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source: despardes
source: examiner
images sourced from the New York Times
Photos: From the Ruins
Haiti
Photographs of the destruction in Haiti following a devastating earthquake.
United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told NBC’s “Today” program that 3 million people – about a third of Haiti’s population – had been affected by the quake, and that
“there will be tens of thousands of casualties – we don’t have any exact numbers.”
Haiti occupies an area roughly the size of Maryland on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Nearly all of the 8.7 million residents are of African descent and speak Creole and French. The capital is Port-au-Prince.
The country is, by a significant margin, the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, with four out of five people living in poverty and more than half in abject poverty. Deforestation and over-farming have left much of Haiti eroded and barren, undermining subsistence farming efforts, driving up food prices and leaving the country even more vulnerable to natural disasters. Its long history of political instability and corruption has added to the turmoil.
During the 18th century the western portion of Hispaniola, called Saint-Domingue, was one of the richest colonies in the French empire, known for its lucrative sugarcane and coffee plantations. (The rest of the island was controlled by Spain.) In 1791 the African slave population revolted, eventually winning independence from Napoleon Bonaparte’s France and becoming the second country in the Americas to free itself from colonial rule and the world’s first black republic. The country was renamed Haiti.
Haiti’s history has been marked by many periods of profound political disarray, including frequent changes of governments, military coups and, beginning in 1915, a two-decade occupation by the United States. The most infamous of Haiti’s leaders was François Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, who was elected president in 1957, beginning a long rule known for corruption and human rights abuses that left Haiti increasingly isolated. His son Jean-Claude Duvalier controlled the country from 1971 until he fled in 1986, leading to another period of alternating civilian and military rule.
Despite bouts of optimism in recent years brought on by the implementation of a new constitution and the first peaceful transfer of power between two elected presidents in the nation’s history, Haiti’s politics remain as tumultuous as ever.
In 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristide took power after winning 67 percent of the vote in a presidential election, but was overthrown shortly after taking office in a violent coup leading to a three year period of military rule that ended only after the intervention of a United Nations force led by the United States. While the 1995 election of Rene Preval, a p
rominent political ally of Mr. Aristide, was widely praised, subsequent elections were plagued with allegations of fraud, including the 2000 restoration of Mr. Aristide to his old post.
Over the following years violence spread throughout the country as the government cracked down on opposition party leaders, holding power in part with the aid of extra-legal gangs. In February 2004, after groups opposed to the Aristide government seized control of cities and towns throughout Haiti and closed in on the capital, Mr. Aristide resigned and fled to South Africa. U.S.-led armed forces under the authority of the United Nations Securit
y Council were sent to Port-au-Prince to stabilize the situation and to oversee the installation of an interim government. The United Nations has spent some $5 billion on peacekeeping operations since 2004.
In 2006, Mr. Preval was again elected president amidst allegations of impropriety.
Since 2008, the situation has worsened dramatically, with the nation staggering beneath the double whammy of food riots, government instability and a series of hurricanes that killed hundreds and battered the economy.
Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike and Tropical Storm Fay landed within the space of a month in August and September 2008. Nationally, damages came to a total of $900 million, or nearly 15 percent of the gross domestic product. The national toll was 800 dead, down from 2004 when 3,000 perished.
Haiti needs jobs, a particular challenge in the current economic climate. Haitians often seek work in the United States, but that safety valve has been squeezed given the recession. With some 900,000 youths expected to come into the job market in the next five years, dismal prospects are the main threat to stability.
‘Hope for Haiti’ Takes in $57 Million
The George Clooney-led telethon “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,” raised more than $57 million in 24 hours, according to a statement from the producers. That preliminary total did not include donations from corporations or large private donations. A
recording of the event, which featured performances byMadonna, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder, among others, was the No. 1 iTunes album in 18 countries on Saturday. … Another musical benefit for Haiti is in the works, this one led by
the pianist Lang Lang, a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, and the conductor Christoph Eschenbach. They announced plans for a concert at Carnegie Hall on March 21 to benefit Unicef and its effort to help children who survived the earthquake. The Schleswig-Holstein
Festival Orchestra, made up of musicians under the age of 27, will provide accompaniment.
author: Rachel Lee Harris, published: January 24, 2010, source: Newyorktimes
Want to help?
HopeforHaitiNow.Org – Donate and Help Haiti Now!
Mission: Earthquake Relief Effort
February 2010
Help Haiti Now is preparing to support 200-500 displaced Haitians north of Port Au Prince in Montrouis. The people of Montrouis are working together to find shelter/camps for the displaced, and they need us to provide food (rice/beans).
Rachel Quirk, John Stover, Kasia Kent (R.N.), Aaron Anderson, John Norling, Candice LeDoyen, and Jay Estes will go to Haiti Jan. 27 – Feb. 5 (or longer). We will fly into Santa Domingo, D.R., take a bus to Haiti, and rendezvous with Haitian colleagues who will provide ground transportation to Montrouis. We will lay the groundwork for continuing aid to hundreds of people who lost everything in the earthquake.
If you are interested in going with us, please email:missions@helphaitinow.org. You will need a passport and around $1000 to cover your costs (airfare, transportation, lodging, meals). There will be more trips in the near future.
We are collecting donations of medicine (tylenol, ibuprofen), and MONEY to buy rice and beans at the markets in Haiti. Please send donations to Help Haiti Now, P.O. Box 1041, Venice, FL 34284-1041.
images and information sourced from HopeforHaitiNow
^ my rss feed reader, shrook – makes looking at your favorite websites & blogs so easy & a time saver to keep you updated on all of your favorite websites… Google reader is also excellent!
^everyone needs to download an RSS feedreader ( I use shrook) Other popular RSS feed readers are:
a few favorites from Allure’s beauty blog story 37 New Hair Ideas for 2010 by Victoria Kirby
Romantic Chignon
A rumpled texture and casual pinning make the standard bun look sexier and more youthful. Use a large curling iron to create loose waves (if your hair is naturally wavy, let it air-dry). Gather your hair loosely at the nape and twist it around just once so the bun drapes low. Then, instead of wrapping it with an elastic, stick long bobby pins into the bun haphazardly to secure it, which keeps the style from becoming too tight.
Messy Door Knob Knot
Step 1. Flip your head upside down and finely mist your roots and hairline with an aerosol hair spray. (This makes the hair a bit coarse, which keeps the style in place.) For fine hair, tease the roots before spraying for fullness. If you have curly hair, skip the spray and instead rub in a dab of styling lotion.
Step 2. Lift your head up, rake your fingers through your hair, then gather it in a loose ponytail just above the nape of your neck. Wrap a thick elastic band around the base twice.
Step 3. Wrap the elastic around a third time, but pull the hair only halfway through, so the knob is on top and the ends poke out underneath. Pull out a few wisps around your face for softness, and tuck any longer pieces behind your ears.
Rustle Up
Tousled, barely-there waves make hair look incredibly sensuous. Hold a one-inch curling iron vertically, and wrap just the center of each section of hair—not the roots or ends—around the barrel for only a few seconds. (Any longer and the curl will get too tight.) When finished, flip your head upside down and lightly skim a paddle brush over the curls to break them up, then shake them around with your fingers before bringing your head up.
Billowy Waves
To create soft finger waves, it’s worth buying a triple-barrel curling iron (about $35 on folica.com). Simply clamp it along dry hair, starting about three inches below the roots. Twist each waved section around your finger, and clip it to your head. When all of your hair has cooled, let it down and gently brush through the waves to soften them.
Neat Bun
For a bun that’s neat but soft, skip the shine products. They can make smoothed-back hair look shellacked. Instead, use an aerosol hair spray to help strands stay in place. Do a light mist all around your head, then make a deep side part (or no part at all) and brush hair back into a chignon.
Major Volume
1. Apply a volumizing mousse throughout damp hair.
2. Remove the nozzle from your dryer. Flip your head upside down, and blow-dry while running a vent brush through hair.
3. When hair is almost dry, flip your head up and finish drying with a medium-size round brush.
4. Working in small sections, lift your hair off your scalp with your fingers as you aim the dryer, set on cool, at your roots—this roughs up the cuticle to add volume. Do this all around your head, then lightly smooth hair with a brush.
Headband
Slip on a stretchy, inch-wide headband (any thicker can look like a bandage) so it rests just an inch or two back from the hairline. Don’t push it back any further, or else it can slip off.
story: 37 New Hair Ideas for 2010, source: allure beauty blog, author: Victoria Kirby
photography from story: MICHAEL THOMPSON, PATRICK DEMARCHELIER, CARTER SMITH (2), PATRICK DEMARCHELIER, WWD, CARTER SMITH, NORMAN JEAN ROY, MICHAEL THOMPSON, WWD, MICHAEL THOMPSON, FRANZ WALDERDORFF, MICHAEL THOMPSON, PATRICK DEMARCHELIER, WWD, THOMAS SCHENK, FRANZ WALDERDORFF, PATRICK DEMARCHELIER, WWD, RICHARD BURBRIDGE, DAVID STESNER, PATRICK DEMARCHELIER, MICHAEL THOMPSON, FRANZ WALDERDORFF, PATRICK DEMARCHELIER, NORMAN JEAN ROY, MICHAEL THOMSPON, NICOLAS MOORE, MICHAEL THOMPSON, REGAN CAMERON, FRANZ WALDERDORFF (2), WWD (2), THOMAS SCHENK, FRANZ WALDERDORFF, MICHAEL THOMPSON, GREG KADEL
Speaking of, thank you to miss Jordan for this post suggestion :)
How to Write a Thank-You Note
‘Sincerely, Help?’ Having trouble finding the right words to thank your Cousin Sal for that mango slicer? Should you even bother? Oh yes you should. LESLIE HARPOLD tells why and demostrates how to write the perfect, honest thank-you note every time.
Question: I have a crushing inability to write proper thank-you notes. Can you offer me some guidelines? –Helen
Answer: I was wondering when you were going to ask that question, and frankly, I’m a little disappointed it took you so long. Somewhere in between your mom making you sit down with your Peanuts® stationery and you shooting off an email, you completely lost touch with the concept of simple thank-you notes. Now that you’re a grown-up, an email just won’t do, and more is expected of you than scratching out ‘Thanks for the present, you rock!’
Grandma might not say anything to you, but trust me: She and her friends are probably at this very moment sighing over how young people today just don’t have manners.
As extra motivation, I will also grudgingly tell you the hidden secret of thank-you notes: They improve the frequency and quality of the gifts you receive. People like being appreciated, and if they feel you actually notice the nice things they do for you, they’re more likely to give an encore performance. Do not, however, use this as a strategy to avoid writing thank-yous to those who regularly give gifts you do not like. Every gift deserves a thank-you. Even the ‘Keep On Truckin’’ blacklight poster your crazy Uncle Alvarez gave you when you moved into the dorms.
I assure you, writing thank-yous is easier than you remember. Get yourself some stationery, plain note cards or a selection of attractive postcards (yes, postcards are perfectly acceptable!), and proper postage. Avoid the pre-inscribed ‘Thank you!’ cards in loopy script, as there are times you’ll want to write notes where that aesthetic feels all wrong. Better to choose paper you like. Stay away from full-size sheets—note cards are best, as your message will be brief, and would look silly swimming around on a page that large. Store all of these items somewhere easily accessible and preferably in plain sight so you won’t hesitate too long or forget too easily. Say, the top drawer of your desk or on a bookshelf at eye level or below.
If you want to know when you get a genuine pass on writing a note, the litmus test is simple: Do I live under the same roof as the giver? If the answer is ‘yes,’ you need not write a thank-you note (although a thank-you Post-It might be a nice touch).
I’m not going to go all Miss Manners on your ass and get into the social intricacies and delicate situations that surround thank-you note writing, as I was taught that a solid thank-you note will transcend all complicated situations—and I have seen no evidence to the contrary.
There is a six-point formula to the proper thank-you: Learn it, know it, memorize it—and it will never fail you.
1. Greet the Giver
Dear Aunt Sally,
That’s the easy part, but you’d be surprised how many people forget it. Dale Carnegie taught us people love to hear their own names and Direct Marketing is sure we also love to read them in ink. That’s right, ink. Blue-black is always the number-one choice, but black will suffice in a pinch. Don’t let a whimsical marker color be the most stunning part of your note: instead let the words sing without the amplification of rainbow hues. Even if your handwriting is poor, you must still hand-write your notes. Do not type them or, worse, use a word processor. No excuses.
2. Express Your Gratitude
Thank you so much for the slippers.
This first paragraph seems like it would be the easiest, but it is actually the most complicated. Beware the just writing trap. You are not ‘just writing to say’ as in I am just writing to say; that’s stating the obvious. If the giver is reading, clearly you have already written. Therefore use the present-perfect tense, which essentially means write as if whatever you say is happening in the moment.
Also—and this is important—never directly mention money. ‘Thank you for the hundred bucks’ could instead be ‘Thank you for your generosity.’ All cash denominations become ‘your generosity’ or ‘your kindness.’ If you feel the giver overspent, the farthest you can go is appreciated: ‘Your generosity is appreciated,’ or ‘It is such an extravagant gift—your kindness is appreciated.’
If you’re writing to thank someone for an intangible (such as them putting you up at their place while you were in town for the weekend), first define what the intangible thing is, and then make the gift sound as attractive as possible. In other words, don’t say: ‘Thanks for letting us crash at your place.’ Instead say: ‘Thank you for your hospitality.’ Don’t worry if it sounds too simple; the point of writing the note is to create a simple expression of a heartfelt sentiment.
3. Discuss Use
It gets very chilly here in the winter, so they will get a lot of use when winter comes.
Say something nice about the item and how you will use it. Let’s say it’s something you actually love and use incessantly—then say so: ‘Ever since I got the slippers I have only taken them off to shower and go to work. I’d wear them to the office if I thought I could get away with it.’
But don’t lie, even though some etiquette books may tell you it’s okay. After all, there’s always a truth that can be extracted. Let’s say you hate the slippers. How to say thanks? Find the one thing about them that’s nice and discuss it—but don’t get carried away. ‘They are such a lovely shade of blue’ works, and is more honest than ‘These slippers make my heart sing like a choir of angels,’ which is overkill. If it was a gesture, like letting you stay at their place, you can follow the lines of ‘It’s so nice to make a personal connection while traveling. I really appreciated my time with your family.’
If the gift was cash, allude to how you will use the money, but do not itemize your planned purchases line by line, instead simply say: ‘It will be a great help when we purchase our new home/toaster/lava lamp/whatever.’
You can get arty here, but not flowery. It’s a fine line. Small, realistic statements like ‘I put the flowers on the kitchen table and they are still looking fresh and beautiful after a week,’ or ‘I don’t know which is more fun, actually using the Cuisinart, or reading recipes and thinking I could do that in the Cuisinart!’ Having fun is alright, so have at it.
4. Mention the Past, Allude to the Future
It was great to see you at my birthday party, and I hope to see you at Dad’s retirement in February.
Why did they give you the gift? What does it mean to your relationship with the giver? Let the giver know how they fit into the fabric of your life. If it’s someone you see infrequently, say whatever you know: ‘Mom tells me you’re doing great at Stanford, and I hope we cross paths soon.’ If it’s someone you’re in regular contact with: ‘I’ll call you soon, but I wanted to take time to say thanks.’ If it’s some errant family member you have little or no contact with, simply go with ‘You are in my thoughts and I hope you are well.’ Nice, right?
5. Grace
Thanks again for your gift.
It’s not overkill to say thanks again. So say it.
6. Regards
Love,
Leslie
Simply wrap it up. Use whatever works for you: Love, Yours Truly, With Love. Then sign your name and you’re done.
What’s Not There
Any news about your life. This isn’t the time to brag about your new job, a hot girlfriend, or number of surgeries. The thank-you is exclusively about thanking somebody for their kindness. While you may want more than anything to show them once and for all you amounted to something, this is not the forum. Save that for your annual Christmas letter.
Now get it in the mail. Even if your friends and relatives aren’t of the note-writing variety, be the one who sets the precedent. Thank-you-note writing is one of the loveliest traditions to have been utterly compromised by the information age. Let’s start a movement to revive a little gracious living.
source: meredithcutler
source: etsy (browse their handmade cards!)
source: etsy
source: etsy
source: etsy (is Australian Kookaburras!)
source: etsy
some gift ideas?? if you live in CO anything from Bayleaf on pearl :)
For westies :) gorgeous book with Photography by Ansel Adams
For photo-enthusiasts - Iconic Images from photographers of the past century
For photo-enthusiasts -Let Me In – photography by Mario Testino – good idea for photo enthusiasts/ bright fun candid moments from celebrity personalities
for the traveler – This book is amazing and it is sold at most bookstores
for fashion enthusiasts – best magazine ever!! showcases every designers runway collections or the Vogue Paris Calendar… should be available @ Barnes & Nobel
for the women in your life Tocca candels are the best! Sold so many places – Nordstroms & Sephora to name a few
Volcano Candle from Anthropologie – everyone loves this 18.00-28.00
for anyone :) Dogeared Jewelry ranges from 30 on :)
Pamela Love jewelry collaboration with Where the Wild Things Are…
for rock lovers – Them Crooked Vultures -11.99 on amazon
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
for parents/grandparents! Beegie Adair, Nat King Cole, or Sinatra- anything – great jazz music :)
Great Speakers by Ihome – loud, charge by USB, and affordable for about $45.00 can get at link or @ apple store
go to your local vintage shops and pick up some bracelets for your lady friends to layer! Best gift ever because it is unique :) also clutches, belts, purses are safe gift accessories from vintage shops
Vintage Buttons for anyone who is into sewing/DIY projects
for the sporty – anything lulu lemon – their zip up jackets are the best
for sporty – Patagoinia Sychilla Snap Pullover classic 95.00
Redken ringlet 07 curl perfector (06oz) or BioSilk Hair serum!
Homemade muffin mix DIY gift project
for those on a budget the best gift of all is a do it yourself :) whether it is a card, baked goods, gift baskets, photo albums, or something more involved the recipient will adore! Here is a few links to diy gift ideas…. be creative
Support Local Companies & Artists at markets!
It is a good idea to hand wash your clothes (if by some act of god you can ever find the time)… What with work clothes and special garments you have collected, it makes sense to preserve these investments! Some say clothes are never the same after machine washing (not that I necessarily agree). I have committed to hand-washing my favorite pieces in hopes they will last for years.
Washing your clothes is an economical alternative to dry cleaning (and debatably safer). This youtube video & ehow give step by step (fool proof) instructions… this weekend was filled with laundry experimenting… if I can do this than seriously anyone can!
How to Hand-Wash Delicate Clothes
Some clothing just are not made for the regular cycle of your washing machine. In order to prevent your fine and delicate clothing from being ruined in the washer, you may have to hand-wash them. It really isn’t as hard or as much of a hassle as you would expect and the results are worth it. You can increase the life of your delicate items considerably by treating them properly.
^this picture has serious sentimental value to me… thought I would share :D my apologies for being ridiculously cheesy
For the achievers, the need to dream beyond what is possible, passion for the job, enthusiasm and sense of purpose are the prime tasks. The mental attitude to set clear goals, patience and perseverance even when the results are not visible, and the ability to take failure in one’s stride sets these men and women apart. Positive thinking is critical.
from article “Climb Every Mountain, Search High and Low” on Positive Thinking
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There comes a time when you must stand alone.
You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.
You must be willing to make sacrifices.
You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.
Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.
There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.
Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.
Be confident enough that you won’t settle for a compromise just to get by.
Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.
Don’t stand in someone else’s shadow when it’s your sunlight that should lead the way.
words sourced from Inspirational Positive Thoughts
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“One of the sanest, surest, and most generous joys of life comes from
being happy over the good fortune of others.” - Robert A. Heinlein
artist: Michael Longo, source: Provencal Village
An article in Australia’s Gourment Magazine has had me craving French wine and cheese like crazy. Not to mention a vacation to Burgundy! ahhh Anyways, thanks to international shipping, fabulous wines from all around the world are easily accessible.
I was lucky enough to go to the Hunter Wine Region, Australia and do a day of wine tasting. Unfortunately, the adventure wasn’t properly documented (for obvious reasons). I do have some old pics from Kate and my Italian wine tasting excursions… :P Here is some internet education on wine tasting and cheese pairing. Cheers!
Source: Cheers via chilloutpoint
source: I Love Lucy
source: britishblogs.co.uk
photography: Donald Gruener
photography: Donald Gruener
photography: Donald Gruener
source: dailymail.co.uk, Burgundy Destination Guide
Source: Toogood Wine Cave, Flickr
Wine Regions of the World, source: google
source: Livermore Heritage
Tuscan Wine Tour
Tuscan Wine Region
^red wine explained
^white wine explained (double click on video to open in new window if you want to learn more about each from this woman’s youtube videos – I think they are alright!)
^Pairing wine and cheese
I picked this QA because it is the PERFECT example of Aussie Humour! :)
RoveDaily’s etiquette expert, Terri Psiakis, charges her glass and looks like she means it.
Dear Terri,
A few of my mates and I were having a discussion and one of them said that it’s proper etiquette to always look someone in the eye when you do a “cheers” with them. Is this true or was he making this up?
Tom, Gladstone QLD Dear Tom,
This is quite possibly one of the deepest etiquette questions of all time. A “cheers” is a very sacred thing. When you “cheers someone”, you’re drinking to their health. If you don’t make full eye contact with them they might think you’re being rude. Unless of course you’re cock-eyed, in which case your drinking partner should probably be drinking to your health instead.
So a “cheers” is a good wish from you to another person, and as with all the sentiments you really mean, you should look the person in the eye when you say it. Unless of course they’re cock-eyed, in which case choosing which eye to direct the sentiment to can be difficult and fraught with uncertainty. I often find that looking at the space between the middle of the eyebrows is handy in such circumstances. Unless of course the person appears to have some sort of third-eye shenanigans going on, in which case you should probably have a look at how long and how much you’ve been drinking.
Someone once told me that not looking people in the eye when you “cheers” them means you’ll be cursed with bad sex for life. At the time I thought that sounded about as plausible as those chain emails that say if you don’t forward the letter to ten people immediately, bad things will happen to you. So for a while I stopped looking people in the eye during “cheers”, just to see what would happen.
The bad sex curse never appeared, mainly due to the fact that when I stopped looking people in the eye while we drank, they stopped thinking I was up for it. So ‘bad sex’ quickly became ‘no sex’. Which is another reason for maintaining eye contact. And remember: cyclops are not only the easiest people to “cheers” with, but everyone I know says they really put out. Enjoy.
^of course some AbFab (best show that my mom was into in the 90s) drunk wine tasting for fun
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