Ground Zero Memorial, Brazil’s steamy soap operas, and Jo Calderone

31 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Alan Gompers, Birth control, Celebrity, Crime, Injustice, International, Links, Patriotism, Politics, Pregnancy, Quacks, Travels, USA, West Memphis 3, Women

The 9/11 Memorial

One of my most surreal experiences in NYC involved Alan Gompers taking me to Ground Zero.  He dropped me off and waited in the car a few blocks away, offering me my solitude as I gazed at the area where the Twin Towers once stood.  At this time my view of the memorial was severely limited as it was under construction.  The 9/11 Memorial is now completed– with the exceptions of a museum and shopping center to come later– and opens to the public on the tenth anniversary of September 11th.  CNN’s account details the specifics of the design, acknowledges the conflicts associated with its construction, and shares a brief history of significant memorials in our country.

Imagine taking your first ride in an airplane….only to spot from the sky your home in the middle of a burglary.  This happened to Steven Lynn of Jonesboro, AR.  His uncle was at the residence and the two robbers ran from him– only to have Lynn’s pilot follow them as they attempted their escape– and describe their whereabouts to dispatchers.  Police promptly busted the unlucky capers thanks to the aerial assist.

Shocker:  Michele Bachmann says something stupid.  Apparently she missed the memo that the Everglades is not the place to drill for oil and natural gases.  Oopsie.

Consider Real Clear Politics to be your Cliff Notes on contemporary political issues.  I wholeheartedly believe that society would be less apathetic to the political process if they understood it more and made an increased effort to be informed.  As a political science major I cannot stand it when people adopt a snobbish attitude towards politics….that’s truly unfortunate.  Knowledge is power.  Arm yourselves.  Real Clear Politics offers email updates to ensure you are up to date with all things political and includes some of the following categories:  Real Clear Markets, Real Clear World, President Obama, Election 2012 Analysis, and National Security.

If you don't know who this person is, allow Real Clear Politics to assist you.

I’ve mentioned the West Memphis Three numerous times in this blog.  Although most of you are familiar with the case I wanted to include a link of archives from WREG [the leading source for local news in Memphis].  In addition to the information you can find online, I highly recommend reading The Devil’s Knot by Mara Leveritt and watching the films Paradise Lost 1 & 2.  I have yet to write my massive pieces regarding the acquital of these three men but I guarantee you it is coming.

“How a mix of female empowerment and steamy soap operas helped bring down Brazil’s fertility rate and stroke its vibrant economy” – National Geographic‘s article on Facebook grabbed my attention yesterday.  [[Sidenote:  National Geographic's brilliant photos and informative articles are posted daily on their Facebook page-- friend them if you haven't already.]]  Reading about women defying societal and religious norms to take control over their reproductive lives is empowering.  Their six-point plan for decreasing the nation’s fertility rate proved particularly interesting.

Lady Gaga a.k.a. Jo Calderone

Whatever your opinion on Lady Gaga’s music [it's not my cup of tea] you cannot dispute the fact that she most definitely makes a statement.  For the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Gaga attended as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone….yet were her intentions and message lost in this [arguably] over the top display?  Kelsey Wallace, blogging for Bitch magazine, says: “I do appreciate her postmodern-to-the-extreme commentary on celebrity culture, and I like that she attempts to do something with the platforms she’s been given– both politically and artistically….however, the cheesy accent and wild mugging for the camera pushed the persona into self-indulgent territory.”  For me it was too much.  As the article mentions, Annie Lennox did this first, and I’m disappoint that Gaga [with the premiums she places on innovation] didn’t give credit where it was due.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Jessica Beagley and my Little Ninja

30 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Child Abuse, Education, Hobbies, Schools, Unconventional Parenting

Speaking of hot sauce, this is my favorite brand. ;)

Currently I am writing an Associated Content article about ‘hot sauce mom’ Jessica Beagley.  What are your thoughts on this story?  Suffice it to say I do not believe this is child abuse– though I thoroughly disagree with the fact that she taped the incident hoping to be on national television– and I think it’s incredible the sort of parental discipline techniques that make the news while others [such as forceful spanking] happen routinely.  And that’s all I’ll say until I debut the article.

I was pleasantly surprised by the affordable price of martial arts lessons in the area:  $50 a month.  Here in Atascadero at the Pacific Martial Arts Academy, there is a Little Ninja program for kids ages 3-5.  How cute is that?!  I think it’s really important that Adam immerses himself in a regular, structured activity….especially with the baby coming within the next few months.  Will and I think he’d love any type of martial arts training [bonus points for his obsession with ninjas] so this is right up his alley.  Once Mommy gets started with her Krav Maga lessons we can spar in the backyard.  ;)

Our chances of getting into Head Start look grim.  Although it is a public education preschool, spaces are limited, and we did not begin the registration process early enough.  I didn’t even realize such a program existed here.  Thinking it would be a similar setup to Memphis, I thought our only options were church and/or private schools or wait until he was eligible for kindergarten in the public school of our district.  We simply cannot afford private tuition right now and it breaks my heart that Adam doesn’t have school in his life.  He absolutely adored Germantown Presbyterian– he talks about it all the time– and I know that having a productive way to spend his days would ease the transition of such a drastic move.  Although he has adapted wonderfully, I can tell he misses his former world and has been affected on many levels by our decision to relocate.

Overall today has been insanely stressful.  The combination of high levels of stress coupled with a feeling of helplessness [not to mention pregnancy hormones] has me feeling less than stellar.  I can’t eat or sleep and feel like I’m starting to shut down as a coping mechanism.  In these situations I try to stay calm, focus on the positive, and not get fixated on my anger.  Rage tends to accompany negativity in my life and I despise it.  There is nothing worse than feeling angry, it’s the worst emotion ever.  I would vent here but I feel as though I’d just be rehashing things and right now that is neither productive nor in my best interests.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

15 Weeks

29 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Pregnancy, The Wee One, Will Reed

Week 15's imagery

 

[[ Image courtesy of Baby Center and info from Web MD ]]

Baby: Your 13-week-old fetus now measures about 4.1 to 4.5 inches from crown to rump and weighs about 1.75 ounces. Its body is covered by an ultrafine hair, called lanugo, which is usually shed by birth. Eyebrows and hair on the top of the head are beginning to grow. He may even be sucking his thumb by now. Bones are getting harder.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus can probably be felt about 3 to 4 inches below your navel. Sometime in the next five weeks you’ll be offered a quadruple marker screening test, which measures four chemicals in your blood — alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), inhibin A, and estrogen produced by the placenta. The test is a more accurate predictor of Down syndrome than AFP testing alone. Amniocentesis, which tests a small sample of amniotic fluid withdrawn by an ultrasound-guided needle, is usually performed between now and 18 weeks. It may be recommended if you’re 35 or older or if your AFP or quadruple marker screen test results were suspicious.

Tip of the Week: Start learning to sleep on your left side because circulation is best that way. Lying on your back or stomach after about the fourth or fifth month can put extra pressure on your growing uterus and decrease circulation to your baby. You can try tucking pillows behind you and between your legs. Some manufacturers make a pregnancy pillow that supports your entire body.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Miss Skylar <3

28 Aug 2011 1 Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Bebehs, Da Real Homiez, Friends, Megan Childers- favorite roomie, Pregnancy, The Wee One

Skylar came into the world at 3:15 am on 8/28/11 weighing 7lbs10oz in Memphis

Congratulations are in order for my gorgeous friend [it's only fitting I use one of her favorite words], Ashley Weatherly, on the arrival of her beautiful baby girl!  Ashley loves and is amazing with children so motherhood is only a natural progression for her.  Best wishes to Ashley and Kevin!

Ashley is the first of my friends in my ‘Campus View Crew’ to have a baby.  While I am ecstatic for her…..it doesn’t negate the fact that I really want to see Megan Childers procreate.  When is that going to happen?!?!  ;)

Speaking of babies, Jenna Abernathy found out yesterday she is having a girl!  I may just have to try the ring test she told me about later tonight.

My gut feeling says we’ll be welcoming Andrew Dylan into the world but we’re all hoping for a little sister.  Of course– just as we were with Adam– Will and I want a happy and healthy baby and that is truly what matters….but since we already have the precious love of our firstborn boy, it’s time to get some estrogen in our little family.  Not to mention Adam desperately wants a sister and we have two young cousins in the family that will be under the age of two when The Wee One arrives.  Between their clothes and surplus car seats, that would save us a TON of money.  So basically it’s the most frugal decision to have a girl!  As if we have any choice in the matter, ha.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Sunburns, Lake San Antonio, and a head injury

26 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in California, Lakes, Text Broker, Water, Writing

Shaunna looks gangsta. I look perfectly content relaxing in the background.

Forgive me for the lack of entries this past week.  Between a massive sunburn, general pregnancy lethargy, Text Broker assignments, Josh’s return home and an unfortunate incident resulting in a severe accident with my noggin…..I think I’ve earned some time to relax.  That and my computer time has been cut in half until the laptop is fixed.  ;)

Regular entries and massive updates shall resume soon.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

14 Weeks

25 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Pregnancy, The Wee One, Will Reed

Week 14′s imagery

[[ Image courtesy of Baby Center and info from WebMD]]

 
Baby: Your baby measures about 3.2 to 4.1 inches from crown to rump now and weighs almost an ounce. The ears are shifting from the neck to the sides of the head, and the neck is getting longer and chin more prominent. Facial features and unique fingerprints are all there. Your baby is beginning to respond to outside stimuli. If your abdomen is poked, the fetus will try to wriggle away.

 Mom-to-be: You’re probably wearing maternity clothes now. Your skin and muscles are starting to stretch to accommodate your growing baby. You may notice some constipation because pregnancy hormones relax the bowel.

Tip of the Week: Try to alleviate constipation with moderate exercise, and by drinking plenty of fluids and eating lots of fruit and vegetables, preferably raw.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

 

West Memphis 3 are free!

19 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Uncategorized

 

 

Press conference

West Memphis 3:  Guilty Pleas Entered  [WREG]

West Memphis Three are Freed  [Memphis Flyer]

‘West Memphis Three’– Convicted After Killing Boy Scouts– Free After Serving 17 Years In Prison  [David Lohr - Huffington Post]

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

 

 

Major developments with the West Memphis 3

19 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Crime, Megan Childers- favorite roomie, Trials

What will happen tomorrow?

Megan Childers set the wheels in motion when she shared this headline with me:   Judge sets unexpected hearing in Jonesboro for West Memphis 3.  Shortly thereafter Brittany Cole posted this development from WREG in Memphis:  West Memphis 3: Two, Including Echols, Will Be Released Friday.  Local sources confirmed it too:  Speculation mounts on freedom for West Memphis 3 UPDATE.

While I knew critical events were going to unfold in the near future, I had no idea it would be this soon.  Megan, Brittany, and I could barely contain our enthusiasm during our exchanges on Facebook today….but I must resist the urge to feed into the frenzy and speculate preemptively.  I’ll wait until tomorrow before I speak any further.  You know I’ll be glued to the television around 9 am Pacific time– for once in my life I am glad I am a ‘homemaker’ working from my computer so I can see this in real time!

However, as Megan mentioned, there absolutely must be some sort of safeguard in place so the state can’t be sued.  Perhaps that explains why there is a guilty verdict when the three steadfastly maintained their innocence for almost twenty years.  And if Damien is rumored to be released, will it be Jason or Jessie that is not, and why?  On a final note, a quote from my friend from Neshoba, Bruce Ralston:  “They don’t let convicted felons out of jail just because they admit guilt. As far as I know, the only two ways that convicted felons can be freed ahead of schedule are: (A) pardon/clemency; or (B) by having the charges thrown out, which means that the verdict of guilty is overturned completely. There is such a thing as getting a new trial and being released in the interim, and there have been sentences have been reduced to time served for one reason or another, but this doesn’t smell like either of those situations.”  Food for thought.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

The quest for better schools, ‘loungerie’ for little girls, and overprocessed hair

17 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in A woman's Right to choose, Beauty, Child Abuse, Death Penalty, Education, Fashion, GLBT issues, Hair, Injustice, Links, Lookin' snazzy, Motherhood, Outrage, Politics, Schools

Could you even imagine spending 22 years on Death Row– the last 13 of them with multiple sclerosis– for a murder you didn’t commit?

According to Huffington Post:  “Ohio mother of two Kelly Williams-Bolar was released from jail Wednesday after serving nine days for falsifying records…convicted by a jury of using her father’s address to claim residency status that would allow her children to attend a higher-performing suburban school…put on probation for two years, ordered to complete 80 hours of community service, and may threaten her ability to receive the teacher’s license she was working towards.”  While I would never advocate breaking the law, I completely sympathize this mother’s position.  Who doesn’t want the best for their children– especially when it comes to education?  The article touches on the interconnected factors of race and socioeconomic and how can negatively impact a child’s schooling.

Kelly Williams-Bolar

In Kansas, new legislation was passed that covers the termination of a pregnancy only if women purchase a special abortion insurance rider added to their regular insurance policy for an additional cost.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again– a woman’s right to choose is about just that, choice– regardless of your opinions on the actual act of abortion.

A French company now makes ‘loungerie’ for little girls.  Marketing a product modeled after lingerie for adult females for prepubescent and adolescent children [4-12] borders on child pornography.  Creating outfits or pajamas to mimic mommy’s attire is one thing but fancy, somewhat racy undergarments for a young girl is deplorable.

Everything else I’ve discussed in this batch of links has been somewhat somber.  Now I wish to lighten it up a bit with…. overprocessed hair.  While this article caters to those who have bleach damage, I think it’s perfect for anyone who is guilty of too much coloring and/or heat styling.  Products and tips are offered for the repair of your fried locks and there are also two recipes found for treatments that you can find in your kitchen and at your local health store.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

“Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t….”

16 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Love, Lyrics

emo bands don't need capitals.

 

brand new

i am heaven sent, don’t you dare forget.
i am all you’ve ever wanted,
what all the other boys all promised.
sorry i told. i just needed you to know.
i think in decimals and dollars.
i am the cause to all your problems,
shelter from cold. we are never alone.
coordinate brain and mouth.
then ask me what’s it like to have myself so figured out.
i wish i knew…

i hope this song starts a craze.
the kind of song that ignites the airwaves.
the kind of song that makes people glad to be where they are,
with whoever they’re there with.
this is war.
every line is about who i don’t wanna write about anymore.
hope you come down with something they can’t diagnose,
don’t have the cure for.
holding on to your grudge.
oh it’s so hard to have someone to love.
and keeping quiet is hard.
’cause you can’t keep a secret
if it never was a secret to start.
at least pretend you didn’t wanna get caught..

we’re concentrating on falling apart.
we were contenders, we’re throwing the fight
i just wanna believe, i just wanna believe,
i just wanna believe in us.

oh, we’re so c-c-c-c-c-controversial.
we are entirely smooth.
we admit to the truth,
we are the best at what we do.
and these are the words you wish you wrote down.
this is the way you wish your voice sounds,
handsome and smart.
oh my tongue’s the only muscle on my body
that works harder than my heart.
and it’s all from watching tv,
and from speeding up my breathing.
wouldn’t stop if i could.
oh it hurts to be this good.
you’re holding on to your grudge.
oh it hurts to always have to be honest
with the one that you love.
oh, so let it go…

we’re concentrating on falling apart.
we were contenders, we’re throwing the fight
i just wanna believe, i just wanna believe,
i just wanna believe in us.

this is the grace that only we can bestow.
this is the price you pay for loss of control.
this is the break in the bend,
this is the closest of calls.
this is the reason you’re alone,
this is the rise and the fall.

we’re concentrating on falling apart.
we were contenders, we’re throwing the fight
i just wanna believe, i just wanna believe,
i just wanna believe…

 

With infinite love, gratitute, and respect,

Sloane

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