World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. The rates at which people are becoming infected are alarming and shows just how important it is to know your status.

"The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Whilst we have come a long ways since 1988, there is still much more to be done." - Source

To find your local testing center, visit http://www.localstdtesting.com/

VOTE!!! VOTE!!! VOTE!!!!

I cannot stress how important it is! GO VOTE! Not only for the president but for the propositions that your state has up for voting. There are some serious issues on the ballot, so get educated and know what you're doing when you get to the polls. If you've never voted before and are not sure where to go to do so, click here to find out. I am so proud today!!! The countdown begins....*anxious*

Earthquake?

Wow, let me just say that I did not like that jolt we felt yesterday morning! It was scary as hell! The craziest part about it was that I was watching Oceans 13, and if any of you have seen that you know about the Earthquake scene....yes that exact scene was on when the quake began! I was thinking that I was losing my mind, and that the movie was in 3D! In my area it was more of a wavy feeing, as we were not the center o it, but still just as scary. We had a few pictures fall and shatter and the pool was looking like the beach waves for a minute but everything else and thankfully everyone was fine. The craziest thing about it is that many people have not experienced this before and literally do not know what to do. Here are some friendly tips on what to do when an Earthquake occurs:

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE STAY CALM

* Inside, stand in doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, well away from windows or glass dividers.
* Outside, stand away from buildings, trees, telephones and electrical lines.
* On the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in safe area; stay in vehicle.

Be safe out there everyone!

RIP Yves Saint Laurent

This is so sad, what an influential designer. He will always be remembered, through his clothes, style and innovation.

"Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most influential and enduring designers of the 20th century, empowered women by reinventing pants as a sleek, elegant staple of the female wardrobe.

Saint Laurent, 71, died Sunday night at his Paris home after a yearlong battle with brain cancer, said Pierre Berge, Saint Laurent's close friend and business partner for four decades.

"Chanel gave women freedom," and Saint Laurent "gave them power," Berge said on France-Info radio. He called Saint Laurent a "true creator" who went beyond the aesthetic to make a social statement."
-Associated Press

Heads Up: California Wildfires vs. Hurricane Katrina

This is just mere speculation on my part....maybe. I am completely aware of the disastrous situation that is going on as I write this: the fires are spreading. And among 13 fires barely 3 are contained and firefighters have yet to get control over the other many blazing monsters that ravage the land of California. This has officially been declared a "state of emergency" which opens the door for federal aid, including FEMA which will pay up to 5 million dollars or more if necessary. Personally I just find it amazing that within 3 days of these fires starting and spreading that not only has the governor been to and remained at the site; but the president has been very active in the assistance and attention given to the fires. One of the first areas to catch fire was the very wealthy neighborhood of Malibu, California. Burning in seven counties, the wildfires have destroyed about 1,500 homes and caused more than a half-million people to evacuate since the first fire.

The reason I am amazed is because what is now to be considered the second largest natural disaster for the US, falling second to the Wildfires, did not get such a quick and efficient response from the government. I am not in any way down-playing the danger or the seriousness of this situation but there have been no lives lost here. I am just posing the question(s): What is the difference here? Why was the response to those here in California so quickly granted, while the Gulf Coast is still in shambles? I think that the Bush administration may be trying to make-up for Katrina by paying extra-special attention to the wildfires. As I previously stated, they do need the help, but the comparison of the two tragedies can only leave one to wonder...what's the big picture?