St. Florian School Benefit

The East Side of Chicago is fighting to keep the doors open of St. Florian High School, a 100 year old school in their community.
A benefit is being held to raise funds for the school to keep it doors open on Feb. 21st from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall located on 17800 Lorenz in Lansing, IL. The school is slated to have it's doors closed in June.

The principal and staff seem to be waving the white flag. They were quoted in the Chicago Tribune saying in relation to parents reaction of the school closing:

"They we're disappointed and frustrated but mostly accepting. Obviously we have parents who want to fight this and we support that. But we have to be realistic and have to make this the best positive year for the kids. There’s still learning to take place here."

It's to be held at Knights of Columbus Hall with live performances, auctions, and more.

What's so awesome? The fight by the parents and the community to overturn this decision.

Go and take part in this event.

Here are the links and the Facebook Page: Save St. Florian. Also a link to a form you can print out and donate to the school.

According to nwitimes.com efforts are great but need still 150,000 to reach their goal. Let's see the people from everywhere supporting their cause.

As always like us on Facebook at Our Neighborhood Times, also follow me on Twitter.

Halloween Edition

Over the next few weeks people will throwing parties of all sorts for Halloween. You will probably see "The Nightmare before Christmas" run on TV like "It's a wonderful life" does during the holiday season.
So with that in mind, I reached out to a few local hairstylists and make-up artists. I was able to get in touch with two: Hairstylist Jamie VanCuren and Make-Up Artist Laurie Edwards. They took time to sit down with me about their expertise in turning people into Halloween Masterpieces.


So just tell me a little about your specialties first. Jamie let's start with you.

Well my specialty I would say is color and up-dos/styles. I kind of take pride in knowing that if it sounds like a client wants something different or kind of "out there" that my girls will recommend them to me. I love doing different colors and styles to completely make someone over. 











(Terra Hair Salon and Day Spa)


Awesome and Laurie?

 My specialty in makeup would have to be blending bright colors and the ability to completely transform someone with just a little color.

(MakebyLaurie)

Making someone over, transforming people. That sounds perfect for what is the ultimate day of transformation.

Speaking of, Halloween is coming up, do you ladies do anything special at that time?

Ultimate Makeover: Halloween Edition is what I am looking for. 



Jamie: I usually will still dress up with costume, makeup, and hair. I love Halloween.

Laurie: Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday so I usually dress up.

Have you ever done anything for any of your clients?

Anyone made an appointment and said "make me look like The Bride of Chucky." 


Laurie: I do actually have a few appointments made this year for Halloween transformations such as zombies and scary clowns. 

(MakeUpByLaurie)

Jamie: I had people come in last year. I did a woman who wanted to look like Edward Scissorhands because she had bought the female version (of the costume). 

 

(TerraSalon&DaySpa)

Edward Scissorhands, Zombies, and Clowns Oh my!
So what would be do's and don'ts on Halloween for make-up and hair? For guys and girls. 

Jamie: I don't think there's many dont's. It's Halloween, a day to take full advantage of being different and something you're not. Maybe my only don't is do not use permanent color! Otherwise, go crazy and do take advantage of the day.

Laurie: be adventurous! It's the one day and year that if there was anything you have ever been afraid to try, THIS IS YOUR TIME TO DO IT! Dress appropriately depending on your plans for Halloween. Dress accordingly. If there's going to be children around you probably shouldn't get your costume from Lovers Lane. Haha.

Jamie: True! Some people need to be a little more modest with some costumes!
Its a day to be something different not wear a bra and panties with cat ears and say you're a cat. Haha.

Bring some creativity with the costumes, and be adventurous. Perfect! Good tips. Do you recommend any products that can last a Halloween night of dancing and sweating?

Laurie: Mac acrylic paints is a personal favorite. It moves with you and lasts through sweating. It can be a little pricey. Something you need to take into consideration if you're coming out on Halloween with full face paint on you probably should be prepared to do some retouching. 

Jamie:  Well if you want your hair to last I always recommend a good hair spray. Anything with a good hold. Last year I did a friends hair and she was a girl from the 80's and we went old school and bought some Aqua Net Haha.

Classic.What would you say to the guys out there looking to be fancy with the make-up or hairstyles?

Jamie: Well my suggestion to the guys is if you have the hair to do something with then go all out otherwise wigs can help pull there look together.

Laurie: Do it! You don't see too many men wanting to be very adventurous in the makeup department on Halloween...you just might want to get a close shave first before putting on any face paint.

 So what if someone were to want your services for this coming Halloween. Where can they find you?     

Laurie: www.facebook.com/makeupbylaurie

Jamie: They can find me at Terra Salon and Day Spa it is in St John, IN. Right off Indianapolis Blvd and the number is 219-365-6305. 

 Anything else you guys would like to add?

Laurie: I'd like to say that when experimenting with makeup don't be afraid. Makeup is all about trial and error, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't just be adventurous and be confident.

Jamie: I would like to add that just a suggestion for people wanting something different or who are maybe doing their hair for something bigger than just trick or treating TRIALS can and will be your best friend. Because communication is key. Its a lot easier for a stylist to get it perfect the second time and most stylists will only charge a small fee for a practice run when they know you're coming back. Its worth it.

 



Thank you Ladies your time is appreciated.

Both: No problem.

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Elizabeth Warren and The Truth

Now it isn't very often that something awesome talks about a politician. The one of recent memory is Wendy Davis and her incredible filibuster. Another reason is really politicians aren't very often awesome. However this time we do!

 

This is Elizabeth Warren Democratic Senator from Massachusetts. She apart of the banking committee in the Senate. The Freshmen Senator has made some strides like no other. HuffPo reports in her first committee hearing back in May of this year that Senator Warren is quoted saying after not so productive responses to her questions of why any Big Banks have not been taken to trial that:

"There are district attorneys and United States attorneys out there every day squeezing ordinary citizens on sometimes very thin grounds and taking them to trial in order to make an example, as they put it. I'm really concerned that 'too big to fail' has become 'too big for trial."

Which is a great point, and a check that honestly should have been made awhile ago on the largest banks in the nation. Now let's bring you up to date, as our democracy was moving into the fourth day of a government shutdown Elizabeth Warren addressed the Senate, this is only a portion of the full eleven minute video clip.

Now I know she is speaking directly to the republican party, but that isn't why this is awesome. She is doing something that most politicians don't do, speaking factually about the true state of our nation. She isn't speaking for the Democrats or Republicans, she is speaking for the American people. Politicians have a pretty bad record for that. All I can say is Elizabeth Warren make my 2016. Follow me on Twitter and like us on Facebook at Our Neighborhood Times.

#IamMalala

"To achieve great things we must live as if we were never going to die."
-Marquis de Vauvenargues-

Malala Yousafzai, a name you should tell everyone about and a story every child ever born should hear.

In 2009 Malala Yousafzai was a 12 year old girl from Swat Valley, which is controlled by extremist group: The Taliban. In this area girl’s schools are being destroyed and they are not allowed to educate themselves.
Women are also banned from shopping and getting a job since 2009. Malala has written many blogs and has been featured in a documentary called Class Dismissed saying: “I have a new dream. I must be a politician to save this country. There is so many crises in our country. I want to remove these crises.”

And she did just that. Malala participated in the Institute of War and Peace’s “Open Mind” project. Which brought journalism training and discussion of current affairs to 42 schools in Pakistan.

Yousafzai’s acts brought many girls to the program. It put them in touch with local news outlets. Her rise of recognition and fame made her a threat to the Taliban. Receiving Death Threats and eventually the Taliban coming to an agreement that Malala had to be killed according to the Express Tribune. On October 9th, 2011 an assassination attempt was carried out against Malala Yousafzai. She was shot once through the head, neck, and ended in her shoulder. She was airlifted and surgery was successful in removing the bullet and saving her life. The Taliban admitted to the assassination attempt and called Yousafzai quote: “the symbol of the infidels and obscenity” according to the Washington Post. Malala’s Father, Ziauddin reactions to the attempts is quoted saying: “We wouldn't leave our country if my daughter survives or not. We have an ideology that advocates peace. The Taliban cannot stop all independent voices through the force of bullets."

Another reaction by one of her classmates was: “ Every Girl in Swat is Malala. We will educate ourselves. They will not defeat us.”

Malala’s fight continues to this day to make education available and free of damnation by the Taliban. Her activism, bravery, and courage to continue fighting for education for girls in Swat Valley is unheralded. She is the youngest person to ever be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was also named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in the Times April Issue. The article was written by Chelsea Clinton.

Her belief in the right to learn for all has captured the United Nations attention. On July 12th 2013, her 16th birthday the UN named November 10th a month after her shooting: “Malala Day.” On July 12th however She was able to address the inequality ravaging her home of Swat Valley, and the right to learn for all globally and the defense of it being a human right at the United Nations HQ. I bring this remarkable journey of such a young leader to the forefront because we are going to start highlighting, and spotlighting our Young Leaders in Our Neighborhood Times blog:"ONTINTERVIEWS". I will find these children and give them the voice that they deserve.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
-John F. Kennedy-

If you have a child in mind please email me at mbright@ontnews.com or follow me on twitter @JusJ_ONTNews

Dolphins are People my Friend! Well...

Dolphins according to http://www.dw.de have non-person hood which would ban the captivity of Dolphins. According to the reports, they brought forth strong evidence that Dolphins have a cognition, communication, and awareness comparable to humans. They have distinct whistles and sounds that
that address other dolphins like we would give names to each other. This granting of non-personhood protects cetaceans (Whales, Dolphins, and other high functioning Cetaceans). This story is awesome because it's nice to see for once we are trying more than to get them to do tricks and entertain us. In India however it seems that is not the case anymore.

EW COVER FOR AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 AND CARRIE Reboot

Okay, the title says it all. The Covers however in my opinion are FREAKING AWESOME! Entertainment Weekly with the credit for these SWEET COVERS. Two Movies I can't wait to see. Amazing Spiderman was a great reboot, and the second seems to look just as awesome with Peter Parker rocking a more classic style Spidey Suit. Jamie Fox as Electro with a real first look on the approach of the character. This cover is SO AWESOME.

Second you have a movie that actually deserves a reboot. With the ability of CGI and camera tricks, "Carrie" should be a even better movie. Casting Chloe Grace Moretz to play the lead role. Hit Girl looks ready to ruin High School all over again. I was a fan then just basically cause you know: she could light people on fire. Which was handy when people really pissed you off. Can't wait for this AWESOME movie either.

If you would like to read more go click this link right here to Entertainment Weekly. They have even more buzz worthy news in film and TV with more sweet covers there. As always follow me on Twitter and like Our Neighborhood Times on Facebook.

Wendy Davis and Democracy

I'd like to legislate your balls & penis & give u a mandatory anal probe.
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) June 26, 2013

This tweet came out yesterday after a historic filibuster from Texas Senator Wendy Davis. Her filibuster was on an abortion bill that would all but ban abortion in the state of Texas. Wendy Davis took on a 12 hour filibuster to kill the legislation. Immediately you could find photos of Wendy Davis like this one:

As the clock got closer and closer she fought on more and more. A remarkable moment in American History. According to a report from thinkprogress.org The GOP of Texas attempted to shut down her filibuster by using a very strict three strikes policy dealing with how you are to filibuster in the Senate. They even took a vote despite her filibuster. Turns out though according to the Huffington Post that vote was taken and recorded at 12:03 a.m. A tweet was sent out by Cecile Richards saying:

The official vote was recorded at 12:03 a.m. Know why? Because of you. #StandWithWendy #SB5 #TXLege
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) June 26, 2013

This is truly one of the most single important moments in our history. It was truly amazing. What is also amazing is that her Senate seat was saved by The Voting Rights Act according to an article in HuffPo.  
Now I can't say anything awesome with the Voting Rights Act but something amazing happened in Texas. Update today is Rick Perry is calling a special session to deal with the other "bills that weren't presented" due to Wendy Davis and her Epic filibuster. Also today the Supreme Court found the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. For once something awesome, Democracy is at the top of the list.