Our President has shared a very salient opinion with the American public concerning a subject that many like to pretend does not exist: Inequality between the races in the USA.
Unfortunately, many people have thought that President Obama should be President of Black people, rather than President of all the people; thus he has avoided overt references to the pernicious and persistent racism that is still very much a part of the American fabric. In speaking his mind about the recent unsurprising verdict in the Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin trial, the POTUS has very simply stated what he and we have always known, that being identified as a Black male in America can sometimes be a very dangerous position in which to find oneself.
I am always hesitant to immediately jump to the "race card," but sometimes ya' gotta call it what it is. While I cannot be one hundred per cent certain that Zimmerman killed Martin because of race, I do believe that Zimmerman would have been much more likely to adhere to the instructions to remain in his vehicle if Trayvon Martin had been of the Caucasian persuasion, so it is very likely that race did play a major role in the killing of that young man.
In speaking his mind, the POTUS simply spoke the truth and hopefully opened some eyes and ears to the reality of inequality among the races rather than the fantasy of total equality.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Summer Nights
Standing outside on a hot summer night
The sounds of...are they conversation; chatter; mating/dating mating calls; happy hour
I don't understand insect
But it all sounds wonderful to me
Their voices mingling and co-mingling.
I'm not yet fluent in their languages
But it all sounds more than wonderful to me
The sounds of...are they conversation; chatter; mating/dating mating calls; happy hour
I don't understand insect
But it all sounds wonderful to me
Their voices mingling and co-mingling.
I'm not yet fluent in their languages
But it all sounds more than wonderful to me
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Keeping Your Style
Hmmm. I subscribe to a number of magazines, Instyle being one of my favorites, but I must pan the August issue, which is something I haven't done in quite a while.
This particular issue is just TOTALLY lacking. Olivia Wilde is gorgeous, as she always is, but even having her on the cover and an inside feature on her couldn't save this issue. Instyle editors, you fell asleep on the job. Hope you got lots of rest and are ready to bring it for the September issue.
Now, I know that I don't need a magazine to tell me how to get my Style on, but Instyle Mag is a fun publication and I do enjoy it, even though I have come to realize that I only recognize one-fifth of the "famous" people they put in the pages. Yeahh, I know that I am probably not in their target audience, but folks need to realize that true style and elegance is ageless. So, show me some Cicely Tyson; some Judi Dench; some Denzel Washington; some Sidney Poitier. Believe it or not, those titans are still relevant to a great many of us. Heck, I might even want to know how R2D2 is styling these days! (Shoutout to uber Star Trek fan, Nancy Curtis!!)
Alright, I do have a great tip for you regarding mascara: "They're Real" mascara, by Benefit is a smashingly great product. You don't need to spend fifteen minutes trying to get you eyes to pop. If you only have two seconds to hit your eyelashes up, this is the product that you want to use. Yes, I know that the so-called make-up artists to the stars swear by Maybelline's Great Lash, but let me tell you that Great Lash ain't got nothing on They're Real. It costs a little more, but hey, you get what you pay for, right?
That's all for now, Folks. Create yourself some fabulous moments to replay down the line.
Peace and Love.
This particular issue is just TOTALLY lacking. Olivia Wilde is gorgeous, as she always is, but even having her on the cover and an inside feature on her couldn't save this issue. Instyle editors, you fell asleep on the job. Hope you got lots of rest and are ready to bring it for the September issue.
Now, I know that I don't need a magazine to tell me how to get my Style on, but Instyle Mag is a fun publication and I do enjoy it, even though I have come to realize that I only recognize one-fifth of the "famous" people they put in the pages. Yeahh, I know that I am probably not in their target audience, but folks need to realize that true style and elegance is ageless. So, show me some Cicely Tyson; some Judi Dench; some Denzel Washington; some Sidney Poitier. Believe it or not, those titans are still relevant to a great many of us. Heck, I might even want to know how R2D2 is styling these days! (Shoutout to uber Star Trek fan, Nancy Curtis!!)
Alright, I do have a great tip for you regarding mascara: "They're Real" mascara, by Benefit is a smashingly great product. You don't need to spend fifteen minutes trying to get you eyes to pop. If you only have two seconds to hit your eyelashes up, this is the product that you want to use. Yes, I know that the so-called make-up artists to the stars swear by Maybelline's Great Lash, but let me tell you that Great Lash ain't got nothing on They're Real. It costs a little more, but hey, you get what you pay for, right?
That's all for now, Folks. Create yourself some fabulous moments to replay down the line.
Peace and Love.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The Truth of Beauty
Someone once said that "beauty is as beauty does"
I've learned that a face which is pleasant to behold suffers no detraction with the passage of time --
for beauty knows no age
The slender, boyish build that becomes a bit softer and rounder with age is defined as womanly and
voluptuous
Youth does have its strong points
Never doubt it
...and maturity has finally come into its own
c/Sarah L McCormick
Ode to Nico
Such ecstasy at just a smidgen of attention
How heady to see pure worship and love in another's eyes
How long have you been so perfect
To acknowledge that his sun rises and sets on you
And it is that way with him day after day
To know that whatever you do is forgiven and forgotten
in the blink of an eye
And to think that all of this
Comes from a little bit of fluff on four legs
Who weighs in at under five pounds
True love is indeed boundless and just a little bit insane
c/Sarah L McCormick
Togetherness
Jesus held my hand
Side by side we watched
The calming waters of the sea
Our toes playing in the sand
He whispered to me
"I am always by your side
"I am always within...you"
I looked at him
And I saw me
We smiled and as I looked around me
There was a throng, a multitude
People with all different faces
From near and distant places
I knew... They are also me
c/Sarah L McCormick
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Made in the USA?
Wow, what a concept..."Made in America."
Walmart has figured out that it's a good thing when Americans can purchase products that are produced here on our own soil. Supporting sellers whose products are made here at home will help our economy to grow because, guess what? In order for something to be produced, someone has to be employed in order to get the job done. Now, just ain't that peachy?!
It is very difficult to find products that are made in the USA, and it's difficult to acquire the habit of checking origin of manufacture, but I'm doing my very best at it in order to help Americans get back to work. Sometimes, what is cheapest is more expensive in the long run; and now is one of those times when we need to look at the long game.
Last year, I stopped shopping from my favorite catalogs (AARGH!) because 99% of their clothing were "imported." I wrote each of them a letter -- snail mail -- explaining exactly why I would no longer be spending my money with them, and asked to be removed from their mailing lists. I know that they heard me because I received no further catalogs, but not ONE SOLITARY WORD in defense of their choice to not provide their customers with the option to buy American-made products.
Hear me loud and clear, please. I bear no ill will toward China or other countries, republics, etc.; but I strongly believe in a strong American economy, which requires j-o-b-s.
We don't need to look to the Government to create jobs. Corporations paying less than subsistence wages to those in other countries who are hungry for any amount, are the ones who need to step up to the plate and behave responsibly to their fellow human beings. Those CEOs can choose to buy one less plane or yacht, and pay a living wage to an American who wants to work and produce a great product. Then, invest in the global economy in a real way by working to elevate the living and working conditions across the globe. Heart payment often translates to bank account growth. Remember: To whom much is given, much is required.
I eagerly look forward to the day when I am not surprised to find an item that states, "Made in USA."
Walmart has figured out that it's a good thing when Americans can purchase products that are produced here on our own soil. Supporting sellers whose products are made here at home will help our economy to grow because, guess what? In order for something to be produced, someone has to be employed in order to get the job done. Now, just ain't that peachy?!
It is very difficult to find products that are made in the USA, and it's difficult to acquire the habit of checking origin of manufacture, but I'm doing my very best at it in order to help Americans get back to work. Sometimes, what is cheapest is more expensive in the long run; and now is one of those times when we need to look at the long game.
Last year, I stopped shopping from my favorite catalogs (AARGH!) because 99% of their clothing were "imported." I wrote each of them a letter -- snail mail -- explaining exactly why I would no longer be spending my money with them, and asked to be removed from their mailing lists. I know that they heard me because I received no further catalogs, but not ONE SOLITARY WORD in defense of their choice to not provide their customers with the option to buy American-made products.
Hear me loud and clear, please. I bear no ill will toward China or other countries, republics, etc.; but I strongly believe in a strong American economy, which requires j-o-b-s.
We don't need to look to the Government to create jobs. Corporations paying less than subsistence wages to those in other countries who are hungry for any amount, are the ones who need to step up to the plate and behave responsibly to their fellow human beings. Those CEOs can choose to buy one less plane or yacht, and pay a living wage to an American who wants to work and produce a great product. Then, invest in the global economy in a real way by working to elevate the living and working conditions across the globe. Heart payment often translates to bank account growth. Remember: To whom much is given, much is required.
I eagerly look forward to the day when I am not surprised to find an item that states, "Made in USA."
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Sweets
Many people are on a gluten-free craze, but many of us absolutely must adhere to a gluten-free diet in order to remain healthy and/or pain-free, because our bodies can't process wheat/gluten protein. Now, honestly, a lot of gluten-free food is either tasteless or downright nasty!
Enter the Paleo diet... and guess what? It contains recipes that are gluten-free, and the following is my fave:
Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
1/3 Cup Tapioca Starch
1 teaspoon non-aluminum baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup raisins or chopped cranberries
3 Large eggs
1 Cup canned pumpkin (can use baked, mashed butternut squash)
1/4 to 1/3 Cup maple syrup (or honey, if your sweet tooth is as greedy as mine!)
1. Liberally grease muffin pans with virgin coconut oil
2. Combine dry ingredients and raisins or cranberries in a medium bowl. Whisk the eggs in another bowl (large). Add the pumpkin or squash and maple syrup or honey. Mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the mix into muffin cups.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes until muffins pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
5. Allow muffins to cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then run a knife around the sides and invert over cooling rack. When cooled, cover and store for 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer storage.
These muffins freeze well, and can be popped in the microwave for about 30 seconds or less to thaw and warm.
The original recipe makes jumbo muffins (8) at 187 calories each; but I use a regular sized muffin tin for 12 muffins at 125 calories each.
ENJOY!!
Enter the Paleo diet... and guess what? It contains recipes that are gluten-free, and the following is my fave:
Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
1/3 Cup Tapioca Starch
1 teaspoon non-aluminum baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup raisins or chopped cranberries
3 Large eggs
1 Cup canned pumpkin (can use baked, mashed butternut squash)
1/4 to 1/3 Cup maple syrup (or honey, if your sweet tooth is as greedy as mine!)
1. Liberally grease muffin pans with virgin coconut oil
2. Combine dry ingredients and raisins or cranberries in a medium bowl. Whisk the eggs in another bowl (large). Add the pumpkin or squash and maple syrup or honey. Mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the mix into muffin cups.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes until muffins pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
5. Allow muffins to cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then run a knife around the sides and invert over cooling rack. When cooled, cover and store for 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer storage.
These muffins freeze well, and can be popped in the microwave for about 30 seconds or less to thaw and warm.
The original recipe makes jumbo muffins (8) at 187 calories each; but I use a regular sized muffin tin for 12 muffins at 125 calories each.
ENJOY!!
Race in Politics, 2012
What is this new clamoring for photo IDs all about? And, why now?
What is it about the upcoming election that suddenly necessitates the dire need to ensure that those seeking to vote are who they say they are?
Some of us remember the days of the "poll tax," when people of color were required to jump through veritably impossible hoops as they sought to exercise their right to vote. The law gave them the right to vote, but those at the polls had their own ideas, and thus was born the so-called poll tax.
Could this sudden demand for a photo ID be a way to bring back the poll tax? When someone off-mike is heard to say that it's time to put the "white" back in White House, one can only wonder.
The historical election of a non-white man to the highest office in the land gave the false impression to the uber optimists that the United States of America had moved into a post-racial age. Nice thought, but even I didn't buy into that one, and my rose-colored glasses are the rosiest shade of rose. I am truly a glass half-full kind of gal, but I am capable of seeing that the ideal is not always what is real.
Our country has by no means become a colorblind society, nor should it become so, IMHO (in my humble opinion). In order to see me completely, you must note my skin color, eye and hair color, whether I'm tall, short, thin, or wide. It is totally unnecessary to try to negate a person's skin color, which is a part of an individual's identity in order for ours to become an equal society. But I digress...
I am always hesitant to say that a particular negative situation is racially motivated, but this voter ID thing kind of smacks me in the face and says..."Sarah Louise, call a thang a thang."
Granted, a lot of voters cast their vote for President Obama because he looks like them, but let's not try to turn the clock back due to a desire to try to unseat him. That can be the beginning of a very slippery slope and the traveling down a road that we as Americans don't want to tread. Many of our foremothers and forefathers have already trod down that road, and we don't need to repeat that particular part of the history of America.
I would also posit to you that the majority of people who voted for the President believed in his vision for the country. That he happened to be bi-racial was icing on the cake for many Americans, regardless of skin color or ethnicity.
Fair and square needs to be the rule of the day. Our democracy already has a question mark beside it because of the Bush v. Gore election; let's not put it further into question by demanding something for this election that was not a requirement for previous elections. Let's trust in our democratic process.
God bless America.
What is it about the upcoming election that suddenly necessitates the dire need to ensure that those seeking to vote are who they say they are?
Some of us remember the days of the "poll tax," when people of color were required to jump through veritably impossible hoops as they sought to exercise their right to vote. The law gave them the right to vote, but those at the polls had their own ideas, and thus was born the so-called poll tax.
Could this sudden demand for a photo ID be a way to bring back the poll tax? When someone off-mike is heard to say that it's time to put the "white" back in White House, one can only wonder.
The historical election of a non-white man to the highest office in the land gave the false impression to the uber optimists that the United States of America had moved into a post-racial age. Nice thought, but even I didn't buy into that one, and my rose-colored glasses are the rosiest shade of rose. I am truly a glass half-full kind of gal, but I am capable of seeing that the ideal is not always what is real.
Our country has by no means become a colorblind society, nor should it become so, IMHO (in my humble opinion). In order to see me completely, you must note my skin color, eye and hair color, whether I'm tall, short, thin, or wide. It is totally unnecessary to try to negate a person's skin color, which is a part of an individual's identity in order for ours to become an equal society. But I digress...
I am always hesitant to say that a particular negative situation is racially motivated, but this voter ID thing kind of smacks me in the face and says..."Sarah Louise, call a thang a thang."
Granted, a lot of voters cast their vote for President Obama because he looks like them, but let's not try to turn the clock back due to a desire to try to unseat him. That can be the beginning of a very slippery slope and the traveling down a road that we as Americans don't want to tread. Many of our foremothers and forefathers have already trod down that road, and we don't need to repeat that particular part of the history of America.
I would also posit to you that the majority of people who voted for the President believed in his vision for the country. That he happened to be bi-racial was icing on the cake for many Americans, regardless of skin color or ethnicity.
Fair and square needs to be the rule of the day. Our democracy already has a question mark beside it because of the Bush v. Gore election; let's not put it further into question by demanding something for this election that was not a requirement for previous elections. Let's trust in our democratic process.
God bless America.
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