By Trina Otero I serve as a board member for a nonprofit called Word as Bond, Inc., which is an organization to bring together writers/artists and provide FREE workshops & programs, especially for young writers. Please take a few minutes to hear about us! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TX36Ru7tNg
By Trina Otero Hey blogger and writer friends! This is a post directly for you guys, because I know you guys care about writing the most! Because hey! Most of us are doing this in our spare time [or even when we're busy] because that is just how much we love to write. ❤ We … Continue reading Help Our Teen Poets Get to Brave New Voices, an Internt’l Poetry Festival & Slam This Summer
By Trina Otero There is this misconception that "ghettos" are "cool." There are many misconceptions surrounding the topic and word "ghetto," like the stereotype and projected belief how a person should be if he [or she] lives or hangs in the under-supported areas. [I refuse to say "underprivileged" and I'll have to touch on that sometime … Continue reading Poverty, and its Facets, Have Been Tricked Out & Advertised as Cool
By Trina Otero Wow..Someone posted a song by Matisyahu, and I smiled. I haven't heard his music in two years. TWO YEARS. And that is probably my fault...I have not kept up with his stuff. But hearing him today reminded me why I love his music so much -- he does not hold back -- … Continue reading Buffalo Soldier – Speaking Truth Through Music
By Trina Otero I saw the movie Elysium today, and I have to say that the creator/writer is brilliant [kudos, Neill Blomkamp]. I am impressed and also deep in thought. If you have not seen this movie, I hope you take time to watch it. It is now at the Redbox as well...and I'm sure you can … Continue reading Movie Elysium Raises Important Questions About Humanity
By Trina Otero Ok, this is the "let's keep it real" hour. I usually post positive, uplifting pieces, because, well, that's just me. I know that I don't really write about personal things on here, but I feel like this is a topic that MANY can and will understand. Learning another language. I'm just going to … Continue reading Learning a New Language – Don’t Let Ignorance Discourage You
By Trina Otero My former middle school students have been writing me on Facebook and Instagram, asking, no..practically begging, me to come back and be their teacher again. That sucks. You know why? Because it isn't that simple. First of all, it sucks because many of them thought I left them....so I had to explain to them … Continue reading Teacher Woes
This is a legit question. It's also the slogan for Forus Athletics, a socially-conscious athletic wear brand that launched August 4 in downtown Indianapolis. Forus' founders [former and current athletes] wanted to solve a problem with shoes that many other athletes experience - worn down and/or non-supportive insoles - but they also wanted to create something that would benefit people outside the athletic & shoe fields. They wanted to create a brand with an even greater purpose - a movement. So they invented an insole that provides support with amazing comfort [I kid you not], and they have forever pledged 10% of profits to organizations worldwide that service children. They have also promised to award scholarships to US college students who wish to work in career fields that involve and/or aid youth. Forus is not just a business, it's a cause that has brought together friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers who wish to contribute their individual talents and expertise to help Forus succeed. It has given everyone a feeling of purpose and community. Forus Athletics has been running a campaign on the crowd-funding site Indiegogo.com, and there are only 4 days left. BUT I am so excited to say that Forus is more than halfway to its goal! With a collective effort and one last push I believe Forus can meet its goal of $40,000. [Campaign here: bit.ly/QkgDOr] That is why I ask - "Are You FOR US?"
Akosmopolite 