1. I was watching 60 Minutes on Sunday, and one story was on messy desks at the workplace. If I remember right (which I think I do), workers with messy desks (as opposed to neat and clean) were 36% more effective at their jobs. I am trying to find the story on their website, but I can't right now. I have a messy desk (and apartment!), and people laugh at me all the time, but now there may be something good about it. I always knew that, but now I have proof. And wasn't it Einstein that said if someone is messy they are smarter? ;)
2. I think my Spanish is slipping.... but not much of course. I just speak Turkish so much now that I feel like my mind is so mixed and jumbled... today I went to the Costa Rican welcome dinner for the group that is in Tally for 2 weeks, and when I went to say "si", it almost came out as "evet". It took me half a second to realize "oh wait, SPEAK SPANISH IDIOT!". I don't know what that means, but it's good that my brain is working that much I guess. :P
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Why can't we do this in Mexico? I'LL GO!!
EU to start African job centers to promote legal migration
POSTED: 10:02 a.m. EST, January 25, 2007
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters) -- The European Union will open the first job center for legal migrant workers from Africa next month, the EU's justice chief said on Thursday, while appealing to EU states to provide resources to combat illegal immigration.
The experimental center in Mali would be the first of a planned network aimed at matching the supply of legal migrant labor for low-skill sectors such as agriculture, public works and tourism to demand in EU states, Franco Frattini said.
"People can have guaranteed periods of work and illegal undeclared labor will be combated in a very stringent way," Frattini told a European Parliament committee.
"We want migrants to come here legally then go back to their countries of origin when their contracts have ended," the EU commissioner for home affairs and justice said.
The centers are part of an EU drive in 2007 to control a big surge in illegal migration to Europe while meeting a need for low-skilled labor. It also seeks to increase jobs in Africa by promoting investment in labor-intensive sectors there.
The legal migration effort required EU states to declare quotas for the migrant workers they needed, Frattini said, adding he hoped for progress in ministerial talks next month.
Thousands of Africans die trying to get into Europe
The EU has been struggling to contain illegal migration to Europe by Africans searching for jobs and a better life.
More than 31,000 sub-Saharan migrants reached Spain's Canary Islands last year, six times as many as in 2005. Malta and Italy faced similar problems. Thousands of would-be migrants are believed to have died during their perilous journey.
The executive European Commission sees quotas as leverage to persuade African countries to take back illegal migrants.
Some EU states are wary of such a system, but Frattini said that in ministerial talks this month in Dresden, EU states showed a "concrete availability ... to give us the political leverage to negotiate, so I have some hopes".
He said he could not say how many migrants might be involved in the legal scheme. "In my own country, we talk about 400,000 people -- that's for Italy," he said. "But I don't know how many migrants are expected in Germany or in Belgium and so on."
He called on the 27 EU states to announce by a mid-February ministerial meeting how many boats and helicopters they would provide to help the fledgling EU border agency Frontex.
"I strongly hope that ministers will respond in a very positive way," he said. "If not, a blaming and shaming exercise will be possible in this case."
"If we wait until next summer, I think there will be problems ... We will go into the summer completely unprepared."
Frattini said Frontex was currently a tiny operation with just 60 members of staff. "We do need more resources that need to be provided by the member states."
Copyright 2007 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Here is the link: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/01/25/africa.EU.reut/index.html
POSTED: 10:02 a.m. EST, January 25, 2007
BRUSSELS, Belgium (Reuters) -- The European Union will open the first job center for legal migrant workers from Africa next month, the EU's justice chief said on Thursday, while appealing to EU states to provide resources to combat illegal immigration.
The experimental center in Mali would be the first of a planned network aimed at matching the supply of legal migrant labor for low-skill sectors such as agriculture, public works and tourism to demand in EU states, Franco Frattini said.
"People can have guaranteed periods of work and illegal undeclared labor will be combated in a very stringent way," Frattini told a European Parliament committee.
"We want migrants to come here legally then go back to their countries of origin when their contracts have ended," the EU commissioner for home affairs and justice said.
The centers are part of an EU drive in 2007 to control a big surge in illegal migration to Europe while meeting a need for low-skilled labor. It also seeks to increase jobs in Africa by promoting investment in labor-intensive sectors there.
The legal migration effort required EU states to declare quotas for the migrant workers they needed, Frattini said, adding he hoped for progress in ministerial talks next month.
Thousands of Africans die trying to get into Europe
The EU has been struggling to contain illegal migration to Europe by Africans searching for jobs and a better life.
More than 31,000 sub-Saharan migrants reached Spain's Canary Islands last year, six times as many as in 2005. Malta and Italy faced similar problems. Thousands of would-be migrants are believed to have died during their perilous journey.
The executive European Commission sees quotas as leverage to persuade African countries to take back illegal migrants.
Some EU states are wary of such a system, but Frattini said that in ministerial talks this month in Dresden, EU states showed a "concrete availability ... to give us the political leverage to negotiate, so I have some hopes".
He said he could not say how many migrants might be involved in the legal scheme. "In my own country, we talk about 400,000 people -- that's for Italy," he said. "But I don't know how many migrants are expected in Germany or in Belgium and so on."
He called on the 27 EU states to announce by a mid-February ministerial meeting how many boats and helicopters they would provide to help the fledgling EU border agency Frontex.
"I strongly hope that ministers will respond in a very positive way," he said. "If not, a blaming and shaming exercise will be possible in this case."
"If we wait until next summer, I think there will be problems ... We will go into the summer completely unprepared."
Frattini said Frontex was currently a tiny operation with just 60 members of staff. "We do need more resources that need to be provided by the member states."
Copyright 2007 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Here is the link: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/01/25/africa.EU.reut/index.html
More annoyances
1. When people are getting onto a bus, I hate when they don't wait for people to get off FIRST before they get on. Then it creates havoc.
2. Some people think my last name is my first. Easily screwed up? I don't think so-even my email has my names in order on it.
3. When people walk on the wrong side of the stairs, hallway, sidewalk, etc. Walk on the RIGHT!
3a. When people see friends or whoever and stand in the middle of the stairs or hallway or sidewalk and keep their conversation going. Another hallway/staircase/sidewalk, etc. traffic jam.
Wow, a lot of these have to do with transportation issues.
2. Some people think my last name is my first. Easily screwed up? I don't think so-even my email has my names in order on it.
3. When people walk on the wrong side of the stairs, hallway, sidewalk, etc. Walk on the RIGHT!
3a. When people see friends or whoever and stand in the middle of the stairs or hallway or sidewalk and keep their conversation going. Another hallway/staircase/sidewalk, etc. traffic jam.
Wow, a lot of these have to do with transportation issues.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Pet peeves
As I was riding the bus home today, I was thinking of things that annoy me. Here are some:
1. Sneakers + khakis
2. People that sit on the bus on the OUTSIDE seat, as if they are too good to have someone sit next to them. They hog the entire row, and then the person who needs a sit b/c all the rest are taken feels bad that they have to "inconvenience" the outside sitter, when really the outside sitter should have anticipated the move they would have to make.
3. People that say they will do something and don't do it. Don't promise if you won't be able to deliver!
4. When people are trying to speak to someone that speaks a different language, and that person isn't seeming to understand, the other person speaks LOUDER. As if that will help! Speak SLOWER, not louder. Sheesh.
5. People that talk on their cell phones at the gym. While running. Can you not take a break for an hour?
6. People who let their dogs poop everywhere and don't bother to clean it up.
I have to go to dinner, but those are just the beginning. :P
1. Sneakers + khakis
2. People that sit on the bus on the OUTSIDE seat, as if they are too good to have someone sit next to them. They hog the entire row, and then the person who needs a sit b/c all the rest are taken feels bad that they have to "inconvenience" the outside sitter, when really the outside sitter should have anticipated the move they would have to make.
3. People that say they will do something and don't do it. Don't promise if you won't be able to deliver!
4. When people are trying to speak to someone that speaks a different language, and that person isn't seeming to understand, the other person speaks LOUDER. As if that will help! Speak SLOWER, not louder. Sheesh.
5. People that talk on their cell phones at the gym. While running. Can you not take a break for an hour?
6. People who let their dogs poop everywhere and don't bother to clean it up.
I have to go to dinner, but those are just the beginning. :P
Friday, January 19, 2007
Crazy?
So I set my alarm today for 430 AM. Why? TENNIS. The Aussie Open. The time difference is rough, but I do it every year. (Askim, hope you are ready for that hahaha). : * Roddick was playing Safin, who is one of my favorite players. I fell asleep and woke back up at 530 and watched the match until I had to take a shower. I was mad b/c I missed the end of the 4th set... Roddick won, which makes me happy too b/c I have liked him since he started (but I still love Safin). Plus the Connors/Roddick duo is awesome. It was raining at one point during the match, and the roof had to be closed. Safin complained that the court was too wet to play (especially the slippery lines), but the chair umpire (one that umps a lot) said you still have to play. I sided with Safin-what if he fell and twisted his ankle just b/c they wouldn't dry the court? Stupid. Safin got warned b/c he swore, but I don't think anyone cared b/c that is the way he is.
Federer will still win the Open, and win his 10th grand slam title. 4 away to tie Sampras! I can't believe I am priviliged enough to be watching one of the all-time greats in the making!
On the women's side, I am hoping for Clijsters before she retires after this year, but I think it may be Mauresmo or Serena. Hingis would be great too. I would love to see her win.
Federer will still win the Open, and win his 10th grand slam title. 4 away to tie Sampras! I can't believe I am priviliged enough to be watching one of the all-time greats in the making!
On the women's side, I am hoping for Clijsters before she retires after this year, but I think it may be Mauresmo or Serena. Hingis would be great too. I would love to see her win.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Why I love languages
Being bilingual can delay onset of dementia
Study: Keeping parts of brain active can stave off Alzheimer's up to 4 years
Updated: 2:52 a.m. ET Jan 14, 2007
OTTAWA, Canada - People who are fully bilingual and speak both languages every day for most of their lives can delay the onset of dementia by up to four years compared with those who only know one language, Canadian scientists said Friday.
Researchers said the extra effort involved in using more than one language appeared to boost blood supply to the brain and ensure nerve connections remained healthy — two factors thought to help fight off dementia. “We are pretty dazzled by the results,” Professor Ellen Bialystok of Toronto’s York University said in a statement.
“In the process of using ... two languages, you are engaging parts of your brain, parts of your mind that are active and need that kind of constant exercise and activity, and with that experience (it) stays more robust,” she later told CTV television. The leading cause of dementia among the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease, which gradually destroys a person’s memory. There is no known cure.
Bialystok’s team focused on 184 elderly patients with signs of dementia who attended a Toronto memory clinic between 2002 and 2005. Of the group, 91 spoke only one language while 93 were bilingual. “The researchers determined that the mean age of onset of dementia symptoms in the monolingual group was 71.4 years, while the bilingual group was 75.5 years,” the statement said.
“This difference remained even after considering the possible effect of cultural differences, immigration, formal education, employment and even gender as (influences) in the results,” it added.
Delays but does not prevent dementiaBialystok stressed that bilingualism helped delay the start of dementia rather than preventing it altogether. Psychologist Fergus Craik, another member of the team, said the data showed that being fully bilingual had “a huge protective effect” against the onset of dementia but he added that the study was still a preliminary finding. The team plans more research into the beneficial side-effects of bilingualism.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada described the report as exciting and said it confirmed recent studies that showed that keeping the brain active was a good way to delay the impact of dementia. “Anything that staves off the time when the risk factor (for dementia) overcomes the defenses is wonderful news,” scientific director Jack Diamond told Reuters. The society estimates that in 2000 -- the latest year for which data is available -- Canada spent C$5.5 billion ($4.7 billion) taking care of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Copyright 2007 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16611042/wid/11915773?GT1=8921
: )
Study: Keeping parts of brain active can stave off Alzheimer's up to 4 years
Updated: 2:52 a.m. ET Jan 14, 2007
OTTAWA, Canada - People who are fully bilingual and speak both languages every day for most of their lives can delay the onset of dementia by up to four years compared with those who only know one language, Canadian scientists said Friday.
Researchers said the extra effort involved in using more than one language appeared to boost blood supply to the brain and ensure nerve connections remained healthy — two factors thought to help fight off dementia. “We are pretty dazzled by the results,” Professor Ellen Bialystok of Toronto’s York University said in a statement.
“In the process of using ... two languages, you are engaging parts of your brain, parts of your mind that are active and need that kind of constant exercise and activity, and with that experience (it) stays more robust,” she later told CTV television. The leading cause of dementia among the elderly is Alzheimer’s disease, which gradually destroys a person’s memory. There is no known cure.
Bialystok’s team focused on 184 elderly patients with signs of dementia who attended a Toronto memory clinic between 2002 and 2005. Of the group, 91 spoke only one language while 93 were bilingual. “The researchers determined that the mean age of onset of dementia symptoms in the monolingual group was 71.4 years, while the bilingual group was 75.5 years,” the statement said.
“This difference remained even after considering the possible effect of cultural differences, immigration, formal education, employment and even gender as (influences) in the results,” it added.
Delays but does not prevent dementiaBialystok stressed that bilingualism helped delay the start of dementia rather than preventing it altogether. Psychologist Fergus Craik, another member of the team, said the data showed that being fully bilingual had “a huge protective effect” against the onset of dementia but he added that the study was still a preliminary finding. The team plans more research into the beneficial side-effects of bilingualism.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada described the report as exciting and said it confirmed recent studies that showed that keeping the brain active was a good way to delay the impact of dementia. “Anything that staves off the time when the risk factor (for dementia) overcomes the defenses is wonderful news,” scientific director Jack Diamond told Reuters. The society estimates that in 2000 -- the latest year for which data is available -- Canada spent C$5.5 billion ($4.7 billion) taking care of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Copyright 2007 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16611042/wid/11915773?GT1=8921
: )
Friday, January 12, 2007
HI
I am back. Believe it or not, I did try to post on this a few days ago, but it wasn't working (imagine that). So now that work has calmed down, I am doing it now.
Turkiye was something I will never forget.... everyone reading this blog knows about that anyways, so I don't need to repeat it. : ) I have the man of my dreams forever.
I do have one aggravation: while I was in Turkiye and NY, I submitted a request online at usps.com to have my mail held and to have the postman deliver it when I got back. Well, when I got back into town, there was no mail in my mailbox, and not in the bigger locked boxes either. I said, hum, no mail for 3.5 weeks? Must be something weird going on. So I call and call the local post office and keep talking to different people who can't tell me anything. Finally I talked to the supervisor who told me that what happened is that I have a new postman. Apparently the postpeople bid on routes, and my old postman (who was great) won another route, and my route was empty. Nice. So it probably got screwed up because of that, and also because the request was submitted online and sometimes the local post offices don't get the requests.
To make a long story short, my mail from 3.5 weeks has disappeared. Anyone who sent Xmas cards may have them sent back to them, or they may not-I have NO idea. I love it! (NOT) I am pissed as hell. The supervisor told me to check my apt. complex office to see if maybe the mailman gave the stack to them, but they said no. Watch, I will be like those stories you see on the news when people get postcards 45 years later. : /
Next time, I will pay someone to get my mail every few days. It would be worth the money rather than go through this crap again! Maybe if I complain enough, I will get free stamps. Or better yet, free shipping to Turkiye. ; )
Turkiye was something I will never forget.... everyone reading this blog knows about that anyways, so I don't need to repeat it. : ) I have the man of my dreams forever.
I do have one aggravation: while I was in Turkiye and NY, I submitted a request online at usps.com to have my mail held and to have the postman deliver it when I got back. Well, when I got back into town, there was no mail in my mailbox, and not in the bigger locked boxes either. I said, hum, no mail for 3.5 weeks? Must be something weird going on. So I call and call the local post office and keep talking to different people who can't tell me anything. Finally I talked to the supervisor who told me that what happened is that I have a new postman. Apparently the postpeople bid on routes, and my old postman (who was great) won another route, and my route was empty. Nice. So it probably got screwed up because of that, and also because the request was submitted online and sometimes the local post offices don't get the requests.
To make a long story short, my mail from 3.5 weeks has disappeared. Anyone who sent Xmas cards may have them sent back to them, or they may not-I have NO idea. I love it! (NOT) I am pissed as hell. The supervisor told me to check my apt. complex office to see if maybe the mailman gave the stack to them, but they said no. Watch, I will be like those stories you see on the news when people get postcards 45 years later. : /
Next time, I will pay someone to get my mail every few days. It would be worth the money rather than go through this crap again! Maybe if I complain enough, I will get free stamps. Or better yet, free shipping to Turkiye. ; )
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
I don't know
Sometimes I think I try too hard.
By this I mean to maintain friendships. To me, my friends are just as important as family, because they have gotten me through some, well, interesting times, and I just love their company and personalities. I always try to keep up with email, phone calls, telling people when I will be going out of town or out of country, sending b'day cards on time, etc. Sometimes I think some friends don't even care though. The question I keep asking myself is: should I keep doing this? Should I bother? Is it worth it? I am getting to the point where I am not going to send anything if they don't return the favor too. (This sounds like I am being a bitch, but for example, I have stopped sending b'day cards in the mail to people that don't send me any, and I have resorted to sending e-cards to save the money and the time.... but is the e-card even worth it if they don't remember mine?). This does sound kinda conceited, but....... : /
Don't get me wrong, some friends are not like this. Especially my best friend. She is always there for me, and always cares about what I do, and if I need advice, she responds right away. No matter if there are miles and miles inbetween us-we have managed to stay the best of friends since we were 13. : ) Thank god I have her, because without her, I wouldn't know what to do. Of course there are other friends I would be lost without too.... college roommate, other college friends, high school friends, etc. And of course my brother. We all know that. hahaha
Then there are others..... I KNOW people are busy, I KNOW people have family, kids, school, work, etc. but is there really not enough time to call a friend you have had for YEARS even for a 10 min phone call?? Once every few months even? Or send a 30 second email saying hey I am alive, just busy, and we'll talk soon? Forget the once a year birthday card or Xmas card-how about the times when there are no holidays forcing us to contact the people in our lives?
You would think with this technology we have, it's even easier to do this, but I guess not.
Sorry for being so cynical, but I had to say that. Maybe I am taking this too much to heart, but I don't think so, because I have had this same discussion with many people lately who feel the same way. Comments welcome.
By this I mean to maintain friendships. To me, my friends are just as important as family, because they have gotten me through some, well, interesting times, and I just love their company and personalities. I always try to keep up with email, phone calls, telling people when I will be going out of town or out of country, sending b'day cards on time, etc. Sometimes I think some friends don't even care though. The question I keep asking myself is: should I keep doing this? Should I bother? Is it worth it? I am getting to the point where I am not going to send anything if they don't return the favor too. (This sounds like I am being a bitch, but for example, I have stopped sending b'day cards in the mail to people that don't send me any, and I have resorted to sending e-cards to save the money and the time.... but is the e-card even worth it if they don't remember mine?). This does sound kinda conceited, but....... : /
Don't get me wrong, some friends are not like this. Especially my best friend. She is always there for me, and always cares about what I do, and if I need advice, she responds right away. No matter if there are miles and miles inbetween us-we have managed to stay the best of friends since we were 13. : ) Thank god I have her, because without her, I wouldn't know what to do. Of course there are other friends I would be lost without too.... college roommate, other college friends, high school friends, etc. And of course my brother. We all know that. hahaha
Then there are others..... I KNOW people are busy, I KNOW people have family, kids, school, work, etc. but is there really not enough time to call a friend you have had for YEARS even for a 10 min phone call?? Once every few months even? Or send a 30 second email saying hey I am alive, just busy, and we'll talk soon? Forget the once a year birthday card or Xmas card-how about the times when there are no holidays forcing us to contact the people in our lives?
You would think with this technology we have, it's even easier to do this, but I guess not.
Sorry for being so cynical, but I had to say that. Maybe I am taking this too much to heart, but I don't think so, because I have had this same discussion with many people lately who feel the same way. Comments welcome.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Paris skyline
SO, the goal now is to outshine the Eiffel Tower? Build things to make the star attractions modern-day skyscrapers and not the most famous older buildings in the world?
"U.S. architect Thom Mayne -- a rebel known for his love of risk-taking -- has been chosen to build Paris's tallest-ever skyscraper, rivaled in height only by the Eiffel Tower, the property group behind the project said Monday. "
Taken from http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=60371 .
Blech.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Another reason why Turkiye is so neat
Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular of all Christian saints. Although precise details are unclear, it seems he was born sometime around 280 AD in Patara in modern-day Turkey, and, after entering the priesthood at the age of 17, subsequently became Bishop of Myra (where his body remained until it was stolen by Italian merchants in 1087). The subject of many legends, Nicholas gained widespread renown for his love children, and his great generosity towards those less well-off than himself.
Taken from http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/11/20/santa.claus/index.html .
Taken from http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/11/20/santa.claus/index.html .
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Bathroom habits
I have noticed that people I work with in my office and in neighboring offices always use the bathroom for people in wheelchairs. Why? Probably because it is bigger and the sink is right there.... for convenience. Lazy? YUP. I hate that bathroom because the toilet is higher and bigger. : / I never go in there.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Visitors are great
So it is going to be a very busy November (it is already!). Phil came into town Saturday with Jess, and we all had dinner. Cass came into town Sunday night with her friend Desra and they will be here until tomorrow morning. We have been having a great time laughing and going around Tally... although yesterday I couldn't remember what street the Governor's Mansion was on and I made Cass turn on a few one way roads in rush hour traffic. : / Sorry Cass! I finally found it-REMEMBER THAT IT IS ON BREVARD AND DUVAL/ADAMS! Ugh I am a dummy.
Dad comes into town this weekend, and then Mikey comes in later November after Thanksgiving. Then it's off to TURKIYE!!!! : ) : )
Dad comes into town this weekend, and then Mikey comes in later November after Thanksgiving. Then it's off to TURKIYE!!!! : ) : )
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
I have a date with the tv tomorrow night
RICKY is going to be honored as the person of the year on Univision at 8 PM. Get ready for the Latin Grammys!!!! : )
Saturday, October 28, 2006
No wonder.
..."only about 27 percent of U.S. citizens currently possess a valid passport. "
: /
Taken from http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=375729>1=8709 .
: /
Taken from http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=375729>1=8709 .
Thursday, October 26, 2006
You know when.....
.... you have been to Curves so many times and for so long that right when you walk in the workers put in the cd that you like so much. And you have the #s memorized. (Disc 7 and 41 are the Latin/Spanish/salsa ones).
.... you call overseas so much that you have memorized the 1-800 number on your calling card AND your 10-digit pin. THE PIN!!
.... you fly so much that you have memorized your Delta Skymiles number.
.... you are so old that the kids you used to babysit are now pregnant.
.... you have been in school so long (even after you quit) that your 5-shelf bookshelf can't fit any more books.
.... you have worked so long that you have memorized all of the course prefixes and numbers for just about every class at the university.
I'll think of more-these just came to me the other day. : )
.... you call overseas so much that you have memorized the 1-800 number on your calling card AND your 10-digit pin. THE PIN!!
.... you fly so much that you have memorized your Delta Skymiles number.
.... you are so old that the kids you used to babysit are now pregnant.
.... you have been in school so long (even after you quit) that your 5-shelf bookshelf can't fit any more books.
.... you have worked so long that you have memorized all of the course prefixes and numbers for just about every class at the university.
I'll think of more-these just came to me the other day. : )
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
IRRITATING
LONDON, England (AP) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday that Islamic head scarves are a sign of separation and Britain's Muslims should be encouraged to integrate with mainstream society in order to improve the quality of their lives.
Blair said Tuesday that the veil "is a mark of separation, and that's why it makes other people from outside the community feel uncomfortable."
"People want to know that the Muslim community in particular but actually all minority communities have got the balance right between integration and multiculturalism," he said.
Blair said evidence shows that "when people do integrate more, they achieve more as well. There is a reason why minority communities that have integrated well then end up doing better, achieving more, attaining more."
Here is the link to the story: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/10/17/britain.blair.ap/index.html
ARE YOU KIDDING????????????????????? I AM FUMING. I might have to rethink my opinions about Blair now............... the community will just have to DEAL with the headscarves! It's today's society! DEAL WITH IT! ACCEPT IT! What are we teaching our children-that no one can be different??? AHHHH!!!
Blair said Tuesday that the veil "is a mark of separation, and that's why it makes other people from outside the community feel uncomfortable."
"People want to know that the Muslim community in particular but actually all minority communities have got the balance right between integration and multiculturalism," he said.
Blair said evidence shows that "when people do integrate more, they achieve more as well. There is a reason why minority communities that have integrated well then end up doing better, achieving more, attaining more."
Here is the link to the story: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/10/17/britain.blair.ap/index.html
ARE YOU KIDDING????????????????????? I AM FUMING. I might have to rethink my opinions about Blair now............... the community will just have to DEAL with the headscarves! It's today's society! DEAL WITH IT! ACCEPT IT! What are we teaching our children-that no one can be different??? AHHHH!!!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Trash
I have posted before about trash.... and I felt like I needed to do it again. On my way to work, I saw the following on the ground: the usual beer bottles and cans, the usual crushed water bottles, dented soda cans, paper cups and wrappers from fast food places like nearby Taco Bell and Wendy's and Moe's, the paper bracelets people get at clubs, Oreo and AirHeads wrappers, a pair of blue rubber gloves, and the best one: a thing of K-Y. : / Better than the used condoms I see sometimes and random undergarments.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Everything my brother said was RIGHT
It was torture watching the Yanks tonight. I don't have anything else more to say. Everyone needs to listen to my brother!!!!!! He predicted the whole thing.
Friday, October 06, 2006
What a freaking week!!!
I can't give this past Wed and tonight enough justice, so I will only say that we met AARON NEVILLE and TIEMPO LIBRE!!!! (respectively) : ) WOW. Such nice and humble people too!!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
"America"
I was listening to a radio show this morning, and they were talking about how they hate that we are called "America". I started thinking about when I travel. When I go to Spain, they say ah, you are from the US or "los estados" ("the States"). In Costa Rica, they call it the US too. In Cairo they called it America. I tried to tell people in Cairo I was from the United States, and they almost seemed confused, so I had to keep saying America. In Turkey they called it either the USA or America. It's just kind of strange.... when people say America, they are ignoring Central and South America too. After all, what do they matter, right? : ( I am sure the ticos would have something to say about that. It's just so fascinating to travel-you really learn so much about yourself and where you grew up through other people's eyes.
Just one random thought today too: I was in the bathroom after teaching my class one day, and when I went to wash my hands, the soap dispenser was over the opposite sink. I had to reach over and say sorry to the other lady washing her hands to get my soap. We laughed about how dumb it was that the soap dispenser was over just one sink, and that the paper towel thing was inbetween. They both should be in the middle so everyone has access to them. Ugh. Don't people plan out bathrooms anymore?
Just one random thought today too: I was in the bathroom after teaching my class one day, and when I went to wash my hands, the soap dispenser was over the opposite sink. I had to reach over and say sorry to the other lady washing her hands to get my soap. We laughed about how dumb it was that the soap dispenser was over just one sink, and that the paper towel thing was inbetween. They both should be in the middle so everyone has access to them. Ugh. Don't people plan out bathrooms anymore?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)