What's On My Mind Today: Tomorrow kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the student organization I belong to, Association for Women in Communications (AWC), has chosen them as our project for the semester. In recognition, we are wearing purple, the color of the DVC for the entire month. Join us and show your support by wearing purple as often as you can during October.
From the DVC Web Site: Domestic violence occurs in homes throughout every community. It knows no color, gender, age or socioeconomic status. The abuse can be physical, mental, sexual or emotional. And as a victim of domestic violence, you may feel like there's nowhere to turn. But there's hope.
For over 30 years in the Greater Cleveland area, The Domestic Violence Center has been dedicated to ending abuse and providing compassionate treatment for its victims. If you are a family member or friend of a domestic violence victim and would like support, we encourage you to call our 24 Hour HELPLine at 216.391.HELP. The DVC Web site is http://www.domesticviolencecenter.org/.
This semester we are trying to locate sponsors and donors to help us, help DVC. If you are interested in sponsoringship or for more information, please email us at: csuawc@gmail.com.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Facebook, Friends & Safety
What's On My Mind Today: I must say I really do not like Facebook...but I have become accustomed to using it. I originally set up my acct for a class and then I located a lot of my friends from high school and former jobs. That is especially important to me since our high school, Regina High School, just closed in June 2010. I am glad to have a way to stay in touch. Also, it is a wonderful way to stay in touch with friends and family who live in other states or countries.
FB is also used for several organizations and groups I belong to which is fine but it is not easy to stop the gazillion email notifications. I have finally managed to stop them, but still!
My biggest concern is SAFETY: I am very concerned about people who post everywhere they are going...minute by minute. Stalkers don't have to risk being caught following you because you told them where your going so they can either beat you there or get there shortly after you arrive.
For this reason, Ladies, be careful who you 'FRIEND' because unless you know these people you have no idea what someone's true agenda is.
Also, consider making your page private to limit who can see you and your daily activities. Another thing to consider...Potential employers/current employers and co-workers may check on your page. If you have risqué photos or hung over ones...consider that!
FB is also used for several organizations and groups I belong to which is fine but it is not easy to stop the gazillion email notifications. I have finally managed to stop them, but still!
My biggest concern is SAFETY: I am very concerned about people who post everywhere they are going...minute by minute. Stalkers don't have to risk being caught following you because you told them where your going so they can either beat you there or get there shortly after you arrive.
For this reason, Ladies, be careful who you 'FRIEND' because unless you know these people you have no idea what someone's true agenda is.
Also, consider making your page private to limit who can see you and your daily activities. Another thing to consider...Potential employers/current employers and co-workers may check on your page. If you have risqué photos or hung over ones...consider that!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Poetry
What's On My Mind Today: It is my nemesis...I am in a creative writing class and we have to create a portfolio w/ 80-100 lines of poetry. I just don't get it. I am in also in an upper level English class and we are reading Emily Dickinson...JUST DON'T GET IT. Not knocking it...please don't get me wrong. But what is so damn creative about being illusive? I get the concrete images telling a story as oppose to the abstract ones. Its like those artist who splash colors on a canvas and its art. I re-duplicate it, its trash.
We have been reading all these authors, some perverse, some seeming mentally off-all accomplished poets...anthologized in literature books and I still for the life of me, CANNOT figure it out.
So, needless to say, I HATE POETRY. I am trying to at least respect the authors skills but its not coming easily AT ALL. So, with everything I have read, I haven't found anything I like. I like the free verse but no real topics spring to mind. I have about 40+ lines to still complete.
My prof throws out 3 words and 3 phrases to as warm ups...send my 3 words and/or phrases and lets see if they spark a poem. If it does...I will post it, for anyone to creatique.
We have been reading all these authors, some perverse, some seeming mentally off-all accomplished poets...anthologized in literature books and I still for the life of me, CANNOT figure it out.
So, needless to say, I HATE POETRY. I am trying to at least respect the authors skills but its not coming easily AT ALL. So, with everything I have read, I haven't found anything I like. I like the free verse but no real topics spring to mind. I have about 40+ lines to still complete.
My prof throws out 3 words and 3 phrases to as warm ups...send my 3 words and/or phrases and lets see if they spark a poem. If it does...I will post it, for anyone to creatique.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Recession & Temporary Positions
What's On My Mind Today: I have worked for a company for almost 16 months as a temporay employee. The concept is to save the employer money, I realize that, but so many people have left to get the security and benefits they deserve. When will they understand that paying to train people instead of keeping good employees is the way to save money. We have rotating door with people leaving. Several have moved to other departments within the company to become full time employees. Because of the work of my co-workers and myself, the voices of the company, are representing them and making them money everyday they choose not to share with us. Recessions and lay-offs are awful, but if companies managed themselves appropriately in the first place laying off the people who do the work would not happen. Example: Banks: They needed a bail out, but the upper management still get big bonuses while the little man doing the work has to get unemployment which is almost not enough to live on. They made bad financial decisions, get help and a raise, GO FIGURE. Jobs are coming back but the trend is just what my company is doing, at the expense of worthy employees, sorry to say. I can't wait for the day when the business world is back on solid footing and can give employees the security they deserve and need.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Living Despite the Odds
What's On My Mind Today: A young man, currently 19, who I knew quite well as a child member of my church home, Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio recently underwent a bone marrow transplant and is battling his way back. As of today, God is blessing him with much success despite the odds. But I want to talk about not only his remarkable courage and faith but that of his entire family, not that their experience is any different than any other family under-going the same treatment. But I feel since I know them, I can speak on their experience a little better.
This is an extraordinary family, full of faith in God and His ability to restore their son, brother, and family. The family has made many sacrifices to get the best care including moving to Tennessee near the hospital for him to get the best possible care. His brothers both tested to be a donor and his youngest brother was a 100% match. As a young teen, he under youngest brother went through the painful procedure to help his older brother. Their middle brother helped the younger and older brothers recooperate and continues to do so with his older brother. The mother is just an EXTRAORDINARY wife, mother, and friend, not only because she is my sister in Christ, but because it is true. The father, is OUTSTANDING in providing spiritually, financially and anyway he can for his family. In support of his eldest son, he shaved his head bald.
I know we all do what we have to in times of crisis, but this is a family that has and continues to help others while they go through this. They have a blog, us family and friends, can use to send messages of love, prayers, and support but to keep us up to date.
I want them to know, that I am praying DAILY and how proud I am to know them! Even though I have mentioned no names, please pray for my friends!
I am inspired by them and wanted everyone who may find this blog to know it!!!!
This is an extraordinary family, full of faith in God and His ability to restore their son, brother, and family. The family has made many sacrifices to get the best care including moving to Tennessee near the hospital for him to get the best possible care. His brothers both tested to be a donor and his youngest brother was a 100% match. As a young teen, he under youngest brother went through the painful procedure to help his older brother. Their middle brother helped the younger and older brothers recooperate and continues to do so with his older brother. The mother is just an EXTRAORDINARY wife, mother, and friend, not only because she is my sister in Christ, but because it is true. The father, is OUTSTANDING in providing spiritually, financially and anyway he can for his family. In support of his eldest son, he shaved his head bald.
I know we all do what we have to in times of crisis, but this is a family that has and continues to help others while they go through this. They have a blog, us family and friends, can use to send messages of love, prayers, and support but to keep us up to date.
I want them to know, that I am praying DAILY and how proud I am to know them! Even though I have mentioned no names, please pray for my friends!
I am inspired by them and wanted everyone who may find this blog to know it!!!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Playaways
As I mentioned the other day I am too busy to do much of anything but I will NOT give up my one passion, BOOKS. The majority of what I read is fiction. When I am not in school I usually read 2-3 hard cover books and listen to another 2-4 a week. But now that classes are in session, I have to scale that back A LOT being forced to read multiple textbooks and literary works of art in lieu of my romance, suspense, mystery, and psycholigical thrillers.
I have the solution...PLAYAWAYS. They are individual books on a MP3! Most library's provide you with a set of inexpensive headphones, and a battery. I find my time walking between classes, lost in the adventures of the author I am plugged into.
When I first started listening to audiobooks, sometimes they were recorded in abridged version, not sure why anyone would care to listen to only part of the author's book but these are the complete book. When I am holding the book, I allow myself to build the environment. I still do with the assistance of the professionals reading the books.
For you newbies, who want to experience listening to a book. Get any book by Sue Grafton...they are available on cassette (but not for too much longer), cd, Playaway, and downloadable to your own MP3. They are read by Judy Kaye, Broadway actress, and she gets you so involved in the action.
Take a listen...I just completed Heart of Fire by Linda Howard, one of my favorite authors.
I don't care how you read, but just don't ever stop reading.
I have the solution...PLAYAWAYS. They are individual books on a MP3! Most library's provide you with a set of inexpensive headphones, and a battery. I find my time walking between classes, lost in the adventures of the author I am plugged into.
When I first started listening to audiobooks, sometimes they were recorded in abridged version, not sure why anyone would care to listen to only part of the author's book but these are the complete book. When I am holding the book, I allow myself to build the environment. I still do with the assistance of the professionals reading the books.
For you newbies, who want to experience listening to a book. Get any book by Sue Grafton...they are available on cassette (but not for too much longer), cd, Playaway, and downloadable to your own MP3. They are read by Judy Kaye, Broadway actress, and she gets you so involved in the action.
Take a listen...I just completed Heart of Fire by Linda Howard, one of my favorite authors.
I don't care how you read, but just don't ever stop reading.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Cleveland Stater
As you all know I am a journalism major and this week I have an article coming out about U. S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's visit to Cleveland State University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law...Not to let too much out but she is one classy, educated, empathetic woman. It was an awe inspiring experience just to be in her presence. Take a look at the article on Thursday at http://www.csuohio.edu/class/com/clevelandstater/index.html! But as a newspaper is a team effort please take a few moments to read the other stories from my by fellow reporters. Thank you for your support...you can follow us on FB also.
The Cleveland Stater is produced in COM426 - Laboratory Newspaper I and COM 427 - Laboratory Newspaper II. Students are involved in all aspects of the newspaper's production including reporting, editing, photography, layout, design, advertising sales and distribution. If you have an event coming up and would like to purchase an ad, here is how to reach us:
The Cleveland Stater is produced in COM426 - Laboratory Newspaper I and COM 427 - Laboratory Newspaper II. Students are involved in all aspects of the newspaper's production including reporting, editing, photography, layout, design, advertising sales and distribution. If you have an event coming up and would like to purchase an ad, here is how to reach us:
Mailing Address:
School of Communication
Cleveland State University
2001 Euclid Avenue, MU 248
Cleveland, OH 44115
PHONE: (216) 687-5094
FAX: (216) 687-5588
E-MAIL: cleveland.stater@csuohio.edu
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Too Busy For Words....
What's On My Mind Today: Life is just so busy...Full-time college student with a gazillion assignments, working, family. WOW. There is not enough time in the day and no schedule can accommodate everything I need to do. God, just let me keep on putting one foot in front of the other to keep on making it through. So, let me get off still have a few chapters to read before tomorrow and an article to finalize...until tomorrow.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The Asian Carp
As a writer, journalist and creative writer, I write all the time. I will be honest, while I ALWAYS have something to say, I never thought of using a blog until recently. I know you want to know why...well, it's part of my mandatory grade! Enough said...
What's On My Mind Today: Federal Court Hearing on Asian Carp Exposes Doubts About Current Efforts to Block Migration to Great Lakes.
Not sure if you are even aware of the severe threat the Asian Carp could possibly have on the Great Lakes, but specifically Lake Erie where I fish as much as I can. In an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer earlier this year, said that this predator could have demolished the fishing in Ohio and by 2020 make the Put-In-Bay area a ghost town. SCARY.
In recent weeks everyone is paying attention. A month ago this video was posted in Indiana, click link to watch video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfG4vsJ5_xI
"We believe that expert testimony from both sides of the argument has demonstrated that none of the strategies applied so far has ended or will end the threat posed to the Great Lakes by these fish," Cordray said. "The best scientific research and testing show that the threat of Asian carp is real and imminent, and the damage will be irreversible and potentially catastrophic if they are allowed to reach the Great Lakes. The only solution that we know will prevent this is to physically separate the Chicago-area waterways from the Great Lakes. We are pursuing that goal by all available means, including the courts, the Congress, and the Administration."
This is good news but I fear it is already to late. Indiana is our neighbor and while the gentlemen taping the video found it funny...I don't! They multiply in such rapid numbers they will take up and kill off the Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Steelhead Trout and other fish Ohioans love to catch as and eat.
What's On My Mind Today: Federal Court Hearing on Asian Carp Exposes Doubts About Current Efforts to Block Migration to Great Lakes.
Not sure if you are even aware of the severe threat the Asian Carp could possibly have on the Great Lakes, but specifically Lake Erie where I fish as much as I can. In an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer earlier this year, said that this predator could have demolished the fishing in Ohio and by 2020 make the Put-In-Bay area a ghost town. SCARY.
In recent weeks everyone is paying attention. A month ago this video was posted in Indiana, click link to watch video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfG4vsJ5_xI
"We believe that expert testimony from both sides of the argument has demonstrated that none of the strategies applied so far has ended or will end the threat posed to the Great Lakes by these fish," Cordray said. "The best scientific research and testing show that the threat of Asian carp is real and imminent, and the damage will be irreversible and potentially catastrophic if they are allowed to reach the Great Lakes. The only solution that we know will prevent this is to physically separate the Chicago-area waterways from the Great Lakes. We are pursuing that goal by all available means, including the courts, the Congress, and the Administration."
This is good news but I fear it is already to late. Indiana is our neighbor and while the gentlemen taping the video found it funny...I don't! They multiply in such rapid numbers they will take up and kill off the Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Steelhead Trout and other fish Ohioans love to catch as and eat.
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