Burger King signs warn about carcinogen….

This article was taken from the Miami herald from November 20, 2008. Its more like a public service announcement. However, because of the severity & nature of the story I felt the need to repost it in its entirety. Sometimes you have to let your conscience be your guide—and when it comes to health & quality of life everyone deserves to at least be warned. So, that way we the consumer can make an informed decision.

Moreover, health related issues impact all communities, although the proportion is much higher for people of color. With this in mind, if any segment of the American population positively impacted with knowledge acquired, then applied which is power—-than my job will be complete. My only intent is to spread information—and let the mantra of “each one, teach one, so that we can save one” resound & resonate with humanity altruistically…

However, on another note, what is spuriously absent are the names of the other restaurants or fast food chains that are also cited in this lawsuit. If anyone knows please let me know…..

For anything less on my behalf would be uncivilized!

“To whom much is given, much is Expected!”

“Burger King’s California restaurants now display signs warning consumers that its grilled chicken items contains a dangerous carcinogen.

The warning signs were part of a settlement of a lawsuit against Burger King and six other national restaurant chains in January by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Burger King is the first of the chains to settle.

The suit charged the chains with knowingly exposing customers to PhIP, a cancer-causing compound, without warnings about the risk. PhIP is produced when meats are cooked at high temperatures. Chicken products are the leading contributor of this chemical in the American diet.”

All about the Bands at Florida Classic

Bethune Cookman University

Many who got to the annual Florida Classic don’t even bother going to the game until halftime. Why you ask? Two words: The Bands. The two schools compete harder over band supremacy than the players on the grid iron. Why? Its all about braggin rights as Florida’s premier band at the collegiate level.

With over 60,000 fans cheering on their respective alma maters & bands the halftime is the one part of this annual match up no one would dare miss, for there is surely to be an iconic moment. Either, from the old school music played to scale, or by the bodacious dance moves the band members perform replete with band instruments.

The Marchin 100 showin how we do it down South

No matter the size of instrument, size of band member, or even the ethnic background—Band members get CRUNK & get LOOSE!! Thats the real reason why people  flock from all over the country for this annual  black college reunion!

Its ALL ABOUT THE BANDS!!

And if you don’t know, then you better ask somebody!!!

YA DIG?

All together now, Let

Cookman Classic Style

Obama Gear, real winner at Florida Classic…

Every year rain or shine alumni, students and fans make the annual journey to central Florida’s Citrus Bowl for the ‘Soul bowl’ also known as the Florida Classic. This football game pits two of the oldest most historic historical Black college & universities (HBCU) in the state. Bethune Cookman was founded by the legendary activist Mary McCleod Bethune.

However, this year was like no other year for vendors that ususally line the streets leading up to the stadium. From hats, posters, t shirts, newspapers, magazines, buttons and clothes; just about anything you could imagine–if it had an Obama icon on it it was for sale. Sell it did!

Someone had newspapers from the November 5 general election coverage with a victorious Obama on the cover. In Orlando, these papers usually cost a mere .75 cents. However, today people were buying them for $20. Yes, you read it correct—$20 for the historic print of our nation’s Black President!!

From flamboyant t-shirts with an American flag in effigy and shiny silver letters that read “My President is black.” Others said: “Hail to the Chief” and “God Bless Our First Family.”

The Obama brand is iconic all to itself, and for many struggling in this economic downturn anything with his icon reaps huge profits. Its sure to spiral heading all the way to the Presidential inauguration with no end in sight as black people in particular have the enormous excitement from his cult of personality.

At the Florida Classic, Obama gear was the real winner!

Hottest ticket in Town….

On January 20, 2009 this country will see its Presidential elect Barack H. Obama take the Presidential oath on the West side of the White house. A historical day of contrasts to say the least. Obama will become the 44th President of the Unitesd States of America. He joins the elite company of white men that have been the only ones relegated to that ultra powerful office.

In case you didn’t know, Obama will become the 1st elected African American President. Is he really? I suggest taking a trip to the library or bookstore and looking for a little known book entitled “5 Negroe Presidents”, written by esteemed historian J. A. Rogers.

Regardless, if you think he’s the first or not, everyone and their mama will be in the Disctrict of Columbia on the 20th. Equally important will be the MLK celebrations in nations capital the fanfare should be one for the ages.

Latest estimates for the inauguration are over 2 million people and climbing daily. Don’t have a ticket yet? Well, unless you have powerful friends in Congress or corporate lobbyists then its probably too late to find any unless you want to go the way of scalpers, or the myriad of reported net sites that supposedly have them.

For your information, the tickets are free of charge and only state Congresspersons in your respective state have ‘official’ tickets to the inauguration. Its surely the hottest ticket in town! There are other events that weekend, like the inaugural parade, and inaugural ball.

If you’re interested in going, check these sites http://inaugural.senate.gov. In addition, Destination DC has information on hotel, ground & air travel packages. Also, www.washington.org and 800-889-5344 can be helpful in inquiring about lodging & travel to & from Banneker City aka Chocolate City!!!

The COLDEST Winter Ever!

Even though the mercury doesn’t drop into below zero temperatures in the sub tropical state, this year is sure to be one to remember with the latest economic downturn. Consider, that Florida is ranked 3rd in the nation with the rate of foreclosures. Approximately, 1 out of 157 housing units has had its doors closed due to a defaulted mortgage.

The joblessness is at 6.6% thats almost 10% which is crazy. Just about 1 in every 10 people has lost their job this year in Florida.  This is the highest rate its been since 1994. Florida has lost over 600,000 jobs this year. So, this promises to be the coldest winter ever, at a time when families gather to celebrate their blessings. Some will be hard pressed to see the silver lining in the proverbial cloud. Its a cold world, and even colder when your source of income has been extracted.

Many in Florida have been robbed of their blessings with unexpected layoffs, firings, or corporate right-sizing.  Its hard to believe that the sunshine state isn’t shining  brightly when it comes to the state  of  unemployment.

According to the Labor Department the number of people continuing to draw unemployment benefits “jumped by 122,000 to 3.84 million in late October. 12 months ago, there were just 2.59 million.” So, the number of people increased in one year by 1.25 million people. There seems to be a crisis in the state. As Florida continues to be at the top or near the top in unemployment, violence & crime also rise.

Is there help?

Congress created the Housing and Economic Recovery Act 2008. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), has estimated 400,000 borrowers in danger of losing their homes will be able to refinance into more affordable government-insured mortgages. While this is a portal for those in dire need, this program isn’t enough for the myriad of Florida residents faced with the prospect of losing their home investment.

Conscientious Politician? A Paradox or growing norm…

Bing says he will give his salary to Detroit Police to hire more officers

In this day of ever growing scrutiny on political figures nothing is forbidden. With the recent advent of the net & blogs that ’speak truth to power’ by covering relevant articles that mainstream media might overlook . Its more than worth while to write about a candidate {Dave Bing} for the now vacant seat that former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick used to hold. As the Kilpatrick case has recieved critical coverage I won’t bother drudging up the negative, rather I’ll expound on the candidacy of Mr. Bing.

Dave Bing is a former player for the Detroit Pistons. Moreover, he’s the owner of a thriving business in Michigan. To his credit, Mr. Bing has honorably declared if he’s elected Mayor in “special election” to replace the ousted Kilpatrick that he would “donate his entire salary to hiring more police officers.” Wow! How honorable is that? That salary is a whopping $176,176; nothing to sneeze at for most Americans.

“I’ve been blessed with two careers,” said Bing, “I’m financially secure and I don’t need to go into this office to make money.”

The special election will take place on February 24, 2009 and he has suggested an array of policy changes that he is already engaging in. Like his example of completing an ‘ethics disclosure form’ to let the public know where his campaign contributions are coming from, or what his financial interests might be if elected. Thats a new twist for a businessman now tossing his proverbial hat into the political arena.

Still, one has to wonder if this isn’t the affect of the Obama enigma over a new era in American politics. For this I simply say—its about time. The electorate like consumers in a free market economy are the true leaders. Simply put, we elect representatives to articulate our ideals through legislative, judicial, and executive initiatives.

The American public is yearning for ‘conscientious’ politician. It seems to be a paradoxical statement with the pervasive corruption in politics. From local municipalities & local governments to the highest office in the land we’ve seen unprecedented scandal & ignoble regimes bent on tarnishing the image of this proud nation.

So, even though I can’t vote in this special election in Detroit I can share my opinion and view of this stalwart of a man who ‘puts his beliefs where his mouth is!’ I’m sure more will follow, but I hope its in sincerity & not expediency to gather votes or office.

Other plans Bing has for the city:

• Reinstituting free bus rides for senior citizens and the handicapped (Noble)

• Consolidating city jobs, including the role of deputy mayor and chief of staff (Thrifty)

• Creating an energy-focused youth jobs program (Visionary)

• Identifying homes and businesses that can be rebuilt as energy efficient by using green technologies (Leading by Example)

• Restructuring the police department to maximize response time (Cost Effective)

• Working with the Detroit Public Schools superintendent to create a more progressive approach to education. (Conscientious, Necessary, Proactive)

Let’s hope the citizens of Detroit support Mr. Bing in his quest to really stand behind the people of Detroit by placing their values before his own. Lord knows in this day & time he’s the exception that will inspire the new rule to American politics both locally & nationally. America is ready for a new era of conscientious politicians, for it need not be a PARADOX!!!