A Look at Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Gabriella Carden is currently a student at Birkbeck College in London, where she is pursuing her studies in English. Outside of her academic pursuits, Gabriella Carden enjoys reading books, with a special interest in books about Asia that focus on the discrepancy in wealth between the classes.

Over the last 10 years, there have been several books written about the discrepancy in wealth in India, including Capital, the Eruption of Delhi and India Becoming. One of the most successful and illuminating of these books is Katherine Boo’s Pulitzer Prize-winner, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a cultural portrait of one Mumbai slum, Annawadi, and the residents who are working as hard as they can to better their lives and the lives of their family members.

Katherine Boo lived in Mumbai for several years and spent time in Annawadi, slowly gaining the trust and confidence of the slum’s residents so that they began to confide in her about their lives as well as their hopes and wishes. She spent many days recording conversations and scenes she saw at the slum, summarizing them in a truly effective and moving portrait of place in Behind the Beautiful Forevers, which was published to great acclaim in 2013.

Participating in the Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life

Currently studying English at Birkbeck College in London, Gabriella Carden hopes to someday teach another language (German, Spanish, or Cantonese). Outside of her studies, Gabriella Carden enjoys volunteer work, and every year she participates in the Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

The Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life comprises several 5k and 10k female-only running events that raise money for cancer research. Proceeds go to research into all 200 types of cancer. Since the organization receives no government support, it relies on generous contributions from donors.

Fundraisers can elect to run either a 5k or a 10k race. The 5k race offers a manageable distance as well as multiple ways to complete the course, as participants can run, walk, or even dance the three miles. As races are for charity, there is no sense of competition, but a sense of giving and selflessness. Participants can also sign up as a group in order to get their friends and family members involved. Once participants have signed up for a race, they begin fundraising by explaining what they are doing and asking for donations to support the cause.

Learn more about the Race for Life by visiting http://www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org.

The Early History of the Fender Telecaster

Gabriella Carden is an English major at London’s Birkbeck College with a passion for travel and music. A guitar player for the past eight years, Gabriella Carden owns a Fender Telecaster that she hopes someday to be able to connect with Marshall amplifiers in a live setting. Known for its popularity with rock musicians of the late 1960s onward, the Telecaster was created in 1951.

When he introduced the Telecaster, southern California entrepreneur Leo Fender had already broken ground with the Esquire, known as the first electric guitar, which was constructed from a solid, non-hollow piece of wood. A number of features were incorporated into the Telecaster from the Hawaiian steel guitars his company had produced since the mid-1940s, including chrome knobs and a maple neck that could be easily replaced. The sound was distinctively bright and cutting, with thick bass sounds and a piercing high range. Just as importantly for the evolution of rock ’n roll, when paired with a durable Fender amp, the guitar was extremely loud. Early adopters of the Fender Telecaster included B.B. King, Johnny Burnette, and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown.

An Overview of Cancer Research UK Race for Life Events

Having had several family members and friends diagnosed with cancer, Gabriella Carden remains committed to supporting the fight for better treatment options and an eventual cure. Gabriella Carden has partaken in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life every year for several years. Race for Life offers a number of events, allowing people of all different ability levels to support the cause.

About 200 5K events occur throughout the United Kingdom that individuals can participate in to support cancer research. These flexible events allow people to walk, jog, run, or even dance the distance to the finish line. More experienced runners can attempt a 10K in support of the organization. Cancer Research UK offers tips and planning guides for individuals who wish to train for this longer event. One of the most exciting fundraising options remains the Pretty Muddy, a 5K that takes participants through a muddy obstacle course.

Cancer Research UK also works closely with parents and teachers at schools willing to host a Race for Life event for faculty, students, and their families. The organization encourages the formation of running groups to participate in its various events together.