If you are suffering from albinism then apparently it is worth $75,000. According to an article in the Buffalo News yesterday, albinos are being hunted, persecuted and killed. Witch doctors in Tanzania have propagated the belief that the body parts of albinos provide for good fortune. So said parts are being eaten or maintained as talisman. These people who have done nothing but suffer from a disease completely out of their control are having to deal this bizarre twist to the "Most Dangerous Game". How does this happen in this day and age?
I belief it is the lack of an educated people that creates this nonsense. Many people, politicians included, complain about the money this country sends to try an educate underdeveloped countries. Well this behavior justifies the need for that investment. When you cannot read and think for yourself, witch doctor prophecies provide the perfect direction. A utter absence of science and a total belief in the mystical make this common ground for some people.
The sad b=part is you can see it in our country. Is it such a stretch to belief that people here can be easily swayed? Maybe not by witch doctors or a lack of education but by an intentional closing of one's eyes to the truth in front of you. When you start to ignore science you almost free yourself form responsibility. Take for example Global Warming. How many symposiums, books, and scientists need to confirm this risk before it is believed as fact? And what about our lovely Republican panel of presidential nominees who did not "believe" in evolution? This is closing your eyes to science.
Ignorance must truly be bliss to the ignorant but poison to the rest of us.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
The Fast and Furious (Running and Eating)
Thanksgiving here was marked by lots of laughs and tons of food. We started the day with the Turkey Trot. All that training was now to be tested. Well we didn't ace this test but we were definitely average!
I could not believe the number of people both runners and sidewalk cheerleaders. We ran into old friends and neighbors, spending the duration walking/running and mostly chitchatting. Happy to say we finished a little over an hour (official results pending) and had a blast! Max did much better with a score under an hour an no muscle pain or heavy breathing. Should mention I am feeling my age today, but totally worth it. TEAM CYWINSKI will be making this an annual event. Maybe costumes next year?
Check out the boys getting reading -->
After a pot of coffee and a 1/2 hour in the hot tub, we were ready to commence feasting. My family celebration was one of the best ever! My mom made the perfect turkey, dad poured the perfect drink, my sister did the most perfect dessert and my brother as always provided the perfect entertainment. Sixteen for dinner. We all ate like it was our last meal and I left that house feeling a little tipsy. On to the inlaws! Another table filled with great food and stimulating conversation. We should schedule monthly Thanksgivings :-).
On the topic of food, the NY Times did a great op piece on eating fast food and eating food fast. Why do we have to eat so much fast food? The Alice Waters "Edible Schoolyard" has always inspired me. We all have the ability to choose what we eat and how much of it we consume. her project to grow inner city school gardens is amazing. Why not choose healthier options... less hormones, less preservations, more naturally grown, more simply prepared? Why not teach our kids the importance of eating right by demonstrating how to do it rather than printing off a pyramid and making it a homework assignment?
As a country we are constantly rushing. Running to work, running the kids to their activities (actually more like driving because if we were really running we would probably be in better shape)! We need to slow down, at least we can start to slow down when it comes to eating it. Fast food makes you sick. Take time to rent and watch "Supersize Me". It will at least help you realize you do have the time to NOT eat fast food.
Today on this hideous "Black Friday" check out the local news and if you are insane enough to participate, look at your fellow freaks in the stores. They are fat. It is not pretty or good for anyone. Consider the words of wisdom from that cinema great ANIMAL HOUSE... (I paraphrase) "Fat and stupid is no way to go through life".
Think about the amazing food you consumed on Thanksgiving, cut it back and realize there is no reason why you couldn't eat like this regularly. Not as much in my case but definitely as fresh!
I could not believe the number of people both runners and sidewalk cheerleaders. We ran into old friends and neighbors, spending the duration walking/running and mostly chitchatting. Happy to say we finished a little over an hour (official results pending) and had a blast! Max did much better with a score under an hour an no muscle pain or heavy breathing. Should mention I am feeling my age today, but totally worth it. TEAM CYWINSKI will be making this an annual event. Maybe costumes next year?
Check out the boys getting reading -->
After a pot of coffee and a 1/2 hour in the hot tub, we were ready to commence feasting. My family celebration was one of the best ever! My mom made the perfect turkey, dad poured the perfect drink, my sister did the most perfect dessert and my brother as always provided the perfect entertainment. Sixteen for dinner. We all ate like it was our last meal and I left that house feeling a little tipsy. On to the inlaws! Another table filled with great food and stimulating conversation. We should schedule monthly Thanksgivings :-).
On the topic of food, the NY Times did a great op piece on eating fast food and eating food fast. Why do we have to eat so much fast food? The Alice Waters "Edible Schoolyard" has always inspired me. We all have the ability to choose what we eat and how much of it we consume. her project to grow inner city school gardens is amazing. Why not choose healthier options... less hormones, less preservations, more naturally grown, more simply prepared? Why not teach our kids the importance of eating right by demonstrating how to do it rather than printing off a pyramid and making it a homework assignment?
As a country we are constantly rushing. Running to work, running the kids to their activities (actually more like driving because if we were really running we would probably be in better shape)! We need to slow down, at least we can start to slow down when it comes to eating it. Fast food makes you sick. Take time to rent and watch "Supersize Me". It will at least help you realize you do have the time to NOT eat fast food.
Today on this hideous "Black Friday" check out the local news and if you are insane enough to participate, look at your fellow freaks in the stores. They are fat. It is not pretty or good for anyone. Consider the words of wisdom from that cinema great ANIMAL HOUSE... (I paraphrase) "Fat and stupid is no way to go through life".
Think about the amazing food you consumed on Thanksgiving, cut it back and realize there is no reason why you couldn't eat like this regularly. Not as much in my case but definitely as fresh!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Embrace Yourself by Corinne Demerau-Best
A good friend of mine recently dropped her latest CD and I wanted to tell everyone to about it. Corinne is an extremely talented song writer and gifted singer who has devoted the proceeds of this latest CD to benefit Roswell Park.
Although I am not much of a music critic, this is a blues CD with some amazing ballads. I was really impressed her and her talent. My top favorite songs are "Embrace Yourself" (lyrics are inspiring), "Crazy (this song really highlights her range), "I Don't Want Our Love to End" (so emotional) and "Lullabye" (loved the music on this one especially the violin). Isn't it incredible when can experience the real talent of a friend?
You can get the CD "Embrace Yourself" by Corinne Demerau- Best at local Buffalo Barnes and Noble stores ($14.99). If you cannot find it, let me know and I will send you a copy. Remember all the proceeds are going to Roswell Park. A great sound for a worthy cause. Spread the word.
Although I am not much of a music critic, this is a blues CD with some amazing ballads. I was really impressed her and her talent. My top favorite songs are "Embrace Yourself" (lyrics are inspiring), "Crazy (this song really highlights her range), "I Don't Want Our Love to End" (so emotional) and "Lullabye" (loved the music on this one especially the violin). Isn't it incredible when can experience the real talent of a friend?
You can get the CD "Embrace Yourself" by Corinne Demerau- Best at local Buffalo Barnes and Noble stores ($14.99). If you cannot find it, let me know and I will send you a copy. Remember all the proceeds are going to Roswell Park. A great sound for a worthy cause. Spread the word.
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