New Years's Resolution For 2010..... Or Just Another Year

You don't hear many people talking about New Year's Resolutions in these days and times. Could it be that their minds are so pre-occupied with all of the obstacles that come their way and they are just trying to survive ? Well, guess what....that is called L-I-F-E. The year 2009 was really a great year....we were able to live long enough to see another year and so many people wasn't able to get that chance. Each year we should all make a conscientious effort to make a difference or change in our lives for the better, not only for ourselves but for others as well. So what is your New Year's Resolution for 2010? Do you want to become more spiritual ? Do you want to be a better person? Do you want to acquire financial independence ? Do you want a better job or do you just want a job? Do you want to have a better relationship with your significant other, family or friends? Do you want to stop drinking, smoking or whatever addictions that you know that you have? Do you want to loose weight ? Do you want to eat or be healthier? Do you want to buy a home? Do you want to have children ? Do you want to stop paying taxes....free health care...get paid and don't have to work? Just kidding on the taxes, free health care and getting paid not to work . The question is what do you want to do in your life this year that could make a difference from this day forward. You have to start from somewhere...why not now! Seriously, think about it. The only way that anything will improve in your life is when you decide to make a change for the better. If you get a chance check out Dr. Phil's book..."Self Matters" and Tony Robbins...."Unlimited Power". Personally, I have been reading motivational books by Anthony (Tony) Robbins for over 18 years and his books are very powerful. When I first started reading Dr. Phil's book titled "Self Matters", I thought that it would be boring, then all of a sudden I couldn't stop reading it. In other words make a change, reach for the stars and live your life to the fullest with knowledge, wisdom, love and patience. This is what it is going to take to get you to a level of happiness and success. So why put off today, what you can do beginning now ! Have a blessed and wonderful 2010...2011...2012...2013..........................

President Carter Talks About Racism Against President Obama

Last week President Carter said that alot of white americans are against President Obama, because he is black and that these same individuals don't feel that a black man is qualified to lead this great country. Unfortunately, he is right. I have viewed the different news media outlets regarding their take on President Carters comments and you have a lot of conservatives that have literally stated that President Carter was wrong for doing this. Every since President Obama has been in office, they have reported everything and anything about this president which has nothing to do with his policies and how it affects everyday americans. Example....a photo of President Obama feet on his desk, President Obama and his Blackberry, Michelle Obama wearing shorts, President Obama speaking at a school and more. This is totally ridiculous! No other president in my lifetime has endured this much scrutiny as President Obama. Other Presidents of the past have visited schools and you didn't hear about the all the negative attacks and media coverage that lasted for over a week. Every since President Obama has been elected President of the United States of America, I have gone to different major websites, blogs and viewed some of the comments that have been made against President Obama. I literally couldn't believe it....people would make comments that had nothing to do with an article....it was just blatant racism....using the "N" word was mild compared to what I have read. Words that I have never thought of in my life against anyone. If you don't believe what I am telling you.....check it out for yourself. It is really scary to know that you have ignorant and stupid people that are so ignorant and stupid. Over the past six months I have spoken to many whites and blacks regarding racism and this president. Overwhelmingly the black americans feel that a lot of this negativity is racially motivated. The white americans I discussed this with have said the same thing....but the white americans feel that a lot of this racist attitude is coming from wealthy white americans. I personally believe that this is coming from the low to the upper class in this country. We all know that racism exists and it always will. We as a country can not and should not tolerate racism in this country to the degree that it hinders our great nation from progression. How can we become a greater nation if we are so ignorant and stupid to base our feelings about someone because of the color of their skin? We should all be focusing on coming together as a nation and treating another human being the same way we would want to be treated. We all have a whole lot more to contend with that is more important such as health care, education, economy and so much more. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. So tell me..which is more important? Trying to better our lives or being a racist. Don't forget this is America...not White or Black America. As President Obama would say....God Bless You and God Bless America!

Michael Vick A Changed Man

Former Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick will have a chance to get back in the "game" with his new team, Philadelphia Eagles. I had the chance to watch the "60 MINUTE" interview with JB that aired on CBS tonight. First of all, I have to say that JB did a great job interviewing Michael Vick. JB definitely didn't "leave any stone unturned" and Michael Vick handled the questioning that was hurled at him. I learned a lot more about Michael Vick, the person and the athlete. For the past several months we have all heard comments made such as he should never play football again and other attacks made against him. I will be the first to say that cruelty to animals shouldn't be tolerated and a person that does those types of atrocious acts should be punished. But the year 2007 wasn't the first time that professional dog fighting has been going on and Michael Vick wasn't and isn't the first person to be involved in this type of activity. According to Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society there are 40,000 reported professional dog fighters and 100,000 street fighters in the United States. This type of activity runs across all racial lines and economic status. Michael Vick just happened to be the "poster bad boy". As I listened to the interview, one thing that struck me was that he first came in contact with dog fighting when he was a "young child" in Virginia. It appeared to be a neighborhood activity that included some of his childhood friends. Some of the same friends that followed him throughout his career. The same so called friends that he tried to help by bankrolling this illegal and inhumane business. If they were any type of friends they wouldn't have been part of this and they wouldn't have jeopardized their friend , Michael Vick's career. If Michael Vick was any kind of friend then he should have been the better man and said, "Look, man this is wrong ". Which brings me to another activity that the Humane Society should talk about and that is "Cock Fighting". Will it take a celebrity before attention is brought to that issue. Cock Fighting has been around for many years and it has been televised as it relates to the horrors of that inhumane business. Everyday people who go to work everyday are involved in dog fighting and cock fighting, but have any of them lost their jobs or been made a public nationwide spectacle like Michael Vick? I think Michael Vick was truly sincere with JB on "60 MINUTES" tonight. Only time will tell and hopefully he will continue his life learning experience. As Michael Vick basically stated, we all know the difference between what is right and what is wrong, that he has learned from his mistakes and that he is very sorry. He also spoke about his priorities in life. If Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society, Tony Dungy, former NFL coach and mentor along with the Philadelphia Eagles among others willing to give him a chance, why can't we. For all of us that are religious remember the bible verse that states, "He without sin, cast the first stone". But remember the greatest fear that we all should have when we do wrong is the judgement from our creator and not from man!

Warning! Read The Label On Your Prescription Medications

Sad to say, Michael Jackson's death has prompted a lot of questions about the type of medications that we are taking on a daily basis. How many times have you heard someone say to you that they know someone that is taking at least 10 different "prescribed" medications per day? Before my uncle passed away last year, I remember him telling me that he was taking at least 40 pills per day. I couldn't believe it! Could someone tell me how in the world can someone take so much medication and expect to get better. Anyone taking that much medication is a " walking pharmacy". Okay, you have the pharmaceutical companies that produce thousands of different medications that are supposedly be able to treat the problem , who in turn market these medications to the physicians and also to the pharmacists. First of all, I am not saying that the pharmaceutical companies are doing anything wrong. I am just saying that your physician is the one that prescribes the medications that he or she feel may be of benefit to you. Let me give you a brief scenario.....Have you ever been to a physician and was told that you had one ailment and then you decided to get a second opinion only to find out that it was something totally different. What if you didn't get a second opinion and you were taking the "prescribed " medications for an ailment that didn't exist. I wonder how many people are taking medications that they may not need. I am not a physician of course, nor am I a pharmacist or a representative for a pharmaceutical company. But I do believe that all parties involved including ourselves have a responsibility in making sure that we all do what is right for our well being. Of course it is believed that Michael Jackson died from prescription medication. But what health care provider in his or her right mind, would practice unethical procedures to put someone to sleep. There are many alternatives to treat sleep deprivation. Suggestion to everyone that take any form of prescription medication...talk to your physician....call your pharmacists...tell them about all of the medications that has been prescribed for you to take...find about any side effects of the medications...or do some research yourself via the internet. Take responsibility for your health..... read the label and ask questions. An ounce of prevention could save your life!

Michael Jackson....The Man In The Mirror

The death of Michael Jackson has impacted the emotions of millions of people from around the world. Even though Michael Jackson passed away on Thursday, June 25th....I am still in somewhat disbelief that this talented young man is actually deceased. I can vividly remember where I was when I found out and my reaction as I was being told of his "untimely" death. It was approximately 6:00 pm and I was at a furniture store walking around. As I was walking through the store, I saw this television that was broadcasting Madonna's newest video. The salesman walked up to me and asked me if I wanted to purchase the group of furniture that was in the vicinity of the television , I told him "no, thank you" and that I was just viewing Madonnas' video. He then proceeded to tell me that Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson had died. I then asked him, " What do you mean that Michael Jackson is dead "? He then repeated himself again...the next thing that I said to him was.."No, Michael Jackson isn't dead ". At that moment I didn't want to look at anymore furniture and I quietly walked out. I am pretty sure that you remember where you were and your initial reaction when you first heard about his death. Michael impacted millions of people all around the world for over 40 plus years with his music, legendary dance moves and his giving heart. Michael Jackson was and still is one the greatest musical legends in modern day history, I can't think of anyone that has made such a major impact in my lifetime. No offense to Elvis, because Elvis had a major impact as well. Michael Jackson gave us his talent for a much longer time and his music transcended race, genre, religion. He gave us rock and roll..soul..pop...ball room dancing...modern dance...ballet...hip hop...theatrics...cinematography....peace...happiness..sadness...humbleness and love in his music. He gave so much of himself and allowed us all to take part in his gift to the world. It has been said, that Michael was a perfectionist, and would practice for many hours day in and day
out. But we have also heard it been said that Michael was a lonely man. Do you remember the song, "The Man In The Mirror"?I wonder how many times Michael probably starred in front of the mirror and noticed the hurt and loneliness that he probably felt at times. Have you ever just sat in a room alone and just starred into a mirror for approximately a minute. If you look long enough your true inner feelings will reveal itself in your facial expressions, whether it is happiness or sadness. Sometimes you can give and give so much, that your physical and emotional body is just tired and just want to rest. Of course we all have the capability of greatness. But as with anything that we strive for in life there will be mounting pressures from
all angles whether it is good or bad. And with many as the old saying goes, "It get's lonely being at the top ". So the next time "you"look in the mirror...ask yourself do you need to "change your ways" and remember that as long as you have faith and belief in the creator that you will never
be alone. Mr. Michael Jackson, thank you for your gift and now you are able to rest...in peace!

Americans That Are Wrongly Being Forced Into Foreclosure

What you are about to read wasn't only shocking but appalling. Many everyday americans are being told that their home is either in a loan status default, preforeclosure or foreclosure status. We hear day in and day out the number of homes that are being reported to be going through foreclosure is increasing. What if I told you that those increasing foreclosure numbers could be possibly incorrect. Prime example....I know a couple that has been in their home for approximately eighteen months. This couple was informed that they were several months behind on their mortgage, due to unforeseen circumstances (job loss and wages) the couple constantly spoke with the bank about their circumstance. The couple was told that they were in a loan default status and that they were four months behind and foreclosure process was about to begin. The bank advised them to send in one payment and to send it via Western Union by the end of the month. This young couple told the representative that they would try and get the payment in by the end of the month, by the end of the month the young couple went to Western Union made the one payment that was requested of them...called the bank...spoke to the loan default counselor and gave the loan counselor the receipt code. Guess what, the loan counselor then proceeded to tell the couple that they were still four months behind and that they should have sent in two payments instead of one. The young couple wasn't only frustrated but distraught. They proceeded to ask the loan counselor how did the bank come up with them being four months behind and why were they told by another counselor that they could send in one payment. The loan counselor proceeded to tell them that they didn't show any documentation that they had spoken with a loan counselor the day the couple was being told to send the payment via Western Union. The couple then told the loan counselor who requested the extra payment, that they knew for a fact that they weren't four months behind and it wasn't their fault that the representative didn't document in their system that they had spoken with the couple. The couple then questioned the representative on the apparent discrepancies. Fortunately the couple went to their online banking and found out that "this bank" had received sixteen payment not including the Western Union payment for a total of seventeen payments that had been made. In reality this couple only owe for the month of May. When the couple found out they were very happy but also frustrated because of what all they have gone through. Once they found out that they shouldn't have been put in that foreclosure status they immediately called back the following day and requested to speak with a a supervisor who in return tried to state their case that the couple is four months behind...which infuriated the couple again...then the couple told "this bank", that they have positive proof and that they have bank documentation showing "this bank" was paid. The representative told them to fax over the information and they would have to review with management, but they would still have to make another payment. The couple then advised "this bank" that they were not late and in fact their payment isn't considered late until after the 15th of the month. The couple went to their personal bank to verify their findings which came out to be true. The couples' bank was able to print the findings and the couple has faxed over the information to "this bank". I am pretty sure that this couple will file a complaint with the BBB, contact their congressman and any and everybody else that will listen...including me! So now, I have to have ask the question...how many americans are being forced out of their homes legitimately, what if they just go along with what someone is telling them because they are so depressed about their situation that they don't realize that their may be a glimmer of hope which is actually and rightfully so in their favor. How many of these so called banks, mortgage companies and other predatory lenders are reporting inaccurate numbers to the government so that they can show on their books that they are facing a tough time but in reality and in actuality they are making extra money on these individuals, which in turn allows them to justify receiving "government bailout money". Get the picture....maybe it isn't such a bad idea for the american taxpayers to be shareholders of some of these companies as long as we can reap the dividends. But on the flip side, once the government actually do a full investigation of this type of travesty it may not be so good for these type of companies. Interesting, if I know of one couple this has happened to, I wonder how many other people are facing this type of situation.......Can You Say Bank Fraud!

Women Stop Abusing Yourself...Learn To Love Yourself

It is really sad to see the number of women that have fallen prey to abusive relationships, whether it is physical or emotional. I received an email from a young lady the other day, asking me to talk about this subject. I replied back and told her that I would. Without getting into a lot of the details about the email, I will tell you a little about what she has been going through. This young lady is in her early 30's and has a successful career. She was married for a brief time due only to the fact that she was in a physically abusive relationship. She stated that when she met her husband he was the kindest man you could ever be around. He was caring and supportive, always motivating her to be the best that she could be. He would send her roses on Valentine's Day, birthday or whenever. Then one day, she started noticing a change in his attitude. At first she thought maybe he was going through a stressful time on his job. Then he started to come home later than usual and then it proceeded to staying out until two and sometime three in the morning. Her second thought was maybe he was having an affair. She said after she had taken as much as she could take, she decided to ask him if he was having an affair. When she asked him, he told her that he wasn't and that he just had a lot on his mind. When she tried to talk to him about what was going on he then told her that what he was going through was his business and it wasn't anything that she could do about it. Well as the story went on he didn't change in fact it got worse. He would belittle her, playing the mind games and on and on, to the point that he became physically abusive. The problem for her was that she was still mentally stuck on the man that appeared to be the caring, loving and supportive man that she married. She began to blame herself, trying to always analyze which personality would present itself on a daily basis. Luckily, she finally sought help and start believing that there is a way out of this see saw of a marriage. Fortunate for her, but unfortunate for a lot of women that are killed daily only because they didn't love themselves enough. Women, if you are in a relationship that you are being abused...please learn to love yourself. Because if your husband or companion really loves you he wouldn't ever want to hurt you. He would still be the loving and respectful man that he should be. Always remember....Love isn't physically or emotionally abusive and it doesn't hurt.