Monday, February 20, 2012
President's Day
Many of us are fortunate enough to be in a position to have the day off. We celebrate the President on the 3rd Monday of February. Specifically February is about Washington and Lincoln but over the course of time it has come to include all of the men responsible for leading this nation. Whether you agree with the president's politics or not the position is one that should be honored. Take this day to find out a little bit more about the person leading this nation.http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/presidents-day Happy President's Day!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentine's Day
According to the various stores across the country and around the globe, tomorrow is the official day of love. I've often referred to Valentine's Day as leftover red stuff from Christmas but that's just me. Varying accounts in regards to the Saint (St. Valentine) honored by this day talk about how this holiday came about. http://www.pictureframes.co.uk/pages/saint_valentine.htm No one is 100% positive of the true origin of Valentine's Day but there are 3 possibilities which have all led us to this day that seems to put unnecessary pressure on couples to either get engaged, married or show their love in a large fashion. It also makes singles feel as if their lives are somehow less than if they aren't a part of the love fest.
Although it might be sweet to have an official day set aside to make certain the ones you love definitely get the message that they are loved, it is not appropriate to make the world feel as if not having a significant other makes you less than. It is not appropriate to make those in love feel they must make a grand show of this emotion. It is not appropriate to start advertising sales for this day the moment the New Year has gotten underway.
Love is a beautiful gift found in many ways in all our lives. You are loved more than you will ever know. You can share love in many forms and you should be grateful for this gift everyday. IF you happen to be fortunate enough to have that significant other do not take for granted the special joy you have found. Be sure to make that person feel what's in your heart on a regular basis. Do not bemoan the up coming event but do not feel obligated to make it the biggest event in the world. It is nice to have a romantic date. It is lovely to share a token of your affection with the one you're with. Remembering what that person is truly about is more important than going all out on what feels like an obligation. Do what you know is true to the one you're with not to society at large. A simple "I Love You" is more precious and expensive than any dozen of roses. After all, Love is the greatest gift of all.
Although it might be sweet to have an official day set aside to make certain the ones you love definitely get the message that they are loved, it is not appropriate to make the world feel as if not having a significant other makes you less than. It is not appropriate to make those in love feel they must make a grand show of this emotion. It is not appropriate to start advertising sales for this day the moment the New Year has gotten underway.
Love is a beautiful gift found in many ways in all our lives. You are loved more than you will ever know. You can share love in many forms and you should be grateful for this gift everyday. IF you happen to be fortunate enough to have that significant other do not take for granted the special joy you have found. Be sure to make that person feel what's in your heart on a regular basis. Do not bemoan the up coming event but do not feel obligated to make it the biggest event in the world. It is nice to have a romantic date. It is lovely to share a token of your affection with the one you're with. Remembering what that person is truly about is more important than going all out on what feels like an obligation. Do what you know is true to the one you're with not to society at large. A simple "I Love You" is more precious and expensive than any dozen of roses. After all, Love is the greatest gift of all.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Black History Month
February a short month dedicated to many men and women who have contributed greatly to American society. It is Black History month. Although some individuals question why an entire month needs to be dedicated to the study of famous black inventors, I am not one. I clearly understand the continued need for this month of study.
I grew up in elementary school learning of all the famous deeds of individuals like Betsy Ross, George Washington, Eli Whitney and the like. When February came around I finally saw people with my skin color who contributed to society. The names of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King and George Washington Carver became familiar to the other children in the room. I could finally completely identify with success and discuss these people with others. Of course, it was only during February as these individuals rarely resurfaced during the course of a school year.
As my educational career continued, I noticed that every February the same names were used and reused where as the famous non black inventors, creators and history makers grew and changed. I was fortunate enough to have a family immersed in the idea that I needed to know the entire spectrum of history. The library was my friend. Where were the names of such individuals as Garrett Morgan, Sarah Goode, Daniel Hale Williams, Miriam Benjamin and Charles Drew? http://yoliseclectic-central.blogspot.com/2012/02/charles-drew.html No where to be seen in my childhood and sparingly doled out today.
We continue to need this important month to truly allow this country to recognize all the contributions that it's citizens have made. Currently a movie is in theaters called Red Tails. It documents the history of the First Black Military Airmen. That's right the Tuskegee Airman were an all black World War Two flying force that consisting of over 1,000 individuals from 1941-1946. They escorted bombers and had one of the Lowest loss records of all the escorting corps. It amazes me that we are just now getting around to a mass telling of this story and that more individuals did not even know of their existence.
We need to find a way to stop revisionist and exclusionary history from continuing. There is plenty of room in the history books for All of America's famous individuals. Adding another line or two, another page or two to update the history books would make the world a better place. Until we do make room for the real facts, I am glad we have Black History Month.
I grew up in elementary school learning of all the famous deeds of individuals like Betsy Ross, George Washington, Eli Whitney and the like. When February came around I finally saw people with my skin color who contributed to society. The names of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King and George Washington Carver became familiar to the other children in the room. I could finally completely identify with success and discuss these people with others. Of course, it was only during February as these individuals rarely resurfaced during the course of a school year.
As my educational career continued, I noticed that every February the same names were used and reused where as the famous non black inventors, creators and history makers grew and changed. I was fortunate enough to have a family immersed in the idea that I needed to know the entire spectrum of history. The library was my friend. Where were the names of such individuals as Garrett Morgan, Sarah Goode, Daniel Hale Williams, Miriam Benjamin and Charles Drew? http://yoliseclectic-central.blogspot.com/2012/02/charles-drew.html No where to be seen in my childhood and sparingly doled out today.
We continue to need this important month to truly allow this country to recognize all the contributions that it's citizens have made. Currently a movie is in theaters called Red Tails. It documents the history of the First Black Military Airmen. That's right the Tuskegee Airman were an all black World War Two flying force that consisting of over 1,000 individuals from 1941-1946. They escorted bombers and had one of the Lowest loss records of all the escorting corps. It amazes me that we are just now getting around to a mass telling of this story and that more individuals did not even know of their existence.
We need to find a way to stop revisionist and exclusionary history from continuing. There is plenty of room in the history books for All of America's famous individuals. Adding another line or two, another page or two to update the history books would make the world a better place. Until we do make room for the real facts, I am glad we have Black History Month.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Groundhog Day!
Not only is it a holiday about a furry weather predicting creature but it's a wonderful love story featuring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. How exactly did we come to have a four-legged forecaster? Well, as with many traditions It traveled across the sea with th Europeans who settled here. Apparently we in the US and Canada didn't have badgers and bears so we settled for the groundhog. Here's a little article to help you understand. Of course just FYI (Bursting of bubble) Whether Ponxatony Phil (the most famous groundhog) sees his shadow or not, there's always 6 more weeks of winter from the date of February 2nd.http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/2012/2/2/groundhog-day
Monday, January 23, 2012
Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy Chinese New Year!
It's the Year of the Dragon. Luck good fortune, and Love. What's not to like?! Don't forget to wear red and have some orange slices for a sweet life. Dragons are fierce, fun and fabulous. Find out your Chinese Zodiac sign and learn more about the New Year. Kung Hei Fat Choi!
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/chinese-new-year
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/chinese-new-year
Monday, January 16, 2012
MLK the Dream today
Today in America many, but not all, American's have a day off in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sadly, this great man is honored but it is an optional holiday so many businesses can choose not to celebrate the life of a man who inspired directly or indirectly great changes for this nation. One day hopefully sooner than later it will be a mandatory holiday for all.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Today he would be happy to see that progress towards his dream has been made but sad to not that many of us have gotten lost along the way to the true reality that he felt could be achieved. Last night I was at an event that showed just how far we have come over the last 50 years. All ethnic backgrounds were gathered together for an event. Well dressed Interracial couples and groups were everywhere peacefully, joyfully awaiting the opening of the doors for the anticipated evenings events. I feel he would be proud to see such diversity united together. However, he would not have approved of the presentation of the three young boys in front of me.
Dr. King was about honor, respect and pride. He not only wanted all people to be united together but his own people to present themselves in the best possible light at all times. Over the years a great part of that has been lost. It started in a small way but has extended itself for many years. These young men were among the many who feel it's perfectly acceptable to show their underwear to the world. When they reached the front doors. The elegantly dressed black gentleman at the front who, along with his brother,was in charge of the event stopped the three and made them pull up their pants and tuck in their shirts. If the three had thought about where they were going or had even looked around them they would have noticed they were the most poorly attired individuals in attendance.I am sure had their mothers been present they would have been pleased to note how well their sons looked after the small action of properly wearing your clothes had been accomplished.
How we present ourselves to the world is so much a part of Dr. King's original dream. There are numerous misrepresentations of the African American/Black community as a whole that are accepted as reality by the world that need to be killed in order for us to continue down the path that Dr. King helped pave for us. HE would be appalled by BET, upset by the lack of presentation of self and disturbed by the lyrics of the latest incarnations of rap music. We must look at the current state of our community and make positive changes for the future or else Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream is lost to us all for ever. One of my favorite quotes from him says it all, "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/martin-luther-king-day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Today he would be happy to see that progress towards his dream has been made but sad to not that many of us have gotten lost along the way to the true reality that he felt could be achieved. Last night I was at an event that showed just how far we have come over the last 50 years. All ethnic backgrounds were gathered together for an event. Well dressed Interracial couples and groups were everywhere peacefully, joyfully awaiting the opening of the doors for the anticipated evenings events. I feel he would be proud to see such diversity united together. However, he would not have approved of the presentation of the three young boys in front of me.
Dr. King was about honor, respect and pride. He not only wanted all people to be united together but his own people to present themselves in the best possible light at all times. Over the years a great part of that has been lost. It started in a small way but has extended itself for many years. These young men were among the many who feel it's perfectly acceptable to show their underwear to the world. When they reached the front doors. The elegantly dressed black gentleman at the front who, along with his brother,was in charge of the event stopped the three and made them pull up their pants and tuck in their shirts. If the three had thought about where they were going or had even looked around them they would have noticed they were the most poorly attired individuals in attendance.I am sure had their mothers been present they would have been pleased to note how well their sons looked after the small action of properly wearing your clothes had been accomplished.
How we present ourselves to the world is so much a part of Dr. King's original dream. There are numerous misrepresentations of the African American/Black community as a whole that are accepted as reality by the world that need to be killed in order for us to continue down the path that Dr. King helped pave for us. HE would be appalled by BET, upset by the lack of presentation of self and disturbed by the lyrics of the latest incarnations of rap music. We must look at the current state of our community and make positive changes for the future or else Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream is lost to us all for ever. One of my favorite quotes from him says it all, "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/martin-luther-king-day
Monday, January 9, 2012
Out with the Old in with the New
Today is the day that if you weren't back to reality already you are now. Everyone is back to work. 2012 is well underway. Only the people you have yet to see are hearing the greeting Happy New Year from die hard New year's greeters. We are all immersed in our lives. The fun and frivolity of holiday cheer has ended. Closeout sales have been in stores since the first. Items are 50% to 80% off and since the first day of the year Valentines day paraphernalia has lined the shelves. Out with the old usher in the new. Keep moving never stop as something will seriously go wrong if we slow down. The world moves on. As it does, many people and places are discarded in it's wake.
Our current economic climate and computer culture has caused a great decline in several markets. Small businesses are being swallowed up by corporate conglomerates and large businesses are barely holding on. Paddington's Tea Room was where I celebrated my last birthday with friends. It was a lovely family owned tearoom that gave you the best in quality tea for the past 20 years. They closed last year. Famima is a chain combo convenience store and take out place. It lasted well beyond my expectations but it no longer exists in Culver City. As a matter of fact many places in the once sleepy Culver City have disappeared due to high rents. These places include El Pollo Loco, Mezza Grill, the Culver Plaza theater (which was once a Mann Theater and has a beautiful mural of old world Hollywood depicted on it's walls) and a local healthy restaurant.
Bookstores both large and small are dying in droves due to online cutthroat prices and the onset of nooks, kindles and the like. I would have never believed that a large chain like Borders would go the way of the Dodo. Sadly it is so. Even more sad to note is smaller more personal places are going down the same route. The Bodhi Tree bookstore has been a small wonderful bookstore located on Melrose since the 70's. It has provided patrons with hot tea, cozy reading nooks and great books for this entire time. On December 31st it's doors closed for good in that location. Rents were just too high to sustain the location. They hope to open again but it's just a matter of where, when and if a generous benefactor can believe in the sustainability of a brick and mortar store.
These are but a few of the many places in the metropolitan city of Los Angeles that have gone out of business due to varying factors. What gets me is that everyone is so obsessed with moving forward that the collateral damage seems to be but a glitch in the process. "Computers are better." "It's the way of the future." "That's just how it's down now." "It's so much easier." I ask you this, If the way of the future is so much better, why are there so many businesses profiting from "retro" materials? Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to toss out the old ways. Simpler times, simpler days the future isn't always brighter sometimes how we did it was just the right way.
Our current economic climate and computer culture has caused a great decline in several markets. Small businesses are being swallowed up by corporate conglomerates and large businesses are barely holding on. Paddington's Tea Room was where I celebrated my last birthday with friends. It was a lovely family owned tearoom that gave you the best in quality tea for the past 20 years. They closed last year. Famima is a chain combo convenience store and take out place. It lasted well beyond my expectations but it no longer exists in Culver City. As a matter of fact many places in the once sleepy Culver City have disappeared due to high rents. These places include El Pollo Loco, Mezza Grill, the Culver Plaza theater (which was once a Mann Theater and has a beautiful mural of old world Hollywood depicted on it's walls) and a local healthy restaurant.
Bookstores both large and small are dying in droves due to online cutthroat prices and the onset of nooks, kindles and the like. I would have never believed that a large chain like Borders would go the way of the Dodo. Sadly it is so. Even more sad to note is smaller more personal places are going down the same route. The Bodhi Tree bookstore has been a small wonderful bookstore located on Melrose since the 70's. It has provided patrons with hot tea, cozy reading nooks and great books for this entire time. On December 31st it's doors closed for good in that location. Rents were just too high to sustain the location. They hope to open again but it's just a matter of where, when and if a generous benefactor can believe in the sustainability of a brick and mortar store.
These are but a few of the many places in the metropolitan city of Los Angeles that have gone out of business due to varying factors. What gets me is that everyone is so obsessed with moving forward that the collateral damage seems to be but a glitch in the process. "Computers are better." "It's the way of the future." "That's just how it's down now." "It's so much easier." I ask you this, If the way of the future is so much better, why are there so many businesses profiting from "retro" materials? Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to toss out the old ways. Simpler times, simpler days the future isn't always brighter sometimes how we did it was just the right way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)