I never thought I would ever be writing a columm about breast cancer. For some reason I have lived in denial about cancer all my life. It is perhaps because I know so many people I love who have survived it, died from it or suffered through it. My mother had it when she was 75, so did my father when he was 76. They are both well, but others in my family have not fared so well.
I was diagnosed recently and it came as a shock to me. Although I produce and host a show called Living Smart, I must admit I chose to live dumbly several years by not having a regular mammogram. I guess it is "smart" to admit that I make silly mistakes every now and then. I have always known I was not perfect or smart in many occasions but I had not had a mammogram for 5 years. That was surely not a "smart" decision in my part. I am not to panic. I am blessed and lucky as always. We found this cancer threat on time and my stage is curable. In fact I believe so many more breast cancers now are curable and I am so lucky to live in a time which treats this type of cancer so well. This of course is due to what I call "women´s sacred power" to scare the heck out of politicians in Washington and demand more research. Too many women still die of breast cancer and other diseases such as heart disease. Perhaps one of the reasons I never thougth I would get breast cancer is that heart disease is a much bigger killer of women so I just decided to concentrate on my heart...for instance not to get it broken! which more than once I have failed to do, or to remain a good body weight and excercise and deal with stress etc. Oh well. It took me a while to decide to write about this, but after a while I felt it would be irresponsible to do a show on Living Smart and not admit how dumb I was about my own breast cancer. I am not afraid at all. I believe I am responsible for my own health and if I do everything right, especially under the wonderful care of the best doctors in the world and complimenting this with alternative therapies, I will be just fine. HOWEVER, I do feel this is a wake up call to look into my soul and figure out what role I played in all of this. This is why I choose to share a bit about this disease. Cancer is no longer the death sentence it used to be, but no matter how you look at it. It is a wake up call. Was I stressed before this diagnosis? Was I dealing with my personal and professional issues effectively? Am I angry at anyone or anything? Do I still hold resentments? How is my spiritual life? Do I excercise on a regular level? What do I gain from being sick? Is this how I want to get attention? As you can see I have a lot of work to do, inner work, soul work and professional work. I accept prayers for I believe in the power of prayer. In the mean time, I am now going to continue to try to live SMARTER! I have to walk the talk right?
Friday
Tuesday
Health Care Reform and the Mortgage Crisis
Lately we are being bombarded with news on health care reform and the mortgage crisis. HoustonPBS is now partnering with different local organizations to cover both these topics in future television shows. On August 4th at 7pm I will be hosting a show on the mortgage crisis and what you need to do if you are at risk of facing foreclosure. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. I am also very excited about a town meeting we plan to do in a couple of months with the Center for Houston's future on health care reform.
I have lived in Europe and South America and had to use the medical system in several countries. The USA has the best medical system with a big "BUT" and that is... it is the best for those with insurance or those who can pay for it. For the rest of the 50 million people who are uninsured or those with low medical coverage insurance, health care can be a nightmare. In the US it is too expensive and with very little incentive to focus on prevention. There are also a lot of players in the game who benefit from the way the system works right now. In Houston, health care is one of the largest industries with a very important role in our local economy. Whatever reform happens at the national level will affect us tremendously, so if you have something to say about it. Please feel free to let me know on this blog.
On the show we plan to cover the different policy initiative and how they would affect us. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have lived in Europe and South America and had to use the medical system in several countries. The USA has the best medical system with a big "BUT" and that is... it is the best for those with insurance or those who can pay for it. For the rest of the 50 million people who are uninsured or those with low medical coverage insurance, health care can be a nightmare. In the US it is too expensive and with very little incentive to focus on prevention. There are also a lot of players in the game who benefit from the way the system works right now. In Houston, health care is one of the largest industries with a very important role in our local economy. Whatever reform happens at the national level will affect us tremendously, so if you have something to say about it. Please feel free to let me know on this blog.
On the show we plan to cover the different policy initiative and how they would affect us. I look forward to hearing from you.
Monday
A commencement Speech and the secret of success
The other day I was asked to give the commencement speech to highschool graduates of the Raul Izaguirre Charter School here in Houston. I was honored to say the least. These children have achieved in their short lifetime more than most teens in America. They come from low socio economic backgrounds, yet they have excelled academically and all 38 of them are going to college! Most of them are the first to do so in their families which must sign a contract of commitment to excellence to get into the school.
I have given many speeches in my lifetime but when I talk to adolescents I am afraid they won't listen, so I start out with music to get their attention. I told them I didn't expect them to remember anything I said. I certainly don't remember who spoke in my graduation in 1979! but I did tell them I hope they remembered one thing. Thoughts and words have power and "What you believe and conceive you will achieve!" I don't claim to be the creator of that phrase or thought, but I do defend its veracity. Our thoughts are full of power and so are our words so we must watch what we say and do on daily basis.
There is one poem I did not have time to share with the students and their families because I promised I would only talk for 10 minutes (that may be long for anyone's atention span) so I didn't get to share the following poem by Lindsay Pankey. If you are a dentist you probably know who this man is. My brother is a dentist. He was voted one of the best in America last year by the way and I think it is because my brother is constantly studying and cares so much about his patients and Pankey's philosophy of life and how to provide the best treatment for them. He learned this from the dentist philosopher. I leave you with these thoughts and then with Ralph Walso Emerson whose description of what success is all about is right in line with what I believe. Enjoy!
PROMISE YOURSELF
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something great in them to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are of your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large to worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Lindsay Pankey
RALPH WALDO EMERSON SAID SUCCESS IS THE FOLLOWING
To laugh often and much
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty
To find the best in others
To leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
I have given many speeches in my lifetime but when I talk to adolescents I am afraid they won't listen, so I start out with music to get their attention. I told them I didn't expect them to remember anything I said. I certainly don't remember who spoke in my graduation in 1979! but I did tell them I hope they remembered one thing. Thoughts and words have power and "What you believe and conceive you will achieve!" I don't claim to be the creator of that phrase or thought, but I do defend its veracity. Our thoughts are full of power and so are our words so we must watch what we say and do on daily basis.
There is one poem I did not have time to share with the students and their families because I promised I would only talk for 10 minutes (that may be long for anyone's atention span) so I didn't get to share the following poem by Lindsay Pankey. If you are a dentist you probably know who this man is. My brother is a dentist. He was voted one of the best in America last year by the way and I think it is because my brother is constantly studying and cares so much about his patients and Pankey's philosophy of life and how to provide the best treatment for them. He learned this from the dentist philosopher. I leave you with these thoughts and then with Ralph Walso Emerson whose description of what success is all about is right in line with what I believe. Enjoy!
PROMISE YOURSELF
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something great in them to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are of your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large to worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Lindsay Pankey
RALPH WALDO EMERSON SAID SUCCESS IS THE FOLLOWING
To laugh often and much
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty
To find the best in others
To leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
Wednesday
Houston's Economy, The good news!
On May 7th I moderated and produced a special on Houston's Economy along with other producers and the Center for Houston's Future. My production assistant took notes and shares some highlights that you may want to read on Houston's problems and Solutions. The good news is that we are better off than everyone else. The lesser good news, it will take a bit longer to get back to normal. To watch the show go to www.houstonpbs.org/haveyoursay
Evening highlights Houston’s problems and solutions
By Elias Jabbe
HOUSTON- Houston PBS hosted a special program focused on Houston’s economy for the latest version of ‘Houston Have Your Say’ on May 7th, 2009. Hosted and moderated by Patricia Gras, the one-hour program aired live from Houston PBS’s studio and featured an audience that reflected the cultural and professional diversity of the city: representatives from sectors such as education, energy, real estate, and aviation all were present and contributed their opinions on Houston’s economic development.
The program involved the guests answering questions posed by Gras, yet the questions weren’t solely presented by the host. Houstonians blogged on PBS’s website and had the opportunity to call in and voice their concerns to the expert audience, and they took advantage of the opportunity by calling in several times. The audience also was able to listen to the opinion of the public while watching the short interviews with Houstonians discussing the local and global job market that were shown intermittently.
Though the sentiment concerning the job market for most people has been one of doom, the audience stated that the negativity was overstated in the media, and that the city of Houston actually is much better off than many cities in the United States.
The current economic recession has helped teach the world a lesson about being more efficient and less wasteful, according to some of the experts in the audience. “This recession reminds me of the one that took place between 1984 and 1990 in Houston as a result of ‘overbuilding’ by real estate companies,” said Giorgio Borlenghi, president of real estate company Interfin. Despite the hard times that many are experiencing now, Borlenghi has faith that the future will be bright. “Houston is a city of growth: millions of people are arriving here. Real estate is a great service to the community, and the sector needs to stop using methods like prospecting and instead needs to create demand first before building new property,” said Borlenghi.
Patrick Neal Jankowski, vice president of the research department of Opportunity Houston had a notably optimistic attitude regarding the future of Houston. “The Greater Houston Partnerships predicts that Houston will lose between 40,000 and 45,000 jobs in 2009. We have a lot to be thankful for: Phoenix has lost 137,000 jobs in one year, and it is two-thirds the size of Houston, “said Jankowski. Houston’s growth as a world-class city will be the key to its success. “Houston is a global city: 3,000 companies here do international business, and the future for Houston has to include more global trade. Houston is the best place to ride out the recession at. Oil and gas will continue to be important resources because so many key derivatives come from them,” said Jankowski.
Representing Houston’s education sector was Dr. Adolfo Santos, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Houston. Dr. Santos noted that Houston has the potential to produce people who can make an impact worldwide. “Many young people in Houston of Mexican descent have the advantage of knowing both Spanish and English, which means that jobs in foreign Spanish-speaking countries in regions such as Latin America are there for the taking,” said Santos.
Evening highlights Houston’s problems and solutions
By Elias Jabbe
HOUSTON- Houston PBS hosted a special program focused on Houston’s economy for the latest version of ‘Houston Have Your Say’ on May 7th, 2009. Hosted and moderated by Patricia Gras, the one-hour program aired live from Houston PBS’s studio and featured an audience that reflected the cultural and professional diversity of the city: representatives from sectors such as education, energy, real estate, and aviation all were present and contributed their opinions on Houston’s economic development.
The program involved the guests answering questions posed by Gras, yet the questions weren’t solely presented by the host. Houstonians blogged on PBS’s website and had the opportunity to call in and voice their concerns to the expert audience, and they took advantage of the opportunity by calling in several times. The audience also was able to listen to the opinion of the public while watching the short interviews with Houstonians discussing the local and global job market that were shown intermittently.
Though the sentiment concerning the job market for most people has been one of doom, the audience stated that the negativity was overstated in the media, and that the city of Houston actually is much better off than many cities in the United States.
The current economic recession has helped teach the world a lesson about being more efficient and less wasteful, according to some of the experts in the audience. “This recession reminds me of the one that took place between 1984 and 1990 in Houston as a result of ‘overbuilding’ by real estate companies,” said Giorgio Borlenghi, president of real estate company Interfin. Despite the hard times that many are experiencing now, Borlenghi has faith that the future will be bright. “Houston is a city of growth: millions of people are arriving here. Real estate is a great service to the community, and the sector needs to stop using methods like prospecting and instead needs to create demand first before building new property,” said Borlenghi.
Patrick Neal Jankowski, vice president of the research department of Opportunity Houston had a notably optimistic attitude regarding the future of Houston. “The Greater Houston Partnerships predicts that Houston will lose between 40,000 and 45,000 jobs in 2009. We have a lot to be thankful for: Phoenix has lost 137,000 jobs in one year, and it is two-thirds the size of Houston, “said Jankowski. Houston’s growth as a world-class city will be the key to its success. “Houston is a global city: 3,000 companies here do international business, and the future for Houston has to include more global trade. Houston is the best place to ride out the recession at. Oil and gas will continue to be important resources because so many key derivatives come from them,” said Jankowski.
Representing Houston’s education sector was Dr. Adolfo Santos, Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Houston. Dr. Santos noted that Houston has the potential to produce people who can make an impact worldwide. “Many young people in Houston of Mexican descent have the advantage of knowing both Spanish and English, which means that jobs in foreign Spanish-speaking countries in regions such as Latin America are there for the taking,” said Santos.
Monday
Do you want to be healthy, release weight, and become smarter? Listen up
Recently, I attended a summit Food Addiction: The Obesity Epidemic Connection in IslandWood, Bainbridge Island, WA. For more info go to www.foodaddictionsummit.org
Scientists came from all over the country and parts of the world. They were from Yale, Princeton, UCLA, Rockeffeler, University of Florida, France etc. They were joined by therapists, writers, journalists, philanthropists who wanted to know more. Why? There is now a growing concern, refined foods and sugars may be addictive and playing a major role in our obesity epidemic.
Here are some stats on that. Let's start with children. One in five children in the US is overweight. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has doubled and is increasing among younger children. The question asked in the summit. Are we exposing our children to substances, refined sugars and processed foods that cannot help but create a generation of young addicts? As for adults, you know the answer, 39 million Americans are obese, a lot more are overweight. Are we doing much about it? Let's start with the science. Here are some of the presenters and what they said. Please understand the presentations were complex and comprehensive this is a very simplistic summary. I suggest you check the website. www.foodaddictionsummit.org for more complete info.
Kelly Brownwell PhD from Yale. He is the director at Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.
In his popular book "Food Fight: this Inside Story of the Food Industry, America's Obesity Crisis and What We Can Do ABout It" he and co author Katherin Battle suggest public policy iniatives for reversing the obesity epidemic. He questions what if the focus is on food and what it does to the body and the brain, in a way we can posssilby project the public health impact. Information on food addiction Dr. Brownwell feels could help remove the stigma tied to obesity.
Dr. Gene Jack Wang MD is the Chairman of Brookhaven National Laboratory Medical Department. He uses medical imaging techniques to study brain disorders. He found morbidly obese subjects had reductions in DA D2 receptors (brain dopamine receptor levels) which are similar to that observed in drug addicted subjects. This means, these people just as those addicted to drugs are predisposed to search for strongly rewarding reinforcers except in this case it was food (insntead of a drug) to temporarily compensate for decreased sensitivity of their DA regulated reward circuits.
Ernest Noble PhD and MD is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavorial Sciences and Director of Alcohol Research Center Semel Institute for Neuroscince and Human Behavior at UCLA School of Medicine. "It is well established that food (particularly carbohydrates) like alcohol, when consumed, increases brain dopamine levels. He found with his colleagues the DRD 2 A1 allele (the minor form of the D2 dopamine receptor gene to be associated with) alcohol addiction is also associated with obesity.
Serge Ahmed PhD Scientist at the Univeristy of Bordeaux France. In his research he found intense sweetness can surpass coaciane reward, even in drug sensitized and addicted individuals. "Sociologists, economists and epidemiologists have accumulated strong evidence linking increased accessibility and consumption of refined sugar with obesity in vulnerable populations, such as, for instance, chidlren and adults from poor communities. His findings clearly demonstrate that intense sweetness can surpass cocaine reward.
Bert Hoebel PhD Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Princeton University
Sugar Addiction: Bingeing, Withdrawal and Craving. "Evidence from animal models suggests sugar can act on the brain in ways similar to drugs of abuse. Eating large amounts of sugar when hungry, also known as sugar-bingeing, can cause behavioral and neurochemical changes in the brain that resemble those produced when someone takes substances of abuse including morphine, cocaine and nicotine. "
Eric Stice phD Senior Research scientist at teh Oregon Research Institute
"His program of research has primarily focused on the elucidating genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk for onset of eating overeating disorders and obesity, as well as the development and evalution of prevention programs for these conditions. He states "It has been theorized that elevated reward from food intake or anticipated food intake increases risk for overeating. However it has also been theorized that individuals who experience weaker activation of dopamine based reward circuitry in response to food intake may overeat to compensate for this reward deficit.
Irene Yaroslavsky PhD of the Leibowitz Laboratory, Rockefeller University
Mechanisms of Food Cravings
Dr. Sarah Leibowitz PhD has led animal studies exploring metabolic and neural antecedents for the overconsumption of fat and alcohol. " A major reoccuring theme in our research is the existence of a positive feedback loop, whereby a meal rich in fat activates certain brain systems that further stimulate fat intake. More specifically we have shown that brain systems involved in a palatability and reward can both stinulate and be stimulated by the intake of preferred diets rich in fat."
Scientists came from all over the country and parts of the world. They were from Yale, Princeton, UCLA, Rockeffeler, University of Florida, France etc. They were joined by therapists, writers, journalists, philanthropists who wanted to know more. Why? There is now a growing concern, refined foods and sugars may be addictive and playing a major role in our obesity epidemic.
Here are some stats on that. Let's start with children. One in five children in the US is overweight. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has doubled and is increasing among younger children. The question asked in the summit. Are we exposing our children to substances, refined sugars and processed foods that cannot help but create a generation of young addicts? As for adults, you know the answer, 39 million Americans are obese, a lot more are overweight. Are we doing much about it? Let's start with the science. Here are some of the presenters and what they said. Please understand the presentations were complex and comprehensive this is a very simplistic summary. I suggest you check the website. www.foodaddictionsummit.org for more complete info.
Kelly Brownwell PhD from Yale. He is the director at Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.
In his popular book "Food Fight: this Inside Story of the Food Industry, America's Obesity Crisis and What We Can Do ABout It" he and co author Katherin Battle suggest public policy iniatives for reversing the obesity epidemic. He questions what if the focus is on food and what it does to the body and the brain, in a way we can posssilby project the public health impact. Information on food addiction Dr. Brownwell feels could help remove the stigma tied to obesity.
Dr. Gene Jack Wang MD is the Chairman of Brookhaven National Laboratory Medical Department. He uses medical imaging techniques to study brain disorders. He found morbidly obese subjects had reductions in DA D2 receptors (brain dopamine receptor levels) which are similar to that observed in drug addicted subjects. This means, these people just as those addicted to drugs are predisposed to search for strongly rewarding reinforcers except in this case it was food (insntead of a drug) to temporarily compensate for decreased sensitivity of their DA regulated reward circuits.
NOTE: In neuroscience, the reward system (studied to understand addiction) is a collection of brain structures which attemp to to control and regulate behavior, cognitive and reward mechanisms by introducing pleasure effects. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter studied in addiction because it has many functions in the brain including important roles in reward, cognition and behavior.
Ernest Noble PhD and MD is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavorial Sciences and Director of Alcohol Research Center Semel Institute for Neuroscince and Human Behavior at UCLA School of Medicine. "It is well established that food (particularly carbohydrates) like alcohol, when consumed, increases brain dopamine levels. He found with his colleagues the DRD 2 A1 allele (the minor form of the D2 dopamine receptor gene to be associated with) alcohol addiction is also associated with obesity.
Serge Ahmed PhD Scientist at the Univeristy of Bordeaux France. In his research he found intense sweetness can surpass coaciane reward, even in drug sensitized and addicted individuals. "Sociologists, economists and epidemiologists have accumulated strong evidence linking increased accessibility and consumption of refined sugar with obesity in vulnerable populations, such as, for instance, chidlren and adults from poor communities. His findings clearly demonstrate that intense sweetness can surpass cocaine reward.
Bert Hoebel PhD Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Princeton University
Sugar Addiction: Bingeing, Withdrawal and Craving. "Evidence from animal models suggests sugar can act on the brain in ways similar to drugs of abuse. Eating large amounts of sugar when hungry, also known as sugar-bingeing, can cause behavioral and neurochemical changes in the brain that resemble those produced when someone takes substances of abuse including morphine, cocaine and nicotine. "
Eric Stice phD Senior Research scientist at teh Oregon Research Institute
"His program of research has primarily focused on the elucidating genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk for onset of eating overeating disorders and obesity, as well as the development and evalution of prevention programs for these conditions. He states "It has been theorized that elevated reward from food intake or anticipated food intake increases risk for overeating. However it has also been theorized that individuals who experience weaker activation of dopamine based reward circuitry in response to food intake may overeat to compensate for this reward deficit.
Irene Yaroslavsky PhD of the Leibowitz Laboratory, Rockefeller University
Mechanisms of Food Cravings
Dr. Sarah Leibowitz PhD has led animal studies exploring metabolic and neural antecedents for the overconsumption of fat and alcohol. " A major reoccuring theme in our research is the existence of a positive feedback loop, whereby a meal rich in fat activates certain brain systems that further stimulate fat intake. More specifically we have shown that brain systems involved in a palatability and reward can both stinulate and be stimulated by the intake of preferred diets rich in fat."
Kay Sheppard, Ma LMHC, CEDS
is the pioneer in food addiction treatment. She wrote the first best selling book on the subject. "Food Addiction: The Body Knows: From the First Bite and Food Addiction: Healing Day by Day. A licensed mental health counselor she conducts workshops and food adicts worldwide. " I came to appreciate that the brain and body of a food addict reacts differently to addictive foods due to the inherited predisposition to the disease of addiction. Addictive foods stimulate and increase the transmission of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. When the brain is flooded with these neurotransmiters, euphoria results leading to the compulsive pursuit of mood change by engaging repeatedly in episodes of binge eating despite adverse consequences."
There were other presenters who shared their research, programs and ideas.
Dr. Mark Gold MD Food as an Addiction College of Medicine Brain institute at University of Florida
Elissa Epel PhD Co Director of the UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment and Treatment
Cravings and Chronic Stres: Why the Candy Industry thrives when the economy declines
Jefrey Grim PhD Co Director of the Northwest Center for Research on Eating Behaviors.
Abstinence make sthe Heart Grow Fonder: Incubation of Sucrose Craving.
Yvonne Sanders Butler Ed PhD who as the principal of Browns Mil Elementary banned all fods high in refined sugars, high fat, and processed foods and drinks from the cafeteria. The results, immediate drop in absenteeism, improvements in attention, and general increase in energy levels and grades.
Connie Benett, Author of Sugar Shock
Joan Ifland PhD, MBA Founder and Chair of Refined Food Addiction (REFA) Research
Foundation.
Ellot Blass PhD University of Massachusetts. Evolutionary and Devleopmental bases of Eating Addictions.
To get all the presentations in full go to
What next?
This is an epidemic and what concerns me the most is our children. Find out what your children's schools are offering. Get involved, contact Dr. Yvonne Sanders Butler. Get documentation to back your claims. Kids need to start eating better and moving more. Our schools are feeding them sugars and processed foods and yet we expect them to be healthy and smart.
We have to start somewhere. Knowledge is power. Don't expect the government or food companies to make the changes. We the people are ultimately responsible for what we and our children eat. Get armed with adequate information.
Sunday
Living Smart, the future and Susan Boyle
This coming Sunday April 26 at 3pm, Futurist Peter Bishop who studies scenarios of what might happen based on a lot of research will share his views on jobs, the economy, alternative sources of energy and what careers to consider for the future. Knowledge is power and this show can smarly prepare us for what is to come.
At 2:30 pm on Sunday you can also watch Latina Voices, as we discuss wellness with a medical doctor and a naturopath and we learn how to market ourselves to the top so we can get the job of our dreams.
One of the reasons I wanted to produce a show like Living Smart 4 years ago, was to help our viewers find golden nuggets of information that could help them find more happiness, better health, fulfilling relationships and more importantly a way to reach their dreams. We would all be so much happier, healthier and relevant if we had a passion for what we did every day. I know however that many don't find what that is in a lifetime. This in turn causes a lot of problems for them and those around them. That is why when I saw Susan Boyle on You Tube today. I cried. I also cried when I heard Paul Potts sing. Both were featured in the British talent show. Both surprised audiences around the world with their incredible and quiet talent.
I will share their youtube links for you to watch. Both of these people to me represent millions of people in the world who never give up their dreams. They have an unknown or unrecognized talent so many laugh at them, smirk, make fun of them or are quietly envious of their hidden talent. Yet they never give up. They both began singing at a very young age, and maybe never had a great chance to be discovered. There are millions still out there who are undiscovered, but I do hope they like Susan and Paul, will never give up their passion, their dream, their hidden talent.
What I feel we can learn from them is their incredible humility and resilience. Society does not tend to think highly of people who are unemployed or make a low salary. But in reality, everyone is special, everyone has a story, a dream, a passion. Some may never discover it. Others have it but only they know it. I just hope that by watching these videos you begin to ask yourself the question. What is my dream? What is my talent? What is my passion? and then sit back and just listen to these two. I know they will move you to tears of joy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk Susan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA Paul Potts
Let me know what you think!
At 2:30 pm on Sunday you can also watch Latina Voices, as we discuss wellness with a medical doctor and a naturopath and we learn how to market ourselves to the top so we can get the job of our dreams.
One of the reasons I wanted to produce a show like Living Smart 4 years ago, was to help our viewers find golden nuggets of information that could help them find more happiness, better health, fulfilling relationships and more importantly a way to reach their dreams. We would all be so much happier, healthier and relevant if we had a passion for what we did every day. I know however that many don't find what that is in a lifetime. This in turn causes a lot of problems for them and those around them. That is why when I saw Susan Boyle on You Tube today. I cried. I also cried when I heard Paul Potts sing. Both were featured in the British talent show. Both surprised audiences around the world with their incredible and quiet talent.
I will share their youtube links for you to watch. Both of these people to me represent millions of people in the world who never give up their dreams. They have an unknown or unrecognized talent so many laugh at them, smirk, make fun of them or are quietly envious of their hidden talent. Yet they never give up. They both began singing at a very young age, and maybe never had a great chance to be discovered. There are millions still out there who are undiscovered, but I do hope they like Susan and Paul, will never give up their passion, their dream, their hidden talent.
What I feel we can learn from them is their incredible humility and resilience. Society does not tend to think highly of people who are unemployed or make a low salary. But in reality, everyone is special, everyone has a story, a dream, a passion. Some may never discover it. Others have it but only they know it. I just hope that by watching these videos you begin to ask yourself the question. What is my dream? What is my talent? What is my passion? and then sit back and just listen to these two. I know they will move you to tears of joy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk Susan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA Paul Potts
Let me know what you think!
Monday
Living Smart with Opera Star and the most important things in life
This Sunday April 19th at 3pm, (repeats friday April 24th at 10pm) Ana Maria Martinez one of the greatest Lyric Sopranos of our times will enlighten us with her knowledge of the value of music in our children's lives. Ana Maria who has sung in the greatest opera houses of the world remains humble and down to earth. She is extremely personable, talented and one of the smartest people I have ever interviewed. The only child of a psychoanalyst and an opera singer, Martinez grew up listening to music and trying to figure out the world alone. Now married to an opera singer and the mother of a two year old child, she knows first hand the value of music in children's brain development. I look forward to sharing this interview with Living Smart viewers.
This week I had the priviledge of reading one of my friend's books. Gloria Alcozer Thomas has written, "Feeding my Children. " She is considered a "Tejana" a word that can be interpreted and defined as she says in various ways. "For example as an Indian term of endearment, or secondly, as one of the first references to the indigenous people of the lower southwestern United States. Later it would identify as a whole the people of Texas. Gloria has lived all over the world and is a magnificent storyteller.
“Do you see my skin? It is a colour that leaves me in between I am not black or white Nor am I a race that other’s can easily categorize.” This is from one of the many poems written by Gloria Alkozer Thomas in her book. Does this sound like an American story? It is, with all its contradictions, ironies, and the confusion, pain and joy of being an American. Alcozer is the daughter of migrant workers. The book’s title describes her mother
mission and goal, who despite a very difficult life confronting poverty and intractable racism, succeeded in feeding her children in every way. At a time when readers beg to hear an authentic voice, my friend reminds us in her gripping and entertaining narrative, that in her journey to find herself, we learn to ask ourselves where we come from and why it matters.
On Sunday April 26th at 2:30pm Latina Voices Smart talk interviews a western medical doctor and a naturopath on how to achieve overall wellness. We also talk to Abel Garcia about his book, “Market Yourself Back to the Top.
Today, a door I wanted opened closed. I often hear from friends, when one door closes, many windows open and I truly believe that. I would like to share with you the latest e mail I got from a friend about "The Most Important Things in Life." I am translating
Falling in Love
Laughing so hard your face hurts
A hot bath
No lines in the supermarket
Getting mail
Lying down in bed while watching the rain
Finding your favorite outfit at half price
Chocolate ice cream
When someone tells you that you are beautiful
A long conversation with a friend
Waking up and still having time to sleep another 20 minutes
Finding a twenty dollar bill in your pocket
Your first kiss
Your first puppy
Great Dreams
Your first swing
Watching a great film with someone you love
Watching someone's face when they open a present they like
Winning a competition
Making chocolate chip cookies
Holding your lover's hand
Getting tickled
A surprise
Walking on the Beach
Watching the sunset
Please add yours. I am sure this made you think about it. Have a great blessed week!
This week I had the priviledge of reading one of my friend's books. Gloria Alcozer Thomas has written, "Feeding my Children. " She is considered a "Tejana" a word that can be interpreted and defined as she says in various ways. "For example as an Indian term of endearment, or secondly, as one of the first references to the indigenous people of the lower southwestern United States. Later it would identify as a whole the people of Texas. Gloria has lived all over the world and is a magnificent storyteller.
“Do you see my skin? It is a colour that leaves me in between I am not black or white Nor am I a race that other’s can easily categorize.” This is from one of the many poems written by Gloria Alkozer Thomas in her book. Does this sound like an American story? It is, with all its contradictions, ironies, and the confusion, pain and joy of being an American. Alcozer is the daughter of migrant workers. The book’s title describes her mother
mission and goal, who despite a very difficult life confronting poverty and intractable racism, succeeded in feeding her children in every way. At a time when readers beg to hear an authentic voice, my friend reminds us in her gripping and entertaining narrative, that in her journey to find herself, we learn to ask ourselves where we come from and why it matters.
On Sunday April 26th at 2:30pm Latina Voices Smart talk interviews a western medical doctor and a naturopath on how to achieve overall wellness. We also talk to Abel Garcia about his book, “Market Yourself Back to the Top.
Today, a door I wanted opened closed. I often hear from friends, when one door closes, many windows open and I truly believe that. I would like to share with you the latest e mail I got from a friend about "The Most Important Things in Life." I am translating
Falling in Love
Laughing so hard your face hurts
A hot bath
No lines in the supermarket
Getting mail
Lying down in bed while watching the rain
Finding your favorite outfit at half price
Chocolate ice cream
When someone tells you that you are beautiful
A long conversation with a friend
Waking up and still having time to sleep another 20 minutes
Finding a twenty dollar bill in your pocket
Your first kiss
Your first puppy
Great Dreams
Your first swing
Watching a great film with someone you love
Watching someone's face when they open a present they like
Winning a competition
Making chocolate chip cookies
Holding your lover's hand
Getting tickled
A surprise
Walking on the Beach
Watching the sunset
Please add yours. I am sure this made you think about it. Have a great blessed week!
Living Smart and Hispanics and Education
This Sunday April 12th at 3pm we launch season 5 of Living Smart with Jeff Yeager, the Ultimate Cheapskate on living more with less. We aired our first Living Smart show on October of 2005 and we have come a long way since then. We are now on 113 PBS channels across the nation and the show serves a need for information that can empower the audience in different areas of life.
As we learn to live more with less, enjoying life more without depending on a big salary, and becoming resilient in difficult times, I can't help but become concerned with the latest information I have read about Latinos and higher education. Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group and the least likely to enroll in college. Why does this concern me particularly in Houston? Half of our population is Latino and if we are not educating our Latino youth properly or well enough to get them into college, we can't expect a robust economic development, the kind we need to keep our economy strong, diverse and our middle class strong and thriving.
We know Latinos from low income families are the least likely to enroll in college, so now that we know this. What can we do about it?
There are a lot of programs to help Hispanics make it into college but they are not widespread or systemic. They remain piecemeal and thus ineffective to read the volume of students we need to reach.
The Houston Chronicle reported just 42.5 percent of Hispanics graduated from highschool in 2007 enrolled in college or technical training. This is just not good enough. In fact, it is dismal.
Today 20 percent of students at the University of Houston (the largest university in town) are Hispanic. This is an improvement but Latino students are facing the biggest hurdle ever, money and the way the economy is going, that is not meant to get any better.
We always like to focus on solutions to the problem, but until we realize as a city and a state we need a better way, there is no end in sight.
We will most likely discuss this topic on our next town forum. In the mean time, make suggestions. I like a quote that might help us with this. "There is no stopping an idea whose time has come."
I hope that idea is how do we as a city, and a state with a very large Latino population, educate our youth for the future. This is not about blame. I am not asking why I am asking how do we do it.
+
As we learn to live more with less, enjoying life more without depending on a big salary, and becoming resilient in difficult times, I can't help but become concerned with the latest information I have read about Latinos and higher education. Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group and the least likely to enroll in college. Why does this concern me particularly in Houston? Half of our population is Latino and if we are not educating our Latino youth properly or well enough to get them into college, we can't expect a robust economic development, the kind we need to keep our economy strong, diverse and our middle class strong and thriving.
We know Latinos from low income families are the least likely to enroll in college, so now that we know this. What can we do about it?
There are a lot of programs to help Hispanics make it into college but they are not widespread or systemic. They remain piecemeal and thus ineffective to read the volume of students we need to reach.
The Houston Chronicle reported just 42.5 percent of Hispanics graduated from highschool in 2007 enrolled in college or technical training. This is just not good enough. In fact, it is dismal.
Today 20 percent of students at the University of Houston (the largest university in town) are Hispanic. This is an improvement but Latino students are facing the biggest hurdle ever, money and the way the economy is going, that is not meant to get any better.
We always like to focus on solutions to the problem, but until we realize as a city and a state we need a better way, there is no end in sight.
We will most likely discuss this topic on our next town forum. In the mean time, make suggestions. I like a quote that might help us with this. "There is no stopping an idea whose time has come."
I hope that idea is how do we as a city, and a state with a very large Latino population, educate our youth for the future. This is not about blame. I am not asking why I am asking how do we do it.
+
Tuesday
Economic town forum, Vaccines for addiction and priorities
On May 7th at 7pm, HoustonPBS will present the third town forum. The topic this time is on Houston's regional (13 counties) economy. We plan to discuss the state of the economy, where the jobs are and where we are going. We will also provide a resource list on our website on job opportunities, training and placement organizations. You will have an opportunity to call in, chat and blog as well. I will start twittering soon! There is no doubt most viewers are interested in jobs. Those who have lost it, how to get a new one, those who have kept it, how to keep it and those who want something better during these hard times, where will the jobs be and what will happen in the future. We hope to find some answers to those questions.
This Sunday at 3pm Living Smart presents one of the most respected addiction researchers in the world, Dr. Tom Kosten who will address the new vaccines he has created to combat addiction. He offers hope and very useful information.
As we deal with the anxiety caused by this unprecedented economic downturn. I would like to share something I got from a friend.
"Life is short, work as if it was your first day, forgive easily and rapidly, kiss very slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrolably, and never seize to smile even at the strangest things. Life can't be the feast we expected, but while we are here, we should smile and be grateful. "
This Sunday at 3pm Living Smart presents one of the most respected addiction researchers in the world, Dr. Tom Kosten who will address the new vaccines he has created to combat addiction. He offers hope and very useful information.
As we deal with the anxiety caused by this unprecedented economic downturn. I would like to share something I got from a friend.
"Life is short, work as if it was your first day, forgive easily and rapidly, kiss very slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrolably, and never seize to smile even at the strangest things. Life can't be the feast we expected, but while we are here, we should smile and be grateful. "
Monday
IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!
On Sunday March 29th at 3pm on Ch. 8 , Permaculturist Diana Petrochelli teaches us some lessons on how to take care of the planet and in the process save ourselves some money. I can't help but want to talk about the economy with everyone I run into. Whether we like to think about it or not, it does affect our lives and our next town forum on May 7th on Ch. 8 at 7pm we'll discuss the Houston regional economy.
I am sure just as you have, heard the reasons: greed, subprime mortgages, derivatives, Madoff ponzi schemes, back to greed, lack of regulation, lack of oversight, stupidity, too much of a good thing, easy money, hedge funds, debt, back to greed, dangerous financial innovations, lack of savings, hubris, innocence, back to consumer debt. The list goes on and on.
What really bothers me now is that it appears no one was talking about this in the past 10 years. Where were the pundits, financial gurus, journalists, TV talk stars, etc. What was I doing? Sure I did a lot of shows on financial education but was clueless about the intricate economic signs of what was coming. I studied Economics in college and later got an MBA and know this much. The economy is cyclical but this downturn appears to be tied an tremendous financial system excess.
Also does speculation ring a bell? Delusion? again, Greed?
Now everyone is questioning what we do about it. My fear is that no one really knows if the government plan will work. If the solution was easy, then someone else would have come up with it. It is so much easier to criticize than to actually do something. The administration is trying something very risky but can they just let nature run its course? During the depression the government allowed 2 out of 5 banks to fail. We are not doing that now but does it mean we don't hold them accountable?
What we can not do is panic and unfortunately we are getting closer and closer to that. The media is not helping, neither are politicians who repeat the word crisis every chance they get.
The Federal Reserve promises to do everything they can to support the functioning of the financial markets and stimulating the economy but what can we do? We the people? What are we supposed to do? Here is my ten point plan to ride the wave of recession.
1. No recession lasts forever, so don't panic.
2. Look at the crisis as an opportunity, not a punishment for bad behavior.
3. Make a list of what you really need. (Really NEED) and for now only buy that.
4. Even if we are supposed to consume to get the economy back in shape, start saving now!
5. If you can plant your own garden, do it or find a community garden close to you.
6. Bring your lunch to work.
7. If you are out of work and can't pay the bill move in with family or friends for a few months.
8. Realize how lucky you are to live in the United States of America. This is still the land of opportunity. Don't ever lose hope or the vision that things will get better. That's American!
9. Love those around you more. You'll need them now more than ever and now you have time.
10. Don't take it personal. Losing a job is not about you. Quit being hard on yourself. You got a job before, you will do it again.
I am sure just as you have, heard the reasons: greed, subprime mortgages, derivatives, Madoff ponzi schemes, back to greed, lack of regulation, lack of oversight, stupidity, too much of a good thing, easy money, hedge funds, debt, back to greed, dangerous financial innovations, lack of savings, hubris, innocence, back to consumer debt. The list goes on and on.
What really bothers me now is that it appears no one was talking about this in the past 10 years. Where were the pundits, financial gurus, journalists, TV talk stars, etc. What was I doing? Sure I did a lot of shows on financial education but was clueless about the intricate economic signs of what was coming. I studied Economics in college and later got an MBA and know this much. The economy is cyclical but this downturn appears to be tied an tremendous financial system excess.
Also does speculation ring a bell? Delusion? again, Greed?
Now everyone is questioning what we do about it. My fear is that no one really knows if the government plan will work. If the solution was easy, then someone else would have come up with it. It is so much easier to criticize than to actually do something. The administration is trying something very risky but can they just let nature run its course? During the depression the government allowed 2 out of 5 banks to fail. We are not doing that now but does it mean we don't hold them accountable?
What we can not do is panic and unfortunately we are getting closer and closer to that. The media is not helping, neither are politicians who repeat the word crisis every chance they get.
The Federal Reserve promises to do everything they can to support the functioning of the financial markets and stimulating the economy but what can we do? We the people? What are we supposed to do? Here is my ten point plan to ride the wave of recession.
1. No recession lasts forever, so don't panic.
2. Look at the crisis as an opportunity, not a punishment for bad behavior.
3. Make a list of what you really need. (Really NEED) and for now only buy that.
4. Even if we are supposed to consume to get the economy back in shape, start saving now!
5. If you can plant your own garden, do it or find a community garden close to you.
6. Bring your lunch to work.
7. If you are out of work and can't pay the bill move in with family or friends for a few months.
8. Realize how lucky you are to live in the United States of America. This is still the land of opportunity. Don't ever lose hope or the vision that things will get better. That's American!
9. Love those around you more. You'll need them now more than ever and now you have time.
10. Don't take it personal. Losing a job is not about you. Quit being hard on yourself. You got a job before, you will do it again.
Sunday
THE VALUE OF YOUR FEMALE FRIENDS
As women, our bonds with other women tend to be different than friendships between men. Chris Hedges, a war correspondent for 30 years wrote "War is a Force that gives us meaning." (You can find the interview I did with him on video google) He said men don't fight for their countries. They fight for each other, for their brothers in combat, for other soldiers they have bonded with. As women our bonds tend to be stronger than men's. We don't need to go through something as traumatic as a war to bond. A few weeks ago, I received an email from a friend in Argentina so I will translate it as best as I can. It describes why women are so important in our lives.
This says it all.
Time passes,
Life goes on,
Distances separate people.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go
Passion diminishes
Men don't always do what they were supposed to do.
Hearts break
Parents die.
Coworkers forget favors they have received
Professional careers come to an end
BUT
Your sisters are always there, It does not matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girlfriend is never too far to be with you when you need her.
Men don't always do what they were supposed to do.
Hearts break
Parents die.
Coworkers forget favors they have received
Professional careers come to an end
BUT
Your sisters are always there, It does not matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girlfriend is never too far to be with you when you need her.
When you have to walk the valley alone, the women in your life will be there surrounding you, cheering you on, praying for you, pushing you, intervening for you, opening their hearts and waiting for you with open arms at the end of the journey.
Sometimes, they will even break rules and will walk by you and will ease your burden.
Friends, daughters, grandmothers, sisters in law, sisters, moms, grandaughters, cousins, nieces and all your family are a blessing in this life.
The world would not be the same without women and I would not be who I am without them. When we began this adventure of being women, we didn't have any idea the incredible satisfaction and the painful challenges that await us. We don't know either how much we will need each other, but we will.
Pass this on to all the women who give meaning to your life.
First I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend in Argentina who sent me this. She is going through cancer treatment so keep her in your prayers. She and I grew up together in Argentina and reconnected this year after 20 years through FACEBOOK! She lives in the mountains so we were out of touch. Gracias MARITE
Pass this on to all the women who give meaning to your life.
First I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend in Argentina who sent me this. She is going through cancer treatment so keep her in your prayers. She and I grew up together in Argentina and reconnected this year after 20 years through FACEBOOK! She lives in the mountains so we were out of touch. Gracias MARITE
I also want to thank all the women who supported me in the past week. Your friendship, your unconditional love and wise counsel got me through one heck of a week. Thank you sisters in arms. I hope I can be there for you always as you have been for me.
Remember Season 5 of Living Smart begins April 12 at 3pm on HoustonPBS and will repeat the following friday at 10pm. On March 22n at 2:30pm Latina Voices airs its second show.
Friday
Change Magazine, Living Smart and Latina Voices
Change Magazine recently did a very nice article on Living Smart, Latina Voices and my life. Here is the link if you can't pick it up in your area, http://www.changemagazine.net/
The experience for me was like no other. I have never been interviewed at length and the reporter Sue Mayfield-Geiger, Publisher, Carla Medlenka and photographer Lisette Templin could not have been kinder, gentler and funnier. It was such a nice unforgettable experience. I consider it a gift to be among the ultimate joyful professionals they proved themselves to be. My wardrobe consultant and dear friend Sam Gershen made sure I looked good and despite freezing weather outside during the photo shoot. We had a blast. Thank you all.
Living Smart will launch in April 12th at 3pm (it will repeat on friday nights at 10pm) and Latina Voices comes back on March 22nd at 2:30pm. It will air every third Sunday of the month. (You can also find it in HTV Ch. 16 comcast on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 am and 8pm .
I am truly excited about both these shows and simply want to share, I find them relevant to what we are living right now. Last week two close friends lost their high paying jobs. It feels awful to watch dear friends go through this. However, nothing puts us on a different life track than looking for work and feeling rejected. There is no doubt we learn humility when we go through this. We realize we are not indispensable and we have to dig deep to find what we have within ourselves to get back up and start looking for the next opportunity. I know how difficult this can be. As much as I try to live smartly, I fail many times because I am human and I learned we must allow ourselves these failures and be kind to ourselves, especially when we are down. Humility is a virtue we all need in times like these, then we must have courage to go on.
Keshavar Nair said "With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity."
The experience for me was like no other. I have never been interviewed at length and the reporter Sue Mayfield-Geiger, Publisher, Carla Medlenka and photographer Lisette Templin could not have been kinder, gentler and funnier. It was such a nice unforgettable experience. I consider it a gift to be among the ultimate joyful professionals they proved themselves to be. My wardrobe consultant and dear friend Sam Gershen made sure I looked good and despite freezing weather outside during the photo shoot. We had a blast. Thank you all.
Living Smart will launch in April 12th at 3pm (it will repeat on friday nights at 10pm) and Latina Voices comes back on March 22nd at 2:30pm. It will air every third Sunday of the month. (You can also find it in HTV Ch. 16 comcast on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 am and 8pm .
I am truly excited about both these shows and simply want to share, I find them relevant to what we are living right now. Last week two close friends lost their high paying jobs. It feels awful to watch dear friends go through this. However, nothing puts us on a different life track than looking for work and feeling rejected. There is no doubt we learn humility when we go through this. We realize we are not indispensable and we have to dig deep to find what we have within ourselves to get back up and start looking for the next opportunity. I know how difficult this can be. As much as I try to live smartly, I fail many times because I am human and I learned we must allow ourselves these failures and be kind to ourselves, especially when we are down. Humility is a virtue we all need in times like these, then we must have courage to go on.
Keshavar Nair said "With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity."
Tuesday
To heal the world, heal thyself
As some of my friends were discussing politics and how Rush Limbaugh and Anne Colter said this and Al Franken said that and why are the Republicans so angry etc. One of those friends sent me this quote by Thomas Merton.
"So instead of loving what you think is peace, love other people and love God above all. And instead of hating the people you think are warmakers, hate the appetites and the disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed - but hate these things in yourself, not in another."
- Thomas Merton, from "New Seeds of Contemplation"
Wow, I thought, how liberating it is to focus on what we hold within ourselves, our own prejudices, hatreds, confusion, anxiety etc. I actually have many mirrors around me (people who don't like me or accept me the way I am) They shine a light on my (shadow) Jungian concept of what we hate in ourselves. In time, I realize there is a lot within I have to work through. That is why I always pray for inner peace, harmony and balance. If I keep focusing on what I don't want in my life, then unfortunately I will probably attract it, so we must focus on the positive aspects of everything and quite blaming others for our own misfortunes. This is the only way we can get ahead. Blaming others tends to put a rope around our throat as we try to move forward. Yes, people hurt us, fire us, abuse us, lie to us, steal from us etc. but there are those who love us, accept us, put up with us and hold our hand when we need them. What am I going to focus on?
Kassim
"So instead of loving what you think is peace, love other people and love God above all. And instead of hating the people you think are warmakers, hate the appetites and the disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed - but hate these things in yourself, not in another."
- Thomas Merton, from "New Seeds of Contemplation"
Wow, I thought, how liberating it is to focus on what we hold within ourselves, our own prejudices, hatreds, confusion, anxiety etc. I actually have many mirrors around me (people who don't like me or accept me the way I am) They shine a light on my (shadow) Jungian concept of what we hate in ourselves. In time, I realize there is a lot within I have to work through. That is why I always pray for inner peace, harmony and balance. If I keep focusing on what I don't want in my life, then unfortunately I will probably attract it, so we must focus on the positive aspects of everything and quite blaming others for our own misfortunes. This is the only way we can get ahead. Blaming others tends to put a rope around our throat as we try to move forward. Yes, people hurt us, fire us, abuse us, lie to us, steal from us etc. but there are those who love us, accept us, put up with us and hold our hand when we need them. What am I going to focus on?
Kassim
Friday
"Living Smart" in times of crisis
The fifth season of Living Smart will explore integrity, ethics, civility, parenting, music and science literacy and one of the most relevant topics as far as I am concerned will be covered by Dr. Bruce Perry M.D/PhD who is one of the top childhood trauma and development specialists in the country. Why do I say that?
Let's face it listening to the news has become more and more difficult. Thousands of Americans are losing their jobs, anxiety is at an all time high and many in the political spectrum only criticize but come up with few if any solutions to the financial crisis. Whether we agree with what the new administration is doing to solve the problem or not, we hope (if we are sane, there are those who want it to fail) and pray that it works. Putting labels on what is going on does not help. Is this too much government? Too much pork? Too many pet projects? I am going to be asking instead every month, does it work? Who is doing the right thing? What is working and what is not? I don't care if the projects are called "socialist or market driven" Do they work?
We have to get back to holding our officials and OURSELVES accountable, living in integrity, Making smart decisions based on facts not emotions.
Dr. Perry talks about keeping ourselves sane through relationships and how important these are in the lives of children and ourselves. The fact is Americans are becoming increasingly lonely and isolated. We are more reconnected than ever through technology but lonelier than we have ever been. A recent study by Duke University researchers found the number of people whom the average American discussed important matters dropped from three to two in the past few years. The number of one person households has also been increasing steadily since 1940, when only 7 percent of households had one resident. Today more Americans are living alone than ever in our history.
I was born in Houston but grew up in Latin America where extended families and friends are always around. I know that Health and Happiness is closely tied to social connections.
In sum, It is fine to be self reliant, at times individualistic and self motivated and driven, but we must be aware of social disconnection. We are social animals, we need each other and in hard times like these, believe it or not it might be easier and more essential than ever reconnect. Try it, you might stop thinking about the economy and that in itself makes it all worthwhile!
Let's face it listening to the news has become more and more difficult. Thousands of Americans are losing their jobs, anxiety is at an all time high and many in the political spectrum only criticize but come up with few if any solutions to the financial crisis. Whether we agree with what the new administration is doing to solve the problem or not, we hope (if we are sane, there are those who want it to fail) and pray that it works. Putting labels on what is going on does not help. Is this too much government? Too much pork? Too many pet projects? I am going to be asking instead every month, does it work? Who is doing the right thing? What is working and what is not? I don't care if the projects are called "socialist or market driven" Do they work?
We have to get back to holding our officials and OURSELVES accountable, living in integrity, Making smart decisions based on facts not emotions.
Dr. Perry talks about keeping ourselves sane through relationships and how important these are in the lives of children and ourselves. The fact is Americans are becoming increasingly lonely and isolated. We are more reconnected than ever through technology but lonelier than we have ever been. A recent study by Duke University researchers found the number of people whom the average American discussed important matters dropped from three to two in the past few years. The number of one person households has also been increasing steadily since 1940, when only 7 percent of households had one resident. Today more Americans are living alone than ever in our history.
I was born in Houston but grew up in Latin America where extended families and friends are always around. I know that Health and Happiness is closely tied to social connections.
In sum, It is fine to be self reliant, at times individualistic and self motivated and driven, but we must be aware of social disconnection. We are social animals, we need each other and in hard times like these, believe it or not it might be easier and more essential than ever reconnect. Try it, you might stop thinking about the economy and that in itself makes it all worthwhile!
Monday
Books I am reading in times of "Crisis"
As you know I have to read for my work and my soul every day. I interview people all the time and try to read books cover to cover before I talk to them. One of my upcoming interviews on Latina Voices is Abel Garcia who wrote "Market Yourself back to the top!"
Basically Garcia, who has a lot of experience as a headhunter says we have to look at ourselves as a product or service so we have to come up with a dynamic personalized marketing program. (I guess this is better than being an object!) All I can say about this book is that it has useful information. I don't know if it works and frankly I don't want to find out, but seriously, any information that can help us stand out, I welcome.
Another book I have been reading to keep with international relations and the US role in the world is The Post American World. The author, CNN correspondent Fareed Zakaria originally from India, ends the book with a quote I am paraphrasing and I feel says a lot about the greatness of America. "For America to thrive in this new and challenging era....it should be the place that is inviting, and exciting to the young student who enters the country today as it was for me."
(This of course applies if we don't make it harder than it already is for legal immigrants to come to America, which is not the case in the latest stimulus package. )
America, I agree with Zakaria is the most universal nation in the world. (I have lived in 7 different countries and visited 50 and from my own personal experience this is a fact)
We are a nation of immigrants where people can mix, work together and share common dreams. We have values that the rest of the world envies but we have to get back to those values and affirm our own ideals. "America can't freelance when it suits its purposes" says Zacharia, because then all the other emerging powers such as China, India, Brasil can also bend the rules and thus destabilize the whole world. I found the book pragmatic in its assessment of US power. Do we want to be the only superpower or an honest broker where "we share power, create coalitions, build legitimacy and define the global agenda." I venture to say, I prefer the latter.
For Living Smart I recently read the Muhammad Yunus book on Creating a World Without Poverty. Social Business and the Future of Capitalism. I was preparing for my interview with Elizabeth Vallette an Iraq war veteran and a microfinance advocate who wants to see America use its soft power as well as its hard power to influence the world. What I enjoyed most about this book is how comprehensive anti poverty programs have to be besides the microlending aspect of them to truly lift the poor out of poverty. Yunnus was the first to realize we can lend to the poor but we also have to create a social network for them to survive and thrive. Does the term we are all interconnected ring a bell?
I also read the Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: and other stories from a child psychiatrist's notebook. This book was written by Living Smart guest Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. Phd and Maia Szalavitz. The book is very well written but this is not an easy read because of the subject matter. I am still astounded at how cruel people can be with children. Dr. Perry who is the government consultant for childhood trauma in incidents such as 9/11, Branch Davidians, Columbine shootings, Katrina etc. shares the most horrific stories about traumatized children, but in the end, we learn what it takes to heal these children. Believe it or not, a permanent, loving, fully present adult can make a big difference. No therapy in the world can take the place of that. On our show Dr. Perry explains the importance of adult relationships for children. The book also introduces us to Mama P. a foster mother whose only weapon is consistent, permanent, repetitive, nurturing love.
Finally a book that is not difficult to read but is extremely uplifting by Paul Ferrini "Grace Unfolding" The art of living a Surrendered Life. It speaks for itself. Ferrini says "as we surrender to the truth of our being, we learn to relinquish the need to control our lives, figure things out, or predict the future. We let go of our judgements and interpretations and accept life the way it is."
My favorite quote in that book is "If we are going to be successful in our lives, we need to cultivate our ability to be present and alert." Basically what I get out of this little book is that we have to live the moment, the now, the present, period. Why is it so hard to do? Because we want control of our lives, well as you know, there is no such thing.
Basically Garcia, who has a lot of experience as a headhunter says we have to look at ourselves as a product or service so we have to come up with a dynamic personalized marketing program. (I guess this is better than being an object!) All I can say about this book is that it has useful information. I don't know if it works and frankly I don't want to find out, but seriously, any information that can help us stand out, I welcome.
Another book I have been reading to keep with international relations and the US role in the world is The Post American World. The author, CNN correspondent Fareed Zakaria originally from India, ends the book with a quote I am paraphrasing and I feel says a lot about the greatness of America. "For America to thrive in this new and challenging era....it should be the place that is inviting, and exciting to the young student who enters the country today as it was for me."
(This of course applies if we don't make it harder than it already is for legal immigrants to come to America, which is not the case in the latest stimulus package. )
America, I agree with Zakaria is the most universal nation in the world. (I have lived in 7 different countries and visited 50 and from my own personal experience this is a fact)
We are a nation of immigrants where people can mix, work together and share common dreams. We have values that the rest of the world envies but we have to get back to those values and affirm our own ideals. "America can't freelance when it suits its purposes" says Zacharia, because then all the other emerging powers such as China, India, Brasil can also bend the rules and thus destabilize the whole world. I found the book pragmatic in its assessment of US power. Do we want to be the only superpower or an honest broker where "we share power, create coalitions, build legitimacy and define the global agenda." I venture to say, I prefer the latter.
For Living Smart I recently read the Muhammad Yunus book on Creating a World Without Poverty. Social Business and the Future of Capitalism. I was preparing for my interview with Elizabeth Vallette an Iraq war veteran and a microfinance advocate who wants to see America use its soft power as well as its hard power to influence the world. What I enjoyed most about this book is how comprehensive anti poverty programs have to be besides the microlending aspect of them to truly lift the poor out of poverty. Yunnus was the first to realize we can lend to the poor but we also have to create a social network for them to survive and thrive. Does the term we are all interconnected ring a bell?
I also read the Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: and other stories from a child psychiatrist's notebook. This book was written by Living Smart guest Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. Phd and Maia Szalavitz. The book is very well written but this is not an easy read because of the subject matter. I am still astounded at how cruel people can be with children. Dr. Perry who is the government consultant for childhood trauma in incidents such as 9/11, Branch Davidians, Columbine shootings, Katrina etc. shares the most horrific stories about traumatized children, but in the end, we learn what it takes to heal these children. Believe it or not, a permanent, loving, fully present adult can make a big difference. No therapy in the world can take the place of that. On our show Dr. Perry explains the importance of adult relationships for children. The book also introduces us to Mama P. a foster mother whose only weapon is consistent, permanent, repetitive, nurturing love.
Finally a book that is not difficult to read but is extremely uplifting by Paul Ferrini "Grace Unfolding" The art of living a Surrendered Life. It speaks for itself. Ferrini says "as we surrender to the truth of our being, we learn to relinquish the need to control our lives, figure things out, or predict the future. We let go of our judgements and interpretations and accept life the way it is."
My favorite quote in that book is "If we are going to be successful in our lives, we need to cultivate our ability to be present and alert." Basically what I get out of this little book is that we have to live the moment, the now, the present, period. Why is it so hard to do? Because we want control of our lives, well as you know, there is no such thing.
Tuesday
Albert Einstein and the Chinese on the meaning of "Crisis"
None of us want to hear we are responsible for what is happening to the economy, our jobs, our homes, income, security, relationships etc. It is much easier to blame it on someone else, the government, the republicans, the democrats, the greedy executives, the ex husband or wife, the liars, etc. After all is said and done, we are still responsible for ourselves because no one can really save us from the vicissitudes of life. We can however control our response to what is happening around us and that's why I found what Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of all times said, very interesting.
"Let's not pretend that things will change if we keep doing the same things. A crisis can be a real blessing to any person, to any nation. For all crises bring progress.Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born form the dark night. It's in crisis that inventive is born, as well as discoveries, and big strategies. Who overcomes crisis, overcomes himself, without getting overcome. Who blames his failure to a crisis neglects his own talent, and is more respectful to problems than to solutions. Incompetence is the true crisis.The greatest inconvenience of people and nations is the laziness with which they attempt to find the solutions to their problems. There's no challenge without a crisis. Without challenges, life becomes a routine, a slow agony. There’s no merit without crisis. It's in the crisis where we can show the very best in us. Without a crisis, any wind becomes a tender touch. To speak about a crisis is to promote it. Not to speak about it is to exalt conformism. Let us work hard instead.Let us stop, once and for all, the menacing crisis that represents the tragedy of not being willing to overcome it."
So basically what we need to find is the blessings in disguise, the blessings in the crisis. We are supposed to learn from them. Ask ourselves where is the lesson. Here is what the Chinese say about crisis.
Not everyone agrees this is what the Chinese really meant but the word "crisis" in some Chinese circles means "danger" and "opportunity."
Let's face it, what we are facing seems dangerous but in my circles we say when one door closes, another one opens. Let me share an example. When I lost my job years ago, this is the opportunity that opened up for me.
1. I got time to network and meet new people.
2. I had time to work out and get back in shape.
3. I learned to be frugal with my money because I was running out of it.
4. I got creative on how to socialize: Pic nic's and cooking my own food instead of going out to eat.
5. I had more time to spend with friends and family.
6. I realized this can happen to anyone and became more understanding and compassionate.
7. I had to move in with my parents and had more quality time with them than I ever had. I was
older and more mature, therefore more open to them.
Last but not least. I always say the Cubans are some of the most creative people on the planet. Why is that? Under the Communist system, Cubans have lacked basic things. They have thus learned to fix things with what they have, to think out of the box, to plant their own gardens etc. They have had to be tremendously creative to survive. They have lived in crisis for a long time, and I think when they finally open up their system, they will quickly thrive. Again, I ask the question what can we learn from all of this? How do we Live Smart? How will this crisis enhance our creativity and innovation?
"Let's not pretend that things will change if we keep doing the same things. A crisis can be a real blessing to any person, to any nation. For all crises bring progress.Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born form the dark night. It's in crisis that inventive is born, as well as discoveries, and big strategies. Who overcomes crisis, overcomes himself, without getting overcome. Who blames his failure to a crisis neglects his own talent, and is more respectful to problems than to solutions. Incompetence is the true crisis.The greatest inconvenience of people and nations is the laziness with which they attempt to find the solutions to their problems. There's no challenge without a crisis. Without challenges, life becomes a routine, a slow agony. There’s no merit without crisis. It's in the crisis where we can show the very best in us. Without a crisis, any wind becomes a tender touch. To speak about a crisis is to promote it. Not to speak about it is to exalt conformism. Let us work hard instead.Let us stop, once and for all, the menacing crisis that represents the tragedy of not being willing to overcome it."
So basically what we need to find is the blessings in disguise, the blessings in the crisis. We are supposed to learn from them. Ask ourselves where is the lesson. Here is what the Chinese say about crisis.
Not everyone agrees this is what the Chinese really meant but the word "crisis" in some Chinese circles means "danger" and "opportunity."
Let's face it, what we are facing seems dangerous but in my circles we say when one door closes, another one opens. Let me share an example. When I lost my job years ago, this is the opportunity that opened up for me.
1. I got time to network and meet new people.
2. I had time to work out and get back in shape.
3. I learned to be frugal with my money because I was running out of it.
4. I got creative on how to socialize: Pic nic's and cooking my own food instead of going out to eat.
5. I had more time to spend with friends and family.
6. I realized this can happen to anyone and became more understanding and compassionate.
7. I had to move in with my parents and had more quality time with them than I ever had. I was
older and more mature, therefore more open to them.
Last but not least. I always say the Cubans are some of the most creative people on the planet. Why is that? Under the Communist system, Cubans have lacked basic things. They have thus learned to fix things with what they have, to think out of the box, to plant their own gardens etc. They have had to be tremendously creative to survive. They have lived in crisis for a long time, and I think when they finally open up their system, they will quickly thrive. Again, I ask the question what can we learn from all of this? How do we Live Smart? How will this crisis enhance our creativity and innovation?
Saturday
Living Smart and Latina Voices: Smart Talk
Two of the series I will be working on in the next year have the word "Smart" in the titles. I figured if I say it enough times, maybe it will rub off on me! Seriously, how many times do we make smart decisions in life? Do we take enough time or give it a thought? Am I smarter now after 5 seasons of Living Smart? I hope so. I sure have learned a great deal from my extraordinary guests.
On February 22nd we launch Latina Voices: Smart Talk at 2:30pm on HoustonPBS. The show is airing now at the Houston TV (HTV) the city of Houston Channel (Ch. 16 Comcast) on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 am and 8pm. The show is unprecedented. It was created by Minerva Perez, a former Ch. 13 anchor. I jumped on board when I heard I could actually interview guests with two other women. I felt that would make it much more interesting, since the three of us have very different personalities and really enjoy each other's approach to interviews.
The other co host is Texas super lawyer Sofia Adrogue. As far as we know, there is no other show like it in the country. The "View" for instance has no Latina doing interviews. I guess that may have to do with the notion that Latinas only like to do shows together in Spanish stations and in the Spanish language. This is a wrong assumption of course because most of us who are first generation American, like to speak English as wel!!!! It has been a lot of fun. We have done some celebrity interviews with olympic athletes, college presidents, pioneers and agents of change. We are also trying to cover controversial issues from different points of view, such as gun control, immigration, and global warming.
We just finished shooting our fifth season of Living Smart. The show is now airing in 113 PBS channels including some interesting cities like Anchorage, San Francisco, Cincinatti, Indianapolis, Tampa etc. We are all over the map and I like that. I want as many people as possible to benefit from the information Living Smart guests can provide. The new season which will launch in April will cover some of the most important and relevant topics we have covered in any season.
I find the subject matter useful in light of what we are living. Many of us are feeling the anxiety created by the financial situation the world faces today. Many are losing jobs and unfortunately those who feel no hope are going as far as taking their own lives. I have heard of a number of suicides. I hope people realize this is only temporary and everything has a solution, except death. Here are the topics
Ethics (Why do we need to be ethical? You'd be surprised how making the right decisions can ground you to overcome almost any obstacle)
Integrity (When you have it, it is the only thing no one can take away from you. It's value is intrinsic and it sure can help you sleep at night)
Poverty alleviation. (Microcredit and how it is changing one life at a time, Check out KIVA.org)
The Future. (Do you want to know where the jobs will be? what industries are likely to survive? What you should study?)
Dealing with Prickly People. (No need to elaborate on this. We all suffer from this malaise)
Living Green. (Do you want to save money and take care of the planet at the same time? Find out how)
The Ultimate Cheapskate ( Learn to live more with less)
The value of a music education. (Incredible facts about brain development and academic success)
Science Literacy (Technology is bound to help us get out of the rut we are in, how do we get our kids interested in science)
Children's brain and emotional development (Do you want to raise happy kids? Learn what you need to do)
Parenting by redirecting children's behabior ( As parents we never know enough, get some new tips)
Civility (It is time we learn to listen and learn from each other with respect)
Conflict Resolution (Do you want to avoid conflicts even before you jump into a relationship? learn how to do it)
As we get closer to the date I will share more information about the guests. We have nationally and world reknowned guests this season, an international opera star, a former astronaut, an award winning ethicist and brain development specialist.
Be sure to watch when we launch. In the mean time don't forget you can catch past shows on our website www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart
and learn more about Latina Voices on www.latinavoices.com
On February 22nd we launch Latina Voices: Smart Talk at 2:30pm on HoustonPBS. The show is airing now at the Houston TV (HTV) the city of Houston Channel (Ch. 16 Comcast) on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 am and 8pm. The show is unprecedented. It was created by Minerva Perez, a former Ch. 13 anchor. I jumped on board when I heard I could actually interview guests with two other women. I felt that would make it much more interesting, since the three of us have very different personalities and really enjoy each other's approach to interviews.
The other co host is Texas super lawyer Sofia Adrogue. As far as we know, there is no other show like it in the country. The "View" for instance has no Latina doing interviews. I guess that may have to do with the notion that Latinas only like to do shows together in Spanish stations and in the Spanish language. This is a wrong assumption of course because most of us who are first generation American, like to speak English as wel!!!! It has been a lot of fun. We have done some celebrity interviews with olympic athletes, college presidents, pioneers and agents of change. We are also trying to cover controversial issues from different points of view, such as gun control, immigration, and global warming.
We just finished shooting our fifth season of Living Smart. The show is now airing in 113 PBS channels including some interesting cities like Anchorage, San Francisco, Cincinatti, Indianapolis, Tampa etc. We are all over the map and I like that. I want as many people as possible to benefit from the information Living Smart guests can provide. The new season which will launch in April will cover some of the most important and relevant topics we have covered in any season.
I find the subject matter useful in light of what we are living. Many of us are feeling the anxiety created by the financial situation the world faces today. Many are losing jobs and unfortunately those who feel no hope are going as far as taking their own lives. I have heard of a number of suicides. I hope people realize this is only temporary and everything has a solution, except death. Here are the topics
Ethics (Why do we need to be ethical? You'd be surprised how making the right decisions can ground you to overcome almost any obstacle)
Integrity (When you have it, it is the only thing no one can take away from you. It's value is intrinsic and it sure can help you sleep at night)
Poverty alleviation. (Microcredit and how it is changing one life at a time, Check out KIVA.org)
The Future. (Do you want to know where the jobs will be? what industries are likely to survive? What you should study?)
Dealing with Prickly People. (No need to elaborate on this. We all suffer from this malaise)
Living Green. (Do you want to save money and take care of the planet at the same time? Find out how)
The Ultimate Cheapskate ( Learn to live more with less)
The value of a music education. (Incredible facts about brain development and academic success)
Science Literacy (Technology is bound to help us get out of the rut we are in, how do we get our kids interested in science)
Children's brain and emotional development (Do you want to raise happy kids? Learn what you need to do)
Parenting by redirecting children's behabior ( As parents we never know enough, get some new tips)
Civility (It is time we learn to listen and learn from each other with respect)
Conflict Resolution (Do you want to avoid conflicts even before you jump into a relationship? learn how to do it)
As we get closer to the date I will share more information about the guests. We have nationally and world reknowned guests this season, an international opera star, a former astronaut, an award winning ethicist and brain development specialist.
Be sure to watch when we launch. In the mean time don't forget you can catch past shows on our website www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart
and learn more about Latina Voices on www.latinavoices.com
Monday
Obama Inaguration and the Gaza tragedy
Tomorrow Obama becomes the 44th president of the United States. No one can deny, the world is watching, most importantly the world is hoping. Most people around the globe I believe have a love hate relationship with us. They admire us in some ways and despise us for other reasons we may not want to understand.
What does this historic inaguration witnessed by over 4 million visitors in DC and on television
mean to so many? Does the word hope sound familiar? Does the thought, maybe this man can unite us? Maybe this man, who appears calm, collected and happy can take us on a new journey?
Maybe he can motivate us to sacrifice for our country and each other?
I attended a poetry slam for the first time in my life (Yes I am ashamed to admit, it was my first time) at G's and Z's Coffee house on 4412 Almeda here in Houston. This primarily African American art space that introduces visitors to love, revolutionary and conscious poetry offered me with one of the most powerful, unforgettable, and soulful events of my life.
Many black poets, men and women got up to recite their soulful, profound, and sometimes painful work. The night was magical. We were from different cultures, races and religions in this small space where words became an instrument for understanding, consciousness, love and compassion. These men and women of the word reminded me of why America is great and why we have so much potential to be better, to choose better to survive and thrive in the mess we have gotten ourselves into. These poets were hopeful and understandably so.
Within living memory, black citizens in this country did not have the right to vote. Now we are inagurating the first black and white (don't forget, he is both black and white) President, a brilliant man, admit, no matter what your political persuasion. His inaguration will culminate the civil rights revolution. Unfortunately for him and his administration he will inherit the white house in one of the worst times of our history.
A friend of mine who travelled to Washington to witness history told me the other day. " If you believe in the power of prayer and I do, pray for him and our congress. Pray for every politician of every party for we need miracles.
Also pray that he is protected for many still will want to destroy him, and pray that the hope he represents for the US and the world really helps all of us in this global community come out ahead. "
As for the Gaza tragedy, in my lifetime I have watched extremists on both sides of this conflict get the upper hand. I watch as thousands of innocent people are dying and all I can say is, enough already. America needs to help make this peace agreement a reality not a simple rhetorical idea that sounds good. We need new leadership that takes this seriously and forces both sides to accept a two state solution.
A dear friend and an excellent journalist, Montserrat Dominguez of Spain does a national weekend radio show. She interviewed a famous Conductor who is both Argentinian and Israeli. If you can understand Spanish, go to this link and listen to what he has to say.
http://www.cadenaser.com/internacional/audios/entrevista-daniel-barenboim-vivir-dias/csrcsrpor/20090103csrcsrint_2/Aes/
In the mean time, enjoy this historical moment. I know I am very proud to be an American today more than yesterday!
What does this historic inaguration witnessed by over 4 million visitors in DC and on television
mean to so many? Does the word hope sound familiar? Does the thought, maybe this man can unite us? Maybe this man, who appears calm, collected and happy can take us on a new journey?
Maybe he can motivate us to sacrifice for our country and each other?
I attended a poetry slam for the first time in my life (Yes I am ashamed to admit, it was my first time) at G's and Z's Coffee house on 4412 Almeda here in Houston. This primarily African American art space that introduces visitors to love, revolutionary and conscious poetry offered me with one of the most powerful, unforgettable, and soulful events of my life.
Many black poets, men and women got up to recite their soulful, profound, and sometimes painful work. The night was magical. We were from different cultures, races and religions in this small space where words became an instrument for understanding, consciousness, love and compassion. These men and women of the word reminded me of why America is great and why we have so much potential to be better, to choose better to survive and thrive in the mess we have gotten ourselves into. These poets were hopeful and understandably so.
Within living memory, black citizens in this country did not have the right to vote. Now we are inagurating the first black and white (don't forget, he is both black and white) President, a brilliant man, admit, no matter what your political persuasion. His inaguration will culminate the civil rights revolution. Unfortunately for him and his administration he will inherit the white house in one of the worst times of our history.
A friend of mine who travelled to Washington to witness history told me the other day. " If you believe in the power of prayer and I do, pray for him and our congress. Pray for every politician of every party for we need miracles.
Also pray that he is protected for many still will want to destroy him, and pray that the hope he represents for the US and the world really helps all of us in this global community come out ahead. "
As for the Gaza tragedy, in my lifetime I have watched extremists on both sides of this conflict get the upper hand. I watch as thousands of innocent people are dying and all I can say is, enough already. America needs to help make this peace agreement a reality not a simple rhetorical idea that sounds good. We need new leadership that takes this seriously and forces both sides to accept a two state solution.
A dear friend and an excellent journalist, Montserrat Dominguez of Spain does a national weekend radio show. She interviewed a famous Conductor who is both Argentinian and Israeli. If you can understand Spanish, go to this link and listen to what he has to say.
http://www.cadenaser.com/internacional/audios/entrevista-daniel-barenboim-vivir-dias/csrcsrpor/20090103csrcsrint_2/Aes/
In the mean time, enjoy this historical moment. I know I am very proud to be an American today more than yesterday!
40 Tips for a better a life
I got this on the internet. I thought it was fabulous and I have added some of my own comments in blue
40 Tips For A Better Life - 2009
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
( Remember you don't have to excercise a lot..but at least please 10 minutes a day okay? and the smile part..that's the best!)
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
(Tough but necessary and while you are at it, breathe)
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.' (Party, dance, laugh, sing, work hard, and make the world a better place!)
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
(Essential for our well being and that of our youth and elderly)
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants. (If we did this we would save lots of money on health care!)
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life. (At least every 6 months)
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a l ifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card. ( A must to stay thin!)
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Forgive everyone for everything. (Wow, does this ring a bell, especially if you are a Christian but few of us really do it)
27. What other people think of you is none of your business. (Don't let other people define who you are or what you do)
28. REMEMBER, GOD heals everything. (No doubt)
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful .
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. (Or e-mail them to death!)
37. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements:I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________. (It's tough to get depressed when you are grateful!)
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Share this with those you care about. I just did. May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door
40 Tips For A Better Life - 2009
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
( Remember you don't have to excercise a lot..but at least please 10 minutes a day okay? and the smile part..that's the best!)
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
(Tough but necessary and while you are at it, breathe)
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.' (Party, dance, laugh, sing, work hard, and make the world a better place!)
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
(Essential for our well being and that of our youth and elderly)
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants. (If we did this we would save lots of money on health care!)
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life. (At least every 6 months)
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a l ifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card. ( A must to stay thin!)
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Forgive everyone for everything. (Wow, does this ring a bell, especially if you are a Christian but few of us really do it)
27. What other people think of you is none of your business. (Don't let other people define who you are or what you do)
28. REMEMBER, GOD heals everything. (No doubt)
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful .
32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often. (Or e-mail them to death!)
37. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements:I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________. (It's tough to get depressed when you are grateful!)
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Share this with those you care about. I just did. May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door
Thursday
Goodbye to 2008 with a poem by Neruda
I was in South America for the holidays. I visited friends and family in Argentina and then went to Chile for New Year´s Eve in Vina del Mar, a very well known beach resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Chile as you know is in the Pacific ocean, so it is very cold, even in the summer. I actually had to wear a sweater to walk around the beach because the summer breeze is cold and so is the water. Vina has one of the most spectacular fireworks for New Year´s Eve, but what I really loved about this town was the people. When I travel I tend to be very open to new experiences and situations. I went with family but I spent a lot of time alone just to write, read and think.
Chileans are a very laid back, friendly and family oriented sort of people. What you see the most in Vina is young lovers kissing, crying, holding hands, eating ice cream and wasting time.
People here are not agressive at all. I liked that. This past year I have been to a few countries where people were quite abnoxious and desperate. I am not judging, after all, we all need to make a living right? but as a tourist, I prefer people not talking to me, unless they have something nice to say, like Happy New Year and Do you like Chile or What would you like to eat?
I was quite impressed with Chile´s coast line. I have never seen the rock formations I saw there. I enjoyed sitting there watching the waves. I visited Pablo Neruda´s home on the beach and understood why he wrote such romantic poems. Here is my favorite. A great description of an affair gone south.
"The night is full of stars,and the stars, blue, shiver in the distance." The night wind whirls in the sky and sings. I can write the saddest poem of all tonight.I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too. On nights like this, I held her in my arms.I kissed her so many times under the infinite sky. She loved me, sometimes I loved her.How could I not have loved her large, still eyes? I can write the saddest poem of all tonight.To think I don't have her. To feel that I've lost her. To hear the immense night, more immense without her.And the poem falls to the soul as dew to grass. What does it matter that my love couldn't keep her.The night is full of stars and she is not with me. That's all. Far away, someone sings. Far away.My soul is lost without her. As if to bring her near, my eyes search for her.My heart searches for her and she is not with me. The same night that whitens the same trees.We, we who were, we are the same no longer. I no longer love her, true, but how much I loved her.My voice searched the wind to touch her ear. Someone else's. She will be someone else's. As she oncebelonged to my kisses.Her voice, her light body. Her infinite eyes. I no longer love her, true, but perhaps I love her.Love is so short and oblivion so long. Because on nights like this I held her in my arms,my soul is lost without her. Although this may be the last pain she causes me,and this may be the last poem I write for her.
So quite melancholic I said good bye to 2008. It was a year of the wake up call. I have been thinking we can´t keep living beyond our means forever. We have to cut back. Everyone has to do their own part and cease to worry. I plan to love more, spend less, more time in nature, less time worrying, more time enjoying work and life. I don´t know what will happen in 2009, but I know one thing, I am going to keep my chin up and do the best I can. I am not going to let the financial news overwhelm me. I am going to keep smiling and believing things are going to get better. I hope you will too. I can´t wait!
Chileans are a very laid back, friendly and family oriented sort of people. What you see the most in Vina is young lovers kissing, crying, holding hands, eating ice cream and wasting time.
People here are not agressive at all. I liked that. This past year I have been to a few countries where people were quite abnoxious and desperate. I am not judging, after all, we all need to make a living right? but as a tourist, I prefer people not talking to me, unless they have something nice to say, like Happy New Year and Do you like Chile or What would you like to eat?
I was quite impressed with Chile´s coast line. I have never seen the rock formations I saw there. I enjoyed sitting there watching the waves. I visited Pablo Neruda´s home on the beach and understood why he wrote such romantic poems. Here is my favorite. A great description of an affair gone south.
"The night is full of stars,and the stars, blue, shiver in the distance." The night wind whirls in the sky and sings. I can write the saddest poem of all tonight.I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too. On nights like this, I held her in my arms.I kissed her so many times under the infinite sky. She loved me, sometimes I loved her.How could I not have loved her large, still eyes? I can write the saddest poem of all tonight.To think I don't have her. To feel that I've lost her. To hear the immense night, more immense without her.And the poem falls to the soul as dew to grass. What does it matter that my love couldn't keep her.The night is full of stars and she is not with me. That's all. Far away, someone sings. Far away.My soul is lost without her. As if to bring her near, my eyes search for her.My heart searches for her and she is not with me. The same night that whitens the same trees.We, we who were, we are the same no longer. I no longer love her, true, but how much I loved her.My voice searched the wind to touch her ear. Someone else's. She will be someone else's. As she oncebelonged to my kisses.Her voice, her light body. Her infinite eyes. I no longer love her, true, but perhaps I love her.Love is so short and oblivion so long. Because on nights like this I held her in my arms,my soul is lost without her. Although this may be the last pain she causes me,and this may be the last poem I write for her.
So quite melancholic I said good bye to 2008. It was a year of the wake up call. I have been thinking we can´t keep living beyond our means forever. We have to cut back. Everyone has to do their own part and cease to worry. I plan to love more, spend less, more time in nature, less time worrying, more time enjoying work and life. I don´t know what will happen in 2009, but I know one thing, I am going to keep my chin up and do the best I can. I am not going to let the financial news overwhelm me. I am going to keep smiling and believing things are going to get better. I hope you will too. I can´t wait!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
I would like to end the year by sharing this poem by Micahel Josephson entitled WHAT WILL MATTER.
Ready or not, some day it will come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally dissappear.
See too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you live on at the end.
It won't matter wheter you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gener and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter. How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you borught but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.
what will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters does not happen by accident.
It is not a matter of circumstances but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.
And when it comes to a life that matters, I can't think of a better tribute than for it to be said:
This man or woman was a person of integrity.
but it all comes down to the choices we make. As someone aptly observed "If you have integrity, nothing else matters; if you don't have integrity, nothing else matters!"
The question I leave you to ponder is: How much does it matter to each and every one of you?
BLESSINGS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Ready or not, some day it will come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally dissappear.
See too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you live on at the end.
It won't matter wheter you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gener and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter. How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you borught but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.
what will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters does not happen by accident.
It is not a matter of circumstances but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.
And when it comes to a life that matters, I can't think of a better tribute than for it to be said:
This man or woman was a person of integrity.
but it all comes down to the choices we make. As someone aptly observed "If you have integrity, nothing else matters; if you don't have integrity, nothing else matters!"
The question I leave you to ponder is: How much does it matter to each and every one of you?
BLESSINGS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Tuesday
Living Smart's new season and the British Virgin Islands
What does Living Smart's new season have to do with the British Virgin Islands? Well, I had to take a vacation so I can prepare for a new challenging, fabulous, and interesting season. I am not much of a sailor but I have friends who are and I am very lucky every now and then they think of me and invite me to come along and wash the dishes and entertain (I can't cook or sail so I have to do something!) I had been to the British Virgin Islands once before and I must say they are my favorite in the Caribbean. First of all, there are not that many people there, only about 30,000 in all the islands. The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. Approximately fifteen of the islands are inhabited. I love deserted islands so we visited a few. Somehow I feel like I am soon to be cast on survivor or lost. (That didn't happen)
It is amazing to live in paradise, but the locals tell me they don't see it that way. As soon as they have a few days off they want to get out of the islands! As the saying goes, it is always greener on the other side.
Many have asked me aren't you worried about the economic situation, how can you spend money on a vacation? the answer is yes I am worried and the more reason I need a vacation! However, somehow the fear and anxiety I feel has led me to try and enjoy life MORE not LESS. I am being responsible with my spending but somehow I find I must live life to the fullest now because I don't know what tomorrow will bring, which brings me to LIVING SMART.
We are taping our fifth season in January. We are also taping a town forum on Houston's growth and its challenges, a new season of Houston 8, a weekly issue driven show hosted by Ernie and Latina Voices which I am hosting with Minerva Perez and Sofia Adrogue. There is a lot going on in January and I am truly excited about the new season of Living Smart because I feel all the guests can help us in so many ways, especially while we go through the stress of uncertainty about the future. Here are my guests and topics.
501 Jeff Yeager (ultimate cheapskate) (Living Smart by surviving in tough economic times)
502 Ana Maria Martinez (Opera star) (Living Smart by appreciating the value of music)
503 501 Peter Bishop PhD ( Futurist) (Living Smart by preparing what is in store in the future)
504 Daryl Koehn PhD (Ethicist) (Living Smart by engaging making smart decisions and living a good life)
505 Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. (Child Development specialist) Living Smart by emphasising the importance of human connections )
506 Elizabeth Vallette (Microfinance advocate) (Living Smart by tackling poverty and empowering women )
507 David Thomas (Integrity expert)( Living Smart by living with integrity)
508 Dr. Mae Jemison M.D. (former Astronaut, entrepreneur) (Living Smart by motivating science and technology literacy)
509 Sr. Roselle Haas (Life Educator) (Living Smart by dealing effectively with prickly people)
510 Marilyn Mcnight (Mediator) (Living Smart through conflict resolution)
511 Mark Robinson (Green consultant) (Living Smart by living green)
512 Cassandra Dhanke (Civility expert) (Living Smart by engaging in civility)
513 Deborah Fry (Parenting expert) (Living smart by proper parenting)
As you can see we are tackling the economy, poverty, ethics, integrity, civility, conflict resolution, life issues, parenting and living green. I wanted this season to be truly relevant to what we are experiencing as a nation. I want us to feel hope that things will get better and that there are so many things we can do to create a better reality for ourselves. The series will not be airing until March or April of next year, but I can assure you it will be worth the wait.
In the mean time, have a wonderful holiday and don't stress about buying "stuff" Maybe make an effort to spend more time with your friends and loved ones instead of buying expensive gifts we don't need. The fact is we need each other..now more than ever. Happy Holidays!
It is amazing to live in paradise, but the locals tell me they don't see it that way. As soon as they have a few days off they want to get out of the islands! As the saying goes, it is always greener on the other side.
Many have asked me aren't you worried about the economic situation, how can you spend money on a vacation? the answer is yes I am worried and the more reason I need a vacation! However, somehow the fear and anxiety I feel has led me to try and enjoy life MORE not LESS. I am being responsible with my spending but somehow I find I must live life to the fullest now because I don't know what tomorrow will bring, which brings me to LIVING SMART.
We are taping our fifth season in January. We are also taping a town forum on Houston's growth and its challenges, a new season of Houston 8, a weekly issue driven show hosted by Ernie and Latina Voices which I am hosting with Minerva Perez and Sofia Adrogue. There is a lot going on in January and I am truly excited about the new season of Living Smart because I feel all the guests can help us in so many ways, especially while we go through the stress of uncertainty about the future. Here are my guests and topics.
501 Jeff Yeager (ultimate cheapskate) (Living Smart by surviving in tough economic times)
502 Ana Maria Martinez (Opera star) (Living Smart by appreciating the value of music)
503 501 Peter Bishop PhD ( Futurist) (Living Smart by preparing what is in store in the future)
504 Daryl Koehn PhD (Ethicist) (Living Smart by engaging making smart decisions and living a good life)
505 Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. (Child Development specialist) Living Smart by emphasising the importance of human connections )
506 Elizabeth Vallette (Microfinance advocate) (Living Smart by tackling poverty and empowering women )
507 David Thomas (Integrity expert)( Living Smart by living with integrity)
508 Dr. Mae Jemison M.D. (former Astronaut, entrepreneur) (Living Smart by motivating science and technology literacy)
509 Sr. Roselle Haas (Life Educator) (Living Smart by dealing effectively with prickly people)
510 Marilyn Mcnight (Mediator) (Living Smart through conflict resolution)
511 Mark Robinson (Green consultant) (Living Smart by living green)
512 Cassandra Dhanke (Civility expert) (Living Smart by engaging in civility)
513 Deborah Fry (Parenting expert) (Living smart by proper parenting)
As you can see we are tackling the economy, poverty, ethics, integrity, civility, conflict resolution, life issues, parenting and living green. I wanted this season to be truly relevant to what we are experiencing as a nation. I want us to feel hope that things will get better and that there are so many things we can do to create a better reality for ourselves. The series will not be airing until March or April of next year, but I can assure you it will be worth the wait.
In the mean time, have a wonderful holiday and don't stress about buying "stuff" Maybe make an effort to spend more time with your friends and loved ones instead of buying expensive gifts we don't need. The fact is we need each other..now more than ever. Happy Holidays!
Saturday
The election and Ying and Yang
We say goodbye to the age of Bush and enter the age of Obama. Some of you may be celebrating this day for the unprecedented win of President elect Barak Obama, and others may feel despondent.
For those of you who feel sad, remember 8 years ago, those who didn't vote for president Bush felt the same way and they have survived so you can too.
To me, this election was unprecedented, historic, surprising and frankly gave me new hope in the American democratic system. It may take us a long time to realize we need changes and that goes for both parties. ( I would never sign up to be part of any political party, because I think most people in America are not "center right" as the right likes to claim, or "progressive" as the left claims, but IN THE MIDDLE !! I find myself part of that group and I don't claim to be right but this election proved among other things that Americans like balance, equilibrium, Ying and Yang. Americans tend to believe in the market system and capitalism but they also believe the government can be a force for good. They want to be ready if there is a war but they also would like some effective diplomacy. They want to help their fellow man but they want their fellow man to work hard and be responsible.
I have always preferred a government in balance, a republican president with a democratic congress or vice versa. Today what I want is an effective, bipartisan SMART government. I don't care who is in charge as long as they get the work done well. Here is what they have to do. Whether you like President Elect Obama or not, the man has his work cut out for him. In 4 years, I expect to see some grey hair.
He with his cabinet and working with the congress has to make sure our recession does not last too long. Businesses and people have to have access to credit.
He has to motivate the American people to tighten their belt and live a more sustainable life.
He has to make sure small businesses have what they need to create more jobs.
He has to give hope to those who have lost their jobs or and their homes that together we can overcome and that soon enough things will get better.
He has to end a war that seems endless and create new alliances that will help us battle terrorism.
He has to come up with a viable peace process in the middle east once and for all.
Finally Obama has to be a motivator. Great presidents who ruled through hard times remained calm, positive, and truthful. We can't afford lies, whether we like them or not. We need the truth so that we can make smart decisions about our lives.
I don't expect the government to solve the problems we have. We have to play a role, but as many millions of americans struggle, they have to know someone really does listen, cares and is willing to help. I hope those in our new government understand that, for our sake and for their sake as well.
For those of you who feel sad, remember 8 years ago, those who didn't vote for president Bush felt the same way and they have survived so you can too.
To me, this election was unprecedented, historic, surprising and frankly gave me new hope in the American democratic system. It may take us a long time to realize we need changes and that goes for both parties. ( I would never sign up to be part of any political party, because I think most people in America are not "center right" as the right likes to claim, or "progressive" as the left claims, but IN THE MIDDLE !! I find myself part of that group and I don't claim to be right but this election proved among other things that Americans like balance, equilibrium, Ying and Yang. Americans tend to believe in the market system and capitalism but they also believe the government can be a force for good. They want to be ready if there is a war but they also would like some effective diplomacy. They want to help their fellow man but they want their fellow man to work hard and be responsible.
I have always preferred a government in balance, a republican president with a democratic congress or vice versa. Today what I want is an effective, bipartisan SMART government. I don't care who is in charge as long as they get the work done well. Here is what they have to do. Whether you like President Elect Obama or not, the man has his work cut out for him. In 4 years, I expect to see some grey hair.
He with his cabinet and working with the congress has to make sure our recession does not last too long. Businesses and people have to have access to credit.
He has to motivate the American people to tighten their belt and live a more sustainable life.
He has to make sure small businesses have what they need to create more jobs.
He has to give hope to those who have lost their jobs or and their homes that together we can overcome and that soon enough things will get better.
He has to end a war that seems endless and create new alliances that will help us battle terrorism.
He has to come up with a viable peace process in the middle east once and for all.
Finally Obama has to be a motivator. Great presidents who ruled through hard times remained calm, positive, and truthful. We can't afford lies, whether we like them or not. We need the truth so that we can make smart decisions about our lives.
I don't expect the government to solve the problems we have. We have to play a role, but as many millions of americans struggle, they have to know someone really does listen, cares and is willing to help. I hope those in our new government understand that, for our sake and for their sake as well.
Friday
Politics, financial chaos and what you can do
First as we get closer to the election, I invite you to participate in early voting. You will see more turnout this year than ever, so be smart and find out about early voting in your area. It is easy, no lines and it makes sense. Then I suggest you keep looking at the following websites. I got two more from a blog reader (Teresa) Besides http://www.factcheck.com/; go to http://www.newstrust.net/ and http://www.themoderatevoice.com/.
Both candidates will step up the personal attacks because they don't know how to win otherwise do they? How about sticking to the facts. Americans are worried, angry and scared. We need an optimist and someone brilliant who can choose the right team to get out of this mess.
The next topics for next season of Living Smart deal precicely with very timely topics. We will have experts on the future, integrity, ethics, civility. Does that interest you? Have we lost our way? We will also cover how to enjoy life more by spending less, the value of music in child development and how to raise healthy children. One of my favorite topics is how to deal with prickly people and keep a balanced spiritual life. I can't wait!
I would like to share with you some thoughts on how to deal with the financial meltdown. First of all keep calm. This will pass. We may face a recession but getting upset, frazzled and worried can't solve anything. We have to be smart. If you are young and have money in the stock market, talk to your financial advisor. I have heard it is best to wait it out but I am not an expert. If you are older, your options change. Is it smart to stay in cash now? In the first six days of October , Americans pulled more than 19 billion dollars out of mutal funds that investing US stocks. If you switch to cash now however, you are likely to lose money because inflation will probably eat up you after tax return you earn from saving or money market accounts.
The 700 bailout has not worked YET. We still have no idea how the stock market will do in the short or medium term (not good so far) but what is it you can do? Start looking at your own budget. What can you cut? Do you have to go to dinner every week? Can you wait on a new wardrobe? Find out what you spend on a single area of discretionary spending. What about restaurants, entertainment and shopping? Yesterday instead of eating at a restaurant. I got together with friends and had a picnic. WE saved money and enjoyed nature. Just consider that.
If start taking small steps with your finances, you will feel a bit more control. No one can really predict the future, but I have faith in America and what we are capable of doing once we work together. Remember a lot of the uncertainty in the markets is stricly psychological, based on what people think may or may not happen. In the mean time try to focus on what YOU can do yourself. For example, consider cutting up a couple of your extra credits cards you don't need.
Living Smart airs on Sundays at 3pm and Thursday nights at 10:30pm. My new show Latina Voices, I co host with executive producer/anchor Minerva Perez and super lawyer Sofia Adrogue airs on the municipal channel 16 on Tuesdays and Sundays at 10 am and 10pm.
Both candidates will step up the personal attacks because they don't know how to win otherwise do they? How about sticking to the facts. Americans are worried, angry and scared. We need an optimist and someone brilliant who can choose the right team to get out of this mess.
The next topics for next season of Living Smart deal precicely with very timely topics. We will have experts on the future, integrity, ethics, civility. Does that interest you? Have we lost our way? We will also cover how to enjoy life more by spending less, the value of music in child development and how to raise healthy children. One of my favorite topics is how to deal with prickly people and keep a balanced spiritual life. I can't wait!
I would like to share with you some thoughts on how to deal with the financial meltdown. First of all keep calm. This will pass. We may face a recession but getting upset, frazzled and worried can't solve anything. We have to be smart. If you are young and have money in the stock market, talk to your financial advisor. I have heard it is best to wait it out but I am not an expert. If you are older, your options change. Is it smart to stay in cash now? In the first six days of October , Americans pulled more than 19 billion dollars out of mutal funds that investing US stocks. If you switch to cash now however, you are likely to lose money because inflation will probably eat up you after tax return you earn from saving or money market accounts.
The 700 bailout has not worked YET. We still have no idea how the stock market will do in the short or medium term (not good so far) but what is it you can do? Start looking at your own budget. What can you cut? Do you have to go to dinner every week? Can you wait on a new wardrobe? Find out what you spend on a single area of discretionary spending. What about restaurants, entertainment and shopping? Yesterday instead of eating at a restaurant. I got together with friends and had a picnic. WE saved money and enjoyed nature. Just consider that.
If start taking small steps with your finances, you will feel a bit more control. No one can really predict the future, but I have faith in America and what we are capable of doing once we work together. Remember a lot of the uncertainty in the markets is stricly psychological, based on what people think may or may not happen. In the mean time try to focus on what YOU can do yourself. For example, consider cutting up a couple of your extra credits cards you don't need.
Living Smart airs on Sundays at 3pm and Thursday nights at 10:30pm. My new show Latina Voices, I co host with executive producer/anchor Minerva Perez and super lawyer Sofia Adrogue airs on the municipal channel 16 on Tuesdays and Sundays at 10 am and 10pm.
The financial Crisis and a Speech by Joanne Herring
Let's face it. Many of us are feeling quite a bit of anxiety. For the past 4 years, I have been producing Living Smart to help our viewers with valuable information to make better decisions in life. I have had three wonderful financial consultants and advisors talk about social security, saving, getting out of debt, making smart decisions with their money and here we are finding our lives a bit out of control. I still believe we have to keep calm. We do have to revisit our investments and if we are in debt, figure out how to pay it quickly. There are several credit organizations that help with that. http://www.cccservices.com/ is a good website. Most importantly though, this crisis to me represents an opportunity to think about what is important in life. For instance I hardly go out to lunch anymore now. I eat at work and save money on gas and lunch. The great part of this is that I have more time to relax with my coworkers and improve my relationships at work. I am also spending more time with my family and friends. I realize conversation does not cost anything and it is a way to reconnect with people in a different way.
In America we work too hard and we worry too much. We must find ways to relax and keep ourselves sane. To do that we have to keep our thoughts positive and upbeat. We can create our own reality. If all we do is watch TV and hear how bad things are, that is what we will eventually spend time thinking.
I do beleive in America we have the sort of productivity and technological innovation that will get us out of the rut we are in. We are creative, innovative and optimistic. To succeed we must remain that way. I believe we got into the mess we are in because we were out of balance as a nation. There is no doubt the capitalistic system is the best economic system but only when it is balanced with social consciousness, and justice. We do need some limits to greed driven excesses.
Today I heard a speech by Joanne King Herring. She is played by Julie Roberts in the Charlie Wilson's War movie. She shared how Hollywood had made a caricature of who she really was. She said in real life she never cussed or slept around like in the movie, but that Hollywood didn't care about her real life. They just wanted to entertain, even if that meant ruining her reputation.
She is truly grounded in her faith and really wanted to help the USA by understanding what was really going on in the Middle East. She also shared that it upset her the movie didn't recognize how congressmen from both sides of the aisle really worked together to help in her mission to battle the Russians. I find it sad that Hollywood disrespects conservative values and that the right wing talk show hosts do the same with liberals. We are living in a world where people of different political views don't listen or respect anyone who disagrees with them. This is sad and has led us to where we are today. To avoid this we must know the truth. I insist we read www.factcheck.org to find out if what the candidates are saying is true and then making a decision based on that and not on what they are saying about each other. For instance not all republicans are to blame for this debacle, nor are all liberals responsible for the lack of morality in our society. It is not simple. It requires us to read and analyze and try to understand other people's views, even if we disagree. Joanne Herring worked hard with both sides to battle communism, because she was smart, understood that there is good in everyone no matter what their politics and the focus was in the cause, not "what is in it for me."
We need more people like her in our society. Let's begin to look at the big picture and choose candidates who truly do want to work with each other. Otherwise, our nation will suffer.
In America we work too hard and we worry too much. We must find ways to relax and keep ourselves sane. To do that we have to keep our thoughts positive and upbeat. We can create our own reality. If all we do is watch TV and hear how bad things are, that is what we will eventually spend time thinking.
I do beleive in America we have the sort of productivity and technological innovation that will get us out of the rut we are in. We are creative, innovative and optimistic. To succeed we must remain that way. I believe we got into the mess we are in because we were out of balance as a nation. There is no doubt the capitalistic system is the best economic system but only when it is balanced with social consciousness, and justice. We do need some limits to greed driven excesses.
Today I heard a speech by Joanne King Herring. She is played by Julie Roberts in the Charlie Wilson's War movie. She shared how Hollywood had made a caricature of who she really was. She said in real life she never cussed or slept around like in the movie, but that Hollywood didn't care about her real life. They just wanted to entertain, even if that meant ruining her reputation.
She is truly grounded in her faith and really wanted to help the USA by understanding what was really going on in the Middle East. She also shared that it upset her the movie didn't recognize how congressmen from both sides of the aisle really worked together to help in her mission to battle the Russians. I find it sad that Hollywood disrespects conservative values and that the right wing talk show hosts do the same with liberals. We are living in a world where people of different political views don't listen or respect anyone who disagrees with them. This is sad and has led us to where we are today. To avoid this we must know the truth. I insist we read www.factcheck.org to find out if what the candidates are saying is true and then making a decision based on that and not on what they are saying about each other. For instance not all republicans are to blame for this debacle, nor are all liberals responsible for the lack of morality in our society. It is not simple. It requires us to read and analyze and try to understand other people's views, even if we disagree. Joanne Herring worked hard with both sides to battle communism, because she was smart, understood that there is good in everyone no matter what their politics and the focus was in the cause, not "what is in it for me."
We need more people like her in our society. Let's begin to look at the big picture and choose candidates who truly do want to work with each other. Otherwise, our nation will suffer.
Monday
Blessings after IKE
Most people in Galveston, Houston, Chambers county still don't have power. Some people have lost their homes and businesses, some their pets, while others, their sanity. Please don't despair. The most precious gift of all is life and Most of us, millions of us are still here. Often when we face a tragedy, I like to find the blessings. Here is my list of blessings after Ike. This is not to take lightly the losses so many have suffered, but remember we are strong, faithful and hard working. We will get back up.
TEN BLESSINGS AFTER IKE
Many Marriages were rekindled. Couples actually had time to talk, without television, computers or lights. Candles became our companions for better communication and romance.
Many neighbors met and helped each other for the first time, years after living in the same neighborhood.
We were able to take out our dusty grills from the garage and actually USE THEM!
Many learned to camp and grill for the first time. How about those new recipes?
The generator industry made a lot of money!
We saved money on electricity. (lots of it)
The storm pushed out a lot of bad air pollution and we can breathe fresher air.
We saved money on gas!
We learned what it is like to live without TV.
Millions survived and many realized that by being alive we have a chance to replace what was lost. We realized we were, after all, very blessed because we had our lives!
Thank all the volunteers of Houston, Galveston, Chamber, Liberty and all the surrounding counties affected by the storm. Thank all the neighbors who helped those in need. Thank everyone who has done something to help. We are all better because you are on this planet making a difference! Thank you.
TEN BLESSINGS AFTER IKE
Many Marriages were rekindled. Couples actually had time to talk, without television, computers or lights. Candles became our companions for better communication and romance.
Many neighbors met and helped each other for the first time, years after living in the same neighborhood.
We were able to take out our dusty grills from the garage and actually USE THEM!
Many learned to camp and grill for the first time. How about those new recipes?
The generator industry made a lot of money!
We saved money on electricity. (lots of it)
The storm pushed out a lot of bad air pollution and we can breathe fresher air.
We saved money on gas!
We learned what it is like to live without TV.
Millions survived and many realized that by being alive we have a chance to replace what was lost. We realized we were, after all, very blessed because we had our lives!
Thank all the volunteers of Houston, Galveston, Chamber, Liberty and all the surrounding counties affected by the storm. Thank all the neighbors who helped those in need. Thank everyone who has done something to help. We are all better because you are on this planet making a difference! Thank you.
Tuesday
Hurricane Ike and the financial crisis
You will find that everyone's experience has been different in response to Hurricane Ike. Most Houstonians, 4 days after the storm still have no electricity or water. No one can deny there is a lot of fallen trees, and some damaged buildings but Galvestion faces the worst damage and it will take a long time for the island to recover. There is hardly any area untouched by the storm. With 110 mph winds and a 15 foot storm surge before coming to Houston, the island truly suffered the storm's devastating effects. There is no running water, no electricity, no sewage system and I was a bit dismayed when the city mayor and manager both said in a press conference "PLEASE LEAVE GALVESTON" Sad but true, it is best if people leave the island.
"It's going to take weeks and months to get this place cleaned up," City Manager Steve LeBlanc said.With thousands of people failing to heed mandatory evacuation orders ahead of the storm and mosquitoes seemingly everywhere, LeBlanc said, "Quite frankly, we are reaching a health crisis."
Right now the death toll is 40, but most outside the Texas gulf coast which I think is a sign of the good job our city and county leaders did in evacuating and warning people.
If you have a house on the beach, You will most likely not see it or find it reduced to story high piles of trash, steel and sand. Then there are the boats. The most shocking scene I saw on television was the sail and fishing boats on 45 south.
Many of the citizens who rode the storm in Galveston are shell shocked and rightly so. Mother nature was mad and in my opinion when she's mad she reminds us to think about our lives, what's important and the sort of attitude we need to have to survive and then thrive again.
As we see the news of the afteramth of Ike, we get some other news on the collapse of the financial markets. Yes, 3 of america's largest banks are going bankrupt. Once again our fearless, corrupt leaders did not REGULATE when they were supposed to. Congress did not OVERSEE the financial corruption. CEO's got greedy and engaged in risky behavior. Lobbysts kept them in their pocket and out of the way. Now we must pay. Taxpayers again will pay. I understand we can not survive this financial mess without helping some of these failed banks and institutions.
But I ask why is it we keep voting for these people? Why is it that many Americans still believe deregulation is the way. Why don't we have campaign finance reform to keep lobbysts in the pockets of our leaders and keep them from answering to the people and not the corporations? I don't believe deregulation is the only way. I believe in balance and that is what we don't have anymore. It is one extreme or the other. I believe this has happened in part due to the lack of bipartisanship in our government.
Before you vote in november, I say we demand more from our leaders in both parties. Please keep yourself involved and informed with www.factcheck.org to find out if what the presidential candidates are saying is true.
The fact is we are facing one of the worst financial crisis in our history. As a result, I will spend less, conserve more, watch less TV and read more. Oh and did I forget. I will pray and keep a positive attitude because I won't have to depend on ANYONE or ANYTHING to do that. Keep the faith.
Galveston residents and all those who have suffered major losses. You are in my prayers.
"It's going to take weeks and months to get this place cleaned up," City Manager Steve LeBlanc said.With thousands of people failing to heed mandatory evacuation orders ahead of the storm and mosquitoes seemingly everywhere, LeBlanc said, "Quite frankly, we are reaching a health crisis."
Right now the death toll is 40, but most outside the Texas gulf coast which I think is a sign of the good job our city and county leaders did in evacuating and warning people.
If you have a house on the beach, You will most likely not see it or find it reduced to story high piles of trash, steel and sand. Then there are the boats. The most shocking scene I saw on television was the sail and fishing boats on 45 south.
Many of the citizens who rode the storm in Galveston are shell shocked and rightly so. Mother nature was mad and in my opinion when she's mad she reminds us to think about our lives, what's important and the sort of attitude we need to have to survive and then thrive again.
As we see the news of the afteramth of Ike, we get some other news on the collapse of the financial markets. Yes, 3 of america's largest banks are going bankrupt. Once again our fearless, corrupt leaders did not REGULATE when they were supposed to. Congress did not OVERSEE the financial corruption. CEO's got greedy and engaged in risky behavior. Lobbysts kept them in their pocket and out of the way. Now we must pay. Taxpayers again will pay. I understand we can not survive this financial mess without helping some of these failed banks and institutions.
But I ask why is it we keep voting for these people? Why is it that many Americans still believe deregulation is the way. Why don't we have campaign finance reform to keep lobbysts in the pockets of our leaders and keep them from answering to the people and not the corporations? I don't believe deregulation is the only way. I believe in balance and that is what we don't have anymore. It is one extreme or the other. I believe this has happened in part due to the lack of bipartisanship in our government.
Before you vote in november, I say we demand more from our leaders in both parties. Please keep yourself involved and informed with www.factcheck.org to find out if what the presidential candidates are saying is true.
The fact is we are facing one of the worst financial crisis in our history. As a result, I will spend less, conserve more, watch less TV and read more. Oh and did I forget. I will pray and keep a positive attitude because I won't have to depend on ANYONE or ANYTHING to do that. Keep the faith.
Galveston residents and all those who have suffered major losses. You are in my prayers.
Politics and the TRUTH (factcheck.org)
During our political campaigns which by the way are just way too long in my opinion, we hear candidates "promise" one thing or another. What is the first casualty of political campaigns and war? THE TRUTH..yes folks, politicians will say whatever the can to get elected or to get people to approve their insane wars. Hear what Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister said during world war two, one of the worst world diseasters humankind has ever seen. Over 60 million people died in that war. They called that the last good war, but whatever your views are on that or any war, remember what happens when as Goebbel says you can just repeat a lie over and over until people believe it.
"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State."
- Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Propaganda Minister
"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State."
- Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Propaganda Minister
We are at a crossroads in this country and I feel we have to take this election very seriously. We can't be apathetic because we will pay a very high price if we are so I feel strongly we need to know the truth. Ask yourself. Is this candidate telling people the truth? When they attack each other, are they being fair and accurate? When they talk about their accomplishments are they being completely accurate?
A friend sent me this non partisan web page that checks THE TRUTH about statements our candidates are making about EVERYTHING. I suggest you read it after you hear something about it.
http://www.factcheck.org/
For those of you who won't read it. Here are some of the latest statements they checked out about both candidates Obama and McCain
in factcheck.org
FactChecking McCain
September 5, 2008
He made some flubs in accepting the nomination.
Summary
We checked the accuracy of McCain’s speech accepting the Republican nomination and noted the following:
McCain claimed that Obama’s health care plan would "force small businesses to cut jobs" and would put "a bureaucrat ... between you and your doctor." In fact, the plan exempts small businesses, and those who have insurance now could keep the coverage they have.
McCain attacked Obama for voting for "corporate welfare" for oil companies. In fact, the bill Obama voted for raised taxes on oil companies by $300 million over 11 years while providing $5.8 billion in subsidies for renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels.
McCain said oil imports send "$700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much." But the U.S. is on track to import a total of only $536 billion worth of oil at current prices, and close to a third of that comes from Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
He promised to increase use of "wind, tide [and] solar" energy, though his actual energy plan contains no new money for renewable energy. He has said elsewhere that renewable sources won’t produce as much as people think.
He called for "reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs," but as in the past failed to cite a single program that he would eliminate or reduce.
He said Obama would "close" markets to trade. In fact, Obama, though he once said he wanted to "renegotiate" the North American Free Trade Agreement, now says he simply wants to try to strengthen environmental and labor provisions in it.
FactChecking Obama
August 29, 2008
He stuck to the facts, except when he stretched them.
Summary
We checked the accuracy of Obama's speech accepting the Democratic nomination, and noted the following:
Obama said he could “pay for every dime” of his spending and tax cut proposals “by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens.” That’s wrong – his proposed tax increases on upper-income individuals are key components of paying for his program, as well. And his plan, like McCain’s, would leave the U.S. facing big budget deficits, according to independent experts.
He twisted McCain’s words about Afghanistan, saying, “When John McCain said we could just 'muddle through' in Afghanistan, I argued for more resources.” Actually, McCain said in 2003 we “may” muddle through, and he recently also called for more troops there.
He said McCain would fail to lower taxes for 100 million Americans while his own plan would cut taxes for 95 percent of “working” families. But an independent analysis puts the number who would see no benefit from McCain’s plan at 66 million and finds that Obama’s plan would benefit 81 percent of all households when retirees and those without children are figured in.
Obama asked why McCain would "define middle-class as someone making under five million dollars a year"? Actually, McCain meant that comment as a joke, getting a laugh and following up by saying, "But seriously ..."
Obama noted that McCain’s health care plan would "tax people’s benefits" but didn’t say that it also would provide up to a $5,000 tax credit for families.
He said McCain, far from being a maverick who’s "broken with his party," has voted to support Bush policies 90 percent of the time. True enough, but by the same measure Obama has voted with fellow Democrats in the Senate 97 percent of the time.
Obama said "average family income" went down $2,000 under Bush, which isn't correct. An aide said he was really talking only about "working" families and not retired couples. And – math teachers, please note – he meant median (or midpoint) and not really the mean or average. Median family income actually has inched up slightly under Bush.
As you can see reading a bit of this web site can make you a more informed voter, so that if your candidate does not win. At least you voted based on the truth and not some interesting lie that made your candidate sound better.
Here is how I vote. I want someone who reads, gets lots of points of view and the most intelligent non partisan, well read advisors they can find. Then he or she makes a decision based on facts, not ideology (of one party of the other) Both parties suffer from the IDEOLOGY disease.
I want someone who honors God, country, family and fellow men. What is that mean? Someone with true ethical values. (If you cheated on your wife, Iwill think twice about you, If you stole or you made a decision based on what God told you, I will doubt your Christian values. (I really doubt for instance that God tells you to go kill people because they did you wrong.) If you believe in protecting the powerful and disregarding the middle class, I will look at your record. If you lie over and over and over while the majority may believe what you say and you said it enough times, I will question WHY..Who benefits from this decision or this statement? Follow the money. It always works.
All I can tell you at this point is that I will vote and hope you will too. People have died to give us the vote. I live in the greatest country on the planet and I plan to do my part to keep it that way. SO VOTE..and help me out. I can't do it alone.
Wednesday
The olympics and political conventions
For two weeks, I was tired all the time. Why? I was glued to the TV set watching the olympics. I was so enamored with all the athletes and their skills and abilities. I felt a sense of comraderie and compassion for all of them, even the ones who won medals. I know the hours of work and the sweat, the tears, the injuries, not because I have ever been close to being an athlete of that caliber, but because I have interviewed many of them and understand the commitment and focus it takes to be a champion. I feel all the athletes that even make it to the olympics are champions.
I love it that the USA once again got the most medals in the olympics. I also know from talking to athletes around the world, wealthy countries who spend more money per capita on their athletes of course do better, so frankly I am also glad when I see the small countries get a medal.
I heard the American athletes were very upset the sprinters from Jamaica had won so many medals in an area where our runners excelled for a long time and I couldn't help but think this is probably the first olympic games were serious anti doping measures took place. This allows all athletes from all over the world, rich or not, to compete on a level playing field. I like that. For many years many East Europeans and even some Americans cheated by taking performance enhancing substances. It just robs the real meaning of being a true champion does it not?
As we wait to find out if the Chinese female gymnists were really too young to compete and thus medal, I can't help but think once again, it is not always the winners that are the heroes, but those who practiced, committed themselves to greatness, did everything in their power and used their god given talent to excell. The real winners have not always been the ones getting medals. Let's remember that.
As for the olympic inaguration in China. By far it was the best I have ever seen, and since 1972, I have seen all of them. Yes, I agree the chinese record on human rights leaves a lot to be desired but if I look at the ceremony itself, Hats off to all who participated. My mom who is 79 said we are watching history in the making! Who could top that ceremony? I feel sorry for London. The expectations will be very high.
Now on to the political conventions. I have always disliked the show anyone puts on and it gets worse every year. Did you see those politicians trying to read the teleprompter? the sign waving, the awful cheers and repetitive shots of people listening. I wish both parties would just be more authentic about their platforms and ideas. Those who spoke best were the ones who spoke from the heart. I wish all of them would learn to do so. All this after the real, authentic, exciting olympics. We still have next week. At least the Republicans tend to dress better!!
On a more serious note. I feel our nation is at a crossroads politically, economically and socially. This year we must vote. I pray we don't become apathetic one way or the other. I love my country and I want to see it thrive and prosper. Please do a favor to yourself and your children, vote this year. I am not telling you who to vote for, but I feel we must all wake up and get out and have our voice heard one way or the other. My grandfather used to say, a nation gets the government its people deserve. We can't complain or impact our future if we don't vote.
I love it that the USA once again got the most medals in the olympics. I also know from talking to athletes around the world, wealthy countries who spend more money per capita on their athletes of course do better, so frankly I am also glad when I see the small countries get a medal.
I heard the American athletes were very upset the sprinters from Jamaica had won so many medals in an area where our runners excelled for a long time and I couldn't help but think this is probably the first olympic games were serious anti doping measures took place. This allows all athletes from all over the world, rich or not, to compete on a level playing field. I like that. For many years many East Europeans and even some Americans cheated by taking performance enhancing substances. It just robs the real meaning of being a true champion does it not?
As we wait to find out if the Chinese female gymnists were really too young to compete and thus medal, I can't help but think once again, it is not always the winners that are the heroes, but those who practiced, committed themselves to greatness, did everything in their power and used their god given talent to excell. The real winners have not always been the ones getting medals. Let's remember that.
As for the olympic inaguration in China. By far it was the best I have ever seen, and since 1972, I have seen all of them. Yes, I agree the chinese record on human rights leaves a lot to be desired but if I look at the ceremony itself, Hats off to all who participated. My mom who is 79 said we are watching history in the making! Who could top that ceremony? I feel sorry for London. The expectations will be very high.
Now on to the political conventions. I have always disliked the show anyone puts on and it gets worse every year. Did you see those politicians trying to read the teleprompter? the sign waving, the awful cheers and repetitive shots of people listening. I wish both parties would just be more authentic about their platforms and ideas. Those who spoke best were the ones who spoke from the heart. I wish all of them would learn to do so. All this after the real, authentic, exciting olympics. We still have next week. At least the Republicans tend to dress better!!
On a more serious note. I feel our nation is at a crossroads politically, economically and socially. This year we must vote. I pray we don't become apathetic one way or the other. I love my country and I want to see it thrive and prosper. Please do a favor to yourself and your children, vote this year. I am not telling you who to vote for, but I feel we must all wake up and get out and have our voice heard one way or the other. My grandfather used to say, a nation gets the government its people deserve. We can't complain or impact our future if we don't vote.
Thursday
My trip to Colombia
The other day I was trying to figure out how many countries I had been to in my lifetime. Mind you, I love to travel and I have "ants in my pants." I have to move every few months or I feel like I am dying! I have counted 47 so far. My goal before I die is to hit 80. My latest adventure was to Colombia. I have so many great friends from there and I wanted to be part of an international project which will change the world. It sounds far fetched but I really believe in it. We work with bright youth to give them an opportunity for greatness. I visited Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga and Bogota. The first few days I was a beach bum in Cartagena and Santa Marta. Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 along with Lima. I spend lots of time just walking around enjoying the city. There are not a lot of tourists in Colombia as you can imagine and that's a shame. Their political turmoil and civil conflicts have lasted decades but in the past 7 years under the leadership of a very popular president Alfonso Uribe, Colombians are now feeling free to walk around and enjoy their country. Interestingly enough, there are very few popular leaders in the world. Why did this man succeed? He focused on security and keeping democracy intact. He became even more popular after the rescue mission of Ingrid Betancourt, 3 American hostages and several military and police personnel. It does help the US gives the Colombian government quite a bit of funds for the war on drugs, but that is another story.
I say if he can keep up the security, more tourists should come here. Yes, I had to overpay some so called tourist packages but for the most part I felt safe and secure. I believe because they don't get too many international tourists, the vendors are a bit abnoxious and testy but I just wore my ipod and always looked ahead!
As a journalist nothing was more interesting than participating in an unprecedented march in Cartagena. The demonstration was to celebrate the release of hostages (a long term painful problem for Colombians) and a cry for peace and justice. I felt I was engaged in an event which made history. Millions of Colombians took to the streets to protest. I wish we would do more of that here, but I guess we take our democracy for granted sometimes.
Living Smart continues its run. We are airing season 4 again. This week Barbara Elliott talks about compassion and why it is important to care for other, SMARTLY..The week after that green architect LaVerne Williams reminds us how to save money at home by thinking green and focusing on sustainability. In October we'll launch a new News Analysis show.
This trip made me very grateful to be an American. We have so many blessings. I understand the economy is bad and I worry but we are not even close to what so many people around the world experience. We have to just "tighten our belts," many have no belts to tighten.
I say if he can keep up the security, more tourists should come here. Yes, I had to overpay some so called tourist packages but for the most part I felt safe and secure. I believe because they don't get too many international tourists, the vendors are a bit abnoxious and testy but I just wore my ipod and always looked ahead!
As a journalist nothing was more interesting than participating in an unprecedented march in Cartagena. The demonstration was to celebrate the release of hostages (a long term painful problem for Colombians) and a cry for peace and justice. I felt I was engaged in an event which made history. Millions of Colombians took to the streets to protest. I wish we would do more of that here, but I guess we take our democracy for granted sometimes.
Living Smart continues its run. We are airing season 4 again. This week Barbara Elliott talks about compassion and why it is important to care for other, SMARTLY..The week after that green architect LaVerne Williams reminds us how to save money at home by thinking green and focusing on sustainability. In October we'll launch a new News Analysis show.
This trip made me very grateful to be an American. We have so many blessings. I understand the economy is bad and I worry but we are not even close to what so many people around the world experience. We have to just "tighten our belts," many have no belts to tighten.
Monday
Why shield law is important
SHIELD LAW why it is important!
I understand some Americans get frustrated with the media. Generally people want to hear so called so called news that agree with their political inclinations. The truth is that no matter how you look at it, great investigative journalism is impossible without a proper shield law. I am talking about the type of journalism that goes after corruption, greed, inefficiency, stupidity and denial from the left or from the right. Please support this law if you can by contacting your senator. Read below an article describing why the shield law is important for our democracy.
Shield law must pass to safeguard a free pressBy Clint BrewerPresident, Society of Professional Journalists
America’s democracy is built on a concept of checks and balances between the arms of government. The American people now need the U.S. Senate to provide a very appropriate check on the judicial and executive branches of the federal government to preserve a free press in this country.The Free Flow of Information Act, S. 2035, will likely come for a vote in the Senate before its members go home for the campaign season, perhaps as early as Monday. Senators hold in their collective hands a crucial decision about just how vast we as a country will allow our government’s powers to grow. With this vote, Senators have the ability to check the scope of government’s growing reach into American life, as well as to make a real policy statement about the importance of civil liberties in modern day America.The Free Flow of Information Act, or “shield bill” as it is known, protects the relationship between journalists and their sources by shielding journalists from overreaching judges and prosecutors who would force them to reveal the identity of their anonymous sources.The use of anonymous sources is a vital part of the reporting process, and the practice has been the only way some of the biggest stories about government corruption, neglect and corporate abuse have come to light at the hands of the American press. From Watergate to Enron to Walter Reed hospital, story after story shining a light on the ills and wrongs committed in the names of the American people would never have been published without journalists being able to protect anonymous sources.Now, the government and civil litigants alike are trying to use reporters as the first resort, rather than the last, to discover leaks of information about the workings of our government — much of it being information every citizen has the right to know. The result is that our country, which should be a beacon for human rights and democracy worldwide, is jailing and fining journalists for informing the public about the business of its government.If the feelings in the U.S. House of Representatives are any indication, the American people support this limiting of government’s powers coast to coast. In October, the House passed its version of the shield bill, H.R. 2102, by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin of 398 to 21. The shield bill is a concept that appeals to the logic of leaders in both parties.In addition, both parties’ presidential nominees, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, have publicly stated they support the shield bill. It speaks volumes that even during a hotly contested election, the standard bearers of both parties agree this legislation is the best thing for America.At the state level, there is nearly universal support for a shield law. State attorneys general from 41 states through the National Association of Attorneys General sent a letter to senators just before Independence Day, reiterating their support for the bill and encouraging Senate leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote. Some 49 states already have their own version of a shield law, either through codified law or judicial precedent.National security concerns have also been thoroughly addressed by the sponsors of the bill. The bill is not a free pass for the media, as the law would ensure reasonable ground rules in matters of national security and criminal acts. In such cases, reporters could be compelled in court to reveal their confidential sources.This legislation is necessary for the future health of American democracy. The citizenry’s right to monitor government and report on its actions is a cornerstone of this country. Passing this law is also a major step to keeping the size and scope of government’s powers firmly in check. Our elected officials in the U.S. Senate need to provide that balance by voting in favor of the Shield bill.(Clint Brewer is the national president of the Society of Professional Journalists, the largest broad-based association of media professionals in the country. He is also a newspaper editor in Nashville, Tenn.)
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7:11:00 PM
by Patricia Gras
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The Story of Stuff, Trash in the pacific and what ...
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2/12/08
by Patricia Gras
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Town meeting on aging , Living smart changes in sc...
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8/3/07
by Patricia Gras
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Iran, US Iran relations and the release of prisone...
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4/5/07
by Patricia Gras
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I understand some Americans get frustrated with the media. Generally people want to hear so called so called news that agree with their political inclinations. The truth is that no matter how you look at it, great investigative journalism is impossible without a proper shield law. I am talking about the type of journalism that goes after corruption, greed, inefficiency, stupidity and denial from the left or from the right. Please support this law if you can by contacting your senator. Read below an article describing why the shield law is important for our democracy.
Shield law must pass to safeguard a free pressBy Clint BrewerPresident, Society of Professional Journalists
America’s democracy is built on a concept of checks and balances between the arms of government. The American people now need the U.S. Senate to provide a very appropriate check on the judicial and executive branches of the federal government to preserve a free press in this country.The Free Flow of Information Act, S. 2035, will likely come for a vote in the Senate before its members go home for the campaign season, perhaps as early as Monday. Senators hold in their collective hands a crucial decision about just how vast we as a country will allow our government’s powers to grow. With this vote, Senators have the ability to check the scope of government’s growing reach into American life, as well as to make a real policy statement about the importance of civil liberties in modern day America.The Free Flow of Information Act, or “shield bill” as it is known, protects the relationship between journalists and their sources by shielding journalists from overreaching judges and prosecutors who would force them to reveal the identity of their anonymous sources.The use of anonymous sources is a vital part of the reporting process, and the practice has been the only way some of the biggest stories about government corruption, neglect and corporate abuse have come to light at the hands of the American press. From Watergate to Enron to Walter Reed hospital, story after story shining a light on the ills and wrongs committed in the names of the American people would never have been published without journalists being able to protect anonymous sources.Now, the government and civil litigants alike are trying to use reporters as the first resort, rather than the last, to discover leaks of information about the workings of our government — much of it being information every citizen has the right to know. The result is that our country, which should be a beacon for human rights and democracy worldwide, is jailing and fining journalists for informing the public about the business of its government.If the feelings in the U.S. House of Representatives are any indication, the American people support this limiting of government’s powers coast to coast. In October, the House passed its version of the shield bill, H.R. 2102, by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin of 398 to 21. The shield bill is a concept that appeals to the logic of leaders in both parties.In addition, both parties’ presidential nominees, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, have publicly stated they support the shield bill. It speaks volumes that even during a hotly contested election, the standard bearers of both parties agree this legislation is the best thing for America.At the state level, there is nearly universal support for a shield law. State attorneys general from 41 states through the National Association of Attorneys General sent a letter to senators just before Independence Day, reiterating their support for the bill and encouraging Senate leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote. Some 49 states already have their own version of a shield law, either through codified law or judicial precedent.National security concerns have also been thoroughly addressed by the sponsors of the bill. The bill is not a free pass for the media, as the law would ensure reasonable ground rules in matters of national security and criminal acts. In such cases, reporters could be compelled in court to reveal their confidential sources.This legislation is necessary for the future health of American democracy. The citizenry’s right to monitor government and report on its actions is a cornerstone of this country. Passing this law is also a major step to keeping the size and scope of government’s powers firmly in check. Our elected officials in the U.S. Senate need to provide that balance by voting in favor of the Shield bill.(Clint Brewer is the national president of the Society of Professional Journalists, the largest broad-based association of media professionals in the country. He is also a newspaper editor in Nashville, Tenn.)
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7:11:00 PM
by Patricia Gras
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The Story of Stuff, Trash in the pacific and what ...
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2/12/08
by Patricia Gras
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Town meeting on aging , Living smart changes in sc...
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8/3/07
by Patricia Gras
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Iran, US Iran relations and the release of prisone...
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4/5/07
by Patricia Gras
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Thursday
Oprah Winfrey's ten commandments for success
I don't watch Oprah cause I don't have time, but I loved these commandments so I will share them with you.
1. Don't live your life to please others
(I admit I do this sometimes and catch myself)
2. Don't depend on forces outside yourself to get ahead.
(this is when I have to stop playing the "blame game")
3. Seek harmony and compassion in your business and personal life.
(I try but a couple of million in the bank would not hurt!)
4. Get rid of backstabbers-surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher.
(This is tough for me cause I get into negative talk and don't realize I am doing it!)
5. Be nice
(I try but sometimes I want to smack someone!)
6. Rid yourself of yoru addictions-whether they are food, alcohol, drugs or behavior habits.
(Tell me about it, I have to stop eating ice cream in the closet)
7. Surround yourself with people who are as smart or smarter than you.
(Not hard at all)
8. If money is your motivation, forget it.
(Sure easy for you to say..you are a billionare!)
9. Never hand over your power to someone else.
(Too late I gave it over to God and the IRS)
10. Be persistent in pursuing your dreams.
(I am still here aren't I?)
1. Don't live your life to please others
(I admit I do this sometimes and catch myself)
2. Don't depend on forces outside yourself to get ahead.
(this is when I have to stop playing the "blame game")
3. Seek harmony and compassion in your business and personal life.
(I try but a couple of million in the bank would not hurt!)
4. Get rid of backstabbers-surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher.
(This is tough for me cause I get into negative talk and don't realize I am doing it!)
5. Be nice
(I try but sometimes I want to smack someone!)
6. Rid yourself of yoru addictions-whether they are food, alcohol, drugs or behavior habits.
(Tell me about it, I have to stop eating ice cream in the closet)
7. Surround yourself with people who are as smart or smarter than you.
(Not hard at all)
8. If money is your motivation, forget it.
(Sure easy for you to say..you are a billionare!)
9. Never hand over your power to someone else.
(Too late I gave it over to God and the IRS)
10. Be persistent in pursuing your dreams.
(I am still here aren't I?)
Wednesday
Hurricane Season: Funny response
I got this from a friend of mine and found it hilarious..Hurricanes are serious business but any chance I get to laugh, I like to share!!!! Here it goes
Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed.
Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Houston.
If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.” Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:
STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Houston. Therefore, we'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:
If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska.
Unfortunately, if your home is located in Houston, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place.
So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house.
At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Alicia, I have had an estimated 27 differenthome-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.
SHUTTERS:
Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets.
There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.
Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.
Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.
'Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.
'Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.
EVACUATION ROUTE:
If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says 'Houston' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.
HURRICANE SUPPLIES:
If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Houston tradition requires that you waituntil the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM.
In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:
· 23 flashlights.
· At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes out, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.
· Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for. But it's traditional, so GET some!)
· A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
· A big knife that you can strap to your leg (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)
· A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Alicia; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)
· $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.
Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.
Good luck and remember: It's great living in paradise! Those of you who aren't here yet, you should come.
Really
Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed.
Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Houston.
If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.” Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:
STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Houston. Therefore, we'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:
If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska.
Unfortunately, if your home is located in Houston, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place.
So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house.
At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Alicia, I have had an estimated 27 differenthome-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.
SHUTTERS:
Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets.
There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.
Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.
Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.
'Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.
'Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.
EVACUATION ROUTE:
If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says 'Houston' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.
HURRICANE SUPPLIES:
If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Houston tradition requires that you waituntil the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM.
In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:
· 23 flashlights.
· At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes out, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.
· Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for. But it's traditional, so GET some!)
· A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
· A big knife that you can strap to your leg (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)
· A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Alicia; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)
· $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.
Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.
Good luck and remember: It's great living in paradise! Those of you who aren't here yet, you should come.
Really
Tuesday
Balanced Politics/and why vacations are important
As I do research on topics for future shows on Ch. 8, I came upon a website called balancedPolitics.org. I found this fascinating, particularly because I get so tired of the rhetoric on both sides of the aisle and litte on factual information. When you open the site it says
...a website dedicated to balanced, non-partisan discussion of important societal issues.
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." --Albert Einstein
"Let us not seek the Republican answer nor the Democratic answer but the right answer." --John F. Kennedy"
As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use. A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices." --William James
Let's face it we all want OUR POINT OF VIEW to be heard and of course, we are certain it is the right one, but frankly issues are complex and we should make an effort to listen to all sides and share our point of view with people who are willing to listen, realizing that the discussion has to be conducted with respect and an open mind.
One of the aspects of any information is to ask what are the facts and where did you get the facts? As you know many corporations pay certain scientists or researchers to put out information that is beneficial to them. Generally speaking you have to turn to primary sources of information. I would also do searches on the BBC or NPR.
We live in interesting times. When people say we live in a global world, it means the more you understand how the world really works, the better you will navigate it. What has happened to me after living in different countries and travelling around the world is that I noticed how much we are alike and why we sometimes misunderstand each other. None of us like being out of our comfort zone, but in reality that is what allows us to grow and expand our knowledge. If we only hang out with people who agree with everything we think or do, we tend to want to protect what we believe and seldom experience the richness of humanity. We don't have to agree with other ideas or thoughts but we should be able to listen to others express them with respect and I often say, compassion.
I am going on vacation for the first time in a long time. I say that because the last few years I spent going on "vacation" to a hospital to visit my mother, who is now healthy and living here. I can't stress enough how important it is to focus on turning off your computers, cell phones, television sets and stop to listen to whatever is around you. I plan a few days in the beach and the mountains. I know that I will get my batteries recharged and once again find the proper gratitude for god's creation. If it wasn't for this time off, I would not be as productive in my work. I can assure you and it has been scientifically proven. People who take vacation time, do better in their work. Try it. You will like it! and don't tell me you don't have enough money. You can vacation in your own home. Turn everything off, and start to look at the flowers in your garen, or pet your cat or simply breathe deeply. Off I go.
...a website dedicated to balanced, non-partisan discussion of important societal issues.
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." --Albert Einstein
"Let us not seek the Republican answer nor the Democratic answer but the right answer." --John F. Kennedy"
As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use. A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices." --William James
Let's face it we all want OUR POINT OF VIEW to be heard and of course, we are certain it is the right one, but frankly issues are complex and we should make an effort to listen to all sides and share our point of view with people who are willing to listen, realizing that the discussion has to be conducted with respect and an open mind.
One of the aspects of any information is to ask what are the facts and where did you get the facts? As you know many corporations pay certain scientists or researchers to put out information that is beneficial to them. Generally speaking you have to turn to primary sources of information. I would also do searches on the BBC or NPR.
We live in interesting times. When people say we live in a global world, it means the more you understand how the world really works, the better you will navigate it. What has happened to me after living in different countries and travelling around the world is that I noticed how much we are alike and why we sometimes misunderstand each other. None of us like being out of our comfort zone, but in reality that is what allows us to grow and expand our knowledge. If we only hang out with people who agree with everything we think or do, we tend to want to protect what we believe and seldom experience the richness of humanity. We don't have to agree with other ideas or thoughts but we should be able to listen to others express them with respect and I often say, compassion.
I am going on vacation for the first time in a long time. I say that because the last few years I spent going on "vacation" to a hospital to visit my mother, who is now healthy and living here. I can't stress enough how important it is to focus on turning off your computers, cell phones, television sets and stop to listen to whatever is around you. I plan a few days in the beach and the mountains. I know that I will get my batteries recharged and once again find the proper gratitude for god's creation. If it wasn't for this time off, I would not be as productive in my work. I can assure you and it has been scientifically proven. People who take vacation time, do better in their work. Try it. You will like it! and don't tell me you don't have enough money. You can vacation in your own home. Turn everything off, and start to look at the flowers in your garen, or pet your cat or simply breathe deeply. Off I go.
Thursday
News bad for your health!
I don't know about you but lately, watching the news is really depressing me. I like to read news, not watch them. I read Newsweek, the Economist, blogs from the left and right, foreign policy news, CNN but I hardly watch news because I get all bent out of shape. Right now all I hear is how bad the economy is, rising gas prices, mortgage crisis, war, climate diasasters, starving children and serial killers. No wonder so many Americans are depressed.
I know we have to know what is going on but does it have to be negative all the time? Could they not just mix it up a bit? Today I was happy to watch the release of Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia, along with three Americans and a dozen colombian police and military personnel. I found it strange no one seemed to talk to the poor police and military guys. They had families who suffered too. I guess they weren't "considered" news. Anyways, I am afraid a lot of Americans are becoming addicted to bad news and it is affecting them. I know it affects me and that is why I limit how much I watch on TV.
My feeling is that we can create our own reality. I can convince myself that life is so awful, (based on the news) and that there is no hope or I can stay positive and believe things can get better and that I can have a postive impact on my life and the life of others.
Life is about balance, my need to know what is going on has to be balanced with how I interpret what is going on.
This Sunday the President and Chancellor of the University of Houston talks to me about her hopes and aspirations for the University. I really enjoyed talking to her. (Airdates are July 6th 5pm, July 11th at 8pm, July 31st 9:30pm.)
At 3pm this Sunday, Manisha Thakor gives very smart tips on how to manage your money during hard times. Learning from her will pay off in the long run!
I know we have to know what is going on but does it have to be negative all the time? Could they not just mix it up a bit? Today I was happy to watch the release of Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia, along with three Americans and a dozen colombian police and military personnel. I found it strange no one seemed to talk to the poor police and military guys. They had families who suffered too. I guess they weren't "considered" news. Anyways, I am afraid a lot of Americans are becoming addicted to bad news and it is affecting them. I know it affects me and that is why I limit how much I watch on TV.
My feeling is that we can create our own reality. I can convince myself that life is so awful, (based on the news) and that there is no hope or I can stay positive and believe things can get better and that I can have a postive impact on my life and the life of others.
Life is about balance, my need to know what is going on has to be balanced with how I interpret what is going on.
This Sunday the President and Chancellor of the University of Houston talks to me about her hopes and aspirations for the University. I really enjoyed talking to her. (Airdates are July 6th 5pm, July 11th at 8pm, July 31st 9:30pm.)
At 3pm this Sunday, Manisha Thakor gives very smart tips on how to manage your money during hard times. Learning from her will pay off in the long run!
Houston PBS giving trip away to Prague
This Month and You Could Win One of these Fabulous Summer E-scapes:
A Rick Steves' Seven-Day City Tour of Prague for Two touring one of Europe's most romantic cities (Tour guide and accommodations courtesy of Rick Steves’ Travels).
A 42 inch flat screen LCD television set with built-in digital tuner.
A Rick Steves' Seven-Day City Tour of Prague for Two touring one of Europe's most romantic cities (Tour guide and accommodations courtesy of Rick Steves’ Travels).
A 42 inch flat screen LCD television set with built-in digital tuner.
If you had been thinking about becoming a member of HoustonPBS now is a great time!
Friday
Weekend at a Big Texas Ranch
I have been producing and hosting Living Smart shows since October 2005. Thanks to my wonderful guests, I have benefitted from "living smart tips" that have changed my life.
Some of the most important lessons I have learned I already knew, many I didn't, others were confirmed. For instance, why is it so important to spend time in nature. Why are good, stable and solid relationships more important for our well being than anything else. What is it about animals that enhances our lives? Why is eating a healthy balanced meal important for our mental and spiritual health? Why simple walking and hiking may be the best and cheapest excercise to do. Why do we need to save money and why the most wonderful things in life sometimes cost you nothing, such as watching a hummingbird at work, or seeing flowers bloom, or hearing the sound of water or simply listening or laughing with friends.
This past weekend I experienced all of it. Courtesy of a generous family, I spent three days at a wonderful 11,000 acres Texas ranch. Even though I am a Texan, (born at the Texas Medical center) and a big fan of the hill country, ( I have camped in most of the main state parks in Texas
I had never been to a real ranch.
We were seven women with different careers, interests, marital status, religions, etc. For three days, we hiked, laughed, even cried, talked about our problems and also shared our joys. We learned that no matter how busy you are, there is always time to share a laugh, a walk in the hill country will do wonders for your soul, a swim in a lake feels quite different than a chlorinated pool, animals that roam freely seem to enjoy life more and people who live surrouned by nature, seem less pretentious, complicated and a lot kinder.
For me, nature is the great healer. I miss camping, I used to do it more often but those three days reminded me how much nature is part of me and the price I pay for ignoring it.
I also miss sitting out on the porch with a wonderful view of the hills and the river, talking to my friends and playing my guitar.
For all of that I am grateful to the people who made this possible for me and to the friends who shared what I call the special moments, "the diamonds" of our lives that we only wear a few times because they are just too precious. Thank you creator for this gift, thank you friends for sharing and thank you nature for not getting mad at me for abusing you and allowing me to breathe you, smell and touch you with all my senses. What a wonderful gift you are!
Some of the most important lessons I have learned I already knew, many I didn't, others were confirmed. For instance, why is it so important to spend time in nature. Why are good, stable and solid relationships more important for our well being than anything else. What is it about animals that enhances our lives? Why is eating a healthy balanced meal important for our mental and spiritual health? Why simple walking and hiking may be the best and cheapest excercise to do. Why do we need to save money and why the most wonderful things in life sometimes cost you nothing, such as watching a hummingbird at work, or seeing flowers bloom, or hearing the sound of water or simply listening or laughing with friends.
This past weekend I experienced all of it. Courtesy of a generous family, I spent three days at a wonderful 11,000 acres Texas ranch. Even though I am a Texan, (born at the Texas Medical center) and a big fan of the hill country, ( I have camped in most of the main state parks in Texas
I had never been to a real ranch.
We were seven women with different careers, interests, marital status, religions, etc. For three days, we hiked, laughed, even cried, talked about our problems and also shared our joys. We learned that no matter how busy you are, there is always time to share a laugh, a walk in the hill country will do wonders for your soul, a swim in a lake feels quite different than a chlorinated pool, animals that roam freely seem to enjoy life more and people who live surrouned by nature, seem less pretentious, complicated and a lot kinder.
For me, nature is the great healer. I miss camping, I used to do it more often but those three days reminded me how much nature is part of me and the price I pay for ignoring it.
I also miss sitting out on the porch with a wonderful view of the hills and the river, talking to my friends and playing my guitar.
For all of that I am grateful to the people who made this possible for me and to the friends who shared what I call the special moments, "the diamonds" of our lives that we only wear a few times because they are just too precious. Thank you creator for this gift, thank you friends for sharing and thank you nature for not getting mad at me for abusing you and allowing me to breathe you, smell and touch you with all my senses. What a wonderful gift you are!
Tuesday
Oil and Houston's future
Our next series of programs besides Living Smart will deal with the energy crisis we are facing and what to do about it. The first of the series will tackle the high gas prices and how Houstonians plan to resond. This is a controversial topic. We are the energy capital of the world. Some companies here and the thousands of employees who work there are doing very well. The consumers on the other hand are feeling the pinch of high gas and food prices. Our documentary will mostly deal with the impact of gas prices on transportation in Houston, what is in the price of oil, how did we get here and what we plan to do about it. Prior to high gas prices, most Houstonians opted for larger, less fuel efficient sport utility vehicles and full size vehicles. This obviously has changed very rapidly. There is now an ever increasing market for hybrid vehicles and diesel engine vehicles since they are more fuel efficient. The fact is this oil crisis has forced us to look at ourselves and our government's energy policy. Undoubtedly we won't be affected the same way as the rest of the country. Houston has always responded well to drastic changes. Look at how we diversified after the economic bust of the 80's. What will we do now?
Economists say this crisis will increase demand for alternate fossil fuels, such as coal, or liquefied natural gas and for renewable energies, such as solar poser, wind power and advnaced biofuels, but the question is when, how viable is it and how expensive?
Then there is the alternatives to daily commuting Houstonians will be looking at. Will more people now work at home? Will we substitute virtual travel for physical travel?
Change is in the air, and we plan to cover it. Share your ideas if you like. We would like to hear from you.
Economists say this crisis will increase demand for alternate fossil fuels, such as coal, or liquefied natural gas and for renewable energies, such as solar poser, wind power and advnaced biofuels, but the question is when, how viable is it and how expensive?
Then there is the alternatives to daily commuting Houstonians will be looking at. Will more people now work at home? Will we substitute virtual travel for physical travel?
Change is in the air, and we plan to cover it. Share your ideas if you like. We would like to hear from you.
Renewable Energy in Texas
So gas prices keep going up. Please don't despair. I have always believed there is blessing behind all this turmoil. I chose not to drive anywhere this weekend. It was my way of protesting what is happening. We all want to blame SOMEONE, ANYONE..CAN YOU HEAR ME? Well, I have news for you. The best way I can handle this is blaming myself. I should have known better than trust people whose only motive is to make big profits. Don't you think our leaders and businesses dependent on oil knew about this way before we did? Are they really to blame though?
Let's face it, we all like to drive the big cars. It is the American way. Well now the American way or let's say the TEXAS WAY..is to focus on RENEWABLE ENERGY. I am here to cheer you up. Pay attention to this.
Texas has more renewable energy potential than any other state!!! That's right..we are number one and for something good (Don't ask about insuring children please!) Due to our size and diverse climate, we have tremendous potential to use clean, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass. These resources are so plentiful in Texas we can meet all of our state's needs. See? Don't despair..sooner or later we will rise up to the ocasion. In the mean time, drive 55 miles an hour (not 75) buy a bike and start riding to the store near you, carpool, buy a moped and figure out how to camp in your own back yard!!! Cheer up.
Let's face it, we all like to drive the big cars. It is the American way. Well now the American way or let's say the TEXAS WAY..is to focus on RENEWABLE ENERGY. I am here to cheer you up. Pay attention to this.
Texas has more renewable energy potential than any other state!!! That's right..we are number one and for something good (Don't ask about insuring children please!) Due to our size and diverse climate, we have tremendous potential to use clean, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass. These resources are so plentiful in Texas we can meet all of our state's needs. See? Don't despair..sooner or later we will rise up to the ocasion. In the mean time, drive 55 miles an hour (not 75) buy a bike and start riding to the store near you, carpool, buy a moped and figure out how to camp in your own back yard!!! Cheer up.
Monday
Story of Stuff and Media Literacy on Living Smart
As we confront gas prices going up to possibly $200 a barrell eventually, We are finally asking the tough questions. We are realizing that this may have been going on for a long time and that we have been living in a dream which has now turned into a nightmare. That is why I like to watch the story of stuff, so I can be enlightend. Click here www.storyofstuff.com
On their website you read "The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."
I have to agree with what they say. I have been trying to change the way I live for a while now but it is difficult, but we have to start somewhere. Please watch it and tell me what you think.
This coming Sunday at 3pm (next thursday at 1pm on Ch. 8,) Professor Garth Jowett discusses why even though we have more information everywhere, we seem to know less. After the mainstream media did such a poor job covering the beginning of the war, I felt we needed to question why.
Why is it that we have networks who say they are fair and balanced and clearly they are not? Why is it the so called mainstream media did not tell us the truth about the war? Why was the Pentagon able to fund so called "pro war experts" and our media accepted it without asking questions. Why is it people on certain radio stations can still say Global Warming is a hoax and a large number of people believe them? Find out what media consolidation has done to our media and how we can make better choices when we get information on what is going on. My ultimate advise is follow the money. Who is making money by keeping us misinformed?
One of his suggestions is that you read from the right and the left. I try doing that and I also watch international news in other languages. I know that is not enough. The other problem we face is that there is way too much information as it is. I just want to figure out how to live smarter!
On their website you read "The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."
I have to agree with what they say. I have been trying to change the way I live for a while now but it is difficult, but we have to start somewhere. Please watch it and tell me what you think.
This coming Sunday at 3pm (next thursday at 1pm on Ch. 8,) Professor Garth Jowett discusses why even though we have more information everywhere, we seem to know less. After the mainstream media did such a poor job covering the beginning of the war, I felt we needed to question why.
Why is it that we have networks who say they are fair and balanced and clearly they are not? Why is it the so called mainstream media did not tell us the truth about the war? Why was the Pentagon able to fund so called "pro war experts" and our media accepted it without asking questions. Why is it people on certain radio stations can still say Global Warming is a hoax and a large number of people believe them? Find out what media consolidation has done to our media and how we can make better choices when we get information on what is going on. My ultimate advise is follow the money. Who is making money by keeping us misinformed?
One of his suggestions is that you read from the right and the left. I try doing that and I also watch international news in other languages. I know that is not enough. The other problem we face is that there is way too much information as it is. I just want to figure out how to live smarter!
Friday
Oil prices/life will never be the same
I am sorry to say, sooner or later we will have to change our bad habits. I knew we would not do it on our own volition. We would have to be forced to do it and here we are. Gas prices at $120 dollars a barrel and rising, we are beginning to change our ways. At least I am.
I have always said Houston was built for cars, not pedestrians. We are after all, the energy capital of the world. We diversified our economy in the past two decades but we may have to be as agressive in the near future in diversifying our sources of energy. We may have to lead, as we have in the past in many areas in alternative sources of energy. We are number one in wind power in Texas and because we are a "can do" entrepeneurial society, we may be able to lead in other areas as well. Rice University has one of the top nanotechnology teams in the nation. We also have a pro active environmental mayor who may be leaving office soon but is leaving a legacy we can't deny.
The only way we can cease our addiction to oil is to stop consuming it. In Houston, we almost can't live without cars and lack of political will and vision on the part of our leaders in the past 50 years has created more freeways, bigger cars and homes and little in public transportation, bike trails or sidewalks for pedestrians. In my view those days are over. We will change our ways because we have to change.
The fact is the USA has some of the cheapest gas in the world. So we have not been forced like the Europeans to buys smaller cars or build an awesome public transportation system. (I lived in Europe several years without a car.)
In a recent article I read in Money magazine, it stated that out of 155 countries surveyed, U.S. gas prices were the 45th cheapest, according to a recent study from AIRINC, a research firm that tracks cost of living data.
The difference is staggering. As of late March, U.S. gas prices averaged $3.45 a gallon. That compares to over $8 a gallon across much of Europe, $12.03 in Aruba and $18.42 in Sierra Leone.
No one is feeling sorry for us I presume, because we have been living the myth that cheap oil is forever. There are so many reasons they are giving us for the rise in oil prices. I have interviewed several experts and they all have different answers. The falling dollar, speculation in the market, rebels in Nigeria, storms everywhere, the ever unstable middle east, problems with refineries, greedy oil companies etc.
The bottom line is that we had a chance to change our ways with the oil embargo in the 70's but lo and behold we didn't! Instead we subsidized SUV's and Hummers just a few years ago!!!
The bottom line is that we can' be this dependent on oil forever simply because, is is a finite resource and if that is not true (some disagree with me) global warming begs us to look into alternative sources of energy that won't contaminate the air.
This is what I plan to do in the next few years. I plan to buy a new hybrid when my car falls apart. In the mean time, I will keep my tires in shape, I will change my air filter every 3000 miles, and I will drive 55 miles an hour..not more.
Then I plan to work at home as much as I can so I don't have to drive. If I can move closer to my job I will and maybe I will move into a smaller apartment. Finally I will try to car pool and if I have the guts, ride a bycicle to work!
This way, I won't get tired of people telling me we are living in a recession, prices will keep going up and the future doesn't look good. My experience tells me there is always a silver lining in any challenge or tragedy we face. Here is the silver lining I find in this. We can't keep destroying the environment. We can't keep living a lie. We can't have more than we can afford. Now that's living Smart!
.
I have always said Houston was built for cars, not pedestrians. We are after all, the energy capital of the world. We diversified our economy in the past two decades but we may have to be as agressive in the near future in diversifying our sources of energy. We may have to lead, as we have in the past in many areas in alternative sources of energy. We are number one in wind power in Texas and because we are a "can do" entrepeneurial society, we may be able to lead in other areas as well. Rice University has one of the top nanotechnology teams in the nation. We also have a pro active environmental mayor who may be leaving office soon but is leaving a legacy we can't deny.
The only way we can cease our addiction to oil is to stop consuming it. In Houston, we almost can't live without cars and lack of political will and vision on the part of our leaders in the past 50 years has created more freeways, bigger cars and homes and little in public transportation, bike trails or sidewalks for pedestrians. In my view those days are over. We will change our ways because we have to change.
The fact is the USA has some of the cheapest gas in the world. So we have not been forced like the Europeans to buys smaller cars or build an awesome public transportation system. (I lived in Europe several years without a car.)
In a recent article I read in Money magazine, it stated that out of 155 countries surveyed, U.S. gas prices were the 45th cheapest, according to a recent study from AIRINC, a research firm that tracks cost of living data.
The difference is staggering. As of late March, U.S. gas prices averaged $3.45 a gallon. That compares to over $8 a gallon across much of Europe, $12.03 in Aruba and $18.42 in Sierra Leone.
No one is feeling sorry for us I presume, because we have been living the myth that cheap oil is forever. There are so many reasons they are giving us for the rise in oil prices. I have interviewed several experts and they all have different answers. The falling dollar, speculation in the market, rebels in Nigeria, storms everywhere, the ever unstable middle east, problems with refineries, greedy oil companies etc.
The bottom line is that we had a chance to change our ways with the oil embargo in the 70's but lo and behold we didn't! Instead we subsidized SUV's and Hummers just a few years ago!!!
The bottom line is that we can' be this dependent on oil forever simply because, is is a finite resource and if that is not true (some disagree with me) global warming begs us to look into alternative sources of energy that won't contaminate the air.
This is what I plan to do in the next few years. I plan to buy a new hybrid when my car falls apart. In the mean time, I will keep my tires in shape, I will change my air filter every 3000 miles, and I will drive 55 miles an hour..not more.
Then I plan to work at home as much as I can so I don't have to drive. If I can move closer to my job I will and maybe I will move into a smaller apartment. Finally I will try to car pool and if I have the guts, ride a bycicle to work!
This way, I won't get tired of people telling me we are living in a recession, prices will keep going up and the future doesn't look good. My experience tells me there is always a silver lining in any challenge or tragedy we face. Here is the silver lining I find in this. We can't keep destroying the environment. We can't keep living a lie. We can't have more than we can afford. Now that's living Smart!
.
Monday
Lap Band surgery in Juarez and the plight of its women
This past weekend I ended up in a five star hotel/hospital Angeles in Juarez. A friend was having the lap band surgery and she had come upon the information on the internet after several years of research.
Travelling to another country to have surgery is known as "medical tourism" I actually felt like a tourist. The hospital arranges everything. Your pickup at the airport, your hotel after surgery and anything else you need. I would call them medical travel agents!
How is this possible? Well when you can pay 70 dollars for an MRI like I did in Argentina a few years ago compared to 1200 dollars in the USA. You do the math. The lap band surgery in Mexico is 50 to 60 percent cheaper than in the United States. The doctors who performed this apparently simple and quick surgery.( It takes 45 minutes,) usually work in both countries.
My opinion is that the doctors and the hospital were first class. The nursing staff didn't speak that much English but they did a decent job.
Did you know that hundreds of Americans visit Mexico for lap band surgery every month?
A lap band surgery in Houston is around 16,000, while in Mexico it cost 8,000.
My friend was walking 2 hours after surgery and her biggest complaint was pain, but they had that under control every two hours as well.
My view is that eventually this surgery needs to be covered by our insurance companies. Good luck though. If our medical system continues to be in the profit business. Watch out. Business is Business here or Mexico and right now, many Americans are choosing to go down the border for a quick fix to their obesity problem and businessmen will benefit from that. (The hospital where we stayed is apparently a business venture of Carlos Slim, the second richest man in the planet.)
I say quick fix because in reality, having this surgery is no cake walk. It takes little time, it is reversible and it has worked wonders for thousands of people, however, You can only drink liquids for at least two weeks and you will be eating very small portions for the rest of your life.
If I were obese I would probably do it, but it did make me think twice about portion control. For some reason, this weekend I felt I had to eat a lot less than I usually do.
While I was in Juarez I also asked about the women dissappearing. Since 1993, nearly 300 women have been murderd by what authorities say are serial killers. One was killed while we were there. They usually work in assembly plants, or maquilas. Most are discovered mutilated with evidence of sexual abuse. I heard all kinds of comments from the Mexicans living in Juarez. Some were upset Ciudad Juarez gets a very bad rap for these murders. Others were angry the women were not protected because the funds the corporations were giving to the government for security, "dissappeared" as well. Frankly, I don't know who is responsible for this but as long as humans are not seen as important as the almighty dollar or peso. The human race will continue to commit these atrocities.
As medical tourists however, we felt safe driving directly from the airport to the hospital which is only 20 minutes away from El Paso. Our driver told us. How many women were killed in your city since 1993? I couldn't answer but no city has a monopoly on safety I replied. The fact is I am glad people around the world are concerned about the Juarez women. The only way to stop these crimes is to keep the pressure on the authorities.
Travelling to another country to have surgery is known as "medical tourism" I actually felt like a tourist. The hospital arranges everything. Your pickup at the airport, your hotel after surgery and anything else you need. I would call them medical travel agents!
How is this possible? Well when you can pay 70 dollars for an MRI like I did in Argentina a few years ago compared to 1200 dollars in the USA. You do the math. The lap band surgery in Mexico is 50 to 60 percent cheaper than in the United States. The doctors who performed this apparently simple and quick surgery.( It takes 45 minutes,) usually work in both countries.
My opinion is that the doctors and the hospital were first class. The nursing staff didn't speak that much English but they did a decent job.
Did you know that hundreds of Americans visit Mexico for lap band surgery every month?
A lap band surgery in Houston is around 16,000, while in Mexico it cost 8,000.
My friend was walking 2 hours after surgery and her biggest complaint was pain, but they had that under control every two hours as well.
My view is that eventually this surgery needs to be covered by our insurance companies. Good luck though. If our medical system continues to be in the profit business. Watch out. Business is Business here or Mexico and right now, many Americans are choosing to go down the border for a quick fix to their obesity problem and businessmen will benefit from that. (The hospital where we stayed is apparently a business venture of Carlos Slim, the second richest man in the planet.)
I say quick fix because in reality, having this surgery is no cake walk. It takes little time, it is reversible and it has worked wonders for thousands of people, however, You can only drink liquids for at least two weeks and you will be eating very small portions for the rest of your life.
If I were obese I would probably do it, but it did make me think twice about portion control. For some reason, this weekend I felt I had to eat a lot less than I usually do.
While I was in Juarez I also asked about the women dissappearing. Since 1993, nearly 300 women have been murderd by what authorities say are serial killers. One was killed while we were there. They usually work in assembly plants, or maquilas. Most are discovered mutilated with evidence of sexual abuse. I heard all kinds of comments from the Mexicans living in Juarez. Some were upset Ciudad Juarez gets a very bad rap for these murders. Others were angry the women were not protected because the funds the corporations were giving to the government for security, "dissappeared" as well. Frankly, I don't know who is responsible for this but as long as humans are not seen as important as the almighty dollar or peso. The human race will continue to commit these atrocities.
As medical tourists however, we felt safe driving directly from the airport to the hospital which is only 20 minutes away from El Paso. Our driver told us. How many women were killed in your city since 1993? I couldn't answer but no city has a monopoly on safety I replied. The fact is I am glad people around the world are concerned about the Juarez women. The only way to stop these crimes is to keep the pressure on the authorities.
Friday
Classic Hikes of the World book review
I am not a book critic, but I am a hiker, not a very good one mind you, but one nevertheless. I looked at Peter Potterfield's 23 breathtaking treks book and I just had to get it. Here is why. Nothing has changed my life more than three treks I have made in my life. The Machu Pichu trail, Torres del Paine and one that is not featured in the book, the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
If you are a hiker you know that to do these walks, you have to train or do it all the time. I live in Houston so I hardly walk. I trained by going up and down the stairs of the high rise where I live. That was not enough! Trekking is serious business. Now I want to go to to the Everest Base Camp Trek and Potterfield has some great info on that. It is a 35 mile hike. He suggests it is difficult but you will have plenty of time to think, meditate and reflect. It will be a risky endeavor since the altitude unexpectedly can surprise you with extreme weather changes, lack of oxygen, and he says "cultural disorientation." What I like about this book is the different questions you get answered about logistics and strategy, hazards, seasons to go, the route you will take and what it will be like and finally the guides you'll need so you won't make a dumb mistake that could cost you your life.
I also like the fact that most of the trails he covers are in North America. Eleven are in fact featured. His top three are the John Muir trail in southern california, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which I have flown but not hiked, and Chesler Park in Southern Utah. Come to think of it. I will stay in America first before I try going as far as Nepal. Yes...maybe I should train here and then go there! I better not wait too long. This book designed for trekkers of all abilities is not designed for trekkers who hardly walk or train, yours truly. I start going up and down the stairs this weekend! Yeah right.
If you are a hiker you know that to do these walks, you have to train or do it all the time. I live in Houston so I hardly walk. I trained by going up and down the stairs of the high rise where I live. That was not enough! Trekking is serious business. Now I want to go to to the Everest Base Camp Trek and Potterfield has some great info on that. It is a 35 mile hike. He suggests it is difficult but you will have plenty of time to think, meditate and reflect. It will be a risky endeavor since the altitude unexpectedly can surprise you with extreme weather changes, lack of oxygen, and he says "cultural disorientation." What I like about this book is the different questions you get answered about logistics and strategy, hazards, seasons to go, the route you will take and what it will be like and finally the guides you'll need so you won't make a dumb mistake that could cost you your life.
I also like the fact that most of the trails he covers are in North America. Eleven are in fact featured. His top three are the John Muir trail in southern california, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which I have flown but not hiked, and Chesler Park in Southern Utah. Come to think of it. I will stay in America first before I try going as far as Nepal. Yes...maybe I should train here and then go there! I better not wait too long. This book designed for trekkers of all abilities is not designed for trekkers who hardly walk or train, yours truly. I start going up and down the stairs this weekend! Yeah right.
Thursday
Illegal immigration on April 24th 7pm on HoustonPBS
What concerns you about illegal immigration? I will be moderating a live town meeting at Ch. 8 on April 24th at 7pm. This topic makes the headlines in waves. I have noticed in my lifetime how it upsets people on both sides of the fence and those like me who see and understand it is a very complicated topic, surrounded by myths, misundertandings, anger and lots of rhetoric.
There is no doubt we are living in a time of crisis. As a nation we may feel insecure about the future. I have always felt our government and business leaders have done little to really tackle the problem of illegal immigration. Therefore, some gain and some suffer but the problem continues to be unresolved. Please fell free to share how you feel about it here and let me share some of the questions people have asked about immigration in the past few weeks that may incite more dialogue. Please feel free to answer if you wish.
1. In a special report by the Texas Comptroller of Public account they concluded
"The absence of the estimated 1.4 undocumented immigrants in Texas in fiscal 2005 would have been a loss to our gorss state product of 17.7 billion. Tey produced 1.58 billion in state revenues which exceeded the 1.16 billion in state services they received. HOWEVER, local govrnemnets bore the burden of $1.44 billion of uncompensated health care costs and local law enforcement costs not paid for by the state."
If in fact immigrants who are here illegaly contribute to our economy why haven't political and business leaders found an effective way to legalize them?
2. Why are the undocumented educated freely and allowed to use medical services if they are here illegally?
3. The social security administration estimates that about 3/4 of illegal workers pay taxes that contribute to the overall solvency of social security and medicare. How is it they can pay taxes if they are here illegally? What happens to the 1/4 who don't pay taxes.
4. If we build a border fence, will that take care of the labor shortage problem? and those who overstay their tourist visas?
5. Do the uncodumented here illegally really help the economy by filling low wage jobs or are they just taking jobs from Americans?
6. Don't these immigrants also revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs by creating new industries within the nation? or are they just a drain on the local economy?
7. How do these immigrants help local businesses? How much money do they save them, since they don't have to pay insurance or social security? How do they help the american consumer keep prices low?
8. Why can't we make English the official language? Are these immigrants invading the nation and changing its culture?
9. Why can't they respect our laws? or wait in line like legal immigrants do?
10. If there are in fact no legal way for these low wage earners who come here illegally to work, is it fair to ask them to wait in line if there is no line?
11. If you could not feed your family, would you enter another country illegally to feed your children?
12. These immigrants came here illegally so they are criminals and many of them break the law with fake ID's, loan fraud, human trafficking, gangs etc.
13. These immigrants are the cause of overcrowded schools, traffic jams, gangs, fatal accidents etc.
14. They don't want to speak English and because of them it is no longer the official language.
15. We should not give them amnesty. They broke the law.
16. We should give them amnesty because we can't deport all 12 million of them.
There are many more comments and questions and you are welcome to share your view and watch our program which will also have a web component and will allow you to share your views and ideas and solutions on the topic.
BY THE WAY NEXT TWO SUNDAYS 3pm AND THURSDAYS 1pm ON LIVING SMART
Green Architecture which can save you money!!! LaVerne Williams
Learn how shame impacts all other emotions and how you can heal it!! Dr. Brene Brown
There is no doubt we are living in a time of crisis. As a nation we may feel insecure about the future. I have always felt our government and business leaders have done little to really tackle the problem of illegal immigration. Therefore, some gain and some suffer but the problem continues to be unresolved. Please fell free to share how you feel about it here and let me share some of the questions people have asked about immigration in the past few weeks that may incite more dialogue. Please feel free to answer if you wish.
1. In a special report by the Texas Comptroller of Public account they concluded
"The absence of the estimated 1.4 undocumented immigrants in Texas in fiscal 2005 would have been a loss to our gorss state product of 17.7 billion. Tey produced 1.58 billion in state revenues which exceeded the 1.16 billion in state services they received. HOWEVER, local govrnemnets bore the burden of $1.44 billion of uncompensated health care costs and local law enforcement costs not paid for by the state."
If in fact immigrants who are here illegaly contribute to our economy why haven't political and business leaders found an effective way to legalize them?
2. Why are the undocumented educated freely and allowed to use medical services if they are here illegally?
3. The social security administration estimates that about 3/4 of illegal workers pay taxes that contribute to the overall solvency of social security and medicare. How is it they can pay taxes if they are here illegally? What happens to the 1/4 who don't pay taxes.
4. If we build a border fence, will that take care of the labor shortage problem? and those who overstay their tourist visas?
5. Do the uncodumented here illegally really help the economy by filling low wage jobs or are they just taking jobs from Americans?
6. Don't these immigrants also revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs by creating new industries within the nation? or are they just a drain on the local economy?
7. How do these immigrants help local businesses? How much money do they save them, since they don't have to pay insurance or social security? How do they help the american consumer keep prices low?
8. Why can't we make English the official language? Are these immigrants invading the nation and changing its culture?
9. Why can't they respect our laws? or wait in line like legal immigrants do?
10. If there are in fact no legal way for these low wage earners who come here illegally to work, is it fair to ask them to wait in line if there is no line?
11. If you could not feed your family, would you enter another country illegally to feed your children?
12. These immigrants came here illegally so they are criminals and many of them break the law with fake ID's, loan fraud, human trafficking, gangs etc.
13. These immigrants are the cause of overcrowded schools, traffic jams, gangs, fatal accidents etc.
14. They don't want to speak English and because of them it is no longer the official language.
15. We should not give them amnesty. They broke the law.
16. We should give them amnesty because we can't deport all 12 million of them.
There are many more comments and questions and you are welcome to share your view and watch our program which will also have a web component and will allow you to share your views and ideas and solutions on the topic.
BY THE WAY NEXT TWO SUNDAYS 3pm AND THURSDAYS 1pm ON LIVING SMART
Green Architecture which can save you money!!! LaVerne Williams
Learn how shame impacts all other emotions and how you can heal it!! Dr. Brene Brown
Friday
John Alexander at the MFA and why caring is important
Today I went to check out the new exhibit at the MFA Houston. The John Alexander, a retrospective exhibit was impressive. I am not an art critic, so let's start with that. My art experience is based on some studies in college and a visit to some of the great museums in the world, including el prado, the louvre and the Smithsonian, but I have to admit, I think I know good art when I see it.
Alexander was born in Texas. He says he began seriously painting when he moved to New York from Houston. In the past 4 decades, he's spent time chronicling the world around him. What I loved most about his work was his passionate stand on social, political and environmental issues. Like me, this artist hates hypocrisy and greed. The wonderful talent I found in this artist is his capacity to paint landscapes, animals and people brilliantly with a powerful message. To get the message you'll have to see the art. My favorite painting was called three little pigs. It is a satire about our politicians today. The other one I loved was high cotton. Alexander is adamant about reminding people the horrors of racism. This painting of the beautiful, aesthetic plant barely hides the chains which represent the horror of slavery.
John Alexander must be a complex, sensible and passionate man. I love artists who take a stand so if you ask me what I think. I will tell you. I like the guy. Go see his work if you have a chance in this great, awesome museum of ours, The museum of Fine Arts. His work will be there until June 22nd.
DON'T FORGET TO WATCH LIVING SMART THIS SUNDAY AT 3PM. Learn why it pays to be compassionate!
Alexander was born in Texas. He says he began seriously painting when he moved to New York from Houston. In the past 4 decades, he's spent time chronicling the world around him. What I loved most about his work was his passionate stand on social, political and environmental issues. Like me, this artist hates hypocrisy and greed. The wonderful talent I found in this artist is his capacity to paint landscapes, animals and people brilliantly with a powerful message. To get the message you'll have to see the art. My favorite painting was called three little pigs. It is a satire about our politicians today. The other one I loved was high cotton. Alexander is adamant about reminding people the horrors of racism. This painting of the beautiful, aesthetic plant barely hides the chains which represent the horror of slavery.
John Alexander must be a complex, sensible and passionate man. I love artists who take a stand so if you ask me what I think. I will tell you. I like the guy. Go see his work if you have a chance in this great, awesome museum of ours, The museum of Fine Arts. His work will be there until June 22nd.
DON'T FORGET TO WATCH LIVING SMART THIS SUNDAY AT 3PM. Learn why it pays to be compassionate!
Tuesday
Compassion and why it matters
On April 13th at 3pm (repeats thursday April 17th at 1pm) Barbara Elliott will talk about compassion on Living Smart. I decided to do a show with her because I loved her book "Street Saints." It focused on people around the country who are doing "compassion" work. (I call it that) and often don't get the credit or the funds they need to continue their work. The strange circumstance is that I had featured two of the people in her book in other Living Smart shows without knowing there was a book written about them. These two people, John Sage and Marilyn Gambrell had not even told me they had been featured in a book, that's how selfless and extraordinary these two street saints are. Here are the two shows.
Marilyn Gambrell works with kids whose parents are incarcerated.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=555909220741570562
and John Sage created Bridges to life which reunites victim families with criminal inmates so they can learn from each other's pain and despair.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5669884262139741535
Barbara Elliott, a journalist, and author had made a decision to cover those who work in the trenches because she wanted to help them continue their work . She herself is a street saint. A few years ago she founded the working connection which helps people in transition from homelessness, drug addiction, prison and layoffs and people down in their luck who made the wrong decisions.
Americans are some of the most compassionate people on the planet but how do we make the right decisions on who and how to give? Elliott gives advise on this and reminds us we can make a difference, a great difference in other people's lives. She herself walks the talk. Once a week she mentors a child and knows full well, that child will benefit from her wisdom, her presence and her unconditional love. Compassion does not have to be someone else's job. It can be our job every day.
Marilyn Gambrell works with kids whose parents are incarcerated.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=555909220741570562
and John Sage created Bridges to life which reunites victim families with criminal inmates so they can learn from each other's pain and despair.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5669884262139741535
Barbara Elliott, a journalist, and author had made a decision to cover those who work in the trenches because she wanted to help them continue their work . She herself is a street saint. A few years ago she founded the working connection which helps people in transition from homelessness, drug addiction, prison and layoffs and people down in their luck who made the wrong decisions.
Americans are some of the most compassionate people on the planet but how do we make the right decisions on who and how to give? Elliott gives advise on this and reminds us we can make a difference, a great difference in other people's lives. She herself walks the talk. Once a week she mentors a child and knows full well, that child will benefit from her wisdom, her presence and her unconditional love. Compassion does not have to be someone else's job. It can be our job every day.
Wednesday
Jungian psychology and why climate change is not a hoax
This Sunday at 3pm and next thursday april 10th at 1pm James Hollis shares his incredible
erudite knowledge of why life can be so confusing and what to do about it!! I am really excited about this show because I am in my mid life and I ask the mid life crisis questions all the time? Why am I here? What am I doing? Does my life have a purpose? Why can't I get what I want and always fought for? His answer. Life is not easy and let me tell you why...I love it and hope you'll watch.
Have you read articles on global warming lately written by so called non profit organizations that in reality represent the oil industry? They supposedly do research and have successfully led us to beleive for years we really didn't have a problem and Al Gore and the majority of scientists around the world are crazy and don't know what they are talking about. So to them and many who believe them GLOBAL WARMING IS A HOAX!
Here are some facts for you
The Facts About Climate Change
FACT: Average global temperatures increased by about 1 degree Fahrenheit over the 20th century.
FACT: The United States contains only 5 percent of the world’s population, but contributes 22 percent of the world’s carbon emissions.
FACT: Between 20 and 25 percent of carbon emissions come from deforestation and land use change.
FACT: The Golden Toad (Bufo periglenes) is thought to be the first species to go extinct because of climate change.
FACT: Personal cars and trucks in the United States emit 20 percent of the United States' carbon emissions.
FACT: Air conditioning and heating account for almost half of electricity use in the average American home.
FACT: Climate change is linked to stronger hurricanes, more drought and increased coral deaths from bleaching.
FACT: Climate change is linked to an increase in disease-carrying pests that lead to the increased spread of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, lyme disease and West Nile virus
Okay let's say global warming was not a problem. My question would be. Even if I am wrong, wouldn't I want to take a stand and drive less(remember gas prices) use alternative fuels (less wars) quit deforestation of our planet? Even if it wasn't true which I am certain it is a problem for us and the next generation, there are things we must become more consicous of. Diana Petrochelli shares some alarming facts about global warming in our Living Smart program that will air some time in June.
erudite knowledge of why life can be so confusing and what to do about it!! I am really excited about this show because I am in my mid life and I ask the mid life crisis questions all the time? Why am I here? What am I doing? Does my life have a purpose? Why can't I get what I want and always fought for? His answer. Life is not easy and let me tell you why...I love it and hope you'll watch.
Have you read articles on global warming lately written by so called non profit organizations that in reality represent the oil industry? They supposedly do research and have successfully led us to beleive for years we really didn't have a problem and Al Gore and the majority of scientists around the world are crazy and don't know what they are talking about. So to them and many who believe them GLOBAL WARMING IS A HOAX!
Here are some facts for you
The Facts About Climate Change
FACT: Average global temperatures increased by about 1 degree Fahrenheit over the 20th century.
FACT: The United States contains only 5 percent of the world’s population, but contributes 22 percent of the world’s carbon emissions.
FACT: Between 20 and 25 percent of carbon emissions come from deforestation and land use change.
FACT: The Golden Toad (Bufo periglenes) is thought to be the first species to go extinct because of climate change.
FACT: Personal cars and trucks in the United States emit 20 percent of the United States' carbon emissions.
FACT: Air conditioning and heating account for almost half of electricity use in the average American home.
FACT: Climate change is linked to stronger hurricanes, more drought and increased coral deaths from bleaching.
FACT: Climate change is linked to an increase in disease-carrying pests that lead to the increased spread of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, lyme disease and West Nile virus
Okay let's say global warming was not a problem. My question would be. Even if I am wrong, wouldn't I want to take a stand and drive less(remember gas prices) use alternative fuels (less wars) quit deforestation of our planet? Even if it wasn't true which I am certain it is a problem for us and the next generation, there are things we must become more consicous of. Diana Petrochelli shares some alarming facts about global warming in our Living Smart program that will air some time in June.
Friday
A letter to the New President and New Congress
I found this and thought I would publish it
A letter to the new president and Congress
I want my country back. I want America back. I don’t care which party or candidate wins as long as you do the following.
Please bring back the system of checks and balances. There is a reason for it to be there. The Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch are there for a reason. Don’t undo it. We won’t allow it. No more secrets please.
The media is no longer the fourth power in America. Don’t privatize the internet. The truth will eventually set us free. The corporations which own our so called mainstream media can do as they like. The people will eventually find the truth. It will just take longer.
Get rid of torture in any form. It does not work and it trashes our American values.
When you want to win the war on terror, besides weapons you must use soft diplomacy. Let me remind you what the Marshall plan did for American and the world in World War 2. Bring it back. Hatred breeds more hatred. We are not safer. We need allies and we need to understand why people do what they do besides a simplistic “They hate us because we are free”
I don’t care how you figure it out. We need access to health care. We need for people to become responsible for their own health as well. Quit pandering to the pharmaceutical, insurance companies and hospital corporations. Let’s focus on health, not medicine, Prevention, not treatment once and for all.
Global warming is not a HOAX. It is real . Let’s do something about it. Commit to alternative fuels that don’t hurt the environment either. Build rail. Make fuel efficient cars. Sign international treaties that hold everyone accountable, including China and India. We are all interconnected.
We need immigrants and we also need a safe border. We can stop scapegoating by comprehensive reform. Come up with a bipartisan plan. They would not be here if we didn’t have jobs for them.
Why are you allowing our banks to trick consumers into getting more credit cards than they need or loans they can’t pay? Wake up and then wake us up!
In the past 30 years, the gap between rich and poor has gotten bigger and bigger. No great country can thrive without a middle class. Figure out how to close that gap or we’ll become a second rate country.
Move away from an economy based on war. We don’t want it and we can’t afford it.
We the people are the government too and eventually we wake up and we’ll kick you out if you keep messing up our nation.
Quit using fear to do whatever you want. What we have to fear is fear itself. This worked for a while but we are tired of it. Don’t use it anymore.
Quit lying. Tell the truth. Sooner or later we’ll find out. We just don’t want millions of people dead in the process. Don’t forget. We don’t want any more secrets, lies, and fear in your speeches. We want the truth as painful as it is because it will set us free.
The only way American can get back on her feet again is to unite, among party lines, racial lines, cultural lines. We are Americans and we are a great nation because when we finally get fed up. We act. We are fed up. Wake up Mr. President and Congress. Wake up.
ANONYMOUS
A letter to the new president and Congress
I want my country back. I want America back. I don’t care which party or candidate wins as long as you do the following.
Please bring back the system of checks and balances. There is a reason for it to be there. The Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch are there for a reason. Don’t undo it. We won’t allow it. No more secrets please.
The media is no longer the fourth power in America. Don’t privatize the internet. The truth will eventually set us free. The corporations which own our so called mainstream media can do as they like. The people will eventually find the truth. It will just take longer.
Get rid of torture in any form. It does not work and it trashes our American values.
When you want to win the war on terror, besides weapons you must use soft diplomacy. Let me remind you what the Marshall plan did for American and the world in World War 2. Bring it back. Hatred breeds more hatred. We are not safer. We need allies and we need to understand why people do what they do besides a simplistic “They hate us because we are free”
I don’t care how you figure it out. We need access to health care. We need for people to become responsible for their own health as well. Quit pandering to the pharmaceutical, insurance companies and hospital corporations. Let’s focus on health, not medicine, Prevention, not treatment once and for all.
Global warming is not a HOAX. It is real . Let’s do something about it. Commit to alternative fuels that don’t hurt the environment either. Build rail. Make fuel efficient cars. Sign international treaties that hold everyone accountable, including China and India. We are all interconnected.
We need immigrants and we also need a safe border. We can stop scapegoating by comprehensive reform. Come up with a bipartisan plan. They would not be here if we didn’t have jobs for them.
Why are you allowing our banks to trick consumers into getting more credit cards than they need or loans they can’t pay? Wake up and then wake us up!
In the past 30 years, the gap between rich and poor has gotten bigger and bigger. No great country can thrive without a middle class. Figure out how to close that gap or we’ll become a second rate country.
Move away from an economy based on war. We don’t want it and we can’t afford it.
We the people are the government too and eventually we wake up and we’ll kick you out if you keep messing up our nation.
Quit using fear to do whatever you want. What we have to fear is fear itself. This worked for a while but we are tired of it. Don’t use it anymore.
Quit lying. Tell the truth. Sooner or later we’ll find out. We just don’t want millions of people dead in the process. Don’t forget. We don’t want any more secrets, lies, and fear in your speeches. We want the truth as painful as it is because it will set us free.
The only way American can get back on her feet again is to unite, among party lines, racial lines, cultural lines. We are Americans and we are a great nation because when we finally get fed up. We act. We are fed up. Wake up Mr. President and Congress. Wake up.
ANONYMOUS
Thursday
Living Smart music on "You Tube"/Spitzer scandal
We can finally hear it and see it on You Tube click here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=STafkoKUWTc
We shot this at the ARTERY an incredible art space you should check out to expand your soul and horizons.
www.arteryhouston.org
Mark Larsen runs the place and it is the most incredible greek theatre in town. They host musicians and artists from all ethnic backgrounds and music genres. I am proud to have performed there on the last concert of at least, last year!
I am still working on Season 4 of Living Smart and remember it launches on April 6th at 3pm with one of my favorite Jungian analysts (if not the best in the nation) James Hollis PhD who discusses how we create a life worth living and worthy of our soul. He's a genius and I love learning from him.
On to current news. It is all over the news, the tintillating prostitution story about the Governor of New York Elliot Spitzer and who we now know, the siren prostitute Kristen! I don't want to waste my time on this because everyone will talk it to death. I do want to share this. I think we must all think about his family, have compassion for them. He has two teenage daughters and a wife who are suffering silently in the limelight. I don't point fingers because I am not God but I wish the media didn't plaster the images of the call girl all over the place. It also made me think about what tends to happen in our society a lot and we seldom take into consideration in the media and in our lives. It has to do with having affairs, or starting new marriages or relationships even while we are married. Have you noticed at least for celebrities that the ex wife, or ex husband or "ex" children dissappear from their lives, as if they didn't exist? It is as if all that counts is the present. What I want to leave you with is this. Any time you start a new relationship, think how it will affect who you left behind and bless them for they too were an important part of your life and forgetting all about it will not make it right. "ex"'s need love too!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=STafkoKUWTc
We shot this at the ARTERY an incredible art space you should check out to expand your soul and horizons.
www.arteryhouston.org
Mark Larsen runs the place and it is the most incredible greek theatre in town. They host musicians and artists from all ethnic backgrounds and music genres. I am proud to have performed there on the last concert of at least, last year!
I am still working on Season 4 of Living Smart and remember it launches on April 6th at 3pm with one of my favorite Jungian analysts (if not the best in the nation) James Hollis PhD who discusses how we create a life worth living and worthy of our soul. He's a genius and I love learning from him.
On to current news. It is all over the news, the tintillating prostitution story about the Governor of New York Elliot Spitzer and who we now know, the siren prostitute Kristen! I don't want to waste my time on this because everyone will talk it to death. I do want to share this. I think we must all think about his family, have compassion for them. He has two teenage daughters and a wife who are suffering silently in the limelight. I don't point fingers because I am not God but I wish the media didn't plaster the images of the call girl all over the place. It also made me think about what tends to happen in our society a lot and we seldom take into consideration in the media and in our lives. It has to do with having affairs, or starting new marriages or relationships even while we are married. Have you noticed at least for celebrities that the ex wife, or ex husband or "ex" children dissappear from their lives, as if they didn't exist? It is as if all that counts is the present. What I want to leave you with is this. Any time you start a new relationship, think how it will affect who you left behind and bless them for they too were an important part of your life and forgetting all about it will not make it right. "ex"'s need love too!!!
Tuesday
Why you should vote today? March 5th 2008
Believe it or not. I am an independent voter. I have voted for Republicans and Democrats alike because I vote for the person, not the party. Iam constantly stereotyped as a liberal because I work for PBS but that is just too simplitic. I am like most Americans, IN THE MIDDLE. I don't believe in absolutes. I call myself a politcal cynic. After leaving a country for political reasons (Argentina) I don't believe in politicians generally speaking. There are exceptions. I think Bill White has done a good job in Houston but nationally, I don't like the job Congress or the President have done in the past 8 years.
I feel strongly that as Americans we are at a crossroad. We can either continue the path we have been on or we can demand real change. (I don't mean the rhetorical change we hear from all candidates) I mean real change. I have my opinion about what real change means.
I would like to see an economy that is market driven but socially just. This means we hold banks, mortgage companies, financial advisors etc. accountable and we take responsability for bad decisions ourselves. For instance, if you don't have the money don't buy it. period. Seventy percent of Americans are in debt. I don't think spending money and just consuming is the solution. Let's look at the future of this country. Would it be smarter to stop spending on a war that seems to have no end? Should we leave or Stay in Iraq until the situation is stable? Should we not change the way we consume oil? If the war was in fact fought for oil, what behaviors have we as Americans changed to stop our eternal dependence on oil?
What about health care? Can our politicians really break away from the pharmaceutical, hospital and insurance lobbysts? Do you realize, our politicians depend on their money to win elections? Do we understand that we need campaign finance reform to change a system that depends on big money to get elected? What is our responsability for our health? Do you realize food manufacturers may be advertising food that is just plain and simple toxic? Why don't we focus on prevention as a nation, because it is not a smart business decision? Please. Let's not forget, in my view, people are more important than the almighty dollar. We have to learn about nutrition so that when we get older, we won't get diabetes, or heart disease or high blood pressure.
Finally another issue is of course immigration. I will be doing a town meeting on April 24th on the subject here at HoustonPBS at 7pm. If this is an issue that really concerns us, then let's look at a comprehensive immigration reform. Getting emotional about the issue does not lead to solutions. Deporting people who have been living here for years is not the answer. What is economically, socially feasible? Every candidate has his or her views on all these subjects. Listen to them, ask questions and then VOTE..If you don't vote this election, you can't complain. We have to start standing up for what we believe without fear. We have to have the courage to cast a vote and hanle the consequences. We can no longer be an apathetic nation. If we are to be a great nation. WE MUST VOTE!!!
I feel strongly that as Americans we are at a crossroad. We can either continue the path we have been on or we can demand real change. (I don't mean the rhetorical change we hear from all candidates) I mean real change. I have my opinion about what real change means.
I would like to see an economy that is market driven but socially just. This means we hold banks, mortgage companies, financial advisors etc. accountable and we take responsability for bad decisions ourselves. For instance, if you don't have the money don't buy it. period. Seventy percent of Americans are in debt. I don't think spending money and just consuming is the solution. Let's look at the future of this country. Would it be smarter to stop spending on a war that seems to have no end? Should we leave or Stay in Iraq until the situation is stable? Should we not change the way we consume oil? If the war was in fact fought for oil, what behaviors have we as Americans changed to stop our eternal dependence on oil?
What about health care? Can our politicians really break away from the pharmaceutical, hospital and insurance lobbysts? Do you realize, our politicians depend on their money to win elections? Do we understand that we need campaign finance reform to change a system that depends on big money to get elected? What is our responsability for our health? Do you realize food manufacturers may be advertising food that is just plain and simple toxic? Why don't we focus on prevention as a nation, because it is not a smart business decision? Please. Let's not forget, in my view, people are more important than the almighty dollar. We have to learn about nutrition so that when we get older, we won't get diabetes, or heart disease or high blood pressure.
Finally another issue is of course immigration. I will be doing a town meeting on April 24th on the subject here at HoustonPBS at 7pm. If this is an issue that really concerns us, then let's look at a comprehensive immigration reform. Getting emotional about the issue does not lead to solutions. Deporting people who have been living here for years is not the answer. What is economically, socially feasible? Every candidate has his or her views on all these subjects. Listen to them, ask questions and then VOTE..If you don't vote this election, you can't complain. We have to start standing up for what we believe without fear. We have to have the courage to cast a vote and hanle the consequences. We can no longer be an apathetic nation. If we are to be a great nation. WE MUST VOTE!!!
Wednesday
The law of attraction
If you have not heard about this law of attraction. Read up on the "Secret" movie. Everyone was excited about it and it was all over the news. I find it a bit funny since I have always read in the the bible " ask and you shall receive." We all hear about this, why don't we believe it?
I have been engaged in creative manifesting for a while. That is, I ask for something, usually write it down and believe it will become true if I am in aligment with the divine. In other words if I am asking for something that is for everyone's benefit, including my own.
Some people find this hoakie and silly. I find it has changed my thought patterns and way of life.
I have especially used it for very important things such as my mother's health when she was in a coma, or something simple like passing an exam, or avoiding an illness! My take on this is I would rather live my life asking for what I want and believing I am going to get it than using my own negative conscious mind telling me I can't have it or I shouldn't or it's impossible etc. You know what I mean. We all have that pestering little voice inside, usually a negative voice, tearing us apart, destroying our dreams and denying us happiness.
Why am I writing about this? Well my friend producer Connie Hill just won the independent film Spirit Award. This is like an Oscar but for independent films. Connie gave up her full time job to shoot this film for 5 weeks in Gonzalez Texas (just feel the HEAT) When she first started working on this film which she did for FREE, she had no idea one day she would be getting an award from Meg Ryan but that is exactly what she got. Connie wasn't so sure that she could win as producer for the film. By the way look out for it. It is called "August Evening" so I kept telling her to manifest it. Imagine going up on stage, getting the award and what you are going to say. It was hard work for me to convince her but I told her. What have you got to lose? Imagine the best, picture it and it will happen. I have told you before I believe in miracles. You do understand that winning anything like an Oscar and major national Emmys is very difficult and almost karmic. It depends on so many factors you don't have much control over. For instance, what other movies you are competing with, whether that subject matter is chic or the new actor on the scene is attractive..etc. etc..It does not take away from how real talented you are or your film is but frankly winning one of these unless you are Meryl Streep. IS HARD.
The fact that she won makes me believe in dreams. She had a dream and she went after it. I will do the same. I will manifest and believe my dream will come true. I will attract what I want. Do I believe in the law of attraction? you better believe it!!!
I have been engaged in creative manifesting for a while. That is, I ask for something, usually write it down and believe it will become true if I am in aligment with the divine. In other words if I am asking for something that is for everyone's benefit, including my own.
Some people find this hoakie and silly. I find it has changed my thought patterns and way of life.
I have especially used it for very important things such as my mother's health when she was in a coma, or something simple like passing an exam, or avoiding an illness! My take on this is I would rather live my life asking for what I want and believing I am going to get it than using my own negative conscious mind telling me I can't have it or I shouldn't or it's impossible etc. You know what I mean. We all have that pestering little voice inside, usually a negative voice, tearing us apart, destroying our dreams and denying us happiness.
Why am I writing about this? Well my friend producer Connie Hill just won the independent film Spirit Award. This is like an Oscar but for independent films. Connie gave up her full time job to shoot this film for 5 weeks in Gonzalez Texas (just feel the HEAT) When she first started working on this film which she did for FREE, she had no idea one day she would be getting an award from Meg Ryan but that is exactly what she got. Connie wasn't so sure that she could win as producer for the film. By the way look out for it. It is called "August Evening" so I kept telling her to manifest it. Imagine going up on stage, getting the award and what you are going to say. It was hard work for me to convince her but I told her. What have you got to lose? Imagine the best, picture it and it will happen. I have told you before I believe in miracles. You do understand that winning anything like an Oscar and major national Emmys is very difficult and almost karmic. It depends on so many factors you don't have much control over. For instance, what other movies you are competing with, whether that subject matter is chic or the new actor on the scene is attractive..etc. etc..It does not take away from how real talented you are or your film is but frankly winning one of these unless you are Meryl Streep. IS HARD.
The fact that she won makes me believe in dreams. She had a dream and she went after it. I will do the same. I will manifest and believe my dream will come true. I will attract what I want. Do I believe in the law of attraction? you better believe it!!!
Tuesday
The story of stuff, Trash in the pacific and what you can do
I would like to invite you to view the video http://www.storyofstuff.com/
It's only 20 minutes and what it can teach you can change your life. I learned about it while I was at the Rothko Chapel event with Diana Petrochelli who spoke about sustainability and what's wrong with the way we are living.
By the way , the turnout was great and we learned a lot. Rothko chapel and the United Nations Houston chapter helpes us organize it along with many environmental community groups.
I also got some information that really upset me. It has to do with trash in the pacific ocean the size of a continent. This is true and don't let anyone deny it.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/05/6856/
so being a person who wants to find solutions. I decided to share with you this info from the story of stuff website.
WHAT CAN WE DO? LITTE AND BIG THINGS YOU CAN DO
1. Power down! A great deal of the resources we use and the waste we create is in the energy we consume. Look for opportunities in your life to significantly reduce energy use: drive less, fly less, turn off lights, buy local seasonal food (food takes energy to grow, package, store and transport), wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat, use a clothesline instead of a dryer, vacation closer to home, buy used or borrow things before buying new, recycle. All these things save energy and save you money. And, if you can switch to alternative energy by supporting a company that sells green energy to the grid or by installing solar panels on your home, bravo!
Waste less. Per capita waste production in the U.S. just keeps growing. There are hundreds of opportunities each day to nurture a Zero Waste culture in your home, school, workplace, church, community. This takes developing new habits which soon become second nature. Use both sides of the paper, carry your own mugs and shopping bags, get printer cartridges refilled instead of replaced, compost food scraps, avoid bottled water and other over packaged products, upgrade computers rather than buying new ones, repair and mend rather than replace….the list is endless! The more we visibly engage in re-use over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm, or actually, reclaim an old one!
2. Talk to everyone about these issues. At school, your neighbors, in line at the supermarket, on the bus…A student once asked Cesar Chavez how he organized. He said, “First, I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” “No,” said the student, “how do you organize?” Chavez answered, “First I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” You get the point. Talking about these issues raises awareness, builds community and can inspire others to action.
Make Your Voice Heard. Write letters to the editor and submit articles to local press. In the last two years, and especially with Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the media has been forced to write about Climate Change. As individuals, we can influence the media to better represent other important issues as well. Letters to the editor are a great way to help newspaper readers make connections they might not make without your help. Also local papers are often willing to print book and film reviews, interviews and articles by community members. Let’s get the issues we care about in the news.
3. DeTox your body, DeTox your home, and DeTox the Economy. Many of today’s consumer products – from children’s pajamas to lipstick – contain toxic chemical additives that simply aren’t necessary. Research online (for example, http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/) before you buy to be sure you’re not inadvertently introducing toxics into your home and body. Then tell your friends about toxics in consumer products. Together, ask the businesses why they’re using toxic chemicals without any warning labels. And ask your elected officials why they are permitting this practice. The European Union has adopted strong policies that require toxics to be removed from many products. So, while our electronic gadgets and cosmetics have toxics in them, people in Europe can buy the same things toxics-free. Let’s demand the same thing here. Getting the toxics out of production at the source is the best way to ensure they don’t get into any home and body.
4. Unplug (the TV and internet) and Plug In (the community). The average person in the U.S. watches T.V. over 4 hours a day. Four hours per day filled with messages about stuff we should buy. That is four hours a day that could be spent with family, friends and in our community. On-line activism is a good start, but spending time in face-to-face civic or community activities strengthens the community and many studies show that a stronger community is a source of social and logistical support, greater security and happiness. A strong community is also critical to having a strong, active democracy.
5.Park your car and walk…and when necessary MARCH! Car-centric land use policies and life styles lead to more greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel extraction, conversion of agricultural and wildlands to roads and parking lots. Driving less and walking more is good for the climate, the planet, your health, and your wallet. But sometimes we don’t have an option to leave the car home because of inadequate bike lanes or public transportation options. Then, we may need to march, to join with others to demand sustainable transportation options. Throughout U.S. history, peaceful non-violent marches have played a powerful role in raising awareness about issues, mobilizing people, and sending messages to decision makers.
6. Change your lightbulbs…and then, change your paradigm. Changing lightbulbs is quick and easy. Energy efficient lightbulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional ones. That’s a no-brainer. But changing lightbulbs is just tinkering at the margins of a fundamentally flawed system unless we also change our paradigm. A paradigm is a collection of assumptions, concepts, beliefs and values that together make up a community’s way of viewing reality. Our current paradigm dictates that more stuff is better, that infinite economic growth is desirable and possible, and that pollution is the price of progress. To really turn things around, we need to nurture a different paradigm based on the values of sustainability, justice, health, and community.
7.Recycle your trash…and, recycle your elected officials. Recycling saves energy and reduces both waste and the pressure to harvest and mine new stuff. Unfortunately, many cities still don’t have adequate recycling systems in place. In that case you can usually find some recycling options in the phone book to start recycling while you’re pressuring your local government to support recycling city-wide. Also, many products – for example, most electronics - are designed not to be recycled or contain toxics so recycling is hazardous. In these cases, we need to lobby government to prohibit toxics in consumer products and to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, as is happening in Europe. EPR is a policy which holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, so that electronics company who use toxics in their products, have to take them back. That is a great incentive for them to get the toxics out!
8. Buy Green, Buy Fair, Buy Local, Buy Used, and most importantly, Buy Less. Shopping is not the solution to the environmental problems we currently face because the real changes we need just aren’t for sale in even the greenest shop. But, when we do shop, we should ensure our dollars support businesses that protect the environment and worker rights. Look beyond vague claims on packages like “all natural” to find hard facts. Is it organic? Is it free of super-toxic PVC plastic? When you can, buy local products from local stores, which keeps more of our hard earned money in the community. Buying used items keeps them out of the trash and avoids the upstream waste created during extraction and production. But, buying less may be the best option of all. Less pollution. Less Waste. Less time working to pay for the stuff. Sometimes, less really is more.
It's only 20 minutes and what it can teach you can change your life. I learned about it while I was at the Rothko Chapel event with Diana Petrochelli who spoke about sustainability and what's wrong with the way we are living.
By the way , the turnout was great and we learned a lot. Rothko chapel and the United Nations Houston chapter helpes us organize it along with many environmental community groups.
I also got some information that really upset me. It has to do with trash in the pacific ocean the size of a continent. This is true and don't let anyone deny it.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/05/6856/
so being a person who wants to find solutions. I decided to share with you this info from the story of stuff website.
WHAT CAN WE DO? LITTE AND BIG THINGS YOU CAN DO
1. Power down! A great deal of the resources we use and the waste we create is in the energy we consume. Look for opportunities in your life to significantly reduce energy use: drive less, fly less, turn off lights, buy local seasonal food (food takes energy to grow, package, store and transport), wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat, use a clothesline instead of a dryer, vacation closer to home, buy used or borrow things before buying new, recycle. All these things save energy and save you money. And, if you can switch to alternative energy by supporting a company that sells green energy to the grid or by installing solar panels on your home, bravo!
Waste less. Per capita waste production in the U.S. just keeps growing. There are hundreds of opportunities each day to nurture a Zero Waste culture in your home, school, workplace, church, community. This takes developing new habits which soon become second nature. Use both sides of the paper, carry your own mugs and shopping bags, get printer cartridges refilled instead of replaced, compost food scraps, avoid bottled water and other over packaged products, upgrade computers rather than buying new ones, repair and mend rather than replace….the list is endless! The more we visibly engage in re-use over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm, or actually, reclaim an old one!
2. Talk to everyone about these issues. At school, your neighbors, in line at the supermarket, on the bus…A student once asked Cesar Chavez how he organized. He said, “First, I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” “No,” said the student, “how do you organize?” Chavez answered, “First I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” You get the point. Talking about these issues raises awareness, builds community and can inspire others to action.
Make Your Voice Heard. Write letters to the editor and submit articles to local press. In the last two years, and especially with Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the media has been forced to write about Climate Change. As individuals, we can influence the media to better represent other important issues as well. Letters to the editor are a great way to help newspaper readers make connections they might not make without your help. Also local papers are often willing to print book and film reviews, interviews and articles by community members. Let’s get the issues we care about in the news.
3. DeTox your body, DeTox your home, and DeTox the Economy. Many of today’s consumer products – from children’s pajamas to lipstick – contain toxic chemical additives that simply aren’t necessary. Research online (for example, http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/) before you buy to be sure you’re not inadvertently introducing toxics into your home and body. Then tell your friends about toxics in consumer products. Together, ask the businesses why they’re using toxic chemicals without any warning labels. And ask your elected officials why they are permitting this practice. The European Union has adopted strong policies that require toxics to be removed from many products. So, while our electronic gadgets and cosmetics have toxics in them, people in Europe can buy the same things toxics-free. Let’s demand the same thing here. Getting the toxics out of production at the source is the best way to ensure they don’t get into any home and body.
4. Unplug (the TV and internet) and Plug In (the community). The average person in the U.S. watches T.V. over 4 hours a day. Four hours per day filled with messages about stuff we should buy. That is four hours a day that could be spent with family, friends and in our community. On-line activism is a good start, but spending time in face-to-face civic or community activities strengthens the community and many studies show that a stronger community is a source of social and logistical support, greater security and happiness. A strong community is also critical to having a strong, active democracy.
5.Park your car and walk…and when necessary MARCH! Car-centric land use policies and life styles lead to more greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel extraction, conversion of agricultural and wildlands to roads and parking lots. Driving less and walking more is good for the climate, the planet, your health, and your wallet. But sometimes we don’t have an option to leave the car home because of inadequate bike lanes or public transportation options. Then, we may need to march, to join with others to demand sustainable transportation options. Throughout U.S. history, peaceful non-violent marches have played a powerful role in raising awareness about issues, mobilizing people, and sending messages to decision makers.
6. Change your lightbulbs…and then, change your paradigm. Changing lightbulbs is quick and easy. Energy efficient lightbulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional ones. That’s a no-brainer. But changing lightbulbs is just tinkering at the margins of a fundamentally flawed system unless we also change our paradigm. A paradigm is a collection of assumptions, concepts, beliefs and values that together make up a community’s way of viewing reality. Our current paradigm dictates that more stuff is better, that infinite economic growth is desirable and possible, and that pollution is the price of progress. To really turn things around, we need to nurture a different paradigm based on the values of sustainability, justice, health, and community.
7.Recycle your trash…and, recycle your elected officials. Recycling saves energy and reduces both waste and the pressure to harvest and mine new stuff. Unfortunately, many cities still don’t have adequate recycling systems in place. In that case you can usually find some recycling options in the phone book to start recycling while you’re pressuring your local government to support recycling city-wide. Also, many products – for example, most electronics - are designed not to be recycled or contain toxics so recycling is hazardous. In these cases, we need to lobby government to prohibit toxics in consumer products and to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, as is happening in Europe. EPR is a policy which holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, so that electronics company who use toxics in their products, have to take them back. That is a great incentive for them to get the toxics out!
8. Buy Green, Buy Fair, Buy Local, Buy Used, and most importantly, Buy Less. Shopping is not the solution to the environmental problems we currently face because the real changes we need just aren’t for sale in even the greenest shop. But, when we do shop, we should ensure our dollars support businesses that protect the environment and worker rights. Look beyond vague claims on packages like “all natural” to find hard facts. Is it organic? Is it free of super-toxic PVC plastic? When you can, buy local products from local stores, which keeps more of our hard earned money in the community. Buying used items keeps them out of the trash and avoids the upstream waste created during extraction and production. But, buying less may be the best option of all. Less pollution. Less Waste. Less time working to pay for the stuff. Sometimes, less really is more.
Friday
Rothko Chapel This Monday night at 7:30pm and my Optimum Health Experience
Friends be sure you attend the Global Warming Seminar at the Rothko Chapel Monday night at 7:30pm with my friend and Living Smart guest Diana Petrochelli. Reception follows and the event is free!
Also I wanted to post this response from someone I met at Optimum Health Institute who actually said it like it is. I did detox there and I have kept the weight off so I have to agree with what he said about his experience at OHI.
"You seem to see it as a punishment, or a "diet" that "deprives" you of the things you really want.
This is really interesting, in light of your discussion of addiction.
You can see your addiction to food, right ? ("I'm a foodie..")
Raw Food, cleansing, meditation, is not deprivation, but is an incredible gift, an opportunity to regain yourself, to live for yourself, to find true health, to be WELL, and to let go of the self-defeating labels and habits, and brainwashing.
You were "grumpy" at OHI because you were DE TOXING.
It was the poisons coming out - not your supposed "hunger."
You did not lose "water weight." This is more of the brainwashing.
You drank gallons of water at OHI, right ?
What you lost was poison, toxins, old decaying fecal matter, garbage.
As soon as you went back to garbage, you gained weight.
Take a step back and look at the big picture.
If you want to live, you can.
If you want to die, you can do that too.
Your choice.
We are back in California.
We are about 75% raw.
Me more than Laurie. (I am an addictive/compulsive Dude - and get "into" things :-) )
Sometimes I really need some egg whites- when my body tells me that I need a protein dose. I listen.
But I have actually lost some weight since returning, though that is not my intent.
I feel incredibly good. Light, strong, aware, awake, and full of energy.
I can lift the same weights at the gym as before. I can do all the same Yoga asanas- so I have not lost any strength or flexibility.
I am better on the cardio equipt.
We were given a gift at OHI.
We need to accept it and embrace it --
Love,
DR
Also I wanted to post this response from someone I met at Optimum Health Institute who actually said it like it is. I did detox there and I have kept the weight off so I have to agree with what he said about his experience at OHI.
"You seem to see it as a punishment, or a "diet" that "deprives" you of the things you really want.
This is really interesting, in light of your discussion of addiction.
You can see your addiction to food, right ? ("I'm a foodie..")
Raw Food, cleansing, meditation, is not deprivation, but is an incredible gift, an opportunity to regain yourself, to live for yourself, to find true health, to be WELL, and to let go of the self-defeating labels and habits, and brainwashing.
You were "grumpy" at OHI because you were DE TOXING.
It was the poisons coming out - not your supposed "hunger."
You did not lose "water weight." This is more of the brainwashing.
You drank gallons of water at OHI, right ?
What you lost was poison, toxins, old decaying fecal matter, garbage.
As soon as you went back to garbage, you gained weight.
Take a step back and look at the big picture.
If you want to live, you can.
If you want to die, you can do that too.
Your choice.
We are back in California.
We are about 75% raw.
Me more than Laurie. (I am an addictive/compulsive Dude - and get "into" things :-) )
Sometimes I really need some egg whites- when my body tells me that I need a protein dose. I listen.
But I have actually lost some weight since returning, though that is not my intent.
I feel incredibly good. Light, strong, aware, awake, and full of energy.
I can lift the same weights at the gym as before. I can do all the same Yoga asanas- so I have not lost any strength or flexibility.
I am better on the cardio equipt.
We were given a gift at OHI.
We need to accept it and embrace it --
Love,
DR
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Special Evening with Diana Petrochelli, Consultant & Grassroots Permaculturist
Hosted by Patricia Gras -
Diana Petrochelli is the Director and one of the founders of Corporate Sustainability Resources Inc, and is at the forefront of grassroots movements to combat climate change and create a new mindset in our society. Her work explores the link between three of humanity's most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment.
The evening will be hosted by Patricia Gras, seasoned international journalist and host of Houston PBS Living Smart with Patricia Gras. This event is part of a series of educational and community events held in conjunction with PBS Frontline, "Heat", which will air in April. (*Source: United Nations Association-Houston Chapter e-mail
About UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION – HOUSTON
The United Nations Association-Houston is the local chapter of the national non-profit organization UNA-USA, a membership organization dedicated to building understanding of and support for the ideals and vital work of the United Nations among the American people. Its educational and humanitarian campaigns, including teaching students about international affairs through Model UN programs, clearing minefields in formerly war-torn nations, and providing school-based support for children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa, allow people to make a global impact at the local level. In addition, its policy and advocacy programs stress the importance of nations working together and the need for
www.UNAHouston.org
Addiction and the Janis Joplin play
On season 4 of Living Smart, I will be hosting a show on the science of addiction. I chose this topic because I lost a family member to an addiction. He was a sweet man with a terrible disease which eventually took his life. At the time we knew little except that maybe he did not try hard enough to quit, or that he needed twelve steps or to find God. I believe all these things are important, your will, religion and faith, but as time passes I realize there is so much more science behind this than we know and that this needs to be treated like a medical disease. New pet scans show us where the problem is in the brain and what sort of treatments can work best. Dr. Tom Kosten, a psychiatrist from Baylor College of Medicine is leading the research on a cocaine vaccine. He will be my guest. Addiction vaccines work the same way as traditional vaccines use to treat diseases. They zero in on addictive chemicals that people snort, shoot or swallow. When injected the vaccine triggers the immune system to develop antibodies. The next time the drug is ingested, the antibodies will latch onto it and preventing it from getting into the brain. IF these vaccines work, it could change the lives of millions.
LAST NIGHT I SAW THE PLAY LOVE JANIS at the Alley..about the life of Janis Joplin. I knew little of Joplin because I was not raised here and by the time we moved back to the USA, she was already gone. I was not too keen on her music, precisely because I always identified it with drug addiction and that is what my family member used to listen to Joplin, and acid rock.
I enjoyed the play because it reminded me how tragic drug addiction was and is for so many. Do you realize three great artists, Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hedrix and Jim Morrison died at age 27 of drug overdoses? Why? In this play they don't discuss too much why Janis died. She was, like the other two, a victim of her time. In the 60's doing drugs seemed cool and if you were an artist, the thing to do. As soon as these incredible and revolutionary performers died, other artists started paying attention to drug abuse. Unfortunately for Joplin, Hendrix and Morrison it was too late.
I didn't know why Janis was so great but I learned it last night. She has a very unique voice, talent and passion. She also broke through racist ideas that blacks should only sing "black" music and white folks, should just sing "white" music. She was the first to mix blues with rock and roll. She stood up against racism in her town of Port Arthur and she actually learned to think critically and sing passionately.
I can say I discovered last night why Joplin was great. I had heard "me and Bobby McGee" in the past and her unique rendition of "Summertime" but what I really loved about this performer is that she was true to her art. As always the Alley does incredible work. The band was awesome, the performer qhite good. It is almost impossible I would think to be like Joplin..there is only one Joplin but she did a great job. I have to be a bit critical of the accents the actresses playing Joplin were doing. They sure didn't sound like Texas girls but they did a great job portraying an incredible and never forgotten artist.
Monday
What you can do about Global Warming
Recently I attended the Pachamama alliance seminar. They gave out a lot of material but the one I liked the most was this one. It shares what we all can do to make life better for ourselves and the planet, my mother earth, my "pachamama" Please take your time to read it.
• Relationship with self:
o Breathe deeply
o Read one page of something that inspires you
o Attend a religious or spiritual group that is new to you
o Play with crayons
o Stretch your body
o Write down your dreams
o Take a nap
o Listen to someone older than you
o Hug a tree
o Write down three things you are grateful for
o Do nothing for one minute
o Build a fort with blankets- remember to play
o Don’t answer the phone
o Study shamanic journeying techniques
o Display photos that represent the Dream that you want to inspire your life
o Write an answer to the statement “what is the purpose of my life?”
o Watch films, programs, and read books that inspire you
o Create spaces for authentic rituals in your life, such as giving thanks before meals
o Several times during thee day stop, relax for a moment and breathe
o Don’t read your email for one day
o Enjoy what you have
o Keep a dream journal
o Smile at yourself in the mirror
o Take care about what you put in your mind and heart
• Relationship with others/ community:
o Investigate several organizations that are doing something consistent with the Dream you want to have in your community, and get involved with one of them
o Contact you local elementary school and investigate opportunities to volunteer there (e.g., story reading programs)
o Mentor a child
o Form a support group with other participants in your “Awakening the Dreamer” Symposium that will meet monthly and talk about your daily practices, or take action together
o Investigate local churches that might share your spiritual and ecological visions and become involved there
o Turn off your television unless it is being actively watched, or give it up altogether for a period
o Create authentic rituals in your family- blessing at beginnings of meals, family reflection time, appropriate coming of age rituals, birthday rituals
o Establish a “game night” for your family and/or friends on some regular basis
o Have a family meeting where your family talks about whether the day-to-day life you create together does or does not support the Dream that each of you want to have, and what you can do about
o Join or create a shamanic group to support all aspects of awakening the dreamer and changing the Dream
o Invite your neighbors to have a pot luck together 3-4 times a year, with rotating hosts
o Investigate a neighborhood project that might bring your neighbors together in a common goal, for example: planting trees on the street, improving a local playground, preparing a list of basic contact information and map of utility cut-offs for all homes as part of earthquake neighborhood preparednesssmile as you walk down the street
o Dream with friends
• Relationship with the Dream
o Reduce, reuse, recycle. Investigate ecological organizations that help preserve and protect indigenous cultures and support them or volunteer for them
o Vote
o Engage in environmentally conscious policies.
o During a time period that you choose, buy only things you truly need.
o Choose a number of times that each week you will choose to carpool, bicycle, take public transportation or walk instead of driving your own car
o Investigate “one earth” methods of transportation, heating, and refrigeration, at home and work
o Take a test about your contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions based on your lifestyle and educate yourself what possible changes to your lifestyle
o Examine the roles of information technologies in your life
o Experiment with establishing a new or different “baseline” in your relationship with food- for instance, fast one day a month, skip lunch one day a week, eat only when you are strongly hungry one day a week, eat no meat one day a week
o Read a book about the day-to-day life of a different indigenous culture and consider what it reveals about your culture and its life
o Read alternative news sources regularly
• Relationship with the Earth
o Spend five minutes outside each day
o Plant an organic garden
o Find a houseplant you like and learn how to nurture it carefully and with awareness
o Volunteer with local organizations that clean up the environment
o Design, plant or landscape your yard so that it reflects your appreciation for and awareness of nature
o Display pictures or objects from nature that inspire you
o Pay attention to the natural measures of time and the movement of the earth and the moon
o Enroll your neighbors in planting trees in front of the homes on your street
o Plan a hike outdoors with your friends, family or some support group
o Buy a reusable water bottle
o Tell your favorite magazine to use recycled paper
o Take public transportation instead of driving
o Stop junk mail
o Promote local farmers
o Make consumption choices that encourage and support good behavior from private industries so they improve their environmental practices
o Investigate and get involved in the Fair Trade movement
o Investigate local farmer’s markets, or other means of using locally-grown food wherever available and/or using organically-grown food when possible
o Remove and safely dispose of toxic cleaning products, paints, carpets, etc.
o Read labels on food and household products before purchasing them and purchase biodegradable, toxin-free products
o Support your local healthy food store
o Reduce your consumption of processed foods
o Eliminate spraying pesticides on lawns, plants and gardens
o Learn about energy efficient appliance
o Learn about renewable building materials and energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal)
o When purchasing furniture find out if it was produced sustainably
o Test drive a hybrid car and consider it for your next purchase
o Want less
Sunday
Friday
George Bernard Shaw and why we should care
A few months ago, I attended the Pachamama Alliance Awakening the dreamer, changing the dream seminar. I learned a lot but one of the things that stayed with me was a poem by George Bernard Shaw so I would like to share it with you.
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose, recognized by yourself as a mighty one, the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world wll not devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief cancle to me. it is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment. and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
George Bernard Shaw
P.S. I agree with everything he says!
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose, recognized by yourself as a mighty one, the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world wll not devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief cancle to me. it is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment. and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
George Bernard Shaw
P.S. I agree with everything he says!
Living Smart taping this January Who is coming up?
It is that time of the year again! I am taping my Living Smart season 4 shows. I am truly excited. Visible Changes will be doing my hair and I have 5 different make up artists. Awesome Make up and Hair stylist Michael Demarse is coming back for a few days. Caruggi's is loaning me their stylish and fun clothes, and my wardrobe consultant Sam Gershen keeps me on a leash when it comes to picking outfits. She does truly know what looks great!!! The topics this time around are quite challenging. People ask me all the time. How do you pick your topics? My answer is that I think and meditate a lot about it and then I focus on what is going on and what I feel we all need answers to. Last year we saw the massacre at Virginia Tech, from then on we have had a few shootouts. This makes me sick and I wonder what we can do to prevent it so I started out with Dr. Anthony Green PhD. He specializes in school violence prevention and guess what? His AT RISK kids score over 95% in their TAKS test once he gets through working with them. What are his secrets? You'll find out what he does to make them pay attention and stay on track. Of course last year global warming was a big topic and so I invited a pioneer in green architecture LaVerne Williams and a permaculturist with projects around the world Diana Petrochelli.
Shame researcher Dr. Brene Brown taught me a lot about shame and how it affects all other emotions. Dr. Tom Kosten, an addiction researcher and psychiatrist has a lot to say about what we need to know about addiction and how to properly treat it. (The sciene of addiction is the topic because now we know full well how addiction works and thus can find viable solutions.
I couldn't do another season without a discussion on happiness. I found out the happiest man on the planet is a buddist monk, but he lives in Tibet so I found one here in our backyard. He is an amazing, wise and kind man, Master Jian Xiao Shih.
It breaks my heart to see so many people in debt so I invited Manisha Thakor who is an expert in financial literacy. I liked her book because it was simple, to the point and she makes it understandable.
After so much conflict in our society over the war in Iraq, I decided to invite Dr. Garth Jowett to teach us a bit about media literacy. Who are we to believe when the right and left wingers try to convince us their way is the truth. It pains me there are no qualms about lying anymore or distorting the truth so he'll walk us throught the maze of information we get on a daily basis.
We couldn't do a season without talking to the best legal expert in town. The people's lawyer Richard Alderman is not only a great lawyer and teacher, he is a also a very nice and generous man. I really enjoyed meeting his family and asking him for legal advise.
Dr. Jamey Summerfield is a very bright naturopath. I find her extremely interesting because she has studied so many different things and applies it all to her patients. She is a chemical engineer, a nutritionist, a medical massage therapist an emergency technician etc and knows a heck of a lot about fatigue which happens to be a huge problem in our society.
Dr. James Hollis is one of the brightest men I have ever met. He is a world reknowned jungian analyst. Every time he speaks I listen and learn. His book on finding your own path is absolutely amazing. Author and philanthropist, Barbara Elliott is a lovely person and has been working all her life to help others. She will teach us a lot about compassion and making the right choices in philanthropy.
Adele Gorody has been a wonderful advisor to me as I attempt to care for my parents. She will discuss the very important topic of caregiving. Millions in America will be faced with this reality and just like retirement, many of us are not ready for it. We will get some tips on making life easier for ourselves and our loved ones. She has lots of experience and is the Director of the very unique senior guidance directory.
I do hope you watch. We will be launching the season in April We are still airing Season 3. In the next few weeks you will learn about addiction to sugars and flours, depression in women, healing at risk young men, and overcoming addiction so stay tuned on Sundays at 3pm. All of you who watch. Thank you. Many blessings!
Shame researcher Dr. Brene Brown taught me a lot about shame and how it affects all other emotions. Dr. Tom Kosten, an addiction researcher and psychiatrist has a lot to say about what we need to know about addiction and how to properly treat it. (The sciene of addiction is the topic because now we know full well how addiction works and thus can find viable solutions.
I couldn't do another season without a discussion on happiness. I found out the happiest man on the planet is a buddist monk, but he lives in Tibet so I found one here in our backyard. He is an amazing, wise and kind man, Master Jian Xiao Shih.
It breaks my heart to see so many people in debt so I invited Manisha Thakor who is an expert in financial literacy. I liked her book because it was simple, to the point and she makes it understandable.
After so much conflict in our society over the war in Iraq, I decided to invite Dr. Garth Jowett to teach us a bit about media literacy. Who are we to believe when the right and left wingers try to convince us their way is the truth. It pains me there are no qualms about lying anymore or distorting the truth so he'll walk us throught the maze of information we get on a daily basis.
We couldn't do a season without talking to the best legal expert in town. The people's lawyer Richard Alderman is not only a great lawyer and teacher, he is a also a very nice and generous man. I really enjoyed meeting his family and asking him for legal advise.
Dr. Jamey Summerfield is a very bright naturopath. I find her extremely interesting because she has studied so many different things and applies it all to her patients. She is a chemical engineer, a nutritionist, a medical massage therapist an emergency technician etc and knows a heck of a lot about fatigue which happens to be a huge problem in our society.
Dr. James Hollis is one of the brightest men I have ever met. He is a world reknowned jungian analyst. Every time he speaks I listen and learn. His book on finding your own path is absolutely amazing. Author and philanthropist, Barbara Elliott is a lovely person and has been working all her life to help others. She will teach us a lot about compassion and making the right choices in philanthropy.
Adele Gorody has been a wonderful advisor to me as I attempt to care for my parents. She will discuss the very important topic of caregiving. Millions in America will be faced with this reality and just like retirement, many of us are not ready for it. We will get some tips on making life easier for ourselves and our loved ones. She has lots of experience and is the Director of the very unique senior guidance directory.
I do hope you watch. We will be launching the season in April We are still airing Season 3. In the next few weeks you will learn about addiction to sugars and flours, depression in women, healing at risk young men, and overcoming addiction so stay tuned on Sundays at 3pm. All of you who watch. Thank you. Many blessings!
Thursday
Optimum health institute and the new year!
I did it! I spent a week at the Optimum health institute in Bastrop Texas and guess what? I came back a new person. The institute's goal is to help your mind, body and spirit through a deep cleansing and detox program. For me, it was quite difficult. I am a "foodie" and this week was all about juicing, wheatgrass, rejuvenac, prayer, hugs, meditation and excercise. The last thing on your mind is the food you are going to eat that day because ....well...there isn't much of it.! You are there to detox, not to eat wonderful, tasty meals. Now I know how movie stars lose weight quickly and the healthy way. I would call my experience, surviving a very nutritious starvation plan. I loved the people I met, and most importantly the transformation I saw in myself and others. We all had more energy, felt happier, calmer and many times just plain exhausted and grumpy. (I was the one who was grumpy, I get that way when I am hungry!) Many people come with serious health issues. I came with a serious life issues. I couldn't lose weight. I was highly stressed and I wanted a spiritual awakening. When I came home I had lost 9 pounds, mostly water weight I assume since I gained back half the weight in a few days even though I was eating very healthy meals upon my return. However, I am ready to now take on the world. I am ready to face the challenges of the new year and thrive as a human being on this very shaky planet! I can now truly say I am capable of doing anything. I know understand to some extent what it is like to be hungry for long periods of time. I thought about the millions of people in the world who go to bed hungry. For me, this was temporary. I can't imagine what it is like living that way. I am so lucky and so grateful I have something nutritious to eat.
The "smart" people who attend the wellness retreat continue a raw food diet which is the optimum for health. I, on the other hand, chose to continue being a "foodie" just a "smarter" foodie. What a great, difficult but life affirming experience!
The "smart" people who attend the wellness retreat continue a raw food diet which is the optimum for health. I, on the other hand, chose to continue being a "foodie" just a "smarter" foodie. What a great, difficult but life affirming experience!
Friday
Merry Christmas and Media Consolidation!
I wish all of you a Merry, joyful, peaceful, warm and loving Christmas. Forget the presents and remember the loving. Don't forget to hug as many people as you can. Give them the cheapest and most exclusive present YOUR SMILE AND YOUR WARMTH. Be kind, try not to lose your temper, meditate and just be grateful, grateful, grateful!!!
Okay now why media consolidation? Cause the FCC is at it again. They want to let the only 5 big corporations gobble up more airwaves. Please do something about it if you care for our nation and our democracy. Do you like what news media consolidation has done to us? Think about Iraq, Katrina and all the lies you have been told by people who appear to be journalists but are ADVOCATES of something! Here is an article I wrote a while back for an international newspaper but before you read it, Please go to
www.stopmediaconsolidation. com
By Patricia Gras
The freedom of the press gives journalists the right to be honest, fair and courageous in gathering and interpreting information. However, many people are criticising the American press for no longer doing their job.
According to a survey of 300 journalists by the Pew Research Center and the Columbia Journalism Review, about a quarter surveyed said they avoided newsworthy stories or softened the tone of their stories to benefit the interests of their news organisations. Forty-one per cent said they practiced either one or both of these practices routinely.
Six companies now control almost all of the radio and television stations and newspapers, allowing them to be able to dictate what Americans hear as news. Those six companies have become huge conglomerates by combining different media types under their roof. A good example to this is CBS which is owned by Viacom. Viacom owns television stations in 36 American cities, along with MTV, BET, UPN, Nickelodeon, VH1, Showtime and TNN. Viacom also owns well over 100 radio stations in 40 cities. They own Simon and Schuster, which publishes books.
Those large companies reach different types of viewers and have the chance to spread their editorial budgets across several different media, so that the same journalist can report for a media firm's newspaper, website, broadcast TV station, cable TV channel and radio station.
As a result when covering a news story the perspectives are limited and the diversity of expression is gone. Viewers do not see different points of views from different journalists as they should from a media that is free and versatile. The internet only accelerates the combination process. It provides much of the incentive for firms to become large conglomerates because it offers tremendous cost savings compared to firms with a smaller arsenal of media properties.
Former assistant district attorney for New York City, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently interviewed on Houston PBS TV, says, "The news departments have become corporate profit centres". Television news has now become an avenue for entertainment and not information. Kennedy says the stations no longer have an obligation to the public, it is to their shareholders and that obligation is met by increasing viewership -- "appealing to the lowest common denominator".
Robert McChensney author of The problem of the Media says that corporate cutbacks have allowed commercialism to penetrate journalism and the pressure to shape stories to suit advertisers is obvious. "Commercialism also pushes journalists to make content directed at demographics considered desirable by media owner and big ticket advertisers. The notion of journalism as a public service institution aimed at the entire population has vanished".
The enormity of the problem of our media today can be best viewed by looking at the decrease in the number of the big media companies in US. Ben H Bagdikian, author of The Media Monopoly, gives an insight into the numbers: "In 1983, fifty corporations dominated most of every mass medium and the biggest media merger in history was a $340 million deal. In 1987, the fifty companies had shrunk to twenty nine...In 1990, the twenty nine had shrunk to twenty three...In 1997, the biggest firms numbered ten and involved the $19 billion Disney-ABC deal, at the time the biggest media merger ever... In 2000 AOL Time Warner's $350 billion merged corporation was more than 1,000 times larger (than the biggest deal of 1983)".
Congressman Bernard Sanders said in a 2005 floor statement to the House leader, "I am increasingly alarmed by the culture of censorship that seems to be developing in this country. This censorship is being conducted by the corporate owners of our increasingly consolidated, less diverse, media. And it is being done by the government. This result is an insidious chill of free expression on our airwaves".
The goal of a journalist is to tell the story of the diversity of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so. Many unpopular stories are never broadcast. Whether it is the news director, the head of the company or in the case of wartime, the United States military, journalists are being censored. During the Iraqi War in 2003, journalists were allowed to be embedded with the United States military units so the real story of war could be told.
However, according to the Constitutional Rights Foundation, the military had strict rules for these journalists. The media in Iraq were to be briefed as to what information may not be broadcast because of its sensitivity to military operations. For security reasons, commanders were allowed to impose news embargos and temporarily block communication transmissions.
There is much criticism of the way the media has portrayed the war in Iraq. Robert Scheer of Los Angeles Times says: "The media has been sucker-punched completely by this administration". John Burns of the New York Times says, "We failed the American public by being insufficiently critical about elements of the administration's plan to go to war".
Whether it is the giant conglomerates or the United States military, or themselves, many journalists face censorship in some form.
Okay now why media consolidation? Cause the FCC is at it again. They want to let the only 5 big corporations gobble up more airwaves. Please do something about it if you care for our nation and our democracy. Do you like what news media consolidation has done to us? Think about Iraq, Katrina and all the lies you have been told by people who appear to be journalists but are ADVOCATES of something! Here is an article I wrote a while back for an international newspaper but before you read it, Please go to
www.stopmediaconsolidation. com
By Patricia Gras
The freedom of the press gives journalists the right to be honest, fair and courageous in gathering and interpreting information. However, many people are criticising the American press for no longer doing their job.
According to a survey of 300 journalists by the Pew Research Center and the Columbia Journalism Review, about a quarter surveyed said they avoided newsworthy stories or softened the tone of their stories to benefit the interests of their news organisations. Forty-one per cent said they practiced either one or both of these practices routinely.
Six companies now control almost all of the radio and television stations and newspapers, allowing them to be able to dictate what Americans hear as news. Those six companies have become huge conglomerates by combining different media types under their roof. A good example to this is CBS which is owned by Viacom. Viacom owns television stations in 36 American cities, along with MTV, BET, UPN, Nickelodeon, VH1, Showtime and TNN. Viacom also owns well over 100 radio stations in 40 cities. They own Simon and Schuster, which publishes books.
Those large companies reach different types of viewers and have the chance to spread their editorial budgets across several different media, so that the same journalist can report for a media firm's newspaper, website, broadcast TV station, cable TV channel and radio station.
As a result when covering a news story the perspectives are limited and the diversity of expression is gone. Viewers do not see different points of views from different journalists as they should from a media that is free and versatile. The internet only accelerates the combination process. It provides much of the incentive for firms to become large conglomerates because it offers tremendous cost savings compared to firms with a smaller arsenal of media properties.
Former assistant district attorney for New York City, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently interviewed on Houston PBS TV, says, "The news departments have become corporate profit centres". Television news has now become an avenue for entertainment and not information. Kennedy says the stations no longer have an obligation to the public, it is to their shareholders and that obligation is met by increasing viewership -- "appealing to the lowest common denominator".
Robert McChensney author of The problem of the Media says that corporate cutbacks have allowed commercialism to penetrate journalism and the pressure to shape stories to suit advertisers is obvious. "Commercialism also pushes journalists to make content directed at demographics considered desirable by media owner and big ticket advertisers. The notion of journalism as a public service institution aimed at the entire population has vanished".
The enormity of the problem of our media today can be best viewed by looking at the decrease in the number of the big media companies in US. Ben H Bagdikian, author of The Media Monopoly, gives an insight into the numbers: "In 1983, fifty corporations dominated most of every mass medium and the biggest media merger in history was a $340 million deal. In 1987, the fifty companies had shrunk to twenty nine...In 1990, the twenty nine had shrunk to twenty three...In 1997, the biggest firms numbered ten and involved the $19 billion Disney-ABC deal, at the time the biggest media merger ever... In 2000 AOL Time Warner's $350 billion merged corporation was more than 1,000 times larger (than the biggest deal of 1983)".
Congressman Bernard Sanders said in a 2005 floor statement to the House leader, "I am increasingly alarmed by the culture of censorship that seems to be developing in this country. This censorship is being conducted by the corporate owners of our increasingly consolidated, less diverse, media. And it is being done by the government. This result is an insidious chill of free expression on our airwaves".
The goal of a journalist is to tell the story of the diversity of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so. Many unpopular stories are never broadcast. Whether it is the news director, the head of the company or in the case of wartime, the United States military, journalists are being censored. During the Iraqi War in 2003, journalists were allowed to be embedded with the United States military units so the real story of war could be told.
However, according to the Constitutional Rights Foundation, the military had strict rules for these journalists. The media in Iraq were to be briefed as to what information may not be broadcast because of its sensitivity to military operations. For security reasons, commanders were allowed to impose news embargos and temporarily block communication transmissions.
There is much criticism of the way the media has portrayed the war in Iraq. Robert Scheer of Los Angeles Times says: "The media has been sucker-punched completely by this administration". John Burns of the New York Times says, "We failed the American public by being insufficiently critical about elements of the administration's plan to go to war".
Whether it is the giant conglomerates or the United States military, or themselves, many journalists face censorship in some form.
Wednesday
Living Smart dec 16 at 3pm, and my wellness retreat
We are working on our membership drive. Be patient, Pledge and then enjoy the program! This means the Living Smart show does not start up until December 16th at 3pm. So you can watch it every Sunday at 3pm.
I am getting ready for the holidays, which usually means shopping and for me that means stress. I never know what to get and I wonder if I am giving the right gift etc, so this year I have decided to dissappear to never never land. I am going to a silent wellness retreat, so instead of shopping I will be drinking wheat grass, praying, meditating, reading a heck of a lot and sleeping. Does that sound appealing or what? I am preparing for a random miracle. Maybe this time, I will remember everything I read. I won't have to talk on the phone all day (which I really don't like) I won't have to answer e mails, (a necessary evil) and I won't have to schedule lunches, coffee or dinner with anyone. I will love my friends and family from afar, spend time alone and reflect. (How boring) Actually I am looking forward to it because next year will be a year of wonderful surprises. I already feel it. Wonderful things are coming my way. I will finish my 4th Living Smart season which is not too bad considering it took me 11 years to get my own show again. I plan to learn a lot more about the web, start studying my forgotten languages and hooking up with new mentors. I do believe its important to write things down so I will have time to do that. I hope you will too. I think goals and dreams are like the maps we need to get to our destination. I believe in impossible dreams, so I will just write some impossible goals, but just watch me. Next year I will be a size 8, however impossible that sounds!
I am getting ready for the holidays, which usually means shopping and for me that means stress. I never know what to get and I wonder if I am giving the right gift etc, so this year I have decided to dissappear to never never land. I am going to a silent wellness retreat, so instead of shopping I will be drinking wheat grass, praying, meditating, reading a heck of a lot and sleeping. Does that sound appealing or what? I am preparing for a random miracle. Maybe this time, I will remember everything I read. I won't have to talk on the phone all day (which I really don't like) I won't have to answer e mails, (a necessary evil) and I won't have to schedule lunches, coffee or dinner with anyone. I will love my friends and family from afar, spend time alone and reflect. (How boring) Actually I am looking forward to it because next year will be a year of wonderful surprises. I already feel it. Wonderful things are coming my way. I will finish my 4th Living Smart season which is not too bad considering it took me 11 years to get my own show again. I plan to learn a lot more about the web, start studying my forgotten languages and hooking up with new mentors. I do believe its important to write things down so I will have time to do that. I hope you will too. I think goals and dreams are like the maps we need to get to our destination. I believe in impossible dreams, so I will just write some impossible goals, but just watch me. Next year I will be a size 8, however impossible that sounds!
Tuesday
Reflections but NOT by George Carlin/HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I sent this last week but it was not WRITTEN BY GEORGE CARLIN. Several friends told me it was actually written by a Pastor Moore. To me it didn't matter who wrote it because the reflection would touch anyone's heart who is conscious about what is going on in our world. However I wanted to let you know.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways ,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes . These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cos t a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR..
I have so much to be grateful for this year. Last year I was in a hospital waiting for my mother to come out of her coma. It was a horrible experience and one I would not wish upon anyone. The story has a happy ending. Three weeks later, She woke up, survived and today is walking around being my mother again. (Telling me what to wear, how to do my hair and to stop eating so much!) Every time I see her I just thank God she is alive. I am so lucky to get her back. The truth is we don't think about these things until it is too late. Now every time I see her I hug and kiss her and thank God he gave her back to me another day. What a gift.
The other day I went to my first silent retreat ever! It was tough..I think the main reason was that every time I have time to think, I don't usually think positive thoughts. What we were told is that we must learn to be GRATEFUL. The truth is happy people tend to be more grateful. Now I make it a practice every morning to thank God for at least 10 things. It does put my life into perspective.
So my best thanksgiving ever is this year. I got my mother back. Everything else for that day won't matter. My heart is just not big enough to fit the gratitude I feel. I hope you will find something to be grateful for, even if it is very painful.
so I wish you a day of gratitude! Cheers and don't eat too much.
This Friday november 29th at 1pm Laury Adams discusses why social security is unfair to women and what you can do about it.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways ,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes . These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cos t a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR..
I have so much to be grateful for this year. Last year I was in a hospital waiting for my mother to come out of her coma. It was a horrible experience and one I would not wish upon anyone. The story has a happy ending. Three weeks later, She woke up, survived and today is walking around being my mother again. (Telling me what to wear, how to do my hair and to stop eating so much!) Every time I see her I just thank God she is alive. I am so lucky to get her back. The truth is we don't think about these things until it is too late. Now every time I see her I hug and kiss her and thank God he gave her back to me another day. What a gift.
The other day I went to my first silent retreat ever! It was tough..I think the main reason was that every time I have time to think, I don't usually think positive thoughts. What we were told is that we must learn to be GRATEFUL. The truth is happy people tend to be more grateful. Now I make it a practice every morning to thank God for at least 10 things. It does put my life into perspective.
So my best thanksgiving ever is this year. I got my mother back. Everything else for that day won't matter. My heart is just not big enough to fit the gratitude I feel. I hope you will find something to be grateful for, even if it is very painful.
so I wish you a day of gratitude! Cheers and don't eat too much.
This Friday november 29th at 1pm Laury Adams discusses why social security is unfair to women and what you can do about it.
Thursday
Reflections by George Carlin and Living Smart and social security
We get so much "stuff" on e mail, a lot of it useless but yesterday I received two e mails that really touched me. One was on a cell phone salesman who wanted to be an opera singer. The judges were rude to him but when he began to sing, the audience and the judges were shocked. There was not a dry eye in the room. The man was very humble yet a giant. It was beautiful to watch.
Then I read this reflection by George Carlin (the comedian) who recently lost his wife. He said things I have felt for so many years but could not express so eloquently. Sometimes it takes a lot of pain to wake up our creative juices.
Please read it and I am sure you will see what I mean.
RELECTIONS BY GEORGE CARLIN
The paradox of our time in history is that we have TALLER buildings but SHORTER tempers, WIDER Freeways ,but NARROWER viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes . These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; SPEND TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Wow..that's all I can say
This Sunday November 16th while I am on a retreat. Watch Laury Adams at 3pm to learn about social security and women. The advise she shares will amaze you and save you money!
Then I read this reflection by George Carlin (the comedian) who recently lost his wife. He said things I have felt for so many years but could not express so eloquently. Sometimes it takes a lot of pain to wake up our creative juices.
Please read it and I am sure you will see what I mean.
RELECTIONS BY GEORGE CARLIN
The paradox of our time in history is that we have TALLER buildings but SHORTER tempers, WIDER Freeways ,but NARROWER viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes . These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; SPEND TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Wow..that's all I can say
This Sunday November 16th while I am on a retreat. Watch Laury Adams at 3pm to learn about social security and women. The advise she shares will amaze you and save you money!
Living Smart, Joy of Living and the power of prayer
Living Smart continues this Sunday November 4th at 3pm with Sehba Sarwar of Voices Breaking Boundaries. In my 20 years doing television features, I find the people who do the most work are the most passionate. Sehba is quite driven and she has chosen to work with children and bring the best out of them. She is one of the quiet/yet loud heroes I get to feature on Living Smart.
A few days ago I had to talk to a group of women at MD Anderson hospital. Strangely enough, my father was getting his six month cancer check up the same day and my mom who was actually pregnant with me when she worked at MD Anderson 4 decades ago, came with me. I had chosen to speak about the joy of living because I have a poster in my office that reminds me to enjoy the joy of life (La Joie de Vivre)every day.
I enjoyed telling women what brings me joy but I also felt I needed to be honest and share that suffering is part of life too and that despite all the challenges we face in life, particularly at our age, we must still soldier on and work hard to be happy but most importantly to find "meaning" in life. What is contradictory in my life is that to find meaning I have had to suffer. The more pain I have felt in my life, the more I appreciate what makes me happy. I no longer take for granted that my mother is alive for instance. Why? Well, after sitting 15 hour days for 3 weeks next to her while she was in a coma, I have learned that every time I see her now, I am so grateful to God for giving her back to me. I feel great joy when I think about it.
Yesterday after the speech which ended with my favorite song. (I sang La Vie En Rose) I went over to the next building and found out that my dad's cancer had come back. I am very sad as I write this but it also brings me great joy that I have such strong faith in god and the power of prayer and the love of family and friends that I feel peace.
Like many Americans, I feel a lot of stress, so I have chosen to start spending more time relaxing, meditating and praying. I have for now quit playing music. My last concert will be Saturday November 10th at the Artery. I don't know if I will every play again. I do hope I will but for now, my mind, my soul and my voice will take a break. You should consider doing the same and finding out what brings you joy. Then repeating that activity as much as you can!
A few days ago I had to talk to a group of women at MD Anderson hospital. Strangely enough, my father was getting his six month cancer check up the same day and my mom who was actually pregnant with me when she worked at MD Anderson 4 decades ago, came with me. I had chosen to speak about the joy of living because I have a poster in my office that reminds me to enjoy the joy of life (La Joie de Vivre)every day.
I enjoyed telling women what brings me joy but I also felt I needed to be honest and share that suffering is part of life too and that despite all the challenges we face in life, particularly at our age, we must still soldier on and work hard to be happy but most importantly to find "meaning" in life. What is contradictory in my life is that to find meaning I have had to suffer. The more pain I have felt in my life, the more I appreciate what makes me happy. I no longer take for granted that my mother is alive for instance. Why? Well, after sitting 15 hour days for 3 weeks next to her while she was in a coma, I have learned that every time I see her now, I am so grateful to God for giving her back to me. I feel great joy when I think about it.
Yesterday after the speech which ended with my favorite song. (I sang La Vie En Rose) I went over to the next building and found out that my dad's cancer had come back. I am very sad as I write this but it also brings me great joy that I have such strong faith in god and the power of prayer and the love of family and friends that I feel peace.
Like many Americans, I feel a lot of stress, so I have chosen to start spending more time relaxing, meditating and praying. I have for now quit playing music. My last concert will be Saturday November 10th at the Artery. I don't know if I will every play again. I do hope I will but for now, my mind, my soul and my voice will take a break. You should consider doing the same and finding out what brings you joy. Then repeating that activity as much as you can!
Living Smart , and No more Victims with Marilyn Gambrell
LIVING SMART
Living Smart season 3 started last weekend on October 21st with Eliza Duncan. This Sunday John Sage will be featured again at 3pm. I really loved hanging out with John Sage of Bridges to Life. He taught me to stand up for what is right but also to have compassion. He lost his sister in a brutal murder. After suffering from depression, and a year of prayer, he realized he wanted to start a program in prison to understand why inmates do what they do and for them to understand how victim's families feel about their actions. His program has been so successful the recidivism rate for prisoners he and his volunteers work with has gone from the general 60 percent to less than 10 percent. He is an amazing man who chose a positive way to respond to a horrible situation. This Sunday October 29th at 3pm on Ch. 8.
I want to share another story about Living Smart which gives me the incentive to fight to keep the show on the air. On season 2 I interviewed Marilyn Gambrell of No More Victims. The organization takes care of children of incarcerated parents. These children have been raped, neglected, abandoned, starved, etc. Their problems are innumerable. Marilyn has become a surrogate mother for these children. When I met her, Marilyn felt very little hope she could do much with the little monies she was getting so I connected her with my favorite charity. Cherish Our children International. This past Sunday I attended a fundraiser organized for No more Victims and played drums along with 400 other drummers to raise money for the children. We raised over 36,000! Miracles happen. Since Marilyn met Cherish our children they have raised a lot more than that and the children will be getting a new home, a new community garden and many other activities to help them cope with the myriad of problems they face.
MUSIC
November 10th at the ARTERY will be my last concert this year. I have decided to take a break from music for a while so I can rest. I have been quite stressed lately and I need to spend more time taking care of myself. I hope you will all come. I have no idea when I will take up music again.
Living Smart season 3 started last weekend on October 21st with Eliza Duncan. This Sunday John Sage will be featured again at 3pm. I really loved hanging out with John Sage of Bridges to Life. He taught me to stand up for what is right but also to have compassion. He lost his sister in a brutal murder. After suffering from depression, and a year of prayer, he realized he wanted to start a program in prison to understand why inmates do what they do and for them to understand how victim's families feel about their actions. His program has been so successful the recidivism rate for prisoners he and his volunteers work with has gone from the general 60 percent to less than 10 percent. He is an amazing man who chose a positive way to respond to a horrible situation. This Sunday October 29th at 3pm on Ch. 8.
I want to share another story about Living Smart which gives me the incentive to fight to keep the show on the air. On season 2 I interviewed Marilyn Gambrell of No More Victims. The organization takes care of children of incarcerated parents. These children have been raped, neglected, abandoned, starved, etc. Their problems are innumerable. Marilyn has become a surrogate mother for these children. When I met her, Marilyn felt very little hope she could do much with the little monies she was getting so I connected her with my favorite charity. Cherish Our children International. This past Sunday I attended a fundraiser organized for No more Victims and played drums along with 400 other drummers to raise money for the children. We raised over 36,000! Miracles happen. Since Marilyn met Cherish our children they have raised a lot more than that and the children will be getting a new home, a new community garden and many other activities to help them cope with the myriad of problems they face.
MUSIC
November 10th at the ARTERY will be my last concert this year. I have decided to take a break from music for a while so I can rest. I have been quite stressed lately and I need to spend more time taking care of myself. I hope you will all come. I have no idea when I will take up music again.
Soul Pain and what I can do about it
Yesterday I met someone going through a divorce and today, I met someone else who shared his pain after his divorce. Since I have never gone through this, all I could say is. It takes time, but from my own personal experience, suffering does not go away after a breakup, it only gets more "maneagable."
I am reading a book called Creating a Life by James Hollis. He will be on my Living Smart season 4 and I would like to share some of the paragraphs that help me deal with my own soul pain after things don't work out the way I want them to.
"The temptation to live on the surface of life is clear enough. When we are pulled deeply into something, even love, it hurts and opens us up to great suffering. But the willingness to open to depth is the chief way in which dignity and purpose return to life.
Then I read "When we embrace the anxiety attendant upon our condition, we open to the power of the divine."
My friend's response to me after reading it to him was. "That is just too deep for me" In a way I understood his response, right after a breakup, the last thing I wanted to read was why suffering is good for me!!! Now that time has passed. I am a better person because I can actually recognize soul pain when I meet someone. I have learned compassion and that is not easy to learn.
I am reading a book called Creating a Life by James Hollis. He will be on my Living Smart season 4 and I would like to share some of the paragraphs that help me deal with my own soul pain after things don't work out the way I want them to.
"The temptation to live on the surface of life is clear enough. When we are pulled deeply into something, even love, it hurts and opens us up to great suffering. But the willingness to open to depth is the chief way in which dignity and purpose return to life.
Then I read "When we embrace the anxiety attendant upon our condition, we open to the power of the divine."
My friend's response to me after reading it to him was. "That is just too deep for me" In a way I understood his response, right after a breakup, the last thing I wanted to read was why suffering is good for me!!! Now that time has passed. I am a better person because I can actually recognize soul pain when I meet someone. I have learned compassion and that is not easy to learn.
Living Smart, Caregiving Townmeeting and Music!
For 10 years, I have been doing stories or documentaries on obesity and why we are overweight and it still amazes me most of us still don't get it. That's why the show on addiction to sugars and flours is so important. It will air on HoustonPBS on Sunday October 14th at 3pm.
When I first did the story on addiction to sugars and flours years ago, I too became aware of what I was drinking and eating. For instance I used to think fruit juices were healthy. Well if you don't add sugar to them they generally are. It's called juicing! However what we usually get in the store has tons of sugar or worse, corn syrup! This is not healthy. I stopped drinking any drink with sugar in it and I have been doing that ever since. Although I am not thin, I feel it has helped me maintain my weight for years.
The other addiction is to processed foods with flour. This includes breads, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, bagels etc. Believe it or not, I hardly eat bread for this reason and I stay away from cakes, cookies and desserts. Okay, not always! but most of the time. The question we try to answer in this program is whether these types of foods, that have sugars and flours are addictive. In my opinion they are. Many disagree but what I will say. We would do much better without them. With the growth of processed foods, we have become fatter and sicker. That is a fact.
Season 3 of Living Smart begins again with the show on Alcohol and substance abuse addiction on October 21st at 3pm. Most of us are affected by addiction. We have friends or family who have the disease. The challenge is to prevent it or better yet learn what is available today. The science of addiction which I will cover in Living Smart's next season shows us there are so many new medications and vaccines in the works, there will be more hope for effective treatments in the future.
Last saturday I worked on a town meeting on caregiving. This was a very important program for me. I am a baby boomer with older parents! My family is facing all the issues we should talk about with our folks. Do you know what your parents want? Do you know if they have a will, a power of attorney or medical directive? Fortunately my parents were smart enough to visit a lawyer years ago. For now they have chosen to retire abroad in part to save money. I find this difficult but understandable with the cost of health care in our nation. The fact is we have focused on treatment and not on prevention in America and this is becoming so expensive many are going abroad for healthcare. Most seniors in America don't have long term care insurance and don't realize how expensive care can be in the end of life. This is sad. It is essential that each family really think about these issues before it is too late.
The CAREGIVING TOWN MEETING will air on Thursday October 25th at 8:30pm and Sunday October 29th at 4pm. I really find this show very useful for many of us with older parents and relatives. You will learn every aspect of caregiving you need to know. In the long run, this show can save you a lot of money and headaches.
MUSIC NEWS
To keep my sanity I am still performing with my duo "Las Latin Chicks” We play at Mi Pueblito on Thursday nights at 7:30pm until 10pm. Mi Pueblito is on Richomd between Fondren and Gessner..(NOT THE OTHER PUEBLITO close to Montrose)
On October 13th we'll play at Salento in Rice Village.
Also write on your calendar about Our November 10th concert at the ARTERY. We will be playing a whole new repertoire with Quartus.
When I first did the story on addiction to sugars and flours years ago, I too became aware of what I was drinking and eating. For instance I used to think fruit juices were healthy. Well if you don't add sugar to them they generally are. It's called juicing! However what we usually get in the store has tons of sugar or worse, corn syrup! This is not healthy. I stopped drinking any drink with sugar in it and I have been doing that ever since. Although I am not thin, I feel it has helped me maintain my weight for years.
The other addiction is to processed foods with flour. This includes breads, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, bagels etc. Believe it or not, I hardly eat bread for this reason and I stay away from cakes, cookies and desserts. Okay, not always! but most of the time. The question we try to answer in this program is whether these types of foods, that have sugars and flours are addictive. In my opinion they are. Many disagree but what I will say. We would do much better without them. With the growth of processed foods, we have become fatter and sicker. That is a fact.
Season 3 of Living Smart begins again with the show on Alcohol and substance abuse addiction on October 21st at 3pm. Most of us are affected by addiction. We have friends or family who have the disease. The challenge is to prevent it or better yet learn what is available today. The science of addiction which I will cover in Living Smart's next season shows us there are so many new medications and vaccines in the works, there will be more hope for effective treatments in the future.
Last saturday I worked on a town meeting on caregiving. This was a very important program for me. I am a baby boomer with older parents! My family is facing all the issues we should talk about with our folks. Do you know what your parents want? Do you know if they have a will, a power of attorney or medical directive? Fortunately my parents were smart enough to visit a lawyer years ago. For now they have chosen to retire abroad in part to save money. I find this difficult but understandable with the cost of health care in our nation. The fact is we have focused on treatment and not on prevention in America and this is becoming so expensive many are going abroad for healthcare. Most seniors in America don't have long term care insurance and don't realize how expensive care can be in the end of life. This is sad. It is essential that each family really think about these issues before it is too late.
The CAREGIVING TOWN MEETING will air on Thursday October 25th at 8:30pm and Sunday October 29th at 4pm. I really find this show very useful for many of us with older parents and relatives. You will learn every aspect of caregiving you need to know. In the long run, this show can save you a lot of money and headaches.
MUSIC NEWS
To keep my sanity I am still performing with my duo "Las Latin Chicks” We play at Mi Pueblito on Thursday nights at 7:30pm until 10pm. Mi Pueblito is on Richomd between Fondren and Gessner..(NOT THE OTHER PUEBLITO close to Montrose)
On October 13th we'll play at Salento in Rice Village.
Also write on your calendar about Our November 10th concert at the ARTERY. We will be playing a whole new repertoire with Quartus.
Friday
My parent's golden anniversary and My class of 90
This weekend my whole family celebrates my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. We are all very excited, especially because we almost lost my mother last year. People are coming from all over the planet and there is a festive atmosphere we are all enjoying. I am so grateful my parents chose to stay committed to each other despite their very serious differences. Today, I just read there are more single people in america than married people. This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, our society often looks down on people who aren't in a relationship or unmarried. This seems strange to me since staying married seems unlikely in today's world. Are we asking too much of ourselves to stay with one person for 50, 60, 80 years? This is a good question to ask before you get married or choose to have children. Undoubtedly, children do better when both parents GET ALONG!!
Anyways, I am happy to be one of the few "children" on the planet whose parents are still married! and happy about it. Having said that, I want to share another happy occurrence in my life. This week, those of us in the class of 1990 at Columbia University's Journalism masters program started to connect. One person started the chain, then we all chimed in. It was so fabulous to just see everyone in digital photos. Most who responded have beautiful children and great careers. One of my friends at school now has two beautiful boys and has left her "career" behind and shared she was embarrassed to show up at the school reunions because she was no longer working. I smiled and told her I understood perfectly because I am embarrassed that I didn't have children! Then I laughed at how ridiculous we are, putting these expectations on ourselves. I am so proud of my friend, for she apparently is a great "soccer" mom and has even started her own business. Who cares if at one point she worked in a high powered television network, She's happy now and that's all that matters, at least that is how I feel about it.
She made me think about how we see ourselves and how we view success or failure in life. It was refreshing to hear someone struggling with the same issues that come up, especially for women. Do we women have to do it all, meaning career, husband, children? and if we don't are we ashamed? I say the key is that you know your authentic self. Unfortunately this usually takes a bit of suffering and bad choices, but hey, life was not meant to be fair or easy and we have it preety good here in the United States of America. I say live it up. Enjoy what you do and forget about what other people think. Find out what makes you happy and then go for it!
Anyways, I am happy to be one of the few "children" on the planet whose parents are still married! and happy about it. Having said that, I want to share another happy occurrence in my life. This week, those of us in the class of 1990 at Columbia University's Journalism masters program started to connect. One person started the chain, then we all chimed in. It was so fabulous to just see everyone in digital photos. Most who responded have beautiful children and great careers. One of my friends at school now has two beautiful boys and has left her "career" behind and shared she was embarrassed to show up at the school reunions because she was no longer working. I smiled and told her I understood perfectly because I am embarrassed that I didn't have children! Then I laughed at how ridiculous we are, putting these expectations on ourselves. I am so proud of my friend, for she apparently is a great "soccer" mom and has even started her own business. Who cares if at one point she worked in a high powered television network, She's happy now and that's all that matters, at least that is how I feel about it.
She made me think about how we see ourselves and how we view success or failure in life. It was refreshing to hear someone struggling with the same issues that come up, especially for women. Do we women have to do it all, meaning career, husband, children? and if we don't are we ashamed? I say the key is that you know your authentic self. Unfortunately this usually takes a bit of suffering and bad choices, but hey, life was not meant to be fair or easy and we have it preety good here in the United States of America. I say live it up. Enjoy what you do and forget about what other people think. Find out what makes you happy and then go for it!
Tuesday
Miracles Happen
I have a bumper sticker that says miracles happen. I have always believed this. However, since I am human, I have to remind myself with my bumper sticker. Last year, my mother flew to Argentina and when she arrived, she had caught pneumonia on the plane. Don't panic. My mother's immune system was down. It is not that common to catch it but more likely for someone like my mother who is a heart patient. She then fell into a coma for three and a half weeks. I flew down south and lived in the hospital for 15 hours a day. I prayed and asked all my friends around the world to pray for my mother. I have no doubt in the power of prayer. I have friends of every religion in the book. I love my friends and I believe there are different paths to God. I respect them all. As a christian I knew who I prayed to but asked my friends to pray whichever way they knew and I always repeated to them, miracles happen.
It was a miracle my mother survived. It took her months to get back to normal and she lost 30 pounds, but in her late 70's, surviving such an ordeal I believe required prayer and voila...a miracle! I am now asking my friends to pray for me. I can't share with you the challenge I face, but I promise to share it with you next year in February. It is not easy to believe in miracles so I belive I am being tested. I don't mind. I love God and I believe the outcome will be for everyone's highest good, including mine!
Remember happiness is not about what we want, but being grateful for what we already have and God knows I am grateful for every blessing that comes my way.
The schedule for Living Smart has changed again due to the War documentary by Ken Burns. Please watch again on October 14th. The show on addiction to sugars and flours will be very interesting. I truly believe if we take sugars and flours out of our diet we would be a lot healthier.
Don't forget miracles happen and cutting down sugars and flours is a miracle for me but I believe I can do it!
It was a miracle my mother survived. It took her months to get back to normal and she lost 30 pounds, but in her late 70's, surviving such an ordeal I believe required prayer and voila...a miracle! I am now asking my friends to pray for me. I can't share with you the challenge I face, but I promise to share it with you next year in February. It is not easy to believe in miracles so I belive I am being tested. I don't mind. I love God and I believe the outcome will be for everyone's highest good, including mine!
Remember happiness is not about what we want, but being grateful for what we already have and God knows I am grateful for every blessing that comes my way.
The schedule for Living Smart has changed again due to the War documentary by Ken Burns. Please watch again on October 14th. The show on addiction to sugars and flours will be very interesting. I truly believe if we take sugars and flours out of our diet we would be a lot healthier.
Don't forget miracles happen and cutting down sugars and flours is a miracle for me but I believe I can do it!
Request for testimonials feedback, suggestions and ideas
The next three weeks I will be doing a "pseudo" focus group on Living Smart with viewers who watch the show. If you are reading this blog you probably have seen a show or two. I ask that you share your testimonials if you have any. That is if the show has impacted you or someone you know in any way. If you would like to watch one now. You can go to video google and type "living Smart." There are plenty of shows that you can watch. I received a lot of feedback particularly for coping with Lyme last season. I got a lot of letters and e mails also for the Dan Phillips show. This gives me hope. It means more viewers are paying attention to recycling.
I also would love suggestions and feedback. We can' please everyone but we do LISTEN to everyone so feel free to share your ideas with us on topics you would like to learn more about.
I am still playing music at Mi Pueblito on Thursdays at 7:30pm. It is located on Richmond between fondren and gessner. I would love to see you there!
I also would love suggestions and feedback. We can' please everyone but we do LISTEN to everyone so feel free to share your ideas with us on topics you would like to learn more about.
I am still playing music at Mi Pueblito on Thursdays at 7:30pm. It is located on Richmond between fondren and gessner. I would love to see you there!
Living Smart on hiatus until Sept 30th, Music and Global Warming
In september we have another drive to raise much needed funds for our station. We recently had layoffs and this year we have to work hard to get funding for our programming. As you all know, everything is more expensive and all these disasters happening around us are affecting us as well.
As for Living Smart, We will air the addiction to sugars and flours program on Sept 30th at 3pm. I loved this show because it reminds us that sugars and flours are not exactly foods we should eat without thinking! Some can be addictive. I remember when I first learned about nutrition, I had no idea that fruit juices were not so healthy for you. Why is that? They add sugar to them. If you "juice" that is another story, but when you buy it from a plastic carton. BEWARE! Find out how much sugar or corn syrup they add to it. Then, I suggest you drink in moderation.
September is an important month for us since we will be airing the controversial documentary on World War 2 by Ken Burns.
The Latino community was upset and rightly so that Mr. Burns had not included any Latinos in the documentary. As a Latina, I knew half a million hispanics had served in World War two so, I too felt we needed to be included. Fortunately, Burns and PBS listened and now Hector Galan, has produced extra material including Latinos. As we say in spanish "El que no llora no mama" or the "squeakie wheel gets the grease" In this case it was a matter of fairness and doing what is right in my humble opinion.
Last night I watched the 11th hour. I also attended the Pachamama symposium on global warming and what we can do about it. I was quite disturbed. I know some people still believe Global warming is a hoax and we exaggerate but my question is "What if" what they were saying was true. I believe it is, but for those who don't. What if all this rain we have in Houston (which has not happened in decades) is due to climate change caused by human consumption and dependence on oil? I will be doing a show on this, but my approach is not to "criticize and malign corporations but to collaborate for change" We can not change what we are doing if we don't work together to find a solution. Our nation is already broken up into too many political camps who don't listen to each other. They tend to insult, malign, and belittle each other. I am so tired of our lack of leadership and that goes for both parties. I truly believe in grassroots efforts. It is we the people who will change the course away from our own destruction. As a native american elder said, the planet has eternity to survive and heal, we, humans do not.!
I don't expect politicians to do it but we must demand more from them. There are things we can do on our own. Check the pachamama alliance and the website on the 11th hour for ideas. We certainly need to start doing something on our own and quit pointing fingers. I for one have started asking myself every time I buy something. Do I really need this? three times. I am getting richer because of it.!!!!
We should also buy local foods. This will avoid so much dependence on oil because it cuts down on transporation costs. Last but not least, spend time in nature. Enjoy it. We can no be separated from it. It is not healthy. Forget the virtual..Get the real stuff. Smell the flour, touch the rain, walk on the beach, look at tree.
Many blessings.
As for Living Smart, We will air the addiction to sugars and flours program on Sept 30th at 3pm. I loved this show because it reminds us that sugars and flours are not exactly foods we should eat without thinking! Some can be addictive. I remember when I first learned about nutrition, I had no idea that fruit juices were not so healthy for you. Why is that? They add sugar to them. If you "juice" that is another story, but when you buy it from a plastic carton. BEWARE! Find out how much sugar or corn syrup they add to it. Then, I suggest you drink in moderation.
September is an important month for us since we will be airing the controversial documentary on World War 2 by Ken Burns.
The Latino community was upset and rightly so that Mr. Burns had not included any Latinos in the documentary. As a Latina, I knew half a million hispanics had served in World War two so, I too felt we needed to be included. Fortunately, Burns and PBS listened and now Hector Galan, has produced extra material including Latinos. As we say in spanish "El que no llora no mama" or the "squeakie wheel gets the grease" In this case it was a matter of fairness and doing what is right in my humble opinion.
Last night I watched the 11th hour. I also attended the Pachamama symposium on global warming and what we can do about it. I was quite disturbed. I know some people still believe Global warming is a hoax and we exaggerate but my question is "What if" what they were saying was true. I believe it is, but for those who don't. What if all this rain we have in Houston (which has not happened in decades) is due to climate change caused by human consumption and dependence on oil? I will be doing a show on this, but my approach is not to "criticize and malign corporations but to collaborate for change" We can not change what we are doing if we don't work together to find a solution. Our nation is already broken up into too many political camps who don't listen to each other. They tend to insult, malign, and belittle each other. I am so tired of our lack of leadership and that goes for both parties. I truly believe in grassroots efforts. It is we the people who will change the course away from our own destruction. As a native american elder said, the planet has eternity to survive and heal, we, humans do not.!
I don't expect politicians to do it but we must demand more from them. There are things we can do on our own. Check the pachamama alliance and the website on the 11th hour for ideas. We certainly need to start doing something on our own and quit pointing fingers. I for one have started asking myself every time I buy something. Do I really need this? three times. I am getting richer because of it.!!!!
We should also buy local foods. This will avoid so much dependence on oil because it cuts down on transporation costs. Last but not least, spend time in nature. Enjoy it. We can no be separated from it. It is not healthy. Forget the virtual..Get the real stuff. Smell the flour, touch the rain, walk on the beach, look at tree.
Many blessings.
Thursday
Music, Food addiction and depression in women
I like to start with happy topics so I also want to share that as I keep on performing at Mi Pueblito every thursday, I will also be playing with Las Latin Chicks on Saturdays Sept 1 and 15th at Salento Cafe on Rice Bvd at 8pm.
This Sunday 26th, John Fain will discuss vitamins and supplements. I realize how confusing this can all be and that is why I invited him. At one point I was taking 25 different supplements and vitamins a day, then I met with a naturopath who told me my body couldn't digest all of them. At the time I was struggling with some liver and gall bladder problems. I am now still taking a lot of supplements, but these are not synthetic like most of those sold in health food stores.
As I rehabilitate from knee surgery, my lower back is starting to act up. Please if you know of a great back pain specialist let me know. I am looking for a good one.
I am excited about the show on depression and women. Surely, a lot of us got a wake up call with the Andrea Yates case. She suffered from post partum psychosis which is very different from depression, yet it did start a much needed conversation about post partum depression. The truth is women do not need to suffer needlessly and if you or someone you know feels depressed longer than a week after a baby, Please get help. The mental health association is a good place to start. If your doctor does not bring it up, don't blame it on him or her. They are not getting much education about it in medical school.
That show with the compassionate and knowleagable Laurel Spence will air on Sept 23rd after our membership drive. By the way, we do need community support as always. Recently we had lay offs.
On Sept 30th a topic I feel very passionate about is food addiction. I do believe we can become addicted to some foods and my own eating rule is not to eat anything out of a box. Yes, I know it sounds drastic, but I have stopped eating processed foods and it has really helped my health and weight to say the least! In a few months we'll have a better understanding of obesity in America when we learn many are addicted to sugars and flowers.
Right now I am working on a story on shame. This is for season 4. This was one of the most moving stories I have ever done. We all suffer from shame at some point of another. Is it human nature to feel at times inadequate? I know I do sometimes. What about our desire to feel loved and wanted? Surely, that is normal and universal but what if we fail in a relationship? What if we don't get along with our parents or our co workers? What does that mean? What if we are not like "other" people? We don't fit in. These are questions we all tend to have in our lives. How we answer them and how we cope will define how happy or content we are. In many cases, especially women struggle with the thought that to have value or to feel fulfilled, they must be loved by a man. Why is it we humans depend on others to love us to love ourselves so many times? These are questions I would like answered when I talk to shame researcher Dr. Brene Brown in Season 4 of Living Smart.
This Sunday 26th, John Fain will discuss vitamins and supplements. I realize how confusing this can all be and that is why I invited him. At one point I was taking 25 different supplements and vitamins a day, then I met with a naturopath who told me my body couldn't digest all of them. At the time I was struggling with some liver and gall bladder problems. I am now still taking a lot of supplements, but these are not synthetic like most of those sold in health food stores.
As I rehabilitate from knee surgery, my lower back is starting to act up. Please if you know of a great back pain specialist let me know. I am looking for a good one.
I am excited about the show on depression and women. Surely, a lot of us got a wake up call with the Andrea Yates case. She suffered from post partum psychosis which is very different from depression, yet it did start a much needed conversation about post partum depression. The truth is women do not need to suffer needlessly and if you or someone you know feels depressed longer than a week after a baby, Please get help. The mental health association is a good place to start. If your doctor does not bring it up, don't blame it on him or her. They are not getting much education about it in medical school.
That show with the compassionate and knowleagable Laurel Spence will air on Sept 23rd after our membership drive. By the way, we do need community support as always. Recently we had lay offs.
On Sept 30th a topic I feel very passionate about is food addiction. I do believe we can become addicted to some foods and my own eating rule is not to eat anything out of a box. Yes, I know it sounds drastic, but I have stopped eating processed foods and it has really helped my health and weight to say the least! In a few months we'll have a better understanding of obesity in America when we learn many are addicted to sugars and flowers.
Right now I am working on a story on shame. This is for season 4. This was one of the most moving stories I have ever done. We all suffer from shame at some point of another. Is it human nature to feel at times inadequate? I know I do sometimes. What about our desire to feel loved and wanted? Surely, that is normal and universal but what if we fail in a relationship? What if we don't get along with our parents or our co workers? What does that mean? What if we are not like "other" people? We don't fit in. These are questions we all tend to have in our lives. How we answer them and how we cope will define how happy or content we are. In many cases, especially women struggle with the thought that to have value or to feel fulfilled, they must be loved by a man. Why is it we humans depend on others to love us to love ourselves so many times? These are questions I would like answered when I talk to shame researcher Dr. Brene Brown in Season 4 of Living Smart.
Monday
Living Smart on hitaus, and music concerts
Dear friends: Our show with Gracie Cavnar on childhood obesity and John Fain on foods and supplements will have to wait until August 19th at 3pm and August 26 also at 3pm respectively (Both shows will re air on the following thursdays at 1:30pm)
We will have a much needed membership drive in August.
While the show is on hiatus, I am busy with my music and working on season 4 of Living Smart. I am also playing with my duo every thursday at Mi Pueblito and August 24th at 8pm we'll be at Salento Cafe in the village. I am also truly excited about a special concert at the Artery on November 10th. I will have a new repertoire with my band Quartus and some new original songs. We wrote the theme song for Living Smart a few years back and it has worked very well for the upbeat, positive uplifting message of the show.
In Season 4, the topics I will be covering will be
Dealing with shame
The science of addiction
Cultivating Happiness
Financial Literacy for Women and Teens
Protecting yourself from identity theft and other legal quagmires
Preventing youth violence
Naturopathy, healing and why we are tired all the time
Taking care of your parents
Developing critical thinking skills and media literacy
Creating your own path for fullfillment
Green architecture
Sustainability and what you can do
Learning compassion and revitalizing communities
As I am meeting with potential donors to Living Smat I get asked why I do this so I thought I would share with you why I feel so strongly about Living Smart. First of all I have to agree with Ralph!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
My wish is that Living Smart brings life resources to our viewers, in a fun, succinct and innovative way. It is about the quiet heroes, the pioneers, the activists. Those outstanding professionals who have made a difference in our lives. What drives them is a commitment to leave this world better than they received it. They are of different colors, religions and cultures. American heroes whose values are similar for they each have a burning desire to help others, improve the quality of life by sharing life skills for a better future. They all specialize in different fields and are passionate about their work, their commitments and others.
Their goal is to empower others in different areas of life. They provide information and results not often covered in mainstream media and have made admirable contributions that have been given little notoriety.
These are the unsung heroes who are featured in Living Smart.
Keep watching. Take care and Keep Living Smart, it is much easier than Living Dumb!
“
We will have a much needed membership drive in August.
While the show is on hiatus, I am busy with my music and working on season 4 of Living Smart. I am also playing with my duo every thursday at Mi Pueblito and August 24th at 8pm we'll be at Salento Cafe in the village. I am also truly excited about a special concert at the Artery on November 10th. I will have a new repertoire with my band Quartus and some new original songs. We wrote the theme song for Living Smart a few years back and it has worked very well for the upbeat, positive uplifting message of the show.
In Season 4, the topics I will be covering will be
Dealing with shame
The science of addiction
Cultivating Happiness
Financial Literacy for Women and Teens
Protecting yourself from identity theft and other legal quagmires
Preventing youth violence
Naturopathy, healing and why we are tired all the time
Taking care of your parents
Developing critical thinking skills and media literacy
Creating your own path for fullfillment
Green architecture
Sustainability and what you can do
Learning compassion and revitalizing communities
As I am meeting with potential donors to Living Smat I get asked why I do this so I thought I would share with you why I feel so strongly about Living Smart. First of all I have to agree with Ralph!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
My wish is that Living Smart brings life resources to our viewers, in a fun, succinct and innovative way. It is about the quiet heroes, the pioneers, the activists. Those outstanding professionals who have made a difference in our lives. What drives them is a commitment to leave this world better than they received it. They are of different colors, religions and cultures. American heroes whose values are similar for they each have a burning desire to help others, improve the quality of life by sharing life skills for a better future. They all specialize in different fields and are passionate about their work, their commitments and others.
Their goal is to empower others in different areas of life. They provide information and results not often covered in mainstream media and have made admirable contributions that have been given little notoriety.
These are the unsung heroes who are featured in Living Smart.
Keep watching. Take care and Keep Living Smart, it is much easier than Living Dumb!
“
Living smart and my music
Recently we aired programs on building with recycled materials and Effective Living. This week Hitaji Aziz of KPFT radio who's been hosting a show for 25 years, talked about her male audience and how she tries to help me who have been wounded spiritually and psychologically. These three shows have hit a nerve. Thousands more watched Living Smart. Dan Phillips of the Phoenix Commotion is trying to move his concept of building with recycled materials to Houston. I spent a few days in Huntsville looking at his houses and it was the most amazing architecture I have ever seen. He is basically taking landfill "trash" and making art and creative architecture. He is also doing it for people who can't afford even low cost housing. Dan and his wife are people who truly make a difference in other people's lives. I do hope the city of Houston works with him to begin recycling major city landfills.
Sister Elizabeth Mozina of the Cenacle, a retreat house in Houston also brought great response form our viewers. I love the Cenacle and what it does for people. It is a place where I often find inner peace and even wisdom! Her course on Effective Living also changed my life. I just had to share a bit of what I had learned in years of going to the Cenacle.
Hitaji Aziz, who has lived a difficult life, has the most street smarts, or call it wisdom, of anyone I have ever known. She knows pain, shame and depression. She understands it and most importantly feels compassion and empathy for victims who are also victimizers. I wanted her to teach us how to stop the cycle of pain, shame and violence. Her words are powerful and her story life affirming. She is Living Smart!!!
I would also like to share I have started playing music with a duo as well as my band. This allows me more flexibility and forces me to learn many new songs! We are playing at a Colombian Restaurant, Mi Pueblito on Richmond and Gessner every Thursday at 7:30pm. We have a lot of fun and people seem to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and food. We will also be playing on August 24th at Salento Cafe at 8pm. Salento is on Rice at Rice Village.
Thanks to all of you who have called and written us. It means the world to us here at HoustonPBS. To me, it means that by watching these extraordinary guests YOU TOO ARE LIVING SMART!!! Be happy.
Sister Elizabeth Mozina of the Cenacle, a retreat house in Houston also brought great response form our viewers. I love the Cenacle and what it does for people. It is a place where I often find inner peace and even wisdom! Her course on Effective Living also changed my life. I just had to share a bit of what I had learned in years of going to the Cenacle.
Hitaji Aziz, who has lived a difficult life, has the most street smarts, or call it wisdom, of anyone I have ever known. She knows pain, shame and depression. She understands it and most importantly feels compassion and empathy for victims who are also victimizers. I wanted her to teach us how to stop the cycle of pain, shame and violence. Her words are powerful and her story life affirming. She is Living Smart!!!
I would also like to share I have started playing music with a duo as well as my band. This allows me more flexibility and forces me to learn many new songs! We are playing at a Colombian Restaurant, Mi Pueblito on Richmond and Gessner every Thursday at 7:30pm. We have a lot of fun and people seem to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and food. We will also be playing on August 24th at Salento Cafe at 8pm. Salento is on Rice at Rice Village.
Thanks to all of you who have called and written us. It means the world to us here at HoustonPBS. To me, it means that by watching these extraordinary guests YOU TOO ARE LIVING SMART!!! Be happy.
Friday
Effective Living and Soccer
Many years ago, I went to the Cenacle for a retreat. Someone had suggested I attend the Effective Living Seminar with Sister Elizabeth Mozina, so I did. It transformed my life. The affirmations that I learned I was able to apply to different areas of my life. Over the years I took advanced courses and went to the Cenacle several times to recharge my "spiritual batteries." One of my favorite blessings when I would return to the Cenacle were Sister's big hugs and the stillness of the surroundings. Every time I go the the Cenacle in fact, I can't help but appreciate what it offers, a time to be alone, a time to be quiet and reflect, a time to be with my higher power. There, I simply feel safe. I do hope you enjoyed Sister's 6 main affirmations on the show. Believe me it is a great way to start changing your life if you so desire.
Lately I also wanted to share one of my many passions. Besides playing music which is my "night hobby" I love watching men play soccer! In Argentina, where my parents are from, soccer is a like a religion. You have to show up on Sundays no matter what! Right now Argentina is in the finals for the Copa America. I do hope we win but fortunately over time, I have gotten less upset about losing (if that were to happen) I have learned to love international sports as a way to unite people. Every time I have been to a world cup, which happens every 4 years around the world, I can't help but feel a lot of conflict could be resolved in the world by just playing a match and watching the best team win. I have sat in coffee shops around the world dancing Brazilian zambas, Chilean Cuecas or American disco after a match just because we felt like celebrating what we have in common. I am already making plans for some dancing this weekend!
Lately I also wanted to share one of my many passions. Besides playing music which is my "night hobby" I love watching men play soccer! In Argentina, where my parents are from, soccer is a like a religion. You have to show up on Sundays no matter what! Right now Argentina is in the finals for the Copa America. I do hope we win but fortunately over time, I have gotten less upset about losing (if that were to happen) I have learned to love international sports as a way to unite people. Every time I have been to a world cup, which happens every 4 years around the world, I can't help but feel a lot of conflict could be resolved in the world by just playing a match and watching the best team win. I have sat in coffee shops around the world dancing Brazilian zambas, Chilean Cuecas or American disco after a match just because we felt like celebrating what we have in common. I am already making plans for some dancing this weekend!
Living Smart, Summer Escapes and Music
Hello there:
I got a lot of calls from you about the social security show. I can't repeat this often enough. Knowledge is power and in this case also "Money". For more information on what you really need to know about social security, e mail
lauadams@aol.com and also check the social security website www.ssa.gov. I also wanted to share with you HoustonPBS escapes.
Summer E-scapes is in a full swing again and we were able to secure very cool prizes. Odds to win one of these prizes are great.
So, I wanted to ask all of you to promote this any way you can…forward it to friends, post it in your blogs…etc.
Below is the message that will be going out to all our members. Feel free to forward it on.
The shortcut URL to get to the proper page is www.houstonpbs.org/escape
I am now working hard on my fourth season of Living Smart. Producing all the video reports and preparing for future topics. We'll be covering credit card debt relief and why we need to teach our children to SAVE MONEY! We'll also find out how to protect ourselves from identity theft. There will be a lot of discussion about the environment and simple steps to save energy. I also just attended an addiction conference in Quebec Canada and will be producing a show on the science of addiction and what's new to treat drug abuse.
This season we are still covering fabulous topics, such as "Effective Living" with Sister Mozina on July 15th, Dan Phillips who builds low income homes with recycled materials on July 22nd, Hitaji Aziz who knows a lot about healing young men and how to talk to them(July 29th) Gracie Cavnar teaches us about childhood nutrition Augst 5th) John Fain about supplements and vitamins,(Aug 12th) Laurel Spence shares her experience with post partum depression August 19th) and Joan Ifland shows us how we can become addicted to sugars and flours.(August 26th)
I continue to play my drums and a bit of guitar with my bands and will probably playing at a cafe soon with a duo. I will let you know when I have dates and places.
Remember to be grateful for all your blessings!
I got a lot of calls from you about the social security show. I can't repeat this often enough. Knowledge is power and in this case also "Money". For more information on what you really need to know about social security, e mail
lauadams@aol.com and also check the social security website www.ssa.gov. I also wanted to share with you HoustonPBS escapes.
Summer E-scapes is in a full swing again and we were able to secure very cool prizes. Odds to win one of these prizes are great.
So, I wanted to ask all of you to promote this any way you can…forward it to friends, post it in your blogs…etc.
Below is the message that will be going out to all our members. Feel free to forward it on.
The shortcut URL to get to the proper page is www.houstonpbs.org/escape
I am now working hard on my fourth season of Living Smart. Producing all the video reports and preparing for future topics. We'll be covering credit card debt relief and why we need to teach our children to SAVE MONEY! We'll also find out how to protect ourselves from identity theft. There will be a lot of discussion about the environment and simple steps to save energy. I also just attended an addiction conference in Quebec Canada and will be producing a show on the science of addiction and what's new to treat drug abuse.
This season we are still covering fabulous topics, such as "Effective Living" with Sister Mozina on July 15th, Dan Phillips who builds low income homes with recycled materials on July 22nd, Hitaji Aziz who knows a lot about healing young men and how to talk to them(July 29th) Gracie Cavnar teaches us about childhood nutrition Augst 5th) John Fain about supplements and vitamins,(Aug 12th) Laurel Spence shares her experience with post partum depression August 19th) and Joan Ifland shows us how we can become addicted to sugars and flours.(August 26th)
I continue to play my drums and a bit of guitar with my bands and will probably playing at a cafe soon with a duo. I will let you know when I have dates and places.
Remember to be grateful for all your blessings!
Tuesday
Diets don't work so now what do I do?
Dr. Robert Moore will be my Living smart guest on June 23rd at 3pm and thursday June 28th at 1:30pm. He's not only very handsome but extremely fit and happy as well. There is a secret to this..and he knows it..so I tried to find out and you'll have to watch the show to get the permanent weight loss tips I learned from him.
All my life I have done every diet on the book and I still I have not been able to shed those extra 10 to 15 pounds that of course would make me look just right (or better yet, how I want to look) I think if I took notes on what I did during the many hours of my life I have spent talking about dieting, food, cravings, dinners, lunches etc. It would probably be half or more of my life. I LOVE TO EAT...Did you hear that? I JUST LOVE IT! and there is not one type of food I dislike, except maybe ants, dogs or crickets. ( yes, some people still do eat those) Thus my dilemma. Every time I eat something I shouldn't to keep my weight down which is almost everything I like..chocolates, sweets, crepes, french bread, fried rice etc etc, one voice tells me "Patti you got to live life!! the other yells at me "Don't do it..Here you go again, giving in to the delicious temptation." What will determine how much I weigh in the future is which voice I decide to hear.
That is why I really enjoyed talking to Dr. Moore. He made it sound so easy and sensible. He does excercise a lot, I will give him that but I don't have to look like him or a hollywood star? I just need to look.....well....perfect!!! He insists we need to understand our bodies work like machines. Whatever we put in will affect how the machine works. He, as I am, is concerned about obesity. How did we get this far? After three documentaries on the topic I have to say it has mostly to do with what we eat and we must as Americans, start thinking about what we put in our machine and it has to start with children.
Did you know if a child is obese before the age of 18, he or she will most likely be overweight the rest of his or her lives? In some countries obesity in children is considered child abuse. Personally I would have to look at each case with a number of experts to decide that but as adults we do have a responsibility to inform ourselves about what we are putting into our children's mouths.
If you think carefully, what we eat will determine our health in the long run. I invite you to watch Dr. Moore. Okay, I'll be nice and share one tip...You must eat every two hours..What..you'll have to watch to find out!
All my life I have done every diet on the book and I still I have not been able to shed those extra 10 to 15 pounds that of course would make me look just right (or better yet, how I want to look) I think if I took notes on what I did during the many hours of my life I have spent talking about dieting, food, cravings, dinners, lunches etc. It would probably be half or more of my life. I LOVE TO EAT...Did you hear that? I JUST LOVE IT! and there is not one type of food I dislike, except maybe ants, dogs or crickets. ( yes, some people still do eat those) Thus my dilemma. Every time I eat something I shouldn't to keep my weight down which is almost everything I like..chocolates, sweets, crepes, french bread, fried rice etc etc, one voice tells me "Patti you got to live life!! the other yells at me "Don't do it..Here you go again, giving in to the delicious temptation." What will determine how much I weigh in the future is which voice I decide to hear.
That is why I really enjoyed talking to Dr. Moore. He made it sound so easy and sensible. He does excercise a lot, I will give him that but I don't have to look like him or a hollywood star? I just need to look.....well....perfect!!! He insists we need to understand our bodies work like machines. Whatever we put in will affect how the machine works. He, as I am, is concerned about obesity. How did we get this far? After three documentaries on the topic I have to say it has mostly to do with what we eat and we must as Americans, start thinking about what we put in our machine and it has to start with children.
Did you know if a child is obese before the age of 18, he or she will most likely be overweight the rest of his or her lives? In some countries obesity in children is considered child abuse. Personally I would have to look at each case with a number of experts to decide that but as adults we do have a responsibility to inform ourselves about what we are putting into our children's mouths.
If you think carefully, what we eat will determine our health in the long run. I invite you to watch Dr. Moore. Okay, I'll be nice and share one tip...You must eat every two hours..What..you'll have to watch to find out!
Monday
Living Smart behind the scenes & weight loss issues)
I am in the research phase of Living Smart season four production. I am truly excited about the potential guests. Some of the topics I want to cover are shame, consumer legal rights, the art of happiness, critical thinking skills, natural medicine and many others. It is however a difficult process. I may pick some guests and topics but our diligent committee decides what is best to fulfill the mission and goals of our program. Our season three will begin airing on May 13th at 3pm on Sundays (repeat on thursdays at 1:30pm) below you will find more details on what we will be covering. One of my favorite topics always is permanent weight loss and you will find four of the guests from season 3 will enlighten us about this topic. Joan Ifland discusses why addiction to sugars and flours may be the reason why we are so overweight as a nation. Dr. Robert Moore discusses tips on permanent weight loss. Gracie Cavnar coaches parents on how to keep children eating healthy foods and John Fain, the pioneer of the natural foods movement in Houston also teaches us the advantages of organic foods. You can check the schedule below to see when they are airing, or check our website www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart
Friday
From: "Norberto Loeda "[mailto:norloeda@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 5:45
Mi comentario es ácido y realista... a pesar que muchÃsima gente no lo vea asi yo creo que (como el tema del Social Security y de los Sistemas de Salud) el problema se comenzarÃa analizar sin tantas presiones como la de la poderosÃsima de la "Rifle
Asociation" y los fabricantes de armas, cuando les tocara vivir personalmente y en carne propia los efectos de la liberalidad para la compra de armas (conste que no le deseo al hijo de puta mas reventado que se dedique al contrabando de armas que ningún miembro de ssu familia se convierta en vÃctima de la facilidad que los intereses creados promueven a la sombra de la constitución y la libertad) en forma significatica en cuanto a número de casos... aunque el caradurismo es rampante sino hacer memoria de lo sucedido al Vice-Presidente.
Yo creo que el que defiende el derecho de portar armas es porque piensa usarlas (el tipo de blanco es irrelevante... hasta que es un pet, un amigo o un familiar suyo.). Será muy contitucional pero yo creo que si tenemos la libertad de hablar y además de portar armas, estamos corriendo el riesgo que estas sean el punto final de una discusión acalorada.
Eso de que las armas no son culpables sino quien las dispara, para mi es una idiotez injustificable a partir que la pretenden justificar con el derecho a defenderse y protegerse... by the way ¿Ese no es el motto de la PolicÃa? "To Protect and Serve" ... si es asà ¿para que carajo gastan el dinero en ella?.. mantengamos el revolver al cinto tipo Wild West, hagamos el panegÃrico de la "gun culture" ... y luego quejémonos cuando los delincuentes y locos en sus desatinos y desvarÃos se vuelven "happy triggers" y asesinan por nimiedades que hasta parece que lo hicieran como deporte. Perdón, el padre del Presidente ... ex-Presidente a su vez ...¿No es miembro de la "Rifle Asociation"?
Pongamos la bandera a media asta, pues masacraron a 31 jóvenes -y alguno no tanto- pero ninguno directamente culpable de los desvarÃos del asesino envuelto en este caso... y luego de pasado el perÃodo de luto... ¿que tal si la ponemos de la mitad para abajo del asta para honrar un poco no ya los jóvenes sino a los niños que mueren en el mundo sin haber tenido siquiera la oportunidad de ir ni a la la escuela primaria inmersos en violencias desatadas por personas que se supone estan en capacidad de dirigir ...y ojo que no estoy hablando solamente de los que estan en puestos polÃticos, sino de los que son aán peores que ellos, me refiero a los que mueven los hilos por detrás del poder (que usualmente tienen el poder real) y manipulan las circustancias y los intereses económicos y geopolÃticos que desembocan en conflictos armados "for the sake of the interest (add)".
El problema, comienza con la violencia en si y a esta no se la disipa con armas sino con ideas y acciones concretas. ¡Coño! ¿Es que no sirvió el ejemplo de Ghandi?He dicho.
Mi comentario es ácido y realista... a pesar que muchÃsima gente no lo vea asi yo creo que (como el tema del Social Security y de los Sistemas de Salud) el problema se comenzarÃa analizar sin tantas presiones como la de la poderosÃsima de la "Rifle
Asociation" y los fabricantes de armas, cuando les tocara vivir personalmente y en carne propia los efectos de la liberalidad para la compra de armas (conste que no le deseo al hijo de puta mas reventado que se dedique al contrabando de armas que ningún miembro de ssu familia se convierta en vÃctima de la facilidad que los intereses creados promueven a la sombra de la constitución y la libertad) en forma significatica en cuanto a número de casos... aunque el caradurismo es rampante sino hacer memoria de lo sucedido al Vice-Presidente.
Yo creo que el que defiende el derecho de portar armas es porque piensa usarlas (el tipo de blanco es irrelevante... hasta que es un pet, un amigo o un familiar suyo.). Será muy contitucional pero yo creo que si tenemos la libertad de hablar y además de portar armas, estamos corriendo el riesgo que estas sean el punto final de una discusión acalorada.
Eso de que las armas no son culpables sino quien las dispara, para mi es una idiotez injustificable a partir que la pretenden justificar con el derecho a defenderse y protegerse... by the way ¿Ese no es el motto de la PolicÃa? "To Protect and Serve" ... si es asà ¿para que carajo gastan el dinero en ella?.. mantengamos el revolver al cinto tipo Wild West, hagamos el panegÃrico de la "gun culture" ... y luego quejémonos cuando los delincuentes y locos en sus desatinos y desvarÃos se vuelven "happy triggers" y asesinan por nimiedades que hasta parece que lo hicieran como deporte. Perdón, el padre del Presidente ... ex-Presidente a su vez ...¿No es miembro de la "Rifle Asociation"?
Pongamos la bandera a media asta, pues masacraron a 31 jóvenes -y alguno no tanto- pero ninguno directamente culpable de los desvarÃos del asesino envuelto en este caso... y luego de pasado el perÃodo de luto... ¿que tal si la ponemos de la mitad para abajo del asta para honrar un poco no ya los jóvenes sino a los niños que mueren en el mundo sin haber tenido siquiera la oportunidad de ir ni a la la escuela primaria inmersos en violencias desatadas por personas que se supone estan en capacidad de dirigir ...y ojo que no estoy hablando solamente de los que estan en puestos polÃticos, sino de los que son aán peores que ellos, me refiero a los que mueven los hilos por detrás del poder (que usualmente tienen el poder real) y manipulan las circustancias y los intereses económicos y geopolÃticos que desembocan en conflictos armados "for the sake of the interest (add
El problema, comienza con la violencia en si y a esta no se la disipa con armas sino con ideas y acciones concretas. ¡Coño! ¿Es que no sirvió el ejemplo de Ghandi?He dicho.
Wednesday
Virginia Tech and the massacre
I am saddened once again about these sorts of shootings in our schools. Why do they happen? Is it a reflection of our culture or some crazy individuals, very different from us? Do we all have
a proclivity to do something like this to ourselves or to others in a time of desperation? I don't know the answer. What I'd like to know is where this young man got his guns. Where did all the shooters in the past 20 years get their guns. Why did they have semiautomatic weapons. What are they for? Aren't they to fight wars? I would think you would not want a weapon like that if you were a real hunter. I don't know enough to judge if I am for or against the availability of guns. There are good arguments on both sides. However, I am concerned that we will allow this to become a "normal" feature of our culture. Gun shootings in our schools every other month. Do we arm ourselves more as some believe we should (I have heard gun proponents say if a student had a gun, maybe this man would not have killed so many people) or do we make it harder for anyone to get a semiautomatic weapon? Apparently this young man had a history of strange behavior. I would like some answers. Where did he get his guns? and does it matter? What can we as a society do to stop these shootings?
a proclivity to do something like this to ourselves or to others in a time of desperation? I don't know the answer. What I'd like to know is where this young man got his guns. Where did all the shooters in the past 20 years get their guns. Why did they have semiautomatic weapons. What are they for? Aren't they to fight wars? I would think you would not want a weapon like that if you were a real hunter. I don't know enough to judge if I am for or against the availability of guns. There are good arguments on both sides. However, I am concerned that we will allow this to become a "normal" feature of our culture. Gun shootings in our schools every other month. Do we arm ourselves more as some believe we should (I have heard gun proponents say if a student had a gun, maybe this man would not have killed so many people) or do we make it harder for anyone to get a semiautomatic weapon? Apparently this young man had a history of strange behavior. I would like some answers. Where did he get his guns? and does it matter? What can we as a society do to stop these shootings?
Thursday
Imus fired
Imus was fired. I am actually surprised. I thought financial considerations would be more important to the network than doing the right thing. I hear a lot of anger from people who believe there is a double standard because black men insult black women often on the radio, in their hip hop songs or narrative. While this may be true, it is wrong for ANYONE to make those sort of statements. Our society has to stop this somewhere. I hope this does influence those radio talk show hosts or singers or celebrities or writers of ANY RACE, CREED OR RELIGION, to stop their racist statements towards ANYONE. It is wrong. If they feel that way, they should get educated, healed and delivered. Usted que opina?
Iran, US Iran relations and the release of prisoners
I was so glad when I heard the news yesterday. Iran released the British sailors. It was welcome news after weeks filled with anxiety about what could happen next.
After watching the documentary "the secret" and learning more about the law of attraction. (By the way I have been a student of metaphysics for many years so I know our thoughts have a tremendous influence in what happens in our lives.) I had for the past few weeks prayed for peace in our planet. I could not imagine us involved in another war for whatever reason.
I no longer focus on conflict and how to end it. I focus on peace and I wish everyone did. I don't think we should call people who are against the war part of the anti war movement because it has negative connotations. We should call it instead, the peace movement, that way, I feel, they can actually attract "peace." I believe some wars have to be fought, but most are manufactured.
"Only when there are many people who are pools of peace, silence, understanding, will war dissappear." OSHO
I also like this one "If you want peace, work for justice." Pope Paul VI
My issue with international affairs and conflicts in general has to do with lack of context in our media about any country we tend to have conflicts with. It is a mistake to believe what our leaders say without asking the tough questions. I have never believed anything a politician from any party tells me without some skepticism.
Here is what I have learned about Iran recently. My intern Arnav Chakravarty wrote a paper on US Iran Relations and Policy and this is what he found in his research. Here is a quick summary and a recommendation to create peace with Iran.
1. The US has played an integral role in Iranian domestic affairs since the early 1950's.
At the time President Eisenhower felt we needed to stop the USSR influence there so he decided the then elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh (yes he was democratically elected)
was a threat to US oil interests throughout the region, so he approved the former British plan to overthrow Prime Minister Mossadegh (Sokolski and Clawson 2005) The CIA was ultimately successful in removing him through a domestic coup and restoring the Shah of Iran to power.
According to author Dilip Hiro "This reprehensible act of the United States left a deep scar on the minds of Iranians, implanting most of them with abiding animosity toward America." (Penn 2005)
2. During the Johnson years, according to the US Department of State Bureau of Public Affairs in 1999, "the only bone of contention between the two countries was the shah's seemingly insatiable appetite for more and newer military equipment." The conflict continued and exploded under the Jimmy Carter presidency with the hostage fiasco. the Iran Hostage crisis, lead to anti Shah groups protesting the oppressive nature of the Iranian regime and despised US support of it, so it took over the American embassy in Iran and took 66 people hostage. The standoff eventually ended under the Reagan administration.
3. Ronald Reagan's presidency outwardly focused on arming Iraq against Iran in the Iran-Iraq war. In other words, our government supported Saddam Hussein over the ayatollah's Iranian government. Reagan then decided he needed to get arms to the contras in Nicaragua to avoid it becoming another communist vietnam but congress refused to get involved, so he sold arms to Iran because the profits from those sales would to to the Contras, who would buy arms with the profits. This was known as the Iran Contra scandal. This eventually led to more distrust between the US, Iran and Iraq.
4. Under the First George Bush and Clinton relations with Iran stabilized until 9/11. When the current Bush administration decided on a pre-emptive approach to future terrorist attacks and consequently invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, other countries in the Middle East, including Iran felt genuinely threatened by the US's increasingly militaristic presence in the region and have taken action for their own security. The new Ahmadinejad's regime's attempt to begin nuclear development has the US and particularly Israel and some arab neighbors worried.
5. The Bush doctrine of pre emptive strike is no longer acceptable. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice indicated "The US will give the diplomacy a little time. "(Shanker 2006) and while President Ahmadinejad's statements are agressive, his views only represent a minority view, while most of the Iranian government wants energy for civilian purposes only, not military purposes.
In fact, it is the country's supreme leader, Ali Khamene'i who , on more than one occasion, has indicated his willingness to pursue dialogue with the US (Azlan 2006) and with Iran's supreme leader willing to negotiate with the US, the US has tremendous leverage over the Iranian public.
Iran is a "sophisticated and technology-savvvy country that boasts adult literacy rates approaching 90 percent. The vast majorities of Iranians- nearly 70 % of who are under 30 years old are fiercely pro-american and would like nothing more than an end to the clerical regime."(Aslan 2006)
WHAT SHOULD U.S. THEN CONSIDER?
Iran is currently the 4th largest exporter of oil in the world. If they cut their exports, it could cause a global recession. Yet many believe Iran would not play the "oil card" because it sustains its economy (Bremmer 2006) but if isolated, it might be its only choice, so UN enforced economic sanctions may not be the best policy.
Military intervention through surgical airstrikes have been discussed. Vice President Dick Cheney has claimed surgical strikes from US air bases in Turkey would effectively destroy Iran's nuclear capability and"set back Iran's nuclear capabilities by at least a decade."
(Holsinger 2006) However the probability the US would be able to hit every one of the nuclear spots is extremely remote. (Pena 2006) and Additionally, the collateral damage from the initial air strikes would result in large numbers of civilian casualties (Isenberg 2006)
The best option then is a negotiated solution which leads to enforceable agreements that would be based on the motto:"Trust but verify." Averting a war is worth the compromise.
Can America afford another war when we are spending $250 million dollars a day on Iraq? I don't think so. It is time to try another route and this time without weapons of mass deception.
After watching the documentary "the secret" and learning more about the law of attraction. (By the way I have been a student of metaphysics for many years so I know our thoughts have a tremendous influence in what happens in our lives.) I had for the past few weeks prayed for peace in our planet. I could not imagine us involved in another war for whatever reason.
I no longer focus on conflict and how to end it. I focus on peace and I wish everyone did. I don't think we should call people who are against the war part of the anti war movement because it has negative connotations. We should call it instead, the peace movement, that way, I feel, they can actually attract "peace." I believe some wars have to be fought, but most are manufactured.
"Only when there are many people who are pools of peace, silence, understanding, will war dissappear." OSHO
I also like this one "If you want peace, work for justice." Pope Paul VI
My issue with international affairs and conflicts in general has to do with lack of context in our media about any country we tend to have conflicts with. It is a mistake to believe what our leaders say without asking the tough questions. I have never believed anything a politician from any party tells me without some skepticism.
Here is what I have learned about Iran recently. My intern Arnav Chakravarty wrote a paper on US Iran Relations and Policy and this is what he found in his research. Here is a quick summary and a recommendation to create peace with Iran.
1. The US has played an integral role in Iranian domestic affairs since the early 1950's.
At the time President Eisenhower felt we needed to stop the USSR influence there so he decided the then elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh (yes he was democratically elected)
was a threat to US oil interests throughout the region, so he approved the former British plan to overthrow Prime Minister Mossadegh (Sokolski and Clawson 2005) The CIA was ultimately successful in removing him through a domestic coup and restoring the Shah of Iran to power.
According to author Dilip Hiro "This reprehensible act of the United States left a deep scar on the minds of Iranians, implanting most of them with abiding animosity toward America." (Penn 2005)
2. During the Johnson years, according to the US Department of State Bureau of Public Affairs in 1999, "the only bone of contention between the two countries was the shah's seemingly insatiable appetite for more and newer military equipment." The conflict continued and exploded under the Jimmy Carter presidency with the hostage fiasco. the Iran Hostage crisis, lead to anti Shah groups protesting the oppressive nature of the Iranian regime and despised US support of it, so it took over the American embassy in Iran and took 66 people hostage. The standoff eventually ended under the Reagan administration.
3. Ronald Reagan's presidency outwardly focused on arming Iraq against Iran in the Iran-Iraq war. In other words, our government supported Saddam Hussein over the ayatollah's Iranian government. Reagan then decided he needed to get arms to the contras in Nicaragua to avoid it becoming another communist vietnam but congress refused to get involved, so he sold arms to Iran because the profits from those sales would to to the Contras, who would buy arms with the profits. This was known as the Iran Contra scandal. This eventually led to more distrust between the US, Iran and Iraq.
4. Under the First George Bush and Clinton relations with Iran stabilized until 9/11. When the current Bush administration decided on a pre-emptive approach to future terrorist attacks and consequently invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, other countries in the Middle East, including Iran felt genuinely threatened by the US's increasingly militaristic presence in the region and have taken action for their own security. The new Ahmadinejad's regime's attempt to begin nuclear development has the US and particularly Israel and some arab neighbors worried.
5. The Bush doctrine of pre emptive strike is no longer acceptable. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice indicated "The US will give the diplomacy a little time. "(Shanker 2006) and while President Ahmadinejad's statements are agressive, his views only represent a minority view, while most of the Iranian government wants energy for civilian purposes only, not military purposes.
In fact, it is the country's supreme leader, Ali Khamene'i who , on more than one occasion, has indicated his willingness to pursue dialogue with the US (Azlan 2006) and with Iran's supreme leader willing to negotiate with the US, the US has tremendous leverage over the Iranian public.
Iran is a "sophisticated and technology-savvvy country that boasts adult literacy rates approaching 90 percent. The vast majorities of Iranians- nearly 70 % of who are under 30 years old are fiercely pro-american and would like nothing more than an end to the clerical regime."(Aslan 2006)
WHAT SHOULD U.S. THEN CONSIDER?
Iran is currently the 4th largest exporter of oil in the world. If they cut their exports, it could cause a global recession. Yet many believe Iran would not play the "oil card" because it sustains its economy (Bremmer 2006) but if isolated, it might be its only choice, so UN enforced economic sanctions may not be the best policy.
Military intervention through surgical airstrikes have been discussed. Vice President Dick Cheney has claimed surgical strikes from US air bases in Turkey would effectively destroy Iran's nuclear capability and"set back Iran's nuclear capabilities by at least a decade."
(Holsinger 2006) However the probability the US would be able to hit every one of the nuclear spots is extremely remote. (Pena 2006) and Additionally, the collateral damage from the initial air strikes would result in large numbers of civilian casualties (Isenberg 2006)
The best option then is a negotiated solution which leads to enforceable agreements that would be based on the motto:"Trust but verify." Averting a war is worth the compromise.
Can America afford another war when we are spending $250 million dollars a day on Iraq? I don't think so. It is time to try another route and this time without weapons of mass deception.
Tuesday
Living Smart will now air on Sundays at 3pm not 3:30pm
I hesitated when I was told the station had to change my show time since I felt I had built an audience after three seasons, but programming has to balance schedules all the time. The fact is viewers are difficult to capture in today's television world. They have access to 50 to 500 channels, the internet, Ipods, I tunes, etc. That is why having show on the web is so important. I feel this is where the future is going. People will want something in particular and they will go after it when they have time. That is also why TEVO has been so popular, (the ability to record a show at any time and view it without commercials, we now consider it a verb!) Did you tevo the show last night? My hope is that people who need help in many aspects of life will of course watch the show, but also click on google and see it any time they want if they happen to miss it. My next season launches on May 13th at 3pm. I am really excited about this season because the quiet heroes I have found are truly courageous. They are problem solvers. They spend no time whining, just empowering themselves and other people. I really look forward to hearing from you.
Friday
Sex and the Science Cafe/why do people split up?
Last week I moderated the Science Cafe with two scientists and a humanist. It was one of the most interesting Science Cafes we have ever hosted because sex is always an interesting subject matter. The night discussion was about Sex: Why Bother? Evolution Mysteries
In partnership with HoustonPBSOne of the greatest mysteries of biology is why humans need a sexual act to reproduce while some organisms such as bacteria do not, and while others, like plant lice, can reproduce with or without a sexual act. Scientific evidence indicates that sexual reproduction is in fact a much less efficient way of producing new individuals and, consequently, of passing on genes to the next generation. Why then are some species, like humans, only able to reproduce with a sexual act? This is one of the greatest intrigues of evolutionary biology. And science aside, what does sex mean to us after all? Do we mate with the only goal of passing genes onto the next generation? Or is there more to it under the sheets? Come and discuss these questions with outstanding scientist, medical ethicist, and religious studies scholar at the next Science Café.
WHEN: Tuesday February 27, 2007 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm WHERE: Salento coffee house, 2407 Rice Boulevard in Rice Village WHO: Dr. Ricardo Azevedo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston
Dr. Simon Whitney, M.D. and Medical Ethicist, Medical Director of Baylor Family Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine
Jeffrey J. Kripal, J. Newton Rayzor Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University. Author of “Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religion”, a book dealing with modern fusions of science, eroticism, and mystical experience
Moderator: Patricia Gras, Senior Producer at HoustonPBS and Host of TV show Living Smart – airing Sundays at 3:30pm and Thursdays at 1:30pm. Living Smart episodes also available on google
the most important information I got that night is the influence of our culture in how we view sex and evolution. Dr. Kripal said most societies in history have been polygamous. Does that explain do you think why so many people have such a hard time staying married?
In partnership with HoustonPBSOne of the greatest mysteries of biology is why humans need a sexual act to reproduce while some organisms such as bacteria do not, and while others, like plant lice, can reproduce with or without a sexual act. Scientific evidence indicates that sexual reproduction is in fact a much less efficient way of producing new individuals and, consequently, of passing on genes to the next generation. Why then are some species, like humans, only able to reproduce with a sexual act? This is one of the greatest intrigues of evolutionary biology. And science aside, what does sex mean to us after all? Do we mate with the only goal of passing genes onto the next generation? Or is there more to it under the sheets? Come and discuss these questions with outstanding scientist, medical ethicist, and religious studies scholar at the next Science Café.
WHEN: Tuesday February 27, 2007 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm WHERE: Salento coffee house, 2407 Rice Boulevard in Rice Village WHO: Dr. Ricardo Azevedo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston
Dr. Simon Whitney, M.D. and Medical Ethicist, Medical Director of Baylor Family Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine
Jeffrey J. Kripal, J. Newton Rayzor Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University. Author of “Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religion”, a book dealing with modern fusions of science, eroticism, and mystical experience
Moderator: Patricia Gras, Senior Producer at HoustonPBS and Host of TV show Living Smart – airing Sundays at 3:30pm and Thursdays at 1:30pm. Living Smart episodes also available on google
the most important information I got that night is the influence of our culture in how we view sex and evolution. Dr. Kripal said most societies in history have been polygamous. Does that explain do you think why so many people have such a hard time staying married?
Thursday
Living Smart Season 3
A week ago we finished taping season 3 of Living Smart. Production went more smoothly than past shows because now, by the third try, we are getting better at it! I am really proud of the guests this season. This time around I wanted to choose people who are living extraordinary lives. These are people who have a purpose. They set an example by how they live their lives.
Topics range from the latest on nutrition and why we can’t lose weight, to tips on effective living and coping with addiction, depression and environmental degradation.
The focus of this series is to introduce experts in our community in an entertaining way by providing new and insightful information that will empower and benefit our lives.
Some of the most complex challenges we face as a society is our obesity epidemic. This season we feature four programs that answer difficult questions about permanent weight loss, childhood obesity, food addiction and the new trend towards organic foods. Another common problem in our society is addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Substance abuse destroys lives in many different ways. What works to overcome cycles of addiction in families? Recently the murder of five children after post partum psychosis brought a much more common problem to the forefront, post partum depression and how depression affects women much more than men.
We have millions of Americans behind bars. Most go back to a life of crime after they served their sentence. The recidivism rate is 50 to 60 percent. We feature a program that has lowered that rate substantially by focusing in both victims and perpetrators of crime. The environment is once again a hot topic in the news. People are beginning to ask hard questions about the air we breathe and the waste we produce. In Living Smart we answer some of those questions.
How do we reach children and particularly men who feel alienated from society? We’ll feature a writer who gives at risk children a stage to share their inner voice through the arts and a radio talk show host whose own life led her to have a special appreciation for the wounds of men. Also learn breakthrough information on what you need to know about social security and how it adversely affects women if they don’t make the right decisions about marriage, divorce and employment. Finally, how do we learn to live a more balanced and spiritual life? A religious sister shares her effective living program.
Season three guests include: Eliza Duncan on addiction, John Sage on restorative justice, Sehba Sarwar on empowering at risk youth through the arts, Dr. Robert Moore III on permanent weight loss tactics, Laury Adams on women and social security, Juan Parras on protecting the environment, Sister Elizabeth Mozina on effective living, Dan Phillips on building homes from recycled materials, Hitaji Aziz on healing men, Gracie Cavnar on childhood obesity, John Fain on natural foods and supplements, Laurel Spence on women and depression, Joan Ifland on food addiction. The series airs every Sunday at 3:30pm and rebroadcasts Thursdays at 1:30pm.
Living Smart Season Three Show Descriptions
Show #301
Are you or someone you love addicted to drugs? Find out what this addiction counselor and former alcoholic can teach us about understanding, treating and overcoming addiction.
Guest: Clinical social worker, Eliza Duncan.
(Living Smart by overcoming and understanding addiction)
Show #302
How can we make our community safer? Restorative justice aims to repair harm done by crime and restore the well-being of victims and offenders.
Find out what proponents of restorative justice are doing to reduce crime. Guest: John Sage, Founder of Bridges to life program.
(Living Smart by reducing recidivism and healing victims and prisoners)
Show #303
Want to find out how to empower youth to find their inner voice? Writer, Teacher and Founder of Voices Breaking Boundaries, helps at risk teens and non mainstream artists find the art within to cross borders, sustain dialogue and incite change through living art.
Guest: Sehba Sarwar
(Living Smart by empowering youth to find their inner artistic voice)
Show #304
You can’t lose weight and don’t know why? Understanding how the body works is the first step. This physician and fitness expert walks us through the maze of diets and exercises that lead to permanent weight loss.
Guest: Dr. Robert Moore III
(Living Smart by understanding how the body works effectively)
Show #305
While Most Americans worry about the solvency of our social security plan, they don’t realize the decisions they make about marriage, divorce and employment may have an even bigger impact on what they get the last years of life than how much money is in the system. Learn the truth with groundbreaking information on social security.
Guest: Financial Resource Consultant Laury Adams.
(Living Smart by protecting your future assets and social security)
Show #306
While many breathe contaminated air, few understand how to protect themselves and their environment. Learn what this environmentalist and activist does to empower communities to fight back.
Guest: Juan Parras, Founder of Texas Environmental justice advocacy services.
(Living Smart by protecting the environment)’
Show #307
What can we do about low self esteem? This Effective Living Program walks us through what we can do to rebuild our lives through affirmations and inner wisdom.
Guest: Sister Elizabeth Mozina, Lecturer Effective Living Program.
(Living Smart through affirmations and positive thinking)
Show #308
Can you really build affordable homes from free, recycled, and salvage materials? This builder and social revolutionary not only does it, but he believes it will be the trend of the future.
Guest: Dan Phillips Founder of the Phoenix Commotion.
(Living Smart by building homes from free, salvage and recycled materials)
Show #309
Do you have a son, a husband a brother struggling with a difficult past? This talk show host and community activist understands men’s pain and why they fear asking for help. Learn how she reaches them to heal, change and transform.
Guest: Hitaji Aziz, talk show host, community activist entrepreneur.
(Living Smart by healing young at risk men)
Show #310
Is your child overweight? Are you frustrated? It may not be as difficult as you think. Learn how to start to make a difference when you hear how this philanthropist motivated hundreds to take a stand against childhood obesity.
Guest: Gracie Cavnar, Founder of Recipe for Success.
(Living Smart by battling childhood obesity)
Show #311
What do you need to know about organic foods, supplements and vitamins. As more and more Americans turn to alternative health care, this natural foods pioneer explains how he leads a natural healthy lifestyle.
Guest: John Fain, counterculture entrepreneur and Founder of Moveable Feast, a natural food store in Houston.
(Living Smart by following a natural healthy lifestyle)
Show #312
Why are women twice as likely to suffer from depression than men? What is the difference between baby blues and post partum depression? Learn from this physician assistant’s own personal and professional experience the truth about depression and women.
Guest: Laurel Spence, Maternal Childcare Director Baylor College of Medicine Physician’s Assistance school and mother of three.
(Living Smart by coping with depression)
Show #313
Are you tired, overweight and depressed? Is there a possibility you could be addicted to sugars and flours? Learn from this author and PhD candidate in nutrition about food addiction and what you can do about it.
Guest: Joan Ifland, Author of Sugars and Flours and how they make you sick and fat.
(Living Smart by understanding the effects of sugars and flours on body chemistry)
Topics range from the latest on nutrition and why we can’t lose weight, to tips on effective living and coping with addiction, depression and environmental degradation.
The focus of this series is to introduce experts in our community in an entertaining way by providing new and insightful information that will empower and benefit our lives.
Some of the most complex challenges we face as a society is our obesity epidemic. This season we feature four programs that answer difficult questions about permanent weight loss, childhood obesity, food addiction and the new trend towards organic foods. Another common problem in our society is addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Substance abuse destroys lives in many different ways. What works to overcome cycles of addiction in families? Recently the murder of five children after post partum psychosis brought a much more common problem to the forefront, post partum depression and how depression affects women much more than men.
We have millions of Americans behind bars. Most go back to a life of crime after they served their sentence. The recidivism rate is 50 to 60 percent. We feature a program that has lowered that rate substantially by focusing in both victims and perpetrators of crime. The environment is once again a hot topic in the news. People are beginning to ask hard questions about the air we breathe and the waste we produce. In Living Smart we answer some of those questions.
How do we reach children and particularly men who feel alienated from society? We’ll feature a writer who gives at risk children a stage to share their inner voice through the arts and a radio talk show host whose own life led her to have a special appreciation for the wounds of men. Also learn breakthrough information on what you need to know about social security and how it adversely affects women if they don’t make the right decisions about marriage, divorce and employment. Finally, how do we learn to live a more balanced and spiritual life? A religious sister shares her effective living program.
Season three guests include: Eliza Duncan on addiction, John Sage on restorative justice, Sehba Sarwar on empowering at risk youth through the arts, Dr. Robert Moore III on permanent weight loss tactics, Laury Adams on women and social security, Juan Parras on protecting the environment, Sister Elizabeth Mozina on effective living, Dan Phillips on building homes from recycled materials, Hitaji Aziz on healing men, Gracie Cavnar on childhood obesity, John Fain on natural foods and supplements, Laurel Spence on women and depression, Joan Ifland on food addiction. The series airs every Sunday at 3:30pm and rebroadcasts Thursdays at 1:30pm.
Living Smart Season Three Show Descriptions
Show #301
Are you or someone you love addicted to drugs? Find out what this addiction counselor and former alcoholic can teach us about understanding, treating and overcoming addiction.
Guest: Clinical social worker, Eliza Duncan.
(Living Smart by overcoming and understanding addiction)
Show #302
How can we make our community safer? Restorative justice aims to repair harm done by crime and restore the well-being of victims and offenders.
Find out what proponents of restorative justice are doing to reduce crime. Guest: John Sage, Founder of Bridges to life program.
(Living Smart by reducing recidivism and healing victims and prisoners)
Show #303
Want to find out how to empower youth to find their inner voice? Writer, Teacher and Founder of Voices Breaking Boundaries, helps at risk teens and non mainstream artists find the art within to cross borders, sustain dialogue and incite change through living art.
Guest: Sehba Sarwar
(Living Smart by empowering youth to find their inner artistic voice)
Show #304
You can’t lose weight and don’t know why? Understanding how the body works is the first step. This physician and fitness expert walks us through the maze of diets and exercises that lead to permanent weight loss.
Guest: Dr. Robert Moore III
(Living Smart by understanding how the body works effectively)
Show #305
While Most Americans worry about the solvency of our social security plan, they don’t realize the decisions they make about marriage, divorce and employment may have an even bigger impact on what they get the last years of life than how much money is in the system. Learn the truth with groundbreaking information on social security.
Guest: Financial Resource Consultant Laury Adams.
(Living Smart by protecting your future assets and social security)
Show #306
While many breathe contaminated air, few understand how to protect themselves and their environment. Learn what this environmentalist and activist does to empower communities to fight back.
Guest: Juan Parras, Founder of Texas Environmental justice advocacy services.
(Living Smart by protecting the environment)’
Show #307
What can we do about low self esteem? This Effective Living Program walks us through what we can do to rebuild our lives through affirmations and inner wisdom.
Guest: Sister Elizabeth Mozina, Lecturer Effective Living Program.
(Living Smart through affirmations and positive thinking)
Show #308
Can you really build affordable homes from free, recycled, and salvage materials? This builder and social revolutionary not only does it, but he believes it will be the trend of the future.
Guest: Dan Phillips Founder of the Phoenix Commotion.
(Living Smart by building homes from free, salvage and recycled materials)
Show #309
Do you have a son, a husband a brother struggling with a difficult past? This talk show host and community activist understands men’s pain and why they fear asking for help. Learn how she reaches them to heal, change and transform.
Guest: Hitaji Aziz, talk show host, community activist entrepreneur.
(Living Smart by healing young at risk men)
Show #310
Is your child overweight? Are you frustrated? It may not be as difficult as you think. Learn how to start to make a difference when you hear how this philanthropist motivated hundreds to take a stand against childhood obesity.
Guest: Gracie Cavnar, Founder of Recipe for Success.
(Living Smart by battling childhood obesity)
Show #311
What do you need to know about organic foods, supplements and vitamins. As more and more Americans turn to alternative health care, this natural foods pioneer explains how he leads a natural healthy lifestyle.
Guest: John Fain, counterculture entrepreneur and Founder of Moveable Feast, a natural food store in Houston.
(Living Smart by following a natural healthy lifestyle)
Show #312
Why are women twice as likely to suffer from depression than men? What is the difference between baby blues and post partum depression? Learn from this physician assistant’s own personal and professional experience the truth about depression and women.
Guest: Laurel Spence, Maternal Childcare Director Baylor College of Medicine Physician’s Assistance school and mother of three.
(Living Smart by coping with depression)
Show #313
Are you tired, overweight and depressed? Is there a possibility you could be addicted to sugars and flours? Learn from this author and PhD candidate in nutrition about food addiction and what you can do about it.
Guest: Joan Ifland, Author of Sugars and Flours and how they make you sick and fat.
(Living Smart by understanding the effects of sugars and flours on body chemistry)
Living Smart with Green Energy
I am both excited and concerned about writing on Green Energy. I do believe each one of us should do something to conserve energy and care for our environment in our own way. For instance I just bought compact light bulbs and three months ago I signed up with GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY, But I am afraid to say I had a problem with them. My bill went from 50 dollars in November to about $300 in December and up to $400 in January. Needless to say I was shocked and in my 16 years of living in my apartment I had never paid more than usually 90 dollars. My highest bill those sixteen years was $175. I have been investigating this and would like to know if you have had any experience or know of anyone who has had experience with Green Mountain Energy please write me back. I am sure if I had problems with this, many others have too. So far my cousin in Dallas and a friend here in Houston had similar problems.
Have you experienced a problem like this? What did you do about it? What are your thoughts about green energy? I would love to hear your feedback.
Have you experienced a problem like this? What did you do about it? What are your thoughts about green energy? I would love to hear your feedback.
Wednesday
Welcome
This blog is an exciting opportunity for me to exchange ideas with you regarding ways to improve our lives and our world. For those of you who know me, you know that I always include a quotation by Bonnie Acker beneath my email signature that reads, “Always hold firmly to the thought that each one of us can do something to bring some portion of misery to an end.” It has been an inspiration to me and a guidepost for my work. Let’s see what we can do together to make a difference.
Patti
Patti
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