Are you ever so excited about an event that you catch yourself giggling in the days before it happens? I think that’s when you know that you’re genuinely excited for it. Just thinking about it brings smiles.
Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling about the Camp Kesem Berkeley’s fall reunion today. It’s been a little over two months since camp ended, but I can’t wait to see all the campers. It’ll be an awesome Halloween-themed get together and I know everyone involved will enjoy it immensely :) Plus, I really like my costume this time around.
According to the AP article Merkel says German multi-cultural society has failed, German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently stated that the country’s attempt to create a multi-cultural society has failed completely, and is calling on immigrants to learn German and adopt Christian values. She elaborated by saying that “Multikulti”, the concept that “we are now living side by side and are happy about it,” does not work.
“We feel tied to Christian values. Those who don’t accept them don’t have a place here,” said the chancellor. Another German leader said that Germany did not “need more immigrants from different cultures like the Turks and Arabs” who are “more difficult” to integrate.
I was immediately taken aback after hearing this news. How can a nation’s leaders accept defeat and issue such statements so readily? We should be working toward a more integrated and harmonious world, not one that is more segregated. If things aren’t going as planned, then change and keep trying. Don’t just lay down and surrender.
What kind of message does this send to the people? A message of “discrimination is okay,” that’s what.
The PS22 Chorus is an awesome elementary school chorus from Public School 22 in Graniteville, Staten Island (New York). It is composed of 60-70 fifth-graders, and is directed by Mr.B, Gregg Breinberg. PS22 is the largest elementary school in Staten Island and the course represents its great diversity of ethnic groups and socio-economic levels.
The group performs throughout the year at school functions, local events, and on special requests. Their YouTube channel has gained international attention and millions of views.
Seeing this brings back memories of my younger days, when we’d sing songs in elementary school. It was so carefree and joyful. Makes me wonder why we stop as we move up grades and schools?
Here’s a video of the PS22 kids belting out an awesome rendition of the song “Kids” by MGMT:
According to a new survey by the Charities Aid Foundation, worldwide, 20% of people volunteer. As one of those volunteers myself, it’s nice to know that there are many others out there giving their time and energy to good causes.
One out of five is a pretty substantial number, but I’d like to see that number continue to grow :)