It is wonderful to give the joy of reading to a child. To see their face light up when they hear the difference of inflection of your voice; the intrigue at mysterious sections, their brains trying to piece together the contents; knowing they have been introduced to a land of imagination, insight and an idea of creation they did not have previously. I did not teach her to read, but I am giving her the confidence she needs to do just that.
It pains me to see a mother feel helpless for her child, noting that the school sent home a paper explaining the dilemma. She can read, yes, but at a 5th grade level. That would be amazing if she were in 5th grade, or 4th, or 3rd; but she is not- she is in 8th. What to do? Her essay writing is not much better. Her comprehension is average, but you need more than comprehension to pass the 8th grade. (How has she gotten this far, I think to myself?)
My poor student, who shall remain nameless, is afraid of reading. She shutters at the thought to read out loud, and when she does, she rushes. Letters and whole words are omitted to get through the process. She adds tenses in strange places, and misreads as if no one will know. She has a learning disability and she has been programed to think she cannot read or write any better than she already does.
Yet, she is intelligent. When given the chance, she can analysis and interpret literary themes. With a little help, she can diagram a plot sequence. With the right attitude, she can write journal entries worthy of discussion. This student means the world to me and I am so happy to have stumbled across her. I love this student, and for the last 3 weeks, I have been giving her the joy of reading. Ever read out loud to someone hanging on your every word? I have. Ever jumped up and down and made someone scream at the top of their lungs "I can do it!"? I have. Know how it feels to change a life with just words on a page? I do.
Give the joy of reading to someone, anyone. You'll be happy you did.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Always B Natural: Commentary on Good Hair
A few weeks ago, my husband and I enjoyed the new Chris Rock documentary, "Good Hair", in Times Square with many other women interested in what the funny man's input would be on such a touchy subject. Touchy because the documentary was not about different types of hair from different types of people; it was about the different types of things BLACK women did to their hair in the effort to make it "good hair".
Before I get into how I felt about the movie, just a few thoughts on the theater. First, I was surprised at how many non-black females were interested in this movie. I must admit, I heard about this on Oprah, and A LOT of women (and men) watch Oprah, of all backgrounds. There were not a lot of people in the theater to begin with, but it was a pretty mixed bag. With that said...
... I loved this movie. The insight and story behind this film was amazing. Chris talked to many black women and men, both celebrities and average everyday people. From the working class to students, even to children, Chris wanted every opinion he could get on what black women do for hair care. He got down and dirty with the "perm", the "weave" and "natural" hairstyles and what he found out might shock you.
This is what I found:
We find ways to give ourselves excuses to live by. Excuses that get us through the day, that we give to our co-workers or friends, and even our families. Some women were angry after the release of this film because they thought that he had given away all the black hair secrets- placing black women farther out of reach of the comfortable lives that white women may have. Some women felt it made them closer to other races because they didn't have to hide what they were doing anymore. This movie opened up conversations that need to be had and I loved it.
I admit, black women hide. They... We... Women try to keep up with what they are told is fashionable and they want to be that. Black women do not have long silky hair that flows to the floor because it's not suppose to be. Sorry, but Tyra let us all know, we're wearing weave (not all of us!). A lot of us have beautiful, long and healthy hair. And once you pay for it, it can technically be considered yours. Just wait until you see were all that hair is coming from! Many of us are hiding, but we don't have to. We can come out and yell at the top of our lungs- "I WILL ALWAYS BE NATURAL!!!" This movie got me screaming and talking and ultimately, blogging.
Recently, before all the hoopla about hair and Chris Rock, I choose to cut off most of my chemically straighten hair and opt for a more natural style.
So I practice what I preach.
Was it easy? For me, yeah! But most people don't like drastic. And you don't have to be.
So my motto? Be natural. ALWAYS BE NATURAL! Good hair is what you make of it, what you put into it and what you get out of it. As for Chris, he made a really great and informative documentary. No matter what kind of hair you have, check out it out.
Before I get into how I felt about the movie, just a few thoughts on the theater. First, I was surprised at how many non-black females were interested in this movie. I must admit, I heard about this on Oprah, and A LOT of women (and men) watch Oprah, of all backgrounds. There were not a lot of people in the theater to begin with, but it was a pretty mixed bag. With that said...
... I loved this movie. The insight and story behind this film was amazing. Chris talked to many black women and men, both celebrities and average everyday people. From the working class to students, even to children, Chris wanted every opinion he could get on what black women do for hair care. He got down and dirty with the "perm", the "weave" and "natural" hairstyles and what he found out might shock you.
This is what I found:
We find ways to give ourselves excuses to live by. Excuses that get us through the day, that we give to our co-workers or friends, and even our families. Some women were angry after the release of this film because they thought that he had given away all the black hair secrets- placing black women farther out of reach of the comfortable lives that white women may have. Some women felt it made them closer to other races because they didn't have to hide what they were doing anymore. This movie opened up conversations that need to be had and I loved it.
I admit, black women hide. They... We... Women try to keep up with what they are told is fashionable and they want to be that. Black women do not have long silky hair that flows to the floor because it's not suppose to be. Sorry, but Tyra let us all know, we're wearing weave (not all of us!). A lot of us have beautiful, long and healthy hair. And once you pay for it, it can technically be considered yours. Just wait until you see were all that hair is coming from! Many of us are hiding, but we don't have to. We can come out and yell at the top of our lungs- "I WILL ALWAYS BE NATURAL!!!" This movie got me screaming and talking and ultimately, blogging.
Recently, before all the hoopla about hair and Chris Rock, I choose to cut off most of my chemically straighten hair and opt for a more natural style.
So I practice what I preach.
Was it easy? For me, yeah! But most people don't like drastic. And you don't have to be.
So my motto? Be natural. ALWAYS BE NATURAL! Good hair is what you make of it, what you put into it and what you get out of it. As for Chris, he made a really great and informative documentary. No matter what kind of hair you have, check out it out.
Socal Dispach on The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
In a very intriguing read, Michael Pollan tries to get more personal with what he eats and how food makes it his plate. His premise? Simply follow the origins of a dish from the farm to his plate. And could it be done? Pollan did with his charm and wit.
He gives a long introduction on how we as Omnivores go through the daily troubles of trying to figure out simply what to eat! Unlike others in the animal kingdom (because many forget we are animals too), we can decide on chicken or fish. Or plants. Plus, with all the food available to us in the west, how can we really know what we're getting into?
I really enjoyed this selection and believe it was written very well. We all need to know a little more about what we are eating and paying for. I didn't feel that he gave equal consideration to the vegetarian lifestyle (be gave it a section of a chapter) as he did to the entire section about corn (which was the whole first half of his book); however, he made a lot of really good points and does an excellent job of making you more aware of what's going on in and around your food. This book is a good starting place but don't stop there. Pollan is only one voice of the very complex issues of food production, processing and transportation. He tries to stay objective, but I don't believe he does. And he can't- it's HIS journey into food, and you have his perspective. Occasionally he adds in the thoughts and quotes of others in the food industry, in his efforts to be objective.
Filled with new facts, history and the mindset that all food is created equal, Michael Pollan takes you farther than you ever thought we could go.
4 STARS
He gives a long introduction on how we as Omnivores go through the daily troubles of trying to figure out simply what to eat! Unlike others in the animal kingdom (because many forget we are animals too), we can decide on chicken or fish. Or plants. Plus, with all the food available to us in the west, how can we really know what we're getting into?
I really enjoyed this selection and believe it was written very well. We all need to know a little more about what we are eating and paying for. I didn't feel that he gave equal consideration to the vegetarian lifestyle (be gave it a section of a chapter) as he did to the entire section about corn (which was the whole first half of his book); however, he made a lot of really good points and does an excellent job of making you more aware of what's going on in and around your food. This book is a good starting place but don't stop there. Pollan is only one voice of the very complex issues of food production, processing and transportation. He tries to stay objective, but I don't believe he does. And he can't- it's HIS journey into food, and you have his perspective. Occasionally he adds in the thoughts and quotes of others in the food industry, in his efforts to be objective.
Filled with new facts, history and the mindset that all food is created equal, Michael Pollan takes you farther than you ever thought we could go.
4 STARS
Sunday, October 25, 2009
How Wonderful...
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world".
-Anne Frank,
Diary of a Young Girl, 1952
-Anne Frank,
Diary of a Young Girl, 1952
Political Clowns or When Comedians Take The Stage
I am not a social commentator and I don't usually get paid for pretending to be. Actually, all I get for it are "good jobs" or "no, I don't think so's". I am also not a journalist or a reporter, but the Internet lets everyone have an opinion- fact based or not- and I decided to hold my own soap box tangent because it makes me feel better. So when I took the time to get to know one political commentator a bit better, I was floored at the idea that Glenn Beck has a fan club, let alone a strong following.
Beck is the new big man on campus and the latest class clown to throw a pie in the face of politics. He himself claims to be a commentator, NOT a reporter. HE claims to be an entertainer. I recently, as of yesterday, watched part of his TV show as he reminded his audiences of how ALL that he says is pure opinion. He has made other claims to remind us that he doesn't fact check- something any person with a Wi-Fi connection can do. He has no regard for what he says, and neither does his parent channel, Fox News. To me, the biggest question is: Why are we lending our ears to a comedian about how we should behave in politics?
Beck's opinions have been spouting forth like the word of God, something he seems to know a lot about. Yet, in an interview on the popular show, The View, he can't even get his facts straight. He goes so far on his radio show to inflate the facts about a chance meeting with Barbra Walters and Whoopi Goldberg, and then thinks that they may not bring it up on their show. Even Hasselbeck couldn't argue that he seemed to have stepped out of line with his lack of tack and factual knowledge. Maybe this is saying a lot for The View, but they fact check.
This commentator is also really good at saying some really mean things, just to get the ratings he needs. He went on earlier today, ranting about how Obama made September 11 a National Day of Service. Beck was furious that this was signed into law (an article stating that Congress refused to push it through because they were in recess) and went on and on about it, noting to everyone in his office that he would not want to have this day be of service- he needs that day to grieve and remember. His main concern? Who was in on the decision? Did the families of the victims know? According to Beck, in grave detail, a hodgepodge of companies and liberal groups where present by conference call- and non of the families had been asked. However, if you do a little digging, as I did, for about five minutes, you will find a nice article (taken from the "Fair and Balanced" news site that houses Beck's TV program) on the National Day of Service as something put together by 9/11 families to pay respect to all those who lost their lives that tragic day. The article can be found here: http://origin.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,94503,00.html and is dated back to early August. Beck, who himself has said to "hate 9/11 families" didn't bother to do his homework. And he usually doesn't.
We wouldn't put this much stock into our actual comedian news reporters, like Stewart and Colbert. And they have staff writers and fact checkers. Lots of liberals love to get their news from them, but they aren't taking to the streets because they know their comedians are on a comedy network. Even when Colbert "pretended" to run for president, he backed out, understanding his role in the media. Stewart is smart and informed, something you can tell because he doesn't treat his interviews as personal attacks (unlike Beck who took the liberty to scream, repeatedly, at a caller because she did not understand his stance on the health care issue). We see Stewart and others as the political comedians that they are, and no one is handing Dave Chappelle or Dane Cook a radio show to have political opinions. Leave the opinions at home. Take the five minutes and do some fact checking.
I'm not personally attacking Glenn because he thinks he's funny and has an opinion. He does a great job voicing his opinion to high heaven, and getting a large group to rally behind him. My problem with Beck is the fact that we are suppose to take him seriously, until he says some rude and nasty thing, gets mass coverage, and then we're suppose to remember he's just a entertainer and just giving commentary. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet, A LOT of people view everything he says to not only be fact, but facts worth starting fights over. "It is time to go to Washington! It is time to stand or sit in the middle of the street if you have to!" He isn't holding himself accountable because we, as smart citizens, should know when and when not to take him seriously. Here, for your enjoyment, are some other lovely things to attribute to Beck, care of Wiki quote:
(Copied from an older blog no longer available)
Beck is the new big man on campus and the latest class clown to throw a pie in the face of politics. He himself claims to be a commentator, NOT a reporter. HE claims to be an entertainer. I recently, as of yesterday, watched part of his TV show as he reminded his audiences of how ALL that he says is pure opinion. He has made other claims to remind us that he doesn't fact check- something any person with a Wi-Fi connection can do. He has no regard for what he says, and neither does his parent channel, Fox News. To me, the biggest question is: Why are we lending our ears to a comedian about how we should behave in politics?
Beck's opinions have been spouting forth like the word of God, something he seems to know a lot about. Yet, in an interview on the popular show, The View, he can't even get his facts straight. He goes so far on his radio show to inflate the facts about a chance meeting with Barbra Walters and Whoopi Goldberg, and then thinks that they may not bring it up on their show. Even Hasselbeck couldn't argue that he seemed to have stepped out of line with his lack of tack and factual knowledge. Maybe this is saying a lot for The View, but they fact check.
This commentator is also really good at saying some really mean things, just to get the ratings he needs. He went on earlier today, ranting about how Obama made September 11 a National Day of Service. Beck was furious that this was signed into law (an article stating that Congress refused to push it through because they were in recess) and went on and on about it, noting to everyone in his office that he would not want to have this day be of service- he needs that day to grieve and remember. His main concern? Who was in on the decision? Did the families of the victims know? According to Beck, in grave detail, a hodgepodge of companies and liberal groups where present by conference call- and non of the families had been asked. However, if you do a little digging, as I did, for about five minutes, you will find a nice article (taken from the "Fair and Balanced" news site that houses Beck's TV program) on the National Day of Service as something put together by 9/11 families to pay respect to all those who lost their lives that tragic day. The article can be found here: http://origin.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,94503,00.html and is dated back to early August. Beck, who himself has said to "hate 9/11 families" didn't bother to do his homework. And he usually doesn't.
We wouldn't put this much stock into our actual comedian news reporters, like Stewart and Colbert. And they have staff writers and fact checkers. Lots of liberals love to get their news from them, but they aren't taking to the streets because they know their comedians are on a comedy network. Even when Colbert "pretended" to run for president, he backed out, understanding his role in the media. Stewart is smart and informed, something you can tell because he doesn't treat his interviews as personal attacks (unlike Beck who took the liberty to scream, repeatedly, at a caller because she did not understand his stance on the health care issue). We see Stewart and others as the political comedians that they are, and no one is handing Dave Chappelle or Dane Cook a radio show to have political opinions. Leave the opinions at home. Take the five minutes and do some fact checking.
I'm not personally attacking Glenn because he thinks he's funny and has an opinion. He does a great job voicing his opinion to high heaven, and getting a large group to rally behind him. My problem with Beck is the fact that we are suppose to take him seriously, until he says some rude and nasty thing, gets mass coverage, and then we're suppose to remember he's just a entertainer and just giving commentary. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet, A LOT of people view everything he says to not only be fact, but facts worth starting fights over. "It is time to go to Washington! It is time to stand or sit in the middle of the street if you have to!" He isn't holding himself accountable because we, as smart citizens, should know when and when not to take him seriously. Here, for your enjoyment, are some other lovely things to attribute to Beck, care of Wiki quote:
- "Hey, does anybody notice this crazy thing that we’re on the road to socialism? I’m just saying. Wow. We got — we got the SCHIPs thing going for us. That’s great. There is the change that we were all hoping for, really, seriously. Hey, I got an idea. If we’re going down the road to socialism, I mean, why not really go for it, huh? Comrades, good news from the western front, our glorious revolution is starting to take hold. Oh, the revolution of change. Our fearless leader has just signed in SCHIPs, and earlier today, he spoke out against capitalism. Listen up."
- And it was from America. Progressive movement in America. Eugenics. In case you don’t know what Eugenics led us to: the Final Solution. A master race! A perfect person. …. The stuff that we are facing is absolutely frightening. So I guess I have to put my name on yes, I hope Barack Obama fails. But I just want his policies to fail; I want America to wake up."
- But the second thought I had when I saw these people and they had to shut down the Astrodome and lock it down, I thought: I didn't think I could hate victims faster than the 9-11 victims. These guys -- you know it's really sad. We're not hearing anything about Mississippi. We're not hearing anything about Alabama. We're hearing about the victims in New Orleans. This is a 90,000-square-mile disaster site, New Orleans is 181 square miles. A hundred and -- 0.2 percent of the disaster area is New Orleans! And that's all we're hearing about, are the people in New Orleans. Those are the only ones we're seeing on television are the scumbags -- and again, it's not all the people in New Orleans. Most of the people in New Orleans got out! It's just a small percentage of those who were left in New Orleans, or who decided to stay in New Orleans, and they're getting all the attention. It's exactly like the 9-11 victims' families. There's about 10 of them that are spoiling it for everybody. (Taken from http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/200509090003)
(Copied from an older blog no longer available)
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