HUSL Today Salutes

Salute to Black Hollywood week continues with...

KeKe Palmer

KeKe Palmer was born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993, in Robbins, Illinois. Palmer's first big break came via her acting skills, making her big screen debut in Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) as Queen Latifah's niece. In only a few years, she has appeared on an episode of the critically acclaimed CBS Show Cold Case (2003), booked a national K-Mart commercial, and was chosen from a nationwide search to play opposite William H. Macy in a TNT movie. Palmer's performance in The Wool Cap (2004) earned her a Screen Actors Guild Nomination, to date, she is the youngest actress (then at age ten) ever to receive a nomination in a Lead Actress Category.

Within 2 years, Palmer appeared landed a leading role as Akeelah Anderson in the critically acclaimed, award-winning film Akeelah and the Bee (2006).  Her debut single, "All My Girlz", is featured on the Akeelah and the Bee soundtrack. Later that same year, Palmer appeared in Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion (2006), which was number #1 at the box office for two consecutive weeks.

Palmer went on to win a 2007 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee (2006). She also received a ShoWest Award for Rising Star of the Year. Shortly after, Palmer lit up the small screen starring in the Disney Channel's hit movie Jump In! (2007) (TV). KeKe also landed a role in the feature film, Cleaner in 2007.

In 2008, Palmer began her starring role as the title character in Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP. Palmer also performs the theme song for the series. Check out the theme song below.



At the 2010 BET Awards, Palmer was awarded YoungStars Award. She beat out Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez, 17; Willow Smith, 9 year; comedian/actor/musician Lil JJ, 19, and 17 year old Everybody Hates Chris star Tyler James Williams.

KeKe is making waves in hollywood as a young, black and beautiful young woman. Holding her own against acting giants like Angela Basset and Eva Mendez has helped KeKe make her mark as a household name in Hollywood. Palmer currently stars in Nickelodeon's True Jackson, VP. Follow her on twitter @KeKeinAction!

Random fact: Did you know my friends call me KeeKey (pronounced Key-Key)? Gotta love us!

HUSL Today Salutes KeKe Palmer!!!

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 30

Whitney Houston!!

What better way to end the month than with one of the greatest love songs of all time??



Fast facts:
*Whitney Houston's (1992) version of the song became one of the best-selling singles of all time. The single spent 14 weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, which at the time was a record.
*The single became Houston's longest run at number 1, beating her previous record of three weeks with 1986's, "Greatest Love of All." It is also the longest running number 1 single from a soundtrack album.
*Houston's version was a massive worldwide success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide^.
*It became a regular on countdown lists: appearing at number 8 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the Past 25 Years; number 4 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s and number 1 on VH1's 100 Greatest Love Songs.
*The song also lists at number 68 on Billboard's Greatest Songs of all time.


Sidenote: We will continue the African American Music Appreciation Month through the end of this week.

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

Good morning friends! Happy Hump day!

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman

My elementary school teacher told me once that the best thing you can give the world is yourself. The worst thing you can rob the world of is your talent. With that said, I encourage you all to go on a journey to find yoursef and to hone in on your talents. You were blessed with your personality and your gifts for a reason, take steps to show them to the world!

HUSL Today Salutes

Salute to Black Hollywood week continues with....

Nicholas Scott "Nick" Cannon

Nick Cannon was born on October 8, 1980, in San Diego, California. As a teenager, Cannon formed the rap duo "Da Bomb Squad" with his best friend Steve Groves; they opened for the likes of Will Smith, LFO, 98 Degrees, and Montell Jordan.


After signing with Jive Records in 2001, he was featured alongside Lil' Romeo and 3LW on the Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius soundtrack with a cover of the 1988 hit song "Parents Just Don't Understand".[13] His debut self titled album was released in 2003 and included the single "Your Pops Don't Like Me".

I remember when this vid premiered on Nickelodeon. My favorite line was "Its Nick the cat you aint used to. The rapper actor comedian slash producer."

He is an actor, comedian, rapper, and television personality. On television, Cannon began as a teenage sketch comedian on All That before going on to host The Nick Cannon Show, Wild 'N Out, and America's Got Talent. He acted in the films Drumline, Love Don't Cost a Thing, and Roll Bounce. As a rapper, he released a self-titled debut album in 2003 with the hit single "Gigolo", a collaboration with singer R. Kelly. In 2006, Cannon recorded singles "Dime Piece" and "My Wife" but the album was never released.

In 2005, Cannon produced and hosted the MTV improv comedy series Wild 'N Out. In 2009, He hosted the fourth season of America's Got Talent and is currently hosting the fifth season. Check out a few clips from Wild'n out. There's a little something for everyone.

Cannon married singer Mariah Carey in 2008. The former Nickelodeon star and MTV Networks personality is now the Chairman of TeenNick and the development and creative consultant on the network. Cannon started hosting a morning show from 6-10AM at 92.3 NOW FM in New York on January 19, 2010. You can keep up with Nick on his blog called "Rolling with Nick" here.

HUSL Today Salutes Nick Cannon!!! 

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 29

Tina Turner!!

Fast Facts:
It is ranked #309 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
It is ranked #38 on Songs of the Century. It was the 17th best-selling single of 1984 in the UK.
The music video claimed the "Best Female Video" award at the MTV video awards in 1985.
The song received the following awards at the 1985 Grammy Awards:


Record of the Year
Song of the Year
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Turner also wrote I, Tina with Kurt Loder which was adapted as a screenplay for Whats Love Got to Do With It? It chronicled her rise to fame and her experience in a domestic violence relationship with her then husband Ike Turner.

Check out what is arguably the most famous scene below:

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

Good morning friends! Check out today's quote:

"What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists...and it becomes available only when you are in that state of mind in which you know exactly what you want...and are fully determined not to quit until you get it."

~ Alexander Graham Bell

HUSL Today Salutes

O'shea "Ice Cube" Jackson

O'shea Jackson was born on June 15, 1969, in South Central Los Angeles, California. He was educated in Los Angeles and that is also where he developed his love for rap music. 

Music:
Starting in 1987 with friend Sir Jinx, Jackson formed the C.I.A., and they performed at parties hosted by Dr. Dre. In 1987, Jackson and Dr. Dre released the single My Posse, under the alias CIA. The following year they teamed up with Eazy-E to release NWA's landmark album Straight Outta Compton.

Check out one of their singles form the album which shares its namesake. Warning: explicit lyrics

Throughout the 90s Jackson recorded several albums including AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (1990). In the same year as AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, Jackson released the acclaimed EP, Kill At Will which became the first hip hop EP to go both Gold and Platinum. The Predator was released in 1992 and became his best selling album with 3 million copies sold in the US. Jackson followed with Lethal Injection (1993). After 1994, he took a hiatus from rap and focused on film and developing the careers of other rappers like Mack 10. In 1996, Jackson formed Westside Connection with Mack 10 and WC, and together they released an album called Bow Down. Thanks, in part, to Jackson's contributions, gangster rap became a huge success in the '90s and west coast rappers earned respect in east coast markets. In 2006, Jackson released his seventh solo album, Laugh Now, Cry Later. He released his eighth studio album, Raw Footage, on August 19, 2008.

Movies.
In 1990, Jackson found himself in the role of 'Doughboy' in John Singleton's hood-based drama, Boyz N the Hood. Following his role as 'Doughboy' in Boyz n the Hood, in 1992 he starred alongside Ice-T, and Bill Paxton in Walter Hill's action film, Trespass, and then in The Glass Shield. After being encouraged by John Singleton, Jackson wrote the screenplay for what became the 1995 comedy Friday, in which he also starred, alongside then-upcoming comedian Chris Tucker. Jackson also released the title track for the movie (check it below). Friday became a hit, earning $28 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget, and spawned two sequels, Next Friday and Friday After Next.

Friday


Read on for info on his credits as a director, writer and producer

Watch Elena Kagan's Confirmation Hearing LIVE

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Sen. Robert Byrd, Longest Serving Member of Congress dies

Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), the longest-serving member of Congress in American history, died Monday at the age of 92. Byrd was the president pro tempore of the Senate and third in line to the presidency.




In all, Byrd's congressional career spanned 12 presidencies, numerous wars, countless political movements, and nearly the full arc of the civil rights movement. Once a staunch segregationist and a member of the Ku Klux Klan, Byrd endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008 and praised his fellow Democrat as a "good Christian."


In addition to serving the most years in Congress -- 57 -- Byrd also cast the most votes of any U.S. senator -- more than 18,500. He also held the records for being elected to the most full terms in Senate history, with nine; of being the longest-serving member on any Senate committee; and of holding the most Senate leadership positions, including Senate majority leader (twice) and Senate minority leader.
Here are some quotes from Senator Byrd:

“..at the White House, the subject of terrorism now means the subject of our invasion of Iraq. The President waves the bloody shirt of 9-11 and then subtly shifts the conversation to Iraq. The only problem is that the President’s attempts to tie Saddam Hussein to the 9-11 attacks have no basis in fact. By speaking of al Qaeda in one breath, and Iraq in the next, he has devised a construct for confusing the American people about the real threat to our country. And his strategy has worked: according to a recent Washington Post poll, seven in ten Americans believe that Saddam Hussein is behind the September 11 attacks.” September 10th, 2003

“Our emperor says that we are not occupiers, yet we show no inclination to relinquish the country of Iraq to its people. Those who have dared to expose the nakedness of the Administration’s policies in Iraq have been subjected to scorn. Those who have noticed the elephant in the room — that is, the fact that this war was based on falsehoods – have had our patriotism questioned. Those who have spoken aloud the thought shared by hundreds of thousands of military families across this country, that our troops should return quickly and safely from the dangers half a world away, have been accused of cowardice. We have then seen the untruths, the dissembling, the fabrication, the misleading inferences surrounding this rush to war in Iraq wrapped quickly in the flag.” October 17, 03

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.

Source: PoliticsDaily.com

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 29

The self proclaimed "Best Rapper Alive"
His mixtapes are highly anticipated.

Fans quote his lyrics and his Young Money crew has found success during his prison stint







Fast facts:
With his last release, The Carter III, Weezy became the first person to sell a million records in his first week since 50 Cent's 2005 LP The Massacre.



And yes, this means I'm giving him a pass for introducing the world to the Harajuku Barbie.

Out the door...inspirational quotes to start your day

Good morning friends! Let's get our Monday off to a positive start with today's quote:

What saves a (wo)man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Every journey starts with taking the first step. With every step you take the next one will become easier. Before you know it you will be jogging then running then sprinting! What are you waiting for? Take your first step!




Sidenote: How about True Blood and Boondocks?! Talk about great tv. #Sundaynightlineup

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 27

My oh my how time flies!! Its day 27 already??! Sheesh!
I couldn't reduce this post to just one song. Hence, I give you my top 4 Marvin Gaye hits!

1. What's Going On?

I still ask this question everyday. What's going on?

2. Sexual Healing.


I know its Sunday but what the hay, I love this song. Some of you have this man to thank for your very existence. He was the master of "baby making" music and his tunes still help to get people "in the mood" today.

3. Lets Get it on.



4.I heard it Through the Grapevine.

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 26

I know its the weekend but there is so much about African American Music Month that we haven't covered. It suddenly feels like a month is not long enough. I listen to and research African American music regularly, dont be shocked if I share it more often. Why? Because sharing is caring

Ladies and gentlemen of HUSL Today take a listen to the 5 time Grammy Award-winner Barry White!!!



Fast Facts:
Can't Get Enough is soul singer Barry White's third album. Released in 1974 it is one of White's most successful albums, featuring the hit "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" which placed #1 on US charts. The song "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" reached #2 on both US and Dance charts. In 2003, the album was ranked number 281 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Bonus! Just in case you can't get enough of Barry, scroll down for one more hit!







Practice what you preach!!

...now that darkness is upon us

Dont resist it. You know you want to pretend you're in the video! Judge me all you want, I'm practicing my turns now! *giggles*



How many of you were afraid to watch this video in the dark as a child? *Raises Hand* I was!

For all of you concert lovers, below is the live version


Although the sun has set on "King of Pop Friday," I encourage all of you to appreciate your blessings today because you never know when they will be taken from you. The sun set on Michael Jackson a year ago and the world proclaimed he was gone too soon. He lived a life of torture and harsh judgment, feelings that still plague his family after his death. Before you judge an artist or a celebrity for what you thought they were, remember they have a team of people around them creating personas. Try not to take it personal when they do things outside of what you believe is their character. Reflect on how you would feel if every misstep you have made was broadcast worldwide. Although they are artists who have the chance of a lifetime, love them as people and try to imagine the amount of pressure they are under to keep their fans (us) satisfied.

Caution: You are About to Watch a Master at Work

"King of Pop Friday" continues...

Michael Jackson was a legendary performer. I'm comfortable with saying that. I'm also comfortable with saying he was one of the greatest performers to ever live. Its ok if you dont agree with me, different opinions are normal. I never got to see him live, but from his HBO specials to the wonderful invention that is YouTube I got to witness his remarkable performances. Although he gave his all for every performance, here are the top 5(in no particular order):

1.Billie Jean. Who could forget the very first time they saw Mike moonwalk? By the time you read this post I will be in my kitchen in my silk socks sliding all over the place.



2. Black or White and Will You be There?


3. Beat it.


4.Man in the Mirror & The Way You Make Me Feel


5. Jam, Billie Jean & Black & White at the 1993 Superbowl.


Share your favorite moments...

Links of the Week

Here is a recap of this week's links.

Youtube clip of the week:

Legal News:  

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/In-Law-Schools-Grades-Go-Up-nytimes-2254546658.html?x=0

http://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/56143

International News: 

Update on Haiti: Reconstruction efforts stalled 5 months after the earthquake devastated the island nation. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/cb_haiti_earthquake 

Update on Jamaica: Alleged drug lord in police custody. http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Alleged-Jamaican-Drug-Lord-Coke-in-Police-Custody-96968839.html

Update on FIFA World Cup. USA1-0 Algeria: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2010/06/23/usa-vs-algeria-2010-world-cup-live-blog/?icid=main

Lifestyle News:

There is a $75M Mansion for sale near Orlando 'as is.' http://www.nj.com/shopping/index.ssf/2010/06/the_75_million_dollar_mansion.html

Check out this article for tips on launching your nonprofit! http://www.gaebler.com/Launching-a-Nonprofit.htm

Dr. Phil tackles Cyber bullying http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/06/24/McGraw.cyber.bully/

Sports news: Giants rookie Chad Jones hurt in car accident. http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/other_nfl/view.bg?articleid=1264038&srvc=rss

While you're here, scroll to your right and follow HUSL Today on Facebook and Twitter! 

HUSL Today Salutes

Michael Jackson

Today is the anniversary of the death of the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I know you may be feeling bombarded by all of the television specials, video dedications, news spots, etc. This is going to increase two-fold because it is African American Music Appreciation Month and who made greater contributions than the King?

In honor of his contributions, HUSL Today has declared today "King of Pop Friday!"

Today's salute is unconventional in that it is all about Jackson's music. Take a moment and listen to a few tunes:

PYT:


Dirty Diana:


Smooth Criminal:



Share your favorite MJJ tune amongst friends.

Its still so hard to grasp his absence. His family, friends and fans are in my prayers.

HUSL Today Salutes Michael Jackson!!!

Out the Door...Inspirational Quote to Start Your Day

Good Morning friends!!! 

“Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.”

-Unknown

In honor of Friday,  do your best work today. Finish your week strong! I know you can do it. You know you can do it. Dont hold back. Welcome all challenges as an opportunity for growth and a pay raise. Its our time to shine!

Hit the ground running!

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 24

*In my best announcer voice*

The Pants
The Dance
The catchy lyrics.

Ladies and gentlemen, today's music break is with the one and only MC Hammer!!!




Fast Facts:
MC Hammer's 1990 hit signature song, from his album Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em. The album sold more than 10 million copies due primarily to this single, and gaining multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA, and other Recording Industries.
 The song earned Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Rap Solo Performance in 1991, a brand new category at the time.
It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The single was also a big success in other parts of the world, peaking at #1 in Australia, the Netherlands and Sweden, and #3 on the UK singles chart.

Stop...Hammertime! 

HUSL Today Salutes

Sylvester Croom

Sylvester Croom was born September 25, 1954 in Tuscaloosa, AL. He began his football career as a star player at Tuscaloosa High School as a linebacker and tight end. Croom first enjoyed achievement at Alabama as a player under Bryant, lettering for three seasons (1972-74), and starting the final two at center, helping the Tide to a 22-2 overall record as a starter. During his playing career with the Tide, Alabama captured three straight SEC titles and the national championship in 1973. The Crimson Tide went to the Cotton, Sugar and Orange Bowls during his playing career.


As a senior captain, the 6-0, 229-pound Croom was named all-SEC and a Kodak All-America, in addition to earning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the league. He earned a trip to the 1975 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., for his standout play.

"I'm just a guy trying to do the best job he can. It just happens that the timing of my hiring puts me in that position. I don't see myself that way. If other people perceive that, so be it. I'm just trying to do the best I can here."

-Croom addressing whether he saw himself as a "trailblazer"

Croom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history with a minor in biology from the University of Alabama in 1975 at the age of twenty and while a graduate student and coach there earned a master's degree in educational administration in 1977.


On December 1, 2003 Mississippi State University made history when then-Mississippi State athletic director Larry Templeton hired Croom as the head football coach. This made Croom the first African American head coach in the SEC.

 "There's much more at stake here than football. The fact that I'm African American, that I'm the State football coach -- well, I think it will have a positive impact on race relations in the state of Mississippi, and how the rest of the country views Mississippi. The place has changed a great deal. I don't know how many people outside here understand that. But they're about to find out."

 
Croom is the current running backs coach of the St. Louis Rams. The Alabama coaching staff now awards the “Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellence Award” each spring in honor of Croom's dedication during his stint as a player there.  

HUSL Today Salutes Sylvester Croom!!!

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

Good morning friends! Its time for today's quote:

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.”-Douglas H. Everett

Its day 24 of "Visions to Reality" month, have you made any progress?? Its ok if you havent. Take time to reflect about what has held you back. Be brutally honest with yourself. Make a to-do list and prioritize the tasks. You should start to feel more excited with each task you cross off.

If you have been working towards your dream, that is absolutely wonderful and I look forward to updates from you. If you dont like the direction of your life and you want to live your dream stop saying it and start taking action!!

Sidenote: Look for my updates by the end of this month. 

You know the drill. You see the ground. Strap up your running shoes and hit the ground running!!

Political News: President relieves General McChrystal of his Afghan command

President Obama has named Gen. David Petraeus to replace McChrystal as the leader of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan

In a Rose Garden address, Obama said he was sacking McChrystal "with considerable regret but also with the certainty it is the right thing to do."

While professing admiration for McChrystal, Obama said that the general's trash-talking of the chain of command "does not meet the standard that should be met by a commanding general."

McChrystal's resignation had been expected after his blatant show of disloyalty in mocking the civilian leadership in a Rolling Stone magazine article.

Sidenote: Darn you Donald Trump! Everytime I hear someone is fired, I picture THIS!

Random: *This* is HUSL Today's 400th post! 

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 23

Communities are split on their feelings about Beyonce, but one thing you cannot deny is that she is a trend setter. She had thousands of women singing "to the left to the left" and "if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it"




Fast Facts:
The tune is Knowles' fifth solo single to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked in the top 10 in various countries.

The song was ranked #1 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the Best 100 Singles of 2008 and number two on MTV's list of the Best Songs of 2008.

The choreography-driven video achieved great success, prompting a legion of imitations and parodies, and started a major dance craze.

The song's music video was nominated in nine categories for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and won three, including Best Choreography and Video of the Year.

It also won Video of the Year at the 2009 BET Awards, the 2009 MOBO awards, and the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards. It won the Song of the Year at the 2009 Soul Train Awards, and won Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 52nd Grammy Awards ceremony.

"Single Ladies" is ranked as the number two Best Song of the Decade in Rolling Stone magazine's Reader's Poll.The song appeared at number 50 on the magazine's critics' list of the 100 Best Songs of the Decade.

Just for laughs, click here to check out Justin's parody of the video for SNL.

FIFA World Cup Updates: USA 1-0 Algeria

Congratulations to the USA. They go through as group winners after a 1-0 victory over Algeria, secured with almost the last kick of the match by Landon Donovan.

Landon DONOVAN has been elected MAN OF THE MATCH

Go USA!!!

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

Good morning friends! Happy Hump Day! Here is today's quote: 

"None of us come into the world fully formed. We would not know how to think, or walk or speak, or behave as human beings unless we learned it from other human beings. We need other human beings in order to be human. I am because other people are."

-Desmond Tutu

The message: Dont ever think you go where you are today on your own. You didnt change your own diapers and you didnt breastfeed yourself. I know its a bit more sentimetnal today, but take the time to thank the people who were there for you before you became the person you are today. If you can read this post, you should thank your teachers. Thank your parents and whoever pushed you to get your education. Thank your maker for waking you up this morning. Everything you have is a blessing. Everyone you have is a treasure. Take good care of everything in your life and it will take care of you.

By the way, Desmond Tutu's Believe is a wonderful read!

Music Break: African American Music Appreciation Month, Day 22

What would African American music appreciation month be without a celebration of gospel music? Whats more African American than a black church and gospel music? Dont answer that.



Fast facts:
Since his debut, 1993's Kirk Franklin & the Family, Kirk Franklin has been one of the brightest stars in contemporary gospel music.
The album spent 100 weeks on the gospel charts, crossed over to the R&B charts, and became the first gospel debut album to go platinum.

Kirk Franklin revolutionized gospel music with his soulful tunes and appeal with a wider audience. Franklin faced stark criticism for his association with hip hop artists and his performance style but he did not let that steer him away from his work. He worked with artists like R. Kelly and Mary J. Blige while creating music videos many thought were more hip hop than gospel.


Post your favorite gospel song by an African American artist in the comment section. Sharing is well you know by now...

HUSL Today Presents: So you wanna start a blog??

Whether you want your blog to be rich in content or if you want to use it as a means to make you rich, I encourage you all to explore the rich vs poor dichotomy, which could serve as an eye opener for you.

1. Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people play the money game to not lose.

This is true for money and blogging because the principals can apply to either. Successful bloggers play the game to win; unsuccessful bloggers play to not lose. They don’t have the mindset to concentrate on the win and working hard to achieve the win; successful bloggers do.

2. Rich people think big. Poor people think small.

Successful bloggers literally think big. They think in terms of being at the top in their field or niche. They worked hard to grow their blog and their readership. Having a small blog never entered their minds. They wanted it to be big and successful. They also kept trying until it became big and successful.

3. Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus on obstacles.

Successful bloggers look for opportunities. They do not think about the obstacles in their way, they simply work around them until they find success.

Writers also have a lot of trouble with this one. And fear is a main cause of focusing on what stands in the way instead of the prize that awaits. We all panic. To be a success this is one of the most important things we can change about our mindset.

4. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion.

How many successful people do you see who are afraid to sell and promote themselves? None of them. Maybe they were in the beginning, but once they overcame that fear, they began seeing success. The same is true for bloggers. Find a way to tell people about your blog. Promote yourself as much as possible and be confident about it.

5. Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor people choose to get paid based on time.

Think about this one for a second. What is your pay scale? Is it based on your time or your productivity. If many of us changed our pay scale from time to productivity we would get paid pennies! Ooops did I step on your toes??  Successful people concentrate on the result and set their own wage according to those results.

Most writers don’t focus on how long a project will take them to finish, they focus on the end result. Some projects can be done in a very short amount of time making an hourly wage very lucrative, other projects may take longer, but the writer and the client can be proud of the end result instead of how much time it took.


Remember, becoming successful should always be a work in progress.


Most successful bloggers can offer some tips for successful blogging. Some people develop methods based on experience. Others simply offer what they’ve been told—like post often, link often, and be yourself. I will be the first to admit that there are no "surefire" ways to make your blog successful. You will not hear me say "follow these 10 tips and become a millionaire blogger" because what works for one blogger may not work for the next one.

HUSL Today Salutes

Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky on March 4, 1877. His early childhood was spent attending school and working on the family farm with his brothers and sisters.

Businesses
In 1907, the inventor opened his own sewing equipment and repair shop. It was the first of several businesses he would establish. In 1909, he expanded the enterprise to include a tailoring shop that employed 32 employees. In 1920, Garrett Morgan moved into the newspaper business when he established the Cleveland Call. As the years went on, he became a prosperous and widely respected business man.

The gas mask
On July 25, 1916, Garrett Morgan made national news for using his gas mask to rescue 32 men trapped during an explosion in an underground tunnel 250 feet beneath Lake Erie. Morgan and a team of volunteers donned the new "gas masks" and went to the rescue. After the rescue, Morgan's company received requests from fire departments around the country who wished to purchase the new masks. The Morgan gas mask was later refined for use by U.S. Army during World War I. In 1914, Garrett Morgan was awarded a patent for a Safety Hood and Smoke Protector. Two years later, a refined model of his early gas mask won a gold medal at the International Exposition of Sanitation and Safety, and another gold medal from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

The traffic signal
After witnessing a collision between an automobile and a horse-drawn carriage, Garrett Morgan took his turn at inventing a traffic signal. Other inventors had experimented with, marketed, and even patented traffic signals, however, Garrett Morgan was one of the first to apply for and acquire a U.S. patent for an inexpensive to produce traffic signal. The patent was granted on November 20, 1923. Garrett Morgan also had his invention patented in Great Britain and Canada.

Garrett Morgan stated in his patent for the traffic signal,

"This invention relates to traffic signals, and particularly to those which are adapted to be positioned adjacent the intersection of two or more streets and are manually operable for directing the flow of traffic...In addition, my invention contemplates the provision of a signal which may be readily and cheaply manufactured."

Morgan invented a zig-zag stitching attachment for manually operated sewing machine. He also founded a company that made personal grooming products, such as hair dying ointments and the curved-tooth pressing comb.

Garrett Morgan was an inventor and businessman from Cleveland who is best known for inventing a device called the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector in 1914.

HUSL Today Salutes Garrett Morgan!!!

Out the door...inspirational quotes to start your day

Good morning friends! Happy Tuesday!!

The one thing that matters is the effort.  It continues, whereas the end to be attained is but an illusion of the climber, as he fares on and on from crest to crest; and once the goal is reached it has no meaning.  ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.  ~Thomas Jefferson

Today is the day to put in hard work! There is no room for excuses on a journey to the top. Stop waiting for a "lucky break" or for "get rich quick" schemes and keep working to make your own way. When one door closes, use your talents as a bulldozer to create another doorway. Aim for an "A" for effort!

Hit the ground running!!!

HUSL Today Salutes

James A. Emanuel

James A. Emanuel was born on June 15, 1921 in Alliance, Nebraska.  Emanuel is a published poet, scholar, and critic. As a poet, Emanuel has published more than 300 poems and 13 individual books. Emanuel has been called one of the best, and most overlooked, poets of his time. Critics have put forward several reasons for Emanuel's poetry being neglected by the larger literary world, including the fact that Emanuel writes more traditional poetic forms, that he no longer lives in the United States, and the fact that he refuses to take part in the politically correct world of Black academia. 

Emanuel is also credited with creating a new literary genre, jazz-and-blues haiku, which he has read to musical accompaniment throughout Europe and Africa. For this creation he was awarded the Sidney Bechet Creative Award in 1996. He was also awarded the Dean's Award for Distinguished Achievement in 2007 from Columbia University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and has also been honored with a John Hay Whitney Award, a Saxton Memorial Fellowship, and a Special Distinction Award from the Black American Literature Forum.


His books include Jazz from the Haiku King (1999), Whole Grain: Collected Poems, 1958–1989 (1990), The Broken Bowl: New and Uncollected Poems (1983), Black Man Abroad: The Toulouse Poems (1978), and At Bay (1969). He is also the author of Langston Hughes (1967) and the editor, with Theodore L. Gross, of Dark Symphony: Negro Literature in America (1968).

You can check out a few of Emanuel's works by clicking here. An expatriate African-American, Emanuel lives in Paris.

HUSL Today Salutes James Emanuel!!!

Music Monday: A tribute to the dirty south

Warning: Explicit and wreckless content is contained herein.

Its Day 21 of African American Music Appreciation month and this post was inspired by both the 2010 hip hop honors on vh1 and my southern upbringing.

With Vulgar Lyrics and a catchy chorus, Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell and his 2 live crew dominated the southern hip hop scene. Amid much controversy because of their lyrics, the crew fought for their 1st Amendment rights all the way to our nations highest court and won. Luke and his team brought "booty music" to the forefront where it has remained ever since.


I once heard Uncle Luke say he got the idea for this song while traveling overseas when a prostitute came up to him offering her services by saying "ooh me so horny me love you long time." It made me giggle.

Jermaine Dupri. Using big time collabo's with artists like Jagged Edge, Jay Z, Jermaine Dupri grabbed the reigns of southern hip hop and put ATL on the map both as an artist and as a producer.



Lil Jon. The self-proclaimed King of "Crunk" quickly rose to fame with his catchy lyrics and extra hype rapping style. His music has been known to get even the conservative people "crunk."


Who could forget his signature 3 words?! Say it with me: Whaaaattt??? Yeeeaaaaa! Ooooooookkkkkk!

More after the jump.
Boncrusher.


I give him credit for starting this shirtless rappers mess. Please make it stop! Shouts to TI who shined with his verse on this song.

Paul Wall. Whats more southern than gold teeth and iced out grillz?? Reports say Paul Wall made his way into hip hop through his popular grillz which allowed him to gain notoreity. He then worked to become a top hip hop artists.


Missy Elliot and Timbaland. In terms of creativity, Missy Elliot doesnt have much competition. Her videos are always visually appealing and her lyrics make you want to get up and have a good time.



I couldnt get the embed code for The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), but you can click here to watch it.

Master P and No Limit. Master P dominated the 90s with his N'awlins swag. His story about how he turned a $10,000 inheritance into millions is captivating to say the least. He operated solely underground before he surfaced as a producer and a rapper releasing back to back successful gangsta rap albums.


Sidenote: Darn it if Silk da Shocker didnt ruin every song rapping off beat

Bonus: DJ Khaled




Its your turn to share. Whats your favorite song from a southern artist? Sharing is Caring...

An Abundance of Treasure or a Pile of Junk?!?

The Backstory: I needed an iron. As the savvy shopper that I am I wanted to shop around and see what was out there. I have never purchased an iron before so I wanted to see what I could get for my money. A quick search of “iron” at Target.com (or Tar-Jay for my bourgeoisie readers) returned 1505 results. After I narrowed the results, I discovered over 300 different types of irons with more features than I care to discuss. You get the picture.



Flashback to 1999 when I got my first cell phone. It looked like this.  Under strict instructions from my dad, it was to be used "for emergencies only." There was no issue with texting or minutes and only one of my friends had a cell phone. The most I could do to customize it was add a swanky Winnie the Pooh case for $20. I was extra gik'd when the key pads started coming in different colors. Then came headsets and light up antennas. The big thing back then was to have your own home phone line seperate from your parents' line and my sisters and I were blessed to have that. The rest is history.




Random fact about me: I can be indecisive. I am one of those people who has been eating at McDonald’s all of my life but when its time to order I still take a few moments to look at the menu. When I get cash back at a register it takes me a moment to decide how I want my $20. I could get one $20 bill, 2 $10 bills, 4 $5 bills, 1 $10 bill and 2 $5 bills and the list goes on. If I can't decide between two pairs of shoes I usually just get both pair. See what I mean? Good.


Stick with me I have a point.


The fact of the matter is that we have become a generation characterized by over consumption. Imagine a typical dinner.
These are just some of the choices you will make:
Before you start to prepare dinner you have a choice of tops, bottoms, belts, and shoes.
You have a choice of meats, veggies, starches and drinks.
You choose beef, pork, chicken, lamb, turkey or go vegetarian.
You choose fresh canned or frozen veggies.
You choose fresh herbs or store-bought canisters.
You choose alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
You choose dessert.
You choose dental floss or a toothpick.


Not only do we want different types of everything but our choices must be visually appealing as well. The phenomenon has even reached chewing gum manufacturers as evidenced by Orbit's promos of their new stylish packages. Not only do we accessorize our outfits, we accessorize our pets, our cars, our cellphones and our mp3 players. We dont want to hear the phone ring with the traditional sound, we want custom ring tones. We also want our callers to hear a special tune as well so we pay a little extra for ring back tones. Our options teeter on the thin line between exhibiting the power of consumers and ridiculous varieties we really don’t need. The problem with this is we translate our wants into needs. Who needs to match their iphone case with their outfit? Who needs a 4G network or the Evo? Who needs 900 television channels? Who needs 7 cars? I'll make this easy for you, NO ONE! No matter what you tell yourself these things are not necessary.


More after the jump.

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

Good Morning everyone! Happy Monday! Here is today's quote: 

 Life's greatest accomplishments are those that at first seem
           impossible. -Unknown

 

People will tell you that your dreams are impossible and that you are unreasonable. Everyone has met these types of people. They failed at their lives and have nothing better to do than to kill your dreams. Misery loves company! Re-read the last statement again.

Before I left for college there were people telling me I would flunk out in one semester. They said I wasnt as smart as everyone thought. They said I wouldnt make it. When I graduated, the same people who sat on their imaginary high horse and told me I would flunk out were doing the exact same thing they were doing when I left NOTHING! Do not listen to those people. Listen to your heart and follow your passion. Don't let "dream killers" infiltrate your circle and if they have grab a big boot and kick em out asap!


Hit the ground running!

HUSL Today Salutes

FATHERS! 

Its a day especially for our father's and what better way to celebrate than to share the fatherly love with others?! Check out the photos of beautiful celebs and their papas. 

 In cute news of the day, Sasha and Malia Obama gifted dad POTUS Obama a Lakers Jersey personalized with his name on the back. Gotta love the first family.

Sidenote: We are gearing up for a huge salute to fathers in the coming year. If you would like to feature your father, send an email to HUSLToday1@gmail.com for further info.

Happy Father's Day!! 

Music Break: An ode to fathers

Its Day 18 of African American Music Month and what better way to end the week than to pay tribute to our fathers!!!

Luther Vandross "Dance with my father again"



James Brown "Papas Got a brand new bag"


More after the jump.

Sharing is Caring: US v. Slovenia ends in draw

Source: http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2010/06/18/usa-v-slovenia-disallowed-goal-video-koman-coulibaly/

JOHANNESBURG -- If only the United States could produce when it wasn't completely desperate, it might be a World Cup contender.


Incredibly, despite falling behind by two goals in the first half against Slovenia on Friday afternoon, the Americans were one lousy call away from a stunning victory thanks to another stirring comeback. Instead, it will have to settle for a 2-2 draw that, at least, maintains its hopes of advancing to the second round until next week's first round finale.

Click below to watch the footage and judge for yourself.

The Key Plays: Slovenia simply was better at the basics of soccer than the U.S., especially in the first half. Their passes were more accurate, their trapping was more sound and they were far smarter with their movement off the ball. That difference in quality resulted in two goals.

The first was a 25-yard blast from midfielder Valter Birsa, who found loads of space behind the U.S. midfield and in front of the defense in just the 13th minute. The second came in the 42nd, when some quick passing freed Zlatan Ljubijankic down the left. He slid a smart shot past a charging Tim Howard.


U.S. coach Bob Bradley replaced the struggling Jose Torres and forward Robbie Findley for the start of the second half, inserting Benny Feilhaber in midfield and pushing Clint Dempsey up front. Maurice Edu filled in in central midfield. Within minutes, the motivated Americans resurrected their hopes and pulled to within one. Steve Cherundolo hit a long ball down the right that Landon Donovan collected in the corner. Rather than cut the ball back, he charged toward the near post and lifted a perfect blast into the roof of the net.

More after the jump...

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

Good Morning All!!! Happy Friday! TGIF! Thank heavens its payday and do a little dance to celebrate! Here are today's quotes:

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

-Henry Ford

“I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”
-Unknown

I'm sure you've been told things like "You cant spell SUCCESS without U but there is no I in TEAM!" or "No man is an island"or "success doesnt mean as much without someone to share it with". Blah de blah de blah. Today its all about teamwork! Form alliances with people you trust and support each other!

Need ideas? Take a queue from Forrest Gump and Bubba around the 3:09 mark.



Hit the ground running!

Music Break

Day 17 of African American Music Appreciation Month and its all about Motown!



If you are looking for the start of the boy band craze,do not start with Nsync or Backstreet Boys. It began before they were referred to as "Boy Bands." It began with the amazing harmony that was Motown's artists. This post is dedicated to all of Motown's artists that contributed to changing the face of the music industry. We start with The Temptations!

Fast Facts:

My Girl" is a 1964 song recorded by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label which became a number one hit in 1965.
The song became the Temptations' first U.S. number-one single, and is today their signature song.
The single was also the first number-one hit on the reinstated Billboard R&B Singles chart, which had gone on a fifteen-month hiatus from 1963 to 1965.
The success of this single launched a series of David Ruffin-led hits, including "It's Growing" (1965), "Since I Lost My Baby" (1965), "My Baby" (1965), "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (1966), "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" (1966), "(I Know) I'm Losing You" (1966), "All I Need" (1967), "(Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need" (1967), "I Wish It Would Rain" (1967), and "I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)" (1968).

Speaking of David Ruffin, click here to check out one of my favorite scenes from "The Temptations" movie.

"There's only one David Ruffin! Without him, the Temps aint nothing but a group in search of a David Ruffin!"

Enjoy!

HUSL Today Salutes

Lisa Price

Image source: http://kingsrowefashion.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/lisa.jpg

Its the return of the salute and who better to salute than the maker of my favorite products (I could realistically open my own store). Enough about me, its time to get down to business.

Fast facts about Lisa Price:
She was born on May 18, 1962 in Brooklyn, New York.
She studied pre-law at City College in New York.

She was a messenger for the United Nations.

She was a writers assistant for The Cosby Show.

She was a script coordinator for Lifetime TV.

Carol's Daughter is a line of natural beauty products with over 300 items.

The timeline:
She started with fragrances in 1989, making stuff in her kitchen before "natural products" were popular. All of her products are completely natural which means they do not contain petroleum, or anything like that. She proclaims she was encouraged by her mother, Carol, and she started selling at church and flea markets, and was selling out.
In 1990-1993 she invested $100 and expanded her line by making creams and lotions.
In 1999 Price added mail-order, website and walk-in customers and she opened her first store in Brooklyn.

To encourage a young lady who had recently quit her job Price said

"You hated that job and it made you feel sick, so why would quitting be bad?' Even if there was weakness involved, and you could have stuck it out, you have to let it go and forgive yourself. You were weak once. Forgive yourself and you'll succeed again and be stronger."

In 2002, Carol's Daughter products, all created by Price in her kitchen, generated $2.25 million in sales, Price said, thanks in part to endorsements by some high-profile clients. She has celebrity endorsements from hip hop royalty including Beyonce and Jay-Z, Mary J Blige, Will & Jada Smith, Jimmy Lovine, Thalia and others. She was also touted by Oprah which lead to a feature on CNBC's "The Oprah Effect." Check the video below.
Image source: http://www.talkingmakeup.com/pics/carols/tui2.jpg



More after the jump.

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

Good morning all!!!

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life."

- Confucius

"If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track, which has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living."

- Joseph Campbell

Today is all about spreading the love! Ask yourself if you would continue on your career path if you suddenly came into $5 million. If the answer is yes then I encourage you to continue working with passion and love. If your answer is no then I encourage you to find a way to make money doing what you love.  People who love what they do look forward to awaking every morning and it is difficult for them to imagine doing anything else. If you are not one of those people, it is time to change that.