Happy Mama's day

I would like to send my wishes to all women on this special day.Please note its either mother's day or mothers' day and not mothers day.I just learned that thats how it is spelt.

I wish all mothers and mothers to be a wonderful day and days ahead.

LYME DISEASE AWARENESS

Apart from so many other things that are celebrated in May,it is also a month designated as Lyme disease awareness month.

If you are not aware of this disease then this is a perfect time,to look it up and understand what it means.This month the Lyme disease organizations will be launching campaigns and other activities to create awareness.

If you are a Lyme disease patient or have a friend or loved one who is please feel free to share with us what Lyme disease is and we can prevent and take care of those that are sick.

Show your support by wearing green.It's the awareness color.

I will get back to you with symptoms and causes of the disease.

BACK UP PLAN;UPSIDE DOWN

Back up plan is truly a great movie.The sense of humour is too good to be true.The whole theater i saw it at was almost packed up and the room was filled with laughter almost throughout the movie.

JLO is not my favourite actress but she did a good job in this one.Her acting skills are getting better.

It is about love,marriage and of course relationships.Its also about "back up plan" or upside down plan.So instead of what is a the typical relationship where boy meet girl,falls in love,engagement,marriage then babies,it was the other way round.Upside down.

Won't ruin it for those who wanna watch it,because it made my day.The starring actors are JLO and Alex Oloughlin.

A few things that i noticed that the production people should have worked on are:when Zoe was in the cab n it was raining hard,her cab drivers was the only one who had wipers on,the rest of the cars' were off,i one is left wondering if it was raining only on one side of the road.Another weird thing is that Zoe got her pillow after having it had been thrown in the trash by Stan,it seemed it had been a while when it was thrown and when she went looking for it.I was just wondering how long it takes in NY for the garbage to be collected.It was a matter of time frame.Also When Zoe had on the white dress and it couldn't fit her right,she had a hard time walking to the car and was even harder getting in,but when the got at the restaurant and she had to throw up,she was actually able to run.So did the dress become bigger,aha just wondering.

Anyways Back up plan,is a must watch.I will definitely see it again and again.Its hilarious besides those few production flaws.

A BAD IDEA BY UN

I read the BBC headlines and just found that the UN is planning to leave the war torn Republic of Congo by August next year.

But according to the article the UN will not move unless the country is able to support itself in terms of security.It a bad idea to plan leaving at the time because it will be around election time.

I think they should re think their plans.

BANGOR;HUB FOR TROUBLED FLIGHTS

I was not aware of how our very own Bangor International airport is equipped until this Tuesday , when a plane was diverted here for security purposes.

The flight according to CNN news was coming from France heading to Atlanta Georgia but was diverted to Bangor Maine.A man on the flight claimed to be carrying a bomb/explosive and fake travelling documents.The man is said to have served in the U.S air force.

According ; to Rebecca Hupp,who is the airport Director(CNN video interview) the airport has great facilities and serves as an "diversion point for International flights."

International Flights are diverted incase of :security issues,mechanical malfunctionig,unruly passagers and also during medical emergencies.It also serves as a fuel stop for scheduled flight.

Amazing that the such great facilities are located in this small town.

Would never have guessed that Bangor airport was that equiped.The airport runaway is approximately two miles long.

Ash in the clouds stops flights

Tourists are stuck all over the world due to the eruption of the Iceland volcano.
I was just wondering or concerned about their well being because some have been stuck for a while.I am thinking about those people: who had gone for a business trip and left their families behind,those that maybe had their wedding dates set but couldn't make it back on time,students who are now late for school and all in all i am wondering of how they are doing financially.

If you know anyone who is stuck please leave a comment and let me know how they are doing.I am really concerned because we don't know for sure when the flights will resume or when the eruption will stop completely.

Earth day

I am trying to find out when the earth day,begun and why so that i know what i am supposed to do.
I f you are a college student,the school are having a clean up day to honor this day.

So Senator Gaylord Nelson is the founder of Earthday.It started in 1962 but for a period of seven years.The idea came to him because the state of the environment then and i guess its more troubling now.According to envirolink his problem was that the environment issue did not matter in the "politics of the country."So he wanted the issue o be in the political limelight which led him to want to persuade The then President,president Kennedy "to put the issue into visibility."

So it is all about the environment and conserving it.Keeping a clean environment,the air and everything.Also the idea of going green

Glamour n chic'ness

I was just wondering about some fashion ideas.I have also heard a lot about this topic from my friends.
So i think it would be pretty not to match things up this summer.Like lets say wearing a green tank top and pink sandals.Another thing you could do the same color for everything then a splash of a different color for shoes.Try also matching just maybe you purse and earrings but all the of your attire different color.You can also wear something like a yellow to with a blue Caprice but make sure u also wear a blue pin or necklace.Try colors that you normally don't wear together.Like pink and blue.

I think Michelle Obama is a good example of people who not afraid of being chic and comfortable.

Jersey shore show drama

Jersey Shore is a reality show on MTV.It has created a lot of controversies for depicting Italian American in a negative way.The cast is mainly Italian American.I was just wondering,what is the problem is they are portraying themselves that way.It would be very bad if it was being acted by a different people.The most controversial thing is the MTV use of the term GUIDO'S or Guinettes which is perceived by Italian American as "pejorative word."

Another controversial thing about the show is from the local peoplee of Jersey shore where the show takes place.The locals feel like they show portrays the in a negative light.The cast are not residents of Jersey shore.

Also there was an incident where one of the female cast was punched in the face by a guy at a bar.The show is also accused of promoting tanning.

Some advertisers like Domino's pizza and America insurance pulled after the debut episode of the show.Domino representatives realized after watching the sh0w content wasn't in keeping with what they are all about.

Dell also pulled out their ad.

WALKING BILLBOARDS

I just came across this term today;walking billboard.I was just wondering how many times i have become one.A moving billboard.When i wear a shirt that has the brand name on it,do i even think about it?Is there anything wrong with it.

I have mixed feelings with that.I don't really know,but after my teacher talked about it today in class i kinda feel like i will not wear those shirts again.Why am i advertising for the anyways?

Whenever there is a charity walk or a run,company's get a good chance to advertise their products using the walking billboard method.They will make sure they put their brand names on every t-shirt.So basically they sponsor the walks and advertise too.Not bad,but it feels awkward wearing a t-shirt that has brand names on every corner.You have them n your back,sleeves,on your chest and everywhere else.And all the participants always have to wear them and keep them.What a good way to help and advertise.

No more sardines?

I just read an article this morning in AP saying how one of the sardine plants that is in Maine will soon be closing down.So sad because 130 workers will be losing their jobs.And i just learned that stinson seafood plant was the only plant left.My friend just told me that the plant is closing down down because of quota cuts.

The first cannery opened in 1875 in Maine.for details on the story go to http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100414/ap_on_bi_ge/us_so_long_sardines

Face BOOK ruining careers

Is this ethical?Well everyone has their own ethical codes.But some ethical codes are disturbing.I just read an article on yahoo and i was alarmed at how these sites can be useful and life threatening if used inappropriately.
The advice was as usual know what to post and not.Another thing is that be careful about what your friends post on your wall.If you are skeptical about it just delete ASAP.

They also talked about not complaining about your job on face book which i have seen people doing a lot.I have always thought about it as being not very clever.It might cost you your job.

Also spare your boss pictures off you drunk and falling on the floor.Not professional.

So people whatever you do.Be smart.Think about.Also check on you privacy buttons and decide who should see what.

Photos courtesy of http://http//www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-491668/The-ladettes-glorify-shameful-drunken-antics-Facebook.html

Invasion on privay....spit spokeo

If you thought the social network media is getting out of hand,please check out spokeo.com.It dangerously crazy.I don't like it at all.Its a search people website.This is how it works.listen to this video.http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoz_T_uSxjw.So basically this is how it works,you just enter you email and password and find out what your friends are doing.Spokeo gets the information from different social networks,almost 36 including facebook,pandora,flickr etc. and putting them all together on one page.Other sites are business sites,phone book sites etc.They claim that its all public information.

But thinking about what people can do after getting all info,it's scary.The site shows information about your neighborhood,household and their names.I really don't know how this site is running because i think it is very unethical,for the people who created it and also of the people supporting it.So much damage can come out of this site.People pay to get more information about you.Isn't that crazy?



But the good thing is some info is not true,sometimes they have it wrong or if you are lucky your info doesn't even show up.Bad news though sometimes they have your photo and all correct info about you and if the person searching for you wants to find out more they pay a less that 3 $ a monthly fee to get more info.Creepy right.



But Good news again is that you go to their privacy bar and follow instructions to get your name off the site.If i were you i would definitely do it.

Today in History

Beginning April,7th 1994,in one of the smallest countries of Africa,in a hundred days,approximately a million Tutsi and moderate Hutu were massacred by the Hutu militia.This was the beginning of death in the land of a thousand hills,Rwanda.Today Rwanda is commemorating the 16 years since the genocide took place.

That was the beginning of the Rwandan genocide.Every 7th day of April the country has been taking a day off work,school and other activities to remember those who lost their lives;their loved ones,neighbors,friends,teachers etc.

Rwandans and other people around the world are gathering to light a candle for Rwanda others give their encounters as a healing process and others take a time of silence in remembrance of the perished their lives.

Despite the past,Rwanda is has overcome and it is developing at a fast rate.

Ethnocentricism.......How to say it without being ethnocentric

What is Ethnocentrism???Well its not a good thing at all.I learned of this term in my interpersonal communications class.If my memory is serves me right,it is judging people or their culture according to your culture;feeling that you culture,pattern,value,norms are superior than that of others.

I feel like people tend to be ethnocentric without realizing it sometimes.It always seems like ones values or way of life is better that others.I know how hard it is to accept other people's way of living just the way it is.People always tend to compare their culture to others and it becomes even harder to be objective when dealing with them.

I wish people could be more open minded and ready to learn and integrate easily.I don't think it's that hard.It becomes hard when people try to make assumptions.

I found some interesting examples of Ethnocentrism,like someone would say things like "Mexican food or Chinese food is bizarre"that is being ethnocentric,the person is suggesting that her food,is better or more regular kind of food that that of the Mexican or Chinese.Instead people should to use other terms like "this is different"it sounds better and less judgmental.

Another example is when people go to another country and say,"oh they drive on the wrong side of the road of the road,implying that theirs is right/correct and the other one wrong.Instead one should say the side that they are driving on e.g left hand side or right hand side.

For a long time i used to judge others according to my own culture forgetting that it is just different and that i should appreciate it and accept it.(when you go to Rome?Pray as the Romans)........

Why is Ethnocentrism bad?It makes one make false assumptions about other cultures,nation or people.It also leads to stereotyping,prejudice and may lead to racism.

Placing ones culture superior to others causes us to misjudge others which leads to miscommunication and sometimes hatred.

I just found out that the opposite of Ethnocentrism is Xenocentrism.Which is preferring other cultures over your own culture.The assumption that other cultures are superior to your own.I think it is also bad.We should be able to appreciate our way of life and understand others way of lives as well.(EASIER SAID THAN DONE)

I will get back soon with Xenocentrism and how to avoid it.Well i hope you learned something today.

COLOR COMPLEX

I have learned so much since i came to this country.One of the most interesting but sad thing is color complex among African Americans.Growing up in Africa skin color was never an issue.All i know is that dark guys were considered more handsome than light skinned (brown)guys.But here in America it is different,i am currently reading the color complex by Kathy Russell

It is a very eye opening book on the "politics of color among African American."I never knew people of the same race would discrimate each other regarding their skin tones.The issue is mostly among African American and rare or even unheard of among Africans.

The lighter skin tone,the straighter hair one has among African American,the more beautiful one is considered to be.
I think this is an interesting topic it makes me want to scream because the whole concept is stupid.

But i also learned that this dates back to the Slavery period,the lighter skin toned slaves were given lighter work or would work in their masters house while the darker ones would do harder chores in the field.I think slavery is the root of all African American "evils."Everything that is complained about if you research carefully has ts roots in slavery.Everything started from there.

And you would think the concept of favoring or regarding lighter skinned slaves would end with the slavery time, No,it's still alive among the African American Community.Sad fact.

The perception is that lighter skinned African Americans get better jobs,make more money,have easier time dating,are more attractive, more popular,less intimidating and so on.All the good things.On the other hand,darker skinned African Americans are perceived to be assertive,aggressive,having attitude etc

The color complex issue is very complex.I will stop here for now but stay on the look out for Part 2 of this.

I am still doing my reseach.

somewhere In africa

Did you know or have ever noticed the art gallery in the campus center?


For a long time it has been there but always empty.This semester it has been different.At the begging of the semester the was some art stuff posted up and everyone was welcome to go in and enjoy the portraits.This second part of the semester there is a different artist's work.His name must be Robert Moran,there are business cards on the table a book for the visitors to sign in and put some comments.


I went in this morning and i really loved his work,there are black and white framed portraits taken around different parts of the African continent.There are shots from Mali,Niger,Egypt etc.
Photo coutersy of Robert Moran.

CULTURE DAY WITH STEP AFRIKA

On the 26Th of march which is today...The group step Afrika will be performing at the Gracie Theater.It is going to start at 8.00pm.Entrance is free.FYI today is culture day.
You might be wondering what step Afrika means or "where are these people from." Well they are a professional company based in Washington D.Cand the perform step dances.So what is step dance?

"Stepping is tap dance without tap shoes, James Brown without the music of the JBs, Cab Calloway sans piano, a marching band without John Philip Sousa. It is jazz, funk, rhythm and blues, and rap without instruments. Stepping is lean and mean. The music comes from the synchronized interplay of hands and feet, from chants and hollers. It is a way to make music using the body as instrument."

—Jill Nelson, The Washington Post

This group has been around the country and the world sharing their culture with other people.The group was founded in 1994.


The Husson university international club together with students activities were hoping to have a fashion show or some sort of a cultural show but unfortunately they couldn't make it.Good news is that they are still planning to do it before the end of the semester.

The ambiguity and beauty of Languages

Having lived in three different nations,visited other countries,having friends from around the world and speaking three languages more than three languages fluently i just have to admit that i love the idea of being able to speak and hear other people communicate in different language.They are some languages that i can understand but cannot speak.I learned most of the languages by first being able to understand them then was able to speak and then writing comes last.

It only depends on who you are talking to.It made me realize how blessed i am because i can speak to so many different people some of whom i couldn't talk to if i did not understand their language.

Some languages are so poetic than others and others so rich than others.Yet others so hard and others so easy.You can only notice this when you try to translate word for word from one language to another.for example green( the color)is kijani in kiswahili language and kijani literary means leaf or a leaf.I think that is so unique because leave are green anyways.In french you may say chocolate(sho co la)instaed of brown which also makes sense because chocolate is mostly brown.

By the way Kiswahili is spoken in some countries of East and Central Africa.It is originated from Arab and Bantu languages.Enough about swahili.

Another thing about language you have to speak so often to be able to master it.I also think the use of different word differ from language to language depending on the culture, environment for example in many African countries Dogs are not pets as such they are more of guards and they don't usually live in the house with human beings.They have cages outside.And they go eating anything they can find around their vicinity.They are also know to bite people they are not used to.They are dangerous creatures in that part of the world while here in the states they are people's best friends,companions etc.
So when people want to insult you,they call a dog,and it is considered very degrading.

Also there are some words that don't really exist in some languages,i don't know if that particular thing don't exist or if they other ways of saying it e.g in Kinyarwanda which is the native language of Rwanda(central Africa) the word sorry doesn't exist,instead they use "forgive me."Other words like excuse me don't exist also they say move or push you slightly.

I heard that in some languages instead of saying water the say fluid.I can't imagine saying,"can i please have some fluid"

Some words in some languages cannot even be explained in a different language,i think that's beautiful,The fact that you have to know that language to understand their jokes or stuff like that.

They are so many other different things that i always laugh about when i try to translate directly from one language to another but i cant remember all of them.I will update this blog when i remember.

Foreign Language Film............And The winner is..............

Foreign Language films....do people really care to watch them?I do.They are just like other movies only in a different language.The are as competent as other movies.

The foreign language films award was not there when the Oscar first started. It was not constant every year because there were films made in foreign languages.

The Japanese Film, Departures won the award last year.

There were nine nominees in the foreign language film category During the Oscars..Some of them were * Argentina, El Secreto de Sus Ojos, Juan Jose Campanella, director
* Australia, Samson & Delilah
* Bulgaria, The World Is Big and Salvation Lurks around the Corner
* France, Un Prophète
* Germany, The White Ribbon
* Israel, Ajami
* Kazakhstan, Kelin, Ermek
* The Netherlands, Winter in Wartime
* Peru, The Milk of Sorrow

El secreto de Sus Ojos (the secret in their eyes)won this category ;foreign language film.It is the sixth time Argentina has won this award.The movie is acted in Spanish and translated in English (of course).It is the in so many genres such as drama,crime,mystery and romance.It runs for two hours and seven minutes.

It is the second movie directed by the same director to receive an oscar nomination.

Good Hair by Chris R ock

Good hair is a documentary about African American Hair culture.The movie was showing at Husson University Kominsky room on the 25th of February as part of the black History month.Precious was also shown the first week of the month for the same purpose.

The turn out for good hair was quite good compared to Precious which students regarded as too sad and some said it was irrelevant for Black History month.

Good hair was done by Chris rock so its funny but at the same time very eye opening.Being a woman of color i thought i know everything that was going to be in the movie but i was so surprised at how much i did not know about Black hair tactics.


Chris Rock was inspired to do the documentary after her daughter asked him why she did not have good hair.This set him out on a journey around the U.S and around the world to search for answers on black women's hair.In his search he visited hair salons,scientific labs and Indian temples.

At the scientific labs he discovered the chemicals found in the Hair relaxers that black women put on their hair to make it straight.The chemical is hydro-chloride, which may cause burning effects on the scalp if not used appropriately.

He also discovered where human hair weaves come from;they come from Indian temples.Indian women sacrifice their hair to their Gods in the temple,And then in the process they get sold to sales people who sell them to salons here in America.Biggest market for the weaves is Los Angles.

The best waves go for $1000 or even more.They are weaved on cornrows.

Featured in the documentary were,Kerry Washington,Ice T,Nia Long,Paul Mooney,Raven Symone',Maya Angelou and reverend Al Shaperon.Maya Angelou was also among them.

The movie was quite even more eye opening and informative for people who not familiar with black women's hair culture.It is always easy to see such documentaries because you cannot stop someone on the street to ask them how they do their hair or to even ask to touch their it.

As usual Chris Rock was narrating the documentary.

Husson university watch out for movies coming up in March.The student activities is dedicated to showing two movies every month.

Jamaican NIGHT @ HUSSON UNIVERSITY

If you are trying to figure out what to do on the 25th @ 8.00PM? Why not meet at the Furman center for a taste of Jamaican music and FOOD?

The international club is organizing the event and all students,faculty and even the community are invited.There is going to be free food.It is also going to be educational.I t is going to be an opportunity to know a some quick facts about the country.

There is also going to a dance competition and the winner will go away with a Jamaican music CD.Hair braiding is also on the list,so if you want you hair braided by a professional,just bring your head and a comb.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

QUICK FACTS

February is considered the black history month.It was co-founded by Dr.Carter G.Woodson and Rev Jesse Moorland in 1915.Their goal was to bring awareness to the crucial role the black people in America and world history.They hoped to dispel popular mis truths and also educate black people about their heritage and instill them with a sense of pride in their race.

America has recognized black history first as Negro History week then as Black History week.Black History had barely been studied or documented when the tradition originated.

why February?because it marks two birthdays of two men who influenced the black American population;Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

How is Husson University celebrating the History.
Student activities is honoring the history by showing two popular movies during the month.Last week students were able to watch the movie 'Precious' and 'good hair' by Chris Rock is going to be shown in Kominsky during the last week of the month.Date and time will be announced.

Prcious is about a 16 year old black girl who is obesse and illetrate.she is raped and impregnanted twice by her father.

Good hair is a documentary about African American hair culture.
Husson will be showing the movie on the last week of this month at Kominsky.
No fees will be charged.

Have an informative Bkack history month.

New club on Campus

A Club has been established for both Husson University and Nescom students.
If you are Interested in meeting students from around the globe or learning about other cultures then you are invited to be part of it.It is not only for for students coming from other countries,American students are also invited to share their culture with the International students.

Students are encouraged to learn how to inter grate with people from different parts of the world who have had different backgrounds and culture so that they are ready to get into job market with an open mind.It all starts at Learning institutions.You never know where you will be tomorrow.

The International club is planning to help other new International students fit into the system and also help them settle down as soon as they get on campus from their countries.The members are also willing to help the school in recruiting other students from their respective countries.They will also organize trips to show the students the rest of America.

Since the club is still new,students and faculty are all invited to a coffee hour which will take place at the campus center on 4/2/2010 @ 3.00pm.Coffee from different parts of the world will be served.

Other activities on their list are;reggae night,traditional dance,fashion show and traditional foods day.

Look out for these interesting and fun activities and become part of the diverse club on campus.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS be informed

Most schools in the U.S don't inform international students of what to expect when they start their college education here,.I am an international student from Rwanda and i am always so concerned about my fellow international students. The American education system is really different from that of other countries.

Most students are not informed of how different the grading system here is really diffrent.I did my high school and part of my college education in Kenya and Rwanda and i was really amazed how different the education system is like.I was used to British kind of system which you basically kind of have to get half of the total grade while here you have to aim at the top mark of fail.
It took me a while to really understand how the system really works.

I would suggest that schools that take international students should really give extra orientation to these students and make sure they understand before they start their classes.I think most schools assume that the students know the system but they really don't.I remember how no one explained to me about the adding and dropping of classes.I t took a whole semester to understand how the system really works.

I think advisors should help students out and inform them fully on what is expected of them and pick out classes for them that they can be able to do comfortably for the first semester.

International students also need to be informed about the American lifestyle and culture and what is right or wrong. Coming from a different country can be really difficult because everything is different from what one is used to but with a little help,life can be easier.

Myth about Coming to America

Most People especially from third world countries have always viewed America as the dream land. The Media portrays the country as the most beautiful place on earth and where dreams are realized in a blink.It makes people think that one doesn't have to work hard to achieve their goals. America has always been portrayed as some kind of paradise,that jobs are just there and very easy to find,that everything is just there and you don't have to break your back to get.
Some think there are no diseases or even hungry and homeless people,that all Americans are very rich.

Most Immigrants come to America thinking jobs are very easy to find and that its very easy to get rich here.But the truth is,in fact you get a step back from where you were in terms of achieving goals and dreams.This is because you have to start a new life,adapt yourself to the lifestyle and get into the system.It also takes a while before you can legally work depending on your visa.

Its a myth that maybe will always be.I kind of believed it until i came here and realized that the America i used to see on T.V barely exists.Having that picture of a paradise America in mind and then landing in Maine was not a good joke.In fact i thought i hadn't reached my destination yet.Bangor,ME,seemed so rural;it was the opposite of the imagination i had of the United States.

America is not a bed of roses as people who have never been to the country may think.It is amazing how people have to work odd and so many hours.It is all about hard work.One has to come over to understand this;That nothing comes easy.

I had never thought people would work for so many hours as they do here.I believe that's why the country is the most prosperous in the world;Hard work.