FAIL!!!!!!!

So... clearly... I have failed at meeting my goal to blog daily. Hell, I haven't even blogged weekly :(

So, I've decided that I'll shoot for a much more attainable goal for me, and that is to blog at least 3 times a week... I'm even going to put it on my calendar. So, here goes nothing...

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Is This Some Kind of Joke?

After watching that I find myself in a state of confusion.

Did she call President Obama's dead mother a liar?... Is she acting?...

What do you think?

Leia Mais

I Just Had To...

This made me smile so hard that I couldn't help but to post it!




Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Food For Thought: Black Entrepreneurs???

I know this is an overstated topic, but it really hit home for me today. I was in a beauty supply store. It appeared as if there were only two people working in the store while I was there (others could have been in a storage/stock room or something), and both of them happened to be Black women. One of the women was very helpful, she seemed very knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the store. As I was checking out, I asked if she was the owner of the store, to which she replied, "No, I just run it." I gathered my things and made my exit.

As I was leaving the store I took a second look at the items for sale in the store and this question came to mind...

Who said it was O.K. for Asians to capitalize on the sale of Black culture?... Which inspired a more in depth train of thought.

It is apparent that Black culture sells. Black culture and pop culture are almost synonymous these days. However, when you look at the face of who is profiting from turning Black/urban culture into mainstream culture (the ones making the big bucks), it sure isn't doesn't look like mine; chances are it's probably white and male.

Why is this?... Why does it seem as if Black people lack entrepreneurial drive?...

Then it occurred to me... Maybe it's just the perpetuation of an American tradition. I mean... since the beginning of the United States of America's existence Blacks were being sold to the general public as a commodity.

Is it possible that somehow this way of thinking has been woven into the subconscience of African Americans as a whole? Are there external pressures sending subliminal messages that Black people are unfit to own a prosperous business?...

Or maybe it's not subliminal at all. In 2004 Blacks accounted for only 4% of small business in America, I would assume that that number has not grown enough to mirror the percentage of Black people living in America today. It is undeniable that Blacks have historically been denied access to the economic, educational and institutional resources to become successful entrepreneurs. And now when the playing field seems level the situation is still dire.

I could go on and on, as many thought linger in my head... But I'll leave you with these...

Who said it was O.K for other cultures to profit on the sale of Black culture?
Are there subliminal/subconscious (societal) elements discouraging Blacks from owning their own businesses?
Are there still institutional barriers in place today that deny Black people access to a different/better/more profitable lifestyle?

Just my thoughts...

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

A Little Piece of Wisdom

Photo courtesey of www.rogershipley.com

Everyday I aspire to be better than I was the day before. But some times it feels like there is only so much one can do. And some times it feels like there is just nothing to be done that will be better than the previous day. However, there is ALWAYS room for improvement.

I've been reading Forbes Great Minds of Business, it is a series of interviews of five of the most prolific CEO's/executives of the 20th century. From this book I've learned some valuable pieces of wisdom that will help with my daily struggle of striving to become great. I hope that they will speak to you as well.

• Avoid comfortable equilibrium - In other words steer clear of the status quo. It's very easy to become content with doing the bear minimum required to just make it by. However, that can lead to a very boring existence and you may appear to lack motivation and initiative, which are great qualities to have. I encourage you ask questions, go above and beyond your requirements, and challenge yourself and others.
• Make fear your friend - This is one of my favorites. You know the anxious feeling that you get when you are about to take on a new endeavor. When you're experiencing that feeling it's terrible, but in hind sight it's one of the best feelings in the world. This anxiousness/fear can serve as a motivator and with it you may perform better than ever before.
• Take control of your destiny - This one is pretty self explanatory. Make good decisions that will put you in a position to excel and prosper. Surround yourself with like minded people that you trust, who will help you to reach your goals.
• Think outside the box - Approach a tough situation or a problem that you may be having as if you were someone else. Pretend that you are not emotionally tied to the situation or as if you're helping a friend out and see what solutions you come up with.
• Discipline - We all know what it's like to not want to do anything. And we all deserve to be able to relax and/or do something leisurely when time permits. However, staying on task is very important in our fast paced world of timelines and deadlines. Sometimes we have to make the difficult decision of choosing work over play.
• Conviction & Commitment - Last but not least, do all things to the best of your ability. Chose projects that you are passionate about, if you can't chose your projects, become passionate about the work you produce. Those two words (converted to actions) will take you a long way.

I hope these tips are helpful to you, as I will be applying them to my life as well.

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Intervention

So... I know I've been MIA lately... But I'm back, and my goal is to blog at least once a day.

There. I've said it publicly, so that means I must really make a valiant effort. We'll see.

Leia Mais

Am I Reading Too Much Into It?...

I mean... you tell me...



I'm just saying... looks pretty shady to me!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Wait... So It Really Happenned... :-(

I guess it's finally sunk in... I think I was hoping all the way up to this point that someone had made a mistake... We love you Micheal!

I remember when Micheal Jackson broadcasted his concert live on HBO back in the day. I was no older than 10 years old. It was such a big deal in my household! I remember my parents making sure that they had a clean VHS ready to record the show for days prior to the actual showing. I watched that video at least once a week for the next 6 weeks.

Micheal Jackson was an undeniable talent (regardless of what these silly critics, who insist upon ridiculing this man even in death, say). And he opened the doors for and touched so many people throuhout his life. He will truly be missed!

I think I'm going to go over my parents house and watch that video this weekend (I hope I can find a VCR).

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

STERILIZE HIM!

I know this sounds terrible, but I have to say it.

Some people should be sterilized. Really. Some people should not be allowed to reproduce.

Exhibit A: Desmond Hatchett, a 29 year old Tennessee resident.

First, let me reiterate the fact that Hatchett is 29 years old. This man is 29 years old and the father of 21 children. 21 children. And what's worst, he is a minimum wage worker - I'm not hating on minimum wage workers. We all have to get it how we live, but there is no doubt that I am certainly hating on this situation.

This is ridiculous.

Hatchett appeared in court recently for failure to maintain child support payments. He is required to pay between $25 and $309 per month to each of his 11 baby mamas. Unfortunately with his monthly wages this just is not going to happen. The court can only legally garnish his wages up to 50% of what he makes, leaving some of his baby mamas only to receive $1.98 per month. Because of Hatchett's inability to support all of his 21 children the state of Tennessee will have to step in, which means that tax dollars will go toward taking care of this irresponsible fools children.

I rest my case.



**Let me just say that most people who know me will agree that I try to not judge people and whatever situation they may be in or going through, but this is just beyond me. Irresponsibility is irresponsibility. And this is f-ing ridiculous. And what really gets my blood boiling is that he had the nerve to say that all of the women that he impregnates "know what they are getting into."

Why is the burden of contraception automatically placed on the woman. Should he not be responsible enough to know that he can not afford to have any more children?... Obviously he can't be. So I say, STERILIZE HIM!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Ignorance of the Day: What Are They Trying to Say?

Like seriously... I don't get it... ::scratching my head::

Leia Mais

I Absolutely, Undoubtedly LOVE Him!

All I can say is that, I love him! This is great!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Quote of the Day.

"Part of being a good friend is being honest." -President Obama, on US relations with Israel.

I heart President Obama (who I lovingly call Barry)...

But really... He took that simple statement, which is just some real every day type stuff, a little piece of wisdom that his grandmother may have imparted upon him, and he applied it to a much more complicated situation, for which it certainly makes sense.

To view the NY Times article click here.

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

My Daily Battles: Black Women Role Models

Is it me, or does it seem like there is a shortage of Black female role models. I'm not saying that there is a shortage, because I don't believe that that to be the case... But what I'm saying is that it sure seems like it.

Why does "the media" (whoever that is) insist on showing these unrealistic portrayals of Black women?

Why do the Black women that expose themselves to these media outlets allow themselves to be exploited in such a way?

I guess the answer is simple... IT SELLS!

Next question... Why does it sell?

Well, I have my opinions, but for now, I'd like you to know what you think... Leave it!

*I have more to come on this topic, because there is so much more to explore... This is one of my daily battles.

**Also, by using the image above I'm not implying that the women pictured are not role models in their own right, I'm just using those pictures as an example of the type of imagery that is used by various media outlets (although I would argue that some of them are not and/or should not be considered role models by a long shot, but that's for a separate post).

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Wreckless Love... Or Homewrecker Love?

It's simple. Married men are off limits. Period. Dot.

I try to keep the gossip to a minimum here, but for some reason this story struck a chord with me.

No, I have never been married, and no, I don't know what it feels like to have another woman destroy what I believed to be a beautiful and unyielding union of which I was one half. But, I'd imagine that if feels quite awful.

So... 2 things:

1. Listening to the interview with Mashonda, it stood out to me when she said she realized that it is not her fault...

So many times we (women in similar situations) blame ourselves for the mistreatment that we arbitrarily receive, whether it be verbal, physical, or psychological abuse... I could go on and on about what I believe causes the mental chains that lock us into believing that we inherently deserve to be misused, but I won't... Instead, I'll just say that we (women) need to learn to love ourselves. Love ourselves as deeply as we love the men that we seek, so that if we do come across a man who chooses to mistreat us, we can simply walk away (as hard as it may be), because we will love ourselves enough to know that our own mental, physical and emotional health is more important than that unhealthy relationship... We also need to respect ourselves, which will unintentionally yield respect for other women and the sanctity of their romantic relationships. If we gain a greater sense of respect for ourselves then we will not allow ourselves to be disrespected by being some body's side piece... And in regaining these simple virtues, we will become better role models to the little girls who will come after us.

2. Say it ain't so Alicia... Not the Alicia Keys that I know (in my head). Not the Superwoman, A Woman's Worth, singing Alicia...

How many of us thought that Alicia Keys would break up some body's happy home?... I sure didn't. I mean, I know it's all hear say right now, but if you ask me, it's pretty convincing hear say. But I guess, it just goes to show that you can't judge a book by it's cover, or a celebrity by their public persona... I mean, who would've thought the Chris Brown's little adorable self would nut up on Rih Rih... but let's not go there.

OK, so 3 things....

3. Because I like Alicia, and because, aren't we all just trying to find true love?....

What if your one chance at real, true love is with a married man?... What if he is your soul mate?...

Yea, that doesn't even make sense, because if he were your soul mate then you wouldn't have to steal him from another woman, right?... Well, I tried to give A. Keys the benefit of doubt... but hey, there is only so much bs'ing a person can do.

Conclusion=Unacceptable!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Longstanding Tradition in the South :-(

Segregated Proms. I guess I just don't understand. When I was in high school, about 30% of the students that attended my school were Black, about 60% were white, and the remaining 10% identified with other ethnic groups. However, I distinctly remember that we all hung out with each other, especially during and after big events. I can't imagine not spending Prom night with all of my fellow classmates, who helped to shape my high school experience, all in the same building on the same night.

However, according to an article that appeared on the NY Times website the other day, segregated proms are longstanding traditions in towns across the rural South.

Yes! Still! In 2009. In the era of our first Black President. People continue to purposely practice segregation even today. 55 years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision, in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case, ruling that the separate but equal policies of the past were unlawful.

In my opinion this (segregated proms) is the perpetuation of racism, although those who stand by these segregated events call them tradition. I, however, pose a question to those who hold the belief that this is tradition... From where does this tradition come?...

I also have an answer: It comes from racist practices of our past. From the Jim Crow laws that prohibited Blacks from occupying the same space as Whites. It comes from the antebellum era when Blacks were enslaved and sold as chattel. From a belief that Blacks are only 3/5 of a person.

And you know what?... It just ain't right... tradition or not...

Sincerely,

TSH

* To view the article, click the link above.

Leia Mais

Bring Back the Cosby's!!!

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the nationally acclaimed Cosby Show --which I still love to this day!

The Cosby show is hands down my favorite sitcom of all time. The show was ground breaking in that it displayed a different view of the African American family than what was being shown on television in the early to mid 80s. The Cosby Show transformed the view of the African American family from an obscurity to be viewed as simply an American family.

Check out the link below to watch the Cosby's cast reunion which took place on the NBC's Today Show.

• Bill Cosby is still hilarious!


• Phylicia Rashad is still beautiful and her demeanor emotes sophistication.


• And I was cracking up at the clips of the show in the beginning!


• I think we need a 21st century Cosby Show!!!!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30823062#30823062

Leia Mais

A Woman's Work: Where Do I Go From Here?

Most of the decisions that I've made in my life up to this point have been in a effort to make it to this point. I am a college graduate and a bona fide career woman, as I have been working for almost two years and am on my way to having a successful, lucrative and rewarding career. However, now that I've reached this point in my life, on the cusp on 25 years, my question is, where do I go from here?

Lately, when talking with my closest friends, our conversations center around this question. We are now realizing that being a working, career-oriented woman, who aspires to have a family is a real balancing act... I would have to say that currently my most prevalent goal is to become very successful in my career. I see the next five years as being VERY important for me when it comes to professional development. But, where does marriage and a family fit it?

I also want to get married and start a family within the next five years. But I don't want to have to choose. I want to reach my career goals and my personal goals without compromise. Pondering these questions often leaves me perplexed, but hey, I am woman. It's been done before. Resilience flows through my veins.

In the mean time, here are some of my short-term, everyday goals that I hope will help me reach my career and personal goals (without compromise). Maybe they can help you as well. Let me know what you think.

1. Wake up earlier. - God knows I'm not a morning person, but there may be something to that old saying, "The early bird gets the worm." So I'm gonna give it a try.


2. Stay abreast of current events. - Knowing what's going on in the world will assure that I'm never left speechless in the presence of clients or co-workers.


3. Exercise daily. - Exercise promotes better overall health and is proven to improve ones mood. Physical health is very important to me, as it allows for me to get things done.


4. Take at least 15 minutes to prepare for the following day. - Proper planning prevents poor performance.


5. Take at least an hour a day to do what I want to do! - Whether it be reading for leisure, visiting with friends, blogging, or just taking time to clear my mind.


6. Make sure I talk to my Boo daily! - I'm still working on that marriage ;-)

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

What do you STAND for?

Check out Tavis Smiley's latest documentary, STAND, set to air May 24th on TV One. You can also purchase a copy of the 90 minute documentary from the official STAND site, http://www.standthemovie.com/home.htm.

Below is a clip of the official trailer, followed by a synopsis of what you can expect from the film... I'll be back with my thoughts once the film airs.

STAND

It was the summer of 2008 in Memphis, birthplace of Blues. America was
commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr., against the backdrop of then Senator Barack Obama emerging as the
first African American to become the Democratic presidential nominee. As America approached the historic presidential election, the national dialogue and debate intensified about race relations, politics and the legacy of the civil rights
movement.

Broadcaster Tavis Smiley dissects this national discourse with ten
Black male friends over several days during a special road trip through Memphis
and Nashville. While visiting places like the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King
died, and Stax records, credited with laying the roots of southern soul, Smiley
and friends explore the diversity and complexity of the Black male experience in
America past, present and future.

STAND reveals the journey of a unique group of scholars, musicians,
comedians and social critics as they gather for a rare reflection of brotherhood
while confronting their own roles and responsibilities as pioneers of social
progress.

CAST: Tavis Smiley, Dick Gregory, Michael Eric Dyson, Cornel West,
Cliff West, Eddie Glaude, BeBe Winans, Wren T. Brown, Daron Boyce, Robert Smith
and Raymond Ross. Special appearances by Sam Moore, Isaac Hayes and David
Porter.

Runtime: 90 minutes

Sivat ProductionsDirector/Executive Producer: Tavis SmileyProducer:
Sasheen ArtisSupervising Producer: Adriane HopperEditor: Stacy Goldate

-Source

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Ignorance of the Day: Does this really come on TV???

Seriously, WTF? Come on people... get it together. Like I really don't know what to say. SMH!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Sincerely: What do we really value?

I was reading an article in the NY Times about how the shortage of doctors will impact President Obama's health care goals. According to the article there is a shortage of primary care physicians - the doctors who are responsible for the day-to-day health of many Americans. Many doctors are leaving the primary care sector of the business to specialize in specific areas of medicine, as specialist tend to make more money. The NY Times quoted President Obama's speech at a White House forum, where he said, "We're not producing enough primary care physicians... The costs of medical education are so high that people feel they've got to specialize."

As I was reading this article, for some reason the NFL draft, which took place last weekend, came to mind. And I asked myself, what is wrong with our values system in America?

According to salary.com, the median expected salary for a physician is $147,824 with approximately 10% of doctors bringing in more than $190,000 a year (I would assume that much of the that 10% are specialist).

Now, back to the NFL draft.

The number one pick in the 2009 NFL draft, Matthew Stafford, received a six year contract. Over the six years of his contract Stafford will make $78 million if all goes as planned. That equals out to $13 million per year. If for some reason, such as injury, Stafford is not able to uphold the terms of his contract he is still guaranteed to receive $41.7 million over the 6 years, which is approximately $7 million per yer. With that in mind, please consider the fact that several NFL football players (professional athletes in general) are given similar compensation.... BUT NONE OF THEM SAVE LIVES FOR A LIVING!!!

Based on these numbers, Stafford's salary can pay the median physicians salary about 88 times over. So again I ask:

WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR VALUES SYSTEM???

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Smithsonian Museum of African American History To Come!

In a press conference held April 14, 2009, the Smithsonian Board of Regents announced that they would be moving forward with the Freelon Adjaye Bond/Smith Group design for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The winning design was selected among six other designs by varying architectural firms. According to the official NMAAHC website the construction of the museum is scheduled to begin in 2012 and will take up to three years to complete.

I for one am excited about the production of this new museum and can't wait for the grand opening! I will be following the production and development, so for more information stay tuned. You can also visit the official site, http://nmaahc.si.edu/. YAY!

To read more and view the press conference click here!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Sincerely: I'm Not A Conspiracy Theorist

Reading the COINTELPRO documents made me think. It made me wonder, why would the government go through such great lengths to hinder organizations with seemingly righteous causes? Why instead of attempting to help these groups and improve the status of African Americans throughout the country, would they seek to "disrupt, misdirect, [and] discredit," these organizations?

First let's examine the language:

disrupt: 1. to throw into disorder 2. to interrupt the normal course of unity
misdirect: 1. to give wrong direction to
discredit: 1. to refuse to accept as true or accurate 2. to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of 3. to deprive of good repute: Disgrace

Based on the definitions of these words, which come directly from official COINTELPRO documentation, it is clear that the government set out to sabotage Black and/or Civil Rights Organizations, and leadership.

It seems to me that if instead of creating programs to interfere with the goals of these organizations working toward the advancement of African Americans, the government could have created programs which championed the objectives of organizations such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Then, maybe the need to "counter their propensity for violence and civil disorder," would not have been necessary.

So... as I was reading this document, I reached goal number two of this particular COINTELPRO initiative, to "Prevent the rise of a 'messiah' who could unify, and electrify, the militant black nationalist movement." This particular statement caused my mind to travel to areas of thought that may be uncomfortable even for me (I promise I'm not a conspiracy theorist).

I thought of President Obama, and a question came to mind... Is President Obama the quintessential Black leader?

While his presidency is probably the greatest accomplishment in African American history to date, I don't think I can classify President Obama as a Black leader. Not in the same sense that Malcolm X, Huey Newton, Marcus Garvey and Martin Luther King, Jr. were Black leaders. Don't get me wrong, I SINCERELY love Mr. Barack Obama, his existence makes me smile, and what he represents is absolutely astonishing, however his goals can not simply be the advancement of Blacks in American. After all, he is the whole president. He is responsible for the well being of all Americans, black, white, brown and so forth.

So... this is where my thinking gets a little crazy (but I promise I'm not a conspiracy theorist)...

I was thinking, has the government gotten over on us again?... Is the election of President Obama --a Black man-- just a ploy to make us believe that the need for Black leadership is no more. Is the government trying to confuse us? I mean, clearly, it's not a stretch of the imagination, just look at the goals of COINTELPRO (this statement came directly from the documents: "When an opportunity is apparant to disrupt or neutralize black nationalist, hate-type organizations through the cooperation of established local news media contacts or through such contact with sources available to the Seat of Government, in every instance careful attention must be given to the proposal to insure the targeted group is disrupted, ridiculed, or discredited through the publicity and not merely publicized. ").

I don't want to discredit the American people, because I do believe that we have made great stride toward overcoming racism in this country, and I know that the election of President Obama gave many a renewed sense of faith in our country. But, it was obvious that before the election, during the campaigns, that the media was biased toward a certain candidate (I'm just saying).

I guess my thought process lead me to this conclusion:

According to the National Urban Leagues State of Black America 2009, Blacks are twice as likely as whites to be unemployed and tree times more likely to live in poverty. So we must continue to develop leaders within our community who will champion our causes. And we must continue to hold the government responsible for the living conditions of all Americans. And we must challenge our government to help us to improve our place in society, regardless of who is in the white house.

Sincerely,

TSH

*To read the entire COINTELPRO document click here.

Leia Mais

Purse... Shoes... oh, Black Baby...?

Stories about Madonna's (failed) attempt to adopt Chifundo "Mercy" James, a 3-year-old Malawian orphan can be found throughout the blogosphere, and in many celebrity news/gossip publications. I've read several varying opinions on the matter. Many feel that Madonna will be able to provide the child with a better life than the one she would live in her native country. Some see Madonna's antics as an attempt to gain publicity. Others feel that people are just simply hating on Madonna, and should leave her alone. However, the most interesting perspective to me came from That Black Girl Site. This perspective questions the motives of celebrities who adopt Black babies as a whole (I suppose any baby who is not American falls in this category). Is adopting a Black baby simply a trend that celebrities can afford? Is this another way for celebrities to assert their status? If so... is it acceptable?

I'm not sure if this is true in Madonna's case, as she has shown a vested interest in Malawi through her charity, Raising Malawi. However I would love to know your take on this subject. Leave it (in the comments section... lol)!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

History Made On This Date: COINTELPRO

On April 5, 1976 documents confirming COINTELPRO were released as a result of a freedom of information suit. The documents confirmed the COINTELPRO initiative to "disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize the activities of black nationalist, hate-type organizations and groupings, their leadership, spokesmen, membership, and supporters, and to counter their propensity for violence and civil disorder... through the cooperation of established local news media contacts or through such contact with sources available to the Seat of Government, in every instance careful attention must be given to the proposal to insure the targeted group is disrupted, ridiculed, or discredited through the publicity and not merely publicized. "

Many groups whose purpose was the advancement of African Americans, such as, the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The Black Panther Party, the Nation of Islam, etc., were targeted as well as many African American Leaders. Leaders such as, Fred Hampton, Stokely Carhmicheal, Martin Luther King, Jr., etc. were specifically mentioned in the documents.

To check out more for yourself visit http://www.icdc.com/~paulwolf/cointelpro/blacknationalist.htm.

Sincerely ,

TSH

Leia Mais

History Made On This Date: 15th Amendment

On March 30, 1870 the Secretary of State at that time, Hamilton Fish, issued a proclamation of the ratification of the The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. The 15th Amendment officially gave African American men the right to vote, declaring the "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Sincerely: Made Me Think

As I was watching D.L Hughley Breaks the News, on a segment in which he was interviewing Jessie Jackson Jr., Jackson made an interesting statement. He said, "We represent Barack Obama." This statement stood out to me because it made me think!

I thought about the burden that President Obama has in representing not only America as a whole, but more specifically the potential of Black America if given a chance and proper resources. I'm sure this is not a burden/task that he takes lightly, after all we are all relying on him and his family to show a different side of Black America. The side that is not often portrayed in the media.

However, Jackson's statement turned that burden around for me, not only does President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama represent me, but I represent them as well. This statement places the responsibility on me, to do all that I can to make sure that the representation that the Obama's uphold is not false. To make sure that I am a responsible, law abiding, socially conscious citizen of America. Because I refuse to be a disappointment to my President.

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Hip Hop Fashion Royalty

Is it me or does Kanye and Amber ALWAYS look like Hip Hop fashion royalty every time they step out?... What do you think?



Metropolitan Opera


London Fashion Week


London Fashion Week

I see you Kanyamber!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Shopping While Black

In their most recent installment of "What Would You Do?," ABC news investigates how shoppers react while witnessing outright racism by the sales clerks at a local boutique. It's amazing how many people chose to have a blind eye to such inequities.

Of almost 100 witnesses, less than 20 chose to intervene.

Take a look at the video below and let us know, "What Would You Do?"




Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Role Model Round-Up: Myron Rolle

The April 2009 issue of Ebony features an autobiographical article by Myron Rolle, a highly sought after former Florida State University football player and alumni... As if being featured in Ebony isn't a huge accomplishment in itself, Rolle has loftier goals and aspirations.

Rolle, is not your stereotypical jock. He is a Rhodes scholar.

As a high school senior Rolle received 83 scholarship offers based on his abilities in football, however unlike many of our youth today, football was not the only thing he had in mind when choosing the university that he would attend. He had academic aspirations as well. Although he enjoyed the game and planned to pursue a career in football, his ultimate goal was to be a pre-med major and to become a doctor. His goals still remain in line.

Although he is certain that he would be a first round pick in this years NFL draft, he has decided to postpone his football career, to study medical anthropology as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford. He is looking past today, to a future of greatness, "My football skills won't wane in one year, and I look forward to returning to football in 2010," he claims.

Myron Rolle holds a special place in my heart, although I've never met him a day in my life. He represents what every aspiring athlete should aspire to become. He represents a different kind of athlete, one who has his priorities in line, unlike many ghetto superstar high school athletes of today. I would advise the parents and/or caretakers of any ambitious young athlete to take a page out of Myron Rolle's parents notebook, and teach their children that there is more to life than sports; that through hard work on and off of the court, field, gym, etc. you can and will reach your goals.

I will leave you with Rolle's closing paragraph, as I couldn't have said it better myself:

My advice to Black youngsters is to not let sports be your only
option. Create opportunities by reading, gaining knowledge and meeting
people. We might not have heard of Barack Hussien Obama if he had only
pursued his dream of basketball. But you see his backup plan-- the one
where he wanted to be the president of the United States-- worked out pretty
well for him. You can do the same.

Sincerely,

TSH

*Grab the April 2009 issue of Ebony Magazine to check out the entire article.

Leia Mais

Heart Disease Hits Hard

As I was perusing the NY Times web site today I came across an article discussing heart failure in Blacks. The statistics blew me away.

A group of researchers performed a study on heart failure using 5,115 young adults as their focus group. The group consisted of a fairly even split of Whites and Blacks. The researchers studied these individuals over the course of 20 years. During the study 27 participants were inflicted with heart failure. Of the 27, five died during the course of the study.

26 of the 27 participants who were inflicted with heart failure were Black.

The study indicates that Blacks are 20 times more likely than Whites to have health problems related to heart failure. It also shows that heart failure affects Blacks at a younger age than it does Whites, as Blacks in their 30s and 40s who participated in the study experienced heart failure at the same rate as Whites in their 50s and 60s.

For the complete NY Times article click here.

Below I've provided a lists of causes, myths and preventative measures related to heart failure and heart disease. Let's stay healthy.

Sincerely,

TSH

5 Causes of Heart Failure

1. Coronary artery disease: when the blood supply to the heart is partially or completely blocked
2. High blood pressure (hypertension)
3. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
4. The use of toxic substances (such as alcohol or drug abuse)
5. Diabetes

5 Myths About Heart Disease

1. If your parents had heart disease, you’ll get it too - Heart disease does run in families. But heredity is not destiny.
2. Heart disease begins in adulthood - Teenagers can already have streaks of fat in their major arteries. Childhood obesity and diabetes are the first acts in what can be a lifelong cardiac drama.
3. Women get breast cancer, not heart disease - Heart disease kills far more women than breast cancer.
4. Cigarettes and cigars are bad for the lungs, not the heart - Smoking is a disaster for the entire body. Especially the cardiovascular system.
5. If your weight is normal and your cholesterol is normal, you’re safe - Thin people with low cholesterol die of heart attacks every day.

6 Ways to Prevent Heart Failure

1. Do not smoke.
2. Lower your cholesterol.
3. Control your blood pressure.
4. Get regular exercise.
5. Control diabetes.
6. Limit alcohol intake.

Leia Mais

Ignorance of the Day: Tammy Bruce Edition

This woman has thoroughly confused me.

Upon first hearing this random display of ignorance I was convinced that Tammy Bruce was just your regular everyday racist (who happens to be a member of the Republican party). However, after digging a little deeper and learning that she is an "openly gay, pro-choice... authentic feminist (whatever that means)," according to her biography at TammyBruce.com; and that she has helped to get various democrats elected to public office I was left perplexed. According to popular generalizations, lesbian-pro choice feminist are supposed to support the Obama's... But then I began to think... well, Hillary did lose in the primaries...

Maybe she is racist and sexist... What do you think?

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais