Mel recently went to the dentist, where during the course of conversation about her going to do Peace-Corps, the dentist offered to do a small cosmetic procedure on her teeth for free, because he was touched by the work she was doing. She agreed to it, then had these thoughts to share in reference to a post I had written earlier about moderation.
From
Mel’s Xanga

Even though I didn’t pay for it, and it was really nice, now I am playing into our culture of consumption and perfection and cosmetic appeal. …

I am not uncritical of rap music, but I am also cautious to judge a culture I am not a part of and have not sought to understand.
As someone who has worked in the education system and with youth who are a part of this hip-hop culture, I have a deep interest in it’s affect on our generation.
I found this video intriguing because I feel there where valid points made by each of the people speaking. I feel bad that the conversation happened on a show like this …

I pulled up an article from February that does a good job of concisely articulating the dilemma of marriage in the African American community. This is another one of those things I would encourage you to reserve judgements on and rather take as an opportunity to try and understand a little more a culture that you might be unfamiliar with.
From
Forum: A Black History Month valentine

There are in most 18-and-above age groupings only about eight black men for every 10 black women. This ratio is largely owing to high rates …

Just thought you might want some proof that Mindy and I really went to the PAPA Festival. It was really a good time. We didn’t have our camera though, so I’ve relied on others pictures posted online. Not very effective for telling any sort of story about our time there. Except that I tried juggling.

More photos if your interested in getting an inside look at the people and places that were Papa fest.

Yes friends, this is the amazing film you have all been waiting for. And to think it only took 48 hours to do it!
Soon will all be anxiously awaiting the 182.5 films this production team will be making yearly when they become professionals.

When I get bored I try and find more creative ways to ride my bike. You know instead of the traditional way of riding. I was going to video tape it for you and put it on here, but since I don’t have a camera, and there is no one to ride along and tape me I’ve decided to just put a video up of someone doing the exact same thing. (Well, she’s only a beginner though, so it’s not exactly how I ride)

The first time I heard of adopting an alternative currency was at PAPA fest. They used “Papas” as a form of currency that you earned by helping out throughout the festival (volunteering at the kids tent or registration, or helping with the compost) and then could spend at the stores people had set up. It was an interesting concept for a festival.
Then I heard Ithaca, NY mentioned and the story that they had been using an alternative currency for since 1991. It’s a very interesting concept, and one I’m not …

My parent’s where in town this weekend. I’m blessed to have to of the most amazing people that have graced the face of this earth as my parental units. I’ve learned to appreciate them more and more as I’ve interacted with a great many people who weren’t nearly as blessed as I was to have such loving and caring fathers and mothers.
I grew up thinking I could do anything, cause my mom told me (and still tells me) that I can. Even this weekend we had conversations that renewed me …