Maryland Is an Official Earth Hour State

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley during the weekend joined hundreds of millions of people, countries, corporations, and governments in participation for Earth Hour 2010. The Governor declared Maryland as an official Earth Hour state and he also turned off the lights at his home.

This year Earth Hour took place on Saturday, 27 March at 8:30 pm. The movement began three years ago as a way to show support for linking energy usage to climate change. Earth Hour planned to send a message on behalf of the United States: "We care about this country and want to turn off the lights on dirty air, dangerous dependence on foreign oil and costly climate change impacts; and make a switch to a cleaner, safer and more secure world."

An estimated one billion people celebrated the event by hosting Earth Hour gatherings where they captured photos, videos, and tweeted and blogged about it. Though the event occurs once per year, you are encouraged to get involved and make a difference throughout the year.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit Earth Hour and the World Wildlife Fund at http://www.myearthhour.org/ and http://www.worldwildlife.org/.

Congratulations Mackenzie!/The Nature of Competitions

Congratulations Mackenzie

Mackenzie Green, a student at the University of Miami, won the Miss District of Columbia USA pageant held in Washington, DC on November 29, 2009.

Green, along with 25 other contestants, strutted their stuff for a panel of judges competing in evening gown, and swimwear. She took special awards in both categories as well.

The pageant conducted interviews on the previous day.

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2010, Jennifer "JLo" Lopez. Lopez also swept both evening and swimwear categories.

Congratulations to both of you young ladies. Please remember to represent our Nation's Capital with grace and integrity at nationals.

XO
Tia

The Nature of Competitions

I feel compelled to address this topic based on what was and is being said about our winner and the judges' selection for this year.

First, I'll give the disclaimer that I have been a judge of a pageant before, so I know how difficult it is when the results are announced and the sadness of non-winners fills the room. As is known and often said, "There can only be one winner."

This is dedicated to those young ladies who felt cheated, who wondered if they were not beautiful enough, if they should have worn their hair a different way, done their makeup differently, or could have worked out a little more. I bet the winners have the same thoughts as well.

On my profile sheet for the pageant, I answered the following about winning the title:

Why should the judges choose you as the winner?

The judges should choose me as the titleholder because Miss District of Columbia USA is more than a title to me. It is the opportunity to represent the District of Columbia while continuing to enrich the lives of others. Besides, every one of the girls in this competition is a winner.

Ladies, I meant this from the bottom of my heart. It may not have been the best answer, but it was honest. Maybe now you all know why I didn't win... lol... Three minutes is hardly enough time to show your true colors. Don't I know.

Granted, we were perplexed by some of the choices that were or were not made that night, but ultimately, that title now belongs to Mackenzie. As queens, we all know how hard it is when you get bashed on blogs and such and how it can take a toll on one's self-esteem, so we need to rally around our queen in support.

At the end of the day and in any competition, it comes down to what the judges score. You may have been a favorite on someone's ballot. So all of your hard work and beauty did not go unnoticed. Believe me, I know from having judged a pageant before.

We all still love one another because we liked one anther before the pageant, right? Well, newsflash: we are all the same women, even Mackenzie.

My point is that we are all winners, with or without that crown and sash. I know personally that I am a leader, mentor, volunteer, student, etc. even without the title and you are still the same leader that you were before the pageant.

So my beautiful surgeon (cardiovascular perfusionist), cheerleader ambassador, attorney at law, and reporter, just to name a few; you all know who you are. Stay positive and stay beautiful!

XO
Tia

Abandoned...

So, it seems that I have abandoned my blog. Fear not, environmentalists; I have not ended my love and passion for the environment. I've just been wrapped up with school.

In other news, I have began writing for my school's newspaper and editing for the magazine! I'm very excited about both ventures as they will help with my journalism experience, pre-journalism curricula.

I have been volunteering for those less fortunate and not so much for environmental causes right now.

My current volunteer schedule includes:

21 November: I will be helping Victory Christian Ministries International distribute food at a homeless shelter.

26 November (Thanksgiving): I will be helping with the Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger, in the a.m.

I will update you soon!

XO
Tia

Flashback!

This interview I did during an Earth Day clean up was just sent to me. I love it! The icing on the cake is my coined quote at the end of it!



http://www.ecopop.tv/Ecopop/Entries/2009/10/2_Episode_2__Down_n_Dirty.html

XO
Tia

I Made the Deadline!

Please go check out project green search and vote for your favorite "it girl." (I'm hoping that will be me!)

Enjoy!

http://projectgreensearch.com/tia-holmes/1579

Project Green Search!

So, I entered an environmental model search; however, I'm not sure if I made the deadline. We shall see. Please go to the Website to check out the entries; and if you come across my photo, I pray that you vote for me.

May the "it girl" win!

www.projectgreensearch.com

XO
Tia

"Moments" Movie Screening and Panel Discussion

Today I went to Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC to speak to some of the students. I was excited to see the turnout of students who came to listen to me and the rest of the panel. The student were from the literary, drama and production departments mostly. I told them some of my stories from the dark and pleasant sides of the entertainment world. Since I love children and providing guidance, this was a golden opportunity for me!

Thinking of what to say as a student reads my introduction.

The screening was the same evening in the theater. This was my first time seeing myself on a big screen. How exciting. The best part of all was receiving compliments once it was over. I was blessed to work with such a good director, producers and cast mates. I only hope that I will have more opportunities like this in the future!

Special thanks to Checkmate Studios and IME Films for helping me give birth to a new career!


XO
Tia