In case the rumors are right.
If you need the lyrics, it goes:
mfnvrougb bh hg igrigj nggjgjnmo bhjwgnh naoja j gburgiarg voihrgwigna aihgwignwpig iajgrpawgn ]K HJ 9HNHJBNUOB iehgbnebne'b sgkngnpingag b a jjwgjwogma rjgipwnwgnkb aknaignak kangab fi hwnrJ[0r joejOJ LEONARD BERNSTEIN!
Everybody sing along!
*smooches...okay with whatever happens*
---------
in the end, I have control over none of it. So...brunch on Sunday...who's in?
Showing posts with label Save the Planet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Save the Planet. Show all posts
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Monday, October 03, 2011
Washed Away
Last week I was trying to shop for produce to feed my family and was utterly disappointed at the prices I had to endure. I mean, $4 for some cauliflower just didn't seem right! And don't even get me started on the price of tomatoes and cucumbers; just appalling!
Color me stupid, however, when I was sent a link to a video about a couple of farms Upstate that had been completely ruined by Hurricane Irene. I had heard that it was bad up there but I was not aware how bad until I saw the videos.
This all tied in to my planned visit Upstate this past weekend; Celia had already warned me that it might take longer to get to her house because the usual roads were gone. GONE. As in the flooding was so bad that it just up and stole the goddamn roads away. Of course you hear stuff like that and your eyes widen with shock and you say things like "Wow!" or "Oh my god that's terrible!" but it isn't real to you, because all that happened on your block during that storm was that a few branches fell on your stairs. OH, THE HUMANITY!
But then you read stories like this and you realize this is a motherfucking DISASTER the likes you've never had to experience. Except now you're experiencing because this is your home state and those farms help feed your lazy, City ass but now they're gone.
Then it all get really real when you drive through Prattsville and you see this:
When I think back to the storm weekend, and how much people complained about the City being shut down and how Bloomberg overreacted and how it was all for nothing I couldn't believe it- did you want something bad to happen? You're mad because our elected officials were trying to avoid a repeat of Snowmaggedon 2010?? And now I want to say to those same people, how dare you moan and whine and complain when that hurricane devastated many whole towns! I saw those uprooted homes with my own eyes. I saw the residents of that town drinking their troubles away at a local bar, and Celia overheard one of them say they plan to rebuild in six months- completely impossible but who's about to squash this man's hopes and dreams? Really, once this all becomes real it's hard to unsee and unhear about the tragedies.
When I think of how lucky we were in the City to not have suffered that fate... and how tragic the situation has become for these small, impoverished towns of Upstate New York, it really put things in perspective. I shop for food with only my wallet in mind, and sometimes, when you live paycheck-to-paycheck like I do you have to shop like that. But I never stop to think where my cauliflower and tomatoes come from, and how hard those farmers work to yield a big enough crop to feed us City folk, who then turn around and complain about the price of tomatoes as we sit upon our fancy digs. I don't think about the people they employ, the animals they have to feed and the myriad of bureaucratic red tape they have to deal with in order to keep their family businesses afloat.
I wish I could do more than donate money to help them out, but if that's the only weapon at my disposal right now, so be it. I'm not the pushy money-asking type, but if it at all moves you, maybe you can donate some money, too?
UPDATE: Just read a post on the Green In BKLYN website that gives you more ways to donate money or food, diapers and other basic necessities to the families who need it. So if you don't have money but you stocked up on non-perishables prior to the storm that you're not using, consider dropping them off at one of the green markets around the City. I'll be your best friend if you do!
*smooches...wishing these families all the best*
----------
if I made even 1% more people aware of this situation and that 1% tells another 1%...
Color me stupid, however, when I was sent a link to a video about a couple of farms Upstate that had been completely ruined by Hurricane Irene. I had heard that it was bad up there but I was not aware how bad until I saw the videos.
This all tied in to my planned visit Upstate this past weekend; Celia had already warned me that it might take longer to get to her house because the usual roads were gone. GONE. As in the flooding was so bad that it just up and stole the goddamn roads away. Of course you hear stuff like that and your eyes widen with shock and you say things like "Wow!" or "Oh my god that's terrible!" but it isn't real to you, because all that happened on your block during that storm was that a few branches fell on your stairs. OH, THE HUMANITY!
But then you read stories like this and you realize this is a motherfucking DISASTER the likes you've never had to experience. Except now you're experiencing because this is your home state and those farms help feed your lazy, City ass but now they're gone.
Then it all get really real when you drive through Prattsville and you see this:
When I think back to the storm weekend, and how much people complained about the City being shut down and how Bloomberg overreacted and how it was all for nothing I couldn't believe it- did you want something bad to happen? You're mad because our elected officials were trying to avoid a repeat of Snowmaggedon 2010?? And now I want to say to those same people, how dare you moan and whine and complain when that hurricane devastated many whole towns! I saw those uprooted homes with my own eyes. I saw the residents of that town drinking their troubles away at a local bar, and Celia overheard one of them say they plan to rebuild in six months- completely impossible but who's about to squash this man's hopes and dreams? Really, once this all becomes real it's hard to unsee and unhear about the tragedies.
When I think of how lucky we were in the City to not have suffered that fate... and how tragic the situation has become for these small, impoverished towns of Upstate New York, it really put things in perspective. I shop for food with only my wallet in mind, and sometimes, when you live paycheck-to-paycheck like I do you have to shop like that. But I never stop to think where my cauliflower and tomatoes come from, and how hard those farmers work to yield a big enough crop to feed us City folk, who then turn around and complain about the price of tomatoes as we sit upon our fancy digs. I don't think about the people they employ, the animals they have to feed and the myriad of bureaucratic red tape they have to deal with in order to keep their family businesses afloat.
I wish I could do more than donate money to help them out, but if that's the only weapon at my disposal right now, so be it. I'm not the pushy money-asking type, but if it at all moves you, maybe you can donate some money, too?
UPDATE: Just read a post on the Green In BKLYN website that gives you more ways to donate money or food, diapers and other basic necessities to the families who need it. So if you don't have money but you stocked up on non-perishables prior to the storm that you're not using, consider dropping them off at one of the green markets around the City. I'll be your best friend if you do!
*smooches...wishing these families all the best*
----------
if I made even 1% more people aware of this situation and that 1% tells another 1%...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
And Now For My Next Trick...
...I shall mull over my next academic endeavors in order to become a "doctor" before my 45th birthday!
Yes, now that my MFA thesis is in the hands of the program director I feel it's time I start looking ahead to what I want to study next. Oh, did you think I was done learning? Foolish mortals... I'll never be done learning. I'll probably be sitting next to your grandchildren in a literature course one day. We'll be BFFs and I'll tell them all about the ignorant comments you used to leave on my blog. And then we'll laugh and laugh and laugh. Trust.
This time around I decided to be frugal and see what CUNY had to offer in terms of interesting degree programs that will start me on the PhD road (seeing as my MFA is a terminal degree that I wanted for vanity's sake & to help get me started on my writing career). Hey, it's never too late to be what I could have been, right?
I have a very tough decision ahead of me, though- do I stick with a literature-based course of study or go back to the sciences? Both are so interesting and alluring! And most importantly, both can help me devote the rest of my life to language, literacy and environmental science, and eventually, apply all of that to my overall life's mission of SAVING THE WORLD!
I think the Nerd Girl in me just had ten orgasms...
But in all seriousness, I have a Big Picture in my mind's eye and all of the graduate programs I'm considering are the stepping stones along that journey.
Pray for me, y'all. I'm gonna email the powers that be at CUNY and get some insight. I'll report back after I've chosen a program and am accepted.
*smooches...looking forward to my next degree*
----------
these things are addictive... like tattoos!
Yes, now that my MFA thesis is in the hands of the program director I feel it's time I start looking ahead to what I want to study next. Oh, did you think I was done learning? Foolish mortals... I'll never be done learning. I'll probably be sitting next to your grandchildren in a literature course one day. We'll be BFFs and I'll tell them all about the ignorant comments you used to leave on my blog. And then we'll laugh and laugh and laugh. Trust.
This time around I decided to be frugal and see what CUNY had to offer in terms of interesting degree programs that will start me on the PhD road (seeing as my MFA is a terminal degree that I wanted for vanity's sake & to help get me started on my writing career). Hey, it's never too late to be what I could have been, right?
I have a very tough decision ahead of me, though- do I stick with a literature-based course of study or go back to the sciences? Both are so interesting and alluring! And most importantly, both can help me devote the rest of my life to language, literacy and environmental science, and eventually, apply all of that to my overall life's mission of SAVING THE WORLD!
I think the Nerd Girl in me just had ten orgasms...
But in all seriousness, I have a Big Picture in my mind's eye and all of the graduate programs I'm considering are the stepping stones along that journey.
Pray for me, y'all. I'm gonna email the powers that be at CUNY and get some insight. I'll report back after I've chosen a program and am accepted.
*smooches...looking forward to my next degree*
----------
these things are addictive... like tattoos!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Today I Will (6.10.11)
(The history behind these activities can be found here, and if you click here you will see all the previous posts I wrote on them. Thank you to Irene for having the forethought to buy me this book for blog material.)
Activity #11: Today I will volunteer to give back to my community.
First off I want to make it clear that this isn't meant to shame or out anyone for whatever they do or don't do to contribute positive "things" to society, and I also would like you all to refrain from letting your egos take over and tell us who all you give money to or volunteer time with- it's really nobody's business.
But I would like to suggest that you consider helping out a charitable organization in your neighborhood or anywhere on God's green earth (if you don't already). I joke a lot on Twitter about First World/Champagne problems, but when you really step back and look at your life sometimes it becomes so obvious that we don't have anything REAL to complain about if our neighbor went to bed hungry or can't read.
"Giving your time to a worthy cause also helps put your own problems in perspective, gives you a sense of belonging within a community, and enhances your sense of self-worth."
Just think about it.
*smooches...hoping this post counts as giving back*
----------
I've still not been able to find some sort of charitable SOMETHING the girls and I can do so if you have any suggestions for organizations in Brooklyn that could use our help, pass it on :)
Activity #11: Today I will volunteer to give back to my community.
First off I want to make it clear that this isn't meant to shame or out anyone for whatever they do or don't do to contribute positive "things" to society, and I also would like you all to refrain from letting your egos take over and tell us who all you give money to or volunteer time with- it's really nobody's business.
But I would like to suggest that you consider helping out a charitable organization in your neighborhood or anywhere on God's green earth (if you don't already). I joke a lot on Twitter about First World/Champagne problems, but when you really step back and look at your life sometimes it becomes so obvious that we don't have anything REAL to complain about if our neighbor went to bed hungry or can't read.
"Giving your time to a worthy cause also helps put your own problems in perspective, gives you a sense of belonging within a community, and enhances your sense of self-worth."
Just think about it.
*smooches...hoping this post counts as giving back*
----------
I've still not been able to find some sort of charitable SOMETHING the girls and I can do so if you have any suggestions for organizations in Brooklyn that could use our help, pass it on :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Lazy Sundays... And Other Musings
Tonight On Monday Musings- Is Religion Still Relevant Today?
If you remember this show was supposed to happen a while back before Easter, but my host went MIA. But I really wanted to cover this segment, so I sought out a man of the cloth to fill in!
Pastor Montagne McDonald of Seed of Abraham Church in Nashville, TN is my co-host for tonight, and I bet you're wondering how I'd know such a person... the World Wide Web, bitchezzzz! I listen to his BTR show, Dropping Seeds Radio, whenever I'm home on Saturdays.
It's really good and the discussion is always very interesting; he definitely gets the Jaded NYer seal of approval- feel free to check them out!
Dilemma
You ever know that there is something you HAVE to do, but the results of that action could potentially bring your life as you know it to a halt? But if you didn't do it, if you decided to take the coward's way out, the guilt of not manning up would kill you slow?
UGH! Life can suck monkey balls right now for all I care!
The Neti Pot Adventures
N and I tried out the neti pot on Sunday to successful results. And by successful I mean neither of us choked on the saline solution nor did we have to call 911.
See for yourself on the videos below:
In this one, N uses it. Before me! That girl is my ride or die baby... she goes HARD!
In this one I finally try it. Seriously this is an angle of my face you've never really wanted to see. I apologize in advance for the nightmares.
Lazy Sundays
I believe the temperature was in the 80s in Brooklyn yesterday, which means inside my apartment it was 105.
So I'm really glad I wentjogging power walking with Irene in the morning, because besides the 6:30PM trip to the supermarket I didn't do a GD thing all day except lay on my bed and enjoy the sweet breeze coming in through my window.
One, I was still sore from Saturday's workout. Two, I was still sleepy from being out late on Friday. And three I was still sore from Saturday's workout.
I May Take A Page From Michael's Book...
And start wearing a face mask, what with all this swine flu shit going around. Kinda makes you rethink your position on that border wall, right? Don't front, you were thinking it!
I swear to GOD- let one nasty-ass mofo even THINK ABOUT sneezing in my direction and he will get a full, recyclable water bottle right to the temple. I ain't playin with y'all...
I mean really- SWINE FLU? This is what will take us out, some stupid ol' swine flu? See why I don't even eat that shit?
*smooches...really suspicious of everyone's germs right now*
----------
I ALMOST don't want to leave my house...
If you remember this show was supposed to happen a while back before Easter, but my host went MIA. But I really wanted to cover this segment, so I sought out a man of the cloth to fill in!
Pastor Montagne McDonald of Seed of Abraham Church in Nashville, TN is my co-host for tonight, and I bet you're wondering how I'd know such a person... the World Wide Web, bitchezzzz! I listen to his BTR show, Dropping Seeds Radio, whenever I'm home on Saturdays.
It's really good and the discussion is always very interesting; he definitely gets the Jaded NYer seal of approval- feel free to check them out!
Dilemma
You ever know that there is something you HAVE to do, but the results of that action could potentially bring your life as you know it to a halt? But if you didn't do it, if you decided to take the coward's way out, the guilt of not manning up would kill you slow?
UGH! Life can suck monkey balls right now for all I care!
The Neti Pot Adventures
N and I tried out the neti pot on Sunday to successful results. And by successful I mean neither of us choked on the saline solution nor did we have to call 911.
See for yourself on the videos below:
In this one, N uses it. Before me! That girl is my ride or die baby... she goes HARD!
In this one I finally try it. Seriously this is an angle of my face you've never really wanted to see. I apologize in advance for the nightmares.
Lazy Sundays
I believe the temperature was in the 80s in Brooklyn yesterday, which means inside my apartment it was 105.
So I'm really glad I went
One, I was still sore from Saturday's workout. Two, I was still sleepy from being out late on Friday. And three I was still sore from Saturday's workout.
I May Take A Page From Michael's Book...
And start wearing a face mask, what with all this swine flu shit going around. Kinda makes you rethink your position on that border wall, right? Don't front, you were thinking it!
I swear to GOD- let one nasty-ass mofo even THINK ABOUT sneezing in my direction and he will get a full, recyclable water bottle right to the temple. I ain't playin with y'all...
I mean really- SWINE FLU? This is what will take us out, some stupid ol' swine flu? See why I don't even eat that shit?
*smooches...really suspicious of everyone's germs right now*
----------
I ALMOST don't want to leave my house...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Little Book Talk On A Wednesday
I was high on yellow rice- not to be confused with yellow cake- when I wrote this so please, excuse the randomness of the paragraphs...
While K was at an interview at a HS she wanted to attend, C, N and I headed to the local B&N to peruse the goods. As if either one of us needs another book.
While checking the aisles for new or notable Latino/a writers, I saw a display of coffee table books, and one in particular stood out:
THIS book. Is. Awesome.
And not just because Slash is in it (even if it was the main reason I was drawn to it.) but because it features people like Toni Morrison and Dawn Stanley and Louis Gossett, Jr. discussing how being black affected their lives, their profession, their craft, etc, and... OKAY, it's amazing because Slash is in it.
But still, the stuff the other people had to say was interesting, too. I promise. I read it cover to cover, trying really hard not to puke when I came across Sean Combs and Al Farton's pages. Yuck. Did I ever mention how much I hate those dudes? No? Well, I do.
And yes, I know, I'm not technically Black (although I do consider myself an Afro-Latina), but as Jack so eloquently put in this blog post... I'm "Black By Injection" so suck it!
I highly recommend this book, which is also a documentary on HBO (visit the website here); I liked it so much I borrowed it from the library for like 2 months before I finally broke down and bought the damn thing. Because I was not allowed to renew it anymore. Bastards!
THEN imagine my delight when Irene reminded me about February 7th: First Saturday at the BK Museum... guess what they're discussing?? YUP. The Black List. The authors-- renowned portrait photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and acclaimed NPR radio host, journalist and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell-- will be there and um, would it be cheesy to bring my copy and get an autograph?? Yes? No? Maybe so?
PS- in the future, if you're going to purchase books online, can you do me and the world a favor? Buy from this site:
Better World Books
because proceeds go to literacy programs around the world. And you already know how I feel about literacy...
*smooches...wishing that Slash were going to be at First Saturdays, too*
----------
but wishing even harder that Sean Combs' wack ass stays far, far away.
have any of you read any good books lately? do tell!
While K was at an interview at a HS she wanted to attend, C, N and I headed to the local B&N to peruse the goods. As if either one of us needs another book.
While checking the aisles for new or notable Latino/a writers, I saw a display of coffee table books, and one in particular stood out:
THIS book. Is. Awesome.
And not just because Slash is in it (even if it was the main reason I was drawn to it.) but because it features people like Toni Morrison and Dawn Stanley and Louis Gossett, Jr. discussing how being black affected their lives, their profession, their craft, etc, and... OKAY, it's amazing because Slash is in it.
But still, the stuff the other people had to say was interesting, too. I promise. I read it cover to cover, trying really hard not to puke when I came across Sean Combs and Al Farton's pages. Yuck. Did I ever mention how much I hate those dudes? No? Well, I do.
And yes, I know, I'm not technically Black (although I do consider myself an Afro-Latina), but as Jack so eloquently put in this blog post... I'm "Black By Injection" so suck it!
I highly recommend this book, which is also a documentary on HBO (visit the website here); I liked it so much I borrowed it from the library for like 2 months before I finally broke down and bought the damn thing. Because I was not allowed to renew it anymore. Bastards!
THEN imagine my delight when Irene reminded me about February 7th: First Saturday at the BK Museum... guess what they're discussing?? YUP. The Black List. The authors-- renowned portrait photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and acclaimed NPR radio host, journalist and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell-- will be there and um, would it be cheesy to bring my copy and get an autograph?? Yes? No? Maybe so?
PS- in the future, if you're going to purchase books online, can you do me and the world a favor? Buy from this site:
Better World Books
because proceeds go to literacy programs around the world. And you already know how I feel about literacy...
*smooches...wishing that Slash were going to be at First Saturdays, too*
----------
but wishing even harder that Sean Combs' wack ass stays far, far away.
have any of you read any good books lately? do tell!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Step One
Have I ever mentioned how RIDUNCULOUS I think this whole "beef" DR has with Haiti is? I'm sure I have, but in case you missed it, I think it's RIDUNCULOUS.
I really saw just how DUMB the animosity with the two were when, the summer before my freshman year of college, I got a job in Elizabeth at a family-owned used furniture store. The owners were Haitian. Papi was livid.
He kept asking me if the owner tried anything fresh with me, or if they offered me anything strange to eat or drink, just silliness like that. Papi really did not want me to work there, but what could I do? I needed the money and no one else was hiring in that one-horse town!
Since then this something has been brewing in me, this desire to squash all the drama on that island. The hateration and scapegoating has GOT TO stop, I'm not playing! Enough is enough. It's a lofty goal but I'm going ahead with it and no one can stop me.
But... baby steps... I can't just stroll up into both countries and demand peace. I realized that it might help to attack the little things first, in small bunches, and eventually jump out from behind the bushes with a kamikaze maneuver the likes of which no one has ever seen, and then help unite the countries on the sly. They'll never know what hit 'em! HA!
Fast forward to today (or rather last month) when I was introduced to this awesome fledgling organization, Global Potential. Their mission- "to create positive socio-economic change for underserved youth and their communities in low-income urban neighborhoods, and for marginalized rural communities in the Dominican Republic."
Not a hand out but a hand up, as the saying goes, for both the Dominican youth and the group going there to help. A mutually beneficial arrangement geared at empowerment. What isn't there to love about that? How much easier will it be to mend the fences between Haiti and the Dominican Republic once the younger generation have been infused with the tools and opportunities to enable them to succeed in life? My plan is PURE GENIUS!
After visiting their site and reading up on what they're working towards I was like SIGN ME UP! "Whatever I can help with, let me know."
They are currently in DR, Batey #8, and reports from the road sound good so far. You can read their blog here. The report from Keisha... when she mentions that the kids have no shoes, man, right away I was like, "fuck the BMW..." It's a NICE car, I loved it, I'm over it. Because kids in DR have no shoes and that bothers me.
What Global Potential needs right this minute, right at this millisecond, is more exposure. More people to know about them and their mission which can then, in turn, generate more support, especially financial support.
So here I am, hoping that among my 20 loyal readers, some, if not all, will feel compelled to spread the word, maybe even offer up their skills and volunteer. They are based in New York but I'm certain they wouldn't turn down out-of-town help.
Maybe you know someone who could help, or have connections somewhere that could benefit the group. Not saying you have to, but if you do, that'd be super cool of you, and you'd be my best friend forever and ever! How's that for incentive?
Seriously, though, take a minute to visit Global Potential's website and really truly read over the available literature. Then let me know if you're down for the cause; although she'd like to fancy herself Super Woman, even The Jaded NYer cannot take on Haiti and DR all by herself.
Just imagine all the good we could do...
*smooches...loving this new sense of purpose*
----------
lookit me, all philanthropic and shit... who'd a thunk it?
I really saw just how DUMB the animosity with the two were when, the summer before my freshman year of college, I got a job in Elizabeth at a family-owned used furniture store. The owners were Haitian. Papi was livid.
He kept asking me if the owner tried anything fresh with me, or if they offered me anything strange to eat or drink, just silliness like that. Papi really did not want me to work there, but what could I do? I needed the money and no one else was hiring in that one-horse town!
Since then this something has been brewing in me, this desire to squash all the drama on that island. The hateration and scapegoating has GOT TO stop, I'm not playing! Enough is enough. It's a lofty goal but I'm going ahead with it and no one can stop me.
But... baby steps... I can't just stroll up into both countries and demand peace. I realized that it might help to attack the little things first, in small bunches, and eventually jump out from behind the bushes with a kamikaze maneuver the likes of which no one has ever seen, and then help unite the countries on the sly. They'll never know what hit 'em! HA!
Fast forward to today (or rather last month) when I was introduced to this awesome fledgling organization, Global Potential. Their mission- "to create positive socio-economic change for underserved youth and their communities in low-income urban neighborhoods, and for marginalized rural communities in the Dominican Republic."
Not a hand out but a hand up, as the saying goes, for both the Dominican youth and the group going there to help. A mutually beneficial arrangement geared at empowerment. What isn't there to love about that? How much easier will it be to mend the fences between Haiti and the Dominican Republic once the younger generation have been infused with the tools and opportunities to enable them to succeed in life? My plan is PURE GENIUS!
After visiting their site and reading up on what they're working towards I was like SIGN ME UP! "Whatever I can help with, let me know."
They are currently in DR, Batey #8, and reports from the road sound good so far. You can read their blog here. The report from Keisha... when she mentions that the kids have no shoes, man, right away I was like, "fuck the BMW..." It's a NICE car, I loved it, I'm over it. Because kids in DR have no shoes and that bothers me.
What Global Potential needs right this minute, right at this millisecond, is more exposure. More people to know about them and their mission which can then, in turn, generate more support, especially financial support.
So here I am, hoping that among my 20 loyal readers, some, if not all, will feel compelled to spread the word, maybe even offer up their skills and volunteer. They are based in New York but I'm certain they wouldn't turn down out-of-town help.
Maybe you know someone who could help, or have connections somewhere that could benefit the group. Not saying you have to, but if you do, that'd be super cool of you, and you'd be my best friend forever and ever! How's that for incentive?
Seriously, though, take a minute to visit Global Potential's website and really truly read over the available literature. Then let me know if you're down for the cause; although she'd like to fancy herself Super Woman, even The Jaded NYer cannot take on Haiti and DR all by herself.
Just imagine all the good we could do...
*smooches...loving this new sense of purpose*
----------
lookit me, all philanthropic and shit... who'd a thunk it?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Tanto La Quiero Que Salgo A La Calle Sonámbulo
From the DR newswire:
This happened in the DR?
After so much talk of greedy politicians earning high wages, a report from San Juan province tells of the mayor of Sabana Alta, Carlos Julio Orozco, who has reduced his, and the town councilors', wages in order to prove that progress is possible with a small amount of money and good administration.
The mayor has also stopped taking his allowances and representation costs. As if that were not enough, Orozco also donates his small salary to non-profit organizations and social projects. But his humility isn't enough to spare him the anger of local politicians who are not happy about the salary reduction.
According to the new municipal law, salaries are now RD$9,000, down from RD$12,500. Orozco says that the Sabana Alta municipality receives RD$583,000 a month, which has been used to pave all the streets and sidewalks, complete the construction of a funeral parlor and some other projects.
Young people speak out
Although more often than not young people are apathetic when it comes to politics and corruption issues in government, a group of young activists is proving that this is not always the case. For the second time this year a group of young people gathered in front of the Supreme Court building to protest against the highly controversial Sun Land corruption case.
The group members were dressed up in mime artist costumes, and holding up signs expressing their concerns about the case, which has almost completely disappeared from the radar. A spokesman for the group, Lorenzo Losado, said that the group organized the protest as a way of putting pressure on the SC judges to rule on the case.
Hipolito on the campaign trail
No, you don't have to worry, former President Hipolito Mejia is not running for president in May, but he is throwing his support behind current PRD candidate Miguel Vargas Maldonado.
Mejia was campaigning in San Cristobal yesterday, and he referred to the people who might not vote for Maldonado because of Mejia in his usual blunt manner. "Don't vote: they can go to hell. Those are the same losers as always." Mejia said that yesterday's campaign outing was "just to warm up the engines", and that he would do his best to support Vargas.
The downside of technology
While helping create a more connected world through advances in radio, television and internet technology, Dominican Telecommunications Institute (INDOTEL) president Jose Rafael Vargas believes that these developments have also led to the promotion of sex, violence, prostitution, and domestic violence and abuse.
During a conference on the theme of "New Technologies: Opportunities and Risks in the Family" Vargas called on families to remain alert and supervise the content that children are exposed to. He said that these new technologies aren't meant to replace the values that a child should receive at home. During his speech, Vargas quoted the startling statistics that 11 is the average age for a child to come into contact with pornography for the first time, and that one in seven children get online invitations to join a sex club.
Human rights going to charge
President of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) Dr. Manuel Maria Mercedes has announced that the CNDH will file charges against National Police Chief Rafael Guzman Fermin next week for "extrajudicial murders" in confrontations with the police. According to Mercedes, the total number of such killings is 160, and not 145 as is claimed by the police.
The human rights campaigner is taking this case a step further by s seeking justice for all extra-judicial murders that have taken place in the last 10 years. Mercedes says that these murders constitute a grave violation of human rights, which are guaranteed by national and international law.
Mercedes, quoted in Hoy, made the claim that from the time of Pedro Jesus Candelier to the current Police Chief's tenure, 5,000 people have been killed extra-judicially and 2,000 of these can be attributed to Candelier.
First food now this
First it was food, and then it was construction materials. Now medicines are the latest products to experience steep price increases. In some cases, according to pharmacies, high demand medicines have experienced 9% and 36% hikes. Although price increases seem to be constant, so are the excuses to justify the skyrocketing prices.
Ho Chi Vega, president of the Dominican Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (Infadomi) and vice president of the Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives, Agents and Producers (Arapf) Fernando Ferreira say that the increase in raw materials and the devaluation of the dollar, among other things, are behind the price increases. Ferreira says that the equation is simple, considering that producers need to find more money to buy raw materials.
No rice for the beans
After much debate on whether price increases in the DR have been real or fictitious, the Dominican Rice Factory Federation (ADOFA) president Miguel de Moya admitted that rice prices have gone up, but tried to downplay the increase by saying that it has only been worth between 12% and 14%.
De Moya says that at this very moment a 125lb. sack of rice costs RD$1,750, up from RD$1,650. He justified the increase on the grounds that fertilizer, which used to cost between RD$500 and RD$700, now costs between RD$1,200 and RD$1,400, and that the price of fuel has doubled, increasing freight and transport costs.
Chickens in Haiti
Listin Diario is reporting that although the ban on Dominican chicken and egg exports to Haiti is still in effect, a loophole is allowing Dominican exporters to get their goods across the border. The paper quotes a report by Agriculture Minister Salvador Jimenez which explains that through secret deals, that aren't necessarily illegal, Dominican exporters are still selling their eggs and chickens to wholesalers in Haiti. Jimenez says that the Haitian government has been lax in enforcing its ban on Dominican chicken and derived products, although there is no indication whether the official ban would be repealed, or when this was likely to happen.
The ban has been in place since January when several bird flu cases were detected in the DR. Jose Lopez, president of the Dominican Chicken Producers Association (ASOPOLLON) says that he has no knowledge of these backroom deals with Haitian wholesalers, while Jimenez added that he doesn't know the volume or the value of the cross-border transactions.
Shower in the rain
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued a 36-hour rain warning for Puerto Plata, Espaillat, Maria Trinidad Sanchez and Duarte provinces. The Meteorological Office (ONAMET) is forecasting rain for between 24 and 36 hours.
Warnings have also been issued for small ships sailing off the Atlantic coast, in the Bay of Samana and through the Mona Passage. COE director Juan Manuel Mendez has warned members of the public to stay away from rivers because of the risk of flash floods.
*smooches...eager to invest my first million towards helping my people out*
----------
and yes, I know I was born here and swear by NYC, but there is something that pulls me to that damned island. Can't explain or deny it...
----
Title courtesy of Fernandito Villalona, "Sonámbulo"
-----
Thursday's "One Thing Different"-- I did not surf the 'net like a mindless zombie... and all the previous stuff still stands, too :)
This happened in the DR?
After so much talk of greedy politicians earning high wages, a report from San Juan province tells of the mayor of Sabana Alta, Carlos Julio Orozco, who has reduced his, and the town councilors', wages in order to prove that progress is possible with a small amount of money and good administration.
The mayor has also stopped taking his allowances and representation costs. As if that were not enough, Orozco also donates his small salary to non-profit organizations and social projects. But his humility isn't enough to spare him the anger of local politicians who are not happy about the salary reduction.
According to the new municipal law, salaries are now RD$9,000, down from RD$12,500. Orozco says that the Sabana Alta municipality receives RD$583,000 a month, which has been used to pave all the streets and sidewalks, complete the construction of a funeral parlor and some other projects.
Young people speak out
Although more often than not young people are apathetic when it comes to politics and corruption issues in government, a group of young activists is proving that this is not always the case. For the second time this year a group of young people gathered in front of the Supreme Court building to protest against the highly controversial Sun Land corruption case.
The group members were dressed up in mime artist costumes, and holding up signs expressing their concerns about the case, which has almost completely disappeared from the radar. A spokesman for the group, Lorenzo Losado, said that the group organized the protest as a way of putting pressure on the SC judges to rule on the case.
Hipolito on the campaign trail
No, you don't have to worry, former President Hipolito Mejia is not running for president in May, but he is throwing his support behind current PRD candidate Miguel Vargas Maldonado.
Mejia was campaigning in San Cristobal yesterday, and he referred to the people who might not vote for Maldonado because of Mejia in his usual blunt manner. "Don't vote: they can go to hell. Those are the same losers as always." Mejia said that yesterday's campaign outing was "just to warm up the engines", and that he would do his best to support Vargas.
The downside of technology
While helping create a more connected world through advances in radio, television and internet technology, Dominican Telecommunications Institute (INDOTEL) president Jose Rafael Vargas believes that these developments have also led to the promotion of sex, violence, prostitution, and domestic violence and abuse.
During a conference on the theme of "New Technologies: Opportunities and Risks in the Family" Vargas called on families to remain alert and supervise the content that children are exposed to. He said that these new technologies aren't meant to replace the values that a child should receive at home. During his speech, Vargas quoted the startling statistics that 11 is the average age for a child to come into contact with pornography for the first time, and that one in seven children get online invitations to join a sex club.
Human rights going to charge
President of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) Dr. Manuel Maria Mercedes has announced that the CNDH will file charges against National Police Chief Rafael Guzman Fermin next week for "extrajudicial murders" in confrontations with the police. According to Mercedes, the total number of such killings is 160, and not 145 as is claimed by the police.
The human rights campaigner is taking this case a step further by s seeking justice for all extra-judicial murders that have taken place in the last 10 years. Mercedes says that these murders constitute a grave violation of human rights, which are guaranteed by national and international law.
Mercedes, quoted in Hoy, made the claim that from the time of Pedro Jesus Candelier to the current Police Chief's tenure, 5,000 people have been killed extra-judicially and 2,000 of these can be attributed to Candelier.
First food now this
First it was food, and then it was construction materials. Now medicines are the latest products to experience steep price increases. In some cases, according to pharmacies, high demand medicines have experienced 9% and 36% hikes. Although price increases seem to be constant, so are the excuses to justify the skyrocketing prices.
Ho Chi Vega, president of the Dominican Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (Infadomi) and vice president of the Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives, Agents and Producers (Arapf) Fernando Ferreira say that the increase in raw materials and the devaluation of the dollar, among other things, are behind the price increases. Ferreira says that the equation is simple, considering that producers need to find more money to buy raw materials.
No rice for the beans
After much debate on whether price increases in the DR have been real or fictitious, the Dominican Rice Factory Federation (ADOFA) president Miguel de Moya admitted that rice prices have gone up, but tried to downplay the increase by saying that it has only been worth between 12% and 14%.
De Moya says that at this very moment a 125lb. sack of rice costs RD$1,750, up from RD$1,650. He justified the increase on the grounds that fertilizer, which used to cost between RD$500 and RD$700, now costs between RD$1,200 and RD$1,400, and that the price of fuel has doubled, increasing freight and transport costs.
Chickens in Haiti
Listin Diario is reporting that although the ban on Dominican chicken and egg exports to Haiti is still in effect, a loophole is allowing Dominican exporters to get their goods across the border. The paper quotes a report by Agriculture Minister Salvador Jimenez which explains that through secret deals, that aren't necessarily illegal, Dominican exporters are still selling their eggs and chickens to wholesalers in Haiti. Jimenez says that the Haitian government has been lax in enforcing its ban on Dominican chicken and derived products, although there is no indication whether the official ban would be repealed, or when this was likely to happen.
The ban has been in place since January when several bird flu cases were detected in the DR. Jose Lopez, president of the Dominican Chicken Producers Association (ASOPOLLON) says that he has no knowledge of these backroom deals with Haitian wholesalers, while Jimenez added that he doesn't know the volume or the value of the cross-border transactions.
Shower in the rain
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued a 36-hour rain warning for Puerto Plata, Espaillat, Maria Trinidad Sanchez and Duarte provinces. The Meteorological Office (ONAMET) is forecasting rain for between 24 and 36 hours.
Warnings have also been issued for small ships sailing off the Atlantic coast, in the Bay of Samana and through the Mona Passage. COE director Juan Manuel Mendez has warned members of the public to stay away from rivers because of the risk of flash floods.
*smooches...eager to invest my first million towards helping my people out*
----------
and yes, I know I was born here and swear by NYC, but there is something that pulls me to that damned island. Can't explain or deny it...
----
Title courtesy of Fernandito Villalona, "Sonámbulo"
-----
Thursday's "One Thing Different"-- I did not surf the 'net like a mindless zombie... and all the previous stuff still stands, too :)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Mi Pobre Isla
Don't tell me global warming is a sham...from the DR newswire:
Santiago low areas under water
Latest reports indicate Santiago is the province most affected by Tropical Storm Olga. The damage was caused by the opening of the Tavera-Bao Dam floodgates, probably to prevent a dam break, at midnight without warning those in the path of flooding. This released more than 5,000 cubic meters/second of water and caused a major swelling of the Yaque del Norte River. As reported in the Listin Diario, the governor of Santiago says at least seven people died after being caught unaware. There was major flooding in low areas of the city of Santiago.
President Leonel Fernandez is expected to visit Santiago this afternoon.
COE first report
Tropical Storm Olga did not realize that the hurricane season had ended on 30 November, and came at the Dominican Republic with torrential rains and strong gusts of wind. The Emergency Operations Committee (COE) reports in its first bulletin on the storm that 6,000 persons were evacuated and 24,595 persons had to be relocated due to the flooding, especially in areas near rivers in Santiago and northern and southern provinces. COE estimates 5,000 dwellings were affected by the storm.
COE also reported earlier that 38 houses were buried by a mudslide in the community of Juan Lopez III in Moca, Espaillat province. No victims were reported because the families had been evacuated. In Maria Trinidad Sanchez province (Nagua), 400 families were evacuated from areas close to the shoreline. Winds from the storm knocked down trees and blocked traffic along the highway between Nagua and the Samana peninsula. Nearer to Santo Domingo, flood waters cut off four communities in Monte Plata province. The COE said that it was particularly worried about communities in the Lower Yuna River basin, a low-lying area that experiences flooding nearly every time it rains.
Twenty eight hundred people have been displaced, more than 500 houses have been damaged and more rains are in the forecast. The COE is maintaining a preventive Red Alert for the National District and the provinces of Santo Domingo, San Cristobal, Monte Plata, Santiago Rodriguez, Dajabon, San Pedro de Macoris, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Espaillat, Hermanas Mirabal, and Duarte - especially the Lower Yuna River basin.
Minimal effect in tourism areas
International airports operated as normal during and after the passing of Tropical Storm Olga, with the exception of Puerto Plata's International Airport where three flights after 11pm had to be cancelled due to the high winds. Airport operations resumed in the early morning. Some damage is reported to on the beach storefronts in Cabarete, on the North Coast and Samana on the Northeast Coast but for the most part, tourism activities are expected to resume as normal as the rains move west passing the island. Hotels are not reporting any damages. Golf courses in some areas need to wait to dry out, but regular activities are expected to resume nationwide shortly.
By 10am, all tropical storm watches and warnings for the island of Hispaniola were discontinued. Light rains continue in some areas, but reports from Puerto Rico indicate that good weather is headed our way.
Times like this I wish I had "Oprah Money" to just go down there and help with the rebuilding process...
*smooches...rethinking my plan to retire in DR*
------------
I suppose NY winters aren't that bad, compared to losing my home in a mudslide!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Al Gore Just Made Me Cry
Usually I'll put movie reviews over at Stranger Than Fiction, but I know that a lot of you don't bother to go over to that blog like ever, so this is where this post needs to be.
But if you haven't already, YOU MUST ALL SEE An Inconvenient Truth. I don't care if you're a Democrat or Republican or a Communist. See this damn movie, okay? Normally, this Jaded NYer would watch a film like this, spit at the screen and yell, "PROPAGANDA!! LEFTIST PROPAGANDA!!!" But unfortunately I don't have that luxury anymore.
This past year I've been working for a PR firm with a client that, for all their faults, have forced me to delve deep into the topic of global warming. Sure, what they have me write has to be skewed to fit the client (and trust me, the thought of that has me morally bankrupt as of late) but the facts are still before me. In order to write the articles for these clients I have to comb news articles, scientific journals, charts, speech transcripts, etc, etc, etc to get the facts. And honey, the facts ain't good.
Global warming is real. Yes, it is a naturally occurring phenomena but it is also accelerating at unprecedented speeds due to human activity. That was confirmed by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change- scientists from all over the world who came together to report on the issue of global warming, its causes, effects and the possibility of mitigating those effects (how did you like that SAT word?).
But I write about it everyday. And like with anything else one is exposed to too often, I've become a little desensitized to it all. Until I watched An Inconvenient Truth.
And something must be said for the fact that I've had the DVD for 5 days but refused to watch it right away. I knew why- I didn't want to know what was in that film. I didn't want to know that the effects of global warming could possibly see New York City- my beloved New York City, underwater. Or that polar bears are DROWNING because they are having to swim farther distances just to find some ice to rest on. Or that on the very protected area of the Arctic (or was it Alaska) where the Bush Administration wants to drill for oil, the ground is only frozen enough for trucks to drive across it 75 days out of the year...as opposed to 260-something days from just a few decades ago.
I didn't want to know any of this, because you know what? Once you know this stuff, it's hard not to do something about it or act surprised when that huge tidal wave takes out the Statue of Liberty.
(I suppose the same can be said of whatever it is that is ailing me- as long as I don't know what's going on I won't have to do anything about it and just drop dead from it one day out of the blue. But once those test results are in there will be no turning back...)
But too late. Because of my obsession with Netflix, now I know. And goddamn if it isn't inconvenient!!
However, I cannot sit around and not do something, anything, to make a difference. For the polar bears. For the ice caps. For New York City. Only a few things in this world make me cry: the memory of seeing my grandmother entombed; the ending to Love Story; Ani DiFranco's song, "Reckoning". But the visuals of the disappearing lakes and rivers and glaciers, and the enormity that will be the hundreds of millions of displaced people as a result of the ocean level rising just 20 lousy feet had me bawling like a baby after I finally told K to go to sleep.
I'm usually on here ranting and raving and joking and not taking anything or anyone serious, but tonight I'm sooooo serious, like never before. I implore all of you, if you're not already, DO SOMETHING. This affects all of us. I was wrong before, and the quote was right: no man is an island. We ALL need to stop the damage we are causing our planet and stop it now.
You can start by seeing An Inconvenient Truth. And then follow it up with a visit to http://www.climatecrisis.net/. And then end it with an action- ANY ACTION- that will help make a difference.
*smooches...wanting to be an example for my children and their children and their children's children*
-------------
al can't do this by himself...if you won't help, who will?
But if you haven't already, YOU MUST ALL SEE An Inconvenient Truth. I don't care if you're a Democrat or Republican or a Communist. See this damn movie, okay? Normally, this Jaded NYer would watch a film like this, spit at the screen and yell, "PROPAGANDA!! LEFTIST PROPAGANDA!!!" But unfortunately I don't have that luxury anymore.
This past year I've been working for a PR firm with a client that, for all their faults, have forced me to delve deep into the topic of global warming. Sure, what they have me write has to be skewed to fit the client (and trust me, the thought of that has me morally bankrupt as of late) but the facts are still before me. In order to write the articles for these clients I have to comb news articles, scientific journals, charts, speech transcripts, etc, etc, etc to get the facts. And honey, the facts ain't good.
Global warming is real. Yes, it is a naturally occurring phenomena but it is also accelerating at unprecedented speeds due to human activity. That was confirmed by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change- scientists from all over the world who came together to report on the issue of global warming, its causes, effects and the possibility of mitigating those effects (how did you like that SAT word?).
But I write about it everyday. And like with anything else one is exposed to too often, I've become a little desensitized to it all. Until I watched An Inconvenient Truth.
And something must be said for the fact that I've had the DVD for 5 days but refused to watch it right away. I knew why- I didn't want to know what was in that film. I didn't want to know that the effects of global warming could possibly see New York City- my beloved New York City, underwater. Or that polar bears are DROWNING because they are having to swim farther distances just to find some ice to rest on. Or that on the very protected area of the Arctic (or was it Alaska) where the Bush Administration wants to drill for oil, the ground is only frozen enough for trucks to drive across it 75 days out of the year...as opposed to 260-something days from just a few decades ago.
I didn't want to know any of this, because you know what? Once you know this stuff, it's hard not to do something about it or act surprised when that huge tidal wave takes out the Statue of Liberty.
(I suppose the same can be said of whatever it is that is ailing me- as long as I don't know what's going on I won't have to do anything about it and just drop dead from it one day out of the blue. But once those test results are in there will be no turning back...)
But too late. Because of my obsession with Netflix, now I know. And goddamn if it isn't inconvenient!!
However, I cannot sit around and not do something, anything, to make a difference. For the polar bears. For the ice caps. For New York City. Only a few things in this world make me cry: the memory of seeing my grandmother entombed; the ending to Love Story; Ani DiFranco's song, "Reckoning". But the visuals of the disappearing lakes and rivers and glaciers, and the enormity that will be the hundreds of millions of displaced people as a result of the ocean level rising just 20 lousy feet had me bawling like a baby after I finally told K to go to sleep.
I'm usually on here ranting and raving and joking and not taking anything or anyone serious, but tonight I'm sooooo serious, like never before. I implore all of you, if you're not already, DO SOMETHING. This affects all of us. I was wrong before, and the quote was right: no man is an island. We ALL need to stop the damage we are causing our planet and stop it now.
You can start by seeing An Inconvenient Truth. And then follow it up with a visit to http://www.climatecrisis.net/. And then end it with an action- ANY ACTION- that will help make a difference.
*smooches...wanting to be an example for my children and their children and their children's children*
-------------
al can't do this by himself...if you won't help, who will?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The First Sign of the Apocalypse!!
OH SH*T YA'LL!!!!!It's time to stop playing around and repent for real-for real. God is mad as hell and he's not gonna take it anymore.
Check out this item I read in the news wire from DR:
Running out of plantains
Diario Libre is reporting that plantains, which are an important part of the Dominican diet, are beginning to run out, causing prices to skyrocket.
At Avenida Duarte's Mercado Nuevo only five truckloads of plantains had arrived, with prices ranging from RD$4 to RD$10 per unit. Diario Libre is reporting an incident where two men drew their guns in a dispute over plantains.
At the Mercado Modelo only two vendors had plantains, selling them for RD$10 per unit, and even cassava prices are inflating with each unit rising to RD$12 in some cases. Farmers say that the rain caused by Tropical Storm Noel ruined a large part of the plantain crop and that increased shortages are likely.
Plantains were available at supermarkets this week for prices ranging from RD$5 to RD$10 per unit.
WTF?!?! We're running out of platanos? HUH? I'm sorry, I'm not understanding this... how can we run out? How will we survive? And if platanos are costing an arm and a leg in DR, what the hell are they going to cost in Washington Heights?
Just be prepared: Dominicans are gonna be walking around in a daze for a lil bit, so please be patient with your bodega owner, waiter, hairdresser, gypsy cab driver, and friendly neighborhood blogger...
*smooches...hording bags of Chifles plantain chips in the storm cellar*
-----------
seriously, this is no
laughing matter! it's
gonna ruin
Thanksgiving!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Love Among the Ruins
Every morning on my way into work, and every evening on my way home, I see this homeless couple stationed outside of Home Depot with a sign that reads something like: "We don't have any excuses, just down on our luck..." And I always have this urge to stop and ask them what the fuck happened to them.
Now call me ignorant, but when I see a homeless black person I don't think twice about it. Of course they're homeless- I'm never shocked. But this couple is white, and that baffles me. Why are THEY homeless? Don't white folks own the world?
And not only are they white, but they look young- definitely not over 40. Why are they homeless? Do they not have any employable skills? Especially him (double standard, I know); at the very least that fool should try his hand at some manual labor to put a roof over their heads and food on the table. There's no shame in tarring roofs all day if at the end of the week you get a nice paycheck to help you get off the streets.
Have they no family to lend a hand? No one to take them in for a little bit until they get back on their feet? Someone to say, "Hey, they're looking for a guy in the mail room in my office. You interested?" Why not? Fast food places are always hiring. At McDonald's, not only would they get a paycheck, but they'd be guaranteed one meal a day, plus unlimited coffee/soda breaks.
Why are they homeless?
Of course my Jaded voice chimes in sometimes and says to me, "You know why they're homeless. They're probably crackheads, and if you give them any money it will go to crack. And don't even bother giving them your granola bar. Crackheads only want cash money."
While this may be the case, it doesn't stop me from wanting to stop and know their story. "Why are you here?" I want to ask. "Why are you here?"
But besides all that, in the face of so many lonely nights this winter where all I will have to look forward to is watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls online and eating enchiladas from my local Mexican joint, I want to know HOW they manage to stay together...
*smooches...actually jealous of a homeless couple*
--------------
Oh twice as much aint twice as good
And can't sustain like a one half could
It's wanting more
That's gonna send me to my knees
Now call me ignorant, but when I see a homeless black person I don't think twice about it. Of course they're homeless- I'm never shocked. But this couple is white, and that baffles me. Why are THEY homeless? Don't white folks own the world?
And not only are they white, but they look young- definitely not over 40. Why are they homeless? Do they not have any employable skills? Especially him (double standard, I know); at the very least that fool should try his hand at some manual labor to put a roof over their heads and food on the table. There's no shame in tarring roofs all day if at the end of the week you get a nice paycheck to help you get off the streets.
Have they no family to lend a hand? No one to take them in for a little bit until they get back on their feet? Someone to say, "Hey, they're looking for a guy in the mail room in my office. You interested?" Why not? Fast food places are always hiring. At McDonald's, not only would they get a paycheck, but they'd be guaranteed one meal a day, plus unlimited coffee/soda breaks.
Why are they homeless?
Of course my Jaded voice chimes in sometimes and says to me, "You know why they're homeless. They're probably crackheads, and if you give them any money it will go to crack. And don't even bother giving them your granola bar. Crackheads only want cash money."
While this may be the case, it doesn't stop me from wanting to stop and know their story. "Why are you here?" I want to ask. "Why are you here?"
But besides all that, in the face of so many lonely nights this winter where all I will have to look forward to is watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls online and eating enchiladas from my local Mexican joint, I want to know HOW they manage to stay together...
*smooches...actually jealous of a homeless couple*
--------------
Oh twice as much aint twice as good
And can't sustain like a one half could
It's wanting more
That's gonna send me to my knees
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Diversionary Tactics
I haven't really thought about DR in a hot minute, and then this morning my mom tells me she might have to fly out there this fall because Abuelo is in kidney failure. Kidney-fucking-failure, people. Serious shit. I really don't want to think about it...all my elders are falling apart, and I'm not mature enough to handle that right now.
Ya'll might think of DR as a great vacation spot with hot resorts and yummy food, but to me it will always be the place that killed grandma. And now it's gunning after Abuelo.
So...feeling a little nostalgic and homesick for a place I've only visited three times in my whole life, I read through my enormous backlog of news wire notices from DR...I'm on a list...don't ask.
These three items brought a slight smile to my face:
1,600 MW in renewable energy
Investment opportunities valued at US$2 billion are awaiting the implementation of the Renewable Energy Investment and Incentives law, which is being prepared by the National Commission of Energy (CNE). Alternative energy projects aimed at providing an additional 1,600 MW of energy are planned for the DR. Aristides Fernandez Zucco, president of the National Energy Council, says that the rulings should be ready by mid-September.
Fernandez Zucco, quoted in Listin Diario, said that by the end of the year construction of solar and wind power projects would begin to provide 600 MW of energy for the Dominican grid. These 600 MW will save the country US$400 million per year. Fernandez Zucco says that by next year further installations aimed at providing another 1,000 MW will begin construction.
Fernandez Zucco also pointed out that the DR has the potential of producing 10,000 MW in wind energy and that in 15 years the country could generate 20% of its energy from alternative or renewable sources.
He was speaking during a Workshop on Alternative Energy Planning, organized by the Ministry of Environment and the National Energy Commission (CNE).
Dominican mountain climbers
Four Dominicans are climbing some of the world's highest mountains. Ruben Torres, Luis Manuel Gonzalez, Ivan Gomez and Federico Jovine are on the third trek of their mountain climbing agenda, with a Crowning Europe 2007 expedition.
In 2005 the hikers climbed Monte Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya in Africa, in 2006 they climbed Cerro Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, located in Argentina. This year, they will climb the 6,000 meters of the Mont Elbrus in Russia.
At the top, the hikers will place the Dominican flag.
Haiti and DR doctors work together
The Dominican Medical Association reported on a meeting with Haitian colleagues where they discussed working together on programs to eradicate HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, filariasis and other common medical issues, as reported in Diario Libre.
Haitian Health Minister Robert August visited the DR yesterday and stressed the importance of health issues being dealt with by both countries adopting joint measures.
Cristina Nogueira, representative of the Pan American Health Organization, highlighted how the meeting between Dominican and Haitian governmental and private medical authorities is important for drawing up common policies to tackle these diseases.
*smooches...seriously un-fond of death*
----------
Ojalá el otoño en vez de hojas secas
vista mi cosecha e' pitisalé.
Sembra' una llanura de batata y fresas,
ojalá que llueva café.
Ya'll might think of DR as a great vacation spot with hot resorts and yummy food, but to me it will always be the place that killed grandma. And now it's gunning after Abuelo.
So...feeling a little nostalgic and homesick for a place I've only visited three times in my whole life, I read through my enormous backlog of news wire notices from DR...I'm on a list...don't ask.
These three items brought a slight smile to my face:
1,600 MW in renewable energy
Investment opportunities valued at US$2 billion are awaiting the implementation of the Renewable Energy Investment and Incentives law, which is being prepared by the National Commission of Energy (CNE). Alternative energy projects aimed at providing an additional 1,600 MW of energy are planned for the DR. Aristides Fernandez Zucco, president of the National Energy Council, says that the rulings should be ready by mid-September.
Fernandez Zucco, quoted in Listin Diario, said that by the end of the year construction of solar and wind power projects would begin to provide 600 MW of energy for the Dominican grid. These 600 MW will save the country US$400 million per year. Fernandez Zucco says that by next year further installations aimed at providing another 1,000 MW will begin construction.
Fernandez Zucco also pointed out that the DR has the potential of producing 10,000 MW in wind energy and that in 15 years the country could generate 20% of its energy from alternative or renewable sources.
He was speaking during a Workshop on Alternative Energy Planning, organized by the Ministry of Environment and the National Energy Commission (CNE).
Dominican mountain climbers
Four Dominicans are climbing some of the world's highest mountains. Ruben Torres, Luis Manuel Gonzalez, Ivan Gomez and Federico Jovine are on the third trek of their mountain climbing agenda, with a Crowning Europe 2007 expedition.
In 2005 the hikers climbed Monte Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya in Africa, in 2006 they climbed Cerro Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, located in Argentina. This year, they will climb the 6,000 meters of the Mont Elbrus in Russia.
At the top, the hikers will place the Dominican flag.
Haiti and DR doctors work together
The Dominican Medical Association reported on a meeting with Haitian colleagues where they discussed working together on programs to eradicate HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, filariasis and other common medical issues, as reported in Diario Libre.
Haitian Health Minister Robert August visited the DR yesterday and stressed the importance of health issues being dealt with by both countries adopting joint measures.
Cristina Nogueira, representative of the Pan American Health Organization, highlighted how the meeting between Dominican and Haitian governmental and private medical authorities is important for drawing up common policies to tackle these diseases.
*smooches...seriously un-fond of death*
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Ojalá el otoño en vez de hojas secas
vista mi cosecha e' pitisalé.
Sembra' una llanura de batata y fresas,
ojalá que llueva café.
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