Links of the week

Photo of the week:

HUSL Today Week at a Glance:

MONDAY
Quote: You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, even poverty, you can survive it.” -Bill Cosby
Sharing is Caring: 7 Jobs to Skip College for. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/sharing-is-caring-7-jobs-to-skip.html
Music Monday. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/music-monday.html

TUESDAY
Quote: “Everything in life is connected somehow. You may have to dig deep to find it but its there. Everything is the same even though its different. Somehow everything connects back with your life. The faces in certain places may be different, but the situation is the same. Irony is a hidden factor that creeps around us in life, letting its presence felt only after it has left. Picture back to a year ago and the situation you were in. Look at how things are different yet somehow everything it still in someway cognate. Everything connects together to form the balance of life, to maintain structure. Change is and always will be inevitable, but everything is relative, and all the moments and times in your life will come back around again, you just might find yourself on the other side of the coin. Things are always changing, as fast as everything stays the same.” -Unknown


Wal Mart introduces new smart tags for individual products. Are they protecting their inventory or have they found a new way to invade our privacy? http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/walmart-introduces-smart-tag-are-they.html

Wal-Mart introduces Smart Tags. Are they protecting their inventory or invading our privary ? http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/walmart-introduces-smart-tag-are-they.html

BP will say HELLO Robert Dudley and GOODBYE Tony Hayward on October 1! http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/bp-will-say-hello-to-robert-dudley-and.htm

WEDNESDAY
Quote: “We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” -Frederick Keonig


THURSDAY
Quote: N/A.
Call me Ferris Bueller because I'm taking the day off. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/call-me-ferris-bueller.html
Music News. One step closer to Kanye. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/music-news-one-step-closer-to-kanye.html 
Evening Giggles. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/evening-giggles.html

FRIDAY
Quote: "Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no greater investment." -Stephen Covey
Is Facebook evil? (Dont shoot the messenger) More Facebook antics and 5 rules for every YP to follow online. Check it>>>http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/more-facebook-antics-5-online-rules-for.html
Music Break. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/music-break.html

And now for the news!!

Political News:
Wikileaks published over 90,000 documents it says are Afghan war records. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/26/whats-in-the-wikileaks-documents/?hpt=T1

Howard Dean accuses Fox News of being racist. Thank you Captain Obvious! http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/?fbid=obE1yvJNxba

Legal News:

Khmer Rouger survivors angry over sentence of convicted war criminal. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/26/cambodia.khmer.rouge.verdict/index.html?hpt=Sbin

New York settles Sean Bell lawsuit. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/27/new.york.sean.bell/index.html

Credit reports. Love em or hate em you must keep track of them. http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/110062/pay-off-your-balance-each-month-your-credit-report-may-not-show-it?mod=oneclick

  

Music Break

We can all use a little mid day(ok its not mid day yet) inspiration. Consider this my effort to inspire you to finish the week strong!

Take a moment and give thanks for who you are!

Sidenote: I know this is not the full video, but I enjoyed this one. Check the whole song here.

More Facebook Antics & 5 online rules for EVERY Young Professional

Lets make a long story short:
Security concerns over Facebook have been raised yet again after a security consultant collected the names and profile URLs for 171 million Facebook accounts from publicly available information. The consultant, Ron Bowes, then uploaded the data as a torrent file allowing anyone with a computer connection to download the data.

Simon Davies a representative of the U.K.-based privacy watchdog Privacy International accused Facebook of negligence over the data mining technique, according to the BBC. Facebook, however, told the British news service that Bowes actions haven't exposed anything new since all the information Bowes collected was already public.


Check out the original story and source here.

I'm reaching my whits end with Facebook. Its a necessary evil when you're in the blogging business yet the powers that be at FB continue to invade our privacy and collect information on us without so much as a warning. I would not have such an issue with them collecting information if they put a sort of "blast" on the site the same way they did when they wanted people to create those redonculous custom domain names i.e. Facebook.com/husltoday.

They should focus more on keeping everyone easily informed without having to find out from secondary sources after the fact. The info put out should be straight forward and specific about the information that is at risk of being collected and shared. I especially find their backdoor tactic of sharing information indirectly obtained on you from your less than tech savvy friends who do not have private profiles downright preposterous. This means even if your information has been made private, if your friend has not made their info private the info spies can go in and get intel on you anyway.Wouldnt that defeat the purpose of making your info private? Seems like someone wants to give people a false sense of security about the info they choose to share online. If you ask me, your info is never really private on Facebook.

Find out the 5 online rules when you read the rest.

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

Good morning friends!!! Thanks for stopping by! Here is today's quote:

Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no greater investment." -Stephen Covey

I know today is Friday and I know you may be rushing to cross everything off of your list for this week. What I want everyone to understand is that self growth takes time and patience. Everything will not happen overnight. There will be setbacks. You will get discouraged. Have patience with yourself and give yourself the opportunity to learn about yourself. Have faith in yourself and learn to accept that life is a journey not a destination. Truly live to embrace and improve your imperfections while allowing your strengths to speak for themselves. 

Love!!

Image source: http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/biomed_neuragen_nerve_pain_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_man_walking_on_hot_coals.jpg

Evening giggles

I know I said I would take the day off, but Antoine Dodson made that impossible. My duty as a blogger is to share my joy. Hence, the clip below.



If you cannot find humor in this, I'm not sure there is a way to make you happy. 
Watch the video
Giggle
Watch it again
Giggle
Share your joy

Call me Ferris Bueller...

...Because I'm taking the day off. Yesterday left me mentally drained. I worked so hard that I could barely think straight. Its so difficult for me to admit this but I need to take a day off. Like most days we take off, this one was not planned. I'm taking this day to do a few housekeeping things. I apologize about the inconvenience and I promise to resume regular posting tomorrow.

Love!

Music News: One Step Closer to Kanye

Anyone who knows me (I hate to start statements like this) knows how much I love Kanye and all of his antics. Although 'Ye is often unpredictable, rude, disrespectful and downright out of line, when he is around I know I will be entertained. He recently stopped by Facebook headquarters for somewhat of an unplugged performance. Watch below:





He also joined twitter recently and is on his way to a million followers in less than 2 days. Follow him if you so desire @KanyeWest follow @HUSLToday while you're at it. Say what you will about 'Ye but he is gifted and talented. Are any of you fans of Kanye West?

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

Good morning all! Below is today's quote:

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” -Frederick Keonig 

Sometimes on a journey to accomplish our goals we forget to stop and appreciate the things we already have. Regardless of the last time you took time to do such a thing, right now is the time to do it. If you have both your legs, feet, arms and hands appreciate that. There is someone right now fighting to keep both of their legs. Be greateful and appreciate the fact that you are sane enough to read these notes because there is someone who cannot. Be thankful for all of the opportunities that have presented themselves to you regardless of whether you took advantage of them. Be thankful if you have a roof over your head and surviving family members. Take the time to appreciate what you have today and use it asmotivation to build upon it.

Sidenote: Since its hump day you now have permission to do a happy dance. Here's a song. Thank me later.

Love!

BP will say HELLO to Robert Dudley and GOODBYE to Tony Hayward

Image source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY78wp8UUisE8MNcJZ5hBv-f9gyIIDWh78PUsDxq1E1i21TEi_NT8yPNSRV_Lh2hkiXydC9FmmGDTD8I3MYDauVoQc3l2g6uCAXD9JAwv-KMxpxChNH9YblQNpTWneXEykelQBzymXwuv/s320/hayward.jpg

If all goes as the press releases claim, Tony Hayward will step down as BP CEO on October 1, the company announced Tuesday, amid ongoing outrage over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Robert Dudley, a long-time BP employee with more than 30 years in the oil business will replace Hayward. A chemical engineer by training, Dudley was put in charge of the day-to-day leadership of the Gulf Coast clean-up operation in June.


BP said Hayward will receive a year’s salary amounting to $1.6 million but further details of his severance package were not disclosed. Given his recent performance, compensation experts say he will probably not receive the lucrative cash bonuses or stock awards given to many outgoing executives at comparable U.S. corporations.

According to BP’s most recent annual report, Hayward amassed a pension worth nearly $17 million in his 28 years of service, which is expected to be doled out in annual payments of more than $900,000. It is unclear however, if Hayward, who was born in 1957, will be eligible for retirement benefits before he turns 60 years old.

Wow! It seems like Hayward wont be struggling when he leaves, unlike the people affected by the big MESS BP made in the gulf. If my predictions are correct, aside from anniversary stories and checkups on the gulf every blue moon I think the hype will die down in less than 2 years and Hayward will be able to live his life like a normal person because no one will care to hear about it anymore.

Its the nature of Americans. Its hard to keep our attention no matter how terrible the disaster may have been. When was the last time you heard a story about the Tsunami victims, people affected by the Enron scandal or the earthquake in Haiti? When tragic events happen, our media pounces on every opportunity to capture golden footage but as time passes so does our attention span. Unfortunately, the media attention and the empathy of Americans lasts as long as sand in an hour glass.

Your thoughts??

Walmart introduces the "Smart Tag." Are they protecting their inventory or invading our privacy??

Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) is putting electronic identification tags on men’s clothing like jeans starting Aug. 1 as the world’s largest retailer tries to gain more control of its inventory. But the move is causing a ruckus among privacy experts.

According to USA Today and the Wall Street Journal, the roll back giant and one stop conglomerate has created a new “smart tag” that uses a radio frequency to send a signal to everything you buy. Wally world will reportedly begin testing smart tags on men's clothing next month -- including jeans, underwear and socks -- in an attempt to gain more control over its inventory. The removable tags can be read from a distance with scanners to let workers know what sizes are running low on the shelves and tell what items are in stock. They could also ostensibly help combat employee theft.

The tags work by reflecting a radio signal to identify products. This technology is not new, dating back to the 1940s, but is generally used in warehouses, not on individual products.

The individual garments, will have removable smart tags that can be read from a distance by Wal-Mart workers with scanners. In seconds, the worker will be able to know what sizes are missing and will also be able tell what it has on hand in the stock room. Such instant knowledge will allow store clerks to have the right sizes on hand when shoppers need them.


One fear is that Wal-Mart would be able to tack movements of customers, who, in some border states like Michigan and Washington, are carrying driver's licenses that contain RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to make it easier for them to cross borders. Even worse, the data it retrieved from your license can give them access to other sensitive personal information (Why didnt anyone tell me this?).

Although Wal-Mart boasts about the efficiency of the new smart tag, Katherine Albrecht, director of a group called Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering says “This is a first piece of a very large and very frightening tracking system”

Albrecht fears that retailers could scan data from such licenses and their purchases and combine that data with other personal information. She also says that even though the smart tags can be removed from clothing, they can’t be turned off and can be tracked even after you throw them in the garbage, for example.

Wal-Mart officials said they are aware of privacy concerns but insist they are taking a “thoughtful and methodical approach.”

Of course they have to be thoughtful and methodical! They have to downplay the potential of their "smart tags" to reveal information you never wanted revealed in exchange for a deal on 10 pairs of socks! Then again, if they get reckless and lose control of the situation they risk losing their base. Pause. Many of the people who shop at Wal-Mart shop there because they need to save as much money as possible. *This* ladies and gentlemen is a nasty catch-22. As much as they would like to, many people simply cannot afford to boycott wally world. How many other places can you buy frozen pizzas, socks, baby diapers, simply lemonade, electronics and jewelery all while getting your car serviced?  As America's leading retailer Wal-Mart has set the standard for so many shady business practices. If this program proves to be a success, we can say hello to BIG brother, LITTLE brother and the whole BROTHER family because it will be much easier to track our every movement. I dont feel too comfortable purchasing a pair of socks that could give away my whereabouts without my permission. Does anyone else feel like the movie Enemy of the State is more fact than fiction?



Their new slogan should be: Save Money. Let us invade your privacy. Live Better.

What do you think? Are Wal-Mart's new smart tags an invasion of privacy? Weigh in...

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

Good morning beautiful people! Here is today's quote:

“Everything in life is connected somehow. You may have to dig deep to find it but its there. Everything is the same even though its different. Somehow everything connects back with your life. The faces in certain places may be different, but the situation is the same. Irony is a hidden factor that creeps around us in life, letting its presence felt only after it has left. Picture back to a year ago and the situation you were in. Look at how things are different yet somehow everything it still in someway cognate. Everything connects together to form the balance of life, to maintain structure. Change is and always will be inevitable, but everything is relative, and all the moments and times in your life will come back around again, you just might find yourself on the other side of the coin. Things are always changing, as fast as everything stays the same.”

You all should know by now that I am always the first to encourage all of you to embrace change.  However, I also challenge you to find a constant to keep in your life. A constant is anything stable or consistent which complements your goals. It can be your family, a work schedule, a sleep schedule, a study schedule or an iPod playlist.  Your constant is what you can refer to when your life seems so chaotic you dont know where to turn. Your constant will be what you go to when you need "me" time. It will be what gets you through the tough times. It will serve as motivation. It will drive the wheels of your determination.


Sidenote: To all of my HUSL fam, friends and future colleagues preparing to take the bar today I send you blessings and success! Dont just pass it, OBLITERATE it!

Music Monday

I believe The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a great album and I'm a fan of Lauryn Hill. Do you agree with people who say she is one of the greatest voices of our time? Do you think its all hype?

Sharing is Caring: 7 Jobs to Skip College for

Yahoo recently ran the story below the title of which is self-explanatory. Because sharing is caring, what follows is the text of their story:

While lawyers, doctors, and many other professionals still require degrees, Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at Payscale.com, helped us pinpoint several jobs that don't. But before you ditch your plans to attend a four-year college, note that these jobs do require specialized knowledge, obtained through either a vocational training program or an on-the-job education. (And many people in these occupations do have college degrees, so one certainly can't hurt.)

Below are the 7 jobs:


1. Freelance Photographer: $47,800 median salary
Lee says that non-degree jobs tend to fall into one of two categories: technical or entrepreneurial. Being a freelance photographer requires a high degree of business savvy in addition to photography skills. Depending on the type of work you do, you might take product shots, family portraits, corporate head shots, wedding pictures, or other images, and then touch up the pictures digitally and send them to clients for review.

2. Private Detective or Investigator: $50,600 median salary
This is another career that requires a lot of personal initiative. Private detectives or investigators might testify at hearings, analyze data, search databases, or question suspects. Knowledge of psychology and the law, critical-thinking skills, and the ability to listen and read body language are also useful.

3. Elevator Mechanic: $61,500 median salary
"When [elevators] break, people are miserable," Lee points out. He adds that the job often requires travel and working at odd hours (for instance, so you can fix an elevator before an office building opens)--which may pay more. Successful elevator mechanics generally have a knack for understanding complex mechanical systems, assembling and disassembling elevator parts, and following safety standards.

4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator: $79,100 median salary
Since nuclear power reactor operators work with highly sensitive equipment, they need an understanding of physics and engineering, as well as active learning and troubleshooting skills. The higher pay correlates to the highly specialized skill set required.

5. Personal Trainer: $37,500 median salary
Knowledge of nutrition, anatomy, and first aid are helpful, so many personal trainers have a college degree or specialized certification. Since an independent personal trainer's income is tied to the number of clients he or she trains, time-management skills, physical stamina, and customer service skills are assets in this field.

6. Director of Security: $62,400 median salary
Someone might start out as assistant to the director of security and work their way up. Tasks might include analyzing security data, investigating security breaches, and supervising others. Lee says jobs like this are "not a bad track for someone who is more physical or manual, where it's about on-the-job training and less about formal programs."

7. Air Traffic Controller: $60,200
Although the job doesn't require a college degree, the FAA screens prospective air traffic controllers with a pre-employment test and other requirements, so it's a competitive field. The job might entail monitoring aircraft, issuing take-off and landing instructions, and directing ground traffic.
What do you all think??? Do any of my readers with degrees actually work in the field in which they earned their degree?

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

Good morning beautiful ladies and handsome gentleman! Welcome to Monday. Its time to get your day (and week) started on a positive note with today's out the door quote:

“You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, even poverty, you can survive it.” -Bill Cosby

Image source: http://georgetwopointoh.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/laughter.jpg

Whats the cure for the Monday blues? Laughter! Learn to find humor in even the toughest situations. Be grateful for the opportunity to experience the situation because there are many poeple who would love to be in your shoes. Do not fret, resist complaining. When presented with what seems like an impossible task, welcome it with a smile and an open mind. Embrace every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.

...and when all else fails...

“Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.” -Drew Carey

Love!

Links of the week

Scroll to your right and follow HUSL Today on Facebook & Twitter!

Song of the week:

Although Floetry is no longer together, Marsha Ambrosius still delivers with her raw talent. Her new mixtape is called Yours Sincerely. Check it out.

HUSL Today's Week at a Glance:

MONDAY

Quote: "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -Mark Twain.

Sports News: The GOAT speaks on the state of the NBA http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/sports-news-goat-has-spoken.html

President Obama has faced stark criticism about his vacation this weekend considering the state of the gulf oil spill. I know you have an opinion so go ahead & tell us how you REALLY feel...http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/tell-us-how-you-really-feel_19.html

The NAACP criticizes BP over the oil spill cleanup. Find out reasons why>>>http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/blacks-seeing-little-green-when-it.html

Music Monday: TV theme song version #3. Find out which songs made the cut http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/06/music-monday-tv-theme-song-edition-3.html

TUESDAY

Quote: You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt.

Forever 21 launches a new maternity line in 5 states-3 of which have the highest teen pregnancy rates in the country. Is it brilliant marketing or just a coincidence? Chime in>>http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/forever-21-launches-maternity-line-in.html

Do you know who Dr. David H. Blackwell was? Learn about him! http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/rip-dr-david-h-blackwell.html

Do you think the senate will confirm Kagan? Weigh in>>> http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/breaking-news-judiciary-panel-oks-elena.html

WEDNESDAY

 Quote:  “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- Maryanne Williamson (Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech)

THURSDAY

Quote:  "Begin difficult things while they are easy. Do great things while they are small. The difficult things of the world must once have been easy. The great things must once have been small." -Unknown

FRIDAY

Quote: Your distress about life might mean you have been living for the wrong reason, not that you have no reason for living.  -Tom O'Connor

Wisconsin candidate cant use controversial description on the ballot "Not a white man's b***h." My political science background & knowledge of politics has 2 words for her: FIRE EVERYONE! http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/friday-foolishness-wisconsin-candidate.html

...and now for the news! 


Political news:


Political news: Charlie Rangel will face ethics charges. His legacy is at risk.  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/22/rangel-will-face-ethics-charges/

Sherrod regards Obama call as an apology. http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/23/sherrod.firestorm/?hpt=Sbin

South Carolina, Meet Alvin Greene! http://bit.ly/cy8wXr

[Video] The Clinton's get ready for their daughters big wedding. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/38306304#38306304

Committee vote Tuesday on Kagan court nomination. Is anyone else excited?! http://www.aolnews.com/story/committee-vote-tuesday-on-kagan-court/1055164?cid=10

I'm more connected to this than I thought. Learn about Shirley Sherrod's husband & his civil rights legacy. http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/joan_walsh/politics/2010/07/22/charles_sherrod_civil_rights_hero

Legal News:

Uh oh! Legal Troubles for Franck Ribery! http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2010/07/20/franck-ribery-faces-charge-of-soliciting-underage-prostitute/

Randoms:

Weather news: Tropical storm Bonnie makes landfall in Florida! http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/07/23/tropical.weathe /index.html?video=true%3Fvideo%3Dtrue&hpt=T1

EMT Accused of Ignoring Dying Woman Is Shot Dead http://www.aolnews.com/crime/article/emt-accused-of-ignoring-dying-woman-is-fatally-shot/19559514

Is Tony Horton(creator of P90x) the new Jack Lalanne? http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/07/19/tony-horton-the-new-jack-lalanne-tells-the-military-to-shape-up/

Stories of extreme savers. http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-110102-5999-1-secrets-of-extreme-savers?ywaad=ad0035

Finally we see several explanations for the UFO sightings in China. Somehow they remind me of the stories they told in Men in Black. Maybe its just me. Read the excuses here>>http://bit.ly/aCSDwI

Have a great weekend folks! 

Friday Foolishness: Wisconsin Candidate wants to use controversial ballot description

MADISON, Wis. – A legislative candidate from Wisconsin can't use a profane, racially charged phrase to describe herself on the ballot, an election oversight board decided Wednesday.

Ieshuh Griffin, an independent running for a downtown Milwaukee seat in the state Assembly, wants to use the phrase, "NOT the 'whiteman's b----.'"

But the state's Government Accountability Board voted to bar that wording, agreeing with a staff recommendation that it is pejorative and therefore not allowed. State law allows independent candidates to have five words describing themselves placed after their names on the ballot as long as it's not pejorative, profane, discriminatory or includes an obscene word or phrase.

Griffin, who is black, argued her case to the five white, retired judges on the board that regulates elections. She said the phrase was protected free speech.

"It's a freedom of expression," she said. "It's not racial. It's not a slur."

She convinced three of the judges that the wording should be allowed, but two said it should not. One judge was absent, and Griffin needed four votes to succeed. Griffin said she intends to seek an injunction in federal court.

Board member Thomas Cane, a retired state appeals court judge, said he didn't find the wording to be "particularly offensive."

Fellow board member Thomas Barland, who spent 33 years as a circuit court judge in Eau Claire, agreed.

"She says a lot in five words," he said. "It wasn't pornographic, it wasn't obscene and I didn't interpret it as racial."

Judge Gordon Myse, the board chairman, cast the third vote in favor of Griffin."Isn't she saying, 'I'm not under the white man's direction? I'm independent of that.' Isn't that what she's saying?" Myse said.

Roxanne Dunlap, a white woman from Sussex, felt compelled to speak up in the middle of the meeting, saying she was offended by the statement. She said if a white candidate wanted to have the statement "not the black man's b----" put on the ballot, it would be soundly rejected.

Griffin said her statement wasn't directed at any one individual but the government as a whole. The b-word was referring to a female dog that rolls over, she said.

"I'm not making a derogatory statement to a group of people or an ethnic group," she told the board. "I'm saying what I am not. Everyone I spoke with, elderly and young, understand my point of view."

The phrase was included on nomination papers Griffin circulated to get the 200 signatures needed to be on the Nov. 2 ballot. Griffin, who described herself as a "30ish" community activist, will still appear as an independent candidate.
The Assembly district she hopes to represent covers the east side of Milwaukee and parts of Glendale. It's currently represented by Democrat Annette Polly Williams, who is retiring. Three Democrats and Griffin are seeking to replace her.

Source: http://www.bet.com/News/WisCandidateControversy?cid=idnb

My thoughts when you read the rest.

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

Good morning all!!! I never thought I would be soooo happy to say that its FRIDAY! Whoa what a week it has been! Here is today's quote:

Your distress about life might mean you have been living for the wrong reason, not that you have no reason for living.  -Tom O'Connor

I spent 4 hours yesterday talking to my extended family learning about what my aunts and uncles were like when they were younger. It helps give my life purpose. It also helps me Their experiences inspired me. I'm always amazed when I get to talk about history with the people who experienced it first hand. I was never a fan of history or geography until I started talking to people who have lived through the things history books discuss and been to places on maps. Curse a history book, talk about history with your elders and learn about your past. Get out and travel and visit your distant relatives. You never know what you might dig up. You might be related to queens and kings. 

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

Good morning all!!! Here is today's quote:

"Begin difficult things while they are easy.  Do great things while they are small.  The difficult things of the world must once have been easy.  The great things must once have been small." -Unknown

 

We've all had to deal with things that seemed impossible to accomplish at first. The assignment seemed so huge you thought about throwing in the towel before you even attempted to conquer it. Before you give up, break down large tasks into smaller ones. With each task you complete you will gain more confidence and you will be closer to tackling the task.  Before you allow yourself to be discouraged by what may seem to be a daunting task, take a moment and remember this quote. Use your imagination to turn mountains into anthills. No matter how large or impossible the task or goal may seem, if you break it down into smaller things it will not seem so out of reach.


Love!

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

Good morning all! Congrats on making it halfway through the week! Give yourselves a pat on the back! Here is today's quote:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- Maryanne Williamson (Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech)



Regardless of whether you are reading this quote because you are a loyal HUSL Today reader or if you are a new visitor (welcome, btw) I believe there is a reason you are reading this. We were all put on this earth to do great things. I refuse to believe that people are sincerely happy with mediocrity. Granted, it takes all types of people to make the world go around BUT there is room for greatness in all aspects of life. For example, if you are a sanitation engineer be the greatest dang sanitation engineer the world will ever meet. If you are a teacher, be the best teacher your students will ever have so that decades later they will still remember the lessons you taught them. Live your life with honor and treat others with respect. Even if you do not obtain enough wealth to pay people what to think buy the finer things, your life will be rich in other ways. In situations where you cannot change the things you have, learn to find happiness in the things money cannot buy.




Sidenote: Happy Birthday to my buddy and one of my greatest allies on my quest to fulfill my dreams CJ.

Love!

Breaking News: Judiciary panel OKs Elena Kagan for Supreme Court!!!!

In a 13-6 vote, a polarized Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday approved Elena Kagan to be the fourth female justice.


Just one Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. joined Democrats to approve Kagan's nomination and send it to the full Senate, where she's expected to win confirmation within weeks.

If Kagan is confirmed by the Senate, which many think she will be, she will succeed retiring Justice John Paul Stevens.
 
At the White House, Obama hailed the vote as a "bipartisan affirmation of her strong performance" in confirmation hearings, and said Kagan would be "a fair and impartial" justice who understands the impact of Supreme Court decisions on everday people's lives. He called on the Senate to confirm her before Congress takes a monthlong summer break starting August 7.

Forever 21 Launches Maternity Line in States With High Teen Pregnancy Rates. Genius marketing or coincidence?

Forever 21 has launched a maternity line. The franchise that appeals to women of all ages has launched the line in five states in the US: California, Texas, Arizona, Utah and Alaska. Three of those five states – Arizona, California, and Texas – are on the list of states with the highest percentages of teen pregnancy in the country.

Coincidence? Or brilliant marketing to their existing customer base (young women) while also addressing the fact that some of them are going to need clothes with slightly more room in the midsection??

The new maternity line is called "Love 21", and many people are criticizing the trendy store for teens for sending the wrong message. Although the line wont be available in all stores, online the store offers "tips on how to stay stylish when you're expecting."



How did the company respond?

The company's vice president says more than 80% of their customers are over 18, and the "Love 21" line is aimed at those older customers. The company also says it is just a coincidence that the maternity line was launched in three of the states with the highest teen pregnancies in the nation.

Where do we draw the line? Is there still a line to draw?

Considering how the media is starting to pay more attention to teen pregnancy rates with reality shows like 16 & Pregnant, Teen Mom & Dad Camp I'm a bit worried about how making the clothes easier to access will influence the younger generation. While I praise the retailer for their efforts to address a growing issue, I'm afraid they may become part of the problem. You dont have to tell me, YES I know it is not Forever 21's responsibility to prevent teen pregnancy. YES I know they are a business with the goal to maximize profits. YES I know there is a demand for it and basic economics applies. I worry about the things young girls resort to for attention and I think making things like this seem glamorous will exasperate the situation. I wonder hwo many teen moms have submitted their tapes to mtv for a feature on 16 & Pregnant? I wonder how many pregnancy pacts have been inspired by the Lifetime movie? I remember when I was in high school (which was less than a decade ago) it was still taboo to become a teen mom. I'm not so sure that is the case now.

You be the judge...

RIP Dr. David H. Blackwell

David Blackwell was born on April 24 in 1919. He was an African-American mathematician and professor. Dr. Blackwell grew up in Centralia, Illinois. As a schoolboy, he did not care for algebra and trigonometry. He said, "I could do it and I could see that it was useful, but it wasn't really exciting." About Geometry he said, "The most interesting thing I remember from calculus was Newton's method for solving equations. That was the only thing in calculus I really liked. The rest of it looked like stuff that was useful for engineers in finding moments of inertia and volumes and such"

Take a moment and listen to Dr. Blackwell discuss his education experience.

After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Blackwell was appointed a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in 1941 for a year. At that time, members of the Institute were automatically officially made visiting fellows of Princeton University, and thus Blackwell was listed in its bulletin as such. This caused problems because there had never been a black student, much less faculty fellow, at the University [most notably it had rejected Paul Robeson solely on race]. The president of Princeton wrote the director of the Institute that the organization was abusing the University's hospitality by admitting a black.

When it was time to leave the institute, Blackwell applied to all 105 Black schools in America. After instructorships at Southern University and Clark College, in 1944, Dr. Blackwell joined the faculty of Howard University as an instructor. In three years, Blackwell rose to become a Full Professor and Chairman. With the exception of a one year visit to Stanford University, Blackwell stayed at Howard until 1954. When he left, he had been Chair of the Department of Mathematics and had published more than 20 papers. From there he was appointed Professor of Statistics at the University of California at Berkeley, where he was chairman of the Statistics Department.

He was President of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics in 1955. He has also been Vice President of the American Statistical Association, the International Statistical Institute, and the American Mathematical Society. Blackwell is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society.

In 1965 he became the first African American named to the National Academy of Sciences. Blackwell was also a pioneer in textbook writing as he wrote one of the first Bayesian textbooks, his 1969 Basic Statistics. In 1979 Blackwell won the Von Neumann Theory Prize (the Operations Research Society of America) in 1979. He is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Centralia, Illinois. Dr. Blackwell is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.


Blackwell died of natural causes at a hospital on July 8, University of California, Berkeley officials said. He was 91.


RIP Dr. Blackwell! HUSL Today Salutes you for leaving behind a legacy that is inspiring to people of all colors!

I feel terrible that I only learned of his amazing accomplishments after his death. A PhD at 22?? Thats awesome!  As much as I try to keep up with our academic heroes it is hard to keep track of all of them.


Sources: *http://www.math.buffalo.edu/mad/PEEPS/blackwell_david.html
*http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071506274.html

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

Good morning! Did anyone else have a ridiculously long and busy Monday or was it just me? Thank baby Jesus its Tuesday! Here is today's quote: 

You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do.
— Eleanor Roosevelt

With each day comes new challenges. With each new challenge comes new possibilities. Don't turn your back on things because you fear the outcome. Instead, stand up tall and face your fears! If you never face your fears, you will spend a lifetime running from them. Running away will only allow your fears to overpower you. Stop running. Turn around. Say hello to your fears and tell them go to hell defeat them!  Stop trying to justify why you haven't given your work the effort it deserves and just do what you know you need to do. Its that simple. 

Love!

Blacks seeing little GREEN when it comes to the oil spill cleanup

The NAACP recently criticized BP because black contractors are not getting a decent share of the oil spill cleanup contracts despite the fact that many of their businesses were destroyed by the disaster.

An NAACP investigation conclude that community members and business owners [of color] have been locked out of access to contracts for cleanup and other opportunities related to addressing this disaster. In a letter from NAACP President Benjamin Jealous to BP CEO Tony Hayward, the civil rights organization noted that "contractors of color are not receiving equal consideration for opportunities to participate in mitigation efforts."

Here's news by the numbers according to the latest data set, dated July 9 (though the agency warns its report lags "the work that has been awarded to date"):
$2.2 million of $53 million in federal contracts -- 4.8 percent -- has gone to small, disadvantaged businesses. Women-owned businesses have landed 4.2 percent of contracts.
Of 212 vendors with contracts, just two are African American, 18 are minority-owned, none are historically black colleges or universities.
The Environmental Protection Agency has been one of the worst offenders in this arena, with only 1.7 percent of the dollars it's handed out -- $290,000 -- in contracts going to small, disadvantaged businesses and zero dollars going to women-owned businesses. According to the Federal Procurement Data System, the businesses that have been most left out of contracts are minority-owned, women-owned and nonprofits.

As The Root first reported back in May, African Americans are among the most affected by the spill. The bays around Plaquemines Parish -- where black fishers from the communities of Pointe a la Hache, Phoenix and Davent have trawled for shrimp and oysters for decades -- have been closing, putting an abrupt end to the livelihood of hundreds

Source: Getty Images

I'm not one to make every issue about race, so I will leave it at that. Sometimes the numbers speak for themselves. Your thoughts?

Music Monday: TV theme song edition #3

Since I had so much fun putting together the other Music Monday picks with theme songs I decided to do it again. This time, these are shows I loved to watch while getting dressed or winding down from school. 

Note: I've been dealing with Youtube issues since this post was published. Click the post title and the videos should play fine.

1. Hey Arnold
Say it with me: "Move it football head!"

2. Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon was a skinny crime fighting blonde with super powers and super long hair. She represented girl power and taught little girls about the true power behind believing in yourself. It also helped that she had superpowers.



3. Power Rangers. Before they were Dino, Zeo, Ninja and 20 different versions there were the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Please don't pretend that you never claimed to be one of the power rangers. I was Pink. What color were you?


4. Scooby Doo. Did Scooby really ever solve any crimes? I dont think I cared, the show was still entertaining to watch. Is it me or when I got older did it seem like Shaggy was a real flower power, Mary Jane loving hippie?! He was no more than 100 pounds in wet jeans yet he ate like a man three times his size!

Peep the rest after the jump.

The Tea Party vs. Obama (the cartoon version)

Source: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/07/18/obama-hitler-naw-tea-partys-moving-on/

Tell us how you REALLY feel...

President Obama and his family arrived Friday for a weekend getaway in Maine with plans to spend the weekend on Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. The problem? His quest for a little rest and relaxation comes with criticism that the POTUS  is taking it easy with the Gulf of Mexico oil crisis in a critical phase.


To add fuel to the not yet blazing fire, the RNC has launched a website with the tag line "Mr. President, Play Golf or Save the Gulf" and features the option to share which 5 of the President's leisure activities or missteps during this environmental disaster have made you the most angry.

Obama has also faced criticism for scheduling a trip up north, instead of vacationing in the Gulf, as he advised other Americans to do. In the spirit of sharing quotes, Scott Stanzel, former deputy press secretary for President George W. Bush, told Fox "we chop and screw our facts" news, "at a time he could be setting an example...he has chosen not to do that."

It seems the criticism is never ending. The POTUS is often scrutinized no matter what he is doing. I remember in the wake of the foiled terrorist attack aboard Northwest Flight 253 on Christmas Day, he was on the receiving end of criticism for remaining on holiday in Hawaii while details of this crisis unfolded. Its not just President Obama, many past Presidents have been criticized for taking vacations during a time of crisis including both Bush 41 during the first recession, Bush 43 during 9/11 & Hurricane Katrina and Reagan for his approach to economics.

What people are saying: 

"Presidents are certainly entitled to vacation, just like everybody else, but there is a fine line as to when presidents should do it, what they should and where they should do it," said Brad Blakeman, a former member of President George W. Bush's senior staff and the deputy assistant for appointments and scheduling.

"Barack Obama is working as hard as any president that we've had in recent history and certainly harder than the most immediate previous President..."
-Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons 

Paul Begala, a CNN contributor and former adviser to President Clinton, said that vacationing or not, "The president is the president wherever he is...of all of the concerns that Americans may have, they do not need to worry whether President Obama is a hard-working man. They may agree or disagree with his policies, but there is just no doubt that the guy is busting his rear end."

 
You know how these people feel now its your turn to share. Tell us how you REALLY feel about President Obama's vacations.  Is our POTUS taking too many vacations? Do you think his vacays are needed considering his job requires him to "carry the weight of the world??"

Sports News: The GOAT has spoken

Watch the video to find out what the GOAT has to say about the state of the NBA now, the Lebron James decision and the level of competitiveness.

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

Good morning beautiful people! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. As for me, I spent my weekend working and researching but I've learned a lot and I cannot wait to share it with you all. Its time for my favorite part of the day-the "out the door" quote:

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living.  The world owes you nothing.  It was here first." -Mark Twain

Have you ever met someone who thought they deserved the world but didnt want to work for it? This is the type of person you do NOT want to become. The world does not owe you anything. Nevermind where you came from, find out more about where you are going. Today is the best day to make something happen. Get out and do something!

Peace & love!

P.S. How about the Sunday night lineup? I'm happy I caught my favs Boondocks (LOL @ Granddad and his Mary Jane) & Trueblood (Finally Sooki (sp.) got powers!)!

Have you ever wondered???

Why stores close early on Sundays? 

Stores are open until 9 or 10 Monday-Saturday but apparently people dont need to buy things after 6pm on Sunday. *sigh*

It seems awfully counterproductive since people are usually in a better mood and have more time to drop some serious dough on things we dont need. 

Picture it: Its Sunday. You've just left church. If you're Baptist like me its about 1:30pm. Pause. If your church is anything like mine, church does not end after the benediction because then you "fellowship" with members for at least another hour. If its first Sunday that could mean soul food cooked by the best grandmother in town (mine) at the church's huge kitchen on a different level. Oh you fancy huh? It is now 2:30pm.
Stores close at 6pm. Your shopping time: 3 1/2 hours.
Pause.
That doesnt take into account travel and finding a park. Lets say its a 30 minute drive from your church to your shopping destination.
Pause.
Your clothes are uncomfortable so you decide to rush home to change. There are four people in your party so that takes an hour. For those of you keeping count you are now down to 2 hours of shopping time. Now you find yourself wondering if your shopping trip will be worth the hassle.

*sigh*

I pondered this issue for a while today after I realized I wouldnt make it to the store. Of course I wondered why. What did I do? I googled for hours and found several options. None of which satisfied my intuition but I will still share what I found.

There appears to be dueling reasons why stores close early on Sundays. They are History vs. Economics.

History: Before the industrial revolution the wage labour force was a minuscule fraction of the population. The day of the Sabbath was viewed as one dedicated to God, not one of relaxation, and strict prohibitions on permissible activities were enacted. Many jurisdictions continued to enforce strict Lord's Day laws on Sunday which meant that most recreations, such as stores and theatres, were forced to close on that day. These regulations began to weaken in the years after the Second World War and Sunday also became a day of recreation for many. Stores have continued this tradition by closing early on Sundays or by not opening at all.

 
Economics: MONEY. Time is money. Money talks and that other stuff walks. Every hour your business is open costs money. If the people at the top thought there would be enough profit in staying open until 9pm on Sunday they would. But, for some businesses, people dont spend enough money to justify staying open.

Whats your take? Do you think its because of history or economics or a combo of both?

Links of the week

Scroll to the right and add HUSL Today on Facebook and Twitter!!!

HUSL Today's week at a glance:


MONDAY
Quotes: “The average pencil is seven inches long, with just a half-inch eraser - in case you thought optimism was dead.” -Robert Brault
“Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses... on your powers, instead of your problems.” -Paul J. Meyer

In case you missed it...Kevin Hart's comedy special Seriously Funny. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/in-case-you-missed-it.html


TUESDAY
Quote: "Crystallize your goals. Make a plan for achieving them and set yourself a deadline. Then, with supreme confidence, determination and disregard for obstacles and other people’s criticisms, carry out your plan. -Paul Meyer

Wyclef's plea for Haiti. http://bit.ly/cuUH6n
Tell us how you REALLY feel! http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/tell-us-how-you-really-feel.html

WEDNESDAY
Quote: "Choose things in your life that will endure, that are a pleasure to use. Classic clothes never go out of style. Furniture should get better with age. Choose things because they delight you, not because they impress others. And never let things be more important than your family, friends and your own spirit. -Marney Morris

Sharing is Caring: How to Spin Your GPA. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/sharing-is-caring-how-to-spin-your-gpa.htm


THURSDAY
Quote: "The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it." -- Anonymous.

Recap of the 2010 ESPY awards show. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/sports-news-recap-of-2010-espys.html

Did China get a visit from our friends in outerspace? Watch the video and decide for yourself. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/ufo-over-chinese-airport-real-thing-or.htm

The REAL SAT. Test your brain with the Selective Attention Test. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/real-sat.html. Share your results!

The Senate passed Wall Streey Reform. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/senate-just-passed-wall-street-reform.html


FRIDAY

Quote: "All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward." -Ellen Glasgow

When too much free time goes WRONG! http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/when-too-much-free-time-goes-wrong.html

The "get swabbed" initiative. Find out how you can get involved. http://husltoday.blogspot.com/2010/07/get-swabbed-initiative.html
 

...and now the news!

Education news: A chosen few are teaching for America. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/education/12winerip.html?_r=1


Lifestyle news: The men who stare at screens" http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/phys-ed-the-men-who-stare-at-screens/

Facebook App lightens users skin color. Ummm seriously?! http://bit.ly/cI0XSP

Entertainment news: Pics OF Lala and Melos wedding via US Weekly. http://www.usmagazine.com/stylebeauty/news/inside-lala-vazquez-and-carmelo-anthonys-wedding-2010167

The article a little dated but its still relevant. The easiest way to fool a smart person. Educate yourself so you dont fall prey to criminals. http://www.paulstips.com/brainbox/pt/home.nsf/link/30052006-The-easiest-way-to-fool-smart-people

When too much free time goes WRONG!!!

My love for quality music did not allow me to listen to the entire song. HOWEVER, my duty to you as the dissiminator of information is to put you on notice about the goings on of the world. Hence, you are subjected to the confusion that is "Shawt bus shawty." Although I found it initially entertaining and then a bit disturbing, I'm not sure if this is a parody or if someone was serious when they constructed this catastrophe. *That* my friends is the sad part. Is there a music industry saviour who will show up and save us? What do you think about the current direction of the music industry? Share your thoughts...