**UPDATE Video: The aftermath of the quake and Wyclef Jean's plea for help

 

Stay tuned for more of our coverage of the quake in Haiti

Out the door...Inspirational quote to start your day

In light of the earthquake yesterday in Haiti, I dedicate this post to all of those with friends, family and loved ones on the island. Instead of a motivational quote it seems more befitting to share a poem that has gotten me through rough times. Again, I send my thoughts and prayers to all of you.

When you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, what've you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
By Edgar A. Guest

Tragic situations remind us of what is really important. I encourage all of you to remain conscious of not only what is going on in America, but to become more aware of the situations people face around the world. A Young Professional is not only one who seeks success in his/her career but a YP is also one who is concerned about the well being of others. Again, I ask that every set of eyes reading this will take a moment to hope for the best in Haiti as the death toll rises along with the number of missing people. I encourage all of you to SEE IT THROUGH! Trouble does not last always and neither does pain. On this hump day, be inspired to see it through.

A moment of silence for those who have lost their lives in this immense disastrous and devastating event.

*Update* BREAKING NEWS: 7.0 earthquake hits Haiti, photos AND how YOU can help

With a heavy heart and deep sympathy it has been confirmed that an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude hit Haiti shortly after 5pm today (1/12/10).

The quake was centered about 6 miles (10 kilometers) underground, according to the USGS -- a depth that can produce severe shaking. At least 10 aftershocks followed, including two in the magnitude 5 range, the USGS reported.

Although there is no tally on the number of deaths, the number is expected to climb quickly and amount to what some are calling "a profound loss of life." Among the damages already reported are collapsed buildings and power lines. It has been reported that as night fell people joined together in song and prayer asking for mercy as at least 28 aftershocks of magnitude of 4.0 or greater continued to shake the country.

HUSL Today sends our condolences to those affected by this recent tragedy. Our prayers are with you and your family.


President Obama gave the following statement:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by this earthquake. We are closely monitoring the situation and we stand ready to assist the people of Haiti.”

No matter what your religious beliefs are, I ask that you take a moment and hope for the best. I have already donated and so can you!

Here's how YOU can help! Text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to RedCross relief efforts in Haiti. Learn more HERE: http://bit.ly/6KiRtE . OR to donate $5 text 501501 the word YELE. The donation will be charged to your phone bill.

Or you can go online to organizations like the Red Cross and Mercy Corps to make a contribution to the disaster relief efforts.

***UPDATE: Here is a list of organizations providing earthquake relief: http://itsjustlight.com/?page_id=777

More Photos of the destruction:

















"Words have no wings but they can fly a thousand miles."
Korean Proverb

Source: Cnn.com

Guy gets tattoo of sunglasses on his face! "C'mon son!"

You read it right! A guy decided to have sunglasses permanently tattooed on his face. I have two words for this guy "C'mon son!"

Watch and altogether we can say "C'mon son!"





Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

Whats for dinner? The best salad ever!!!

As a self-proclaimed foodie I could not in good conscience keep this recipe from the beautiful people of HUSL Today. Its perfect for young professionals on the go because it is quick, simple and absolutely divine!!!

Here is the recipe:

1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing (I recommend using a light vinaigrette)
5 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
2 large apples, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts/pecans (bake in a 325 degree oven for 5 minutes for texture)
1/4 cup raisins or grapes or dried cranberries

In bowl fold the cubed chicken into the salad dressing or mayonnaise, apples, walnuts and raisins. Mix well.

Total prep time: 15 minutes



Enjoy!!!

Although yours may not look as fancy as the photo above, I guarantee it will be finger licking good!! When you try it let us know what you think.

Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

Afternoon snack

Did you know that we subconsciously make resolutions everyday? We may not say them out loud but we make resolutions (promises to ourselves) several times a day. Here are some examples:

Today I will get to work on time.
Today I will find a new way to my destination.
Today I will be prepared for work/school.
Today I will remain calm in the face of an angry driver.
Today I will smile more.

Why not take the time to make more significant resolution? With each New Year comes a new resolution that may fall by the wayside come January 31. We tell ourselves to lose weight, get rid of negative people, meet new people and the list goes on. I propose that all of you try something new and make a significant resolution everyday this month. Daily resolutions can range from taking the initiative to start your own business to getting to work 5 minutes early instead of on time.



Don’t wait until another new year to make a resolution, start today! Resolve to change your eating habits instead of going on a diet. Resolve to project a positive outlook on life to attract more positive people. Resolve to limit your spending on unnecessary items from day to day. Most importantly, STICK WITH IT! Share your resolutions with your friend(s) and you can make a pact to help each other change. It will serve as a reminder that someone is traveling on your journey with you and it will make the journey that much more fun.


Grab a pen and pad and start planning. It is time to start living your best life! Resolve to become the best version of yourself EVERYDAY! Remember Young Professionals have a phoenix inside of them. All of us will rise through the flames a new improved version of our old selves!

Post your resolutions in the comment area, you never know who else may have the same resolutions.

Make 2009 jealous!


Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

Lifestyle news: DC is America's new financial capital

Looking for a new start in a new city? Apparently DC is a great place to end up. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal (wait for it) Washington, DC is the new financial capital of America (sorry New Yorkers)!

This new revelation is based on several factors such as employment, vacancy of business offices, and overall financial growth. The recession of 2009 has a severe impact on the big apple.

Bottom line: New York City is bleeding jobs, unemployment is over 10 percent while Washington is booming as government agencies like TARP and the General Services Administration expand.

This is great news for all of my friends of HUSL Today who may be looking for a new place to settle or for a new start. Sources say there is plenty of growth to go around. One down side to this (and I'm sure there are several pros and cons) is that people will begin to migrate to a city already densely populated. If you're looking to relocate, don't overlook DC.

Do not just base your decision on numbers and random news, as a Young Professional aim to make your mark where ever you are!


Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

"C'mon Son!" moment of the day...

In case you missed it, Usher recently lost over $1 million dollars in jewelry, furs, and electronics in a car theft outside of the AT&T store near Lenox Mall (guess he shops like the regular folk). Among the things reportedly taken were two laptops which contained new songs Ursh has been working on. Pardon me while I vent: I dont have 10% of Usher's money and I don't keep valuable stuff in my car which means (in the words of Chris Tucker) if somebody tries to rob me he'll just be practicing!! For underestimating the things people will do to take what you have Usher gets a big C'mon son! Keep a watchful eye for "leaked" songs from Mr. "Sign them papers" himself.

In the mean time, share your "Cmon son!" moment of the day with your HUSL Today friends!



Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

Tell us how you REALLY feel...Cowell set to leave Idol

Tired of being PC on those other blogs? Looking for a place to post your true thoughts about a situation without fear of persecution or being blacklisted? Well here it is! This is the place where you can release your steamy comments. No hold's barred! You can remain anonymous! This is your chance to say what you want and tell us how you REALLY feel!

Background: Simon Cowell, the person who some would say is the true star of American Idol, has announced that he will be leaving Idol following this season in order to shift his efforts to the success of the show "The X Factor." Cowell admits he was offered a lot of money to stay on but insists it is not about the money, he just wants something new. With Cowell gone, will you still tune in to Idol? Does Cowell's decision to leave mean the death of Idol? How will we know who to support just to go against Simon's criticism and prove him wrong?! Further, who is going to have the gonads to tell complete strangers they are tone deaf, unrealistic and infamously crown a new "worst singer in the world?" Do you even care?

Go ahead beautiful people, tell us how you REALLY feel about Cowell leaving Idol!

Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

Image Source
Info Source: The Wall Street Journal

Out the door...Inspirational quote to start your day

Happy Tuesday friends! I hope yesterday's quote helped you overcome the Monday blues. You read the title so you know whats coming-the quote of the day. Here you will find daily inspirational quotes to help you get your day started on a positive note. Before you leave your dwelling take a moment to meditate on the "out the door" quote of the day and make a conscious to decision to make today better than yesterday. Think about what the quote means to you and carry that thought with you throughout your day. Hold on to the personal meaning you find in each quote and use it to inspire you to push through difficult situations.



When a needle falls into a deep well, many people will look into the well, but few will be ready to go down after it.
African Proverb

This quote inspires me to do things others will not do. Is there a big project everyone at work has been avoiding? Is there someone at work no one likes to work with? Is there an assignment YOU have been avoiding? Is there optional reading for class? Today is the day to do things others have avoided. Reach out to that difficult co-worker and accept the seemingly tough assignment everyone else has avoided. It could lead to your greatest success!


Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!