Another Post About Japan

Social media can be a very valuable thing, especially in times of crisis. It never fails to amaze me when I realize how connected our world has become.  Social networks have been buzzing since the 11th of ways to take action, find loved ones, or just raise awareness. Facebook alone counted 4.5 million status updates from 3.8 million users across the world on March 11 that mentioned “Japan,” “earthquake” or “tsunami.” The  animated graphic below reflects this in 10 different points in time.. (You may have to click on the image to see the animated version or go here)

I am glad that the Internet exists, how else could a girl across the planet have any hope of  helping the victims overseas or receive accurate up-to-date information? The tsunami and earthquake may have passed but the recovery has just begun. (Not to mention, the situation could become worse depending on what happens at the Fukushima nuclear power plant...)

Social media makes donating to relief efforts such as the American Red Cross or Save the Children easy. If you aren't very good with the Internet and taking advantage of social media (I was one of them...twitter still confuses me.) There is a web page that explains how in seven simple easy ways. Click here to view the page.

Too often I hear people whining and griping about the "evils technology have brought to our society," but look at how the social media has been used in this crisis. In fact, Monica Diaz of the Red Cross Los Angeles chapter said that "the best way anyone can help is by going online."


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Source:
How Facebook Users Reacted...

Major Pangs

I love the art program I am in, I truly do. They don't accept that many people and I worked too hard to be accepted into my program to change my major now. Even so, every now and again I find myself worrying if I chose the right major. If I should instead be studying in the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. I love learning about life in other countries and I want to travel to A LOT of places.

Even if I am not an "international relations" student, I still take the classes they offer and participate in their forums and events. Through that program I have been able to meet, listen, and on some occasions have lunch with, an ambassador from almost every country. Not to mention listen to some other rad people such as Greg Mortenson, Condoleezza Rice, and Paul Rusesabagina.

This past week I was able to listen to Ambassador Hem Heng of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Even though the room he spoke in was filled with mostly Caucasian students, almost everyone in it spoke the Khmer language...I felt a little out of place. When the Ambassador spoke he discussed his country's past and present and the history of the U.S.'s relation with them. It would seem that our two countries which are now allies have had a rather rocky past together.

I am glad Ambassador Hem Heng and his wife were able to visit Provo. It was great learning about Cambodia. My knowledge of the country was basic and left much for wanting beforehand. Unfortunately, this time I couldn't meet Ambassador Hem Heng. After he spoke I had to run and finish a project. I look forward to next week's visitor, the Ukrainian Ambassador Olexander Motsyk. If you live in Provo or near it you should come!

Improve Your Vocabulary and Fight Hunger.

When I was a sophomore in high school my English teacher, Ms. Rock, gave us a link to a website that both improves one's vocabulary and gives one a chance to fight world hunger. Freerice.com is a vocabulary game. With each question you answer correctly 10 grains of rice will be donated by Freerice's sponsors to help people living in poverty. The game starts out easy and gets harder as you progress.

If you are looking to sound a little smarter when you speak, fight hunger or kill some time stop by freerice.com and play! Its a win-win situation!

Happening Now

At Midnight Belgium will claim the world record for the longest time without a government. Unlike the previous record holder, Iraq, Belgium (both French and Dutch speakers) looks at the record as an excuse to party and protest with humor.

The protests include:

• Growing beards (There is even a website called: "Beards for Belgium") 
• In Brussels, Ghent, and Leuven there will be free fries (Belgium's national dish)
• In many cities people will simply party.
  

I know that the lack of a government is serious, but who wouldn't appreciate the humorous protests? Here's to you Belgium, way to beat the world record! I wish I could be there to celebrate and eat fries (or as you would call them "chips") with you.

Sources:
BBC
NDTV

Live Our Lives In Color

"Gray is out. Gloom is gone. It’s time to live our lives in color!"

There are many ways to brighten the world around us. I recently discovered and signed up for a project that is too cool not to share! In March of last year, Dulux Paint started an international outreach project called "Lets Colour" to spread color to drab and dreary regions of the world. Their hope is that in transforming gray and weathered spaces (including houses, schools, bus stops, town squares...etc) to brightly colored spaces they will transform the communities and the people within them as well.

Stop by their site, the project's blog records the outcome in each city, as well as the locals' color choices and where their inspiration comes from. If you are like me and can't just drop everything and travel to places like India or Brazil at the current time don't fret! There are lots of ways to be a part of this neat project.

Brian Dwyer extended an invitation on his blog for people to join saying: "To those of you reading who favor brilliance and excitement over the mundane and depressing, I highly recommend picking up a paint brush and giving it a shot sometime."

What are we waiting for? Lets start coloring! :)

Sources:
Let's Colour
Bust Magazine

Today's Thought

"Use everything in your means to bring about a better world." - Mairead Corrigan Maguire

Did you know that yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address? The very address when the famous phrase "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." was spoken. I feel we can take the message of those words and apply them to more than our country. What can we do for our family, friends, community, country, and world? I don't mean to sound preachy, but I feel that each of us has the capability and responsibility to offer so much back. These acts to make a world a better place don't always have to be extraordinary. There was a time when I was saved by someone's smile and small acts of kindness. The very actions that meant the world to me I am certain she never thought twice about. We were both kids and she used what was in her means-smile, be friendly, be understanding- at the time to make the world around her better.

The term "human race" can seem very abstract when spoken. But the truth is that the human race is you and me. Humans are made to be interdependent. We need other humans to be human, because of human consciousness and capacity we have the single greatest impact on all life on this planet. This is a huge responsibility and one that needs to be upheld not neglected. We need to use our means to try and make things brighter.

Anyway, sorry, I kind of went off on a rant... If anyone is bored take a moment and read Kennedy's address it was one of the most influential political and presidential speeches in history.