Wednesday

Great (almost) Nigger Moments in History


So out of all fairness and the fact that I do believe the media in their haste to tell us stories only let us see and hear parts of things. Not the whole so its easy to take things out of context. Well Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr. I'm sorry that they took your message and cut it down into sound bites that made you look bad. But in reality to the rest of the nation it is what it is. You said those words, but then to find yourself months later back in front of the camera with a microphone to your mouth and once again to jam your foot in it causing more harm then good. Yes sir this is almost a NIGGAR MOMENT. What is a Nigger Moment? Let's clarify.

"Nigger Moment" (n.) This is usually caused by at least one or more black people. According to Huey Freeman, a nigger moment can start as something simple...."
Nigger Moment -- Urban Dictionary


Basically I believe its when black people with status, power and respect do something that's beyond stupid and its so bad that all black people feel ashamed. OJ Simpson has a whole lot of them, Mike Tyson has walked down that road and Michael Jackson has been there too. Now don't be wrong the average person can do it to and I'm sure I've done some stuff that was never recorded but was pretty stupid. It's just when you're in the lime light, you need to remember that there are way too many people watching. That fact itself gives you great power which requires great responsibility.

Come on Wright, you're coming off as an arrogant bastard proving that your ego may be bigger then your message. Some of the things you said were true and were good, but sometimes knowing what not to say is more powerful. You can't answer everything with your personal views, beliefs and experiences and then tie it together with the black church. You were making comments as if you represented ALL black people and ALL black churches even if they liked it or not. You know and I know for certain NOT all black people are the same so in no way can ALL black churches be the same. So stop hiding behind the rest of us and stand on your own!

But for the sake of the times of today. In the midst of an election time when you are knowingly tied to a great potential for a colored man to be president of the United States, so could you please shut the fuck up. Yes, you are pastor and will be a pastor. Yes Obama is a politician and may not become a president but in the end voters will vote and what you say carries weight on the scales of judgment. You have to realize this is a time to play your part. Also whoever keeps giving him the mic, can we shoot them?

By no means is this an attack against the black church, black people or religion. I'm just asking a man to grow some balls and use them. Trinity United Church of Christ is a great church and they do great things and REAL churches help people outside of their congregation, but if you got to stand on a box and say something. Then say it like a man. Don't claim that the rest of us are behind you unless we really are....besides you wouldn't even have this national spotlight if it wasn't for Mr. Politician, Barack Obama.

Oh Lord where is Dave Chappelle. This is why his show was so amazing because he would take these moments and break them down into their comedic elements. Proving that the whole idea behind it is just one big joke and benefits no one. Also South Park does the same thing with a little more violence and fart jokes.

Boondocks Niggar Moment

Tuesday

Me and Mrs. Robinson


Let's be honest for a second. I don't consider myself to be a player though I'm sure most men would like to be. I'm definitely not smooth enough for that game unless it involves a dance floor and groovy music. Besides I started playing late and have made almost every rookie mistake in the book. Pain makes you learn fast and gain an appreciation for things like personality, chemistry and confidence.

But I've got to be straight with you. I haven't dated an older woman or even chase after one since I was a pre-teen. I do have a 10 year rule just for those random moments in history, but seriously gets this...I have a puppy like crush on Amy Hendrick. What?! Yeah, since the first time I saw her I've been in this loop. Okay so I'm past the flustered age but when she's around I try to act more poised then I really am. I'm such a tool.

So what is it about her that I find attractive? Well I'm not sure but I wouldn't be surprised if it was her little smirks or her laid back nature. Maybe subconsciously she reminds me of someone I used to know. Whatever it is, I'm there. I wonder what I would have done if I had been single? Maybe an art show or a karaoke night at the local bar. I'm sure the outcome would be me sticking my foot in my mouth or something corny. Flowers these days are overrated. Here's to being honest.


"There is always going to be a generation gap, but that isn't necessarily such a bad thing. She may have been a senior in high school when you were a freshman, but you both experienced the same music, movies and other pop culture events."
How To Date Older Women -- Howtodothings.com

I did not take your virginity.


I came across this in the paper a couple of weeks ago, but I was too busy to write anything at the time. I think this book called, "Not Quite What I was Planning: Six Word Memoirs from Writers Famous and Obscure" was coming out and its filled with six word stories submitted by all these people. The pure creative humanity of it all reminded my of the Post Secret project. I will probably buy the book for inspiration but I wanted to post links to similar articles and websites that cover the same idea. Seriously, I find them to be as inspiring as a great song written by Journey. Well if you haven't noticed yet the title of this post is my six word story. Enjoy.

"Everyone has a story. Can you tell yours in six words? Submit yours to be considered for SMITH's next six-word memoir book."
Six-Word Memoirs -- SMITH

"Hemingway once wrote a story in just six words ("For sale: baby shoes, never worn.") and is said to have called it his best work. So we asked sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writers....to take a shot themselves."
Very Short Stories -- Wired

"On Flickr I learned about a story, apocryphal or not about Hemingway....Can you write a six word story and post it in the comments? I'm still working on mine, which contains the word "Leave" so far."
Six Word Story -- Caterina.net

Screw you...I'm artsy too

I totally get what this guy is saying. A lot of people say that I'm not the artsy type and that I'm more like a lawyer or an accountant. But then when I'm around the artsy, eco friendly, art history folk I feel too normal to be there, like I'm not good enough. Well FU all. I'm here for the creativity and self expression. Mixing and mashing ideas together to create something new in my own mind, so in the end I really don't need to know the terminology or the history or how to spell. Cause none of that stuff drives me to make art. It's the little things that give birth to my inspiration.

The Grouch - ARTSY

Monday

Nude Remixes


So there's this online contest where people can post their own remixes of Radiohead's latest beautiful melody "Nude."

I'm reposting this for a buddy. He cut his own remix and needs some votes, so GO VOTE for his song and then listen to the Top Ten on the home page. This is how music should be, free...

REMEMBER TO VOTE


Note: The links might not be working and I'm not sure why, but I'm trying to fix it.

Friday

Pancakes for Supper!

When I was a kid having breakfast food for dinner was like the coolest thing ever. My Mom's pancakes and my sister's French toast kicked ass. Every now then I eat eggs and toast for dinner. Actually that's what I did for my 24th birthday. Held a huge breakfast dinner and invited over a bunch of friends. So kudos to breakfast food and Kimberly, it really is the best meal of the day.

"There's nothing like French toast when you feel like you're not supposed to be eating it. And breakfast foods, because they usually involve basics like eggs and bread, are cheap..."
Breakfast for Dinner -- US News

Vintage 80's PSA--Time For Timer/Eat Breakfast!


I'm sorry if this video creeps you out.

Thursday

She's a Goldmine


So I'm not into being pop culture crazy or all about Hollywood stars but I totally have to agree with this and NO I didn't vote.

"Actress Megan Fox was named the world's sexiest woman on Wednesday by an annual online poll....Fox, 21, who starred in last year's hit movie "Transformers," grabbed the title from actress Jessica Alba, 26, topping online men's magazine FHM Online's reader poll of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World for 2008."
Megan Fox crowned sexiest woman in the world -- Yahoo!

Any guy who went and saw Transformers totally loved seeing the giant robots but Megan was such a treat. One I didn't even know she existed and two, the scene where she is working on the car is priceless. Easily one of the hottest scenes from a PG13 movie in decades. I'm not into skinny girls but damn what a body. Let's be honest if you're an Irish, French, and Native American mix, you're going to be smoking hot. Magnifique!

Oh...and the other top five were Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Elisha Cuthbert (I've had a crush on her since I was 13) and Scarlett Johansson. All fine in my book.

Wednesday

Drinking to the Good Life


One of my old house mates Zach really turned me on to this show. It's a great concept and if you're into film making (like I am) then you kind of feel like you're getting a sneak peak at what happens behind the scenes. Good luck filming the new season and I hope to find someone with HBO by September.


"In a shocking twist, Adrian Grenier and the Entourage guys shot a scene in Hawaii in which they appear to relax and hang out with some lovely bikini-clad women."

Entourage Goes On -- E!Online

"Entourage's upcoming season - Production begins on Season 5 in April 2008 with 12 episodes to be initially produced. However, Producer Ellin said that if HBO decides to order more at the last minute, then they are up for it. Season 5 planned to satirize the writers' strike but has been scrapped as Ellin feels that most people are over the whole debacle and would prefer to deal with different material. Due to the writers' strike, Season 5 will premier in September 2008 instead of June. Among the story lines for Season 5 will see Vince and the boys deal with being broke due to the failure of Medellin, a struggle with Walsh over the new script. Drama's TV series reaches unexpected success worldwide and will Also see the return of Domenick Lombardozzi, the actor who plays Dom....Ellin says he has four more seasons of scandalous behavior in reserve, implying that Entourage will probably run through year eight."
Entourage (TV series) -- Wikipedia

A Living Nightmare

So this guy is trapped in an elevator for a REALLY long time and someone posted the video on Youtube. Yeah...I hope this never ever happens to me.


Elevator Video, Journeys, April 21st Issue, 2008

Tuesday

Tips and Tricks


In today's world of Web 2.0 sometimes your neighbor's blog offers you the best advice about your finances, investing and money issues. Here is a collection of some great post that we all should review.

149th Carnival of Personal Finance
Chasing Dreams Edition
www.thehappyrock.com

Monday

Camera and Me

So last week I finally bought a camera. A real camera! A very good/pricey one. I've been wanting a camera ever since I was like 14. I called my Mom and cried after I bought it. (I'm such a loser) Here is the purchase list, let me know if you have any tips or warnings:

Canon EOS 40D
EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Speedlite 430EX

Well its been by my side for a couple of days and I've had to unload 3 times already, so expect LOTS of photography from me. Mostly flowers, street life and still life, but I'm looking to shoot more with models. I just finished a photo book project for my Fine Arts class called RED. It's my spin on the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" and I will post a few photos. It's hot so I'm hoping for a DD soon.

In the meantime I'll keep shooting and continue my courtship with art.



Air VS Fire

OMG yes...its coming back! It still is one of the best American cartoons on TV today and the final chapters of this wonderful series is going to be sooo badass.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (also known as Avatar: The Legend of Aang in several countries) is an award-winning American animated television series that currently airs on the Nickelodeon television network. Set in an Asian-influenced world of martial arts and elemental manipulation, the series follows the adventures of the latest of a long line of Avatars, Aang, and his friends in a quest to save the world from the ruthless Fire Nation. In the series' terminology, each episode is referred to as a "chapter" and each individual season as a "book."
Avatar: The Last Airbender--Wikipedia



Avatar NYCC Finale Trailer


"Avatar trailer for four part series finale. Taped by ASN at the NYCC Avatar panel hosted by Mike & Bryan."

Saturday

FRESH MUSIC #2 - Lykke Li... a Swedish Feist?


Her sound is pleasantly beautiful and full of indie funk. I am expecting great things from her in the coming years. She will be big over seas before she is big in the US (because of our messed up music system) but you will become a fan of Lykke Li the second her sweet voice filters through your brain. My two favorite tracks are "Little Bit" and "I'm Good I'm Gone." Her MySpace is packed loaded with good music and you can buy 4 tracks on iTunes. She's white girl funky like Fionna Apple but this Swedish lover is the next big thing in music.

"Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson (born March 18, 1986 in Stockholm, Sweden), better known by her stage name Lykke Li, is an indie singer. She was raised by artistic parents (her mother was a photographer, her father is a musician) and lived in Portugal for five years, and spent winters in Nepal and India....She released her first album, 'Youth Novels' on LL Recordings in the Nordic region on 4 February 2008 and it will receive a wider European release this June. The album was produced by Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John and Lasse Mårtén. It will be released in the United States on 6 May 2008. She had some success with the EP "Little Bit" in 2007. Stereogum named her an artist to watch in October 2007 and described her music as a mix of soul, electro and powdered-sugar pop."
Lykke Li -- Wikiepdia.org


Little Bit

What A Monster Dunk

I didn't catch this the first time it happened but it has been viewed over 2 million times already but you got to love it when someone pulls off an original dunk. I remember Isaiah Rider's spectacular between-the-legs jam, which he titled the "East Bay Funk Dunk" (veteran All-Star Charles Barkley called it the best dunk he had ever seen). But seriously I want to see someone pull this off in a real game.

Patrick Ewing Jr. behind-the-back dunk

Friday

See you Space Doughnut

This is a fan made video. They created a little music video by mixing together Trigun and Cowboy Bebop to tell a simple story. I love it. Thanks Jeremiah for sending this to me.


Hero #9


It was sad news for some of us NFL fans. He's one of my all time favorite quarterbacks and when he's 100% healthy, this man is a beast. Mike "Dogboy" Vick would run around people but Steve "Badass" McNair ran through them. You got to love it and I think he set a good standard as a black QB in the NFL unlike some others. God bless his family and thanks for the good times. I've been a fan since the Super Bowl way back then. Peace.

"McNair announced his retirement Thursday, ending a 13-year career in which he was selected co-MVP, led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl and orchestrated the most successful regular season in the Ravens history. He received a standing ovation from his teammates after revealing his decision, then contained his emotions during a hastily arranged news conference."
Ravens' McNair Retires After 13 Seasons -- ABC News

Thursday

He's the Will Ferrell of Music

The man is just too sweet for this world. Kanye, you've done it again.

Estelle feat Kanye West - American Boy

Portishead "Third" - New Tracks!


For all you fans out there, I found this today. It's a little Myspace fan page for Portishead that features new tracks off of their album Third. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Turtle Power!


Not most people know this but I am a BIG sea turtle fan and almost became a Marine Biologist just so I could help save them. Instead I became an artist and will probably fund research that saves these elegant creatures. Well they found a rare giant turtle living in the wild which is great because they thought we killed them all. So its good news for everyone.

"Researchers from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo have discovered a rare giant turtle in northern Vietnam — a find that carries great scientific and cultural significance. Swinhoe's soft-shell turtle was previously thought to be extinct in the wild. Three other turtles of the species are in captivity, said experts from the Zoo's Asian turtle program. The discovery represents hope for the species..."
Cleveland zoo researchers find rare giant turtle in Vietnam -- Yahoo! NEWS

Wednesday

The Player Haters Club - DC Chapter


I spotted a quote from this blog in the Express this morning, so I checked out the posting and was surprised to find the honest truth about DC women and the dating game. I totally agree with him because its different then what you knew in college so you sink immediately every time.

"Dating here is like being a professional gambler, once you learn to see all the angles you play to recover your losses, to break even and you realize that if you’re lucky you might come out a little ahead. Only suckers go all in or try to win the jackpot....The irony of it all is that these girls are high end average, sevens on a good day but have a dime piece attitude. I really think this helps guys out a lot especially if you travel to other cities."
Higher Altitude -- vksempireofdirt.com

If you're a guy between the ages 18-27 and you happen to be living in a city. Subscribe to this blog now. Vksempireofdirt is speaking the truth and it hurts. Ladies you also might want to read this too.

German Child Corrects Nasa...wtf?


This is one of those stories that makes you think that just maybe all those scientist are exaggerating and the end might be closer then we think. (insert dramatic music here)


"Nico Marquardt used telescopic findings from the Institute of Astrophysics in Potsdam (AIP) to calculate that there was a 1 in 450 chance that the Apophis asteroid will collide with Earth, the Potsdamer Neuerster Nachrichten reported. NASA had previously estimated the chances at only 1 in 45,000 but told its sister organization, the European Space Agency (ESA), that the young whizz kid had got it right."
German schoolboy, 13, corrects NASA's asteroid figures--Yahoo NEWS

Tuesday

All around the world...

This is a brother man with real talent who doesn't get recognized. He's the best of this generation in my book. I haven't bought his new album because my laptop is still broke but my brother owns it and honestly its pretty slick. His true time in the star light hasn't come yet but it will. So keep up the good work.

Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo

10,000 ways to die.

This is why I love playing great videos games like Halo. Sometimes weird things happen and they make me laugh.

Halo 3 Betrayal - If Pigs Could Fly

Monday

There's no such thing as an original thought.


So I had an idea about gathering artist and philanthropists together for a long weekend of designing cool artsy fashionable t-shirts about public issues and then selling them online and donating the funds to good causes. I was going to call it Project Alliance, but I'm lazy and never took a step to get it started. Oh well, maybe one day I will but then I found this!

"The GIVE AND TAKE collection raises funds for organizations working to better the lives of millions of people living with extraordinary challenges. Created by designer Shea Mullen, the collection features chic vintage athletic tees, each with a distinctive design and message recognizing the advocacy efforts of organizations such as the National MS Society, the American Cancer Society, the Epilepsy Foundation of America, and the Boys and Girls Club."

What are you serious? Someone sorta beat me to it. Ugh. Such is life.

Well the shirts are available at National Jean Company, 7301 Woodmont Avenue, Downtown Bethesda (301-907-0295). Go buy one. Its for a good cause.

Friday

FRESH MUSIC #1 - The Future Is Now


FUTURISTIC PRINCE is an electro indie band from San Fran. I got an invite from them on Myspace and basically spent the whole day at work replaying their music play list because its honestly pretty good. They remind me anyone who is apart of Ed Banger Records. "We Play It Straight" is sick. They claim their influences are The Beat, The Drinking and The Sex, which makes for a good time any day of the week. Though I would definitely like a free download.

myspace.com/futuristicprince

Kobe Bryant Gets High?

Foolishness. I can't wait til the video where a kid tries this and fails. Though this i a good example of what rich people do with their free time.


Laker Kobe Bryant attempts massive stunt...and succeeds! Real?

Give Me My Money!


Sometimes bitches be crazy. She got to keep everything but the title. We all know that sounds fair enough.

Silva was told she could keep the actual crown and the $4,500 Miss California USA necklace she had been given—as well as recoup her $1,500 entry fee and compete again for free—but that apparently didn't cut it for the scorned Silva, who turned out to scorned second runner-up. Alleging fraudulent concealment and misrepresentation, negligence, false advertising, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract and several other torts, she is seeking at least $500,000 in damages to compensate for the "public humiliation, mental anguish and distress, lost opportunities, lost prizes and lost monies paid to and expended on her behalf."
Miss California Also-Ran Takes on the Universe--Eonline.com

Miss California 2008 Christina Silva (Miss Los Angeles)--Youtube.com

If he punched me...I would die.

He's been an internet sensation for a while now but seriously if you don't know anything about Kimbo Slice and you're a guy...you need to read up.

"Kevin Ferguson, better known as Kimbo Slice, is a Miami, Florida-based street fighter turned mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. He first appeared in several filmed underground fights which have spread primarily on the Internet. Law enforcement never intervened as the fights were considered consensual. Kimbo has since left street fighting behind and is now putting his efforts towards becoming a professional mixed martial arts fighter. Slice is currently training with retired MMA fighter Bas Rutten."
Kimbo Slice--Wikipedia

The Best Of Kimbo Slice


This guy is amazing, simply because he takes himself so seriously and trains really hard. I need his motivation in my life. Yep, I'm a fan.

Thursday

Kids today...geeze

Girls beat up a 16 year old girl


Okay first off. Why is this in the news? Don't kids get beat up everyday at school some where in the country? Who freaking cares! Oh wait...their white? Damn...someone needs to post this on Youtube.

Anyway, Fox News...by airing this on TV you have done exactly what these 8 kids wanted to do. Humiliate Lindsay. Well thanks for playing along, dumbass!

I agree that it was wrong and they need to be punished. All of them should be tried at the same level. I'm glad they were arrested and charged with felony battery and false imprisonment. In reality its all misdemeanors. The guys at work completely believe that this will be a slap on the wrist and it will be probation for everyone. No serious jail time though if they had killed her it be game over.

But what you have to realize is that these kids planned it. They knew they were going to get caught. They didn't care. "They seemed to have absolutely no remorse at all," Judd said. "They were just going to beat her. And beat her they did." This goes along with my belief that you shouldn't do the crime unless you are willing to do the time and they were.

And to be honest...she probably deserved it. When your parents are quoted saying, "she wasn't perfect and had her share of problems...was not living at home at the time of the incident....she also had a history of anger problems." Then maybe we need to hear the other side of the story because to piss off 8 people that much, means do you did something pretty bad.

Well next time I hope she fights back because that's what I would have done.

It's Business Time

I love their Comedy Central specials and their show on HBO is amazing. I so want to go to the show. I may try to get my boss to buy tickets. (How much are they?) He's a big fan.

Flight of the Conchords



Friday, May 9, 2008
Lisner Auditorium
Doors: 6:00 pm | Show: 7:00 pm
George Washington University 730 21st St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20052


It's only stealing if you get caught...


I don't use Flickr or had any plans to open an account but my Fine Arts professor pointed this out. It's just another loop whole that the online world has created that may be closed because someone took it a little too far. I honestly hope they win their case.


"The net result is that they are suing Virgin and Creative Commons. I feel bad for the girl, who did’nt have any say in the matter, and for the family. If you’re interested here is the comment from the person who took the photo, Damon Wong. His main complaint is not being notified. I don’t think that’s part of the license. Attribution however is and he has a point there which might give him a case against Virgin."
Virgin Uses Image, Creative Commons Gets Sued -- digitalpodcast.com

Wednesday

It's $60 t-shirt but it makes me look good.


Sometimes the high prices of casual fashion scares me. $60 t-shirt!! Geeze. Well at least its cute. Though honestly these shirts are made for skinny people and I'll take a thick cotton shirt over skinny any day, but if you're going to make clothes for celebrities they might as well pay the extra penny.

SOPHOMORE is NYC based company and focuses on simple tshirts, leggings and jackets. Their cute tshirts are what sells this product. Honestly I'm a fan of the "yellow bike" shirt, so check them out.

Tuesday

Task for Tuesday thru Thursday

I have a couple of clients coming in around 10pm. They should be here for a couple of days. We're editing more promo videos for their Wimba product. They posted the first two videos I cut for them on Youtube, which is kind of cool. Plus I like working with Matt and Matt. They're so down to earth. Here's to great clients.





I'm allergic to Goose feathers?

I am so going to this next year. Its such a great idea and looks like fun.


The Middle Show: Pillow Fight

Monday

4 Mins of Awkward

The video is almost as awkward as them pairing up. Timbaland kills it again. I love this song and beat and honestly JT and Madonna don't do it justice. Since its the wrong vibe for Madonna and JT doesn't dance anymore. I would like to see Beyonce and Chris Brown do the remix.


Madonna feat. justin timberlake - 4 Minutes (Official video)

Friday

You got it (the old stuff)


So this morning I found out the hell has frozen over and pigs are flying. Also the New Kids On the Block have jumped on the band wagon and are reuniting for NEW album. Oh God, I think I know what this years Halloween costume will be.

"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.
Look who's reuniting: New Kids on the Block - Baltimore Sun

Thursday

A Poverty Vaccine for the Planet


“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to sell fish and he eats steak.”

Celebrating Life is one of my new themes and this is for my my current girlfriend and ex Katherine who have exposed me to women issues. Well this week at work I did a little project on a FINCA video and was very impressed by them.

FINCA as described by Wikipedia, "The Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA International) is a non-profit, microfinance organization, founded by John Hatch in 1984. Sometimes referred to as the "World Bank for the Poor" and a "poverty vaccine for the planet", FINCA is the innovator of the village banking methodology in microcredit and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern day microfinance. With its headquarters in Washington, DC, FINCA has 21 affiliated host-country institutions (affiliates), in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Along with Grameen Bank and Accion International, FINCA is considered to be one of the most influential microfinance organizations in the world...." (Read More)

Interesting. The idea is to use microfinancing, the concept of village banking and women to help societies and nations build from the ground up. This is truly investing in the little guy since 50% of members in a village bank are severely poor and predominantly run by female heads of hoursehold.

Well there is this short documentary floating around staring Natalie Portman as she travels to Mexico to meet women who have used FINCA's loans to start their own business and have done very well for themselves. It is both touching and empowering to realize that these women live in a "machisto" society but they're still working hard to support their families. I just feel this is an organization that is headed in the right direction and if you believe in a better world, they deserve your support. So take action and donate today.