Category: Life

Hand Sanitizer: DIY or not?

Should we make our own sanitizer?

hand-sanitizer-4995919_1280We’ve been advised against making our own hand sanitizer by the news, the government and those who believe in “better living by consumerism”. We are told we are not chemists, that hand sanitizer is a drug with which we can harm ourselves or others if not properly mixed (true), and that we’re risking it all for something that in the end is just not as good as what’s commercially available (false). We are scared off and discouraged, made to feel inadequate, dangerous and foolish for even trying. Those in “authority” encourage us to wait for it’s commercial availability so we can buy “properly” made formulations.

But is this dependency really necessary? Continue reading “Hand Sanitizer: DIY or not?”

Whitewashing the silences created by the conqueror’s history

Haga “click” aquí para ver el artículo en español.

The film I share below is from the TED website.  Although I have issue with some of the ideas they propose as well as some of the support they receive, they do have some wonderful presentations that open your eyes to thoughts and ideas you may not have been aware of.  That’s what growth is all about- awareness- ennit?

The following is a presentation that touches on the history of the relationship between the US and the Indigenous people of the land they invaded and conquered, as evidenced by the relationships held with the Lakota.

This is not the history you were taught in school…

In the spirit of Hatuey

It has come to my attention that my words have caused a flurry of confusion, anger, criticism and gossip regarding the thoughts and feelings I have shared about the UCTP and the behavior of its president, Roberto Borrero.

Continue reading “In the spirit of Hatuey”

“Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origin?” Exploring the 2010 US Census

Haga clic aquí si gustaría leer este artículo en español.

This year the US will be conducting a new, 10 year, population count and this brings me to the topic of questions 8 & 9 of the Census: the race and ethnicity questions.

We can google and find many a discussion and internet slogan rejecting the label of “Hispanic” or “Latino”.  Folks claim to be neither regardless of Spanish names, surnames, languages spoken or country of origin.  Although many hold a strong conviction with regards to this, my observation has been that few bother to question the basis of this opinion.

Continue reading ““Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origin?” Exploring the 2010 US Census”

Christianity’s Continued Attack on Indigenous/Non-caucasian People- a rant

I usually don’t slam Christians.  I know many people who follow that faith and they are good people.  There are some times, however, that the magnitude of the stupidity reflected by some christian leaders is just too much to be ignored…

Continue reading “Christianity’s Continued Attack on Indigenous/Non-caucasian People- a rant”

Are you a good witch or a bad witch?~ Segregation in Native American Spirituality

With the recent deaths occurring in an Arizona sweat lodge, three so far, many Indigenous Americans are rabidly repeating the mantras “That’s what you get when you mess with things you have no right to mess with”, “Non-natives have no right to participate, let alone conduct sacred native ceremonies” and “The spirits are clearly expressing their disapproval, when will non-natives learn?”

These are sad, angry and fear filled sentiments with which I do not agree.  They weigh in my heart as I hear my relations repeat them at family events, powwows and even sacred gatherings.  I have shared my feelings before pertaining to the separatist attitudes my relations have regarding our spirituality.  Yet, further understanding compels me to revisit the issue and clarify, albeit to myself, this particular concern.  Although I still do not agree with the segregationist views, I do believe my relations have some very good points and real reasons for concern.  However, I suggest pause and deliberation lest our fears overcome and misguide us.  By clarifying to ourselves exactly what it is that is really important, we can better express our concerns to others without sounding like rabid, bigoted hypocrites.

This is important because no one listens to rabid, bigoted hypocrites except other rabid, bigoted hypocrites and you end up preaching to the choir.

Continue reading “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?~ Segregation in Native American Spirituality”

Nostalgia Taína

I was thinking about Taíno identity and politics and my mind started to wander to my childhood…

I grew up traveling the boricua pow wow trail and I remember…

Continue reading “Nostalgia Taína”

A “Voice of Authority”… Part Deux

Although at the present moment we have no Authority on the Taino language, let’s pretend we do.  Imagine  we have a group of people who are recognized as the Authority on the Taino language by a great majority of the Taino people and organizations.  And that this Authority has created the ultimate Taino Dictionary…

Continue reading “A “Voice of Authority”… Part Deux”

Seeking a leader; the need for a “Voice of Authority” for our dead language

Wisegeek.com states “A dead language is a language which is no longer learned as a native language.”  Wikipedia says that a dead language has no competent speakers and that an extinct language is one that has no speakers at all, be that by language replacement or language evolution.  Examples of these are Modern English having evolved from the Old English spoken in Medieval times and the death of the Taino language  of the Caribbean when replaced by Spanish and French.

Continue reading “Seeking a leader; the need for a “Voice of Authority” for our dead language”