New Freedom's Journal

Echoes of Libyan Freedom

2011-02-28T20:17:00.002-05:00

If you've been following the news recently then you may have heard of the freedom fighters in Libya. Ordinary citizens who, not unlike some plucky Americans, have taken up arms against a tyrant. For America, we had our King George, the Libyans have their self-styled "King of Kings," Gaddafi.

As another day dawns since the rebellion began, freedom loving Libyans are taking up arms against a vicious killer. With no way out, it's quite literally, victory or death. With such fierce determination, these people can't help but garner admirers and supporters.

The French government is once again at the forefront in support of liberty. Recent reports indicate that France will attempt to resupply the rebels. America is doing her part by preaching coordinated action in support of innocent civilians. In a moment such as this, we as Americans ought to reflect on the bravery of those free Libyans (as we recall our own history) and support their efforts in whatever ways possible.

While such fire for freedom burns, there is hope for democracy everywhere. I'll be keeping a free Libya in my heart and mind as I wish, hope, and pray for those brave lads. Here's hoping that whatever can be done causes more good than ill.

The Brilliance of Tupac Shakur

2010-01-06T09:30:00.001-05:00

To many people, Tupac Shakur (June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996) might be viewed as a man who died a violent death after a life full of danger. For others, his music was judged to be so much noise in the cacophony of sound called Rap. But, I would urge a second look. Tupac is a man who cared enough to write down many of the social problems of his day - in a way not that dissimilar from many bloggers. In the one song presented below Tupac addresses issues of welfare, abuse, female reproduction rights, self-image, rape, race, drugs, brotherly love, a corrupt justice system, black on black crime, false friends, surviving the ghetto, the ability of nations to promote war balanced against the need to feed the poor. Tupac was much more than a rapper, he was a thinking man, preaching to the masses. I think its worth exploring the ideas presented in these lyrics. As we face daily mounting problems I wonder how many will hear Tupac's message. Read the lyrics and please let me know how you feel, is the message as powerful today as it was when written?

Keep Ya Head Up
Little somethin for my godson Elijah and a little girl named Corinne

[Verse One:]

Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots
I give a holler to my sisters on welfare
Tupac cares, and don't nobody else care
And uhh, I know they like to beat ya down a lot
When you come around the block brothas clown a lot
But please don't cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive but don't forget, girl keep your head up
And when he tells you you ain't nuttin don't believe him
And if he can't learn to love you you should leave him
Cause sista you don't need him
And I ain't tryin to gas ya up, I just call em how I see em
You know it makes me unhappy (what's that)
When brothas make babies, and leave a young mother to be a pappy
And since we all came from a woman
Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman
I wonder why we take from our women
Why we rape our women, do we hate our women?
I think it's time to kill for our women
Time to heal our women, be real to our women
And if we don't we'll have a race of babies
That will hate the ladies, that make the babies
And since a man can't make one
He has no right to tell a woman when and where to create one
So will the real men get up
I know you're fed up ladies, but keep your head up

[Chorus]

Keep ya head up, oooo child things are gonna get easier
ooooo child things are gonna get brighter [2x]

[Verse Two:]

Aiyyo, I remember Marvin Gaye, used to sing ta me
He had me feelin like black was tha thing to be
And suddenly tha ghetto didn't seem so tough
And though we had it rough, we always had enough
I huffed and puffed about my curfew and broke the rules
Ran with the local crew, and had a smoke or two
And I realize momma really paid the price
She nearly gave her life, to raise me right
And all I had ta give her was my pipe dream
Of how I'd rock the mic, and make it to tha bright screen
I'm tryin to make a dollar out of fifteen cents
It's hard to be legit and still pay tha rent
And in the end it seems I'm headin for tha pen
I try and find my friends, but they're blowin in the wind
Last night my buddy lost his whole family
It's gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity
It seems tha rain'll never let up
I try to keep my head up, and still keep from gettin wet up
You know it's funny when it rains it pours
They got money for wars, but can't feed the poor
Say there ain't no hope for the youth and the truth is
it ain't no hope for tha future
And then they wonder why we crazy
I blame my mother, for turning my brother into a crack baby
We ain't meant to survive, cause it's a setup
And even though you're fed up
Huh, ya got to keep your head up

[Chorus]

[Verse Three:]

And uhh
To all the ladies havin babies on they own
I know it's kinda rough and you're feelin all alone
Daddy's long gone and he left you by ya lonesome
Thank the Lord for my kids, even if nobody else want em
Cause I think we can make it, in fact, I'm sure
And if you fall, stand tall and comeback for more
Cause ain't nuttin worse than when your son
wants to kno why his daddy don't love him no mo'
You can't complain you was dealt this
hell of a hand without a man, feelin helpless
Because there's too many things for you to deal with
Dying inside, but outside you're looking fearless
While tears, is rollin down your cheeks
Ya steady hopin things don't all down this week
Cause if it did, you couldn't take it, and don't blame me
I was given this world I didn't make it
And now my son's getten older and older and cold
From havin the world on his shoulders
While the rich kids is drivin Benz
I'm still tryin to hold on to my survivin friends
And it's crazy, it seems it'll never let up, but
please... you got to keep your head up

For more information on Tupac Shakur see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupac_Shakur

The early morning thought of the day

2010-01-06T08:57:00.001-05:00

Judith Jamison in a recent PBS interview shared her thoughts on success. "Pray, Prepare and Proceed." That's advice worth having in my opinion. We are forced to contemplate the universe, to navigate our world and finally to to personal action.

Blog Upkeep (Tip)

2010-01-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

A recent development in Blogger (Google's blogging service @blogger.com) has made managing blogs fairly easy.

The ability to send updates via email has been around for some time. One can update a blogger account by creating a custom email account in blogger under Settings/Email & Mobile/Email Posting Address.

To link a blog to twitter one may use a free service like twItterfeed.com. This service will forward posts to twitter, Facebook and others. One will need to add the blog address as myblog.com/rss.xml.

To maximize effectiveness when dealing with multiple blogs one might consider using an email distribution list.

Happy Posting.

Lost Treasure

2010-01-04T11:38:00.001-05:00

A number of professionals, business folk and general media outlets have focused on employee engagement. The idea of engagement is to empower employees so that they become fully involved with their work. The theory is that involved employees will find their work more meaningful and consequently will be happier and more productive.

One bit of advice for business managers and owners might be to leverage the benefits of employee engagement. I wondered this morning how much money and innovation might be accrued by following through on the ideas of employee engagement. I recalled as a younger man being employed by a business owner to simply examine technology and make recommendations on their usage in his business. That was the extent of my job and because of it I developed a intuitive sense about the possibility for employees to change the course of a business.

When setting new years resolutions I would recommend that one include promotion of employee engagement together with serious consideration for implementing active employee suggestions. Don't waste the competitive advantages that exist in your organization. Businesses may have technology and streamlined processes but one must remember that people are your foundation and hold a wealth of lost treasure.

The Importance of Language as Culture

2009-05-17T20:02:00.007-05:00

Image via Late

Lately, I have contemplated the concerns of bridging the gap between language and culture. Along these lines I have some pretty strong beliefs. For one, I always think of language as culture.

To my mind language is a powerful tool which in effect binds a group into a shared cultural experience. Language centers around the construction of thoughts. Many of these thoughts produce interlinked concepts which in essence define a people and their culture.

Given this thinking and considering American history it is no wonder that I have some concern that the original culture of new Americans are diffused (if not totally lost). Since culture has an interesting impact on who we are and in many ways define who we must become then one must see the value in learning (or in some cases relearning) the language of one’s ancestors.

One challenge I have taken up is that of learning Wolof (amongst other languages). The goal is to penetrate the mindset and the culture which was stripped away when my ancestors came to these shores. This is not to say that one should not consider and contribute to the fabric which is the American culture. But, rather its to understand that one must know where one comes from before one can understand where one is going.

Without a foundation the house cannot stand.

A Foundation of Hope

2009-05-17T19:43:00.004-05:00

Today – in reviewing how far we have come since Martin Luther King’s (MLK) declaration “I have been to the mountain top...I may not get there with you,... we as a people will get to the promised land...” I was struck by the foundation of hope which MLK provided for America. In the election of Barack Obama it appears that hopes for a better America have been answered. Indeed our prayers for a more equal and just society seem to have been answered.

On the other hand we have rappers like Nasir Jones (Nas) who note that many of the hatreds and prejudices remain a prevalent component of our society. Nas puts it this way (referring to racism), “We still see this [-] on Youtube, My Space, when’s this ignorant [-] going to stop?” Most find these two perspectives to be irreconcilable. Maybe, it’s because I have done a bit of traveling abroad, but for whatever reason I can relate to both the hope and the despair of these two perspectives.

I have always believed that one should attempt to maintain some sort of emotional equilibrium in any case. The promise of the future must be weighed with the realization that Obama (god bless him) is only human. We have to mitigate our hopes and dreams by realizing that Obama’ real power comes from his ability to inspire hope and action in others. At the same time, Nas reminds us of the hatred which still exists in our country. We must also remember that people are always going to be people. Some may not like others (for a variety of reasons, including race).

Having felt both extremes (at one time or another), it might be wise to look at where we can stand up and make a better contribution to our society. One place might be picking up the challenge which Obama referred to as his commitment to remind each of us of our commitment to education. America cannot remain rooted in the past, we will have to forge ahead to remake America.

May we all dare to dream of a better day.

Caveats to blog management: What works well and what can be improved

2009-05-16T22:11:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

Just a quick follow up to my previous post on blog management. I note the following items regarding this new blog method:

Embedded pictures (those images attached, pasted or dragged into your e-mail) do not display in the blog properly
The subject becomes the topic header of the blog post
The text of the blog editor on blogger shows large typeface however the blog posts according to the style of the blog
This new technology makes it easy to multiply mistakes (one e-mail message can appear on multiple sites quickly)
Inconsistent formatting of text occurs around pictures
E-mail messages sent to the Blogger can be set for either draft mode or instant publishing

Well until next time, stay healthy.

Blog Management: How to do it.

2009-05-16T21:49:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

Well I’ve just discovered a new tool in my effort to stay current with my blogs. I am a user of the Google Blogspot web service (based at blogger.com). I recently opened my Dashboard to begin a new posting and noted that each site has an email icon next to a mobile phone icon.

It appears that one can now create a secret email address that will allow one to send an email which results in a blog posting. Tada! End of problems regarding how to find time to stay current with blogging. An interesting note is that one can probably send one email to multiple recipients (blog sites) and see multiple posts. Double Tada!!

Well light bulb just went off in my head. Everyone has time for an email. Everyone does. Since many folks no longer write letters this new technology allows folks to get a grip on their many blogs (sometimes simultaneously). Well this first post of the new blogging error is within the context of how to use the new technology.

HOW TO SET UP EMAIL BLOGGING

Login to blogger and view your dashboard
For each blog site click the email icon and add a secret word to create a unique email address
On your phone / email program – create a new contact (I use @blog-name for my contacts so they are easy to find)
For each contact set up the secret email address you created in step 2
Create a message and send it to the contacts you have configured

The dashboard area should appear like this...

Feedback, comments, critiques are all welcome. Be well and happy blogging.

Promoting Democracy

2008-12-13T21:45:00.003-05:00

Image via WikipediaImage via Wikipedia

Welcome to the blog,

Below are my thoughts on one of our nations biggest problems.

Have we ever thought to simply look at what folks need to help them increase their freedom? In America we talk a lot about the ability to pursue economic utility. With free markets we focus a lot of attention on opportunity.

But what happens if one cannot seize the opportunity? Can those without education manage to make use of economic opportunity? I really don't see this as realistic. Take our relations with other countries like Pakistan. Are we being helpful or do we simply believe (erroneously) that developing a democratic free market style society would allow the Pakistani society to embrace democratic ideals?

Our efforts to bring the dream of freedom, the dream of America to other world citizens is being subverted by our ignorance of the true goals and values of other societies. Perhaps we should simply help world citizens become educated but without intervention and wait and see what happens. In each other situation within the purview of historical perspectives we have seen that education breeds democracy.

We are trying to push democracy with the force of a gun. This approach will never work. Education is the key to freedom and by encouraging and promoting education democracy will grow. We must stop spending money on bombs and start spending money on books!

Ideas matter.

Check out this video on Pakistan:
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/448/video.html

It seems that though the battle is won...

2008-11-15T23:22:00.002-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

The war rages on. Jesse Washington of the AP news today reports that the number of racial incidents against black people in America is on the rise again (Election spurs 'hundreds' of race threats, crimes, Associated Press, November 15, 2008). Unfortunately as a by-product of the success of Barack Obama in the national election there are many folks (apparently not blacks) who are gunning for the man.

Welcome to America.

No surprise here - let's just make it past Jan 21, 2009 and take it one day at a time. Unfortunately while about half of America has let go of their racial hatred there appear to be a large number of angry folks with guns who are not amicable losers.

Secret Service had better be on key with its protection level.

As if anyone would have to tell them this...

The rest of us had better use extra caution as the idiots of the world look for substitute victims. Now would be an appropriate time to educate the kids on the struggle and how to watch out for oneself. Historically as economic times turn bad hatred and anger boil over to convenient targets that in many cases happen to be minorities.

Watch out for yourselves and if you live in an area where guns are legal then arming oneself might be a good idea. No need to call the cops in that case just remember to take lessons and learn how to protect yourself and your families. Never again to lynching. Never again.

Winning graciously

2008-11-07T16:09:00.002-05:00

Image by Will Lion via Flickr

Hello Everyone,

Let's hold on the political discussion for now. The race is over and we won. Let's be gracious and allow the pain to fade. Americans hate to lose so let's take it easy.

In the South as other locations the race was extremely close in some states. We need to realize that the job of governing will be much worse that the goal of winning the election. For now the election is over and we need to allow time to heal those wounds.

The economy had the largest gain on any election day ever. It also had the largest sell-off on any post election day ever. That, I believe is a reflection of the hope and the fear of this election.

America will have to come to terms with the reality. We have to come together since the election is over. For many years Democrats have lived through these emotions; we must be sensitive to our friends and neighbors in their time of despair.

Some of them actually believed all of the lies about socialism, terrorist, and everything else... Many folks believe everything they hear on Fox News as if it were gospel!!! We have to realize that for those who could not see the message of hope Obama provided that they might not be feeling too safe right now.

But this is America; so things will get better. The country will heal as we move towards a better Union. This is the United States of America.

The return of public consciousness in popular music

2008-11-07T02:45:00.001-05:00

This past Presidential election season made me realize the number of musical artists who are using their craft to make powerful political and cultural statements. This is another example of an artist that has more to say about the relevant topics of the day. Enjoy the video.

Janelle Monae - "Many Moons" HI RES VERSION

America from the perspective of others

2008-11-07T01:55:00.003-05:00

Americans need to see our actions through the eyes of world citizens. With the power of the Internet, America is no longer isolated (nor can we ever be) from the world. It is time we acknowledge that while we act for the force of good our strengths can become our weaknesses. Here is a disturbing reality of America. We must take better care in the future so that we are not misguided.

Warning - This video will break your heart. This is necessary so we can rebuild the spirit within. I look forward to a better world that is filled with love and peace. Let's change the world.

Let's remember that we brought this fight to Iraq. "Now people are dying and you know it's time" (Mayor Nagin, appealing for help after Katrina). We need to put our past behind us and look forward to brighter days but never forget our history.

The next time you ask yourself why everyone is hating on America think on this - If one will not help one's friends, one's neighbors and one's country men (for example after Katrina hit New Orleans) how then can anyone expect America to aid them?

This is the vision from which America must recover. We tend to destroy and rebuild in America. I would not be surprised to see that we truly remake the world.

Powerful, far reaching words

2008-11-07T01:38:00.004-05:00

Please note the powerful words after enjoying this short video.

Hope Changes Everything

people say Obama's words are just words...

but...

when was the last time "words" weren't important...???...

when was the last time a great leader didn't use words to lead...??...
when was the last time a person didn't use words to describe how they felt...?...
when was the last time "words" weren't empowering...?...

and we can all recall the last time "words" were used to divide us and install fear...

Bush used words to fear us into voting for him the second time around...
terror this...
terror that...
nuclear here...
weapons of mass destruction there...

and those words effected a lot of people's choices...

"enough is enough"...
let's rebuild...

let's change ourselves...
let's allow positivity to guide us...

let's take action....
let's activate our passion...
we are Americans....

and this is the first time in forever that someone running for president represents "US"...

some say this is all excitement...
I call it "proud to be an American"...

some say this whole Obama movement is "cult like"...
well...
if it comes across cult like...
then...
the cult is called America...

the Obama movement is connecting America.
and it has made "US" realize our importance...
the youth is excited and activated...
adults are passionate and motivated...
the elderly are proud to know the country they built is in safe hands...

we are one...

for too long politics has been corrupt...
separate from the American people...
with agendas that go against what the American people "need"...
education...
health...
safety...
jobs
etc...

politicians have spoken a different language...
making it so the youth and poor people feel as if voting was only for the wealthy and old people...
making "US" feel as if "we" had no voice...
making "US" feel powerless...
making it feel like if "we" did vote it wouldn't change anything...

but wait...
that did happen...
some of us voted, and it didn't change anything...

we were in the dark...
we had no voice...
we were powerless...

because America was not a united America...
and "they" spoke a different language...
and they had an agenda different from our well being...

correct me if I'm wrong... or speak up if I'm missing something...

we want education, health, safety, and good jobs...right???...
oh yeah...
and "a healthy planet to live on"...

but here we are...

in a war... poor education... poor health programs... the dollar is down... the planet, polluted...
the rich, richer... and the poor, struggling...
with sky high gas prices to top it all off...

and now even the rich aren't really rich internationally because our dollar is has fallen so far down...

in our slumber... a very small few got really rich...

because when you're sleeping...

"it's hard to change agendas"...

we know what happened in 2000 and 2004...
but in 2008...
it's different...

we are awake...
and there is a movement...

and "it's hard to change a movement"...

last time "we" didn't have a movement...
America wasn't united...

and now "United and "Standing"...for something...
we know the power of "US"...
and we have a person who represents the "U.S."...

"US"...

"we are the ones we've been waiting for"...

I'm proud to be an American...

will.i.am

(original link)

Claiming Barack as our own

2008-11-07T01:07:00.001-05:00

There is a big focus by many to identify Barack as bi-racial, black, white. Hey Barack is non of these, he is a reflection of you. In that reflection we need to promise to never let ourselves down. Represent and respect, love, hope and cherish each other.

Peace,

President Obama is Biracial not just " The Black guy"

The rebirth of poetry

2008-11-07T01:01:00.002-05:00

The essence of renewal is coming to America. The ability to inspire millions is a gift. I pray that our new President uses these gifts wisely. In doing so I am saddened to think that this man may be quite lonely with the passing of his grandmother just one day before the Election of 2008. Close family is forever and the loss of same can affect even the most forceful. In spite of this, in order to help us help ourselves; President-elect Obama must push ahead with forming a government to revitalize America.

Barack Obama: Poetic Politics

Make that Change

2008-11-07T00:57:00.002-05:00

This is why we did it. Remember that, this video make break your heart but that is what must be done before mankind can be remade into a better self.

Our troops can be the hope of the world. Let's remember that America acts from the belief that not only that we can make a difference but that we must make a difference. The people have spoken to say enough.

Obama - Man in the mirror

I talk about hope

2008-11-07T00:48:00.001-05:00

Don't tell me words don't matter. Love, Education and Hope. Ideals for a new generation. I am finding a connection with my daughter who believes that we should work for what we can do for others rather than what we can do for ourselves.

Don't Tell Me Words Don't Matter

A note on Grace

2008-11-07T00:39:00.001-05:00

First a note of thanks to G-d for allowing me and all of us to see this day where we can overcome the things that divide us to work towards the things that Unite us.

In response to the fact that 46% of America are fearful of what an Obama Presidency will mean to America I present the following advice.

Everyone,

Let's hold on the political discussion for now. The race is over and we won. Let's be gracious and allow the pain to fade. Americans hate to lose so let's take it easy.

In the South as other locations the race was extremely close in some states. We need to realize that the job of governing will be much worse that the goal of winning the election. For now the election is over and we need to allow time to heal those wounds.

The economy had the largest gain on any election day ever. It also had the largest sell-off on any post election day ever. That, I believe is a reflection of the hope and the fear of this election.

America will have to come to terms with the reality. We have to come together since the election is over. For many years Democrats have lived through these emotions; we must be sensitive to our friends and neighbors in their time of despair.

Some of them actually believed all of the lies about socialism, terrorist, and everything else... Many folks believe everything they hear on Fox News as if it were gospel!!! We have to realize that for those who could not see the message of hope Obama provided that they might not be feeling too safe right now.

But this is America; so things will get better. The country will heal as we move towards a better Union. This is the United States of America.

Hope never dies

Yes we can

2008-11-07T00:15:00.001-05:00

Yes we can change the world. The inspiration from poets, writers, and ordinary Americans is embodied in the call from Obama to believe in ourselves. Maybe now we can confront global warming in addition to the economy, wars, and the human travesties happening all over the world. Obama mania is not focused at Obama -at its heart its us focusing on our own potential to rise above.

The ability to be more than the sum of our parts. The ability to allow our positive qualities outweigh our negative qualities. This is the message that has transcended politics to cultural phenomena.

Yes We Can - Barack Obama Music Video

The fierce urgency of Now

2008-11-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

A powerful message presented by candidate Obama. Like many, I am still trying to understand who is this person that we have elected President. America has recaptured the imagination of the world. We must now make good on our promise. Now.

Barack Obama: Incredible Speech!

Obama - This is the moment

2008-11-06T23:26:00.001-05:00

Why did so many Germans visit Obama in Germany? I wondered about this and decided to bring the video to the America masses. It is said that Obama is intimately involved with the construction of his speeches. Undoubtedly this is a man who clearly deserves the title of the Great Communicator.

Barack Obama Speech from Berlin, Germany

Race in America

2008-11-06T23:23:00.001-05:00

One of the most compelling speeches on race in America. Obama spoke about who we are as a people in March of 2008. The delivery of this powerful message was both honest and encouraging. View the entire speech to understand the reason why this man has inspired hope in America.

Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union'

The face of America

2008-11-06T23:14:00.001-05:00

President-elect Obama has inspired Americans and indeed world citizens to hope for change. This is a phenomena that simply required one to watch; although we were all able to participate with our vote. Americans heard the call and voted for change.

Now its time for America to roll up our sleeves and get to work. The sentiment to come together and the hope inspired by Barack Obama is something unlike anything that we have seen before. This is finally our America, its my America and its your America. Perhaps, America has come of age.

Obama promises "we are the ones we've been waiting for..." The ability to envision something better in each of us is a powerful allure. Obama mentioned in his speech on race that we have to be faithful to the notion that what is right in America is greater than that which is wrong with America.

A reminder that good and bad is entwined in humankind. When we look in the mirror and try to conquer that which is evil using that which is good from within. These are powerful symbols that bring hope to America and the world.

Now that the election is over I think it is important to bring the news of Obama to the 46% of the people who have been prevented from the full measure of this person. As our President those who voted for him are now responsible to ensure that change is delivered and hope fullfilled.

We Are The Ones Song by will.i.am - Obama

Just the facts - Clean politics

2008-10-11T11:31:00.000-05:00

Image by Trois Têtes (TT) via FlickrThere is an interesting little site in cyberspace that deals in just the facts. The website debunks misrepresentations, cheap tricks including misquotes related to political campaigns. The website is known as factcheck.org.

A sign of reason?

2008-10-10T16:15:00.002-05:00

Image via WikipediaA sign of reason recently appeared among the independent reporters from the www.ireport.com website. Like many when politics is discussed a lot of irrational judgments, anger and fear-mongering begin to appear as a vast amount of rhetoric is spouted. In a time when America needs to husband its strengths we are seeing citizens as never before exercise their freedom of speech.

One such person really presented his thoughts in an extremely clear way that doesn't attempt to feed into the partisianship which so often precedes and election. At a time when our economy is in serious need of executive action; we are in the midst of two wars and continuing to see signs of other national powers rising to threaten our soverignty. Our country is at a cross roads where conditions are aligned to allow us to rise to the surface or succumb to the challenges which once again face us as a nation.

Enter a voice of reason that postulates questions of concern and provide glimpses of that sanity which we all hope is brewing below the surface of our bombastic democracy.

http://www.ireport.com/people/TheDimmitt

Register to vote

2008-10-01T22:35:00.001-05:00

Whatever one's opinion; please remember to vote.

http://maps.google.com/vote

Doesn't Understand?

2008-09-27T01:11:00.005-05:00

Why is Obama not challenging McCain when he says "What Senator Obama doesn't understand..."?

True there is the risk of seeming pricklish but I think they should nip that slogan in the bud. Not sure how yet but a few people better start working on it....

Naturally there is the implict attack on OB's intelligence (is that supposed to be a racial shot?). The bottom line is that such statements act as body shots and good fighters know the body shots soften the legs up before a left hook knocks out the opponent.

Still the economy is now in play and McCain better start thinking about this century more than the previous one. There is no going back. Unless one were to note; made famous by Bill C. "...its the economy stupid."

I think so far we once again have to pick the lesser of two evils. BO/JB versus JM/SP. These teams seem contrived to deliver the worst possible results. Who is running this circus /<•>/?

McCain vs. Obama

2008-09-27T01:02:00.004-05:00

Well - I just saw another startling interview of Sarah Palin. She has me convinced. I am not voting for Obama. I am voting against Sarah!

A person who is a breath away from the presidency should be intelligent enough to think and express oneself clearly. From what I saw of Sarah's latest interview, there were no tricky questions or mentally challenging requests but this person really came across as senseless.

I like some of McCain's experiences but smart people learn fast. Then there are folks like Mrs. Palin who just scare the heck out of me. If she made it to power the country would live to regret putting her in a place that could seriously create a problem.

Please review your choices and thought processes carefully during this election. Make your own decisions. I have made mine.

Believe it or not - $1 trillion

2008-09-23T21:11:00.007-05:00

Image by KRISnFRED via Flickr

Here is a blast from CY on the conspiracy take of the investment industry bailout.

Why at this time. The companies have been having problems for years. No transparency; who will get the money. This is free off the books money. Who will police them?

Brian Lehrer came on the radio and started talking about McCain drawing fire away from Henry Paulson. Spitzer was gotten rid of so that he could not stop the party. What happened to the enforcement. Now we have a blind govenor with the blind literally leading the blind.

Conspiracy Theorists (CT) know that there is no such thing as a coincidence. The emergency request for nearly 1 trillion dollars (history indicates the final cost will be well over 1 trillion) came from former Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, Henry Paulson (http://www.ustreas.gov/organization/bios/paulson-e.html). In 2006 this guy was the ring leader of the risky investments and the poor decisions related to the sub-prime mortgage debacle.

Now, the story is they need help and we have to bail them out. Who is we and why do the public have to bail anyone out??? What about marketplace rules? How about private equity bailing these companies out instead of FREE MONEY FROM POOR PEOPLE.

These guys screwed the uninformed by providing risky mortgages and now they want the public to pay up. Are they on CRACK? "Give me one trillion dollars by Friday". Or else what? JUST GO OUT OF BUSINESS LIKE THE GREEDY dumb ducks that you are.

All the CEO's need to be fired if the public becomes the primary shareholder. No more bonuses and no hefty salaries -plain and simple. Just like the rest of us.

Not only was passing faulty loans, fraud -let's remember that the victims of ARM's do not have the financial acumen of these "gentlemen". But then these guys sold the bad mortgages many times over -this act was also FRAUD, including at times I am sure mail fraud. Anyone who has a prospectus based on the mortgage securities may have a class action case.

These guys need to be in handcuffs.

Posted on behalf of the local CT. - CY

Don't get conned, get Smart.

2008-09-23T20:33:00.004-05:00

You know, I took some time off and it seems the entire world went to hell in a hand-basket. I am posting a warning to potential victims of fake debt collection con-artists.
Image by gruntzooki via Flickr
Watch out for these red flags. In my case the guy with a low voice that is hard to hear will leave a message. He asks you to call back regarding an outstanding debt.

He works with a girl who picks up the phone only after you hear a message that seemingly is legitimate from NCO Financial. Don't be fooled -this is a hoax.

How do I know? The same couple scammed me a couple of years back on an outdated bill I had for MCI which I had already paid. They threatened me and I caved. Don't be like me. These guys are crooks! The only reason I caught on is that I recognized the same players -these scum forgot they robbed me already!

The current phone number they are using is 1-877-273-3495.
(I wrote a note about them on the callferret.com website -http://www.callferret.com/877-273-3495.html）.

There are plenty of scam artists out there waiting to rob you. Do not give your information online. Let them send you information. If anyone threatens you that is illegal even if you have a legal debt no one can harass you with repeated phone calls (send this letter -http://www.ucan.org/drupal/money/banking_finance_credit_cards/stop_debt_collector_harassment).

Know all of your rights before you get scammed, conned, tricked or coerced into providing a credit card over the phone. If invalid information is placed on your credit report this can be corrected if one takes the proper measures to document all communications.

A note to my Republican friends

2008-09-22T17:59:00.007-05:00

I am really sorry that I have missed an opportunity to touch base with you upon that very important decision that we need to make in 42 days. I wanted to ask "how about that republican government?" The stalwarts of conservatism and marketplace economics. Bailing out an industry to the tune of 1 trillion dollars. What I find amazing is that the government, in its wisdom, is putting the sharks who created this mess in charge of the free funding provided by the poor people (once again).

You know that anology we discussed earlier? Well the little girl trying to help the poor person was right. The fact that this government would rather not give 50$ to a poor person but instead encourage crooks to sell them mortgages at ridiculous rates is a damning excuse for morality.

Now it's human tendency to want to excuse problems that don't go with one's world view but this is really too much. And you still support more of this republican governing? No matter what one says this current situation is clearly out of control and putting the culprits who created the problem in charge of the stinking mess is a
revolting thought, isn't it?

SAY SOMETHING ABOUT WELFARE -- I DARE YOU!

Afro-Linguistics

2007-08-29T17:09:00.000-05:00

Originally uploaded by mortsan

I have wanted to write this article about language for some time. It boggles the mind (or my mind at least) how ignorant some folks can be... I recalled telling someone about this girl on youtube.com.

Did I not mention this girl? Well, yes there is this girl on Youtube called Leyla (speaking Japanese)

Leyla is an Afro-French girl on Youtube who has a bunch of videos of herself learning/teaching new languages. One of the methods that Leyla uses to express her learning is through music. Although "not a singer" Leyla uses popular music to learn aspects of some languages.

The maddening ignorance that I ran into was from a colleague who when viewing Leyla singing Mandarin said 'it must be fake, right?..."

As if an African person could not speak Chinese. This ignorant concept, of course, is totally ridiculous. I have run into Africans in Hong Kong who speak perfect Chinese. I myself speak Cantonese fairly well (I am learning Mandarin), so naturally I was peeved.

Leyla also speaks Japanese, French, English and probably some others of which I have no knowledge... The point is that everyone can and should expand their vocabulary. Communication in a world where everyone needs to compete for business on a global scale will be the key to the future economies in every country.

Everyone needs to be prepared for this brave new world. In New York City some parents are sending their preschoolers to multi-cultural prekindergarten. Language indoctrination is now considered a key factor to mental and economic development.

To see more videos from Leyla please follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/leyla1

Who we be

2007-08-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

I visited the King Center website recently after a discussion about the state of mind of Afro-Americans.

The conversation centered on a lack of understanding for who we are and how we came to be Afro-Americans. The drama that was unfolding revolved around how an oversight committed by a Black American was being investigated with impunity. Similar such cases involving different people might have been seen as a reasonable oversight.

How might such distinctions happen in today's America?

How could they not?

Our children become whom we teach them that they are. Hatred is a fine tool and very easily integrated into the make-up of a human being (for those parents who choose to propagate bigotry). That's the old "them versus us" syndrome.

Of equal harm is believing the myth - falling into the trap of despair and hopelessness. We must encourage our future to have a song in their hearts, faith in their ability, happiness in the labors and, love within their intent.

I talk about "our children" a great deal on this site. The simple truth is that these are the hope for the future. Without them the future would be hopeless. Patience, strength, prayer and, fortitude are needed to mold our future.

We have to teach them about the true legacy of Dr. King and his dream for our future. I would recommend a visit to the website for the King Center mentioned above at (http://www.thekingcenter.org/). There is a very interesting introduction when your web browser enters the site so turn on your computer's audio speakers.

The Lashes of Slavery in the U.S., 19th Century

2007-08-29T14:05:00.001-05:00

(Vol.1, Issue 4.)

I think remembering our past helps us to better understand who we as a people are. The reflection of our inner selves through the eyes of a historical journey on slavery allow us to reconsider what matters to us in our daily activities.

These reflections of self can be useful in distinguishing who we are as Afro-Americans/ Brazilians / English / French / Dutch / Spaniards / Haitians - from whatever part of the African diaspora we currently call home.

Throughout the African journeys across the globe I have seen that Africans adjust to living conditions in every society. Everywhere I turn in societies I see the African people adding to the culture of these new homelands.

Nonetheless it is important to turn our attention to the motherland of mankind. Africa is still in need of its sons and daughters. Perhaps we too, are in need of Africa.

Knowing ones past can be a key ingredient towards bettering oneself. It is up to us parents to explain to our children, their heritage. Our ancestors were survivors of acts of hatred, insanity, murder, rape and inhumanity.

Understanding this past can and must lead to a more enlightened African youth. It is said that to avoid the repetition of history one must first acknowledge its existence. Only when we and our children are ignorant of the facts will hatred prevail.

One Love, One Heart, One.

Turmoil

2007-08-22T22:32:00.001-05:00

Turmoil
Originally uploaded by Earl of Le Mancha

Global Warming
Wars and Rumors of War
Humanity turning in upon itself
Man killing in the cause of religion
The earth dying under the hand of man
Greed, anger, hatred
Its almost hard to believe that all of these problems can be repelled by Love

But its true

Take time to love yourself and open to the possibility of loving others

happiness

2007-08-21T21:51:00.001-05:00

happiness
Originally uploaded by evilcabeza

Happiness is the first thing we all thirst for once free of the mundane chains of a life full of slavery.

in our doldrums, even whilst in bondage was this feeling borne on the hope of freedom - happiness.

We look for happiness in the smile of a little one full of glee
We seek happiness from flowers or butterflies in a willow tree
It might be found in so small a thing as a grain of sand
or maybe within a happiness rock
It could be that if you look long enough and hard enough it already exists in the palm of your hand

Life is what we make of it so lighten your load with a smile and remember that everyday brings a new way to enjoy happiness

It is at every stop, every scent, every crossroads that we meet
happily

Dr Louis T Wright Dies - Jet Mag Oct 23, 1952

2007-08-21T21:09:00.001-05:00

Dr Louis T Wright Dies - Jet Mag Oct 23, 1952
Originally uploaded by vieilles_annonces

I believe it is important to remember those who have come before us. It is necessary to understand our history before we can chart our future. Please support the photographer who is hosting these memories which I now share with you.

Adding a comment of encouragement to her site will let her know how much you appreciate her effort.

Click the picture in order to view the photographer's website and to leave comments.

Freedom

2007-08-21T20:53:00.001-05:00

Freedom
Originally uploaded by tonton yoyo

A constant concept is 'freedom'.

Everyone wants to be free to do whatever makes one happy.

Remember to consider others who may be less fortunate.

Voice is the absence of void and the byway to other peoples, other cultures, other worlds and, eventually the awakening of ourselves.

God Bless!

Protecting oneself from intrusive telemarketers

2007-07-17T05:04:00.001-05:00

Telemarketer
Originally uploaded by The Tonya Show

Following some investigation and a lot of ballooning in the size of the junk mail received it has been brought to my attention that Americans enjoy certain protections from unrestrained marketing efforts.

Here are a few tips:
If you do receive a sales call, ask the caller to "place this number on your 'Do Not Call' list." Under federal law, a company cannot call you again for a specified period of time [currently 5 years] once you make this request. If you have multiple phone lines, ask the caller to put those numbers on the company's Do Not Call list, too.

MOST PUBLIC U.S. LIBRARIES HAVE FREE INTERNET ACCESS

National Do Not Call Registration - FREE
https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

STOP JUNK MAIL FOR 1$
https://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Keep a log by your phone to document the companies you have told to put you on their Do Not Call list and the date and time of these calls. If they call you again, you have a right to sue them for up to $500 per call.

If you want to make telemarketers jump through extra hoops, request a written copy of their Do Not Call policy. They are required to mail this document to you if you request it, and you can sue them for $500 if they fail to do so.

Call 1-888-5OPT-OUT to bar credit rating agencies from sharing your information for two years. You'll need to provide your social security number when you call. Financial institutions are some of the worst junk-mail offenders.

Tips on dealing with email SPAM
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs20-spam.htm

Prevent collection companies from harassing you with other peoples claims (not your own)
http://www.privacyrights.org/Letters/debt6.htm

Preparing to sue telemarketers (follow this script)
http://www.ucan.org/drupal/telecommunications/landline/anti_telemarketing_script

If this story sounds familiar it may inspire you to do something about telemarketers (http://www.panix.com/~eck/telemarket.html)

Which telemarketers you cannot sue:

Charities
Survey researchers
Political campaigns
Companies with which you have a business relationship
Companies to which you have given written consent to remain on their calling list.

Companies with which you have an "existing business relationship" as well as their affiliates can call you within an 18-month window. And when you inquire about or apply for a service or product, that company can contact you within three months.

Script to halt telemarketing
1. What is your name?
2. What is the name and address of the company you represent?
3. What is the company number?
(company is subject to $500 fine if the answer to the first three questions are refused)

4. Are you an employee of this company, or do you work for a telemarketing service? (get the name, address, phone of telemarketing service)

5. Does your company have a pre-existing business relationship with me?
(if answer to number 5 then skip to question 7)

6. Do you conduct business or have other customers in my city?
(if the answer is yes this will help your case)

7. Does your company have a written call policy?
(company is subject to $500 fine if the answer is No)

8. Will you send me a copy of your "Do Not Call" policy?
(company subject to $500 fine if the answer is No)

9. Does your company maintain a "Do Not Call" list?
(company subject to $500 fine if the answer is No)

10. Will you put my name on your "Do Not Call" list?
(company subject to $500 fine if the answer is No)

11. May I have your supervisor's name and address?
(Note this to help expedite your claim against the company later)

Money and Vanity

2007-05-21T06:47:00.001-05:00

What is this fascination with fame and fortune? Why do we; people in general and, African Americans also, crave fame, fortune, cars, bling and a myriad of other useless things? The answer may lie in the roots of slavery (?).

This is really an unknown answer. I mean I guess we could gather some sociologists to attempt to study this phenomena but I am not sure that the "professional" rationalizations as to the cause of this behavior would be any better than an opinion put forth by any member of our society talking about this issue. It seems clear that the answer may not be simple.

When folks acquire some small portion of wealth they immediately (or as soon as possible thereafter) seek to invest the money into an interest bearing account that will generate income for themselves or at least build interest on the original investment. Sound familiar? If not then maybe its time we examined ourselves and said "Why not?". Why not grow wealth using the interest that is being charged by banks? (a little known fact is that the Koran and Bible both indicate that usury is forbidden)

Well unfortunately this scenario is almost always never true. Found money is frequently lost again as a result of trying to put a good face on poverty(?).

History is Culture

2007-04-30T11:02:00.000-05:00

A word today, friends on the notion of culture. It is firmly my belief that culture is based on family and an understanding of history. Despite a widely held belief that race impacts culture - I don't buy it.

Put anyone into a cultural society not their own and they will adapt to the societal norms to become a participating member of the new culture. Typically such new members of society will add their own cultural traditions and thus evolve the culture of the new society.

This is one of the secrets to the successfully merging of identities and cultures in New York City. It is the reason we celebrate New Years and then Chinese New Years. We also participate in a host of other cultural parades and activities throughout the year.

The Afro-American diaspora (link) is an example of such cultural integration. There is however a portion of the peoples for whom the mass dissipation has left it's original culture in tatters. I refer to those former slaves and their descendants (of whom I am one) who have had their original culture ripped away from them.

That is not to say that this removal process was either intentional or by any means complete. Nor has the lack of a historical binding to our original cultures hindered us from contributing new cultural idioms to the emerging society. Much of the stylized origins of popular culture originate from the Afro-American community.

Notwithstanding these contributions, it may be useful for the aforementioned community to reconnect with their historical roots. A re energized base of society, newly endowed with a sense of their original culture would no doubt add a new perspective to the self image of the community. It is out of this frame of reference that we now celebrate Kwanzaa (link).

But on to my main point. It should be well known if you read these pages (of the New Freedoms Journal) that I am a strong advocate of self-education. I cannot think of many things that are closer to understanding oneself than by the introspection obtained through a historical examination of one's culture in addition to the classics.

As it stands now we have access to the greatest information resource on the planet (the Internet). In addition to this resource there is a movement afoot to make available for free Education at the highest levels to anyone with access to the Internet (your public library will have free access).

Lastly I would like to direct your attention to the free resource of lectures and notes on the African American History (link). This resource is available to anyone free of charge from one of the nations top schools (The University of Notre Dame). There is a further collection of free Education materials at the Open Course ware Consortium (link) and Curriki (link). A search for free eduction on Del.icio.us (link) will yield many similar sites.

The River of Life

2007-04-25T23:29:00.000-05:00

You are awash in a stream of waters
Sometimes turbulent and strong
Other times quietly tugging at your attention
Ahead is a rock that is firmly entrenched in the flow

Although the rock seems far away
It often almost seems to disappear
Like the tip of an iceberg it somehow remains true
Be assured this rock is your salvation
whilst the waters of life wash over you

When pulled to the left or right
Keep this solid rock of salvation in sight
No matter what your calling or hue
It lies waiting steadfastly just for you

May you reach a peaceful destination
With well wishes,
Tommie N. Carter, Jr.

Bush-ism - historical reference or operational imperative?

2007-04-25T20:59:00.000-05:00

(Vol.1, Issue 3.)

Its not fashism - worse - it is bushism
Originally uploaded by Boris from Vienna

In an age when anger and madness run unchecked throughout the world. One critical thought is best remembered "All that is necessary for evil to prosper is that good men do nothing" (Edmund Burke) In an effort to avoid being branded "a bad american", as Mr. O'Reilly so aptly put those who would criticize the current American government; men of good conscience and equally good common sense have kept silent for far too long.

The sound of such silence can be heard in the clamor of our allies fleeing American society. How did we come to such a place? It's about that time, when Americans traditionally start asking such questions as who knew what, how much did they know and when did they know it.

Have we been bamboozled once again?

It seems to me this is just an old idea being spouted from a new person - McCarthyism most notably defined the term "anti-americanism". Bush-isms are a throwback to such a time - a time when for a while good people were afraid to stand up.

Not to say that everything coming from the White House is wrong. I mean many people like to examine facts. Intelligent folks like to determine courses of actions based on facts and constraints of the situation. Common sense is the very foundation of our justice system.

Unfortunately, for far too long the White House and the President continue to use inappropriate arguments on behalf of their points of view. Appeals to emotion rather than logic, invalid associations and, lack of evidential support for conclusions leave the public with little choice but to discount the arguments and in general the statements made by individuals as ambiguous and faulty at best. When one speaks with a forked tongue can any speech be true?

These Bush-isms include logic that amounts to "that's the way it is because I said it's so...". This operational expedience has taken the form of Presidential prerogatives way too far. A President of the United States is not King. Most notably, even a two year old will not accept these arguments (as many parents may attest to).

Now after much hoopla, many Americans are turning a deaf ear to GWB. It may be too little too late as every practical check on overuse of the environment are now a memory. Business, Societal and Governmental ethics have lapsed, as have the agencies that heretofore have policed these areas.

History it seems, is doomed to repeat itself, if we learn nothing from our examination of the past.

Computer Health

2007-04-08T10:50:00.000-05:00

While sitting in front of your computer you may be putting your health at risk. Especially if like most of us you tend to overdo most activities. If that picture is you consider the following:

To counter eye strain make the text larger in your browser (usually found by going to the View menu and looking for Text Size).

Reduce the brightness of your monitor (buttons are on the monitor screen).

Check out Froogle to find an anti-glare screen (link)

Consider buying Office Athlete software which will help you to learn a number of stretching techniques while you are sitting (link).

If you can spare the money getting an ergo-human chair (link) and a desk that allows your wrist to be level with your elbows might be worth the investment.

Remember that without good health nothing else matters.

Educate and Inform

2007-04-07T23:08:00.000-05:00

Learning has never been more open and free than it is becoming in the current days. MIT has been in the forefront of the news recently about placing its courses online in full before the end of 2008. A real break through has been the acceptance of this new forum for public education as it is being embraced by Chinese universities.

In conjunction with the development of a new openness in society regarding education is another development - the ability to translate ideas and information across language barriers. This site is one such example. Other tools exist that will enable students to access content and information from Asian Universities in addition to Western schools.

Option 1 - Learn a foreign language online using a free course from MIT (http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Foreign-Languages-and-Literatures/index.htm)

Option 2 - Use the built in translation tools within Microsoft Office to translate documents and learning materials into your native language (MS Word has a translation that works with WorldLingo.com to translate from many languages into other languages)

Option 3 - http://translate.google.com provides ever increasing translation services and flexibility.

Option 4 - Use an extensible web browser like Firefox together with a language translator add-in like ChinesePera-kun to be able to move your mouse over foreign words and get instant translations of web page materials.

As the education material for the entire world continues to become available even the poorest communities will gain the ability to educate our children. This might be a good time to consider home schooling as an alternative. With proper discipline, guidance and materials your kids can be the best educated generation thus far.

The time to act is now.

E Pluribus Unum

2007-04-07T21:11:00.000-05:00

An interesting experiment is running off in a remote corner of the web-verse (web + universe). A forum where articles may be published by anyone. This is another example of the power of the pen being placed into the hands of an individual. To visit the site try accessing this link.

Part of the ongoing debate about content on the Internet is the revival of the "Pareto principle" (link). This principle may be better known to the reader as the 80/20 rule. To paraphrase - 80 percent of the outcome results from 20 percent of the resources. The relationship of this principle to web site is that 80 percent of the web traffic is generated by 20 percent of the web sites online.

This guiding principle may have some relevance in fact. How then do website owners become part of the 20 percent sites that generate a large amount of traffic?

The answer in a nutshell -

Broaden your appeal by increasing your content range within the category of information which you choose to deal.

Secondly, become an expert within your chosen field such that your site becomes very detailed.

Thirdly and lastly apply the laws of simplicity to your environment. Reduce, Shrink, Hide, Embody, Sort, Label, Integrate and, Prioritize with the understanding that complexity and simplicity are interdependent.

E Pluribus Unum

Get out and about...

2007-03-21T21:45:00.000-05:00

On a recent trip abroad I was amazed once again at the perspective that getting out of the US does for people of color. In the states one may be poor but there are plenty of places that allow you to instantly transform into a rich American.

The same American dollars which the sweat of our fathers (not to mention our own contributions) has made strong is the dollar that in some places can be exchanged for lots of other currency. I went to Asia and in China the US dollar is worth seven dollars at the time of my trip. The Chinese economy also allows everything to remain very cheap (by Chinese standards). This situation means that one can spend seventy dollars in China while parting with roughly seven US dollars.

The real treasure though when abroad is to experience how differently people treat African Americans versus the situation at home. Once you broaden your horizons it is fair to say that you will never again look at the world in the same way.

Making the trip is also very easy. Here are some tips.

Get your passport from the US Post Office (application is free but there is a fee for the passport photos and the passport itself). In my case I used a digital camera, a printer and some photo paper to take the passport pictures (not sure if I saved any money that way). You will need lots of ID for the state department to issue the passport so get it all ready.
Get your tickets through a travel agency that specializes in the country you want to visit (it's cheaper that way and lots cheaper than anything online)
Learn some part of the language of the country you are visiting and if possible go with someone you know from that country.
Run away from anyone offering to help you with your luggage when you are fresh off of the "boat, plane, train or boat". There are tons of scam artists. Just take normal marked cabs, buses, etc. to get around. Take the tour if you cannot get a friend to go with you.
Feel free to be casual but learn a few things about the place where you will visit. Most people will treat you with a ton of respect for making an effort. Don't expect or insist that people speak English and you will make people want to help you.
Protect your passports, documents and wallets just as you would on a crowded New York City subway. Other than that just relax and enjoy the vacation.

Planning - How to be successful in Business...

2007-03-17T17:58:00.000-05:00

Sound familiar?

It should, this is a topic that is covered in a number of books. All too often the title continues with words like "...without being [White]" or "...without being a good ole boy" or some similar such inference. One of the things that I have found is that much too often we depend on these missing words in the form of a crutch that we lean upon to explain why we haven't traveled as far or done as much as we would have liked. Let's take a moment for some straight talk.

My momma used to say things like "...ain't no one is gonna give you nothing" or ".. don't waste your time crying because I'm not listening and I don't care because no one out there will give a damn". Now these sayings might sound a bit harsh but my momma knew that the "world is hard out there" and felt that we all have to be tougher. So the strength that she imbued in me with such statements gave me the full resources to be successful in any endeavor of my choosing. By the way if you have a mom who isn't coddling you and who is in fact pushing the same or similar statements into your psyche then you should probably be thanking her.

Success in business and in anything that you try in life can be achieved. Good Managers in business are taught that the four fundamental tasks which are required for success are planning (how to accomplish your goals and doing it in the most effective way), organizing (coordinating and assembling all of the components that you need to achieve a goal), leading (motivate and inspire others to perform at their best) and controlling (learning and changing the things that you do as you learn more).

I believe that once you understand the rules of any system and yes this is the "system" for being successful, then you can apply those rules to win through to your goal. Another thing about my momma that helped me on my journey was the application of practical common sense. To me when I see that a set of guidelines that exist for achieving a goal; I first take a common sense approach. I begin with the statement "I know nothing."

I always follow that first thought with this question "Where, then, can I find out what is necessary to be successful and accomplish my goal?" If you think about it you will realize this is a practical application of common sense. Hubris would be if one were to say "I know how to do everything" and then to start working on your goal. This would lead to failure nine times out of ten. Notwithstanding that many people who are stubborn and take the second approach eventual find some measure of success.

So why not just attack every goal with unrelenting trial and error. Two reasons, "time and money". If you don't want to waste either of these resources then get started by stating a goal. What do you want to accomplish. Next develop a plan. A lot of times this is where a book or article will stop. Most readers will be left at this point stating "How do I plan?"

Plan by first visualizing the goal, see yourself already doing what you want to accomplish.
Next dress for success. Dress up your vocabulary on the inside and your look of yourself on the outside.
Mentally be a winner (think positive thoughts like "I can and will do this...")
Be persistent in your strides towards your goal (because a quitter never wins and a winner never quits)
Understand that limited failure is simply a means to ultimate victory (every failed attempt indicates how not to do something)
True failure must be avoided - Never give up, never surrender
Be more than the sum of your physical parts (aspire to greatness)

Why are these activities the answer of the question - how to plan? These steps allow you to clearly layout how you will approach your goal by visualizing the achievement. Once you have that vision you are on the path to success. The other recommendations above help you to walk the path. Enlightenment is at the end of this path so remember don't quit.

Lets take an example:

Plan - "I want to get a job as a manager"

Admit to yourself that you know nothing
Visualize yourself accepting this job after an interview
Locate sources of information on "what it takes to be a manager" (google that phrase)
Read the information on this topic to understand what are the rules/guidelines for this position
Dress up your vocabulary by doing some research on the position you want
Dress up in professional attire for your interview
Schedule several interviews via either direct application or using an agency
Look for a situation where the company likes you and you like the company
Accept that not everyone will like you and you will make mistakes during your interviews
Be persistent, adaptable (learn from your mistakes) and positive

When you attain your goal just remember that we are all mere mortals. You will need to elevate yourself by continuing to open your mind to learning new and better ways to be a better you. After applying these methods towards achieving a goal it will be a small leap for one to understand and apply these principles to the goal of building a better you.

Let's start with a plan. I will save organizing, leading and controlling for topics of future articles. If this helps you get out from under your BOX (commonly known as your TV) then drop me a line. Good luck and success in all of your dreams and goals.

Ivy League Schools provide a free education

2007-03-06T18:50:00.000-05:00

Education is the road to freedom from poverty, ignorance and racism.

Here are some little known facts for anyone wanting to get a little free education of the highest calibre.

MIT provides free online classes in engineering to anyone with a desire to learn, a computer and an Internet connection. Oh and you also need a free copy of the Shockwave software (http://ohana.mit.edu/ocwc/display/ocwnews/Consortium+News+Home).

Free course is here: http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/resources/edics/index.htm http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/courses/av/index.htm

Which once again goes to prove if you know then you know. If you don't know then it is impossible for you to benefit.

Make it your business to know about these events/programs. Other universities can participate in the same program that is hosted under the umbrella organization of the Open Course ware Consortium (http://ohana.mit.edu/ocwc/display/ocwnews/Consortium+News+Home). There are additional courses available at the site mentioned above so check it out.

Don't believe me? Then check out Notre Dame's free courses at : http://ocw.nd.edu/eduCommons/Courses_listing

Putting courseware together from these and other institutions can provide a well rounded background in both the sciences and the arts. One must simply be willing to invest time. If you discover something useful related to education -- why not share it here by leaving your comment.

Hungry for Justice at MIT

2007-03-06T18:15:00.000-05:00

The following is an abstract of an article that appeared recently in the Chronicle of Higher Education (2/6/2007), Vol. 53 Issue 24, pA15-A15, 1/2p. Rest assured that I am not saying racism is alive and well. The reader can judge for themselves.

The article describes the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) examination of the hiring, advancement, and experience of its minority faculty members. MIT's chancellor, Phillip L. Clay said the decision to examine the representation and experiences of minority professors is part of the follow-up to a 2004 commitment to several resolutions promoting diversity by the faculty at large. A larger percentage of nontenured faculty than tenured faculty describe themselves as Black, Hispanic, or Native American, indicating an increase in minority hiring, according to MIT's director of institutional research. Clay denies that the timing of the university's review is in any way connected to James L. Sherley's planned hunger strike in response to his being denied tenure.

It was later reported that Mr. Sherley decided to end his hunger strike - reported by Science Now (2/16/2007) Vol. 2007 Issue 402, p1-1, 1p.

Good People

2007-03-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

Now that we are underway it is well beyond the time when we should become reacquainted with those who have come before us. Knowledge of one's history is mandatory if one is to understand where we are headed. Pursuing this line of thought lead me back to the original Freedom's Journal -

The founders of the original Freedom's Journal made arguments that are just as fitting today as they were 180 years ago. These are the sentiments of Mr. John Brown Russwurm and Mr. Samuel Cornish as expressed in the introductory editorial published March 16, 1827.

"We wish to plead our own cause..."

"Education being an object of the highest importance to the welfare of the society, we shall endeavor to present just and adequate views of it, and to urge upon our brethren the necessity and expediency of training their children, while young, to habits of industry, and thus forming them for becoming useful members of society"

"Our vices and our degradation are ever arrayed against us, but our virtues are passed by unnoticed"

"Though all men acknowledge the excellency of Franklin's maxims [1], yet comparatively few practice upon them"

Based on my research into the editors of Freedom's Journal I believe that we are in good company. We continue to need to place such ideals as Freedom and the abolition of racism into the public consciousness. It seems clear that hate and racism may only be challenged when light is shed upon a subject.

I hope that New Freedom's Journal may help all of our readers to grow in understanding and appreciation of each other and ourselves as individuals. New Freedom's Journal is one response to the challenges that continue to confront the Afro-American community. A shared sentiment of "each one teach one" is fine but by use of a publication style web log I hope that "each one [may] teach thousands".

I am looking for a few good people to assist with current articles and editorials relative to our community. Please drop me an email under the staff section of this publication.

Did you know...
1 - Benjamin Franklin was famous as an author and publisher in addition to being an inventor and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Franklin's maxims included the wry remark -"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately". Franklin also suggested that we live by thirteen virtues (temperance, silence, order, resolution, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and, humility)

Free your mind

2007-03-01T11:54:00.000-05:00

(Vol.1, Issue 2.)

All too frequently the power of education is under-represented in the mainstream press. While it is not ideal to provide online references in a printed manuscript - it becomes very appealing in an online publishing environment. Recently I wrote an article for another blog on "How to be an A+ student".

The premise of the article was that the Internet levels the playing field in the area of education. Students can take instructor led and self-timed coursework when and where they find the time. The subjective prejudices of teachers/students is minimized as there is no physical contact between team members. The entire dialogue in most online environments are captured permanently.

With this in mind please find these following tips on How to be an A+ Student useful (article linked with permission from tommiecarter) . The road to freedom lies through education. The mind and soul must be free in order for one's body to experience freedom.

We Pray

2007-03-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

It's a funny thought that I have just had. Scientists will typically believe only in what can be seen and heard ("results through observation"). Black Scientists such as myself are also subject to such obscure thinking. The point that I find funny is how few times it will take before, when working a particularly difficult problem, I often revert to prayer as the only possible solution.

Yes it is true, we pray.

Amen

Black Riders

2007-03-01T04:10:00.000-05:00

As an Afro-American motorcyclist and life member of the American Motorcyclist Association - AMA. I have been finding an interesting correlation between my perceptions of the Black Cowboy in America and that of the Black motorcyclist. The ability to ride any conveyance of one's choice is something that anyone can acquire...

Why then are such facts either under-published or not making it into the pages of our history books?

The answer to this it seems to me is the lack of black publishers having the capacity and audience to publish the material facts. I am pleased to be able to redress this imbalance by submitting this article. I hope that New Freedom's Journal will enable me to cover many of the lesser known topics related to the Afro-American culture.

From a personal perspective, I ride a Suzuki Volusia™ although I have had my eye on the American Rocket III which is produced by Triumph. I find that I am pretty typical among the other black riders that I know. Most riders in general will give their right kidney to help anyone out of a tough situation.

The generosity of motorcyclists may have something to do with the high risks that we take to enjoy our sport. Many riders take time to ride safely and to learn the craft of operating a motorcycle. For anyone out there needing a good and cheap (but effective) safety course check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation - MSF. In New York try the Motorcycle Safety School - MSS.

On black culture in America - a lot of Afro-American motorcyclists ride for fun, join clubs and support each other. A code of ethics exists to never leave a biker behind. The legacy of black family values comes with each biker making the motorcycle clubs an extension of one's family.

I have been fortunate to travel among these riders. Not only do they ride "well" and "straight" but they also tie into each other in ways that only those who have jumped off a cliff or out of a plane might appreciate. If you choose to ride we'll be waiting.

Thinking outside of the Box

2007-03-01T03:49:00.000-05:00

What is it?

A phrase that has come into American society and is used occasionally, especially in business circles. Thinking outside of the box seems to have the general meaning of thinking in an unconventional way. For years I have heard and used the term to describe the application of tactics in business situations.

One recent interview had the respondent stating "What box?!.. I mean what is that box exactly?" I was forced to consider the probability that the term which I understood in large measure might be interpreted in other ways. An alternative pointed out by the respondent was that the "box" might conceivably refer to the ubiquitous "television".

Pertaining to this new realization then, the postulation of the "Box as Television" provides ample fodder for those folks who believe that the Box (TV) deadens the mind. Many feel that television is inherently detrimental to human beings on the physical (exposure to radiation), mental (mind-numbing content) and spiritual (negative images and force-fed commercials for unwanted products) levels.

I count myself among those with this disposition.

Why then do I still own and occasionally view a television?

Old habits die hard but I find myself moving ever closer and with increasing frequency to getting my portion of news content from the Internet. Information is available when and where I want to digest it. I only view those pieces of content that appeal to me. I have millions of channels rather than the normal set of 500-1500 channels that cable users possess.

The bad news is that television is reinventing itself as a medium that is available online.

The good news is that we will not be force-fed any more nonsensical content. If we don't like the content one may do as I have done and begin publishing your own material.

一

2007-03-01T03:41:00.000-05:00

Knowledge awakens the sheltered mind,
Understanding quickens the slumbering heart,
Stillness lightens the troubled spirit,
Grace embraces the enlightened soul.

(reprinted with permission from t ommiecarter)

The case for a new Freedom's journal

2007-03-01T02:52:00.000-05:00

(Vol. 1, Issue 1)

Friends, Family, Netizens

New Freedom's Journal

Exists in large part because of my desire to learn more about my own culture and history. The dearth of material available about the Afro-American press and its history forced my hand. In order to truly find relevant articles or news sources that provide a uniquely Afro-American experience, I realized, that I would have to create my own.

The name of New Freedom's Journal is taken from the original endeavor of an Afro-American paper established in 1827. Freedom's Journal made history as America's first black newspaper. The original Freedom's Journal lasted only two years but I find it refreshing that it's legacy remains today. Hence this editorial.

My hopes for this blog include a change of design to reflect a news oriented focus. I hope to encourage other Afro-American writers, students, teachers, scientists or just anyone in general to contribute content to this space. What prompted this desire to build a useful legacy?

Several reasons have lead to the existence of New Freedoms Journal -

Recent exposure to the growing diverse cultures in New York City have made me keenly aware of my lack of knowledge of my own history and culture
I noticed that a well known site removed some of my postings that simply made the case that Afro-Americans were smart and articulate, unlike what others were portraying us as (in a derogatory fashion)
The ability to speak truth to power invites the individual to stand up and be counted
Recent exposure to blog writing has encouraged me to explore topics that I consider important
Journalism is one short step from blogging
To encourage others in the quest for knowledge of oneself and ones' history

For more information on the original Freedom's Journal please consider the following links:

Antebellum Black Newspapers
The Story of Freedom's Journal
Freedom's Journal Archive (Vol. 1)
Freedom's Journal Archive (Vol. 2)