Failing Economy brings Unity

In recent news, same sex marriage discrepancies are making a high percentage of headlines. Because of the ban against gay marriage in the recent election, gays and lesbians are speaking out and the topic is being discussed freely


Where at one time words like lesbian and gay were left out of most dinner conversations, it now is becoming common to discuss. Where people once scooted around the issue seeing it as something too controversial, such as racism or abortion, people are warming up to the topic becoming more comfortable in sharing their feelings on the subject.

In a recent article on CNN.com the topic is broached once again. Two gay men sat down in an interview to debate the their views on the recent issue.

"We're in a time of economic crisis, and it's difficult for everyone," Dibble says, "more difficult for those families that don't have access to those basic provisions for economic security."

Their view is that in a time like this it would definately be more benefitting to have the equal rights as traditionally married couples. Because they end up missing out on things such as joint credit, the ability to share health-care benefits with a partner and inheritance rights.

"The bad economy makes it more important than ever that we address this," Marty says.

As the article continues on it becomes evident of the struggles that this coulple faces on a daily basis, and it it amazing that a subject that was kept so under the rug is now out on display for the whole world to see.

In a time where the whole world is feeling the devestation of this recession it is refreshign to see open opinions and people speeking out on what they believe in.

Sponsoring AMGEN

Attending the AMGEN sponsorship party at Kennedy Club Fitness I witnessed many businesses coming together to support the infamous bike race.  Big-screen t.v. s were set up in lieu of the event so that individuals could watch the live coverage as the second heat was taking place.

Meeting some of the local guests I came to the conclusion that the majority were local real-estate agents, who were joining in on the fun mostly for the benefits of the advertising.  In sponsoring the AMGEN race, businesses therefore get a printed ad in all the advertisements for the Paso Robles stage of the event.

Held at the Kennedy Club Fitness Center, I came expecting a very mellow scene, of which i was correct.  Although upon leaving, I felt the venue was a perfect pick for this type of thing.  Walking through the gym and past a full aerobics class on the way to the main gym, set the mood. The athletic atmosphere seemed to fit the event perfectly and have people geared up for watching the high intensity bike race.

As many stood around and chatted I enjoyed a glass of local Vina Robles Chardonnay and listened to the old school rock band that was playing.  Needless to say this was nothing of a party scene, but I'm sure a few more hours and a couple more glasses of wine and  I would have seen many of the uptight-looking business people let loose and share in the enormity of this event.  Sadly I was only able to stay for an hour or so but felt I at least got to experience the shared sense of pride along with many other Armstrong supporters.

Parents, you're not alone

Scanning blogs on the New York Times website, I was having a hard time deciding which one i wanted to write about.  Most of them were somewhat stimulating if not exciting, but I didn't feel a tie to any one page.  That was until i decided to check out the one blog i thought i had no right to explore.  This being the blog titled "Motherlode," and I thinking i have no right to explore it because i am not in any way shape or form a mother at this period in time.

But surprisingly these were the stories that gripped me.  I have heard many times that people respond to other people's stories, people like to hear about people.  They want to know about the things going on in one another's daily lives and homes.  This is why such things as reality shows have been created.  So it was here at the "Motherlode," that i found my fascination, gripped by these stories based on the every-day scenarios of parents and their children.

I would be lying to say that I wasn't somewhat involved in caring for children.  I am currently employed as a nanny for a 5 month old and have baby sat since I can remember.  So in a way i guess my tie to this blog stems from my experience as a childcare provider.

But there is just something enthralling in listening to a dad tell the tale of his daughter that can't stop biting.  It's comical-yet i can relate with his frustrations.  In the blog he is quoted, "my wife and I can’t believe that we are the parents with the out of control child."  I actually begin to empathize with this dad of child who can't be disciplined.  Sometimes there are problems that are just out of parents control, and other parents deserve to see they are not alone.  

On this blog a woman posts about watching her premie in the NICU and willing it to keep breathing.  Many mothers have, are or are going to go through this-and they need support.  The idea of a blog that serves as a go-to for parents seems like an ingenious idea to me.  It will never lose its audience, people deserve to know they are not alone in the world of parenting.

Fashion vs. Future

I woke up on Tuesday Jan 20, 2009 with the stomach flu.  The flu being something I always dread and then adding to that a diet of strictly saltines and gatorade for three days-just a horrible combination. Yet I somehow found a bright side to my illness when i realized that it was inauguration day.  So as i hobbled from my bed to the couch at 6:30 in the morning and flipped on the morning news, I was excited to see everything already coming together for this huge event of Obama coming into office.  Even though I missed class, I justified that fact by laying around and watching inauguration news all day, feeling well educated on the current presidency and being uplifted by this enormous change in our nation.

Although later, as the ceremonies were finishing and news that Obama had recited the presidential oath out of order was beginning to blow up all over the internet and the news, I went online to research things a bit further.  As MSN.com popped up on my home-page i was excited to see the 44th president and his wife adorned beautifully for one of the many balls they were having to attend.  Scrolling through the dozens of headlines, I realized that at least seventy percent of them read things such as "Michelle Obama: First Lady Loves Fashion." Also, "who made Mrs. Obama's white evening gown?"  Call me a bit old fashioned, but on inauguration day I want to hear and read news concerning more than just the new first lady's evening wear.

Don't get me wrong I love fashion, i love clothes and shopping, along with most of the female population.  I just don't see the issue of Michelle Obama's choice of clothing reigning over issues such as where she was educated, how she grew up and even how much support she offers as a wife.  This is where i believe media coverage is being skimped.  

I type in a search for Michelle Obama, and it's not terribly hard to find an in depth article on her, but why aren't the first headlines to pop up about her graduation from Harvard, or about how in 2002, she took the position of executive director for community affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals, and then was named Vice President for Community and External Affairs in 2005?

All of this it made me think that maybe our world is a bit confused.  I don't see it wrong to take a break from the drama of social issues, poverty, health coverage, etc. to focus on something more uplifting such as clothes choices, I just don't think it's what professional journalists and news stations should be visiting first off.  Most people are smart enough to know that what Mrs. or even Mr. Obama wear doesn't have any kind of reflection on competency levels.  But there are other issues that could potentially, and these are the things we need to rank first.

Breaking News: You Can't Read it All

Glancing over the broad collection of newspapers in the library I'm overwhelmed by the vast display of periodicals that are from JUST today.  The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and The Wall street Journal, all lined up on the shelf nearly screaming their headlines as I contemplate which one to pick up first.  And if I don't finish reading the news today, tomorrow there will be even more breaking and relevant news, and I'll begin to fall behind.  It's a frustrating cycle.  

            Even opening my computer, abcnews.com pops up and I'm once again dumfounded by the amount of news headlines, but still I find it somehow thrilling-these resources so easily at my fingertips.  I know that if my only job was to read through these news articles I still would never make it through them all. Yet I keep reading every day hoping to gather enough relevant information so that if by chance I run into a friend wanting to discuss recent news, my vague recollection of Wednesday’s Tribune will hold up in a conversation about the ongoing struggle in Gaza.

            Interestingly enough, even though I may feel inundated by the amount of channels with which news is presented to the public, I know that if these resources were taken away I would feel under informed, bringing me to a disconnect from the outside world.

            Judging from the state of our nation’s economy and participation in the war, breaking news stories are what we, as Americans or even as a world need in order to be well informed.  From recent government decisions of choosing new office members, to even something as small as a local who rescued a child from a burning apartment building, no union or common kinship would be felt if we weren’t somehow informed.

            News and the way it is implemented can be overwhelming and the fact that we have so many facets to gather from, it can seem more tedious at times than informative. Although, if any of our news options were depleted I know many would flounder at the thought of not being able to follow the world’s/nations/city’s updates day-to-day.  In means of keeping myself up to date I will continue to read what I can on a daily basis, but still hope that I don’t run into any government officials wanting to discuss new policies.