This inspiring story by one very contagious woman made me cry. It's well worth spending 10 minutes to watch, so make the time NOW. If you are a teacher and believe in your students this is proof that they exceed your expectations. If you are a parent, teach your children that they can take charge and make a difference. They can, I can, you can and we can be the change we wish to see in the world. Now go and make it happen. I know you can.
My heart goes out to the people of Haiti where a series of earthquakes measuring around 7.0 on the Richter scale killed more than 50,000 people and has affected more than three million. Since Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, the need for help from other countries is crucial.
If you have donated already, thank you. If you haven't or feel you can give more, please text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross and/or visit one of these websites for ways to donate and help:
Your gift to the American Red Cross will support emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources and recovery.
Oxfam America, has an emergency response team of more than 200 people already on the ground. The need for clean water and critical public health services is massive and immediate -- and our donations can help save lives.
Below is a Flickr feed of photos in a search for "Haiti earthquake."
Ever wonder what the DJ is doing behind the turntables at the club? On January 28th we're very excited to be offering an Intro to Djing seminar where you can learn the basic concepts and receive an explanation of the equipment used in mixing those cool beats. There'll be a hands on portion where students will learn how to hold and release the record on time. Basic scratching will also be covered. If you're a complete beginner interested in learning how to DJ or a DJ looking to relearn the fundamentals, this seminar is for you.
The seminar is offered by BEATZ, an organization founded in 2006 by a group of five musical artists (DJs and producers) who wanted to provide young adults with positive outlets for expression of creativity through music. BEATZ is committed to building respect of cultural diversity through music, providing a positive atmosphere for youth development, and promoting leadership through activities that involve various musical endeavors. Equipped with turntables, samplers, and computer-based music production software, BEATZ serves to assist young adults in developing and enhancing their abilities to express themselves creatively through music. Current work includes weekly DJ classes at the Richmond Youth Center (RYSE) and music production training for the South East Asian Young Leaders (SEAYL).
In 2009, one of BEATZ's students was killed. The proceeds of this and subsequent classes will be going to a music scholarship fund so that BEATZ students may further their musical training beyond what BEATZ can offer.
Kristin Peoples is offering her Couponing 101 class again on Monday, January 18th. It's a webinar, and will be held at 8 p.m. EST. If you're looking for ideas to save money, Couponing 101 is a great starting point and the class benefits the Cincinatti Foodbank.
Kristin tells me it is very snowy in Cincinatti and last week the kids were home from school because of the bad weather.
If you're in Cincinatti or know of anyone who may be interested in raising money for the food bank while learning how to save, please send them to the Couponing 101 class description.
It's 2010 and it seems like something big should be happening.
Whatever it is I hope it's full of love, excitement, adventure and laughter.
Here's wishing you an excellent year!
If you are love soccer, I hope you get to go to the world cup in South Africa, because South Africa is a beautiful place. Yes, I am biased. I was born there, but since I now live in one of the best places in the world and have spent time in London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Chicago, Maui, Cleveland, Greenville and Myrtle Beach, SC, and Raleigh, NC, I have a pretty good perspective for good place to live and visit.
If you love music, may your world be filled with your favorite songs everyday. I am honored to play in a community orchestra and aspire to do more clarinet playing this year. Come here me play on January 17th at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
If you love adventure, may you find yourself embarking on several unexpected and exciting journeys that take your breath away and leave you energized.
And if you love to teach, you know we would love to have you offer a class with Classes for Causes. Please contact me if you have an idea for class or a cause you want us to support.
