Christmas is approaching quickly and you're scrambling to buy the perfect gift(s) for that special someone(s). This year will it be jewelry? Fancy perfumes? A designer sweater? A new appliance? Better yet a new car? Decisions, decisions.

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Why not give a true expression this year? All of the things you can buy will likely go unappreciated with time so why not make it count? This year I believe everyone should support the Occupy movement and the idea of non-consumerism. This is in fact the only way to satisfy all parties ;-) You get to keep extra poker chips and spend on something more important. Foreign imports and independence will decrease. Government will be shocked by such bravery. The richer will be a little less richer and everyone will learn a valuable lesson: We the people...

On Thanksgiving day, I taught my nieces the meaning of the Occupy movement. They are 9 and 10 and old enough to understand the social injustices of the 99%. Before showing up on Xmas with a homemade gift I had to explain there was a bigger reason behind Titi Lou not coming home with a dozen new toys for them. In the end the girls appreciated me being part of a bigger fight and they too wanted to help. We agreed that no matter what I got them I would not be spending money on getting it but that they would love it. How difficult could it be, right? I make jewelry (sprinkleofglitter.com) so there's an option. I have dozens of unused nail polishes sitting in a box right now. I've just inherited quite a few children's books. I probably have too many stuffed animals as it is. I am great in Photoshop and these kids still love coloring so I smell a coloring book or crossword puzzle book. For the adults I had already purchased some things but they all came from a thrift store. My favorite chain is Unique right now. Great finds!

So, this year, I am giving my wallet a break and sending a message to the higher ups and teaching my family the meaning of being part of something bigger. I encourage you all to do the same. Either way enjoy your Christmas and try to get back to what it's really all about: family.

Driving while under the influence (DUI) is very common in the US because we enjoy drinking. Just in 2006 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated nearly 18,000 people died in "alcohol-related" collisions; that’s about 41% of total traffic deaths. We think too many people, and especially students, don’t understand the effects and consequences of driving under the influence. We hope to help change all of that…at least at Penn State!

Here are the limits you should consider if you are 21+ and decide to drink. Of course these numbers differ for each person given size/weight, sex, etc., so do not quote us on this. It is just a reference to help you better understand. Also, one drink per hour is ideal for these measurements. This is the rate at which your body should be able to get rid of the alcohol and this will also vary for each person.

Standard limits*

• one 12 oz-beer (5% alcohol)
• one 5-oz glass wine (12% alcohol)
• one and 1/2 oz of 80-proof liquor (40% alcohol)

Levels of impairment for PA

1. General Impairment (.08 to .099% BAC)
2. High BAC (.10 to .159% BAC)
3. Highest BAC (.16% and higher)

The higher your Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) the greater the consequences! When you risk a DUI you risk:

• Spending time in jail
• Giving up your license
• Paying hefty fines
• Attending Safety and Drinking Classes
• Attending Rehab if the judge so desires
• Having a criminal record
• Killing or injuring yourself or worst…OTHERS!
• And more!

Here are some other resources for you to get more information. Be smart about your decisions and know what’s at stake. We're not saying don't have your fun we're just saying drink responsibly!

The Police Notebook – blood alcohol percentage calculator and charts given amount of drinks, sex and weight.

Free Advice.com - PA DUI facts

*Ethnic Embrace will not be held liable for any actions or occurrences that result from listening or acting explicitly to the details above. We are not professionals and recommend you consult a professional for more specific guidelines. What we have presented above is general information in which can help guide responsible drinkers.

It's black history month...no, really it's black history month! How many of you were really aware of that? It's the month of President's Day too. How many of you noticed that as well? Anyhow, reporting in from a black woman's stance... I think I really help to keep the black race up. I have a girlfriend who says things all the time that I classify as "bringing black people back by _____ years." She's infamous for it.

Moving right along. I think I have helped to keep black people up for the most part of my life. There were a few off years but less than average and they were all some time ago. I, on the other hand of my friend, have sung the "Black National Anthem" like 7 times in the past year. In college I was the first Mcnair Scholar out of IST? My taxes are up to date and I currently have no charges pending against me in the court of law. Lol. But really? Well...I've been producing a TV Network being televised in 4 US states. It challenges young people to think and express themselves. I've written a feature film. Shooting the music video in a few short weeks. I've designed a jewelery line. I've taken my GRE's and applied to grad schools. I worked in IT Consulting for over 2 years after college and I've stayed true. I remain a fighter and a believer. I continue to push forth any barrier. I am greater at love, harmony and peace.

I remain black history.

How have you celebrated Black History Month?