could you possibly in any way be able to watch feature films online, soon after their their releases (let alone before!) for free?' Mai own mother didn't believe me, until I showed her.

Most online movies are usually 'bootleg' copies, where someone paid to see the movie at the theatre, videotaped it and put it on the Net. But honestly, I still don't know how an unreleased movie like Wolverine could be leaked UNLESS by someone working on the film. However, before the net, you could BUY bootleg copies from street vendors, but now they just put it on the net for no profit? That's kinda weird. A sort of recession time, entertainment- Robin Hooding? You decide...

It's theft. It's wrong. But its a de facto practice by many.

Pro
Movies require millions of dollars, and make millions of dollars, movie stars and celebrities make exorbitant amounts of money performing (often producing great works of art) essentially a needless service.

When I was about 8 or 9yrs old, I was angered, confused, and saddened to the point of tears when I understood the wage differences between athletes (celebrities) and teachers. I didn't understand how such an important job (teaching), was so less monetarily valued. Now of course I understand the industry of art and the industry of education...

We are in a recession, and it's survival of the fittest, would Darwin watch movies for free online??? I'm not sure, but I believe many who watch movies online wouldn't wouldn't bother to watch them at all if they weren't online.

Con
Bootlegged films will make less money. The stars will be the last to suffer.
Sure the studios loose money, but in the most direct of ways the movie theatres will be hurt. Their janitors, popcorn vendors, ticket sellers, the average working people. Not to mention the people who work tirelessly at places like BlockBuster.

With this in mind, are they still worth watching in this manner?

Dispelling Ozone Myths: the science of it

2009-04-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

Legend Carlos Santana recently made a public statement that he wished President Obama would seriously consider legalizing marijuana (boy would the prices rise!) because the revenue could potentially pull us out of a recession (true). He said this is overdue, and likened it to the end of prohibition on alcohol. I see the progressive medical potential in the USA with the more liberal tone, favoring states to rule on medical marijuana. I hope this same progress will extend to the research of Ozone therapy sooner than later.

Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant, swarming with myths. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

Ozone is an unappreciated disinfectant. Ozone is created naturally as well as by man-made ozone generators. It is formed by sunlight, lightening, or electricity and oxygen atoms. In the stratosphere, 6 to 31 miles up, ozone is a layer of protective gas that filters harmful ultraviolet radiation rays from the Sun. However it allows energy rich, life dependent sunlight to pass to all organic life-forms, while filtering the invisible UV light. In this sense, ozone is like a layer of sunblock on the earth that protects all organic life-forms. It is known to kill bacteria, fungus, yeast, and other pathogens to stop infection. Ozone can be very beneficial in the fight against cancer to clean out all the toxins that accumulate as waste from cancer cells, and dead cancer cells. Prominent sources including the International Ozone Association (IOA) and Dr. Andrew Weil founder of the Integrative Medicine program at the University of Arizona site ozone as being the most effective method for water treating facilities to make water fit for human consumption, making ozone even more effective than chlorine water treatment. The IOA said, "Ozone is the most powerful oxidant available to man. It is an effective bleaching agent and a powerful disinfectant, killing bacteria and funguses more rapidly than chlorine. Viruses and carcinogenic substances, which are generally not affected by the other conventional chemicals used in water treatment, are also oxidized by ozone" (1). Ozone is also a successful method for treating sewage. However, many know ozone in relationship to smog, the dark clouds often seen in large metropolises. Smog is a gaseous mixture which may include nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. Though ozone is found in the composition of smog, ozone is attempting to clean up these toxic elements. Scientists measure the amount of ozone in a given area to signify how much smog is present. However this can be misleading to the general public when in fact the ozone present is an indication of how much ozone is available and thus how quickly the smog is being broken down. In The Use of Ozone in Medicine co-authors Rilling and Viebahn say, "...ozone is used to measure the degree of pollution (in smog), but not the cause, which is often erratically assumed" (1). It's therefore often misunderstood that ozone will cause the body to be consumed with free radicals. Free radicals are any molecules that have one unpaired electron. Our bodies naturally produce free radicals which destroy bacteria and fungus and fight infection when they are in natural harmony with the antioxidants that the body produces. In Oxygen Healing Therapies author Nathanial Altman says, "Free radicals are produced by the body to deliver energy to the body's cells...also play an important role in regulating the chemicals the body needs for its survival, such as hormones" (2). However, if they become disproportionate, they can cause problems. This is why healthy bodies produce antioxidants to combat the free radicals by donating the election they need to become stable. "Antioxidants are enzymes that protect cells from free radicals by chemically changing them into harmless compounds like oxygen and water" (2). When antioxidant levels are low in the body free radicals can run wild. Often times antioxidant supplements are suggested to help fight free radicals.

The discoveries of Otto Warburg, James D. Watson, and Joaquim Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer.

View opposing viewpoints, as I did. They are truly easy to find. Check out comments on mai other blogs in this series. What works for some, doesn't work for all, and vice versa. If you or someone you love are in need, and knowledge of this underrated treatment could help you, I'm fully justified and proud to shed more light. This is NOT the first medical care that people have villianized only to later tout as advanced.

"EDUCATION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN IGNORANCE- dont be shamed into not knowing. Its always ethical to be well informed." - mai

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays, sources located at http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51624-ozone-therapy-key-foundation pertain to whole the series.

Ozone Therapy: The Key Foundation

2009-04-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well since the government are lifting limitations (stem cell), and select states are growing more liberal with their medical marijuana regulations, lets keep progressing by taking a closer look at ozone therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells. Second, cancer has a viral component. Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone.

In the 1930s, Dr. Otto Warburg of Germany hypothesized that the predominate precondition for cancer is lack of oxygen to the cells. He came to this conclusion because he noticed that cancer cells had decreased respiration in comparison to healthy cells, and that the mitochondria of the cancer cells had decreased energy production (2). For this he won the Nobel Prize in 1931. Dr. Max Gerson author of A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases and the Cure of Advanced Cancer supports Warburg by stating that "the ideal task of cancer therapy is to restore the function of oxidizing systems in the entire organism." Online author, mathematician and accountant Webster Kehr contests that "cancer cells die when exposed to oxygen..." (3). This belief means cancer cells are anaerobic or thriving in low oxygen conditions and destroyed in contact with oxygen. If cancer is predominately caused by a lack of oxygen to the cells, then oxidizing the cells should restore some sort of balance. Warburg believed that lack of oxygen was the primary cause for cancer, and though he acknowledged other factors, he believed there was little need to focus on them, because they would distract from the primary cause which was lack of oxygen. Warburg discovered that once healthy cells are in low oxygen levels they are forced to ferment. The byproducts of fermentation thus causes the mutation of the cell. This is the number one reason why ozone is thought to help fight cancer. Author of Flood Your Body with Oxygen, Ed McCabe explains that oxygen causes diseased cells to oxidize and be "burnt up in oxygen". However, healthy cells produce a protective antioxidant shield that diseased cells can not produce because they are consumed with toxins. Therefore, when the body is flooded with oxygen in ozone therapy, only the diseased cells waste away. Our bodies as well as our antibodies produce low levels of ozone (4). Compounding ozone's likelihood to fight cancer are the discoveries of Noble Prize winner Dr. James Watson and Dr. Joaquim Varro. Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, discovered that a component of cancer is viral, "among the most useful carcinogenic agents know at present are several viruses" (2). Therefore, ozone kills virus, a component of cancer is viral, and some cancers are caused by viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV). Varro discovered that ozone as well as oxygen and hydrogen peroxide have the ability to inhibit the growth of select cancer tumors. Studies at the University of California-Irvine have supported this discovery in finding that ozone therapy specifically helps patients with Hodgkin's Lymphoma (5).

The discoveries of Warburg, Watson, and Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer. Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays, sources pertain to whole series.

REFERENCES

1. Rilling, Siegfried and Renate Viebahn. The Use of Ozone in Medicine. Second Revised Edition. First English Edition. Germany: Haug Publishers, 1987.

2. Altman, Nathaniel. Oxygen Healing Therapies: For Optimum Health & Vitality. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 1998.

3. Kehr, R. Webster. "Ozone Cancer Treatments." Cancer Tutor: Alternative Cancer Treatments Information Center. 26 March 2009. .

4. McCabe, Ed. Flood Your Body with Oxygen: Therapy for Our Polluted World. 6th Edition. Florida: Energy Publications, 2003.

5. Sorge, Robert H. "Ozone Therapy." Abundalife. 2000. 29 March 2009. www.abundalife.com/ozone.asp

6. Schadde, Anne. O3zone: a Homeopathic Proving. Seattle: Alethea Book Company, 1997.

7. Oxford Journals. "Adjuvant Ozonetherapy in Advanced Head and Neck Tumors: A Comparative Study". 28 March 2009. ecam.oxfordjournals.org>.

8. Karim, Steve. "Re: Ozone Therapy." E-mail to Mai. 20 March 2003.

9. Ozone Therapy. Videotape. Author. Channeler, Trance. Vision Quest Video, 1998.

10. Null, Gary. "Ozone Therapy." Listen to Progressive Radio Network. PRN, New York. 24 March 2009.
www.progressiveradionetwork.com/listen.html.

11. McKinney, Neil. "Creating Healing for Cancer Patients." VitalLink: The professional journal of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors 16.1 (2009): 47-50.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES

12. Edelson, Edward. The Encyclopedia of Health: The Healthy Body, The Immune System. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1989.

13. Murphy, Gerald P. et al. American Cancer Society. Informed Decisions: The complete book of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. New York: Viking, 1997.

14. Labriola, Dan. Complementary Cancer Therapies: Combining Tradition and Alternative Approaches for the Best Possible Outcome. Roseville: Prima Health Publishing, 2000.

15. "Otto Warburg." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Thomson Gale. 2004. Encyclopedia.com.
30 March 2009 www.encyclopedia.com>.

16. "Treating Cancer with Ozone, Oxygen & Hydrogen Peroxide (l)." Healing Cancer via O2, O3, & H2O2. March 20 2009".www.healingcancernaturally.com/ozone-cancer-treatment.h t m l >. 2007

17. "Ozone Therapy." Wikipedia. 28 March 2009. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_therapy>.

18. "Ozone." Wikipedia. 25 March 2009. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ozone>.

19. "Gary Null." Wikipedia. 27 March 2009. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gary_null>.

20. Weil, Andrew. "Your Trusted Health Advisor." www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/qaa322213>.
5 January 2004

21. "Providing Alternative Comprehensive Cancer Treatment." New Hope Medical Center.
23 March 2009. www.newhopemedicalcenter.com/cancer-treatments.aspx>.

22. "Alternative Medicine Anti-Aging Medicine Carson City Ozone Therapy." The Nevada Center.
23 March 2009. www.antiagingmedicine.com/procedures_ozone.htm#ozone>.

23. "Dr. Otto Warburg-On the Origin of Cancer Cells." Ozone Therapy. 23 March 2009.
www.anti-aging-today.org/oxygen/ozone/cancer-origin-warburg.htm>. 2009

USA behind Cuba and Europe in progressive healthcare- and nobody cares-OZONE THERAPY

2009-04-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

So the funding limitations on stem cell research have been "lifted"... Well what about another proven viable medical practice? Ozone Therapy.

Hospitals and clinics in Europe and Cuba liberally make use of ozone therapy. Yet this medical advancement is being underrated in the United States and much of North America. Many doctors recommend ozone therapy for preventative care (9). Ozone has been used for decades to combat a myriad of illnesses, (many chronic) some include glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, AIDS, chronic fatigue, acne, hepatitis, allergies, and poor circulation to name a few. It is important to note that ozone therapy is just one part under the umbrella of oxidative therapies which also contain hydrogen peroxide and oxygen therapies. On March 24, 2009 a patient of Dr. Howard Robbins gave testimonial on Progressive Radio Network (PRN) radio hosted by Dr. Gary Null (New York) to the positive effects ozone therapy has had on his multiple sclerosis. The patient listed "improved vertigo, less dizziness, weight loss, decreased fatigue." Dr. Howard Robbins said that ozone "acts like a glue attaches to bad things fungus, yeasts" and deactivates them (10). The New Hope Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Nevada Center of Alternative & Anti-Aging Medicine in Carson City are leading ozone therapy facilities in the United States.

Chemo might deplete your strength, Ozone may make you strong

Ozone therapy does not threaten the immune system as chemotherapy and radiotherapy do. However, if these therapies are required, ozone therapy may be used in conjunction and often mitigate their adverse side-effects (11). Such combination proved useful with the ozone therapy/radiotherapy trials in Spain (7). Dr. Neil McKinney says, "Radiation disrupts tissue organization by removing vital immune and stem cells" (11). It's important to strengthen the immune system in cancer patients because this will enable the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells most effectively. McKinney says, "There is clearly a need to improve on the therapies that are currently considered the medical standard of care. What little progress that is seen in cancer care by conventional medical oncology is coming at an unsustainable price" (11). It is abhorrent that this potentially life saving procedure is being neglected in study and practice, especially when it has been shown to have positive effects on patients. Rilling and Viebahn, Kehr, and McCabe all site a popular January 1980 trial by the German Medical Society for Ozone Therapy in which 644 therapists were surveyed regarding 384,775 patients, totaling administration of 5,579,238 ozone treatments. There were less than 40 cases of side effects cited out of over 5.5 million representing a low rate of .000007% adverse incidents and four deaths. This study is perhaps one of the most well known and cited of ozone studies. Ozone clearly has potential to be a wildly successful and safe medical therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells (Warburg). Second, cancer has a viral component (Watson). Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone (Varro). It's abilities to successfully regulate the immune system, kill pathogens, mitigate infection, detoxify the body, increase circulation and oxygen levels, and combat fatigue is due to it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction. Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy continues to be among several neglected, yet effective therapies.

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays (sources available upon request).

Additional Notes of Interest:
Some experts define ozone as a molecule having anywhere from 3 atoms of oxygen to 5, 6 or even as much as 21 atoms of oxygen. If this is the case, then that would even boost ozone's ability to effectively distribute oxygen in the body.
Ozone is sometimes used at about .1ppm in therapy. Some facilities practice such treatment, but many doctors are forced to stay "underground" for fear of loosing their licensing. Several prominent people have been suspected of using ozone therapy such as Irvin Magic Johnson and Rupert Murdoch.
These test would also help to answer lingering questions such as does ozone kill cancer or the viruses that cause cancer? Is it possible for fungus, bacteria, or pathogens to cause cancer?
Ozone should definitely be studied more extensively as it has proven potential. What's the fear of study?
Sometimes ozone is injected directly into the cancer patient as in with intravenous injections.

Ozone Therapy: Are potential CURES for CANCER & AIDS being ignored?

2009-04-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Obama Administration has recently lifted the funding limitations on stem cell research, and Nortre Dame, (one of the lucky 3 universities Obama has agreed to visit for commencement this May) is ticked about it. Lucky dogs... If stem cell research can be brought to the forefront... what about another proven viable medical practice? Ozone Therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells (Warburg). Second, cancer has a viral component (Watson). Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone (Varro). Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

Ozone is therapeutic. Cancer causes fatigue, imbalances the immune system (the core of our health defenses), and robs healthy cells of resources. During cancer the immune system falls victim and is compromised as it works over time to kill the pathogens in the body and to fight infection. McKinney says, "The most critical support NDs can offer is to help the patient's immune system...the immune system's mandate is to protect and repair our own tissues, and attack everything else. Cancer cells...summon(s) immune cells bent on repairing the tumor. However, the immune system cannot fix the genetic damage in the cancer cells, and the cancer cells won't switch off as they should, so it becomes "the would that will not heal". The immune cells increase blood supply, release growth factors, and even switch off the immune cells that approach the tumor in attack mode. The immune system is...working for the tumor and not for the greater good of the organism." Ozone can kill some of those pathogens, giving the immune system much needed back up. Ozone regulates the immune system by calming an overactive immune system plagued by an auto-immune disease, as well as stimulate and support an under active immune that has been hit by any number of chronic illnesses from cancer to AIDS. An unfettered immune system has the highest likelihood of recognizing and fighting cancer cells effectively. Therefore, if ozone can help support the immune system, then it helps fight cancer in a significant way. Ozone fights cancer by combating fatigue, providing your body with added energy. Dr. Frank Shallenberger says that ozone, "accelerate(s) the citric acid cycle, which is the main cycle for the liberation of energy from sugars. This then stimulates basic metabolism. It also breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to be used as energy" (2). It also detoxifies the body by moving waste out. Oxygen is the second most electronegative element therefore it can bond with and oxidize any other element except the noble gases and fluorine, which is the only more electronegative element (6). Ozone can increase circulation because gas expands to fill its container such as the bloodstream, or the body. Due to kinetic energy, ozone gas diffuses through the body rapidly, moving from high concentration to lower concentrations, carrying oxygen throughout the body via the bloodstream. Other benefits include increasing the oxygen levels, purifying the blood and the water the body is primarily made up of. Ozone therapy has proved beneficial in conjunction with conventional methods. A study from several hospitals in Spain of the effects of ozone therapy on 19 patients with advanced head and neck tumors (H&N) was conducted over a three year period while the patients were undergoing radiation therapy concurrently. The trial concluded with positive results. "Ozonetherapy has proved useful in the treatment of ischemic syndromes, and several studies have described a potential increase of oxygenation in tissues and tumors. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical effect of ozonetherapy in patients with advanced H&N cancer in the course of their scheduled radiotherapy" (7). Dr. Robert H. Sorge founder of Abunda Life Health Retreat and Clinic contends that ozone stimulates the production of white blood cells, inhibits the growth of new tumors (anti-neoplastic), increases red blood cell membrane dispensability, flexibility, and effectiveness, increases the efficiency of the antioxidant enzyme system, speeds the healing process, kills worms, amoeba, and parasites, enhances brain function, extends the life of the cell, and helps increase endurance (5).

The discoveries of Warburg, Watson, and Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer. However, ozone therapy continues to be among several neglected, yet effective therapies. It's abilities to successfully regulate the immune system, kill pathogens, mitigate infection, detoxify the body, increase circulation and oxygen levels, and combat fatigue is due to it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction. Hopefully, soon this therapy will be further observed in theory, experiment, and practice.

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays (sources available upon request).

Additional Notes of Interest:
Ozone purifies water in our bodies similar how water plants treat water with ozone.
Ozone can help the blood cells move.
Healthy cells produce more oxygen and respirate more than cancer cells.
Ozone helps to fight cancer in that it helps to make your body well, period.
It’s important to increase circulation in cancer patients.

Why the Constitution can kiss Mai ass

2009-03-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

The constitution (or the people charged with exercising it) has failed to recognize and practice many of its statues since its inception, making it untrustworthy. I don't believe that since something is written down, I'm protected, because that hasn't been the case.

IT'S JUST A PIECE OF TEXT. It's just a set of laws (some which permit individual states to do horrible things) that a group of people (majority of whom just happen to have been notorious bigots) made up. It also allows great injustices to prevail, like how, when, and where people are allowed to engage in adult activities.

People want to denigrate the Bible because they think its fictional, irrelevant, or can't be proven. I think that the constitution is fictional, and hypocritical. People act like I can't look upon the constitution unfavorably. Telling me to leave the country because I voice disapproval of the constitution (or don’t choose to participate in the judicial system in a conventional manner) is like that "Christian" pastor going online perpetrating an ignorant atheist, then coming back to minister to his alter ego. Its hypocritical. If you put all your faith in something (other than spiritual) that's wrong, and its warping your view of life.

People worship the constitution and make it seem like I must too. People hold the constitution to be some infallible text. The constitution did not invent freedom or even grant freedom. People act as if you are going against the word of freedom if you question it. My freedom comes from my humanity, ultimately people's worship of the constitution seems to justify the idea the U.S. is better than other countries because the U.S. has the constitution. People, people, people make the constitution untrustworthy and corrupt. And there has never been a time when they haven’t.

Happy Women's History Month 365: Why I ♥ heart Sarah Palin

2009-03-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

I've never subscribed to ANY political party. But if I were to, the Republican party would not be high up on mai list. I don't identify with their general sensibilities or views of society and economic hierarchy. However, I greatly appreciate what Sarah Palin has done (vastly inadvertent) for women in politics. Thank you Sarah.

Ronald Reagan, Strom Thurmond, George W. Bush, George Washington, the list goes on and on for men in politics with reprehensible behavior. Men in politics represent the noble, the greedy, the detestable, and the (nearly) righteous. Truly the spectrum of men in politics is wider than women. Therefore, men are seen as multi-dimensional figures. Of course some of them are bad, of course some of them are ugly, of course some of them will make mistakes, and make bad choices, and force the country into turmoil. Because even though that is part of their character's capacity, so is the other extreme for doing good.

Women in politics aren't seen the same way to the same extent. Our most notable women are Clinton, Pelosi, Chisholm, and Rice. Lesser known politicians are Maxine Waters and C. Delores Tucker. But for the most part (nothing is total of course), women in the history of politics have been respectable do-gooders. This is a nice legacy to uphold. But I am constantly defending Palin. Not because I agree with her book banning, wolf aerial hunting, victims pay for forensic rape kits, charging Alaskan tax-payers to foot the bill for her daughters to see the world, pulling strings to get her in-laws unjustly hired and fired antics. But because she is one more woman sculpting the national, political view. One more woman to crack a ceiling. One more woman to add to the face of women in politics. She has shaped an idea of what women can be in American politics, at this point, for good or bad isn't that important.

Though I'm SURE I will never subscribe to any political party in my life (save, perhaps the Nunya Party*) I have to give Palin her props, just for existing. I 'love' her ideology even less than I 'love' the Constitution (Problem with that? There isn't a dayum thing you can do about it, I'm not going anywhere, and frankly its none of your business). It's none of your business how a person votes AND if they choose to vote or abstain from voting one and all. But I defiantly hope Palin's accomplishment is not as forgotten as those of Geraldine Ferraro.

*http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51282-nunya-party

Rush Limbaugh's ATTACK on America

2009-03-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

If I had the ability to read just one person’s mind, I’d tap into the infamous mind of Rush Limbaugh. Why use such an amazing power on such a dubious character? Limbaugh is influential to a significant portion of our country. Those who care for the plight of Americans must aid President Obama in keeping the motives of his “enemies closer” than the plethora of his yes-men.

On January 16th of this year, Limbaugh said he was asked by a "major American print publication" to commemorate Barack Obama's Inauguration by joining a select group of prominent politicians, educators, and pundits each writing 400 words on their hopes for the Obama presidency. Limbaugh just couldn't do it. "...I've been listening to Barack Obama for a year-and-a-half. I know what his politics are. I know what his plans are, as he has stated them. I don't want them to succeed," Limbaugh said.

Grasping Limbaugh’s reasoning will help develop a dialogue Limbaugh (and his constituents) can understand as to why witnessing President Obama’s policies (namely economic) fail would be the worst possible scenario for Americans and eventually the rest of the world. If failure ensues, sure Obama will have egg on his face, but more importantly the American people will suffer the brunt of the downfall. If Obama’s policies fail, he still has a job and will still get a paycheck. However, it’s likely that the sporadic shanty Tentvilles (similar to 1930s era Hoovervilles) that are springing up all across America will be more a constant.

Is it really as bad as all that? Mustn't we commend Limbaugh for having the courage to speak against an administration that he truly thinks is riddled with problems? Should he be expected to be encouraging? Isn’t it his prerogative to mar an American tradition with nationally syndicated cynicism? It would be nice to hear encouraging words from Limbaugh, the countries most popular, highest paid ($38 million contract, and $100 million in bonuses) conservative radio host with over 20 million listeners weekly. It would have been appropriate, but he couldn’t bear to put his feelings aside to enrich an honored American ceremony.

The issue doesn’t lie with Limbaugh's total disapproval of Obama and his administration. Instead, dismay is with his lack of respect for the country, which is the people. You can wave the American flag around all day (as he does on his website), but when you proudly state your hope and desire that the policies aimed at pulling the majority of Americans out of a record high recession fails, (before it's even put in place to have opportunity to demonstrate capacity to turn the tides) you are not concerned or in touch with the core of the country, its people.

Limbaugh told Barbara Walters that he feels Barack Obama is a sincere and genuine person. He very well could have said that instead of "Okay, I'll send you a response, but I don't need 400 words, I need four: I hope he fails." His true attitude was expressed when Walters asked if he thought his work is worth $138 million dollars a year especially during a foreboding recession. Without hesitation Limbaugh said he is very much worth the millions. "What recession?... I choose not to participate," he claimed. Must be nice. It’s apparent that he's in a position to hope the economic plan and other Obama policies fail, because unlike the vast majority of the country (and world) Rush is party to an elite group that will remain above water no matter how the economy ebbs and flows, or perhaps, droughts and floods.

Expectations for President Obama are high, and his choices will make or break millions of people. It’s important that we view him with a critical, yet encouraging and hopeful eye.

NY Post: Power to the Protest

2009-02-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

I am in awe every time I see the power of the people manifested in demonstrations as it has been for the past few days with the protestors of the New York Post.

Longtime political cartoonist Sean Delonas drew a picture that was published in the Post this Wednesday. Many feel this cartoon played on the racist history of Blacks being compared to primates.*

The strength, tenacity, courage, and determination of protesters is often times inspiring. How awesome that this group of people got together to make a change, and they saw results from it.

The New York Post issued an apology today to those they offended with the cartoon. The apology was a bit back-handed because they refused to apologize to those they believe initiated the opposition. They felt those with long time grievances used this cartoon as an opportunity to enact revenge on the controversial and conservative newspaper. (Though they didn't name names, the main opponent has been Rev. Al Sharpton, and I think we can infer they are talking about him.)

It is very possible that the Post and Delonas didn't intended any racial slur with the cartoon. I am willing to take them at their word that the chimp is a parody of Travis the chimp that was shot on Monday by police officers paired with a mock of the economic stimulus bill. However, there is NO WAY they didn't anticipate the implications that would be felt by comparing the author of the current stimulus bill (not only President Obama, but he IS the face of the bill) to a violent chimpanzee. In addition, they shot the chimp= they shot the author of the stimulus bill= they shot the President!!?? That's funny?

Many people want to site that President Bush was at times compared to monkeys as well. However, there is no history of whites being compared to primates in a racial defamation. If Bush had been compared to a Ritz of something with a comparative history, then (I would be outraged) a comparison could be made.

The Post shouldn't be surprised by the public backlash. I didn't even know about Travis until after I saw the bru-ha-ha over the cartoon. I'm sure many around the world will see this cartoon, know nothing of Travis, and instantly see it as a racial slur.

I am delighted the protestors got a semblance of an apology. We must stay on offensive people/media. We must never give up. Protest reminds us that there is much more that we can/must do for our communities than simply casting a ballot every 4 years.

I want to dedicate this to all the demonstrators (many of whom were college students) in 2003 that were jailed just for protesting the Iraqi War on the streets of Chicago, and to those who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Frankfort, KY in 1965.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!! UHURU!! HOTEP!!

* You can see the original cartoon here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/18/national/main4809291.shtml

** You can see an altered version of the cartoon (not by Delonas) here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-camp/how-the-new-york-post-mon_b_168199.html

Happy Black History Month 365

2009-02-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade, but if I see one more image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the misty, air-brushed, reminiscent background of a Photoshopped Barack Obama image as the "Dream" depiction I will scream.

[Oh there's one.]

“AHHHHHHHHH...”

What the hell people? At what point in the "I Have a Dream" speech did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. say anything about his dream or the dream being to have a Black president? Was it implied? Maybe, but the dream is specifically about achieving equality and if you think that President Obama automatically garnered equality for people of color in America you are turning a blind eye and deceiving yourself. WAKE UP!!! and notice I said people of color, Dr. King speaks of equality for all, does that mean if we had a Latino or Asian president that these images would still surface, I don’t know but I hope that's not seen as unrelated.

I didn’t want to say anything because I think of people like my mother, father, my aunts and uncles. Who marched and protested with King. Those people who cry out of happiness for Obama's win (I'm happy but I never cried!). Because they never dreamed they would see an African American President in their lifetime.

I love what Dr. King did, and I love what Barack did and is doing*, but these images are really agitating me. They marginalize both men and more importantly, they marginalize The Struggle. Just the notion that we are done or have even reached the Promised Land is utterly false. When I see this depiction I feel cheated, I feel like we are resting and being lazy America.

It is apparent that society still needs to reach for Dr. King's dream of equality when we have Latino-Americans (or even Latinos for that matter) in our country being murdered for just that, being brown (Ecuadoran Marcello Lucero to name one). Or when you hear (as I have heard from friend, foe, and family) that Latino's are "overrunning" America with their numbers. RACISM! INFURIATING!!! Why are people so concerned with their numbers? Some Black Americans have dismay when the speak of the growing number of Latinos in America. Some worry the census is inaccurately portraying the numbers of each ethnic group. The reason why this is an issue is because White America is somehow seen (and this is actually put into practice) as entitled to more of a voice and representation in this country because they supposedly make up the majority. WHY?

In high school I can remember debating the validity of the existence of affirmative action and Black History Month. In the case of Black History Month some actually argued that we should not celebrate it in protest it marginalizing Black history**. How stupid! I haven't encountered anyone in a long time that has tried to support this argument, but my gut makes me think they are still out there. After all, I am not the only one that has encountered people who think like this. (My predominantly white, conservative, affluent, township school in Indiana refused to even make mention of Black History Month on the morning announcements. When I asked them to do so, they refused. When I asked why, they said it wasn’t necessary. Haters.) Even still, why would I give up the little bit of acknowledgment that Black History month affords because in truth MORE is warranted? I wouldn't. That's not even logical (there’s an adage about baby and bathwater that fits well). If I want a slice of pie, but I can only manage to take a forkful of it on Monday, I take a forkful, then on Tuesday I try to take another forkful, however thwarted I am or how much obstacle is in the way of me and my pie, I still got a forkful and that's one less forkful I need to attain to get my whole slice. You have to chip away at prejudice, and racism, and sexism, and classism, and inequality. Chip chip chip, its an elephant and you eat an elephant one bite at a time.

Mai President is Black [* why I “love” OB]

So far, so good. I am thrilled that President Obama will be keeping his Blackberry. This device has often be uncouthly referred to as the Crackberry (implications are obvious). As a lover of gadgets, I'm thrilled to think of the president as a tech savvy, PDA toting, genius.

Bravo for shutting down Guantanimo bay in a year. This sends an anti-bully image to others around the world. First sitting Prez to have a Blackberry, down with Gitmo (recently Iraqi prisoners were handed over to Iraqi officials), not wearing his suit jacket in the oval office, “there are white people, and then there are motherfuckers like you”- OB on confronting racism in his Hawaiian youth, his acceptance of non-believers, the list goes on and one, - Fox News is right, OB is radical, the best, grassroots, up from down, kind of radial anyone could hope to be :)

**(No doubt Black History Month is underplayed, however many don’t even know there is a national Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15- October15.)

(My President is Black is an allusion to a Young Jeezy song, if you haven’t hear/read it Google/Youtube it.)

“Black History is Everyone’s History. Enjoy... Uhuru! Hotep!” - mrs.Mai

Sacrifice: how much is too much?

2009-02-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Deciding to join the naturopathic profession definitely requires me to make mature sacrifices in the life of my family. I must scrutinize my finances, postpone plans for children, uproot my family, abandon the theatre, leave a President Barack Obama administration, and conquer general anxieties. However, enumerating these sacrifices makes it all the more apparent how I cherish the naturopathic profession.

Immigrating to Canada is an expensive and nerve-racking transition requiring our entire savings. Visas, passports, tuition, and housing are just some of the expensive necessities. The immigration process has taken years of planning and budgeting. Our search for new housing, banking, phone carrier, and employment for my husband has been a series of uphill battles. Even now, there is a high level of uncertainty about our financial future in this new country. My husband and I live quite frugally. I look forward to the day when we won’t have to be so restricted by our finances. The next five years will not afford us this luxury. How could they with the time, money, and effort required to transition into returning to college and immigrating?

I have been married for nearly five years. We have a blessed marriage and are anxiously thinking about starting a family. Initially, we planned to try for children next year in 2010. However, when I decided to study naturopathy we determined that the time and expense required to provide for a child couldn't even be considered until the 3rd year of the program. Even then it will still depend on where I stand at that time in the future and in the program. Though many say there is never a specific “right” time to have a child, there is definitely a “wrong” time to have a child, and beginning my education at CCNM would be one of them.

Expenses are compounded by living away from loved ones for half a decade. This is daunting. Family and friends provide a ready-made moral, spiritual, financial, and emotional support. Our loved ones are quick to note that we will be a whole other country away. I feel I've neglected loved ones for the past eight years since I’ve left my beloved hometown; first moving to Chicago, then to Los Angeles. Oftentimes, it seems I abandon my friends right when our bonds are growing and they need me the most. I feel guilty about leaving my family and not being a present role model for my nieces and nephews in such a critical time in their youth.

Theatre and art have been a consistent passion in my life. In undergraduate studies, I attained a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago in Theatre with a concentration in directing. When I decided to start naturopathy I didn't anticipate the extent this intensive program would demand. Though I will be a lifelong patron of the theatre, I fear there will be no immediate time to participate. No directing, acting, stage managing, designing, or anything of that nature until my education is well underway. I've spent my last twelve years training in theatre, building up several professional relationships, and establishing the building blocks of a career. Theatre had been my future, so entering into a fresh discipline will be an added challenge. I must immerse myself into this new world yet keep sharp skills I've spent so long developing.

This is an historic time that is especially poignant for Americans. Most of the citizens of the States are very excited and looking forward to living under a President Obama administration. It is somewhat bittersweet that we can't be in the States while he is leading the country. These past eight years, under the former Bush Administration, have been a time of fear, anxiety, and trepidation for the country and in fact the world. We all have tremendous anticipation for the next four years to come. In some respect, I will be missing out of a firsthand experience.

General anxieties about healthcare, employment, travel, and maintaining a fitness routine flood my thoughts daily. I have poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) but hate taking oral contraception to regulate my cycle. School makes it impossible to start a family or afford a child. Through naturopathy, I hope to find an alternate solution for my PCOS. I'm proud of working with the Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley. I set up their curriculum and fostered positive girl to girl relations. My thoughts of working with the affiliated Girl Guides were crushed with the realization that my student status doesn't allow for a work permit. I love to travel but have had to delay plans to explore Northern Africa with my parents and husband for years. Ideally, I'll quell my wanderlust by travelling to Europe, Asia, and Africa during the summers when classes are out. I worry this goal will not be attainable. I’m not thoroughly optimistic that these next five years of school will allow the time or expense for exploration abroad. I've recently made changes in my lifestyle that benefit my health. They have enabled me to loose an excessive 50 lbs. I’ve become much more active. I realize that keeping up with my lifestyle will be hard because I will not be able to resume my gym routine for several weeks while we are getting settled. I worry that falling out of my routine will cause me to never get back on track.

In spite of this, I have a healthy outlook. Loved ones are afforded comfort in that we used to live in California, which is three times farther from Midwest America than Toronto. The distance will inspire some to attain a passport and travel abroad for the first time. I am blessed to have their love and support for my future. I hope to show my nieces and nephews that a career in medicine is not out of reach. I'm optimistic that a warm, receptive, diverse faculty, staff, and student body will aide us in developing new community. There is potential to stay within the theatre arts loop by volunteering at box office or ushering. I’m mindful that Obama’s influence is sure to be felt worldwide, and planning is always in the works to fulfill lifelong travel dreams.

This transition is giving me an invaluable opportunity to grow as a person and as a professional. My education requires me to give in to my passion for community service and social activism. It also prompts me to face a fear of taking risks. Most importantly, naturopathic medicine gives me the chance to have a life of passion, educate others, and provide alternate options for their healthcare future. This is quite satisfying.

Michelle Obama, I got to get me some of that! WOOF!!!

2009-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

When the country was first introduced to the First Lady, I think her credentials were touted. I knew she was a lawyer making six figures and I knew she was working in the highest echelons of the University of Chicago Medical Center.

I only really started hearing about her fashion in relationship to the exorbitant style of Mrs. Cindy McCain. When Michelle appeared on The View and was sporting that classy, yet unassuming number from White House/Black Market the country was captivated by her penchant for making "inexpensive wear" (I don't spend $150 on dresses but I can definitely see how that is frugal for a woman in her position) look appropriate and timely. On the other hand, when it comes to style I remember talking about how Cindy's ensemble for the convention was about a third of a million dollars (though she didn't look much more lovely).

I think the media had it set in their minds waaayyyyyyy in advance no matter who the First Lady was going to be, they were going to scrutinize her image. That's what they do. I don't see any inclination that she prompted this. Also, I like to she how she looks because she's gone through a bit of a transformation. Her look now is much more natural and appealing.

Though Michelle is beautiful (her stylish should be getting paid overtime because if you look at pictures back in 2007 and early 2008 she tended to look like a garish drag queen with too heavy of makeup and sever shape to her eyebrows) during the campaign her ensembles from J Crew, H & M, etc were nice, but didn't make her stand out or be the center of attention. I think that's commendable! There was an opportunity she could have capitalized on, but why? She didn't need to

I don't want the media to STOP talking about her style, I just want them to talk more about the other projects she's working on. It's a reoccurring theme, it’s unbalanced (The media could balance the situation a bit more if they didn’t just talk about Womenswear, but the Menswear too). The truth is, if you want to know about her, you can easily find out, it's just not as likely to be right their when you turn on the tube. Get a book. The biography Michelle by Liza Mundy is a good place to start. You have to be actively interested in the first ladies to know about them beyond the media which will undoubtedly present image and eventually if they are or aren’t keeping their promises for the country, in this case working with the military families.

Fashion Fashion Fashion

If you initially thought this was going to be about her "looks", here's my 2 pennies:

Swearing In

She wore a Cuban designer to the inauguration. I assumed she would wear American, but I have no issue with it. It was a memorable color, at first seeming gold, but then hues or yellow and green. The color literally was “brilliant”. The texture looked lush. I loved the neckline accent and the gloves were fabulous.

12 Inaugural Balls

She put the 26 year old Taipei-born New Yorker Jason Wu on the map with her Ball attire. At first glance, she looked stunning. I love texture, but on tv the dress kinda looked like it had a bunch of unwieldy puff balls all around. The light cream/bone color was nice, but I kinda wish it was echoed in the Presidents bow-tie instead of the pearl white he wore. I don't think I've ever seen an off white bow-tie, that could have been a unique plus. She had her hair down for the inauguration, so I would have liked to have seen it in a stately up-do for the ball. (A la Palin... just kidding) Obviously the dress was too long! That is a negative for the designer. Shame on your Wu!! The team had to know their were going to be dancing ALL NIGHT. They could have taken an inch off the bottom. It was totally distracting the way they were both tripping over it and she had to keep getting it out of the way. Total bummer. Now you know I've lived in Hollywood, because I was half expecting her to do a wardrobe change or two. Ha! I mean, she did go to 12 Balls (source: Countdown with Keith Olbermann, I only stayed up to watch 6), though they were late to most of them, she could have slipped in to a snappy red number? No?

Immigration Station

2009-01-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

From visas to bank accounts, this blog is designed to help you brainstorm questions and find answers to export yourself legally. I look for everything online, but had trouble readily finding information on how to legally move to another country. In this case, (immigrating to Canada) mai best resources were the officers at the Canadian boarder, the Port of Entry personnel in Detroit, Michigan, and my school, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

(This info is US to Canada specific. Though perhaps not your specific destination, the following points should help you develop your own Immigration Station checklist.)

Passports/Passcards: Do you have a passport? Since January 1, 2009 it is required to have a passport to go anywhere outside the US. Before, you could go to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and other destinations without one. They just required ID such as a drivers license, state id card, or birth certificate. Now you must have one to cross any boarder. Be careful, often times it is easier to leave the US than to enter back in! Partly, because of this new law they have "invented" the Passcard. I've been advocating this to all my relatives who must get their passport for the first time, or obtain a new one. Passports are $115 (You get $15 off if you are a AAA member-- go figure) Passcards however are only $45!! Of course, with a passport you can go anywhere you want in the world (or just about) but with a passcard you can only travel to other countries in North America, and you can only travel by land or sea. Yup no flights. Only car, train, bus, boat or ship. Interesting, no? Passports, and visas are costly. I actually kinda expected visas to be free, don't ask me why.

Visa: How long are you planning on staying? You can stay in Canada for 6 months before you have to attain a visa. This was surprising to me. Check with the individual country you are moving to to find what their specifics are. I found this info from my school and it was corroborated by the port authority in Detroit.

Work/Study Permits: Will you be allowed to work? I'm not allowed to get a work visa, only a student visa. My husband is allowed a restricted work visa by default because he's married to me. Honestly, this really bites. I guess they are worried that all the immigrates are gonna come and take the jobs away from the Canadians (wow, they kinda sound American to me--Paper Planes...). My husband's visa is restricted which means he's not allowed to work with children unless he takes and passes certain medical examinations. Do you already have a job? Often times when you are moved to another country by an employer they are your “sponsor” and often cover your passport and visa expenses.

Motor Vehicles: Will you be allowed to drive in this country? Going to Canada from the US you don’t have to worry about getting another drivers license, but that wouldn’t be the case if you where going to say... Europe. Metric system or no? Driving specifics: While driving in Canada you have to remember the us kilometers per hour not miles per hour like we do in the States.

Cell Phone Carriers: This was an unexpected bummer. I’m addicted to my sidekick. I’ve had a myriad of the Sidekick variations over the past 5 years. If you think you can keep Sprint, Nextel, Boost, Cricket, T-Mobile, or even the surprising one AT&T (I thought they were global, don’t ask me why) THINK AGAIN!!! In Canada, they have several carriers but NONE are international calling friendly ($$$$$) Also, you may be surprised to learn that your device may not work there. I have heard about perhaps having a device “unlocked”. I’m not quite sure what this process or expense would be but would like to know more. Supposedly, if you get your device unlocked your new carriers’ SIM card should be able to work in it. T-Mobile denies this is possible and maintains that only their SIM cards are designed to work in their devices. Blackberrys and iPhones are very popular worldwide. It maybe a worthwhile investment.

Banks: I can’t stand the banking system in Canada. It’s much more of an expense. In the States you can easily get free savings and checking especially if you have direct deposit (Chase, Credit Unions, and Bank of America are a few examples of this). How will you exchange your money?

Apartments: We’ve had a lot of success with this one, so I cant readily think of something to look out for. Perhaps find out if you will be able to rent a place without citizenship status.

Healthcare: If you have prescription drugs you should think about if you will be allowed to take them with you, and how you will get them once you are living abroad. Also, what is the state of their public healthcare? Will you be eligible for it?

Belongings: Find out what things you have to declare before you can cross the boarder. Sometimes you cant bring edibles, perishables, or organics from one country to another. Other times you have to declare money when you bring a certain amount or more (must declare $10,000+ to enter Canada).

BEST OF BLESSINGS & GOOD TRAVELS

another source:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca

Blargue: Slanguage 103

2009-01-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

BLARGUE- (blahr-ghyoo) to argue via text especially in a web log (blog) format.

This freewrite blog is an excuse for me to enter a new word into your vocabulary (blogcabulary?-ok maybe that's pushing it). I devised the two hybrid words: blargue & slanguage. Let’s talk about them...

Though it should never be encouraged, I don’t think there is any way around blarguing except ignoring the offending blarguments altogether. This is because too many misunderstandings occur. I've noticed this for years. First over AIM, then emails, now text messages, and blogs.

Blarguing goes a bit deeper than just arguing via text. While misunderstandings and miscommunications occur via voice in person, over the phone, etc. it doesn’t happen with the same frequency as via text. This is because of the inability to detect tone of voice and therefore tone of message. We try to compensate for this by using emoticons :) smiley :( frowny ;) winky and many many more, but even those never quite fully transcend the obstacles and hardships of the blargument.

Avoiding the blargument is made more difficult by those with the intention to incite blarguments. Sometimes people warp what they really believe just to play devil's advocate. I've never been a fan of this method, but I've seen other mature, responsible people employ this method with wisdom to much benefit. Advocating the devil can bring about thoughtful discussions. Of course, most of the time those playing devil's advocate go down that dark unwholesome path.

Is there significant difference between the terms "argue" and "blargue"? Do you think “blargue” is a valuable word? Will you adopt this term into your vocabulary? What do you do to mitigate blarguments?

I love language and that it develops every day. I enjoy examining culture, vernacular, colloquialisms, and slang. I sign (ASL), speak French, English, and have been working on Spanish. I began learning foreign languages at 7, took a 5 year hiatus, and resumed at 12. I only wish I had been introduced to foreign language at a younger age.

Slanguage 102: Slang On!!

2009-01-21T19:17:00.001-08:00

SLANGUAGE: (slang-ooage) communication mainly comprised of colloquialisms and street or informal stripped down speech; decomposition

This freewrite blog is an excuse for me to enter a new word into your vocabulary (blogcabulary?-ok maybe that's pushing it). I devised the two hybrid words: blargue & slanguage. Let’s talk about them...

Slanguage is a word I've used here many times before. It is useful in communicating a style of communication. There are times when people use slanguage to communicate and it may be mistaken for poor speech and grammar. This is a BIG MISTAKE. Nearly all my friends are college educated, professional people who engage the use of slanguage on a daily basis.

Slanguage is often more useful and valuable than conventional language because it helps to convey and denote geography, attitude, culture, and swagger or self image. I warn, DO NOT SQUELCH others from using this form of expression. I also encourage all people to further develop their own personalized slanguage. This will help define a people and give diversity to all.

Slanguage often reminds me of my hearing impaired friends. Often times, families with hearing impaired ones develop shorthand signs. This is done to communicate quicker, be more to the point, and to individualize their language. One of my friends calls this "home SL" or home sign language. For example she may shorten or abbreviate the movements for “restroom”, “grandfather”, or any number of words. If she were to sign with her interpreter or other hearing impaired people they may not readily understand what she was signing, but her mother or siblings do. Therefore, she of course would use the more traditional signs with anyone not at home.

Develop the slanguage of your home, your family, your friends, your community, and your hood. Slang on!

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GAME

I would be remiss if I didn't note that there is a time and place to use all manners of speech. Though I would discourage others to squelch the use of slanguage, there are obviously times when it would be inappropriate. Such as speaking to elders, (some) authority figures, work place, interviews, etc. I advocate the development of slang language but not all slang words/terms.

Is there significant difference between the terms "language" and "slanguage"? Do you think this is a valuable word? Will you adopt this term into your vocabulary? What terms have you developed?

I love language and that it develops every day. I enjoy examining culture, vernacular, colloquialisms, and slang. I sign (ASL), speak French, English, and have been working on Spanish. I began learning foreign languages at 7, took a 5 year hiatus, and resumed at 12. I only wish I had been introduced to foreign language at a younger age.

Transgender Secrecy

2009-01-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

Recently, mai friend Jerry had a fun night where he “hooked-up” with a love lady named Karen at a party. These two ended up engaging in some heavy “necking and petting”. Jerry was devastated, angry, and hurt to later find out this chick was a pre-op transgendered woman. Jerry has a great fear that people will now question his sexuality and see him as a gay man. This, I’ve tried to reassure him, of course is a nonsensical fear.

I am happy to see more of society being represented on television and in the world. Transgendered people are becoming more of a topic in American society. Recently, Isis was the first transgendered model on America’s Next Top Model, Katelynn is the first transgendered personality on The Real World, and there is at least one transgendered character on a daytime drama. Because of intolerance, I can understand why many transgendered people want to keep privacy about their sexuality. However, I think a line is drawn when they enter into romantic relationships without disclosing this information to their partner.

Arrogantly, at first, I thought everyone would share this opinion. En mon avis, ideally no judgment should be passed on anyone for choosing to live their life in a way that isn’t harmful. In mai undergraduate Human Sexuality Seminar class, Dr. William Bradley expressed his position during our section on the transgendered community. He believes that once transgendered people have their bodies operated on to match their mindset, they are for all intents and purposes their reassigned gender. I agree with the majority of this position. However, it is their obligation to make this information known to anyone they want to be romantically involved with. I do not feel transgendered people should be made or pressured legally or otherwise to disclose information about their sexuality to employers, landlords, schools, or any other public or private organizations. It’s simply not anyone’s business besides those who they are planning on being intimate with. Dr. Bradley, however did not agree with me. He just kept asking me, Why? Why do they have to tell anyone? The are now their new gender.

If you listen to The Pharcyde you may have heard Fatlip talk about making out with a woman only to find out she was transgendered. In their documentary Cydeways: The Best of The Pharcyde, Fatlip goes into a bit more detail explaining that he was embarrassed by the situation for years. He only felt comfortable enough to talk about kissing the woman in the lyrics of his rhyme. However, in the documentary we learn he also received fellatio.

Most (if not all) people would agree on the importance of discussing sexual history with a new partner. This is something we’ve been advised to do as long as we’ve been advised to use a condom or get regularly checked for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Discussing sexual history consists of asking a new partner how many partners they’ve had in the past, if they know the sexual history of those partners, if they know if their past partners STI status, if they know what their STI status is, and how often they get tested. When applicable, knowing if whether the partner is transgendered (post or pre-operation) should be included in this checklist.

Knowing a partners sexual assignment/reassignment past should be seen in the same category as knowing their sexual history. Just as sexual history questions serve to protect your body from harm, this additional question helps protect not only your body but your emotional and mental health as well. That is “why” Dr. Bradley.

Its not a good idea to have any degree of secrecy and deception that may lead to mistrust in a committed relationship, short or long term. Just as it is a transgendered persons right to adjust their body as they see fit, it is everyone’s right to know the chromosomal makeup of a sexual partner.

Sacred Feminine: Reclaiming Women in HipHop

2009-01-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

Its no big secret that the image of the woman has been dragged through the mud in hip hop over the past 17 years. In the July 2008 edition of Rolling Stone, President Elect Barack Obama call Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, and Ludacris "great talents and great businessmen." He went on to say, "I am troubled sometimes by the misogyny and materialism of a lot of rap lyrics...It would be nice if I could have my daughters listen to their music without me worrying that they were getting bad images of themselves."

We have seen this trend move from name calling "bitch" and "ho" to images of women being led around on leashes like animals in the 50 cent video "P.I.M.P.". However, I think the image of women as conveyed through hip hop is back on the upswing. Artists are realizing that not only women and our elders, but the majority of the population is really getting sick and tired of hearing misogynistic themes and side-notes in music. While flipping through the radio (which I try to do as little as possible) you may hear more positive depictions of females like in Independent by Webbie featuring Soulja Boy and Lil Phat from 3 Deep:

"Independent do you know what that mean?
She got to her own house
She got her own car
Two jobs work hard you a bad broad"

Or perhaps in Ride by Ace Hood ft Trey Songz:

"See mama, all I want you to do is hold it down for me
I want you to be my ride or die
while I go get this money, I promise Im get us out the hood baby"

I know what them girls like by Ludacris ft Chris Brown is another positive example. No these examples are far from perfect and generally don't leave out their eagerness to get them into bed, but hip hops got to start somewhere.

Rhythm and Blues (R&B) music has consistently been a more woman-loving, baby-making style of music, therefore this trend has not been nearly as apparent. However, songs like Ms. Independent, and the even better Ms. Independent/She got her own Remix with Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, and Fabolous has has overwhelming success and popularity as Ne-Yo attempts to bring focus back to the image of the gentleman. Let's all hope this is not a fad but is an new attitude that is going to stay.

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Nuclear Weapons: American As Apple Pie?

2009-01-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

Nuclear proliferation and testing of nuclear weapons should be coming to a more rapid end. Testing is too dangerously unpredictable, and the nuclear system of conduct the world has in place right now (explicitly and tacitly) set up under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is blatantly unfair to most of the world not in the nuclear club. The NPT needs to be ratified immediately.

The NPT was proposed by Ireland in 1968 and Finland was the first to sign. It is intended to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. The NPT is a great thing but it needs an immediate ratification including stricter rules on having and testing nuclear weapons.

There are 189 countries that are participants in the NPT, but of those 189 only 5 countries have nuclear weapons and are nuclear weapons states, NWS. Those are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China. Four states are not parties to the treat but possess nuclear bombs, those are India, Israel, Pakistan, and North Korea.

In the first pillar of the NPT a rule states that one of the five NWS may use their nuclear weapons if attacked by another states with nuclear or conventional weapons. Therefore the non NWS who are attacked with nuclear or conventional weapons can only use their conventional weapons to retaliate or protect themselves. How this this fair? If the National Security Council owned all nuclear warheads then they could be used to defend non NWS states though not deployed from their state.

The second pillar of the NPT states that another purpose is to eventually end productions of nuclear weapons. However, the only plan for this to happen is by good faith action on the part of the NWS. This is ludicrous! I would not think any NWS would willingly give up its nuclear warheads. The should be made to surrender ownership of these and the NPT should be ratified to include active procedures to ensure that NWS terminate their advancements in nuclear proliferation.

Nuclear capability should be seen as a world responsibility and ownership. The world most notably has seen the capability of nuclear weapons as used by the US on Japan in World War II, the only instances of nuclear deployment in war in the history of the world. No doubt, nuclear capability has grown exponentially since the 1940s. There have been thousands of nuclear tests since then, and over a 1,000 of them have been demonstrated by the United States. Little Man and Fat Boy did amazing damage in the 1940s and because of this, it is clear that we don’t actually need the capability to do any more damage. We have sufficient nuclear knowledge by now.

Testing is too dangerous. More than once nuclear testing has caused deaths. In the 1954 US Castle Bravo test alone there was radioactive fallout, the explosion was 2 times what the scientists expected, the test changed the weather pattern, nearby island inhabitants suffered from radiation burns, cancer, and birth defects. Also, as a result of the Castle Bravo test a nearby fishing boatman died of radiation sickness, and the boat’s fish were contaminated and may have effected its consumers.

The NWS should no longer be seen as owners of nuclear weapons but only as storage sites for nuclear weapons. Any state’s head executive (president, prime minister, queen, dictator etc) who commissions tests or deploys nuclear weapons without the consent of the United Nations Security Council should be seen as a war criminal against the world, and therefore arrested. The United Nations Security Council should collectively have to decide if nuclear weapons can be tested or deployed.

Nuclear proliferation is a tale of the have and have nots. How can those who have no nuclear weapons feel anything but fear and the desire to have them when the haves only grow more menacing every day? It’s not a good situation if the world is tense on the subject of nuclear weapons. Also, citizens of NWS states often worry that they will be subject to attacks, such as the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, because their country is seen as a world threat due to ownership of nuclear weapons.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Education is a waste! Think Again…

2009-01-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

So, you say, “Education doesn’t matter! College? Waste of time and money!” Well I say, “That’s nonsense.” Clearly all career paths do not warrant a degree in higher education, but there are none that could possibly be hurt by one. College is an investment in yourself and can potentially give you a much needed edge over another job applicant.

I’d also say, “Do it for yourself.” It is going to make you better. College at any level is a huge investment in your human capital. Besides the fact that it may make you more desirable to a perspective employer because it shows you have discipline, ambition, drive, and commitment, it can make you a better person, more cultured, more knowledgeable, and often times a better team player. Also, with money in mind, www.collegeboard.com says that statistically college graduates make 62% more money than people without college degrees.
True, professions besides law and medicine often do not require a Bachelor’s degree much less a Master’s degree, but they do require your skills and experience to be more competitive than the next applicant. When you are up for a job, in such hard economic times worldwide, the employer is deciding whether to take a risk on you or to take a risk on the next applicant who has proven they have the tenacity to complete something they could have tried to scrape through life without. The person with the college education looks like the employer’s best bet.

Pooping on Gay’s Rights: SHAME ON YOU CALIFORNIA!!!

2009-01-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

I am outraged, saddened, and SURPRISED that California voters voted to ban same sex marriage.

This was a pre-existing right, that they voted to have repealed, its not like it was a vote for the 1st time to have it, and people voted no, they voted to take this right away. I feel that’s a step in the wrong direction for civil rights. No matter how you feel about marriage, its obvious that this is discrimination. And on the eve of President Elect Obama’s win! When sooo many Americans were feeling soo much pride in our country. Pride that America IS more progressive than we and a lot of the world want to give us credit for. Pride that we may be moving to a more tolerant, less bullying state of mind. This happens. A pooping on others rights. No I don’t think specific religions or religious leaders should be MADE to perform same sex marriages if they don’t agree with it, but there are plenty that would preform that ceremony. it should be left up to each particular church to decide, not the government!! the spiritual side of marriage shouldn’t have anything to do with the government. Atheist, multiple divorcees, drug dealers, hustlers, lawyers are all allowed to get married, but not gays??? Only the legal, bidding, i get half of what’s yours if we divorce, prenuptial agreement part should have anything to do with government!! Shame on you CA!! Shame!

To Invest or not to Invest? $$$

2009-01-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

In recent decades, efficient market research has proven vital in determining how effectively SMEs products with sell. This research is performed in numerous ways, including by telephone or written surveys with potential consumers. Outside investors must pay special attention to the size of the potential market, how long it will take to break even, and the capability and experience of management team. “How much capital is needed? How much Gross product is expected? Do the SMEs have an effective marketing plan? Is there a basis of interest?” Market Research is vital in determining the demand for any product or service. Short of clairvoyance, no other factor can determine the success of a small or medium sized enterprise as well as market and business research and statistics. It is necessary to determine a basis of interest in the consumer market. This can be achieved by analyzing fundraising efforts and the presale of goods (If the products can be sold before they are delivered, then this will help predict if the venture will be successful), assessing market surveys and statistics, assess the demand of the goods and accurately determine interest.

Have you invested in a small business? What made you think it was a wise investment? What made you predict that you would see a good return on your investment?

“KILL YOURSELF”

2009-01-14T17:59:00.002-08:00

Slanguage

I’m usually fascinated by the new slang my younger family members teach me. Language has always been fascinating to me. I been speaking French since I was 12 and I’ve been speaking Spanish for about 2 yrs now. I also try to learn how to say “Where is the bathroom” in as many languages as I possibly can. I love watching the American Language grow (yes, I realize we speak English not American, I’m one of those people who cringe when i hear people say that they don’t or do want to learn how to speak Mexican, come on!). I say the American Language because currently I’m not following the progression/metamorphosis of other English speaking nations. Perhaps i should say United States Language… but i digress, and I’m sure y’all get what I’m trying to say.
I’ve recently heard things like “goon” which i think may have come from Lil Wayne (A Milli- “ok so you’re a goon, but whats a goon to a goblin”). Goon means a lame/weak/uninfluencial person. Another useful term I’ve learned is “juicin” that means having sex. “Kick rocks” that means “Forget you”.
However, I’ve recently heard lots of people here in Memphis, TN (where I’m visiting my inlaws for Thanksgiving 08 say “kill yourself”, even (especially) to their friends. “Kill yourself” in this sense is like telling someone “you should be embarrassed”. It’s often seen as a very funny things to say. Even though I’ve chuckled at the hearing of this a time or two (which I guess I should “kill myself” for), I think this is a detrimental phrase that we should quickly put into retirement.
Yes. Its illogical to think that someone would actually go and hurt himself/herself if a friend, enemy, or frienemy actually told them to “kill yourself”. But think about the psychological implication. Which is “You should be so ashamed of what you said, what you wore, what you thought, that you should feel ashamed enuff to hurt– Even if only on the inside. Or to feel like you best not do that again.”
Also, think of the children who may over hear this. A 4 year old that hears their parent, or sibling say kill yourself to someone, may not be about to differentiate between this silly catch phrase and the literal meaning.
I think language is a very influential part of our society and in our growth as individual people. Responsible people should encourage the retirement of vernacular phrases like “kill yourself” and “go play in traffic” (which means the same thing and is actual seen as a euphemism for “kill yourself”).
How important is language to society? Does it matter either way if we say hurtful or helpful things to people of all ages?

(Please be advised that this blog entry will be edited often, so please be on the lookout for updated versions.)

Put your FOOT in CANCER’s BUTT!: Spotlite on Mesothelioma

2009-01-14T17:59:00.001-08:00

My goal is to become a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer treatment. My mother is a cancer survivor and I especially want to work with cancer patients with natural medicine and show my nieces and nephews that a career in medicine is not out of reach. All medical programs are among the most costly educations to acquire, and naturopathy is no different.

I wish to inform others about the seriousness and danger of asbestos. Naturopathic medicine has proven to be a formidable method of treating cancers such as mesothelioma. I hope to help others in the the world explore healthcare with natural medical practices as treatment and preventative options.

Illnesses caused by asbestos are close to my heart. I have been around asbestos in different facilities for years; from old theatres to schools and residences. Not only have I lived in areas rumored to be contaminated with asbestos, but I worked in a school for almost two years that most certainly had asbestos in the cafeteria area. This is particularly alarming because statistics show that close to 80% of people affected with mesothelioma came in contact with asbestos in a workplace environment. I think about all those elementary school children that spent far more time than I in that contaminated cafeteria.

Many apartment buildings in California, where I worked in the asbestos contaminated cafeteria, were old hotels from the 1930s and 1940s when insulated with asbestos was popular. Often times, asbestos has yet to be fully removed and state signs are posted saying “This area is known by the state of California to contain materials that may cause cancer.” Unbelievable! However, the state comes and checks the residences and if they determine the carcinogenic levels to be appropriate, no action is taken.

A Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree will help my family and I live and work while I’m am studying. This program is intensive and expensive and the finances are a stress that is on my mind every day. Also, I hope that my education will help me honor all those people who are living and who have died from mesothelioma by me working with like cancer patients using natural medicine. I feel that I will be able to give back and make my own contributions to this cause.

How much of a concern is cancer to you? How can increased awareness benefit the fight against cancer?

Cold, Hard, FACTS about Cancer: Spotlight Mesothelioma

2009-01-14T17:58:00.001-08:00

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial tissue which the New Oxford American Dictionary says is the epithelium that lines the pleurae, peritoneum, and pericardium, and can effect the lungs, chest, and abdomen. Mesothelioma is associated especially with exposure to asbestos which is a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials such as break linings, according to the New Oxford American Dictionary. There are also various types of asbestos including white, brown and blue. Asbestos was often used in the past to insulate buildings.

It took countless research to prove without a doubt that mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The United States government did not acknowledge mesothelioma as a authentic cause of death until 1989. After this, the commercial use of asbestos was banned.

Fortunately, there are opportunities for people who have acquired cancer because of asbestos to get legal and financial retribution for their medical bills and suffering, but this is a hard and drawn out process. Mesothelioma patients and their families can not go to court or battle this system alone. They must get at skilled mesothelioma lawyer to go to bat for them against those liable.

Even now, 19 years after the commercial use of asbestos was banned, there are still 1,000s of new cases of mesothelioma each year. Although statistics indicate that awareness of this debilitating disease is growing, there is still much to be done in equipping people with the knowledge that will one day help cross mesothelioma off the list of acquirable diseases.

Keep your hands off my Sharpie! (or draw back a nubb…)

2009-01-14T17:57:00.001-08:00

Entering college is a fun and exciting rite of passage and new chapter in life. However, my adventurous college experience would be marred if I didn’t have one essential item: a pack of Sharpie permanent markers. That’s right, some good ole’ Sharpies. I will be using mine for labeling all my belongings. Many people will tell you horror stories of dear items that have been lost, stolen, or appropriated by others in college. For many, college is the first time away from home and the first time living with roommates. And while we all hope to have a great living situation with roomies we don’t mind sharing our things with, this is ideal and it doesn’t always (or even most of the time) work out that way. This is why I encourage ALL college students to take a pack of Sharpies with them. Label your food containers, toiletries, textbooks, appliances etc. Keep in mind, that while black is the most coveted and useful permanent marker color, go ahead, splurge! and get a range of colors. That way you will look forward to using your markers, and perhaps can even decorate your labels a bit to seem less threatening and rude about essentially saying “keep your hands off my stuff!” A label could definitely be assuaged by the addition of a cute rosy flower, or perhaps a bubble heart, or little mint green sparkly stars. This will help keep the atmosphere light between roommates for the long haul.

Is this tip helpful to you? Can you give us some good college preparedness tips?

Don’t Sneeze on Me!!! Cheap College Healthcare

2009-01-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

Entering college is a fun and exciting rite of passage and new chapter in life. However, my adventurous college experience would be marred if I didn’t have one essential item: a home remedy pack with garlic and 100% tea tree oil. That’s right, some good ole’ home remedies and naturopathic know-how. Your school may bombard you with Sudafed or the very popular NyQuil and DayQuil or other pharmaceuticals to keep you hopped up and going to class day after day, but once you find out the utter uselessness of those man-made products and the expense once you get hooked on them, then you will be glad you know how to support your body into healing itself. Naturopathy has been around for way over a hundred years, its a branch of the medical field where only natural materials and formulas are used to heal or treat patients from the common cold, to anxiety or cancer. For many, college is the first time away from home and the first time living with roommates. Many people will be taking care of themselves for the first time. This is why I encourage ALL college students to take a garlic when they are sick and use tea tree oil for topical dermatological care. Garlic is like bleach for your body, seriously. If you have a bacterial or fungal illness garlic will help. If you have food poisoning, garlic will help. You should take 2 cloves (that a little wedge like segment, not to be confused with a head of garlic, thats the whole bulb) of garlic, diced into pill size, don’t chew them, swallow the diced piece whole with a large cup of orange juice. Do this 3 times a day until you are better for at least 48 hours. If you have a skin condition that is fungal, or acne, or itchiness, or even sensitive skin, tea tree oil can help. It can soothe and disinfect. Its also a good idea to keep hydrogen peroxide on hand, it’s great for gargling with! Don’t just take my word for it, make sure you do some research via internet or your school library to see the use and benefits of this items. You will find they are way more cost effective then visiting the pharmacy all the time and better for your body in the long haul. Mai sources come from Natural Health, Natural Medicine: The Complete Guide to Wellness and Self-Care for Optimum Health by Andrew Weil.

“I Do” Marriage 101

2009-01-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Renowned philanthropist and retired veterinarian Dr. Parker has a plethora of inspiration writings which moved me to write.

I appreciate that every, single quote from Dr. Parker is relevant in my life. They are a great inspiration for deep thought, and self examination. I’m very thankful for all these interrelated quotes, most go hand in hand. I was most struck by the quote that immediately brought my marriage (and therefore God) to mind. The one that exemplifies the qualities of faith, commitment, and perseverance: “It is always too soon to quit”.
Marriage is hard. One of the hardest journeys to go on. I’m proud that my husband and I are coming up on 5 years of marriage and over 6 years of being together. Friends who are thinking of getting married and newlyweds’ most frequent question is “Does marriage get easier the longer you are together?” “No,” I tell them. On second thought, I add, “It gets harder.” To me, that is the ultimate truth of it. I’m finding that in my relationship, the longer we are together the harder it is to no act petty or selfish. It is easy to take your spouse for granted for a plethora of reasons. In my case, it’s because I don’t always act very appreciative.
Because marriage means joining two lives together, I’m now not only planning with myself in mind, but with a whole other person in mind, who I love and care for like no one else. It’s like taking care of two of myselves, but only having the capability to be in one of my heads. Confusing?…Tell me about it.
We said, “for better or worse, through good times and bad times”, but when the bad times came, I only focused on how much they stunk. There are times when I feel life would be easier alone. Then I think of my commitment to my husband and to God, and I weigh what I would be giving up. In my case, a loving and loyal husband whose trying to progress in every aspect of our lives.
I was being selfish and lacking in faith. I needed to meditate on these quotes by Dr. Parker: “Do you suppose the reason life is so empty for some people is because they are the center of their lives?” (Yes!!), “People are not often changed for the better by having life easy” (disappointing, but true), “Aren’t people often hooked on their problems when they really have no problems?” (Killing me softly!),”Help each other by praying, communicating, ministering and encouraging each other” (ok, I’m on it).
However, I would truly be remiss if I didn’t note that though marriage gets harder, it also gets infinitely more rewarding; and the good avalanches the bad. When obstacles arise I think, “Wow, I have a person that is in it for the long haul, just like me!” Now when we overcome obstacles or handle communication with love and appreciation, I feel so proud. The level and necessity for commitment in marriage is nothing like anything I’ve ever experienced in my whole life. Whether you marry young, or you marry late in life, you realize that joining two lives into one life inevitably means you must continue to grow up. I have someone to do it with; to balance my weaknesses, enhance my strengths, and sometimes, even “tell me about myself”. It is incredibly worth it, without a doubt. In marriage, save examples of abuse, “It is always too soon to quit”. God doesn’t give up on his children, so how could we give up on each other? We won’t, and that is beautiful and reassuring.

Obama, talk to Hamas

2009-01-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

Hamas is the elected governing body of Palestine’s Gaza Strip. Worldwide ignorance of the Palestinian people is contributing to the rising death toll in the latest Israeli and Palestinian conflict. Americans should help civil rights reformers in the Middle East uphold civil rights standards, protect our investment in Israel, and repair President Bush’s fiasco in Palestine.

Hamas has been active since the late 1960s and has much support by the general Palestinian population. 90% of Hamas’ focus is public service. They provide community around mosques, clinics, and schools. However, Hamas has continued its refusal to recognize the state of Israel. Israel’s United Nation’s ambassador said that the goal of Israel’s military defensive is to completely destroy Hamas. Palestinians have been legally given the right to govern themselves in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hamas hopes to obliterate Israel. This has led Israel to enforce economic sanctions on Hamas in 2006 thru 2007 and are currently pushing for an international embargo on the Gaza Strip. Essentially, Palestine and Israel are fighting for the same space.

Just as the entrepreneur president of Rwanda Paul Kagame has said that Rwanda should now be a crusher of genocide around the world, due to its 1994 background with genocide, the American government has a similar obligation in the ways of civil rights. America continues to have a tumultuous relationship with civil rights. Nonetheless, over the decades since the movement of the 1960s and 1970s America has set a precedent for civil rights in the world. Therefore, like Rwanda, it’s America’s duty to uphold those rights. American writer Stan Lee admonishes,”With great power comes great responsibility.” It would be horrible to do nothing when we have the sway to effect change simply by moderating communications. As we go into these next four years, America will be seeking to improve its garish image worldwide. Standing idly by as the Bush administration has done for eight years would be callus of us, and not a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, the American government has contributed to much of the civil unrest in the Mideast by strengthening tyrants resources to oppress. While the CIA was supplying millions of dollars to the Afghanis in the 1980s to help defend against the Russians, that same regime was torturing, maiming, and deforming the limbs of many of its own people, while forming the Taliban. The same is true of trade with Saudi Arabia to obtain oil. Neither nations regularly and consistently acknowledge the civil rights of all its citizens. America has financially supported fundamental, extremist, supremacist groups for decades just to get oil under ideal conditions.

In order to improve the impression of Americans worldwide, we must separate ourselves from the Bush administration’s policies. Many christian Americas believe that biblically the land belongs to the Israelis. Many feel this is why President Bush, in his right-wing fundamentalist christian glory, has done so little maintenance in this region. Some, such as statesman Zbigniew Brzezinski, hold Bush responsible for this turmoil. On the MSNBC show Morning Joe Z. Brzezinski said, “What have we done to bring about peace between Israel and the Palestinians? And look at the last 8 years, we have relied on force, we have stopped being the mediators, we have become very partial, and we have essentially observed the situation as it deteriorates… The problem is that this conflict has lasted for years, and the United States have been largely passive. So the right question is not what do we do when things breaks down, the right question is what do we do to avoid a break down. By being engaged seriously in the peace process, and for the last 8 years we haven’t been and that is why we have the mess like we have right now on our hands.” Anchor Joe Scarborough said,”You can’t blame what is happening in Israel right now on the Bush administration.” To which Z. Brzezinski proclaims,”Yes you can!… In the last 8 years we had a policy in witch we have proclaimed an interest in peace. Condi Rice has traveled 16 times in 21 months to the region proclaiming ‘you must do this, you must do that’ but the United States never exerted itself. So the issue that Obama faces…is are we going to be sitting there issuing condemnations whether its at the Hamas or Israel or anybody else or are we going to be seriously engaged in the peace making process? That is the question.” Barack Obama must renounce Bush’s passive, do-nothing tactics and take effective action to restore diplomacy in Israel. Bill Clinton worked to pacify relations with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat before the turn of the century. That work was all but negated as President Bush did nothing to keep any truce. A stark contrast to former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter who hoped to leave as part of their legacy “Peace in the Middle East”.

In America, Obama would come under much scrutiny if he met with the Hamas without any preconditions. In all likelihood, his 80% public approval would plummet. Nonetheless, this is exactly what is needed. It’s this reason, among others, that President-Elect Obama has hesitation to meet with Hamas leaders to potentially work this situation out and cease the senseless killings. General Colin Powell, former president Jimmy Carter, and Rachel Maddow of MSNBC all feel the Hamas would be better dealt with than ignored and are seen as radical for it. Carter has been openly ridiculed for meeting with the Hamas. However, his reputation can withstand these attacks, Obama’s could not. This is why Americans need to support and expedite this meeting. If we don’t, the death toll will continue to rise, more families will be found dead, with the bodies of their babies swaddled in their arms, an attempt at protection all in vain.

There is worry over Barack Obama’s silence. Though he is not in position to act before his inauguration, how will he deal with the conflict in the Gaza Strip? Currently France has proposed a truce which is backed by Egypt, the United States, and other nations. During the campaign season Sarah Palin accused him of having the inclination to sit down and talk with Hamas without preconditions. How could the President of the United States ignore the input of the Palestinian people’s elected official? Especially, when the United States recommended the manner by which Hamas was elected. A democratic election voted on by the people. We are virtually at a standstill. Hamas won’t accept a truce unless it states an end to the Israeli embargo of Gaza. Israel says that will not happen, and is pushing for an international embargo. Under these circumstances, no preconditions can be formulated. Unfortunately, instead of being grateful to Carter for meeting with Hamas, Obama condemned his actions and attempts to distance himself from Carter who has been trying to help the Mideast since his presidency. Astutely, Carter wants to keep doors and communication open because he’s not afraid to be a diplomatic moderator.

Since December 27, 2008, nearly 700 Palestinians have been killed, nearly 100 Israelis, and thousands injured. Rachel Maddow questioned if conflict in this region can be avoided at all. Israel is our major ally in the Mideast. It is very unpopular for anyone to speak ill of Israel or sympathetic of its aggressors. In a chat room someone categorized enemies of Israel as “all the uncivilized countries”. Unfortunately, many don’t see any problem with this. Though it doesn’t compare to the vast censorship of some middle eastern countries such as Iran, United Arab Emigrants, and Saudi Arabia where citizens have been imprisoned for blogging, and others must access proxy internet servers to bypass stringent government filters, America has its own version of vast censorship. We have a biased media with its own level of elitist supremacy that often serves to give us a one-sided view of many world events. The general public need to examine both positions and not simply side with our political allies. If we were to truly do this, I believe the general consensus would not be that one state is righteous and one is evil, but we would recognize a need for diplomacy and open communication. This is why it’s not going to do any good, especially not for Israel if the president of the United States refuses to meet with the Hamas. It’s time for a change of mindset. Meeting with Hamas is the answer.

I pledge to struggle for civil rights in the Middle East by making more Americans aware, and supplying balanced information on personal blogs and podcasts. While researching, I found how complex it is to find objective information. This can make information very difficult to decipher. Americans must begin to change their mindset so we don’t see foreign peoples as a political agenda of allied states and non-allied states, as our government appears to do.

My Favorite Uncle’s Messed Up Mai Head

2009-01-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

Uncle John David is fourth of six boys. My uncles are the finest examples of strong, successful, enduring American men. It’s easy to look up to them, and they’ve always been loving and supportive. However, Uncle John D. has taken special interest in me from a young age; teaching me chess and encouraging me in violin. He’s fun loving, a man I take after most.

Uncle John D. is well-travelled, having served the Air Force in Germany. For years, I’ve enjoyed listening to his stories of traveling in Italy, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Australia. Thumbing through photo albums, I’d imagine the foreign smells, native foods, and the music. Uncle John D. implanted the insatiable desire to see the world in his young niece: wanderlust.
The first time I travelled abroad I was a sophomore in high school and I went to France for two weeks. On my way back, I got him a silver and gold clock in the shape of a small airplane, to commemorate his time in the Air Force. I’ve travelled Sapin, Europe, and Mexico, and lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, and soon Toronto.
I hope one day to name a son Langston John David Heath.

Very recently I’ve started wondering if my wanderlust is a virtue or a vice. It’s always excited to go on an adventure and move to a new place. I love to explore the world. But sometimes, it makes me feel like I’m scatterbrained and flighty. I’m an adult, I should be able to settle down right? Why don’t I want to stop moving until I’m 30 or something. I feel like maybe I’m running away from myself. Is it healthy to nurture this, or is this going to be a catastrophe? Am I setting myself up for failure? I hate the idea of getting old, death, settling down, owning a home, being boring. I dread not being on the cutting edge of life, but just because I’ve got wanderlust doesn’t mean I’m on he cutting edge of my life. I live in my own head way too much. I have to force myself i write it out.

To only value conventional healthcare isn’t acting wisely

2009-01-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

Social Activism is my heart’s desire for my life. I hope to improve the quality of life for my family and community by broadening awareness of natural medicine. I will earn my Doctor of Natural Medicine certification, become a physician, open a practice and advocate the licensure of naturopathy in Illinois, New York, and Indiana before fighting for national licensure. I will support the growth of this branch of the medical field worldwide by making it more assessable to the general public and dispelling myths. I want to encourage government health programs to include more naturopathic avenues for patients to explore. The future of naturopathic medicine is in the hands of its physicians. Naturopathic and allopathic (conventional) medicine should be used together to have the most positive impact. Naturopathic medicine has proved to be cost effective and environmentally sound. I hope to visit naturopathic facilities abroad and strengthen networks of naturopathy worldwide. I want to add to the future of this healthcare method by giving patients options, and doing as much good for as many people as possible.

Plsease don’t assume I don’t advocate conventional med. That’s silly, I just don’t think its the be all end all of healthcare, and leaving natural medicine out of the spectrum of common discussion is nonsensical. There are many myths about it, some one actually asked me if it has to do with crystals and light. NO, that’s not it, its science and mental health among other things. I think anyone who would advocate one without the other is not acting wisely. I also feel its my duty to advocate its use. Not that its completely synonymous with allopathic medicine but i AM against over medicating people and charging them for that malpractice.

Dreams Don’t Come True

2009-01-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Recently my husband asked me to describe my dream job. It was surprisingly hard for me to do. I had to write it down, when I was done, I was even more depressed than ever because I realized its not even flippin’ possible!! Yeah, it was an interested exercise, because I’ve been vacillating over what to do with my life,– funny how my undergraduate education didnt point me in the infinate direction… life, sheesh, anyway this was my dream job fantasy conclusion/delusion:

I’m here to example tolerance, help heal bodies, society, and Earth, tell under-told stories, do no harm, learn at every age, and acknowledge beauty in everything.
I am a community organizer with a passion for social activism. The city of Chicago pays me to plan and host free events for the community year-round. I enlist help from local artists, small business owners, and volunteers. Focus and importance is placed on involving the community in enriching their environment whilst evoking a feeling of ownership and pride. Youth and families are encouraged to get involved.
I own a large south-side duplex. I’m one of a team of physicians working out of its first floor clinic that is devoted to holistic naturopathic treatments. This need-based clinic is open to everyone. Fees are determined by financial need, though free to some, and accepts donations. Upstairs, this duplex houses a distribution center where my husband distributes films that he writes and we both produce and direct. Towards the back of the first floor and leading out to the backyard is a blackbox theatre where performances, classes, drama therapy and playwriting workshops are held. Artists work with special needs children and abuse victims to collectively write and produce plays for the blackbox. A small cafe in the duplex serves concessions during the performances and cocktails in the evenings and early morning hours when the blackbox hosts a burlesque/cabaret show.
The Healthy ‘Hood Clinic, Move The Crowd Printing Co., O. Micheaux Distribution Co., Mark Mai Words Concession Stand, and Elemental Performance Arts Ensemble Blackbox all sponsor individual scholarships open to any student showing financial need.
I want to be an example, I want to be a role model. I am here to be a wife and I hope to be a mother, I am here to teach and to learn. I am here to let everyone know that you need never stop learning. There is beauty in everything. I want to promote tolerance and convince everyone that God works in mysterious ways and that no one should judge anyone because we don’t know how God is working with anyone. My purpose is to heal the world and heal the bodies of people I am here to tell people’s stories that are not told.

The Future of Healthcare

2009-01-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

Where do I envision the naturopathic medicine profession heading in the future? More practice, more schools, more licensure, more accreditation, more physicians, more patients, more consistent progress. This profession is constantly advancing. More locations are offering licensure for naturopathic doctors, most recently Minnesota on May 23, 2008. Many states in the United States are seeking licensure like New York and Illinois. I believe that when more of the population learns about the benefits of naturopathic medicine the profession will continue to grow. I hope it will not be long before government health programs will include more naturopathic avenues for patients to explore. I am excited for an opportunity to add to the future of this healthcare method.

The future of naturopathic medicine is in the hands of its physicians. Physicians should be using natural medicine and conventional medicine together to have the most positive impact. Naturopathy was popular in North America until the 1930s when practice of natural medicine declined, after the discovery and development of penicillin by Alexander Fleming. It is distressing that in this modern world naturopathic medical treatment still escapes the majority of healthcare facilities.

The cost effectiveness and energy efficiency of naturopathic medicine ensures its future in the world of healthcare. We are living in a time when more and more people are seeing the value of clean natural resources. We even have advertisements on television about using windmills for power, and U.S. presidential candidates talking about alternative energy sources as opposed to off shore drilling. The world we live in is more prepared than ever to open its mind to the benefits of naturopathic medicine.

I have chosen to apply to Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine because it is seriously committed to naturopathic medicine as an alternative for those seeking healthcare in these times. In my search for the ND program that would best fit me, more than any other institution, I found ND doctors with degrees from CCNM. This college is highly recommended by working professionals in the medical field and the university faculty have the credentials that prove for a well structured and professional environment. I believe deeply in the work that CCNM offers and I have no doubt that I can be an asset to this program. However, I want to give much love and support to all the other naturopathic programs out there. We are fighting a lot of odds, so there is camaraderie over competition. Peace-Love-Blessings-Awareness-Wealth

It’s a Black Thing: African-American Theatre Styles

2009-01-14T17:46:00.000-08:00

Black Theater: Ritual Performance in the African Diaspora by Paul Carter Harrison, Victor Leo Walker II, and Gus Edwards is not a book that focuses on directing theater. Its focus is not even directing “Black Theater.” Rather, it is a study of African-American theater and how it is produced today. However, by examining African-American theater practices, traditions and history, the book highlights key points that directors should not forget. Any director that takes on the task of bringing Black drama to life on stage must acknowledge the need for call and response, repetition and ritual, and finding the relevance of African traditions in theater.
A large part of African-American culture and performance history is the usage of call and response. In call and response the performers and the audience share in the experience as participants in a time-honored ritual. This technique can be observed throughout the history and present day activities of African-American people, from church and religious gatherings to all different forms and variations of music. Call and response is a large part of blues, gospel, Negro spirituals, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and hiphop. Musical selections like Stevie Wonder’s rhythm and blues hit “Fingertips”, Ray Charles’ blues anthem “It’s Alright”, and Donny Hathaway’s gospel ballad “I Love the Lord” welcome, demand, and even require audience participation. Hiphop’s Emcee, popularly referred to as a “rapper”, is derived from the initials M.C. which stand for Master/Mistress of Ceremonies. At social gatherings where hiphop was present, M.C.’s began to host such events with crowd participation routines, which later grew into full-scale verses of musical spoken word. The writers within this book insists that these traditions in African-American storytelling are also found at the core of Black theater.
It is important for a director of Black theater to understand the important role of call and response and that proper arrangements are made to accommodate it. Black audiences will respond to a moving and compelling story and the way it is presented, with both verbal and non-verbal communication such as claps and stomps. It is important that they not be discouraged by this or bound to the rules of traditional “western theater”. In Paul Carter Harrison’s essay Forms and Transformation, he asserts that Black Theatrical tradition dates back to a slave ritual know as “The Ring Shout”; in this event Africans in the Americas shared their stories while witnessing the stories of others in a circle with dance and audible praise. This tradition is similar to religious testimonies and hiphop ciphers, where the audience and performers are peers sharing experiences. The essay explains that this builds an unbreakable kinship between the performers and the audience, allowing for a give and take of energy and security between the two parties. A writer from the Negro Ensemble Company states, “We never needed to look in the papers to find out whether or not we had a hit, we could tell by the way the audience responded” (pg.325).
Repetition and ritual are focal points, often mentioned throughout the book. A continuous pattern of actions and words are the building blocks of Black performances. In other words, rhythm is a needed storytelling tool when dealing with the African Diaspora. This is also reflected in music and religious ceremonies. Paul Carter Harrison says that rituals are spiritual and that spirituality is a cornerstone of the Black drama. “Without the benefit of a forceful, spiritually expressive character, the dramatization of black experience becomes frozen in sociological analysis” (pg.323). The contributors argue that Black theater is rooted in ritual not realism.
They proclaim that the overtly spiritual rituals found in plays like Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow’s Enuf, are what causes the audience to respond. It is not a simple portrayal of events, but a dramatized, sermon-like depiction of true life experiences, that draws the audience into the story. “It is widely accepted that, owing to the incantory power of the preacher to rouse emanations of the spirit, few leave the black church ritual the way they entered. At work here is not merely representation of the Gospel…; it is the mimetic figuration of myths conjured with a language that signifies the conjunction of ethos and cosmos, a ritual reenactment of earthly issues” (pg.326).
“Transformation requires a procreative process whereby the retrieval of the old is transmuted into concrete image or idea in the new experience. Thus in addition to rhythm, one of the important performance devices found in African Diaspora cultures is repetition…”(pg. 327 Snead:50-57). The usage of repetitious action and speech is vital to the communication of Black theater. So it is important that even if there isn’t repetition in the text, repeated words or phrases, that characters performing African-American stories exercise repetition in the way that they speak or in their actions. A character rhythm must be created, actors must conjure up the ideas expressed throughout the piece. It is important that the performance follow a ritualistic pattern of rhythm and repetition.
Finally, it is important that directors of Black theater understand the importance of the history of African traditions in theater. This is important for contextualizing your work, as well as breaking new ground as an artist and storyteller. In her essay The Sense of Self in Ritualizing New Performance Spaces for Survival, contributing writer Beverly J. Robinson describes briefly the history of African drama in the Americas. According to the text, dances like “The Limbo” were formed during the Middle Passage to “keep Africans as physically presentable as possible”. She also contends that Negro spirituals and later songs developed on the “chain gangs” by African-American prisoners were games and codes, that not only aided the escape and revolt of Africans, but kept them safe from harm during their demeaning tasks. Mrs. Bessie Jones, granddaughter of slaves, recounts, “the older men would teach the younger ones how to sing certain songs to keep the field boss at bay. Because if you get too still the captain will think you might be doing something wrong.” “If you want to please your captain/Sink em’ low boys, raise em’ high,” went one slave song. “Sink the shovel low in the dirt to get a shovel full, and then throw it up high. A light shovel always meant a whipping or punishment” (Robinson 334). We can gather from this that the traditional usage for Black drama and performance are practical at their core. For example, certain games, codes, and dances developed by slaves are still used as teaching tools for children today.
“Two ritual elements universally common to theater are dance/movement and storytelling/oral tradition” (Robinson 332). It is clear that African-American movement and storytelling techniques are different in style and culture than traditional western ones, so directors of Black theater would need to acquaint themselves with African-American styles of dance and oral tradition in order to successfully direct Black drama. It is also necessary that we take into account the context of each performance tradition for Black Americans. These dances, words, and other forms of expression are often created as defense mechanisms in hostile environments and tools for everyday survival. It is important that we not minimize or forget that history when addressing each performance method.
African-American theater must not be an imitation of mainstream white theater that is most common. Rather it is something wholly different and should be directed as such. It should use the methods of call and response to engage its audience in fellowship and camaraderie. “Stanislavsky’s ‘magic if’ treats ‘if’ as a word that can transform our thoughts… This particular doctrine becomes destructive for many African Americans, whom ‘if’ can make very angry. ‘If there had not been slavery,’ ‘If I were white,’ ‘If there were no racism,’ ‘If I could get a job’ …” (pg.353). It is clear that our methods must be different. Black theater should be based in ritual and repetition so as to serve the play and drive home the spiritual core of the story. The director should utilize the history that it is built on as a blueprint for the future or as possible rules to strategically break while setting a new standard and covering new ground. Barbara Ann Teer, founder of the National Black Theatre of Harlem said, “My vision of theater is one rooted in the heart, not the mind. I want to add another dimension to theater-the dimension of human spirit, so that people will get to experience who they are when they come to the theater…”(pg.352).

Naturopathy: a word you need to know

2009-01-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

Naturopathy encompasses a wide range of factors from our food and air quality, to our weather and climate. It is all inclusive. Asian Medicine, botanical medicine, and homeopathic medicine, are some of my favorite components of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathy shows the patient, through the doctor, how to rely on their bodies to maintain a healthy lifestyle and take full advantage of their body’s natural survival mechanisms.

I was first properly introduced to naturopathic medicine in undergraduate school. I took a class with Louis Silverstein called Peace Studies. In this class, Dr. Andrew Weil’s book Natural Health, Natural Medicine was required text. I do love to read, but I did not expect to discover one of my favorite books and authors for the first time in a class. But I did. I devoured it, read it inside and out, then made flashcards. I began going to the farmer’s market, and kept an herb garden in my dormitory. Exploring this really kept me fascinated.

Naturopathic medicine is a more cost effective and personal form of healthcare. Holistic treatment is of the whole person, using natural remedies rather than expensive drugs with dangerous side effects. These attributes make it a perfect alternative or supplement for low income families currently trying to make due with the bottom of the healthcare system in the U.S. and other countries. This form of treatment will allow people access to quality healthcare that will include a personal approach that deals with them as people and not just symptoms. So many people live check to check, hand to mouth, taking whole days off work to get healthcare in America. By making naturopathy more available, more can be done to aide prevention methods.

Natural medicine is at a crucial point in its existence. The doctors involved in this healthcare method educate the mostly ignorant society to ensure its place in the future. It is progressing now and hopefully it will be more readily accessible in the future.

before i die…

2009-01-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

Mai’s Top Ten Ventures to Attain in Life

10. Learn: Earn a Masters of Arts degree in Anthropology and a Ph. D. in Performing Arts Studies, then teach at my alma mater Columbia College Chicago

9. Develop: Resume classical voice and violin lessons, sing arias in a large hall in Europe

8. Give: Improve the education standards of the Indianapolis Public Schools and all surrounding township schools, commission a community arts center, and author its curriculum

7. Create: Write at least one book on naturopathic therapies for cancer, at least one book on African-American Theatre styles, at least one book on marriage and family, and help my mother finish her novel

6. Health: Become independent of processed foods for better health and longevity, continue my active gym routine

5. Explore: Travel Europe, Asia, and Australia while improving my foreign language skills in French and Spanish

4. Awaken: Open Elemental Performance Arts Ensemble Blackbox Theatre in Chicago, IL to provide drama therapy and playwrighting clinics for special needs children and victims of abuse

3. Achieve: Get my Doctorate of Naturopathy (ND) certification, open a naturopathic practice in Chicago, IL, advocate naturopathy worldwide, and own international clinics

2. Live: Have a successful, long-enduring marriage, give birth to children and adopt at least one child, and provide for my immediate and extended family financially

1. Grow: Build a stronger relationship with Jehovah God

What do you want to accomplish before you bite the big one?

Global Heat: The Death of Earth

2009-01-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

I, like most scientist, believe that global warming is an imminent threat to life on Earth. When predicting the effects of global warming on the Earth over the next century, we must take two scenarios into consideration. First: What will the Earth’s conditions be like if people do nothing? Second: What will the Earth’s conditions be like if people act? Unfortunately, I’m not optimistic about the outcome of either scenario.

Global warming is often called “climate change” because the atmosphere warms due to green house gas emissions, traps heat inside, forcing the Earth to cool. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most common emission that makes Earth warmer. It is often released by factory pollution or burning fossil fuels. Trees absorb CO2, but the rainforest is being obliterated. Eleven of the twelve hottest years on record since the invention of the thermometer were between 1995 and 2006. In 650,000 years, CO2 levels never exceeded 300 parts per million (ppm), today we are at 380 ppm. Some scientists speculate that in 91 years (2100) we will be over 500 ppm.

Let’s imagine society as a whole does nothing to stop global warming. Those who don’t believe in global warming often cite that the Earth has only gotten about one degree hotter in the past 60 years and that the atmosphere has sustained severe climate changes in the past such as “The Little Ice Age” of the 17th and 18th centuries that froze the River Thames, the cooling of the Earth during the Jurassic Period, and the warmer climate of Europe during the Middle Ages. This is very distressing to some environmental advocates because regardless of the seemingly slight change in degrees the adverse effects of global warming are very obvious.

The orangutan, polar bear, and tiger are threatened and I predict more animals will become endangered in the next century as a direct result of global warming, and danger to their environments and food sources. Glaciers will melt all over the world causing water levels and temperatures to rise, and more frequent hurricanes and tsunamis. Kilimanjaro has less and less snow on its summit every year, soon it will have none. Shorelines and coastal lands will go under water. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina will be common. Precipitation will be disastrous as some places flood and others drought. We’ve already seen the tsunamis and tornados of Asia and the droughts of Africa. Seasons will deform, birds will hatch before their food, starve, and die. Property rates will skyrocket as people move inland to escape the perilous water. New diseases develop in an eco-system at war with itself and diseased living conditions persist. Like crabs in a barrel, people will scrapple to survive creating a breeding ground for social unrest, marshall law, and starvation when flood waters consume agricultural fields. Worldwide, many of this is already taking place as people continue to die.

Now, let’s imagine that people get on board to save the Earth’s thinning atmosphere. Thanks to celebrity environmental advocates such as former Vice President Al Gore for his global warming documentary An Inconvenient Truth and Noah Wyle with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for bringing awareness to the public. The more concerned generated on this issue, the better the chance for positive change.

In order for the world to improve, legislation need to ban the manufacture of products we know harm the Earth. We know aerosol cans, gas burning vehicles, and other items damage the ozone, so they shouldn’t be made. Give incentives to live eco-friendly. Tax breaks for those committed to using alternative fuels, renewable solar and wind powered energy, abstaining from aerosol cans, car pooling, using eco-friendly cars, restoring forests, and recycling. Years ago, Al Gore suggested a CO2 tax for companies harming the ozone. Implement a pollution tax to discourage people from polluting. The best thing we can do is try to make the damage as little as possible. These are some of the best solutions available.

I hope and believe the global warming situation will improve eventually, but only if mankind effects change. It took much damage for us to effect the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere, but not too much that cannot be undone. However, perhaps it is just too difficult to get everyone to unite on anything. I’m not sure if enough people care to make the drastic changes needed to get it back on track so future generations can enjoy Earth as we’ve known it.

Resurrecting the House Slave

2009-01-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

African-American identities have been perpetually based on lies since the first captive was brought to the Americas. There is no evidence that supports there was ever a class delineation or hostility among household and field slaves, yet this plot has grown to iconic proportions in the Black community even influencing the modern African-American communal identity. The conniving household slave is a myth supported by peer pressure, media popularity, fraudulent, suspect text, and leader endorsement.

There is a constant fear of being seen as a person who oppresses and subjugates your own. The impact and peer pressure evoked by the notion of classism among Blacks is strong. No one wants to be an “Uncle Tom”, or the morally cannibalistic “Sell Out” devouring those like you to get ahead. The household slave and field slave myth even suggest that some people are born to be lapdogs of society, moved and manipulated to do their bidding, for lack of character strength, and common sense.

While I have yet to find any slave narrative support the idea of slave class delineations, they often reference differences among the various labour sects. Most household slaves were female and their jobs were strenuous. They may have kept the longest hours, rising before everyone often beginning their day by milking a dozen cows or more in the dark of the morning. Then resting after everyone at night once preparation and service of dinner and other duties were done. However, it is historically noted that field slaves had the more backbreaking work of the two. In his slave narrative, fugitive slave James Curry notes that not all slaves were “driven” like the field slaves.
“My mother’s labor was very hard. She would go to the house in the morning, take her pail upon her head, and go away to the cow-pen, and milk fourteen cows. She then put on the bread for the family breakfast, and got the cream ready for churning… After I was sixteen, I was put into the field to work in the spring and summer, and in the autumn and winter, I worked in the hatter’s shop with my uncle. We raised on the plantation, principally, tobacco, some cotton, and some grain. We commenced work as soon as we could see in the morning, and worked from that time until 12 o’clock before breakfast, and then until dark, when we had our dinner, and hastened to our night-work for ourselves. We were not driven as field slaves generally are, and yet when I hear people here say they work as hard as the slaves, I can tell them from experience, they know nothing about it.”

In her slave narrative The History of Mary Prince, Prince paints a much more all inclusive work load, where she is demanded to do both household work and field work. This takes place directly after her relatively kind mistress has died, she’s been sold from her mother, and separated from her sister.
“The next morning my mistress set about instructing me in my tasks. She taught me to do all sorts of household work; to wash and bake, pick cotton and wool, and wash floors, and cook. And she taught me (how can I ever forget it!) more things than these; she caused me to know the exact difference between the smart of the rope, the car-whip, and the cow-skin… She was a fearful woman, and a savage mistress to her slaves.”

The household and field slave myth is historically accepted, though not historically noted. This is not to say that there was not conflict and even deception among the slaves. In The Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano, he recounts a time when an elderly slave woman told on him for accidently killing a chicken while he was helping her cook.
“…I happened to toss a small pebble at one of them, which hit it on the middle, and directly killed it. The old slave having soon after missed the chicken, inquired after it; and on my relating the accident (for I told her the truth, because my mother would never suffer me to tell a lie) she flew into a violent passion, threatened that I should suffer for it; and my master being out, she immediately went and told her mistress what I had done. This alarmed me very much, and I expected and instant flogging.”
Equiano goes on to say that he hid in fear all day, expecting to be found and punished, but when he went undiscovered for the better part of the day, everyone assumed he had fled as a runaway. The next morning he is discovered by the elder slave woman and she conspires to help save him from grave punishment.
“She was very much surprised to see me, and could scarcely believe her own eyes. She now promised to intercede for me, and went for her master, who soon after came, and, having slightly reprimanded me, ordered me to be taken care of, and not ill treated.”
In this case, there was no backstabbing because the old lady was a house servant and he was not. They were both working on the same task, she became angry and impetuous, and later helped save him from certain whipping.

Stories of household slaves betraying field slaves inundate media, books, radios, talk shows, songs, and movies. However, there is little to no evidence of these animosities ever taking place. The atrocities of slavery are horrendous, but no where in the narratives of Prince, Curry, or Frederick Douglass are there any account of scheming spies, working in the house, plotting against the others. This household slave Sell Out character does not exist in their time, but modern people believe this sniveling traitor did. The modern Black community has become an instigator in a fight that never took place. How unfortunate for the image of the household slave!

These myths are long-standing. We have black and white footage of formidable leaders, such as Malcolm X, educating and preaching to the masses about the strife between household and field slaves. Warning those in the audience to not act like the household slave, the eager subject of the master.

One of several speeches in Malcolm X Speaks is entitled The House Negro And the Field Negro. Malcolm X begins his speech talking about the federal governments lack of protection for the millions of Blacks in America against such forces as the Ku Klux Klan and the police. Then he goes on to speak about this notion that there has always been two types of Black people in America: The House Negro And the Field Negro.
“Back during slavery, when Black people like me talked to the slaves, they didn’t kill ‘em, they sent some old house Negro along behind him to undo what he said. You have to read the history of slavery to understand this.
There were two kinds of Negroes. There was that old house Negro and the field Negro. And the house Negro always looked out for his master. When the field Negro got too much out of line, he held them back in check. He put ‘em back on the plantation.
The house Negro could afford to do that because he lived better than the field Negro. He ate better, he dressed better, and he lived in a better house. He lived right up next to his master-in the attic or the basement. He ate the same food his master ate and wore his same clothes. And he could talk just like his master-good diction. And he loved his master more than his master loved himself. That’s why he didn’t want his master hurt.
If the master got sick, he’d say, “What’s the matter, boss, we sick?” When the master’s house caught afire, he’d try and put the fire out. He didn’t want his master’s house burned. He never wanted his master’s property threatened. And he was more defensive of it than the master was. That was the house Negro.
But then you had some field Negroes, who lived in huts, had nothing to lose. They wore the worst kind of clothes. They ate the worst food. And they caught hell. They felt the sting of the lash. They hated their master. Oh yes, they did.
If the master got sick, they’d pray that the master died. If the master’d house caught afire, they’d pray for a strong wind to come along. This was the difference between the two.
And today you still have house Negroes and field Negroes. I’m a field Negro. If I can’t live in the house as a human being, I’m praying for a wind to come along. If the master won’t treat me right and he’s sick, I’ll tell the doctor to go in the other direction. But if all of us are going to live as human beings, as brothers, then I’m for a society of human beings that can practice brotherhood.”

The Willie Lynch Letter is a speech purportedly given by William Lynch on the James River in Virginia in 1712 about how to control slaves in a colony. His advice in large part was to pit slaves against each other based on their differences to squash any unity among them and make them weak in the mind while preserving the body for slave labor. Supposedly, the inferiority was going to be felt psychologically by the slaves and their offspring for more than three hundred years.
“I have outlined a number of differences among the slaves, and I take these differences and make them bigger. I use fear, distrust, and envy for control purposes. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies, and it will work throughout the South. Take this simple little test of differences and think about them. On the top of my list is “Age”, but it is there because it only starts with an “A”; the second is “Color” or shade; there is intelligence, size, sex, size of plantations, attitude of owners, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, East, West, North, South, have fine or coarse hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you an outline of action–but before that, I shall assure you that distrust is stronger than trust, and envy is stronger than adulation, respect, or admiration.”

The Willie Lynch Letter supports the notion that slaves were divided into two groups who fought based on differences of class and complexion. There were more than two labour forces of slaves. Besides house and field, what about the welders, the blacksmiths, the hired out slaves, the breeding slaves, and the slaves used as messengers?

The Willie Lynch Letter first appeared on the internet in 1993 after publication in The St. Louis Black Pages a University of Missouri reference librarian posted the text on the library’s server with the warning that its’ origins were not clear. William Jelani Cobb, Ph.D., historian and associate professor of History at Spelman College specializing in post-Civil War African American history, believes the letter is an internet hoax. There has been debate over this though many believe it does not matter if the text is fake or not because the tactics described were certainly used by slave owners to assert more power and manipulate slaves.

Even though the Willie Lynch Letter is absolutely fraudulent, in the 2007 movie The Great Debaters, Denzel Washington’s character Melvin B. Tolson, real life Speech and English professor of Wiley College in Marshall, Texas in the 1920s and 1930s, references the Willie Lynch Letter in 1935.
“Anybody know who Willie Lynch was? Anybody? Raise your hand. He was a vicious slave owner in the West Indies. The slave masters in the colony of Virginia were having trouble controlling their slaves so they sent for Mr. Lynch to teach them his methods. Keep the slave physically strong but psychologically weak and dependent on the slave master. Keep the body, take the mind.”

Why is there no objection? What does this mean for Black youth that grow up with no indication that this is all myth and fallacy? Will they live up to low expectations of themselves? What does this mean for Black elders that may in fact be crippling children, and therefore stumbling the community’s hopes for future advancements? Where does a myth like this come from?

While slave narratives lack accounts of field and household slave strife, they are full of accounts of slaves helping each other get by. Through them it is also apparent how the slave owners knew very little about their slaves true feelings and intentions. Mary Prince said, “Oh the Buckra [white] people who keep slaves think that black people are like cattle, without natural affection. But my heart tells me it is far otherwise.” Frederick Douglass’ narrative tells us that slaves would often claim to have a kind master and to being contented with their lives.
“…when inquired of as to their [slaves] condition and the character of their masters, almost universally say they are contented, and that their masters are kind…a still tongue makes a wise head. They suppress the truth rather than take the consequences of telling it… If they have anything to say of their masters, it is generally in their masters’ favor, especially when speaking to an untried man.”

Mary Prince’s recount is full of affection between slaves. Time and time they are helping each other survive and get by. Hetty the slave woman who looks after Mary, and whom she refers to as her Aunt, and the kind Black man Anthony and his wife who feed her on her four week long journey to Turk’s Island, to name a few. She also has tales of confrontation among Blacks. In one case, a bi-racial freedwoman named Martha Wilcox was very unkind to the slaves no matter there labor position.
“Mrs. Wood…hired a mulatto woman to nurse the child; but she was such a fine lady she wanted to be mistress over me. I thought it very hard for a coloured woman to have rule over me because I was a slave and she was free… she was a saucy woman, very saucy; and she went and complained of me, without cause, to my mistress, and made her angry with me… The mulatto woman was rejoiced to have power to keep me down. She was constantly making mischief; there was no living for the slaves- no peace after she came.”
At another time, a slave who had long doled out harshness to other slaves, is very remorseful for the deeds his master has made him do.
“The husband of the woman I went with was a black driver. His name was Henry. He confessed that he had treated the slaves very cruelly; but said that he was compelled to obey the orders of his master. He prayed them all to forgive him, and he prayed that God would forgive him. He said it was a horrid thing for a ranger to have sometimes to beat his own wife or sister; but he must do so if ordered by his master. I felt sorry for my sins also. I cried the whole night…”

History has failed to act as a guide for the present. These myths have become a poor substitute to fill in the blanks on an otherwise scattered history. The Black community clings to these myths because we do not have a solid foundation for our history. We are always seeking our true selfs and our true origins, constantly trying to figure out why this could have possibly happened to us, where we have come from, and where we are going. So much power, influence, manipulation, and contention is wielded by myths. Fights have been waged over accusations of being a Sell Out. The notion that we will always be divided comes from the notion that we have always been divided. If we can attribute some of this to descention between us it may give us a semblance of an answer.

Naturopathy: and why Mai keeps bringing it up…

2009-01-14T17:40:00.001-08:00

I have chosen to become a naturopathic physician to assist a growing team in offering a safer, all inclusive health practice for all things, worldwide. I am interested in botanical, homeopathic, and Asian medicine, drama therapy, nutrition, and the history of naturopathic medicine.

In my early twenties, I began having innate feelings about how to deal with my own health conditions and concern about how my current healthcare situation was going. I would investigate alternative ways to deal with my most concerning conditions. I did not like the way I felt in my body and mind taking so many prescription drugs. Unfortunately, I did not feel comfortable bringing these concerns to my primary care physician. I was looking for something more without knowing it.

All things, organic and inorganic, suffer from a lack of naturopathic principles and influence. The term holistic in reference to medicine is “characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease.” We need all inclusive, conventional, alternative, progressive medicine. I do not believe anyone can fully recover from anything significant without addressing all aspects of the person. We can stimulate our bodies’ natural defenses, first. Finding the safest way to support our bodies into protecting itself should be healthcare’s first concern.

The naturopathic principle that speaks to me most clearly is Do No Harm. This idea lends to truth, honesty, cleanliness, purity and peace. In all aspects, it is the most logical way to live. I prefer natural remedies over synthetic drugs which do not work with our bodies as well as botanicals and herbals. I truly believe living more naturally in every aspect will promote better mental, emotional, and social health. Many have no inclination this is possible. Therefore, it is my obligation to add to this health and healing. The best way for me to do this is to become a physician of naturopathy. I want the opportunity to help in the healing that naturopathic medicine provides.

Spoil Pets, Not People

2009-01-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Pet owners are fed up with the unwarranted criticism of pampering their pets. Why do so many individuals want to hate on good, hardworking, and honest pet owners? The answer is simple. They’re suffering from “my pet received more love from my parents” syndrome. Individuals who suffer from this debilitating disease unfairly treat many pets.

This brings me to my argument. Do I, or do I not have a pampered pet? I have the most wonderful pet in the world. Sure, I think he is very intelligent. As a matter of fact, more intelligent than those who hate on him because he may be just a little more intelligent than they are. At least that’s what I think. Heathcliff, that’s the name of my cat, knows he has to earn his privileged status in our household. Did I just say privileged? He must be loyal, frugal (that means not eating all his food at one setting) and last but not least, be a fierce protector of the house. Cats can do that you know.

Heathcliff is rewarded for accomplishing my expectations by getting his favorite prize, a two or three night stay at Pet Suites. This establishment is one of two luxury pet hotels in the United States. I make sure that Heathcliff has the suite next to the fish tank to keep him amused during his stay. Sometimes, he is treated to a ride around the block in the car. Heathcliff gets very excited when I put a few french fries on top of his tuna once a week. I also make sure that he has his gourmet pet food , Science Diet during his stay. I am teaching Heathcliff to be a “green” conscious feline. I do this by giving him bottled water from environmental friendly plastic bottles. How does a cat know this? It’s the only water he will drink! Sometimes, I dress him in his finest hand made clothes or scarves and let him wear his fancy collar studded with rhinestone bling on special occasions. The best reward that Heathcliff has shown partiality to is his rabbit fur lined bed. The last thing that I do for Heathcliff is to arrange play dates with some of my friends who have cats so he can stay cultured. For a long time, Heathcliff had his own MySpace web page, but he decided to give that up. He just did not want to be that accessible! He’s so posh that he needs his space.

This brings me back to that infamous question at the beginning of this essay. Do I have a pampered pet? Why do so many individuals want to hate on good, hardworking, and honest pet owners? Sure he eats special food and drinks special water and goes to a prestigious pet hotel, sleeps on a rabbit fur lined bed, and eats french fries. Let me know, and you be the judge.

Interracial dating

2009-01-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

people need to follow their heart LOVE IS WHERE YOU FIND IT
but so many brothers (sisters too at times but not as much) exclusively wont date Blacks because they are SELF LOATHING
they want what society says is most beautiful/exotic
they dont see the beauty in their mothers, sisters, aunts
they want what's "forbidden"
when i meet interracial couples that love each other for themselves (yes ethnicity shapes who you are i acknowledge that) and not their ethnicity/nationality I THINK ITS BEAUTIFUL love is so hard to work thru, hold on to it and keep it

but i'll be blunt i warn by white girl friends (all my gfs actually) against dating any man that exclusively wont date ANY ethnicity esp their own BECAUSE THAT'S NOT GONNA BE A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP CUZ THAT MAN ON SOME LEVEL DOES NOT LIKE/RESPECT HIMSELF

point blank

amerikkka is a strange place, all over the world race relations are much better

and SISTAHS REMEMBER WE ARE SO STRONG, GOD MADE US STRONG AND MANY MEN DONT WANT THE "HASSLE"/ responsibility/ honor OF LEADING US... i'm not saying that other women are weak neccisarily but black women have a tendency of being strong willed, we are so special and so spicy AND VERY VERY UNDERRATED AND UNDER APPRECIATED

but if he dont want you, good... that's God telling you he aint worthy, dont settle, ive been married for 4 years and its ignorant when men lump black women together and say we have low self esteem, PLS!!! save it, we just have high expectations, and pls lets keep it that way, and always RAISE THE BAR

one last thing... it annoys me and is very unintelligent when people assume that the brothers that dont date Blacks are the ones that black women always rejected... i was at the comedy store and a very funny white comedienne said something like "you know how black women hate for us white women to take their men? well they love me because i take the ugly ones they dont want. i take forrest whittaker without the talent"

first off forrest is beautiful.... and that's just not true, Women, be with the man that loves and appreicates you for you, if he want you to parade around his white girl, latina girl, asian girl, black girl etc... if you are a status symbol, if he wit you cuz he was teased about his complexion and he wants his kids to have "that good hair" RUN RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!!

-mai of mark mai words

peace love knowledge

ps yes i think its werid that there is a website for people who are exclusivly looking for interracial relationships, just like its werid to have dating sites that are like find a millionarie! find an old man about to kick the bucket, .... it makes it like a fetish!!!