CHICAGO, IL – With just two days left until critical February 5th contests across the country, Obama campaign surrogates continued reaching out to voters to talk about Obama’s movement for change and why he’s the best candidate for the future.
On Sunday afternoon, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Caroline Kennedy will come together to fire up Los Angeles voters at a GOTV rally on UCLA’s campus. The free public event at Pauley Pavilion will help engage new voters and bring them into the presidential process.In Alabama, actor Forest Whitaker will join with former Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus to Get Out The Vote at a rally in Birmingham. Governor Mabus will be visiting churches earlier in the day and will host a Birmingham Pre-Super Bowl Meet and Greet, while Whitaker will continue his day meeting with Montgomery residents at the campaign’s local headquarters.
General Scott Gration will host an event at the Warner Robin VFW in Georgia, before firing up supporters at the office in Macon. He will be joined in the state by Representatives Gwen Moore (WI) and GK Butterfield, as well as Dennis Archer, the former Mayor of Detroit.
And in Memphis actress Kerry Washington will visit churches throughout the city before heading to Little Rock, Arkansas to kick off a canvass and an Obama Super Bowl Party.In the Midwest, Hawaii Congressman Neil Abercrombie will reach out to voters in Bismarck, North Dakota before hosting a Super Bowl party in Dickinson. Representative David Loebsack (IA) will spend another day visiting with volunteers and supporters at campaign offices across Minnesota, and Senator Dick Durbin will host a Lincoln, Nebraska house party and a town hall in Omaha.
Momentum is gaining! Will you participate in the change needed in this country, or sit back and accept it the way it is? The choice is yours!
Inspirational Conversations (c)
Are now published MONTHLY
Weekend Edition of the Chicago Sun-Times!
See Noir Woman News
www.InspirationaConversations.com
N'Spiration for the SouL!
You often ask me where I get my inspiration from. Well now you know. I watch and listen to a lot of comedy shows and comedians.It's simply the best prescription available on the planet and it FREE!
I had the pleasure of enjoying their gifts like millions of other did. Let's enjoy it one more time.!
Whenever I am having a challenging day, I find the time to see or listen to something funny. Science proves it's a natural healer!
You don't event need to see a doctor.
No thing beats a good long, hard laugh!
NOTHING!
It saddens me that Chicago and the world has lost one of my favorite comedians, the Mac Man himself, Bernie Mac.
Rest in Peace
Bernie Mac
1957 - 2008
Walk down Memory Lane with Bernie Mac, then pass it
on. Enjoy!
http://steveharvey.com/bernie_mac_tribute.html
Services are scheduled for noon Saturday
in the 10,000-seat House of Hope, 752 E. 114th Street, Chicago,
said Danica Smith, Mac's publicist.
Donations in Mac's honor may be
sent to the
Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis,
40 E. 9th St., Suite
601,
Chicago IL. 60605
ON ANOTHER SAD NOTE:
Isaac and I share a birthday together, this year we'll be celebrating in Spirit!
Isaac Hayes 1942 - 2008
Rest In Peace!
Click here
to listen to SOUL-PATROL SALUTES ISAAC HAYES
Featuring the following cuts from the CD 'ISAAC HAYES: ULTIMATE
COLLECTION':
Shaft, Walk
On By, Never Can Say Goodbye, Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic,
Do Your Thing, Ike's Rap, Birth Of
Shaft and more!
~~~~~
~~~~~~
I wish I could sing, but I can't, so I'm passing it on!
Share and be blessed!
Tell us about a woman in your community who inspires
others with her singing through song and volunteer
activities. From your nominations, J
makers of Pine-Sol
Chicago. Her story may be featured in J
she will perform at the E
Chicago on October 25, 2008.
AND SHE COULD WIN THE
WOMEN MAKING A
PRESENTED BY JET MAGAZINE AND
THE MAKERS OF PINE-SOL
All entrants must mail an essay of 150 words or less to: PO Box 5598, Blair, NE 68009-
5598 to be received by 8/22/08. Essay must include both the entrant and the nominee’s
name, address, birth date, daytime and evening telephone numbers and the
entrant must state the relationship to the nominee. Nominee must be female, 18 years
of age or older as of date of entry and must legally reside in Chicago. Entrant must
certify that essay submission is his/her own original work, has not been previously
published, has not won a previous prize or award and that he/she has followed the
Official Rules of the contest.
CHICAGO WOMEN!
NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY
Women with powerful voices — don’t you know
one too? All across America, women are raising
their voices in song and doing extraordinary things
to make a powerful difference for our children, our
schools and our communities.
POWERFUL
DIFFERENCE
THROUGH SONG CONTEST
SM
For details and complete Official Rules visit ebonyjet.com/jet.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
Chicago Contest Prize includes:
•
• The Powerful Difference
• The opportunity to perform live at
with a photo and profile which
highlights the powerful difference the
entrant is making in her community
Through Song Award
the Sisterspeak® Luncheon in
Chicago on October 25, 2008 and
receive the award
If you have additional questions, please email
archives
Every since I can remember, I've always been a fan of poet/author/screenwriter Dr. Maya Angelou. Writing is my first passion, as is hers. I only hope to touch people in a special way, as she has with her words. One of my favorite memories is interviewing her while on air at WJPC in Chicago. Below is update on Dr. Maya. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Listen in to part of the show!
In honor of the Fourth of July, Dr. Angelou talks to callers about their views on independence and what it means to them. "I think that this holiday is probably the least thought of of the holidays we observe in the year," Dr. Angelou says. "Whatever color, our religious loyalties, we are all Americans. As independent people, we have certain inalienable rights. That is really revolutionary."
One caller remembers that, as a young girl, her mother told her to choose what religion she wanted to be. "That enabled me to study all religions and not hold any prejudices or judgments on anyone," she says. "I’m free. I wasn’t raised a certain religion, so I don’t feel uncomfortable or confused as to what is right and what is wrong. I actually have an advantage, I think."
Another caller says that after returning from months in India, she noticed that her American friends didn’t talk about their independence and seemed to take it for granted. "We have a voice here in America," she says. "People are looking toward us, listening to how we live our lives so they can decide if that’s how they want to live their lives too."
Other callers talk about living free of prejudices, ancestry, the beauty and spirit of America, the American dream and our human rights. "Whatever you do that enlivens, inspires and uplifts another human being, is done for all human beings," Dr. Angelou says.
Talk about Dr. Angelou's show!About Dr. Angelou
One of the most influential voices in contemporary literature, Dr. Angelou has authored countless bestselling books, including her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and the Pulitzer Prize nominated collection of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Diiie. She has moved generations with her talent and passion for social change and is recognized around the world as a leading civil rights activist. Dr. Angelou has written, produced, directed and starred in productions for stage, film and television. She received an Emmy® nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Roots in 1977. In 1981, Dr. Angelou was appointed to a lifetime position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. In January 1993, she became only the second poet in United States history to have the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration.
About Dr. Angelou's Show
Hailed as a remarkable Renaissance woman, a beloved poet and best-selling author, Dr. Angelou has the unique ability to captivate listeners through the vigor and sheer beauty of her lyrics and words. A world renowned educator and historian, critically acclaimed actress, playwright, producer and director and leading civil rights activist, Dr. Angelou shares her legendary wisdom to help listeners find their true voices. Taking on issues spanning race, sex, age and religion, Dr. Angelou's extraordinary insight will continually challenge and inspire listeners.
Related Links
archives
This weeks N'Spiration comes from a volunteer of Higher Learning Network. Not only does she share her clerical skills, she sends us N'Spiration as well. From Ms. Rosyln Wade: Enjoy!
Tips For A Better Life
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals almost everything.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Please share this with everyone you care about.
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When was the last time you tried something new?
Do you often find yourself doing the same things all the time?
Life has too much to offer to live a routine life.
Most of keep doing the same things over and over in life because we don't want to risk being seen as foolish or embarrassing.
Sometimes things do happen to us in which we are embarrassed, but that's ok! This is truly one of the times when you are really living, being ALIVE!
Risk is where the rewards are.
Next time you feel yourself in a routine that you're bored with, try something new! I did! I risked being embarrassed by doing something I always wanted to do, but knew I wasn'' good at. Guess what is was.
I played pool! No, I wasn't that good at it. As a matter of fact, I really sucked! Pool is not my area of expertise, but I sure did have fun! Who cares I couldn't play that well! There were too many others who were doing just as rotten as I was to even care!
So, what does that tell you?
Go ahead and have some fun and risk being seen as foolish!
At least you had some fun, right?
This is what higher learning is all about.
When you can get to a point in your life where you risk something, you are usually rewarded for it in some kind of way. Whether it helps your self esteem, gives you a new sense of accomplishment or just got out of doing the normal routine of things.
It's really no fun being normal, living in a routine or rut, when you really don't have to. Life is to short. So pick up a pool stick (or anything else) and risk being rewarded!
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When was the last time you sat down and had a good conversation with yourself? Sounds crazy? Well, it can be no more crazy than this wacky world we currently live in. So why not have a conversation with yourself? After all, you're the one with all the answers.
Say you don't know? Of course you do.
You just don't trust yourself.
It's not your fault. You've been trained this way.
We've all been trained to trust other people's opinions over our own. From the time we were children until now.
It's the way of the world. Now that you're old enough to know better, it's time to do better. You can begin the process by listening to yourself. Listening how? You've got to learn how to TUNE IN to yourself, just as if you were watching TV or listening to the radio. Catch!
You can tune in better when no one else is around. Why?
Because you've got their energy, as well as your own energy realm to handle. It's just easier when you're dealing with yourself, alone!
Do yourself a favor and SCHEDULE some ME time!
Go to the library, closet, bathroom or anywhere else you can to get some QUIET TIME and read a few verses of my favorite GET TO KNOW SELF books.
Louise Hay - You Can Heal Your Life or Celebrate Yourself!
Forgot the Author, but the book is entitled: What Would You Do If You Had No Fear?
Eckhart Tolle - The Power of NOW!
Marianne Williamson - anything you read of hers is good, and last but not least. A Course in Miracles.
If you don't feel a shift in your consciousness after reading these books, email me and let's see what's really going on in your life!
Enjoy!
archives
Gas - A Little Help, from Ray Robin, Azar
TIPS ON PUMPING GASI don't know what you people are paying for gasoline.... but here in California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.. Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose , CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34- storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.
1. Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening.... your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
2. When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3 )stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
3. One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
4. Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.
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This week's inspiration came from another email from a subscriber.
Enjoy!
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible
like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't
have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because God already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities'?
And no dropped calls!
P.S. DO WHAT YOU THINK GOD WOULD WANT YOU TO DO WITH THIS
email...
from the archives
Life is so full we sometimes forget that we have unused talents.
I recently facillitated a job fair with the West Side Ministers Coalition for ex-offenders. As I listened to some of the stories of how people are trapped in their life story, it reminded me of the fact that one of the most productive ways to move past that part of life is to tell that story.
To go beyond just telling that story, is to benefit from the story. Many of the participants wanted to tell their story, so the idea came to put that story on paper, publish it and earn income from it. This is a great way to earn extra income and help others in the process.
Remember, it is a process. Anything worth having usually takes a little time for it to materialize. As a self published author of several books and a dozen training manuals, I bear witness of what's possible.
Self Publish and keep 100% Profit is the name of the upcoming workshop to be taped at
Chicago Access Televsion
322 S. Green Street (ENTER CORNER ENTRANCE NEAR Van Buren St.)
Friday May 2nd
5:30-87:30pm
MUST RSVP for seat at
The only way to control your destiny, is to move on it. This could be a great financial blessing for those wishing to do the work to make it happen. Please feel free to share this info with those who are poets, spoken word artists, novelists, etc. You'll be blessed abundantly.
We've all got a story. If we're gonna continue to tell it, then we may as well benefit from it. Don't you think?
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It's great to have people in your life that really make a difference.
One of those great friends I know who make a difference is the Marketing Director of Higher Learning Network, a multi-talented Francine Barron, of Barron Enterprises. She's been with me since the beginning of my career. I've watched her evolve over the years in a vareity of positions.
As a marketer, she's simply the best. As a broadcaster, she's unbelievable. She very knowledgable and doesn't mind sharing. My only advice to you when speaking to Francine is to know shorthand or have a tape recorder handy because her genius ideas will escape you if you don't record them. Yes, she's just that good!
She's so good she's been asked to teach a course in radio at City Colleges of Chicago. For all those who want to be on Chicago, (or any city) radio, here's your chance:
How would you like to be a celebrated radio personality like Doug Banks, Tom Joyner or
Michael Baisden? Don't miss your chance to experience an exciting new broadcasting Class "PRODUCE YOUR OWN RADIO SHOW" at the new Kennedy-King College! Broadcast instructor Francine Barron, producer for POWER 92 and SOUL 106-3 Radio
And other industry professionals will show you how to create a successful radio show,
Write your own commercials, demonstrate how to operate state of the art equipment and Give you "THE 411" on how to make BIG MONEY in broadcasting!! For registration information, call the Continuing Education Department at 773-602-5042, stop by Kennedy-King College at 6301 South Halsted in Chicago or e-mail theultimatetv@yahoo.com. Don’t miss this wonderful, fulfilling opportunity in radio broadcasting!
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Have you fed your ego lately?
What do I mean my that?
Have you looked at yourself and seen something other than what you see in the mirror?
How can that be? Easy. (Not really, it does take some inner reflection)
Look beyond the mirror, and see the essence of who and what you really are. That's no easy task. Some of us see something we don't like or want to see, that's what's so awesome about seeing yourself beyond the ego. Some of us are still stuck in our childhood, not being able to get beyond the voices in our heads.
Most of what we see when we look in ghe mirror, is an image we've sold ourselves on. (Or something the media has sold us) The outer wear (clothing, jewelry, makeup, etc.) is simply a cover for the real you. Of course we can't go outside naked (not in Chicago anyway :)but everytime we reveal a part of ourselves never exposed is just like being naked. It' s what we refer to as being vulnerable.
Being in a vulnerable position may seem like being in a place you don't want to be, but it's in that space that you can begin to discover things about yourself that you never knew. I never knew I could sing! (Not really, just in the shower) I mean I can sing the national anthem, but don't put me against Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle or Anita Baker. I can sing within my limits (in the shower) but not on a grand scale.
Everytime I open myself to ridicule by opening my mouth and trying to sing, I put myself on the line because my ego says I can sing, even though I know darn well I can't. One thing I can do, and that is to voice a song. Speak it, not with melody, but with rythm. What does that have to do with anything? Nothing. Just thougth it sounded good! The power of the ego! Get my point. Being vulnerable is not so bad after all. So says the ego. Oh well.
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******MORE ARCHIVES********
I even subscribed to his weekly newsletter. which is so power packed that this week I must share it with you because I am currently experiencing something in my life that I realize is a process. How appropriate, Dr. Z!
As Dr. Zelem has learned:
- The definition of insanity is doing the same thing everyday expecting different results
- If you continue to do what you have always done, you will continue to get what you have always gotten
- If you want to make some changes in your life, you have to make some changes in your life
Make some changes in your life and realize your process.
www.streamlineintelligence.com
from the archives
Black History Month
HIStory means nothing if you don't know the truth of who you really are.
Get over all the names,
Colored, Black, Negro, African American or whatever you prefer to be called, stop you.
Don't let the fact that you're Christian, Muslim, a Jehovah's Witness, Pentecostal, Catholic, Budhist or just plain believe, stop you from learning the truth!
Read the truth in a book that will blow the lead off all your beliefs!
Visit www.yahwehbenyahweh.com
click on BOOKSTORE
go to SEARCH
TYPE IN THIS BOOK
YOU ARE NOT A NIGGER!
Get past the politics, your religion and all the other stuff they've got us programmed with and get to the facts! You'll be glad you did!
Then you determine your destiny!
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Chicago Primary Party
Chicago, IL -- Senator Obama will host a primary night event in Chicago on February 5th.
Primary Night Event with Barack Obama:
WHO: Barack and Michelle Obama
WHAT: Primary Night Event
WHEN: Tuesday, February 5, 2008 Doors open to the public: 6:00 pm
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Chicago 151 East Wacker Drive Chicago, IL
Details: Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first serve basis. Please visit: http://my.barackobama.com/primaryparty to request a ticket.
It's election time! Make your vote count!
In the meantime, check out this site!
www.dipdive. com
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Chinese Proverb about money
you can buy a house but not a home
with money
you can buy a clock
but not time
with money
you can buy a bed
but not sleep
with money
you can buy a book
but not knowledge
with money
you can see a doctor
but not good health
with money
you can buy a position
but not respect
with money
you can buy blood
but not life
with money
you can buy sex
but not love
with money you can buy a book
but not knowledge
This was sent to me by a viewer, now here's my 2 cents from ancient scripture: "In all thy getting, get wisdom, knowlege and understanding." It will take you places money can't begin to penetrate.
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Life always brings new challenges, one of those challenges is death. During the Xmas season my high school friend's (Michale Coleman aka Crick) wife (Joyce Coleman) passed, and then New Year's Day my sister-in-law (Annie Penn Robinson) made her transition. Two transistions in one week.
I'm just very glad that I listened to my inner intution and called Annie at 2 o'clock in the morning, just to say hi. When I called I was informed she was in the hospital, and probably not be able to speak. I knew then she'd decided to leave this planet earth. I'm also very grateful that I talke to her almost daily before she left, as we all knew her time was short.
The challenge now is to live life like there is no tomorrow. It makes me think about all the projects I want to complete before I leave the planet. It makes me think about how much work I've got left to do before it's my time to check out. More importantly, it reminds me to keep in contact with people, the old fashioned way, by telephone.
There's nothing like the sound of the human voice. It's something you can't experience in an email. On the phone you can sometimes hear what's going on inside of the person. You can tell if they're happy, tired, stressed or just need to talk.
I's so glad I followed my first mind (intution) and called Annie Penn, so that I have no regrets. It's a constant challenge to stop what you're doing when you're in the middle of something, just to call someone. Sometimes it's worth it.
All the other times I called Annie Penn when she was able to talk was truly a blessing. I have no regrets. Even in her death, she taught lessons on living. For that I am grateful. I hope you can be as grateful and conquer the challenge of making a call when you need to, even if it's 2am in the morning.
**************************************
from the archives
***********************
Higher Learning comes from higher listening, and higher action.
I've been putting this off for years, but it's finally caught up with me.
People have been asking for this and now it's time for me to put or shut up. I prefer to speak up. No longer can I avoid what's been destined.
I really need your assistance to make it happen. I can't do it alone.
I had help. You can get it too. Les Brown helped me figure it out.
I figured out sometime ago that how you are percieved in this life is directly related to how you communicate with others. Whether it's at home, work or social events, you will be judged by your peers. A promotion of any kind could be delayed, simply because you don't speak the LANGUAGE!
I was fortunate enought to have a speech coach, Mary Berger of the SPEAK STANDARD TOO Institute, who gave me insight early on in my speaking career. This advice has really made a difference in the quality of live I've lived as a professional speaker/radio/tv personality and life in general.
Visit her site at http://www.orchardbooksinc.com/workshopsclasses/workshoptestimonials.html
then come and join me for speaking class at Malcom X College in January.
If you plan to get ahead in life, it's crucial you have command of the English language. Not to say that you must aspire to be the next Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Les Brown on Tony Brown for that matter, it does matter how you speak.
Be sure and get a copy of a great book for speakers
Secrets of Superstar Speakers by Lilly Walters.
To take your speaking life to the next level, be sure and join me for Speaking Your Way to Success 101 at
Malcom X College beginning Jan. 23rd, Wednesdays 6-9pm.
Check out the site at the link below:
Learn to speak your way to success!
Motivational Speaker Les Brown spoke his way to the top, and he only had a second grade education! Now what's your excuse?
We can make it happen, but you must take the first step!
Remember, Higher Learning Begins Within:
Trust The Process!
In the words of Zig Ziglar, "See You At The Top!"
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My former co-worker Rick Party WGCI FM 107.5 (Currently in Miami, Fl.) held the 2nd Annaul "I Rock The Mic" Conference was this past weekend in Miami, Florida at the Conrad Miami Hotel. It was an event to go down in the halls of radio history.
Many of Chicago's beloved history makers were on hand to join in the festivities including honoring Chicago's own legendary Herb Kent, The Kool Gent who was honored for his pioneering spirit, celebrating 52 years in the business. (80 years young this month!)
Honorees included green eyed Donnie Simpson, host of back in the day Video Soul, as well as a tribute to The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Tom Joyner, the origional Fly Jock!
I even had the blessing to meet the legendary Ms. Irene Ware, who was on the air hosting Gospel Shows before I was even born! She's responsible for many of the record labels that exist today! I even met her son, President of major record label.
I even ran into my girl First Lady (Former Radio Personality WGCI) current Mid-Day Personality/Music Director/Asst. Program Director WTCL 106.7 FM, Indianapolis, Indiana who invited me to be keynote speaker at an upcoming women's empowerment seminar!
Crazy as a betsy bug Irene (Mama Cita) Mojica (V103 Weekdays 7-11pm) even showed up and showed out, sharing her words of wisdom in the seminar of legendary Program Director of WGCI/V103's Elroy Smith. (Currently Operations Director for Radio One Philadelphia) Irene taught us a few tricks of the trade and by just by being herself. (Which was one of Elroys top 10 things for jocks at his seminar entitled: Radio Needs Personalities: Not D.J.'s
I met more folk from Chicago (that I really needed to network with) that I never would have met, had I not gone to Miami, including New Program Director of V103, Derrrick Brown. I even met the Program Director of a local TV station! Look forward to seeing more of HLN on major network!
Mega Talented Businessman Tony Gray was on hand to lend his expertise as well as other panelists ranging from Vibe Magazine Editor to Oscar Joyner (Tom Joyner's son) of REACH Media who held his own, breaking it down in the Integrated Marketing Seminar along with others from ABC Networks, Coz from WVON Radio: Talk of the Negro, and others.
Doug Banks hosted the evening gala sharing a heartfelt story of a young man whose father sold his truck, just so that his son could attend this seminar. Guess what? His son landed a job while there. See what faith will do for you.
Speaking of faith, Walt Baby Love, (the man whose shows I played every Saturday and Sunday Morning on Inspirational 1390 (formerly Gospel Radio 1390) was honored, reminding us all of the blessing it is to be recognized in this industry.
I even got to chat with Mitch Falker, the king of Imaging for many radio stations throughout the country, as well as Gino Jones, (formerly of WBMX, now in S. Carolina. It was a radio personality's smorgasbord! Any one who has made a mark in this industry, and those trying to break into the industry was in atteendance.
The charming Santita Jackson (Daughter of Jesse Jackson Sr.) blessed the gala with her operetic version of The Lords Prayer, and simply blew the roof off the ceiling! She's lost well over several hundred pounds and looking simply lovlier by the moment. (Look forward to hearing her amazing story on our TV show in the near future.)
We were blessed with Actress/Activist/Director Cheryl Lee Ralph (Origional Dream Girl, Stepmother on Moesha TV Show, etc.) who presented an outstanding performance for World Aids Day on December 1st!
Even Jonathan Adelstein, Commisioner of the FCC was on hand to share the truth about the direction of urban radio! This is a must see! You don't want to miss this series with behind the scenes details of all the seminars we attended on the Higher Learning Network ZTV Show coming soon! (Chicago, Wisconsin and Minnesota)
Check out the photos at http://higherlearningnetworknfp.blogspot.com or
click on PHOTO GALLERY
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From Academy Award Wining Actor/Director Denzel Washington,
"Do What You NEED To Do, So You Can Do What You WANT To Do."
If that means working overtime (or start that business venture)
to get what you want, then do it.
It that means continuing to be in a relationship you don't enjoy, stay only until you can find your way out.
If that means trusting your Creator, until you can trust yourself, then learn to trust.
'Do What You NEED To Do, So You Can Do What You WANT To Do."
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Sometimes crucial informationis a bit more important than inspiration.
You might want to take some time to view this video. (see link below) It is important to watch it all the way through. Some very important and serious information is given.
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Behhind the scenes is where the real action is!
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Rev. Louis Flowers of the West Side Minister's Coalition facilitated the 2nd Chance Opportunity Fair for Ex-Offenders this past week on Chicago's West Side. Many leaders in the community talk about change, but this Minister walks the talk! He doesn't assign tasks and supervise, he's there in the trenches making sure the job gets done and people get the services they need!
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How does the media affect your life?
If you think it doesn't, think again.
You're programmed from the time you get up in the morning, until what time you go to bed at night! Don't be embarrassed or ashamed about it, because the world is. It's not just you alone.
Wonder why we don't do certain things, a certain time of the year?
Wonder why we don't wear certain colors (White!) after labor day? That's because we allow the FASHION INDUSTRY to dictate what's in our closets. How often do you wear a BLACK TOP with your jeans, as opposed to any other color?
How often do you make it your business to be the FIRST IN LINE, or the FIRST IN YOUR BLOCK, JOB OR GROUP to get the latest in technology? (Crackberries, IPODS, ZUNES, CD's, DVD's, etc.)
Do you trade your car in every few years or so?
Do you take vacations at where the experts say you should go?
If you recognized yourself in any of these situations, then you've been simply branded, or as they say in the movies, YOU'RE IN THE MATRIX! NOT A BAD PLACE TO BE, OPPOSITE DEATH!
This is not to make you ashamed, simply to make you aware.
If you haven't seen how media controls America, then be sure and log on to www.cantv.org and watch the media marathon, Sunday Oct. 14th, 9am - 5pm on Ch. 21. If you missed it, log on to the site to see when it will air again.
And you wondered why radio stations play the same 12 songs over and over and over and over and over and over and over.........
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I know this is supposed to be an inspirational column, but sometimes you just need to vent. Today, I am venting, hopefully you'll get something inspirational from it. Hopefully, you won't make the same mistake.
I recently attended a gala where a local representatives were supposed to award some college students scholarships for school. About halfway through the program it appeared to me that this function was more about the WHO'S WHO in Chicago, and had little to do with awarding funding for school.
How so? After I thought about all the money that was frivously spent for hosts and emcees, bringing in top name entertainment, $500 a plate dinners, and not to mention the $5,000 tables that sponsors bought (Where NO ONE from that organization showed up!)
I was really ticked off! How could we in good conscious support such an event in a community that doesn't provide economic security for the people who this organization is supposed to represent? How can we spend thousand of dollars in a downtown hotel that cares less about us as a people, but will take our dollars. We could have taken those same dollars and invested them in our own community with people who live in our community, and look like us.
I guess the fact that we can afford to rent these fabulous rooms, drive our luxury cars and wear our designer gowns and tuxes, is a sign that we've arrived. But have we really?
The only thing I could see from this event that we arrived at is the fact that we still don't know how to invest in ourselves. Now I wonder which corporate sponsor they can get who can provide a scholarship to do that?
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Learning comes in all shapes, sizes, faces, places and names.
Sometimes Higher Learning comes from Down There.
When was the last time you had a look down there?
What did it look like? Where is down there?
Down There has numersous names, some of which you may or may not be familiar with. If you've seen the Vagina Monologues, you'll have an idea. If you still don't have a clue, then it's time you do. This time, it's from the perspective of the African American Woman.
Sharon McGee, News Anchor on Chicago's ONLY African American Radio Station has listened to her heart and followed through with a simply superb version of the Vagina Monolouges with The PocketBook Monolouges.
Saturday night at Malcolm X College was THE place to be. If you haven't seen it yet, might be too late. The PocketBook Monologues is off to a 10 city tour with Chicago's own Radio & Televsion Divas LaDonna Tittle, (InTheMiddle) Bonnie DeShong and Deborah Crable. There's even a youth version of the monologues included. (Can't tell you what who and what that is, it's a surprise!)
Coming from the South (Mississippi) I thought I'd heard it all, that is until I attended the PocketBook Monolouges. I never knew all the words associated with Down There, such as "Lil Sister, Ms. Murphy, butterfly, candy, punani, velvet pouch, bun (for the hot dog), and a whole lot more. Sharon McGee says, "Whatever you call it, you must protect it!"
That's the true message of the PocketBook Monologues. She tells the story of how women are losing the battle to HIV/AIDS. African American Women are the Number 1 Growing face of this disease! It's an epidemic among us! We must do something! NOW!
The message comes across as soo funny, you almost forget about the tragedy. Without giving away the whole story, I'll simply say this, IF and WHEN it comes back to Chicago, make it your business to call all your womenfriend (Mothers, Aunts, Sisters, Neices, Grannies, Dads, Uncles, Nephews, Sons, etc.) TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY!
The world needs to see this. It needs to be in the Public School System ALL OVER THE COUNTRY! DON'T MISS IT IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO SEE IT. You will get a chance to see BEHIND THE SCENES coming soon in November on ZTV! (Sundays Midgnight on Channel 19)
Parnts and Caregivers, take the time and talk to your girl and boy children about sex affects their lives and how it just might be the death of them. You'll be glad you did. If you don't know how, get them a copy of the book, The PocketBook Monologues. Invest in our youth today. The life you save could be your own! This is the essence of Higher Learning. How can you learn, if you're too ashamed to talk about it?
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I don't totally agree that Black folks don't read, just a certain portion, but enough for someone to write something like this.
From my email someone wrote the following:
BLACK PEOPLE, PLEASE, PLEASE
READ & HEED. POIGNANT.
The sad thing about this article is that the essence of it is true. The truth hurts. I just hope this sets more Black people in motion towards making real progress. Chris Rock, a Black comedian, even joked that Blacks don't read. Help prove them wrong! Read and pass on. For those of you who heard it, this is the article Dee Lee was reading this morning on a New York radio station. For those of you who didn't hear it, this is very deep. This is a heavy piece and a Caucasian wrote it. Dee Lee, CFP Harvard Financial Educators "THEY ARE STILL OUR SLAVES We can continue to reap profits from the Blacks without the effort of physical slavery Look at the current methods of containment that they use on themselves: IGNORANCE, GREED, and SELFISHNESS..
Their IGNORANCE is the primary weapon of containment. A great man once said, "The best way to hide something from Black people is to put it in a book." We now live in the Information Age. They have gained the opportunity to read any book on any subject through the efforts of their fight for freedom, yet they refuse to read. There are numerous books readily available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com, not to mention their own Black Bookstores that provide solid blueprints to reach economic equality (which should have been their fight all along), but few read consistently, if at all. GREED is another powerful weapon of containment. Blacks, since the abolition of slavery, have had large amounts of money at their disposal. Last year they spent 10 billion dollars during Christmas, out of their 450 billion dollars in total yearly income (2.22%). Any of us can use them as our target market, for any business venture we care to dream up, no matter how outlandish, they will buy into it.
Being primarilya consumer people, they function totally by greed. They continually want more, with little thought for saving or investing. They would rather buy some new sneaker than invest in starting a business. Some even neglect their children to have the latest Tommy or FUBU, And they still think that having a Mercedes, and a big house gives them "Status" or that they have achieved their Dream. They are fools! The vast majority of their people are still in poverty because their greed holds them back from collectively making better communities. With the help of BET, and the rest of their black media that often broadcasts destructive images into their own homes, we will continue to see huge profits like those of Tommy and Nike. (Tommy Hilfiger has even jeered them, saying he doesn't want their money, and look at how the fools spend more with him than ever before!).
They'll continue to show off to each other while we build solid communities with the profits from our businesses that we market to them. SELFISHNESS, ingrained in their minds through slavery, is one of the major ways we can continue to contain them. One of their own, Dubois said that there was an innate division in their culture. A "Talented Tenth" he called it. He was correct in his deduction that there are segments of their culturethat has achieved some "form" of success. However, that segment missed the fullness of his work. They didn't read that the "Talented Tenth" was then responsible to aid The Non-Talented Ninety Percent in achieving a better life. Instead, that segment has created another class, a Buppie class that looks down on their people or aids them in a condescending manner.
They will never achieve what we have. Their selfishness does not allow them to be able to work together on any project or endeavor of substance. When they do get together, their selfishness lets their egos get in the way of their goal Their so-called help organizations seem to only want to promote their name without making any real change in their community. They are content to sit in conferences and conventions in our hotels, and talk about what they will do, while they award plaques to the best speakers, not to the best doers. Is there no end to their selfishness? They steadfastly refuse to see that TOGETHER EACH ACHIEVES MORE (TEAM) They do not understand that they are no better than each other because of what they own, as a matter of fact, most of those Buppies are but one or two pay checks away from poverty. All of which is under the control of our pens in our offices and our rooms. Yes, we will continue to contain them as long as they refuse to re ad, continue to buy anything they want, and keep thinking they are "helping" their communities by paying dues to organizations which do little other than hold lavish conventions in our hotels. By the way, don't worry about any of them reading this letter, remember, 'THEY DON'T READ!!!!
Now, in my own words. just to counteract this negaitve thought, those of us who do read know this not to be completely true. Since working in social services, I've discovered that a growing number of adults in the African American community as well as the Eurpoean community do not read, many of whom who've never learned how, for whatever reasons.
As readers our job is to assist those in need. Not make them feel ashamed, but to empower them by helping them learn to read. Local agencies are available to lend your time and talent. It may not mean much to you, but it can make a world of difference to someone who can't read.
You've been blessed with the opportunity to be able to read, now find some time to share it with someone who can't. Don't know where to go, Google it! You can also call your local library. Remember, readers are leaders!