Site Overlay

Conversations in the Chair

LXVII: How would you like to pay for that

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." -M. Gandhi 10/01/2025

In modern society, consumerism is not just a byproduct of economic development—it is a cultural force, deeply embedded in the way people perceive success, identity, and social value. From an early age, individuals are exposed to media and marketing campaigns that link happiness and status to material possessions. Whether it's luxury clothing, the latest tech gadgets, or even lifestyle experiences, consumer culture shapes desires in ways that often feel natural but are carefully manufactured. This constant push to consume is reinforced through advertising, social media, and pop culture, presenting consumption not as a choice but as a measure of one’s worth.

Consumerism also serves as a mechanism for reinforcing wealth-based hierarchies. The ability to participate in consumer culture—particularly at its upper echelons—requires disposable income, which is disproportionately concentrated among the wealthy. As a result, those with more money gain access to better goods, services, and social visibility, while those with less are subtly (or explicitly) excluded. This creates a feedback loop: affluence enables greater consumption, which in turn signals higher status and grants greater social power. Meanwhile, the poor are left striving to “catch up,” often through debt, overwork, or sacrificing necessities to maintain an image of success.

At its core, the consumer system masks inequality by presenting wealth as the result of personal merit or taste, rather than systemic privilege or inherited advantage. As people aspire to the lifestyles they see advertised, they often internalize the belief that their value lies in what they can afford. This not only distracts from structural critiques of economic inequality but also fuels divisions, as class distinctions are increasingly defined by visible consumption. Ultimately, consumerism doesn’t just reflect existing wealth gaps—it deepens them, keeping people locked in a cycle of desire, debt, and status competition, all while preserving the dominance of the economically elite.

LXVI: Never forget

“I could just not imagine living anywhere else." -S. Weaver 09/01/2025

Gordon M. Aamoth, Jr. S-49, Edelmiro Abad S-40, Marie Rose Abad S-34, Andrew Anthony Abate N-57, Vincent Paul Abate N-57, Laurence Christopher Abel N-32, Alona Abraham S-4, William F. Abrahamson N-7, Richard Anthony Aceto N-4, Heinrich Bernhard Ackermann S-55, Paul Acquaviva N-37, Christian Adams S-68, Donald LaRoy Adams N-55, Patrick Adams S-45, Shannon Lewis Adams N-49, Stephen George Adams N-70, Ignatius Udo Adanga N-71, Christy A. Addamo N-8, Terence Edward Adderley, Jr. N-58, Sophia B. Addo N-68, Lee Adler N-37, Daniel Thomas Afflitto N-25, Emmanuel Akwasi Afuakwah N-71, Alok Agarwal N-36, Mukul Kumar Agarwala S-43, Joseph Agnello S-11, David Scott Agnes N-47, Joao Alberto da Fonseca Aguiar, Jr. S-34, Brian G. Ahearn S-13, Jeremiah Joseph Ahern S-47, Joanne Marie Ahladiotis N-37, Shabbir Ahmed N-70, Terrance Andre Aiken N-17, Godwin O. Ajala S-65, Trudi M. Alagero N-5, Andrew Alameno N-52, Margaret Ann Alario S-63, Gary M. Albero S-63, Jon Leslie Albert N-7, Peter Craig Alderman N-21, Jacquelyn Delaine Aldridge- Frederick N-10, David D. Alger N-59, Ernest Alikakos S-47, Edward L. Allegretto N-40, Eric Allen S-21, Joseph Ryan Allen N-41, Richard Dennis Allen S-21, Richard L. Allen N-19, Christopher E. Allingham N-42, Anna S. W. Allison N-2, Janet Marie Alonso N-5, Anthony Alvarado N-23, Antonio Javier Alvarez N-70, Victoria Alvarez-Brito N-8, Telmo E. Alvear N-71, Cesar Amoranto Alviar N-16, Tariq Amanullah S-42, Angelo Amaranto N-64, James M. Amato S-7, Joseph Amatuccio S-24, Paul W. Ambrose S-70, Christopher Charles Amoroso S-28, Craig Scott Amundson S-74, Kazuhiro Anai N-63, Calixto Anaya, Jr. S-21, Joseph P. Anchundia S-52, Kermit Charles Anderson N-9, Yvette Constance Anderson S-48, John Jack Andreacchio S-44, Michael Rourke Andrews N-53, Jean Ann Andrucki N-66, Siew-Nya Ang N-5, Joseph Angelini, Sr. S-9, Joseph John Angelini, Jr. S-9, David Lawrence Angell N-1, Mary Lynn Edwards Angell N-1, Laura Angilletta N-32, Doreen J. Angrisani N-15, Lorraine Antigua N-53, Seima David Aoyama N-2, Peter Paul Apollo N-26, Faustino Apostol, Jr. S-6, Frank Thomas Aquilino N-39, Patrick Michael Aranyos S-30, David Gregory Arce S-13, Michael George Arczynski S-54, Louis Arena S-5, Barbara Jean Arestegui N-74, Adam P. Arias S-31, Michael J. Armstrong N-43, Jack Charles Aron N-4, Joshua Todd Aron N-42, Richard Avery Aronow N-66, Myra Joy Aronson N-74, Japhet Jesse Aryee S-48, Carl Francis Asaro S-10, Michael A. Asciak N-63, Michael Edward Asher N-36, Janice Marie Ashley N-58, Thomas J. Ashton N-19, Manuel O. Asitimbay N-68, Gregg A. Atlas S-5, Gerald Thomas Atwood S-11, James Audiffred N-64, Louis F. Aversano, Jr. S-58, Ezra Aviles N-65, Sandy Ayala N-70, Arlene T. Babakitis N-66, Eustace R. Bacchus N-71, John J. Badagliacca N-52, Jane Ellen Baeszler N-43, Robert J. Baierwalter S-63, Andrew J. Bailey N-12, Brett T. Bailey S-31, Garnet Ace Bailey S-3, Tatyana Bakalinskaya N-17, Michael S. Baksh N-16, Sharon M. Balkcom N-7, Michael Andrew Bane N-14, Katherine Bantis N-12, Gerard Baptiste S-14, Walter Baran S-40, Gerard A. Barbara S-18, Paul Vincent Barbaro N-36, James William Barbella S-26, Victor Daniel Barbosa S-37, Christine Johnna Barbuto N-1, Colleen Ann Barkow N-32, David Michael Barkway N-42, Matthew Barnes S-21, Melissa Rose Barnes S-72, Sheila Patricia Barnes S-58, Evan Jay Baron N-60, Renee Barrett-Arjune N-48, Arthur Thaddeus Barry S-20, Diane G. Barry S-56, Maurice Vincent Barry S-28, Scott D. Bart N-9, Carlton W. Bartels N-50, Guy Barzvi N-48, Inna B. Basina N-48, Alysia Christine Burton Basmajian N-47, Kenneth William Basnicki N-21, Steven Joseph Bates S-6, Paul James Battaglia N-4, W. David Bauer N-37, Ivhan Luis Carpio Bautista N-69, Marlyn Capito Bautista N-6, Mark Lawrence Bavis S-3, Jasper Baxter S-45, Lorraine G. Bay S-67, Michele Beale N-20, Todd M. Beamer S-68, Paul Frederick Beatini S-63, Jane S. Beatty N-9, Alan Anthony Beaven S-67, Lawrence Ira Beck N-31, Manette Marie Beckles S-42, Carl John Bedigian S-21, Michael Ernest Beekman S-48, Maria A. Behr N-27, Max J. Beilke S-1, Yelena Belilovsky N-61, Nina Patrice Bell N-8, Debbie S. Bellows N-37, Stephen Elliot Belson S-17, Paul M. Benedetti S-62, Denise Lenore Benedetto S-60, Bryan Craig Bennett N-55, Eric L. Bennett N-65, Oliver Bennett N-20, Margaret L. Benson N-66, Dominick J. Berardi N-31, James Patrick Berger S-56, Steven Howard Berger S-48, John P. Bergin S-6, Alvin Bergsohn N-25, Daniel David Bergstein N-66, Graham Andrew Berkeley S-3, Michael J. Berkeley N-67, Donna M. Bernaerts N-16, David W. Bernard S-66, William H. Bernstein N-56, David M. Berray N-20, David Shelby Berry S-36, Joseph John Berry S-36, William Reed Bethke N-10, Yeneneh Betru S-69, Timothy D. Betterly N-41, Carolyn Mayer Beug N-1, Edward Frank Beyea N-65, Paul Michael Beyer S-14, Anil Tahilram Bharvaney N-22, Bella J. Bhukhan N-49, Shimmy D. Biegeleisen S-42, Peter Alexander Bielfeld S-18, William G. Biggart S-66, Brian Eugene Bilcher S-14, Mark Bingham S-67, Carl Vincent Bini S-6, Gary Eugene Bird N-13, Joshua David Birnbaum N-42, George John Bishop S-59, Kris Romeo Bishundat S-72, Jeffrey Donald Bittner S-35, Albert Balewa Blackman, Jr. N-48, Christopher Joseph Blackwell S-15, Carrie Rosetta Blagburn S-1, Susan Leigh Blair S-56, Harry Blanding, Jr. S-62, Janice Lee Blaney N-16, Craig Michael Blass N-28, Rita Blau S-41, Richard Middleton Blood, Jr. S-62, Michael Andrew Boccardi N-59, John Paul Bocchi N-46, Michael L. Bocchino S-19, Susan M. Bochino S-62, Deora Frances Bodley S-68, Bruce Douglas Boehm N-41, Mary Catherine Murphy Boffa N-3, Nicholas Andrew Bogdan N-13, Darren Christopher Bohan S-56, Lawrence Francis Boisseau S-23, Vincent M. Boland, Jr. N-10, Touri Hamzavi Bolourchi S-4, Alan Bondarenko S-65, Andre Bonheur, Jr. N-58, Colin Arthur Bonnett N-14, Frank J. Bonomo S-12, Yvonne Lucia Bonomo N-18, Sean Booker, Sr. N-19, Kelly Ann Booms N-1, Canfield D. Boone S-74, Mary Jane Booth S-69, Sherry Ann Bordeaux S-42, Krystine Bordenabe S-34, Jerry J. Borg S-66, Martin Michael Boryczewski N-26, Richard Edward Bosco N-58, Klaus Bothe S-3, Carol Marie Bouchard N-75, J. Howard Boulton S-31, Francisco Eligio Bourdier S-38, Thomas Harold Bowden, Jr. N-26, Donna M. Bowen S-75, Kimberly S. Bowers N-36, Veronique Nicole Bowers N-70, Larry Bowman S-65, Shawn Edward Bowman, Jr. N-49, Kevin L. Bowser N-16, Gary R. Box S-6, Gennady Boyarsky N-18, Pamela Boyce N-58, Allen P. Boyle S-73, Michael Boyle S-13, Alfred J. Braca N-41, Sandra Conaty Brace N-18, Kevin Hugh Bracken S-15, Sandy Waugh Bradshaw S-67, David Brian Brady N-22, Alexander Braginsky N-22, Nicholas W. Brandemarti S-33, Daniel Raymond Brandhorst S-4, David Reed Gamboa Brandhorst S-4, Michelle Renee Bratton N-34, Patrice Braut N-10, Lydia Estelle Bravo N-11, Ronald Michael Breitweiser S-42, Edward A. Brennan III N-53, Frank H. Brennan N-55, Michael E. Brennan S-10, Peter Brennan S-8, Thomas More Brennan S-52, Daniel J. Brethel S-17, Gary Lee Bright S-64, Jonathan Eric Briley N-68, Mark A. Brisman S-45, Paul Gary Bristow N-20, Marion R. Britton S-67, Mark Francis Broderick N-28, Herman Charles Broghammer S-58, Keith A. Broomfield N-64, Bernard C. Brown II S-70, Janice Juloise Brown N-11, Lloyd Stanford Brown N-29, Patrick John Brown S-8, Bettina B. Browne-Radburn S-61, Mark Bruce S-52, Richard George Bruehert N-5, Andrew Brunn S-6, Vincent Edward Brunton S-20, Ronald Bucca S-14, Brandon J. Buchanan N-29, Greg J. Buck S-12, Dennis Buckley N-43, Nancy Clare Bueche S-61, Patrick Joseph Buhse N-53, John Edward Bulaga, Jr. N-34, Stephen Bruce Bunin N-37, Christopher L. Burford S-71, Matthew J. Burke N-29, Thomas Daniel Burke N-54, William Francis Burke, Jr. S-18, Charles F. Burlingame III S-69, Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. S-68, Donald J. Burns S-18, Kathleen Anne Burns S-43, Keith James Burns N-28, John Patrick Burnside S-12, Irina Buslo S-44, Milton G. Bustillo N-34, Thomas M. Butler S-7, Patrick Dennis Byrne S-8, Timothy G. Byrne S-50

Daniel M. Caballero S-72, Jesus Neptali Cabezas N-68, Lillian Caceres N-4, Brian Joseph Cachia N-34, Steven Dennis Cafiero, Jr. S-55, Richard Michael Caggiano N-26, Cecile Marella Caguicla N-7, John Brett Cahill S-3, Michael John Cahill N-11, Scott Walter Cahill N-42, Thomas Joseph Cahill N-40, George C. Cain S-20, Salvatore B. Calabro S-8, Joseph M. Calandrillo N-18, Philip V. Calcagno N-15, Edward Calderon S-26, Jose O. Calderon-Olmedo S-74, Kenneth Marcus Caldwell N-65, Dominick E. Calia N-43, Felix Bobby Calixte N-73, Francis Joseph Callahan S-17, Liam Callahan S-29, Suzanne M. Calley S-71, Gino Luigi Calvi N-51, Roko Camaj S-37, Michael F. Cammarata S-15, David Otey Campbell S-34, Geoffrey Thomas Campbell N-22, Robert Arthur Campbell S-44, Sandra Patricia Campbell N-37, Sean Thomas Canavan S-64, John A. Candela N-26, Vincent A. Cangelosi N-41, Stephen J. Cangialosi N-43, Lisa Bella Cannava N-58, Brian Cannizzaro S-8, Michael R. Canty N-61, Louis Anthony Caporicci N-53, Jonathan Neff Cappello N-52, James Christopher Cappers N-15, Richard Michael Caproni N-10, Jose Manuel Cardona N-62, Dennis M. Carey, Sr. S-7, Edward Carlino N-11, Michael Scott Carlo S-12, David G. Carlone S-63, Rosemarie C. Carlson N-67, Mark Stephen Carney N-65, Joyce Ann Carpeneto N-72, Jeremy Caz Carrington N-45, Michael T. Carroll S-8, Peter J. Carroll S-6, James Joseph Carson, Jr. N-35, Christoffer Mikael Carstanjen S-3, Angelene C. Carter S-76, James Marcel Cartier S-64, Sharon Ann Carver S-1, Vivian Casalduc N-65, John Francis Casazza N-52, Paul Regan Cascio S-30, Neilie Anne Heffernan Casey N-75, William Joseph Cashman S-68, Thomas Anthony Casoria S-18, William Otto Caspar N-13, Alejandro Castaño S-38, Arcelia Castillo N-5, Leonard M. Castrianno N-44, Jose Ramon Castro N-23, William E. Caswell S-70, Richard G. Catarelli N-9, Christopher Sean Caton N-54, Robert John Caufield N-19, Mary Teresa Caulfield N-9, Judson Cavalier S-52, Michael Joseph Cawley S-11, Jason David Cayne N-43, Juan Armando Ceballos S-37, Marcia G. Cecil-Carter N-63, Jason Michael Cefalu N-56, Thomas Joseph Celic N-12, Ana Mercedes Centeno N-14, Joni Cesta S-38, John J. Chada S-1, Jeffrey Marc Chairnoff S-51, Swarna Chalasani S-42, William A. Chalcoff N-16, Eli Chalouh S-48, Charles Lawrence Chan N-44, Mandy Chang S-44, Rosa Maria Chapa S-71, Mark Lawrence Charette N-4, David M. Charlebois S-69, Gregorio Manuel Chavez N-70, Pedro Francisco Checo S-39, Douglas MacMillan Cherry S-60, Stephen Patrick Cherry N-26, Vernon Paul Cherry S-11, Nestor Julio Chevalier, Jr. N-33, Swede Joseph Chevalier N-28, Alexander H. Chiang N-10, Dorothy J. Chiarchiaro N-58, Luis Alfonso Chimbo N-70, Robert Chin S-39, Eddie Wing-Wai Ching N-23, Nicholas Paul Chiofalo S-7, John G. Chipura S-21, Peter A. Chirchirillo N-5, Catherine Ellen Chirls N-55, Kyung Hee Casey Cho N-14, Abul K. Chowdhury N-36, Mohammad Salahuddin Chowdhury N-67, Kirsten Lail Christophe S-54, Pamela Chu N-29, Steven Paul Chucknick S-31, Wai Ching Chung S-53, Christopher Ciafardini N-60, Alex F. Ciccone N-8, Frances Ann Cilente N-37, Elaine Cillo N-6, Edna Cintron N-12, Nestor Andre Cintron III N-44, Robert D. Cirri, Sr. S-29, Juan Pablo Cisneros N-52, Benjamin Keefe Clark S-39, Eugene Clark S-56, Gregory Alan Clark N-31, Mannie Leroy Clark N-10, Sara M. Clark S-70, Thomas R. Clark S-51, Christopher Robert Clarke S-50, Donna Marie Clarke N-14, Michael J. Clarke S-16, Suria Rachel Emma Clarke N-34, Kevin Francis Cleary S-32, James D. Cleere N-5, Geoffrey W. Cloud N-47, Susan Marie Clyne N-8, Steven Coakley S-13, Jeffrey Alan Coale N-69, Patricia A. Cody N-8, Daniel Michael Coffey N-5, Jason Matthew Coffey N-5, Florence G. Cohen S-47, Kevin S. Cohen N-33, Anthony Joseph Coladonato N-36, Mark Joseph Colaio N-42, Stephen J. Colaio N-42, Christopher Michael Colasanti N-53, Kevin Nathaniel Colbert S-35, Michel P. Colbert N-52, Keith E. Coleman N-30, Scott Thomas Coleman N-30, Tarel Coleman S-23, Liam Joseph Colhoun N-73, Robert D. Colin S-61, Robert J. Coll S-31, Jean Marie Collin S-63, John Michael Collins S-22, Michael L. Collins N-36, Thomas Joseph Collins S-50, Joseph Kent Collison N-72, Jeffrey Dwayne Collman N-74, Patricia Malia Colodner N-6, Linda M. Colon N-3, Sol E. Colon S-58, Ronald Edward Comer N-11, Jaime Concepcion N-70, Albert Conde S-63, Denease Conley S-65, Susan P. Conlon N-73, Margaret Mary Conner N-31, Cynthia Marie Lise Connolly S-56, John E. Connolly, Jr. S-32, James Lee Connor S-50, Jonathan M. Connors N-25, Kevin Patrick Connors S-30, Kevin F. Conroy N-4, Brenda E. Conway N-12, Dennis Michael Cook N-40, Helen D. Cook N-72, Jeffrey W. Coombs N-2, John A. Cooper S-49, Julian T. Cooper S-73, Joseph John Coppo, Jr. N-43, Gerard J. Coppola N-63, Joseph Albert Corbett N-53, John J. Corcoran III S-4, Alejandro Cordero N-6, Robert Joseph Cordice S-7, Ruben D. Correa S-9, Danny A. Correa-Gutierrez N-7, Georgine Rose Corrigan S-68, James J. Corrigan, Ret. S-5, Carlos Cortés-Rodriguez S-65, Kevin Michael Cosgrove S-60, Dolores Marie Costa N-58, Digna Alexandra Costanza N-13, Charles Gregory Costello, Jr. N-64, Michael S. Costello N-26, Asia S. Cottom S-70, Conrod Kofi Cottoy, Sr. N-62, Martin John Coughlan S-64, John G. Coughlin S-23, Timothy J. Coughlin N-54, James E. Cove S-59, Andre Colin Cox N-23, Frederick John Cox S-50, James Raymond Coyle S-7, Michele Coyle-Eulau N-11, Christopher Seton Cramer S-42, Eric A. Cranford S-72, Denise Elizabeth Crant N-10, James Leslie Crawford, Jr. N-27, Robert James Crawford S-18, Tara Kathleen Creamer N-75, Joanne Mary Cregan N-37, Lucia Crifasi N-18, John A. Crisci S-8, Daniel Hal Crisman N-15, Dennis A. Cross S-6, Kevin R. Crotty S-52, Thomas G. Crotty S-53, John R. Crowe S-55, Welles Remy Crowther S-50, Robert L. Cruikshank N-58, John Robert Cruz N-49, Grace Alegre Cua S-39, Kenneth John Cubas S-43, Francisco Cruz Cubero S-65, Thelma Cuccinello N-1, Richard Joseph Cudina N-51, Neil James Cudmore N-20, Thomas Patrick Cullen III S-13, Joan Cullinan N-31, Joyce Rose Cummings S-39, Brian Thomas Cummins N-27, Michael Joseph Cunningham S-31, Robert Curatolo S-19, Laurence Damian Curia N-41, Paul Dario Curioli S-63, Patrick Joseph Currivan N-74, Beverly L. Curry N-35, Andrew Peter Charles Curry Green N-1, Michael Sean Curtin S-24, Patricia Cushing S-67, Gavin Cushny N-31, Caleb Arron Dack N-21, Carlos S. da Costa S-25, Jason M. Dahl S-67, Brian Paul Dale N-76, John D'Allara S-24, Vincent Gerard D'Amadeo N-32, Thomas A. Damaskinos N-32, Jack L. D'Ambrosi, Jr. N-45, Jeannine Damiani-Jones N-42, Manuel João DaMota N-71, Patrick W. Danahy S-40, Mary D'Antonio N-6, Vincent G. Danz S-24, Dwight Donald Darcy N-66, Elizabeth Ann Darling N-12, Annette Andrea Dataram N-69, Edward A. D'Atri S-6, Michael D. D'Auria S-16, Lawrence Davidson S-62, Michael Allen Davidson N-30, Scott Matthew Davidson S-10, Titus Davidson S-46, Niurka Davila N-66, Ada M. Davis S-75, Clinton Davis, Sr. S-28, Wayne Terrial Davis N-21, Anthony Richard Dawson N-22, Calvin Dawson S-32, Edward James Day S-15, William Thomas Dean N-11, Robert J. DeAngelis, Jr. S-64, Thomas Patrick DeAngelis S-16, Dorothy Alma de Araujo S-4, Ana Gloria Pocasangre Debarrera S-2, Tara E. Debek N-9, James D. Debeuneure S-70, Anna M. DeBin N-47, James V. DeBlase, Jr. N-51, Jayceryll Malabuyoc de Chavez S-40, Paul DeCola N-36, Gerald F. DeConto S-72, Simon Marash Dedvukaj N-64, Jason Christopher DeFazio N-40, David A. DeFeo S-49, Jennifer De Jesus S-46, Monique Effie DeJesus N-29, Nereida De Jesus S-60, Emy De La Peña S-40, Donald Arthur Delapenha S-36, Azucena Maria de la Torre N-47, Vito Joseph DeLeo N-63, Danielle Anne Delie N-3, Joseph A. Della Pietra N-40, Andrea DellaBella S-58, Palmina DelliGatti N-4, Colleen Ann Deloughery S-59, Joseph DeLuca S-68, Manuel Del Valle, Jr. S-16, Francis Albert De Martini S-27, Anthony Demas S-55, Martin N. DeMeo S-9, Francis Deming N-17, Carol Keyes Demitz S-42, Kevin Dennis N-44, Thomas Francis Dennis, Sr. N-56, Jean C. DePalma N-12, Jose Nicolas De Pena N-69, Robert John Deraney N-21, Michael DeRienzo N-53, David Paul DeRubbio S-14, Jemal Legesse DeSantis N-58, Christian Louis DeSimone N-4, Edward DeSimone III N-53, Andrew J. Desperito S-18, Michael Jude D'Esposito N-6, Cindy Ann Deuel N-59, Melanie Louise de Vere N-20, Jerry DeVito N-60, Robert P. Devitt, Jr. N-32, Dennis Lawrence Devlin S-15, Gerard P. Dewan S-8, Sulemanali Kassamali Dhanani S-53, Michael Louis DiAgostino N-49, Matthew Diaz N-24, Nancy Diaz N-70, Obdulio Ruiz Diaz N-71, Michael A. Diaz-Piedra III N-72, Judith Berquis Diaz-Sierra S-40, Patricia Florence Di Chiaro N-8, Rodney Dickens S-70, Jerry D. Dickerson S-74, Joseph Dermot Dickey, Jr. N-46, Lawrence Patrick Dickinson N-67, Michael D. Diehl S-40, John Difato N-58, Vincent Francis DiFazio N-55, Carl Anthony DiFranco N-4, Donald Joseph DiFranco N-64, John DiGiovanni N-73, Eddie A. Dillard S-70, Debra Ann Di Martino S-36, David DiMeglio N-2, Stephen Patrick Dimino N-53, William John Dimmling N-12, Christopher More Dincuff N-60, Jeffrey Mark Dingle N-21, Rena Sam Dinnoo N-12, Anthony Dionisio N-33, George DiPasquale S-17, Joseph Di Pilato S-46, Douglas Frank DiStefano N-49, Donald Americo DiTullio N-75, Ramzi A. Doany N-14, Johnnie Doctor, Jr. S-72, John Joseph Doherty S-60, Melissa Cándida Doi S-46, Brendan Dolan N-61, Robert E. Dolan, Jr. S-73, Neil Matthew Dollard N-40, James Domanico S-48, Benilda Pascua Domingo S-37, Alberto Dominguez N-2, Carlos Dominguez N-3, Jerome Mark Patrick Dominguez S-25, Kevin W. Donnelly S-6, Jacqueline Donovan S-33, William H. Donovan S-73, Stephen Scott Dorf S-32, Thomas Dowd N-55, Kevin Christopher Dowdell S-11, Mary Yolanda Dowling S-59, Raymond Matthew Downey, Sr. S-9, Frank Joseph Doyle S-34, Joseph Michael Doyle N-33, Randall L. Drake S-38, Patrick Joseph Driscoll S-68, Stephen Patrick Driscoll S-24, Charles A. Droz III S-70, Mirna A. Duarte N-16, Luke A. Dudek N-70, Christopher Michael Duffy S-35, Gerard J. Duffy S-10, Michael Joseph Duffy S-35, Thomas W. Duffy N-4, Antoinette Duger N-72, Jackie Sayegh Duggan N-69, Sareve Dukat S-48, Patrick Dunn S-72, Felicia Gail Dunn-Jones S-66, Christopher Joseph Dunne N-13, Richard Anthony Dunstan S-59, Patrick Thomas Dwyer N-25, Joseph Anthony Eacobacci N-50, John Bruce Eagleson S-66, Edward T. Earhart S-72, Robert Douglas Eaton N-46, Dean Phillip Eberling S-33, Margaret Ruth Echtermann S-48, Paul Robert Eckna N-28, Constantine Economos S-51, Barbara G. Edwards S-70, Dennis Michael Edwards N-54, Michael Hardy Edwards S-50, Christine Egan S-53, Lisa Erin Egan N-49, Martin J. Egan, Jr. S-11, Michael Egan S-53, Samantha Martin Egan N-49, Carole Eggert N-6, Lisa Caren Ehrlich S-62, John Ernst Eichler N-71, Eric Adam Eisenberg S-58, Daphne Ferlinda Elder N-8, Michael J. Elferis S-18, Mark Joseph Ellis S-25, Valerie Silver Ellis N-25, Albert Alfy William Elmarry N-36, Robert R. Elseth S-73, Edgar Hendricks Emery, Jr. S-41, Doris Suk-Yuen Eng N-70, Christopher Epps N-6, Ulf Ramm Ericson S-65, Erwin L. Erker N-5, William John Erwin N-46, Sarah Ali Escarcega N-20, Jose Espinal S-66, Fanny Espinoza N-47, Billy Scoop Esposito N-40, Bridget Ann Esposito N-18, Francis Esposito S-7, Michael A. Esposito S-7, Ruben Esquilin, Jr. S-39, Sadie Ette N-69, Barbara G. Etzold N-59, Eric Brian Evans S-59, Robert Edward Evans S-15, Meredith Emily June Ewart S-54, Catherine K. Fagan N-13, Patricia Mary Fagan S-55, Ivan Kyrillos Fairbanks-Barbosa N-43, Keith George Fairben S-26, Sandra Fajardo-Smith N-7, Charles S. Falkenberg S-69, Dana Falkenberg S-69, Zoe Falkenberg S-69, Jamie L. Fallon S-72, William F. Fallon N-65, William Lawrence Fallon, Jr. N-37, Anthony J. Fallone, Jr. N-51, Dolores Brigitte Fanelli N-5, Robert John Fangman S-2, John Joseph Fanning S-11, Kathleen Anne Faragher N-22, Thomas James Farino S-19, Nancy C. Doloszycki Farley N-18, Paige Marie Farley-Hackel N-75, Elizabeth Ann Farmer N-47, Douglas Jon Farnum N-10, John Gerard Farrell N-53, John W. Farrell S-51, Terrence Patrick Farrell S-11, Joseph D. Farrelly S-22, Thomas Patrick Farrelly N-17, Syed Abdul Fatha S-49, Christopher Edward Faughnan N-54, Wendy R. Faulkner S-61, Shannon Marie Fava N-35, Bernard D. Favuzza N-42, Robert Fazio, Jr. S-24, Ronald Carl Fazio, Sr. S-60, William M. Feehan S-18, Francis Jude Feely N-7, Garth Erin Feeney N-21, Sean Bernard Fegan N-60, Lee S. Fehling S-7, Peter Adam Feidelberg S-54, Alan D. Feinberg S-10, Rosa Maria Feliciano N-15, Edward P. Felt S-68, Edward Thomas Fergus, Jr. N-41, George J. Ferguson III S-37, J. Joseph Ferguson S-69, Henry Fernandez N-70, Judy Hazel Santillan Fernandez N-36, Julio Fernandez S-45, Elisa Giselle Ferraina N-20, Anne Marie Sallerin Ferreira N-44, Robert John Ferris S-60, David Francis Ferrugio N-56, Louis V. Fersini, Jr. N-43, Michael David Ferugio S-63, Bradley James Fetchet S-35, Jennifer Louise Fialko S-59, Kristen Nicole Fiedel N-6, Amelia V. Fields S-75, Samuel Fields S-65, Alexander Milan Filipov N-2, Michael Bradley Finnegan N-45, Timothy J. Finnerty N-52, Michael C. Fiore S-5, Stephen J. Fiorelli N-66, Paul M. Fiori N-24, John B. Fiorito N-41, John R. Fischer S-13, Andrew Fisher N-22, Bennett Lawson Fisher S-40, Gerald P. Fisher S-75, John Roger Fisher N-66, Thomas J. Fisher S-41, Lucy A. Fishman S-61, Ryan D. Fitzgerald S-40, Thomas James Fitzpatrick S-52, Richard P. Fitzsimons S-23, Salvatore Fiumefreddo N-24, Darlene E. Flagg S-70, Wilson F. Flagg S-70, Christina Donovan Flannery S-50, Eileen Flecha S-41, Andre G. Fletcher S-7, Carl M. Flickinger N-40, Matthew M. Flocco S-72, John Joseph Florio S-22, Joseph Walkden Flounders S-32, Carol Ann Flyzik N-1, David Fodor S-41, Michael N. Fodor S-11, Stephen Mark Fogel N-47, Thomas J. Foley S-16, Jane C. Folger S-67, David J. Fontana S-6, Chih Min Foo S-44, Delrose E. Forbes Cheatham N-48, Godwin Forde S-46, Donald A. Foreman S-27, Christopher Hugh Forsythe N-44, Claudia Alicia Foster N-56, Noel John Foster S-62, Sandra N. Foster S-71, Ana Fosteris S-61, Robert Joseph Foti S-20, Jeffrey Fox S-35, Virginia Elizabeth Fox N-10, Pauline Francis N-24, Virgin Lucy Francis N-69, Gary Jay Frank S-58, Morton H. Frank N-26, Peter Christopher Frank N-59, Colleen L. Fraser S-68, Richard K. Fraser S-59, Kevin J. Frawley S-33, Clyde Frazier, Jr. S-27, Lillian Inez Frederick S-58, Andrew Fredericks S-21, Tamitha Freeman S-58, Brett Owen Freiman S-46, Peter L. Freund S-7, Arlene Eva Fried N-46, Alan W. Friedlander S-58, Andrew Keith Friedman N-59, Paul J. Friedman N-75, Gregg J. Froehner S-29, Lisa Anne Frost S-3, Peter Christian Fry S-32, Clement A. Fumando N-33, Steven Elliot Furman N-50, Paul James Furmato N-26, Karleton Douglas Beye Fyfe N-1, Fredric Neal Gabler N-26, Richard Peter Gabriel S-70, Richard S. Gabrielle S-55, James Andrew Gadiel N-31, Pamela Lee Gaff S-55, Ervin Vincent Gailliard S-66, Deanna Lynn Galante and her unborn child N-37, Grace Catherine Galante N-37, Anthony Edward Gallagher N-50, Daniel James Gallagher N-28, John Patrick Gallagher N-49, Lourdes J. Galletti N-47, Cono E. Gallo N-61, Vincent Gallucci N-5, Thomas E. Galvin N-39, Giovanna Galletta Gambale N-34, Thomas Gambino, Jr. S-15, Giann F. Gamboa S-37, Ronald L. Gamboa S-4, Peter James Ganci, Jr. S-17, Michael Gann N-20, Charles William Garbarini S-12, Andrew Sonny Garcia S-68, Cesar R. Garcia N-5, David Garcia N-17, Jorge Luis Morron Garcia S-65, Juan Garcia N-23, Marlyn Del Carmen Garcia N-3, Christopher Samuel Gardner S-57, Douglas Benjamin Gardner N-38, Harvey Joseph Gardner III N-72, Jeffrey Brian Gardner N-4, Thomas A. Gardner S-8, William Arthur Gardner N-37, Frank Garfi N-25, Rocco Nino Gargano N-28, James M. Gartenberg N-64, Matthew David Garvey S-6, Bruce Gary S-15, Boyd Alan Gatton S-43, Donald Richard Gavagan, Jr. N-42, Peter Alan Gay N-2, Terence D. Gazzani N-51, Gary Paul Geidel S-10, Paul Hamilton Geier N-51, Julie M. Geis S-57, Peter Gerard Gelinas N-56, Steven Paul Geller N-29, Howard G. Gelling, Jr. S-51, Peter Victor Genco, Jr. N-41, Steven Gregory Genovese N-26, Alayne Gentul S-42, Linda M. George N-75, Edward F. Geraghty S-9, Suzanne Geraty N-35, Ralph Gerhardt N-45, Robert Gerlich N-18, Denis P. Germain S-16, Marina Romanovna Gertsberg N-48, Susan M. Getzendanner S-40, Lawrence D. Getzfred S-72, James G. Geyer N-55, Cortez Ghee S-75, Joseph M. Giaccone N-36, Vincent Francis Giammona S-6, Debra Lynn Gibbon S-54, James Andrew Giberson S-16, Brenda C. Gibson S-1, Craig Neil Gibson N-16, Ronnie E. Gies S-8, Andrew Clive Gilbert N-45, Timothy Paul Gilbert N-45, Paul Stuart Gilbey S-32, Paul John Gill S-9, Mark Y. Gilles N-50, Evan Hunter Gillette S-50, Ronald Lawrence Gilligan N-33, Rodney C. Gillis S-24, Laura Gilly N-35, John F. Ginley S-16, Donna Marie Giordano S-55, Jeffrey John Giordano S-8, John Giordano S-18, Steven A. Giorgetti N-13, Martin Giovinazzo N-3, Kum-Kum Girolamo S-54, Salvatore Gitto N-10, Cynthia Giugliano N-64, Mon Gjonbalaj S-37, Dianne Gladstone S-47, Keith Alexander Glascoe S-11, Thomas Irwin Glasser S-49, Edmund Glazer N-75, Harry Glenn N-16, Barry H. Glick N-66, Jeremy Logan Glick S-67, Steven Glick N-21, John T. Gnazzo N-32, William Robert Godshalk S-35, Michael Gogliormella N-35, Brian F. Goldberg S-42, Jeffrey G. Goldflam N-38, Michelle Goldstein S-62, Monica Goldstein N-48, Steven Ian Goldstein N-50, Ronald F. Golinski S-75, Andrew H. Golkin N-46, Dennis James Gomes S-43, Enrique Antonio Gomez N-68, Jose Bienvenido Gomez N-68, Manuel Gomez, Jr. S-44, Wilder Alfredo Gomez N-69, Jenine Nicole Gonzalez S-53, Mauricio Gonzalez S-64, Rosa J. Gonzalez N-66, Lynn Catherine Goodchild S-3, Calvin Joseph Gooding N-39, Peter Morgan Goodrich S-3, Harry Goody S-48, Kiran Kumar Reddy Gopu N-8, Catherine C. Gorayeb N-22, Lisa Fenn Gordenstein N-75, Kerene Gordon N-24, Sebastian Gorki S-38, Kieran Joseph Gorman S-36, Thomas Edward Gorman S-28, Michael Edward Gould N-25, O. Kristin Osterholm White Gould S-68, Douglas Alan Gowell S-4, Yuji Goya S-45, Jon Richard Grabowski N-15, Christopher Michael Grady N-46, Edwin J. Graf III N-41, David Martin Graifman S-34, Gilbert Franco Granados S-58, Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas and her unborn child S-68, Elvira Granitto N-64, Winston Arthur Grant N-65, Christopher S. Gray N-44, Ian J. Gray S-71, James Michael Gray S-13, Tara McCloud Gray N-72, John M. Grazioso N-25, Timothy George Grazioso N-25, Derrick Auther Green S-42, Wade B. Green N-23, Wanda Anita Green S-67, Elaine Myra Greenberg N-20, Donald Freeman Greene S-67, Gayle R. Greene N-9, James Arthur Greenleaf, Jr. N-62, Eileen Marsha Greenstein S-56, Elizabeth Martin Gregg N-59, Denise Marie Gregory N-63, Donald H. Gregory N-39, Florence Moran Gregory S-58, Pedro Grehan N-51, John Michael Griffin N-63, Tawanna Sherry Griffin N-23, Joan Donna Griffith S-39, Warren Grifka N-15, Ramon B. Grijalvo N-65, Joseph F. Grillo N-66, David Joseph Grimner N-12, Francis Edward Grogan S-4, Linda Gronlund S-68, Kenneth George Grouzalis S-25, Joseph Grzelak S-19, Matthew James Grzymalski N-54, Robert Joseph Gschaar S-53, Liming Gu N-3, Richard J. Guadagno S-67, Jose A. Guadalupe S-10, Cindy Yan Zhu Guan S-48, Geoffrey E. Guja S-12, Joseph P. Gullickson S-9, Babita Girjamatie Guman S-39, Douglas Brian Gurian N-39, Janet Ruth Gustafson S-61, Philip T. Guza S-53, Barbara Guzzardo S-55, Peter Mark Gyulavary S-65, Gary Robert Haag N-5, Andrea Lyn Haberman N-61, Barbara Mary Habib N-9, Philip Haentzler N-73, Nezam A. Hafiz N-6, Karen Elizabeth Hagerty S-54, Steven Michael Hagis N-55, Mary Lou Hague S-35, David Halderman S-21, Maile Rachel Hale N-21, Diane Hale-McKinzy S-1, Richard B. Hall S-54, Stanley R. Hall S-70, Vaswald George Hall N-67, Robert J. Halligan S-54, Vincent Gerard Halloran S-13, Carolyn B. Halmon S-75, James Douglas Halvorson N-0, Mohammad Salman Hamdani S-66, Felicia Hamilton S-41, Robert W. Hamilton S-12, Carl Max Hammond, Jr. S-3, Frederic K. Han N-46, Christopher James Hanley N-22, Sean S. Hanley S-12, Valerie Joan Hanna N-9, Thomas Paul Hannafin S-5, Kevin James Hannaford, Sr. N-50, Michael Lawrence Hannan N-10, Dana Rey Hannon S-19, Christine Lee Hanson S-4, Peter Burton Hanson S-4, Sue Kim Hanson S-4, Vassilios G. Haramis S-65, James A. Haran N-51, Gerald Francis Hardacre S-4, Jeffrey Pike Hardy N-24, T.J. Hargrave N-55, Daniel Edward Harlin S-16, Frances Haros S-35, Harvey L. Harrell S-5, Stephen G. Harrell S-5, Melissa Harrington-Hughes N-22, Aisha Ann Harris N-72, Stewart D. Harris N-47, John Patrick Hart S-39, Eric Hartono S-4, John Clinton Hartz S-43, Emeric Harvey N-67, Peter Paul Hashem N-2, Thomas Theodore Haskell, Jr. S-22, Timothy Shawn Haskell S-22, Joseph John Hasson III N-55, Leonard W. Hatton, Jr. S-26, Terence S. Hatton S-9, Michael Helmut Haub S-10, Timothy Aaron Haviland N-14, Donald G. Havlish, Jr. S-56, Anthony Maurice Hawkins N-31, Nobuhiro Hayatsu S-39, James Edward Hayden S-4, Robert Jay Hayes N-76, Philip T. Hayes, Ret. S-13, W. Ward Haynes N-49, Scott Jordan Hazelcorn N-54, Michael K. Healey S-12, Roberta B. Heber N-7, Charles Francis Xavier Heeran N-29, John F. Heffernan S-15, Michele M. Heidenberger S-69, Sheila M.S. Hein S-75, H. Joseph Heller, Jr. N-62, JoAnn L. Heltibridle N-14, Ronald John Hemenway S-71, Mark F. Hemschoot S-62, Ronnie Lee Henderson S-23, Brian Hennessey N-35, Edward R. Hennessy, Jr. N-76, Michelle Marie Henrique S-41, Joseph Patrick Henry S-10, William L. Henry, Jr. S-10, Catherina Henry-Robinson N-72, John Christopher Henwood N-52, Robert Allan Hepburn N-14, Mary Herencia S-55, Lindsay C. Herkness III S-46, Harvey Robert Hermer N-24, Norberto Hernandez N-68, Raul Hernandez N-31, Gary Herold S-58, Jeffrey Alan Hersch N-47, Thomas J. Hetzel S-17, Leon Bernard Heyward MC Sundance S-36, Brian Christopher Hickey S-12, Enemencio Dario Hidalgo Cedeño N-69, Timothy Brian Higgins S-22, Robert D. W. Higley II S-59, Todd Russell Hill S-46, Clara Victorine Hinds N-69, Neal O. Hinds S-37, Mark Hindy N-25, Katsuyuki Hirai S-39, Heather Malia Ho N-70, Tara Yvette Hobbs S-59, Thomas Anderson Hobbs N-50, James J. Hobin N-9, Robert Wayne Hobson III N-49, DaJuan Hodges N-8, Ronald G. Hoerner S-65, Patrick A. Hoey N-66, John A. Hofer N-2, Marcia Hoffman N-36, Stephen Gerard Hoffman N-42, Frederick Joseph Hoffmann N-39, Michele L. Hoffmann N-39, Judith Florence Hofmiller N-16, Wallace Cole Hogan, Jr. S-74, Thomas Warren Hohlweck, Jr. S-60, Jonathan R. Hohmann S-8, Cora Hidalgo Holland N-2, John Holland N-70, Joseph F. Holland N-61, Jimmie I. Holley S-75, Elizabeth Holmes S-32, Thomas P. Holohan S-14, Herbert Wilson Homer S-2, LeRoy W. Homer, Jr. S-67, Bradley V. Hoorn N-58, James P. Hopper N-30, Montgomery McCullough Hord N-29, Michael Joseph Horn N-27, Matthew Douglas Horning N-16, Robert L. Horohoe, Jr. N-39, Michael Robert Horrocks S-2, Aaron Horwitz N-42, Charles J. Houston S-32, Uhuru G. Houston S-28, Angela M. Houtz S-73, George Gerard Howard S-28, Brady Kay Howell S-73, Michael C. Howell N-60, Steven Leon Howell N-3, Jennifer L. Howley and her unborn child S-56, Milagros Hromada S-55, Marian R. Hrycak S-48, Stephen Huczko, Jr. S-30, Kris Robert Hughes S-34, Paul Rexford Hughes N-16, Robert T. Hughes, Jr. N-73, Thomas F. Hughes, Jr. N-71, Timothy Robert Hughes N-44, Susan Huie N-20, Lamar Demetrius Hulse N-17, John Nicholas Humber, Jr. N-1, William Christopher Hunt S-33, Kathleen Anne Hunt-Casey S-50, Joseph Gerard Hunter S-8, Peggie M. Hurt S-75, Robert R. Hussa N-62, Stephen N. Hyland, Jr. S-74, Robert J. Hymel S-71, Thomas Edward Hynes S-37, Walter G. Hynes S-17, Joseph Anthony Ianelli N-9, Zuhtu Ibis N-36, Jonathan Lee Ielpi S-7, Michael Patrick Iken S-33, Daniel Ilkanayev N-48, Frederick J. Ill, Jr. S-16, Abraham Nethanel Ilowitz N-64, Anthony P. Infante, Jr. S-27, Louis S. Inghilterra S-43, Christopher Noble Ingrassia N-30, Paul Innella N-36, Stephanie Veronica Irby N-7, Douglas Jason Irgang S-50, Kristin Irvine-Ryan S-51, Todd Antione Isaac N-56, Erik Hans Isbrandtsen N-25, Taizo Ishikawa S-45, Waleed Joseph Iskandar N-1, Aram Iskenderian, Jr. N-47, John F. Iskyan N-52, Kazushige Ito S-45, Aleksandr Valeryevich Ivantsov N-27, Lacey Bernard Ivory S-74, Virginia May Jablonski N-5, Bryan C. Jack S-70, Brooke Alexandra Jackman N-41, Aaron Jeremy Jacobs N-29, Ariel Louis Jacobs N-21, Jason Kyle Jacobs S-40, Michael G. Jacobs S-42, Steven A. Jacobson N-71, Steven D. Jacoby S-70, Ricknauth Jaggernauth N-71, Jake Denis Jagoda N-34, Yudhvir S. Jain N-37, Maria Jakubiak N-11, Robert Adrien Jalbert S-2, Ernest James N-5, Gricelda E. James N-67, Mark Steven Jardim N-23, Amy Nicole Jarret S-2, Muhammadou Jawara N-70, Francois Jean-Pierre N-71, Maxima Jean-Pierre N-24, Paul Edward Jeffers N-52, John Charles Jenkins N-76, Joseph Jenkins, Jr. S-64, Alan Keith Jensen S-43, Prem Nath Jerath N-67, Farah Jeudy S-60, Hweidar Jian N-27, Eliezer Jimenez, Jr. N-69, Luis Jimenez, Jr. N-13, Charles Gregory John S-45, Nicholas John N-23, Dennis M. Johnson S-74, LaShawna Johnson N-72, Scott Michael Johnson S-33, William R. Johnston S-14, Allison Horstmann Jones S-51, Arthur Joseph Jones III N-59, Brian Leander Jones S-39, Charles Edward Jones N-74, Christopher D. Jones N-41, Donald T. Jones II N-43, Donald W. Jones N-55, Judith Lawter Jones S-73, Linda Jones S-56, Mary S. Jones N-65, Andrew Brian Jordan, Sr. S-22, Robert Thomas Jordan N-42, Albert Gunnis Joseph S-46, Ingeborg Joseph S-46, Karl Henry Joseph S-20, Stephen Joseph S-44, Jane Eileen Josiah S-43, Anthony Jovic S-10, Angel L. Juarbe, Jr. S-16, Karen Sue Juday N-31, Ann C. Judge S-70, Mychal F. Judge S-18, Paul William Jurgens S-30, Thomas Edward Jurgens S-26, Shashikiran Lakshmikantha Kadaba N-18, Gavkharoy Kamardinova S-64, Shari Kandell N-32, Howard Lee Kane N-69, Jennifer Lynn Kane N-4, Vincent D. Kane S-18, Joon Koo Kang N-29, Sheldon Robert Kanter N-36, Deborah H. Kaplan N-66, Robin Lynne Kaplan N-1, Alvin Peter Kappelmann, Jr. S-63, Charles H. Karczewski S-56, William A. Karnes N-9, Douglas Gene Karpiloff S-26, Charles L. Kasper S-11, Andrew K. Kates N-38, John A. Katsimatides N-39, Robert Michael Kaulfers S-28, Don Jerome Kauth, Jr. S-36, Hideya Kawauchi S-44, Edward T. Keane N-66, Richard M. Keane N-15, Lisa Yvonne Kearney-Griffin N-18, Karol Ann Keasler S-34, Barbara A. Keating N-76, Paul Hanlon Keating S-5, Leo Russell Keene III S-33, Brenda Kegler S-1, Chandler Raymond Keller S-69, Joseph John Keller S-46, Peter R. Kellerman N-28, Joseph P. Kellett N-61, Frederick H. Kelley III N-43, James Joseph Kelly N-56, Joseph A. Kelly N-51, Maurice P. Kelly N-24, Richard John Kelly, Jr. S-15, Thomas Michael Kelly S-30, Thomas Richard Kelly S-20, Thomas W. Kelly S-20, Timothy Colin Kelly N-43, William Hill Kelly, Jr. N-21, Robert Clinton Kennedy N-12, Thomas J. Kennedy S-8, Yvonne E. Kennedy S-69, John Richard Keohane S-63, Ralph Francis Kershaw S-3, Ronald T. Kerwin S-8, Howard L. Kestenbaum S-53, Douglas D. Ketcham N-29, Ruth Ellen Ketler S-40, Boris Khalif N-17, Norma Cruz Khan S-71, Sarah Khan N-24, Taimour Firaz Khan N-62, Rajesh Khandelwal N-12, SeiLai Khoo N-59, Michael Vernon Kiefer S-22, Satoshi Kikuchihara S-39, Andrew Jay-Hoon Kim N-60, Lawrence Don Kim N-10, Mary Jo Kimelman N-54, Heinrich Kimmig S-3, Karen Ann Kincaid S-70, Amy R. King S-2, Andrew M. King N-44, Lucille Teresa King S-61, Robert King, Jr. S-14, Lisa King-Johnson S-36, Brian K. Kinney S-3, Takashi Kinoshita S-44, Chris Michael Kirby S-64, Robert Kirkpatrick N-73, Howard Barry Kirschbaum N-8, Glenn Davis Kirwin N-38, Helen Crossin Kittle and her unborn child N-35, Richard Joseph Klares S-63, Peter Anton Klein N-17, Alan David Kleinberg N-52, Karen Joyce Klitzman N-45, Ronald Philip Kloepfer S-25, Stephen A. Knapp N-73, Eugueni Kniazev N-69, Andrew James Knox N-24, Thomas Patrick Knox N-50, Rebecca Lee Koborie N-4, Deborah A. Kobus S-39, Gary Edward Koecheler S-32, Frank J. Koestner N-28, Ryan Kohart N-27, Vanessa Lynn Przybylo Kolpak S-36, Irina Kolpakova S-45, Suzanne Rose Kondratenko S-63, Abdoulaye Koné N-68, Bon Seok Koo N-73, Dorota Kopiczko N-15, Scott Michael Kopytko S-21, Bojan George Kostic N-27, Danielle Kousoulis N-40, David P. Kovalcin N-2, John J. Kren S-32, William Edward Krukowski S-11, Lyudmila Ksido N-17, Toshiya Kuge S-68, Shekhar Kumar N-35, Kenneth Bruce Kumpel S-22, Frederick Kuo, Jr. S-65, Patricia A. Kuras N-3, Nauka Kushitani S-41, Thomas Joseph Kuveikis S-22, Victor Kwarkye N-68, Raymond Kui Fai Kwok N-33, Angela Reed Kyte N-11, Andrew La Corte N-62, Carol Ann La Plante N-15, Jeffrey G. La Touche N-70, Kathryn L. LaBorie S-2, Amarnauth Lachhman N-24, Ganesh K. Ladkat N-34, James Patrick Ladley N-40, Joseph A. Lafalce N-32, Jeanette Louise Lafond-Menichino N-10, David James LaForge S-12, Michael Patrick LaForte N-53, Alan Charles LaFrance N-69, Juan Mendez Lafuente N-71, Neil Kwong-Wah Lai S-47, Vincent Anthony Laieta S-53, William David Lake S-16, Franco Lalama N-66, Chow Kwan Lam S-48, Michael S. Lamana S-72, Stephen LaMantia N-56, Amy Hope Lamonsoff N-20, Robert T. Lane S-7, Brendan Mark Lang N-26, Rosanne P. Lang N-26, Vanessa Lang Langer and her unborn child S-49, Mary Lou Langley S-53, Peter J. Langone S-23, Thomas Michael Langone S-23, Michele Bernadette Lanza S-40, Ruth Sheila Lapin S-37, Ingeborg A.D. Lariby S-49, Robin Blair Larkey N-44, Judith Camilla Larocque N-2, Christopher Randall Larrabee N-25, Hamidou S. Larry N-9, Scott Larsen S-21, John Adam Larson S-57, Natalie Janis Lasden N-75, Gary Edward Lasko N-7, Nicholas Craig Lassman N-36, Paul Laszczynski S-29, Charles A. Laurencin S-46, Stephen James Lauria N-7, Maria LaVache N-6, Denis Francis Lavelle N-16, Jeannine Mary LaVerde S-36, Anna A. Laverty S-39, Steven Lawn S-54, Robert A. Lawrence, Jr. S-49, Nathaniel Lawson N-23, David W. Laychak S-1, Eugen Gabriel Lazar N-33, James Patrick Leahy S-25, Joseph Gerard Leavey S-21, Neil J. Leavy S-13, Robert G. LeBlanc S-3, Leon Lebor N-64, Kenneth Charles Ledee N-14, Alan J. Lederman S-60, Elena F. Ledesma N-9, Alexis Leduc S-43, Daniel John Lee N-2, David S. Lee S-42, Dong Chul Lee S-70, Gary H. Lee N-35, Hyun Joon Lee S-48, Juanita Lee S-54, Kathryn Blair Lee N-9, Linda C. Lee N-22, Lorraine Mary Greene Lee S-56, Myoung Woo Lee S-47, Richard Y.C. Lee N-29, Stuart Soo-Jin Lee N-21, Yang Der Lee N-70, Stephen Paul Lefkowitz S-48, Adriana Legro N-61, Edward Joseph Lehman S-54, Eric Lehrfeld N-22, David R. Leistman N-39, David Prudencio Lemagne S-29, Joseph Anthony Lenihan S-34, John Joseph Lennon, Jr. S-28, John Robinson Lenoir S-52, Jorge Luis León, Sr. N-35, Matthew G. Leonard N-46, Michael Lepore N-13, Charles A. Lesperance N-71, Jeff LeVeen N-26, John Dennis Levi S-29, Alisha Caren Levin S-44, Neil David Levin N-65, Robert Levine N-39, Robert Michael Levine S-37, Shai Levinhar N-29, Daniel M. Lewin N-75, Adam Jay Lewis S-35, Jennifer Lewis S-69, Kenneth E. Lewis S-69, Margaret Susan Lewis N-66, Ye Wei Liang N-8, Orasri Liangthanasarn N-69, Daniel F. Libretti S-17, Ralph Michael Licciardi S-64, Edward Lichtschein N-36, Samantha L. Lightbourn-Allen S-76, Steven Barry Lillianthal N-56, Carlos R. Lillo S-11, Craig Damian Lilore N-25, Arnold Arboleda Lim S-41, Darya Lin S-63, Wei Rong Lin N-67, Nickie L. Lindo N-58, Thomas V. Linehan, Jr. N-12, Robert Thomas Linnane S-12, Alan Patrick Linton, Jr. S-52, Diane Theresa Lipari N-61, Kenneth P. Lira Arévalo S-45, Francisco Alberto Liriano N-58, Lorraine Lisi S-40, Paul Lisson S-49, Vincent M. Litto N-25, Ming-Hao Liu S-64, Nancy Liz S-56, Harold Lizcano N-59, Martin Lizzul N-36, George A. Llanes N-63, Elizabeth C. Logler N-34, Catherine Lisa Loguidice N-55, Jérôme Robert Lohez N-65, Michael William Lomax S-57, Stephen V. Long S-73, Laura Maria Longing N-8, Salvatore P. Lopes S-53, Daniel Lopez N-62, George Lopez S-41, Luis Manuel Lopez S-37, Maclovio Lopez, Jr. S-3, Manuel L. Lopez N-14, Joseph Lostrangio N-17, Chet Dek Louie N-46, Stuart Seid Louis S-50, Joseph Lovero S-29, Sara Elizabeth Low N-74, Jenny Seu Kueng Low Wong N-14, Michael W. Lowe S-46, Garry W. Lozier S-52, John P. Lozowsky N-17, Charles Peter Lucania S-64, Edward Hobbs Luckett N-55, Mark Gavin Ludvigsen S-36, Lee Charles Ludwig S-42, Sean Thomas Lugano S-35, Daniel Lugo S-65, Marie Lukas N-35, William Lum, Jr. N-18, Michael P. Lunden N-53, Christopher E. Lunder N-42, Anthony Luparello S-37, Gary Frederick Lutnick N-38, Linda Anne Luzzicone N-45, Alexander Lygin N-48, CeeCee Lyles S-67, Farrell Peter Lynch N-57, James Francis Lynch S-28, James T. Lynch, Jr. S-73, Louise A. Lynch N-15, Michael Cameron Lynch N-41, Michael Francis Lynch S-15, Michael Francis Lynch S-9, Richard D. Lynch, Jr. S-31, Robert Henry Lynch, Jr. S-26, Sean P. Lynch N-26, Sean Patrick Lynch N-57, Terence M. Lynch S-75, Michael J. Lyons S-13, Monica Anne Lyons N-0, Nehamon Lyons IV S-72, Patrick John Lyons S-23, Robert Francis Mace N-47, Marianne MacFarlane S-2, Jan Maciejewski N-69, Susan A. Mackay N-1, William Macko N-73, Catherine Fairfax MacRae N-59, Richard Blaine Madden S-58, Simon Maddison N-31, Noell C. Maerz S-30, Jennieann Maffeo N-73, Joseph Maffeo S-9, Jay Robert Magazine N-71, Brian Magee N-20, Charles W. Magee N-63, Joseph V. Maggitti N-4, Ronald Magnuson N-48, Daniel L. Maher N-13, Thomas A. Mahon N-51, William J. Mahoney S-11, Joseph Daniel Maio N-30, Linda C. Mair-Grayling N-8, Takashi Makimoto S-44, Abdu Ali Malahi S-45, Debora I. Maldonado N-0, Myrna T. Maldonado-Agosto N-66, Alfred Russell Maler N-54, Gregory James Malone S-32, Edward Francis Maloney III N-50, Joseph E. Maloney S-7, Gene Edward Maloy N-3, Christian H. Maltby N-44, Francisco Miguel Mancini N-71, Joseph Mangano N-3, Sara Elizabeth Manley N-59, Debra M. Mannetta N-61, Marion Victoria Manning N-13, Terence John Manning N-21, James Maounis S-40, Alfred Gilles Padre Joseph Marchand S-2, Joseph Ross Marchbanks, Jr. S-5, Laura A. Marchese N-65, Hilda Marcin S-67, Peter Edward Mardikian N-21, Edward Joseph Mardovich S-33, Charles Joseph Margiotta S-16, Louis Neil Mariani S-4, Kenneth Joseph Marino S-9, Lester V. Marino N-24, Vita Marino S-51, Kevin D. Marlo S-50, Jose Juan Marrero S-32, John Daniel Marshall S-15, Shelley A. Marshall S-71, James Martello N-26, Michael A. Marti N-51, Karen Ann Martin N-74, Peter C. Martin S-18, Teresa M. Martin S-75, William J. Martin, Jr. N-51, Brian E. Martineau S-62, Betsy Martinez N-32, Edward J. Martinez N-35, Jose Angel Martinez, Jr. N-24, Robert Gabriel Martinez S-65, Waleska Martinez S-67, Lizie D. Martinez-Calderon S-55, Paul Richard Martini S-12, Anne Marie Martino-Cramer S-42, Joseph A. Mascali S-6, Bernard Mascarenhas N-7, Stephen Frank Masi N-35, Ada L. Mason-Acker S-1, Nicholas George Massa S-53, Patricia Ann Cimaroli Massari and her unborn child N-11, Michael Massaroli N-32, Philip William Mastrandrea, Jr. N-30, Rudy Mastrocinque N-5, Joseph Mathai N-21, Charles William Mathers N-4, William A. Mathesen S-32, Marcello Matricciano N-36, Margaret Elaine Mattic N-72, Dean E. Mattson S-74, Robert D. Mattson S-40, Walter A. Matuza, Jr. N-63, Timothy J. Maude S-74, Jill Maurer-Campbell S-37, Charles A. Mauro, Jr. S-56, Charles J. Mauro N-68, Dorothy Mauro N-9, Nancy T. Mauro N-8, Robert J. Maxwell S-1, Renée A. May and her unborn child S-69, Tyrone May S-48, Keithroy Marcellus Maynard S-14, Robert J. Mayo S-23, Kathy N. Mazza S-29, Edward Mazzella, Jr. N-28, Jennifer Lynn Mazzotta N-33, Kaaria Mbaya N-37, James Joseph McAlary, Jr. N-61, Brian Gerard McAleese S-15, Patricia Ann McAneney N-8, Colin R. McArthur S-58, John Kevin McAvoy S-6, Kenneth M. McBrayer S-52, Brendan F. McCabe S-43, Michael McCabe N-28, Thomas Joseph McCann S-14, Justin McCarthy N-30, Kevin M. McCarthy N-40, Michael Desmond McCarthy N-60, Robert G. McCarthy N-27, Stanley McCaskill N-16, Katie Marie McCloskey N-17, Juliana Valentine McCourt S-3, Ruth Magdaline McCourt S-3, Charles Austin McCrann N-12, Tonyell F. McDay N-13, Matthew T. McDermott N-30, Joseph P. McDonald N-45, Brian Grady McDonnell S-24, Michael P. McDonnell S-36, John F. McDowell, Jr. S-51, Eamon J. McEneaney N-57, John Thomas McErlean, Jr. N-39, Daniel Francis McGinley S-35, Mark Ryan McGinly N-60, William E. McGinn S-21, Thomas Henry McGinnis N-61, Michael Gregory McGinty N-4, Ann Walsh McGovern S-55, Scott Martin McGovern S-31, William J. McGovern S-6, Stacey Sennas McGowan S-51, Francis Noel McGuinn N-51, Thomas F. McGuinness, Jr. N-74, Patrick J. McGuire S-30, Thomas M. McHale N-56, Keith David McHeffey N-28, Ann M. McHugh S-30, Denis J. McHugh III S-33, Dennis P. McHugh S-18, Michael Edward McHugh, Jr. N-34, Robert G. McIlvaine N-22, Donald James McIntyre S-30, Stephanie Marie McKenna N-18, Molly L. McKenzie S-75, Barry J. McKeon S-40, Evelyn C. McKinnedy S-37, Darryl Leron McKinney N-29, George Patrick McLaughlin, Jr. N-59, Robert C. McLaughlin, Jr. N-52, Gavin McMahon S-59, Robert D. McMahon S-13, Edmund M. McNally S-43, Daniel Walker McNeal S-51, Walter Arthur McNeil S-28, Christine Sheila McNulty N-19, Sean Peter McNulty N-28, Robert William McPadden S-15, Terence A. McShane S-9, Timothy Patrick McSweeney S-7, Martin E. McWilliams S-17, Rocco A. Medaglia N-71, Abigail Medina N-16, Ana Iris Medina S-54, Damian Meehan N-61, William J. Meehan, Jr. N-27, Alok Kumar Mehta N-34, Raymond Meisenheimer S-14, Manuel Emilio Mejia N-69, Eskedar Melaku N-14, Antonio Melendez N-70, Mary P. Melendez S-43, Christopher D. Mello N-75, Yelena Melnichenko N-10, Stuart Todd Meltzer N-50, Diarelia Jovanah Mena N-27, Dora Marie Menchaca S-69, Charles R. Mendez S-20, Lizette Mendoza S-60, Shevonne Olicia Mentis N-7, Wolfgang Peter Menzel S-3, Steve John Mercado S-16, Wilfredo Mercado N-73, Wesley Mercer S-47, Ralph Joseph Mercurio N-50, Alan Harvey Merdinger N-0, George L. Merino S-42, Yamel Josefina Merino S-26, George Merkouris N-60, Deborah Merrick N-66, Raymond Joseph Metz III S-32, Jill Ann Metzler S-62, David Robert Meyer N-41, Nurul H. Miah N-15, William Edward Micciulli N-29, Martin Paul Michelstein S-63, Patricia E. Mickley S-71, Ronald D. Milam S-73, Peter Teague Milano N-40, Gregory Milanowycz S-58, Lukasz Tomasz Milewski N-23, Sharon Christina Millan S-45, Corey Peter Miller N-31, Craig J. Miller S-27, Douglas C. Miller S-6, Henry Alfred Miller, Jr. S-20, Joel Miller N-16, Michael Matthew Miller N-55, Nicole Carol Miller S-67, Philip D. Miller S-58, Robert Alan Miller S-48, Robert Cromwell Miller, Jr. S-61, Benny Millman S-64, Charles M. Mills, Jr. S-26, Ronald Keith Milstein S-39, Robert J. Minara S-22, William George Minardi N-54, Louis Joseph Minervino N-15, Thomas Mingione S-22, Wilbert Miraille N-31, Domenick N. Mircovich S-31, Rajesh Arjan Mirpuri N-21, Joseph D. Mistrulli N-71, Susan J. Miszkowicz N-66, Paul Thomas Mitchell S-20, Richard P. Miuccio S-47, Jeffrey Peter Mladenik N-1, Frank V. Moccia, Sr. S-65, Louis Joseph Modafferi S-6, Boyie Mohammed N-62, Dennis Mojica S-8, Manuel D. Mojica, Jr. S-21, Kleber Rolando Molina S-43, Manuel De Jesus Molina N-64, Carl Molinaro S-17, Justin John Molisani, Jr. S-30, Brian Patrick Monaghan S-64, Franklyn Monahan N-32, John Gerard Monahan N-33, Kristen Leigh Montanaro N-3, Craig Montano N-42, Michael G. Montesi S-9, Carlos Alberto Montoya N-75, Antonio De Jesus Montoya Valdes N-74, Cheryl Ann Monyak N-9, Thomas Carlo Moody S-18, Sharon Moore S-52, Krishna V. Moorthy S-43, Laura Lee Defazio Morabito N-75, Abner Morales S-41, Carlos Manuel Morales, N-31, Paula E. Morales S-59, Sonia Mercedes Morales Puopolo N-76, Gerard P. Moran, Jr. S-73, John Christopher Moran N-20, John Michael Moran S-11, Kathleen Moran S-63, Lindsay Stapleton Morehouse S-36, George William Morell N-54, Steven P. Morello N-3, Vincent S. Morello S-16, Yvette Nicole Moreno N-59, Dorothy Morgan N-15, Richard J. Morgan S-30, Nancy Morgenstern N-31, Sanae Mori N-22, Blanca Robertina Morocho Morocho N-68, Leonel Geronimo Morocho Morocho N-68, Dennis Gerard Moroney N-47, Lynne Irene Morris N-33, Odessa V. Morris S-76, Seth Allan Morris N-54, Steve Morris N-19, Christopher Martel Morrison N-23, Ferdinand V. Morrone S-27, William David Moskal N-3, Brian A. Moss S-71, Marco Motroni N-62, Cynthia Motus-Wilson N-67, Iouri A. Mouchinski N-71, Jude Joseph Moussa N-50, Peter Moutos N-9, Damion O'Neil Mowatt N-23, Teddington H. Moy S-1, Christopher Michael Mozzillo S-7, Stephen Vincent Mulderry S-33, Richard T. Muldowney, Jr. S-21, Michael D. Mullan S-17, Dennis Michael Mulligan S-17, Peter James Mulligan N-29, Michael Joseph Mullin N-26, James Donald Munhall S-52, Nancy Muñiz N-65, Francisco Heladio Munoz N-4, Carlos Mario Muñoz N-70, Theresa Munson S-57, Robert Michael Murach N-47, Cesar Augusto Murillo N-29, Marc A. Murolo N-53, Brian Joseph Murphy N-55, Charles Anthony Murphy N-56, Christopher W. Murphy S-33, Edward Charles Murphy N-50, James F. Murphy IV N-23, James Thomas Murphy N-54, Kevin James Murphy N-5, Patrick Jude Murphy S-73, Patrick Sean Murphy N-5, Raymond E. Murphy S-19, Robert Eddie Murphy, Jr. S-45, John Joseph Murray N-45, John Joseph Murray S-45, Susan D. Murray N-14, Valerie Victoria Murray N-64, Richard Todd Myhre N-33, Louis J. Nacke II S-68, Robert B. Nagel S-10, Mildred Rose Naiman N-75, Takuya Nakamura N-63, Alexander John Robert Napier S-54, Frank Joseph Naples III N-45, John Philip Napolitano S-17, Catherine Ann Nardella S-61, Mario Nardone, Jr. S-30, Manika K. Narula N-33, Shawn M. Nassaney S-3, Narender Nath N-11, Karen Susan Navarro N-62, Joseph M. Navas S-28, Francis Joseph Nazario N-32, Glenroy I. Neblett N-18, Rayman Marcus Neblett S-60, Jerome O. Nedd N-71, Laurence F. Nedell S-58, Luke G. Nee N-43, Pete Negron S-0, Laurie Ann Neira N-76, Ann N. Nelson N-42, David William Nelson N-61, Ginger Risco Nelson N-60, James A. Nelson S-30, Michele Ann Nelson N-49, Peter Allen Nelson S-12, Oscar Francis Nesbitt S-47, Gerard Terence Nevins S-8, Renee Tetreault Newell N-74, Christopher C. Newton S-71, Christopher Newton-Carter S-51, Nancy Yuen Ngo N-17, Khang Ngoc Nguyen S-73, Jody Tepedino Nichilo N-47, Kathleen Ann Nicosia N-74, Martin Stewart Niederer N-26, Alfonse Joseph Niedermeyer S-28, Frank John Niestadt, Jr. S-62, Gloria Nieves S-40, Juan Nieves, Jr. N-70, Troy Edward Nilsen N-35, Paul Nimbley N-30, John Ballantine Niven S-61, Katherine McGarry Noack N-22, Curtis Terrance Noel N-72, Michael A. Noeth S-72, Daniel R. Nolan N-3, Robert Walter Noonan N-49, Jacqueline June Norton N-2, Robert Grant Norton N-2, Daniela Rosalia Notaro N-58, Brian Christopher Novotny N-45, Soichi Numata S-44, Brian Nunez N-45, Jose Nunez N-71, Jeffrey Roger Nussbaum N-62, James A. Oakley N-9, Dennis Patrick O'Berg S-20, James P. O'Brien, Jr. N-55, Michael P. O'Brien N-43, Scott J. O'Brien N-22, Timothy Michael O'Brien N-57, Daniel O'Callaghan S-10, Dennis James O'Connor, Jr. N-30, Diana J. O'Connor S-49, Keith Kevin O'Connor S-34, Richard J. O'Connor N-12, Amy O'Doherty N-39, Marni Pont O'Doherty S-36, Douglas E. Oelschlager S-20, Takashi Ogawa N-22, Albert Ogletree N-24, Philip Paul Ognibene S-36, John A. Ogonowski N-74, James Andrew O'Grady S-50, Joseph J. Ogren S-7, Thomas G. O'Hagan S-13, Samuel Oitice S-9, Patrick J. O'Keefe S-10, William O'Keefe S-11, Gerald Michael Olcott N-11, Gerald Thomas O'Leary N-27, Christine Anne Olender N-68, Linda Mary Oliva N-59, Edward K. Oliver N-61, Leah Elizabeth Oliver N-12, Eric Taube Olsen S-20, Jeffrey James Olsen S-5, Barbara K. Olson S-70, Maureen Lyons Olson N-7, Steven John Olson S-8, Matthew Timothy O'Mahony N-57, Toshihiro Onda S-44, Seamus L. Oneal N-37, John P. O'Neill N-63, Peter J. O'Neill, Jr. S-52, Sean Gordon Corbett O'Neill N-25, Betty Ann Ong N-74, Michael C. Opperman S-61, Christopher T. Orgielewicz S-49, Margaret Quinn Orloske N-8, Virginia Anne Ormiston N-5, Ruben S. Ornedo S-70, Kevin M. O'Rourke S-17, Ronald Orsini N-56, Peter Keith Ortale S-33, Juan Ortega-Campos S-38, Jane Marie Orth N-75, Alexander Ortiz N-65, David Ortiz S-27, Emilio Pete Ortiz N-62, Pablo Ortiz N-67, Paul Ortiz, Jr. N-21, Sonia Ortiz N-64, Masaru Ose S-44, Patrick J. O'Shea N-61, Robert William O'Shea N-60, Elsy Carolina Osorio Oliva N-72, James R. Ostrowski N-46, Timothy Franklin O'Sullivan N-73, Jason Douglas Oswald N-48, Michael John Otten S-16, Isidro D. Ottenwalder N-68, Michael Chung Ou S-48, Todd Joseph Ouida N-44, Jesus Ovalles N-69, Peter J. Owens, Jr. N-42, Adianes Oyola S-45, Angel M. Pabon, Jr. N-28, Israel Pabon, Jr. N-24, Roland Pacheco N-65, Michael Benjamin Packer N-22, Diana B. Padro S-76, Deepa Pakkala N-17, Jeffrey Matthew Palazzo S-5, Thomas Palazzo N-54, Richard A. Palazzolo N-54, Orio Joseph Palmer S-17, Frank Anthony Palombo S-21, Alan N. Palumbo N-51, Christopher Matthew Panatier N-45, Dominique Lisa Pandolfo N-14, Jonas Martin Panik S-73, Paul J. Pansini S-5, John M. Paolillo S-11, Edward Joseph Papa N-54, Salvatore T. Papasso S-26, James Nicholas Pappageorge S-14, Marie Pappalardo S-2, Vinod Kumar Parakat N-29, Vijayashanker Paramsothy S-57, Nitin Ramesh Parandkar N-19, Hardai Parbhu S-56, James Wendell Parham S-29, Debra Marie Paris S-53, George Paris N-33, Gye Hyong Park N-64, Philip Lacey Parker S-61, Michael Alaine Parkes N-12, Robert E. Parks, Jr. N-46, Hashmukh C. Parmar N-37, Robert Parro S-16, Diane Marie Parsons S-47, Leobardo Lopez Pascual N-70, Michael J. Pascuma, Jr. N-67, Jerrold Hughes Paskins N-17, Horace Robert Passananti N-11, Suzanne H. Passaro S-53, Avnish Ramanbhai Patel N-59, Dipti Patel N-33, Manish Patel S-30, Steven Bennett Paterson N-51, James Matthew Patrick N-51, Manuel D. Patrocino N-70, Bernard E. Patterson N-43, Clifford L. Patterson, Jr. S-74, Cira Marie Patti S-34, Robert E. Pattison N-63, James Robert Paul N-60, Patrice Paz S-61, Victor Hugo Paz N-69, Stacey Lynn Peak N-50, Richard Allen Pearlman S-27, Durrell V. Pearsall, Jr. S-11, Thomas Nicholas Pecorelli N-74, Thomas Pedicini N-42, Todd Douglas Pelino N-54, Mike Adrian Pelletier N-49, Anthony G. Peluso S-36, Angel R. Pena S-56, Robert Penninger S-69, Richard Al Penny S-49, Salvatore F. Pepe N-3, Carl Allen B. Peralta N-30, Robert David Peraza N-32, Jon A. Perconti, Jr. N-27, Alejo Perez N-67, Angel Perez, Jr. N-33, Angela Susan Perez N-32, Anthony Perez N-37, Ivan Antonio Perez S-41, Nancy E. Perez N-66, Berry Berenson Perkins N-76, Joseph John Perroncino N-32, Edward J. Perrotta N-50, Emelda H. Perry S-64, Glenn C. Perry, Sr. S-22, John William Perry S-24, Franklin Allan Pershep S-56, Danny Pesce N-55, Michael John Pescherine S-34, Davin N. Peterson N-28, Donald Arthur Peterson S-67, Jean Hoadley Peterson S-67, William Russell Peterson N-15, Mark James Petrocelli N-61, Philip Scott Petti S-16, Glen Kerrin Pettit S-25, Dominick A. Pezzulo S-29, Kaleen Elizabeth Pezzuti N-54, Kevin J. Pfeifer S-14, Tu-Anh Pham N-60, Kenneth John Phelan, Sr. S-13, Sneha Anne Philip S-66, Eugenia McCann Piantieri N-13, Ludwig John Picarro S-63, Matthew Picerno N-43, Joseph O. Pick S-41, Christopher J. Pickford S-12, Dennis J. Pierce S-47, Bernard Pietronico N-41, Nicholas P. Pietrunti N-30, Theodoros Pigis S-49, Susan Elizabeth Pinto N-35, Joseph Piskadlo N-63, Christopher Todd Pitman N-45, Joshua Michael Piver N-33, Robert R. Ploger III S-71, Zandra F. Ploger S-71, Joseph Plumitallo N-41, John M. Pocher N-41, William Howard Pohlmann S-47, Laurence Michael Polatsch N-27, Thomas H. Polhemus N-17, Steve Pollicino N-39, Susan M. Pollio S-33, Darin H. Pontell S-73, Joshua Iosua Poptean N-71, Giovanna Porras N-72, Anthony Portillo S-49, James Edward Potorti N-11, Daphne Pouletsos S-55, Richard N. Poulos N-30, Stephen Emanual Poulos S-60, Brandon Jerome Powell N-23, Scott Alan Powell S-75, Shawn Edward Powell S-20, Antonio Dorsey Pratt N-23, Gregory M. Preziose N-53, Wanda Ivelisse Prince S-42, Vincent A. Princiotta S-20, Kevin M. Prior S-22, Everett Martin Proctor III N-48, Carrie Beth Progen S-59, David Lee Pruim S-62, Richard A. Prunty S-5, John Foster Puckett N-68, Robert David Pugliese N-10, Edward F. Pullis S-62, Patricia Ann Puma N-64, Jack D. Punches S-73, Hemanth Kumar Puttur N-17, Joseph J. Pycior, Jr. S-72, Edward R. Pykon N-61, Christopher Quackenbush S-52, Lars Peter Qualben N-15, Lincoln Quappé S-16, Beth Ann Quigley N-27, Patrick J. Quigley IV S-4, Michael T. Quilty S-15, James Francis Quinn N-30, Ricardo J. Quinn S-18, Carol Millicent Rabalais S-61, Christopher Peter Anthony Racaniello N-32, Leonard J. Ragaglia S-10, Eugene J. Raggio S-24, Laura Marie Ragonese-Snik S-54, Michael Paul Ragusa S-23, Peter Frank Raimondi N-59, Harry A. Raines N-36, Lisa J. Raines S-71, Ehtesham Raja S-39, Valsa Raju N-63, Edward J. Rall S-17, Lukas Rambousek N-58, Maria Ramirez S-45, Harry Ramos N-63, Vishnoo Ramsaroop N-64, Deborah A. Ramsaur S-1, Lorenzo E. Ramzey S-55, Alfred Todd Rancke S-50, Adam David Rand S-8, Jonathan C. Randall N-6, Shreyas S. Ranganath N-7, Anne T. Ransom N-18, Faina Rapoport N-17, Rhonda Sue Rasmussen S-76, Robert A. Rasmussen S-37, Amenia Rasool N-11, R. Mark Rasweiler N-9, Marsha D. Ratchford S-72, David Alan James Rathkey S-46, William Ralph Raub N-25, Gerard F. Rauzi S-47, Alexey Razuvaev S-32, Gregory Reda N-6, Sarah Anne Redheffer N-20, Michele Marie Reed S-62, Judith Ann Reese N-67, Donald J. Regan S-14, Robert M. Regan S-10, Thomas Michael Regan S-54, Christian Michael Otto Regenhard S-23, Howard Reich S-49, Gregg Reidy N-28, James Brian Reilly S-34, Kevin O. Reilly S-20, Timothy E. Reilly N-11, Joseph Reina, Jr. N-33, Thomas Barnes Reinig N-55, Frank Bennett Reisman N-28, Joshua Scott Reiss N-51, Karen Renda N-18, John Armand Reo N-40, Richard Cyril Rescorla S-46, John Thomas Resta N-62, Sylvia San Pio Resta and her unborn child N-62, Martha M. Reszke S-1, David E. Retik N-1, Todd H. Reuben S-69, Luis Clodoaldo Revilla Mier S-65, Eduvigis Reyes, Jr. N-72, Bruce Albert Reynolds S-28, John Frederick Rhodes S-55, Francis Saverio Riccardelli S-25, Rudolph N. Riccio N-34, Ann Marie Riccoboni N-64, David Harlow Rice S-52, Eileen Mary Rice N-6, Kenneth Frederick Rice III N-13, CeCelia E. Richard S-76, Vernon Allan Richard S-20, Claude Daniel Richards S-25, Gregory David Richards N-39, Michael Richards N-63, Venesha Orintia Richards N-6, Jimmy Riches S-21, Alan Jay Richman N-11, John M. Rigo N-10, Frederick Charles Rimmele III S-2, Rose Mary Riso S-47, Moises N. Rivas N-67, Joseph R. Rivelli, Jr. S-22, Carmen Alicia Rivera S-42, Isaias Rivera N-63, Juan William Rivera N-72, Linda Ivelisse Rivera N-15, David E. Rivers N-20, Joseph R. Riverso N-51, Paul V. Rizza S-40, John Frank Rizzo S-64, Stephen Louis Roach N-54, Joseph Roberto S-35, Leo Arthur Roberts N-43, Michael E. Roberts S-21, Michael Edward Roberts S-16, Donald Walter Robertson, Jr. N-45, Jeffrey Robinson N-16, Michell Lee Jean Robotham S-56, Donald Arthur Robson N-39, Antonio A. Rocha N-51, Raymond James Rocha N-44, Laura Rockefeller N-20, John Michael Rodak S-51, Antonio José Rodrigues S-29, Anthony Rodriguez S-22, Carmen Milagros Rodriguez S-58, Gregory E. Rodriguez N-48, Marsha A. Rodriguez N-6, Mayra Valdes Rodriguez S-59, Richard Rodriguez S-29, David Bartolo Rodriguez-Vargas N-69, Matthew Rogan S-14, Jean Destrehan Rogér N-74, Karlie Rogers N-20, Scott William Rohner N-44, Keith Michael Roma S-25, Joseph M. Romagnolo N-24, Efrain Romero, Sr. S-44, Elvin Romero N-28, James A. Romito S-27, Sean Paul Rooney S-57, Eric Thomas Ropiteau N-33, Aida Rosario N-18, Angela Rosario N-29, Mark H. Rosen S-52, Brooke David Rosenbaum N-33, Linda Rosenbaum N-12, Sheryl Lynn Rosenbaum N-47, Lloyd Daniel Rosenberg N-40, Mark Louis Rosenberg N-7, Andrew Ira Rosenblum N-40, Joshua M. Rosenblum N-27, Joshua Alan Rosenthal S-41, Richard David Rosenthal N-48, Philip Martin Rosenzweig N-2, Daniel Rosetti S-64, Richard Barry Ross N-2, Norman S. Rossinow S-61, Nicholas P. Rossomando S-5, Michael Craig Rothberg N-29, Donna Marie Rothenberg S-60, Mark David Rothenberg S-68, James Michael Roux S-2, Nicholas Charles Alexander Rowe N-23, Edward V. Rowenhorst S-76, Judy Rowlett S-1, Timothy Alan Roy, Sr. S-24, Paul G. Ruback S-21, Ronald J. Ruben S-34, Joanne Rubino N-14, David M. Ruddle S-66, Bart Joseph Ruggiere N-49, Susan A. Ruggiero N-13, Adam Keith Ruhalter N-47, Gilbert Ruiz N-69, Robert E. Russell S-1, Stephen P. Russell S-7, Steven Harris Russin N-52, Michael Thomas Russo, Sr. S-7, Wayne Alan Russo N-6, William R. Ruth S-74, Edward Ryan N-61, John Joseph Ryan S-34, Jonathan Stephan Ryan S-30, Matthew L. Ryan S-9, Tatiana Ryjova S-48, Christina Sunga Ryook N-49, Thierry Saada N-41, Jason Elazar Sabbag S-42, Thomas E. Sabella S-17, Scott H. Saber N-23, Charles E. Sabin, Sr. S-71, Joseph Francis Sacerdote N-44, Jessica Leigh Sachs N-74, Francis John Sadocha N-24, Jude Elias Safi N-26, Brock Joel Safronoff N-7, Edward Saiya S-45, John Patrick Salamone N-40, Marjorie C. Salamone S-75, Hernando Rafael Salas S-38, Juan G. Salas N-70, Esmerlin Antonio Salcedo S-65, John Pepe Salerno N-30, Rahma Salie and her unborn child N-1, Richard L. Salinardi, Jr. S-37, Wayne John Saloman N-35, Nolbert Salomon S-46, Catherine Patricia Salter S-60, Frank G. Salvaterra S-51, Paul Richard Salvio N-62, Samuel Robert Salvo, Jr. S-59, Carlos Alberto Samaniego N-42, John P. Sammartino S-71, James Kenneth Samuel, Jr. N-60, Michael San Phillip S-51, Hugo M. Sanay S-31, Alva Cynthia Jeffries Sanchez N-16, Jacquelyn Patrice Sanchez N-47, Jesus Sanchez S-2, Raymond Sanchez S-66, Eric M. Sand N-28, Stacey Leigh Sanders N-3, Herman S. Sandler S-52, Jim Sands, Jr. N-36, Ayleen J. Santiago N-65, Kirsten Reese Santiago N-67, Maria Theresa Concepcion Santillan N-36, Susan Gayle Santo N-9, Christopher A. Santora S-10, John August Santore S-5, Mario L. Santoro S-26, Rafael Humberto Santos N-34, Rufino C.F. Santos III N-17, Victor J. Saracini S-2, Kalyan K. Sarkar N-66, Chapelle Renee Stewart Sarker N-14, Paul F. Sarle N-56, Deepika Kumar Sattaluri N-18, Gregory Thomas Saucedo S-6, Susan M. Sauer N-11, Anthony Savas N-67, Vladimir Savinkin N-48, John Michael Sbarbaro N-56, David M. Scales S-74, Robert Louis Scandole N-52, Michelle Scarpitta S-31, Dennis Scauso S-8, John Albert Schardt S-12, John G. Scharf S-63, Fred C. Scheffold, Jr. S-6, Angela Susan Scheinberg N-64, Scott Mitchell Schertzer N-33, Sean Schielke N-44, Steven Francis Schlag N-51, Robert A. Schlegel S-72, Jon Schlissel S-48, Karen Helene Schmidt S-46, Ian Schneider N-52, Thomas G. Schoales S-21, Marisa Dinardo Schorpp N-49, Frank G. Schott, Jr. N-13, Gerard Patrick Schrang S-14, Jeffrey H. Schreier N-31, John T. Schroeder N-59, Susan Lee Schuler S-53, Edward W. Schunk N-55, Mark Evan Schurmeier N-22, John Burkhart Schwartz N-40, Mark Schwartz S-26, Adriane Victoria Scibetta N-48, Raphael Scorca N-3, Janice M. Scott S-1, Randolph Scott S-31, Christopher Jay Scudder S-37, Arthur Warren Scullin N-14, Michael H. Seaman N-46, Margaret M. Seeliger S-53, Anthony Segarra N-64, Carlos Segarra N-72, Jason M. Sekzer N-31, Matthew Carmen Sellitto N-46, Michael L. Selves S-75, Howard Selwyn S-31, Larry John Senko N-65, Arturo Angelo Sereno N-58, Frankie Serrano S-45, Marian H. Serva S-75, Alena Sesinova N-3, Adele Christine Sessa N-27, Sita Nermalla Sewnarine S-43, Karen Lynn Seymour N-73, Davis Grier Sezna, Jr. S-52, Thomas Joseph Sgroi N-8, Jayesh Shantilal Shah N-37, Khalid M. Shahid N-33, Mohammed Shajahan N-14, Gary Shamay N-31, Earl Richard Shanahan N-5, Dan F. Shanower S-72, Neil G. Shastri N-58, Kathryn Anne Shatzoff N-10, Barbara A. Shaw N-20, Jeffrey James Shaw N-24, Robert John Shay, Jr. N-53, Daniel James Shea N-38, Joseph Patrick Shea N-38, Kathleen Shearer S-3, Robert M. Shearer S-3, Linda June Sheehan S-50, Hagay Shefi N-21, Antionette M. Sherman S-75, John Anthony Sherry S-30, Atsushi Shiratori N-44, Thomas Joseph Shubert N-29, Mark Shulman N-10, See Wong Shum N-71, Allan Abraham Shwartzstein N-30, Clarin Shellie Siegel-Schwartz S-53, Johanna Sigmund N-60, Dianne T. Signer and her unborn child N-60, Gregory Sikorsky S-12, Stephen Gerard Siller S-5, David Silver N-29, Craig A. Silverstein S-50, Nasima H. Simjee S-41, Bruce Edward Simmons S-51, Diane M. Simmons S-69, Donald D. Simmons S-76, George W. Simmons S-69, Arthur Simon N-58, Kenneth Alan Simon N-58, Michael J. Simon N-49, Paul Joseph Simon N-17, Marianne Liquori Simone N-35, Barry Simowitz S-48, Jane Louise Simpkin S-2, Jeff Lyal Simpson S-27, Cheryle D. Sincock S-75, Khamladai Khami Singh N-68, Roshan Ramesh Singh N-68, Thomas E. Sinton III N-55, Peter A. Siracuse N-39, Muriel F. Siskopoulos S-33, Joseph Michael Sisolak N-6, John P. Skala S-27, Francis Joseph Skidmore, Jr. S-32, Toyena Corliss Skinner N-72, Paul Albert Skrzypek N-50, Christopher Paul Slattery N-30, Vincent Robert Slavin N-27, Robert F. Sliwak N-56, Paul Kenneth Sloan S-33, Stanley S. Smagala, Jr. S-15, Wendy L. Small N-54, Gregg H. Smallwood S-72, Catherine T. Smith N-16, Daniel Laurence Smith S-31, Gary F. Smith S-1, George Eric Smith S-39, Heather Lee Smith N-75, James Gregory Smith N-40, Jeffrey R. Smith S-52, Joyce Patricia Smith N-24, Karl T. Smith, Sr. N-43, Kevin Joseph Smith S-9, Leon Smith, Jr. S-11, Moira Ann Smith S-24, Monica Rodriguez Smith and her unborn child N-73, Rosemary A. Smith N-73, Bonnie Shihadeh Smithwick N-61, Rochelle Monique Snell S-49, Christine Ann Snyder S-67, Dianne Bullis Snyder N-74, Leonard J. Snyder, Jr. S-54, Astrid Elizabeth Sohan N-6, Sushil S. Solanki N-34, Rubén Solares N-31, Naomi Leah Solomon N-21, Daniel W. Song N-56, Mari-Rae Sopper S-69, Michael Charles Sorresse N-5, Fabian Soto N-63, Timothy Patrick Soulas N-44, Gregory Thomas Spagnoletti S-35, Donald F. Spampinato, Jr. N-39, Thomas Sparacio S-32, John Anthony Spataro N-10, Robert W. Spear, Jr. S-19, Robert Speisman S-70, Maynard S. Spence, Jr. N-6, George Edward Spencer III S-31, Robert Andrew Spencer N-45, Mary Rubina Sperando N-21, Frank Spinelli N-44, William E. Spitz N-42, Joseph Patrick Spor, Jr. S-15, Klaus Johannes Sprockamp S-47, Saranya Srinuan N-52, Fitzroy St. Rose N-72, Michael F. Stabile S-32, Lawrence T. Stack S-18, Timothy M. Stackpole S-20, Richard James Stadelberger S-40, Eric Adam Stahlman N-46, Gregory Stajk S-17, Alexandru Liviu Stan N-34, Corina Stan N-34, Mary Domenica Stanley N-14, Anthony Starita N-42, Jeffrey Stark S-13, Derek James Statkevicus S-34, Patricia J. Statz S-75, Craig William Staub S-34, William V. Steckman N-67, Eric Thomas Steen S-30, William R. Steiner N-12, Alexander Robbins Steinman N-25, Edna L. Stephens S-1, Andrew Stergiopoulos N-45, Andrew J. Stern N-43, Norma Lang Steuerle S-69, Martha Jane Stevens S-62, Michael James Stewart N-61, Richard H. Stewart, Jr. N-41, Sanford M. Stoller N-17, Douglas Joel Stone N-74, Lonny Jay Stone N-63, Jimmy Nevill Storey N-12, Timothy Stout N-35, Thomas Strada N-40, James J. Straine, Jr. N-52, Edward W. Straub S-55, George J. Strauch, Jr. S-60, Edward Thomas Strauss S-24, Steven R. Strauss S-46, Larry L. Strickland S-74, Steven F. Strobert N-55, Walwyn Wellington Stuart, Jr. S-29, Benjamin Suarez S-11, David Scott Suarez N-17, Ramon Suarez S-25, Dino Xavier Suarez Ramirez N-75, Yoichi Sumiyama Sugiyama S-44, William Christopher Sugra N-34, Daniel Thomas Suhr S-14, David Marc Sullins S-25, Christopher P. Sullivan S-22, Patrick Sullivan N-40, Thomas G. Sullivan N-67, Hilario Soriano Sumaya, Jr. N-8, James Joseph Suozzo N-41, Colleen M. Supinski S-51, Robert Sutcliffe N-67, Seline Sutter N-65, Claudia Suzette Sutton N-48, John Francis Swaine N-39, Kristine M. Swearson N-34, Brian David Sweeney S-2, Brian Edward Sweeney S-9, Madeline Amy Sweeney N-74, Kenneth J. Swenson N-48, Thomas F. Swift S-46, Derek Ogilvie Sword S-35, Kevin Thomas Szocik S-35, Gina Sztejnberg N-15, Norbert P. Szurkowski N-50, Harry Taback N-4, Joann C. Tabeek N-35, Norma C. Taddei N-13, Michael Taddonio S-31, Keiichiro Takahashi S-32, Keiji Takahashi S-44, Phyllis Gail Talbot N-11, Robert R. Talhami N-27, John Talignani S-68, Sean Patrick Tallon S-5, Paul Talty S-24, Maurita Tam S-53, Rachel Tamares S-61, Hector Rogan Tamayo S-45, Michael Andrew Tamuccio N-59, Kenichiro Tanaka S-44, Rhondelle Cherie Tankard S-59, Michael Anthony Tanner N-25, Dennis Gerard Taormina, Jr. N-12, Kenneth Joseph Tarantino N-46, Allan Tarasiewicz S-7, Michael C. Tarrou S-2, Ronald Tartaro N-60, Deborah Tavolarella S-2, Darryl Anthony Taylor N-72, Donnie Brooks Taylor S-59, Hilda E. Taylor S-70, Kip P. Taylor S-74, Leonard E. Taylor S-71, Lorisa Ceylon Taylor N-15, Michael Morgan Taylor N-40, Sandra C. Taylor S-1, Sandra Dawn Teague S-69, Karl W. Teepe S-71, Paul A. Tegtmeier S-21, Yeshavant Moreshwar Tembe S-47, Anthony Tempesta N-53, Dorothy Pearl Temple S-47, Stanley L. Temple N-31, David Gustaf Peter Tengelin N-4, Brian John Terrenzi N-47, Lisa Marie Terry N-11, Goumatie Thackurdeen S-41, Harshad Sham Thatte N-17, Michael Theodoridis N-1, Thomas F. Theurkauf, Jr. S-36, Lesley Anne Thomas N-49, Brian Thomas Thompson S-44, Clive Ian Thompson S-32, Glenn Thompson N-43, Nigel Bruce Thompson N-44, Perry A. Thompson S-60, Vanavah Alexei Thompson N-64, William H. Thompson S-26, Eric Raymond Thorpe S-35, Nichola Angela Thorpe S-33, Tamara C. Thurman S-74, Sal Edward Tieri, Jr. N-10, John Patrick Tierney S-13, Mary Ellen Tiesi S-62, William Randolph Tieste N-25, Kenneth Tietjen S-29, Stephen Edward Tighe N-56, Scott Charles Timmes N-62, Michael E. Tinley N-15, Jennifer M. Tino N-11, Robert Frank Tipaldi N-26, John James Tipping II S-10, David Tirado N-23, Hector Luis Tirado, Jr. S-15, Michelle Lee Titolo N-48, Alicia Nicole Titus S-2, John J. Tobin N-8, Richard J. Todisco S-51, Otis V. Tolbert S-73, Vladimir Tomasevic N-22, Stephen Kevin Tompsett N-22, Thomas Tong S-39, Doris Torres S-42, Luis Eduardo Torres N-51, Amy Elizabeth Toyen N-23, Christopher Michael Traina N-63, Daniel Patrick Trant N-43, Abdoul Karim Traore N-68, Glenn J. Travers, Sr. N-32, Walter Philip Travers N-56, Felicia Yvette Traylor-Bass N-65, James Anthony Trentini N-2, Mary Barbara Trentini N-2, Lisa L. Trerotola N-67, Karamo Baba Trerra S-39, Michael Angel Trinidad N-31, Francis Joseph Trombino S-38, Gregory James Trost S-33, Willie Q. Troy S-1, William P. Tselepis, Jr. N-45, Zhanetta Valentinovna Tsoy N-13, Michael Patrick Tucker N-28, Lance Richard Tumulty S-31, Ching Ping Tung S-44, Simon James Turner N-20, Donald Joseph Tuzio S-39, Robert T. Twomey N-67, Jennifer Lynn Tzemis N-58, John G. Ueltzhoeffer N-15, Tyler Victor Ugolyn N-59, Michael A. Uliano N-56, Jonathan J. Uman N-38, Anil Shivhari Umarkar N-34, Allen V. Upton N-39, Diane Marie Urban S-47, John Damien Vaccacio N-43, Bradley Hodges Vadas S-35, William Valcarcel S-48, Felix Antonio Vale N-32, Ivan Vale N-32, Benito Valentin N-18, Santos Valentin, Jr. S-25, Carlton Francis Valvo II N-46, Pendyala Vamsikrishna N-74, Erica H. Van Acker S-55, Kenneth W. Van Auken N-52, R. Bruce Van Hine S-13, Daniel M. Van Laere S-62, Edward Raymond Vanacore S-41, Jon Charles Vandevander N-62, Frederick T. Varacchi N-38, Gopalakrishnan Varadhan N-46, David Vargas S-49, Scott C. Vasel N-16, Azael Ismael Vasquez N-24, Ronald J. Vauk S-73, Arcangel Vazquez S-41, Santos Vazquez N-31, Peter Vega S-11, Sankara Sastry Velamuri S-47, Jorge Velazquez S-47, Lawrence G. Veling S-7, Anthony Mark Ventura S-41, David Vera S-31, Loretta Ann Vero N-18, Christopher James Vialonga N-62, Matthew Gilbert Vianna N-34, Robert Anthony Vicario N-24, Celeste Torres Victoria N-20, Joanna Vidal N-20, John T. Vigiano II S-23, Joseph Vincent Vigiano S-23, Frank J. Vignola, Jr. N-48, Joseph Barry Vilardo N-28, Claribel Villalobos Hernandez N-23, Sergio Gabriel Villanueva S-23, Chantal Vincelli N-21, Melissa Renée Vincent N-65, Francine Ann Virgilio S-61, Lawrence Virgilio S-20, Joseph Gerard Visciano S-34, Joshua S. Vitale N-26, Maria Percoco Vola S-62, Lynette D. Vosges S-59, Garo H. Voskerijian N-13, Alfred Anton Vukosa N-35, Gregory Kamal Bruno Wachtler N-60, Karen J. Wagner S-74, Mary Alice Wahlstrom N-1, Honor Elizabeth Wainio S-67, Gabriela Silvina Waisman N-23, Wendy Alice Rosario Wakeford N-53, Courtney Wainsworth Walcott S-46, Victor Wald N-63, Kenneth E. Waldie N-2, Benjamin James Walker N-16, Glen Wall N-57, Mitchel Scott Wallace S-26, Peter Guyder Wallace N-6, Robert Francis Wallace S-12, Roy Michael Wallace N-44, Jeanmarie Wallendorf S-36, Matthew Blake Wallens N-39, Meta L. Waller S-1, John Wallice, Jr. N-30, Barbara P. Walsh N-9, Jim Walsh N-34, Jeffrey P. Walz S-14, Ching Wang S-44, Weibin Wang N-36, Michael Warchola S-6, Stephen Gordon Ward N-48, Timothy Ray Ward S-2, James A. Waring N-31, Brian G. Warner N-37, Derrick Christopher Washington S-66, Charles Waters N-32, James Thomas Waters, Jr. S-34, Patrick J. Waters S-8, Kenneth Thomas Watson S-21, Michael Henry Waye N-8, Todd Christopher Weaver S-43, Walter Edward Weaver S-25, Nathaniel Webb S-28, Dinah Webster N-20, William Michael Weems S-4, Joanne Flora Weil S-45, Michael T. Weinberg S-17, Steven Weinberg S-37, Scott Jeffrey Weingard N-27, Steven George Weinstein N-13, Simon Weiser N-65, David M. Weiss S-8, David Thomas Weiss N-46, Chin Sun Pak Wells S-74, Vincent Michael Wells N-44, Deborah Jacobs Welsh S-67, Timothy Matthew Welty S-7, Christian Hans Rudolf Wemmers N-21, Ssu-Hui Wen N-34, John Joseph Wenckus N-2, Oleh D. Wengerchuk S-65, Peter M. West N-43, Whitfield West, Jr. N-35, Meredith Lynn Whalen N-60, Eugene Michael Whelan S-12, Adam S. White N-50, Edward James White III S-13, James Patrick White N-39, John Sylvester White N-63, Kenneth Wilburn White, Jr. N-24, Leonard Anthony White S-66, Malissa Y. White N-15, Maudlyn A. White S-74, Sandra L. White S-75, Wayne White N-9, Leanne Marie Whiteside S-59, Mark P. Whitford S-15, Leslie A. Whittington S-69, Michael T. Wholey S-29, Mary Lenz Wieman S-59, Jeffrey David Wiener N-12, William J. Wik S-60, Alison Marie Wildman N-61, Glenn E. Wilkinson S-14, Ernest M. Willcher S-75, John Charles Willett N-50, Brian Patrick Williams N-41, Candace Lee Williams N-75, Crossley Richard Williams, Jr. S-41, David J. Williams N-64, David Lucian Williams S-73, Debbie L. Williams S-54, Dwayne Williams S-74, Kevin Michael Williams S-50, Louie Anthony Williams N-66, Louis Calvin Williams III S-37, John P. Williamson S-8, Donna Ann Wilson S-56, William Eben Wilson S-61, David Harold Winton S-35, Glenn J. Winuk S-27, Thomas Francis Wise N-9, Alan L. Wisniewski S-52, Frank Paul Wisniewski N-53, David Wiswall S-55, Sigrid Charlotte Wiswe N-18, Michael R. Wittenstein N-52, Christopher W. Wodenshek N-49, Martin Phillips Wohlforth S-52, Katherine Susan Wolf N-3, Jennifer Yen Wong N-20, Siucheung Steve Wong N-4, Yin Ping Wong S-60, Yuk Ping Wong S-48, Brent James Woodall S-33, James John Woods N-26, Marvin Roger Woods S-73, Patrick J. Woods S-64, Richard Herron Woodwell S-35, David Terence Wooley S-9, John Bentley Works S-34, Martin Michael Wortley N-46, Rodney James Wotton S-43, William Wren, Ret. S-22, John W. Wright, Jr. S-50, Neil Robin Wright N-46, Sandra Lee Wright S-57, Jupiter Yambem N-69, John D. Yamnicky, Sr. S-71, Suresh Yanamadala N-16, Vicki Yancey S-70, Shuyin Yang S-70, Matthew David Yarnell S-41, Myrna Yaskulka N-60, Shakila Yasmin N-15, Olabisi Shadie Layeni Yee N-67, Kevin W. Yokum S-72, Edward P. York N-49, Kevin Patrick York S-31, Raymond R. York S-20, Suzanne Martha Youmans S-54, Barrington Leroy Young, Jr. S-31, Donald McArthur Young S-72, Edmond G. Young, Jr. S-74, Jacqueline Young N-3, Lisa L. Young S-1, Elkin Yuen N-61, Joseph C. Zaccoli N-43, Adel Agayby Zakhary N-63, Arkady Zaltsman S-63, Edwin J. Zambrana, Jr. S-49, Robert Alan Zampieri N-62, Mark Zangrilli S-63, Christopher R. Zarba, Jr. N-1, Ira Zaslow S-46, Kenneth Albert Zelman N-19, Abraham J. Zelmanowitz N-65, Martin Morales Zempoaltecatl N-68, Zhe Zeng S-37, Marc Scott Zeplin N-27, Jie Yao Justin Zhao S-39, Yuguang Zheng S-70, Ivelin Ziminski N-5, Michael Joseph Zinzi N-14, Charles Alan Zion N-25, Julie Lynne Zipper S-49, Salvatore J. Zisa N-5, Prokopios Paul Zois N-18, Joseph J. Zuccala S-44, Andrew Steven Zucker S-45, Igor Zukelman S-43

LXV: Would you like a receipt with that...

“If you're shameless enough, you can sell anything."-R. Holiday 08/01/2025

 

In the age of social media, the line between authentic content and advertising has become dangerously blurred, with influencers increasingly deceiving their audiences through undisclosed paid partnerships. What appears to be genuine recommendations from your favorite content creators are often carefully orchestrated marketing campaigns designed to separate you from your money. The Federal Trade Commission requires clear disclosure of financial relationships using terms like "#ad" or "#sponsored," but many influencers circumvent these rules through deceptive tactics: disguised in lengthy hashtags, using vague language like "thanks to [brand]" without explicitly stating payment, exploiting temporary story content where violations are harder to track, or seamlessly integrating products into lifestyle content with no mention whatsoever of the paid partnership. When that spontaneous morning routine features five different skincare products or an influencer suddenly discovers a life-changing subscription service, you're likely witnessing a strategic collaboration worth thousands of dollars disguised as authentic content.

This deceptive practice exploits the trust followers place in influencers, leading to significant consequences for consumers who make purchasing decisions based on what they believe are honest recommendations. When financial incentives override transparency, you risk wasting money on overpriced or ineffective products chosen for their commission rates rather than quality, while your relationship with the influencer becomes built on false premises. This creates a distorted marketplace where genuinely good products lose visibility to inferior ones that simply pay more for marketing. To protect yourself, develop healthy skepticism by approaching every product recommendation as potentially a paid promotion; watch for red flags like multiple products from the same brand or unusually enthusiastic language about previously unmentioned items; always research independently before making purchases based solely on influencer endorsements.

The commodification of trust and authenticity in our digital economy represents a broader problem where personal relationships become products to be bought and sold, but consumers have the power to demand better. By supporting creators who prioritize transparency over profit, engaging with influencers who consistently disclose their partnerships, and choosing brands that practice honest marketing, we can drive positive change in the industry. Remember that authentic influence shouldn't require deception—the best content creators build lasting relationships through honesty, not hidden agendas. The next time you see an influencer enthusiastically promoting a product, pause and ask yourself whether you're witnessing a genuine recommendation or a carefully crafted advertisement designed to make you spend money, because your wallet and your trust depend on being able to tell the difference.

LXIIII: Pleas pass the jelly...

"Reality: What a concept!"-R. Williams 07/01/2025

Something fundamental has shifted in how we behave in public spaces, and while it's tempting to dismiss this as nostalgic grumbling about changing times, the change feels deeper than that. The most visible manifestation is what might be called "the great unfiltering" – the gentle disappearance of that internal voice that once whispered caution about appropriate behavior. We've all witnessed it: speakerphone conversations broadcasting intimate details to subway cars, parents berating service workers in front of their children, the way public spaces have quietly become personal stages. This transformation seems to stem largely from how digital communication has rewired our social expectations. Social media has gradually conditioned us to share thoughts without immediate consequences and perform for audiences, creating a spillover effect where private behaviors naturally become public theater. The smartphone itself has become a prop in this performance, where public meltdowns are no longer moments of private shame but potential content. Without shared standards of appropriate behavior, every public interaction becomes a potential conflict zone, leaving us all navigating an increasingly unpredictable social landscape where one person's "authentic self-expression" can become another's unwelcome disruption.

The breakdown of public decorum carries real costs that extend beyond aesthetic unpleasantness. Modern urban anonymity means poor behavior rarely carries the social consequences it once did in closer-knit communities where reputation mattered and you'd encounter the same people repeatedly. This accountability vacuum, combined with our increasingly polarized culture, has created an environment where bad behavior is sometimes rewarded rather than discouraged – the viral confrontation gets more attention than quiet courtesy, and the person making a scene often gets the manager's attention while patient customers wait indefinitely. The psychological toll is real: when public spaces feel unpredictable or occasionally hostile, we lose something precious – the ability to exist peacefully in the world, constantly on guard against disruption. Service workers report growing stress from not just difficult customers but the sheer unpredictability of public interactions, while teachers and healthcare workers face aggression that would have been unthinkable in professional settings just decades ago. This creates a gentle but persistent feedback loop where incivility breeds more incivility, making shared spaces increasingly uncomfortable for everyone.

Rebuilding social norms requires a gentle but collective recognition that our public behavior matters not just for ourselves but for everyone sharing those spaces. This doesn't mean returning to some mythical golden age of perfect manners, but rather acknowledging that complete freedom from social expectations isn't actually freedom – it's a kind of chaos that makes public life more difficult and less pleasant for everyone. Technology, while contributing to this erosion, also offers hopeful potential solutions through apps that encourage positive behavior and platforms that reward courtesy. The path forward lies in understanding that how we behave in public is ultimately a choice, and that positive behavior is just as contagious as negative behavior. Every smile, "please and thank you," and moment of patience ripples outward in ways we rarely see but often feel. The social fabric holding us together in public spaces isn't maintained by grand gestures or formal rules but built one interaction at a time, by people who understand we're all sharing these spaces, trying to get through our days with a little dignity and peace. In a world that sometimes feels like it's coming apart, choosing courtesy over conflict and consideration over self-absorption might be one of the most quietly radical and necessary acts we can perform.

LXIII: Where can I get snake oil?

"In my scientific opinion."-Dr. Terminus 06/01/2025

In the gleaming world of modern wellness culture, few things carry as much mystique as the humble sauna and steam room. Walk into any high-end gym or spa, and you'll be bombarded with claims about "detoxification," "cellular regeneration," and "ancient healing wisdom." Social media influencers emerge from cedar-lined chambers proclaiming miraculous transformations, while wellness websites promise everything from weight loss to spiritual enlightenment through the power of heat.

But what happens when we strip away the marketing rhetoric and examine what science actually tells us about these heated chambers? The truth, as it often is, proves more nuanced than the wellness industry would have you believe.

The Grain of Truth: What Science Actually Shows: Let's start with what legitimate research has demonstrated about saunas and steam rooms. There are indeed some genuine health benefits, though they're far more modest than the wellness industry suggests.

Cardiovascular health shows the most promising evidence. Finnish studies, particularly valuable given Finland's long sauna tradition, have found associations between regular sauna use and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The heat stress appears to provide a mild cardiovascular workout, similar to moderate exercise, temporarily increasing heart rate and improving circulation.

Heat exposure may also offer some benefits for muscle recovery after exercise, helping to reduce inflammation and ease muscle soreness. Additionally, the relaxation response triggered by heat can genuinely reduce stress hormones and promote better sleep for some individuals.

But here's where we need to pump the brakes on enthusiasm: correlation doesn't equal causation, and the magnitude of these benefits is often overstated. The Finnish studies, while valuable, also can't separate sauna use from other healthy lifestyle factors common in regular sauna users.

The Pseudoscience Parade: Where Claims Go Off the Rails

Now we enter the wild west of wellness claims, where scientific terminology gets twisted beyond recognition and ancient practices are rebranded as cutting-edge health solutions.

The "Detox" Delusion: Perhaps no claim is more pervasive—or more scientifically baseless—than the idea that sweating "detoxifies" the body. Wellness advocates claim that saunas and steam rooms help eliminate "toxins" through sweat, often accompanied by alarming imagery of heavy metals and mysterious poisons leaving the body.

The reality is far less dramatic. Sweat is approximately 99% water and 1% dissolved substances, primarily sodium chloride (salt). While trace amounts of other substances can be found in sweat, the quantities are so minuscule that they're toxicologically irrelevant. Your liver and kidneys handle the heavy lifting of detoxification—and they're remarkably good at their jobs without needing assistance from a steam room.

The persistent popularity of "detox" claims reveals something troubling about wellness culture: the implicit assumption that our bodies are somehow failing us, requiring constant intervention and purification rituals to function properly.

Weight Loss Wizardry: Another common claim positions saunas and steam rooms as weight loss tools. The logic seems straightforward: you sweat, you lose water weight, therefore you lose weight. Some wellness proponents even claim that heat exposure boosts metabolism for hours afterward.

This represents a fundamental misunderstanding of how weight loss works. Any weight lost during a sauna session is water weight, which returns as soon as you rehydrate—as you absolutely should. While heat stress does temporarily increase metabolic rate, the effect is minimal and short-lived, nowhere near significant enough to contribute meaningfully to weight loss.

Infrared Mysticism: The rise of infrared saunas has brought with it particularly creative pseudoscientific claims. Marketers tout "deep penetrating heat" that supposedly reaches cellular levels in ways traditional saunas cannot. Some claim infrared radiation can directly affect cellular mitochondria, boost immune function, or even treat chronic diseases.

While infrared radiation does penetrate skin differently than convective heat, the claimed cellular benefits lack robust scientific support. The human body responds to heat stress regardless of the delivery method—your cardiovascular system doesn't care whether the heat comes from hot rocks or infrared panels.

The Wellness Industrial Complex: Following Money Instead of Evidence: Understanding why these exaggerated claims persist requires examining the economic incentives driving wellness culture. The global wellness industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, and heat therapy represents a particularly attractive market segment.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, wellness products and services face minimal regulatory oversight. Companies can make bold health claims without the burden of rigorous clinical trials or FDA approval. The result is a marketplace flooded with products promising miraculous benefits based on preliminary research, misinterpreted studies, or sometimes no evidence at all.

Social media amplifies this problem exponentially. Influencers with no medical training share personal anecdotes as universal truths, while algorithms reward sensational claims over measured scientific discussion. The more dramatic the promise, the more likely it is to go viral.

The Danger of Wellness Theater: The overselling of sauna and steam room benefits might seem harmless—after all, what's wrong with a little relaxation? But this kind of wellness theater creates several concerning problems.

First, it promotes magical thinking about health. When we attribute outsized benefits to simple interventions like heat exposure, we're more likely to seek similar quick fixes for complex health problems. This can delay appropriate medical care or lead people to abandon proven treatments in favor of wellness fads.

Second, it exploits vulnerable populations. People dealing with chronic illnesses or those who feel failed by conventional medicine are particularly susceptible to promises of miraculous healing. The wellness industry often targets these individuals with expensive treatments backed by hope rather than evidence.

Finally, it undermines scientific literacy. When people become accustomed to accepting health claims without demanding evidence, they become more susceptible to all forms of medical misinformation.

A Better Approach: Evidence-Based Wellness: This doesn't mean we should dismiss heat therapy entirely. Instead, we need a more mature approach to evaluating wellness claims—one that demands evidence while remaining open to legitimate benefits.

When encountering any health claim, ask these critical questions:

  • What specific, measurable outcomes are being promised?
  • Is the claim based on peer-reviewed research published in reputable journals?
  • Are the studies being cited actually relevant to the claims being made?
  • Who benefits financially from promoting these claims?
  • Does the mechanism of action make biological sense?

For saunas and steam rooms specifically, approach them as pleasant, potentially relaxing experiences that may offer modest health benefits rather than medical interventions. Enjoy the cardiovascular workout-like effects, appreciate the stress relief, and value the social or meditative aspects—but don't expect miracles.

The Path Forward: Reclaiming Rational Wellness: The tragedy of wellness pseudoscience isn't just that it misleads consumers—it's that it obscures genuine advances in understanding how lifestyle factors affect health. Legitimate research into heat therapy, stress reduction, and recovery techniques gets drowned out by a cacophony of exaggerated claims and marketing hype.

We can do better. We can create a culture that values evidence over anecdotes, that celebrates the modest but real benefits of healthy practices without inflating them into cure-alls. We can enjoy wellness activities for what they genuinely offer while maintaining the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex health information landscape.

The next time someone promises you that a sauna session will revolutionize your health, detoxify your body, or unlock your cellular potential, remember: extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. And in the world of wellness, that evidence is often nowhere to be found.

True wellness isn't about finding the perfect intervention or the most exotic treatment—it's about making consistent, evidence-based choices that support long-term health. Sometimes the most radical thing you can do in wellness culture is to ask for proof.

LXIII: Everybody's working for the weekend 

"The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes"-A. Hepburn 05/01/2025

In recent years, the cost of hair services has steadily increased, prompting many to question the reasons behind this trend. While fluctuations in pricing can vary by location and salon, several key factors contribute to the rising expenses associated with hair care and styling.

Increased Operating Costs. One of the most significant factors affecting hair service pricing is the rising operational costs faced by salons. Expenses such as rent, utilities, and insurance have increased, particularly in urban areas where the demand for salon space is high. Additionally, the cost of professional-grade products used in services, such as shampoos, conditioners, and color treatments, has also risen, which directly impacts service pricing.

Skill and Expertise. The demand for skilled hair professionals has led to increased costs. As the beauty industry evolves, stylists are expected to stay current with trends and techniques through ongoing education and training. Many salons invest in advanced training for their staff, which translates to higher wages for experienced professionals. As stylists hone their skills, their pricing often reflects their expertise, driving up service costs.

Product Quality and Sustainability. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing high-quality and sustainable products. Salons that focus on using organic, cruelty-free, or eco-friendly products often have higher supply costs. These products not only align with the values of many consumers, but also require stylists to be knowledgeable about their benefits and application, further justifying increased service fees.

Changing Trends and Treatments. The beauty industry is marked by rapid trends and innovations. New techniques—such as balayage, keratin treatments, and specialty coloring methods—often require specialized skills and tools. As these treatments become more popular, salons may raise prices to accommodate the additional time and expertise needed to deliver these services effectively.

Economic Inflation. Like many sectors, the beauty industry is not immune to the effects of broader economic trends. Inflation can impact everything from product costs to labor expenses. As the general cost of living rises, consumers may see that reflected in the pricing of their hair services.

Market Demand and Competition. Salons also respond to market demand. In areas where demand for hair services is high, salons may increase prices to balance their customer base and ensure profitability. Conversely, competition among salons can lead to varied pricing, where some may lower prices to attract clients while others may raise theirs based on perceived value and quality.

The rising cost of hair services is a multifaceted issue influenced by operating costs, skill levels, product quality, and economic conditions. Understanding these factors can help consumers make informed decisions about their hair care choices. While the investment in hair services may seem substantial, many find that the benefits—ranging from enhanced confidence to self-expression—make the expense worthwhile.

 

This article was published in the latest issue of Honeysuckle Magazine. Click on the pink Honeysuckle above to check out more!

LXII: Should wear a warning

"You can't win if you don't play as a unit."-K. Abdul-Jabbar 04/01/2025

The beauty and wellness industry brings joy and confidence to countless clients, yet those working behind the scenes sometimes face workplace challenges that contrast with the industry's nurturing mission. Many professionals experience uncertain schedules, income instability from commission-based structures / inconsistent hours, and workplace cultures where harassment and hostile work environments can create stress and anxieties. These conditions can sometimes lead to environments where some feel undervalued or overwhelmed, making it difficult to maintain the passion that brought them to this caring profession.

Positive change is possible when we work together with understanding and compassion. Professionals can create supportive networks to share experiences and develop best practices that benefit everyone. Clients who value fair treatment can choose to support businesses that prioritize staff wellbeing. Industry leaders have an opportunity to implement transparent policies, open communication channels, and wellness resources that align with the very principles they promote to clients. Educational programs can prepare new professionals not just with technical skills but with healthy workplace expectations and communication tools.

If you're currently experiencing workplace discomfort, remember that small steps can lead to meaningful improvement. Keep a thoughtful record of your concerns, communicate your needs clearly when possible, and connect with supportive colleagues who share your values. Explore industry organizations that offer guidance and resources specific to beauty professionals. Above all, honor your own wellbeing—sometimes the gentlest choice is to transition to an environment that better appreciates your gifts and contributions. The beauty industry thrives most when those who create beauty for others are themselves treated with care and respect.

LXI: Adults are obsolete children.

"Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art." -S.J. Lec 03/01/2025

Ageism remains a pervasive and often overlooked form of workplace discrimination that impacts both men and women, particularly as they approach and enter their later career stages. Despite increasing awareness of diversity and inclusion, many organizations still harbor unconscious biases that marginalize experienced professionals over 40 and 50. Older workers frequently encounter systemic barriers, including reduced hiring opportunities, limited professional development, and an implicit assumption that their skills are less relevant in rapidly evolving technological landscapes. This prejudice not only undermines individual career trajectories but also represents a significant economic loss, as seasoned professionals possess institutional knowledge, nuanced problem-solving skills, and deep industry insights that younger workers are still developing.

The impact of ageism manifests differently for men and women, with women experiencing particularly compounded challenges. While men often receive some latitude for appearing distinguished or distinguished as they age, women face more stringent appearance and performance expectations. Female professionals frequently report experiencing "double discrimination" - facing both gender and age-related biases that can dramatically accelerate their professional marginalization. Studies have consistently shown that women begin experiencing age-related workplace discrimination earlier than men, sometimes as early as their mid-30s, with significant drops in hiring opportunities, promotional considerations, and perceived professional value. This trend is especially pronounced in industries like technology, media, and finance, where youth is often erroneously equated with innovation and adaptability.

Addressing workplace ageism requires a multi-faceted approach involving legislative action, corporate policy reforms, and fundamental shifts in organizational culture. Employers must recognize that age diversity is a strategic asset, not a liability. This means implementing blind recruitment processes, providing continuous learning opportunities for all age groups, and creating mentorship programs that value cross-generational knowledge exchange. Companies should develop policies that explicitly protect workers from age-based discrimination, create inclusive training programs that don't assume technological proficiency is age-dependent, and promote a culture that celebrates experience and adaptability simultaneously. Ultimately, combating ageism is not just about fairness to individual workers, but about unleashing the full potential of a multigenerational workforce that can drive innovation, stability, and sustainable growth in an increasingly complex professional landscape.

LX: Just keep swimming 

"When you finally accept that it's OK not to have answers and it's OK not to be perfect, you realize that feeling confused is a normal part of what it is to be a human being." -W.Ryder 02/01/2025

Life's challenges—whether financial hardships, relationship struggles, health issues, or professional setbacks—often leave us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Yet the most important truth to remember is that hardship is perhaps the most universal human experience. While your specific circumstances may be unique, countless others have felt the same fear, grief, anxiety, and helplessness that you're experiencing now.

During difficult times, we tend to withdraw precisely when we need support most. Breaking this isolation is crucial—whether by sharing your story with trusted individuals, finding communities that understand your specific challenges, or seeking professional guidance. These connections remind us that our experiences, while painful, are part of the broader human journey and provide both practical strategies and emotional validation when we need them most.

Though no one would choose difficulty, navigating challenging periods often brings unexpected gifts: deeper empathy for others, clearer priorities, stronger authentic relationships, greater resilience, and wisdom that can only be gained through lived experience. Remember that you are not defined by your struggles, you are not facing them alone, and with time, support, and perseverance, you will find your way through to the other side.

LIX: For last year's words belong to last year's language

"Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate."-J. R. R. Tolkien 01/01/2025

Here we go 2025...

LVIII: The future begins today

"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from" -T.S. Eliot 12/01/2024

As we wrap up 2024, we want to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the moments we've shared and the connections we've strengthened throughout the year. Your support, collaboration, and kindness have made this year truly special. Whether through our shared successes or the challenges we've overcome together, each experience has added depth and meaning to our journey.

As we embrace the holiday season, we wish you and your loved ones moments of joy, peace, and cherished time together. May your celebrations be warm and bright, filled with laughter and love. Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited about the possibilities that await us all. May the new year bring you health, happiness, and wonderful new adventures. Thank you for being part of our 2024 story, and I look forward to creating more meaningful memories together in the year to come.

 Warmest wishes and gratitude from all of us as J.L. Byrd. 

LVII: Rock the Vote

"The ballot is stronger than the bullet"-A.Lincoln 11/01/2024

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE.

LVI: The first wealth is health.

"Your body hears everything your mind says."-N.Judd 10/01/2024

The wellness and beauty industries have seen exponential growth in recent years, driven largely by social media and influencer culture. However, beneath the glossy surface lies a complex web of unrealistic ideals and questionable practices that can often promote an unhealthy relationship with beauty and well-being. This article explores some of these falsehoods and the implications for consumers seeking genuine wellness.

The Myth of Perfection. The portrayal of beauty in the wellness space often adheres to an unrealistic standard of perfection. Influencers and brands frequently showcase flawless skin, toned bodies, and serene lifestyles, presenting these images as attainable goals. However, this ideal is often achieved through extensive editing, filters, and the use of professional lighting—elements that the average person cannot replicate. Such representations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt among consumers who strive to meet these unattainable standards.

The Wellness Culture Trap. The wellness industry frequently promotes trends like detox diets, cleanses, and extreme fitness regimens, positioning them as pathways to health. However, many of these trends are not only scientifically unsupported but can also be harmful. For instance, restrictive diets may lead to disordered eating patterns and nutrient deficiencies. Instead of fostering a holistic approach to health, these trends often promote a cycle of deprivation and obsession, reinforcing unhealthy behaviors in the name of wellness.

The “Natural” Fallacy. There’s a prevailing belief that “natural” products are inherently better or healthier. While natural ingredients can be beneficial, the wellness industry often oversimplifies this narrative. Many natural products can still cause allergic reactions or irritation, and the absence of regulation means that “natural” does not always equate to safe or effective. This can mislead consumers into believing they are making healthier choices, potentially putting their well-being at risk.

Misleading Marketing and Celebrity Endorsements. Influencers and celebrities often endorse wellness and beauty products without disclosing the complexities behind their own routines. They may promote products that promise transformative results, often backed by misleading testimonials. This can create a false sense of efficacy around certain products, leading consumers to invest time and money in solutions that may not deliver the promised outcomes. It’s essential for consumers to recognize that individual results can vary widely and that what works for one person may not work for another.

Mental Health Neglect. The relentless pursuit of beauty and wellness can neglect the critical aspect of mental health. Many wellness narratives prioritize physical appearance and achievement over mental well-being, perpetuating the idea that self-worth is tied to one’s looks or fitness level. This can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and burnout, as individuals feel pressured to conform to ever-changing standards. True wellness encompasses a balance of mental, emotional, and physical health, yet the current narratives often skew heavily towards the latter.

The Importance of Critical Thinking. To navigate the complexities of the wellness and beauty industries, consumers must cultivate critical thinking. It’s essential to question the motives behind marketing messages and to seek evidence-based information rather than relying solely on influencer endorsements. Understanding that wellness is a personal journey—unique to each individual—can help consumers set realistic goals and foster a healthier relationship with their bodies and self-image.

The wellness and beauty industries are rife with falsehoods that can perpetuate unhealthy ideals and practices. By exposing these myths and encouraging critical thinking, consumers can reclaim their narratives around beauty and wellness. Ultimately, the pursuit of well-being should focus on authenticity, balance, and self-acceptance, rather than conforming to an ever-elusive standard of perfection. Embracing this perspective can lead to a more holistic approach to health that prioritizes genuine well-being over superficial ideals.

LV:I’ll get there, if I leave everything but my bones behind 

"Life is very interesting... in the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths."-D.Barrymore 09/01/2024

As that one song from The Doors starts to whisper towards becoming an ear worm… Summer’s Alost Gone. The end encompassing us in Leo & Virgo energy. A season one tends to count down the days towards sweaters and layers.

As most of us are tuned in or tuned out, one topic struck me this month, “the struggles of this economy’. When hearing others vent about the lack of funds, can’t pay the bills, can’t go out …you name it, all we do is work. When looking further into this, the internet seems to be just as empty and lonely in making you think you are not doing enough, that you don’t budget or comes back with “find another job”. For some who are working 6-7 days a week, when would you have time? Sure, one can blame government, one can blame big business, one can blame capitalism, but when did it become such a luxury to have time off?

When did this economy turn into basic needs of life becoming an extravagance? Aware that most of the context of this month’s conversation has arrived in the form of numerous unanswered questions, it’s frustrating when answers or solutions at the moment are scarce. Yes, most of us get through encompassed by stress and the side effects that accompany it, know that you are not alone. I continually hear it’s going to get better and that it always works out but honestly, it shouldn’t have to come at the cost of time off.

One thing that we can do to solve these problems is to vote. Use your voice, it is your power. Check here for state deadlines to register, there is still time--> vote.org

LIV: and soon you’ll be walking ‘cross the floor

“I take things one step at a time.”-S.Biles 08/01/2024

As most of us were brought to tears with the return of Celine Dion, the Olympics are dominating Parisian streets and international media. As we all cheer on our countries at a time that globally feels united, why have some brought to my attention (along with the help of the media) how one of our countries most decorated and accomplished athletes that her hair is not done???

Simone Biles, one of the most influential women in sports (as well as an amazing role model) had to endure commentary that her hair was not done. As a woman who has continually pushed through and navigate trauma’s, career setbacks and mental health struggles, her hair is your focus; her hair is a problem. We could have the same narrative commenting on others but why waste the energy.

What my main irritation with this narrative is, is that we are in 2024 and instead of praising a woman who has been decorated as one of the greatest of all time, we still have to keep in our society this idea that hair is not done unless it looks a certain way.

While stateside we have laws like the C.R.O.W.N. Act, hair discrimination, including hair segregation, is unfortunately still seen in this modern world. At what point can we embrace that hair is all made up of the same chemicals and proteins. At what point can female athletes just show up without ridicule? At what point can we start focusing on what others accomplish with such greatness?

I have a few choice words that I want to include however, Simone said it best; “Gonna hold your hand when I say this. Next time you wanna comment on a black girls hair, JUST DON’T”

LIII: the heat is on...

"I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.”-S. Plath 07/01/2024

Warning: article contains topics of mental health

With the constant fluctuation of the heat waves across the country, summer has definitely entered strong and excessive.

Studies have shown that heat, which includes excessive amounts of heat, can put a mental and physical strain on emotions and well-being. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, heat can cause a wide range of obstacles that exhaust our mental capacity. A few examples are changes in moods, sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
With the current state of affairs and the world that we are living in, heat can bring out reminders of the stressors or lacks in our moments of existence. Understanding you can only show up for others when you can show for yourself, how can we create safe spaces for moments like this for the general population? 
 
A noticeable trend in the mental health world appears to water down the severity of each individuals experience. With the constant vocalizing of “my mental health, my mental health “, it is becoming noticeable that more and more are using these terms as a crutch which dilutes the overall severity of what is being said. 
Are we becoming more normalized to being reactive and finding unhealthy ways to express our struggles? Are there right or wrong ways to process these growing pains? Should it be a public or private experience? Questions that live rent free in my head while striving to be a better person. 

LII: running up that hill...

"The key to life is accepting challenges."-B. Davis 06/01/2024

Summer has arrived, though the solstice is not until June 20th. The city is a continual expansion of new while trying to navigate through the old.

A gorgeous smart individual that sat in the chair recently brought up conversation that still has me thinking. How did we end up living in a society that our online presence is more important than the real world and life we live. 

This has struck me as I have been myself navigating these individuals who literally sell you snake oil. The encounters that have been recent are to the extent of how is it even legal for some of these people to sell a lifestyle or product and literally be the antithesis of what they are online. It baffles me when some of us truly are trying to make an honest living, having hope in humanity while we all go through our own struggles. To then continually be fed these individuals who provide unattainable promises. 

Reality check. Make it make sense. 

LI: the little blue bird sings, sings...

"Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings."-S. Dali 05/01/2024

The passing of times along with seasons has brought on reflection in the city that never sleeps. The growth and loss of what's been going on has left me chewing... what's next? Dream big and set goals, but what happens when life's responsibilities get in the mix of that. 

The dichotomy of NYC has turned into the haves and have nots. This city is changing for one type of person. What happened to the city where there was a piece of the pie for everyone?

So the chew continues... what's next?

L: Is there a suggestion box....

"A person's a person, no matter how small."-Dr. Seuss 04/01/2024

Spring. A season vibrant with colors and longer days. As the months continue to roll by, a noticeable shift in societal norms have brought thought and concern. When did the customer to provider experience become so hostile, so demanding and so disrespectful?

As the saying goes, "the customer is always right". If you ask me, no, they are not. As a small business, the customer is a top priority as this affects the growth and opportunities that are presented. This, however, does not warrant the customer to act out of place in regards to a bad experience, a negative memory or a mistake (made by either side). While I can understand and agree that a bad experience can bring on an emotional outburst, at no point should violence be brought to the situation. Along with violence, the amount of disrespect at the cost of someone trying to do their job as best as they can while also navigating personality after personality. Time and time again the apparent disregard or belittling when it does not go in favor of the guests way. 

Most if not out of every situation, issues can be resolved. All parties can remain happy. Think about it. If the provider is as nice and understanding as possible knowing mistakes happen, if they work with you are you willing to meet them half way to resole the negative at hand? Or do you thinking yelling and/or belittling the provider is going to make the business side want you as a returning guest? 

This is all just a thought that's been chewed on and over. Just wish it was a little bit nicer out there. 

Change is an interesting thing.

XLIX: The second step is acceptance....

"There is nothing permanent except change."-Heraclitus 03/01/2024

Change is an interesting thing.An event that comes repeatedly. Right and wrong timing. What no one tells you is how to navigate what can seem uncertain, challenging or any feelings the teams can invoke. Do we all get out on the other side or are some of us stuck in this cycle that will come to an end, at some point.

There is quite a bit of talk in the chair about the ever changing landscape of humanity, The crossroads of layoffs, growing debts, livable wage and the list goes on. Why does it come off that asking for such things is unreasonable? Society is angry at each other. The humans experience is facing daily struggles for basic needs. When are we going to start putting people over profits?

I have a laundry list of questions that are going unanswered but if there is one thing we have to keep as a mantra; we will get through this.  

XLVIII: There's no such thing as aging...

"Aging has a wonderful beauty and we should have respect for that."-E. Kitt 02/01/2024

One month in and what a moment to chew on. The new year is in full force and here we are (90% of us) trying to shape it into a better tomorrow. As I want to jump into so many topics, the one that stood out the most was brought on by article after article and eventually landed in my chair.... Gen Z is aging quicker than Millennials.

If you search "Gen Z aging", it has since taken on a new phrase; Gen Z is aging like milk. Understating that this is not something new, at what point are we going to grow tired of this rhetoric of aging?

The fear of getting older (trust, no one wants to age and deal with what no one tells you) shouldn't be cast in such shadows. We are starving ourselves of life and growth based solely on the idea that if you are not young and conventionally beautiful, then what's the point of living. The frantic ideologies that you need to start a skin ritual as a child, to condition that plastic surgery is a must based on "empowerment" due to the beauty trend of the moment. BBL's and breast implants for example, how many individuals have now been public about getting these procedures reversed?

This constant struggle to obtain youth is seemingly doing the opposite. This hunger to have more of a presence online vs in real life seems to add to the constant "tweaks and injections" or obsessions for the newest products to keep age at a distance. What we all need to do is step back and take a look at this way of marketing within the beauty-verse.

Have you thought that this is just the next best purchasing power scheme from beauty companies while using their precious influencers with a following that screams insecurities? This being another cog in the machine to continue profits and growth that you will never see as you are the basis of this? Companies feed on fear, and this fear of getting old (sorry Gen Z you didn't invent aging) is now being weaponized and sold to you as wellness and self-care.

If there has been anything that has come with each passing year; take the ticket and take the ride. 

XLVI: And I keep my side of the street clean...

"I love the scents of winter!"-T.Swift 12/01/2023

Another year has passed. A lot of struggles and wins, tears and laughs.

We here at J.L. Byrd want thank you all for the support and continued dedication.

Good Bye 2023.

XLV: Leaves are falling

"Life sucks, but in a beautiful kind of way."-A.Rose 11/01/2023

Fall is in full force. New York City appears bustling and lively. For some, it is feeling more and more pre-pandemic vibes, but for most, the struggle is real and terrifying. This month has had some heavy conversations in the chair about how this city has turned its back on its own. 

According to a recent study provided by unitedwaynyc.org, 50% of New Yorkers lack the income to provide the basic needs without the help of the government, family or the communities they reside in.

The rebound in New York has only been in favor of a small portion of residence. The larger portion, individuals who are providing services and have made New York their homes, are the ones suffering. "Bring your coffee to work, make your own lunch, skip a meal", all statements said ranging from the ultra rich to our own local electives. The gatekeeping is to the point of gaslighting. New York City is struggling and the larger portion, the ones who are committed to this city and its survival, are hurting the most. The ones who stayed during the pandemic and continue to take low wage jobs because the rich want their services are the ones who cannot meet their basic needs. Along with this rapidly changing city, it has turned into a place that if you are over 30 and have made a life here, there is no room for you anymore. 

The wage gap needs to be addressed. Workers need to come back to the office as this has an over all affect on local economies. New York City used to be a pie that everyone could get a piece of. Seems now we are begging for crumbs. 

XLIV: D-I-What

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."-M. Angelou 10/01/2023

Let's just jump right into our lunchtime poll topic. "Oh, you just play with hair that's not hard," "oh your prices are so expensive, it's just one color," "I want this color but I can only pay this," "I'm just gonna do it myself it's not that hard," it's not that hard, it's not that hard, it's not that hard. 

This topic is getting tired. Doing hair is not easy nor is warranted for the client to decided what the price should be. Reflect on what you do for a living and how this would apply to you. This is in no way to say as creatives, we want to gate-keep what your budget should be or allow, but what society fails to realize is that it's more than just "playing with hair" on-top of the rising costs to run a business behind the chair. 

Observing what the market is right now in regards to what consumers are doing to their own hair vs what we are providing in the chair is night and day. The, "I saw it on TikTok or Instagram", does not lean into the DIY but more like the D-I-WHAT-THE-HELL. The expectations are as blurred as the Paris filter. If it was so easy, why are you asking questions on how to do it? If it was so easy, why are you showing up a beauty supply store with 4 different bands of color in your hair? "Good hair ain't cheap and cheap hair ain't good". 

It's time to have a heart to heart. If you want good hair, it takes more than going to a beauty store, talking down to the service providers there to help you (yes, some stores do hire licensed professionals to help guide you through your own hair journey), and realize that what you want is going to come at a cost of supporting your local hairdresser. 

XLIII: Welcome Summers Ghost

"Fashion has always been a repetition of ideas, but what makes it new is the way you put it together."-C. Herrera 9/01/2023

MAUI IS IN NEED!!!! PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN. 

Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

Another September is upon us. As some of us look forward to the cooler temps, changing of the leaves and the infamous pumpkin spice latte season, it has been a non-stop request for the it color: Cowgirl copper.

For most of us, this trendy color is a version of auburn but the ideology is "Inspired by the super rich, copper and caramel hues of Western leather". How is this color achieved and what to know about the upkeep.

This color, as in the description, is based off warm tones of copper and caramels based off of rich hues of western leather. This means warmth. ALOT of warmth. For those that are always saying, "my hair is brassy" or "my hair fades too warm," keep in mind, this trend embraces that. One thing to note, as for any type of "red," (and yes, this is considered to most to be in the redhead family), means routinely maintenance and color safe shampoos.

Pro advice; colors like this can be a coslty trend to try for some. If you decide to go the diY route, please keep in mind the pro's and cons. Are you willing to go to a salon to fix any mistakes? Are you willing to cut your hair if something goes wrong with how you processed the color? Are you willing to walk around with half done color? As professionals, we don't want to gatekeep your budget or tell you how you spend your money, but the more I hear "your hair prices are so expensive" or "I can get it cheaper" or "all you do is play with hair," makes me wonder why I see so many botched colors on the streets of NYC. Maybe this trend of color will inspire others to support their local hairdresser vs the social media tutorials that end up needing help.

XLII: Just bring the sandwich

"Is this something you can share with the rest of us Amazing Larry?"-P. Reubens 8/01/2023

Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

August has arrived with a full moon in Aquarius. As the season wears on, summer has offered offensive long stretches of heat. Not only can this be dangerous to our health, but the environment is at a boiling point. The beauty industry can be a toxic contributing factor (to some) of these environmental changes. So what can we do while not having to sacrifice our rituals. 

Sustainability is the first step. While going green can help, greenwashing, as mentioned in pervious writings, can deter the cause all based on for profit mentality. Yes, we all want to make money and have a living wage, but when does that blend our moral compass on creating a better today and brighter tomorrow? One thing we can all do is support companies that support the environment and reduce, reuse, and recycle. Here at JLByrd, we support that ideology and recycle all that is possible with the help of TerraCycle. One of the things I love about being able to do our part, are the options provided by TerraCycle. If you are on a tight budget, whether consumer or business, there are free drop off locations for beauty product waste. Great thing to is they list what you can and cannot recycle. 

Our world needs help, whatever your ideas are on the "why's" of the weather, we have the compacity to change the trajectory. If the cactus can't stand this heat, where do we stand? 

XLI: A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.

"In the summer of '84, you just couldn't escape the Born in the USA record."H. Rollins 7/01/2023

Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

It's officially summer. Heat, humidity and an occasional haze from the wildfires in Canada. Pride came and went with (ahem) quite the show. As we enter summer, our hair can really take a turn for the worst with moisture and color longevity. This is the time of year you really need to condition your hair with nutrients and what it needs to keep it healthy, protected from UV rays, and pollutants.

When choosing your product, make sure you ask yourself what your expectations are and what you are trying to achieve with that said product. With a ton of options to choose from, where do you start? Start with your hair tendencies and rituals. Whether you are a blow-dry style individual or are a low key, "wash and go", Davines All In One Milk is going to be your best friend! With hydration along with heat protection, match made in heaven! And p.s. there is a travel size too! 

Happy summer!

XL: Free to be

"For me, life is about being positive and hopeful, choosing to be joyful, choosing to be encouraging, choosing to be empowering."-B. Porter 6/01/2023

Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

 

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!!!!!

 

XXXVIII: Short cuts make long delays.

"Still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate."-J. R. R. Tolkien 5/01/ 2023

Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

May has arrived along with the return of cherry blossoms, unpredictable weather and the Met Gala.

As the world is still reeling with most having a hard time making ends meet, (especially here in NYC as reported by The NY Times), the Met Gala drives home the economic divide. A night of glamour (or lack there of), we embraced an icon, whose past is clouded by misogyny, racism, fatphobia, and cruelty based on the ideologies that this is "fashion". Though we cannot take away what this icon has done for fashion, we can address the selective cancel culture. The best way for me to explain this is to share the words and passion of Jameela Jamil:

"Last night Hollywood and fashion said the quiet part out loud when a lot of famous feminists chose to celebrate at the highest level, a man who was so publicly cruel to women, to fat people, to immigrants, and to sexual assault survivors. And all the women's publications, and spectators online, chose to gleefully ignore it. Suddenly your appetite to find someone's tweets from when they were 12, has gone. Nobody has perfect morals, least of all me, but Jesus Christ we had a year to course correct here, and not award the highest honour possible to a known bigot…and everyone just decided all of a sudden we can separate the art from the artist when *convenient*. And it's one rule for us and another rule for everybody else. Last night we relinquished our right to be taken at all seriously about anything important.

This isn't about cancel culture. It's not even about Karl. It's about showing how selective cancel culture is within liberal politics, in the most blatant way so far. It's about showing why people don't trust liberals. Because of slippery tactics and double standards like this. And it's not just Hollywood here, the general public online participated and were entirely complicit in the erasure of the truth last night. They replaced their pitchforks with spoons last night, to lap that s**t right up… If we carry on like this, don't be shocked when we lose the next election."

We need to do better. Complacency is dangerous. Can we not learn and grow from the past? I suppose in the end, "let then eat cake".

XXXVII: The earth laughs in flowers

"A manufactured mirror of your dreams"-T. Malone 4/01/2023

Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

The change in the air is a smile on the wind that spring is upon us. It has been an exciting fast paced spring here in the big apple. A refreshing twist on spring of years past. As the days get longer and the city continues to bloom, I stumbled across my reading an article that I had to chew on: Narcissist and Proud.

As I mulled around on my opinion of this article, the one question that stayed with me was "is this the society we live in?". When did we start romanticizing personality disorders? Now before you jump to the cancel button, I am not saying a personality disorder is to be demonized or put into a category of shame, but if we discuss and look deeper into narcissism and narcissistic  personally disorders, it comes at a cruel and painful price.

The one thing this article failed to show was that confidence and narcissism are two different things. Confidence is something we all strive for. A healthy relationship with yourself that you don't need anything to make whole. Narcissism is an unhealthy relationship with yourself and others that is fueled by the breakdown of others. To compare the two and say that this is acceptable is painful. Glamorizing narcissism is glamorizing on others pain. This is not something to be accepted into the norm as a positive. We (me included) as individuals, can do better.

XXXVI: Soldiers in petticoats

"I feel confident. I feel empowered. I feel in control."-S. Gomez 3/01/2023

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

The cherry blossoms are returning and nature is waking up from her nap called winter. Fashion week in February (here in NYC) came and went. Trend alerts were on focus. The it look and what beauty standards are being pushed on us for another season have been viewed, talked about, chewed and spit out. 

As consumers who drive the market, I have to ask, how do you consciously support brands that don't support you, their workers or the environment. Some of these brands that walked the runways participate in fast fashion practices, non-sustainable environmental impact along with low wages and horrible labor conditions. Hearing the chatter from the constant generational divide of opinions, when are we as a whole going to get it right? 

Clean energy is a start. We are starting to see more support behind it yet, this is constantly deemed as "woke" due to the fact that most of us understand that fossil fuels are (and will) run out. In times since, did we think that Henry Ford was woke for creating the Ford Model A? What about Garrett Morgan? Was he too woke when he invented the three light traffic light? Or how about Mary Anderson. Was she too woke for inventing the windshield wiper? Why is progress deemed as woke? 

As a globalized society, we can do better. Just because something is moving in a more sustainable direction should not be deemed as a negative. We should be discussing this as most of us would like to see a better today and a brighter tomorrow. 

XXXV: The Tuesday that never came

"Keep your eyes on the stars."-T. Roosevelt 2/1/2023

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to December 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to December 2022 for organizations in need)

Warning: this entry contains subjects on depression, mental health and suicide. 

This modern world we are in, especially in the beauty industry, are you witnessing others success? Others in a time of horrible inflation, the normal of what life is like "after" the Covid-19 pandemic along with the constant barrage of perfect happy growing professionals on social media? Are you going further and further into debt while trying to keep afloat? You are not alone. 

While being apart of the beauty industry, an industry where creatives are able to find a safe space to show off talents and make connections with others, has a very lonely side.

We are constantly bombarded with fake curated content to which we are pressured to partake in in order to be successful. Talent is being measured by followers. Success is being determined by an unexplainable algorithm. "Safe spaces" are given just to be trolled. All of this while trying to balance life and the ever changing landscape of where you live. NYC, as this is where I am based, has not bounced back. Not just for me, but for others too. The city that never sleeps started to push snooze. 24 hour atms, gone. Nightlife, gone. Office clientele for all ranges of businesses, gone. It feels overwhelming but you are not alone. 

Some of the issues we are navigating as beauty professionals alike is how hard it is to just "show up". These metal struggles are starting to bust through the seams to which the encompassing feeling of failure is growing at an alarming rate. You are not alone. For all, this daily grind of life is not sustainable and for some, the struggle is silent. The silent struggle is real but you are not alone.    

We need to do better. We need to support each other. We need to make this year better than 2022. If you or anyone you know is suffering a mental health crises there is help at https://988lifeline.org.

This entry is dedicated to Brandon Scott Sawyers. RIP friend. 

XXXIV: When tomorrow comes

"Whatever you do, you do out of a passion."-A. Lennox 1/1/2023

(Use Adjective of Choice) New Year.

XXXIII: Dear Diary,

"Deep breaths are very helpful at shallow parties."-B. Walters 12/31/22

If your 2022 Experienced:                                                                                                                                                           Renewal, Compassion, Fun, Happiness, Pride, Petrified, Possessive, Adoration, Enthralled, Lost and Heartbroken over the passing of Betty White, Employed, Excitement, Addicted, Dopey, Peace, Satisfaction, Acceptance, Affection, Lean, Joy, Done, Adoration, Desire, Interest, Provoked, Wanted, Unemployed, Grateful, Jubilant, Love, Humble, Contentment, Empathetic, Amusement,  Appreciative, Confident, Optimistic, Exhausted, Cheerful, Carefree,Sweet, In-between, Kind, Loyal, Lust, Gladsomeness, Goofy, Inspired, Fires, Enchanted, Poor, Ethereal, Funny Friendly, Relief, Floods, Poor, Calm, Sensual, Awe, Warm, Fat, Romantic, Aware, Comfortable, Enraged, Free, Courageous, Hopeful, Fascinated, Manic, Tender, Proud, Relief, Covid-19, Eager, Dispirited, Innocent, Insanity, Tornadoes,  Addiction, Sexy, Understanding, Patient, Surprised, Craving, Wonder, Amazed, Longing, Foolish, Mellow, High, Sentimental, Anew, Low, Focused, Determined, Fearful, Grieved, Distracted, Baffled, Needy, Lost, Self-pity, Pessimistic, Giddy, Crafty, Flirty, Hysteria, Withdrawal, Worried, Abandoned, Doubtful, Frazzled, Sorrow, Curious, Guilt, Apologetic, Horrified, Beautiful, Overwhelmed, Nervous, Homesick,Full, Anxious, Cringe, Terrified, Cautious, Terrified, Panicked, Alienated, Burnout, Challenged, Jealous, Neglected, Ugly, Fraud (feeling like a), Stressed, Agony, Empty, Shock, Depressed, Desperate, Confused, Alone, Tense, Hopeless, Weary, Uneasiness, Tense, Sympathetic,Suspicious, Homelessness, Paranoid, Reluctant, Skeptical, Sulkiness, Horror, Sadness, Unhappy, Hungry, Emptiness, Misery, Climate Change, Grateful, Abused, Merry, Somber, Racism, Foolish, Festive, Grim, Mourned, Objectified, Exploited, Forgotten, Hated, Abashed, Wanderlust, Aching, Insecure, Apathetic, Defeated, Pity, Submissive, Lonely, Heartbroken, Depressed, Worn-out, Glum, Cowardly, Gloomy, Hurting, Disappointed, Tired, Melancholy, Lovesick, Left-out, Resigned, Miserable, Shy, Vulnerable, Yearning, Nostalgia, Remorse, Pensive, Reclusive, Hate Crime, Protective, Dismay, Distress, Anger, Annoyed, Delighted, Bitter, Frustrated, Enlightened, Dislike, Spite, Uncomfortable, Cold, Bitter, Infuriated, Rage, Cheated, Vengeful, Disgust, Animosity, Insulted, Envy, Uneasy, Loathe, Offended, Hopeless, Wild Fires, Troubled, Embarrassed, Political Unrest, Boredom, Wrath, Disapproval, Craving, Unwanted, Outrage, Awkward, Rich, Hatred, Resentment, Lazy, Mean, Hatred, Cranky, Grumpy, Aggressive, Body Dysmorphia, Horror, Vigilant, Vibrant, Pity, Cruel, Gone, Bullied, Mania, Eating Disorder, Protective, Uncomfortable, Adored, Invincible, Worthy, Poor, Religious, Empowered, Exiled, Resentful, Disgust, Delirious, Denial, Obsessed, Defensive, Destructive, Peaceful, Ecstatic, Lively, Exuberant, Wanted, Loyal, Curious, Tranquil, War, Worthless, Impatient, Sleepy, Passion, Zesty, Magical along with any other words I failed to mention. It's ok. You are not alone.

Bye 2022.

XXXII: Rejoice, rejoice...

"If you haven't got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble."~B. Hope 12/2022

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

In honor of the season, we are attaching some of our favorite charitable organizations in need.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD-(CLICK HERE)-supporting reproductive rights since 1916.

GENDER/JUSTICE-(CLICK HERE)-supporting gender equality since 2010.

NEW VOICES FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE-(CLICK HERE)-supporting reproductive justice since 2004.

CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS-(CLICK HERE)-supporting reproductive rights since 1992.

NARAL PRO-CHOICE AMERICA-(CLICK HERE)-supporting pro-choice since 1969.

OCNAMIBIA.ORG-As kayaking guide, Naude has spent thousands of days at the local Cape Fur Seal colony at Pelican Point, Namibia. He felt a huge sense of responsibility when he encountered his first entangled seal in 2013. He managed to catch and free it from a fishing net, but he soon noticed other entangled seals. What started as an opportunistic rescue of one individual seal, turned into a daily mission to help as many seals as possible. 

4OCEAN.com-4ocean is an ocean cleanup company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis.

Abundance International(CLICK HERE) -is dedicated to supporting orphanages in Ukraine with what they need to care for the special needs children and those who have been dropped on their doorstep for care.We work with the orphanages in Ukraine to provide needed medicines, practical supplies, physical therapy equipment, and orphanage renovations. Many of the infants dropped off at an orphanage are rejected because of physical problems the parents don’t want to deal with. The government of Ukraine is only able to provide minimal provisions. Without the needed medicines and physical therapy equipment provided by Abundance International many of these children would be physically scarred for life – and some wouldn’t survive. You can donate at (CLICK HERE).

Voices of Children (CLICK HERE),- a charitable foundation based in Ukraine, has been serving the psychological needs of children affected by the war in the country’s east since 2015, according to its website. The group’s psychologists specialize in art therapy and provide general psychosocial support with group classes or individual sessions. Many of its psychologists are based in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, areas that have long been controlled by Russian-backed separatists and that are on the front lines of the current, wider conflict. Now, Voices of Children is providing assistance to children and families all over Ukraine, even helping with evacuations. You can donate (CLICK HERE).

Journalists with the Kyiv Independent (click here) -have done tremendous work covering the war, offering the world constant updates as they fear for themselves, their families and their homes (click here). The Independent has started a GoFundMe(CLICK HERE) asking for support, but they’ve also promoted a separate GoFundMe(CLICK HERE) — “Keep Ukraine’s media going” — for journalists around the country who have received less international attention. “[Ukraine’s reporters] have shown extraordinary courage, but the reality on the ground is that most operations cannot continue from Ukraine alone,” one organizer wrote (click here). “This fundraiser is aimed at helping media relocate, set-up back offices and continue their operations from neighboring countries.”

José Andrés, the beloved D.C. chef famous for feeding people in need (click here) around the world, is already in Europe with his World Central Kitchen team helping provide (click here) “thousands of meals in Poland, Romania and even inside Ukraine,” he wrote on Twitter. Anyone who wishes to donate to the efforts can go here (CLICK HERE).

Razom for Ukraine (CLICK HERE) -was founded in 2014 and has since launched efforts to build a stronger democracy in the country. Now, according to its website, the nonprofit is “focused on purchasing medical supplies for critical situations like blood loss and other tactical medicine items. We have a large procurement team of volunteers that tracks down and purchases supplies and a logistics team that then gets them to Ukraine.” Razom — which means “together” in Ukrainian — posted a list (click here) of the lifesaving supplies it has already purchased and is asking for more support here (click here).

Click on the website for Care(CLICK HERE),- the international humanitarian juggernaut, and a pop-up window appears. “UKRAINE EMERGENCY,” the alert says, with a photo of a woman holding a child. “Families in Ukraine are fleeing violence and urgently need emergency aid. CARE is providing food, water, and more,” the homepage says. The group has partnered with People in Need (CLICK HERE) and hopes to build a fund that can reach 4 million people, especially women, girls and the elderly. Donations for Care can be made (click here).

Save the Children(CLICK HERE), founded more than a century ago, is blunt about the grueling nature of its work: “We work in the hardest-to-reach places, where it’s toughest to be a child,” its homepage says. The organization says it is “gravely concerned” for the children of Ukraine and Afghanistan. Its donation page says that $50 can prevent three children from going hungry for a month, $150 can provide warm blankets for 30 children, and $300 can furnish masks to refugee health workers on the front lines.

Sunflower of Peace(CLICK HERE) is a small nonprofit with ambitions to help Ukrainian orphans and internally displaced people. A post on its Facebook page in mid-February said it had launched a fundraiser for first-aid medical tactical backpacks. Each backpack, it says, can save up to 10 people. They’re packed with bandages and anti-hemorrhagic medicines, among other critical items. The group has worked mostly off its Facebook page(CLICK HERE), where it’s accepting donations.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs oversees U.N. Crisis Relief(CLICK HERE), with donations going toward U.N. efforts to fund work in humanitarian crises. Primary goals include supporting lifesaving activities, filling funding gaps and expanding assistance in hard-to-reach areas, according to its website. You can donate here(CLICK HERE).

The International Rescue Committee(CLICK HERE), founded in 1933, helps those impacted by humanitarian crises and works in more than 40 affected countries, as well as communities in Europe and the Americas. According to its website, the IRC is on the ground in Poland and working to help displaced families. The site offers suggestions(CLICK HERE) on how you can assist Ukraine, such as welcoming refugees and social media activism. You can donate here(CLICK HERE).

 

XXXI: It is in your mind...

"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."~M.T. Moore 11/2022

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to March 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to July 2022 for organizations in need)

As we watch the leaves change and submerge ourselves into all the things that make fall the best, it's that time of year that the consultation starts off with, "should I go darker for the fall and winter" or, "I need a change, what will make me look younger or more youthful".

As you know, I am not one in the industry that supports conformity in regards to the whole "I need to go darker in the fall". If you identify as a platinum blonde, going darker is going to cause trauma. If you want to embrace a change due to loosing that summer glow, than who am I to discourage you, I'm all for it. However, when it comes to the conversation about "how to look more youthful," this verbiage should be eliminated from the vernacular.

With constant pressure in this modern world we are in, for women (no man hating just focusing on the facts), we have daily reminders (and sometimes silent ones) that push to conform and mold ourselves to a certain standard. Why are standards so skewed when we mature equating to becoming invisible or unattractive? As I simmer into my years, I am hearing this more and more in my chair. TBH, it breaks my heart. Why are we not considered of beauty when we age?

As I chew on this, I do ask myself how can we change aging into a positive versus a negative? When will society consider that not all of us get the opportunity or privilege to "grow old".  At what point, can we just live and live our best life vs having to worry about the societal toxicity of what beauty should be defined as?

XXX: Pick your poison

"Sometimes it takes a good fall to really know where you stand."~H. Williams 10/2022

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to March 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to July 2022 for organizations in need)

And in a blink September has ended. The buzz of fashion week has subsided, kids are back in school and most (if not all) of us are fully back in the office. As the winds start to cool and the hours grow darker, there is a noticeable change in regards to appointment making.... arriving on-time and last minute cancelations.

As most of us have been in this new world since day one learning to adapt, grow and hold onto whatever we have in order to survive, there is a habit that has been observed in regards to clients and their time of arrival or last minute cancelation. Everyone's time is important. No one's time is above another. Time is precious. When behind the chair, time is a value, it is money. Some of you have your own business. Some might be micro (shout out) all the way to limitless sizes of operation.

As a hair artists, everyone is allowed a get-out-of-jail-free card. When it becomes a habit, (I am going to say it) you come off disrespectful. Especially when you get a response of, "oh I thought you were going to run late so I went shopping". (And yes, that statement was said to me). As a hair artist, we are ready and conditioned to people please. When you run late, we greet you (97% of the time) with a smile, "it's ok let's get started" kinda approach. When WE run late, which also happens, why does this turn into prime time verbal assault or disdain or an eye roll?

Why I am bringing this up is to allow all of us to do better. Know that when you are late, that affects the rest of our day. Same goes for when we run late for you. It is also a reflection on how we can be pro-active vs reactive. Remember, we are here to make you feel more beautiful and better.

 

XXVIIII: Noon burnt gold into our hair…

“Being a fish out of water is tough, but that’s how you evolve.”~K. Nanjiani 9/2022

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to March 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to July 2022 for organizations in need)

“I only want a dusting, a trim, a ghost cut….” You name it we’ve heard it. Whether you have straight hair or texture, trauma haircuts are real and can shape your salon experience moving forward. 

Observationally, this is noticed with clients who have extreme lengths, texture or identify with their hair. 

When it comes to these traumas, all stylist are not created equally. Some tips to help navigate this stressful adventure. 

One: Find a professional you trust. We hear you along with your needs and concerns. We are going to strive to do our best to please but know, we cannot fix the damaged already done. We are here to try and change your thoughts and experiences to be in a more positive environment.

Two: Verbiage. Know what to say. As hair artist, we will inform you on your options for optimal health in regards to how much length to loose however. If you are not willing to go all the way with loosing those inches, then know you will have to compromise when it comes to the expectations. If you are also letting your stylist know what you are comfortable with and what you are not and they still are not listening, time to find a new stylist.

Three:  If you get along with your hair artist and a mistake is made, grow and work with us. Even if we don't get it right every time, better to grow with someone who will get to know what your hair goals are vs jumping around and starting new every single new service that is being requested. 

XXVIII:  Mistakes have been made.

"I don't aim for perfection. But I do want to try and come up with something interesting.”-K.Bush 8/2022

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to March 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)
(Help support reproductive rights. Scroll to July 2022 for organizations in need)

When does do it yourself cross a line of don’t do it yourself and leave it to the professionals? We have all heard of at-home hair care, hair color or hair ideas that go viral to the exhaustion of hair professionals alike. As we shake our heads at times while accessing what needs to be done to correct a “what I saw online” moment, it just has me pondering the why. 

An observation in the industry is the undervaluing of our talents, knowledge, education/educational investments along with drive behind what makes us passionate great hairdressers. “That’s too expensive,” “I can get it done cheaper elsewhere,” “It’s just hair, it’s not that hard”. We start to hear these things over and over and over again and eventually we might start to believe it. 

Yup. Nope. Stop right there. This is not ok!

“Good hair aint cheap and cheap hair aint good”. If it isn’t that hard, then why are you asking me to do it? Why should my craft and career come at the cost of being free to you? To be an invested hair artist these days is more than being a personality. We invest in our skills and growth. We are the types to work all the time and not know boundaries. We are the types that don’t know how to say no. So when we advise you on things to do and not do based on your self education or what you have seen online, it is with merit to the why. 

Our value should come as an investment to yourself. No matter what your budget allows, there is nothing wrong with paying less or more. It is what you find worth putting your monies towards. Beauty professionals and the services we provided should be prized with more respect. I love what I do but just because I love what I do doesn’t mean I should do it for free. The beauty industry is what we chose as our career path same as yours. It is a career. Not a hobby.

XXVII: I am strong...

"I am invincible. I am woman."-H.Reddy 7/2022
(Help Ukraine. Scroll to March 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)

We now face a critical moment in U.S. history. At J.L.BYRD, we stand in support and remain steadfast in the belief that access to reproductive health care is a fundamental human right.

Below are a list of organizations that are in need of you:

PLANNED PARENTHOOD-(CLICK HERE)-supporting reproductive rights since 1916.

GENDER/JUSTICE-(CLICK HERE)-supporting gender equality since 2010.

NEW VOICES FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE-(CLICK HERE)-supporting reproductive justice since 2004.

CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS-(CLICK HERE)-supporting reproductive rights since 1992.

NARAL PRO-CHOICE AMERICA-(CLICK HERE)-supporting pro-choice since 1969.

At J.L.BYRD, we believe in choice and support all individuals within those choices. A portion of all proceeds made at J.L.BYRD will be donated to helping reproductive rights and gender equality.

XXVI: Summer lovin’…

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.”-J.Collins 6/2022

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to March 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)

Spring has started to wain as summer begins again. A time to relax and feel joyous. A time to get a way. A time when school has ended and who knows what adventures await. A time to change our hair color or maybe grow our hair out. Not sure about you, but with all this change upon the wind it at times can seem very overwhelming. With feeling overwhelmed, it can escalate into more severity if not accepted and addressed. How  do you manage without getting to the burnout phase? 

As a small business owner (and growing), best advice is to accept that you cannot do it all… and that’s ok. In the beauty world, we are pressured daily to post content ( and filter them to the ideas of what perfection is defined as), hustle culture, always say yes, no lunch break, going into work sick, imposter syndrome and the list goes on. In the world of beauty, it can get really ugly. 

As I navigate this myself, the best ways I have found to continue to be the best I can is to plan, prepare and accept when things need extensions. Asking others for guidance and advice. Never looking at failures as lack of accomplishment but rather an opportunity to grow. 

As you navigate on ways to avoid being overwhelmed, always know at the end of it all… 

You are not alone. 

XXV: Mankind must put an end to war…

(Help Ukraine. Scroll to March 2022 for a list of organizations in need. SLAVA UKRAINE)

“I intend to live life, not just exist.”-G.Takei 5/2022

New York City has some of her most blushing moments in the spring time. Encompassing colors and hues of soft pinks and pastels that can bring you to a halt. Things feel different this spring. Noticeably, some of us are starting to crawl back into our offices. Small introductions to our former lives before the pandemic. With all these positive changes, I have started to notice some of us reverting back to our old ways in regards to thermal styling resulting in damage. 

A few tips. Let us start with products. There are difference depending on the heat source known as direct and indirect heat. Examples. Blow dyer is in-direct heat. Flatiron and Curling Iron, direct heat. Products tell you what kind of heat they are used for. These products list which heat source they work best with along with recommended temperature use. The heat source listed also activates the product to it’s fullest potential. Some of my favorites for blowdrying is Kevin Murphy's EVER.SMOOTH (<-click here) and ILES FORMULA FINISHING SERUM (<-click here). For curling tools and/or flatirons, I am still obsessed with ILES FORMULA FINISHING SERUM. I love this product in particular due to it’s formulation for protection of both heat styles. 

So as we start to transition out the days of goblincore, make sure to start loving your hair with a little heat protection.  

XXIV: Help is still needed

"My mom and my dad wanted my brother and I to have a better life, you know, better education, better jobs. It was probably harder, much, much harder, for my parents."-M.Kunis 04/2022

At J.L.Byrd, WE STAND WITH UKRAINE. Please scroll through the March 2022 conversation to see organizations in need of your help.

XXIII: Do you know that a wall has two sides?

“We have to offer the society a new model of behavior, based on equal rights and opportunities ”.-I. Sovsun 3/1/2022

WE STAND WITH UKRAINE

  • Abundance International(CLICK HERE) is dedicated to supporting orphanages in Ukraine with what they need to care for the special needs children and those who have been dropped on their doorstep for care.We work with the orphanages in Ukraine to provide needed medicines, practical supplies, physical therapy equipment, and orphanage renovations. Many of the infants dropped off at an orphanage are rejected because of physical problems the parents don’t want to deal with. The government of Ukraine is only able to provide minimal provisions. Without the needed medicines and physical therapy equipment provided by Abundance International many of these children would be physically scarred for life – and some wouldn’t survive. You can donate at (CLICK HERE).
  • Voices of Children (CLICK HERE), a charitable foundation based in Ukraine, has been serving the psychological needs of children affected by the war in the country’s east since 2015, according to its website. The group’s psychologists specialize in art therapy and provide general psychosocial support with group classes or individual sessions. Many of its psychologists are based in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, areas that have long been controlled by Russian-backed separatists and that are on the front lines of the current, wider conflict. Now, Voices of Children is providing assistance to children and families all over Ukraine, even helping with evacuations. You can donate (CLICK HERE).
  • Journalists with the Kyiv Independent (click here) have done tremendous work covering the war, offering the world constant updates as they fear for themselves, their families and their homes (click here). The Independent has started a GoFundMe(CLICK HERE) asking for support, but they’ve also promoted a separate GoFundMe(CLICK HERE) — “Keep Ukraine’s media going” — for journalists around the country who have received less international attention. “[Ukraine’s reporters] have shown extraordinary courage, but the reality on the ground is that most operations cannot continue from Ukraine alone,” one organizer wrote (click here). “This fundraiser is aimed at helping media relocate, set-up back offices and continue their operations from neighboring countries.”
  • José Andrés, the beloved D.C. chef famous for feeding people in need (click here) around the world, is already in Europe with his World Central Kitchen team helping provide (click here) “thousands of meals in Poland, Romania and even inside Ukraine,” he wrote on Twitter. Anyone who wishes to donate to the efforts can go here (CLICK HERE).
  • Razom for Ukraine (CLICK HERE) was founded in 2014 and has since launched efforts to build a stronger democracy in the country. Now, according to its website, the nonprofit is “focused on purchasing medical supplies for critical situations like blood loss and other tactical medicine items. We have a large procurement team of volunteers that tracks down and purchases supplies and a logistics team that then gets them to Ukraine.” Razom — which means “together” in Ukrainian — posted a list (click here) of the lifesaving supplies it has already purchased and is asking for more support here (click here).
  • Click on the website for Care(CLICK HERE), the international humanitarian juggernaut, and a pop-up window appears. “UKRAINE EMERGENCY,” the alert says, with a photo of a woman holding a child. “Families in Ukraine are fleeing violence and urgently need emergency aid. CARE is providing food, water, and more,” the homepage says. The group has partnered with People in Need (CLICK HERE) and hopes to build a fund that can reach 4 million people, especially women, girls and the elderly. Donations for Care can be made (click here).
  • Save the Children(CLICK HERE), founded more than a century ago, is blunt about the grueling nature of its work: “We work in the hardest-to-reach places, where it’s toughest to be a child,” its homepage says. The organization says it is “gravely concerned” for the children of Ukraine and Afghanistan. Its donation page says that $50 can prevent three children from going hungry for a month, $150 can provide warm blankets for 30 children, and $300 can furnish masks to refugee health workers on the front lines.
  • Sunflower of Peace(CLICK HERE) is a small nonprofit with ambitions to help Ukrainian orphans and internally displaced people. A post on its Facebook page in mid-February said it had launched a fundraiser for first-aid medical tactical backpacks. Each backpack, it says, can save up to 10 people. They’re packed with bandages and anti-hemorrhagic medicines, among other critical items. The group has worked mostly off its Facebook page(CLICK HERE), where it’s accepting donations.
  • The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs oversees U.N. Crisis Relief(CLICK HERE), with donations going toward U.N. efforts to fund work in humanitarian crises. Primary goals include supporting lifesaving activities, filling funding gaps and expanding assistance in hard-to-reach areas, according to its website. You can donate here(CLICK HERE).
  • The International Rescue Committee(CLICK HERE), founded in 1933, helps those impacted by humanitarian crises and works in more than 40 affected countries, as well as communities in Europe and the Americas. According to its website, the IRC is on the ground in Poland and working to help displaced families. The site offers suggestions(CLICK HERE) on how you can assist Ukraine, such as welcoming refugees and social media activism. You can donate here(CLICK HERE).

XXII: Shut 'em down open up shop

"If you're afraid to fail, then you're probably going to fail."-K. Bryant 2/1/22

As an educator and mentor, it is a fascinating observation to witness giving future professionals or professionals alike guidance to turn around and ask "what happened?". To your continued surprise and the response of the learner, "oh I just thought my way was 'better' / 'the correct way' ".

When it comes to being in an industry where we have the power to alter peoples images, sometimes in less than 30 minutes, this "I thought my way was the correct way," might lead you into some trouble, especially without years of experience, technical skills and/or knowledge.

This industry is always evolving and we need to continue to grow and educate ourselves. This also means to grow and be humble along the way. Whether 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, 10 year or however long you have been continuing to strive for excellence in the field of beauty, don't loose sight on how it feels to be a learner and the frustrations and celebrations that come along with it.

XXI: Turn, Turn, Turn

"When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow." -E. Taylor 1/1/22

(Use Adjective of Choice) New Year.

XX: Dear Diary,

"I have no idea what color [my hair] really is, and I never intend to find out."-B.White 12/31/21

If your 2021 Experienced:                                                                                                                                                           Renewal, Compassion, Fun, Happiness, Pride, Petrified, Possessive, Adoration, Enthralled, Lost and Heartbroken over the passing of Betty White, Employed, Excitement, Addicted, Dopey, Peace, Satisfaction, Acceptance, Affection, Lean, Joy, Done, Adoration, Desire, Interest, Provoked, Wanted, Unemployed, Grateful, Jubilant, Love, Humble, Contentment, Empathetic, Amusement,  Appreciative, Confident, Optimistic, Exhausted, Cheerful, Carefree,Sweet, In-between, Kind, Loyal, Lust, Gladsomeness, Goofy, Inspired, Fires, Enchanted, Poor, Ethereal, Funny Friendly, Relief, Floods, Poor, Calm, Sensual, Awe, Warm, Fat, Romantic, Aware, Comfortable, Enraged, Free, Courageous, Hopeful, Fascinated, Manic, Tender, Proud, Relief, Covid-19, Eager, Dispirited, Innocent, Insanity, Tornadoes,  Addiction, Sexy, Understanding, Patient, Surprised, Craving, Wonder, Amazed, Longing, Foolish, Mellow, High, Sentimental, Anew, Low, Focused, Determined, Fearful, Grieved, Distracted, Baffled, Needy, Lost, Self-pity, Pessimistic, Giddy, Crafty, Flirty, Hysteria, Withdrawal, Worried, Abandoned, Doubtful, Frazzled, Sorrow, Curious, Guilt, Apologetic, Horrified, Beautiful, Overwhelmed, Nervous, Homesick,Full, Anxious, Cringe, Terrified, Cautious, Terrified, Panicked, Alienated, Burnout, Challenged, Jealous, Neglected, Ugly, Fraud (feeling like a), Stressed, Agony, Empty, Shock, Depressed, Desperate, Confused, Alone, Tense, Hopeless, Weary, Uneasiness, Tense, Sympathetic,Suspicious, Homelessness, Paranoid, Reluctant, Skeptical, Sulkiness, Horror, Sadness, Unhappy, Hungry, Emptiness, Misery, Climate Change, Grateful, Abused, Merry, Somber, Racism, Foolish, Festive, Grim, Mourned, Objectified, Exploited, Forgotten, Hated, Abashed, Wanderlust, Aching, Insecure, Apathetic, Defeated, Pity, Submissive, Lonely, Heartbroken, Depressed, Worn-out, Glum, Cowardly, Gloomy, Hurting, Disappointed, Tired, Melancholy, Lovesick, Left-out, Resigned, Miserable, Shy, Vulnerable, Yearning, Nostalgia, Remorse, Pensive, Reclusive, Hate Crime, Protective, Dismay, Distress, Anger, Annoyed, Delighted, Bitter, Frustrated, Enlightened, Dislike, Spite, Uncomfortable, Cold, Bitter, Infuriated, Rage, Cheated, Vengeful, Disgust, Animosity, Insulted, Envy, Uneasy, Loathe, Offended, Hopeless, Wild Fires, Troubled, Embarrassed, Political Unrest, Boredom, Wrath, Disapproval, Craving, Unwanted, Outrage, Awkward, Rich, Hatred, Resentment, Lazy, Mean, Hatred, Cranky, Grumpy, Aggressive, Body Dysmorphia, Horror, Vigilant, Vibrant, Pity, Cruel, Gone, Bullied, Mania, Eating Disorder, Protective, Uncomfortable, Adored, Invincible, Worthy, Poor, Religious, Empowered, Exiled, Resentful, Disgust, Delirious, Denial, Obsessed, Defensive, Destructive, Peaceful, Ecstatic, Lively, Exuberant, Wanted, Loyal, Curious, Tranquil, War, Worthless, Impatient, Sleepy, Passion, Zesty, Magical along with any other words I failed to mention. It's ok. You are not alone.

Bye 2021.

Part XIX: Vanilla winter waves

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I count say any other way- things I had no words for." -G. O'Keeffe 12/01/21

The wind and temperatures are starting to drop. The rain drops freezing into tiny pieces of art work. As we all now quote as the season approaches, "winter is coming". From our last conversation, guests, friends and family are all chiming in on the need for hair tips as we start to loose moisture and shine entering the colder seasons. Along with moisture concerns, some find this time to transition from lighter colors to darker, more seasonally richer tones. 

When it comes to the need of moisture, stick with products that help to target hydration vs protein. If you are not recommended a protein based product by your stylists/colorists, I would not recommend taking it upon yourself to prescribing a product as such. If you use too much protein in the hair, it can sensitize it = hair breakage. I would encourage doing a moisturizing at home mask (or a once a month in salon condoning treatment).

When you change your color from light to dark, fading can be a frustration that follows. If you are one to change like the colors of the season, chat with your hair professional about their favorite color depositing conditioner. One of my favorites is the WELLA COLOR FRESH MASKS . With easy to follow instructions, this is my new at home color care go to. 

'Tis the season that our hair needs some TLC. Using the above options is a hug of moisture or a color refresh your hair might be asking for.

Happy Hair days and from all of us here at J.L. Byrd, we celebrate you and another year. Seasons wishes and a happy and healthy New Year. 

 

Part XVIII: Cool Change

"No water, no life. No blue, no green."-S.Earle 11/2021

The holidays are upon us and it feels (for some) like things have returned to a stat of normalcy. Travel plans, holiday shopping, meal planning, or just staying where you are having another day. We all will be doing vastly different things but one this is for sure, while we continue to push through this pandemic to an endemic and enter the cooler seasons, moisture is a must. We are still actively washing our hands and I don't know about you, but mine are pretty thirsty. Drinking plenty of water throughout your day will help in hydration along with giving you a healthy glow. Water is the fountain of youth but at times, my hands need a little extra.  Recommendation for those thirsty hands....keep some form of moisturizing lotion or oil on you to keep your hands from cracking and your cuticles from screaming. Lotions with ingredients as Vitamin E, Aloe, Hemp, Chamomile, Rose, Shea Butter or Jojoba Oil (but not limited to) will help aid in hydration and extra perk; some of the above ingredients, such as aloe or chamomile, can give your hands much needed relief with soothing qualities.

Part XVII: Quién es esa niña?

"Whose that girl?" -Madonna 10/1/21

A few entries back, it was mentioned how our society bases value and credibility upon how many likes and/or followers we have acquired. A number, based on the imagery of perfection.

Now here we are. Absorbing damaging information and alarming facts; The Wall Street Journal broke word reveled by internal documents that Facebook is harmful to (teenage girls) self esteem. That mental health is on a collision course due to the the struggles of constant perfection being pushed into our psyche. We all know this. We all knew this. We all ignore it. We all ignored it. We all continue to participate in it and yet, where do we go from here?

It's time to unplug.

We need to start embracing and celebrating all that our journeys have to offer. It's not always going to be picture perfect, but isn't a picture worth a thousand words?

Part XVI: With great power comes great responsibility 

"All at once, summer collapsed into fall." -O. Wilde 9/1/2021

Another summer is coming to a close. This summer was supposed to be a summer like no other but September is here. Fashion week, the September issues and yet the streets of New York City feel more like a holiday weekend; Quiet. Along with not being 24/7 anymore, it's just different. While we all navigate our individual normals, a topic that has perked my ears is what it means to have a platform and a social media presence in the modern world we are in. Conversations on what it means, what responsibilities should be had, and when it is time to stop following.

Depending on your "pandemic", there are still an exuberant amount of individuals still looking for work, behind on bills, wondering what tomorrow is going to bring yet, continue to have hope that help is on the way. In times like these, following an "influencer" who has taken vacations, flouted social distancing, has an income that equates to wealth that could solve hunger issues, lives in a palatial set up and yet, complains. Complains about how hard it is to be stuck in their homes, not having a normal vacation, being a prisoner on acres and acres of land. When is enough enough?

Why do we continue to support and look up to individuals who don't do anything for society except take and expect more?

At this point in the game, it's time to start unfollowing this toxic "influence" and start looking at those that are trying to make a change and help. What ever that may be in your eyes, we need to start helping and supporting each other. We need to start embracing the human experience and start living it, before it's too late.

 

Part XV: Summers almost gone.

"Where will we be, when the summers gone." -The Doors 8/1/2021

As we continue to grow and navigate through the new world, the beauty industry continues to shift what tomorrow might look like. One thing is for sure, the hesitancy to normalcy is becoming a new wave of thinking. With this new wave, what is trending in the hair world is more manageable natural hair without loosing your style or your identity. Embracing your roots, embracing natural highlights and dabbling in the shades and hues of coppers. Such an exciting time to experiment with something new! While we cannot control the world, we can start to try and regain control of ourselves while embracing our individuality. Let's grow and continue to put our best forward. It's a new day and summer is almost gone.

Part XIV: Summer time time time. 

"I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free... so other people would be also free."-R. Parks 7/1/2021

An article circulating recently is that of a hairdresser who charged $2400 for a cut and color make-over (and they still managed to get some lightener on the guests shirt). The question at hand; was this client ripped off or not. As part of the masses were focused on "canceling" this hair artist, others came to their defense.

"This shouldn't have taken 13 hours," "this is a rip off," "this is overcharging" etc. With the before and after pictures showing an amazing transformation, why has it come to fruiting that hair artists need to defend their worth when it comes to their craft? It takes years of dedication, continued education and (at least) a year of commitment of time and money to receiving your cosmetology license.

This was a corrective color service, this was a service that can not be fixed with a little color over it, trim and on your merry way. For those that think  they can do it cheaper or themselves, then go for it! Good hair isn't cheap and cheap hair isn't good. When you discount yourself and go to a discounted hair coiffure and don't get the the results you wanted, you end up paying more to fix it.

Instead of attacking someone (is it jealousy?), maybe try asking " why do you charge the way you do". If you are in the chair of an honest cosmetologist, transparency will take over and an explanation will ensue as to why a licensed professional service can come at a cost.

Part XIII: June's in bloom

"June is the gateway to summer." -J. Hersey 6/1/2021

New York city is finally getting its groove back. The streets are starting to bustle and our chairs are getting busier. With this new outlook and the vibes that are following, you might be feeling like you need an all over change, refresher or inspiration; along with a much needed vent session when returning to your stylist. After the set appointment time, your look is finished, you tell your stylist you love it/thank you, check out and go on your merry way. You get home, see a friend, take a photo and realize, you HATE it. What do you do?

First let me address that this is the worst feeling for both parties. Our intention as hair designers is not to make you unhappy, we wouldn't be in this industry if we weren't people pleasers.... ask your stylists how many holidays/events/occasions they have missed to accommodate the needs of the industry.

First thing you should do is call and ask to speak with your stylists. First thing you shouldn't do is call and ask to speak with you stylists to then verbally attack them over the phone. (We want to help you, but this does not help the situation. We know you are upset, this is our work, we are upset too.) We are human, mistakes are made but we, as professionals, do have policies in place for corrections/adjustments/redo's. We want you to come back to us so we can fix our work; we want you to be honest as we are honest with you. If you are not comfortable returning to the said stylists, ask to see someone at the same salon and if you are ok with it, have the other stylist present so they can be shown how to achieve your requested look. If you are truly at a point that you just want to forget it all and move on, then yes, ask for a refund but note, this does not mean you should go on all your social media outlets and trash this person who has tried to appease the situation. If you are wanting this "move on" option, then hold your word to it.  If the professional has given you options to help, you shouldn't take that and be malicious with it.

When it comes to a service with an unhappy outcome, it can come down to a few things; expectations, reality, photo comparisons, maintenance, money, rushing the professional, first time client, long time client, filters, at home rituals, identity, no consultation (I consult with every client, no matter how long they have been in my chair), jumping from professional to professional (no consistency) and apprentice stylists vs stylists expectations.

I did leave one example out but am going to put it down with caution but we are being honest right? Though this last one is rare, there are clients who are so hard or unable to please that you (both professional and guest) may want to ask yourself, "Is this worth it for both parties?".

Part XII: May Day!

“Another May new buds and flowers shall bring: Ah! why has happiness no second Spring?-C.Smith 5/1/2021

Spring is springing here on this day of May in New York City. As we continue to creep back into a version of "normal", something in the world of beauty really caught my attention.

I am starting to see more and more "body inclusivity" and "real beauty" campaigns starting to gain some traction. Our attention is leaning further away from curated beauty to organic unedited unfiltered feeds of what our new day looks like.

If we are now focusing on things like "real beauty" concepts, why are we still valuing likes and followers to some sort of self worth? A like validates the brain just enough to release some good feeling chemicals yet that is supposed to impress to the extent of self worth? When are we really going to start normalizing it to be ok to be you? Is a picture worth a thousand words?

The first step for all of us is to start with ourselves and know that beauty does not have a definition or a one size fits all look. Then maybe, just maybe, we could share and harness that power to really make some change.

Part XI: April Fool's

“Aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning, spring.” -T. Capote 4/1/2021

Do you ever wonder why your hair color doesn't look as vibrant or rich or cool in some lights? Where are you spending mot of your time now?

I have been getting requests and questions on how to enhance hair color due to noticeable dullness / lack of vibrancy while on zoom. (One day we will look back on this and go "remember zoom?") One way to correct this without asking your colorist to change your formula is to adjust your lighting while on zoom. Ring lights can make a huge difference but if you want to use what you have, get creative and take time to see which light and where look best. Another option is an at home toning conditioning rinse to use frequently to keep the color as fresh as possible in between appointments. A favorite range of mine is Davines Alchemic Systems. (Please advise if you want to achieve the best results, the shampoo must be used with the conditioner). Finally, ask your colorist to enhance what you are wanting to see more of. Know that we are not always around a filtered image so be advise that this also might come with additional at home and in salon rituals.

Part X: 1-800-273-8255

“When you're surrounded by all these people, it can be lonelier than when you're by yourself. You can be in a huge crowd, but if you don't feel like you can trust anyone or talk to anybody, you feel like you're really alone.” F.Apple 3/1/2021

TRIGGER WARNING:SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH:
This post talks about suicide and mental health. If you or anyone you know ifs suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 1-800-273-8255.

Depending on where you live, life has it's moments and stressors. Not sure about you, but living thought a pandemic has really brought to light some thought provoking conversations in the chair. As a hair coiffure, we tend to be the third party that our clients rely on to talk to. Sometimes about really heavy topics; sometimes light and sometimes nothing at all. I recently came across a list of (one of many) "things your hairdresser wants you to know or not do," kinda of tag line. I could give commentary on numerous points that other hair creatives have mentioned but one took me by surprise.

"You don't have to talk. You don't have to be silent. Just know that we are stylists first and not necessarily therapist. If you tell me you are suicidal, I'm not equipped to help you with that. We have a good chat. I can tell you about my struggle and you can tell me about yours, but really talk to someone who actually knows how to help and deal with that. It can be a very hard things for us to hear, too" (no name is needed)

Fact. We live in a world that being a hairdresser is more than doing hair. We have access to numerous platforms to better ourselves to understand the "I'm not equipped to help you with that" response. Sometimes what sets apart a hairdresser from a therapist is the pice tag. Maybe, this stylist could've stopped to consider, "is this a cry for help"? Mental health is so in the fore front of our daily lives now. It is not something we have to suffer alone. Yes we have to navigate through some major real life things but this person is not only in your chair paying you, but sees you as a friend. Think about it. If someone is trusting you with their image, don't you think at some point in your hair story together that life just gets too real and your guest is trying to relate? Can they afford therapy? Trying to not feel alone?

Sometimes it breaks down to this, a cry for help can be in many forms; sometimes as hairdressers nothing seems off limits in our chats. Know this, the person in your chair trusts you. As a hairdresser, it's an honor to build these connections and build such trust. Our craft for what we do for our guests is more than just a hair appointment.

If you or anyone you know ifs suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 1-800-273-8255.

Part VIIII: Lather, Rinse, Repeat

"My favorite thing about New York is the people, because I think they're misunderstood. I don't think people realize how kind New York people are."-B.Murray 2/1/2021

The city is slowly starting to stir. It is more in the winds with their cold sting. Not sure about you but I am so over wearing masks however, as the new normal presses on one thing is for sure, masks are here for a little while longer. If you are experiencing the dreaded "maskne", myself included, two things work best for me and continue to work. With the help of these products, this is my once a week skin savior to help me continue to prevent my maskne flare ups.  (Please note, if you are following any dermatologist regimens please consult before adjusting to anything recommended.) Exfoliate and hydrate. This is my mantra though this journey of clear skin. As a once a week nightly ritual, use your favorite facial exfoliant followed by a moisture rich face creme, lotion or serum of choice. One of my favorite combos is Lush Ocean Salt face and body scrub followed by Glossier Priming Moisture Rich. With the sooting affects of sea salt followed by that extra kiss of skin comfort from the lavender, this has been my lifeline. As we continue to continue, one thing is for sure, there are worse things than maskne, but I hope this helps.

Part VIII: As strong as an Ox

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."-R.W. Emerson 1/1/2021

Happy New Year. 

Part VII: Dear Diary,

"Tomorrow is gonna be a brighter day."-C. Stevens 12/31/2020

If your 2020 Experienced:
Happiness, Pride, Petrified, Possessive, Adoration, Enthralled, Pride, Fat, Distracted, Employed, Excitement, Addicted, Dopey, Peace, Satisfaction, Acceptance, Affection, Lean, Joy, Compassion, Adoration, Desire, Interest, Provoked, Wanted, Unemployed, Grateful, Jubilant, Love, Humble, Contentment, Empathetic, Amusement,  Appreciative, Confident, Optimistic, Exhausted, Cheerful, Carefree,Sweet, In-between, Kind, Loyal, Lust, Gladsomeness, Goofy, Inspired, Enchanted, Poor, Ethereal, Funny Friendly, Relief, Poor, Calm, Sensual, Awe, Warm, Romantic, Aware, Comfortable, Free, Courageous, Hopeful, Fascinated, Manic, Tender, Proud, Relief, Eager, Dispirited, Innocent, Insanity, Addiction, Sexy, Understanding, Patient, Surprised, Craving, Wonder, Amazed, Longing, Foolish, Mellow, High, Sentimental, Anew, Low, Focused, Determined, Fearful, Grieved, Distracted, Baffled, Needy, Lost, Self-pity, Pessimistic, Giddy, Crafty, Flirty, Hysteria, Withdrawal, Worried, Abandoned, Doubtful, Frazzled, Sorrow, Curious, Guilt, Apologetic, Horrified, Beautiful, Overwhelmed, Nervous, Homesick,Full, Anxious, Terrified, Cautious, Terrified, Panicked, Alienated, Challenged, Jealous, Neglected, Ugly, Fraud (feeling like a), Stressed, Agony, Empty, Shock, Depressed, Desperate, Confused, Alone, Tense, Hopeless, Weary, Uneasiness, Tense, Sympathetic,Suspicious, Paranoid, Reluctant, Skeptical, Sulkiness, Horror, Sadness, Unhappy, Hungry, Emptiness, Misery, Grateful, Abused, Merry, Somber, Foolish, Festive, Grim, Mourned, Objectified, Exploited, Forgotten, Hated, Abashed, Wanderlust, Aching, Insecure, Apathetic, Defeated, Pity, Submissive, Lonely, Heartbroken, Depressed, Wornout, Glum, Cowardly, Gloomy, Hurting, Disappointed, Tired, Melancholy, Lovesick, Leftout, Resigned, Miserable, Shy, Vulnerable, Yearning, Nostalgia, Remorse, Pensive, Reclusive, Protective, Dismay, Distress, Anger, Annoyed, Bitter, Frustrated, Dislike, Spite, Uncomfortable, Cold, Bitter, Infuriated, Rage, Cheated, Vengeful, Disgust, Animosity, Insulted, Envy, Uneasy, Loathe, Offended, Hopeless, Troubled, Embarrassed, Boredom, Wrath, Disapproval, Craving, Unwanted, Outrage, Awkward, Rich, Hatred, Resentment, Lazy, Mean, Hatred, Cranky, Grumpy, Aggressive, Body Dysmorphia, Horror, Vigilant, Vibrant, Pity, Cruel, Gone, Bullied, Mania, Eating Disorder, Protective, Uncomfortable, Adored, Invincible, Worthy, Poor, Religious, Empowered, Exiled, Resentful, Disgust, Delirious, Denial, Obsessed, Defensive, Destructive, Peaceful, Ecstatic, Lively, Exuberant, Wanted, Loyal, Curious, Tranquil, War, Worthless, Impatient, Sleepy, Passion, Zesty, Magical along with any other words I failed to mention. It's ok. You are not alone.

Adieu 2020.

Part VI: It's that time of year

"When your lips get dry, is there anything more frantic?"-Emily Weiss 12/01/2020

The holiday season is here and it is defiantly feeling different. No holiday parties. No date nights in the many decorated establishments that glitter with lights and cheer. We are forced to find it elsewhere.

As J.L. Byrd continues to follow guidelines recommended during COVID-19, we continue to be thankful and grateful for the outpour of support and loyalty. Though it all feels different, this doesn't warrant us to not take care ourselves.

As the season changes, some (I included) will encounter dry scalp issues. Two of my favorite go to's are Briogeo Scalp Massager and Christophe Robin's Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt

Sometimes I use them together and other times I use them separately. When my scalp is in need during such dry times, this helps the exfoliation process along.

If used together, start on wet hair, apply quarter size of Christophe Robin Cleaning Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt. Lather then massage into your scalp with the Briogeo Scalp Massager. Follow with conditioner of choice. If separately, use the Christophe Robin Cleaning Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt as your shampoo followed with your conditioner of choice. If you feel you need the extra exfoliation, incorporate the Briogeo Scalp Massager. Also note "the Briogeo Scalp Massager can be used alone on a dry scalp or paired with shampoo, oil, or treatment for a massage therapy experience in or out of the shower." P.S. If you are a no-poo fanatic like me, this can be incorporated into your no-poo lifestyle.

Season's Greetings and continued thanks from all of us at J.L.Byrd

Part V: You don't own me

"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” - Ida B. Wells 11/01/2020

I VOTED.

Part IV: Fairest of the Seasons

"My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent." -R.B. Ginsberg 10/01/2020

Summer has ended. A forgotten time when our hair would absorb the flirtatious rays of the sun. Those endless summers.... the summers of yore.

One noticeable difference with this forgotten summer is the new rituals we are embracing. "Your hair feels amazing! What are you doing differently?" I ask in sheer joy. "I stopped shampooing everyday." My cosmetologist dreams have been answered!

Since the beginning of my career I have been a dedicated "no poo" junky. Your hair does not need daily shampooing as this can cause issues like dryness, brittleness, over proteinized tendrils and loss of shine and luster but not limited to. On top of that, if you color your hair, shampooing everyday can make your color fade quicker!

What is refreshing to know is that your hair can be trained to embrace this new no poo lifestyle. Hey, I workout everyday and still enjoy being a no poo enthusiast. Just rinsing, exfoliating my scalp and putting a finishing oil in my hair has an uptown finish with a downtown approach.

I would recommend if you want to try this, start by alternating your shampoo with conditioner. Day One: Shampoo normally. Day Two: Use a little conditioner on your scalp and exfoliate. Rinse and style as usual. Day Three: Shampoo normally and so on and so forth until you are able to start rinsing in-between shampoos vs using conditioner on your scalp. Be patient. This will not be an over-night miracle but a little patience added to the process will make the experience less frustrating when you have those "bad hair days".

Part III: New Beginnings

"Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind."-B. Lee 9/1/2020

The fleeting of that warm summer breeze and the subtle change of temperatures; September has arrived with a soft welcome in NYC.

The industry is still reeling from the new normal. September issues are coming out yet the fashion industry is still at a halt. Should we adjust our look with the season? What is the season of quarantine?

Beauty is evolving. We cannot unsee these changes. As we have continued into the new normal, a noticeable amount of color requests have been evolving. Such services, including but not limited to, are grey/gray blends/reductions, less chemical use, brightness, tonal adjustments and highlight changes... the sudden need for change is real. Why is this urge to Phoenix out so strong?

The current affairs that we are continually seeing unfold daily are not within our control. The decision to change your hair, or keep it the same, is your own. You trust your hairstylist, we appreciate that, yet have made the choice. It can be incredibly freeing.

Some of these choices involving your hair, such as hair loss, growing out chemical adjustments, internal change and more, can also not be within your control. We are here to support and embrace the best you while this is occurring. Your hairdresser might be more than just someone who attends to your hair needs. They might have experience in these fields, have other clients that have through it, or they themselves have knowledge on the topic.

Part II: The Norm

Isn't it pretty to think so?" -E. Hemingway 8/1/2020

We have entered the new normal. The beauty industry has defiantly felt a shift and not in a cosmic awakening that most of us relish in. With the hot topics of the modern world shaping or reshaping our opinions, where (or should I ask how) does the beauty industry organically and responsibly embrace this new normal?

Within our education, whether the first day of our cosmetology career or within the however many plus years behind the chair, we are informed of what is appropriate chair talk and inappropriate chair talk. Everything is deemed appropriate except these three topics… Politics, Religion, and Sex. Yes, these are the three things that we have been taught that we can’t (or shouldn’t) discuss. 

While some of us run to the salon to get away from our daily lives including the current air of topics, some of us love nothing more than to discuss, debate, ask for advice or just vent about said topics but not limiting to. Where do these lines start to blur, in particular if it comes down to how one’s beliefs might be viewed as controversial.  

What can be deemed appropriate and inappropriate? Is it just that we keep our conversations, even taboo, to a murmur? What if such topics affected the culture in which we spend most of our time in? When you sit in our chair, when we walk into our “salon space” ourselves, there is a connection. Shouldn’t your hairdresser and salon be a safe space? 

Opinions vary, as they will continue to but one thing we can all agree upon; Always know your audience.

Part I: the intro

Out of the Chair, into the blog 7/1/2020

Hello and welcome to Conversations in the Chair; A place where beauty evolves the norms towards paths unknown.

Observation. I found the beauty industry to be more exclusive than inclusive. The barriers that appeared were all based on something; race, age, gender, looks, likes... you name it. An industry that should be welcoming to all, professionals and non professionals alike (hello! these lovely humans need us and our expertise!), seemed to be closing doors for those that didn't fit "the mold”. (This statement might sound familiar.) 

Stories and moments, ideas and life are shared in the chairs that I have and continue to stand behind/beside or right in front; sometimes sans chair. Our journeys can be vastly different or very similar. Conversations in the Chair might sound like someone else’s story. A story might sound like a broken record as you may have heard something like it before. Conversations in the Chair is about sharing the beauty within theses beautiful moments while enhancing our outermost. 

My name is Lindsay Loo. I am a Wella Advanced Educated Color Expert and Renegade stylist located in the heart of New York City. My career has taken me all over the world with one thing in common, how can I (we) make the beauty experience more beautiful? The journey led me to realizing it didn’t stop at hair. It was the human experience. Connecting. Learning. All of it. 

I am not sure where this blog is going to take us. It is the start of something that we will have to let grow, evolve and bloom into what it wants to be. All I know is I am here to share stories, experiences, beauty tips, beauty advice and how our journey’s connects us.    

DISCLAIMER

The content displayed on the website is the intellectual property of JL Byrd. You may not reuse, republish, or reprint such content without our written consent. All information posted is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information on this website, you do so at your own will. While the information on this website has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.We reserve the right to change this policy at any given time.