Okay....so I too get sick of these videos with all sorts of famous people advocating for some cause or singing or something like that. BUT...the message behind this one is just too good not to pass on. Take the time to listen and pretend it isn't famous people and just folks like you and I trying to making a small difference in our neck of the woods.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Awesome and Troubling
The Places We Live by Jonas Bendiksen is a breath-taking and heart-wrenching interactive photo feature that takes you into slums in Caracas, Venezuela; Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya; Dharavi, Mumbai, India; and Jakarta, Indonesia. I can’t overstate how captivating it is. More than that, though, it offers some perspective on what an economic crisis can really mean.
Barack Obama, Beyonce and Alphacat....match made in heaven
This is just too funny. If you like Barack Obama and Beyonce you will laugh. Even if you don't like them you will probably think this is funny....especially if you are familiar with the Single Ladies video.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Great Reads....Great Sees....Does that make sense?
I have been reading some great books and seeing some excellent movies recently. I keep meaning to blog about it but I haven't gotten around to it. As I was watching the SAG awards tonight, I decided tonight was a good time.
First the books...
The Reader (also a movie). I read the book first and was sucked in. Others I have recommended it to only thought it was so so but I couldn't put it down. It is one of those books that you really don't know what to think when you are doing reading it. It definitely took me through a range of emotions. I strongly recommend it. Just a warning, it does have a lot of sexual content so be warned if that bothers you.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. This is a book about a group of women who start a book club in the suburbs. It follows their lives from the late 60s until the late 90s as they get married, have children and everything else that comes with life and of course the books they are reading along the way. I couldn't put it down. It was one of those books I stayed up until 4am to finish.
The Watchmen. Yes a graphic novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is coming out as a movie soon which I am equally looking forward to.
Now to the films...
Gran Turino. You basically need to see this because it is based in Michigan and Clint Eastwood is awesome. It was very different than what I was expecting but definitely worth seeing.
Revolutionary Road. Again excellent. I am a huge fan of Kate Winslet and it appears she can do no wrong. Her performance is astounding along with Leonardo DiCaprio. This film will definitely keep you thinking long after its over.
The Reader. Another hit by Kate Winslet and of course the others in the film. This one is another hard movie but worth seeing. I don't know that I can say enough about it.
Enjoy these great books and films. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I did.
First the books...
The Reader (also a movie). I read the book first and was sucked in. Others I have recommended it to only thought it was so so but I couldn't put it down. It is one of those books that you really don't know what to think when you are doing reading it. It definitely took me through a range of emotions. I strongly recommend it. Just a warning, it does have a lot of sexual content so be warned if that bothers you.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. This is a book about a group of women who start a book club in the suburbs. It follows their lives from the late 60s until the late 90s as they get married, have children and everything else that comes with life and of course the books they are reading along the way. I couldn't put it down. It was one of those books I stayed up until 4am to finish.
The Watchmen. Yes a graphic novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is coming out as a movie soon which I am equally looking forward to.
Now to the films...
Gran Turino. You basically need to see this because it is based in Michigan and Clint Eastwood is awesome. It was very different than what I was expecting but definitely worth seeing.
Revolutionary Road. Again excellent. I am a huge fan of Kate Winslet and it appears she can do no wrong. Her performance is astounding along with Leonardo DiCaprio. This film will definitely keep you thinking long after its over.
The Reader. Another hit by Kate Winslet and of course the others in the film. This one is another hard movie but worth seeing. I don't know that I can say enough about it.
Enjoy these great books and films. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I did.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Joseph Lowery's Benediction for the Inauguration
I thought this was beautiful:
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand — true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.
We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we’ve shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.
For we know that, Lord, you’re able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.
We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed — the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.
And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.
And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.
Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little, angelic Sasha and Malia.
We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.
Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: Say amen —
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: — and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand — true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.
We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we’ve shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.
For we know that, Lord, you’re able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.
We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed — the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.
And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.
And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.
Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little, angelic Sasha and Malia.
We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.
Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: Say amen —
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: — and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Rosie Thomas Part II
On the Sunday of Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of seeing Rosie Thomas in concert yet again. She came to World Cafe Live in Philadelphia to kick off her tour for her Christmas CD. I gave the evening and her CD a perfect 10. Rosie has such a unique voice and always puts on a great show. I think even people who have never heard of her will always enjoy a show she puts on. Here are some pictures of the evening. In the very last picture, you will see myself, my friend Kim, Rosie Thomas' brother Brian, and my friends Mary and Suze. Last year when I saw Rosie in concert she came out after the concert and talked to people for a few and we got a picture with her. Well this year the concert was recorded by NPR and she was being interviewed backstage so we couldn't get another picture....therefore I settled for a picture with her brother. I figured that was close enough :)
Also you will notice in the first few pictures that Rosie is dressed rather...well...she is festive but she is also playing the part of her alter ego Sheila Shaputo. She basically plays this late 20s early 30s single woman who just can't seem to get her act together. It is hysterical and makes for a very funny comedy bit.
Also you will notice in the first few pictures that Rosie is dressed rather...well...she is festive but she is also playing the part of her alter ego Sheila Shaputo. She basically plays this late 20s early 30s single woman who just can't seem to get her act together. It is hysterical and makes for a very funny comedy bit.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
West Catholic Football
Well I have been delaying reporting on this all week because I was trying to find footage online with some recap of the game or the visit to our school that all the news stations made but I haven't been able to find it....so this is an article fro the Daily News here in Philadelphia about the game. As you can see, we didn't win. It was actually pretty heart wrenching and many would say we had multiple chances to win throughout the game and we just couldn't capitilze. There are some links to other articles at the bottom so feel free to read. We are immensely proud of the football players here. Tough way to end the season but what an experience the last 4 or so months. There are also some pictures of the game on the Inquirer Website. You can see them here:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/gallery/20081214_PIAA_Class_AA__Wilmington_35__West_Catholic_34.html
PIAA Class AA: Wilmington 35, West Catholic 34
By Rick O'Brien
Inquirer Staff Writer
HERSHEY, Pa. – In one of the most exciting PIAA state football championship games in memory, underdog Wilmington upset West Catholic, 35-34, in double overtime in the Class AA final yesterday at HersheyPark Stadium.
After a 2-yard touchdown run by Raymond Maples in the second OT answered a Wilmington score, Burrs coach Brian Fluck elected to go for two points and the victory. On a left-side conversion run, quarterback Curtis Drake was tripped up and hit the turf 1 yard shy of the end zone.
"We have athletes out there," Fluck said, explaining his decision to go for the victory. "We thought we could go in from the 3-yard line. We fell just that much short."
Wilmington, a District 10 school located in New Wilmington, about 60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, won its first state championship. In 1988, the Greyhounds advanced to the final before losing to Bethlehem Catholic, 26-11.
"It wasn't something that I wanted too bad, that's not it at all," Terry Verrelli, Wilmington's 30-year coach, said. "I don't coach just to win a state championship, but it's just a tremendous reward for me that these kids could come through like that and win that game. I'm just amazed."
At least two other times, West Catholic, so dominant all season, was a play away from clinching the crown and bringing the championship trophy home to 45th and Chestnut Streets.
In the first overtime, after Maples scored on a 5-yard run and the Burrs went ahead by 28-21, the Greyhounds (15-1) faced a fourth-and-goal situation from the 16.
Somehow, QB Shane Wagner, zigzagging from left to right, found his way to the end zone. He escaped at least four would-be tacklers on the incredible scramble.
"I rolled out left, there was nobody open, so I decided to run," Wagner said. "It felt like the play was happening in slow motion. When I was at about the 5, I just held up a bit and waited for their last defender to commit."
Another heartbreaking moment for the Catholic League and city champions came with just a little over a minute left in regulation. After driving 78 yards on 11 plays, they were faced with a fourth-and-goal from the 1.
Fluck rolled the dice and opted to go for the TD instead of sending Tim Carroll onto the field for a try at a game-winning field goal of 18 yards. That decision backfired. Drake, on a keeper over left tackle, was stopped short of the goal line.
"You don't know what's going to happen there," Fluck said. "You're at the 1-yard line. Put it in [Drake's] hands and see if he gets it done."
Electrifying all season on offense, West Catholic (14-2) came in averaging nearly 50 points per game. Yesterday, after taking a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter, it looked as if the Burrs were going to bring home District 12's first state football championship.
But Wilmington fought back with a pair of third-quarter scores to forge a tie. The second, a 1-yard plunge by fullback Derrick Burns, followed an interception and 25-yard return that set the Greyhounds up just 12 yards shy of paydirt.
"In the second half, we came out and we got it done," Verrelli said. "We moved the ball, used the clock, scored. I don't know what else to say."
West Catholic regained the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter, a 5-yard burst by Rob Hollomon. But Wilmington answered with a 12-play, 82-yard scoring drive to make it a 21-21 contest.
Wilmington 0 0 14 7 7 7 - 35
West Catholic 7 7 0 7 7 6 - 34
WC: Maples 28 run (Carroll kick)
WC: Drake 29 run (Carroll kick)
W: Wagner 11 run (Wilson kick)
W: Burns 1 run (Wilson kick)
WC: Hollomon 5 run (Carroll kick)
W: DeMedal 1 run (Wilson kick)
WC: Maples 5 run (Carroll kick)
W: Wagner 16 run (Wilson kick)
W: Burns 1 run (Wilson kick)
WC: Maples 2 run (run failed)
Some other articles:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20081215_High_Schools_-_West_Catholic_s_season_ends_with_disappointing_double-overtime_loss_to_Wilmington.html
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/high_school/36121314.html
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/gallery/20081214_PIAA_Class_AA__Wilmington_35__West_Catholic_34.html
PIAA Class AA: Wilmington 35, West Catholic 34
By Rick O'Brien
Inquirer Staff Writer
HERSHEY, Pa. – In one of the most exciting PIAA state football championship games in memory, underdog Wilmington upset West Catholic, 35-34, in double overtime in the Class AA final yesterday at HersheyPark Stadium.
After a 2-yard touchdown run by Raymond Maples in the second OT answered a Wilmington score, Burrs coach Brian Fluck elected to go for two points and the victory. On a left-side conversion run, quarterback Curtis Drake was tripped up and hit the turf 1 yard shy of the end zone.
"We have athletes out there," Fluck said, explaining his decision to go for the victory. "We thought we could go in from the 3-yard line. We fell just that much short."
Wilmington, a District 10 school located in New Wilmington, about 60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, won its first state championship. In 1988, the Greyhounds advanced to the final before losing to Bethlehem Catholic, 26-11.
"It wasn't something that I wanted too bad, that's not it at all," Terry Verrelli, Wilmington's 30-year coach, said. "I don't coach just to win a state championship, but it's just a tremendous reward for me that these kids could come through like that and win that game. I'm just amazed."
At least two other times, West Catholic, so dominant all season, was a play away from clinching the crown and bringing the championship trophy home to 45th and Chestnut Streets.
In the first overtime, after Maples scored on a 5-yard run and the Burrs went ahead by 28-21, the Greyhounds (15-1) faced a fourth-and-goal situation from the 16.
Somehow, QB Shane Wagner, zigzagging from left to right, found his way to the end zone. He escaped at least four would-be tacklers on the incredible scramble.
"I rolled out left, there was nobody open, so I decided to run," Wagner said. "It felt like the play was happening in slow motion. When I was at about the 5, I just held up a bit and waited for their last defender to commit."
Another heartbreaking moment for the Catholic League and city champions came with just a little over a minute left in regulation. After driving 78 yards on 11 plays, they were faced with a fourth-and-goal from the 1.
Fluck rolled the dice and opted to go for the TD instead of sending Tim Carroll onto the field for a try at a game-winning field goal of 18 yards. That decision backfired. Drake, on a keeper over left tackle, was stopped short of the goal line.
"You don't know what's going to happen there," Fluck said. "You're at the 1-yard line. Put it in [Drake's] hands and see if he gets it done."
Electrifying all season on offense, West Catholic (14-2) came in averaging nearly 50 points per game. Yesterday, after taking a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter, it looked as if the Burrs were going to bring home District 12's first state football championship.
But Wilmington fought back with a pair of third-quarter scores to forge a tie. The second, a 1-yard plunge by fullback Derrick Burns, followed an interception and 25-yard return that set the Greyhounds up just 12 yards shy of paydirt.
"In the second half, we came out and we got it done," Verrelli said. "We moved the ball, used the clock, scored. I don't know what else to say."
West Catholic regained the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter, a 5-yard burst by Rob Hollomon. But Wilmington answered with a 12-play, 82-yard scoring drive to make it a 21-21 contest.
Wilmington 0 0 14 7 7 7 - 35
West Catholic 7 7 0 7 7 6 - 34
WC: Maples 28 run (Carroll kick)
WC: Drake 29 run (Carroll kick)
W: Wagner 11 run (Wilson kick)
W: Burns 1 run (Wilson kick)
WC: Hollomon 5 run (Carroll kick)
W: DeMedal 1 run (Wilson kick)
WC: Maples 5 run (Carroll kick)
W: Wagner 16 run (Wilson kick)
W: Burns 1 run (Wilson kick)
WC: Maples 2 run (run failed)
Some other articles:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20081215_High_Schools_-_West_Catholic_s_season_ends_with_disappointing_double-overtime_loss_to_Wilmington.html
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/high_school/36121314.html
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