New York City Ban

In the Metro news this morning.  Its stated, A majority of New Yorkers support Mayor Micheal Bloomberg's proposed ban on Styrofoam containers, but are less supportive of his ban on large soda, according  to a poll. The major's vision and effort to go green  have found some on the opposite side of the fence. New York city voters support plastic foam ban 69% percent to 26%. When it comes to sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces,  New Yorkers oppose 51% to 46%.  The ban on  sugary drinks goes into effect March 12. I find both sides of the argument a plus on the Major's part. Why not initiate something positive that will reduce obesity, especially among children.  I generally believe its a step in the right direction, which will lead to the practice of  better self control. In the end other cities and other states will follow. Since diabetes and heart disease is on the rise in the US, we can now be known as a healthy nation. Styrofoam cups as we have known for a long time is problematic for the environment, because when fumes are released into the atmosphere the chemicals that we inhale spell doom for our bodies and our internal organs. Some will argue well its cheaper for companies to purchase, its the only alternative they know, but there is no greater value than human life. I applaud the city for looking into other alternatives, which would force food places to use containers.

Foam trays  in school cafeterias would be eliminated as well, which will teach students to be more environmental aware. I support the mayor's  vision when it comes to these issues. Lets push for a Greener New York.

Survival Kit Haiti Foundation

This weekend I had the opportunity to provide my services to those in need. Along with my sister and other youth volunteers, we helped pack and sort basic goods to the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. From school supplies to everyday basic necessities such as soap, toothbrushes, shampoo, etc,volunteers were willing to pitch in and get their hands dirty. The young ladies were in charge of gathering the school supplies and packing them in barrels, while the young men gathered boxes, filled with clothes, toys and goods and loaded them to the front for the pickup trucks. I had a great experience helping out and getting to know them personable. Knowing that the future is in the hands of these dedicated individuals that are willing to make a difference gives me hope that the future is bright.

Ways To Get Your Heart Pumping

Since its Valentines Day, I wanted to approach the day of love in a different light. Its been said, you can not love others unless you love yourself. What better way to exemplify that than finding way to get your heart pumping.




1) Exercise: Yoga is a great way to pump your heart and control your breathing at the same time. It clears ones mind and connect oneself to a higher level of consciousness. This exercise also brings relaxation to your mind and body. Having the opportunity to have tried yoga myself I can't disagree




2) Space and Clarity: A peaceful environment where you can mediate and get away from life's stressful problems is also another way to keep your heart regulated. A peaceful place where there is not a lot of people around such as a  hike up the mountains or a walk on a riverfront provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere



3) Laughter: Nothing charges the heart more than laughter. Comedy clubs, or comedy shows, funny flicks or sitting around joking with your family and friends keeps you youthful, most importantly it adds more years to your life line.





4) Entertainment: Nothing says fun and health in the same breath than dancing. Not only is dancing fun, but the constant movement keeps you energized and your heart pumping. Take it from me. Dancing can sometime  beat going to the gym.




                                                               Happy Valentines Day

Black History Month: Black In America

Black in America; Since its Black History Month I thought this would be an important topic to discuss. What is black? Who defines our blackness? Is Black define by a place of origin?Is black define by our cultural experiences, To some black is the  color that they see when they stare in the mirror. Does our  government define our blackness? In the end we have to  look in the mirror and distinguish that for ourselves. What category do you put yourself? Born in the Caribbean I never had any problems or issues being associated with black, until I realized when I moved to America there was more than one option to check off when it comes to school application or job opportunities. I had the chance to watch a documentary on CNN that addresses many of these questions that has been  puzzling to some, but is easy to answer for others. For me it was a very enlightening topic because I felt it was something we need to talk about more in America. If you missed it last night; there is another episode on tonight at 8pm on CNN.

Baseball Player Stepping Up To The Plate On Global Warming

From the Japan Tsunami, to Hurricane Sandy in New York and the wildfires in Australia, the world as we know it is changing and at a rapid pace. We have forgotten the elements of  the clean air and the protection of the rays of the sun and the significance and seriousness of its affect and how it can spell doom for our planet. There is a battle going on, and its not just with mother nature, but with ourselves. For the past several decades, there has been natural disasters happening all over the world and we are taking way too much of a passive approach  on the matter. Think about 50 years from now, when we no longer have the layers to protect us from the sun, therefore causing water levels to rise all over the world, because of the ice caps breaking off into the ocean. Not only that, but the extremely mild temperatures and extremely cold temperatures that will cause an  ecological imbalance. I am writing this piece because there are  some whom are taken their responsibility to a new plateau for the greater good of mankind. Yankees captain Derek Jeter stepped up to the plate when it comes to fighting climate change, he went to Switzerland for a convention to bring awareness to global warming. I'm sure the affects of hurricane Sandy grabbed his attention, but it shouldn't only grab his attention, but ours as well, because whether or not we realize, the more we linger and ignore the possibilities of our home and the fatalities that it will cause, the more we dismiss that fact we are out  of touch with nature than we realize.

Lesson for 2013 Cheaters Never Win

We've all heard these words from our parents, teachers, guidance counselors, mentors. Cheaters never win and the dangers of what cheating does to us ultimately in the end. The real lesson though is not about cheating itself, but when you cheat the ones that believed in you, and that invest their time in you, there is a greater loss. Thanks to Lance Armstrong, we are reminded that in the end no matter on what level. Cheaters never win.

Entering The Age of Disarming The American Public

What took place this a reminder of how curel our world can be. The horrific realities of how a person so deranged and out of their mind, showed no compassion  for innocent lives. I seriously can't imagine how those parents must feel and what they must be going through their heads.  I can tell you this. Something has to be done, to correct these reoccurring events that seem to happen more frequently.  In a land where individuals have the right to bare arms which is written the constitution, the government is now reevaluating and coming up with measures to disarm the American public. Is that the right move? For many of us, yes! the problem is resolved. Its not that easy, because madness and craziness will always find a way to get hold of a weapons and do what they must. In the aftermath of what took place the government should put more infuses on taking these people off the streets and into mental hospitals to get evaluated. For the record statics show the majority of people that are in prisons or commit violent  and vicious crimes have some form of mental illness that go undetected. Which brings me to my next point, We cannot legislate morality, that is what educational institution are made for. How can we prevent events like this without educating the public or getting them the help they need. As John Adams said, "Those who trade liberty for security have neither" I wish we lived in a  perfect world where guns didn't exist, but that time has past, as there are more guns on the streets than there are people. What we must do is come up with creative methods to regulate the amount of guns that are out there and allow people to feel safe without instilling fear. What this comes back to is parents and adults educating the youth about violence in America, ways they can increase the peace, because they are the future of this nation. President Obama or the federal government cant stop violence or these events from happening, so the next thing is for us to educate ourselves. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of Sandy Hook.