What I learned this week: I must fight against injustice wherever I see it, even if it happens in a soccer match!
What I am grateful for: My family. Every day, I realize how blessed I am to have it.
Are you Ready for Retirement? Probably not! Find out from
Elder Care Attorney Colleen Campbell Root This Sunday at 3pm on Living Smart (repeats the following friday 10pm)
By Jennie Kamin
As I learned from my freshman biology teacher, all human beings share a few common characteristics: We require energy in the form of food, we are conceived through reproduction, we sleep and we die. This week on Living Smart, Colleen Campbell Root addresses the last part of the human lifecycle, an issue that many Americans avoid as long as possible. Root advises a clientele of mostly retirees on maintaining their independence and quality of lifestyle while preparing for a future for their loved-one’s after they are gone. Although the processes of creating a will and preparing an estate can be frightening, Root seeks to provide a comfortable conversation for her clients by focusing on the idea that we must care for ourselves now. Through using a holistic approach to prepared planning, Root coordinates with family and community members on topics such as asset planning and fund preservation. In addition, Root seeks to elucidate the confusing legal jargon associated with will-planning and sheds light on lesser-known estate and home-care options, such as the Veteran’s Administration Pension. Despite the unwillingness of some to confront the idea that we will not be here one day, Colleen Campbell Root emphasizes her belief that we are never too young to begin planning. As death and perhaps even disability are imminent, Root helps her clients plan for the unexpected.
IF YOU ARE RETIRED, SHARE YOUR TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION.....
The Green Tip for this week is sustainable eating. The show features restaurant owner, Frederico Marques, who discusses how he lives smart by living green.
To view past Living Smart shows go to www.youtube.com and type Living Smart with Patricia Gras
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM ROCK AND ROLL STARS???
This Sunday on Latina Voices at 2:30pm on HoustonPBS (www.latinavoices.com)
This week, on Latina Voices: Smart Talk, we speak with the First Lady of Rock Radio, Dayna Steele. Emcee turned author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur, Steele wrote a book titled Rock to the Top: What I Learned about Success from the World’s Greatest Rock Stars. In her radio days, Steele covered such artists as Mick Jagger, Gene Simmons, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and Sammy Hagar, to name a few. While still on the mike, this anchor acquired a large fan-base, referred to as Dayna’s “Steele-workers.” Fast-forward a few years, Steele is now the CEO of Steele Media Services as she also travels all over the world in order to teach her acclaimed presentation, “Find Your Inner Rock Star!” Also on Latina Voices: Smart Talk, we learn about LifeGift. The nation’s largest organ procurement organization, LifeGift is looking for donors, particularly those of Hispanic backgrounds.
WOULD YOU EVER DONATE AN ORGAN TO SOMEONE?
SOCCER WORLD CUP AN EMBARRASSMENT
Two great goals annulled against the USA
A goal scored with two hands by a Brazilian player
A wrongful red card for a Brazilian player
A goal annulled against England that would have tied the game
An offside goal by Argentina against Mexico
A hand goal by the French team against the Irish in qualifiers
The list goes on and on. Frankly I don't understand how the world can't stand up to Sepp Blatter and FIFA. Why can't we vote him out? What is wrong with this people. As much as I may want my team to win. I don't want my team to CHEAT to win.
Here is what the world knows. We have the technology to stop this non sense.It is goal-line technology and instant replay. Please FIFA stop coming up with excuses. We already use the Hawk-Eye system employed in tennis and cricket or the concept of a micro-chipped ball being developed in Germany. USE IT!
Wednesday
World Cup, Intimacy and Violence in Mexico
What I learned this week. Just because many criticize you, demean you or fail to believe in you, there is no excuse for not believing in yourself. No one know your potential the way you do. Trust yourself.
What I am grateful for. I feel loved by my higher power despite my so many shortcomings!
This Sunday on Living Smart we discuss intimacy. Therapist Michele Lees has been counseling clients for almost 30 years.
What Michele Lees knows about intimacy
By Shamsa Mangali
Close your eyes. (no, really, shut those peepers!) Think about what it would feel like to wake up, rejuvenated and happy, next to your partner. After a couple of minutes of silent, content meditation in bed, you walk to the kitchen and give hugs and kisses to your smiling, adoring children. Before you saunter off to work, you get a chance to read a few chapters of your favorite novel, and have a fun conversation with your best friend.
Sound like a dream? An unrealistic, laughable fantasy? Think again. This week on Living Smart, psychotherapist Michele Lees will let you in on some secrets about how to achieve this lifestyle in today’s stressful world. You’ll learn how to gain self-awareness and become truly comfortable with yourself. You’ll learn the steps to rekindling intimate, fulfilling relationships with your partner, your families, and your friends.
Intimacy does not just mean sexual intimacy, but emotional, spiritual, and intellectual intimacy, as well. During her career as a professional dancer, Lees learned to understand the mind/body connection necessary to foster this sense of intimacy. She now feels an invaluable sense of harmony within herself, and is willing to share!
Tune in to Living Smart this Sunday (June 27) at 3 PM to hear more! It repeats the following friday night at 10pm.
On our green tip, listen to David Ronn, the owner of a LEED certified house, talk about his extreme energy savings!
On Latina Voices This Sunday at 2:30pm we tackle violence in Mexico
Violence in Mexico
(CBS News)
American newspapers are always emblazoned with headlines about drug-related violence in Mexico. Worried parents shake their heads when their teenagers propose spending their spring breaks in the country. Foreign companies are wary of investing in Mexico due to these security issues. Even Mexican immigrants to America think twice about visiting their homes, especially if they are located in turbulent areas. Drug-related violence has led to thousands of preventable deaths in the country. Here’s the scoop:
Mexican drug cartels both produce and transport drugs across borders. The cartels often fight each other in violent ‘turf battles’ to acquire profitable trade routes, and gun down terrified civilians in the process.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS1eOaLi0_o (drug war coverage clip)
President Felipe Calderon has deployed many troops to these dangerous areas, but, paradoxically, this policy has actually increased fighting and intensity of the cartels’ violent demonstrations. Druglords are attempting to intimidate government entities and demonstrate their power to civilians. Police and military forces are guilty of contributing to this terrible violence; many feel inclined to join these financially-endowed drug cartels. Thus, these so-called ‘security forces’ have also committed atrocious human rights violations.
To stop the violence, policies have been passed to address the demand for these drugs. Economics 101 teaches us that demand fuels supply; if there’s no demand for the products, suppliers will stop producing. Sounds like a good solution. But guess who’s fueling the demand? America. The United States’ insatiable demand for cocaine and methamphetamines is promoting the violence in Mexico. President Bush tried to crackdown on drug-users; he spent millions to threaten them into complying with drug laws. President Obama prefers to focus on preventative measures; he is currently funding many drug rehabilitation programs.
Violence in Mexico is an extremely complicated issue. You can learn more about it on this Sunday’s episode of "Latina Voices"
The "Injustice" of Soccer matches by Patricia Gras
Many of you know how crazy my family is during the world cup. When you grow up playing soccer, it is in your blood. It can become a pseudo religion and motivate you like no other sport. My friend described a game of soccer as a game of life, full of small victories and defeats but most importantly, a game full of injustices, same as life! The other day, I was talking to a Brazilian friend and I joked about Maradona's hand of God goal against England years ago. The Brazil team had just scored using two hands so I reminded him, God did probably have two hands but I hated just how unjust this game was and how because FIFA masters of the universe refuse to use Instant Replay, a sole referee can determine the final outcome of a game! not the players, not the teams, not strategy, not fair play, not the coach but the referee. This is very disturbing to me. I always argue this is not just and all I have heard in my lifetime is. This is the way the game is. This is how we have always done it. We like not knowing whatt is going to happen. It would change the game. I get into a daze and look at them in utter disbelief. Really? you don't care if the team you are rooting for loses because a referee made a mistake? You don't care that a referre can be bought or sold? Why do so many accept this? I believe it is impossible to change the rule because FIFA does not want to change it so they can control outcomes. Next time I hear this is the way it is, I will say. The best team may not win, because one man who does have access to the truth instantly, may not use this technological tool because FIFA says so. I may love soccer but I hate the injustice of it.
What I am grateful for. I feel loved by my higher power despite my so many shortcomings!
This Sunday on Living Smart we discuss intimacy. Therapist Michele Lees has been counseling clients for almost 30 years.
What Michele Lees knows about intimacy
By Shamsa Mangali
Close your eyes. (no, really, shut those peepers!) Think about what it would feel like to wake up, rejuvenated and happy, next to your partner. After a couple of minutes of silent, content meditation in bed, you walk to the kitchen and give hugs and kisses to your smiling, adoring children. Before you saunter off to work, you get a chance to read a few chapters of your favorite novel, and have a fun conversation with your best friend.
Sound like a dream? An unrealistic, laughable fantasy? Think again. This week on Living Smart, psychotherapist Michele Lees will let you in on some secrets about how to achieve this lifestyle in today’s stressful world. You’ll learn how to gain self-awareness and become truly comfortable with yourself. You’ll learn the steps to rekindling intimate, fulfilling relationships with your partner, your families, and your friends.
Intimacy does not just mean sexual intimacy, but emotional, spiritual, and intellectual intimacy, as well. During her career as a professional dancer, Lees learned to understand the mind/body connection necessary to foster this sense of intimacy. She now feels an invaluable sense of harmony within herself, and is willing to share!
Tune in to Living Smart this Sunday (June 27) at 3 PM to hear more! It repeats the following friday night at 10pm.
On our green tip, listen to David Ronn, the owner of a LEED certified house, talk about his extreme energy savings!
On Latina Voices This Sunday at 2:30pm we tackle violence in Mexico
Violence in Mexico
(CBS News)
American newspapers are always emblazoned with headlines about drug-related violence in Mexico. Worried parents shake their heads when their teenagers propose spending their spring breaks in the country. Foreign companies are wary of investing in Mexico due to these security issues. Even Mexican immigrants to America think twice about visiting their homes, especially if they are located in turbulent areas. Drug-related violence has led to thousands of preventable deaths in the country. Here’s the scoop:
Mexican drug cartels both produce and transport drugs across borders. The cartels often fight each other in violent ‘turf battles’ to acquire profitable trade routes, and gun down terrified civilians in the process.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS1eOaLi0_o (drug war coverage clip)
President Felipe Calderon has deployed many troops to these dangerous areas, but, paradoxically, this policy has actually increased fighting and intensity of the cartels’ violent demonstrations. Druglords are attempting to intimidate government entities and demonstrate their power to civilians. Police and military forces are guilty of contributing to this terrible violence; many feel inclined to join these financially-endowed drug cartels. Thus, these so-called ‘security forces’ have also committed atrocious human rights violations.
To stop the violence, policies have been passed to address the demand for these drugs. Economics 101 teaches us that demand fuels supply; if there’s no demand for the products, suppliers will stop producing. Sounds like a good solution. But guess who’s fueling the demand? America. The United States’ insatiable demand for cocaine and methamphetamines is promoting the violence in Mexico. President Bush tried to crackdown on drug-users; he spent millions to threaten them into complying with drug laws. President Obama prefers to focus on preventative measures; he is currently funding many drug rehabilitation programs.
Violence in Mexico is an extremely complicated issue. You can learn more about it on this Sunday’s episode of "Latina Voices"
The "Injustice" of Soccer matches by Patricia Gras
Many of you know how crazy my family is during the world cup. When you grow up playing soccer, it is in your blood. It can become a pseudo religion and motivate you like no other sport. My friend described a game of soccer as a game of life, full of small victories and defeats but most importantly, a game full of injustices, same as life! The other day, I was talking to a Brazilian friend and I joked about Maradona's hand of God goal against England years ago. The Brazil team had just scored using two hands so I reminded him, God did probably have two hands but I hated just how unjust this game was and how because FIFA masters of the universe refuse to use Instant Replay, a sole referee can determine the final outcome of a game! not the players, not the teams, not strategy, not fair play, not the coach but the referee. This is very disturbing to me. I always argue this is not just and all I have heard in my lifetime is. This is the way the game is. This is how we have always done it. We like not knowing whatt is going to happen. It would change the game. I get into a daze and look at them in utter disbelief. Really? you don't care if the team you are rooting for loses because a referee made a mistake? You don't care that a referre can be bought or sold? Why do so many accept this? I believe it is impossible to change the rule because FIFA does not want to change it so they can control outcomes. Next time I hear this is the way it is, I will say. The best team may not win, because one man who does have access to the truth instantly, may not use this technological tool because FIFA says so. I may love soccer but I hate the injustice of it.
Tuesday
I have a dream, Consumer Rights and The Census
What I learned this week: If you have a dream, never give it up.
What I am grateful for: Those friends who believe in me despite my shortcomings. They are my evangelists. They love the projects that make them think they are making a world a better place and guess what. They are!
We just finished our membership drive. We want to thank all of you who became members of HoustonPBS and those of you who continue to support our programs. As I always say we can't do it without you. Now news on Living Smart and Latina Voices.
This Friday night at 10pm on Ch. 8 Author Robyn O'Brien reminds us what is wrong with our food suply and what we can do it. If you have kids you must watch this show!
Consumer Rights on Living Smart
By Production assitantShamsa Mangalji
I know how frustrating it can be when your flight gets cancelled. You sigh and wring your hands in despair when you realize that you will miss your important business meeting/nephew’s bar mitzvah/grandmother’s 97th birthday party.
But, wait a second. Don’t lose hope so quickly. Invoke your ‘travelers’ rights! There’s a rule that can help you– if an airline cannot get you to your destination at the time, they are required to send you to any competitor’s airline that can get you there sooner. This is an underutilized resource; not many people know that they can, indeed, advocate for their consumer rights.
Tune in to Living Smart this week to learn more about your consumer rights. Our guest, Myron Bernstein, can help you navigate consumer protection agencies, insurance commissions, and the courts. Whether you’re unsatisfied with your insurance coverage or the quality of your mattress, Dr. Myron Bernstein can help.
Sunday at 3pm on June 20th
Whats on Latina Voices this week? By Shamsa Mangalji
Do you groan when you see the Census form in your mailbox? Roll your eyes when the Census Taker knocks on your door? I know filling out this form has been an annoying, time-consuming process in the past, but this year, the form’s been condensed into one tiny ‘10 Questions in 10 Minutes’ document.
There are many benefits to filling out the Census; the results determine everything from the number of House Representatives for your state to the amount of federal funding received in your community.Find out how the Census serves your community and why you want to think twice before you say no.
Learn about all about the issues surrounding the Census 2010 on this week’s episode of ‘Latina Voices’ featuring Census 2010 Media Specialist, Eduardo Guity, and Complete Count Committee Member, Gracie Saenz.
Carla Powers has a harrowing story. As a teenager, this lawyer, professor, and journalist was forced by her father to join an oppressive cult in Northeast Texas called ‘The Radio Church of God’. The cult maintained strict rules regarding food consumption, financial responsibilities, and sexual affairs. Perpetrators who failed to uphold these rules got into serious trouble, because they did not fulfill their tasks to reach the so called ‘Kingdom of God’. Her memoir is a story of redemption and survival.
Listen to her speak about her personal experience on this week’s episode of Latina Voices.
Sunday at 2:30pm on HoustonPBS
What I am grateful for: Those friends who believe in me despite my shortcomings. They are my evangelists. They love the projects that make them think they are making a world a better place and guess what. They are!
We just finished our membership drive. We want to thank all of you who became members of HoustonPBS and those of you who continue to support our programs. As I always say we can't do it without you. Now news on Living Smart and Latina Voices.
This Friday night at 10pm on Ch. 8 Author Robyn O'Brien reminds us what is wrong with our food suply and what we can do it. If you have kids you must watch this show!
Consumer Rights on Living Smart
By Production assitantShamsa Mangalji
I know how frustrating it can be when your flight gets cancelled. You sigh and wring your hands in despair when you realize that you will miss your important business meeting/nephew’s bar mitzvah/grandmother’s 97th birthday party.
But, wait a second. Don’t lose hope so quickly. Invoke your ‘travelers’ rights! There’s a rule that can help you– if an airline cannot get you to your destination at the time, they are required to send you to any competitor’s airline that can get you there sooner. This is an underutilized resource; not many people know that they can, indeed, advocate for their consumer rights.
Tune in to Living Smart this week to learn more about your consumer rights. Our guest, Myron Bernstein, can help you navigate consumer protection agencies, insurance commissions, and the courts. Whether you’re unsatisfied with your insurance coverage or the quality of your mattress, Dr. Myron Bernstein can help.
Sunday at 3pm on June 20th
Whats on Latina Voices this week? By Shamsa Mangalji
Do you groan when you see the Census form in your mailbox? Roll your eyes when the Census Taker knocks on your door? I know filling out this form has been an annoying, time-consuming process in the past, but this year, the form’s been condensed into one tiny ‘10 Questions in 10 Minutes’ document.
There are many benefits to filling out the Census; the results determine everything from the number of House Representatives for your state to the amount of federal funding received in your community.Find out how the Census serves your community and why you want to think twice before you say no.
Learn about all about the issues surrounding the Census 2010 on this week’s episode of ‘Latina Voices’ featuring Census 2010 Media Specialist, Eduardo Guity, and Complete Count Committee Member, Gracie Saenz.
Carla Powers has a harrowing story. As a teenager, this lawyer, professor, and journalist was forced by her father to join an oppressive cult in Northeast Texas called ‘The Radio Church of God’. The cult maintained strict rules regarding food consumption, financial responsibilities, and sexual affairs. Perpetrators who failed to uphold these rules got into serious trouble, because they did not fulfill their tasks to reach the so called ‘Kingdom of God’. Her memoir is a story of redemption and survival.
Listen to her speak about her personal experience on this week’s episode of Latina Voices.
Sunday at 2:30pm on HoustonPBS
The Stain, Middle East and World Cup
What I learned this week: When I am critical of others, it does not take me long to realize, they are a mirroring aspects of myself I don't care to see.
What I am grateful for: I have friends who hold me accountable for my words and actions, even if at times I don't like it!
Living Smart, Latina Voices and Town Forums are on hiatus due to our membership drive, but I must say, I feel like focusing on three other things that occupy my thoughts and mind. This morning I saw an "oily bird." It is day 51of the BP oil spill. I have read a lot and still know little. The subject is so complicated. The technology, the engineering, the ocean temperatures are all news to me. Politicians are flying for cover, while those affected on the coast are crying foul and feeling the black ocean will also become a black cloud in their future. It is a sad time for America, and for those of us living in the gulf coast, a wake up call that CAME TOO LATE. The fact is, no matter what we do, it is too late. The damage has been done and will continue for years to come. What are we to do? First, we should never forget. Yes, I heard a friend say, mistakes happen. Look at the challenger. should we stop going into space because we made a mistake? I guess my question would be. What is the magnitude of the "mistake" How many "mistakes" were made before the accident? Who made them? Why? The most important question I would ask is. What role did I play in all of this? Have I ever done something that was not comfortable to protect the environment? like drive less, or fly less or clean up the messes on the beach? I keep saying, we can't keep living the way we have. The planet will continue to exist whether we are here or not, but it is a gift and this spill is a reminder of our own desire for more, for comfort, for cheap energy. I am not an energy expert, or engineer or a futurist. I do know when I look deeply within. I too played a role in this. Ask yourself that question.
The middle east continues to be a mess. The fact is, major decisions are not being made based on human rights. Why is it people have to die for the world to pay attention? I would love to see peace in the middle east and it would ultimately benfit us all, but the world does not have the leadership it needs to make the hard decisions for this conflict to end. All I can do is pray for peace.
World Cup
Need I say I am passionate about soccer? As a first generation American of Argentine parents and Spanish grandparents, I have the USA team to root for, and also Argentina and Spain, how fun is that? To understand the world's passion for soccer, we must see the sport is the great equalizer. Anybody, rich or not, tall or short, religous or heretic can play it ANYWHERE. I used to play with my brother in the streets with a plastic ball, a ball made of sheets, a real ball or a tennis ball. The idea was to play all day until dawn. If we had lights in the street we would continue to play until mom called us to go to bed. Soccer has been a part of my life ever since and after being present in three world cups, I plan to go to many more. This is truly a sport for the world. It is almost the first time you see so many people of many nationalities in the same celebration. I can't wait!
Living Smart and Latina Voices return on June 20th at 2:30 and 3pm respectively. Stay tuned!
What I am grateful for: I have friends who hold me accountable for my words and actions, even if at times I don't like it!
Living Smart, Latina Voices and Town Forums are on hiatus due to our membership drive, but I must say, I feel like focusing on three other things that occupy my thoughts and mind. This morning I saw an "oily bird." It is day 51of the BP oil spill. I have read a lot and still know little. The subject is so complicated. The technology, the engineering, the ocean temperatures are all news to me. Politicians are flying for cover, while those affected on the coast are crying foul and feeling the black ocean will also become a black cloud in their future. It is a sad time for America, and for those of us living in the gulf coast, a wake up call that CAME TOO LATE. The fact is, no matter what we do, it is too late. The damage has been done and will continue for years to come. What are we to do? First, we should never forget. Yes, I heard a friend say, mistakes happen. Look at the challenger. should we stop going into space because we made a mistake? I guess my question would be. What is the magnitude of the "mistake" How many "mistakes" were made before the accident? Who made them? Why? The most important question I would ask is. What role did I play in all of this? Have I ever done something that was not comfortable to protect the environment? like drive less, or fly less or clean up the messes on the beach? I keep saying, we can't keep living the way we have. The planet will continue to exist whether we are here or not, but it is a gift and this spill is a reminder of our own desire for more, for comfort, for cheap energy. I am not an energy expert, or engineer or a futurist. I do know when I look deeply within. I too played a role in this. Ask yourself that question.
The middle east continues to be a mess. The fact is, major decisions are not being made based on human rights. Why is it people have to die for the world to pay attention? I would love to see peace in the middle east and it would ultimately benfit us all, but the world does not have the leadership it needs to make the hard decisions for this conflict to end. All I can do is pray for peace.
World Cup
Need I say I am passionate about soccer? As a first generation American of Argentine parents and Spanish grandparents, I have the USA team to root for, and also Argentina and Spain, how fun is that? To understand the world's passion for soccer, we must see the sport is the great equalizer. Anybody, rich or not, tall or short, religous or heretic can play it ANYWHERE. I used to play with my brother in the streets with a plastic ball, a ball made of sheets, a real ball or a tennis ball. The idea was to play all day until dawn. If we had lights in the street we would continue to play until mom called us to go to bed. Soccer has been a part of my life ever since and after being present in three world cups, I plan to go to many more. This is truly a sport for the world. It is almost the first time you see so many people of many nationalities in the same celebration. I can't wait!
Living Smart and Latina Voices return on June 20th at 2:30 and 3pm respectively. Stay tuned!
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