Friday, December 31, 2010

inspirational upgrades

Upgrade Your Life 2011!


January 3rd

10am - 2pm

American InterContinental University

130 S. Franklin St. Chicago

FREE! Open to public!


U-p-g-r-a-d-e Your Life!
(Like you do your cell phone)

We pay more attention to our electronic gadgets in our lives
than we do to the people, places and things that keep us stuck!

What issue needs to be resolved in your life?
Relationships, Finances,Under-Employment, Spirituality?

Whatever your challenge is, it is something that can be resolved
or at least get a handle on. This session allows you to examine the
possibilities of MOVING FORWARD and Upgrading Your Life
so that you can begin to experience life on a more joyful level!

Higher Learning Network,NFP offers proven methods and techniques
that will assist you in the process. The best part: it's FREE!

Your facilitator will be Shelomith Yisrael aka Zelda Robinson,
Intl. Speaker/Trainer/Author/Media Consultant.
You may know her from radio/tv/print (WJPC, WNUA, V103, WGCI, Gospel Radio 1390AM, CLTV Traffic, NOIR Woman News,
Higher Learning Network TV Show, etc.)

She's spoken around the world, and now she'll be training right here in Chicago!

Reserve your space for the

January. 3rd - 10am-2pm
Life Changing Session at

American Intercontinental University
130 S. Franklin St.,

Chicago! USA

You can come and be a part of this

ground breaking, life changing
session at the beginning,

or come on your lunch hour!


You will be welcomed!

Bring a friend and receive a gift!
Limit to first 40 registrations!

Raffle! Prizes! Free Tickets!

DVD's, CD's and more!
The only thing you need to bring is:
1. You
2. Pen/Paper
3. Open Mind!

RSVP
Info@HigherLearningNetwork.org

Looking forward to the possibilities!
2011 is your year of leaven!

____________________________________

______________________________________________
Radio

www.WeightMattersRadio.com

Television


CREATE Your Own Job!

Using Your Natural God Given Gifts, Talents & Abilities!

see VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77z2XXxW0Pc

**********

Chicago - Sundays @ Midnight Channel 19

Wisconsin - Minnesota Channel 7



**Sundays Midnight Ch. 19 Chicago**

Sunday, December 19, 2010

electronic pick pockets

There is nothing inspirational about losing everything you've worked
hard for to some electronic thieves!

The season of giving and TAKING is here!
Electronic Pick Pocketing is the new technology that will leave you and
your credit card with a balance you cannot afford to pay!

Be sure and check out this video and share it with everyone you know!
Happy Holidays!

www.wreg.com/news/wreg-electronic-pickpocketing-story,0,5636726,full.story
or

http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-electronic-pickpocketing-story,0,5636726,full.story

(Copy and paste in new window if it doesn't work when you click on it!)

Monday, December 6, 2010

N'Spirational Conversations 2011 are here!





Growing up on the South side of Chicago, getting lost as a child, was actually a blessing in disguise. I will always remember the time my mother sent me downtown to the Daley Center to get a copy of my birth certificate and I got lost. I had not traveled outside of my immediate community to know that the State Street bus would take me downtown and back home in Stateway Gardens, on Federal Street, a block west of State Street.

After the death/transition of my mom, Katie, I went to live with my Aunt Edna in Mississippi, which scared me to death. As I matured and begin to travel in life, going to new places was no longer uncomfortable to me. I somehow knew that I’d make it back home safely.

I have lived South, North, West and East. I have learned that neither side is better than the other. People say “The South Side is the Devout Side, and the West Side is the Best Side.” You make the best of what you have, and who you are, wherever you are, inside.

Who reads N'Spirational Conversations?

Sunday, August 15, 2010

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.


Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying A word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.

Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked he r to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma the daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its insides became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid ! spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

If you don't (re)send it, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten someone's day with this message!

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!! !!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

living...

My Skate buddy Frank Powell sent me this to share with you! Enjoy!

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . Relax . . .
And read this slowly.



I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, It doesn't mean they do love each other.


I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if We understand that friends change.



I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.


I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.


I Believe....
That it's taking me a long time To become the person I want to be.


I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.


I Believe....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.


I Believe....
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.


I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.


I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs
to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe....
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.


I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.


I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.


I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.


I Believe....
That it isn't always enough,
to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.


I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.


I Believe....
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, But, we are responsible for whom we become.


I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.


I Believe....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.


I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of Hours by people who don't even know you.



I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give,
When a friend cries out to you -
you will find the strength to help.


I Believe...
Those credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.



I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life
are taken from you too soon.


I Believe...
That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in, I just did.


'The happiest of people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything they have.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

WELCOME TO THE Father Store!!

A store that offers fathers for those who don’t have them has just opened in Chicago,
where anyone of the female species may go to choose a father.

Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates:

WELCOME TO THE Father Store!!

You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!
There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights.
There is, however, a catch... ! You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!


Happy Shopping!!!!

A woman goes to the Father Store to find a father
On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1: These fathers have children and take care of them.
If you’re looking for a man who loves children, this is a good choice.

The second floor sign reads:
Floor 2: These fathers have children, but are not with the mother, who has the children,
but he still takes care of them. This is a good choice also.

The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3: These fathers are single parent fathers, and looking for a woman with children to make blended family. Great choice!

"Wow," she says, these are great choices, but I don’t want to stop here, there may be something better! She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:

Floor 4: These men are fathers with no children and looking for women with no children.
They are very good looking, sensitive and patient.

"Oh, My God!" she says to herself, "I can’t do this alone! I need help!
Too many good choices. Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:

Floor 5: These fathers look like Denzel, Samuel L. Jackson and
Richard Gere all rolled up into one.
They are simply drop-dead fine, love to help with the housework, homework
and massaging your feet!
Did I mention they are all very romantic?
They love to give flowers, write love letters, work long hard hours just to give
you and the kids everything you need and desire.

A woman never satisfied, she has to try the last floor because if it gets better than this,
she has to know about it.

After she reaches the last floor, the sixth floor, the sign reads:

Floor 6:
You are visitor 20, 130, 214 to this floor.

There are NO fathers on this floor.
They are all on the first five levels.
This floor exists solely as proof that most women think they know what they want,
but maybe not really sure due to what eveyone tells us what we want, desire,
deserve, etc. We really don’t know what we want,
thereby making it hard to please a woman with or without children.

So please be very grateful for the father in your life!
At least he’s there and you don’t have to go looking for him.
And if you do have to go looking for him, you probably know where he is.
If you can’t find him, spend some time with yourself, so when the right man/father/father figure shows up in your life, you can appreciate him on whatever level he’s on.


Thank you for shopping at the Father Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a Faith Filled Fantastic day! Please send this to everyone you know for a good laugh and to all the women who can handle the truth! If you see a community of fathers, give thanks for it! We can’t do it alone, so let’s stop pretending we can. We all need MALE energy to balance out FEMALE energy! He’s the yin, we carry the yang!
Stay on purpose,
stay empowered!
Stay tuned to MEN on Higher Learning, Ch. 19 Chicago. http://MENonHigherLearning.blogspot.com

Sunday, May 9, 2010

inspirational job?

You're invited to our first TV Taping of


Create Your Own Job!

How To Create Your Own Job Using the Internet will be WEd. 12th
6-9pm

RSVP
Zelda@higherlearningnetwork.org

Sunday, April 11, 2010

housing horrors...



I know you're disturbed by the things that go on,in and around your house, including but not limited to:
noisy neighbors
krazy kids
poor plumbing
leaky roofs
flooding basements
mold
mildew
dirty drainpipes
warped floors
leaky toilets and the whole nine yards.

There's nothing worse than having trees grow through the roof!

Ha!
And you thought you had problems! :)

Monday, March 29, 2010

Women's History Month

This month comes to a close and I consider it an honor and a privledge to be among sisters who are doing their thing, without the attitude. Real sisters, making a real difference by sharing their lives and their love with us.

A few of my favs are Troi Tyler and Bonnie DeShong, Adrience and my girl Lalah Hathaway!!

Surround yourself with sisters on a mission and can help you in the process!

Let us remember the brothes along the way!
Derrick, PD of V103
Robin Thicke and last but never least
Tony Hogues, Host of MEN on Higher Learning!

http://MenOnHigherLearning.blogspot.com





Sunday, March 28, 2010

inspirational conversations you won't see..

You will never see this in mainstream media unless someone is shot, stabbed or killed!
Here it is just for you!

Will we see this on the news? NOT

Urban Prep Academy senior Keith Greer, along with his classmates, celebrates the news they will receive a free prom in Chicago because 100 percent of the graduating class was accepted into 4-year colleges or universities.

The entire senior class at Chicago's only public all-male, all-African-American high school has been accepted to four-year colleges. At last count, the 107 seniors had earned spots at 72 schools across the nation.

Mayor Richard Daley and Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Huberman surprised students at an all-school assembly at Urban Prep Academy for Young Men in Englewood this morning to congratulate them. It's the first graduating class at Urban Prep since it opened its doors in 2006.

Huberman applauded the seniors for making CPS shine.

"All of you in the senior class have shown that what matters is perseverance, what matters is focus, what matters is having a dream and following that dream," Huberman said.

The school enforces a strict uniform of black blazers, khaki pants and red ties -- with one exception. After a student receives the news he was accepted into college, he swaps his red tie for a red and gold one at an assembly.

The last 13 students received their college ties today, to thunderous applause.

Ask Rayvaughn Hines what college he was accepted to and he'll answer with a question.

"Do you want me to name them all?"

For the 18-year-old from Back of the Yards, college was merely a concept--never a goal--growing up. Even within the last three years, he questioned if school, let alone college, was for him. Now, the senior is headed to the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta , Ga. next fall.

Hines remembers the moment he put on his red and gold tie.

"I wanted to take my time because I was just so proud of myself," he said. "I wanted everyone to see me put it on."

The achievement might not merit a mayoral visit at one of the city's elite, selective enrollment high schools. But Urban Prep, a charter school that enrolls using a lottery in one of the city's more troubled neighborhoods, faced difficult odds. Only 4 percent of this year's senior class read at grade level as freshmen, according to Tim King, the school's CEO.

"I never had a doubt that we would achieve this goal," King said. "Every single person we hired knew from the day one that this is what we do: We get our kids into college."

College is omnipresent at the school. Before the students begin their freshman year, they take a field trip to Northwestern University . Every student is assigned a college counselor the day he steps foot in the school.

The school offers an extended day--170,000 more minutes over four years compared to its counterparts across the city--and more than double the number of English credits usually needed to graduate.

Even the school's voicemail has a student declaring "I am college bound" before it asks callers to dial an extension.

Normally, it takes senior Jerry Hinds two buses and 45 minutes to get home from school. On Dec. 11, the day University of Illinois at Champaign- Urbana was to post his admission decisions online at 5 p.m., he asked a friend to drive him home.

He went into his bedroom, told his well-wishing mother this was something he had to do alone, closed the door and logged in.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" he remembers screaming. His mother, who didn't dare stray far, burst in and began crying.

That night he made more than 30 phone calls, at times shouting "I got in" on his cell phone and home phone at the same time.

"We're breaking barriers," he said. "And that feels great."

It just doesn't get anymore inspirational than that!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

sneeze...

This is classic! Enjoy!


THE SNEEZE

I think this is awesome!!!

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.

Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.

This class would NOT pray during the commencements, not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.


The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.

The speeches were nice, but they were routine until the final speech received a standing ovation.

A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened.

All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED !!!!






The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said,

'GOD BLESS YOU'

And he walked off the stage...




The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.

Isn't this a wonderful story? Pass it on to all your friends.........and

GOD BLESS YOU!!!!

This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland .

Sunday, March 7, 2010

inspiration for everyone's soul...

Social Worker Commits to Only Patronizing Black-Owned Businesses
lm
Lora McDonald
KANSAS CITY, Mo.

We all have New Year’s resolutions. Ultimately they all involve changing some habit into positive behavior. But one local woman’s goal benefits an entire community.

"I've made a commitment to shop only black-owned businesses for an entire year," said Lora McDonald.

As a social worker, McDonald found she was earning a living off working with blacks and wanted to find a way to put some of that money back into the black community. She decided to patronize only black-owned businesses for an entire year.

In two months McDonald has struggled with singling out those stores to meet all of her needs. She has, however, found the only black-owned grocery store in Kansas City - Leon’s Thriftway.

“Their service is incredible, like I never carry my own groceries to my car," said McDonald.

Leon Stapleton has owned Leon's Thriftway since 1968. He said when he started, there were several black-owned grocery stores in Kansas City.

He credits their commitment to good customer service for his successful business.

"I think it's just extra hard work on our part, and just taking care of our neighborhood. We have a neighborhood store," said Stapleton.

An avid shopper, McDonald’s choices are now narrowed when it comes to shopping for clothes. She often shops Micah’s in Crown Center.

"We started as a children's store in 1999," said Andrea Carnes.

Carnes owns Micah's clothing store in Crown Center. Carnes has owned a business in Crown Center for the past 11 years.

She feels the real secret to success is a solid business plan and the support of those around you. In addition to Carnes’ friends and family, she also credits Crown Center for providing an excellent atmosphere for opening a business.

"My advice to anyone starting their business is do their preparation, do their homework," added Carnes.

After a long day McDonald likes to go to Qudo’s Cigar Bar at 1116 Grand Boulevard.

As a new owner, David Lux also believes a strong business plan goes a long way. He also cautions future owners not to take advantage of beginning profits.

"If you make $4,500 dollars in a weekend, you don't just stick $3,800.00 in your pocket and go shopping. You put it back into the business. I think that's why a lot of businesses fail," said Lux.

McDonald has 10 months to go on her year-long journey.

If you know of any black-owned businesses she could add to her list,
e-mail NBC Action News Reporter Lisa Benson at benson@nbcactionnews.com.

McDonald's List of Black-Owned Businesses

Leon's Thriftway
Gates Bar B.Q.
Peachtree Restaurant
Rhythm Lounge
Lutfi's Fried Fish
Big Momma's Bakery & Cafe
Juke House Bar & Restaurant
Zarfar Salon
Niece's Restaurant
McDonald's Restaurants--owned by Ralph King
Micah's clothing store (Crown Center)
Ragz Design House
Wilson's Pizza (KCK)
Mama's House (KCK)
Boulevard Car Wash

Blacks and Technology!

I couldn't help but to share this one with you.
From one of our readers who love to share!


"Those who hate us love to stereotype African-Americans as ignorant, lazy and backward. Well, BET (of all people) has released a new study that puts the lie to these fallacies. According to BET and parent company Viacom, the study “African-Americans Revealed” shows that we’re primarily interested in “family dynamics, tech savvy/adoption, spirituality and education.” Which definitely resonates with me. I probably fall somewhere in and among the Striver, Conscious Sister & Tech-fluential categories below. I’m super-curious to know where you’d put yourself. Where would you put the First Family? Holla at me in the comments…!

Here’s some coverage of the study with more details. Still I rise, y’all. Still I rise. I hope this deep dive into the actual interests of their target audience leads to some positive changes in BET’s programming away from booty-shaking videos and ancient mediocre sitcoms.

MediaWeek:

…the study indicates that 93 percent of African Americans log onto the Web through their desktop or laptop computers, whereas 76 percent surf the ‘net and check their e-mail via mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA).

Per the report’s classification system, the Strivers are trendspotters and trendsetters in their 20s and 30s who are on their way up the corporate ladder. Strivers account for the largest segment, numbering 7.9 million individuals and making up 36 percent of the BET audience. Conscious Sisters are Gen Xers in their 30s and 40s who are culturally and spiritually aware; one in five BET viewers best align with this category. Tech-Fluentials and Bright Horizons are the youngest, most digitally savvy groups and when taken together, they account for a quarter of BET’s overall viewership.

MultiChannel:

According to a comprehensive BET survey of the African-American community recently released, African Americans in 2008 accounted for a 10% increase in population from 2008 versus 2000, while African-American buying power increased more than 55% during the same period to $913 billion. By the year 2013 black buying power will reach $1.2 trillion dollars, a 35% increase versus 2008.

The “African Americans Revealed” study of more than 80,000 African-American consumers on multi-media engagement and digital applications, shows African-Americans are very tech savvy, with roughly 31% of African American discretionary spending dollars, or $39 billion, going toward the purchase of computers, cell phones and electronics – a proportionally higher percentage when compared to non-African-Americans.

African Americans:

Spend more weekly time online (18 hours) than watching television (15 hours)
93% go online traditionally via their PC’s, while 76% access the web via their cell phones 60% have downloaded music, a TV show, movie or ringtone in the previous month
50% regularly update and access a social networking account
The included segmentation study revealed that African-Americans are not a monolithic group but rather break down into seven distinct groups defined by similar characteristics, including buying power and habits, media consumption, and influences:

The Strivers are mostly in their late 20’s to early 40’s and are adventurous, fashionable, social mavens and opinion leaders who have their eyes on climbing the executive ladder
Conscious Sisters are selfless women that are spiritually connected and highly conscious of their culture Tech-Fluentials are digitally savvy and travel in globally conscious circles

Bright Horizons are young adults in high school and college that are aware of all available technology and electronic gadgets
Inner Circle Elites are working women rich in their cultural, ancestral and spiritual roots

Urban Dreamers are young, urban adults who are social magnets and trend setters intent on and focused on living life to the fullest
Survivors are a group of risk-taking teen and young adult males who are hustling to keep their existence in check

A 2010 Census study, within “African Americans Revealed,” predicts that the upcoming
Census count will find that 42 million African-Americans reside in the U.S., a 13.4% increase from the 2000 Census – a higher growth rate than the projected 9.8% increase for the total U.S. population.

Matthew Barnhill, Senior VP of Corporate Research at BET Networks, says “African Americans Revealed shows us that the black community should never be referred to as one homogeneous population… We hope this report will help organizations better connect with an audience and intimately recognize all of its complexities.

for more info, check out this site!

Those who hate us love to stereotype African-Americans as ignorant, lazy and backward. Well, BET (of all people) has released a new study that puts the lie to these fallacies. According to BET and parent company Viacom, the study “African-Americans Revealed” shows that we’re primarily interested in “family dynamics, tech savvy/adoption, spirituality and education.” Which definitely resonates with me. I probably fall somewhere in and among the Striver, Conscious Sister & Tech-fluential categories below. I’m super-curious to know where you’d put yourself. Where would you put the First Family? Holla at me in the comments…!

Here’s some coverage of the study with more details. Still I rise, y’all. Still I rise. I hope this deep dive into the actual interests of their target audience leads to some positive changes in BET’s programming away from booty-shaking videos and ancient mediocre sitcoms.

MediaWeek:

…the study indicates that 93 percent of African Americans log onto the Web through their desktop or laptop computers, whereas 76 percent surf the ‘net and check their e-mail via mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA).



Per the report’s classification system, the Strivers are trendspotters and trendsetters in their 20s and 30s who are on their way up the corporate ladder. Strivers account for the largest segment, numbering 7.9 million individuals and making up 36 percent of the BET audience. Conscious Sisters are Gen Xers in their 30s and 40s who are culturally and spiritually aware; one in five BET viewers best align with this category. Tech-Fluentials and Bright Horizons are the youngest, most digitally savvy groups and when taken together, they account for a quarter of BET’s overall viewership.

MultiChannel:

According to a comprehensive BET survey of the African-American community recently released, African Americans in 2008 accounted for a 10% increase in population from 2008 versus 2000, while African-American buying power increased more than 55% during the same period to $913 billion. By the year 2013 black buying power will reach $1.2 trillion dollars, a 35% increase versus 2008.

The “African Americans Revealed” study of more than 80,000 African-American consumers on multi-media engagement and digital applications, shows African-Americans are very tech savvy, with roughly 31% of African American discretionary spending dollars, or $39 billion, going toward the purchase of computers, cell phones and electronics – a proportionally higher percentage when compared to non-African-Americans.

African Americans:

Spend more weekly time online (18 hours) than watching television (15 hours)
93% go online traditionally via their PC’s, while 76% access the web via their cell phones
60% have downloaded music, a TV show, movie or ringtone in the previous month
50% regularly update and access a social networking account
The included segmentation study revealed that African-Americans are not a monolithic group but rather break down into seven distinct groups defined by similar characteristics, including buying power and habits, media consumption, and influences:

The Strivers are mostly in their late 20’s to early 40’s and are adventurous, fashionable, social mavens and opinion leaders who have their eyes on climbing the executive ladder
Conscious Sisters are selfless women that are spiritually connected and highly conscious of their culture
Tech-Fluentials are digitally savvy and travel in globally conscious circles
Bright Horizons are young adults in high school and college that are aware of all available technology and electronic gadgets
Inner Circle Elites are working women rich in their cultural, ancestral and spiritual roots
Urban Dreamers are young, urban adults who are social magnets and trend setters intent on and focused on living life to the fullest
Survivors are a group of risk-taking teen and young adult males who are hustling to keep their existence in check
A 2010 Census study, within “African Americans Revealed,” predicts that the upcoming Census count will find that 42 million African-Americans reside in the U.S., a 13.4% increase from the 2000 Census – a higher growth rate than the projected 9.8% increase for the total U.S. population.

Matthew Barnhill, Senior VP of Corporate Research at BET Networks, says “African Americans Revealed shows us that the black community should never be referred to as one homogeneous population… We hope this report will help organizations better connect with an audience and intimately recognize all of its complexities.

Nuff said!

more at:
http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2010/02/blacks-new-influence-power-in-tech-media/

when you click on this link, if it doesn't go directly there,
simply COPY and Paste!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sporty King Speaks...















The Master of Listening (& Speaking), My colleague, Sporty King brought the house down as the Keynote Speaker at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in honor of African American History Month on Friday 26th!



Not only did he remind of us our contributions to the World, but how we as individuals truly make a difference in our own way!

Here's a few of my notes and photos.

I was working with a new camera that I'm not familiar with, so please forgive me!

Thanks for all your hard work Sportyman!
You definitely make a difference!




Kudo's to:
Richard Lanyon Exec. Director
MWRD Board of Commissioners

Keith Smith, Director of IT
Dennis Evans, Senior HR Analyst
Cater, Lagniappe Creole Cajun Joynt! (Best Cajun Food I've experienced in a while!)

the great musicians
Bethany Pickens Trio for awesome Jazz we listened to!
(I do remember saying to myself as a kid, "I'll be glad when my mom and her friends get tired of that OLD FOLKS music!" Guess who? Now I LOVE that OLD FOLKS music!
Time sure does bring about a change, doesn't it!


Lovingly,

Zelda Robinson
aka
Shelomith Yisrael

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Never too young to start reading inspiration!



How cute is this?
This young lady is only 2 years old and reading like a champ!
We should all follow in her footsteps!

This just warms my heart to know there are mothers out there who refuse to buy
their children senseless toys that only take up space and don't educate the mind!
This little lady's mom is to be recognized!
What a joy!
Spread the word!
Readers are Leaders, even at the age of 2!

New N'Spirational Conversations Readers!

Black History Month at Thompson Center





Chicago Authors at the Black Author's Network


Sunday, February 7, 2010

N'Spiration & N'Formation! (c)

N'Spirational Conversation 1/30/2010


N'Formation



Greetings & Blessings!

Here's the 3rd edition of the New Year!.

In this issue

1. N'Spiration

2. Haiti Update

3. Tax Time Tips!

4. Your Food!

5. Wanted!

6.ON THE AIR! (Radio/TV)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Resources

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





itex_logo.gifwww.ITEX.com

For BUSINEsSES ONLY!

Get the business supplies you need WITHOUT

Spending Cash! Great for personal products too!

Once you visit the site, contatct:

Karen L. Kelly

President

Confident Currency Inc. ITEX in Chicagoland

www.itex.com - The Other Kind of Money!

o: 847.755.3000 /c: 847.530.5535 /f: 847.589.5333 (corp. office 630.261.7040

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Ad Here!



If you have a Product/Service you need the world to know,

then you can have this space, available for BARTER!

If you have something we can TRADE for.

Email: HigherLearningNw@yahoo.com

for details!





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tax Professinal Sherwin Clark
www.wefiletaxes.com
email:
irsrefunds@yahoo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Dr. Jason Lee Smith

Dr. J.gif

Chicago's Own Dr. J!

If you want to FEEL BETTER, LOOK BETTER and move without problems, then you need to check out the best Doctor in town! My personal doctor, Dr. Jason Lee Smith!

You DO NOT have to live in PAIN or become ADDICTED to pills because of the pain!

Visit Dr J! and tell him the first visit is on me! ($250.00 Value)

Contact Wicker Park Chiropratic Clinic

Live Pain Free!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Free $$ Openining a Bank Account

PNCLock-upLogo.JPG

It's not the Lottery, but every little bit helps!

*

What Bank Offers You Money Just Because Higher Learning Network Sent You? Visit our website for details.
*

www.HigherLearningNetwork.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Old School Music!

http://menonhigherlearning.blogspot.com

The Best of Old School Dusties
From the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s

The Best of
· TEMPTATIONS
· Bobby Womack
· Barry White
· Freddie Jackson
· Al Green
· Isley Brothers +

Special Mixes with:
JAMES BROWN,
CAMEO, PRINCE
PARLIAMENT
CHAKA KHAN
ROSE ROYCE
PETER BROWN
BT EXPRESS
KOOL & GANG
GRACE JONES
DONNA SUMMER
OHIO PLAYERS
BOZ SCAGGS
RICK JAMES
MICHAEL JACKSON
DONNA SUMMER & A
Whole lot more!!!!

Email: MenOnHigherLearning@gmail.com

for a complete list!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming Events

Monthly Networking Meeting

West Side Minister's Coaltion

1st Thursday of Every Month (Feb. 4th)

Columbus Park Reflectory

Central & Jackson

FREE Parking!

www.westcoalition.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


ZeldaSpeaks Coming Soon!

To A Venue Near You!

ZeldaSpeaks Coming Soon to Your Community Center, Church, Hall, Corporate American Conference Room and any neighborhood Theater for Black History Month, etc. Book Her Now!

HigherLearningNw@yahoo.com

Topics Include: (But Not Limited To)

No. I Didn't Get A Phd., But I Did Find A Lot of Grant Money!
(and can show you where to apply)
including but not limited to:

-eMERGENCY Funding!

-Rental Assistance

-Grants for Writers, Theater, Film, Video,

-Visual Artists, Non-Profits, Churches, Pastors, Transportation,

Housing, Women's Issues and more!

-2010 Ex-Offender Publishing Project


How To Self Publish Keep 100% Profit!

Refer Zelda and Get!

20% Referral Fee!

Yes! Get Paid for who you know!

If you know of someone or an organization that could benefit from our services, then it's time you collect on your resources!

Have your friends, family, co-workers, etc. do the work for you!
Have them look through their database and see who needs what.


Time to book your special occasions including but not limited to Black History Month, Church Functions, Mother's/Fathers Day, Weddings, Birthday Parties, Bar Mitzvahs, and the whole nine yards. Let's not forget about the Family Reunions, Class Reunions and Those Private Parties!

Zelda Robinson will not only Host/Speak at your event, but can bring a team of Certified Professionals and video the event.

Call ZTV Productions/Zelda Robinson Communications and receive your Referral Fee once we sign the contract.

Feel Free to forward this e-mail!

"Your Source For The Finest in Professional Speaking/Hosted/Filming!


Book Her Now for:

* Black History Month
* Women's History Month
* Mother's Day
* Father's Day
* Back To School
* Special Ceremonies
* Church Events
* Organization Events
* Networking Events
* Mistress of Ceremony!


Your Special Event!
HigherLearningNw@yahoo.com

~Book Her Now!







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ON THE AIR! (Radio/TV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday Feb. 5th LIVE Call in Show!

4:00 - 4:25pm Channel 21

Call in and share your opinions!

Live Show with Zelda as guest of Ms. Twin Gree, Founder/Director of The Link & Option Center, Inc.

Get your children involved in Media! FREE!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Set those Tivo's!

Higher Learning Network TV Show!

Sundays @ Midnight on Ch. 19

January 17th My Black Is Beautiful Part 2 with Queen Latifah, Cheryl Underwood, Angela Bassett and more!

January 24th Part 3

and

MEN on Higher Learning with Tony Hogues

Sundays 10:30pm Ch. 19

January 31st

Part 5

Kids Off The Block Annual Feed A Teen

Holiday Dinner/Awards Ceremony!

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY!!!

Host/Producer of

Men On Higher Learning TV SHow!

Be sure and send Tony a Birthday Shout at:

MenOnHigherLearning@gmail.com



In the words of The Motivator, Les Brown,

"If you fall on your back, hope that you fall on your back. If you can look up, you can get up!"

Zelda Robinson.jpg

Zelda Robinson, CEO

Higher Learning Network,NFP

CLTV Traffic Reporter



www.facebook.com/ZeldaSpeaks

www.twitter.com/ZeldaSpeaks

www.linkedin.com/in/ZeldaSpeaks

www.myspace.com/higherlearningnetworknfp2





Forward this email to a friend







N'Spirational Conversations(c)



Until today, N'Spirational Conversations has been a one way conversation, with the exception of your reply to this newsletter.

Starting next week, let that conversation be between 2 parties that matter most, YOUR VOICE, which is YOUR VOTE!

It is NOT my intention to persuade you to vote for a certain party. IT IS my intention that you DO VOTE! You may think to yourself that since the presidential election of the first African American President of the U.S., Mr. Barack Obama, that your work is done! So not true! That was your vote at work on a national/global level. Now it's time to do the work on a LOCAL level.

You can complain to your family, friends, co-workers, blog, text, etc. about the lack of resources, jobs, health care etc. But what good does it really do? This is your way to do something about it!

DO NOT be concerned that the one person on the ballet that you like but don't think they'll win because of whatever,.... DO BE concerned enough to make THE EFFORT to make your vote count. Most folks have never had enough money, (except for a fortunate few!) so don't let that stop you!

This vote will determine what is and what IS NOT available for you and your loved ones in your community. If you don't believe it, think about the CTA transportation cuts effective Feb. 7th! Be heard! VOTE as if your life depends on it, because it DOES! See you at the POLLS! Bight and early!

Stay on purpose! Stay empowered!

Shelomith Yisrael aka

Zelda Robinson, Publisher N'Spirational Conversations(c)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

N'Formation



2. Haiti Update

Since last report, we're working with an organization that has helped raise over $35,000 and growing. As a member of the media, we are privy to vital information that can make a difference. We ask you to continue your support in anyway possible. Here's why!

My Camera Man (Tony Hogues - Happy Birthday Tony!) works with a group of do-gooders trying to make a differnce in the lopsided healthcare arena. There's a Dr. Dan he works with who performs surgeries in the underserved community, to ANYONE, regardless of their ability to pay!

Dr. Dan returned recently from Haiti with 2 patients in need of surgery. Here's why?

www.bonesquad.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ten Facts About Claiming Donations Made to Haiti
Internal Revenue Service

www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=218679,00.html

If you are donating to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti , you may be able to claim those donations on your 2009 tax return. 10 important facts the Internal Revenue Service wants you to know about this special provision.

1. A new law allows you to claim donations for Haitian relief on your 2009 tax return, which you will be filing this year.

2. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti .

3. To be eligible for a deduction on the 2009 tax return, donations must be made after Jan. 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010.

4. In order to be deductible, contributions must be made to qualified charities and can not be designated for the benefit of specific individuals or families.

5. The new law applies only to cash contributions.

6. Cash contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card may be claimed on your federal tax return.

7. You must itemize your deductions in order to claim these donations on your tax return.

8. You have the option of deducting these contributions on either your 2009 or 2010 tax return, but not both.

9. Contributions made to foreign organizations generally are not deductible. You can find out more about organizations helping Haitian earthquake victims from agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (www.usaid.gov).

10. Federal law requires that you keep a record of any deductible donations you make. For donations by text message, a telephone bill will meet the record-keeping requirement if it shows the name of the organization receiving your donation, the date of the contribution, and the amount given.


For cash contributions made by other means, be sure to keep a bank record, such as a cancelled check or a receipt from the charity.

Receipts should show the name of the charity, the date and amount of the contribution.

For more information see IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions and Publication 3833 , Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance through Charitable Organizations. To determine if an organization is a qualified charity visit IRS.gov, keyword "Search for Charities". Note that some organizations, such as churches or governments, may be qualified even though they are not listed on IRS.gov.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3. Tax Time Tips

The Best Tip I've ever recieved is to:

1. File with a Professional

2. Preferrable one that knows TAX LAWS andcan INFORM You!

3. Don't get caught up in the ASSEMBLY LINE tax companies that could care less about you as a person or your family!

4. Save 10% (or more) of that refund for a Safety Net! (Thank me later!) :)

In all my years of filing, I've always recommened Sherwin Clark! Many of my colleages in radio, television, friends and family HIGHLY recommend him!

P.S. You don't have to make a lot of money to use him.
Email: irsrefunds@yahoo.com
Be sure and tell him Zelda sent you!

www.wefiletaxes.com

After he's filed your taxes, email me for your FREE GIFT!
Zelda@ZeldaSpeaks.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4. Your Food

With Obesity being the number one killer of Americans, it's crucial that we become more informed about the food we eat. Be sure and check out these sites. Stay informed! There's no excuse!

www.DrOz.com

www.stilltasty.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5. WANTED

Your Recyclable Items!
Go Green Recycle Program/Tax Write Offs!

Everything you do makes a Difference!

Please! Do Your Part!

Everything you donate won't wind up polluting landfills and destroying the earth!

Donate goods to raise funds for the youth programs!
All funds donated are 100% directed to programs and projects
for at-risk youth. Show them you care! You also benefit from your donations by utilizing your right to deduct it from your taxes.

Join the GO GREEN Recycle Program with the
Higher Learning Network!

Donate/Recycle your Electronics, Furniture, Cars, Jewelry & Time

Get your Tax Deductions!

Not Everyone Can Be Famous! Everyone can make a difference!

Go Green & Recycle!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special Thanks to Oak Park Police Dept.

for Donating Bikes to Inner City Youth!

op police inspecting bike.JPG Officers Inspecting Bikes oak park stuffing bikes.JPG Trying to load them in the van of Volunteer Sherril Pettiford oak park bikes 1.JPG Job Well Done! oak park police.JPG

Thank you for giving our kids something to do!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KIDS WANTED to make their own Videos!

Free Programs for Kids!

Help stop the violence by giving our kids something positive to do! Get them enrolled in FREE PROGRAMS!

Higher Learning Network,NFP & The Link & Option Center, Inc. has designed Programs and Projects to give your kids a Link To A Better Life! Help Get the kids off the street!

Continue reading this article on my website...

www.higherlearningnetwork.org/11.html
6. RESOURCES

Fake Fragrances, Work at Home Scams!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ConsumerNews/counterfeit-perfumes/story?id=9670448

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Non Profits Only!

FREE 2009 Grant Money Resource Manual for EX-Offenders!!
from Zelda Robinson Communications! ($29.99 Value)

Must have proof of status and be 501(c)(3) organization!
Contact Zelda at HigherLearningNw@yahoo.com

Ex-Offenders Need Love Too!

Ex-OFFENDERS ONLY!

Zelda Robinson Communications is working on a program to enable
Ex-Offenders become self sufficient and needs your help.

If you are an Ex-Offender or know of someone who is, then email her at
Zelda@ZeldaSpeaks.com

You must be willing to help us help you!
It will require a small amount of work on your part!
We look forward to hearing from you!

If we want something different, we must stop complaining about it, and put a plan into action!
Will you help?

Ex-Offenders to Entrepreneurs

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emergency Funding!

This IS NOT Stimulous Money, this is YEAR ROUND Funding from Private Agencies and Foundations in the Chicagoland area as well as National Organizations. eMERGENCY Funding is available for:

- Rental Assistance
YOU MUST be able to pay the next's month rent and show PROOF!(AFter they recieve assistance for one month. Also funding Resource Manual is available from
Zelda Robinson Communications for the following:

-Writers
-Artists
-Visual Artists
-Theater
-Film/Video,
-Non-Profits
-Churches/Pastors
-Transportation
-Housing
-Women's Issues
and more!

-How To Self Publish Keep 100% Profit!

Zelda uses these resources as a fundraiser to raise money for today's youth in the Behind-The-Scenes Radio/TV/Print Production
in the media, teaching today's youth how to find their passion in life via the arts/media!

The Resource Manual is $19.99

Make Payment to:
www.Paypal.com
Send Payment to HigherLearningNw@yahoo.com

eMERGENCY Funding Year Round!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2010 Job Fair!

Sponsored by West Side Minister's Coalition and Business Resource Center

Malcom X College

Damen and Jackson

Thursday April 22nd Part 1

Thursday April 29th Pat 2

You must attend BOTH EVENTS!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jobs for Youth!

If you know of a teen that needs a SUMMER job, then send them to this site!

After they complete the application ONLINE, then forward me their name and application number and we will forward it to our contacts to be sure they get a job! What more can you ask for? PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFO!

www.BrookfieldZoo.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PART-TIME SEASONAL JOB FAIR - White Sox


Illinois Sportservice @ US Cellular Field / 333 West 35th Street Chicago, IL 60616
Enter through Gate 3 FREE PARKING AVAILABLE

Saturday, February 6th 9:00am - 4:00pm
Resumes from applicants are strongly preferred.
If you are interested you must attend the Job Fair, emailed resumes will not be reviewed prior to the fair. Jobs that we have available include, but are not limited to:

Stand Attendants
Prepare and serve food and beverage products, dispense change, and interact with the public. Candidates must be at least 21 years old to serve alcohol, possess basic math skills and have strong customer service skills. Requires constant standing and ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Seat Vendors
Sell food and beverage items to fans in their seats. Candidates must be at least 21 years old to serve alcohol, possess an outgoing personality and have a strong sense of showmanship. Requires standing, walking, climbing, and the ability to lift 50 lbs.

Warehouse Porters
Deliver food and beer products to various locations and handle trash pick-up. Candidates must be physically fit and possess the ability to do heavy lifting/carrying

Retail Associates
Assist customers with their purchases, process sales, and stock merchandise. Previous retail or customer service experience required. All applicants will be drug screened.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~






COMED Employment Opportunity

ComEd is hiring permanent part time work up to 32 hour a week in their
customer service area 22.00 per hour with benefits.

www.comed.com/sites/aboutcomed/pages/careers.aspx





Stay on purpose! Stay empowered!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

N'Spiration in the Spring 2010!



This is what it looks like!
Yes, Volume 2 is in route to printer and we'll have it for you sooner than you think! In the meantime, be sure and sign up for newsletter of
N'Spiration and N'Formation! Send email to: Zelda@ZeldaSpeaks.com or HigherLearningNw@yahoo.com

Friday, January 1, 2010

Sam Cooke put the spirit of the Black church ...

PBS American Masters...Sam Cooke


Sam Cooke: Crossing Over

Please check out the trailer that PBS posted on their You Tube page for the film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWNdoVK4vaY
AMERICAN MASTERS | Sam Cooke: Crossing Over | PBS


http://www.pbs.org/americanmasters

Sam Cooke put the spirit of the Black church into popular music,
creating a new American sound and setting into motion a chain
of events that forever altered the course of popular music
and race relations in America. ...

what you do could save a life, maybe yours...

Happy New Year, New You, New Yang!

WE are the answer to all our problems.
We are sharing the answers with you, hopefully you'll do your part and spread the word to help keep our kids off the street doing something positive!

The Link & Option Center Debuts Live Talk Show on CAN-TV21
“The Community Link Live Talk Show” airs Fridays through April 1


The Link & Option Center (TLOC), a non-profit human services organization that services
at-risk children, adolescents and their families in Chicago and south suburban Cook County,
is pleased to announce the debut of its live, call-in program, The Community Link Live
Talk Show, airing Friday, Jan. 8 on CAN TV21.

For the next 13 weeks The Community Link Live Talk Show will air every Friday at 4 p.m.
and feature special guests including community leaders, local government officials, and staff
and students from TLOC. Ms. Twin Green, founding President and CEO of TLOC,
will be the show’s first guest.

“This talk show is just one way we can communicate TLOC’s mission to a wider audience
and showcase our programs to families who may not be familiar with us,” said Ms. Twin Green,
founding President and CEO of The Link & Option Center. “Through our organization, we hope
to provide children and their families with progressive opportunities for learning, mentoring,
academic support and vocational training.”

Ms. Green founded TLOC in 1995 in response to the struggles her 8-year old son was experiencing
in school. His lack of focus and direction, due to the separation between he and his father, was
taking him down a negative path filled with failing grades and delinquency. As she worked with
her son, she discovered that this was what she was meant to do: to inspire and help unfocused
youth to stay in school, rise above their situations and strive to achieve their fullest potential.

“While helping my son and other youth in similar situations, I saw a growing need for structured,
academic tutoring in the community,” said Ms. Green. “Eventually, the needs of the community led
The Link & Option Center to expand its programming from providing only educational support
to offering mentoring services, family-centered referral services, computer training, an alternative
to school suspension program, anger management, 6th District Court diversion, and Juvenile Justice
mental health counseling.

The Community Link Live Talk Show’s format will focus on programming and services The Link
& Option Center provides to the community, which includes: Excel Beyond the Bell (tutoring program);
Alternative to School Suspension and Intervention; TeenREACH After School Program; Mentoring;
Mental Health Juvenile Justice Counseling; Mentoring Children of Prisoners/Caregivers Choice;
6th District Court Diversion (Peer Jury); and Adult Probation Treatment Services.

For more information on The Link & Option Center or the Community Link Live Talk Show,
please contact (708) 331-4880. To schedule an interview with Ms. Green, please contact Melissa Schuler
at (646) 752-6427 or melissa@link-option.com.