The Kinsey Collection

California Legislative Black Caucus Reception I RSVP'd myself and two other friends (Mermaid and Miss USA), who I know are bigger art and history geeks than myself, for a Legislative Black Caucus reception where we would be able to view the Kinsey Collection with the collectors themselves. I was ecstatic to see Shirley and Bernard Kinsey there and giving background information on their infamous collection of African American and African artifacts. I've been wanting to see this collection ever since I learned about it in my Black and African American History class (yes, that's what it was called). As you know, I did a second major in U.S. History, so I was already familiar with who the Kinseys were and I knew all about their generous contribution to education. It was a great reception, with speeches given by the governor, legislators, and Shirley and Bernard Kinsey followed by live music, food, and open bar. I didn't drink because my "potential future" boss was mingling in the crowd as well. Enough chatter from me. Pictures are down below. =) See photos of members of the legislatures, secretary of state, the governor, the Kinseys themselves, the museum, and three giddy girls down below. Click to enlarge!

Concerns

There's something called privacy. I know that you know it. I haven't done anything to change it because there's a bit of trust that I still have in you and had hoped you would respect it. Seeing that you haven't, I'm a bit concerned about where your head is.

California Prison System

This is a pretty neat interactive graphics from sacbee.com about California's overcrowded prison system. You can see how the planned capacities for each facilities has changed since it was first built. Take a look at how many inmates California's prison facilities now carry (which is majorly over the limit)! Also, check out the census on the same interactive map (tabbed under "prison system by the numbers") on the racial breakdown. Are they legal or illegal citizens?? hmm... http://www.sacbee.com/1232/rich_media/2124324.html

Samuel Brannan

Funny man he was. All of his major accomplishments were usually mixed in with his alcoholic behavior. I wish I had chosen to do my research on him instead of Ida B. Wells since he is a Californian, why not write a paper on my own people of the past, right? Don't get me wrong, Ida B. Wells is a woman who I truly admire, but there is something funny about Sam Brannan's history that would've been bizarrily fun to study. He was a great Californian entrepreneuer who couldn't hold his liquor. At one point in California history, he was the richest man in the state. It was him who had made a lot of good impact on the city of San Francisco (one of his landmarks: Brannan St.). He lost all his money when he divorced his wife who took half of everything he owned (lots of lands, buildings, etc. meaning he had to liquidize 'em to pay the dues!). What got me interested in him? It was by one of his quote when he spoke to a group of potential investors in what is now known as Calistoga, the resort town he founded. He meant to say that the town would someday be known as the Saratoga of California but the alcholic beverages got the best of him. Instead he said "Calistoga of Sarafornia." Bless his heart.