Monday, September 27, 2010

Voter registration deadline is Monday, October 4

If you want to vote in the general election on November 2, you must register by Monday, October 4.  In a general election, the voters choose the candidates who will hold the offices that are open for election.  On the federal level, this election will cover one of Pennsylvania’s two United States Senate seats and all U.S. House seats. In the state, the governor, lieutenant governor, state senators in even-numbered districts, and all state House members, are up for election.

This is a critical election for our country. It’s called a mid-term election because it’s right in the middle of the president’s four-year term. The results can shift the balance of power in Congress, and thus the direction of the country for the next two years. A similar tug-of-war is occurring in Harrisburg, for control of the state government.

fracking | How Slop from Natural Gas Fracking Could End Up in Your Food | Rodale News

fracking How Slop from Natural Gas Fracking Could End Up in Your Food Rodale News

Women in Leadership -- Calling Class XV

Coro Pittsburgh is currently accepting applications and nominations for Women in Leadership (WIL) Class XV.

WIL is the only leadership training program in southwestern Pennsylvania devoted specifically to women.  WIL is a twelve-week, part-time, evening training program designed for high-acheiving women with demonstrated leadership experience in the private, public, or non-profit sectors.

Benefits to program participants include:
- Enhanced professional and community leadership skills
- Ability to effectively involve all sectors to address issues by understanding, building and leveraging networks
- Engagement in a network of community leaders dedicated to creating positive change for the women of southwestern Pennsylvania
- Accomplishment of a year-long personal strategic plan with the support of a coach

WIL XV will begin in January 2011.  Applications are due December 10, 2010, and can be found here.  For any questions, or more information, please contact Kelsey Halling at khalling@coropittsburgh.org.

Women in Leadership -- Calling Class XV

Coro Pittsburgh is currently accepting applications and nominations for Women in Leadership (WIL) Class XV.

WIL is the only leadership training program in southwestern Pennsylvania devoted specifically to women.  WIL is a twelve-week, part-time, evening training program designed for high-acheiving women with demonstrated leadership experience in the private, public, or non-profit sectors.

Benefits to program participants include:
- Enhanced professional and community leadership skills
- Ability to effectively involve all sectors to address issues by understanding, building and leveraging networks
- Engagement in a network of community leaders dedicated to creating positive change for the women of southwestern Pennsylvania
- Accomplishment of a year-long personal strategic plan with the support of a coach

WIL XV will begin in January 2011.  Applications are due December 10, 2010, and can be found here.  For any questions, or more information, please contact Kelsey Halling at khalling@coropittsburgh.org.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Of Dieting ...

When I think diet, I think crazy schemes, pills, cremes and desperation.

This summer, I began dieting. It started out with exercise. I used the Wii Fit Plus and simply cut out pop, while increasing fruits and veggies. It dawned on me that I was, in fact, dieting.

To my surprise, I lost 30 pounds in about 4 months. I didn't really feel like I was dieting, but I did feel motivated enough to start paying closer attention to my food consumption so maybe I could lose some more and exit my 30's healthier than when I entered them.

I joined SparkPeople.com which has great tools to track food and fitness, as well as lots and lots of support and information. I've been working hard to meet my "ranges" in terms of calories, fat, carbs and protein while pursuing a diverse and balanced diet. The ranges have been okay. By tracking it online using my phone, I can hit dinner with a clear idea of what's acceptable. Or I can plan my earlier meals with the anticipation of a heavy dinner.

I eat a lot of spinach. I try to eat more broccoli. Protein shakes entered my life. I struggle to figure out the ingredients of my beloved Asian foods (that's a joy). I measure my portions! Ledcat laughs when I measured orange sherbert.

I also use the Wii programs to keep working out. I treaded water for hours this summer which is awesome cardio exercise. I signed up for swimming lessons this fall. I walk a few times a week.

I'm doing stuff. My biggest achievement has been six months of consistency. Sure, I've had a few blurps along the way, but for the most part I've done well. Granted, I've plateaued in terms of weight loss, but I responded by only weighing in once a week and focusing on other goals (more green veggies!).

I do note that most people comment on my weight loss followed by their tips and suggestions. People have some weird suggestions about weight loss. When I tell them its about living a healthier life, I can tell they don't believe me. Oh well. Other people do see past the weight loss. They see that I have had one sick day all year (bad cold). They see my increased energy and productivity. They see my healthy snacks in the cupboard at work and my ability to say "no" to tasty treats. They assure me that my "size too large" clothes don't look that bad.

Women can "diet" without feeding into stereotypes. My little Wii avatar lady tells me I should weigh 124 lbs which is ridiculous. I'm content to pass my little milestones and keep changing things up.

I really need to get some recipes to cook green veggies because the spinach is getting old. :-)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Are women in media allowed to disagree?

A local women's organization has announced an upcoming event to celebrate the accomplishments of women.

I was originally on the host committee, but it didn't end on a positive note. It also ended abruptly for other female bloggers, but I can't speak for them. Obviously, I have some opinions, but my primary question is whether it is "acceptable" to voice criticism, constructive or otherwise, of a women oriented event without being pigeonholed as bitter, resentful, jealous, or so forth? Or disloyal, in fact.

Can we hold a women oriented event sponsored by a women's organization to the same level of scrutiny as other political events. For yes, an event lauding women is an inherently political act of advocacy, perhaps even activism.

Is asking this question going to land me in further hot water? Should I let that concern stop me from blogging -- the very reason I was asked to participate in the first place? I didn't shy away from critizing Dan Onorato, Barack Obama or Luke Ravenstahl. Should I hold back when I feel women have done a disservice to other women, including me?

I don't think we should. There's no need to bash, but when a system breaks down or creates barriers --- we blog.

Rest assured nothing untoward happened, but the experience has really left me struggling with how women can advocate within the women's community.

What do you think? Can we constructively critique the good, the bad and the ugly about women and women's organizations?

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Pennsylvania Dept of Education - Academic Achievement Report

Pennsylvania Dept of Education - Academic Achievement Report

Latest PSSA Test Results Released For Pennsylvania Schools - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Latest PSSA Test Results Released For Pennsylvania Schools - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Meditative Affirmation for Finding Inner Purpose

Meditation: Sit for a few minutes alone, with eyes closed and a goal to relax. Calm all thoughts and emotions until you are awareof the quietness that surrounds you. With slow and deep breaths,feel yourself float into this calm energy, feeling your body andmind also adjusting to this quietness. All the noise disappearsand you feel at peace. Pay attention to the soundless spirit, asyou cleanse and exist with silence.


Visualization: Today's card image can assist you in thismeditative affirmation, to help you make a choice in whatever situation that you may be experiencing. So whether you are ready to make some small shifts in a relationship, a change in your course with work, or dealing with an individual who you may be at odds with - this practice could prove to be beneficial.


Relax for a few minutes, closing your eyes, and with slow relaxing breaths, allow your mind to travel back in time. Search in your memory bank of the period when you were... read more >>

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

2 Political Junkies: That Time of the Month -- On the Spot

2 Political Junkies: That Time of the Month -- On the Spot: "We've written about On the Spot before because it's an excellent project. On the Spot raises awareness and much needed funds to purchase pa..."

On the Spot!


On the Spot raises awareness and much needed funds to purchase pads and tampons for girls who have irregular access to these products. As the co-founder puts it:

For girls in foster care, unstable family situations, economically troubled households and shelters, “that time of the month” brings panic and uncertainty. Many skip school for lack of an alternative. In some local schools local staff provides products out of their own pocket to make sure girls have a back-up.


On the Spot will be holding a back to school fundraiser this Friday:

WHEN: Friday, September 10th
WHERE: Remedy in Lawrenceville (5121 Butler Street)
DETAILS: The event will include a paper bag auction, a cookie table, a DJ, and drink specials. Admission is $10 or $5 and a box of pads/tampons.

Can't make it? Donate products or money here.

On the Spot has collected over 1700 pads and distributed them to seven local schools, a women’s shelter and several after school/summer programs for girls. The project was also able to put together and distribute several hundred personal care bags for boys and girls in need. On the spot is a project of Desiree VanTassel and Jennifer England. All funds and products are distributed by Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania Education Fund, (a 501c3) in schools that have a demonstrated need for help.

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Astrological Happenings, September 2010 Horoscope

September inspires us to turn away from the outside world and to return to ourselves. While each of us contain both masculine and female energy, female energy is this months theme, as it is gentle, creative, and supportive. It balances masculine tendencies and mirrors reflections. It is a period to give less of ourselves, so that we may replenish what has been loss or given away. We are temporarily hiding from the world for a few weeks to analyze all that we have learned and collected, so that we can enhance the person that we have become. Just like 'The Hermit' in the tarot who represents Virgo's quiet personality, he comfortably presses the 'pause button' on his life by turning his back on his future, to mentally (Mercury) rewind past choices. And don't forget folks, we are still in a Mercury retrograde from last month, so our thinking isn't exactly where it normally is and we ponder recent situations and individuals from our past. Virgo likes to silently study himself, to reinforce his strengths and reexamine his weaknesses. The mutable qualities that make Virgo and The Hermit influential are highlighted in September, giving us permission to be Read more >>>