Category Archives: International Organizations
The Double-Latte Project February 2011: The Abyssinian Fund
The Double-Latte Project is my new personal philanthropy project. To read more about the Double-Latte Project visit the Double-Latte page on this blog.
This month’s Double-Latte Project selection is my way of honoring Black History Month on the global level as this month’s organization connects Africa with the African Diaspora. The Abyssinian Fund is a new People of Color run NGO which focuses on sustainable development in Ethiopia.
Why The Abyssinian Fund?
I heard about the Abyssinian Fund about a year ago when I went to visit New York during a discussion with the Director of the organization, Nicholas Richards. A few weeks later I attended a fundraiser for the new project with a friend and I really enjoyed the personal touch that the Abyssinian Fund is taking with its mission. The Fund has formed a personal relationship with a village in Ethiopia and is working with the people there to improve their lives.
I am really looking forward to seeing The Abyssinian Fund expand and grow across Ethiopia. Due to its personal touch and commitment to sustainable development I have chosen to include this organization in the first round of The Double-Latte Project.
About The Fund
The Abyssinian Fund according to their website, “partners with communities who agree to reinvest a specified percentage of their increased revenue to support the cost of health, education, and water programs. As the income of the local community increases from greater capacity and skills, residents take ownership of the resources The Abyssinian Fund helps to create, leading to sustainable development.” The Fund focuses on four areas: Water, Health, Education and Economic Development. To learn more I encourage you to visit their website!
Links of the Week 17 September 2010
Dream Act Special Feature
So I recently heard via a Political Science listserv I am on (Thank you Race & Ethnicity APSA Section) that Senator Reid is working on moving the Dream Act out of committee and on the floor for a vote. Below are some links that were shared via the listserv about the recent movement in the movement (:D). Without going into too much details, there are a lot of links this week, I support this Act because I think it is wrong to harm children who had no say in the matter of their parents decision to come to the United States illegally. If they can show that they can be “good” citizens then I think they should get an opportunity to become citizens. To learn more about the Dream Act and what you can do to help visit: www.dreamactivist.org.
For the sake of the DREAM Act students, Latinos must come together
Students Spared Amid an Increase in Deportations
Sen. Reid comments on the issue [Dream Act] at the Netroots Nation Conference in Las Vegas
Top Five
For First time, more women than men earn PhD
Tim Wise: Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black
Briefing: Melissa Harris-Lacewell on Covering Progressive Causes
Library of Congress – Hispanic [Latino] Heritage Month
The 9/11 media legacy I will never forget: “buy Snow White on DVD”
Quote of the Week
“Impacts from agriculture are expected to increase substantially due to population growth increasing consumption of animal products. Unlike fossil fuels, it is difficult to look for alternatives: people have to eat. A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.” from More evidence for going vegan from the UN Environment Programme & UN urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet.
Photo of the Week
You write the caption for this photo
This week’s photo is from Christine O’Donnell upsets Mike Castle in Delaware Senate primary [Author note: the photo now at this link has changed & is somewhat better...but not by much] and I have to say when I looked at this photo the first thing I thought was they (the media) would have never taken a picture of a male politician like this. Then I thought some more and realized maybe a few men…the media did help kill the Howard Dean campaign by looping that yelp he had in that primary win. But the photo did remind me of the countless photos of women politicians and businesswomen that depict them in unfavorable or questionable manners and what that all means. I don’t say these comments in a way that is endorsing or not endorsing O’Donnell’s candidacy (I was raised in DE but I now hold my state residency somewhere else so I’ll leave the matter in the hands of Delawarians to decide what they want) but I say this comment to make you all [whoever is reading this] to think about the role media plays in perpetuating stereotypes of all kinds. How would you caption this photo? What do you think the photo says?
Women and Politics
WUFPAC Fall Fundraiser – Thursday 30 September 2010 in Washington, D.C.
I’ve said this before but its worth saying again: WUFPAC was one of my best discoveries while doing a school assignment. If you are in the D.C. area I highly recommend that you attend this event. Not in D.C. visit www.wufpac.org to donate today!
Ticket photo of the week: Michele Obama takes to the gridiron
Dilma defende Lula e afirma que disputa por hegemonia política é saudável
Politics
How Adrian Fenty lost his reelection bid for D.C. mayor
DE-Sen: Help me keep Delaware’s seat blue
U.S. Intervention Sought for Newark Police Abuses
Mike Castle won’t endorse Christine O’Donnell for Senate, citing ‘smears’
Vincent Gray beats Adrian Fenty: What does it mean for school reform?
Lessons for Obama in Adrian Fenty’s Defeat
Other
AFL-CIO takes stand against NFL owners
Report Reveals Salaries of Megachurch Pastors
Gabourey Sidibe in Elle: Light, Bright and Almost White
Afroreggae forma 150 jovens que participaram de oficinas
La Presencia Africana en Mexico y América Latina African Legacy in Mexico and Latin America
Unfortunately, this event is in Atlanta but if you are in Atlanta I HIGHLY recommend that you go. From the event website, “In collaboration with Spelman College, and in recognition of Latino Heritage Month, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will present, La Presencia Africana en Mexico y América Latina: African Legacy in Mexico and Latin America, an exhibition which explores Africana culture in Latin America. This exhibit features the photography of Tony Gleaton from the Spelman College Archives.”
Movie: In Whose Honor – American Indian Mascots in Sports
Oldies But Goodies
Friends share in D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s good fortune
With the recent loss of Fenty in the Democratic Primary I was linked to this article. I have to say I think way more politicians than not do similar acts and are not discussed like they are here. Finally, I think information like this in combination with Fenty not being able to relate to his constituents contributed to his loss. Best of luck to you in the future Mayor Fenty – I hope you not only reflect on your contributions but reflect on and move forward from your mistakes.
Links of the Week 20 August 2010
After a long summer I am back to blogging on here consistently :D Now that I also fallo Português, my links will be in English mostly with some in Spanish and Portuguese. If you want to read a link in a language you don’t speak translate.google.com will be a good resource for you (its not perfect but it works).
Top Five
1o Things Men and Boys Can Do to Stop Human Traffing
Girl power: amplyfing the role of women in unions
Fox News Doesn’t Mention News Corp’s $1 Million Donation To Republican Committee
Do you have old luggage that is still in working condition? Consider donating that luggage to Suitcases for Kids which gives old but working condition luggage to children in foster care around the country. Please visit the website for details and instead of trashing items still of good use send it to someone else in need. Pay it forward!!
Bahrain Intensifies Crackdown on Activists and Clerics
Quote of the Week
“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents” John F. Kennedy via @roandco on Twitter
Women & Politics
‘Good ol’ boys’ in Warren’s way?
I have to say that I feel that the White House is doing more lip-service in its response: We have put more women than any other administration and the first law President Obama signed was about women [paraphrased statements from the administration via the article]. I like President Obama but I feel more and more that these moves were more strategic looking to 2012 than personal desire. It could be true that President Obama wanted to put these women in place personally first but I do not believe for one second that he or someone in his campaign camp was not thinking about 2012 when they decided to make these moves especially in the case of appointing two female Supreme Court justices. I could almost hear the 2012 talking points when I read about the two nominees.
WHCWG
The White House Asked, You Answered: Women You Know That Break Barriers
White House Council for Women & Girls Announces Work Flex Starter Kit
Politics
Brazilian election gag no laughing matter for comics
MoveOn calls for boycott of Target
Women & Girls
I read two articles recently that really have me concerned especially since my oldest niece is now 7 years old. These articles discuss a recent NY Time article about Puberty and Younger girls, see below for all three links. I try to not be preaching to people and just express my opinion but this issue hits home because after living abroad for a year my body badly reacted to many of the hormones and chemicals placed in US food. Furthermore, after removing these chemicals and hormones from my diet I noticed a significant change in my body shape and form so to my readers please read the links below and consider taking hormones and chemicals out of your diet as it does make a difference.
What’s Making 7-Year Old Girls Develop Breasts?
Is the Early Onset of Puberty in Young Girls Linked to Meat?
First Signs of Puberty Seen in Younger Girls
O Homem teme a mulher independente?
Other
Why China Will Change Capitalism?
Dr. Cornell West on the Michael Eric Dyson Show
Clearance Sale: Barnes & Noble Didn’t Evolve Enough
FAA Reportedly Poised to Hit American Airlines with Record Penalty of $25 mil or More
Oldies But Goodies
Google-Verizon Net Neutrality Pact: 5 Red Flags
Study shows testing for Alzheimer’s is accurate
Willie Lynch- The Making of a Slave
In college I went to a play based on this letter and I admit that I did not take the time back then to read the letter. Then one of my Twitter followers posted this and said to take some time to read this and I finally did after all these years. It is really sad to see how a letter so old is still applicable.
Clearing My Inbox: Oldies But Goodies Part 3
August
Ex-WSU Student, Dayton dancer hits big with Obama Impersonation
He’s really good!
July
Young Leaders We Support: 4 New Endorsements
Click this link to find out about some endorsements from WUFPAC.
Committee Members Speak out–Or Stay Mum–On Health Care Reform
Another great resource from OpenSecrets!
Alter: Our Health-Care System is Fine As Is!
June
Will $1.2 Million a Day Convince Congress to Buy Big Pharma’s Rx for Change
This is so true and really makes me think. I could not imagine supporting someone other than myself on $10 an hour…Makes me thankful for my VERY supportive family!
Health Care is a Right, Not a Privilege
A nice op-ed about Health Care by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Diagnosis: Reform – Capital Eye
This is an AWESOME and I mean AWESOME one stop shop for tools linking campaign finance and the health care reform debate. Open Secrets gives a nice overview as well as links to articles about members from both parties who have connections with the Health Sector and their opinions about health care reform. Please share this with people you know or at least check to see if your congressmen are connected to the health care sector and remind them who they are supposed to represent.
May
Deep-Pocketed Donors Want Campaign Finance Reform
Latin American Countries Commit US $7 Billion for ‘Bank of the South’
US Implored to Stop Deporting Haitians
Rush Limbaugh: The Man Who Ate The G.O.P.
U.S. Offers Resolution About Cuba’s Re-entry into OAS
April
Politics of Color for Obama in Cuba
An interesting story discussing US-Cuba relations through the backdrop of an Afro Cuban and the African Diaspora.
SLM to Transfer 2,000 Overseas Jobs Back to the US
I’m sorry but Sallie Mae isn’t doing this because ‘its the right thing to do.’ Trust me when I say they have something up their sleeve – don’t be surprised if they try to get lenders based on the fact that their customer service operations are in the US of A. I am biased because I owe almost half the cost of my first home to Sallie Mae.
March
This report discusses Columbia and is also available in Spanish.
Older
Five Basic Facts On the Uninsured
Saturday Night Live: Rachel Maddow Interviews Burris And Blagojevich (VIDEO)
Links of the Week 31 July 2009
Top Five
This is a film about Big Oil’s exploitation of indigenous people in South America. I actually did a project about this issue a few years back. Click the link below to learn more and find out where the movie is playing. Click below to watch the film trailer.
Why Can’t Ads Get Black Women Right?
I will say this. Another reason why diversity in business, film and media are needed.
It is so interesting that more and more studies are coming out that vegetarianism and veganism is not just good for your health but good for the environment. Remember H1N1 was not about “dirty pigs” in Mexico, it is a direct result of corporate/mass farming. This article provides practical suggestions like cutting back on meat consumption once to a few times a week.
Sarah Grabs the Grievence Grab Bag From Hillary
A well done piece by Dowd.
Photo of the Week
Official Guidelines
Source: Jorge Cham. PhD Comic
Politico
What will triumph in health care push — reform or recess?
Shaq Denied Entrance to the White House
I’m not surprised but I thought if anyone had a chance it was Shaq. I wonder if he was sore after doing 1,000 push ups. I can only manage 10 at a time-sad but true.
Death Toll Rises in Afghanistan; In US Key Econ Report Due
Can Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett Help Get Health Care Done?
This blog post is from one of the bloggers I enjoy following on Twitter, Pundit Mom. So click the link and subscribe to her posts.
License-Plate Scanners: Fighting Crime or Invading Privacy?
This brings a new meaning to the term “Big Brother Is Watching.”
Other
Height and Happiness: Why Tall People Are Happier
Why Volkswagen is Powering Through the Recession
Oldies But Goodies
Teacher Can We Leave Now? No.
Haiti: Women “More Protected” to Report Sexual Violence
Girl Shunned by Family After Rapes Sparks Outcry
I do not know the whole story but I do know that this is the fate for many girls and women all over the world. Any mistake that “shames” the family is grounds for dis-ownership. One reason why I feel that education for all children is important.
This is an old article written by Harvard Cuban Scholar, Jorge I. Dominguez. It is a very interesting piece that shows just how flawed US Policy has been and why Obama should maintain his current method towards dealing with Iran and the recent controversey over their recent elections.
Links of the Week 26 June 2009
Inequality and Microfinance
Have to say this is the best solution I have found to poverty. It has the tone of teach a man to fish, it does not cost a lot and it can help the local economies of those who receive the loans. I think it would be neat to bring this to the US especially with the increased poverty we have experienced since 2000.
President Sarkozy Says Burqa Not Welcome in France
I am actually against this French law. People should be able to practice their religious norms especially if these women when given a choice would freely wear the burqa or other coverings used by Muslim women. It is important to note that many other religions use head wraps or coverings with females and males.
Education: The Last Fight For Civil Rights
What Do You Call a Lawmaker Anyway?
Interesting article about protocol and members of Congress.
The Box
This will make you think…
Mexico Progress on Green Fund
Oldies But Goodies
Food Inc.
All I will say is start reading food labels…
Raising the Baby Question
A discussion about Feminism and Motherhood.
Women are starting to achieve political parity
An op-ed by Marie Wilson, Director of The White House Project.
Links of the Week 12 June 2009
Top Five
Age No Barrier in European Elections
A great story of two women that could be the oldest and youngest members of the European Union Parliament.
Michael Moore: Goodbye GM
Grading the Administration 19: Weekly Grades for Administration on Poverty: B-
This comes from a blog I found from my Google alerts, sometimes the things give you good information. The organization focuses on poverty and homelessness in the Cleveland area and they seem to consistently rate the Obama Administration on several things.
Racialicious – The Intersection of Race and Pop Culture
My new favorite blog. Very insightful.
Facebook’s Fatal Error
I have to say as a former Facebooker, this article is right on the money. One of the reasons why I left Facebook is that the network had gotten too big and too commercialized. I stayed for so long to stay connected with people I have met at various stages of my life but really the downturn for me started when they opened it up to high school students…
Quote of the Week
“Before people start swooning over Obama’s welcome embrace of his mother-in-law, remember: the dude lives in a 132-room house.” from Barack Obama, Stop Ruining My Marriage.
Photo of the Week
From Apple Unveils New iPhone: Hail, O Great One. I love languages so I had to post this picture. Also, I’m telling you if AT&T wasn’t so expensive I would have an iPhone…oh and I’d have to be able to afford the phone too 
If I Lived Inside the Beltway…
I would go to Running Start and WUFPAC‘s Book Signing Event featuring She’s Out There! edited by Amy Sewell and Heather L. Ogilvie. The book is a collection of 35 essays by young women (35 to 5 years of age) who aspire to lead the nation. The event will be at the Borders on 14th Street NW from 2-4pm on Saturday 13 June. Visit either organization’s website to learn about the event and of course to learn about the great work they are doing for gender equity in politics.
Politico
Ticketmaster & Live Nation: Obama’s Antitrust Test
Senator Tom Carper on Afghanistan and Pakistan
DNC Lays Foundation for Health Care Reform
Not sure if I’m feeling people paying a fine for not having coverage but we will see how it goes. Oh and I do want extensive Health Care reform just in case my criticism of the current bill does not show that.
Race getting silent treatment in healthcare debate
This article reminds me of the term used across playgrounds across this nation…’Silent but Deadly.’
Mitigating the Global Economic Crisis Through Enhanced Parliamentary Oversight
Article has a promotional tone to it but still has some good insights of how parliaments worldwide can turn the negative effects of the economic crisis into good sound public policy.
Dismay Over Obama’s Turnabout on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Women and Politics
Where Sonia Sotomayor Really Stands on Race
Its very interesting reading this article becasue I see where the critics are coming for but I am reminded of a few articles I read this past school year stating, simplistically summarizing, that minority women are better at anyalzing certain types of cases better than white men due to their particular backgrounds as minorities and women. I think this is what Sotomayor was implying and once again the down side to the 24/7 newscycle as well as the constant access to information is that things are being taken out of context.
Women and Politics in the Muslim World
A discussion about women, politics and the Muslim world. This broadcast occurs in the aftermath of Obama’s recent speech and visit to the region.
Technology
How Twitter Will Change The Way We Live
Other
Save Women and Children First
Have to say until I read this article I did not think about how discount booksellers are harming smaller bookstores. They are like the WalMart for readers. Its a hard balance because I know there are so many books I would not own if it were not for B&N, Borders and the like but seeing great small businesses struggle and fail is not fun either :{
Advice to College Graduates
Forget the newbies on the block..this advice applies to us all Congrats to the Class of 2009!
Oldies But Goodies
White girls flashing Gang Signs?
So recently I’ve seen some news about Chicago Bulls’ star Derrick Rose throwing up a gang sign in a picture. I also got a link to the above article – the comments section is even more interesting. I find it compelling to see an example of how different people doing the same action can be perceived differently. Notice that there is no mainstream media investigation(s) about this but it appears that someone will be digging up dirt on Rose possibly going as far as things he supposedly did in High School…
Links of the Week 5 June 2009
Top Five
Biden’s staff shoulders task of steering committee
Death to All Black TV Shows (Except the Ones Made By Tyler Perry)
It is really sad that as the diversity of the United States is growing the diversity of network television is decreasing. We as citizens should not have to go to BET (my issues with this network I will save for another day) to see shows with “black folks” or go to Univision to see shows with “latinos.” To all the political pundits and people that claimed racism/race issues in the United States died with the election of President Obama, this story is only part of my argument that counter those statements.
Obama May Need to Show ID in More Places Than East Harlem
This is a good article discussing how Obama’s election has not stopped the negative perceptions of Black males in this country.
Update on Recovery Act Lobbying Rules
Men Follow Men and Nobody Tweets
The Harvard Business School did a study about men, women and Twitter.
Politico
Barack Obama Still Courting Pennsylvania
Obama Rewards Donors with Plum Posts Abroad
Did Regan Cause the 2008 Crisis?
Quote of the Week
“According to the United Nations Population Fund, three fifths of the world’s one billion poorest people are women and girls. Of the nearly 1 billion adults in the world who cannot read, two thirds are women.” From Wal-Mart Foundation and CARE Team Up to Empower Young Women Around the World. Not the biggest fan of Wal-Mart but I am glad that they are doing some good through their foundation.
Photo of the Week
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with other Foreign Affairs Ministers from the Americas.
From Clinton abandona la Asemblea de la OEA y asegura que no hay consenso sobre Cuba. Photo credit goes to AP/Clave Digital.
Health
Meat: the Slavery of our Time
This Foreign Policy article discusses how eating meat will become obsolete in the future.
10 Easy Ways to Eat Natural
Besides the negative comment about co-ops…I love co-ops, there are some good tips in this article.
Health Risks of Too Little Sleep
As a first year graduate student this past school year…I definitely saw the health risks of too little sleep.
6 Alternatives to 87,000 Slices of Bread
There is a video in this article that you have to check out.
International
Somali Bantus gain Tanzanian citizenship in their ancestral land
An Online Atlas of the Millennium Development Goals
A very interesting look at the world’s progress towards the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. There are interactive maps for each of the goals…just wish I could print or save the maps.
North Korea’s Next Kim: Dad’s Favorite, Kim Jong Un
Sports
WNBA Team’s Jersey Sponsorship Could Set The Standard
Spalding iHoop
This is a bit much…but will probably be seen on future episodes of MTV Cribs though…sigh.
