Links of the Week 4 September 2009

Top Five

Política Alternativa

It’s time for Dominican Congressional and Municipal Elections (2010)! I wish I was there to cover it! This article discusses one way many aspirants get the word out about their candidacy.

President Obama: Healthcare, you Promised.

This technically should be in the Oldies But Goodies Section but it was published last Thursday so I’m going to leave it hear. This Op-ed is a good mix of serious and funny. I do hope that the President takes a strong stand on an issue that is not a “stimulus.” It may just be the push I need to take a study break and dust off that MyBo or Organizing for America phone bank tool.

Human Rights Missing from Health Care Debate

Please share this story with others. This story is a great example of health care being a right for all people including in the US.

Leaders and Laggards: A State-by-State Report Card on Educational Effectiveness

Have to say I was surprised that New Jersey is doing so well and surprised at how bad Delaware is doing. I knew that things had taken a downturn since my graduate at the start of this century but I didn’t know it was this bad!

Glen Beck Show Dropped by 11 More Advertisers

This is somewhat effective but if the advertisers are still airing ads on Fox News – how effective is the campaign? (Note – I think advertisers should advertise on the channel – its their right & good marketing. My concern is that the network probably would take stronger action if it wasn’t receiving dollars at all not just having to deal with the inconvenience of moving ad space and times around)

Quote of the Week

“It is not ‘your’ Facebook profile. It is Facebook’s profile about you.” from The Medium – Facebook Exodus.

Politico

Why I’m Running

An op-ed by Landon Dais who is running for New York City Councilman for District 9.  A good man working to take his community, and I mean the one he grew up in, to the next level.

Lobbyist Sues in wake of Blimp Pork

International Day of Peace, 21 September

State Radio: A Fair Trial for Troy Davis

Responses to Biden: “Paying more and more for less”

This is so sad yet so true.

Colin Powell: The Kid of No Promise

Mujeres

Latina Drop Out Rate Rises

It is important to listen to the whole segment on this one as there is a useful and necessary discussion about the methodology and shortcomings of the statistics gathers for the results of this study. It does not take away from the problem but it offers reasons that need to be taken account for those involved in reversing this sad trend and those with an opinion about Latinas or Latinos in general in the United States.

Other

An Open Letter to Tyler Perry

I have to say I am torn by what the author of this letter addresses. I personally like Perry’s movies and the general messages he is trying to bring to the forefront. However the letter writer does bring up some valid concerns that I can see but I guess I overlooked because I see these concerns for that they are exaggerated stereotypes that does not completely describe black people in the United States. I will say I refuse to watch Meet the Browns because I do not like the “dumb” nature of the character Mr. Brown but I have watched and enjoyed (more than I thought I would) House of Payne.

“White Flight” from Social Media Sites

iPhones Overload AT&T Network, Angering Customers

The only reason why I haven’t scraped pennies or called Bank of Dad to get an iPhone is because of AT&T. Can’t wait for it to be on other networks though! Interesting read about the issue not just for AT&T but all cell phone carriers as technology changes how people use their cell phones.

Despite Learning Disability, 49ers QB Nate Earns NFL Job

This is really a nice story for all children and adults that have challenges to overcome that most others do not. Congrats Nate!

Bud Light ‘Fan Can’ Brewing Up Trouble

I think the ad agency that came up with this idea won’t be doing more work for Bud Light…I mean its kind of a good idea consider how popular College Football has become to those outside of the college community but still probably not a good move for this company.

Oldies But Goodies

Gun-Toting Town Hall Tactics

Russell Simmons: David Patterson, Accidental Governor?

I don’t know how much Simmons knows about politics but this is an interesting article about NY politics.

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

Source: Printed in Time. Paul Sakuma / AP

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 29 May 2009

Top Five
2009 Spelman Fulbrighters
Both Spelman and my Fulbright changed my life…

A fair balance for consumers on credit card reform
An op-ed by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE).

Do Women Dare Play in the Leadership Sandbox?
Book Review of Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe’s new book Follow Her Lead.

Get Better Together

Rolle dreams big, works even harder
This is the kind of pro player I would want my kids to admire…well when he makes it after being a Rhodes Scholar.

Quote of the Week
“OMG LOL!! ROTFL!!!! (Obfuscatingly Messy Graphs, Lacks Older Literature, Research Objectives Totally Flimsy, Lazy)” from PhD Comics: ‘If Research Papers Had a Comments Section’

Photo of the Week
(President Barack Obama fistbumps a graduating Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation ceremony in Annapolis, Md., Friday, May 22, 2009. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Politico
Annapolis
This article has video of President Obama’s remarks to the Naval Academy as well as some photos.

Newt Gingrich: Sonia Sotomayor a ‘racist’

Congressional Black Caucus Fasts for Darfur

Top 10 TV Feuds
Have to say I am a fan of the Olbermann v O’Reilly feud which is why this is listed under politico.

Obama’s Battle with the Liberal Wing of the Democratic Party

Overselling “Climate Conflict”?

House Leaders Throw Bluedogs a PAYGO Bone

What Will America Stand for in 2050?
I almost didn’t post this because there is so much I disagree with in this article. What I will say is this what about the US cultural & political invasion in Latin America? Cable in some parts of Latin America (where I have lived) had more US channels than local channels. Not enough room to go into the disgust I felt while reading this article.

Women
Yours Truly Makes Ms.

International
Biden’s Unfinished Balkans’ Business

Why Iran Fried Roxana Saberi

If I Still Lived Inside The Beltway…
Decided to start this section because as a person who used to live in the DC Metro area, I miss all of the events and access to information you get by being ‘inside the beltway.’ So if I still lived inside the beltway, I would go to: Renewing the Partnership Between the United States and Mexico: Shared Responsibility and Shared Strategies on June 8th at the Wilson Center for International Affairs.

Sports
Charles Barkley and Dwayne Wade Play a Game of One-On-One

NFC East Loaded with Unheralded Linebackers

Other
Nazi film wins top Cannes prize

Diddy Hits a Million Followers on Twitter; Mild Backlash Ensues

Doing Good On Sabbatical in Africa

Oldies But Goodies
Subverting the Swiffer
Got this link after a discussion surrounding the Swiffer commercials.

Links of the Week 22 May 2009

Now that school is out for summer I am slowly working my way back to blogging. This week’s links are light but still some good things to check out. Happy reading. -DNMP

Top Five
Running Start – Empowering Young Women to Dream Big
Running Start is a great organization that I volunteered with when I lived in DC. I like to get involved when I can which usually involves spreading the word about the organization and its programs.

The Meaning of Michelle Obama

Survey delves into high birth rate for young Latinas

Hip Chicas
This is a cute site for young girls. The focus is on Latinas but the five girls are in a band and they travel across the Americas. There is a focus on environment and other sustainable activities.

Swine Flu & Factory Farming
Blunt but to the point: There is no such thing as Mad Tofu Disease.

Politico
Biden Urges Pennsylvanians to Back Specter

En Español
Hipólito Mejía saluda el acuerdo entre Vargas Maldonado y Fernández

¿A quiénes favorece el pacto?

Business/Economy
Next in Line, But Don’t Say Nepotism
This article features a Spelman Alumna from my class. Go Class of 2005!

Oldies But Goodies
A Career in Community Organizing Becomes an Enviable Option
This article actually features a Morehouse Grad I know who has also studied in the DR. Cool guy…good article too.

Other
The Downside to Obamamania
Obama Chia pets and tattoos…no wonder more Americans are okay with socialism.

Boston Foundation report offers new data on nonprofit sector at a time of economic crisis

7 Habits of Highly Effective Twitterers
This is good for people who Tweet for business or networking purposes.

Links of the Week 3 April 2009

Top Five
The Class Photo
It is nice to see obvious diversity, gender and race, at the G-20 but we still have a ways to go. Besides the Queen, love her, is only symbolic leadership.

Men struggling to finish at Black Colleges
This really pains me but I am excited about some of the initiatives that some HBCUs have taken on to reverse this sad trend. Support HBCUs, Majority Hispanic Institutions and Tribal Colleges (I think that’s what the American Indigenous Schools are called).

What I Owe John Hope Franklin

U.S. Senators Move to End Cuba Travel Ban

The Vice-President in Latin America

Organization of the Week
Accion “The mission of ACCION International is to give people the tools they need to work their way out of poverty. By providing microloans, business training and other financial services to poor men and women who start their own businesses, ACCION’s partner lending organizations help people work their own way up the economic ladder, with dignity and pride.”

Politico
Franken Wins Favorable Court Ruling in Minnesota Senate Race

Rio Moves to Wall Off Its Slums

Biden Waffles on Big Final Four Match-up
Clearly biased as a Biden fan but where is the waffle on this? Wife over the state of NC…at least he is honest!

G-20 The Key Issues

Venezuelan offer for Guantanamo

White House Council on Women & Girls (WHCWG)
I was very pleased to hear that Pres. Obama created rather re-instated this council. In an effort to “track” the work of the council I will post articles that discuss the council. So far I have seen more criticism than praise for the council. I also have chosen to add this segment due to the lack of discussion of the council in mainstream media.
Roberts and Roberts: The Playing Field is Still Tilted

A Ceasefire in the Culture War
Supposedly the Obama Administration will be using the WHCWG to help lower the number of abortions in the US.

A Lack of Reality About Women from Obama

Health
School Water Fountains to Prevent Obesity

Health Secrets from Holistic Docs
This article was like a free doctor’s visit without the push to try a new drug Also glad that studying abroad turned me onto eating my biggest meal in the middle of the day & eating lots of hot food both ideas are recommended in this article.

Technology
The 14 Types of Twitter Personalities

Twitter Takes Hollywood

Women
Women Journalists: Last In, First Out

PSA Re-Enacts Rihanna’s Alleged Beating

Other
‘Guiding Light’ canceled after 72 years
I didn’t watch but I am saddened. But wondering, how do you end a soap opera?

Oldies But Goodies
Guys Gain, Too: White House Council could make difference — for everyone
This was supposed to go in last week’s links but I got caught up preparing for WAM09.

Some Are More Equal Than Others
Article discusses lack of Pro-Life representation at the “premier” of the White House Council for Women and Girls.

Wailing Women of NOW Descend on the Emerald City of O
I guess asking for the Obama Cabinet to be 50/50 male female is crazy even though women are at least 50% of the population and are more than 50% of the voting population…Didn’t our founding fathers want the government to look like the people (read the Federalist Papers for details)? The answer is yes if you had to ask.

Why Global Maternal Health Matters

Links of the Week 27 March 2009

Top Five
For Women’s History Month, the First Lady Enlists VIPs to Inspire Students
Words can’t express how much I love that the First Lady is doing this!

Lesbians Being Targeted for Corrective Rape in South Africa
Whether you believe in homosexuality or not. There is still NO excuse to violate a woman or any person for that matter in this way.

Help Sen. Leahy Make Bush Commission a Reality

EWG’s Shoppers Guide to Pesticides

R2MVP Daily March 24, 2009
An interesting look at Chris Paul and Dwight Howard who are currently 4th and 5th in the MVP race.

Politico
Toxic R Us
I usually like the Op-Eds that Maureen Dowd writes but this one…not so much.

Mrs. Obama Speaks Out About Her Household

Violence Against Women
Lesbians in South Africa Speak On Their Brutal Attacks by Male Gangs in Collective Rape

Health
Eating Food That’s Better for You, Organic or Not

Other
Taxi Commission Says Credit Cards Are Helping New York Cab Drivers

Twitter Confirms Paid Accounts On The Way
Maybe Facebook should have taken this angle instead of bombarding its users with ads and sponsored content.

Oldies But Goodies
Broke? 20 Fun Things to Do Without Spending a Dime

Bayh Organizes Moderate Democrats

Links of the Week 27 February 2009

Top Five
(In Order)
Jamie Lee Curtis: A Fish Called Denial

Mike Allen now a Twitter hitter
I guess I’m not the only one on this bandwagon now Twitter…so far so good. Facebook watch out!

How Burris blew it

Obama: ‘Nobody messes with Joe’
Go Joe!!!! Don’t mess with Delaware

Biden convenes first stimulus oversight meeting

Politico
Open Letter to the New York Post

10 most influential D.C. Twitterers

First Lady Obama’s Official Portrait

Karl Rove Must Testify

Going Green
BEing Green: Putting Your Old PC to Use

World
Nomboniso Gasa
She is one of several people participating in a fast to bring attention to what is going on in Zimbabwe.

Civil unrest caused by a recession ‘a major worry’

Other
‘The District’ Ep 4 ‘Team Barack World Tour’

Geoffery Dunn: Palin’s Evangelical Base Slaps Down on Bristol

La democracia llega a Facebook

The View From Here: Updates From the Host of Meet The Press
Found this link on Twitter. It is interesting to see what the people that report the news read in their free time.

Woman’s Weave Stops Bullet!

India Media Hails Oscar glories

Analysis: Celtics gamble in bid to shore up depth

Oldies But Goodies
What Obama wishes he could say

Lean on Me: East Side High Song

Links of the Week 14 November 2008

Top Five

How Will President Obama Deploy His Internet Army?

Obama Set To Be 1st “Wired” President

Afro-Latino Voices Shout: Obama! Obama!

I Believe In Zero
This is a new campaign from UNCEF: “25,000 children die every day from preventable causes. We believe that number should be zero. Join us.”

21′s Century Women’s Leadership
A new report from The White House Project.

Politico

Think Again: The Uses and Abuses of “Voter Fraud”

100 Days to Demonstrate Commitment to Human Rights
This is the new campaign from Amnesty International. The 3 goals are to have President-Elect Obama: 1- Announce a plan and date to close Guantanamo, 2- issue an executive order to ban torture, and 3- ensure that an independent commission is created to investigate the abuses by the “war on terror.”

Free the GOP
An interesting article from former New Jersey Governor Christy Todd Whitman.

A Baby Boom For Obama’s Name
I knew this would happen.

Education

Tough Times Strain Colleges Rich and Poor

Health

Greenwashed by Simple Green? Ask Annie

The Safest Cookware
I just wish that the safest cookware wasn’t the hardest to clean :{

Video

If The Other Party Wins

Other

CREDO Mobile- Show Your Post Election Pride
Click on the link to get your free sticker from CREDO.

Spelman College: Home
Check out the Spelman College homepage for photos from their 2008 Election Lock In.

National Peanut Butter Lovers Month
FYI – Two peanut farmers have been elected President of the United States: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.

As donations drop, nonprofits forced to get creative

Oldies But Goodies

Will a Black President Really Heal the Racial Divide?

The End of Racism?

The Word – Change
A Clip from my favorite part of The Colbert Report.

Byrd’s Decision Sets Off Other Senate Gavel Changes
Personally, I’m more interested in how the Senate is going to look than the new administration. There is a lot of change going on…