REVIEW: Mooz-Lum (2010)

When writer-director Qasim Basir penned Mooz-Lum, he had a particular message in mind. His attempt to capture the various facets of the inner workings of a Muslim family trying to live and grow in this Christian society is fascinating and will bring tears to your eyes.

As we follow the story of Tariq (Evan Ross), Safiyah (Nia Long), Hassan (Roger Smith) and his young, impressionable little sister Taqua (Kimberley Drummond) we are introduced to a family trying to hold on to their religious roots in a society that views them as outcasts. We cringe for young Tariq, who's brilliant inner light is dimmed by an abusive teacher causing him to deny the religion that his father so adamantly forces upon him.

What struck me during this movie, was the depiction of what I like to call, "moments of truth." There were several during this movie where I personally felt that my worldview, my perception of the world, had changed.

The first happened when Tariq's mother, Safiyah told her husband she wanted a divorce due to his rigid views on life and lifestyle. From my own stereotypical beliefs, I had always thought that being a Muslim woman meant obeying her husband but this Muslim wife would rather face the world as a single parent than watch her husband's militant views of the world be pushed upon her children.

The second "moment of truth" happened when Tariq is in college and enticed by his peers to drink alcohol and be a part of the crowd. His disdain for the abuse he suffered at the hands of his religious teacher pushes him to succumb to the peer pressure.

Another moment of truth happened after the recreation of the chaos surrounding the September 11th Attacks. What we see in this movie, after getting to know these Muslim characters and their inner struggles brings tears to our eyes as they are targeted with violence and blamed for the attacks.

While I will not give away the entire plot, this movie is a must-see for anyone who has any preconceptions about what it is like to be Muslim in America. It's not what you think. It's more than what you know.

For anyone struggling to define themselves in a world that does not look like them or think like them, this movie may ease some of the pain of isolation. I highly recommend this film as a catalyst for compassion for those who are seen as outcasts.

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JCPenny Offers Returning Veterans Free Clothing

"Welcome Heroes" Campaign Helps Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America to Ease Transition from Combat to Career

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- J. C. Penney Company, Inc. and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-profit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are joining forces to provide America's newest generation of military veterans with more than $1 million in apparel and footwear to start new civilian wardrobes. With over two million servicemen and women who deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the "Welcome Heroes" campaign seeks to honor and support recent vets with the apparel needed to pursue new career opportunities or to enjoy the leisure activities missed most at home.

"Our military servicemembers spend years wearing a uniform and many do not get the opportunity to build a wardrobe that makes it possible for them to go to a job interview, attend a friend's wedding or simply enjoy a night out with their spouse," said Steve Lawrence, executive vice president and senior general merchandise manager for jcpenney. "Given all the sacrifices they make to serve our country, we're doing our part as a leading American retailer to outfit our nation's heroes with the head-to-toe looks needed to dress for any occasion with style."

To be eligible, military service members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan can go to therucksack.org fromOct. 20 through Nov. 20 to register for the jcpenney giveaway once they have confirmed their free membership with IAVA at iava.org. Following the registration period, over 6,000 qualified entries will be randomly selected to receive $200 in merchandise certificates toward the purchase of men's or women's apparel available at jcpenney or jcp.com. As the retail destination for all Liz Claiborne® and Claiborne® branded merchandise as well as modern career wear options from Stafford®, J. Ferrar®, IZOD, JOE Joseph Abboud®, Worthington®, American Living and East 5th®, veterans will be able to choose from a broad selection of suits, tailored clothing and casual sportswear.

"After taking off the uniform, one of the greatest challenges that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans face is transitioning to a civilian workforce that doesn't truly understand their experience. Thousands of veterans are coming home today to significantly higher rates of unemployment and underemployment than their civilian peers," said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and executive director of IAVA. "Having the confidence to walk into an interview and articulate the value of their military experience is absolutely critical for navigating today's job market. IAVA is proud to partner with jcpenney on 'Welcome Heroes' so veterans of this new greatest generation have the resources needed to continue their leadership and service at home."

To showcase jcpenney's stylish assortment of professional and lifestyle attire, jcpenney featured real veterans to model for its "Matters of Style" mailer and captured behind-the-scenes footage from the photo shoot. Through video diaries posted on jcp.com/welcomeheroes and stories highlighted in the mailer, veterans share their deployment experiences by recalling some of the things they missed most from home and the importance of outfitting returning veterans with new clothes.

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Your World News Report - October 20, 2011

President Obama Announces Jobs Bill To Employ Veterans

President Obama has introduced a bill that is set to be voted on by the US Congress that will retain teachers and emergency workers.

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South Korea Students Embrace The Digital Age With Digital Textbooks
South Korea, a country that many claim has the most progressive education system in the world, has recently announced that by 2015 all classrooms will offer digital textbook learning.

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Thousands Protest Tibetan Oppression in China

Monks and religious leaders gathered at the memorial for Independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi to protest against the unfair treatment of Tibetans in their homeland.

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Swiss Researchers Discover A Common Link In Global Economy

A recently published study reports that a small group of banks hold the majority of power over the economy.

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She's Got Skillz: Heather Fay

Heather Fay

New Haven, CT

Wife, Mother and Musician

Heather Fay caught the singing bug when she was just a little girl and her family and friends watched in delight as she developed her skill eventually venturing into songwriting. After teaching herself how to play the guitar Heather became a one woman band and continues to cultivate her love for creating music while enjoying the roles of wife and mother.

"The most amazing benefit from being a singer/songwriter is that I can share music with my children," Heather says. "I have been singing to my kids since I was pregnant with them and they continue to be my biggest inspiration both for songwriting and life in general. My daughter loves to sing and play the piano while I practice my songs and my son, at just over a year, already sings and dances whenever he hears me play. I love that I have been able to share my love of music with them and watch them develop their own love of it."

To celebrate Heather Fay's awesome skillset as a musician, get tour info, see photos/videos or buy her CD please visit - www.heatherfay.net







For My Savvy Sisters: To nominate a woman you know who has artistic talent and would like exposure, please email editorial{at}mysavvysisters.com and tell us about her in a short paragraph along with links to her work.

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EDITORIAL: Occupy Wall Street - Both Sides Of The Coin

By Te-Erika Patterson

I was a bit hesitant to write my opinion about the Occupy Wall Street Protests that are spreading around the globe simply because I had no clear understanding of what the protestors wanted. Although the web blasted reports of mayhem and confusion and arrests and videos of women being hurt which angered me, I still had to figure out the point of the protests before I could voice an opinion.

After lengthy conversations with many people I now have a general idea and here is my summary.

What do the Occupy Wall Street Protestors want?

They want to call attention to the fact that they are in debt due to higher education and they don't have jobs because of an economy that is plummeting while the wealthy thrive and prosper further widening the gap between the rich and the poor. In the past there were 3 classes, the upper class, middle class and lower class and now the middle class has disappeared leaving a distinct gap between the majority of the country and the financial elite, the 1% of the country who owns the majority of the wealth and ultimately, the power to influence decision makers.

The protestors believe that the country's elite should be taxed just as much as those in the lower tax brackets. The mere fact that they are not taxed in the same manner has caused a cry of outrage from those who struggle to survive while the wealthy continue to thrive. The big businesses of banks and other wealthy CEO's have been labeled as GREEDY while some protestors claim that if the wealthy were simply taxed the same as they were, the money gathered could be used for programs that could help them improve the lives of every American.

Watching recent budgets cuts in government assistance programs healthcare, education and the travel industry is daunting for the protestors who are upset that the less they make, the more they pay out which further digs them into a never ending hole of debt, which they feel is a direct ploy by the powers that be to retain power and to oppress them.

OWS supporters want the leadership in this country to stand in the best interests of the majority of the people instead of the financial elite and eliminate financial gain as the chief motivating factor behind the decision making that affects millions of Americans.

Now that you have a general understanding of the Protestors point of view I would like to present the opposing perspective so you can see where the two perspectives clash.


How do the 1% feel about the Occupy Wall Street Protests?

The financial elite, banking industries and their families probably feel as though they have worked for generations to establish themselves as part of the 1%. They feel that the unfair taxing that so many of the protestors complain about is completely unfounded. They argue that although they may not pay the same rate in taxes on their earned income, they do pay other taxes that the majority of the population do not even know exist; capital gains taxes, interest earnings taxes, luxury taxes, all above and beyond income and sales taxes.

The financial elite are doing what most people do in secret, they use the power of their dollar as well as the power of their influence through voting to protect their own interests. The 1% who oppose the OWS movement probably feel as though they have earned their financial success and do not have to share it if they do not want to. They probably feel as though they have learned the formulas to success through trial, error and many sacrifices and even through a floundering economy they will still prosper because they know how to educate themselves enough to make their money make money for them.

They see no reason why everyone can't bring themselves to their level financially and have no sympathy for the people marching and hoping for a handout or even a hand up. DO THE WORK is what they want to scream to protestors that they believe are mostly motivated by the coolness of the idea of a protest and who are oblivious to the premise that it takes action and dedication to incite change.

Now that you have a better understanding of both sides of the protest, this is what I suggest you do.

Focus on yourself. You have the power to create your own destiny. The group mentality in general is flawed simply because as new leaders arise they will work toward achieving their own personal interests, which is a trait that seems to be inherent to all people.

If you accept this inherent human tendency and focus on improving your personal situation whether it is finances, relationships or spiritual growth, you will realize that your victim mentality is diminished and you then take ownership of your current situation and are either compelled to make the changes necessary to improve it or wallow in despair hoping for someone to rescue you.

Take ownership of your life and recognize that your choices are personal and lead your life the way you want it to go. You blame the educational institution for leading you to believe that an investment in higher education will afford you a better lifestyle and then you graduated college and did not see the realization of that fairy tale and you are wholly upset. Upset with who? Who told you to believe it and stake your entire future on it?

The future of this country depends on breaking the mentality that success equals achieving millionaire or rock star status. The only thing abundant in the lives of these people is money yet they still have to endure sickness, the loss of loved ones and in most cases, an extreme spiritual awakening because they realize that their perceived successes, no matter how much they are celebrated, still do not determine their sense of self worth.

Wake up. You don't need to be GREAT to feel great about yourself. You don't need to ask for change when you have the power to create change, starting from within. If you are waiting for someone to give you permission or a hand out to achieve your best life then you have missed the key ingredient that fuels most success stories. Those who GROW don't ask for permission to prosper, their desire drives them.

Those who have achieved the western ideal of success can attest that once it is accomplished they have to grind harder to maintain it, spending their entire lives trying to keep their status and even resorting to suicide if it is lost. The majority of you are in a situation that the elite would kill themselves if they ever went through. Who is really better off?

There are entire countries, civilizations and populations of people that we believe are sad and depressed because financially they are not abundant but they actually are abundant because they are not bound by this idea that they are worthless unless they are on the cover of a magazine.

Wake up. You have more than you really need- Four walls, Food, Clothing, Family, Laughter. Many of us have all of these things and do not even appreciate it. If you see something that you think can be improved, create the improvement. You are stirring up so much negative energy and multiplying it with your protests. Who listens to a child throwing a tantrum? You are not a victim. Regain your composure and create the circumstances that you want to see around you. You don't need permission. You have every right to do so.

It is within your power to take action and you should or not, your lifestyle is your choice.

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EDITORIAL: Move Your Money

By Christina Fermin

Politics & Society Columnist

The recent announcement of big banks getting rid of free checking for customers has angered many consumers. The top 4 largest banks: Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, CitiBank & Wellsfargo do not offer free checking without meeting some requirements. It amazes me that these banks, considered too big to fail, are charging their customers access to their own money. All of these banks are now charging minimum account fees, debit card fees and charging per withdrawal (on top of the ATM fee). Many customers are left to either take it, attempt to meet their “requirements” to qualify for free checking or move their money. What do we do?

Move Your Money. Cash, credit union or local bank, prepaid card, in that order.

If you are banking with any one of those financial institutions that I mentioned above, or with a bank that will soon be imposing those fees upon you. Move your money, that is your power as a consumer! I know it is a pain, I know there is not enough time in day, and I know you are busy, because that is exactly how I feel when having to deal with these things, but trust me, you will be happier that you did it and you will be saving loads of money. The smartest thing you could do is move your money to a local bank or credit union. Many of these banks partner up with institutions outside their states or counties, so when you are out of town you still have access to your money. I personally have switched to a credit union and may I say that the customer service it better, the fees are better and the online banking features are as good as any other.

There are some horror stories out there, that is why you must do your research. You don’t have to go as far as visiting every bank, a simple online search will give you access to their sites, products and what they have to offer. Not to mention customer reviews and issues. Then you have the option of going with a prepaid card, but if you are always going to be loading it up, you are better off going with a local bank or credit union. Prepaid cards are great to use for online shopping or if you use it sometimes, but if you are a regular at pulling out the plastic, may as well go with a banking institution. Prepaid cards sometimes have loading fees, monthly fees, transaction fees and many other hidden fees. There are a few who are direct, but again, caution and research is needed when delving in the world of prepaid cards.

These 'too big to fail' banks are not places you want your money. Many of these banks finance abhorrent behavior, make risky investments and invest in far away places. At least with local banks and credit unions, you have the comfort of knowing your money is being invested in the community, local businesses and not leaving the state or regional area. Last year Wachovia (now Wellsfargo) got into trouble when it was discovered that they were involved in laundering Mexican drug money. All four banks listed above are known for funding mountain top removal mining, a horrific procedure that destroys the environment, communities, families and does untold amounts of damage that will not be known for decades to come. Is this the type of behavior you want your hard earned dollars flowing into? The real question is, what are you waiting for?

One way to boost your local economy and give opportunities to new business and entrepreneurs is through switching your money into a local bank or credit union, this will allow more cash available so that these local institutions could invest into the local economy, which in turns helps small businesses and new businesses. Banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wellsfargo and Citi are rarely investing in your community and small businesses. These same banks are directly or indirectly related to causing the global financial meltdown in 2008 and are also very much involved in lobbying our congress people to vote in their best interests and against ours, another reason why you would want to get your money out. When in doubt, use cash, but in today's day and age, I know that it can be difficult. Cash, credit union or local bank, prepaid card, in that order. Make your voice heard, let these banks know why you will no longer accept their behavior and make that switch today, after all it's your money!

Peace & Harmony,

Christina

About the Columnist

With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.

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