ksiqno: June 2010

Hot Modern Hairstyles Trends for 2010

Wearing Your Mother’s Clothing Never Seemed So Stylish (And We’re Not Talking About the 70s)

Remember the three “R’s” we learned in elementary school as children? Recycle, Reuse and Reduce. The idea is a simple one and has made a vast impact on our society its waste management. So, why can’t we use the same idea when it comes to our apparel? Patagonia Inc. is an outdoor clothing company that has spent years trying to tackle the problem of wasted clothing. As of this fall, this green company has taken back over 12,000 kilograms of clothing to be recycled. Today, some 47% of Patagonia’s products are recyclable. However, Patagonia is not stopping there. By the end of 2010, their goal is to increase that percentage to one hundred, meaning that everything from their luggage to ski parkas will be both recyclable and/or made from recycled products. Patagonia realized that, in order to increase the supply of recycled materials for its own products, it needed to get other big apparel companies on the same page. About two years ago, Patagonia teamed up with its largest competitors, REI and Timberland, to mull over ideas to reduce all the companies’ environmental “footprints” through recycling in addition to other green methods. The basis behind Patagonia’s innovative idea sprung from their first recycling program back in 2005 (Common Threads) which began with modest goals. The effort began with encouraging people to mail in their used Capilene brand underwear made from polyester. Patagonia was then able to recycle these goods into new “base layer” shirts and pullovers. The rest is history. Patagonia is looking back in time to a simple and reliable idea and putting it to use to better the future. If plastic and newspapers can be recycled and reused, why can’t our clothing? Have YOU helped save the world today? For more information, visit: www.businessweek.com, www.pantagonia.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

The Buddies Day Ended

When All Else Fails. The Saints Come Marching In

New Orleans is a city that truly stands out in America. From its crazy and colorful party-life, its proud professional football team, and its hazardous and dangerous rainstorms, New Orleans is prominently embedded in most American’s minds. Where New Orleans really set itself apart from other nation-wide popular cities is in its relief efforts post Hurricane Katrina. And from these efforts sprang a new generation of entrepreneurs. One such entrepreneur, LaToya Cantrell, created the Broadmoor Improvement Association, which restores homes that are in danger of demolition. Broadmoor is a racially mixed, middle-class historic district in New Orleans dating back to the 1920s. When Katrina hit, homes in Broadmoor found themselves submerged in over seven feet of water and were threatened with demolition. When neighbors worked together with researchers to form a comprehensive development plan to save their homes, this inspired Cantrell, also a Broadmoor inhabitant, to create a company that does the same for everyone in a vulnerable position such as hers and her neighbors. Today, more than 70% of the homes effected by Katrina have been restored, thanks to the Broadmoor Improvement Association. The group successfully lobbied for better police presence and emergency services, reopened their local school as a charter, and built a new playground. Their unmistakable signs “Broadmoor Lives!” that are posted throughout the city, only foster exceptional cohesion within the New Orleans community. To top it off, Cantrell has spoken around our nation about the inexplicable power of communities in times of need. It’s no secret that Hurricane Katrina left her unforgettable mark on New Orleans. However, the inhabitants can now restore their faith in where it should have been before the catastrophe hit: themselves. No one knows the power of a community more than these brave folks, and thanks to Cantrell and her group, everyone now has a place that they can call their own. Have YOU helped save the world today?For more information, visit: www.fastcompany.com,broadmoorimprovement.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

Too Obsessed With Leopard

From Danger to Diplomas: The Story Behind the SEED Foundation

Think that the only time underprivileged children make it through college and go on to become successful doctors, lawyers and the like is in the movies? Well, my friends, think again. The SEED Foundation is a national nonprofit that partners with urban communities to provide innovative educational opportunities that prepare these kids for college and beyond...think the movie, Dangerous Minds, but in REAL LIFE (and without Michelle Pfeiffer)! The first SEED school was started in Washington, D.C., in 1998. And from there, the rest is history. Today, SEED Schools are slowly being integrated throughout the country. The SEED School of Maryland is a statewide college-preparatory public boarding school that opened in August in 2008. SEED is currently working closely with leaders in Ohio and New Jersey to establish new schools in those states. Talk about spreading the love... The school’s model integrates a rigorous academic program with a nurturing boarding program, which in turn, teaches life skills simultaneously providing a safe and secure environment. As public schools, SEED schools are tuition-free and cannot choose their students. In every year since its beginning, the number of applications to SEED schools has exceeded the spaces available, making it inevitable that an annual lottery take place in order to determine enrollment. The SEED school boasts a 97% college acceptance rate at each of its locations. 90% of those accepted immediately enroll into college. These tremendous statistics have caught the attention from some extraordinary people such as President Obama, Oprah Winfrey and the Today Show and CBS’s 60 Minutes. The SEED Foundation and its schools are paving a way for any child, no matter their background, to have a chance to shape their life without any financial, cultural, or social restrictions. After the kids graduate, well, what they do with the experience is up to them. These children (now young adults) now have the CHANCE to make a choice about their future, rather than their past life making the choice for them. Have YOU helped save the world today? For more information, visit: seedfoundation.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

Modern Hair Style Trend and Pictures 2010

1 Goal: Education For All

The Need For Green and Speed Just Got Sexier!

The Music Movement: Drake Takes a Stand On “Going Green”

He has been deemed Hip-Hop’s Savior a multitude of times by a wide array of respected artists. He has had songs grace the top spot on the Billboard on more than one occasion. He signed a multi-million dollar deal with Lil Wayne’s group, Young Money. And he JUST now released his debut album, Thank Me Later. Is there anything Aubrey “Drake” Graham can’t do? Apparently not. This spring, in anticipation of the release of his first album, Drake partnered with Reverb’s Campus Conscious Tour. Reverb is an organization that aids musicians in reducing the waste and harm to the environment caused by their concerts in addition to conducting grassroots outreach and education to their fans. In order to “go green,” Drake’s tour bus, which visited over seventeen different campuses in over a dozen states, ran solely on biodiesel. Additionally, at each tour stop there were recycling and composting stations, biodegradable catering supplies and eco-friendly cleaning products were used, catering was cooked with local, organic food, CO2 offsets were purchased, and merchandise sold was made from sustainable materials. In order to engage students while on his tour, Drake and Reverb collaborated with Green the Block, a national campaign and coalition targeted at helping low-income communities of color become driving forces of the clean-energy economy. Representatives of Green the Block work with students on each campus to do community events and outreach events on how to expand their mission to their own alma mater. Reflecting on his choice to green his tour, Drake said, “The whole green movement has been something that’s been brought more to the forefront. The term green is something that has been refreshing, something that is exciting…for me to be associated with it, I thought personally, it made sense.” Being named as one of the most anticipated rappers to step on the scene, Drake has some serious weight on his shoulders. Not only is he striving to keep his loyal fan base intrigued by rolling out endless hits and collaborations, he is maintaining his eco-friendly stance and educating youth about its importance. With his unforgettable tag lines and a green concert stage from where they’re delivered, one can undoubtedly assert that, “it’s far from over!” And for that, we can be sure to thank him later...Have YOU helped save the world today? For more information, visit: ecorazzi.com, reverb.orgWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

Have No Fear, Sir Dyson and His Blade-Less Fans Are Here!

From a Friendly Wager To a Massive Makeover: The Cinderella Story of Tucson

Truth be told, the southern portion of the US plays host to some of the most “obese” cities. However, when a small wager was placed between two friends in leadership positions in Tucson, the city received the makeover of a lifetime. It all began with a game of dare. Surgeon general Richard Carmona challenged Mayor Robert E. Walkup to turn the city of Tucson into a model healthy American city. In 2003, hands were shaken, the challenge was on, and the Healthy City Initiative was thus created! This new innovative Healthy City Initiative is based on Carmona’s five pillars of a healthy community: the physical, the emotional, safety, crime prevention, and substance-abuse prevention. Along with the pillars came the building of over seven hundred miles of bikeways and seventy-two miles of shared-use paths. Additionally, plans were formulated to make the city completely walker and biker friendly, all at the cost of nearly $80 million. Since the initiative has been established, crime is down 20% in addition to another 45% reduction in crystal-meth availability since 2006. Furthermore, high profile personalities such as the University of Arizona’s football coach, Mike Stoops, are serving as ambassadors for domestic-violence prevention. Mayor Walkup doesn't want his and Carmona’s Healthy City Initiative to stop within the city limits. In order to spread their ideals for a healthier state and country, Walkup hosted the U.S. for a Healthy City Summit, where the countries leaders can brainstorm on how to make their own city a healthier one. Walkup also created the Mayor’s Global Alliance for Community Wellness, which is a website where civic leaders can share best practices. The website has now attracted over forty-one city managers from six different countries. Whether it’s a bet between two friends or two cities, making the step to live a healthier lifestyle today makes for a fresher (and lighter) tomorrow. For his hard work and unprecedented will to help place his city on the right track, Mayor Walkup receives a few notches under his belt, which by now he can easily tighten around his slimming waistline. Have YOU helped save the world today?For more information, visit: fastcompany.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

June Is Bustin' Out All Over!

June is often filled with showers and sunshine, in addition to frolicking baby critters learning their newfound steps (or flights) towards adulthood. Being that I have a radar for abandoned baby birds, and somehow wind up with multiple beaks to feed, I felt it only suitable to highlight the charitable organization of ARK (Area Rehabbers Klub). ARK is a federally recognized organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of Virginia wildlife. Their completely volunteer network base consists of state and federal licensed rehabilitators who have helped to nurture and release over 15,000 different species of wildlife since the time of it’s own birth in 2000. ARK was created when a few neighboring wildlife rehab groups began networking together, all with the same vision as becoming a non-profit. With a non-profit status, the rehabbers would be able to receive government aid collectively as a group for the food and veterinary aid for the wildlife they encounter. Finally, on March 9, 2000 ARK became an incorporated business. From its humble beginnings of simply five curious minds, today ARK’s roster has grown to nearly fifty rehab specialists that cover the Richmond Metropolitan Area in addition to surrounding localities. Through various donations, ARK is able to provide its generous volunteers with milk replacers, dry foods, veterinary care, and caging materials. However, it hopes to soon be able to reimburse the rehab specialists for the costs they incur for fresh fruits, vegetables and some caging start-up supplies for the animals they nurse back to health. Whether it’s a wounded possum or an orphaned baby starling, the noteworthy and selfless volunteers at ARK work tirelessly around the clock to rehab these wonderful creatures in hopes of some day soon releasing them back into their natural habitat. It’s nice to know that people out there exist, whose love extends way beyond that of their own blood, or species for that matter. Have YOU helped save the world today?For more information, visit: www.arkofva.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

A Break For Eggie

Modern Charlize Theron Short Wavy Hairstyles

Love Is Blind: The Horrors of the Sex Trade

It’s obvious to all of us that the old adage, “sex sells” rings true in every instance. However, no one understands the truth in this statement as much as the victims of the commercial sex trade that is occurring world-wide. And it’s these victims who have been the catalysts that inspire heroic organizations such as The Blind Project. The Blind Project is a collective assortment of passionate people uniting and combining their unique talents together to help empower victims and survivors of the commercial sex trade in Southeast Asia and beyond. The non-profit group demonstrates its passion by consisting solely of non-paid volunteers. Talk about a modern day “Dream Team!” The Blind Project has created a sustainable style brand Biographe, which promotes the holistic restoration of these exploited women. Biographe also teaches the victims marketable job skills in the world of fashion, design and production. Furthermore, the brand employs these women and grants them the opportunity to excel in a positive work environment and earn a respectable living wage. Simply put, Biographe is giving these women a second chance in life. The commercial sex trade has been a menacing factor to societies around the world for many years prior to now. This multi-billion dollar industry is often ignored and many times overlooked by officials and governments. The victims of the sex trade are treated as meaningless commodities as they are carelessly turned over from owner to owner or anyone else willing to spend a buck. These victims are often lured into the industry because of their poor financial state, and usually remain there until they meet their demise, either from drug abuse or brutal punishment. Brushfire supports organizations like The Blind Project that provide a silver lining for these women who find themselves in situations that seem nearly impossible to overcome: For there is no greater feeling in life, than to have a second chance at living. Have YOU helped save the world today? For more information, visit: theblindproject.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG

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