Today is the day I silence the masses and give voice to silent individuals.
Today is the day I live by example, advocate with action.
Today is the day I tell the timid and fearful, “We can do this.”
Today is the day I scoff at society and nod to humanity.
Today is the day I reach out to those with image and esteem “problems” and say, “It’s not you; it’s them.”
Today is the day I challenge society’s harmful and arbitrary notions of beauty. Continue reading
My brother asked me a question recently that has kept my mind stuck on the topic for the past few weeks. He asked, “Are you active in any animal advocacy anymore?” (Paraphrased; alliteration added). The answer was, “No, not really.” I have been so busy with improv, sketch comedy, and school, that I haven’t participated in any animal-related projects in months. For a moment, I felt a little guilty. And I still do at times. And I’ve yet to read the rest of Peter Singer’s “How Are We To Live?” to find out where the line should be drawn between selfishness and living for others… So, am I being too selfish? Should I be doing more in terms of advocacy and activism? Continue reading
A police officer in Edwardsville was recently charged with a felony for secretly taking video of women in a tanning salon. I think all of us are immediately appalled when we are reminded that this crap actually happens, but I think there’s an interesting (and disturbing) aspect of this story that many people skip over. Continue reading
A friend of mine posted this article yesterday that lists “15 Things You Should Give Up In Order To Be Happy.” Shortly after I read it, another friend posted an article about how religious groups are fighting against anti-bullying laws designed to prevent bullying in schools and promote tolerance of people with different beliefs/lifestyles.
That focused my attention on what the first article cited as number one on the list of things you should give up to be happy: your need to always be right. It seems to me that the only reason a religious group would fight against bullying, against tolerance, against “LGBT friendly” legislation, is that its members (or leaders) are more concerned with being right than being kind. Continue reading
Group photo of the walkers who stayed till the end.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
On October 22 in Tower Grove Park, a small group of thoughtful, committed, and passionate people gathered together to walk on behalf of an issue that, for many people, is difficult to care about, let alone stand up for… an issue that is too often ignored, marginalized, or even mocked… an issue that, indeed, can change the world. The issue? Compassion for farm animals. The event? The 2011 St. Louis Walk for Farm Animals. Continue reading
I have a very close friend with whom I do not see eye-to-eye on religion. However, it’s one of the most interesting topics we discuss, and these discussions always leave me with even more respect for her than before the talks.
I wonder why religion is considered off-limits to so many people. I wonder why we let it cause damaging arguments. I wonder if we should hold ourselves to a higher standard than that, so that we can maturely discuss a topic that is potentially the most important one we’ll ever face.
I’ve been a student of improv since December 2010, and it has quickly become one of my favorite activities. I have taken a number of awesome classes with The Improv Trick on Cherokee Street in St. Louis, and I recently started in a level one class with The Improv Shop above the Tin Can on Locust. I love every part of this class, taught by the awesome Kevin McKernan, but there are two particular activities that really stand out for me. I’ll tell you about each of them, and then I’ll tell you why I think I enjoyed them so much. And, to be honest, I will then attempt to convince you to take an improv class (complete with a very intimidating double-dog dare). Continue reading
This woman is amazing.
I’m currently in Orlando, Fla. at the PRSA International Conference. Monday afternoon I attended a workshop called, “The Personal Branding Project: Crafting Your Identity.” Presenters Cyndee Woolley and Jessica Macera talked about the importance of crafting your own personal brand, including developing and working toward goals for your life. It was a really great workshop.
And it really bummed me out.
I learned a new word today: neophile. According to Wikipedia (I know, I know), a neophile is a person with “a strong affinity for novelty.” In other words, “neophile” is the word I’ve been looking for to describe my unexplained adoration for all new things. Continue reading
