I have not been too keen on updating my blogger, but I have been updating my tumblr.
Look for me here: http://itmustjustbethecolors.tumblr.com/ instead !
Look for me here: http://itmustjustbethecolors.tumblr.com/ instead !
Monday, November 8, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Green Polo Dirty Pants
My favorite bum on Broad St. outside of my office makes my mornings.
He always has the same thuggish ruggish outfit on.. ripped green polo shirt, awfully dirty beigeish off white pants, white high top shoes, and dirty brown baseball cap. I'm not sure what he does with his time other then attempt to sell newspapers and convince me to buy him a cup of coffee. We shared a snickerdoodle cookie the other day, and he seemed so pleased by the taste of sugar. He always gets really excited when I roll up onto the sidewalk on my bike.."YOOOU RODE HER TODAY!" He seems so beaten down and exhausted, beaty eyes, and a broken out face. Little man takes care of my bike everyday. I just want to give him the biggest hug and feed him daily.
^Things I will miss about Columbus. (all the bums know me and take care of my bike)
He always has the same thuggish ruggish outfit on.. ripped green polo shirt, awfully dirty beigeish off white pants, white high top shoes, and dirty brown baseball cap. I'm not sure what he does with his time other then attempt to sell newspapers and convince me to buy him a cup of coffee. We shared a snickerdoodle cookie the other day, and he seemed so pleased by the taste of sugar. He always gets really excited when I roll up onto the sidewalk on my bike.."YOOOU RODE HER TODAY!" He seems so beaten down and exhausted, beaty eyes, and a broken out face. Little man takes care of my bike everyday. I just want to give him the biggest hug and feed him daily.
^Things I will miss about Columbus. (all the bums know me and take care of my bike)
AMEN PRAISE HIM
Love this editorial in the NY Time I came across today:
Xenophobia: Fear-Mongering for American Votes
Published: August 5, 2010
Leading Republicans have gotten chilly toward the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to people born in the United States. Senators Mitch McConnell, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Jeff Sessions and Jon Kyl have been suggesting that the country should take a look at it, re-examine it, think it over, hold hearings. They seem worried that maybe we got something wrong nearly 150 years ago, after fighting the Civil War, freeing enslaved Africans and declaring that they and their descendants were not property or partial persons, but free and full Americans.
As statements of core values go, the 14th Amendment is a keeper. It decreed, belatedly, that citizenship is not a question of race, color, beliefs, wealth, political status or bloodline. It cannot fall prey to political whims or debates over who is worthy to be an American. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” it says, “are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
People like Mr. Sessions, who pride themselves on getting the Constitution just right (on, say, guns), are finding this language too confusing. “I’m not sure exactly what the drafters of the amendment had in mind,” said Mr. Sessions, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, “but I doubt it was that somebody could fly in from Brazil and have a child and fly back home with that child, and that child is forever an American citizen.”
It’s true that air travel was not a big focus in 1868, but this is not about a horde of pregnant jet-setting Brazilians, if, indeed, such a thing even exists. The targets are Mexicans, and the other mostly Spanish-speaking people who are the subjects of a spurious campaign against “anchor babies” — children of illegal immigrants supposedly brought forth to invade and occupy.
Usually alarms about scary foreign infants are made by one-note zealots like Tom Tancredo of Colorado. But it’s a bipartisan temptation. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, who berated Republicans this week about abandoning their principles over birthright citizenship, did so himself in a 1993 bill for which he later apologized.
Thankfully, the Constitution is sturdy. The birthright-deniers will not easily rewrite it or legislate around it. More than a century of jurisprudence stands against their claim that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” (an exception for diplomats’ children and members of sovereign Indian tribes) also alienates undocumented children.
The proponents of changing the 14th Amendment also would have to acknowledge the big-government colossus that new rules would require, burdening all parents to prove their children’s status. New battalions of attorneys would gain full employment to fight over thousands of newborns rendered stateless each year, an instant, permanent underclass. Then there’s the obsolescence of all those civics texts, old movies, patriotic picture books and red-white-and-blue songs.
The United States has never had a neat, painless way to add newcomers. But our most shameful moments have involved the exclusion of groups, often those that do our hardest labor: Indians, African-Americans, Chinese, Irish, Italians, Catholics, Jews, Poles, Japanese-Americans, Hispanics. America has stood proudest when it dared to stretch the definition of who “we” are.
As a result, this is still the most welcoming country for immigrants. A few politicians chumming for votes in an off-year election cannot be allowed to destroy that.
Xenophobia: Fear-Mongering for American Votes
Published: August 5, 2010
Leading Republicans have gotten chilly toward the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to people born in the United States. Senators Mitch McConnell, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Jeff Sessions and Jon Kyl have been suggesting that the country should take a look at it, re-examine it, think it over, hold hearings. They seem worried that maybe we got something wrong nearly 150 years ago, after fighting the Civil War, freeing enslaved Africans and declaring that they and their descendants were not property or partial persons, but free and full Americans.
As statements of core values go, the 14th Amendment is a keeper. It decreed, belatedly, that citizenship is not a question of race, color, beliefs, wealth, political status or bloodline. It cannot fall prey to political whims or debates over who is worthy to be an American. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” it says, “are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
People like Mr. Sessions, who pride themselves on getting the Constitution just right (on, say, guns), are finding this language too confusing. “I’m not sure exactly what the drafters of the amendment had in mind,” said Mr. Sessions, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, “but I doubt it was that somebody could fly in from Brazil and have a child and fly back home with that child, and that child is forever an American citizen.”
It’s true that air travel was not a big focus in 1868, but this is not about a horde of pregnant jet-setting Brazilians, if, indeed, such a thing even exists. The targets are Mexicans, and the other mostly Spanish-speaking people who are the subjects of a spurious campaign against “anchor babies” — children of illegal immigrants supposedly brought forth to invade and occupy.
Usually alarms about scary foreign infants are made by one-note zealots like Tom Tancredo of Colorado. But it’s a bipartisan temptation. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, who berated Republicans this week about abandoning their principles over birthright citizenship, did so himself in a 1993 bill for which he later apologized.
Thankfully, the Constitution is sturdy. The birthright-deniers will not easily rewrite it or legislate around it. More than a century of jurisprudence stands against their claim that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” (an exception for diplomats’ children and members of sovereign Indian tribes) also alienates undocumented children.
The proponents of changing the 14th Amendment also would have to acknowledge the big-government colossus that new rules would require, burdening all parents to prove their children’s status. New battalions of attorneys would gain full employment to fight over thousands of newborns rendered stateless each year, an instant, permanent underclass. Then there’s the obsolescence of all those civics texts, old movies, patriotic picture books and red-white-and-blue songs.
The United States has never had a neat, painless way to add newcomers. But our most shameful moments have involved the exclusion of groups, often those that do our hardest labor: Indians, African-Americans, Chinese, Irish, Italians, Catholics, Jews, Poles, Japanese-Americans, Hispanics. America has stood proudest when it dared to stretch the definition of who “we” are.
As a result, this is still the most welcoming country for immigrants. A few politicians chumming for votes in an off-year election cannot be allowed to destroy that.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Horrible No Good
Very bad day.
And it is only 10:53 am.
Offended one of the most important people in my life for being careless, sensitive, and chatty.
Didn't make it to my 8 am dentist appointment.
Got lost for 30 minutes.
Had to pay for parking.
Found out the tooth I thought I had gotten filled, has not been filled, so I have to rush out of work at noon to have it filled so the Peace Corps can finally dentally clear me.
Losing more work, and more $$.
Feeling super selfish, bitchy, and not myself lately.
Juuuuust hoping this day looks up.
And it is only 10:53 am.
Offended one of the most important people in my life for being careless, sensitive, and chatty.
Didn't make it to my 8 am dentist appointment.
Got lost for 30 minutes.
Had to pay for parking.
Found out the tooth I thought I had gotten filled, has not been filled, so I have to rush out of work at noon to have it filled so the Peace Corps can finally dentally clear me.
Losing more work, and more $$.
Feeling super selfish, bitchy, and not myself lately.
Juuuuust hoping this day looks up.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Blood On The Tracks
The above article can be found here: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/07/23/blood_on_the_tracks
Totally worth browsing through. Beautiful and Haunting.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Boogers
No point thoughts:
Super mega zombie status.
Should probably do work, but blogger sounds more exciting to me at the moment.
Everything bagels and aimlessly walking around in perfect weather with April.
Two pieces of my heart left my leetle home yesterday and I am feeling a bit incomplete knowing that when I get home they won't be waiting for me on my futon.
Working for someone you respect and admire makes such a significant difference then when you work with someone who typically says, "I aint gone none." My boss makes me want to be a better human.
On a health / work out kick starting today. (Right? Right)
August will be complete with: packing, age 23, packing, selling things, packing, reality, packing, new york, english muffin pizzas, adventures in the phat rabbit, packing, going away parties, eating and experiencing all things ohio before my dramatic life change.
Congratualtions to my best friend, nenna for landing the au-pair job she has been searching for! Next up, a work visa. (goot luck!!) So excited for your new experiences, adventures, and stories.
.......Ideas on how I can discretely sleep on the job are welcome.
Super mega zombie status.
Should probably do work, but blogger sounds more exciting to me at the moment.
Everything bagels and aimlessly walking around in perfect weather with April.
Two pieces of my heart left my leetle home yesterday and I am feeling a bit incomplete knowing that when I get home they won't be waiting for me on my futon.
Working for someone you respect and admire makes such a significant difference then when you work with someone who typically says, "I aint gone none." My boss makes me want to be a better human.
On a health / work out kick starting today. (Right? Right)
August will be complete with: packing, age 23, packing, selling things, packing, reality, packing, new york, english muffin pizzas, adventures in the phat rabbit, packing, going away parties, eating and experiencing all things ohio before my dramatic life change.
Congratualtions to my best friend, nenna for landing the au-pair job she has been searching for! Next up, a work visa. (goot luck!!) So excited for your new experiences, adventures, and stories.
.......Ideas on how I can discretely sleep on the job are welcome.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
California, Ohio, and New York
That is going to be my week/weekend. Dave, my best friend from Fullerton, CA and Lisa, my bffl sm 4l (lolz) from Long Island will be in town as of tomorrow. Their presence will improve my quality of life by at least 90%. This is what I do while bored at work:
Thorougly looking forward to english muffin pizzas, giggle-gaggles all through the night, plenty of beer and whiskey, best friend sleepovers, and night time bike rides. This is exactly what I need right now. And a perfect early birthday / going away present.
Argentina Argentina Argentina !
Taken from THE NEW YORKER.
July 16, 2010
Close Look: The Argentines Are All Right
Posted by Amy Davidson
How many people live in jurisdictions in which gay marriage is legal? A quarter of a billion. Nate Silver has a pretty chart (via Daily Dish). Silver also notes that
Right now, it’s possible to marry your same-sex partner in Buenos Aires, in Mexico City, in Ames, Iowa, and in Pretoria, South Africa, but not in San Francisco.
And not in New York; we’ve got to get on this one. It’s embarrassing.
One wonders, in the near future, what we will think of when we think of typical married gay and lesbian couples, given that somewhat eclectic mix of countries and states. (That should not be taken to diminish the solid relations in places that haven’t made their laws right yet.) The Times reports that the same-sex wedding-planning industry is up and running, so perhaps we will soon have some market-researched insights, if not answers.
I know, I know, Argentina decalred same sex marriage to be legal last week and I am just now getting around to posting about it. But with so many close friends that this affects and fills their heart with joy... it also fills my heart with immense joy! Especially because it is in Argentina, a part of one of the most Roman-Catholic-Conservative parts of the world. Is Colombia next? Doubtful. Seeing as Santos is the new elected president and my own mother still can't even explain why she doesn't agree with same sex marriage. Although she loves the gays? Oh the beauty of not knowing why you believe in something (I too, am guilty of the latter at times).
Since I am on the note Argentina, my cousin's in-laws brought this to me from their home in Buenos Aires:
July 16, 2010
Close Look: The Argentines Are All Right
Posted by Amy Davidson
How many people live in jurisdictions in which gay marriage is legal? A quarter of a billion. Nate Silver has a pretty chart (via Daily Dish). Silver also notes that
Right now, it’s possible to marry your same-sex partner in Buenos Aires, in Mexico City, in Ames, Iowa, and in Pretoria, South Africa, but not in San Francisco.
And not in New York; we’ve got to get on this one. It’s embarrassing.
One wonders, in the near future, what we will think of when we think of typical married gay and lesbian couples, given that somewhat eclectic mix of countries and states. (That should not be taken to diminish the solid relations in places that haven’t made their laws right yet.) The Times reports that the same-sex wedding-planning industry is up and running, so perhaps we will soon have some market-researched insights, if not answers.
I know, I know, Argentina decalred same sex marriage to be legal last week and I am just now getting around to posting about it. But with so many close friends that this affects and fills their heart with joy... it also fills my heart with immense joy! Especially because it is in Argentina, a part of one of the most Roman-Catholic-Conservative parts of the world. Is Colombia next? Doubtful. Seeing as Santos is the new elected president and my own mother still can't even explain why she doesn't agree with same sex marriage. Although she loves the gays? Oh the beauty of not knowing why you believe in something (I too, am guilty of the latter at times).
Since I am on the note Argentina, my cousin's in-laws brought this to me from their home in Buenos Aires:
MATE! (mah-teh) My memories of mate include spending time in my childhood best friend, Victoria's home, waking up early and walking down to the kitchen for a glass of water, only to find her dad sipping on this interesting bowl of goodness. I thought it was a drug for the longest time. Turns out is is just "yerba buena." Read more about mate on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_(beverage).
Monday, July 19, 2010
Disgusting.
"Leaving aside debates about lives lost and billions of dollars spent, the war in Iraq alone is producing 43.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, they estimate. Of Americans’ daily consumption of about 19.4 million barrels in 2008, the year on which the study focused, about 2.4 million barrels of oil a was imported from the Middle East." -Matthew L. Wald, NY Times.
That is shameful and makes me want to physically throw things. WHY ARE WE SO WASTEFUL. I mean of course we've heard "this war is pointless, what are we doing there, yatata." But hitting hard home for me is just how much money, precious resources, and time we waste everyday compared to other countries on EVERYTHING. Someone please explain to me the reason to have 3 fridges in one home. Or 10 of everything. Or 20 shirts, exact same design, simply a different color. Now don't get me wrong, I'm guilty of being a bit lazy and wasteful as well, mainly with food and items I hoarde at home. But I will never understand the concept of buying in excessive bulk or XXL sodas. We are so lucky to have hot water! In the village where my mom is from in Colombia, I have vivid memories of having to wake up and shower in ice cold, pinched nerve sort of water. My mom figured out it would be a good idea to take a giant pot of water and boil it so I would stop crying in the metallic holocaust shower. Also, we have air conditioning ! With this hot hot summer in the United States, the air conditioning for the entire country is currently emitting more energy then the whole continent of Africa. That is absolutely mind blowing to me. However, our population is obviously much larger, but still...... mind blowing. I'm not sure what is powering this rant of mine. Maybe because my power has been out since last night?
That is shameful and makes me want to physically throw things. WHY ARE WE SO WASTEFUL. I mean of course we've heard "this war is pointless, what are we doing there, yatata." But hitting hard home for me is just how much money, precious resources, and time we waste everyday compared to other countries on EVERYTHING. Someone please explain to me the reason to have 3 fridges in one home. Or 10 of everything. Or 20 shirts, exact same design, simply a different color. Now don't get me wrong, I'm guilty of being a bit lazy and wasteful as well, mainly with food and items I hoarde at home. But I will never understand the concept of buying in excessive bulk or XXL sodas. We are so lucky to have hot water! In the village where my mom is from in Colombia, I have vivid memories of having to wake up and shower in ice cold, pinched nerve sort of water. My mom figured out it would be a good idea to take a giant pot of water and boil it so I would stop crying in the metallic holocaust shower. Also, we have air conditioning ! With this hot hot summer in the United States, the air conditioning for the entire country is currently emitting more energy then the whole continent of Africa. That is absolutely mind blowing to me. However, our population is obviously much larger, but still...... mind blowing. I'm not sure what is powering this rant of mine. Maybe because my power has been out since last night?
Stole this from old friend wakey wakey, Marina G.
"Hayuk's paintings, prints, drawings and photographs can range from tender mockeries of idealized social rituals such as hot tubbing or undressing, to transcendent portrayals of geometries giving way to nature. She was raised by Ukrainian immigrant parents in a Wonderbread suburb of Baltimore, converting to punk rock at an early age. After extensive travel throughout the US, Europe, U.S.S.R. and Northern Africa, Maya earned a BFA in Conceptual Art, New Genres and Philosophy studying in Boston, Toronto and Odessa, Ukraine."
I just really love this. All of the rad colors and wacky shapes make me feel like I'm in South America.. which is always a good feeling !
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Kabuki Democracy - Eric Alterman
"We live, as Tony Judt has written, in an "age of forgetting," and nowhere is this truer than in our political discourse. Rarely do we stop to remind ourselves that, as a New York Times editorial put it, Obama "took office under an extraordinary burden of problems created by President George W. Bush's ineptness and blind ideology." The economy was tanking: for the decade between 2000 and 2009, real growth was at its lowest point since the 1930s, and the fact that two-thirds of all economic gains went to the top 1 percent of the population meant stagnation at best for most workers, actual decline for many. Clear environmental threats had been allowed to fester. The Bush Justice Department was engaged in what appears to be widespread criminal action in a host of areas. We were fighting two wars, hamstrung by the hatred of most of the world's citizens, and operating torture chambers (and lying about it) across the globe. What's more, based on the theory of the "unitary executive" Bush and Cheney were claiming near dictatorial powers to ignore both houses of Congress and even the courts when it suited their purposes. What was his successor to do? Should he bail out the banks? Nationalize them? Break them up? Allow Detroit to die? Invite the firing of tens, possibly hundreds of thousands of teachers, police, firefighters and emergency workers by state and local governments strapped by falling tax revenues? Allow the deficit to explode or the economy to implode? Should he close Guantánamo and Bagram prisons? End rendition? Get out of Iraq? Reverse signing-statements? Outlaw domestic spying? Cut carbon emissions? And by the way, exactly how would he accomplish these things—and simultaneously? By legislation? By executive fiat? By magic? Believe me, I could go on."
Read the above article ...http://www.thenation.com/article/37165/kabuki-democracy-why-progressive-presidency-impossible-now. Totally worth the nine pages!
Read the above article ...http://www.thenation.com/article/37165/kabuki-democracy-why-progressive-presidency-impossible-now. Totally worth the nine pages!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Jenny sans teeth weekend.
My right bottom and top wisdom teeth were finally removed this past Friday after a struggle of finding insurance and battling between lying, needing to really get them out, money issues, etc. All for you, Peace Corps!!! (and I suppose for me in the end as well, psh)
I did a whole lot of ... nothing. Too much facebook stalking. Too much rolling my eyes at my mom while she was being precious and making me homemade soups and smoothies. And while she was also yelling at me about stains on my sweat pants and t-shirts. Over it.
Didn't read books like I said I would. Instead, compulsively browsed tumblr and added new tumblrs. Watched Uruguay vs. Germany, The Two Escobars, Alice in Wonderland, About six episodes of Roseanne, and Spain vs. Holland. Going to go ahead and say it. Soccer brings nations together like no other sport I have ever seen. And I will forever be confused at the passion for American football...maybe I should just learn the logistics? Or maybe I will just be biased and forever love futbol because of my family. And love how even in the most poor of countries, compost is used to make a goal and any measly ball works as a soccer ball. Cheesy moment.
Not going to work tomorrow. Whoops. Definitely not going to work since it is 2:41 AM....I'm still quite swollen. Stretched out funny looking skin. And why not continue my Bon Iver music marathon tomorrow morning?
Skinny Love
On repeat on repeat.
Sometimes, I am just so happy sitting on my bed listening to music alone and laughing via internet conversation with my best friend Jenna. That moment is right now.
I feel blissfully happy right now for no reason. Isn't that the best?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Macedonian Brain.
I have so much to do before I leave. It is extremely overwhelming. However, I am not going to let that get the best of me. Right? Right. This post is going to be random and scatter brained.
Macedonian is ridiculous. There are random v's in words and i am going to sound crazy for awhile. Usually, in French, Italian, Portugese, and any other romance language, I can read the text and catch on to the meaning. Not in Macedonian....these words are like nothing I have ever heard before. Also, I can't help but always giggle when people ask me, "what language are you going to learn?" and i say, well.. Macedonian. Doesn't that sound fake?
Well, I need to learn this thing:
Macedonian is ridiculous. There are random v's in words and i am going to sound crazy for awhile. Usually, in French, Italian, Portugese, and any other romance language, I can read the text and catch on to the meaning. Not in Macedonian....these words are like nothing I have ever heard before. Also, I can't help but always giggle when people ask me, "what language are you going to learn?" and i say, well.. Macedonian. Doesn't that sound fake? Packing:
PACKING. Ahhhh. I am so terrified to begin this packing adventure. I need to pack up my life in boxes, find houses to store my random items in for 2 years, and weed out what I deem to be a neccesity for me to have while in Macedonia. The below items are recommendations from current Peace Corps volunteers.
A) An Osprey bag. These bags just look so cool and mountainous. Is it worth it to spend a week of Bravo money on this? I bet this bag has so many secret compartments. It is so tempting to splurge.
B) Measuring Cups- Good thing I am the owner of the gaggle of geese to the left. They are most definitely being wrapped in my clothes and coming along with me to Macedonia to measure out the ingredients for Baklava. And eclairs. and I still don't kow any other Macedonian delicacies.
C) Hiking boots- ALL HIKING BOOTS ARE SO UGLY. Including these. And these were the only ones I sort of liked. I am going to look like the realest dyke. Macedonia has a ton of mountain ranges, beautiful sights, etc. etc. I suppose it depends where I am placed after training if I will be hiking a lot or not. But I am sure the boots will come in handy at some point in my 27 months abroad. BUT THEY ARE SO UGLY.
I feel like I am going camping.
Also suggested was a can opener, potato peeler, dial soap because the soap there is really hard? Tampons, because only the cardboard kind exist... and only in big cities. A sleeping bag, pillow cases, deodarant, ziplock baggies....I have to bring clothes for every season. 100 lbs. of all my clothes for 27 months? This is going to be absolutely insane.
List of items I need to get rid of from my apartment:
1. Pointless clothes that I am never ever going to wear. In Columbus or in Macedonia.
2. My futon of love. Coffee Table. TV Table. Lamps. Big red chair. Computer desk. Computer chair.
3. What am I going to do with my bike? :( I want to bring my bebe.
I found a Macedonian bike site on facebook and got soooo stoked again about having a bike while I am there. I am not sure how my one speed bicicyle will manage in Macedonia though. Or how my set of deep-v wheels will look among the goats and babushkas.
I can't stop thinking about leaving. I just feel like there isn't much left to do in Columbus for me right now. Things have been sort of dragging. And extremely average. But then when I think about leaving I also think about how puffy and red my eyes are going to be while sitting on the plane waiting for it take off from Columbus. Ok enough about Macedonia ! For today at least.
I need to stop shopping at forever 21.
Via New York Times Editorals
Editorial China, the Sweatshop Published: July 5, 2010
The labor strife spreading through China’s factory cities has clearly frazzled the government. Last month, it deployed Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, a k a “Grandpa Wen,” who told laborers at a Beijing subway station that the government and society “should treat migrant workers as they would their own children.”
China’s exploited workers don’t need an extra parent. They need higher wages, better working conditions and a chance to form independent unions. They need China to stop being sweatshop to the world.
Worker unrest has spread after reports of suicides at two campuses in southern China owned by Foxconn Technology, an electronics maker that employs 800,000 people in China who assemble products and parts for Western companies, including Apple, Dell and Hewlett-Packard. Since May 17, workers struck at three Chinese plants that make transmissions, exhausts and locks for Honda, the Japanese carmaker. There also have been reports of labor action in dozens of other factories.
Working conditions in too many of these factories are dismal, and the pay is, too. At the Pingdingshan Cotton Textile Company, The Toronto Star reported, workers make 65 cents an hour, working grueling two-day shifts, often in 100-plus degree heat. Workers at Honda Lock demanded a 70 percent raise from their $132-a-month wage. There are no independent unions allowed.
China, over all, has done well with its export-dependent strategy based on cheap labor and a cheap currency. Gross domestic product per person trebled over the last 10 years, to $7,200. The share of the population living on less than a dollar a day fell to 16 percent in 2005, from 36 percent in 1999. But China needs to move on.
Too much of the country’s prosperity has been absorbed by companies’ profits. Too little has gone to workers. Partly as a result, consumer spending in China amounts to merely 36 percent of its gross domestic product. In the United States, that percentage is more than 70 percent. In Europe and Japan, it is almost 60 percent.
China’s manufacturing sector can afford to pay higher wages. After the suicides, Foxconn suggested moving production of some Apple products to newer facilities in North and Central China where pay is cheaper than around the manufacturing hubs along the coast. But it also doubled wages at its Shenzen campus — to about $290 a month.
Rising wages and better working conditions are essential for China to become a more self-reliant economy, powered by domestic consumption. Until it treats its workers better, it has no chance of becoming a just and stable society.
Sometimes I feel so ungrateful. SIXTY FIVE MOTHER FUCKING CENTS A DAY? I also underestimate the hearts people have. A man at a convenience shop in the rhodes tower just gave me a free granola bar and pb crackers because I didn't have my cash on me and the credit card minimum was $5. I want to always appreciate what I have. SIXTY FIVE CENTS DAY????
Editorial China, the Sweatshop Published: July 5, 2010
The labor strife spreading through China’s factory cities has clearly frazzled the government. Last month, it deployed Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, a k a “Grandpa Wen,” who told laborers at a Beijing subway station that the government and society “should treat migrant workers as they would their own children.”
China’s exploited workers don’t need an extra parent. They need higher wages, better working conditions and a chance to form independent unions. They need China to stop being sweatshop to the world.
Worker unrest has spread after reports of suicides at two campuses in southern China owned by Foxconn Technology, an electronics maker that employs 800,000 people in China who assemble products and parts for Western companies, including Apple, Dell and Hewlett-Packard. Since May 17, workers struck at three Chinese plants that make transmissions, exhausts and locks for Honda, the Japanese carmaker. There also have been reports of labor action in dozens of other factories.
Working conditions in too many of these factories are dismal, and the pay is, too. At the Pingdingshan Cotton Textile Company, The Toronto Star reported, workers make 65 cents an hour, working grueling two-day shifts, often in 100-plus degree heat. Workers at Honda Lock demanded a 70 percent raise from their $132-a-month wage. There are no independent unions allowed.
China, over all, has done well with its export-dependent strategy based on cheap labor and a cheap currency. Gross domestic product per person trebled over the last 10 years, to $7,200. The share of the population living on less than a dollar a day fell to 16 percent in 2005, from 36 percent in 1999. But China needs to move on.
Too much of the country’s prosperity has been absorbed by companies’ profits. Too little has gone to workers. Partly as a result, consumer spending in China amounts to merely 36 percent of its gross domestic product. In the United States, that percentage is more than 70 percent. In Europe and Japan, it is almost 60 percent.
China’s manufacturing sector can afford to pay higher wages. After the suicides, Foxconn suggested moving production of some Apple products to newer facilities in North and Central China where pay is cheaper than around the manufacturing hubs along the coast. But it also doubled wages at its Shenzen campus — to about $290 a month.
Rising wages and better working conditions are essential for China to become a more self-reliant economy, powered by domestic consumption. Until it treats its workers better, it has no chance of becoming a just and stable society.
Sometimes I feel so ungrateful. SIXTY FIVE MOTHER FUCKING CENTS A DAY? I also underestimate the hearts people have. A man at a convenience shop in the rhodes tower just gave me a free granola bar and pb crackers because I didn't have my cash on me and the credit card minimum was $5. I want to always appreciate what I have. SIXTY FIVE CENTS DAY????
Friday, July 2, 2010
Mango
Today my day started off with:
Clogged ears
runny nose
uncontrollable coughing at 4am
losing my nose ring in the shower
and
A MANGO
which makes things so much better.
I'm about to read all of my news blogs. and then pretend to do my job but actually close my eyes and take a nap. Hoping I can leave work early today. Lay under my quilt at home with my lap top, get some rest, and maybe find some energy to venture out into fireworks (yes into them) later this evening.
Happy day!
Clogged ears
runny nose
uncontrollable coughing at 4am
losing my nose ring in the shower
and
A MANGO
which makes things so much better.
I'm about to read all of my news blogs. and then pretend to do my job but actually close my eyes and take a nap. Hoping I can leave work early today. Lay under my quilt at home with my lap top, get some rest, and maybe find some energy to venture out into fireworks (yes into them) later this evening.
Happy day!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Cough Cough.
It has been awhile. But as of late, I have had a very strange urge to blog.
Blog. Blog. Blog. Blog. Blog. Blog.
All of the posts below this one are about Arvind. Oh my, how the times have changed. Arvind is now one of my best friends. and I tell him my deepest secrets. and I yell at him as if he were my son. And he still gives me the tightest and most meaningful hugs. But I don't cry about him anymore. And I am happy to give him girl advice. And he is happy to give me boy advice. And he can still say I have been one of the most important people in his life and always will be. Most importantly. I can say.. I AM NO LONGER SAD AND I AM NO LONGER JEALOUS. I want to scream that from the top of Mount Kilaminjaro. VICTORY, AT LAST!!!!!!!!
Today is my very best friend, soul mate, sister, and often times girlfriend's birthday. Not sure I could call myself sane or fun, or even FUNNY without a Jenna Huhn. Unfortunately on this blessed July 1st, 2010 I am a sick bird with watery eyes, phlegm explosion, and ears-a-poppin. Exciting! Hopefully this passes sooner then later.
So if I could make this poem more friend like I wish I could. I just think it is all of the pretty things and I wanted to post it somewhere:
i carry your heart with me(i carry it inmy heart)
i am never without it(anywherei go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fearno fate(for you are my fate,my sweet) i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
Edward Estlin Cummings
I hope someone wants to tattoo that on their body in my name some day.
My mind has been a whirlwind lately. Not sure I am very happy about that. I'm usually just happiest when riding my bike. or when I am watching TV from my lap top under my quilt. Or when I am taking naps at Goodale park with my best friend. Or when the homeless guys selling their newspapers next to Dunkin Doughnuts give me high fives and gently smirk at me.
My life is going to dramatically change in 80 or so days. In 80 or so days I will be looking around me in dismay. and just nodding my head yes, or shaking it no. maybe will be looking and or feeling a little bit weird in my new city/town/village. i am hoping i will not be eating meat filled products. i also hope to have new friendships and bonds. new adventures. and new admirers. and to read an abundance of books. and to be possibly more creative then I ever have been. I hope leaving for 27 months with the Peace Corps to Macedonia is the right thing for me to do. I can't see what else could be better.
Blog. Blog. Blog. Blog. Blog. Blog.
All of the posts below this one are about Arvind. Oh my, how the times have changed. Arvind is now one of my best friends. and I tell him my deepest secrets. and I yell at him as if he were my son. And he still gives me the tightest and most meaningful hugs. But I don't cry about him anymore. And I am happy to give him girl advice. And he is happy to give me boy advice. And he can still say I have been one of the most important people in his life and always will be. Most importantly. I can say.. I AM NO LONGER SAD AND I AM NO LONGER JEALOUS. I want to scream that from the top of Mount Kilaminjaro. VICTORY, AT LAST!!!!!!!!
Today is my very best friend, soul mate, sister, and often times girlfriend's birthday. Not sure I could call myself sane or fun, or even FUNNY without a Jenna Huhn. Unfortunately on this blessed July 1st, 2010 I am a sick bird with watery eyes, phlegm explosion, and ears-a-poppin. Exciting! Hopefully this passes sooner then later.
So if I could make this poem more friend like I wish I could. I just think it is all of the pretty things and I wanted to post it somewhere:
i carry your heart with me(i carry it inmy heart)
i am never without it(anywherei go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fearno fate(for you are my fate,my sweet) i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
Edward Estlin Cummings
I hope someone wants to tattoo that on their body in my name some day.
My mind has been a whirlwind lately. Not sure I am very happy about that. I'm usually just happiest when riding my bike. or when I am watching TV from my lap top under my quilt. Or when I am taking naps at Goodale park with my best friend. Or when the homeless guys selling their newspapers next to Dunkin Doughnuts give me high fives and gently smirk at me.
My life is going to dramatically change in 80 or so days. In 80 or so days I will be looking around me in dismay. and just nodding my head yes, or shaking it no. maybe will be looking and or feeling a little bit weird in my new city/town/village. i am hoping i will not be eating meat filled products. i also hope to have new friendships and bonds. new adventures. and new admirers. and to read an abundance of books. and to be possibly more creative then I ever have been. I hope leaving for 27 months with the Peace Corps to Macedonia is the right thing for me to do. I can't see what else could be better.
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