Literacy—Read, Write and Think!

This past summer I went to Open Books for a volunteer orientation. Open Books is all about promoting literacy in Chicago and elsewhere. They work hard, utilizing volunteers, to make young and old literate through social events, programs and field trips.

This is taken from The New York Times article by Jessica Reaves. It is estimated that about 23% of American adults do not have basic reading skills—they are unable to read directions (medications), look for employment or take care of their finances. Chicago’s illiteracy suffers with “53% of adults having low or limited literacy skills”. The numbers might not be exact  but the fact is this city and country should not have a problem with illiteracy.

Since I’m unemployed I decided to do some volunteer work, and what better place to volunteer at than with books. Today I woke up early, got ready and drove to the Open Books warehouse. It has definitely been a long time since I woke that early and had to look presentable. LOL! Anyways, when I walked into the place it was full of boxes of books donated by people. The guys working there set me up on a computer to scan the books for resale. It’s amazing how many people donate, and what is even more amazing are the books people buy. There were old 60's and 70's cook books, travel books and 80's workout books. Do you remember Susan Powter? “Stop the Insanity!” I guess this catchphrase can be used for illiteracy. 

I enjoyed my volunteer work and wanted to share my experience with you, continue volunteering and hopefully I can pay it forward. Aside from the bookstore on Institute Place, they resell books on different websites—Amazon being one of them. (The bookstore is setup so cute. The picture of the fireplace on this post is from the store.) On Amazon, the books are sold under used. So if you are ever browsing for a book, click on used and search for Open Books to help fund literacy.

My next topic has nothing to do with literacy and everything to do with winning.

Did you watch the Bears vs. Green Bay game? The outcome of this game really makes me mad because a) I don’t like Green Bay and b) the Bears could have won the game if offense knew how to block and catch, and Devin Hester learned how to keep his temper in check. *rant over*

Have a great day!

ROAR VS. CHEESE!

The Chicago Bears are the NFC Division Champions and tomorrow are set to play their 90-year rivals, Green Bay Packers, for a spot in the Super Bowl. My family has been Chicago Bears’ fans since I can remember, and my mom had the pleasure of going to Super Bowl XX: Bears vs. Patriots. The love of Da Bears starts at a very young age.

But that was many years ago and many changes. The team we have now is low key than the 85-86 Bears, and our present coach’s blood pressure doesn’t shoot through the roof during bad plays, penalties or poor calls from the refs. That’s all right though I’m still a Ditka fan. Anyways, don’t misconstrue their low key temperament as weakness. The Bears have worked their way through playing issues and are prepared to take on the cheese heads.

Yes folks, you too can be a cheese head if you’re cheering for the Green Bay Packers—a hat with a very large wedge of cheese on top. I think that explains it all when it comes to their fans. What can I say, Bears’ fans dislike Green Bay and vice versa—no love loss.

So come tomorrow, 5,000 miles away, I’ll be cheering for my beloved Bears with my Love and his brother. I think I got them interested in American football and they enjoy watching Da Bears. I’ll be making Cranberry Turkey Burgers, fresh vegetable salad and mashed sweet potatoes. After that we’ll have wine, beer and popcorn.

What are your football plans?

GO BEARS—DEFENSE—OFFENSE—SPECIAL TEAMS—CUTLER (who I just want to kiss)—HESTER (Bring us more of this)

Stay Out of the Locker Room!

I’m a huge football fan; unfortunately it’s difficult to admit that after the emBEARassing way the Chicago Bears played yesterday. The touchdown belonged to the Detroit Lions whether the referees interpreted the rule correctly or not, common sense should come into play. Sports rules are to provide order throughout the organization and keep things fair. It’s at the discretion of the referee as to whether a player is penalized by a rule written to help in rulings. Johnson had a completed catch, and therefore, Detroit Lions in truth won the game. Winning on a poor judgment call doesn’t sit well with me. I feel dirty. The Chicago Bears played horribly, defense and offense, and the calls made on the sidelines a disgrace. After this season, the Bears organization better not renew Lovie Smith’s contract. We need a coach who knows what he’s doing, instead of being fed information and one who has emotion. Lovie’s bland coaching style is how the team plays--bland. Chicago is of substance, so show it!

Now that I’ve given my personal journalistic view on yesterday’s game, I come to another issue regarding women sport’s journalists. This comes from the story regarding the Mexican TV network reporter who felt uncomfortable in the Jets locker room. Let me tell you something ladies, you can be journalists but you have NO BUSINESS IN THE MEN’S LOCKER ROOM! As Ines Sainz tweeted, “"I feel very uncomfortable! I'm at the lockers of the Jets waiting for Mark Sanchez while trying not to look anywhere!!" If you have to avoid looking in certain directions, then that’s a sign you shouldn’t be there.

There is NO WAY a male journalist would be allowed in a woman’s locker room, so why is it all right for a woman journalist to be in a men’s locker room? Why create a situation that can leave the woman, or the men opened to controversy? There are situations where men do harass women, but sadly nowadays some women falsely accuse men. Being a woman, I wouldn’t want to be in a vulnerable environment. Women need to stop pushing the threshold and use common sense. I’m not condoning men’s harassing actions, but why be there in the first place. If you want to be a sports journalist, then wait until they come out of the locker rooms to have an interview.

What’s your opinion about the game, locker room, or both?

Are You Ready For Some Football?!!!

Sunday Football is back in town

Support and cheer for a touchdown

Chips and beer are all you need

In hopes our team has the speed

To take on their opposing team

And win our city’s Super Bowl dream

We may not have the guys from the Super Bowl Shuffle, but Da Bears will always be dear to my heart.