Would You Shop At A Virtual Store?

I've been having a lot of fun surfing the net the last few days...mainly because I'm finding a lot of interesting things online.  Last night I found a picture of a virtual store in Korea.  It's the first of it's kind in the world.   All the 'shelves' are LCD screens which the user or shopper would select the items they desire by touching the screen and then they would check out at the counter when they have completed their shopping.  All the items purchased are packed in bags awaiting pick up at the end.

Would you shop at a store like this?  I would probably try it for the sake of trying it but I don`t think that I could get used to shopping like that on a regular basis.

Your thoughts?

Push Girls: Real Reality TV

Last night I was surfing the net and I stumbled on this incredible show that I can't wait to watch it.  The new reality show airs in April and it follows the lives of four womyn in Hollywood who deal with the struggles we all face such as motherhood, careers, relationships and divorce. 

L-R: Former Swimmer, Mia Schaikewitz, 32; Dancer, Auti Angel, 42; Actress Angela Rockwood, 36; and Model Tiphany Adams, 28

Seems like every other reality show there is out there right?  Cameras following a group of people around capturing whatever it is that they do on a daily basis.  You are probably wondering what the hook is....what makes this show any different from every other show there is out there.  Well, take a look at the next photo to  find out.

These womyn are wheel chair bound!  Each one had budding careers before them when a tragic accident changed their worlds forever.

Push Girls, follows: Mia, a former competitive swimmer who lost the use of her legs after a rare type of brain hemorrhage at the age of 15.  Auti, a former hip hop dancer, "I was JLo before J Lo" she said.  She danced with Milli Vanilli and LL Cool J in the 90s before a car accident in 1992.  Angela, who appeared in The Fast and the Furious before a 2001 car accident left her without the use of the torso, arms and legs.  And Tiphany who survived a drunk driving accident in her senior year of high school that left 3 of her friends dead.  She was given a five per cent chance to live by doctors.

With truth and honesty, producer Gay Rosenthal, who also produced Little People, Big World, gives us a glimpse of these womyn as they reclaim their lives and shatter the stereotypes of what it means to have a disability.  

I sincerely hope you watch this show and tell a friend.  In a time where Kim Kardashian and  Toddlers in Tiaras seem to bombard our screens, it is nice to see a show that is an accurate reflection of reality on a reality TV show.

What do you think about Push Girls?  Would you watch this show?

Trayvon Martin....when will justice be served???

Trayvon Martin

Obviously there has been endless discussion in the news, on social media sites, and amongst friends, family and colleagues about the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. For those of you who may not know about him, he was shot and killed by a neighbourhood watch leader, 28 year old George Zimmerman (who is identified as Hispanic), because according to him Trayvon looked suspicious as he walked home. Trayvon was returning from the store with some Skittles and an iced tea when Zimmerman shot and killed him claiming self defence; although there have been many witness accounts that dictate otherwise.  And even though Zimmerman has admitted to killing the teen about 3 weeks ago, he is still walking, eating, drinking and living as a free man.

Are we really living in a time where all it takes to be released of charges against your actions is to cry ‘self-defence’?

I am, however, reminded of the case of John White in 2006.  In that case 56 year-old Black man was defending his home as 4 young men threatened his son and his family.  The young men who identified themselves as a “lynch mob”, threatened to kill his son and to rape his wife.  As the men advanced on the house, a shot was fired accidentally which killed Daniel Cicciaro (who was white).  White was arrested immediately and was later sentenced to 2-4 years in prison.  He was later acquitted.

 Where is the justice in the USA?

And to add insult to injury, there was a woman who was arrested over the weekend for throwing flour on Kim Kardashian.  Now I’m not condoning the tossing of baking ingredients on anyone (except maybe in fun with your honey in the kitchen lol), but where is the standard?  How does she get arrested instantly for a relative harmless act while a man who ADMITS to murdering an innocent young man walks free for nearly a month?  When will enough be enough?

Now the first thing many people do is cry racism.  And in this case I think it has its place, however, the bigger picture is being ignored.  When will we hold people accountable for their actions?  What kind of precedent is this case setting?  It would be a little different if Trayvon had a gun or was threatening or behaved like a ruffian.  But I’m tempted to think that all he wanted to do was go home and enjoy his recent purchase.  Every picture I’ve seen of Trayvon has him pictured as a respectable young man who seemed to enjoy life!

My heart and prayers go out the Trayvon’s family.  I do sincerely hope that justice is served to those who deserve it!

What are your thoughts?  I would love to know!

The Difference Between Tidying and Cleaning

It's been a while since I've posted a video blog post.  This woman is hilarious!  This particular video is about the differences between 'swiffering' and cleaning.  If you grew up in the Caribbean (or in a Caribbean home) you should understand the differences between cleaning and tidying.

If you need a laugh please watch this video.

Pick up yuh gloves and clean yuh house! lol!

dear north americans and some farrin mind caribbean people-swiffering is not sweeping

Georgia teen suspended for not reporting she was bullied!

OK.  This one has me completely confused! I actually had to read the story twice just to make sure I read it correctly.

Apparently, in Lithonia, Ga, a young girl was suspended for 2 DAYS for not reporting that she was bullied!  (insert blank stare here)

Essance said that a few weeks ago two girls locked her in a bathroom stall, and threatened her.

However, when she told her school counsellor in a three page letter, the assistant principal threatened her with a two-week suspension if the altercation with the other girl continued.

So when the bullying continued, Essance did not bother to inform the administrative staff at her school for fear of suspension.  That backfired and Essance was suspended for 2 days because she didn’t report it.

Obviously I don’t have to tell you that she was afraid.  Most people with some common sense would realize that anyone who is being bullied is scared and afraid to inform anyone that they are being tormented. And then to punish someone for not telling is beyond ridiculous to me. 

This poor young lady needs so much love right now.  I wish I could just give her a hug and let her know that it will be OK.

Your thoughts?

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/01/essance-mcdougald-georgia_n_1314964.html

Rihanna defends Chris Brown collabo as 'innocent'???

Apparently, Rihanna and Chris Brown have recently collaborated on 2 tracks, (even though Chris is still on probation for beating her while they were dating three years ago.)  He is featured on her ‘Birthday Cake’ remix and she appears on his ‘Turn Up The Music.’

Now I can’t tell anyone who to date, talk to, or even love and it would appear that they both really do care for each other on some level.  And after all they are two grown adults who have the ability to make whatever choices they deem fit for their life.

And let’s face it.... if you are really following either one of them, it’s no secret that they still have feelings for each other and they express themselves through ‘coded’ messages on Twitter that most people have figured out.

I’m just worried about the messages that young impressionable girls are getting from this whole incident.  I’ve heard/seen (mainly on Twitter) many girls saying things like ‘Breezy can beat me any time’.

I don’t know if these girls realize the depth of what they are saying?  Or if they just are disconnected to the fact that domestic violence is a real threat or all they see is a cute face and a pile money.  But it saddens me to see that something this serious has been treated this lightly

And the fact that Rihanna is covering it up by stating that “he’s the hottest artist out there” and it’s “innocent” as a justification as to why she wanted to record with him is a little ridiculous.

I really hope that Rihanna stops this foolishness and starts realizing that she is a role model and that her decisions are shaping the lives of thousands of young girls across the globe. She is a beautiful and talented young womyn who deserves much better than that!

Also to the parents out there: Please take stock of what your children are watching and listening to....and don’t be afraid to TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN!  Start dialogues, have conversations....because your children have seen and heard much more than you’d ever imagine. And if you don’t talk to them trust me someone will!

Herb Carnegie: The best player the NHL never had.

Herb Carnegie passed away this weekend at the age of 92.  Who is Herb Carnegie you ask?  He was possibly the best black hockey player the NHL never had.

He learned to play hockey at an early age after falling in love with it and was an incredible centre man.

Carnegie turned out to be a businessman, philanthropist, championship golfer, and Order of Canada recipient.

He lead a great and fulfilling life and while he admits that he was good enough to play for the Leafs the owners at the time couldn't get past his skin colour.

“I loved the game and I feel cheated. I didn’t get the chance to prove myself. I just had a door closed where I couldn’t participate. As much fun as I had in the game, I had pain because I couldn’t have that other step,” said Carnegie

The fact that he didn't try out of the NHL makes me wonder how different this post would have been if he had played for the NHL.  I'm not discrediting his decisions, as only he knew what was best for himself at the time and he knew what he could handle, but I still do wonder.

I just want to encourage all of you to take risks.  Follow your heart and your dreams.  And just when you think you've dreamed enough....DREAM BIGGER!

Question of the week: Is there a dream that you have deferred because is was too hard, or too much pressure, or the barriers were seemingly insurmountable?

Is there a dream buried within that is screaming to be released?  Do you need help figuring out what your passions are and how to pursue them?  Don't wait any longer?  Contact me at Girl Doing BETTER trey@treyanthonystudios.com and lets figure this out together!

Living by choice...not chance!

Have you ever noticed that people tend to want what they don't have.  We tend to believe that the grass is greener on the other side.  We look at what our colleagues, neighbors and friends have and wish we had the same.  We never see the weeds that lurk in their gardens, we never see the dry spots that need attention, just what appears to be green luscious grass.

Don't let a single day go by without being grateful for everything you have!  There are tons of things that you can find to be grateful for... after all you woke up this morning....many didn't.  You walked to the kitchen to get something to eat.  Many can't walk, and many have empty cupboards to greet them in the morning, noon and night.

Today I want to remind you that no matter the storm, there is a silver lining around the clouds.  No matter what seems to be troubling you there is always a solution.  You just have to find it.

We live by CHOICE and not by CHANCE.

Today I'm challenging you to make the choice to see the positive and not the negative. To find something to smile about when you feel like frowning.  To allow yourself to cry and release the hurt/tension/dismay in your life and then keep moving. Discover your dream...then dream bigger!

Life is too short to avoid happiness!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

KONY 2012: It's time to take a stand!

I know many of you may have seen this on Facebook already....I know many of my friends and fans have been posting this to create awareness about KONY 2012....to raise awareness about the incredible maltreatment of children and women in Uganda.

Filmmaker Jason Russell visited Africa in 2003 and returned with a story that not only breaks your heart....but urges you to take a stand!  With that he created the non-profit organization Invisible Children Inc that is working to make the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, Joseph Kony of Uganda famous by raising support for his arrest. Kony’s arrest will save thousands of women and children allowing them to live a normal life without fear from the LRA rebels.

Please take the time to watch the video and make NOISE!  We all know the squeaky wheel gets the oil!  If this was your mother, sister, brother son or daughter you would certainly take the time to do something.

KONY 2012

Are you going to finish STRONG?

This video caught my attention this morning and had to share it with you.  Nick Vujicic was born with no arms or legs but has enough positive energy to fill a stadium.  He found a way to overcome his current situation and be the master of his destiny.

He had every reason to throw in the towel and give up....but as he says: "I will try 100 times to get up....and if I fail, I try again.  It's not the end!  It matters how you are going to finish."

It's important to remember that sometimes you will fall....every one does.  In fact every successful person on this planet has had rejection/failure smack them so hard in the face it feels like the sense is knocked right out of them....but they didn't quit.  They persevered  and that's why they are successful!  In this race called life...the only thing that matters is how you finish.  The number of times you stumble, the number of times you fall the number of bumps and bruises that cover you from head to toe do not matter! All that matters is that you continue to get yourself back up and finish the race. So finish the race!

If you need someone to coach you please contact us at Girl, Doing BETTER....we are here to help you get back up again.  And you don't even need to leave your home.  Let us lend you a helping hand so that you can finish the race STRONG!

Watch Nick's Speech Here

"If you teach that n****r how to read, there will be no keeping him. It will forever unfit him to be a slave."

Intellectual. Brilliant. Necessary.  Are just a few words that I would use to describe this brilliant young lady.  

Jada Williams, a 13 year old student from the city of Rochester, wrote an amazing essay based on her thoughts of Frederick Douglass' first autobiography entitled "Narrative of the Life."  This essay was supposed to be entered into a contest but was never entered because she offended her teachers and administrative staff at the school. 

What did this young lady write that caused such a ruckus you ask?  She simply commented upon the contents of the book that the school gave her to read. 

She demonstrated incredible knowledge and understanding of a piece of literature that can be quite challenging for a 13 year old to digest.  She admits that she had to keep a dictionary and thesaurus nearby so that she could successfully complete the book.  But she persevered and it resulted in her having a greater knowledge about our history.

By reading the “Narrative of Life” her eyes were opened to some truths that seem to have been lost on many people of her generation.  She was then exposed to the ugly truth of racism and slavery that we have quickly forgotten over the years. 

In her essay, she pointed out that many of the white teachers in the school system don’t have the ability to control the classroom to successfully teach the minority students in her community.  And that as students have a responsibility to be learners and to become engaged in their learning experience. 

“A grand price was paid in order for us to be where we are today; but in my mind we should be a lot further, so again I encourage the white teachers to instruct and I encourage my people to not just be a student, but become a learner.” Jada Williams

Jada even comments on the fact that the so-called ‘unteachable’ students of today who aren’t learning to read is a form of modern-day slavery as their illiteracy is holding them back in society.

One would think that this type of learning and determination would be applauded and celebrated.  But I guess “If you teach that nigger  how to read, there will be no keeping him. It will forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master.”  - Mr. Auld as quoted by Douglass, from a speech about how useless a slave would be if taught to read.

                                                                                                        

Sadly, her tenacity is not celebrated.  Suddenly, this almost straight-A student began to receive very low grades, without explanation, and was kicked out of class for laughing and was threatened with an in-school suspension.

When her parents went to the school to inquire about her grades, they were given the run-around, no one was able to produce the tests and school work on which she did so ‘poorly’ and they labelled her a ‘angry’ and the ‘problem’.

What is going on in society today?  I wish there were more students both young and mature that would stand up and make statements like this and expose the truths of society.  I pray that she continues to fight for her voice to he heard as she matures and  I commend her parents, because without them she wouldn’t be the incredible scholar that she is demonstrating to be at such a young age.

I like to believe that things have changed....but stories like this make me wonder...how far have we really come?

Jada reciting her speech

Read more: http://www.fdfny.org/blog/2012/02/27/breaking-news-13-year-old-jada-williams-persecuted-by-the-rochester-city-school-district/