Vanessa: Unplugged!

Yippee! I Blogged Everyday in July!

So far I've met my challenge to blog every day for a year. This has been loads of fun and I'm looking forward to eleven more months of blogging this year.

Thanks to those of you that have become subscribers.

Peace - Light - Love.

The PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Bottled Water Scam

The latest commotion about Aquafina being little more than tap water has sent my health-conscious friends into a tizzy. Dasani had the same problem back in 2004 in the UK. Who knew? I just know my granddad is looking down from heaven saying, "I told you so. Folks shouldn't pay good money for what Mother Nature makes bountifully."

I do drink bottled water but I try to only drink Evian and Zephyr Hills. They taste better to me. Aquafina and Dasani are the only brands in the vending machines in my office building but my days of purchasing them have come to a screeching halt. At a buck a pop, for tap water, I went back to the water fountain and I'll save money also.

I still feel taken advantage of. Perhaps, someone somewhere is mounting a class action suit against Pepsi and Coca-Cola, manufacturers of Aquafina and Dasani. If so, sign me up.

From Think Outside the Bottle website:

Media Coverage of the Think Outside the Bottle Campaign

Momentum is building in the campaign to challenge corporate control of water. Dozens of media outlets have brought national attention to the bottled water issue. See our interview with TV20's 'Your Green Report' on the San Francisco Executive Directive, which bans bottled water in the city in favor of tap water. Here's a sampling of recent coverage:

Read our letter in the New York Times. Read more.

Pure Water, Right on Tap. Read Yvonne Abraham's column in the Boston Globe.

Tune into our interview about Bottled Water with NPR's On Point with Tom Ashbrook. Listen now.

New Yorkers Urged to Drink Tap Water. Listen to NPR's Morning Edition report. Read more.

Ditching Bottled Water for Tap Water. Read ABC News' report.

PepsiCo to review label of Aquafina water brand. Read more.

I'm New York? No way, Do Over!

I saw this quiz on a friend's blog. Of course it's just fun. Based on results of a quiz at blogthings, your personality determines the city that is the most you.Why don't you try it too? Click this link: What American City Are You?

You Are New York

Cosmopolitan and sophisticated, you enjoy the newest in food, art, and culture. You also appreciate a good amount of grit - and very little shocks you. You're competitive, driven, and very likely to succeed. Famous people from New York: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Tupac Shakur, Woody Allen

What American City Are You?

I so thought I'd be Miami but I'm New York? Okay, I can go for most of the descriptors but when I think of New York lately, I think of that horrible reality show 'I Love new York'. Gag me with a spoon. What human being with a modicum of couth would want to be associated with her or that show? Yuck!

And we wonder why young people seem to have no regards for anyone or no fear of anything? That's how we raised them and that's what we get. I so want to believe that New York and her mom are pretending.If memory serves me correctly, New York's show is a spin-off of that show with Flava Flav who was also on 'Surreal Life'. Then there's Mo'Nique and that charm school and that rocker guy, Brett, who's selecting a date after 25 women totally degrade themselves.

Give me a break! There is no socially redeeming value in these shows yet they are big money-makers for the networks and advertisers. Some folks go on reality shows just to be seen and to get picked up by a talent management company. Other folks, do it as a joke and some others are just delusional.

I'm going to try this quiz again; perhaps i can be Atlanta or Chicago or even Los Ageles?

Smooches…

Click here for my older posts!

The more I know, the more I realize how much I don’t know

The more I know, the more I realize how much I don't know. I've been blogging for about three years. The first couple of years I was very inconsistent and I hadn't quite found my voice…my rhythm…my identity. For the last year, I've committed to blogging. As I've written before, it helps me cope.

Blogging has also allowed me to meet some very interesting folks. Some intellectual and serious, others intellectual and crazy (I mean that in a good way) and some just straight crazy. Most have been good people. Then there are the folks you connect with for some unknown reason.

I'm constantly amazed by the way bloggers reach out to help each other and folks that they don't even know. The Ebonics was intentional; I'm trying to make a point. There is knowledge and advice shared and when you think about the fact that folks are continents apart, it's mind-blowing.

I've connected with a sister, Ebele that I've written about previously. She has this whole creative thing going on that surely you've checked out by now. If not, click here.

Anyhoo, after I named her a Rockin' Girl Blogger, she named her five bloggers also. Well in her post, Ebele did her numbering in Igbo (frequently known as Ibo). Igbo is a language spoken in Nigeria. How cool is that? I love languages so I'm sharing it with you. I'm not certain of the pronunciation but I'm sure someone's going to help me with that one also.

ofu -     1    one

ibuo -    2     two

ito -    3     three

ino -     4    four

ise -     5    five

isii –     6    six

If you want to learn more about Nigeria, check out these links:

NigeriaDotCom

Country profile: Nigeria

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Haunting and Beautiful Underwater Sculpture Gallery

Remember the underwater restaurant at the Hilton in Maldives? Well, here are photos of an underwater sculpture gallery off the coast of Grenada. Jason de Caires Taylor was commissioned to produce the pieces in tribute to the people and culture of Grenada. Check out the official website to get the full story of this project.

While I am amazed by the concept of freestanding art pieces underwater and I the progression of change in the pieces underwater, I find them more creepy than beautiful. Some of the pieces remind me of the lives lost during many slave voyages. I realize there are no signs of chains but I can't help thinking of that.

Be sure to check out the video of the site and Taylor's interview.

From the official website:

Jason de Caires Taylor Jason de Caires Taylor’s underwater sculptures create a unique, absorbing and expansive visual seascape. Highlighting natural ecological processes Taylor’s interventions explore the intricate relationships that exist between art and environment. His works become artificial reefs, attracting marine life, while offering the viewer privileged temporal encounters, as the shifting sand of the ocean floor, and the works change from moment to moment. Perspectives The experience of being underwater is vastly different from that of being on land. There are physical and optical considerations that must be taken into account. Objects appear twenty five percent larger underwater, and as a consequence they also appear closer. Colours alter as light is absorbed and reflected at different rates, with the depth of the water affecting this further. The light source in water is from the surface, this produces kaleidoscopic effects governed by water movement, currents and turbulence. Water is a malleable medium in which to travel enabling the viewer to become active in their engagement with the work. The large number of angles and perspectives from which the sculptures can be viewed increase dramatically the unique experience of encountering the works. The ocean is imbued with mystery. Underwater and devoid of white walls the viewer is unrestrained in their interaction with the work. Buoyancy and weightlessness enable a detached physical experience, encouraging encounters that are perceptual and personal. As time passes and the works change, they reshape and redefine the underwater landscape in unpredictable ways. Vicissitudes Vicissitudes depicts a circle of figures, all linked through holding hands. These are life-size casts taken from a group of children of diverse ethnic background. Circular in structure and located five meters below the surface, the work both withstands strong currents and replicates one of the primary geometric shapes, evoking ideas of unity and continuum. The underwater environment is much like that of the outdoors. An object is subject to changes in light and prevailing weather conditions. The cement finish and chemical composition of Vicissitudes actively promotes the colonisation of coral and marine life. The figures are transformed over time by their environment, and conversely as this happens so they change the shape of their habitat. This natural process echoes the changes exacted through growing up. Social interchange shapes this process, while conversely as the product of a particular society we in turn invoke change on the workings and dynamics of that environment. The sculpture proposes growth, chance, and natural transformation. It shows how time and environment impact on and shape the physical body. Children by nature are adaptive to their surroundings. Their use within the work highlights the importance of creating a sustainable and well-managed environment, a space for future generations. Taylor notes that close to forty percent of coral reefs worldwide has been destroyed and that this figure is set to increase. His work reminds us that the marine environment is in a constant state of flux, and that this in turn reflects poignantly the vicissitudes, changing landscapes, of our own lives. Grace Reef Grace Reef is a series of sixteen figures each cast from the body of a Grenadian woman. Located across an expansive underwater area the work draws marine life to an area that has suffered substantial decimation through sustained storm damage. The work reflects the continuing evolution of the island and its people. The work reveals itself in dramatic and dynamic ways. The nature of the currents and the strength of the prevailing winds mean that entire sections of the work become covered, hidden and lost. At other times figures emerge and are fully visible. Sienna A character from Jacob Ross’ short story, A Different Ocean from the book A Way to Catch the Dust (1999) Sienna is a young girl gifted in free diving. The story follows friendship and betrayal as her talent is exploited in the search for lost treasure. Taylor’s work Sienna takes its lead from this story. Its metal structure allows water currents to flow through the body of the sculpture creating an ideal habitat for filter feeding organisms. As the process of colonisation accelerates so Sienna gains physical substance. The work is ultimately created by the organisms that inhabit it, in the same way that a character in a book is given substance and temperament by the person reading it. La Diablesse La Diablesse was commissioned through the Grenadian Board of Tourism. It celebrates the longstanding traditions of Caribbean story-telling and folklore. The term La Diablesse is taken from the French for She-Devil. A well-known character within Grenadian literature she has a face that is corpse-like, and a head half-hidden under a wide brimmed hat. Traditionally La Diablesse is dressed in a white blouse and a petticoat that runs to her feet. Her left foot is cloven and is said to warn victims of her approach. Despised by women, she is known for enchanting men before leading them to a violent death. Caribbean myth also foretells that if a woman dies during childbirth she will return as La Diablesse. Located deep underwater within a labyrinthine formation of coral, the sculpture emerges suddenly and unexpectedly, creating an abrupt and unsuspecting point of encounter. The Lost Correspondent The Lost Correspondent depicts a man sitting at a desk with a typewriter. The desk is covered with a collection of newspaper articles and cuttings that date back to the 1970s. Many of these have political significance, a number detail Grenada’s alignment with Cuba in the period immediately prior to the revolution. The work informs the rapid changes in communication between generations. Taking the form of a traditional correspondent, the lone figure becomes little more than a relic, a fossil in a lost world. The Un-Still Life Un-Still Life mirrors the classical composition of traditional still life tableaux. On a table is an arrangement of cement objects, a vase, bowl and fruit. In contrast to established ideas of stasis the work is perpetually changing, remaining a work in progress as layers build on its surface. This accumulated colonisation of coral becomes a physical equivalent to conventional mark making of drawing and painting. The work reflects the time-based observation associated with the classical study of still life composition. It reminds us that changes are inevitable.

I've Been Tagged...Eight Random Facts You Probably Don't Care to Know About Me

THE RULES:

Post these rules before you give you the facts.
List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
At the end of your post, choose (tag) eight people and list their names (linking to them).
Leave them a comment on their blog letting them know they’ve been tagged!

I was tagged by JaniceNW... Here are Eight Random Facts About Me. (in no particular order):

1. I collect Barbie dolls. Yes, Barbie. I don’t track my collection the way I used to but I have more than 250. I like all kinds of Barbies but most of my collection is Black. Yes, Barbie went ethnic in a big way but many folks don’t know about it. I have the first Black Barbie…Bob Mackie’s Starlight Splendor Barbie and Fantasy Goddess of Africa Barbie…and the entire Byron Lars Runway Collection and Treasures of Africa Collection. The photo is of Mbili Barbie, the second doll in the Treasures of Africa Collection. My next addition is to have the hair re-rooted on my Brandy doll so that she has locks. Anywho, e-mail me privately if you want to talk Barbies.

2. I like ketchup AND mustard on French fries. What can I say, I like my fries this way. Try it with home fries not that fast food stuff…delicious. I don’t partake as frequently as I used to because too much fried food is just not good for our bodies. Let me know if you try it.

3. I am shy. This will surprise some who know me. Although I am very strong-willed and typically find myself in a leadership position at work or in civic organizations, I really am shy. I am passionate about issues that I’m passionate about. I don’t talk just to hear my self talk and I am bothered by people who do.

4. My daughter and I have the same birthmark. If you’ve been reading my blog for a minute, you know that my daughter passed away. After giving birth to her, one of the first things I noticed as the doctor held her in the air, was the birthmark just above her left knee…the same shape and location as mine. The only thing I could think was, wow, a miniature version of me.

5. My lips are freckled. Yep and I was teased regularly for it when I was growing up. As I have aged, it’s not as noticeable even when I'm not wearing lipstick and besides I really don’t care what anyone else thinks about it anyway.

6. I sleep with a television on. I don't know if it's the light, the noise or both but it's so difficult for me to fall asleep unless a television is on. Complete darkness and total silence kinda creep me out.

7. I  finished reading The Color Purple while waiting in line for the movie. My friends thought I was crazy but I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. You know how important details can be omitted sometimes; I wanted to make sure I didn't miss any significant points in the movie version of the story.

8. I was a tomboy. I played sports better than all the boys in my neighborhood except one. I also did girlie-girl things but the boys seem to have more fun. I learned differently when I became a teenager.

I'm not tagging anyone else....Smooches!

Dennis Rodman drives a pink Range Rover

Rumor has it that Dennis Rodman is scouting for new digs here in the Miami area. Now I know Dennis visited when Madonna made Miami home. South Beach would be just the place for him to share the outrageous Dennis Rodman experience.

I was quite surprised to learn that Dennis drives a pink Range Rover. It seems that pink is his favorite color. He has other pink vehicles. Hmmm…that's right down my alley; y'all know pink is my favorite color. I wonder if the Rod man will let me borrow the Rover for the weekend.

Smooches…

Click here for my older posts!

Domestic violence claims the life of another woman

Tears were streaming down my face as I left the funeral home last night. I didn't care that I sobbed because no one could hear me. I couldn't be seen through the tinted windows of my car. My heart truly ached. I'd learned that the sister of a co-worker had been violently battered and left to die by her boyfriend. Her attacker casually went about his day. She suffered in silence, immobile and unable to speak for four hours before she took her last breath.

I'd learned of the incident close to midday yesterday. The rest of the day was mostly a blur after that news. I read the article in the newspaper describing this horrible man who'd been turned in to the police by his sister whom he'd call to confess the attack.

Here was yet another woman dead at the hands of her husband or boyfriend, this was just too much. These attacks were based on behavioral patterns. Women must learn to leave at the first sign of violence. No matter how much he says he's sorry or how extravagant the make-up gifts he buys --- get out…leave…runaway before it's too late. It's a mind game, don't fall for it. Even if you have children for your abuser, don't allow him to manipulate you to the point that you justify the abuse. You can leave; there are people who can help you even if you are afraid to go to a minister or family member. The life you save may be your own.

Locally, there have been at least three domestic violence cases in the media within the last two weeks. Some cases more bizarre than others but all ending in the death of a woman --- mother --- sister --- aunt. Domestic abuse is a tragedy that can be avoided. If you are a victim or you know someone who is, please get help. It may be a scary situation but there are people who can help.

Many years ago, a close friend shared her experience with an abusive husband. I was shocked that she'd tolerated such treatment. We were college educated women from upper middle-class backgrounds; we knew better. She tried to explain how it happened without her recognizing how manipulative he was. Although afraid and embarrassed, she planned her escape from him. Several months after he'd hit her the second time, she saved enough money to move out on her own. I was disappointed that she hadn't told any of us what was going on in her life but grateful that she didn't linger too long in that relationship.

From the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

Get Educated

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:

• Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
• Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
• Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
• Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
• Does not want you to work.
• Controls finances or refuses to share money.
• Punishes you by withholding affection.
• Expects you to ask permission.
• Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
• Humiliates you in any way.

You may be in a physically abusive relationship if your partner has ever:

• Damaged property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, kicked doors, etc.).
• Pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked or choked you.
• Abandoned you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
• Scared you by driving recklessly.
• Used a weapon to threaten or hurt you.
• Forced you to leave your home.
• Trapped you in your home or kept you from leaving.
• Prevented you from calling police or seeking medical attention.
• Hurt your children.
• Used physical force in sexual situations.

You may be in a sexually abusive relationship if your partner:

• Views women as objects and believes in rigid gender roles.
• Accuses you of cheating or is often jealous of your outside relationships.
• Wants you to dress in a sexual way.
• Insults you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names.
• Has ever forced or manipulated you into to having sex or performing sexual acts.
• Held you down during sex.
• Demanded sex when you were sick, tired or after beating you.
• Hurt you with weapons or objects during sex.
• Involved other people in sexual activities with you.
• Ignored your feelings regarding sex.

If you answered 'yes' to these questions you may be in an abusive relationship; please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or your local domestic violence center to talk with someone about it.

In loving memory of:

Linda Innocent

Marrissa Lightbourne

Dr. Sheryl Shivers-Blackwell

Monica Smart

Beyonce performs in spite of fall

By now, you may be aware that Beyonce Knowles fell during an Orlando, Florida performance of her song, Ring the Alarm. Cell phone video of the fall was broadcast on a local television station here in Miami. As of this post, it was available on the internet at break.com and youtube.

Folks may try to poo-poo that fall as if it was no big deal. Take a look, it was indeed nasty. Miss Thing recovers and continues performing as if nothing happened. I think Beyonce is overexposed but she definitely gets my respect big time after demonstrating such professionalism in spite of that fall.

Good things come to those who wait…

In keeping with the fashion theme of the previous post, I must share my latest purse acquisition with you. It is so roomy, I feel like a bag lady with this purse. I can carry my personal and work necessities and my flats for walking. The stitching is strong and the handles are sturdy. Of course, some details are missing such as protective feet on the bottom of the purse.

In spite of that, there will be no complaining from me since the purse only cost $5. Yes, five bucks. I am so happy.

I'm trying to find one of my colorful scarves to tie to the handle for a little pizzazz. This is way better than the $250 that Coach bag would have cost.

Smooches…

Click here for my older posts!