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Jul232014

An Easy Way to Stay Current: theSkimm

As you may or may not know, Hungry and I studied the International Studies field at college. We are very concerned, aware, and conscious of what happens in our world. We look beyond America’s borders into every other place in the world. Sure, we have our specialties, but it all matters to us. Why am I talking about this? Because I want to share with you an easy way to “be in the know” with what’s going on in the world every day.

In comes theSkimm. A quirky, smart newsletter (I’m not sure what else to call it) that finds its way in your inbox every weekday morning. This newsletter contains very short briefs of the most immediate issues occurring worldwide. Almost as if you were skimming the newspaper (get it?). It’s usually around two to three main “articles” while the rest are little tidbits of information. It’s fun, it makes you laugh, and it’s easy to understand even if you were not previously aware of the story beforehand.

We are not sponsored by theSkimm at all, but when I find things I really like, I want to share it. Even though I am on BBC and NPR every day, I still like to get my fill of theSkimm in the morning while I’m making my tea. It’s that fast. It’s a combination of the younger generation’s lack of time and their way of packaging things up into succinct, clear ideas that makes this newsletter great. 

Here’s an example of yesterday mornings theSkimm:

“THE UN

THE STORY

Yesterday, the UN Security Council said it wants an independent international investigationinto last week’s plane crash over eastern Ukraine. Russian President Putin said ‘fine.’

DETAILS, PLEASE.

The US says pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine shot down the plane with a missile they got from Russia. This has the international community taking a harder look at just how close Russia is to its separatist friends. European leaders have already hit Russia with some sanctions over the Ukraine crisis. But now, they’re thinking of turning up the pressure with new measures that could do damage to Russia’s economy.

ANYTHING ELSE?

It wasn’t until yesterday that the separatists agreed to release the victims’ bodies, and handed over the black box flight recorders. President Obama had some harsh words, saying it “begsthe question: What exactly are they trying to hide?”

theSKIMM

After months of frustration over just how helpful Russia has been in dealing with the ongoing Ukrainian mess, you’re seeing a global spasm of anger against Russia. Although it’s unclear exactly what the consequences of that will be.”

See? Easy to understand while getting the important points across. It’s great for all ages. I have been spreading this around to friends and family so I thought it only fair to spread it to Hungry and Fit fans as well. Although we are all about eating and working out (nerdiness too), I believe it to be incredibly important that we stay socially aware and conscious of what happens every day of this inter-connected world that we are a part of. Sign up! As always, stay hungry and fit!

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Feb022013

It’s Time to Listen to Pocahontas

I think we’ve got our philosophies wrong in the world. And sadly, it is most of the world now. There was a time where beliefs of nature and the world reigned in some parts of the globe, but global expansionism and global economy has changed that. I know it’s Disney. I know. But, I can’t help but think how right Disney’s Pocahontas is, every time I hear “Colors of the Wind.” I  know you’re thinking, “Alana, I can’t believe you’re actually writing about this right now.” Well, probably some of you can believe it and are shaking your heads and sighing.

Yes, it’s Disney, but listen to some of the lyrics. If more of us thought this way, it could change the world into a more beautiful place. I know it’s Disney, but there’s some real truth and grit in it. Just look over the lyrics.

You think I’m an ignorant savage
And you’ve been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don’t know?
You don’t know …

You think you own whatever land you land on
The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know every rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You’ll learn things you never knew you never knew

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned?
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sunsweet berries of the Earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once, never wonder what they’re worth

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends

How high will the sycamore grow?
If you cut it down, then you’ll never know
And you’ll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon

For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountains
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind

You can own the Earth and still
All you’ll own is Earth until
You can paint with all the colors of the wind

I think we all ought to take a page of Disney’s Pocahontas’ book. Step back to realize the beauty that we all live in and give back to the earth more. Don’t see everything in monetary value or dollar bills. After all, how can we let green pieces of paper rule our lives? Step back and love what’s around you.

Peace, Love, and Pocahontas 

Sunbathing
Sunbathing
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