Good Bye 2009/Happy 2010-Day 105

Happy Thursday. HAPPY NEW.

This is the last day of 2009. I am happy to see this year end, as I experienced my share of disappointments. But as we all know, life comes with ups and downs. Highs and lows.

So I have decided to focus on the highs and the ups. But I am ready for starting anew. I have a new mind set.

One, in many things that I am grateful for is the fact that my son has took it upon himself to make contact with the family members that I had left behind, many years ago.

My son is in Detroit, visiting his dad, and brothers. My son decided to reach out to my side of the family. People that I have not spoken to nor seen in many years. I am probably too shame to mention the number of years that my family and I have been disconnected. However, this is the honesty project right?

I have not been in contact with many of these family members for well over seven(7) years, and counting. I know. I know. The first question that probably comes to your mind is why. Right? Well, I am NOT close with my family. I had the most dysfunctional family one can have, and I made some choices. I chose to leave. I felt that my life would be better without them.

But they are my family. I will always love them. Sometimes, I wonderful if I convinced myself that I am doing right when I am doing wrong- by staying away. But my son reached out, and I am in contact with a few of them, not many. But I can see the door opening. The FaceBook door that is.

Some members of my family and I are beginning to reach out, using the media faceBook. Yes, I am on facebook.:)

Moreover, my son, has open a door, that in many ways, I wanted to keep closed. My son is such a leader. I am so proud of him. But it is a little over whelming for me. Just think about this for a moment, I have not seen nor spoken to many of my immediate family members in almost a decade. This is sad.

My father was the link that held the chain together, and now that he is deceased, my family is not my family. We are related by blood, but no love holds us together. Although some of these family members claim Christianity as their faith, however, their actions display a contempt of Jesus Christ, and the love that he preached, in my most humbled opinion.

Be that as it may, I have decided to reach out to them. They are my family. In many ways, I would love to keep sleeping dogs lying. But I know that "time" is moving on and we are all getting older. There is absolutely nothing I can do about the past, with the exception of learning from it. But there IS something I can do about the future. I can try and reconnect with each of them, and I will. This is one of my many goals of 2010.

So Thank you my dear son, whom I love with every blood vessel in my body, for being that leader that stepped up and took action. Thank you face-book, for giving a venue by which people can communicate through technology. We all have only one life to live, so why not try and mend differences, while we are still living. Right?

Because once we are dead and gone, life with family becomes an impossibility. So I must reach out to and love them while I am alive,

Happy New Year. Happy 2010. We will win in 2010.:)

L. for Love

So FAMILY is one of my goals for 2010, to reconnect. I will keep you informed.

A New Day is Dawning-Day 104

Happy Wednesday.

Well this is a beautiful day. I hope your day is what you make it. Know that we have the power to change our thoughts, and as such our mind. When you change your thoughts, your actions will follow.

This is a very exciting time. This is the end of 2009, and the start to a fresh year. I have many goals and aspirations. I hope you do as well.

My first order of business, is my life, and my financial situation. I will get back on track, as for a while, I had lost my way. I struggle for most of 2009, but a new day is dawning, and I believe with every part of my being that very good times are ahead.

I have been speaking to my daughter quite a bit about her study and life goals. She wants to do something positive in life. She told me months ago that she wants to be a physician. Then a few weeks ago she said that she wants to be a female "Donald Trump", in the business world, and last week she told me that she wants to sing. (she is 10)

I told her that I will support whatever she wants to achieve with her life.

My daughter was very disappointed this past Christmas, because her dad did NOT get her anything. Albeit, he promised to get her a computer, and send her $500.00. She actually got nothing. (goose eggs)

But like I told him, I will not allow him to constantly make these promises to her then he breaks them and ends up hurting her in the long run. Thereafter, I have to step in and try to heal her wounds, inflicted by his carelessness he leaves behind, as a result of broken promises. I am so very disappointed in him.

But a friend of mine stepped up to the plate, and bought my daughter something for Christmas. She loved it, and she was very appreciating.

We are going for the "gold" this year, is what I told my son. I sincerely look forward to this upcoming year. I will NOT look back, only for the purpose to learn from my mistakes. I have no regrets. Life is a learning experience, and I am still learning.

But a new day is dawning and that day is just over the horizon. WoW. What a day it will be.

Are you excited about the new year? I hope you are.

L. for Love

The "Lights" Are Shining Brighter-Day 103

Happy Tuesday.

I hope this day was your best yet. Because the best is yet to come, only if YOU believe.

Today was a very productive day. My daughter and I went to the computer lab. I had some business to attend to. I must say that I got all of my work completed.

My daughter, on the other hand, received some of the most beautiful compliments from strangers. She is presently studying interviewing techniques, and she asked a few of the patrons in the computer lab, if she could interview them. (practice ONLY)
It turned out so well, one of the gentlemen, was so impressed with her interviewing techniques, and her vocabulary that he wants to become a corporate sponsor for the movie she is writing. (WoW)

This gentleman approached me to tell me me how impressed he was with my baby girl. I was very proud and happy that she displayed some of the skills, I know she has.

But the "lights" are shining brighter. What do I mean by this? Anybody. Anyone?

I mean that as this tumultuous year comes to a close, another one just around the corner seem brighter already. This was one of my most challenging years. Moreover, I know that the"lights" are shining brighter, and with 2010, I can expect greatness, and I do.

I expect to accomplish my goals as I set them in order of priority. I have very big goals. I will not divulge them, at this time. However, I will only say that I am going through my storm, but I can see sunshine and a rainbow to go with it.:)

I will keep the course, and I will not deviate. I will, however, plan to deal with whatever comes my way, as I know that life can throw some unexpected curve balls. But the key is not how many curve ball life throws your way. Rather, what you do with the curve balls and how you respond to them, is paramount.

I look forward to 2010. I look forward to hearing from you, my family, friends, and working on making my life the best yet. Because truly, in my mind, the best is yet to come.

So "bring it on". Because I can see a brighter light shining in the horizon. This "bright light" will shine upon me, you, and any one else who is ready for it. No excuses.

Just do it.

L. for love

"Change" Must Come From Within-Day 102

Happy Monday.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday. As for mine, it was very restful.

I hope you have a wonderful day. May you plan out your day, and your upcoming year. Always remember, in order to KNOW where you are going, you must have a plan to get, or you may end up anywhere.

As I sat at my computer this morning, I wondered why should I write, as I rested lazily on my backside. Then impulsively, I cast my mind back to when I was a little girl, growing up in Detroit, Michigan. I thought about how my father would constantly tell his children to "use common sense". He would reiterate that a little "thought before acting" would prevent many ills Black people were experiencing.

My father shared how he left his birth state, Arkansas, because of the discrimination, and to seek better opportunities. He reminded us of the importance of education, and why we should "take advantage" of it. My dad would say "education is something no one can ever take from you."

Do you ever pause to think for a moment, when change will come to Black Americans?

I had several conversations over this holiday weekend with one particular person regarding the subject of Black Americans. My position was constant, Black Americans are in dire need of attention. I would even say that we have the most deadliest form of cancer. However, others may argue that Black Americans problems are the result of inadequate, and incompetent leadership, or even the U.S. government.

Blame game.

Black Americans ills are because the people themselves have become complacent. They are lazy. They do not want to spend any time investing in themselves. The situation is similar to the over weight woman who badly needs to lose weight but would much rather take the "magic pill" than to do the hard work of exercising and carefully monitoring her diet. It is much easier to take a pill and "wait" for the weight to melt away. Right?

Black Americans have become comfortable living in a fool's paradise. Too many convince themselves that our problems are no greater or worse than any other ethnic group. And the sad fact is that they eventually believe this lie. They tell themselves this lie over and over again, and soon the lie becomes their reality. A reality filled with fiction, as though a "James Cameron" had wrote it for one of his obnoxious movies. Except this movie has no ending. It is infinite.

But I say this to you and every Black American in this nation:

The reason why it seems Black Americans cannot heal, the reason why Black Americans cannot mend, the reason why it seems our condition is so hopeless, the reason why our "leaders" are ailing is you. You, me, we, us, what ever pronoun they use to qualify these things these days notwithstanding. We are the reason why Black Americans cannot heal. We are sick and disgusted at our selves, but we want to pretend as though we are not. We want to sweep our ills under the rug, and pretend as though they do not exist.

For how long are WE; Black Americans, from the so called leaders, celebrities, and the common man, how long are we going to look the other way and decide to see that nothing happens? I mean, even when every one in America see that Black Americans are failing themselves, and most important, our children.

For how long do we pretend? A new year is dawning, should we go on pretending, into 2010?

L. for Love

Merry Christmas-Day 101

Happy Thursday.

I wish you and your family the best, and happiest Christmas, and New Year. May this season and upcoming year past your greatest expectations. May you give and receive all of the love and joy that you handle.

This is an article that I have cut and pasted from the internet to make a point.

Man found fatally shot in Miami
Similar Stories:
•
Man in his 20s found shot to death at Century Village
•

BY DIANA MOSKOVITZ
DMOSKOVITZ@MIAMIHERALD.COM
A man was found fatally shot outside a Miami apartment complex Wednesday, police said.

The man appeared to be in his 20s, police spokeswoman Kenia Reyes said. He was found in the 1100 block of Northwest Eighth Street Road, she said.

After reports of the shooting came in, paramedics rushed to the scene, where the man died.

Police are investigating. They said a four-door, gray vehicle was involved.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now I bet my very life that this man was Black. How do I know this?

First, take a look at the article itself. It is very short, very little detail, no shock value. The article is almost casual in telling the story of a man that lost his life. It appears from the story that the life of this man was devalued.

Now I dare anyone to prove me wrong. It is impossible. We have become so accustom to Blacks dying that it is barely news anymore. It is just reported because it is required to be, but the story itself is given no genuine attention. No real details.

Why?

Because Black people kill each other almost, if not, daily. We have no value for our own lives so why should anybody else, is the general feelings. If Black people can not control their own emotions, and speak their feelings as opposed to acting upon them, the blood baths will continue. And who cares?

No one here in South Florida, or should I say "not many".

I know that this is Christmas eve, as I am only sharing with you what is going on in my very face. I can not ignore it as though it is NOT happening because it is. Black life in South Florida is probably considered worth less than an animal. say a dog or a cat. Well, let me take that back. A dog or cat's life is probably worth more.

Moreover, I hope your holiday is everything you expect it to be, and more. I pray and hope that the story above is not an indication of what we can expect in 2010. However, I believe that it is a sign of things forthcoming.

Pray for Black people. We need all of the prayers, and good wishes that we can get. But most importantly, we need action. We need a change in thinking.(mindset). We need leadership. We need real men. We need love. We need each other.


We are a sad people. But who really cares right? Just read the story again above, and you tell me who cares.

Happy holidays.

L. for Love

You Happy Now? Day 100

Happy Tuesday.

I hope you and your family the best holiday season ever. May your dreams come true and may you NOT be blue.:)

Are you happy now?

Happiness is a state of mind. It does not necessarily mean that everything in your life is going perfectly. It means you have decided to accept the good as well as the "not-so-good". You have decided to make the best of life and all it has to offer.

Happy-delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing:characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy.

Sad-affected by unhappiness or grief; sorrowful or mournful.

Decide- to solve or conclude (a question, controversy, or struggle) by giving victory to one side.

As you can conclude, we can choose to be either happy or sad regardless of our present circumstances. We can always improve and get better. But always keep in mind that happiness should NOT be associated with who has the largest house or who has the most expensive car or "name brand" clothes.

Happiness is about life and loving. It is about having people in your life that you love and adore, and they love and adore you. Because when it is all said and done, love is most important of all.

Why do you think there are so many celebrities in Hollywood, and the like, miserable? All of the money in the world will NEVER be able to purchase genuine happiness. However, it is much better to have money than not to have it. But money is NOT the have "it" and you have it all. Trust me.

So why do I ask "You happy now"? Because my daughter asked me this question this morning, as someone was repairing my vehicle. I thought "wow what a question". So to answer the question, I am extremely happy that my car is being repaired, so that I can again be mobile, and move forward with my goals.

Remember, as I shared with you yesterday. "DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY".

Merry Christmas, and Happy New year to you and your family, and other loved ones.

L. for Love

Sunshine and Rain-Day 99

Happy Monday. I hope you had a wonderful and exciting weekend.

My weekend was very challenging. My starter went out again on my car. I had only recently changed the starter, but obviously the starter is a bad one, and I have to get someone to take off the "bad starter" so I can return it, prior to the expiration of the warranty.

But other than this, my weekend was great.

It is important to recognize that just as we have good days, we will have rainy days. These rainy days are when it appears everything that could go wrong do go wrong. But wait, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

We must continue moving forward regardless. It reminds me of love and hate. When you are married, all married life will not be peachy. The honeymoon will eventually come to an end, and reality of married life sets in. Meaning that you have to began to deal with differences you and your spouse have when it comes to opinions, attitudes, and the likes of just about anything in between.

Initially, in the early days of the marriage (the honeymoon), everything is new and wonderful. You are getting to really know one another, you touch often and are very affectionate toward one another. As time pass, you get use to one another, and you have to deal with the other person's attitude, bad days, and his or her problems as well as your own. It is not easy. In fact, it can be downright challenging to the point of giving up. But giving up is the easiest thing to do. "Working it out" is more complicated and make much more sense.

So the question becomes, how do we handle these rainy days?

We can have a positive or negative attitude. The choice is ours.

I choose, however, to be positive. I believe that with all the good days, there will eventually be some rainy days, and it is how I respond to the problem or "rain" that will eventually determine the outcome. I believe it is unnecessary to worry. Simply because if you worry, the problems will remain, and I may bring certain illnesses upon myself by worrying, and being anxious.

Worry- to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.

Anxious-full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune; greatly worried;

According to WebMD:

"Worrying is feeling uneasy or being overly concerned about a situation or problem. With excessive worrying, your mind and body go into overdrive as you constantly focus on “what might happen.”

In the midst of excessive worrying, you may suffer with high anxiety -- even panic -- during all your waking hours. Many chronic worriers tell of feeling a sense of impending doom or unrealistic fears that only increase their worries. Ultra-sensitive to their environment and to the criticism of others, excessive worriers may see anything -- and anyone -- as a potential threat.

Chronic worrying affects your daily life so much that it interferes with your appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep, and job performance. Many people who worry excessively are so anxiety-ridden that they seek relief in harmful lifestyle habits such as overeating, eating junk food, cigarette smoking, or using alcohol and drugs."(Web MD)

Use Worry Period For Problem Solving:

This is my personal technique. If there is something that you know you must deal with, don't worry about it. Take advantage, and use this as a way to become a problem solver. Think of ways to solve your problems, because worrying ill only make matters worse. And the problems will still be there after all of your worrying. So spend your time wisely and solve the problem.

I am a believer that any problem can be resolved. Now I am dealing with my own problems. I will resolve them, but know this...I am NOT worried.

Have a wonderful day, and don't worry BE HAPPY:)

L. for Love

Killing Me Softly-Day 98

When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak. --Audre Lorde

Happy Friday.

What a wonderful and marvelous day. I believe that this will be one of the best days of my life. Because whatever I think, I can bring into fruition. I must produce the work in order to achieve the desired results.

With that said, I would like to turn my attention to the topic of the day. Killing me softly. What do I mean by that?

Well first, I will tell you what happened to my relationship with most Black radio personalities. I use to listen to "Tom Joyner", the Black disjocky. His morning show is on in Miami, Monday-Friday, from 6-10A.M. He plays mostly "old school" music and basically laughs all day. However, occasionally, he periodically discusses current events that affect the Black community.

Moreover, these are the people that make up of his program:

Tom Joyner-From small, southern Tuskegee, Alabama, this 1999 Radio Hall of Fame inductee has ignited a sense of pride in the hearts of eight million listeners in more than 115 radio markets, instilling in us the significance of unity and giving back to one's community. (TJMS)


Sybil Wilkes-Today, Wilkes laughs the hardest and the loudest. She no longer leads the way as the smart, informed, news anchor. Instead, she is often the first one to rile Joyner and Brown up with her own highly questionable jokes. The sole voice of reason and wisdom has ceded to the jokey joke atmosphere of the TJMS. Today, Joyner rarely teases Wilkes for using “big A words.”(Sisterdoc)


J. Anthony Brown-Diversity marks the success of J. Anthony Brown. not only is he an accomplished comedian with a unique brand of humor, but he is also a writer, and entrepreneur and most recently has added acting to his resume.(TJMS)

Huggy Low-Down-Known for his hilarious appearances on the HBO Def Comedy Jam, The Jamie Foxx Special, P. Diddy's Bad Boys of Comedy, The Bernie Mac Special, The Whoopi Goldburg Special and for his rounds with the Kings of Comedy Tour. You can hear him every morning on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, sharing his special brand of comedy, celebrity gossip and entertainment news on Magic 102.3FM.


If you read each person bio, a picture begins to magnify right before your eyes. What is the picture? LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL. Most of his personalities are comedians. And they are laughing all the way to the bank, while most Black Americans are struggling to survive.

That is all that appear to be happening on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. It has been reduced to a little more than bafoonery. Everything is a joke.

I do not understand how they can laugh all day when most Black American males are either unemployed, incarcerated, on drugs, illiterate, and have completely abandoned their children. What is funny about this?

I had to turn away from the station it is so bad. My ten (10) year old daughter even asked me one day, while I was listening to the show, "mommy why are they always laughing?"

The most important question to me is why aren't more people discussing these serious ills publically? What "pride" is Mr. Joyner instilling in the hearts of over eight million African Americans, who listen to his show daily? What are they getting? Tell me how lots of laughing will help Black America? Do we need to "think" more or laugh more? Look at our present situation and honestly tell me which is more important.

The show is a joke, but Black Americans are again, being played as the fools. Does this surprise anyone? Anyone?

One listener summed it up beautifully when she wrote:

"I used to listen to the TJMS, but it has been reduced to a modern day "Amos N Andy" routine. I still appreciate some of their philanthropic ventures, like raising money for HBCU's, but the desire to turn every tragedy into a joke must end."

Have a wonderful weekend, and try listening to the show for yourself.

L. for Love

What is Prioritizing?-Day 97

Happy Thursday to you.

May this day be the best day of your life. This is a wonderful day because I believe it to be.

My daughter and I are at the bookstore. She is reading independently while I write my daily entry. She is reading Richard Wright, "Black Boy". She will write about what she read thereafter, and we will discuss and may even post it in her blog.

I consider myself a "Reading Specialist". I know what it takes to be an excellent reader, and eventually enjoy reading.

Is it hard or the word I prefer to use, challenging? Is there some big secret or mystery to it?

The answer to both of the above questions is a resounding NO. It takes time but most importantly it MUST be a priority.

What is a priority?

Priority-the state or quality of being earlier in time, occurrence, etc;something given special attention.

Attention-a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration;a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration.

Allow me to share with you that I tutor children with learning problems. One day I had a mother inquire about me tutoring her daughter. According to this mother, her nine (9) year old daughter is significantly under performing in school. This child is presently in the fourth (4th) grade, and she has an upcoming writing segment on the FCAT that she has to complete in March of 2010. The FCAT is Florida's Comprehensive Assessment Test. All children in Florida's public schools are required to be tested to ascertain their acquired skills.

Moreover, her mother advocated that she is concerned that her child will fail this portion of the test, as well as others. She told me that her daughter does not care about school and that she HATES reading. Oh my.

I told this mother that I need to "test" her daughter to ascertain where she is in her "skills and focus levels". I told the mother what I would charge her for these "tests".

Now allow me to reiterate. A nine year old child hates school. She is underperforming to the point that her mother believes, without intervention, her daughter may fail the FCAT and eventually, the fourth grade.

I received a call yesterday from this mother. She told me that she does NOT have the money to spend on her daughter's education. Why? Because her daughter's birthday is January 1, 2010, and she will be spending all of her money on this party for her daughter. She went on.."this is Christmas season, so I have gifts to buy and the party". "Do you understand what I am saying?" Huh.

Did I miss something? This child is failing in school. This child may fail the FCAT, and the fourth grade, and her mother is concerned about gifts and a party. Ok. This can not be real. I thought it was a joke, and I was waiting for the mother to tell me that she was kidding. So I waited. And I waited.

Finally, I asked this mother, do you understand what a priority is? I told her "You have to make decision as to what is most important parties, gifts or your CHILD. You have to invest in your child like you invest in your hair (weaves). Your child should be the priority. What good is all the toys in the world if your child fails the fourth grade and her self-esteem plummeted?"

The mother was quiet, then she responded "you are right. I guess I will will have some money for her testing. I will let you know Friday".

I was floored. In fact, I am still on the floor, while writing this entry. (:) This Black mother's priority is obviously misplaced. Why would anyone waste money on "parties" and "toys" when your baby is failing school? Would it not be better and more useful to speak with your child and explain that "a party is not a priority but her education is much more important", so the available money "this season" will be spent on a tutor to help remedy your deteriorating education skills, instead of toys and parties?

Am I on another planet? This is NOT hard, difficult, problematic, challenging or even onerous. It 's just a matter of prioritizing.

Education is conspicuously more important than toys. Education is more important than a party. Why is this so complicated for so many parents, especially most Black mothers. They would much rather spend money on hair weaves, nails, clothes, shoes, and other "buttery" items.(remember butter items are the things that "melts away). While sustaining deeds, such as excelling in school, are "lifetime gifts".

So what does all of this mean? It is important in this life to understand what is MOST important. So if you have a scale, I suggest you "weigh" your priorities. In other words, you take what is most important in your life and the "other things". Put the "important stuff" on one side of the scale and the "other stuff" on the other side. Watch the scale and see which side weighs the most in YOUR life. But you first must understand what "important" means.

Important-of much or great significance or consequence;mattering much.

Education-the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.

Party-a social gathering, as of invited guests at a private home, for conversation, refreshments, entertainment, etc.

I hope you have a day in which it is about making important decisions. What will you choose as a priority?

Have a great day.

L. for Love

Do Most Black Males Use Their Brain? Day 96

Happy Wednesday.

As this season moves progessively forward, I think back over the year, 2009. I think about my year in Miami, Florida. I think of the people here, Black, White and Hispanics. I think of the choices I made, some good some not.

But I think more often about my personal life, and how I visualize myself with a man of a different nationality, as my life partner. Why?

Because I am not a "bitch" or an "hoe", so please Black males, stop calling Black women these degrading and insulting names. I bet most of you can not spell and/or define the terms. :)

Many times when I use the "community gym facility", I am bombarded with profane language, from many Black males, even though I have respectfully requested that these males respect me as a lady, and I will respect them as "males". My request has, for the most part, fell on deaf hears.

Why is it that most Black males" so flagrantly disrespect Black women? Just watch the "videos" of most of the "rappers" and/or R&B entertainers. I am actually floored as to how they can use such disgraceful language toward the women, and not an embrow is raised.

Wait. Let me reinterated. Many famous Black males use as well as call Black women degrading, disparaging, denigrating, reviling, detrimental, repugnant, invidious, and hateful names that should be abolished from the English language. And what do most Black women do?

They accept it, and allow it. Most Black women are so desperate for a "man" that they allow themselves to be step all over like a foot stool.

The blatant disrespect has gotten so bad that one can look at "Lamar Odum", the Los Angeles Lakers "basketball player" who married one of the Kardashion sisters. Mr. Odum was dating a Black women for many years. He has two (2) children with her, but he NEVER married her. Why?

Moreover, he married the "Kardashion" sister withone one(1) month of meeting her. Did you get that? Can anyone explain to me how a MAN can marry a women within one (1) month of meeting her but never married the mother of his children?

I am without words almost. I find it repugnant, disrespectful, and disheartedly that this can happen. But I guess I should not, as it is happening more and more. As Black males become successful, they leave the women that have been their "backbone", who have stood by them when they did not have a dime, who have given birth to most of their children(without a ring), who watch them rise, only to be left behind. Wow.

So now let me get this straight. Most Black males are voluntarily not members of most Black households, even when they are without income. But especially when they gain fame and fortune. However, they procreate, leaving most of their children to be reared alone by "single struggling Black moms".

Then when some of "these males" become successful, they forget who stuck with them while they had nothing, but they leave behind their communities, children families,and live the "good life", with women who would not so much as to give them a glance, if they did not have the money/fame they eventually earn. Why?

Why do we (Blacks) have some of the "dumbest" males of any ethnic group? Why are most of our males" without a brain" or refuse to use them? I believe I found the answer. Here goes:

One day God was busy creating the human race. However, he began to work on the Black males, he completed most everything, but, he had to give them one more human organ. But God needed a break so he told his assistant, he would be right back. The assistant, wanting to please God, decided he would finish creating the Black males, so he pushed the "complete buttom". The Black male completed.

When God returned, he turn to his asistant and said "Where are the Black males? I have one item left to give them". The assistant, shock and embarrassed, admitted that he thought God was finished and he had pushed the "complete" button.

God quickly turned toward "most" of the incomplete Black males and said "OH NO, YOU DID NOT GIVE (most of) The Black Males A BRAIN".

Have a thinking and wonderful day.

L. for Love

Should Television Be Limited?-Day 95

Happy Tuesday. May this day bring you many blessings.

Today is a new day. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Therefore, take advantage of today.

If someone throws you lemons, make a glass or even a gallon of lemonade, depending on how many lemons are thrown in your direction. (LOL) I love life. There is nothing like it. Being able to communicate with my children, and other people that I hold near and dear to my heart. Having the opportunity to change.

Always remember, "without the rain, we may never appreciate the sun". Make this day your best ever, and live your dreams.

I want to discuss televisions. I will tell you right away that I have no TV in my abode. I made a decision at the end of 2004 that I had become consumed with the television. I would leave my home in the morning watching TV, whether it was watching "Good morning America or some other "Morning Show".

I would wake up in the morning with the TV on , and fall asleep at night with the T.V. on. I was literally watching other people live their lives, while mine life was on "hold". I became depressed. "Watching TV is a passive event. Children -- and adults -- remain completely immobile while viewing the box. Most viewing experiences, at least among Americans, are both quiet and non-interactive. All attention is given to the images". But can the steady flow of images watched nightly from television screens across the country be so easily dismissed as simply entertainment? If the sheer volume of absorbed images is considered, how can what is shown on television have no effect on one's own mental images? And if new mental images are created, shouldn't it be logical to say that they can and will have an effect on behavior?

I would purchase videos for my children to watch, until the T.V., became an unpaid, in-house babysitter. They would spend hours in front of the T.V. My position, however, that television has a significant effect on children should not rely on studies alone, but on common sense. When a child is placed in front of the television her focus cannot be diverted nor can her gaze be broken. That child only has eyes for the video screen. The bright colors, quick movements and sudden flashes capture the child's attention. Only the rare child finds the television completely uninteresting. Even if only cartoons are watched, most children find the images presented on the television set mesmerizing.

But this negative affect that TV can have on our children can explain why most children get "bored" with school so easily:

"Children’s programmers use a technique called the ”orienting reflex," known as OR, to capture and keep a child’s attention. OR works in this way: If we see or hear something the brain doesn’t recognize as the correct sequence or a typical life event — such as a dancing alphabet or quick zooms and pans, we focus on it until the brain recognizes that it doesn’t pose a threat. The problem with watching too many programs that rely on OR is that real life becomes slow and boring by comparison."

”We think that with continued exposure to high intensity, unrealistic action, you’re conditioning the mind to expect that level of input,“ Christakis explains. When the child doesn’t get the fast-paced input that television provides, he or she becomes bored and inattentive." - MSNBC (Sept 2004)

But what other effects does TV watching actually have on our brain, and other internal organs in our body? According to Scientific America, TV can become an addiction.


"Television Addiction Is No Mere Metaphor" - Scientific American (Feb 2002) and Full Text

"The EEG studies similarly show less mental stimulation, as measured by alpha brain-wave production, during viewing
than during reading."

"What is it about TV that has such a hold on us? In part, the attraction seems to spring from our biological "orienting response." First described by Ivan Pavlov in 1927, the orienting response is our instinctive visual or auditory reaction to any sudden or novel stimulus. It is part of our evolutionary heritage, a built-in sensitivity to movement and potential predatory threats. Typical orienting reactions include dilation of the blood vessels to the brain, slowing of the heart, and constriction of blood vessels to major muscle groups. Alpha waves are blocked for a few seconds before returning to their baseline level, which is determined by the general level of mental arousal. The brain focuses its attention on gathering more information while the rest of the body quiets."

"In 1986 Byron Reeves of Stanford University, Esther Thorson of the University of Missouri and their colleagues began to study whether the simple formal features of television--cuts, edits, zooms, pans, sudden noises--activate the orienting response, thereby keeping attention on the screen. By watching how brain waves were affected by formal features, the researchers concluded that these stylistic tricks can indeed trigger involuntary responses and "derive their attentional value through the evolutionary significance of detecting movement.... It is the form, not the content, of television that is unique.""

As clearly indicated above, we should limit TV, preferably remove them from your homes. However, I realize most people will not take the stand that I was compelled to take. I felt it was a necessary means by which my family and I would greatly benefit. And we did.

After the TV was removed, we began to converse more with one another. We began to find other forms of entertainment. We went to the bookstores more. We played games together. We found each other again.

Take time and come out from in front of the TV, maybe you will find your family members or even yourself.

L. for Love

Whatever Your "Attitude", "Service-Type" will Follow-Day 94

Happy Monday. I hope this day is the best day of your life. I hope you enjoy it, smile at others so they will respond accordingly.

I had a very gratifying and quiet weekend. I spent time with my daughter. We went to the bookstore, the park and a few other places. She told me that she really wants to decorate for Christmas this year.

We have not decorated for the Christmas holiday, in the three years we have lived in South Florida. I guess it is time, but money is inadequate this year, and of course I must prioritize. But I am rich in spirit, I believe that I will have money soon. I just do not have it this very minute.

This brings me to my present topic.

When I was much younger, I really believed the world revolved around me. My attitude was not nice.

I use to work for a major health insurance company in Michigan. I was only nineteen (19) years old. I was very attractive, I had a very nice shape, size 2, and I considered myself "the most beautiful girl on earth". I was what some considered "stuck on myself" (conceded). I must admit that I was not very nice during these tumultuous times.

I was of the mindset that YOU should speak to me first. I should not have to open my mouth or smile to acknowledge you in any way. It was clearly your responsibility to acknowledge me as the most "beautiful girl in the earth".

I considered myself a gift to all men. What a blessing it were for men to be able to look upon my face and gaze into my beautiful eyes. Really?

I was miserable with myself and made people around me feel miserable as well during this time. However, reality began to set in.

I would wonder why people treated me with distance. I wondered why they did not want to be around me. Then one day it hit or should I say "smack me" in my face. "YOU TREAT PEOPLE LIKE CRAP". And people responded accordingly. My attitude was something to be more ashamed of than proud of.

People can get a feeling of what your attitude is about them. If you display love, you generally get love in return. If your attitude displays dislike or distain for people, you may get this same attitude in return.

Now I know that displaying and giving people respect, covered with a touch of kindness, is my preferable method. I, now, treat people the way that I want to be treated.

One day I was in "Liberty City" (predominantly Black area of Miami), and I went into one of the only "Black owned" stores in the community. I was greeted solemnly by the store clerk. Moreover, I moved past this and placed an order for "Black eyed peas" and corn bread. I appealed for some okra on top of my peas. I love okra atop of Black eyed peas.

Moreover, the clerk told me that she "could not do this". Huh? I was agitated that she would refuse a patron. She announced that I would have to purchase an entire order of okra as well. I kindly advised her that she could give me half Black eyed peas and half okra, in lieu of the fact that both of them "are the same price". But I rejected "two orders" as I did not eat that much. She refused me again. No matter what I suggested, I was repudiated. Thereafter, I requested to speak with the proprietor, but he was not in.

I ended up purchasing only "Black eyed peas" and corn bread. I was very unhappy with the method of treatment I received from the store-clerk. Approximately two weeks later, I dropped in the store again, and again asked to speak to the proprietor. This time he came out and I explained my ordeal. He told me that "they" did not "change orders". "This is the way we sell it."

I was shocked that a proprietor would not try and reason with a patron. (Whatever happened to customer service?) So I explained it to him this way. "Look, I come into your store to patronize it. I want to support "Black Businesses". I was very unhappy the last time I visited your store. Don't you think it is important for you to satisfy your customers? You should try and be more customer oriented or focused. Do I make sense to you?"

He look at me and told me that he understand, he would consider my request "next time" I make an order.

I do not understand why most Black businesses have terrible customer service. It is as though "they" are doing Black people a favor by servicing them. As oppose to treating their customers with respect, and placing the wants/needs of their customers as the priorities, it is the opposite. Most proprietors of Black businesses place their "rules and regulations" over servicing the customers. How sad. Is this part of the reason "Liberty City" looks like a war zone and "Aventura" appears to be a mecca for businesses?

Why are most Black business owners attitude so bad? I can guess and speculate but excuses are easy. If you look long and hard enough, you can find an excuse for almost anything. When are we going to just wake up and say.."You know what? It is time to service our customers with the best service possible. The customer comes first. We should serve them with a friendly attitude when we invite them into our place of business? Every one that walks into our doors must be greeted with a smile. When a customer walks out the door, he/she should be a satisfied patron.

Is this so bad? Or are we going to find more excuses why most Black businesses treat their customers with such distain? Please! Excuses are old and worn out. Just like me when I was younger treating everyone with disrespect until I woke and realized the problem was not others. But I was looking at the problem every day I looked in the mirror, and saw "the most beautiful girl in the world". This "beautiful girl" had the ugliest attitude on the planet.

The problem with my attitude began with me, so must the solution.

Have a wonderful day.

L. for Love

LOVE And Children-Day 93

Happy Friday. I hope this day and weekend bring you joy, success and happiness simultaneously.

One day I was speaking to my daughter, and I got very angry with her. I told her that she needs to be obedient. My daughter, the little angel, walked over to me, hugged and told me " I love you mommy. You are the best mom ever".

I cried.

Love is the strongest of any human emotion. We all need to be loved. We all need to love. But children need it so much more. Why? Because their foundation to be a loving, caring human being is being laid. The internal evolution of justice, to care about others, is established as children.

When I was a little girl, about seven (7) or eight (8), my mother brought some kittens home with her. I have no clue where she got them. I only know that most of my siblings as well as myself were so deliriously happy to have these adorable creatures spurting around our home. We were elated, our hearts were filled with joy and love.

So we consumed most of our free time, playing with these kittens. We had a swimming pool in the backyard. It was one of the swimming pools above ground. My father bought it for us.

Moreover, we would cavort with the kittens in a special area in the backyard. Keeping them away from the pool because we did not want anything to happen to our kittens.

My oldest brother did not have alot of love in him. In fact, for most of my childhood, I remember my dad taking us to "prisons" to visit with him. I vividly remember, when my brother was not in prison, my father would always "whip" him for something, he had done. My oldest brother was very cold and callous. I always speculated if he had any love in his heart.

Be that as it may, one day my younger sister and I came home from school. After we completed our homework, we went outside to play with our kittens. To our dismay, we could not find them, they were missing. We search the entire backyard. At least we thought we had. We had not thought to seached in the swimming pool in our backyard.

Well as you probably had suspected, the kittens were floating atop in our pool. They were ALL dead. Someone had intentionally drowned our precious little kittens. Someone cold, devoid of love and compassion, had purposefully taken the lives of our kittens.

Who do you think did this callous act?

We later found out, the perpetrator was my oldest brother. He had intentionally killed our kittens. We could not fathom why he would want to see the kittens as well as his own siblings suffer. We cried at the lost of our kittens and at the thought of how they had died.

My oldest brother was evil and indifferent. He is the same one that hurt me when I was a child.

I have always wondered why he is so different from me. I could not intentionally hurt an animal. I could not stand by and watch suffering, and/or pain, and eventual death.

What happened to him? We lived in the same house with the same parents and eventually my single dad. Why was my oldest brother so different? Why was he so cold and devoid of love?

Children need love, even when they act out. As a matter of fact, they need love more when they act out. My brother acted out in a negative way constantly. Maybe this was his way of asking to be loved.

Love your children today, and forever. Love them more when they act out.

L. for Love

Do Most Black People Read?-Day 92

Happy Thursday. I hope this day bring you joy. I hope you smile and laugh today.

Know that I am NOT proud of African Americans,as you may have already concluded. In fact, I am down right embarrassed by most of them. They are not living up to the expectations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we will be celebrating very soon.

So why did MLK die ? Did he die for Blacks to be the most illiterate ethnic group in America? Or maybe so that the "thugs" can wear their pants to their angle? Or maybe so that most of the Black males can play sports, grow big muscles on their bodies, and ignore the primary muscle in their head? Or so that most Black males can father as many children as possible, by as many women as possible, then abandon their children, leaving the "state", or struggling single mothers to care for them?

Hello. Is anyone listening/reading? Oh, excuse me, I forgot, most Black people don't read.:(

Someone recently sent me an email with the following letter attached. (THank YOU). I want to share it with you, and I want to know if this letter sounds eerily familiar.

Here goes;

BLACK PEOPLE, PLEASE, READ &
HEED. POIGNANT!!!

Chris Rock, a Black comedian, joked that Blacks don't read.
For those of you who heard it, this is the article
Dee Lee was reading this morning on a New York radio station. For those of you who didn't
hear it, this is very deep. This is a heavy piece and a Caucasian wrote it.

Dee Lee, CFP
Harvard Financial Educators


Dee Lee
THEY ARE STILL OUR SLAVES

We can continue to reap profits from the Blacks
without the effort of physical slavery. Look at the current methods of containment that
they use on themselves: IGNORANCE, GREED, and SELFISHNESS.

Their IGNORANCE is the primary weapon of
containment... A great man once said, 'The best way to hide something from Black people is to put it in a book.' We now live in the Information Age.. They have gained the opportunity to read any book on any subject through the efforts of their fight for freedom, yet they refuse to read. There are numerous books readily available at Borders, Barnes &Noble, and Amazon.com, not to mention their own Black Bookstores that provide solid blueprints to reach economic equality (which should have been their fight all along), but few read consistently, if at all..

GREED is another powerful weapon of containment.
Blacks, since the abolition of slavery, have had large amounts of money at their disposal. Last year they spent 10 billion dollars during Christmas, out of their 450 billion dollars in total yearly income (2.22%).

Any of us can use them as our target market, for any business venture we care to dream up, no matter how outlandish, they will buy into it.
Being primarily a consumer people, they function totally by greed. They continually want more, with little thought for saving or investing. They would rather buy some new sneaker than invest in starting a business. Some even neglect their children to have the latest Tommy or FUBU, And they still think that having a Mercedes, and a big house gives them 'Status' or
that they have achieved their Dream.

They are fools! The vast majority of their people
are still in poverty because their greed holds them back from collectively making better communities. With the help of BET, and the rest of their black media that often broadcasts destructive images into their own homes, we will continue to
see huge profits like those of Tommy and Nike. (Tommy Hilfiger has even jeered them, saying he doesn't want their money, and look at how the fools spend more with him than ever before!). They'll continue to show off to each other while we build solid
communities with the profits from our businesses that we market to them.

SELFISHNESS, ingrained in their minds through slavery, is one of the major ways we can continue to contain them. One of their own, Dubois said that there was an innate division in their culture.. A 'Talented Tenth' he called it. He was correct in his deduction that there are segments of their culture that
has achieved some 'form' of success.

However, that segment missed the fullness of his
work. They didn't read that the 'Talented Tenth' was then responsible to aid The Non-Talented Ninety Percent in achieving a better life.. Instead, that segment has
created another class, a Buppie class that looks down on their people or aids them in a condescending manner. They will never achieve what we have.. Their selfishness does not
allow them to be able to work together on any project or endeavor of substance. When they do get together, their selfishness lets their egos get in the way of their goal Their
so-called help organizations seem to only want to promote their name without making any real change in their community.

They are content to sit in conferences and
conventions in our hotels, and talk about what they will do, while they award plaques to the best speakers, not to the best doers. Is there no end to their selfishness? They steadfastly refuse to see that Together Each Achieves More (TEAM).

They do not understand that they are no better than
each other because of what they own, as a matter of fact, most of those Buppies are but one or two pay checks away from poverty... All of which is under the control of our pens
in our offices and our rooms.

Yes, we will continue to contain them as long as
they refuse to read, continue to buy anything they want, and keep thinking they are helping' their communities by paying dues to organizations which do little other than hold lavish conventions in our hotels. By the way, don't worry about any of them reading this letter, remember, 'THEY DON'T READ!!!!

(Prove them wrong.. Please pass this on! After
Reading)


Again, this was sent to me recently. I had already read it sometime ago, but I wanted to share this "letter" with you. This is what I have been writing about throughout most of my project. I can not even fathom why these ills are NOT discussed more by Blacks in "position of power", instead most want to discuss the latest fashions, or whose "beefing" in the music industry. Beefing is when there is some type of public disagreement.

Black people are presently in a state of comatose, and I seriously wonder what the hell is going on.(excuse my language). I love them and I know what their capabilities are if they are encouraged to apply themselves.

Please read, and have a wonderful day.

L. for Love

Time For "Truthtelling"-Day 91

Happy Wednesday. I hope this day brings you happiness, joy and love.

Have you ever been asked "now will you tell me the truth"? This is one of the most interested questions to ask. Why? Because it implies that you will tell the truth initially. I have heard people say "come on, you can be honest with me." Why do someone has to "pull the truth out of us? Because it is presumed that honesty will not materialize, and you may tell the person what he/she wants to apprehend. A lie.

Do you remember the movie starring Jack Nicholson, where he blurted out, "you can't handle the truth"? Well, this is my point.

Most people can not handle the truth. What is truth?

Truth-the true or actual state of a matter;a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like.

Truth can not be disputed. This is why most people do not tell the truth, because most people can not handle the truth. Now, if I mention a few people here in this entry, would you tell me YOUR truth about them? Let's try it:

1. Al Sharpton. What truths can you tell me about him? What do you really know about him?
2. Jessie Jackson. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?
3. Rush Limbaugh. What do you know about him? Are your "truths" just rumormills, or innuendos because he has "opposing views?

Can YOU handle the truth? The truth that in Miami-Dade, Hispanics have most of the jobs while Black people are "beggin" on the streets? That Hispanics have positioned themselves to help "their own", while Blacks have the mindset of "every man/woman for themselves".

How about the fact that Blacks helped to build this country and they have allowed other ethnic groups to "takeover" their communities by owning most, if not all of the businesses? Or how Blacks waste their money on "butter" instead of "steel". What this means is that "things" like cars, jewelry, and clothes are "butter". These items have no real financial worth. In fact, as soon as you drive your brand new car off the car-lot, it will depreciate a minimum of $10,000, maybe more, depending on the type of car it is.

"Steel" are considered the "things" such as real-estate, owning businesses, building and investing in YOUR communities. Things that have "staying power". Unlike the "butter", that what? Melts away.

So I ask you again, can you handle the truth? The truth which is void of veracity.

One day I received a written message from someone, and he asked me about this blogging project. He asked "what made you write about the things you are writing about"? He went on, "I read some of the entries on your blog, and you are right but why"?

You want to know what I told him? I told him the truth just as I share the truth with you everytime I write an entry here. I told him "it is time for truthtelling". And I meant just that. I will no longer turn a blind eye to what I see and witness everyday. I will NOT pretend as though "the emperors" (Black people) have on clothes when I know that they are stark naked.

So I ask you, what do you really see? And, can YOU handle the truth?

Have a great day.

L. for Love

Today is My Birthday-Day 90

Happy Birthday to ME, and happy Tuesday to you.

This is my birthday. I am a year older and wiser hopefully. This day is important to me for reasons that may not be clear to most. First, I thank God for my life. I woke up this morning, in my right mind (hopefully):). I have a reasonable amount of good health and strength.

I truly thank God for life. I am not taking any prescription medications. I did take an Excedrine this morning, because I had a slight headache. But other than that, I am in pretty good health, I believe. I also went walking this morning. I did some stretches to loosen my body.

As the body ages, it deteriorates, like anything else. It is critical to take care of it. I try to exercise regularly and monitor my diet. I ate some sardines this morning for breakfast.

I also like to take time and go into "deep thinking" on this day. I think carefully about my life. Where am I going? Where do I want to go? What are my goals? Am I accomplishing my goals? Why is it that I do not have my life partner yet? Am I doing something wrong? Am I a good mother? What can I do to be a better mother? Where do I want to be financially in 2-5 years? What do I need to do to accomplish my goals? Am I satisfied with my body image? Am I eating right consistently? Am I being completely honest with myself? Am I being completely honest with my children? Am I being completely honest with you?
Am I happy today?, If yes, what am I happy about? If no, why not? What do I need to do to be happy?

These are just a few of the questions that I ask myself every year. I will not tell you the answers to these questions today. As I need to seriously ponder on each of them, and contemplate. I need to go deep inside of myself and question my life and where I am headed.

What changes do I need to make?

I know I want to age gracefully and most importantly, I want to be the best human being I can be. But let me tell you something funny. I was in Wal-mart a few days ago, and I had purchased cake mix and the numbers "3 and "4", for the cake. The cashier queried me as if I was making a cake for someone's birthday. I told her that I was indeed, then she asked, "is the person" "34"? I told her no, then she proceeded to tell me that "34" was "old". I laugh and told her that "34" was "not old". She then asked, are you 34? I began to tease with her, so I said..."oh my goodness..do I look that old already? She quickly told me that I did not. In fact she said "I thought you were about 27." I smiled and said thank you and walked away with my bags.

I shared this humorous dialogue with my daughter. We had a nice "chuckle" and went on our way.

Now let me tell you. I do not mind aging. I just want to age gracefully. I guess I must be aging gracefully if I look 27, when in fact I am over 40. LOL.

Well, I hope you have a wonderful day and I hope this holiday season is the best ever for you and your family.

Happy Tuesday to you and happy birthday to me,

L. for Love

Professional Dating Site Men-Day 89

Happy Saturday. I hope you have a wonderful day.

My birthday is fast approaching, and I think about my life quite frequently. I think about the partner that I want to share my life with. I think about loving because I have so much love to give, and no one to give it to right now. I think about my daughter, and how she is growing and aging stimultaneously. I am afraid of losing her. I want her to stay a child so she will never leave me.

Sometimes I think about growing old, and if I am alone. I am scared. I do not want to be alone. I want a strong mate. I need love and I want to share my life. I now understand that money is NOT the center of my universe.

I find it difficult to understand that many men on dating sites DO NOT really know what they want.

They may know that they want a "female" in their lives. But they have absolutely no clue as to what extent.

Extent-the space or degree to which a thing extends; length, area, volume, or scope.

I have spoken to many men from "dating sites". I can say without any doubt that most men have not though clearly about what they want. For example:

I have spoken to several men who say, they are interested in a "serious relation". But they never have the time to meet. When I suggest a place and time to meet, their first response is .."oh..I work ALL of the time", so I have to take a rain check.

OK. Let me understand this. YOu are on a dating service site. Your profile clearly states that you are interested in a "serious relation", but you have no time to invest in getting to know someone. Duh. Are you serious, even with yourself?

This is a complete and total contradiction. As I have explained to these men. If you do not MAKE the time to get to know someone, then how can a relationship happen? A relationship takes time. We must be willing to invest of ourselves if we really want it.

Also, please know what your goals are for the relationship. In other words, I want to eventually marry. This does not mean that I will marry every man that I hold a conversation with or even send a message to. This merely means that I know where I want "the" relationship to eventually go. This is when I find that special man. So you do not have to say "let see where it goes". In any relationship, you will see where it goes. It will be self evident where it is heading.

You will know if you like the lady, is attracted to her. But at least know what your goals are for the relationship that you seek.

This is my two(2) cents on some of my personal experiencs. I find too many "if" and not enough "knows". I am interested in the man who "knows". I like a many that knows what he wants because I knopw what I want. The only question is do we want eachother?

Have a great weekend.

L. for Love

In My Opinion-Tiger Woods-Day 88

Happy Friday.

I hope you have a wonderful loving day and the best weekend. I hope you judge every man and/or woman by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.

My daughter and I are at Borders and Books. I was reading the news off of the internet and I was just inundated with news regarding Tiger Woods and his "transgressions against his family".

Albeit, I am NOT nor have I ever been a Tiger Woods "fan". I do not know him personally nor have I ever met him. I do have my personal opinions of him based solely of my personal observations of him from afar. These are my opinions of him.

I think that not only is he ashamed of his "blackness", he absolutely wants nothing to do with most Black people. This is what Mr. Woods told a reporter:

Award-winning golfer Tiger Woods Who has been hailed as the first Black to win the U.S. amateur golf championship, said recently he is not Black.

Woods recently began correcting people who call him Black, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times.

The reporter, Brian Hewitt, said in the article: "For the record, Woods is one-quarter Black, one-quarter Thai, one-quarter Chinese, one-eighth American Indian and one-eighth White."

Woods recently played in the prestigious 1995 Masters tournament at the Augusta (GA) National Golf Club.

Woods' description of his racial identity led one observer to wonder how he could say he is only 25 percent Black, when his father is Black.


It was also reported that Mr. Woods is bothered when he is refer to as African American:

Golf phenom Tiger Woods, who praised the sport's Black pioneers for paving the way for him when he recently won The Masters, says that he is more than just Black.

Woods, whose parents are Asian and Black, said while taping the Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago, his first interview since winning The Masters, that it bothers him when people refer to him as African American.

"Growing up I came up with this name: I'm a `Cablinasian', " he said.

Woods said that word best reflects his racial makeup. He is one-fourth Thai, one-fourth Chinese, one-fourth Black, one-eighth White and one-eighth American Indian.

He also recalled being asked to check the box in school that reflected his background. "So I checked off African American and Asian," he said. "Those are the two I was raised under and the only two I know."

The 21-year-old golf sensation also said he would reject the label of being the first Black man to win the Masters. (emphasis added)


Now I ask you how can a man whose father is African American be only 1/4 African American? The ONLY way this statement is possible is if Mr. Woods' father is mixed as well, which is probably Mr. Woods claim.

I think that Mr. Woods is arrogant and he believes that because he is very talented, the world somehow revolves around him. I believe he loathes Black women. Not just because, ALL of his female selections are white women, but this is his skin color of preference. I believe, he wants to be "white" deep down inside of him. I believe that if he could change his skin color he would do just as Michael Jackson did. He would change it from brown to white.

He appears to me to not be at all concerned with what is going on in the Black community, not that he has to be. It is just that because the Black community is so void of professional people, it would do great justice for someone like Mr. Woods to give some of himself to such a worthy and needed cause. Black children.

Now you may be thinking that Mr. Woods has every right to do whatever he wants with the multi-millions he earns. And you are right in your thinking, as I do not disagree. It is important to remember that no matter how much money we can earn, and spend. We can not take these millions with us to our grave, not excluding Mr. Woods.

I would ask Mr. Woods to build community centers in Black areas to encourage Black children to raise their scholastic scores and encourage them to participate in the game of golf and maybe even have the opportunity to meet the infamous Tiger Woods, one day.:)

Do you know what this opportunity would mean to children whose future is bleak and full of despair?

Again, I do not know Mr. Woods,nor have ever met him, but I do know that if he would donate some of his time and money to such worthy causes as I describe above, many lives could be changed. But hey it is NOT my money so I have absolutely no say in how this man spends his money. Right?

However, I believe that many Black people, as they move up in economic status, disclaim their blackness. Not necessarily by what they say, but more by their actions. Remember action speaks so much more volume than words alone. Which brings me to my conclusion:

Mr. Woods may have learned this past week that what is done in the dark will eventually come to the light. He is not the man that he portrayed himself to be to the public. He has faults and personal issues just like the rest of us. He sometimes make bad decisions. Obviously..

Have a wonderful day and a better weekend,


L. for Love

"Former" Kings and Queens-Day 87

Happy Thursday. May this day be one of the best days of your life. May you accomplish all of your dreams and then some. May you have a joyous and properous day. I wish you peace and love.

I am of the opinion that "the mind is a terrible thing to waste". I believe that we must work diligently at our goals and objectives, and do whatever is necessary to accomplish them. But we must first have goals. If you have no goals, you have no plans. A people without vision will perish.

Vision-the act or power of sensing with the eyes; sight;the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be:

Perish-to die or be destroyed through violence, privation, etc

These definitions are critical in light of preparation and planning for future success.

Black Americans were former slaves in America but we were Kings and Queens in Africa, our native land. Some of our former Kings and Queens were as follow:

Affonso I King of the Kongo 1506 to 1540
Affonso I was a visionary, a man who saw his country not as a group of separate cultures, but as a united nation fully equipped with advanced knowledge and technology. Affonso I was the first ruler to modernize Africa on a grand scale. Because he saw progress as a healthy mix of physical and spiritual development, Affonso made it possible for his people to practice new skills in masonry, carpentry, and agriculture. He also streamlined Kongo politics, established one of the most modern school systems in Africa, and later became the first ruler to resist the slave trade.

Sunni Ali Ber King of Songhay 1464 to 1492
When Sunni Ali Ber came to power, Songhay was a small kingdom in the western Sudan. But during his twenty-eight-year reign, it grew into the largest, most powerful empire in West Africa.
Sunni Ali Ber built a remarkable army and with this ferocious force, the warrior king won battle after battle. He routed marauding nomads, seized trade routes, took villages, and expanded his domain. He captured Timbuktu, bringing into the Songhay empire a major center of commerce, culture, and Moslem scholarship.

Cleopatra VII Queen of Egypt 69 to 30 BC
The most famous of seven matriarchs to bear this name, Cleopatra rose to the throne at seventeen. The young queen is often erroneously portrayed as Caucasian, however, she was of both Greek and African descent. By mastering many different languages and several African dialects, she became instrumental in reaching beyond the borders of Egypt.
Striving to elevate Egypt to world supremacy, Cleopatra enlisted the military services of two great Roman leaders. She persuaded Julius Caesar and , later, Mark Anthony to renounce their Roman allegiances to fight on behalf of Egypt. each, however, met his death before Cleopatra' s dreams of conquest were realized. Disheartened, Cleopatra pressed as asp to her breast, ending the life of the world's most celebrated African queen.

Now the question is what has happened to the vision for "Black people" of past Kings and Queens of Africa? Why are America Black "leaders" so few and far between?

One day while discussing politics with a Black gentleman, I asked him specifically, "who are the Black leaders in America"? He initially looked puzzled, and eventually responded, "good question. I really cannot say."

Where are we going as a people and who is leading us? Are Black people basically leading themselves, as individuals? Have Black people become irrelevant to America and its best interests?

These questions are simply challenging anyone with a genuine view on Blackness in America. Most Blacks are presently a people with no vision, no jobs, no economics, very few livable communities, and very little control over their own destiny.

Why Black People have you become "slaves" without chains?

Have a wonderful day.

L. for Love

"Black Like Me"-Day 86

Happy Wednesday. May this day bring you happiness, joy and love. May you be blessed abundantly and may you be a blessing to others.

Yesterday, while my daughter and I were at Barnes and Noble bookstore, I finished reading "Black Like Me", by John Howard Griffin. Griffin, a white native of Texas, chronicles his six week journey through the South, passing as a black man. Sometimes he would take buses or he would hitchhike through various southern states.

Griffin was very much of the mind set that all humans are created equal and therefore all rights, dignity,respect, and opportunities, should be afforded to all humans, even the "negro". He stated that he did not understand why America treated the "Blacks" with distain. Griffin refuted various studies which concluded that Blacks were "genetically inferor", and he wanted to prove that Black people were treated different for one reason and one reason ONLY, their skin color.

So he set out to prove his thesis. He had a dermotologist (skin doctor) change the pigmentation of his skin color, from white to brown. Everything else about him stayed the same. His manner of speech, his dress, his name, and ect. His skin was darkened like the "negroes".

What did Griffin conclude after being a "negro" for six weeks?

"Griffin expects to find prejudice, oppression, and hardship, but he is shocked at the extent of it: everywhere he goes, he experiences difficulties and insults. The word "nigger" seems to echo from every street corner. It is impossible to find a job, or even a restroom that blacks are allowed to use. Clerks refuse to cash his checks, and a white bully nearly attacks him before he chases the man away. After several traumatic days in New Orleans, Griffin decides to travel into the Deep South of Mississippi and Alabama, which are reputed to be even worse for blacks. (In Mississippi, a grand jury has just refused to indict a lynch mob that murdered a black man before he could stand trial.) In Mississippi, he is disheartened and exhausted, so he calls a white friend named P.D. East, a newspaperman who is ferociously opposed to racism. He spends a day with East, during which time they discuss the way racial prejudice has been incorporated into the South's legal code by bigoted writers and politicians. Eventually, a rejuvenated Griffin leaves for a long hitchhiking trip throughout Alabama and Mississippi.

In general, Griffin finds that conditions for blacks are appalling, and that black communities seem run-down and defeated. He even notices a look of defeat and hopelessness on his own face, after only a few weeks as a black man. In Montgomery, however, the black community is charged with determination and energy by the example of one of its leaders, a preacher named Marin Luther King, Jr. Blacks in Montgomery have begun practicing passive resistance, a nonviolent form of refusing to comply with racist laws and rules. Griffin, again depressed and weary of life as a black man, briefly stops taking his medication and lightens his skin back to his normal color. He begins alternating back and forth between races, visiting a place first as a black man and then as a white man. He notices immediately that when he is a white man, whites treat him with respect and blacks treat him with suspicious fear; when he is a black man, blacks treat him with generosity and warmth, while whites treat him with hostility and contempt. Griffin concludes that the races do not understand one another at all, and that a tolerant dialogue is needed to bridge the terrible gap separating them."(Sparknotes)

While I read this book, I cried. I cried because, Griffin put his life and those of his own family, on the line to prove that Blacks were treated inhumane based upon the color of their skin. Griffin believed, given the opportunity, Blacks would progress, take advantage of education, build their own economic wealth, take care of their own families, and communities.

Have Griffin's hopes and dreams for Black people come to fruition?

Take a close look around, and you tell me what you see. Tell me if most Black people are taking advantage of education. Tell me if most Black people are building economic wealth. Tell me if most Black families have both parents, to help rear their Black children. Tell me if most Black neighborhoods are thriving and peaceful.

Please tell me the truth.

Have a great day.

L. for Love

Why Blacks Are Out of Work..Day 85

Happy Tuesday. I hope you have a marvelous and wonderful work week. The year is at its end. I really do not know where the time went. I remember so vividly when 2009 came in and my son I would say to each other, " in 2009, it will be mine".

Well now it is almost 2010, and we have a new slogan for the upcoming year. " In 2010, we will win".

But my question is why are many African Americans disproportionately out of work, compared to the rest of America?

I will tell you why. The answer will not be pretty or funny. In fact the answer is troublesome and the future is dismal.

Most Black Americans are lazy, illiterate and fat. Most qualify for only low wage paying jobs, such as sanitation workers, janitors, and hamburger flippers. Not that these jobs are bad. They are not. I am telling you what jobs most African Americans qualify for.

Let's carefully scrutinize the truth:

Most Black Americans cannot read and write on a 12th grade level. If you cannot read, you cannot perform most menial tasks involvin literacy skills, such as reading and working on the computer. Technology has moved to the forefront, and most African Americans do not have basic computer skills. In fact, one day, I was in "Liberty City", here in the Miami, Florida area. I was trying to hire a couple of guys for a job I needed to complete. I spoke to several people in the neighborhood. About 98% of them did NOT have an email address. I was shocked and saddened simultaneously. I could not believe that in 2009, these young people did not have an email.

I queried these young men as to why they did not have an email. One of them answered, he "did not have a computer at home." So I immediately responded that "there is a library on the corner. Why could you not use the library to set up an email address?" He froze, looked at me, and said he "did not have time to set up an account for an email".
(Are you serious?)

Too many Blacks people do not want to invest the time that it takes to do what is necessary to obtain higher knowledge. They would much rather spend their time "hanging out" on street corners, sipping their "40 ounces", and wearing their pants to their angles. How nice? Like who is really interested in seeing their underwear? NOT ME.

Too many Black people spend too much time partying and having "fun", and too little time on important things, like investing in themselves. Studying is an investment.

Blacks commit the most violent crimes in America, they have the most "needs", yet they do the least work within their own communities. Too many want something for nothing. In other words, most Blacks do not want to start from the bottom and work their way up. Many want to start right at the top, as though they have earned this top position just because their "Black", and "America owes them something".

Too many Black men have given African Americans a renowed reputation for "committing the most violent crimes, ignorance, rampant illiteracy, most obese, most fatherless homes, most ghettos, or should I just say....just a plain ole "menance to society" reputation. So when an intelligent African American comes along and applies for a job, no one is really interested because of the reputation of the people and NOT the person.

Now allow me to make a note here and say that "racism" does in fact exist. I am a victim of it. But I will not excuse the behavior of most Blacks and say that "the man" is keeping us from getting an education, keeping fathers in their homes, forcing us to eat everything in site, forcing us to party like its "2099". At some point, we MUST take responsibility, and wake up, and take control of our communities, and our own economics.

We are presently LOST, and the future is dismal, but there is hope. Education is the key, is what my dad would always tell his children. So I share this simple but yet extraordinary statement with you.

WAKE UP.

L. for Love

Happy Holidays-Day 84

Happy Monday. I missed writing my daily entries. I missed you so much. However, I hope you had a very good "Thanksgiving", and I wish you the happiest holiday season ever.

My daughter and I had a very nice holiday. We went to feed the hungry.

I explained to my daughter the genuine meaning of "Thanksgiving". It is not just to sit around with family and friends and share turkey, dressing and other delicious "goodies". But it is a time to give sincere "thanks" for your family, life, liberty, and this great country of ours. It is a time to share our blessings with others.

This is why every Thanksgiving and Christmas, I believe it is especially important to give to others. It is important to learn to serve. So my daughter and I headed out to a church to "serve" probably those less fortunate than us. We helped to feed them, we gladly catered to them, we share our love and our hearts. We helped make the homeless and others feel like they were the "crowned heads",(Kings and Queens) and we were their royal subjects.:)

We kindly welcomed them into the church, "hello and happy Thanksgiving, please be seated so that we may serve you." Thereafter, they were served with a warm plate of food, with all of the "fixings". We then re-approached these people and asked "may we get anything else for you?"

It was absolutely wonderful. My daughter loved serving others. She received so many compliments from so many different people. She loved them and they loved her.

I explained to my daughter that whatever someone's status in life, all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I continued " we do not talk down to people because they may be temporarily out of work", and dress and smell different. If we have nothing good to say about someone, we should keep our mouths shut, is my philosophy. Albeit, I do not live by it daily, I am a work in progress.

Moreover, it is important for people to help people because as many of you know, most middle class families in America maybe a paycheck away from homelessness. You may have a job today but a "pink-slip" tomorrow.(layoff notice).

I thank God for my children, a reasonable amount of health, a place to lay our heads at night and shower in the mornings. I thank God for placing good people in our lives. By this I mean people that will help when help is needed.

I had a problem with my car this past weekend as well. The starter on my car went out without any warning. I asked several people to assist. I did not have the money to pay for a new starter and I rely on my vehicle. But someone stepped up to the plate and help out. Now my car is running again, and I can get out to work to take care of my daughter and me. THANK YOU.

I will remember you when I am completely standing on my own two feet. This person also told me about "Tyler Perry". He is the man behind the "Madea" plays and movies. He was homeless in Atlanta, Georgia, years ago, prior to becoming rich and famous.

So what does this mean? This means that you never know who a person can turn out to be or the amount of money he or she can eventually earn. Meaning, I may be down today, but I can be up running a marathon tomorrow.

Always treat others as you would want them to treat you. What if your car went out and you did not have the money at hand, and you needed help. Would you want someone to help you?

Now don't you think its time for all of us to start placing LOVE in the savings account (giving) so that we can withdraw later (receiving). If we never give how do we expect to ever receive?

Have a "giving" day,


L. for Love

Oprah Winfrey-We Need YOU!-Day 83

Happy Tuesday. I hope you enjoy this day no matter the outcome. I hope you enjoy life, your children, your spouse, and more importantly, I hope you are loved, this day. Make it a wonderful one.

Many of you know that I share with you exactly what is on my mind. I do not intentionally try to be rude and/or sarcastic about the truth. I just tell it like it really is. I must do this because too many of us will not. We go about our lives as though "the emperor has clothes on", when in fact, he is stark naked.

Moreover, I use to watch Oprah Winfrey years ago. I loved her. She made me proud. I was very happy to see a Black woman accomplish so much. She has done quite a lot, I believe for Black colleges and for all people, regardless of color.

The reason, I mention color is because Black people are in the most dire need for role models of any ethnic group. We do not have many people we can classify as "role mode;s". In fact, their are so few role models that Black children in most destitute areas in America are aspiring to be like the older girls in their communities, or the "video vixens".

Video vixens are the girls in the "rappers" videos that dress very provocative to expose their voluptuous bodies in suggestive manners. These girls shake their "money makers" in the rappers face and anywhere else these "rappers" want. These "vixens" are treated like pieces of delectable meat, waiting for their turn to be reduced to nothing but "leftovers", on the rappers plate.

But Oprah, has shown us that as women, we can use their mind to accomplish so much more than our bodies ever will. She is an example for all women. I love most things about her. But I question others.

Now you may say, "what ...you are going to "criticize" Oprah?

My response is I can not hold back truths just because Oprah is OPRAH. But I will say that I believe that Oprah is in a magnificent position to bring out some of the issues that I have mentioned in previous writings. She has a wide audience. She has exposure to the media that I am trying to obtain.

Why is Oprah not raising questions about these issues that plague Black Aericans? Could it be that she will lose many members of her audience?

Sometimes people that we admire the most need to be "called out" or challenged. Sometimes these people motives need to be analyzed and critiqued. We can not just give them "a past" because of who they are. This is not fair.

So this is my take on Oprah. I love her and admire her. I would just respect her more if she would expose what is going on in Black America more. She knows that most Black people do not read. She knows that too many Black men abandon their families. She knows that in the Black communities, their are more Black churches than there are businesses. She knows that this present day generation of Black children are considered by most "LOST".

I am a believer in exposure. The light needs to shine on these intricacies without the fear of being branded a traitor. Oprah is in an exceptional position to shine a light on these problems. They are too arduous to ignore or make believe they do not exist.

I believe that when a person is in a position of greatness, she should do great things. So what is greatness?

Greatness- a person who has achieved importance or distinction in a field: important; highly significant or consequential.

Oprah's prominence gives her, not only the access but the forum by which to discuss and hold public debates regarding the serious denigration of the Black people in America.

Oprah is a very intelligent woman. She must see what I see unless she has on visual blinders.

Oprah, we love you and cherish you but we need you. Our Black children are dying, they are ignorant, unloved and void of feelings. Please help us to expose these serious ills. Help us to expose that Dr. Martin Luther King's dream is dying, if it is not already dead. But I believe that as long as there is life, there is hope.


But hope eventually fades. Oprah, I hope that you will help us help ourselves.

It is important for me to say this because I feel this in my heart. No amount of money can purchase eternal life. So this means that all life comes to an end, even Oprah's. She can not take her billions of dollars to the grave with her. So what is to become of her great fortune,. when she is no longer gracing our presence?

Helping others is the name of game. Always has been, always will. No matter how many toys Oprah or anyone else can buy. There is no greater gift in life than to help others. I just hope helping in the Black community come sooner rather later.

Have a wonderful day.


L. for Love