2. 9/8/2016 KF - Writing Samples 1
A RACIAL FRAUD IN THE MIDST OF RACIAL DIVIDE
While it may not ultimately matter whether Rachel Dolezal is black or white, the question still remains: is she a
fraud? On Thursday, June 11th
news broke about Spokane's NAACP Chapter President when she was recorded
during a CNN interview claiming to have a black father. Ordinarily this would not be an issue except that this
same week her actual parents went public exposing her European decent. In fact, the only diverse thing about
her is the small percentage of Native American that her parents also claim she is.
Ms. Dolezal was born to Lawrence and Ruthanne Dolezal, both identified as Caucasian on Rachel’s birth
certificate. According to them, she has attempted to claim a narrative other than her own since childhood. Her
interest in diversity took shape from an early age upon the adoption several black siblings by her parents. This
interest grew into a career in her later life when she began serving as an advocate and professor of African
American studies. She even attended the historically private black college Howard University. Again, none of this
is all that questionable until you examine the series of recently released pictures of her. Photos of her as a little
girl and teenager clearly show a fair skinned Caucasian girl with blonde hair. It isn’t until later photos that we
notice a drastic change in her appearance with tightly permed golden brown hair and tanned skin.
Since the release of this embarrassing footage, the NAACP has chosen to stand behind her, stating that race is
not a determining factor in hiring. This is a fair statement since it would be unethical to hire someone solely
based on race; and it would be equally unethical to not admit a white student to a black college. However, one
has to wonder about her gradual change in appearance and the hypocrisy in concealing her own heritage. What
kind of message is she sending to the community she serves? Is this a white guilt experiment to the point
someone chooses to literally walk in another’s shoes? Or is this a white privilege manifest destiny where the
bright-eyed white girl has stolen an identity she was not born with? Some may argue fraud while others will argue
mental illness. It’ll be interesting to see what personal statement she makes on her own if she actually does. So
far her only statement has been, "There's a lot of complexities ... and I don't know that everyone would
understand that." Whatever the case may be, there are certainly many people who feel deceived by her actions.
3. 9/8/2016 KF - Writing Samples 2
BLOG POST FOR SEESAWAUSTIN.COM
SEE: Banger’s on Rainey, Your New Late Nite Munchies Destination
(Original Post: http://www.seesawaustin.com/2013/08/bangerslatenitebites/)
If you didn’t already have 100+ reasons to go to Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, here are a few more:
Fried Bacon Mac & Cheese Balls, Homemade Pizza Bagel Bites, and Gummy Bear Brats. Yes, you read that
correctly. Gummy. BEAR. Brats. Let that sink in for a moment and then take another moment to wipe that drool
from your face. No, this isn’t food erotica, these are just a few items from the new Late Nite Bites menu at
Banger’s. The new late-night menu actually rolled out a few weeks ago and I recently had a chance to sample
the whole kolache.
Let’s start with the snacks. Normally, the best is saved for last, but I just can’t stop thinking about the Fried Bacon
Mac & Cheese Balls. Not light (like we care), definitely crispy and the bacon addition is genius. Not going to lie,
this is a hearty appetizer but absolutely worth it. The Pizza Bagel Bites aren’t your standard frozen fare. These
are small bagels with fresh cheese and a sassy, savory tomato sauce. While the bagel itself isn’t anything to
write home about, the toppings alone are. Each bite packs so much more flavor than in any frozen Totino’s
product you will find, guaranteed. The other starters include Boudin Balls and Chili Cheese Nachos. These items
are not entirely new to the appetizer game, but these of course have the Banger’s touch.
If your late night fix requires more than just finger foods, Banger’s has you covered. All made in-house, the new
late night sausages are (drum roll, please) the Chicken Fried Chicken Biscuit, the Gummy Bear Brat, the Fried
Bologna Sandwich, the Stoner Sausage, and the Turkey Bacon Avocado. Each one of these encompasses the
very best of late night cravings.
The Gummy Bear Brat is a new twist on a traditional sausage, served on a kolache bun, with caramelized
onions, spicy mustard and tiny gummy bears cooked right in. Be brave and try it because it is uniquely delicious.
The Fried Bologna Sandwich is a fancier version of the foodstuff that defined your youth. Fried in lard and
dressed with field greens, sliced tomato, hot mustard and onion aioli, this 8 oz. slice of housemade bologna isn’t
even from the same planet as Oscar Meyer. Bologna is one of those things you either hate or are too poor to be
picky about, but this homemade meat is the real deal. So try it when you’re feeling especially nostalgic, just don’t
drunk dial your parents to express the hurt over the phony bologna they fed you all those years. The Stoner
Sausage sounds like a no-brainer but it, too, comes with a twist. Imagine a banger wrapped in a bacon stuffed
pancake, topped with a fried egg, shoestring potatoes and drizzled with a sriracha maple syrup. If that doesn’t
satisfy your sweet, salty and spicy needs, little else will. The Turkey Bacon Avocado Sausage is exactly that,
topped with more bacon, avocado, garlic aioli and Tobasco. And finally, the Chicken Fried Chicken Biscuit is the
owner’s personal F-you to Whataburger. You can’t go wrong with fried chicken, biscuits and gravy; and hell if you
have to wait for your food to be ready you might as well have a beer while you’re at it.
These new creations are definitely unique and props are due. My one complaint is the awkward face I have to
make just to open my mouth wide enough to straddle the dog and savor the flavors together. Once you get past
the first few bites and get to the center where you are sure to get the meld of flavors at once, the experience is a
lot easier. A fork remedies this problem during a date; but don’t just take my word for it, put Banger’s to the test.
Skip the fast food lines and join the rest of grown-up Austin on Rainey. The Late Night Bites menu is available
every day after 11pm. Check out the Late Nite Bites menu for yourself.
4. 9/8/2016 KF - Writing Samples 3
BIO WRITE UP FOR SALES CLIENT
Annmarie Aksland, a former REALTOR®, has watched her career successfully evolve over the years. As a
young girl she watched her father make long term property investments. He even guided her on her first
purchase using creative financing solutions. Now, with over 12 years in the real estate and home warranty
business, building a successful relationship with you is Annmarie’s number one goal. She encourages you to
take advantage of her extensive knowledge and Old Republic Home Protection's solid reputation. By working
together, she'll provide you and your clients with outstanding home warranty solutions.
Her commitment goes beyond providing excellent service. She takes great pride in developing lasting
relationships based on trust, reliability, and a genuine concern for her clients' business. She is known for her
phenomenal customer service and is determined to support your unique business objectives and goals through a
long-term cooperative relationship. Annmarie worked for years as a REALTOR® and knows firsthand what
agents and brokers need in a Home Warranty Account Executive. She has the highest confidence in Old
Republic Home Protection's product, and she looks forward to sharing it with you.
When she’s not providing rock-star service, Annmarie and her husband Jerry are
enjoying Austin city living. Together they support The Giving Society for Austin Children’s Guidance Center.
Jerry also serves his country as an Air Force Reservist and veteran. They can often be found split between
Texas and California visiting parents, extended family, and their oldest daughter who is a Head Pastry Chef. At
home, their son juggles college and work, while their youngest daughter keeps her parents on their toes as a
student at Bowie High School.
Family has always been important to Annmarie, in life and in business. And it’s this constant that motivates her to
be the best Senior Account Executive for you and your effort to better serve the clients you support in the search
for a home. In home warranty service, Annmarie is the Advantage.
See what others are saying about her:
"What a pleasure it has been to work with Annmarie Aksland. She has been a real asset to my business! She
represents a great product—Old Republic Home Warranty—and does a great job articulating the advantages of
having a home warranty.
"Annmarie is service oriented and always there to help agents and clients whenever a question arises. I always felt
comfortable coming to her with any problems, no matter the time of day, knowing that she would do her best to get
me a solution. Thanks for being such a great team player!"`
- Vicki Smith, REALTOR®
ERA, The Property Shoppe
"I am so sad to lose Annmarie Aksland as my home warranty rep here in Nacogdoches. She is great at customer
service and is always available if I have a question or an issue. I have been in real estate for almost 20 years—and
she is by far the best at what she does. That is saying something because I have had reps who have been in the
business a lot longer and were no more knowledgeable and did not have the personality or approachability that
Annmarie possesses. Our loss here in this area is definitely Austin area's gain, and I wish her continued success and
happiness."
- Mechele Dietert, Broker/Owner
1st Choice Realty
5. 9/8/2016 KF - Writing Samples 4
BIO WRITE UPS FOR LLAMA’S PERUVIAN CREOLE
(URL: http://www.llamasfoodtrailer.com/#!about/c1j4r)
Llama’s Austin, Texas
Llama's specializes in Peruvian Cuisine, a mixture of influences from Spain, China and Africa in a way that reflect
the practices and ingredients of Peru.
Llama’s brings authentic Peruvian flavors to the streets of Austin with delectable dishes from Chef Julio-Cesar
Florez. Featuring traditional Peruvian pepper sauces of Lima and the Central Coast, Llama’s top quality,
homemade dishes are always a hit.
As a native of Peru, owner Miguel Barrutia longed for the delicious cuisine so much that he had to open a place
of his own. Drawing from the amazing dishes his mother, aunt and grandmother served up daily at home, Miguel
is pleased to keep up a proud culinary tradition in Austin.
About the Chef
Growing up in Lima, Peru, Julio-Cesar Florez started cooking when he cracked his first egg at the age of five.
Now, as Executive Chef at Llama’s Peruvian Creole, Florez is bringing the fare of his native country to the streets
of downtown Austin.
A graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program from the Texas Culinary Academy, Florez is the former
Executive Chef of the well-regarded La Sombra Bar & Grill where he was the first to bring Peruvian flavors and
preparations to Austin. For the past ten years he has supplemented his experience in industry kitchens with an
apprenticeship at Michelin star awarded restaurant WD50 in New York and special training sessions at The
French Culinary Institute.
“Peruvians are born to cook,” claims Florez whose current menu focuses on traditional Peruvian dishes such as
Lomo Saltado and Papas a la Huancaina. However, Llama’s, a food trailer offering lunch, dinner and late night
service, also includes Florez’ popular Peruvian sandwiches which bring together traditional combinations.
Florez looks forward to expanding Llama’s to include a brick and mortar location and additional mobile units.
“Austin is a great food town and I’m looking forward to being able to showcase new offerings,” said Florez.
