In This Issue
The First Amendment
Hollywood High
Sharp Edges & Blunt Trauma
Eat Well
The Cost of Illegal Immigration
Writing positions
Literary Events 2009
New Releases, books in print
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Yes, I said it: Complain to the Editor
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution declares, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
One must remember the protection of the First Amendment is impenetrable and the subject matter is untouchable. I come across tons of objectionable material, like the violent cartoon in the NY Post, with the monkey murdered in the street by the police, that I disapprove. The proper method of protest is to write a letter and complain to the editor, rather than wasting tax dollars filing law suits that don’t have a leg to stand on in court. Editorial opinion is sacrosanct.
Do not misunderstand the First Amendment to mean that anyone can say anything at anytime. There are a few limitations. You cannot create clear and present danger, as in selling military secrets to adversarial countries. You do not have the right to incite violence through profanity, obscenity and threats. Also, you do not have a constitutional right to tell lies that damage or defame. Your thoughts and opinions, however inappropriate or in poor taste, are protected.
The First Amendment protects unpopular speech to ensure the people will always have a voice to challenge the government. This freedom is nonexistent in most other areas in the world. The concept of free speech is foreign and fascinating to other countries. Understand, China censors internet access. Mexico pays newspapers to publish only the stories that the officials write. Iran, Cuba and North Korea incarcerates and murders journalists. Value the right and privilege afforded to you as an American and stop being offended. This is my truth. I am Sardonyx Jade.
U.N. Anti-Blasphemy Resolution- Video
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Hollywood High
By Cece Ladon (Guest Blogger)
In the wake of Michael Jackson’s death, we must take a stand against prescription drug abuse. Back when studios controlled their investments i.e. the star; in the hay day of Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, when studio contracts existed and you were contracted to do “X” amount of movies in “X” amount of time, the studios handled all affairs from housing, transportation and medication. Before labor laws were mandated, some studios demanded countless hours of filming which took its toll on actors. Something had to be done, there needed to be a happy medium. That’s when perceptions drugs were introduced; in the words of Judy Garland “they provided drugs to pep you up and drugs to tranquilize when needed.” Of course this led to addiction. They were treated like robots work on demand.
We were introduced to the psychedelic drugs; the street drugs. These led to the demise of Frankie Lymon, Janis Joplin, and John Belushi. There were the drugs that the “King of Rock and Roll” was said to believe “that by getting pills from the Dr. he wasn’t the common everyday junkie getting something off the street.” River Phoenix so eloquently put it “drugs aren’t just done by bad guys and sleaze bags; it’s a universal disease.” His life was cut short at the age of 23 at the prime of his career.
One thing I have noticed in all accounts of overdose as of late, regarding celebrities, is the lack of protection of human life. Opposed to doing all we can to preserve and attempt to save the individual we are more worried about how their image is perceived. All the while, that person is dying while you’re trying to decide on how to handle the situation, when we know we should call for medical assistance. I would like to know how a publicist handles the death of a client due to doing what’s in their best interest of their career rather than saving their life and facing embarrassment.
Heath Ledger might have been saved but the first call was made to Mary-Kate Olsen instead of 911. It was almost an hour after the time of discovery before paramedics had arrived. In the case of Michael Jackson there was a twenty-minute time lapse from the time of unresponsiveness until paramedics were called. When called, they were told, “There is a gentleman here that is non-responsive and not breathing.” I believe our beloved had already crossed over. Who will take responsibility for the preventable losses we have suffered? Health care professional are supposed to prescribe and administer medication according to the patients needs. The time is now to hold doctors to the Hippocratic oath taken.
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Sharpe Edges & Blunt Trauma: Off Ice Training
By Sardonyx Jade
I am not a fitness guru or a health care professional. I am simply a well read, active athlete obsessed with figure skating. Training off ice in conjunction with skating exponentially advances progress. Off ice training also increases anaerobic endurance, which is required to power through a program.
I usually alternate between swimming and jogging in addition to yoga. I finally braved an off ice class at the arena. I could feel my body changing before the lesson concluded. The time was spent vacillating from stretching and plyometric cardio, also known as jump training, which strengthens muscles, increases vertical jump and decreases impact forces on the joints. Consciously practicing in a controlled environment helps your muscles memorize movements, which is useful when focus fails in the midst of a technique.
The most noticeable benefits of working off ice: improved balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance, speed, strength and increased control and stability from invigorating the abdominal and back muscles.
A few things my coach said that stay with me are “Always land on two feet then check out when landing jumps off ice to minimize the risk of injury. Practice with socks on [on hardwood or linoleum] to improve proper spin posture, on the ball of your foot, rather than flat footed on spinners. Always stretch after your work out.”
You will undoubtedly become a better skater by adding off ice training to your workout routine. Remember to drink plenty of water. Listen to your body. Have fun and be safe.
Off Ice Training - Link
Recommended Stretches for Figure Skaters - Link
Skating Events Calendar
http://www.socalinterclub.org/events.php
August 7-9, 2009 Glacier Falls Open Anaheim, CA
August 13-16, 2009 Silver State Open Las Vegas, NV
August 21-24, 2009 Orange County Open Aliso Viejo, CA
September 3-6, 2009 Golden West Championships Culver City, CA
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Public Service Announcement: Heroes Eating Healthy
I simply could not pass the chance to capture Firemen eating healthy on film. The truck in front of subway led me to believe that they were “eating fresh.” Upon closer examination I noticed they were at the newly opened Salad Farm. Knowing that when 911 is dialed for a medical emergency the fire department comes to the rescue, I felt an overwhelming sense of safety and security seeing our heroes eating healthy. It was a wonderful reminder to consume a balanced diet to maintain stamina and energy for the rigorous tasks that fill our days.
Dietary Tips Link - Always eat within an hour of waking.
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The Co$t of Illegal Immigration
By Serene Breeze (Guest Blogger)
During this crushing recession, one may wonder what role Illegal Immigration plays in state deficits and unemployment rates across the country. Illegal immigration weighs heavily on my mind as I listen to cable news channels detail California's 27 billion dollar deficit. I cannot ignore the proverbial "Elephant in the room.” I often get updates from NumbersUSA and FAIR (Federation for Immigration Reform); websites whose members speak before congressional hearings and frequently updated information of just how Illegal Immigration affects American citizens. These websites also tell how elected officials vote against making this country a healthy flourishing economic power.
The total cost of supporting Illegal Immigration in 2008 cost the taxpayers over 1 billion dollars which paid for health services, food and cash assistance and keeping us safe in the form of public safety. In California, 38.6% of immigrant households as opposed to 18% of native households use a major welfare program. 21.2% immigrant vs. 6.5% native households use food assistance and 31.2% immigrant vs. 15.4% native use Medicaid. Taxpayers are footing the bill for immigrants who have entered our country illegally, weighing heavily on an economy that is quoted as being the 8th largest in the world, but is reduced near bankruptcy. I am not saying that supporting Illegal immigration is part of the reason why California can't pay its bills.
Everyone knows how hard it is in California to find a job in a healthy economic environment but the challenge is exponential in a deep recession. Millions are unemployed. People cannot find jobs because companies are either downsizing or they hire someone who will work for half of what the position is worth. Companies take advantage of the immigrant workers because they know they won't blow the whistle on these bad businesses. Immigrants keep quiet because they want to remain in the country. They need employment to make money for their families back to their native countries. This is a kind and noble gesture that fiscally benefits their home lands more than it helps America.
Californian Senators Feinstein and Boxer continuously vote against the E-Verify bill, protecting jobs for undocumented immigrants. American citizens need employment too. E-verify is currently voluntary throughout the country but some states have passed legislation making its use mandatory. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by Immigration Services with the Social Security Administration. It provides an automated link to federal databases to help employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. E-Verify is free to employers and is available in all 50 states. a program that will help the American Citizen get jobs that people who have come here illegally have. This program has a 94% accuracy rate. That's way better than just relying on information from employees’ I-9 Forms. Legal citizens should not have to compete with undocumented workers. If we eliminate the abundance of opportunities for them, especially in a worsening economy, Americans can get back to working jobs that are rightfully ours and stimulate California’s economy, and possibly balance the budget.
If I were to commit a crime, I'd have a trial and if found guilty, go to jail. Why is it that the crime of entering this country undocumented earns illegal immigrants the votes of our legislators, our jobs and welfare assistance instead of punishment? It just doesn't make sense. These few illustrations of the cost illegal immigration should serve as a catalyst to fix our broken system. Evaluate your legislators and check their records and hold them accountable.
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Writing Job Sites
http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings
http://www.writingcareer.com/writingjobs/index.php
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PayingWriterJobs
http://www.sunoasis.com
http://www.writerfind.com/freelancejobs
http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com
http://www.tjobs.com/new/writers.shtml
http://www.writejobs.com
http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/listings.php?view=job
http://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp
http://www.gofreelance.com/?AID=10414556&PID=2398750
http://www.guru.com/index.aspx
http://www.journalismjobs.com
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Literary Events
http://www.pw.org/calendar
http://www.californiaauthors.com/resources/event-links/
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New Releases
Pre-Order Online: WWW.SARDONYX-JADE.COM
Last Chance Café by Sardonyx Jade © 2009 ISBN 978-0-9714594-5-8: A struggling artist marries her soul mate only to learn that the most important love she will ever have is her own.
The novel is a wonderful journey of self discovery and mastery, to come to the ultimate realization that there are no last chances in life. If you have the desire to do anything then it is your choice to make it happen. ***COMING SOON***
WWW.SARDONYX-JADE.COM
Discover love in our first book published, Provocative Poetry and Prose: Portraits of Black Love © 2003 ISBN 0-9714594-3-6. This book features sensual and romantic poetry, black love stories, a commentary about relationships in the black community and beautiful photography of a couple embracing.
Sardonyx Jade Publishing provides business consulting, editing, motivational speaking, writing and publishing services. We oversee the writing, editing, design, production, printing and marketing of books and other printed materials for public distribution and sale in the marketplace.
Copyright © 2009 Sardonyx Jade Publishing. All Rights Reserved
