Newtown Connecticut Massacre

Rest In Peace.

On Friday, December 14th in Newtown, Connecticut, the world lost 26 angels. 20 baby angels were called up for reasons unknown. The country is still rattled by this horrific event, mainly, because it invoved the assasination of innocent children and their teachers. My heart goes out to the families who experienced loss and all those involved.

My questions are:

• Will our country take these violent hints for what they are and revisit gun control laws?
• Does it even matter that a popular chain decided to remove special firearms from the shelves of all its Newtown locations, after the fact?
• Why do we opt out of preventative measures? To now take a long hard look at gun reform is bittersweet.
• How do we protect our children when society has weaned out and stomped on the simplest forms of decency?

So many questions rummage my mind as I attempt to watch news coverage of the events. Too many to write down here. My suggestion would be to use this time to talk to your kids. Reach out to estranged family members or friends. Close as many open wounds as you can.

 Time is precious!

Laziest Neighbors Ever

Just lazy.

Ha!

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#SayitAintSo: Obesity Is Now a Bigger Crisis Than Hunger

Now this is just ridiculous.

The parents of this child ought to be slapped.

Hard.

Now, that is my first thought. However, with the rise in Obesity rates, its becoming increasingly more difficult to pinpoint exactly who is to blame in this oversized epidemic. ::puts baby powder down::

According to the British medical journal, The Lancet, obesity has grown into the world's largest health crisis, and is now the leading cause of disabilities around the world.

Soo, there's been a shift in mortality. (deaths) Children aren't dying from infectious diseases anymore thanks to updated immunizaions. Now, the world is affected by obesity!

Whaaaaaaat?! You're probably thinking, "There are more fat people than starving kids?" Not exactly:

The report revealed that every country, with the exception of those in sub-Saharan Africa, faces alarming obesity rates -- an increase of 82% globally in the past two decades. Middle Eastern countries are more obese than ever, seeing a 100% increase since 1990.

Ohhh ok.

"The so-called 'Western lifestyle' is being adapted all around the world, and the impacts are all the same," Mokdad said.

Sounds a little like 'Let's all blame the fat Americans' to me....

Anywho, this is surprising to say the least. There aren't as many charity commericals for the starving kids in [insert third world country here] anymore, but I would have never in a million years guessed this is why.

What are your thoughts on this development? Do you believe the results? Leave your comments below!




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Newark Mayor To Live On Food Stamps For Week

My kinda guy.

Don Emmert /AFP/Getty Images

Today, New Jersey Mayor, Cory Booker, is putting his money where his mouth is. This week, he will attempt to live off $30 for food, the average weekly  amount allotted to New Jersey families.

That boils down to $4 a day.

He says,

"My goals for the #SNAPChallenge are to raise awareness and understanding of food insecurity; reduce the stigma of SNAP participation; elevate innovative local and national food justice initiatives and food policy; and, amplify compassion for individuals and communities in need of assistance. Over the next seven days, I plan to highlight the voices of people involved in local food policy, the SNAP program, and other related initiatives. ... Throughout this week, I will document my #SNAPChallenge experiences and reflections on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and through video on#waywire."

I would love to see more politicians take a step into the shoes of the people they affect with their policies. We elect individuals who haven't the slightest clue of our (we the voters) day to day issues. Beyond this being an empathetic step to take, it shows character and will definitely influence his remaining days in office.

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#TheQuench: WTF is a Fiscal Cliff?

My brain hurts.

Where does is start? Where does it end? What happens if we go over? So many questions about this ominous topic. I'm not completely 100% on it, but here's my take of the basics:

WHAT:

Soon and very soon, tax cuts that George W. Bush put into place will officially expire and automated (severe) spending cuts and tax hikes will go into affect. Spending cuts in public programs like:

Energy research (Have you seen the polar ice caps?) 

Water toxic waste (Remember the BP oil spill?)

Clean water programs (Speaks for itself)

Among many others!

Uhm...those seem pretty important to me!

WHEN:

January 2 is the official deadline date.

WHY:

Because last year, President Obama and Congress could not come to an agreement on a budget. The President wants to increase taxes on those earning more than $250,000 a year. Republicans want to cut spending but really don't want taxes to go up. Both sides are being really stingy and holding up progress. 

Ridiculous!

Anywho, whenever you have a few minutes  take a look at the video below for a more detailed explanation.

BONUS: It has drawings! I  don't know about you, I'm a visual learner. The more pictures the better.





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Yellow Light Set To Trap Motorists During Holiday Weekend

Watch out!

Tis the season for the government to get paid! As you're out and about running errands and such, be careful when approaching intersections. Word is, many cities have shortened the yellow lights in an attempt catch unsuspecting motorists in a ticket trap. According to National Journal, 21 cities in New Jersey were ordered by their transportation departments to suspend use of the red-light cameras because the timing was below the state law minimum.

How fresh!

Furthermore,

“Cities and for-profit camera companies maximize revenue by setting yellow-light times that are too short,” said National Motorists Association President Gary Biller. “It is a violation of the public trust, and it jeopardizes motorist, cyclist, and pedestrian safety.”

Shady McShadykens please take a bow.

 And get this, Biller also states that a single SECOND has been proven to decrease the chances of a collision at an intersection by 40%. A single second.

Bottom line: Exercise increased caution this holiday season. Not only for the sake of your life, but now, your pockets too.

Take a look at the article in its entirety below. Definetely worth a read.


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#TheQuench: President Obama To Be Added To Mt. Rushmore

Woohoo!

The National Park Service formally announced that President Barack Obama's  face will be added to the historical Mount Rushmore in South Dakota! The modification is due September 2018.

The project aims to involve several hundred miners and engineers (Obama putting people back to work!) and will utilize state of the art machinery and green solvents to re-create Obama's bust in the area adjacent to the George Washington visage. 

Sculptor Irving Gneus, who is overseeing the project for the Park Service, hinted at what Americans should expect as the final result, saying, "The intent was to have Obama facing the same direction as Lincoln, given the milestones in race relations that their Presidencies represent."

What a great way to kick off a new term! 

Source article here

Gabby Douglas Covers Essence Magazine

This Girl Is on Fiyaaaaaaaaaah!

Check out Olympic Shero Gabrielle Douglas as one if Essence's Women of The Year on .

              news stands everywhere!

Mrs. O Graces Miami w/ FLOTUS Power

                Bienvenido a Miami, FLOTUS!

FLOTUS: Michelle Obama (Photo by J Webster)

What an awesome rally for the re-election of President Obama with featured speaker, Michelle Obama. The 1st Lady rallied hundreds of supporters in Miami yesterday to gear up for the upcoming Election Day. Though she didn't say anything new, she did emphatically reinforce the many highlights and accomplishments of President Obama. Donning a colorful, floral print dress and soft romantic curls, Mrs. O captivated once again!

Actress Gabrielle Union wowed the crowd with her beauty and words. (Photo by J Webster)

Singer/Actor Marc Anthony lends support. (Photo by J Webster)

The crowd yelled "4 More Years!) (Photo by J Webster)

Hundreds anticipate the First Lady's Arrival . (Photo by J Webster)

Deep Fried Funk entertained the crowd with classic hits! (Photo by J Webster)

Early voting ends tomorrow and election day is Nov. 6th.