Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Immortal Book Tour

Rebecca Skloot is the author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks the story of the HeLa cells. In layman's terms... a white doctor took Henrietta Lacks', a poor African American farmer, cells without her knowledge or permission and "gave" them away to other doctors. Here is a link to a blog she wrote about being a writer and going on a book tour.

The Immortal Book Tour: "A month ago, I’d have thought the idea of organizing my own book ..."

and her direct website...

http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/

Monday, February 22, 2010

On the Spot: Cookie Table & Cosmos for a Good Cause!


(Some of the actual cookies you can enjoy tonight.)


Just a reminder that the Inaugural On The Spot Happy Hour Fundraiser is this evening.

On the Spot is a new campaign to raise money to provide menstrual products to girls in local public schools. Many girls actually have to skip school because they don't have access to these products!

Event Details:

Inaugural On The Spot Happy Hour Fundraiser

Monday, February 22
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Over the Bar Cafe
2518 East Carson St.
Pittsburgh PA 15203

DJ Mary Mack, Kellee Maize, Silent Auction, Drink Specials ($2 Yeunglings, $3 drafts, and $4 On the Spot Cosmo), and Cookie Table

$10 or $5 and a box of supplies (pads preferred)


More info here.
.

Friday, February 19, 2010

'Family Guy' Actress Responds To Sarah Palin's Criticism

'Family Guy' Actress Responds To Sarah Palin's Criticism

great post!!!!!


i like the fact that the actress has downs. i think her attitude is inspiring and i love the "loaf of bread" comment because i have thought much the same and felt many differing emotions over the way that child is "marketed."

Women of Color HERStory Month 2010 Community Events

Women of Color HERStory Month 2010 Community Events
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY


New Voices Pittsburgh 2010 / Womb-Words, Thirsting by Lenelle Moïse


Thursday, February 25, 7PM

@ Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Avenue, East Liberty

Tickets: $10 - Advance, $15 - Door, $50 VIP www.brownpapertickets.com/event/99370

Call or email for low-income, student, group rates and VIP.





History in the Making: Honoring Our Young African-American Leaders of Today

Friday, February 4-26, 8AM-5PM

Presented by the City of Pittsburgh

@ City County Building, 414 Grant Street, Lobby

FREE

http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks/black_history_month.htm



A Tribute to Phyllis Hyman

Friday, February 19 & Saturday, February 20, 8PM

Presented by August Wilson Center for African American Culture

@ August Wilson Center for African American Culture, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown

Tickets: $28-33, available online

412.258.2700 www.augustwilsoncenter.org/events/index.php



Good Hair Film Screening

Saturday, February 20, 1-5PM

Presented by Sankofa Community Empowerment

@ Carnegie Library - Homewood, 7101 Hamilton Avenue, Homewood

FREE

412.244.0298



Why Us? Left Behind and Dying Film Screening

Saturday, February 20, 7:30PM

Presented by Diversity Films

@ August Wilson Center for African American Culture, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown

FREE

412.258.2700



Microenterprise Symposium

Saturday, February 20, 8AM-4PM

Presented by YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh

@ Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Oakland

Registration: $40

412.255.6743 awilliams@ywcapgh.org http://micro2millions.eventbrite.com/



Asia Unreeled / South Korea Unreeled: Good for Her

Sunday, February 21, 2PM

Presented by Asian Studies Center, Confucius Institute, Silk Screen & Winchester Thurston School

@ Winchester Thurston School, Hilda Willis Room, Upper School Building

555 Morewood Avenue, Shadyside

Tickets: $5-$28, available online and at the door

412.578.3731 www.winchesterthurston.org/asiaunreeled





EVE (Enlightened Voices for the Environment) Circle

Tuesday, February 23, 5:30PM

Presented by Center for Victims of Violence and Crime

@ First United Presbyterian Church, 5401 Centre Avenue, Shadyside

FREE

To sign-up and for more details, email lbhotep@cvvc.org

412.482.3240 www.cvvc.org/eveproject.php


--
Women of Color HERStory Month 2010 Planning Committee
412.731.2667
herstory.nvp@gmail.com
www.womenofcolorherstory.org

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

When Historical Lies Are Allowed To Flourish « Shoq Value

When Historical Lies Are Allowed To Flourish « Shoq Value

Joann Evansgardner Died on 2/16

Back in the '70s (and probably for many years before and after that), when there was work session for the ERA or abortion rights or almost anything else women cared about, it would be at Joann and Gerry's house. I remember many nights writing post cards, planning, talking, doing all kinds of things. OK, I probably remember their house more because I lived nearby and didn't have a car, so I was there quite a bit.

I didn't see Joann that much when I moved back to Pittsburgh in '93, but I ran into her from time to time, still a firebrand. I ran into them at the Feminist Expo in DC back in '96.

She died in hospice care just last night. Gerry died last year. I will never forget either of them.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Empowerment thru Positive Affirmations

About: Tarot Affirmations are positive statements using the Tarot, to center ourselves while energizing our Mojo! My goal is to help invigorate higher vibrations with creative visualization for self awareness, while enhancing one's perspective, confidence, and productivity. Becoming part of the imagery is a necessity as it allows all senses to be encountered. Proclaiming and vocalizing your personal statement out-loud 'seals your agreement' with the Universe. Disciplined practitioners sense a significant change within seventy-two hours of repeating the oath. Inexperienced users must understand that it can take a little longer until you find your own rhythm to encounter the magic of will and assertion.


Quiet: Sit for a few minutes alone, with eyes closed and a goal to relax. Calm all thoughts and emotions until you are aware of the quietness that surrounds you. With slow and deep breaths, feel yourself float into this calm energy, feeling your body and mind also adjusting to this quietness. All the noise disappears and you feel at peace. Pay attention to the soundless spirit, as you cleanse and exist with the silence.


Visualize: Today's card image will assist you in this meditativepractice and affirmation. Exit your world, and connect with The Empress. Relax, with your eyes closed, and imagine yourself sitting on the ground, the green grass as a blanket, as you rest, leaning against a solid tree. The warm air feels good on your skin, as it gently blows through your hair. Feel settled and grounded where you are seated. Begin stating 'one by one', each of your many 'titles' and/or weekly creations that you are responsible for. As an example, I could begin with, "I mediate on the lawn... I am a mother... I create home-made healthy dinners... I am a wife... I share my sunshine with others... I am a business owner... I am an artist... I make my bathroom sparkle..." and so on. Go with the flow of your daily list, acknowledge whatever might come to your mind as you allow your thoughts to drift. Take your time with this (at least a full minute) stating many of your gifts. Yes, no matter how silly or disgusting, they are gifts that you perform either for another, or for yourself. Mothering, nurturing, and productive. We are not our 'title' or 'job'. We are simply a whole, of loving dedication to our present be-ing. Appreciate what you 'bring to the table'.

As you search for the next 'title/duty' to announce, inhale slow and deeply. Acknowledge your strength and importance to each 'title' or 'job' that you invest yourself into. (Yes, someone has to 'stand-up' and be the one to clean the puke from baby's t-shirt. Someone has to 'take charge' and plunge the toilet). Everyone may want a popular and fun job, but dirty jobs are what can build great character. Otherwise, life can become 'backed up' from that which is left unresolved and not taken care of.) All that we invest, has significance. Know your eminence. Continue with your honorable 'titles'. Claim the determination of your feminine spirit.

Now slowly exhale, detaching yourself from that 'title/job', before moving on to the next. Our flexibility and commitment allows us to do all that we do. With our participation into the day (no matter how important or lame it might be) - we are enforcing our availability to others, as well as to ourselves. Inside, sits a great force. You've earned it. Now experience it.

Female 'muscle' exists of imagination, versatility, and graceful influence. It is not loud and boastful like that of the male ego. It is silent, composed, and invisible to the eye. Embrace your Inner Goddess.


The Affirm: While being in-touch with yourself, announce your trusted affirmation:

I am one with the Universe.

The power of imagination guides me.

I embrace my Inner Goddess.

I provide great value with my daily investments.


Now go get your mantra on!

Suzi

www.starcana.com


Image The Empress ©1991 Robin Wood, Used with Permission

Tarot Affirmations ©1998-2010 CD INK LLC and www.Starcana.com

All rights reserved. Entertainment Only 18+

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Crooks and Liars

Crooks and Liars


i would HOPE that after trying to be bipartisan for an ENTIRE YEAR NOW-that the prez would just give up on it and do what he planned.

we all, ALL OF US, don't have the luxury of time anymore.

yeah i just had to post this. i have a family member waiting for an o.k. from their insurance company BEFORE they can get the mass in their lung biopsied!

Help not hinder Haiti

Help not hinder Haiti

Thursday, February 4, 2010

"Women in Media: Working Title"

Tuesday evening I had the privilege of attending the inaugural meeting for the Women & Girls Foundation planning committee for their annual event. This year's focus is "Women in Media" and it was quite an array of perspectives at the table. The gist of the project is to highlight the contributions of women within a particular field. Previous "themes" have been women in the law, sports, sciences, etc.

What's interesting is that this is not a celebration of women who give back to the community -- it is an acknowledgement of women who do "kick ass work" within an industry and contribute to the community vis a vis their work. It is the ultimate way to highlight the ways in which gender equity is a critical economic development tool --- the more "kick ass work" women are doing, the better the economy, right?

WQED COO Deb Acklin is chairing this year's event and has asked the committee to consider incorporating smaller year round events. Four members of The Society were in attendance and our ears perked up. My brain has been on hyperdrive considering all the possibilities.

I won't lie. I was excited to meet Sally Wiggen in person (she didn't make it). It was part of the allure and I was even more thrilled that Patrice King-Brown is participating. What I didn't expect was to meet a woman from the PG "behind the scenes" world who was able to take the discussion of needing a female blogger at the PG and *do* something with it. A light bulb went off for me ... the process of participating in this planning committee will create the connections necessary to forge ties between mainstream media and social media.

This is just my take on things. We are discussing blogging the entire project so you may see something new popping up soon. I'm sure we'll discuss here and I'm even more sure you'll be pleased with the ideas being tossed around.

The event is set for November and will honor 10-20 women in media. No subcategories and lots of outside the box thinking.

Stay tuned. Only on The Society ...