Sunday, November 24, 2013
miscommunication
Working at an elementary school provides a unique perspective on life. For one, it blows my mind that all my students were born after 9/11. Second of all, you see the basis of human relationships and how we start to interact as people from the very beginning. There's a boy in a second grade I work with, who so obviously likes the girl that sits next to him. She really is beautiful and the sweetest thing ever. But his way of "getting her attention" is to constantly annoy her as often as possible. She, in turn, gets angry at him and doesn't understand why he is treating her this way. She gets upset and mad at the behavior and starts to hate him. He, couldn't possibly understand why she suddenly doesn't like him and so he tries harder, hence the cycle starts over. All I'm saying is the miscommunication starts young people…it starts young.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
alright alright alright alllllriiiiight
Anyone seen Kevin Hart's stand up? If not you should….right now!!!
Ok so, since its Tuesday I'm going to tell it like it is!!! The past few weeks I have been posting about our government being taken over by corporations and you may ask yourself well how did I get here? Wait…that's the Talking Heads…BUT you should be asking yourself, how did WE get here?
Well, let me tell you a little story. In 2010, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote let Citizens United win over the Federal Election Commission. Citizens United is a lobbying group that wanted to air a broadcast about Hillary Clinton, but since they are a lobbying group they would be violating some of the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. This became a constitutional decision because Citizen United argued that parts of this Act were against first amendment rights.
The reason the Act was created in the first place was to give rise to more fair elections; to let all candidates have a fair shot, despite the money they had behind them. As I mentioned before, the public sector is supposed to be void of monied interests to allow a better balance between private and public to take place.
By this vote, parts of the Act were deemed unconstitutional, allowing much greater amounts of money and power to be given to certain candidates during an election. Therefore, votes are no longer decided upon by the people, they are decided upon by the candidate with greater amounts of money. And while you may say, "Kelly that's not true, I still get to vote", I would say, your opinion may be greatly influenced through the powers of persuasion that one with more money has. If you think it's not happening, it probably is.
That fact that so much money can now influence our government and our vote, those with the most money win. So, those with the most money support their own interests and make puppets out of our elected officials. The elected officials are no longer working on behalf of their constituency; rich and poor, they are working on behalf of the corporation that gives them the most backing.
The only way to overturn this ruling and gain some control back to our system for the people is to pass a constitutional amendment. Many states and towns have passed resolutions in favor of this type of amendment, but surprise surprise, the general public does not know about it and therefore it doesn't get the backing it needs. If you want to know more click below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/us/politics/22scotus.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission
http://storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-citizens-united-v-fec/
Ok so, since its Tuesday I'm going to tell it like it is!!! The past few weeks I have been posting about our government being taken over by corporations and you may ask yourself well how did I get here? Wait…that's the Talking Heads…BUT you should be asking yourself, how did WE get here?
Well, let me tell you a little story. In 2010, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote let Citizens United win over the Federal Election Commission. Citizens United is a lobbying group that wanted to air a broadcast about Hillary Clinton, but since they are a lobbying group they would be violating some of the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. This became a constitutional decision because Citizen United argued that parts of this Act were against first amendment rights.
The reason the Act was created in the first place was to give rise to more fair elections; to let all candidates have a fair shot, despite the money they had behind them. As I mentioned before, the public sector is supposed to be void of monied interests to allow a better balance between private and public to take place.
By this vote, parts of the Act were deemed unconstitutional, allowing much greater amounts of money and power to be given to certain candidates during an election. Therefore, votes are no longer decided upon by the people, they are decided upon by the candidate with greater amounts of money. And while you may say, "Kelly that's not true, I still get to vote", I would say, your opinion may be greatly influenced through the powers of persuasion that one with more money has. If you think it's not happening, it probably is.
That fact that so much money can now influence our government and our vote, those with the most money win. So, those with the most money support their own interests and make puppets out of our elected officials. The elected officials are no longer working on behalf of their constituency; rich and poor, they are working on behalf of the corporation that gives them the most backing.
The only way to overturn this ruling and gain some control back to our system for the people is to pass a constitutional amendment. Many states and towns have passed resolutions in favor of this type of amendment, but surprise surprise, the general public does not know about it and therefore it doesn't get the backing it needs. If you want to know more click below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/us/politics/22scotus.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission
http://storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-citizens-united-v-fec/
Friday, November 15, 2013
Funny Story Friday
I'm on a roll with these weekday alliterations!
For some reason when I made my post yesterday, from my phone, the time stamp was way off and it posted below other posts…so check it out if you like a little philosophical meandering!
I know Staten Island is the laughing stock of NYC and my funny story doesn't really dissuade that opinion, but I mean if you can't beat 'em join 'em right?!
When I used to live on Long Island, I would leave either very early in the morning or late at night (around 9 or 10 PM) to drive home to pennsylvania. It would take me about 2.5 hours to get home with no traffic, so leaving at a late time didn't really affect my sleep. I left at odd times because god forbid I left at other times, I would ultimately get stuck on the Belt Parkway, Verrazano Bridge, or the State Island Expressway and my trip would turn into 5 hours rather than 2.5. Also, it was just nice to cruise through those highways with no traffic and be able to keep my pulse rate at a regular level.
One particular Sunday night, I left Long Island between 8 and 9 PM. Before I left, I went to the store and bought myself a delicious chocolate chip cookie and chocolate milk. Great, I thought, this will keep me going until I get home. As I was driving home, the traffic was moving pretty well. No major stops, no parking lots for parkways. I successfully made it over the Verrazano Bridge and my hopes were high that I would make it through this trip without any major delays. The Verrazano was also somewhat of a marking point for me, because I knew I was off Long Island, and only had to make it through Staten Island, then the long stretch of New Jersey turnpike would lay out before me. So far, so good.
But I start seeing some red tail lights ahead of me….then some more, then some more….it was getting backed up. At the beginning of my trip I had to pee, just a little bit, but I figured I'd make it home. But, by this time, my bladder was starting to weigh heavy and I knew I would have to go soon. Since the SIE is surrounded by housing and commerce; there are no rest stops, and I figured I could just pull off at the nearest exit.
Off the exit, I started to realize that most of the places were I would use a bathroom were closed because it was late on a Sunday night. Even most fast food places were not open, so I continued to drive around looking for options. By this time my bladder was getting heavier and heavier and I was realizing my options were slim to none. With my best judgement I pulled over to the side of the road. I found a street with many trees and then I found a lawn with a lot of shrubbery…..and that's right, I popped a squat in someone's lawn.
I know many of you (including myself) have done this while drunk and boys, I am sure you are used to this all the time; but it still technically was a city so "lawns" are more like a small patch of grass. And being a girl you basically have to half disrobe with people walking up and down the street. Had the owners looked out the window….But, it worked…I didn't get caught…and I guess we can say that Staten Island really is the toilet of the city!
For some reason when I made my post yesterday, from my phone, the time stamp was way off and it posted below other posts…so check it out if you like a little philosophical meandering!
I know Staten Island is the laughing stock of NYC and my funny story doesn't really dissuade that opinion, but I mean if you can't beat 'em join 'em right?!
When I used to live on Long Island, I would leave either very early in the morning or late at night (around 9 or 10 PM) to drive home to pennsylvania. It would take me about 2.5 hours to get home with no traffic, so leaving at a late time didn't really affect my sleep. I left at odd times because god forbid I left at other times, I would ultimately get stuck on the Belt Parkway, Verrazano Bridge, or the State Island Expressway and my trip would turn into 5 hours rather than 2.5. Also, it was just nice to cruise through those highways with no traffic and be able to keep my pulse rate at a regular level.
One particular Sunday night, I left Long Island between 8 and 9 PM. Before I left, I went to the store and bought myself a delicious chocolate chip cookie and chocolate milk. Great, I thought, this will keep me going until I get home. As I was driving home, the traffic was moving pretty well. No major stops, no parking lots for parkways. I successfully made it over the Verrazano Bridge and my hopes were high that I would make it through this trip without any major delays. The Verrazano was also somewhat of a marking point for me, because I knew I was off Long Island, and only had to make it through Staten Island, then the long stretch of New Jersey turnpike would lay out before me. So far, so good.
But I start seeing some red tail lights ahead of me….then some more, then some more….it was getting backed up. At the beginning of my trip I had to pee, just a little bit, but I figured I'd make it home. But, by this time, my bladder was starting to weigh heavy and I knew I would have to go soon. Since the SIE is surrounded by housing and commerce; there are no rest stops, and I figured I could just pull off at the nearest exit.
Off the exit, I started to realize that most of the places were I would use a bathroom were closed because it was late on a Sunday night. Even most fast food places were not open, so I continued to drive around looking for options. By this time my bladder was getting heavier and heavier and I was realizing my options were slim to none. With my best judgement I pulled over to the side of the road. I found a street with many trees and then I found a lawn with a lot of shrubbery…..and that's right, I popped a squat in someone's lawn.
I know many of you (including myself) have done this while drunk and boys, I am sure you are used to this all the time; but it still technically was a city so "lawns" are more like a small patch of grass. And being a girl you basically have to half disrobe with people walking up and down the street. Had the owners looked out the window….But, it worked…I didn't get caught…and I guess we can say that Staten Island really is the toilet of the city!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Philosophy Time!
In philosophy there are two different strands of thought on one's life events; pre-determination and free will. Pre-determination, just like it's name, suggests that everything in our lives is pre-determined. Our lives are just a series of events that have each been caused by some prior event and each future event will be caused by events happening now. Also, some philosophers believe that events in our lives are fatalistic and even if not caused by a certain event, will happen anyway. The other strand of thought, much like its name as well, is free will; that our lives are not pre-determined, our actions cause effects and those effects determine our life. Nothing is pre-determined, it is all up to the mind's choices.
While both of these strings of thought have some validity; most likely life is a combination of both, but I was reading a book this weekend that said, "fatalism is a species of fear - the fear that your fate is in your own hands, but that your hands are weak." And I thought this was so fascinating because so many of us give up at the thought that we can't do something. As if it were pre-determined for us to do a certain thing and anything other than that, we will fail. Or, on the flip side, that you were too weak to fill the destiny that was created for you. At some point or another, we are all faced with questioning our weak hands.
There have been times where I have made a certain choice or done something and it just felt like te right thing to do, I don't mean morally or ethically, more so that I was doing exactly what I should be at that time. There have also been times where I felt I have made a wrong choice and I know so because it just doesn't feel right. It feels like I am in the wrong place or doing the wrong thing for myself. Have you also felt this way? And do these feelings give credence to the idea that there is some fate you are meant to follow out?
Our generation has so many choices at our fingertips everyday. Making regular decisions about how to spend your time, money, effort become daunting as you consider every possibility. While we are lucky to have this freedom of choice, it can feel like an overwhelming task at times. It takes a great amount of energy to decide what is right for you and to follow through with it, there can be so many distractions along the way.
I was also reading another book that stated an Italian proverb:
"Destiny shuffles the cards, but we are the ones who must play the game"
I think this is a simple way to marry the two ideas; certain things are set for you, but you must be the one to go get them. Anyway, these are just some of Kelly's deep thoughts for the day.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Wash 'em up Wednesday
Since there were no days of the week that started with a "b" or a "p", I figured I'd write my bath product reviews on Wednesday again and this was the best title I could come up with for Wednesday.
Last week I wrote about my hair woes, I decided to be productive and offer up some solutions that I have found work for me. Hair products are hard to recommend because everyone's hair is different, but perhaps you have similar troubles as I and therefore would benefit from some of my findings.
First:
http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/product/70/178/Products/Styling/Cremes/brilliantine/index.tmpl
Bumble and Bumble's Brilliantine. I really like this as a hair finisher, after I blow dry it. It helps get rid of extra frizz and it adds some shininess back into your hair (since you just stripped it of all its natural oils). Also, its very light, does not weigh my hair down so I can have some curl, and as usual, i love the smell.
Second:
http://www.kiehls.com/Creme-with-Silk-Groom/262,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=hair-styling-aids
This is Kiehl's, Creme with Silk Groom. This is best used on wet hair, either if you are blow drying or air drying. I like to use this before I blow dry, because it helps protect the hair from all the heat and if your hair is like mine, will completely frizz out after you blow dry it; this helps mitigate that response. Again, I like it because it does not weigh my hair down, but gives it the extra oils and moisturizer it needs through the drying process. The smell is somewhat funny though because I actually think it smells like wasabi, which then makes me want sushi….and then I inevitably go and get it….judge as you will.
Last week I wrote about my hair woes, I decided to be productive and offer up some solutions that I have found work for me. Hair products are hard to recommend because everyone's hair is different, but perhaps you have similar troubles as I and therefore would benefit from some of my findings.
First:
http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/product/70/178/Products/Styling/Cremes/brilliantine/index.tmpl
Bumble and Bumble's Brilliantine. I really like this as a hair finisher, after I blow dry it. It helps get rid of extra frizz and it adds some shininess back into your hair (since you just stripped it of all its natural oils). Also, its very light, does not weigh my hair down so I can have some curl, and as usual, i love the smell.
Second:
http://www.kiehls.com/Creme-with-Silk-Groom/262,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=hair-styling-aids
This is Kiehl's, Creme with Silk Groom. This is best used on wet hair, either if you are blow drying or air drying. I like to use this before I blow dry, because it helps protect the hair from all the heat and if your hair is like mine, will completely frizz out after you blow dry it; this helps mitigate that response. Again, I like it because it does not weigh my hair down, but gives it the extra oils and moisturizer it needs through the drying process. The smell is somewhat funny though because I actually think it smells like wasabi, which then makes me want sushi….and then I inevitably go and get it….judge as you will.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
"Tell it like it is" Tuesday!
A friend of mine; Aly, has a drunken nickname: Tell It Like It Is Aly….meaning when she drinks enough she starts to tell it like it is and not hold back. Well Aly, I'm stealing your name for the snappy title of my post….all I can say is, copying is the highest form of flattery, you're welcome.
Anyway, last week on Tuesday I posted about the TPP, so I figured I might make another post about government atrocities in our time. Let me be clear; I do like the government, but I think it has become so corrupt, that it is not "for the people, by the people" as our founding fathers intended it. If anything it is now "for the corporations, by the corporations." Also, do not misconstrue my words to say I am anti-business; I'm not. I'm for capitalism, but I am also for government regulation that guards people from being taken advantage of by big corporations that have more power than they should. If we are going to have a capitalist society, we need a strong public sector to balance it out. The public sector keeps the private sector in check and vice versa. Right now, I believe our system is very unbalanced and the private sector is far outweighing the public side.
With that said, the main point of my post last week was that our democracy is no longer the system it was set up to be. The TPP is one example of how we have lost control over our system and that large corporations have most of the control, unless if we guard them closely. Another example I wanted to bring up was this movie:
http://www.gaslandthemovie.com
In Gasland and Gasland 2; Josh Fox documents the hydraulic fracking industry taking over most of our rural areas. For those of you that don't know, hydraulic fracking is the process by which oil companies get natural gas. It is true that natural gas, when burned, causes very few fumes, only a fraction of what our regular gas causes today. BUT, what they fail to tell you is that the process by which they acquire the natural gas is far more dangerous to our environment, not just the air, but the land and water as well. So gas companies will market it as a "clean" energy, but it is far from the truth.
Despite the environmental challenges it causes, it also causes destruction of water, land and property value to private home and land owners. People that live in communities near drilling sites are getting sick at alarming rates, cannot use any of their water, and basically loose all property value in their house, because who wants to buy a house with no usable water?
My point is not to talk about the problems of the practice at this time, my point is to talk about how they have so much power due to the lobbies and money they have in Washington, that many of these people get no retribution for their loses and the government does nothing to protect them. When they appeal to the EPA to get some protection, very little and inconsequential help is given. Also, if you were to watch the documentary you would see that Josh Fox has trouble getting into a government hearing about hydraulic fracking. Government hearings are supposed to be open to the public. The very foundation of our system is that people have the power to know the actions the government is taking and to have a voice in those actions. But, the lobbies have found a way to keep public opinion out.
The main thesis of his documentary, and what I am also trying to highlight, is that our democracy is stolen right now. Hydraulic fracking may be a terrible thing, but its also a symptom of a deeper problem; our elected officials are bought. Of course I highly recommend seeing both movies; the latter is on HBO OnDemand now. But, either way, realize that there is a bigger problem and the mishegas on TV news is meant to keep you distracted from the real problems.
Anyway, last week on Tuesday I posted about the TPP, so I figured I might make another post about government atrocities in our time. Let me be clear; I do like the government, but I think it has become so corrupt, that it is not "for the people, by the people" as our founding fathers intended it. If anything it is now "for the corporations, by the corporations." Also, do not misconstrue my words to say I am anti-business; I'm not. I'm for capitalism, but I am also for government regulation that guards people from being taken advantage of by big corporations that have more power than they should. If we are going to have a capitalist society, we need a strong public sector to balance it out. The public sector keeps the private sector in check and vice versa. Right now, I believe our system is very unbalanced and the private sector is far outweighing the public side.
With that said, the main point of my post last week was that our democracy is no longer the system it was set up to be. The TPP is one example of how we have lost control over our system and that large corporations have most of the control, unless if we guard them closely. Another example I wanted to bring up was this movie:
http://www.gaslandthemovie.com
In Gasland and Gasland 2; Josh Fox documents the hydraulic fracking industry taking over most of our rural areas. For those of you that don't know, hydraulic fracking is the process by which oil companies get natural gas. It is true that natural gas, when burned, causes very few fumes, only a fraction of what our regular gas causes today. BUT, what they fail to tell you is that the process by which they acquire the natural gas is far more dangerous to our environment, not just the air, but the land and water as well. So gas companies will market it as a "clean" energy, but it is far from the truth.
Despite the environmental challenges it causes, it also causes destruction of water, land and property value to private home and land owners. People that live in communities near drilling sites are getting sick at alarming rates, cannot use any of their water, and basically loose all property value in their house, because who wants to buy a house with no usable water?
My point is not to talk about the problems of the practice at this time, my point is to talk about how they have so much power due to the lobbies and money they have in Washington, that many of these people get no retribution for their loses and the government does nothing to protect them. When they appeal to the EPA to get some protection, very little and inconsequential help is given. Also, if you were to watch the documentary you would see that Josh Fox has trouble getting into a government hearing about hydraulic fracking. Government hearings are supposed to be open to the public. The very foundation of our system is that people have the power to know the actions the government is taking and to have a voice in those actions. But, the lobbies have found a way to keep public opinion out.
The main thesis of his documentary, and what I am also trying to highlight, is that our democracy is stolen right now. Hydraulic fracking may be a terrible thing, but its also a symptom of a deeper problem; our elected officials are bought. Of course I highly recommend seeing both movies; the latter is on HBO OnDemand now. But, either way, realize that there is a bigger problem and the mishegas on TV news is meant to keep you distracted from the real problems.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Wavy Hair
The other day as I was checking out my daily Facebook newsfeed, I saw a Huffington Post article that I clicked on…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/wavy-hair-girls-_n_4213304.html
I was fascinated by the title "12 Things Only Girls with Wavy Hair Will Understand"...
Ever since I was little, I've always cringed when a hair stylist would rip a brush through my dry hair. I had to explain to friends why I didn't just "brush my hair" or take a blow dryer to it right out of the shower. Those with straight hair would look at me and say, "just let it dry"; while curly haired friends would explain 3 different products I could use in my hair before letting it dry. My straight hair friends didn't realize how easily frizz shows up and my curly hair friends didn't know how much different products would weigh my hair down, looking more greasy than finished.
Even while trying to find my own recipe for success, every product seemed to either give you intense volume or intense moisturization…both of which never really worked. So I continued to switch between products and brands, always looking for the perfect balance.
While I have come to love that I can wear my hair both straight, and curly, or get some pretty banging' beach waves if I want to; it requires a delicate balance on a regular basis so as not to poof out into one big mess. I realized my hair is somewhat like my personality; extremely versatile, yet incredibly sensitive (its ok boys, you can run now, i understand). While I can hold my own in pretty much any given situation, I am very sensitive to those around me.
Also, I have learned how to deal with my hair, work with it rather than against it. The more I try to push it into something it isn't, the more it rebels and does whatever it wants anyway. So too, when I treat myself as a preconceived box I need to fit into, the more upset, the more unhappy, and the more frustrated I become. As I learn to work with myself, rather than against myself, the more my natural abilities come to light anyway.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/wavy-hair-girls-_n_4213304.html
I was fascinated by the title "12 Things Only Girls with Wavy Hair Will Understand"...
Ever since I was little, I've always cringed when a hair stylist would rip a brush through my dry hair. I had to explain to friends why I didn't just "brush my hair" or take a blow dryer to it right out of the shower. Those with straight hair would look at me and say, "just let it dry"; while curly haired friends would explain 3 different products I could use in my hair before letting it dry. My straight hair friends didn't realize how easily frizz shows up and my curly hair friends didn't know how much different products would weigh my hair down, looking more greasy than finished.
Even while trying to find my own recipe for success, every product seemed to either give you intense volume or intense moisturization…both of which never really worked. So I continued to switch between products and brands, always looking for the perfect balance.
While I have come to love that I can wear my hair both straight, and curly, or get some pretty banging' beach waves if I want to; it requires a delicate balance on a regular basis so as not to poof out into one big mess. I realized my hair is somewhat like my personality; extremely versatile, yet incredibly sensitive (its ok boys, you can run now, i understand). While I can hold my own in pretty much any given situation, I am very sensitive to those around me.
Also, I have learned how to deal with my hair, work with it rather than against it. The more I try to push it into something it isn't, the more it rebels and does whatever it wants anyway. So too, when I treat myself as a preconceived box I need to fit into, the more upset, the more unhappy, and the more frustrated I become. As I learn to work with myself, rather than against myself, the more my natural abilities come to light anyway.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Cawfee Tawk
Back when I used to work desk jobs and spent more hours than I should have perusing the internet; I came across this site, which I liked to check on a weekly basis:
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3842331/
I like to look at this site for the great photography, but also it reminds me how much is going on in the world at any given moment.
If you are a photography nerd and would like a synopsis about the voting, read below:
This is an NBC site that posts the best photojournalism pictures from that week from around the world. Then, at the end, it lets you vote on your favorite pictures. It displays the winners from the votes and I am always amazed by the winning photo. Usually it is the picture that would seem the hardest to take technically. But, I always think the hardest picture to take is one where a moment is capture that only lasts a second. I believe there was a French photographer who talked about this…I forget his name…photo friends help me out? For instance, an expression on someone's face, or the juxtaposition of people in motion at a telling time. These moments last for such a short amount of time and the fact that someone was able to capture it in their camera is amazing at times. Most often the photo that wins is a photo taken from space or from high in the air, or a certain lighting on a landscape. While, yes, I agree one needs fancy equipment (and possibly a space shuttle) to make this happen, its not hard to take this picture. Most items in the view are sedentary and one could probably take multiple shots without much changing. But capturing a telling moment on camera, the photographer has to be acutely aware of their surroundings, the motions in place, and the feelings of those around them. The ability of the photographer to be so aware of their surroundings as to almost forget themselves, leads them to be able to capture moments like no other.
BTW: I'm always up to hear views from others, so if you want to summon your inner cawfee tawker and discuss amongst ourselves….send me a message and let me know what you are thinking!
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3842331/
I like to look at this site for the great photography, but also it reminds me how much is going on in the world at any given moment.
If you are a photography nerd and would like a synopsis about the voting, read below:
This is an NBC site that posts the best photojournalism pictures from that week from around the world. Then, at the end, it lets you vote on your favorite pictures. It displays the winners from the votes and I am always amazed by the winning photo. Usually it is the picture that would seem the hardest to take technically. But, I always think the hardest picture to take is one where a moment is capture that only lasts a second. I believe there was a French photographer who talked about this…I forget his name…photo friends help me out? For instance, an expression on someone's face, or the juxtaposition of people in motion at a telling time. These moments last for such a short amount of time and the fact that someone was able to capture it in their camera is amazing at times. Most often the photo that wins is a photo taken from space or from high in the air, or a certain lighting on a landscape. While, yes, I agree one needs fancy equipment (and possibly a space shuttle) to make this happen, its not hard to take this picture. Most items in the view are sedentary and one could probably take multiple shots without much changing. But capturing a telling moment on camera, the photographer has to be acutely aware of their surroundings, the motions in place, and the feelings of those around them. The ability of the photographer to be so aware of their surroundings as to almost forget themselves, leads them to be able to capture moments like no other.
BTW: I'm always up to hear views from others, so if you want to summon your inner cawfee tawker and discuss amongst ourselves….send me a message and let me know what you are thinking!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Winter is coming!
Ok Ok, I know I promised bath product reviews and unlike Obama...I deliver!!! (see what I did there?) And since winter is coming, that means two things; Christmas and dry skin. So I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone and offer up some gift ideas that will relieve dry skin…you can thank me later.
If you are a girl (like me) who has an obsession with different bath products; in the sense that if you were rich like Britney Spears, would try every product on the market, but can't because, who really has that kind of money?! this is the place for you!
First item I have to talk about is this:
http://www.fresh.com/cleanser/soy-face-cleanser/H00000002.html#start=1&cgid=cleanser
Fresh is on of my favorite companies and their Soy Face Cleanser has to be my favorite product. I know its a little pricey, but trust me, it will last for a good 6 months. It's a nice gentle cleanser for my face, doesn't rip apart my pores, doesn't dry my skin, smells great, and feels extremely soft afterwards.
Since we're talking about Fresh, I'll add one of my other favorite items from them:
http://www.fresh.com/bodycare/body-exfoliant/
This stuff is a little weird to use at first, it's not a big foaming soapy product you are used to using. You have to think of it more as an oil in crystalized form. As you take some in your hand and start to rub it on your skin, the crystals will disintegrate and you will start to feel an oily presence on your skin. While this may be alarming at first, don't worry, it's working! You just have to be OK with the fact that you will leave the bathtub feeling a little oily, BUT after you dry off, your skin will feel so soft and smooth!!! I love this stuff in the winter, when my skin easily chafes and a shower feels more drying than moisturizing....I use this and I have the same smooth skin back. The only downside to this product, is that it is expensive and it doesn't last an extremely long time. I usually buy the $38 container, and it will last me about 2 months...given that I don't use it everyday.
If you are a girl (like me) who has an obsession with different bath products; in the sense that if you were rich like Britney Spears, would try every product on the market, but can't because, who really has that kind of money?! this is the place for you!
First item I have to talk about is this:
http://www.fresh.com/cleanser/soy-face-cleanser/H00000002.html#start=1&cgid=cleanser
Fresh is on of my favorite companies and their Soy Face Cleanser has to be my favorite product. I know its a little pricey, but trust me, it will last for a good 6 months. It's a nice gentle cleanser for my face, doesn't rip apart my pores, doesn't dry my skin, smells great, and feels extremely soft afterwards.
Since we're talking about Fresh, I'll add one of my other favorite items from them:
http://www.fresh.com/bodycare/body-exfoliant/
This stuff is a little weird to use at first, it's not a big foaming soapy product you are used to using. You have to think of it more as an oil in crystalized form. As you take some in your hand and start to rub it on your skin, the crystals will disintegrate and you will start to feel an oily presence on your skin. While this may be alarming at first, don't worry, it's working! You just have to be OK with the fact that you will leave the bathtub feeling a little oily, BUT after you dry off, your skin will feel so soft and smooth!!! I love this stuff in the winter, when my skin easily chafes and a shower feels more drying than moisturizing....I use this and I have the same smooth skin back. The only downside to this product, is that it is expensive and it doesn't last an extremely long time. I usually buy the $38 container, and it will last me about 2 months...given that I don't use it everyday.
Hello!
This is my new blog. About what? I'm not sure. Mostly just things I feel like talking about....you've entered Kelly's world, keep your hands and feet inside the cart at all times. Mostly I have political musings and bath product reviews...completely unrelated? I know, but do you expect anything else from me? I'm sure other topics will come up at times, but any who, let's get started!
So first post; I must talk about the new Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)...the what?! you ask....well there's a reason you don't know about it or even don't know it existed. Get this...because the administration doesn't want you to know!! Shocking, right? I know, I know....
In college I was on the student Senate and I chaired a committed called COLA (Committee on Legislative Action). The purpose of this committee was to inform the Senate about legislative action being taken at the local, state, and federal level that would affect students. So, I'm dusting off my old COLA skills to inform you about this new Partnership. Why? Because I think it is extremely important yet so little is known about it. And an informed republic is a strong republic.
First of all, the TPP is a "free trade" agreement between a number of countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean, including the United States. Today they are in negotiations to discuss a number of topics that if agreed upon, would directly affect policy here in the United States. Items up for discussion include; GMO's, environmental regulations, health care, prescription drug regulations, internet freedom, copyright laws (the whole gamut of intellectual property) among many many others. Much like NAFTA; the administration will be planning this partnership on the basis of increased trade and consumerism...but we all know who really loses out here don't we? That's right, everyone loses except the top tiered corporations.
The scariest thing about the partnership is that there is no transparency about what is being negotiated and Obama plans to "fast track" it through Congress so as to get it passed before the public even knows about it. Democracy at its worst! Whether you agree with items in the partnership or you don't, the real crime here is that we don't even know what's in it!!!! How are we supposed to have a republic if we don't know what our elected representatives are doing?!?! So policies that will affect our everyday lives are being negotiated, without us knowing, and our elected officials will vote on it after being bullied by the administration?
Another thing that gets my goat about the whole situation is that Obama ran on a platform of transparency and "fair" trade agreements that benefit the whole rather than the few. He said if elected he would talk to Canada and Mexico about NAFTA and agree to more democratic policies. This is just another example of him acting against his word. This is very frustrating! Anyway, enough about my ranting, if you want to learn more about it, or take some actions to stop it, below are some websites to check out.
Also, remember, contacting your Congress Person is always the fastest and most effective way to have your voice heard. Even though it will be "fast tracked" through Congress, Congress still has to vote, meaning you have to ability to have your voice heard. Thanks to the lovely internet, contacting your Congress Person has never been easier! Just go to www.house.gov.....find your representative and send them an email....no postage required!
http://www.house.gov
http://www.ustr.gov/tpp
https://www.eff.org/issues/tpp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Pacific_Partnership
This is my new blog. About what? I'm not sure. Mostly just things I feel like talking about....you've entered Kelly's world, keep your hands and feet inside the cart at all times. Mostly I have political musings and bath product reviews...completely unrelated? I know, but do you expect anything else from me? I'm sure other topics will come up at times, but any who, let's get started!
So first post; I must talk about the new Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)...the what?! you ask....well there's a reason you don't know about it or even don't know it existed. Get this...because the administration doesn't want you to know!! Shocking, right? I know, I know....
In college I was on the student Senate and I chaired a committed called COLA (Committee on Legislative Action). The purpose of this committee was to inform the Senate about legislative action being taken at the local, state, and federal level that would affect students. So, I'm dusting off my old COLA skills to inform you about this new Partnership. Why? Because I think it is extremely important yet so little is known about it. And an informed republic is a strong republic.
First of all, the TPP is a "free trade" agreement between a number of countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean, including the United States. Today they are in negotiations to discuss a number of topics that if agreed upon, would directly affect policy here in the United States. Items up for discussion include; GMO's, environmental regulations, health care, prescription drug regulations, internet freedom, copyright laws (the whole gamut of intellectual property) among many many others. Much like NAFTA; the administration will be planning this partnership on the basis of increased trade and consumerism...but we all know who really loses out here don't we? That's right, everyone loses except the top tiered corporations.
The scariest thing about the partnership is that there is no transparency about what is being negotiated and Obama plans to "fast track" it through Congress so as to get it passed before the public even knows about it. Democracy at its worst! Whether you agree with items in the partnership or you don't, the real crime here is that we don't even know what's in it!!!! How are we supposed to have a republic if we don't know what our elected representatives are doing?!?! So policies that will affect our everyday lives are being negotiated, without us knowing, and our elected officials will vote on it after being bullied by the administration?
Another thing that gets my goat about the whole situation is that Obama ran on a platform of transparency and "fair" trade agreements that benefit the whole rather than the few. He said if elected he would talk to Canada and Mexico about NAFTA and agree to more democratic policies. This is just another example of him acting against his word. This is very frustrating! Anyway, enough about my ranting, if you want to learn more about it, or take some actions to stop it, below are some websites to check out.
Also, remember, contacting your Congress Person is always the fastest and most effective way to have your voice heard. Even though it will be "fast tracked" through Congress, Congress still has to vote, meaning you have to ability to have your voice heard. Thanks to the lovely internet, contacting your Congress Person has never been easier! Just go to www.house.gov.....find your representative and send them an email....no postage required!
http://www.house.gov
http://www.ustr.gov/tpp
https://www.eff.org/issues/tpp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Pacific_Partnership
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