What I learned this week:
Sometimes old behavior patterns are difficult to change. Each time I get angry I have to remove myself from the situation, calm down and then respond. That's just Living Smart "ly"
What I am grateful for:
I have learned to forgive myself when I mess up and choose to be happy rather than to
"be right. "
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Here’s a sneak-peek into what’s on Living Smart and Latina Voices this week!
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Living Smart: *Chitra Divakaruni and the Greatest Poems of All Time"
Green segment on Rain Water Harvesting with Steve Easton
Award Winning Writer Chitra Divakaruni shares some of the greatest poems of all time. We'll discuss poems by Rumi, Khalil Gibran, Elizabeth Browning, Chitra Divakaruni herself and many others. My favorite poem is by Khalil Gibran on raising children. "Your Children are not your children, they are the children that belong to life, You are the bow, they are the arrow." Wow when you hear it you will love it!
here is one of my favorites. A poem by Pablo Neruda I read when my boyfriend gave it to me. I was only 15.
Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
Write, for example,'The night is shattered
and the blue stars shiver in the distance.'
The night wind revolves in the sky and sings.
Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.
Through nights like this one I held her in my arms
I kissed her again and again under the endless sky.
She loved me sometimes, and I loved her too.
How could one not have loved her great still eyes.
Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
To think that I do not have her. To feel that I have lost her.
To hear the immense night, still more immense without her.
And the verse falls to the soul like dew to the pasture.
What does it matter that my love could not keep her.
The night is shattered and she is not with me.
This is all. In the distance someone is singing. In the distance.
My soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.
My sight searches for her as though to go to her.
My heart looks for her, and she is not with me.
The same night whitening the same trees.
We, of that time, are no longer the same.
I no longer love her, that's certain, but how I loved her.
My voice tried to find the wind to touch her hearing.
Another's. She will be another's. Like my kisses before.
Her voide. Her bright body. Her inifinite eyes.
I no longer love her, that's certain, but maybe I love her.
Love is so short, forgetting is so long.
Because through nights like this one I held her in my arms
my sould is not satisfied that it has lost her.
Though this be the last pain that she makes me suffer
and these the last verses that I write for her.
Pablo Neruda
(Sun, 3:00 PM, date—Repeats following Friday at10 PM)
Latina Voices: Smart Talk
Disease prevention is one of the ways to keep healthy. Hear what Nationally recognized Internist, Dr. Carlos Rivera, says will help you stave off diabetes, obesity, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Also, Texas To Go.com is a new place to go to get up to speed on latest Apps and technology to stay on top of your business. Learn from Texastogo.com CEO Sahnya Schulterbrant.
(Sun, 2:30 PM, date—repeats Wed, 11:30 PM)
Click here to see more of your favorite Living Smart shows!
Town Forum on "The Environment, Energy and The Economy: Making It Work. "
October 26th 7pm by Patricia Gras
The energy industry is the engine of our Houston Economy. Even our national economy relies heavily on oil and gas produced in the gulf of Mexico. How do we keep our vibrant community without harming the environment.
According to a Rasmussen poll report, and even after the catastrophic oil spill, 47% of voters continue to support deepwater drilling. Thirty-one percent (31%) say deepwater drilling should not be allowed, but another 22% are not sure. They still express concern about the environment but jobs tend to be a priority. A new Gallup poll also points that Americans now prioritize energy production over environemntal protection for the first time in its 10 year history.
The economy is still struggling and recently Senate Democrats abandoned the effort to pass an energy/climate bill that would begin to regulate greenhouse gases that cause global warming and promote renewable energy. Republican Senators had no plans on voting for the bill either.
What are the health, political and economic ramifications of our national, state and local energy policies? How do we make it work? That will be the topic of our town forum and we want to hear your ideas, thoughts and concerns. Let us know what you think.
Tuesday
Money and Success, and the life of a retired Olympian
What I learned this week:
For me, it is essential that I get out of my comfort zone every now and then, so I can learn to expand my brain and my soul.
What I am grateful for:
All the people who help me get my work done.
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Here’s a sneak-peek into what’s on Living Smart and Latina Voices this week!
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Living Smart: Money and Success
By Production Assistant: Shelby Cole
(Sun, 3:00 PM, July 25—Repeats following Friday at10 PM)
No matter what your belief system is, money and religion have gone hand in hand since the earliest days of human history. Whether your place of worship is funded by tithes, donations, fundraisers, or even the pillaging of the Crusades, religious orders of all types have relied on the uses of finances to fund their practices. Church, while typically charitable and virtuous, has a business face as well. Such is the nature of the beast.
Tithing has been around since religion’s inception. Tithing exists in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and even Scientology. Essentially, being a part of a religious tradition means that, at some point, you will be asked to give of your finances to help keep your place of worship up and running.
What of the guilt that is typically associated with money, though? We’ve had it beaten into our heads that having money is bad. Over time, we’ve become conditioned to associate guilt with wealth. That is old school.
Living Smart explores this topic with Dr. John Demartini. Dr. Demartini has over 40 books including the recently titled “How To Make One Hell of a Profit and Still Get To Heaven, and Secrets to Financial Success.”
What are your thoughts on money and religion? Leave a comment below, and make sure to tune in to Living Smart this Sunday!
Latina Voices: Life Post Ski-Skating
By Production Assistant: Shelby Cole
(Sun, 2:30 PM, July 25—repeats Wed, 11:30 PM)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/)
Olympic Speed Skater Chad Hedrick takes a Bronze Medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and announces his retirement. Now what? The Olympian chats it up with the Latina Voices Ladies about his sport, his new life and his promising future. And, the new Entrepreneur Broadcasting Company (EBC) has launched with programming appealing to business owners and entrepeneurs. You’ll learn what you need to know to succeed!
Current Events: Haiti Today...Effective Aid or Not?
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/
By: Lorís Simón Salum (Production Assistant)
After the disaster in Haiti this January, little has been said about what has been going on these days. Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the president and Prime Minister of Haiti on their lack of initiative to accelerate Haiti’s recovery. He reported that there are superfluous “bureaucratic obstacles at a time when Haiti cannot afford to delay.” According to an article in the Yahoo News , “In all, just 2 percent of the $5.3 billion in near-term aid pledges have actually been delivered, up from 1 percent last week,” so it could become a debatable matter when it comes to Haiti’s efficiency.
On the other hand, the Clinton Foundation has donated 141 trucks, 40 pieces of heavy equipment, $300,000 worth of seeds, portable classrooms, educational supplies, flashlights and lanterns, street lights, 68 generators, tents, large tents, community water purification systems, bottled water, medical supplies and medicines, latrines, clothing, stoves, whistles, a mobile command center, and educational needs since Janurary 2010. The Clinton Foundation, through the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative, along with the Fundación Carlos Slim, found a $20 million fund to help instigate small to medium businesses for Haitian entrepreneurs with no profits intended. They believe it will help create more jobs and facilitate the economy. Carlos Slim commented, "Employment is the way to fight poverty and dignify a human being."
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), informed that as of May 31, Haiti relief received about $122 million in public donations. On that same day, MSF spent $71.5 million, where more than $14.8 million went to surgery, $5.4 million to maternal health (MSF delivered 3,700 babies) and over $11 million in providing shelter. MSF has predicted that $120 million will be spent on helping the Haitian population alone by the end of 2010. “The publicly disseminated Action Plan for Reconstruction and National Development of Haiti, produced by the government of Haiti with inputs from the U.N., European Commission, the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and civil society, has assessed Haiti’s reconstruction needs over the next three years at $11.5 billion.”
Monday
The Oil Spill and what YOU can do
Current Events: BP Oil Spill
(http://lavalleybeat.com/)
By: Production Assistant Jennie Kamin
Since April 20, 2010, the British-based global energy powerhouse, British Petroleum (BP), has grown continuously synonymous with the words “oil spill.” Nearly eighty days and at least 200 million gallons of crude oil later , the gulf coast is facing the greatest environmental disaster in American history.
One website, if itwasmyhome.com , allows internet-surfers to visualize the spill by placing a black murky image scaled to the size of the spill over a map of their home city. As gulf-coast neighbors, Houstonians need not view the image of black oil spanning a radius from Lufkin to Freeport in order to capture the magnitude of this disaster. On the contrary, in order to witness the devastation firsthand, Houstonians merely have to look in their own backyards, (or at least just beyond the horizons of their beachfront Galveston getaways).
Millions are aware of the damages, but as the world grows frustrated, the question remains: What can gulf coast residents do to help? One multinational organization, ACS Industries, Inc. sought an answer to that same question. ACS Industries, Inc. manufactures knitted wire mesh technologies. Their separations and mass-transfer division is located in Houston . As the original designers and manufacturers of oil/water separators mounted in the hull of MSRC vessels, ACS’ claim to fame is engineering and manufacturing 32 units for oil clean-up responder ships. If you are like me and do not follow engineering jargon, in layman’s terms, this design enabled massive clean-up efforts in the 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill. For this, ACS won the Vaaler award .
The separators mounted on the MSRC ships were designed to run 550 gallons/minute each. This means that each ship has the capacity to separate over 1,000 gallons/minute of oily water. Despite their positive track records with the Exxon-Valdez spill, ACS’ units have been unused in relief efforts for the gulf-coast spill. In fact, ACS contacted BP’s Chief Operating Officer of Exploration, Doug Suttles, members of the Obama Administration and other officials, offering their support. As ACS understands it, the oil in this particular spill cannot be separated in their units. In order to help the cause, they have designed another vessel that could be manufactured very quickly. This vessel would potentially be able to separate the oil from the water at a combined rate of 600,000 gallons per hour. All ACS would need in order to process these vessels are samples of the oil to test. Getting samples has been impossible and none of the company’s 10 ships currently in the gulf are being used.
I contacted BP’s general answering service to ask why they have not responded to ACS’ offer. To this the agent with whom I spoke replied, “…we have tons and tons of submissions..20,000 thousand in one day...there is a chance they haven’t gotten to it yet.”
In search of more answers on how gulf coast residents can do their part, I contacted the Sierra Club and asked about volunteer opportunities. As hazmat work requires a significant amount of professional training, hands-on volunteer opportunities are better left to the professionals at this point. The Sierra Club did recommend, however, that civilians spend time writing letters and urging the Obama administration to move away from oil and into alternative energy. In addition, donates made to the Sierra Club will aid campaigns that lead us to such alternative energy sources .
Another organization, the National Audubon Society , provides multiple ways in which gulf coast residents, or anyone for that matter, can help. By following the steps provided on their website, volunteers and concerned citizens can donate, stay informed and even lend their support through volunteering. By filling out information on experience and interest, the Audubon Society works to match concerned parties with relief organizations related to wildlife rescue. Their website also provides an easy step-by-step form for citizens so they can send email letters to members of Senate urging them to fund gulf coast restoration. Regardless of political preference, gulf coasters can agree that the devastation caused by this spill is tremendous. As such, a few organizations are working to answer the question: what can we do to help? There are a few things that residents can do in order to channel their frustration into taking action. In addition, ordinary citizens should follow the advice of the Sierra Club and insist that their representatives endorse alternative energy. After the moratorium is lifted on offshore drilling, we can also urge the government to continue to put pressure on oil companies to fortify their safety measures so that this kind of disaster never happens again.
The Master of Love and Cyberbullying
What I learned this week:
When I am tired. I have to get more sleep! Most of us don't realize the importance of sleep. It can be more important than what you eat.
What I am grateful for:
I watched many World Cup soccer games with my family and had a blast!
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Latina Voices: Bullying 101
(http://www.edgalaxy.com/)
This week, we hear about an issue plaguing many adults: arthritis and how you can survive. We also hear from Anti Defamation League affiliate, Dena Marks on an issue pertaining to a younger generation. Today’s youth are said to possess qualities and aspirations unlike any preceding generation. Labeled “Generation Y” by AdAge Magazine, we are defined by the Internet and social media culture that expanded and grew alongside us, as it also proved what we are capable of achieving . Now deemed “Generation Z” or “The I Generation,” today’s school-kids are well versed in digital media, especially cell phones. Although these advances in technology have shaped the personality of today’s youth, they have also caused unprecedented issues for parents and teachers alike. Ask any cell-phone-using, computer-wielding kid, and they will certainly know the meaning of digital jargon such as “LOL” and “OMG.” Versed in a language of their own, the growing connectivity of youth today also poses a growing issue in schools: Cyber-bullying. What makes this form of bullying exceedingly more troublesome is it’s near impossibility to monitor . While kids are now able to communicate with greater ease and speed than ever before, they are also able to do so without their parents or teachers every hearing the content of their conversations. Despite the opportunities that technology has offered to today’s youth, it is also exacerbating one of adolescence’s toughest issues and is even linked to an alarming increase in teen suicide . Last year, a Massachusetts teenager, Phoebe Prince hanged herself after being the victim of cyber-bullying . Following the indictment of six alleged bullies, the teenage suicide led to the enactment of strict anti-bullying laws in Massachusetts . In addition to making illegal any acts of bullying, these laws also mandate teacher education on how to prevent bullying. While the threat of cyber-bullying lingers in school hallways and classrooms, it seems that the best defense is education for teachers, parents, and students.
By Production Assistant: Jennie Kamin
(Sun, 2:30 PM, July 18—repeats Wed, 11:30 PM)
This week, we hear about an issue plaguing many adults: arthritis and how you can survive. We also hear from Anti Defamation League affiliate, Dena Marks on an issue pertaining to a younger generation. Today’s youth are said to possess qualities and aspirations unlike any preceding generation. Labeled “Generation Y” by AdAge Magazine, we are defined by the Internet and social media culture that expanded and grew alongside us, as it also proved what we are capable of achieving . Now deemed “Generation Z” or “The I Generation,” today’s school-kids are well versed in digital media, especially cell phones. Although these advances in technology have shaped the personality of today’s youth, they have also caused unprecedented issues for parents and teachers alike. Ask any cell-phone-using, computer-wielding kid, and they will certainly know the meaning of digital jargon such as “LOL” and “OMG.” Versed in a language of their own, the growing connectivity of youth today also poses a growing issue in schools: Cyber-bullying. What makes this form of bullying exceedingly more troublesome is it’s near impossibility to monitor . While kids are now able to communicate with greater ease and speed than ever before, they are also able to do so without their parents or teachers every hearing the content of their conversations. Despite the opportunities that technology has offered to today’s youth, it is also exacerbating one of adolescence’s toughest issues and is even linked to an alarming increase in teen suicide . Last year, a Massachusetts teenager, Phoebe Prince hanged herself after being the victim of cyber-bullying . Following the indictment of six alleged bullies, the teenage suicide led to the enactment of strict anti-bullying laws in Massachusetts . In addition to making illegal any acts of bullying, these laws also mandate teacher education on how to prevent bullying. While the threat of cyber-bullying lingers in school hallways and classrooms, it seems that the best defense is education for teachers, parents, and students.
Living Smart: Personal Transformation
By Production Assistant: Jennie Kamin
(Sun, 3:00 PM, July 18—Repeats following Friday at10 PM)
In addition to the threat of cyber-bullying, the growth of technology has also led to other lifestyle challenges. In an increasingly digitized world, it is becoming easier to lose oneself in the Internet and lose sight of spirituality. This week, on Living Smart, Don Miguel Ruiz shares his tools for people to achieve personal transformation and the Mastery of Love. Raised in rural Mexico, Ruiz comes from a long familial line of healers based in the Toltec tradition. In spite of his roots, Ruiz sought a more Western path and practiced as a surgeon after attending medical school. He later reached out to his ancestral calling and decided to focus on spiritual healing. Along the way, Ruiz became a speaker, teacher and author after he created his practical-tool box for transformation, which he calls The Four Agreements and tips on finding true love.
Click here to see more of your favorite Living Smart shows!
Sunday
Reflections on World Soccer, The Body's Wisdom, and Latino Students' Challenge
What I learned this week:
To truly win or succeed, you have to lose and fail many times.
What I am grateful for:
After rainfall, the sun always comes out.
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Germany's crushing defeat of Argentina
Since I was a little girl, I never truly understood the lure of soccer in Argentina. I remember the quiet Sunday afternoons where families would eat their "asado" and watch their favorite soccer team at play. Then the children would go out to the streets and continue playing with whatever ball they could find. As I grew older and went to my first world cup in 1978, I lived a thrilling experience when Argentina won and then in 1986 when Maradona's hand of God led the team to the final. I however became very leery of the injustices committed by referees and the refusal to use instant replay to make fair decisions. (I didn't much care for the Maradona goal with the "hand of God.)" On Saturday we watched as Argentina got clobbered by Germany and I realized there is so much that the soccer players from the country show us about Argentine idiosyncracies in victory as well as defeat.
Diego Maradona is Argentine's best known export. He was very poor as a child and quite misguided in his life. No one doubts a great, brilliant unique soccer player, but with too many personal challenges to mention. For many Argentines, he is considered a genius, a god, with almost superman qualities. No one remains indifferent to him. He is either adored or reviled. Everyone knows however that a good player does not a good coach make! Maradona is not a technical coach but I will let the experts better explain why. Some examples of his failures are: He never called on his best international defense players and as a result had a weak back field. His midfield players failed to control the game when most needed. When a clear change was needed he didn't make it, but here is why I don't blame him.
Maradona is not God and he is not a coach and he could not make a team with the highest paid players in the world work as a team simply because he doesn't know how.But here is what Argentines tend to do, They either treat him like a genius or like an idiot. I don't believe he is totally to blame for the loss to Germany. He did the best he could. I blame those who chose him to be coach based on his celebrity status. That's right. He was never or ever will be a good coach. The reason the Argentine team did so well in this tournament is because individually most of the players are very good and very well paid thank you, but that does not make a great team. There is so much more to it than that.
They love their country and probably get along very well, but when it comes to soccer as in life you must know your strengths and weaknesses. Argentina for instance may have one of the best forwards and strikers in the world but in this tournament, Maradona chose a very ill prepared defense. Maradona had no strategy or the technical capacity to make the right changes.Do I blame him? No way. We in the United States know about celebrity culture. Heck we had to watch Paris Hilton in a ranch for weeks. There was nothing real about that! Now we had to watch a soccer player, suddently become a world cup award winning coach. Maradona did what he knew best. He was his old self, funny, emotional, loving, erratic, arrogant and somewhat bewildered. He was not ready for that particular job. We may love to watch him at work, but if we want a winner, we must find a coach with winning qualities. Let bygones by bygones. It is time for change. Argentina must realize that they can't win with the same belief system that they have had in the past 24 years. Do you want a winning coach? Get one. As a player Maradona may have won for Argentina, but as a coach, you are asking for way too much.
I want to thank him for entertaining us and for the players for their commitment. As for Messi, please stop picking on the guy or questioning his patriotism. He's used to playing with a team that absolutely knows how to play as a team and posesses very few weakneses. Barca is one of the best if not the best club team in the world. Messi did as well as he could. It has nothing to do with his love of country but it does have to do with the idiocyncracy of many in a nation who believe Diego is God!
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Here’s a sneak-peek into what’s on Living Smart and Latina Voices this week!
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Living Smart: The Body's Wisdom
By Production Assistant: Shamsa Mangalji
(Sun, 3pm July 11th-- Repeats following Friday at 10pm)
What I am grateful for:
After rainfall, the sun always comes out.
------------------------------------------------------------
Germany's crushing defeat of Argentina
Since I was a little girl, I never truly understood the lure of soccer in Argentina. I remember the quiet Sunday afternoons where families would eat their "asado" and watch their favorite soccer team at play. Then the children would go out to the streets and continue playing with whatever ball they could find. As I grew older and went to my first world cup in 1978, I lived a thrilling experience when Argentina won and then in 1986 when Maradona's hand of God led the team to the final. I however became very leery of the injustices committed by referees and the refusal to use instant replay to make fair decisions. (I didn't much care for the Maradona goal with the "hand of God.)" On Saturday we watched as Argentina got clobbered by Germany and I realized there is so much that the soccer players from the country show us about Argentine idiosyncracies in victory as well as defeat.
Diego Maradona is Argentine's best known export. He was very poor as a child and quite misguided in his life. No one doubts a great, brilliant unique soccer player, but with too many personal challenges to mention. For many Argentines, he is considered a genius, a god, with almost superman qualities. No one remains indifferent to him. He is either adored or reviled. Everyone knows however that a good player does not a good coach make! Maradona is not a technical coach but I will let the experts better explain why. Some examples of his failures are: He never called on his best international defense players and as a result had a weak back field. His midfield players failed to control the game when most needed. When a clear change was needed he didn't make it, but here is why I don't blame him.
Maradona is not God and he is not a coach and he could not make a team with the highest paid players in the world work as a team simply because he doesn't know how.But here is what Argentines tend to do, They either treat him like a genius or like an idiot. I don't believe he is totally to blame for the loss to Germany. He did the best he could. I blame those who chose him to be coach based on his celebrity status. That's right. He was never or ever will be a good coach. The reason the Argentine team did so well in this tournament is because individually most of the players are very good and very well paid thank you, but that does not make a great team. There is so much more to it than that.
They love their country and probably get along very well, but when it comes to soccer as in life you must know your strengths and weaknesses. Argentina for instance may have one of the best forwards and strikers in the world but in this tournament, Maradona chose a very ill prepared defense. Maradona had no strategy or the technical capacity to make the right changes.Do I blame him? No way. We in the United States know about celebrity culture. Heck we had to watch Paris Hilton in a ranch for weeks. There was nothing real about that! Now we had to watch a soccer player, suddently become a world cup award winning coach. Maradona did what he knew best. He was his old self, funny, emotional, loving, erratic, arrogant and somewhat bewildered. He was not ready for that particular job. We may love to watch him at work, but if we want a winner, we must find a coach with winning qualities. Let bygones by bygones. It is time for change. Argentina must realize that they can't win with the same belief system that they have had in the past 24 years. Do you want a winning coach? Get one. As a player Maradona may have won for Argentina, but as a coach, you are asking for way too much.
I want to thank him for entertaining us and for the players for their commitment. As for Messi, please stop picking on the guy or questioning his patriotism. He's used to playing with a team that absolutely knows how to play as a team and posesses very few weakneses. Barca is one of the best if not the best club team in the world. Messi did as well as he could. It has nothing to do with his love of country but it does have to do with the idiocyncracy of many in a nation who believe Diego is God!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here’s a sneak-peek into what’s on Living Smart and Latina Voices this week!
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Living Smart: The Body's Wisdom
By Production Assistant: Shamsa Mangalji
(Sun, 3pm July 11th-- Repeats following Friday at 10pm)
Obesity. Depression. Marriage Problems. We know all too well how much these issues plague our society. This week’s Living Smart guest, Dr. Kimerer Lamothe, will give us a devastatingly simple solution to solve all of our problems: (drumroll please…) Listen to our bodies! Lamothe believes that one’s body is the best doctor.
In America, we’ve made it a habit to prioritize mind over body. Most of us live our day-to-day lives by quelling our true desires for food, sex, and spirit. More often than not, we fall victim to outside forces like advertising to dictate what we need:
Though companies will swear that (blank) food and (blank) sex position will ‘make you happy’, don’t listen to them; our lack of awareness of our inner selves leads to unhappiness and debilitating habits.
We don’t want to raise those horrifying health statistics even more. Learn how to help yourself on this week ‘s ‘Living Smart’ show with Dr. Kimerer Lamothe!
Our green tip segment for this show is about glass recycling with Mark Austin.
Click here to see more of your favorite Living Smart shows!
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Latina Voices: Latino Students' challenge
By Production Assistant: Shamsa Mangalji
(Sun, 2:30 PM, July 11)
Multiple studies have shown that Latinos lag far behind any other ethnic group in pursuing higher education. Experts deem poverty and engrained cultural beliefs as key factors contributing to this issue. Researchers also point to serious faults in schools’ institutional structures; many Hispanic students feel socially excluded and underrepresented in their high schools.
A UTSA research report stated that high school history classes painted an overwhelmingly negative picture of Latinos in general; the classes failed to showcase Mexican/Chicano’s achievements and contributions to U.S. society. Stereotypes and discrimination reign supreme in many institutions.
This week on Latina Voices, listen to top educators Dr. William Flores, the President of University of Houston Downtown, and Dr. Guadalupe San Miguel, Mexican-American Studies Professor break down sad numbers of Latinos seeking at higher education, and discuss promising solutions.
Though companies will swear that (blank) food and (blank) sex position will ‘make you happy’, don’t listen to them; our lack of awareness of our inner selves leads to unhappiness and debilitating habits.
We don’t want to raise those horrifying health statistics even more. Learn how to help yourself on this week ‘s ‘Living Smart’ show with Dr. Kimerer Lamothe!
Our green tip segment for this show is about glass recycling with Mark Austin.
Click here to see more of your favorite Living Smart shows!
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Latina Voices: Latino Students' challenge
By Production Assistant: Shamsa Mangalji
(Sun, 2:30 PM, July 11)
Multiple studies have shown that Latinos lag far behind any other ethnic group in pursuing higher education. Experts deem poverty and engrained cultural beliefs as key factors contributing to this issue. Researchers also point to serious faults in schools’ institutional structures; many Hispanic students feel socially excluded and underrepresented in their high schools.
A UTSA research report stated that high school history classes painted an overwhelmingly negative picture of Latinos in general; the classes failed to showcase Mexican/Chicano’s achievements and contributions to U.S. society. Stereotypes and discrimination reign supreme in many institutions.
This week on Latina Voices, listen to top educators Dr. William Flores, the President of University of Houston Downtown, and Dr. Guadalupe San Miguel, Mexican-American Studies Professor break down sad numbers of Latinos seeking at higher education, and discuss promising solutions.
Saturday
Current Events: Want a mosque to be built by Ground Zero...?
Recently, the chairman of a Muslim organization proposed building a community center near Ground Zero in New York City. The chairman, Imam Feisal Abdul Raif, envisioned a center that would enrich Lower Manhattan; it would house sports facilities and discussion rooms. An auditorium would serve as a venue for shows and art exhibitions. And, a space would be reserved for Muslim prayer.
News editors eagerly latched on to this last proposition and began to publish stories about the ‘mega-mosque’ that would be built by Ground Zero. Word spread quickly; this propaganda catalyzed an intense, passionate reaction from both supporters and protestors of the plan.
The ‘mosque’ proposal enraged families affected by 9/11 and reinvigorated the actions of ardent Islamophobes worldwide. Many protestors believed the building of a mosque so close to Ground Zero would glorify the ‘Muslims’ who attacked the World Trade Center. People marched around Ground Zero wielding signs emblazoned with phrases like, ‘A Mosque at Ground Zero is a Monument to Terrorism‘. And that was a tame one. Houston’s very own radio talk show host, Michael Berry, declared that the mosque should not be built, and stated, “if you do build a mosque, I hope somebody blows it up...I hope the mosque isn't built, and if it is, I hope it's blown up, and I mean that."
Various New York politicians, however, have supported the idea of building a ‘mosque’ by the site. In a radio address, Mayor Bloomberg emphasized that everyone had the right to construct a ‘religious house of worship’ in whatever place they desired..’if somebody was going to try to build a church or a synagogue on that piece of property, no one would be yelling..”
Simply by interchanging the words, ‘community center’ and ‘mosque’, news media has incited the world audience. This issue is fostering the pervasive misunderstanding about Islam everywhere.
Personally, I believe that this proposed ‘community center’ should be a completely secular space in which people can discuss issues that cultivate terrorism. Research has shown that terrorists act out of misinformation, feelings of depression, and/or a desire for a better standard of living. If we address these complex problems in a holistic way, we may deter future acts perpetrated by terrorists.
People must learn to disassociate the words, ‘Muslim’ and ‘terrorist’. Building a Muslim house of worship so close to Ground Zero would not promote this initiative, but further foster this dangerous misconception. As a Muslim, I feel it is my duty to break this stereotype, and promote the development of mutual understanding worldwide.
What do you think about this proposal? Is the community center promoting a positive view of Islam, or is it a slap in the face to 9/11 victims' families?
Post below!
Tuesday
Living Smart, FIFA's embarrassment and Goal Line Technology
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!
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!
Friday
Men and Women in Uniform and Membership Drive
What I learned this week: When I am under a lot of stress, I do things out of character. I realize that if I do something wrong as a result of life challenges I am facing, I need to slow down, analyze and forgive myself.
What I am grateful for: Those difficult, prickly people who I call "Master Teachers" for being so challenging that they force me to be better, work harder and get more creative.
This past Sunday Latina Voices honored men and women in Uniform. Our membership drive starts today and all the shows I work on will be on hiatus for a few weeks but during the drive I will get to talk about 4Troops,an American pop vocal group made up of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. Their repertoire is inspirational and up lifting - I'M ALREADY THERE, BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD, YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE, and more. Their positive message is for all serving troops, veterans, and American citizens who are inspired by them every day. They will air
6/8/2010 11:00 am SD8.2 more
6/10/2010 7:00 pm HD more
6/12/2010 1:00 am HD more
6/13/2010 4:30 pm HD more
HONORING MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM on Latina Voices by Gaby Lopez
Every day at home and abroad we are protected by the tireless efforts of our policemen, firefighters, and military personnel. While we are all grateful for their work and their sacrifices, some people turn that gratitude into action. Meredith Iler, a Houston attorney and public relations firm president, is one of those people.
Many American military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have difficulty adjusting to civilian life after coming home, but for those who come back with physical and psychological wounds the adjustment can be even harder. Iler's non-profit organization, Helping a Hero, tries to use its services to make life easier for these wounded veterans. http://www.helpingahero.org/
Helping a Hero builds specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans and their families. While emotional support of American troops is important, Helpingahero.org says that, "Financially our wounded heroes deserve every American's support to help them get on the road to recovery and regain their independence."
The Trejos are one such family. Army Sergeant Sergio Trejo and his wife, former air force Staff Sergeant Jessica Trejo, are recipients of Helping a Hero home. The Trejos believe that the mentorship and emotional support provided by the organization are just as important as the physical home. “They’ve helped build a foundation that we can build on for our children,” Jessica Trejo said, referring to the financial and social mentorship aspect of the program. Helping a Hero eases the process of integrating returning soldiers back into society, said the Trejos, who are grateful for the assistance they have received during that sometimes overwhelming transition.
In this episode of Latina Voices: Smart Talk, Iler discussed her organization and its work. Patricia Gras, Sofia Adrogue and Minerva Perez also interviewed some of our local women in uniform, Rosenberg Officer Danielle Delgado and Houston Firefighter Laura Saavedra.
Links about women in uniform.
http://www.womenmarines.org/
http://www.army.mil/women/
http://www.i-women.org/
http://www.iawp.org/
http://www.militarywoman.org/forums/
For more information on this show go to HTV (Latina Voices Show #21)
www.latinavoices.com
What I am grateful for: Those difficult, prickly people who I call "Master Teachers" for being so challenging that they force me to be better, work harder and get more creative.
This past Sunday Latina Voices honored men and women in Uniform. Our membership drive starts today and all the shows I work on will be on hiatus for a few weeks but during the drive I will get to talk about 4Troops,an American pop vocal group made up of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. Their repertoire is inspirational and up lifting - I'M ALREADY THERE, BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD, YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE, and more. Their positive message is for all serving troops, veterans, and American citizens who are inspired by them every day. They will air
6/8/2010 11:00 am SD8.2 more
6/10/2010 7:00 pm HD more
6/12/2010 1:00 am HD more
6/13/2010 4:30 pm HD more
HONORING MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM on Latina Voices by Gaby Lopez
Every day at home and abroad we are protected by the tireless efforts of our policemen, firefighters, and military personnel. While we are all grateful for their work and their sacrifices, some people turn that gratitude into action. Meredith Iler, a Houston attorney and public relations firm president, is one of those people.
Many American military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have difficulty adjusting to civilian life after coming home, but for those who come back with physical and psychological wounds the adjustment can be even harder. Iler's non-profit organization, Helping a Hero, tries to use its services to make life easier for these wounded veterans. http://www.helpingahero.org/
Helping a Hero builds specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans and their families. While emotional support of American troops is important, Helpingahero.org says that, "Financially our wounded heroes deserve every American's support to help them get on the road to recovery and regain their independence."
The Trejos are one such family. Army Sergeant Sergio Trejo and his wife, former air force Staff Sergeant Jessica Trejo, are recipients of Helping a Hero home. The Trejos believe that the mentorship and emotional support provided by the organization are just as important as the physical home. “They’ve helped build a foundation that we can build on for our children,” Jessica Trejo said, referring to the financial and social mentorship aspect of the program. Helping a Hero eases the process of integrating returning soldiers back into society, said the Trejos, who are grateful for the assistance they have received during that sometimes overwhelming transition.
In this episode of Latina Voices: Smart Talk, Iler discussed her organization and its work. Patricia Gras, Sofia Adrogue and Minerva Perez also interviewed some of our local women in uniform, Rosenberg Officer Danielle Delgado and Houston Firefighter Laura Saavedra.
Links about women in uniform.
http://www.womenmarines.org/
http://www.army.mil/women/
http://www.i-women.org/
http://www.iawp.org/
http://www.militarywoman.org/forums/
For more information on this show go to HTV (Latina Voices Show #21)
www.latinavoices.com
Food Supply, Soccer/Dynamo and Muhammad Yunus
What I learned this week:
Keeping myself fit and healthy takes time, commitment, persistence and faith. Every time I get tired, or see great food or get upset, I have to remind myself that to be healthy I have to stay the course.
What I am grateful for:
Six months after radiation, I am cancer free. I am full of gratitude.
This Sunday at 3pm and June 18th at 10pm You will learn facts about food you probably never heard.
Robyn O'Brien by Lihue Rearte (Production Assistant)
Why is it important to eat healthy and know the contents of food? The answer will be given by the author Robyn O'Brien on Living Smart with Patricia Gras. She talks about her book "The truth: how our food makes us sick and what we can do about it." In this book she warns consumers about the ugly truth of the food industries and what they hide from us in the foods we eat daily. Go to http://www.robynobrien.com/
The bad reputation, of food additives, colorings and sweeteners such as aspartame, is one that needs a wake up call. The author points out some that can cause dangerous effects in our bodies.
The author O'Brien that after doing research and understanding scientific studies, some substances provoke allergies and terminal illnesses.
The food industry can use only those products that have been approved after having gone through detailed studies to verify that licensed doses can not cause any harmful effects to our health, but some countries like the United States choose to ignore these studies.
"Our corporations have done an incredible job in responding to needs, to remove substances from consumers in other countries like Britain," the author says. "But the United States allows these substances in our food."
In Living Smart with Patricia Gras, O'Brien advises to be aware of what we eat and shares research and studies to support which products harm our health.
Watch this program on Sunday at 3pm (repeated on Friday June 18th at 10 pm.) For more information visit www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart or visit www.patriciagras.net/
Last week I had the opportunity to meet Muhammad Yunus, www.grameenfoundation.org/?gclid=CLWZj6m-4aECFZVY2god2wktKw
the creator of Grameen Bank or Village Bank. Let me explain that I have met presidents, celebrities, heroes and extraordinary people, but I must say when you meet someone like Muhammad Yunus who has impacted so many millions of the world's poor. (over 100 million) I was in awe and considered myself very lucky to get to interview him. I have done interviews and hosted some events for Results, an organization that works to impact the poor by lobbying congress. It is strictly a volunteer organization and has quietly done great work to end poverty over the years.
www.results.org/
Yunus was on their board of directors and they both have worked to treat the poor with dignity, compassion and to effectively give them tools to succeed. Isn't that what we all want? We will write more about this at length but I will let you know when the story airs on Latina Voices on HoustonPBS. We will also interview Gayle Ferraro, the filmaker who produced a show about Muhammad Yunus' work in the United States. It is called to Catch a Dollar and will be released in September.
www.aerial-productions.com/
This Sunday at 2:30pm May 23rd on Latina Voices, you'll get a first look at Houston Dynamo's Oliver Luck and striker Brian Ching. Life coach expert Laura Lopez also shares her experience as an executive for Coca Cola and her most recent book, "Committed Leader."
Many of you know of my passion for soccer. I will be writing about it here and my facebook page. I started playing soccer with my brother as a child and my parents are from Argentina, so the month of June will be ALL SOCCER ALL THE TIME for friends and family!!!
The World Cup and Houston Dyanamo by Shelby Cole (Production Assistant)
Great news in the sports world for all the Houston soccerheads out there! The Fifa World Cup that is right around the corner, and the whole world is talking about who will take home the ultimate prize. The Houston Dynamo’s own Brian Ching has a very strong chance of traveling to South Africa to help the U.S. team compete for (and hopefully win!) the cup. This will be Ching’s second time to be a candidate and possible player on the American team, as he traveled to Germany for the 2006 Fifa World Cup.
Ching’s supporters couldn’t be more proud of him for all of his accomplishments, both on native and foreign turf. Currently the Captain and leading goal-scorer of the Dynamo, Ching hopes to use his leadership, talent, and discipline to guide the U.S. team to victory in South Africa. Patti, Minerva, and Sofia interviewed Brian on Latina Voices, where he mentioned the new Houston Dynamo Soccer stadium.
This new stadium will be an excellent addition to Houston’s already thriving sports scene. Located just southeast of Minute Maid Park, the Houston Dynamo stadium will seat 21,000-22,000 ravenous fans and will cost an estimated $95 million. Despite its costs, the construction of this stadium is a good step in a new direction for the soccer world, as the stadium will definitely garner more respect for a sport that tends to be written off.
See this interview on Latina Voices on May 23 at 2:30, and be sure to tune in and support Brian Ching as he represents his city and country at the World Cup!
www.fifa.com/worldcup/
www.brianchingsoccer.com/blog
www.houstondynamo.com/news/2010/04/city-council-approves-dynamo-stadium-plan
Keeping myself fit and healthy takes time, commitment, persistence and faith. Every time I get tired, or see great food or get upset, I have to remind myself that to be healthy I have to stay the course.
What I am grateful for:
Six months after radiation, I am cancer free. I am full of gratitude.
This Sunday at 3pm and June 18th at 10pm You will learn facts about food you probably never heard.
Robyn O'Brien by Lihue Rearte (Production Assistant)
Why is it important to eat healthy and know the contents of food? The answer will be given by the author Robyn O'Brien on Living Smart with Patricia Gras. She talks about her book "The truth: how our food makes us sick and what we can do about it." In this book she warns consumers about the ugly truth of the food industries and what they hide from us in the foods we eat daily. Go to http://www.robynobrien.com/
The bad reputation, of food additives, colorings and sweeteners such as aspartame, is one that needs a wake up call. The author points out some that can cause dangerous effects in our bodies.
The author O'Brien that after doing research and understanding scientific studies, some substances provoke allergies and terminal illnesses.
The food industry can use only those products that have been approved after having gone through detailed studies to verify that licensed doses can not cause any harmful effects to our health, but some countries like the United States choose to ignore these studies.
"Our corporations have done an incredible job in responding to needs, to remove substances from consumers in other countries like Britain," the author says. "But the United States allows these substances in our food."
In Living Smart with Patricia Gras, O'Brien advises to be aware of what we eat and shares research and studies to support which products harm our health.
Watch this program on Sunday at 3pm (repeated on Friday June 18th at 10 pm.) For more information visit www.houstonpbs.org/livingsmart or visit www.patriciagras.net/
Last week I had the opportunity to meet Muhammad Yunus, www.grameenfoundation.org/?gclid=CLWZj6m-4aECFZVY2god2wktKw
the creator of Grameen Bank or Village Bank. Let me explain that I have met presidents, celebrities, heroes and extraordinary people, but I must say when you meet someone like Muhammad Yunus who has impacted so many millions of the world's poor. (over 100 million) I was in awe and considered myself very lucky to get to interview him. I have done interviews and hosted some events for Results, an organization that works to impact the poor by lobbying congress. It is strictly a volunteer organization and has quietly done great work to end poverty over the years.
www.results.org/
Yunus was on their board of directors and they both have worked to treat the poor with dignity, compassion and to effectively give them tools to succeed. Isn't that what we all want? We will write more about this at length but I will let you know when the story airs on Latina Voices on HoustonPBS. We will also interview Gayle Ferraro, the filmaker who produced a show about Muhammad Yunus' work in the United States. It is called to Catch a Dollar and will be released in September.
www.aerial-productions.com/
This Sunday at 2:30pm May 23rd on Latina Voices, you'll get a first look at Houston Dynamo's Oliver Luck and striker Brian Ching. Life coach expert Laura Lopez also shares her experience as an executive for Coca Cola and her most recent book, "Committed Leader."
Many of you know of my passion for soccer. I will be writing about it here and my facebook page. I started playing soccer with my brother as a child and my parents are from Argentina, so the month of June will be ALL SOCCER ALL THE TIME for friends and family!!!
The World Cup and Houston Dyanamo by Shelby Cole (Production Assistant)
Great news in the sports world for all the Houston soccerheads out there! The Fifa World Cup that is right around the corner, and the whole world is talking about who will take home the ultimate prize. The Houston Dynamo’s own Brian Ching has a very strong chance of traveling to South Africa to help the U.S. team compete for (and hopefully win!) the cup. This will be Ching’s second time to be a candidate and possible player on the American team, as he traveled to Germany for the 2006 Fifa World Cup.
Ching’s supporters couldn’t be more proud of him for all of his accomplishments, both on native and foreign turf. Currently the Captain and leading goal-scorer of the Dynamo, Ching hopes to use his leadership, talent, and discipline to guide the U.S. team to victory in South Africa. Patti, Minerva, and Sofia interviewed Brian on Latina Voices, where he mentioned the new Houston Dynamo Soccer stadium.
This new stadium will be an excellent addition to Houston’s already thriving sports scene. Located just southeast of Minute Maid Park, the Houston Dynamo stadium will seat 21,000-22,000 ravenous fans and will cost an estimated $95 million. Despite its costs, the construction of this stadium is a good step in a new direction for the soccer world, as the stadium will definitely garner more respect for a sport that tends to be written off.
See this interview on Latina Voices on May 23 at 2:30, and be sure to tune in and support Brian Ching as he represents his city and country at the World Cup!
www.fifa.com/worldcup/
www.brianchingsoccer.com/blog
www.houstondynamo.com/news/2010/04/city-council-approves-dynamo-stadium-plan
Tuesday
Brain Fitness, Childhood Obesity and the Oil Spill
What I learned this week: The oil spill that has happened in the gulf coast will affect us all. I can't imagine how it will hurt the ecosystem. There was once again a failure in the regulatory policies. Someone convinced the regulators they didn't need to do their job. First the banks, then the miners (who lost their lives) now this spill. We the people need to put some teeth into regulating those who care little for the "public" and more about their pockets. We need business to operate in an open and free market, but someone has to watch out for the little guys. Ask yourself who are the little guys?
What I am grateful for: Living in a country that eventually holds people accountable for their mistakes.
This Sunday Dr. John Byrne tackles Brain Fitness on Living Smart at 3pm. (repeats Friday at 10pm) What I found fascinating about this show is that physical fitness seems to have a tremendous impact on brain fitness. I used to think that it was purely intellectual excercise that would help my brain. I soon found out the best thing for it was excercise and diet PLUS intellectual excercises. Guess what. I am moving a lot more now!
Childhood Obesity. I have done several shows on this topic and frankly, moving should be just part of the equation. Here are my Living Smart tips
1. Get Sugars and Flours out of our schools and our homes. Once a week kids can eat junk, but not every day.
2. Moving is not enough but you have to start somewhere. "Skinny girls do the stairs" I say skinny girls and boys move a lot! but if you eat junk like sugar and processed foods, no excercise in the world will help the core issues (WHAT YOU ARE FEEDING THE KIDS AND WHAT THE KIDS ARE EATING)
3. If a child does not have a balanced life, he or she won't have a balanced diet. Are the kids communicating with a caring adult? Is someone bullying them at school? Do they feel rejected? Do they have a space to enjoy nature? Do they talk to their parents and siblings?
Spirituality plays a role in what we put in our mouths.
4. Turn the TV off, the cell phone, ipod, ipad and whatever has a keyboard off at least an hour a day and listen to music or talk to someone you love or hug someone. WE NEED HUMAN CONTACT. I think we are stuffing ourselves because we have a void and so do our children.
5. Don't criticize your child. If you want them to lose weight, eat healthy with them and most importantly excercise with them. Excercise helps people bond. AT least once a week make an effort to walk or ride a bike or run with your child.
6. Releasing weight does not happen with diets, it happens with lifestyle changes. It is a long term commitment, sort of like marriage. You will have good days and bad days and so will your children, but you have to be committed to a healthy life in the long term. FOCUS ON HEALTH not on Weight. and soon enough the weight will start coming off.
7. Have someone check on you every week. You can also check on your child once a week. Do it together, see what magic happens.
8. Be patient with yourself and your child. This is a lifetime journey but it can be lots of fun. But like all journeys, you can get lost once in a while but you have to keep trying to get yourself back on the road. GOOD LUCK!
What I am grateful for: Living in a country that eventually holds people accountable for their mistakes.
This Sunday Dr. John Byrne tackles Brain Fitness on Living Smart at 3pm. (repeats Friday at 10pm) What I found fascinating about this show is that physical fitness seems to have a tremendous impact on brain fitness. I used to think that it was purely intellectual excercise that would help my brain. I soon found out the best thing for it was excercise and diet PLUS intellectual excercises. Guess what. I am moving a lot more now!
Childhood Obesity. I have done several shows on this topic and frankly, moving should be just part of the equation. Here are my Living Smart tips
1. Get Sugars and Flours out of our schools and our homes. Once a week kids can eat junk, but not every day.
2. Moving is not enough but you have to start somewhere. "Skinny girls do the stairs" I say skinny girls and boys move a lot! but if you eat junk like sugar and processed foods, no excercise in the world will help the core issues (WHAT YOU ARE FEEDING THE KIDS AND WHAT THE KIDS ARE EATING)
3. If a child does not have a balanced life, he or she won't have a balanced diet. Are the kids communicating with a caring adult? Is someone bullying them at school? Do they feel rejected? Do they have a space to enjoy nature? Do they talk to their parents and siblings?
Spirituality plays a role in what we put in our mouths.
4. Turn the TV off, the cell phone, ipod, ipad and whatever has a keyboard off at least an hour a day and listen to music or talk to someone you love or hug someone. WE NEED HUMAN CONTACT. I think we are stuffing ourselves because we have a void and so do our children.
5. Don't criticize your child. If you want them to lose weight, eat healthy with them and most importantly excercise with them. Excercise helps people bond. AT least once a week make an effort to walk or ride a bike or run with your child.
6. Releasing weight does not happen with diets, it happens with lifestyle changes. It is a long term commitment, sort of like marriage. You will have good days and bad days and so will your children, but you have to be committed to a healthy life in the long term. FOCUS ON HEALTH not on Weight. and soon enough the weight will start coming off.
7. Have someone check on you every week. You can also check on your child once a week. Do it together, see what magic happens.
8. Be patient with yourself and your child. This is a lifetime journey but it can be lots of fun. But like all journeys, you can get lost once in a while but you have to keep trying to get yourself back on the road. GOOD LUCK!
Education Show, Kids in College, Alumni Reunion
What I learned this week: As media outlets attempt to make profits by providing entertainment programs, People are becoming increasingly confused with entertainers who pass as journalists and tend to appeal to emotions without sticking to fact based evidence.Example: "Republicans don't care about poor people or Obama is a Muslim, or most immigrants who are here illegally are criminals."
What I am grateful for: There are so many people in the world, who work against the odds and make this world a better place. Michelle Montas, Columbia Journalism class of 69 has been working in Haiti for years for Human Rights. In the process, her husband was assassinated and she was exiled for years. She is now back, still making a difference.
EDUCATION CRISIS: A TOWN FORUM
www.houstonpbs.org/haveyoursay/education/index.html
This is the link to the Education Crisis town forum. We felt once we do these programs which generally take 4 months to produce, we hope we have done our job which I read somewhere is best described as follows.
"OUR JOB IS NOT TO MAKE UP ANYONE'S MIND BUT TO MAKE THE AGONY OF INDECISION SO INTENSE THAT THOUGHT IS THE ONLY ESCAPE"
Whether you think public education needs reform or not, the fact is nations who don't focus enough resources in education, eventually pay an economic and social price. Although there is apparently a link to how much rich countries spend per capita and student outcomes, no one can deny as a nation we have to learn to do more with less, become more innovative and begin looking at what schools are working and why. After we finished our live one hour show, we taped an extra half hour to talk about solutions to the educational crisis. (We call it a crisis based on the drop out rate and the challenge high school students face once they graduate because they are not prepared for college coursework.)
We began the half hour with three things international Educational Consultant Bill Daggett said he would do about Texas Public Schools.
1. Our standards in Texas are too low compared to higher standards in the rest of the country.
2. Find best practices out there and share them with the rest of the state.
3. You need sustained professional development of your teachers and staff across the state.
Here are some other solutions shared in the program
1. Todd Litton of Citizen schools "KIPP and YES charter schools are having a great impact on education and HISD increasing the number of days (15 days) to several schools in the district. "One of the things we do at Citizen schools is work on expaninding the time that our children have to really learn throughout the day."
2. Scott Van Beck A challenge "Relationships and Relevance matter to our kids." I think we all know what we need to do. We have to have the will power to do it.
3. Barbara Paige Management Leadership who works with public schools kids who do well in school, recognizes the imporance of connecting them with corporate partners and teaching them leadership skills.
What I am grateful for: There are so many people in the world, who work against the odds and make this world a better place. Michelle Montas, Columbia Journalism class of 69 has been working in Haiti for years for Human Rights. In the process, her husband was assassinated and she was exiled for years. She is now back, still making a difference.
EDUCATION CRISIS: A TOWN FORUM
www.houstonpbs.org/haveyoursay/education/index.html
This is the link to the Education Crisis town forum. We felt once we do these programs which generally take 4 months to produce, we hope we have done our job which I read somewhere is best described as follows.
"OUR JOB IS NOT TO MAKE UP ANYONE'S MIND BUT TO MAKE THE AGONY OF INDECISION SO INTENSE THAT THOUGHT IS THE ONLY ESCAPE"
Whether you think public education needs reform or not, the fact is nations who don't focus enough resources in education, eventually pay an economic and social price. Although there is apparently a link to how much rich countries spend per capita and student outcomes, no one can deny as a nation we have to learn to do more with less, become more innovative and begin looking at what schools are working and why. After we finished our live one hour show, we taped an extra half hour to talk about solutions to the educational crisis. (We call it a crisis based on the drop out rate and the challenge high school students face once they graduate because they are not prepared for college coursework.)
We began the half hour with three things international Educational Consultant Bill Daggett said he would do about Texas Public Schools.
1. Our standards in Texas are too low compared to higher standards in the rest of the country.
2. Find best practices out there and share them with the rest of the state.
3. You need sustained professional development of your teachers and staff across the state.
Here are some other solutions shared in the program
1. Todd Litton of Citizen schools "KIPP and YES charter schools are having a great impact on education and HISD increasing the number of days (15 days) to several schools in the district. "One of the things we do at Citizen schools is work on expaninding the time that our children have to really learn throughout the day."
2. Scott Van Beck A challenge "Relationships and Relevance matter to our kids." I think we all know what we need to do. We have to have the will power to do it.
3. Barbara Paige Management Leadership who works with public schools kids who do well in school, recognizes the imporance of connecting them with corporate partners and teaching them leadership skills.
4. Dr. Archie Blanson Deputy Superintendent for Aldine School District which won the 2009 Broad Foundation Award for their innovative work in education said "We look at every individual child in the campus and tailor their educational need and our curriculum and instruction. We don't have a cooke cutter, canned program for all children. "
5. Richard Farias Raul Izabuirre Charter School. Charter schools have helped the public education system. "The charter schools are smaller and and are able to provide much closer attention to each and every child." That's what these kids need. "It is a myth that parents don't care about their child's education. Parents do care.
These are just some of the solutions suggested. I will have a complete list of solutions in our website soon. Check www.houstonpbs.org/haveyoursay/education.html
Beth Dennard is the guest of our upcoming Living Smart show This coming sunday at 3pm. Since my niece is going to college soon and I saw how very stressed she is about it. I felt Dr. Dennard could walk so many parents and student through the college admissions process. It is much more complicated than it was when I graduated from high school. This Thursday night at 10pm John Bradshaw, the PBS personal growth expert talks about moral intelligence. If interested in Living Smart shows, please go to You Tube and type Living Smart. See what comes up.
This past week. I went to my Columbia journalism school reunion. All I can say is that I loved meeting my classmates and walking the streets of New York. The presentations I enjoyed the most were what will happen to our industry (nobody really knows), digital and social media and how certain beats have been covered. We all recognized how lucky were were to spend one intensive year in New York with the best journalism professors in the country. If you are interested in this school, let me know.
Thursday
Public Education and You on PBS and KUHF
Next Tuesday night, we host 40 Town Hall participants to discuss a subject that can be as complicated as health care. We invited a cross section of the community: teachers, administrators, principals, dropouts, state representatives, business leaders, non profits who work to improve public education, parents and those who are passionate about the subject.
I have been studying urban education for quite a while, attending seminars, talking to students, experts, teachers, parents, administrators. Many don't see the drop out rate as a crisis, because they say kids move so we really call them dropouts. Others say it is not that bad and others get mad at the media for only reporting what is negative. I can only say there is no way I can totally understand this subject unless I spend time inside many schools and live with the students and the teachers on a daily basis for more than a few months. Schools are microcosms of society. For many students they are the only safe haven they have. They may only be the only place they get a meal. Teachers, I believe mostly do a great job and it is a difficult one. Education has to be looked at in the social context it operates. This is a great challenge for though we spend more money per capita every year per students, there are also social issues that affect how we are educating. The divorce rate has quadrupled since 1960. The single parent homes have doubled. Poverty rate has gone up and many children have no health insurance or parents who really care about them. There is no doubt we need a highly effective teacher in every classroom, but can they do it alone? The one question I would ask myself and I hope you do too. What can I do? How do I contribute to make things better. I hope you join the conversation. Here are the airdates. and the first night April 20th at 7pm you can also hear us on KUHF 88.7 FM
4/20/2010 7:00 pm
4/22/2010 1:00 am
4/23/2010 8:00 pm
4/25/2010 4:00 pm
I have been studying urban education for quite a while, attending seminars, talking to students, experts, teachers, parents, administrators. Many don't see the drop out rate as a crisis, because they say kids move so we really call them dropouts. Others say it is not that bad and others get mad at the media for only reporting what is negative. I can only say there is no way I can totally understand this subject unless I spend time inside many schools and live with the students and the teachers on a daily basis for more than a few months. Schools are microcosms of society. For many students they are the only safe haven they have. They may only be the only place they get a meal. Teachers, I believe mostly do a great job and it is a difficult one. Education has to be looked at in the social context it operates. This is a great challenge for though we spend more money per capita every year per students, there are also social issues that affect how we are educating. The divorce rate has quadrupled since 1960. The single parent homes have doubled. Poverty rate has gone up and many children have no health insurance or parents who really care about them. There is no doubt we need a highly effective teacher in every classroom, but can they do it alone? The one question I would ask myself and I hope you do too. What can I do? How do I contribute to make things better. I hope you join the conversation. Here are the airdates. and the first night April 20th at 7pm you can also hear us on KUHF 88.7 FM
4/20/2010 7:00 pm
4/22/2010 1:00 am
4/23/2010 8:00 pm
4/25/2010 4:00 pm
Monday
Public Education in crisis or not? Living Smart launches, Latina Voices facebook page
What I learned this week: We may know a lot of people well, but that does not mean they are our friends. As I get older, I want to spend more time with people who know me well, accept me as I am and hold me accountable as a human being.
I am grateful for: My true friends who have been with me through thick and thin and truly want what is best for me
THE EDUCATION CRISIS April 20th 7pm on HoustonPBS Live Call in show
Do you care what happens to our public schools even if your kids are not going there?
We are not getting closer to the date of our town forum on Public Education. My goal is to hear as many voices as possible on the subject. There are those who do not believe we have a crisis in public education and that the media does not spend enough time talking about the great students, the ones who beat the odds, the teachers who work way beyond what they are responsible for, the principals who go out of their way to educate their kids, the parents who are involved and engaged. I agree we tend to focus more time generally on our problems than in our solutions. That is what I hope we can do with this town forum. At least become more aware of what we need to do to improve our education system. Here are some facts that we can't deny.
The US workforce is becoming more diverse. The fastest growing groups in our city, Hispanics and Blacks are the least educated. If current trends continue, and I believe they will and we don't improve the education for all groups in our city, the skills and incomes of our city residents will decline in the next decades. Please write us to let us know what you think. haveyoursay@Houstonpbs.org
Living Smart launches its 6th season with a great lineup. This Sunday find out how a school principal took over her school lunches and improved health, academics and self esteem. If you think you know what your kids are getting for lunch, ask again!
Sunday at 3pm and repeats friday night at 10pm.
Latina Voices, please sign up as a fan on our facebook page. www.facebook.com/latinavoices
We need your support to continue producing great programs on every day issues and concerns and bring a bit of joy into our lives.
I am grateful for: My true friends who have been with me through thick and thin and truly want what is best for me
THE EDUCATION CRISIS April 20th 7pm on HoustonPBS Live Call in show
Do you care what happens to our public schools even if your kids are not going there?
We are not getting closer to the date of our town forum on Public Education. My goal is to hear as many voices as possible on the subject. There are those who do not believe we have a crisis in public education and that the media does not spend enough time talking about the great students, the ones who beat the odds, the teachers who work way beyond what they are responsible for, the principals who go out of their way to educate their kids, the parents who are involved and engaged. I agree we tend to focus more time generally on our problems than in our solutions. That is what I hope we can do with this town forum. At least become more aware of what we need to do to improve our education system. Here are some facts that we can't deny.
The US workforce is becoming more diverse. The fastest growing groups in our city, Hispanics and Blacks are the least educated. If current trends continue, and I believe they will and we don't improve the education for all groups in our city, the skills and incomes of our city residents will decline in the next decades. Please write us to let us know what you think. haveyoursay@Houstonpbs.org
Living Smart launches its 6th season with a great lineup. This Sunday find out how a school principal took over her school lunches and improved health, academics and self esteem. If you think you know what your kids are getting for lunch, ask again!
Sunday at 3pm and repeats friday night at 10pm.
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Living Smart launches April 18th, Public Education on town forum
What I learned this week: I need to spend time in nature at least once a week. There is nothing like a great oxygen fix!
What I am grateful for: Sugar Free Chocolate and having access to at least three meals a day.
Season 6 of Living Smart launches this week. I am truly excited about this season. Some of the guests are already very well known, such as Don Miguel Ruiz, the author of the Four Agreements and The Mastery of Love, the award winning novelist Chitra Divakaruni PhD., John Bradshaw, a PBS icon. Others, should and will be better known in no time. They are truly agents of change. Dr. Yvonne Butler who founded the first sugar free school in the nation, Robyn O'Brien, whose campaign against bad processed foods has led to her new nickname, the "Erin Brogevich" of the Food industry, and Dr. John Demartini whose ideas on spirituality and money are not only interesting but empowering as well. Others include Beth Dennard EdD an expert on finding the right college for your child, Herb Again EdD who prepares us for unexpected change, John Byrn PhD a Brain scientist on brain fitness, Consumer Advocate Myron Bernstein, Michelle Lees on intimacy, and Colleen Campbell Root on the legal documents you need for a hassle free retirement. I am also excited about the Living Smart shows that we now have on You Tube.
I am in the process of writing a book on what I have learned from Living Smart. I am far from perfect but I credit everything I didn't learn in Kindergarden to Living Smart!
Back to the PUBLIC EDUCATION CRISIS on April 20th at 7pm.
I would love to hear what you have to say about public education. Your thoughts on the challenges we face and your solutions. Write to us at houstonhaveyoursay@houstonpbs.org
I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Bill Daggett on preparing kids for the future at HCC. He really made a point very clear. We adults, are not teaching kids the way they learn today. Now I understand why I can't figure out the ipod, ipad, iphone etc. as quickly as they can. Technology is moving so much faster than what we are used to. He insists we have to figure out how kids learning and focus on that. We are basically outdated in our thought pattern with regards to public education.
I also listened to Dr. Pedro Noguera at an A Challenge event. I really liked what he said. He insists if we don't change the social context in which children learn, we will not improve public education. For example he said, "Poverty is an educational issue." the best thing that recently happened to public education is the passagage of health care reform because so many children did not have basic healthcare. He says too many basic needs are not met today so that children can learn. He shared many examples of schools that work but he also felt we need a paradigm shift. We need to find the underlying causes for the lack of excellence and work on that. If we remain apathetic we will pay in the long term with higher crime, bigger prisons, less economic opportunity.
Both men were hopeful if we quit being so apathetic about public education and poverty in our community. What do you think?
What I am grateful for: Sugar Free Chocolate and having access to at least three meals a day.
Season 6 of Living Smart launches this week. I am truly excited about this season. Some of the guests are already very well known, such as Don Miguel Ruiz, the author of the Four Agreements and The Mastery of Love, the award winning novelist Chitra Divakaruni PhD., John Bradshaw, a PBS icon. Others, should and will be better known in no time. They are truly agents of change. Dr. Yvonne Butler who founded the first sugar free school in the nation, Robyn O'Brien, whose campaign against bad processed foods has led to her new nickname, the "Erin Brogevich" of the Food industry, and Dr. John Demartini whose ideas on spirituality and money are not only interesting but empowering as well. Others include Beth Dennard EdD an expert on finding the right college for your child, Herb Again EdD who prepares us for unexpected change, John Byrn PhD a Brain scientist on brain fitness, Consumer Advocate Myron Bernstein, Michelle Lees on intimacy, and Colleen Campbell Root on the legal documents you need for a hassle free retirement. I am also excited about the Living Smart shows that we now have on You Tube.
I am in the process of writing a book on what I have learned from Living Smart. I am far from perfect but I credit everything I didn't learn in Kindergarden to Living Smart!
Back to the PUBLIC EDUCATION CRISIS on April 20th at 7pm.
I would love to hear what you have to say about public education. Your thoughts on the challenges we face and your solutions. Write to us at houstonhaveyoursay@houstonpbs.org
I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Bill Daggett on preparing kids for the future at HCC. He really made a point very clear. We adults, are not teaching kids the way they learn today. Now I understand why I can't figure out the ipod, ipad, iphone etc. as quickly as they can. Technology is moving so much faster than what we are used to. He insists we have to figure out how kids learning and focus on that. We are basically outdated in our thought pattern with regards to public education.
I also listened to Dr. Pedro Noguera at an A Challenge event. I really liked what he said. He insists if we don't change the social context in which children learn, we will not improve public education. For example he said, "Poverty is an educational issue." the best thing that recently happened to public education is the passagage of health care reform because so many children did not have basic healthcare. He says too many basic needs are not met today so that children can learn. He shared many examples of schools that work but he also felt we need a paradigm shift. We need to find the underlying causes for the lack of excellence and work on that. If we remain apathetic we will pay in the long term with higher crime, bigger prisons, less economic opportunity.
Both men were hopeful if we quit being so apathetic about public education and poverty in our community. What do you think?
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