Blog Action Day- The Poverty Issue

Around the world today, people of all sizes, shapes and political persuasions are getting together and talking about one single issue. This year, the issue is poverty, and it's definitely a timely one. While the "Good Shepard" stated over 2000 years ago, that the poor we'll always have with us, it does seem surprising that our post-modern bright and shiny 21st century has more poor than ever, a ironic twist since sci-fi fiction usually has our world rid of poverty and disease by this once futuristic date.

Lately, judging from the recent headlines, it seems the poor is not only still with us, but are poorer than ever, thanks to free-wheelin', free tradin' capitalistic ideology and its accompanying greed, those pesky "bear" markets and the many gross deregulations, courtesy of G.W. & pals, that have resulted in even an more destitute "third world," and a collapsing first one.

What's one tiny person to do? The paychecks buy less and less, and the cost of living is more and more. Most people I know do NOT have healthcare, 401 k's, or any real savings to speak of. For most Americans, we are knee-deep in debt with nary a safety net in sight. And it appears even worse for those in other countries. Namely the countries who make the items we Yanks like to buy. For every "affordable" article of clothing, every shoe, sheet and home furnishing that offer themselves up to us at the lovable local mall, there is a young person, more than likely a teenaged girl , working long hours in cooped up conditions making a few dimes on the dollar.

This hit home with me since I've been frequenting Target lately, buying most my modest but earnestly stylish fashion there, loving the cute clothes for cheap prices. Having just read NO LOGO by Naomi Klein, I've just learned about the so-called "Swallows," the American financed factories that land in poor countries and promise riches, then fly off once the workers have been sufficiently exploited and move on. The "Made in China" stamp, I've been avoiding, but now know that there are other countries that harbor the "free trade" zones. It seems an unavoidable trap. For me to be able to afford fun and fantastic new things, I am encouraging a company to exploit another handful of people for my good bargains. In short, it seems we Americans are demanding the childhood of others to buy a cool new doll, game or soccer ball for our kiddies.

The solution seems daunting, but I now realize sustainable living include human and worker rights as much as eco-awareness. To be truly "eco-friendly" I must be my brother's keeper. I can not allow large corporations put profits, namely their profits over people.

Poverty can be avoided if we are willing to become aware of the causes of poverty. Power to the people quite literally can irradicate all sorts of impoverishment. Knowledge is power. Arm yourself, and look out for others.

HUb--Bub

Last Saturday was the opening shin-dig for a humble little place called THE HUB. It's a project of mi ami, Antonia S, whose great idea it was to create a casual lo-fi place to gather, get creative and make community. It was a dance party featuring the inimitable Dennis Yudt on the turntables, and the frocked out Antonia as the hostess. The turnout was small but what a big impact they made. It was a group of real nice folks, not a sucker in the bunch. Smart conversation zinged while the ladies decked out in prom-style attire, dazzled. The men charmed and swarmed. We tossed around some soda and spirits and enjoyed ourselves. I met some interested new friends, and reaquainted myself with some fabulous old ones. It was a quality bunch, and I look forward to the next soiree.

THE HUB presents "School Dance"

THE HUB presents "School Dance" this Saturday, September 27th from 8p.m. to midnight. All ages are welcome.

DJ Dennis Yudt will be spinning butt-shaking nostalgia making this the best prom you never went to.

THE HUB is located at: 1819 23rd Street (on the corner of 23rd and S Street, in midtown, one block west of The Round Corner), Sacramento, Ca 95818

So come in your best old prom attire and bring your favorite friends.

$5 donation (come with complimentary beverage)
I'll be working the "bar" so come over and say hello!

Autonomie Project

Like the classic cool of Converse sneakers but hate the fact they are no longer American made? There's a company putting out an Fair Trade version of those snazzy sneaks, so you can wear these great shoes and feel very good about it. Autonomie Project offers a handful of items, all eco-friendly, vegan and made with Fair Trade labor practices. Check them out: http://www.autonomieproject.com/index.html

pre-Labor

There is exactly five days left to wear your white shoes. Labor Day is around the corner.

Miss Bella has been laboring indeed, moving into the new work studio on 23rd Street. Located in a minty fresh green warehouse, stumbling distance from the Round Corner on S Street, she will be sharing the space with the fabulous Arielle Madrone (formerly of The Bitchin' Kitchen, and extraordinary artist (and person for that matter) and a band consisting of architects, who seem like very nice sorts and tidy to boot. The art-studio is located above T-Speed, a mechanic shop for vintage scooter and cars.

It also is the home to THE HUB, the upcoming hotbed for creative and social activity presided over by the fabulous and favorite Antonia Slagle. She is making a space for artistic souls to meet, with a grand opening dance party slated for September 29th. So grab your favorite prom dress, put on some comfortable dance shoes and get your boogie on.

In the meantime, check out the luscious merch at Cuff's Urban Apparel where yours truly is selling some goods in the vintage section. Cuff's can be found J Street, just up a ways from University Art on 25th, a skip and jump from Krazy Mary's.