Focus on Your Strengths

In Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham encourages us to identify and play to our strengths rather than to eliminate or work on our weaknesses. I think the hardest thing about this approach is actually knowing what we are good at since our tendency as entrepreneurs is to want to be good at everything. Yes being at least competent in most things is a necessary part of the entrepreneurial life, but I’ve realized that we don’t have to be super-human. It may seem obvious, but what I have learned about myself is that I am really good at starting things—having a vision and doing what is absolutely necessary to at least execute on enough of that vision to get it off the ground. Others, however, are better at making my vision beautiful, transforming it into a lovely perfect rainbow that even I could not have foreseen. Recognizing these facts about myself and others is quite freeing and has allowed me to be more open to the world around me and to what each unique being in it has to offer.

Read more: Ladies Who Launch

A Historic Day in America - The World Reacts to President-Elect Obama

Miami Book Fair International 25th Anniversary!

Interview with Co-Founder, Mitchell Kaplan & Lissette Mendez (Comix Gallery Event Coord)

MBFI Co-Founder, Mitchell Kaplan & Lissette Mendez (Coordinator of the Comix Gallery Event) will join me on tonight's program to give you a sneak peak of the upcoming Miami Book Fair International event.

The mission of Miami Book Fair International is to promote reading, encourage writing, and heighten an awareness of literacy and the literary arts in our multi-ethnic community.
First called Books by the Bay in 1984, the two-day street fair has evolved into the largest and finest book fair in America. Attendance grew steadily and, by the late 1990s, hundreds of thousands of book lovers were eagerly participating in the annual literary festival.

Today, Miami Book Fair International is a full-scale international event that includes a Sunday-to-Sunday schedule of stellar programs, readings and special activities.

The centerpiece of the Book Fair is the highly impressive Festival of Authors. Previous year’s guests have included prize winning authors, recipients of the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Casa de las Americas Prize, Pushcart Prize, O’Henry Award, National Magazine Award, Commonwealth Prize, MacArthur Fellowship, and Edgar Award. Along with many American voices, there will be international voices from Argentina, South Africa, France, Cuba, Guatemala, England, Mexico, Hong Kong, Spain, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Bosnia, Trinidad, Russia, Taiwan, Haiti, Finland, Canada, and the Philippines.

Mark Your Calendar & Join the Conversation here on TRB!





AND ...

We'll be broadcasting LIVE with interviews ...

over 2 dozen authors during the event.

Friday & Saturday, November 14-15 starting at 9:00am Eastern.

You don't want to miss it!!

Live Broadcast by Ustream.TV

Barack Obama 'Dreams from My Father' Interview Transcript

Watch the historic vote:
Barack Obama & Family go to the polls, November 4, 2008


Barack Obama Dreams From My Father Transcript

6 Interesting Things About Me

One of my Twitter buddies, @neosoulsister (www.neosoulessentials.com), tagged me for the 6 Interesting Things Game. Now I have to tell/confess 6 things that people don’t know about me.

1. I was baptized in the Jordan River in Israel.

2. I was a speech writer for the CIO on detail to GSA from the State Dept in Washington, DC.

3. I was married at historic Ft Myer Chapel, horse-drawn carriage, honor guard, the whole 9.

4. I traced my genealogy documented in the US back to 1811.

5. I am a member of the Official Elvis Insiders Fan Club

6. I love all the old cartoons & b/w movies of the 50s & 60s, especially musicals & quote/sing songs from them daily.

Okay now to tag six more tweeples.

@davidbullock
@romanticways
@roxanneravenel
@radioproducer1
@pastor_robert
@sacredglo

Show Me the Money - Preparing For College

Most college students are paying anywhere from $15,000 to $28,000 a year for a college education. That isn’t cheap.

The good news is you can find a lot of financial assistance for college very easily. You don’t have to go searching around the world. In fact, you can do it from the comfort of your very own home or desk.

You can search for financial aid for college on the Internet. NOW…

Here is the catch.

There are a lot of information or internet sites that “claim” to offer information about college financial aid and tuition assistance. 95% of these don’t offer really helpful information. In fact, they are nothing more than ads placed by spammers or advertisers looking for pay-per-click income.

So, you may find within a few hours of searching on your own on the Net, that you are frustrated with it. You may give up. This is the last thing we want you to do, because there IS information on the Net you can use to finance your college education, whether you are an undergraduate or a graduate student.

What you need to know is WHAT and WHERE.

You need to know WHAT types of information is available and WHERE to look for it, so you don’t spend hours and hours looking up information on those phony sites that are put up by affiliate marketers and spammers.

Here are a few helpful websites.

Feel free to leave a comment with resources that you recommend!

Grants.gov – http://www.grants.gov/ - This site is not for students alone, however students can use the information on this site to find grants that are available for students whether undergraduates or graduates. There are even opportunities for PhD candidates looking for grant opportunities to support their research. You can perform an online grant search or request email alerts for grants that fit the criteria you are searching for.

Education Week - http://www.edweek.org/ew/section/grants/index.html - This is a site provided by GrantsAlerts.com and edweek.org that works to provide information on a weekly basis about grants offered primarily by the US Department of Education and related institutions. These grants are primarily for research or for educational purposes. There are also related articles and stories you can research and information on educational job opportunities. The types of grants offered are less likely to be those that would appeal to undergraduate students. Researchers may benefit from many of the posts applied on this site.

FinAid - http://www.finaid.org/ - This is a good site for someone that wants information on loans, financial aid, savings plans, military aid, and wants to de-mystify financial aid forms in general. You can use their free scholarship search sponsored by “FastWeb” which is another Internet “powerhouse” for financial aid gurus. You can take advantage of financial aid calculators and other tools, even EFC or “expected family contribution” calculators. Why not take advantage of information on savings plans if college is a ways away or if you are preparing for college when your child is still in preschool? It is never too early to plan ahead!

Hey - sign up for my newsletter, Recipes For Life Today, and receive a free download of Preparing for College.

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Using Natural Oils for Skin Conditions

You’ve all heard that the skin is the largest organ on the body; not only does it help protect your body; it is an important part of your appearance. However, it can be difficult to keep the skin healthy at all times – rashes, sunburn and acne may occur and compromise the health of the skin. When this happens, it is not always necessary to reach for an over the counter remedy that may or may not work. Natural remedies are often better for the skin and are more effective.

Natural remedies are safe, but it is also important to proceed with caution where the skin is concerned. They should be treated with the same caution as an over the counter remedy. Each person’s skin reacts differently to different medicines, including the ingredients in many home remedies.

“Natural” does not always mean that it’s right for everyone. After all, arsenic is natural! Don’t use any natural remedies that contain an ingredient to which you are allergic. In addition, be careful with large portions of the skin that need to be treated. For example, if your arm has broken out in an eczema rash, test on a small part of your arm before covering the whole area. By doing this, you ensure that the natural remedy that you use will not irritate the skin condition any further.



Here is a quick list of natural oils that are good for the skin:

Shea Butter – A product of the shea nut, shea butter can be used on the skin for the treatment of sunburn, eczema, stretch marks, scars and wrinkles. Shea butter may be combined with a liquid oil to improve skin “spreadablity”. Of course, it is advised to do a small patch test on your skin to determine there is no allergic reaction.

Hemp Seed Oil – Products that contain hemp seed oil can help reduce inflammation in the skin, such as what occurs in eczema outbreaks and penetrates deep into the skin to help alleviate dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Virgin Coconut Oil – An excellent oil for the skin, virgin coconut oil (VCO) may help delay wrinkles and serves as a great moisturizer for the skin. VCO is also wonderful for skin massage.

If you try these natural oil remedies for the skin or products that contain these natural oils, you may find out that they work better for you than those over-the- counter remedies.

Please note that this information is not meant to diagnose or treat any skin condition or disease, nor is it meant to give medical advice. Contact a medical professional on advice on how to treat your specific skin conditions.

This article was provided by Christine Woolard, Owner of NeoSoulEssentials.com

Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty

As the destruction of Hurricane Ike becomes clear, we urgently need your help to rush emergency food and supplies to the devastated areas.

The hurricanes have nearly depleted our Disaster Relief Fund and emptied the shelves of many of our food banks!

We must get 17 truckloads of food and emergency relief supplies to victims of Hurricane Ike immediately.

Every penny you give today will go directly to helping the men, women, and children left reeling in the wake of these recent disasters.

Your neighbors need you. There is no time to waste. I hope I can count on you today to help provide emergency food and supplies for those in need.

Sincerely,

Vicki Escarra

President and CEO

P.S. Many victims of Hurricane Gustav still need our help and now Ike has brought a new wave of need to our doors. Please give what you can today!

America’s Second Harvest is now Feeding America
As of September 1, 2008, America’s Second Harvest will be called Feeding America. Research has told us that making this change will not only make our mission of fighting hunger and feeding Americans in need relevant to more people, but it will allow for increased awareness of a problem that is hidden to most — 35 million Americans facing hunger. As our new name suggests, our mission is the same as always — to feed America’s hungry.

"No More Foreclosure Evictions!" Chicago Sheriff Takes a Stand

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."




RELATED STORY:

90-Year Old Woman Attempts Suicide Due to Foreclosure Eviction.

AKRON, Ohio - By the time deputies came to escort Addie Polk out of her home of 38 years, the 90-year-old had taken out her life insurance policy and placed it next to her pocketbook and keys in the neatly kept house.

She shot herself in the chest Oct. 1 before she could be taken away from the foreclosed house, which was worth less than its mortgage from the day she took out the loan.

Read the rest of the story here.

10 Blog Traffic Tips

In every bloggers life comes a special day - the day they first launch a new blog. Now unless you went out and purchased someone else''s blog chances are your blog launched with only one very loyal reader - you. Maybe a few days later you received a few hits when you told your sister, father, girlfriend and best friend about your new blog but that''s about as far you went when it comes to finding readers.

Here are the top 10 techniques new bloggers can use to find readers. These are tips specifically for new bloggers, those people who have next-to-no audience at the moment and want to get the ball rolling.

It helps if you work on this list from top to bottom as each technique builds on the previous step to help you create momentum. Eventually once you establish enough momentum you gain what is called "traction", which is a large enough audience base (about 500 readers a day is good) that you no longer have to work too hard on finding new readers. Instead your current loyal readers do the work for you through word of mouth.

Top 10 Tips

10. Write at least five major "pillar" articles. A pillar article is a tutorial style article aimed to teach your audience something. Generally they are longer than 500 words and have lots of very practical tips or advice. This article you are currently reading could be considered a pillar article since it is very practical and a good "how-to" lesson. This style of article has long term appeal, stays current (it isn’t news or time dependent) and offers real value and insight. The more pillars you have on your blog the better.

9. Write one new blog post per day minimum. Not every post has to be a pillar, but you should work on getting those five pillars done at the same time as you keep your blog fresh with a daily news or short article style post. The important thing here is to demonstrate to first time visitors that your blog is updated all the time so they feel that if they come back tomorrow they will likely find something new. This causes them to bookmark your site or subscribe to your blog feed.

You don''t have to produce one post per day all the time but it is important you do when your blog is brand new. Once you get traction you still need to keep the fresh content coming but your loyal audience will be more forgiving if you slow down to a few per week instead. The first few months are critical so the more content you can produce at this time the better.

8. Use a proper domain name. If you are serious about blogging be serious about what you call your blog. In order for people to easily spread the word about your blog you need a easily rememberable domain name. People often talk about blogs they like when they are speaking to friends in the real world (that''s the offline world, you remember that place right?) so you need to make it easy for them to spread the word and pass on your URL. Try and get a .com if you can and focus on small easy to remember domains rather than worry about having the correct keywords (of course if you can get great keywords and easy to remember then you’ve done a good job!).

7. Start commenting on other blogs. Once you have your pillar articles and your daily fresh smaller articles your blog is ready to be exposed to the world. One of the best ways to find the right type of reader for your blog is to comment on other people’s blogs. You should aim to comment on blogs focused on a similar niche topic to yours since the readers there will be more likely to be interested in your blog.

Most blog commenting systems allow you to have your name/title linked to your blog when you leave a comment. This is how people find your blog. If you are a prolific commentor and always have something valuable to say then people will be interested to read more of your work and hence click through to visit your blog.

6. Trackback and link to other blogs in your blog posts. A trackback is sort of like a blog conversation. When you write a new article to your blog and it links or references another blogger''s article you can do a trackback to their entry. What this does is leave a truncated summary of your blog post on their blog entry - it''s sort of like your blog telling someone else’s blog that you wrote an article mentioning them. Trackbacks often appear like comments.

This is a good technique because like leaving comments a trackback leaves a link from another blog back to yours for readers to follow, but it also does something very important - it gets the attention of another blogger. The other blogger will likely come and read your post eager to see what you wrote about them. They may then become a loyal reader of yours or at least monitor you and if you are lucky some time down the road they may do a post linking to your blog bringing in more new readers.

5. Encourage comments on your own blog. One of the most powerful ways to convince someone to become a loyal reader is to show there are other loyal readers already following your work. If they see people commenting on your blog then they infer that your content must be good since you have readers so they should stick around and see what all the fuss is about. To encourage comments you can simply pose a question in a blog post. Be sure to always respond to comments as well so you can keep the conversation going.

4. Submit your latest pillar article to a blog carnival. A blog carnival is a post in a blog that summarizes a collection of articles from many different blogs on a specific topic. The idea is to collect some of the best content on a topic in a given week. Often many other blogs link back to a carnival host and as such the people that have articles featured in the carnival often enjoy a spike in new readers.

To find the right blog carnival for your blog, do a search at blogcarnival.com.

3. Submit your blog to blogtopsites.com. To be honest this tip is not going to bring in a flood of new readers but it''s so easy to do and only takes five minutes so it''s worth the effort. Go to Blog Top Sites, find the appropriate category for your blog and submit it. You have to copy and paste a couple of lines of code on to your blog so you can rank and then sit back and watch the traffic come in. You will probably only get 1-10 incoming readers per day with this technique but over time it can build up as you climb the rankings. It all helps!

2. Submit your articles to EzineArticles.com. This is another tip that doesn’t bring in hundreds of new visitors immediately (although it can if you keep doing it) but it''s worthwhile because you simply leverage what you already have - your pillar articles. Once a week or so take one of your pillar articles and submit it to Ezine Articles. Your article then becomes available to other people who can republish your article on their website or in their newsletter.

How you benefit is through what is called your "Resource Box". You create your own resource box which is like a signature file where you include one to two sentences and link back to your website (or blog in this case). Anyone who publishes your article has to include your resource box so you get incoming links. If someone with a large newsletter publishes your article you can get a lot of new readers at once.

1. Write more pillar articles. Everything you do above will help you to find blog readers however all of the techniques I’ve listed only work when you have strong pillars in place. Without them if you do everything above you may bring in readers but they won’t stay or bother to come back. Aim for one solid pillar article per week and by the end of the year you will have a database of over 50 fantastic feature articles that will work hard for you to bring in more and more readers.

I hope you enjoyed my list of traffic tips. Everything listed above are techniques I’ve put into place myself for my blogs and have worked for me, however it''s certainly not a comprehensive list. There are many more things you can do. Finding readers is all about testing to see what works best for you and your audience and I have no doubt if you put your mind to it you will find a balance that works for you.

This article was by Yaro Starak, a professional blogger and my blog mentor. He is the leader of the Blog Mastermind mentoring program designed to teach bloggers how to earn a full time income blogging part time.

To get more information about Blog Mastermind click this link:

http://www.blogmastermind.com/affiliates/index.php?af=854925

George Washington Bathed Here

Okay... so I was thinking about all of the wonderful places I have lived (and not so wonderful). Seems the majority of my major moves have been during this time of year. So, I suppose that's partially the reason why I become so weepy-eyed nostalgic about places and people and things from my past.

One such wonderful place was 4.5 pristine acres along a ridge that bordered PA, WV, and MD. The town is known for its historic landmarks and mineral springs. George Washington and many other dignitaries since have traveled there for the soothing and therapeutic baths. An old bathtub is in the town square that George Washington utilized during one of his frequent visits.

So, fast forward to an email I received this morning announcing that Michelle Obama was "dropping in" on another (mommy) blog and writing about the Equal Pay for Equal Work issue. Important issue. Kudos to the blog host for seizing the opportunity to participate in history through this incredible media we are so blessed to have available to the masses.

Michelle Obama blogged here. Wow! Good for you.

I thought about where we are in history, what we have squandered, and what is yet available in spite of our many weaknesses and missteps as a nation. We are a blessed people to have the POWER of the vote. (oh, btw: did I say "Remember to register AND vote"?) If you need a little nudge, just peek at the timeline of history for this country. It was not sooo long ago that large segments of society were totally forbidden to vote by law. And many are still struggling to be counted. It's a precious civil RIGHT.

Don't squander your right to vote!

Then, I took things a step further (you knew that I would. hint: check the title of this blog) and started thinking about what Michelle Obama was blogging about. Equal Pay for Equal Work. Yeah, that topic ... again. Or better yet, still. And I thought, there are so many topics like that being debated during this historic campaign. Energy Conservation. Still. Affordable Health Care for all citizens. Still. Improving Our Schools. Securing Our Borders. Home Ownership. Domestic vs. Foreign Oil Dependance. Less Taxes. The Homeless. The Hungry ...

And I wondered, we've been talking about these things for years. At least, I have been talking and voting about these things for years.

I talk. I blog. I email. I vote ... Can anybody hear?

If so, can anybody help?

Okay, so what's my point for this post? Well, if I have to have one (not sure that I do), then I suppose I'll just take this opportunity for one of my shameless plugs.

On October 15th hundreds of thousands of bloggers worldwide will be participating in Blog Action Day. The theme for this year is Poverty. Click the link to learn more. I am honored to help co-host their internet broadcast on BlogTalkRadio from 9:30-midnight (Eastern Time Zone). I will be on-air with them during the Obama/McCain Presidential Debate. So, I'll miss out on listening to part of the debate. Hmm ... and I don't mind.

Ya know why?

Because I'll be listening to and learning about people who are actively DOING something and not just talking / blogging / campaigning about it.

Please join the conversation and then DO something!

Hurricane Ike Damage - Video Provided by MyUrbanReport, Amani Channel

You Just Have to Want It :)

Thank You!

Thanks to all of you, The Recipe Box is now a "FEATURED HOST" on BlogTalkRadio. com!

What does that mean? We're front page news!

So, look for us under "Featured Today" on the home page of BlogTalkRadio. com. We're committed to providing great content and fun guests each week.

Check the show blog - http://www. BlogTalkRecipes. blogspot. com or the website - http://www. BlogTalkRecipes. com. You will find out about current giveaways, program schedule, recipes and advertisement opportunities.

And listen to the live broadcast and archives at http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/TheRecipeBox.

Thanks again for listening and for all of your feedback!

Blessings~

Barbara

So...I Was Kicked Off a Couple Nings This Week

Hmm...

Well, actually not "officially" kicked off. My post was deleted by the Ning managers on two communities where I am a member. Or, was. But more on that later.

If you are not familiar with Nings, they are online social communities. Basically, you set up a profile page, add you widgets and photos and links and banners and other blather. Then you join up with a few discussions, make friends, ya know.

The insane thing about Nings is that somehow they spawn new Nings while you sleep. After joining one, you wake up the next morning with 20 "Join Me At XYZ community..." emails. Then 20 more, and so on, and so on. You begin hearing from "friends" that you have never met on Nings that you have never joined. Spooky.

I usually join groups to network and, being the Queen of Shameless Plugs, promote my projects. I've met some really awesome people through Nings ... and some really irritating ones. Oh well, such is life, right. For the most part, I am pretty low key unless I have something really exciting to share with the other members. Like helping to promote their businesses through my podcasts or blogs, stuff like that.

So, how did I get kicked off - or, why did I leave the two "shall remain nameless" Nings? What could come out of my thoughts into a post that would be so offensive that my words would be deleted? Hmm...

It was the title of a book by Celeb Chef and 6x Emmy Award Winner Writer/Author/Producer, Janette Barber. She was my guest on The Recipe Box Show (btw: if you haven't listened to the show lately, you really should. I'm giving away cool stuff!) ANY-way, Janette is a tremendously funny and talented woman that has taken on the issue of body-image in regards to women weight loss/gain, etc. She blogs and provides videos and recipes to help women along the way to discovering they are SPECIAL in whatever package they are blessed with learning how to EMBRACE their B.F.A.'s - listen to the show at http://tinyurl.com/655e7h to find out more. Remember I am the Queen of Shameless Plugs :)

I must say that after one manager deleted my post, she did send an email explaining why she did. I wish she had sent the email prior. Or, actually READ the entire post. Considered my previously unblemished record as an active member of the community. But, que c'era sera.

The other Ning manager was not so kind. She deleted the post and each time I tried to post another entry, it was automatically deleted. Hmm... so I quietly packed up my widgets and dropped out. No fanfare, no goodbye kisses from all my virtual friends. Nothing, not a peep.

Don't get me wrong. I understand we live in a "what have you done for me lately" kinda world. And EVERYONE is EXTREMELY too busy to care about my little drama.

Janette Barber was supportive and kind. A new virtual friend with feelings. It's amazing how certain personalities can connect with you regardless of the medium of communication. Janette has that gift. I hope you'll stop by her blog http://www.janettesblog.com/ and purchase her new book, "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it!

While you're out surfing, drop by The Recipe Box Show blog - Recipes For Life, enter a comment for a chance to win a copy of "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it again!

Exec Event Designer, Morgan Nichole Scott

Friday, 8/22
Family Friday - Party Planning for Your End-of-Summer Bash

Morgan Nichole Scott, Executive Event Designer of Envi Consulting & Associates, a boutique Event Management and Consulting Firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia was my special guest. We discussed how to party planning tips, event themes, selecting the menu and entertainment. www.enviconsulting.com/

I had a great time talking with Morgan on the program last night. She has a creative and generous spirit and wonderful energy. She provided alot of very useful tips for hosts and guests, alike. Be sure to visit the website for upcoming events and the latest trends in party themes.

Also, mark your calendar for the Sheer Elegance Bridal Extravaganza, Sunday October 26th that they are sponsoring in support of the I Do Foundation. The event will be held at the LOFT at Castleberry Hill, 170 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313. Admission is $5 in advance/$10 at door.

What Is On Your To-Do List Today?

Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones died yesterday ...

When I saw the news through my Google alert, I went to my To-Do list. And found the notation:

"Contact Tubbs-Jones office re: Medicare Improvement Bill, see attached email) for interview on Cleveland Talks! Provide local cell# for callback."

(btw: I produce several talk shows on BlogTalkRadio. Cleveland Talks! is one of them.)

You see, I was a constituent. I was on her email list. I let my voice be heard, regularly. I always got a response. I did not make the call on that day. Too busy, schedule too full on that day, moved to the next day, then the next ...

Facing the list again last night, a note scribbled in haste, I had to pause. I did not complete the task. A missed opportunity. I have to cross it off the list now. I had to pause. And write this blog.

Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones was an icon in the truest sense of the word. Not a self-proclaimed "Diva" - a word so overused in today's culture that it has become meaningless. She was approachable, accessible, a sister, a mother, a community advocate, an effective politician, a neighbor, a girlfriend, and strong ally that worked tirelessly through a life dedicated to living honorably. And, pursuing the greater good.

When I was a child, they taught Civics, and Social Studies, and Good Citizenship. And Community Service. (btw: that was before "community service" was categorized and issued as a punishment because the county jail is too full to contain another community delinquent)

When I was a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. Or, a Supreme Court Justice.

My love for mathematics ended at trigonometry. So, in college I majored in Political Science and moved to the greater Washington, DC area to earn some cash and continue my education. I did not become a judge, or a lawyer, or a paralegal. Although, I did serve as a court recorder for a brief period (Think electronic recordings, microphones, wires). The guy crawling under the table adjusting the cable connections just before the BIG briefings on the Hill. I was "that" guy - or gal. It was fun. Then I moved on. But I hung around the scene for 2 decades and worked it. Part of "the entourage" and "in the know" - it was an addiction. A drain. A thrill. And I loved it. Then I moved on. Or, I should say that I moved "back" - to oHIo.

And people ask me, "So, what do you do [now]?"

And I asked myself that last night. And this morning, my hometown is in mourning. What DO I do, for the greater good?

I try to think more about others than myself. And when I fail to do so, I try again. (Note to self: try again)

I amplify the voices of others (btw: see Encourage Me I'm Young). I write inspirational books for adults and chapter books for children. I tutor inner city children in the gymnasiums of schools in "academic failure" and teach Bible lessons in church basements to adults. I bake cookies and give them away. I don't complain about my neighbors hedges being too high, unless I am in the mood to help trim them. Or when the neighborhood fireworks display runs on until 3:00am because, after all, it's only once a year. God bless America!

I stopped hating on Oprah, and Rosie, and Brittany, and Paris, and Condi, and all the others whose lives I DO NOT know and handle pressure that I can not imagine. I buy bags of peaches or beets when I visit the local farmer's market. I hate peaches and beets. But, my sister loves them. I feed the birds. And the skinny neighborhood cats. I plant flowers that attract butterflies so that the little children can chase them. I give treats to my little dog and bring enough to share with his little doggy friends. I try to care. About things, about people, and their situations. Locally, globally, eternally.

I lift young people on my shoulders and say "Can you see the future? I can. And it's glorious. And it's all for you. Can you see it? I can. I can see it in you."

(btw: Please listen to Cleveland Talks! E-City Teen Entrepreneurs)

This is about Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones.

And my To-Do List.

Before I cross that missed opportunity off my list, what will I replace it with?

What will I do today, instead?

What will you do today? (note to self: try again)

Thanks for reading my blog.

(btw: please listen to Tony Reeve's "In The Know" podcast with Former State Senator Leslie Miller)

And do something today...for the greater good.

Ain't Got Dat!

My good friend, Itiel McVay (and her crew) over at SmellGoodSpa have produced their first video through Blue Nile Studios. And I have to share it with you all. When you're done watching the video, visit her website to shop for fabulous all-natural health and beauty products in luscious scents and luxurious textures. Enjoy!

Embracing Your Big Fat Ass - Interview with Celebrity Chef Janette Barber

The Recipe Box Talk Show hosted by Barbara Howard

Thursday, August 28, 2008 @ 8pm ET

I will be joined by 6 time Emmy winning producer, writer and celebrity chef, Janette Barber. A four time nominated head writer from the Rosie O’Donnell Show, she has written for the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. She was Hot Topics writer on ABC’s The View during Rosie O’Donnell’s tenure there and won a 2008 Daytime Emmy in Special Class writing for her work on that show.

Chef Janette's show on the TV Food Network, Lighten Up focused on converting fattening recipes to be lighter healthier and less fattening. She was also a spokesperson and recipe creator for Molly McButter through two ad campaigns. Her current project with solftware company, ElmLife, involves creating a web-based, interactive, artificially intelligent software guide. An animated version of Janette will host the guide and interact with users to help them develop better, healthier eating habits. Also, Janette is the spokesperson for EyeCare America's Feast Your Eyes campaign about how healthier eating habits can preserve eye health.

** Join us and YOU COULD WIN a copy of Janette Barber's book "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" (Atria) which is humorous self esteem and empowerment for women around the topic of body image.



The Recipe Box Talk Show hosted by Barbara Howard

Back To School Lunch Tips

My guest Denay Davis provided these bag lunch ideas:

It should be noted that most children do not like unusual textures and/or flavors. Children like the foods they are accustomed to PB&J (for those who like it, American Cheese, simple cold cuts, bologna, ham, & turkey.

The real key is to keep it simple, fresh and familiar. Parents who feel the need to experiment should save it for the weekend when children are home and they can experience first hand the child's reaction to a new food. There is nothing worse that going to school and finding out at lunchtime that your parent has stuffed your lunch pail with a food you have never eaten.


Advice for creating good lunches:
No child likes to eat a lunch that is "smashed."
No child likes to eat messy food, e.g. boiled eggs (they also smell bad) oranges, bananas etc.

No child likes soggy bread.

Lunches should not be an after-thought; parents must put time and effort into what they are feeding or not feeding their children.

Bag-lunch ideas that require no refrigeration:

1. Mozzarella string-cheese sticks (other hard cheeses are great too) and whole-wheat/multi-grain crackers, Fruit cups. Whole-wheat carrot and/or apple muffins.

2. Bagel spread with cream cheese (you may want to try mini-bagels for small children) Sugar snap peas. Box of raisins.

3. Tortilla rolled up with a slice of mild cheese. Fresh green beans.
Small tangerines (Clementines, if in season).

4. Banana bread spread with peanut butter and a little honey. Cucumber slices.
Melon cubes.

5. Cream cheese and apple and/or pumpkin butter on whole-grain bread. Veggie mix (baby carrots, snap peas). Dried apricots or mixed dried fruits.

6. Half of a pita stuffed with shredded carrot and mild cheese (or peanut butter).
Individual cup of applesauce.

Bread:

Pita (either small individual size or half of a regular-size)
Quick bread (banana, pumpkin, apple, etc.)
Whole-wheat bun (hamburger or hot dog)
Bagel
Tortilla
Raisin bread

Fillings:

Peanut butter, plain or with (pick one) honey, banana, jelly, shredded carrot, raisin
Cream cheese, plain or with (pick one) jelly, apple butter, shredded veggies
Mild cheese
Hummus

Veggies:

Baby carrots or carrot sticks
Fresh green beans
Sugar snap peas
Cucumber slices
Crisp, tender broccoli florets (small ranch dressing cups)
Zucchini sticks

Fruits:

Half a banana
Small apple
Orange wedge
Raisins or other dried fruits
Drained pineapple chunks (or fresh)
Individual applesauce container
Melon cubes


Food Safety
Use a thermos to keep soups, stews and casseroles warm. Wash the thermos with soap and hot water after every use.
Place a frozen juice box or bottled water next to cold food items.
Use an ice pack to keep foods cold. (use puncture proof ice packs.
Use an insulated lunch container to help keep temperatures stable.


Listen to the entire interview at The Recipe Box with Barbara Howard.

Go to the The Recipe Box Show website (www.BlogTalkRecipes.com) to download recipes, contests and more!