statesideRN

It’s Officially the Start of the “Ber” Months in the Philippines!

It’s Officially the Start of the “Ber” Months in the Philippines!

Lisa Taylor

 

ber months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you who are not familiar, the often-talked about “Ber” months is known as the official countdown to Christmas in the Philippines! While it might seem a bit strange to start celebrating so early, it is a complete mindset shift that infects people of all ages once September rolls around. So what exactly does it mean? 

Things like cooler weather, colorful decorations (lanterns and Christmas trees!), and the opportunity to try out different recipes for meals and treats are just a few of the ways the “Ber” months are celebrated. 

Personally, we love any excuse to celebrate, and extending the Christmas spirit for several months sounds like a dream come true! 

Happy “Ber” Months to our friends in the Philippines and beyond! We are celebrating with you in spirit!

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint

Lisa Taylor

 

jazz museum

Jazz music is such an important piece of Louisiana history, that the Louisiana State Museum is working on opening its very own New Orleans Jazz Festival inside the old U.S. Mint. This one-of-a-kind project will conserve a piece of cultural history that is so important to New Orleans, and we personally can’t wait to visit once it is up and running! Here is a brief statement from the Louisiana State Museum on the project:

“Working with the Louisiana Museum Foundation, the museum has embarked on a multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign, and needs your donations to make this historic project come to life.

Besides underwriting construction and exhibition development, the campaign will help fund the conservation of  the Jazz Collection. The collection contains irreplaceable musical instruments and related artifacts, such as Louis Armstrong’s first  cornet, Sidney Bechet’s soprano saxophone, Edward “Kid” Ory’s trombone, George Lewis’ clarinet, Warren “Baby” Dodds’ drum kit, performance costumes, photographs, original manuscripts, historic recordings and rare film footage.

Through partnerships with educational institutions, theNew Orleans Jazz Museum will also broaden the local, national and global understanding of jazz as the most innovative, historically pivotal musical art form in American history.”

 

What Impact Will Each Presidential Candidate Have on Immigration

What Impact Will Each Presidential Candidate Have on Immigration

Lisa Taylor

With the rising demand for RNs in America, a topic of concern for those considering a move to the U.S. to take a job in the nursing industry. In an election year, there is always a spotlight on the candidates’ immigration platform. We decided to break it down for each Presidential candidate, and what their platform says about their stance on immigration.

election-

Hillary Clinton

The immigration plan for Hillary Clinton’s platform is the most accepting of immigrants who want to come and/or stay in the country. Her plan includes:

1 – Introduce comprehensive immigration reform

2 – End the three- and 10-year bars.

3 – Defend President Obama’s executive actions—known as DACA and DAPA—against partisan attacks.

4 – Do everything possible under the law to protect families.

5 – Enforce immigration laws humanely.

6 – End family detention and close private immigration detention centers.

7 – Expand access to affordable health care to all families.

8 – Promote naturalization.

Donald Trump

The immigration plan for Donald Trump is based on three principals:

1. A nation without borders is not a nation. There must be a wall across the southern border.

2. A nation without laws is not a nation. Laws passed in accordance with our Constitutional system of government must be enforced.

3. A nation that does not serve its own citizens is not a nation. Any immigration plan must improve jobs, wages and security for all Americans.

Other key factors include: enhanced penalties for overstaying a visa, mandatory return of all criminal aliens, increase number of ICE officers, make Mexico pay for a wall along the US-Mexico border.