Archive for May, 2008
While growing up in the 70’s & 80″, multiracial Americans were not common. In fact, multiracial marriages were banned in 16 states until 1967. But I’m a Mexican/American. Both my parents were born in Mexico and I was born in the United States. Mexicans did not really accept me nor did Americans. I was confused growing up, speaking Spanish at home, and learning English at school. But I moved forward and eventually received my BS degree. I continued being a citizen of this great country and I eventually married a multiracial American. Her Mother was Irish and her Father Black. We had two kids, who are now also multiracial Americans as well. So now that we have a multiracial President candidate in Barack Obama, does that mean this is the start of a post-race era? I mean this country was built with many races involved (Irish, Italians, Spaniards, etc), so I really hope so. I recently read an article about a Mixed Heritage Center, which is a web-based resource center for mixed-race people and families. If I was confused growing up, I know mixed-race kids will also be confused, which includes my children. My ex-wife and I encourage our kids to learn history and cultures of all their races. When they come visit my family, they are exposed to their Mexican culture, which includes speaking Spanish, food and music. This Center will also help other children learn their mixed-races’ history and culture. What a great idea!
Ever since my Mother was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in 2003, I have since spoken to others that know victims of this deadly disease. I guess I am more aware of it now and also read articles about them more and more. I just read an article about “Stand Up to Cancer” and believe it is a great thing. They are trying to create more awareness of the different types of cancer, plus involving more experts in public discussions. Research is key in trying to find a way to prevent and eventually eliminate the cancer completely. But research is expensive and they can use all the help they can get. If anyone is interested in donating to the cause, you can do it by clicking here.
It appears that Sony Electronics Inc. has signed an agreement with the National Cable & Telecommunications Association that will allow viewers to have cable without the cable set-top boxes. Plus one less remote we all have to deal with. Apparently this agreement has been in the works for about ten years now. The biggest technical issue in the past was to allow “two-way” features, such as video on demand, pay-per-view, etc. But looks like Sony & the nation’s six largest cable companies have signed this agreement. So roughly 82% of cable subscribers will have this option in the near future. Not sure when exactly, but this is the right direction to go.
Does anyone think it is strange that no MLB team can use the services of Sammy Sosa or Barry Bonds? I mean these are two of the only five baseball players in MLB history, to have hit over 600 home runs in their career. I know they are both up there in age (Sammy-39 & Barry-43), but they surely can help a team at DH, can’t they? I think there is a more serious reason why no team has seeked out their services. It maybe their association to steriod use, that have teams hesitant on calling them. Anyone else have any other reasons?
It appears Microsoft Corp. is working on their latest operating system called Windows 7, due to be released by end of 2009. It will feature touch-screen applications, moving away from the keyboard & mouse devices used now. It will be similar to the iPhone touch screen features. Bill Gates even so far as said that they are looking into ways away from the keyboard/mouse options, such as voice, vision, even writing. That will be a huge difference from today’s computers. Looking forward to seeing exactly how this will work out.
There is now a website to find someone to take over your lease. It will cost a few hundred dollars to find someone to take over your car lease. With the high fuel costs, I can imagine so many people out there that want out of their leases of their gas guzzlers (i.e SUV’s). If anyone is looking into getting out of their car lease, I have listed some websites for your convenience:
Swapalease.com
LeaseTrade.com
TradeCarLease.com
I recently read an article regarding child obesity. It mentioned that childhood obesity rates have hit a plateau, after twenty years of rising rates. I think this is great news, but most doctors are holding back their optimism. They are not sure exactly what the stall in rates represents. I guess I am just an optimist. After watching a few episodes of “Shaq’s Big Challenge” , I was convinced that there needed something to be done about childhood obesity. I mean these kids lost so much weight, there character changed as well. They gained confidence and appeared very happy at the conclusion of the show. I also started watching “The Biggest Loser” reality show and thought it was proof, that childhood obesity has been a problem for a while in the US. I recall the last show that one of the participants had lost so much weight, he didn’t recall ever being that light. So that means he had been obese as a child. I hope Americans are now aware that childhood obesity is a major problem and hopefully this report regarding the rates of childhood obesity is a sign that all the efforts are working.
After an incredible “unbeaten” regular season in 2007 for the New England Patriots, their only loss was to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. They are now listed as the favorite to win it all in 2008. But that hasn’t happened in a very long time. In fact, the last team to have lost a SB and won it the following year, was the “unbeaten” Miami Dolphins of 1972, which NE was trying to match or beat (since they now play more regular season games). There have been several teams to have made it back to the SB after losing there the previous year, the last being the Buffalo Bills who actually played four straight SB’s from 1990-1993, but lost them all. As did the previous teams that have accomplished that task, such like Denver Broncos (1986-87) and Minnesota Vikings (1973-74). The odds are in favor of the SB winner to make it back to the SB (not necessarily winning them both), the last being NE, winning them both in 2003-2004. In fact, it has become extremely difficult just making the playoffs the year after losing the SB, and actually winning a playoff? It’s even more difficult. Ever since the Bills lost those four straight SB’s (all to NFC East teams), the next four SB losers made the playoffs, half winning one game in the playoffs. But after those four, only two of the next eight SB losers made the playoffs, and only the 2006 Seattle Seahawks won a playoff game, thanks to Tony Romo’s (Dallas Cowboys) botched game-winning field goal attempt.
So why are the Patriots favored this coming season? Because they were the “BEST TEAM EVER TO NOT” win a SB. History shows the odds are against the Patriots to even make the playoffs, let alone win it all. We’ll see what happens. I can’t wait for the 2008 NFL season to begin!
The summer is approaching fast and living in San Diego, CA, sandals are the norm for footwear. With that said, we all need to be aware that foot fungus is all over looking for somewhere to breed and grow. It loves mositure, so it is there at the beach, while we play sports and especially in public showers and restrooms. We have seen the symptoms of thicken, brittle or discolored toenails, plus itchy, scratchy or blistering skin. It can start in either place, the toenail or skin, but there are ways to try and prevent them. Avoiding walking barefoot in the public restrooms or showers is a MUST. Also, if you get pedicures, you must make sure the tubs are thouroughly cleaned with bleach, and the tools disinfected. There are also some creams that help prevent skin irritations, but the best way is to avoid the areas listed above. If you do get infected, although there are many over-the-counter options, I’d suggest the oral medication prescribed by a doctor. It worked on me and quickly. I haven’t had it since either. Keep in mind that the oral medication requires blood test to monitor the liver enzymes and not drinking alcohol is strongly suggested during this medication, which can be a hassle, but well worth it in my opinion.
I read an article about Kansas 2008 title run star Darrell Arthur. Apparently, he had his grades changed at his Oak Cliff High School (in Dallas, TX) in order to allow him to play basketball. Oak Cliff has already lost its 2006 State Title for what they call “unmerited grade changes”. Now they are being investigated for their 2005 State Championship, which included Arthur. The NCAA is now looking into it. Since Arthur did not really pass Algebra, he was not eligible for a Division I basketball scholarship, thus jeopardizing Kansas’ 2008 title. Arthur has since enlisted into the NBA draft, but will not hire an agent, which will allow him to remain eligible to stay playing another season at Kansas. It will be interesting where the outcome of this investigation will lead.
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