Somethings are just too good to keep to yourself, so I had to share this one:
If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. - AMEN!
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay. - AMEN!
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be. - AMEN! AMEN!
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find whatmakes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no,
you can't "be friends".
A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. - SO TRUE, SO TRUE!
Don't settle.
If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.
Don't stay because you think "it will get better."
You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.
He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently? - AMEN!
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.
If something bothers you, speak up.
You cannot change a man's behavior.* Change comes from within. - AMEN!
Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are... even if he has more education or in a better job. - THAT'S RIGHT!
Do not make him into a quasi-god.
He is a man, nothing more nothing less. - AMEN!
Never let a man define who you are. -
ABSOLUTELY!Never borrow someone else's man.
If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you. - DOUBLE AMEN!
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you. - AMEN!
All men are NOT dogs. - WHAT!
You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is two way street.
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you..
a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals..
look for someone complimentary
...not supplementary. - AMEN!
Make him miss you sometimes
Never move into his mother's house.
Never co-sign for a man. - THAT'S RIGHT!
Share this with other women and men (just so they know)...
You'llmake someone smile,
another rethink her choices,
and another woman prepare.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them and
an entire lifetime to forget them
note: not hating men, simply enlightening women to make better choices
and men to be better men.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
inspire yourself to be heard & get paid!
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in January for
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Sunday, December 23, 2007
inspiration from viewers
Viewers and listeners share it with me, so I'm sharing it with you.
From a viewer:
I'm sharing this message with most of you because I know you are either seeking a relationship, considering marriage, newly married (or relatively newly married), or you have an anointing on your life for ministering to couples and/or people with emotional issues.
If you do not fall into one of those categories, you're receiving this message simply because I know you love me and cover me in prayer. Whatever your classification, know that you are dear to me and I thank God for having you in my life.
Golden rules for finding your life partnerWhen it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50%, it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr. / Miss. Right!
If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: "We're in love;" I believe this is the #1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love.Though this may sound "not politically correct," there's a profound truth here. Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then the love will come.
Let me say it again, "You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone;" You need a lot more!!!Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.QUESTION 1: Do we share a common life purpose?Why is this so important?
Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.
Two things can happen in a marriage:(1) You can grow together, or(2) you can grow apart.50% of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life! Bottom line; and marry someone who wants the same thing.QUESTION 2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship. Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust - i.e. trust that I won't get "punished," or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings.
A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings.Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.QUESTION 3: Is he / she a mensch?A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions.Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis?
Are they serious about improvingthemselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is alwaysstriving to be good and do the right ";.So ask about your Significant other What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement.There are essentially two types of people in the world:(1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and (2) people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.QUESTION 4: How does he / she treat other people?The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give.
By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.Ask yourself, is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self-absorbed? To measure this, think about the following:How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc.How do they treat their parents and siblings? Do they have gratitude and appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything; Can you do nearly as much for them? You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.
QUESTION 5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve;" them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it: "You can probably expect someone tochange after marriage for the worse" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them.In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues. Falling inlove is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework.
Another perspective. ...There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance....It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going anywhere relationships. Observe the relationships around you.Pay attention... .Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't reallyunderstand, know, or appreciate you?The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you... the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye;"
Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, pity, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.Do you bring out the best in each other?
Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control?What do you bring to the relationship?
Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?You can't take someone to the altar to alter them. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life," youwon't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.WHAT KEEPS RELATIONSHIPS STRONG ARE: (spirituality has to be incorporated into a relationship. .....)1. TRUST2. COMMUNICATION3. INTIMACY4. A SENSE OF HUMOR5. SHARING TASKS6. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN7. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes,8. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS9. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE10. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENTIf these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment withdrawal, abuse, neglect, and dishonesty; and pain will replace it.
From a viewer:
I'm sharing this message with most of you because I know you are either seeking a relationship, considering marriage, newly married (or relatively newly married), or you have an anointing on your life for ministering to couples and/or people with emotional issues.
If you do not fall into one of those categories, you're receiving this message simply because I know you love me and cover me in prayer. Whatever your classification, know that you are dear to me and I thank God for having you in my life.
Golden rules for finding your life partnerWhen it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50%, it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr. / Miss. Right!
If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: "We're in love;" I believe this is the #1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love.Though this may sound "not politically correct," there's a profound truth here. Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then the love will come.
Let me say it again, "You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone;" You need a lot more!!!Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.QUESTION 1: Do we share a common life purpose?Why is this so important?
Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.
Two things can happen in a marriage:(1) You can grow together, or(2) you can grow apart.50% of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life! Bottom line; and marry someone who wants the same thing.QUESTION 2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship. Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust - i.e. trust that I won't get "punished," or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings.
A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings.Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.QUESTION 3: Is he / she a mensch?A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions.Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis?
Are they serious about improvingthemselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is alwaysstriving to be good and do the right ";.So ask about your Significant other What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement.There are essentially two types of people in the world:(1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and (2) people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.QUESTION 4: How does he / she treat other people?The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give.
By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.Ask yourself, is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self-absorbed? To measure this, think about the following:How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc.How do they treat their parents and siblings? Do they have gratitude and appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything; Can you do nearly as much for them? You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.
QUESTION 5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve;" them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it: "You can probably expect someone tochange after marriage for the worse" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them.In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues. Falling inlove is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework.
Another perspective. ...There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance....It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going anywhere relationships. Observe the relationships around you.Pay attention... .Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't reallyunderstand, know, or appreciate you?The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you... the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye;"
Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, pity, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.Do you bring out the best in each other?
Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control?What do you bring to the relationship?
Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?You can't take someone to the altar to alter them. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life," youwon't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.WHAT KEEPS RELATIONSHIPS STRONG ARE: (spirituality has to be incorporated into a relationship. .....)1. TRUST2. COMMUNICATION3. INTIMACY4. A SENSE OF HUMOR5. SHARING TASKS6. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN7. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes,8. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS9. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE10. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENTIf these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment withdrawal, abuse, neglect, and dishonesty; and pain will replace it.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
inspiration from those who came before me
I Roc The Mic Conference 2007 Miami Florida
My former co-worker Rick Party WGCI FM 107.5) held the 2nd Annaul "I Rock The Mic" Conference was this past weekend in Miami, Florida at the Conrad Miami Hotel. It was an event to go down in the halls of radio history.Many of Chicago's beloved history makers were on hand to join in the festivities including honoring Chicago's own legendary Herb Kent, The Kool Gent who was honored for his pioneering spirit, celebrating 52 years in the business. (80 years young this month!)
Honorees included green eyed Donnie Simpson, host of back in the day Video Soul, as well as a tribute to The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Tom Joyner, the origional Fly Jock! I even had the blessing to meet the legendary Ms. Irene Ware, who was on the air hosting Gospel Shows before I was even born! She's responsible for many of the record labels that exist today! I even met her son, President of major record label.
I even ran into my girl First Lady (Former Radio Personality WGCI) current Mid-Day Personality/Music Director/Asst. Program Director WTCL 106.7 FM, Indianapolis, Indiana who invited me to be keynote speaker at an upcoming women's empowerment seminar!
Crazy as a betsy bug Irene (Mama Cita) Mojica (V103 Weekdays 7-11pm) even showed up and showed out, sharing her words of wisdom in the seminar of legendary Program Director of WGCI/V103's Elroy Smith. (Currently Operations Director for Radio One Philadelphia)Irene taught us a few tricks of the trade and by just by being herself. (Which was one of Elroys top 10 things for jocks at his seminar entitled: Radio Needs Personalities: Not D.J.'sI met more folk from Chicago (that I really needed to network with) that I never would have met, had I not gone to Miami, including New Program Director of V103, Derrrick Brown.
I even met the Program Director of a local TV station! Look forward to seeing more of HLN on major network! Mega Talented Businessman Tony Gray was on hand to lend his expertise as well as other panelists ranging from Vibe Magazine Editor to Oscar Joyner (Tom Joyner's son) of REACH Media who held his own, breaking it down in the Integrated Marketing Seminar along with others from ABC Networks, Coz from WVON Radio: Talk of the Negro, and others.
Doug Banks hosted the evening gala sharing a heartfelt story of a young man whose father sold his truck, just so that his son could attend this seminar. Guess what? His son landed a job while there. See what faith will do for you. Speaking of faith, Walt Baby Love, (the man whose shows I played every Saturday and Sunday Morning on Inspirational 1390 (formerly Gospel Radio 1390) was honored, reminding us all of the blessing it is to be recognized in this industry.I even got to chat with Mitch Falker, the king of Imaging for many radio stations throughout the country, as well as Gino Jones, (formerly of WBMX, now in S. Carolina.
It was a radio personality's smorgasbord! Any one who has made a mark in this industry, and those trying to break into the industry was in atteendance.The charming Santita Jackson (Daughter of Jesse Jackson Sr.) blessed the gala with her operetic version of The Lords Prayer, and simply blew the roof off the ceiling! She's lost well over several hundred pounds and looking simply lovlier by the moment. (Look forward to hearing her amazing story on our TV show in the near future.)
We were blessed with Actress/Activist/Director Cheryl Lee Ralph (Origional Dream Girl, Stepmother on Moesha TV Show, etc.) who presented an outstanding performance for World Aids Day on December 1st!Even Jonathan Adelstein, Commisioner of the FCC was on hand to share the truth about the direction of urban radio!
This is a must see! You don't want to miss this series with behind the scenes details of all the seminars we attended on the Higher Learning Network ZTV Show coming soon! (Chicago, Wisconsin and Minnesota)
My former co-worker Rick Party WGCI FM 107.5) held the 2nd Annaul "I Rock The Mic" Conference was this past weekend in Miami, Florida at the Conrad Miami Hotel. It was an event to go down in the halls of radio history.Many of Chicago's beloved history makers were on hand to join in the festivities including honoring Chicago's own legendary Herb Kent, The Kool Gent who was honored for his pioneering spirit, celebrating 52 years in the business. (80 years young this month!)
Honorees included green eyed Donnie Simpson, host of back in the day Video Soul, as well as a tribute to The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Tom Joyner, the origional Fly Jock! I even had the blessing to meet the legendary Ms. Irene Ware, who was on the air hosting Gospel Shows before I was even born! She's responsible for many of the record labels that exist today! I even met her son, President of major record label.
I even ran into my girl First Lady (Former Radio Personality WGCI) current Mid-Day Personality/Music Director/Asst. Program Director WTCL 106.7 FM, Indianapolis, Indiana who invited me to be keynote speaker at an upcoming women's empowerment seminar!
Crazy as a betsy bug Irene (Mama Cita) Mojica (V103 Weekdays 7-11pm) even showed up and showed out, sharing her words of wisdom in the seminar of legendary Program Director of WGCI/V103's Elroy Smith. (Currently Operations Director for Radio One Philadelphia)Irene taught us a few tricks of the trade and by just by being herself. (Which was one of Elroys top 10 things for jocks at his seminar entitled: Radio Needs Personalities: Not D.J.'sI met more folk from Chicago (that I really needed to network with) that I never would have met, had I not gone to Miami, including New Program Director of V103, Derrrick Brown.
I even met the Program Director of a local TV station! Look forward to seeing more of HLN on major network! Mega Talented Businessman Tony Gray was on hand to lend his expertise as well as other panelists ranging from Vibe Magazine Editor to Oscar Joyner (Tom Joyner's son) of REACH Media who held his own, breaking it down in the Integrated Marketing Seminar along with others from ABC Networks, Coz from WVON Radio: Talk of the Negro, and others.
Doug Banks hosted the evening gala sharing a heartfelt story of a young man whose father sold his truck, just so that his son could attend this seminar. Guess what? His son landed a job while there. See what faith will do for you. Speaking of faith, Walt Baby Love, (the man whose shows I played every Saturday and Sunday Morning on Inspirational 1390 (formerly Gospel Radio 1390) was honored, reminding us all of the blessing it is to be recognized in this industry.I even got to chat with Mitch Falker, the king of Imaging for many radio stations throughout the country, as well as Gino Jones, (formerly of WBMX, now in S. Carolina.
It was a radio personality's smorgasbord! Any one who has made a mark in this industry, and those trying to break into the industry was in atteendance.The charming Santita Jackson (Daughter of Jesse Jackson Sr.) blessed the gala with her operetic version of The Lords Prayer, and simply blew the roof off the ceiling! She's lost well over several hundred pounds and looking simply lovlier by the moment. (Look forward to hearing her amazing story on our TV show in the near future.)
We were blessed with Actress/Activist/Director Cheryl Lee Ralph (Origional Dream Girl, Stepmother on Moesha TV Show, etc.) who presented an outstanding performance for World Aids Day on December 1st!Even Jonathan Adelstein, Commisioner of the FCC was on hand to share the truth about the direction of urban radio!
This is a must see! You don't want to miss this series with behind the scenes details of all the seminars we attended on the Higher Learning Network ZTV Show coming soon! (Chicago, Wisconsin and Minnesota)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Inspiration for Kanye West
No one knows how long we have on this planet, so it's up to us to use the time we have wisely.
Kanye West and his mother are shining examples of just that.
A single mother singlehandedly raised a superstar, and lived to enjoy the fruits of her labor, with her son. How blessed they both are.
Kanye and their family must remember that most don't get to enjoy such opportunites.
He must also learn to appreciate the legacy she left, not moan about her physical prescence.
Although her body is no longer here, and I'm sure she'll live on through his music, as well as the lives of her many students she touched along the way.
Kanye probably thinks he's lost his reason for being, but he's really gained insight into a new way of thinking as well as living. Living in the spirit!
No one wants to lose a loved one, but it's just not up to us. If we are to grow, we must seek guidance through these troubled times and be open and receptive to change. I admit, we don't always like the changes life brings our way, but that's life.
So remember to keep Kanye West and his family in your prayers, they really need them.
While you're praying, remember to pray for yourself to be able to live the kind of life where people will miss you when you're gone! It's never too late to make a difference!
Kanye West and his mother are shining examples of just that.
A single mother singlehandedly raised a superstar, and lived to enjoy the fruits of her labor, with her son. How blessed they both are.
Kanye and their family must remember that most don't get to enjoy such opportunites.
He must also learn to appreciate the legacy she left, not moan about her physical prescence.
Although her body is no longer here, and I'm sure she'll live on through his music, as well as the lives of her many students she touched along the way.
Kanye probably thinks he's lost his reason for being, but he's really gained insight into a new way of thinking as well as living. Living in the spirit!
No one wants to lose a loved one, but it's just not up to us. If we are to grow, we must seek guidance through these troubled times and be open and receptive to change. I admit, we don't always like the changes life brings our way, but that's life.
So remember to keep Kanye West and his family in your prayers, they really need them.
While you're praying, remember to pray for yourself to be able to live the kind of life where people will miss you when you're gone! It's never too late to make a difference!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
inspiration you can't buy!
Sometimes crucial information is a bit more important than inspiration.
You might want to take some time to view this video. (see link below) It is important to watch it all the way through. Some very important and serious information is given.
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com
You might want to take some time to view this video. (see link below) It is important to watch it all the way through. Some very important and serious information is given.
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com
Sunday, October 28, 2007
behind the scenes inspiration
Behhind the scenes is where the real action is!
I had the pleasure of taping a show this past weekend as part of the Make A Difference Day National Event in which we showed our youth who were interested in
behind-the-scenes careers in radio and televsion.
I had the pleasure of being blessed with a new assistant who's interested in becoming a stylist (Who wouldn't want to get paid for shopping?) who did a wonderful job in assisting me on this project. Her name is Alisha Sistrunk, a young lady on a mission who's also working on publishing her first book! Can't wait to read it! She has an awesome story that will help parents with their children.
Working behind the scenes doesn't usually put you in the spotlight, but that doesn't mean that you're not making a difference. Several years ago I facillitated several Networking Strategy workshops for the NSBE (National Society Black Engineers)
where I had the pleasure of meeting an awesome young man who is making a difference in the lives of others. Today, I share a story with you about this inventor. "America's High Tech "Invisible Man" By Tyrone D. Taborn You may not have heard of Dr. Mark Dean.
And you aren't alone. But almost everything in your life has been affected by his work. See, Dr. Mark Dean is a Ph.D. from Stanford University . He is in theNational Hall of Inventors. He has more than 30 patents pending. He is a vice president with IBM. Oh, yeah. And he is also the architect of the modern-day personal computer. Dr. Dean holds three of the original nine patents on the computer that all PCs are based upon. And, Dr. Mark Dean is an African American. So how is! it that we can celebrate the 20th anniversary of the IBM personal computer without reading or hearing a single word about him? Given all of the pressure mass media are under about negative portrayals of African Americans on television and in print, you would think it would be a slam dunk to highlight someone like Dr. Dean.
Somehow, though, we have managed to miss the shot. History is cruel when it comes to telling the stories of African Americans. Dr. Dean isn't the first Black inventor to be overlooked Consider John Stanard, inventor of the refrigerator, George Sampson, creator of the clothes dryer, Alexander Miles and his elevator, Lewis Latimer and the electric lamp. All of these inventors share two things: One, they changed the landscape of our society; and, two, society relegated them to the footnotes of history. Hopefully, Dr. Mark Dean won't go away as quietly as they did. He certainly shouldn't. Dr. Dean helped start a Digital Revolution that created people like Microsoft's Bill Gates and Dell Computer's Michael Dell. Millions of jobs in information technology can be traced back directly to ! Dr. Dean. More important, stories like Dr. Mark Dean's should serve as inspiration for African-American children.
Already victims of the "Digital Divide" and failing school systems, young, Black kids might embrace technology with more enthusiasm! if they knew someone like Dr. Dean already was leading the way. Although technically Dr. Dean can't be credited with creating thecomputer -- that is left to Alan Turing, a pioneering 20th-century English mathematician, widely considered to be the father of modern computer science -- Dr. Dean rightly deserves to take a bow for the machine we use today. The computer really wasn't practical for home or small business use until he came along, leading a team that developed the interior architecture (ISA systems! bus) that enables multiple devices, such as modems and printers, to be connected to personal computers. In other words, because of Dr. Dean, the PC became a part of our daily lives.
For most of us, changing the face of society would have been enough. But not for Dr. Dean.. Still in his early forties, he has! a lot of inventing left in him. He recently made history again by leading the design team responsible for creating the first 1-gigahertz processor chip.. It's just another huge step in making computers faster and smaller. As the world congratulates itself for the new Digital Age brought on by the personal computer, we need to guarantee that the African-American story is part of the hoopla surrounding the most stunning technological advance the world has ever seen.. We cannot afford to let Dr. Mark Dean become a footnote in history. He is well worth his own history book. "
Now that you know there's someone like you who's making a difference, what can you do? What will you do? The world is waiting! Don't let your talent be wasted! You've got waaaaaaaaaay too much to give, to not use it!
I had the pleasure of taping a show this past weekend as part of the Make A Difference Day National Event in which we showed our youth who were interested in
behind-the-scenes careers in radio and televsion.
I had the pleasure of being blessed with a new assistant who's interested in becoming a stylist (Who wouldn't want to get paid for shopping?) who did a wonderful job in assisting me on this project. Her name is Alisha Sistrunk, a young lady on a mission who's also working on publishing her first book! Can't wait to read it! She has an awesome story that will help parents with their children.
Working behind the scenes doesn't usually put you in the spotlight, but that doesn't mean that you're not making a difference. Several years ago I facillitated several Networking Strategy workshops for the NSBE (National Society Black Engineers)
where I had the pleasure of meeting an awesome young man who is making a difference in the lives of others. Today, I share a story with you about this inventor. "America's High Tech "Invisible Man" By Tyrone D. Taborn You may not have heard of Dr. Mark Dean.
And you aren't alone. But almost everything in your life has been affected by his work. See, Dr. Mark Dean is a Ph.D. from Stanford University . He is in theNational Hall of Inventors. He has more than 30 patents pending. He is a vice president with IBM. Oh, yeah. And he is also the architect of the modern-day personal computer. Dr. Dean holds three of the original nine patents on the computer that all PCs are based upon. And, Dr. Mark Dean is an African American. So how is! it that we can celebrate the 20th anniversary of the IBM personal computer without reading or hearing a single word about him? Given all of the pressure mass media are under about negative portrayals of African Americans on television and in print, you would think it would be a slam dunk to highlight someone like Dr. Dean.
Somehow, though, we have managed to miss the shot. History is cruel when it comes to telling the stories of African Americans. Dr. Dean isn't the first Black inventor to be overlooked Consider John Stanard, inventor of the refrigerator, George Sampson, creator of the clothes dryer, Alexander Miles and his elevator, Lewis Latimer and the electric lamp. All of these inventors share two things: One, they changed the landscape of our society; and, two, society relegated them to the footnotes of history. Hopefully, Dr. Mark Dean won't go away as quietly as they did. He certainly shouldn't. Dr. Dean helped start a Digital Revolution that created people like Microsoft's Bill Gates and Dell Computer's Michael Dell. Millions of jobs in information technology can be traced back directly to ! Dr. Dean. More important, stories like Dr. Mark Dean's should serve as inspiration for African-American children.
Already victims of the "Digital Divide" and failing school systems, young, Black kids might embrace technology with more enthusiasm! if they knew someone like Dr. Dean already was leading the way. Although technically Dr. Dean can't be credited with creating thecomputer -- that is left to Alan Turing, a pioneering 20th-century English mathematician, widely considered to be the father of modern computer science -- Dr. Dean rightly deserves to take a bow for the machine we use today. The computer really wasn't practical for home or small business use until he came along, leading a team that developed the interior architecture (ISA systems! bus) that enables multiple devices, such as modems and printers, to be connected to personal computers. In other words, because of Dr. Dean, the PC became a part of our daily lives.
For most of us, changing the face of society would have been enough. But not for Dr. Dean.. Still in his early forties, he has! a lot of inventing left in him. He recently made history again by leading the design team responsible for creating the first 1-gigahertz processor chip.. It's just another huge step in making computers faster and smaller. As the world congratulates itself for the new Digital Age brought on by the personal computer, we need to guarantee that the African-American story is part of the hoopla surrounding the most stunning technological advance the world has ever seen.. We cannot afford to let Dr. Mark Dean become a footnote in history. He is well worth his own history book. "
Now that you know there's someone like you who's making a difference, what can you do? What will you do? The world is waiting! Don't let your talent be wasted! You've got waaaaaaaaaay too much to give, to not use it!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
inspiration from ex-offenders
Rev. Louis Flowers of the West Side Minister's Coalition facilitated the 2nd Chance Opportunity Fair for Ex-Offenders this past week on Chicago's West Side. Many leaders in the community talk about change, but this Minister walks the talk! He doesn't assign tasks and supervise, he's there in the trenches making sure the job gets done and people get the services they need!
Service Providers were on location to offer emergency housing, health services, jobs, and pretty much everything one needs to get back to being a productive member of society. I was simply there to help where I was needed.
During my presentation, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a young man by the name of Lee, who owns a trucking company. He offered words of wisdom to keep the faith, because he was once an ex-offender and now ears a six figure salary. This is not something you hear everyday on the street. No one will tell you that you can overcome. People have a tendency to tell you that it can't be done.
I am simply thrilled to be a positive change in the lives of those who want to improve their lives. I met upcoming film/script writers, authors, beauticians, barbers, chefs, resturaunt owners, truckers, artists, singers, entertainers, and the whole nine yards. It thrilled my heart to see the thousands of people who showed up and have not given up!
That's my message to you today. It doesn't matter what you're going through, remember, it is just that, going through. The situtation did not come to stay. It only showed up in your life to see what you are made of, and how you will handle it.
If someone who has made a bad choice in their life and now has an EX on their back, it's really just the beginning! If they can do it, so can you! Question is, what will you do now? Where will you begin?
Network! Network! Network! Be out and about! Don't shut yourself in. Remember, closed mouths don't get fed! Speak up! Speak out! And Get Going! Stay on purpose, no matter what!
*********************
Service Providers were on location to offer emergency housing, health services, jobs, and pretty much everything one needs to get back to being a productive member of society. I was simply there to help where I was needed.
During my presentation, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a young man by the name of Lee, who owns a trucking company. He offered words of wisdom to keep the faith, because he was once an ex-offender and now ears a six figure salary. This is not something you hear everyday on the street. No one will tell you that you can overcome. People have a tendency to tell you that it can't be done.
I am simply thrilled to be a positive change in the lives of those who want to improve their lives. I met upcoming film/script writers, authors, beauticians, barbers, chefs, resturaunt owners, truckers, artists, singers, entertainers, and the whole nine yards. It thrilled my heart to see the thousands of people who showed up and have not given up!
That's my message to you today. It doesn't matter what you're going through, remember, it is just that, going through. The situtation did not come to stay. It only showed up in your life to see what you are made of, and how you will handle it.
If someone who has made a bad choice in their life and now has an EX on their back, it's really just the beginning! If they can do it, so can you! Question is, what will you do now? Where will you begin?
Network! Network! Network! Be out and about! Don't shut yourself in. Remember, closed mouths don't get fed! Speak up! Speak out! And Get Going! Stay on purpose, no matter what!
*********************
Sunday, October 14, 2007
inspiration in the media
How does the media affect your life?
If you think it doesn't, think again.
You're programmed from the time you get up in the morning, until what time you go to bed at night! Don't be embarrassed or ashamed about it, because the world is. It's not just you alone.
Wonder why we don't do certain things, a certain time of the year?
Wonder why we don't wear certain colors (White!) after labor day? That's because we allow the FASHION INDUSTRY to dictate what's in our closets. How often do you wear a BLACK TOP with your jeans, as opposed to any other color?
How often do you make it your business to be the FIRST IN LINE, or the FIRST IN YOUR BLOCK, JOB OR GROUP to get the latest in technology? (Crackberries, IPODS, ZUNES, CD's, DVD's, etc.)
Do you trade your car in every few years or so?
Do you take vacations at where the experts say you should go?
If you recognized yourself in any of these situations, then you've been simply branded, or as they say in the movies, YOU'RE IN THE MATRIX! NOT A BAD PLACE TO BE, OPPOSITE DEATH!
This is not to make you ashamed, simply to make you aware.
If you haven't seen how media controls America, then be sure and log on to www.cantv.org and watch the media marathon, Sunday Oct. 14th, 9am - 5pm on Ch. 21. If you missed it, log on to the site to see when it will air again.
And you wondered why radio stations play the same 12 songs over and over and over and over and over and over and over.........
If you think it doesn't, think again.
You're programmed from the time you get up in the morning, until what time you go to bed at night! Don't be embarrassed or ashamed about it, because the world is. It's not just you alone.
Wonder why we don't do certain things, a certain time of the year?
Wonder why we don't wear certain colors (White!) after labor day? That's because we allow the FASHION INDUSTRY to dictate what's in our closets. How often do you wear a BLACK TOP with your jeans, as opposed to any other color?
How often do you make it your business to be the FIRST IN LINE, or the FIRST IN YOUR BLOCK, JOB OR GROUP to get the latest in technology? (Crackberries, IPODS, ZUNES, CD's, DVD's, etc.)
Do you trade your car in every few years or so?
Do you take vacations at where the experts say you should go?
If you recognized yourself in any of these situations, then you've been simply branded, or as they say in the movies, YOU'RE IN THE MATRIX! NOT A BAD PLACE TO BE, OPPOSITE DEATH!
This is not to make you ashamed, simply to make you aware.
If you haven't seen how media controls America, then be sure and log on to www.cantv.org and watch the media marathon, Sunday Oct. 14th, 9am - 5pm on Ch. 21. If you missed it, log on to the site to see when it will air again.
And you wondered why radio stations play the same 12 songs over and over and over and over and over and over and over.........
Sunday, October 7, 2007
not so inspiring
know this is supposed to be an inspirational column, but sometimes you just need to vent. Today, I am venting, hopefully you'll get something inspirational from it. Hopefully, you won't make the same mistake.
I recently attended a gala where a local representatives were supposed to award some college students scholarships for school. About halfway through the program it appeared to me that this function was more about the WHO'S WHO in Chicago, and had little to do with awarding funding for school.
How so? After I thought about all the money that was frivously spent for hosts and emcees, bringing in top name entertainment, $500 a plate dinners, and not to mention the $5,000 tables that sponsors bought (Where NO ONE from that organization showed up!)
I was really ticked off! How could we in good conscious support such an event in a community that doesn't provide economic security for the people who this organization is supposed to represent? How can we spend thousand of dollars in a downtown hotel that cares less about us as a people, but will take our dollars. We could have taken those same dollars and invested them in our own community with people who live in our community, and look like us.
I guess the fact that we can afford to rent these fabulous rooms, drive our luxury cars and wear our designer gowns and tuxes, is a sign that we've arrived. But have we really?
The only thing I could see from this event that we arrived at is the fact that we still don't know how to invest in ourselves. Now I wonder which corporate sponsor they can get who can provide a scholarship to do that?
I recently attended a gala where a local representatives were supposed to award some college students scholarships for school. About halfway through the program it appeared to me that this function was more about the WHO'S WHO in Chicago, and had little to do with awarding funding for school.
How so? After I thought about all the money that was frivously spent for hosts and emcees, bringing in top name entertainment, $500 a plate dinners, and not to mention the $5,000 tables that sponsors bought (Where NO ONE from that organization showed up!)
I was really ticked off! How could we in good conscious support such an event in a community that doesn't provide economic security for the people who this organization is supposed to represent? How can we spend thousand of dollars in a downtown hotel that cares less about us as a people, but will take our dollars. We could have taken those same dollars and invested them in our own community with people who live in our community, and look like us.
I guess the fact that we can afford to rent these fabulous rooms, drive our luxury cars and wear our designer gowns and tuxes, is a sign that we've arrived. But have we really?
The only thing I could see from this event that we arrived at is the fact that we still don't know how to invest in ourselves. Now I wonder which corporate sponsor they can get who can provide a scholarship to do that?
Sunday, September 30, 2007
pocketbook monologues
Inspiration is an inside job.
Sometimes inspiration is the triange that separates your thighs.
When was the last time you had a look down there?
What did it look like? Where is down there?
Down There has numersous names, some of which you may or may not be familiar with. If you've seen the Vagina Monologues, you'll have an idea. If you still don't have a clue, then it's time you do. This time, it's from the perspective of the African American Woman.
Sharon McGee, News Anchor on Chicago's ONLY African American Radio Station has listened to her heart and followed through with a simply superb version of the Vagina Monolouges with The PocketBook Monolouges.
Saturday night at Malcolm X College was THE place to be. If you haven't seen it yet, might be too late. The PocketBook Monologues is off to a 10 city tour with Chicago's own Radio & Televsion Divas LaDonna Tittle, (InTheMiddle) Bonnie DeShong and Deborah Crable. There's even a youth version of the monologues included. (Can't tell you what who and what that is, it's a surprise!)
Coming from the South (Mississippi) I thought I'd heard it all, that is until I attended the PocketBook Monolouges. I never knew all the words associated with Down There, such as "Lil Sister, Ms. Murphy, butterfly, candy, punani, velvet pouch, bun (for the hot dog), and a whole lot more. Sharon McGee says, "Whatever you call it, you must protect it!"
That's the true message of the PocketBook Monologues. She tells the story of how women are losing the battle to HIV/AIDS. African American Women are the Number 1 Growing face of this disease! It's an epidemic among us! We must do something! NOW!
The message comes across as soo funny, you almost forget about the tragedy. Without giving away the whole story, I'll simply say this, IF and WHEN it comes back to Chicago, make it your business to call all your womenfriend (Mothers, Aunts, Sisters, Neices, Grannies, Dads, Uncles, Nephews, Sons, etc.) TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY!
The world needs to see this. It needs to be in the Public School System ALL OVER THE COUNTRY! DON'T MISS IT IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO SEE IT. You will get a chance to see BEHIND THE SCENES coming soon in November on ZTV!
(Sundays Midgnight on Channel 19)
Parnts and Caregivers, take the time and talk to your girl and boy children about sex affects their lives and how it just might be the death of them. You'll be glad you did. If you don't know how, get them a copy of the book, The PocketBook Monologues. Invest in our youth today.
The life you save could be your own!
Remember, inspiration is an inside job!
Sometimes inspiration is the triange that separates your thighs.
When was the last time you had a look down there?
What did it look like? Where is down there?
Down There has numersous names, some of which you may or may not be familiar with. If you've seen the Vagina Monologues, you'll have an idea. If you still don't have a clue, then it's time you do. This time, it's from the perspective of the African American Woman.
Sharon McGee, News Anchor on Chicago's ONLY African American Radio Station has listened to her heart and followed through with a simply superb version of the Vagina Monolouges with The PocketBook Monolouges.
Saturday night at Malcolm X College was THE place to be. If you haven't seen it yet, might be too late. The PocketBook Monologues is off to a 10 city tour with Chicago's own Radio & Televsion Divas LaDonna Tittle, (InTheMiddle) Bonnie DeShong and Deborah Crable. There's even a youth version of the monologues included. (Can't tell you what who and what that is, it's a surprise!)
Coming from the South (Mississippi) I thought I'd heard it all, that is until I attended the PocketBook Monolouges. I never knew all the words associated with Down There, such as "Lil Sister, Ms. Murphy, butterfly, candy, punani, velvet pouch, bun (for the hot dog), and a whole lot more. Sharon McGee says, "Whatever you call it, you must protect it!"
That's the true message of the PocketBook Monologues. She tells the story of how women are losing the battle to HIV/AIDS. African American Women are the Number 1 Growing face of this disease! It's an epidemic among us! We must do something! NOW!
The message comes across as soo funny, you almost forget about the tragedy. Without giving away the whole story, I'll simply say this, IF and WHEN it comes back to Chicago, make it your business to call all your womenfriend (Mothers, Aunts, Sisters, Neices, Grannies, Dads, Uncles, Nephews, Sons, etc.) TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY!
The world needs to see this. It needs to be in the Public School System ALL OVER THE COUNTRY! DON'T MISS IT IF YOU GET A CHANCE TO SEE IT. You will get a chance to see BEHIND THE SCENES coming soon in November on ZTV!
(Sundays Midgnight on Channel 19)
Parnts and Caregivers, take the time and talk to your girl and boy children about sex affects their lives and how it just might be the death of them. You'll be glad you did. If you don't know how, get them a copy of the book, The PocketBook Monologues. Invest in our youth today.
The life you save could be your own!
Remember, inspiration is an inside job!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
inspiration while shopping
Yesterday was truly an adventure. I did something yesterday I have not done in a looooooooonnnnnnnng time. I went shopping for wardrobe for the weight loss reality show
I'm hosting (www.thintutioncompetition.com ) something I really don't like doing.
You're probably thinking, "What is wrong with her?"
Shopping is a woman's favorite thing to do. Not really.I'd rather point and click on the internet and have it shipped to me.After trying on several outfits,
I was pleasantly surprised to seeI'd gone down a size or two.
(depending on the design)When one puts their mind to doing something, results will follow.
As you may or may not know, as host of this show, I need to show some results as well.
(See results in upcoming ZTV Show on Ch. 19, Sundays at Midnight)
Several of the contestants have lost over 50 pounds withoutdieting or surgery,
(Just practicing the principles of Thintuition)so I really had to step up to the plate.
(excuse the pun)It's really inspiring to see somany people of all ages and backgrounds
follow this plan(Eat only when you're hungry!)and have fantastic results.
It just goes to show the power of the human spirit,once you make up in your mind
what you're going to do.I've seen one contestant who was diabetic, decrease his medication becausehe's learning to eat only when hungry.
Living in a society that drowns us with junk food, and the meet to eat mentality,
it's a daily struggle. Nothing worth having is easy.So remember that the next time you're tempted to indulge in your drug of choice.(Food, alcohol, gambling, sex, shopping, sports, etc.)
The greatest gift we have in this life is the gift of life and how we choose to live it.No matter where you are in life, you have the power of choice to do something different,if you don't like where you are in life now.So, what do you need to make up in your mind?
Higher Learning begins within. Take some time, sit down and get quiet.
You'd be surprised at what you can do when you do this.Begin within.
There lies all the answers to your problems.
It's no fun shopping when you can't try on a new size smaller than your regular size.
but it's definitley empowering when you can see some results from your hard work!
That's empowering!
It's also empowering when you make up your mind, one day at a time.
If you want real inspiration, do something to inspire yoursefl.
So! What will you do to empower yourself today?
I'm hosting (www.thintutioncompetition.com ) something I really don't like doing.
You're probably thinking, "What is wrong with her?"
Shopping is a woman's favorite thing to do. Not really.I'd rather point and click on the internet and have it shipped to me.After trying on several outfits,
I was pleasantly surprised to seeI'd gone down a size or two.
(depending on the design)When one puts their mind to doing something, results will follow.
As you may or may not know, as host of this show, I need to show some results as well.
(See results in upcoming ZTV Show on Ch. 19, Sundays at Midnight)
Several of the contestants have lost over 50 pounds withoutdieting or surgery,
(Just practicing the principles of Thintuition)so I really had to step up to the plate.
(excuse the pun)It's really inspiring to see somany people of all ages and backgrounds
follow this plan(Eat only when you're hungry!)and have fantastic results.
It just goes to show the power of the human spirit,once you make up in your mind
what you're going to do.I've seen one contestant who was diabetic, decrease his medication becausehe's learning to eat only when hungry.
Living in a society that drowns us with junk food, and the meet to eat mentality,
it's a daily struggle. Nothing worth having is easy.So remember that the next time you're tempted to indulge in your drug of choice.(Food, alcohol, gambling, sex, shopping, sports, etc.)
The greatest gift we have in this life is the gift of life and how we choose to live it.No matter where you are in life, you have the power of choice to do something different,if you don't like where you are in life now.So, what do you need to make up in your mind?
Higher Learning begins within. Take some time, sit down and get quiet.
You'd be surprised at what you can do when you do this.Begin within.
There lies all the answers to your problems.
It's no fun shopping when you can't try on a new size smaller than your regular size.
but it's definitley empowering when you can see some results from your hard work!
That's empowering!
It's also empowering when you make up your mind, one day at a time.
If you want real inspiration, do something to inspire yoursefl.
So! What will you do to empower yourself today?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
inspiration from jazz
If you can appreciate good jazz, then you can appreciate some of the best in the business. Saturday evening was a gathering of a small sample of the kind of music people of all ages appreciated as we all rocked back and forth to the sounds of horns, guitars and great musicianship.
Some of my favorites when I interned at WNUA Smooth Jazz with my mentor Denise Jordan Walker blew us all away. I remember voicing my first voice-over commercial for an artist I didn't even know at the time, (But came to love) the one and only Peter White. I never knew he was from London, because he plays a guitar. You can't tell where a person is from by the instrument he plays.
Richard Elliot had the hottest and jazziest zebra patterened saxophone I have ever seen in life! He blew us all into a jazz zone we didn't want to leave.
Rick Braun is also one of my favorites. I used one of his songs as the opening theme for my tv show when I first started ZTV! This musician is as smooth as the horn he plays.
Last but not least, the man I'd waited to hear since he came on the scene some years ago sounding like the jazz great George Benson. He took us to a place none of us expected. Besides doing his jazz best, he even showered us with his new Gospel song that left us begging for more.
I surely didn't expect to have church in the middle of a jazz concert! It was well worth the time he took to praise the most high for the abundance of blessings we were all recieving! There's nothing more powerful than a musician giving praise to the Master Musician!
This experience was something I will remember for life. Life offers many good experiences in life, but there's nothing more soothing than an experiences that re-connects you with the power of God, through music. So the next time you feel a little out of sorts, under the weather or you just need a little uplifting, then turn on some jazz (or your favorite music) and start giving praise!
Remember, when the praises go up, the blessings come down!
Some of my favorites when I interned at WNUA Smooth Jazz with my mentor Denise Jordan Walker blew us all away. I remember voicing my first voice-over commercial for an artist I didn't even know at the time, (But came to love) the one and only Peter White. I never knew he was from London, because he plays a guitar. You can't tell where a person is from by the instrument he plays.
Richard Elliot had the hottest and jazziest zebra patterened saxophone I have ever seen in life! He blew us all into a jazz zone we didn't want to leave.
Rick Braun is also one of my favorites. I used one of his songs as the opening theme for my tv show when I first started ZTV! This musician is as smooth as the horn he plays.
Last but not least, the man I'd waited to hear since he came on the scene some years ago sounding like the jazz great George Benson. He took us to a place none of us expected. Besides doing his jazz best, he even showered us with his new Gospel song that left us begging for more.
I surely didn't expect to have church in the middle of a jazz concert! It was well worth the time he took to praise the most high for the abundance of blessings we were all recieving! There's nothing more powerful than a musician giving praise to the Master Musician!
This experience was something I will remember for life. Life offers many good experiences in life, but there's nothing more soothing than an experiences that re-connects you with the power of God, through music. So the next time you feel a little out of sorts, under the weather or you just need a little uplifting, then turn on some jazz (or your favorite music) and start giving praise!
Remember, when the praises go up, the blessings come down!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
true inspiration
It's coming down to the grand finale of the Thintuition Competition!
This competition is teaching me more than I ever anticipated!
Yesterday's television taping included the contestants going back to the wall climbing experience. This time, Rob invited me to try to climb the wall, and of course being the champ I am, I welcomed the challenge.
Little did I know this experience would take me beyond any physical performances I've ever experiened. I was only on the wall for a few short minutes. I realized very quickly that this rock climbing thing was not for the timid. What these contestants were experiencing was real. The first time they climbed, most of them didn't even go half way to the top. This time, many of them did.
I realized that sports activities are so much more mental, than physical. You can not achieve anything physical before you see the picture in your heard. Needless to say, I didn't get the visual before I attempted to climb the wall.
Sitting next to me was a young Japanese Climber named Sushi, who climbed the wall as if he were Spiderman! He said he was a beginner, but I didn't believe him. I figured no one human could scale a wall that quickly unless he was sub-human. Then it occurred to me that the only way to get better at this experience was to do it again and again, just as Sushi did.
So this week, I am meeting the contestants to go wall climbing again, and this time, I will be on the wall for more than 5 minutes. I am going to go somewhere quiet before I go to the health club, see myself climbing that wall, and then GO and climb that wall. I will see it, BEFORE I actually go and DO it!
There's a wall climbing experience happing in your life as well.
So, what will you do to climb that wall?
This competition is teaching me more than I ever anticipated!
Yesterday's television taping included the contestants going back to the wall climbing experience. This time, Rob invited me to try to climb the wall, and of course being the champ I am, I welcomed the challenge.
Little did I know this experience would take me beyond any physical performances I've ever experiened. I was only on the wall for a few short minutes. I realized very quickly that this rock climbing thing was not for the timid. What these contestants were experiencing was real. The first time they climbed, most of them didn't even go half way to the top. This time, many of them did.
I realized that sports activities are so much more mental, than physical. You can not achieve anything physical before you see the picture in your heard. Needless to say, I didn't get the visual before I attempted to climb the wall.
Sitting next to me was a young Japanese Climber named Sushi, who climbed the wall as if he were Spiderman! He said he was a beginner, but I didn't believe him. I figured no one human could scale a wall that quickly unless he was sub-human. Then it occurred to me that the only way to get better at this experience was to do it again and again, just as Sushi did.
So this week, I am meeting the contestants to go wall climbing again, and this time, I will be on the wall for more than 5 minutes. I am going to go somewhere quiet before I go to the health club, see myself climbing that wall, and then GO and climb that wall. I will see it, BEFORE I actually go and DO it!
There's a wall climbing experience happing in your life as well.
So, what will you do to climb that wall?
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Congratulations to my girlfriend Karen McDaniels and her new husband Bruce Allen on their nuptials yesterday! (7-07-07)
To all my single friends, don't give up hope!
There's a single someone out there waiting for us as well! Karen and Bruce were both high school sweethearts some 25 + years ago! How about that.
When they left high school, both enlisted in the army, but went separate ways. Karen moved to NYC, New Jersey, Louisiana and several other states, as well as Bruce, but they always kept in touch, as friends.
That friendship finally went to the next level. Bruce finally popped the question on her last visit to Chicago over a holiday weekend. What was a surprise to me is that Karen invited me to DJ the wedding! (Working as a radio personality on the air in the studio is just a little different)
In all my years in radio, I'd never worked as a DJ., only as an On-Air Talent. This was something new to me. I had to really bring it on because of course she told all of our old high school buddies I would be the guest celebrity DJ.
I figured if I could do it on the air, surely I could DJ in person. My only fear was that someone would ask me to play a song that I didn't have. Of course that didn't happen. I even recieved great revues of a job well done, and invitations to do other events.
I sure am glad I overcame the fear of doing this kind of work in public. Not only would I have missed out on a great opportunity to do something I've always thought about doing, I would have also disappointed my friend, as well as myself.
It goes without saying, you really don't know what you're capable of doing, until you do it!
So! What are you waiting for?
To all my single friends, don't give up hope!
There's a single someone out there waiting for us as well! Karen and Bruce were both high school sweethearts some 25 + years ago! How about that.
When they left high school, both enlisted in the army, but went separate ways. Karen moved to NYC, New Jersey, Louisiana and several other states, as well as Bruce, but they always kept in touch, as friends.
That friendship finally went to the next level. Bruce finally popped the question on her last visit to Chicago over a holiday weekend. What was a surprise to me is that Karen invited me to DJ the wedding! (Working as a radio personality on the air in the studio is just a little different)
In all my years in radio, I'd never worked as a DJ., only as an On-Air Talent. This was something new to me. I had to really bring it on because of course she told all of our old high school buddies I would be the guest celebrity DJ.
I figured if I could do it on the air, surely I could DJ in person. My only fear was that someone would ask me to play a song that I didn't have. Of course that didn't happen. I even recieved great revues of a job well done, and invitations to do other events.
I sure am glad I overcame the fear of doing this kind of work in public. Not only would I have missed out on a great opportunity to do something I've always thought about doing, I would have also disappointed my friend, as well as myself.
It goes without saying, you really don't know what you're capable of doing, until you do it!
So! What are you waiting for?
Monday, July 2, 2007
Part of the Human Experience
Part of the human experience.
I know you're going through some things, we all do.
So get used to it. Sounds cruel,
but it's all a part of the human experience.
What if someone told you that you were not from this planet?
What if someone told you that you were from another planet,
and the fact that you're having such a challenging time fitting in is because you were not familiar with this particular way of being?
What if any of this is true? What if?
You may feel this way at times when all the good you do seems to go unnoticed, but the moment you do something out of order, it becomes news!
Sounds familiar? Seems like the harder you try, the harder it actually gets. The more you try to do right, the more challening life gets.
Well, it's just the beginning. Maybe the planet you're really from is a planet of well being, well living, and well loving. What does that mean?
Maybe the planet you're really from is honest. (Not a celebrated virtue among a den of theives)
Maybe the planet you're really from treats people the way you want to be treated, no exceptions.
Maybe the planet you're from loves everyone regardless of ethnicity or economic background.
Are we dreamin? Maybe so. Well, let's pretend we live on that loving and kind planet anyway. Do the right thing because good will find you, where you find it.
This planet does not have to be a physical planet. The first and most important planet, is the planet Mind. Enjoy the stay, you never know when it will be your last day! (On this planet, anyway.)
**************************
Sunday, June 3, 2007
children conversations
It's week 8 of the THINTUITION COMPETITION
(hosted by yours truly) in which we'll be having our debut
party today at Lakeshore Athletic Club!
Every week I learn something new from the contestants
that make me look inside myself and see you! That's right, you!
How can I say that about you and I don't even know you? Easy.
We are more alike than we are different, whether we realize it or not.
Most of us breathe the same air, shed dead skin, bathe,
and the list goes on.
What most of us don't realize it that we all face the same challenges,
some just on another level. Some of us are a little more dramatic than others.
Some of us thrive on drama! Some of us avoid drama by any means necessary.
What we all want more than anything else is to be loved,
but most of us haven't learned to believe in ourselves long enough
to learn how to fully love ourselves.
We've been taught (programmed) with so much negativity,
that it's almost impossible to overcome it, but it can be done.
Thintuition contestants are proving that it can be done every time t
hey show up for the competition, not knowing what to expect,
but they show up anyway.
They show up, afraid of heights and learn to rock climb.
They show up deathly afraid of water, and learn to tread in the water.
They show not knowing, but trusting their inner power to guide them
to be able to do whatever it takes to get through the competition for that day.
That says a lot. You don't need to be in a public competition to do it.
We compete with ourselves every single day.
Thing is, we beat up on ourselves for not doing, saying or being the thing
or person we think that society says we should be.
Reality Check! The world will continue to beat us down.
We need not help it. We must do as we learned as
children doing the ho-ke-poke.
We must learn to "Pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off,
turn ourselves around and do the Ok-kee-doke!"
(That is forgive yourself for not being your best self,
and then proceed to be better or do something better than you did it before!)
Now doesn't that feel better than feeling bad about yourself for not...?
Now do something special for yourself, after all, you do deserve it!
In the words of the Mike Applegate THE MOTIVATOR, Kiss Yourself!
************************************
If you can't make it to our party, you can enjoy the show every Sunday evening on Me-TVChannel 23 @ 7:00pm, or on Comcast Channel 223.
Enjoy the Thintuition Competition outside of Chicago!
You can view the show every Monday evening starting at 7:00pm on the Internet by visiting www.TheThintuitionCompetition.com.
(hosted by yours truly) in which we'll be having our debut
party today at Lakeshore Athletic Club!
Every week I learn something new from the contestants
that make me look inside myself and see you! That's right, you!
How can I say that about you and I don't even know you? Easy.
We are more alike than we are different, whether we realize it or not.
Most of us breathe the same air, shed dead skin, bathe,
and the list goes on.
What most of us don't realize it that we all face the same challenges,
some just on another level. Some of us are a little more dramatic than others.
Some of us thrive on drama! Some of us avoid drama by any means necessary.
What we all want more than anything else is to be loved,
but most of us haven't learned to believe in ourselves long enough
to learn how to fully love ourselves.
We've been taught (programmed) with so much negativity,
that it's almost impossible to overcome it, but it can be done.
Thintuition contestants are proving that it can be done every time t
hey show up for the competition, not knowing what to expect,
but they show up anyway.
They show up, afraid of heights and learn to rock climb.
They show up deathly afraid of water, and learn to tread in the water.
They show not knowing, but trusting their inner power to guide them
to be able to do whatever it takes to get through the competition for that day.
That says a lot. You don't need to be in a public competition to do it.
We compete with ourselves every single day.
Thing is, we beat up on ourselves for not doing, saying or being the thing
or person we think that society says we should be.
Reality Check! The world will continue to beat us down.
We need not help it. We must do as we learned as
children doing the ho-ke-poke.
We must learn to "Pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off,
turn ourselves around and do the Ok-kee-doke!"
(That is forgive yourself for not being your best self,
and then proceed to be better or do something better than you did it before!)
Now doesn't that feel better than feeling bad about yourself for not...?
Now do something special for yourself, after all, you do deserve it!
In the words of the Mike Applegate THE MOTIVATOR, Kiss Yourself!
************************************
If you can't make it to our party, you can enjoy the show every Sunday evening on Me-TVChannel 23 @ 7:00pm, or on Comcast Channel 223.
Enjoy the Thintuition Competition outside of Chicago!
You can view the show every Monday evening starting at 7:00pm on the Internet by visiting www.TheThintuitionCompetition.com.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Inspiration Comes by Doing!
It's week 7 of the Thintuition Competition (www.thintuition.com) and the heat is on.
The red team vs. the blue team in a triathalon! Aren't you glad you read about it here
before it airs? (Sunday June 3rd on ME-TV, Ch. 23- or Comcast channel 223)
I can't tell you too much without giving the show away, but I can tell you this much.
Everytime a contestant experiences something they've never done or are afraid to do,
it's a life changing experience, not only in their life, but the lives of their teammates as well.
This is a life changing event and I am simply honored to be hosting it!
There's one contestant (Let's see if you can guess who it is!) who is afraid of the water.
They can't swim and literally afraid of even putting their feet in the water!)
I know you can't wait to see what happens, and I don't want to spoil it for you,
but I will tell you this. They actually get in the water and do something they've
never done before, and it isn't swimming! You will not believe this.
There's only one way to find out, and that is to tune in!
This contestant has taught me soooooooo much in such a short perioud of time,
I cannot begin to express how much of a difference it's made in my life.
It's taught me that we can no longer say WHAT WE CANNOT DO,just
because we've never done it! How can you say you can't do something,
if you haven't actually tried it? How? It's impossible to know.
You can only say for certainty that you cannot do something,once you've tried
it a few times. Most often, if you try again and again, you will be able to do it.
It's only with determination that things begin to turn around in your life.
So the next time you think you can't do something, think of this contestant
who tried to do something they thought they couldn't, but because of our
FAITH in this contestant, and their WILLINGNESS to try, it was done!
It's pretty much the same with you.
So what is it in your life that you say you can't do?
The red team vs. the blue team in a triathalon! Aren't you glad you read about it here
before it airs? (Sunday June 3rd on ME-TV, Ch. 23- or Comcast channel 223)
I can't tell you too much without giving the show away, but I can tell you this much.
Everytime a contestant experiences something they've never done or are afraid to do,
it's a life changing experience, not only in their life, but the lives of their teammates as well.
This is a life changing event and I am simply honored to be hosting it!
There's one contestant (Let's see if you can guess who it is!) who is afraid of the water.
They can't swim and literally afraid of even putting their feet in the water!)
I know you can't wait to see what happens, and I don't want to spoil it for you,
but I will tell you this. They actually get in the water and do something they've
never done before, and it isn't swimming! You will not believe this.
There's only one way to find out, and that is to tune in!
This contestant has taught me soooooooo much in such a short perioud of time,
I cannot begin to express how much of a difference it's made in my life.
It's taught me that we can no longer say WHAT WE CANNOT DO,just
because we've never done it! How can you say you can't do something,
if you haven't actually tried it? How? It's impossible to know.
You can only say for certainty that you cannot do something,once you've tried
it a few times. Most often, if you try again and again, you will be able to do it.
It's only with determination that things begin to turn around in your life.
So the next time you think you can't do something, think of this contestant
who tried to do something they thought they couldn't, but because of our
FAITH in this contestant, and their WILLINGNESS to try, it was done!
It's pretty much the same with you.
So what is it in your life that you say you can't do?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day!
As we celebrate the Mothers of the world, let us be reminded
of how motherhood operates in our daily lives.
Just as a mother nurtures her children, her life and that of others,
so must we do the same.
We can't expect a child to be born and raise itself.
Neither can we expect the ideas that are given to us to nurture themselves.
Surely some of those ideas sound good in our heads, but they look and feel better on paper. Writing down ideas and plans are the beginning of seeing those dreams come to life.
Most people are afraid to move on those dreams because of what others might say.
Truth is, people are going to talk anyway, so you may as well give them something good to talk about.
Counselors in school may mean well, but they're not always right.
Sometimes parents have your best interest at heart and really want
to see you do well, but because of their past experiences, they're afraid
of you failing, so they place doubt in your mind.
The best time to practice doubt is when it jepordizes your health or life,
otherwise you've got to take a chance in life. No risk. No reward.
So for all who've thought about starting something but haven't,
keep this thought in mind.
Most Mothers don't put their children out in the cold.
So don't put your dream on hold, or out in the cold just
because you don't know where clothing will come from to keep it warm.
That's where you must begin to rely on FAITH.
Do something DAILY to fortify your faith.
Build your FAITH LIBRARY by listening and watching
those programs that instill a faith in you so fierce,
you couldn 't fail if you wanted to.
That's what Mother's Do. So should you!
Happy Mother's Day!
of how motherhood operates in our daily lives.
Just as a mother nurtures her children, her life and that of others,
so must we do the same.
We can't expect a child to be born and raise itself.
Neither can we expect the ideas that are given to us to nurture themselves.
Surely some of those ideas sound good in our heads, but they look and feel better on paper. Writing down ideas and plans are the beginning of seeing those dreams come to life.
Most people are afraid to move on those dreams because of what others might say.
Truth is, people are going to talk anyway, so you may as well give them something good to talk about.
Counselors in school may mean well, but they're not always right.
Sometimes parents have your best interest at heart and really want
to see you do well, but because of their past experiences, they're afraid
of you failing, so they place doubt in your mind.
The best time to practice doubt is when it jepordizes your health or life,
otherwise you've got to take a chance in life. No risk. No reward.
So for all who've thought about starting something but haven't,
keep this thought in mind.
Most Mothers don't put their children out in the cold.
So don't put your dream on hold, or out in the cold just
because you don't know where clothing will come from to keep it warm.
That's where you must begin to rely on FAITH.
Do something DAILY to fortify your faith.
Build your FAITH LIBRARY by listening and watching
those programs that instill a faith in you so fierce,
you couldn 't fail if you wanted to.
That's what Mother's Do. So should you!
Happy Mother's Day!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Part 2 behind the scenes radio production 101
Saturday was class 2 of Behind-The-Scenes Radio Production 101 at the Chetwyn Rodgers Drive Development Center on the West Side of Chicago.
Once again, my hearing impaired students taught me many lessons that I had not experienced in a while from my non hearing impaired students.
Althougth my students can't hear with their physical ears, they can hear even better without them. Huh? Doesn't make sense? Let me explain.
I watch them throughout class and notice how attentive they are. I watched them as they watched their sign language interpreter, Dr. Carol. (Who's a sweetheart!)
I watched them go beyond the call of duty by assisting me in anyway they could. One young man noticed there was a problem with the tripod we were using, and stopped the class to offer his services. He went to his car and got another tripod. How thoughtful! He didn't have to do that, but he did.
He could have kept on watching the sign language interpreter, but instead, he turned his eyes to a problem, and immediately went about the business of helping.
So what do I mean by the fact that my hearing impaired students listen better without the help of their ears? They listen with their hearts!
His heart showed him I was in need of assistance, and he didn't hesitate to help. How awesome is that.
Listening is an art. Listening doesn't always come from the ear drum. Listening from the heart is one of the main focus of the Sufi order. Some of our greatest lessons come from people and things that we don't understand.
Religion sometimes keeps us trapped in a certain way of thinking. It's time we step out of the darkness of religion, and into the light of the Creator, no matter what you call it, him or her.
So the next time you're approached with something or by someone you don't necessarily agree with or understand, simply ask the Universe to open your heart so that you may have a new experience.
That's what listening with the heart is all about!
My hearing impaired students are doing a great job of teaching me that as well as other things. Wow! Just think! I went there to teach, and was taught a few things only the Creator could show me through my students!
Have a heart! Take a hearing impaired student to lunch and watch your life be transformed!
Once again, my hearing impaired students taught me many lessons that I had not experienced in a while from my non hearing impaired students.
Althougth my students can't hear with their physical ears, they can hear even better without them. Huh? Doesn't make sense? Let me explain.
I watch them throughout class and notice how attentive they are. I watched them as they watched their sign language interpreter, Dr. Carol. (Who's a sweetheart!)
I watched them go beyond the call of duty by assisting me in anyway they could. One young man noticed there was a problem with the tripod we were using, and stopped the class to offer his services. He went to his car and got another tripod. How thoughtful! He didn't have to do that, but he did.
He could have kept on watching the sign language interpreter, but instead, he turned his eyes to a problem, and immediately went about the business of helping.
So what do I mean by the fact that my hearing impaired students listen better without the help of their ears? They listen with their hearts!
His heart showed him I was in need of assistance, and he didn't hesitate to help. How awesome is that.
Listening is an art. Listening doesn't always come from the ear drum. Listening from the heart is one of the main focus of the Sufi order. Some of our greatest lessons come from people and things that we don't understand.
Religion sometimes keeps us trapped in a certain way of thinking. It's time we step out of the darkness of religion, and into the light of the Creator, no matter what you call it, him or her.
So the next time you're approached with something or by someone you don't necessarily agree with or understand, simply ask the Universe to open your heart so that you may have a new experience.
That's what listening with the heart is all about!
My hearing impaired students are doing a great job of teaching me that as well as other things. Wow! Just think! I went there to teach, and was taught a few things only the Creator could show me through my students!
Have a heart! Take a hearing impaired student to lunch and watch your life be transformed!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Behind The Scenes Radio Production 101
Over the weekend I was blessed with the wonderful opportunity to teach my first class as Director of Communications at the Chetwyn Rodgers Drive Development Center on Chicago's West Side.
Little did I know that a third of the class would be hearing impaired! I saw the sign language interpreter as soon as I walked in, thinking to myself. "Why is she here?"
It then dawned on me that Pastor Rodgers told me beforehand that a sign language interpreter would be there for some of the students. Boy was this a learning experience for me! I reallly felt bad that I had dropped out of my sign language class last summer because I was actually learning and it really was a lot of fun. I allowed other things to distract me and now I am embarrased by it.
But with all that said and done, I still had a good time communicating with the students and helping them understand a little about behind the scene production of the radio industry.
I must admit I was wondering how hearing and speaking impaired students would fair in a communications industry when they are referred to as having a disability.
How could they possibly have a talk or music show, let alone produce something behind the scenes when they can't communicate with their voices?
All of that nonsense went right out the window when one of the students raised their hand when I asked the question "Why did they want to be in radio?" One of the students said he wanted not just to work in radio, but to OWN the radio station!
Boy did that take me out of the box on my thinking!
There's a market for every kind of listener, even though the listening is of a different kind. So the next time you see someone who is hearing or speaking impaired, try to have a conversation with them. Many can read lips.
Besides meeting someone with a special gift, you'll probably learn something you didn't know. I know I did. The best thing about it, they even gave live testimonials about the seminar after it was over with. They may not have been able to voice it (The voice you'll hear is that of the sign language interpreter) but you sure could see the joy in their faces.
Feel free to express your opinions! That's what blogging is all about!
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