I was catching up on The Daily Show last night, and came across this episode discussing tax cuts and Warren Buffet's advocacy for increased taxes among the wealthy.
It is shocking how many Americans are so adamantly against tax raises in the top 2 tax brackets. The bottom 51% of our population controls 2% of the wealth of this nation among them all, making it apparent why they are exempt from federal taxes. Yet, many Americans seem to believe that "everyone should pay something" and that taxing these people (an average family in this category is a family of 4 living on $23,000) will somehow make up our deficit.
Another suggestion John Stewart noted was to cut certain "big-spending" public services, such as NPR.
I think these are all issues of not looking at an issue from the perspective of others. You might not use particular public services or be scraping by on a minimal paycheck, but others are. Imagine what these taxes and cuts would do to them. That is where the dissonance is: people aren't looking at what is best for the nation as a whole or as a community, everyone is looking out for themselves as individuals.
It is a touchy issue: how to make up the deficit? but it seems uncalled for to go after the people in this country who already control very little.
Class warfare is a real issue and being "working class" or "poor" is becoming more and more of a stigma and our system is becoming more and more caste-like for these people--there is literally no way out. Especially with the attitudes of the media and so many that we idolize.
Watch the episode for a light-hearted look at the issue!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Parents to Save Public Schools
After reading a great article in Washington City Paper, Neighborhood Schooled, by Jonetta Rose Barras, I was challenged again by the age-old issue: How do you make a public school great? How do you turn it around?
As the Daniel Holt states in the article, "Economic integration is the quickest way in our lifetimes to make schools better." I believe this whole-heartedly. In order to improve the school systems, all children need to be put into their neighborhood schools. Having the kids their, and their parents to support the system, will give the school what it needs to grow and transform. This is a difficult decision to make, evidenced by even some of DC's top education reform leaders, who send their own children to charter schools, private schools, and notable public schools outside their district in order for them to have a better education. No one wants to see their child as a sacrifice in order to build up the neighborhood schools. If a child needs advanced classes, he/she should be sent where they are available.
Or...if all advanced children stay in their district at their neighborhood school, perhaps that school will aquire these programs?
It's a hard line to walk. Who wants to send their child to a failing school for the greater good of improved schools in the future? Yet it is clear that those schools need those students and their parents to come in and empower them. School districts need informed parents to make changes and fight for the rights of the students--not all these decisions can be put in the hands of the government. Schools need family and community involvement, and likewise, a good school will transform a family and community.
Barras makes the arguement that middle-class black families are resisting this issue because they don't want to be seen on the same side as the "gentrifiers" or "for whites and against blacks." Instead of going into their neighborhood schools and attempting to change things, they are quietly sending their children to better schools across the district. Flight and not fight she calls it. With these parents investing their time into far-away schools, the only parents left in these districts are often very young and underinformed. They might not have the time or the understanding to go to PTA meetings, and they have no idea what their children are missing out on.
It's all very interesting how social implications can impact our realities over time. It seems the right answer is clear enough: well integrated, local, community schools full of opportunity and socioeconomic development succeed. These schools have more access to technologies and curriculums that are beneficial to their students. There is no longer a stigma attached to these schools (often a school being labeled as "bad" or "failing" is what makes it so). However, the route to these ideal school systems is rocky. No one wants to make the sacrifice alone, understandably so.
How do we convince people to send their children to the neighborhood schools?
--Megan
As the Daniel Holt states in the article, "Economic integration is the quickest way in our lifetimes to make schools better." I believe this whole-heartedly. In order to improve the school systems, all children need to be put into their neighborhood schools. Having the kids their, and their parents to support the system, will give the school what it needs to grow and transform. This is a difficult decision to make, evidenced by even some of DC's top education reform leaders, who send their own children to charter schools, private schools, and notable public schools outside their district in order for them to have a better education. No one wants to see their child as a sacrifice in order to build up the neighborhood schools. If a child needs advanced classes, he/she should be sent where they are available.
Or...if all advanced children stay in their district at their neighborhood school, perhaps that school will aquire these programs?
It's a hard line to walk. Who wants to send their child to a failing school for the greater good of improved schools in the future? Yet it is clear that those schools need those students and their parents to come in and empower them. School districts need informed parents to make changes and fight for the rights of the students--not all these decisions can be put in the hands of the government. Schools need family and community involvement, and likewise, a good school will transform a family and community.
Barras makes the arguement that middle-class black families are resisting this issue because they don't want to be seen on the same side as the "gentrifiers" or "for whites and against blacks." Instead of going into their neighborhood schools and attempting to change things, they are quietly sending their children to better schools across the district. Flight and not fight she calls it. With these parents investing their time into far-away schools, the only parents left in these districts are often very young and underinformed. They might not have the time or the understanding to go to PTA meetings, and they have no idea what their children are missing out on.
It's all very interesting how social implications can impact our realities over time. It seems the right answer is clear enough: well integrated, local, community schools full of opportunity and socioeconomic development succeed. These schools have more access to technologies and curriculums that are beneficial to their students. There is no longer a stigma attached to these schools (often a school being labeled as "bad" or "failing" is what makes it so). However, the route to these ideal school systems is rocky. No one wants to make the sacrifice alone, understandably so.
How do we convince people to send their children to the neighborhood schools?
--Megan
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Garden at Ledroit Park
Just wanted to share some newer pictures of the garden plot at the Park at Ledroit. The Park at Ledroit has come a long way since our last post and we love it! Hope you enjoy the pictures and when you have a chance come check out the Park at Ledroit and the gardens for yourself.
--Krystal
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| Very welcoming sign to the community garden plot. |
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| Watering the plot. |
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| One of the neighboring garden plots. |
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| Beautiful pumpkin! |
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| Great shot of the growing garden. |
A Machine for Learning
The future of our nation, economy, and lifestyles rest in the hands of our youth. The future politicians, teachers, physicians, and scientists are sitting in classrooms today absorbing information that will shape the rest of their lives. It is important that we prepare the youth today for the great challenges that lie ahead. Over 70 million Americans attend public school which makes it evident that the preparation our youth needs can be provided through public education.
Recently in the news the DC Government was praised for putting education first with the remodeling of H.D. Woodson High School. This was a $102 million effort to lift spirits and aspirations of the community. Prior to the remodel Woodson high school was known as the "Tower of Power" and had the feel and look of a prison institution rather than a high school because of the lack of windows and lighting throughout the building. Now Woodson has incredible natural light from the new windows. The staircase of the building pays homage to historical figures with illustrations from Einstein to Edison. In the old "Tower of Power" classrooms and laboratories were either freezing or stifling, but now the temperature is habitable. These conditions establish a welcoming and comfortable study and work environment for the H.D. Woodson Community.
The remodeling of H.D. Woodson puts DC government on the right track with public education. Beyond the beautiful look and feel of the building, Woodson has instituted the STEM program. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum promotes the fields of study that are collectively considered core technological ingredients of an advanced society. Such a curriculum is necessary to ensure that American children are equivalent in math and science to students across the world. Woodson also has an art exhibition space and a theatre to influence and inspire the creative genius of its students. Having the opportunity to express yourself both intellectually and creatively is essential to an advanced education.
While I was watching some of the reports of this remodel many of the individuals were admiring the school's new athletic facilities. It is great that these facilities will help display the athletic abilities of the students and be accessible to the community as well. But it is important that when we are considering what we need for a new school that we remember what is essential to a quality educational experience. Students need the best textbooks, teachers, supplies, technology, counselors, libraries, tutors, and additional educational resources to have an enriching educational experience.
Only time will tell how this school will affect the students and their community. But we should pay close attention and use this as an example of what is or is not necessary when developing a machine for learning. Check out this new video of H.D. Woodson High School.
--Krystal
Recently in the news the DC Government was praised for putting education first with the remodeling of H.D. Woodson High School. This was a $102 million effort to lift spirits and aspirations of the community. Prior to the remodel Woodson high school was known as the "Tower of Power" and had the feel and look of a prison institution rather than a high school because of the lack of windows and lighting throughout the building. Now Woodson has incredible natural light from the new windows. The staircase of the building pays homage to historical figures with illustrations from Einstein to Edison. In the old "Tower of Power" classrooms and laboratories were either freezing or stifling, but now the temperature is habitable. These conditions establish a welcoming and comfortable study and work environment for the H.D. Woodson Community.
The remodeling of H.D. Woodson puts DC government on the right track with public education. Beyond the beautiful look and feel of the building, Woodson has instituted the STEM program. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum promotes the fields of study that are collectively considered core technological ingredients of an advanced society. Such a curriculum is necessary to ensure that American children are equivalent in math and science to students across the world. Woodson also has an art exhibition space and a theatre to influence and inspire the creative genius of its students. Having the opportunity to express yourself both intellectually and creatively is essential to an advanced education.
While I was watching some of the reports of this remodel many of the individuals were admiring the school's new athletic facilities. It is great that these facilities will help display the athletic abilities of the students and be accessible to the community as well. But it is important that when we are considering what we need for a new school that we remember what is essential to a quality educational experience. Students need the best textbooks, teachers, supplies, technology, counselors, libraries, tutors, and additional educational resources to have an enriching educational experience.
Only time will tell how this school will affect the students and their community. But we should pay close attention and use this as an example of what is or is not necessary when developing a machine for learning. Check out this new video of H.D. Woodson High School.
--Krystal
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
An Open Community Space: BloomBars
In 2008 in an upcoming Columbia Heights neighborhood BloomBars was born. A volunteer team of artists, educators, community members and business leaders came together to redefine the perception of a bar. Each time I mention the name BloomBars to someone new they immediately think we are going there for a happy hour and I have to explain that this bar is different. Unlike other bars that rely on their happy hours to keep their customers in the door, BloomBars gives the community a platform to display their unique talents for their neighbors.
We have talked in this blog before about the importance of community. For many individuals a community is a sense of cohesiveness among a group of people. BloomBars is a community space for all ages striving to empower youth and parents to use art as an education and literacy tool. A couple of weeks ago I took a couple of my underage cousins to the Garden Open Mic Night at BloomBars. They felt comfortable being in a space that was welcoming to all ages and not only did they enjoy the performances, but they were inspired by the illustration and demonstration of art. BloomBars presents more than the weekly open mic. For a complete list of regular weekly events at BloomBars check out this site, but some of our favorite events include; Sunday Drumming Classes, Monday Poetry in the Morning, and Tuesday Indie Film Night. Each of these events in its own way brings individuals throughout the community together.
Each individual in the community serves a vital role in offering camaraderie and acting as a support system to others. BloomBars demonstrates their role in the community by fostering a safe and family-friendly environment to serve the up and coming generation as a training element.
--Krystal
At my last visit to the Garden Open Mic I shot a couple videos check them out and go check out BloomBars for yourself.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Conforming to Social Norms
Much of what we do day-to-day and deem as "normal" is based on social norms of this culture. Social norms tell us that you go to college after you graduate high school, and after that you get married and have children and a career. Social norms tell us you eat birthday cake on most birthdays and get drunk on your 21st and what is acceptable to wear in public and to value money and well-esteemed jobs.
If we look at homelessness in that frame, we might see it as a counter culture. These are people refusing to adhere to the social norms of paying money to live in a house or apartment with personal belongings and a lock and key.
It might not be that simple, but those living on the street or living nowhere (or everywhere, as the case may be) have their own ideas about survival and the importance of certain things we automatically view as necessary (money, for example).
We, those with homes, and those that value homes, are the ones who coined the term "homeless," giving it a negative connotation by using one characteristic about select individuals as a defining characteristic.
People in this situation have their own set of norms and standards. They know the safest place to sleep, they know where to go for a free meal, and they know where to stash their belongings when they need to go somewhere else. People living on the street have learned to live with less; they are surviving, after all, but their lives look much different than what we are shown as normal.
And just as it would be very hard for someone like me to be thrown out on the street, it is often quite hard for someone who is homeless to conform to four walls and a bed to sleep in. Some don't want it, some can't stand it, some don't understand it. Offering a chronically homeless person a place to live, to call his or her own, isn't solving any problems. This person would have to undergo major lifestyle changes in order to live comfortably in a house.
Counter cultures and sub cultures are often given a negative connotation by mainstream thinking. They live differently, by definition, and this often puts off others. Seeing homelessness in this light might help one to understand why so many people who are perpetually homeless live this way. To someone who has a distinct set of values and social norms, the mainstream social norms might seem bizarre and undesirable. For example, working in an office everyday for money to pay someone in exchange for a place to live might seem complicated and unnecessary.
Helping people and bettering a community becomes blurry when using this perspective. How can you help someone who doesn't value living indoors and working? Should you, or is it better to accept their lifestyle as a choice?
--Megan
If we look at homelessness in that frame, we might see it as a counter culture. These are people refusing to adhere to the social norms of paying money to live in a house or apartment with personal belongings and a lock and key.
It might not be that simple, but those living on the street or living nowhere (or everywhere, as the case may be) have their own ideas about survival and the importance of certain things we automatically view as necessary (money, for example).
We, those with homes, and those that value homes, are the ones who coined the term "homeless," giving it a negative connotation by using one characteristic about select individuals as a defining characteristic.
People in this situation have their own set of norms and standards. They know the safest place to sleep, they know where to go for a free meal, and they know where to stash their belongings when they need to go somewhere else. People living on the street have learned to live with less; they are surviving, after all, but their lives look much different than what we are shown as normal.
And just as it would be very hard for someone like me to be thrown out on the street, it is often quite hard for someone who is homeless to conform to four walls and a bed to sleep in. Some don't want it, some can't stand it, some don't understand it. Offering a chronically homeless person a place to live, to call his or her own, isn't solving any problems. This person would have to undergo major lifestyle changes in order to live comfortably in a house.
Counter cultures and sub cultures are often given a negative connotation by mainstream thinking. They live differently, by definition, and this often puts off others. Seeing homelessness in this light might help one to understand why so many people who are perpetually homeless live this way. To someone who has a distinct set of values and social norms, the mainstream social norms might seem bizarre and undesirable. For example, working in an office everyday for money to pay someone in exchange for a place to live might seem complicated and unnecessary.
Helping people and bettering a community becomes blurry when using this perspective. How can you help someone who doesn't value living indoors and working? Should you, or is it better to accept their lifestyle as a choice?
--Megan
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Summer in the City
I love humidity. Maybe it's from growing up in the Midwest, maybe it's from being inherently cold, I love hot-n-sticky summer. I won't have it any other way. I especially love the warm nights where you can be outside without sweat dripping down your back and without needing extra layers (I believe you shouldn't have to wear a pair of pants between June and September). Naturally then, I love being out on a patio or roof deck enjoying a warm summer night.
There is no shortage of places to pick from in DC for hanging out and sipping a cold beverage. If you're looking for a new place to hang out, try one of my faves:
DC9: Cool roof deck overlooking Shaw and the U Street Corridor. Lots of drink specials, and often bands playing downstairs.
American Ice Co: Hang out with friends at wooden picnic tables and drink beer out of a mason jar. Near the 9:30 Club, and kind of hidden. Look for all the bikes out front.
Marvin: for dancing! Great roof deck out back. A must in the U Street Corridor.
Red Derby: Divey and a bit off the beaten path in Columbia Heights. Fairly new roof deck.
Wonderland: Obviously.
And the list goes on--everybody has their favorite patio/roof deck to hang out! My list is really just comprised of bars in Shaw and Columbia Heights, because that's where I live and hang out.
It's great to see the neighborhoods come alive in the summer, with people all enjoying the outdoor seating and the hot summer weather. DC is a great place to find these rooftop bars, as a roof top is a great place to put seating when you have limited space.
Enjoy the heat!
--Megan
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Not enough time in a day
There are 24 hours in a day, most of us work about 8 hours in a day, sleep 7 hours a day, and then there are just 9 few hours or less that we have to spend for ourselves. With such little time to spend the way we want we should be making sure we take full advantage of that time, but instead most of us waste time stressing out about things that are beyond our control. I was reading an article the other day about stress and how it affects our daily lives and it really got me thinking. Lets go through a couple facts.
40% of Americans say they lay awake at night because of stress. This means that the short 8 hours or so that you have allotted to sleep are wasted lying in bed waiting to fall asleep. Everyone has their own techniques they use to fall asleep, but if decreasing stress is an issue then physical activity is a great way to reduce your amount of stress. Join your local community gym, take your dog for a walk, or try aerial yoga. Aerial yoga is anti gravity and air yoga and is not only safe, but also the low-impact moves are easy on muscles and joints. This workout stretches out the muscles and relieves stress without any added pressure.
$300 billion is the annual cost to businesses due to employee stress. With a growing national debt it would seem that we would be trying to cut down spending wherever possible. Jobs can be stressful to everyone. Where we work is not necessarily what we would like to be doing. To help reduce the stress of work we have to find a way to make our daily work meaningful to us. Volunteer. Find an organization with a mission that you believe in and see where you can assist them. By doing this, not only will you have the opportunity to work on something you enjoy, but you will also be doing it for yourself and your community and not for a paycheck. And if this organization resides in your community then that is even better. You will feel apart of your community and see first hand the impact you make.
There isn't enough time in a day. How do you spend your day? And even a better question how would you like to spend your day? Don't let the stress eat up the little time we have of our day.
--Krystal
40% of Americans say they lay awake at night because of stress. This means that the short 8 hours or so that you have allotted to sleep are wasted lying in bed waiting to fall asleep. Everyone has their own techniques they use to fall asleep, but if decreasing stress is an issue then physical activity is a great way to reduce your amount of stress. Join your local community gym, take your dog for a walk, or try aerial yoga. Aerial yoga is anti gravity and air yoga and is not only safe, but also the low-impact moves are easy on muscles and joints. This workout stretches out the muscles and relieves stress without any added pressure.
$300 billion is the annual cost to businesses due to employee stress. With a growing national debt it would seem that we would be trying to cut down spending wherever possible. Jobs can be stressful to everyone. Where we work is not necessarily what we would like to be doing. To help reduce the stress of work we have to find a way to make our daily work meaningful to us. Volunteer. Find an organization with a mission that you believe in and see where you can assist them. By doing this, not only will you have the opportunity to work on something you enjoy, but you will also be doing it for yourself and your community and not for a paycheck. And if this organization resides in your community then that is even better. You will feel apart of your community and see first hand the impact you make.
There isn't enough time in a day. How do you spend your day? And even a better question how would you like to spend your day? Don't let the stress eat up the little time we have of our day.
--Krystal
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Film at its best, E Street Cinema
If you are looking for agreat environment to enjoy film screenings, premieres, or revived classics then Landmark Theater's E Street Cinema is perfect for you. With their espresso bar, gourmet chocolate, and stadium seating, E Street Cinema caters to individuals with a taste for quality. If you are like myself and enjoy seeing movies regularly you should also take advantage of the opportunities offered by Landmark's film club and be the first to see new indie flicks at a free film screening and receive weekly updates on new premieres.
Some of the movies you can check out now are Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris and my personal favorite Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest. Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest is a Michael Rapoport film, documenting the inner workings and dealings behind one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time, a Tribe Called Quest. Even if you're not a hip hop fan you will enjoy this excellent piece capturing the true story and inspiration behind these hip hop pioneers.
Every time I visit E Street Cinema I am greeted with a courteous staff and a well kept environment. My favorite aspect of E street Cinema is the ability to watch indie films that you can't see many other places in the area. This gives smaller produced films the opportunity to expand their viewership. When grading a film it is about the quality of the film rather than how much is spent to produce it and E Street Cinema exemplifies quality over quantity.
Check out the trailer for Midnight in Paris I think I will going to see this next.
--Krystal
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