President Obama’s Report Card
We’re entering the third year of the Obama Presidency and before we know it, the 2012 election season will be in full swing.
While unemployment levels are steep and the economic outlook is (somewhat) bleak, a great deal HAS been accomplished over the past 24 months. Learn more at:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/PromisesKept?source=20110120_JB_in&keycode=fd640d126082a313c0eab525a04f5343f0635a34710293a276b16520eb6d439f
Continue to analyze views of your party of choice (and the competition) in order to make informed decisions.
How The West Was Lost
With all the excitement about China’s President Hu Jintao’s visit to the US, everyone is aflutter. Parents are signing preschoolers up for Mandarin classes. Business leaders clamored for invitations to the state dinner.
[ Aside: First Lady Michelle O was … soooo … STUNNINGLY RADIANT! ]
Everyone is trying to figure out why we (continue to be) asleep at the switch. How did … America loose it’s “mojo?”
According to BBC World news, China will have built 10 New York cities by the year 2025. That’s right – 10! Think about it. That’s really not so far off.
For a global perspective on China rising and other economic developments, you’ll want to pre-order your copy of How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly - And the Stark Choices that Lie Ahead by Economist and Scholar, Dr. Dambiso Moyo. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374173257 (forthcoming February 15, 2011).
Of Zambian heritage and armed with an MS, MBA (American University), MPA (Harvard) and PhD (Oxford), Dr. Moyo was named one of Oprah Winfrey’s top 20 visionary women in 2009. To learn more, visit:
http://dambisamoyo.com
For those of us well-grounded in multicultural affairs, the story about Eastern prowess Asian business has always been a powerhouse. I’ve been fortunate to have worked as a consultant since the 1980s. Those “in the know” have always had deep connections with Eastern cultures, consultants and operatives.
My primary take away is this: Because Eastern (and African) civilizations are preeminent in the founding of world culture – they’ve had a few more centuries to plan.
Alas, America is a young country.
And, for those interested in an Asian mom’s take on parenting, you may want to purchase The Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. She’s a law school professor and her kids get straight A’s.
Although she’s currently woven into the “extreme parenting” narrative, I submit she’s doing something right! Probably simply raising her kids as she was raised. Imagine an entire country raising their kids with similar techniques. The result: a lot of brilliant people with the capacity to take over the world.
America, we have to get our average acts together. While we don't have to take anything to the extreme, we can do better. We are above average, but the test scores of our youth don't show it.
For the mean time, I’ll stick with the fine upbringing leveled by my folks, Fred and Juanita Scott of Hampton, VA; solid, common-sense training coupled with Southern roots.
I’ll put my upbringing up against any fine Asian family any day. If you arm your kids with discipline and the vision to succeed, you have family values that can will last a lifetime.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Behind the Dream
Martin Luther King Jr. confidante and attorney Clarence Jones provides a tremendous behind the scenes look at events preceding the 1965 March on Washington in his new book Behind the Dream. Jones is scholar in residence at Stanford University's MLK Research and Education Center.
To view a thought-provoking conversation on the book's contents, check out After Words on C-Span, hosted by New York's own Herb Boyd, of Amsterdam News and City College of New York fame.
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/videoLibrary/event.php?id=188922&timeline
Martin Luther King Jr. confidante and attorney Clarence Jones provides a tremendous behind the scenes look at events preceding the 1965 March on Washington in his new book Behind the Dream. Jones is scholar in residence at Stanford University's MLK Research and Education Center.
To view a thought-provoking conversation on the book's contents, check out After Words on C-Span, hosted by New York's own Herb Boyd, of Amsterdam News and City College of New York fame.
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/videoLibrary/event.php?id=188922&timeline
Land Your Dream Job
CNN’s Fredericka Whitfield interviewed author Jennifer Remling Jan. 16, who relayed tips from her new book Carve Your Own Road about how to land your dream job:
1. Get Clarity
> internships
> apprenticeships
> take an inventory of exactly what you’d like to do
2. Leverage Education, Skills, Experience
> if you don’t have the skills, consider going back to school
> retool skills; forge your own “economic recovery plan”
3. Build Bridges to Dream Job
> test the waters
> work extra hours (at new gig) without leaving current job (if possible)
4. New Career, New Salary
> start emergency fund to tide you over
> plan for the transition
5. Networking is a Necessity
> social media
> face to face meetings
http://cnn.com
Sudan
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, understand the power of just one vote. People in the Sudan “get it,” as they cast votes this week in support of secession.
Reportedly, some people walked for days, yes days, to cast their ballots.
If the referendum passes, the oil rich south will separate from the pipeline clad north.
As we prepare for the 2012 election season, let’s not forget those who have literally died for our right to vote. The only way to change the system, if you have problems with it, is to participate.
CNN’s Fredericka Whitfield interviewed author Jennifer Remling Jan. 16, who relayed tips from her new book Carve Your Own Road about how to land your dream job:
1. Get Clarity
> internships
> apprenticeships
> take an inventory of exactly what you’d like to do
2. Leverage Education, Skills, Experience
> if you don’t have the skills, consider going back to school
> retool skills; forge your own “economic recovery plan”
3. Build Bridges to Dream Job
> test the waters
> work extra hours (at new gig) without leaving current job (if possible)
4. New Career, New Salary
> start emergency fund to tide you over
> plan for the transition
5. Networking is a Necessity
> social media
> face to face meetings
http://cnn.com
Sudan
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, understand the power of just one vote. People in the Sudan “get it,” as they cast votes this week in support of secession.
Reportedly, some people walked for days, yes days, to cast their ballots.
If the referendum passes, the oil rich south will separate from the pipeline clad north.
As we prepare for the 2012 election season, let’s not forget those who have literally died for our right to vote. The only way to change the system, if you have problems with it, is to participate.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Conference Updates
2011 Winter Leadership Retreat & Martin Luther King Day of Service
On Friday, Jan. 14 LSJ was honored to serve as a guest speaker for the 2001 Winter Leadership Retreat, hosted by the CCNY Office of Student Life and Leadership Development (OSLLD).
I was pleased to relay my popular “You Inc. - Build Brand U” seminar. Student Life events are a wonderful way to meet the entire student body, outside of my work with Media & Communication Arts (MCA) students. I was truly inspired by the contributions of young people, particularly the breath of books they’re devouring.
The group – a vast mix of political science, pre-med, philosophy and humanities majors – also exhibited innovative social networking strategies, with a few students having a broad network of nearly 1,000 friends. These were not just casual acquaintances, but carefully crafted networks of associates. It was very interesting to learn how young people are liaising with people across the globe with similar interests. Others have used Facebook and other platforms to stay in contact with relatives and fellow students, as they’ve studied abroad. The internet has allowed them to strengthen networks.
Other students were careful not to waste an inordinate amount of time online, and valued the civility of face to face contact as they developed a substantive network of peers and mentors on the road to success.
Thanks to Daniel Fidalgo Tome, special projects coordinator, OSLLD, who put together a tremendously inspiring event. He and Robert Rodriguez, CCNY acting vice president for student affairs explained how Martin Luther King exhibited inspirational leadership qualities that enabled him to motivate groups toward vast societal change. Seminar leaders used the MLK Service Weekend as a platform to explain how student leaders can corral energy and harness skills and interests to help solve many of society’s problems.
On Monday, the official MLK holiday, CCNY students will show their strength in service to the Harlem Community. But, the efforts don’t stop here; OSLLD and the Powell Center for Policy Studies offer a wide range of service learning opportunities students can participate in throughout the year.
Blogging While Brown Conference
July 8-9, 2011 :: Los Angeles, CA :: Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Consider attending the premier conference for bloggers of color. Take advantage of early registration until May 9.
http://www.bloggingwhilebrown.com/
2011 Winter Leadership Retreat & Martin Luther King Day of Service
On Friday, Jan. 14 LSJ was honored to serve as a guest speaker for the 2001 Winter Leadership Retreat, hosted by the CCNY Office of Student Life and Leadership Development (OSLLD).
I was pleased to relay my popular “You Inc. - Build Brand U” seminar. Student Life events are a wonderful way to meet the entire student body, outside of my work with Media & Communication Arts (MCA) students. I was truly inspired by the contributions of young people, particularly the breath of books they’re devouring.
The group – a vast mix of political science, pre-med, philosophy and humanities majors – also exhibited innovative social networking strategies, with a few students having a broad network of nearly 1,000 friends. These were not just casual acquaintances, but carefully crafted networks of associates. It was very interesting to learn how young people are liaising with people across the globe with similar interests. Others have used Facebook and other platforms to stay in contact with relatives and fellow students, as they’ve studied abroad. The internet has allowed them to strengthen networks.
Other students were careful not to waste an inordinate amount of time online, and valued the civility of face to face contact as they developed a substantive network of peers and mentors on the road to success.
Thanks to Daniel Fidalgo Tome, special projects coordinator, OSLLD, who put together a tremendously inspiring event. He and Robert Rodriguez, CCNY acting vice president for student affairs explained how Martin Luther King exhibited inspirational leadership qualities that enabled him to motivate groups toward vast societal change. Seminar leaders used the MLK Service Weekend as a platform to explain how student leaders can corral energy and harness skills and interests to help solve many of society’s problems.
On Monday, the official MLK holiday, CCNY students will show their strength in service to the Harlem Community. But, the efforts don’t stop here; OSLLD and the Powell Center for Policy Studies offer a wide range of service learning opportunities students can participate in throughout the year.
Blogging While Brown Conference
July 8-9, 2011 :: Los Angeles, CA :: Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Consider attending the premier conference for bloggers of color. Take advantage of early registration until May 9.
http://www.bloggingwhilebrown.com/
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Haiti: One Year Later
Status Update … the country’s situation is still 9-1-1 emergency!
Today marks the one year anniversary of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, followed by a severe cholera outbreak. Millions of dollars have been pledged, yet little has been done. Organizations like Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network encourage us all to refocus our efforts and energies on keeping this important issue in the forefront.
Rev. Al is slated to visit the raved country soon and will report back on additional ways we can help and keep pressure on those governments and entities which have pledged support … support that hasn’t yet made it to those in dire need.
If you’re weren’t able to attend tonight's “Hope and a Future” one year anniversary concert celebration at The Apollo Theater, visit Kevin Powell and April Silver’s excellent website, Help Haiti Online, which lists various organizations and resources that are still actively working in support of Haiti. Help how you can; give what you can.
http://helphaitionline.org/
Tuscon: The Tragic Road to Our Country’s Bipartisan Healing
We Americans have an uncanny way of coming together in the aftermath of a tragedy. While six lives were lost and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and others cling to life, President Obama managed to strike a chord of reason – a glimmer of hope during a dark time. To view his full speech on video or read a transcript online, see:
http://whitehouse.gov
Visit the site often to keep up with legislative issues and learn how we all can contribute more to the democratic system.
And, as we approach Martin Luther King Day, let’s reflect on ways we can make our mark on the world in service to others.
Status Update … the country’s situation is still 9-1-1 emergency!
Today marks the one year anniversary of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, followed by a severe cholera outbreak. Millions of dollars have been pledged, yet little has been done. Organizations like Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network encourage us all to refocus our efforts and energies on keeping this important issue in the forefront.
Rev. Al is slated to visit the raved country soon and will report back on additional ways we can help and keep pressure on those governments and entities which have pledged support … support that hasn’t yet made it to those in dire need.
If you’re weren’t able to attend tonight's “Hope and a Future” one year anniversary concert celebration at The Apollo Theater, visit Kevin Powell and April Silver’s excellent website, Help Haiti Online, which lists various organizations and resources that are still actively working in support of Haiti. Help how you can; give what you can.
http://helphaitionline.org/
Tuscon: The Tragic Road to Our Country’s Bipartisan Healing
We Americans have an uncanny way of coming together in the aftermath of a tragedy. While six lives were lost and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and others cling to life, President Obama managed to strike a chord of reason – a glimmer of hope during a dark time. To view his full speech on video or read a transcript online, see:
http://whitehouse.gov
Visit the site often to keep up with legislative issues and learn how we all can contribute more to the democratic system.
And, as we approach Martin Luther King Day, let’s reflect on ways we can make our mark on the world in service to others.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Sketches to the Library of Congress
Marilyn Church
What she sketched for $350 a day are now priceless. Last Fall, the US Library of Congress paid an undisclosed figure for more than 3,500 courtroom sketches representing a 30 year body of work by Marilyn Church, a Queens native who drew as way to gain recognition out of a family of five siblings.
Marilyn Church is perhaps the most famous sketch artist around, capturing the likeness of the infamous John Gotti, serial murderer Sam Berkowitz, ponzi scam artist Bernard Madoff and actor Woody Allen.
Do what you love and the rewards will follow.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/nyregion/13about.html
Marilyn Church
What she sketched for $350 a day are now priceless. Last Fall, the US Library of Congress paid an undisclosed figure for more than 3,500 courtroom sketches representing a 30 year body of work by Marilyn Church, a Queens native who drew as way to gain recognition out of a family of five siblings.
Marilyn Church is perhaps the most famous sketch artist around, capturing the likeness of the infamous John Gotti, serial murderer Sam Berkowitz, ponzi scam artist Bernard Madoff and actor Woody Allen.
Do what you love and the rewards will follow.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/nyregion/13about.html
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Phylicia Barnes Missing in Baltimore
AOL News Alert
Authorities in Maryland are stepping up efforts to locate Phylicia Barnes, a 16-year-old North Carolina girl who disappeared while visiting relatives in Baltimore. But a local police official said the national media need to take note of the case.
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/07/police-national-media-needed-in-search-for-missing-north-caroli/?icid=maing|main5|dl1|sec1_lnk5|35355
The case has been likened to the Natalee Holloway case with one exception; Phylicia Barnes is African American. Forward this link to all in your networks so everyone can be on the lookout.
Pixar: The Ultimate in Pixels
I recently viewed CNBC’s two-hour documentary on the making of Pixar Animation Studios, which was truly fascinating. It began with the early days of creative energy, mentors that included Walt Disney animators from the 1930s (people who drew the original Mickey Mouse) and chronicled the pleasure and pain of developing a new enterprise.
Most importantly, the show revealed the founders passion for their respective crafts, which melds physics, graphic design, animation and entertainment. What inspired me was the vision of all involved (including Steve Jobs) and how they pushed each other to new heights in the development of their expertise.
Pixar is an exercise in teamwork, collaboration and risk-taking.
http://www.pixar.com/
AOL News Alert
Authorities in Maryland are stepping up efforts to locate Phylicia Barnes, a 16-year-old North Carolina girl who disappeared while visiting relatives in Baltimore. But a local police official said the national media need to take note of the case.
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/07/police-national-media-needed-in-search-for-missing-north-caroli/?icid=maing|main5|dl1|sec1_lnk5|35355
The case has been likened to the Natalee Holloway case with one exception; Phylicia Barnes is African American. Forward this link to all in your networks so everyone can be on the lookout.
Pixar: The Ultimate in Pixels
I recently viewed CNBC’s two-hour documentary on the making of Pixar Animation Studios, which was truly fascinating. It began with the early days of creative energy, mentors that included Walt Disney animators from the 1930s (people who drew the original Mickey Mouse) and chronicled the pleasure and pain of developing a new enterprise.
Most importantly, the show revealed the founders passion for their respective crafts, which melds physics, graphic design, animation and entertainment. What inspired me was the vision of all involved (including Steve Jobs) and how they pushed each other to new heights in the development of their expertise.
Pixar is an exercise in teamwork, collaboration and risk-taking.
http://www.pixar.com/
Friday, January 07, 2011
Let Go and Simplify Your Life
The Winter Break and multiple snowstorms have been wonderful "pauses" in our hectic lives. I’ve managed to condense thoughts and connect dots. I've taken a few moments to:
> Give thanks for what I have
> Plan ahead with purpose and look forward to the New Year
> Make a real effort not to accumulate more unnecessary stuff
> Understand that whatever you do, it’s may never be enough
> Aim for high standards and target main goals each day (you can adjust priorities)
> Get a jump on my blog posts
> Marvel at the Facebook/Goldman Sachs investment deal (Wall Street’s still one of the best “Off Broadway” shows in New York)
> Take stock of what I’ve accomplished and what I’d like to achieve in the next 20 years
> Catch up on HBO reruns (Entourage, Six Feet Under, Boardwalk Empire, Big Love – new season starts Jan. 16)
> Mull over my new meaning for “PC,” not the standard “politically correct” phrasing, but a concentrated effort to be more --
1. Persistent
2. Consistent
> Appreciate the power of pleasure reading and unstructured play
Today’s New York Times even included a feature about how humans, particularly kids need time to just be imaginative and play without a hidden agenda:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/garden/06play.html?src=me&ref=general
The Winter Break and multiple snowstorms have been wonderful "pauses" in our hectic lives. I’ve managed to condense thoughts and connect dots. I've taken a few moments to:
> Give thanks for what I have
> Plan ahead with purpose and look forward to the New Year
> Make a real effort not to accumulate more unnecessary stuff
> Understand that whatever you do, it’s may never be enough
> Aim for high standards and target main goals each day (you can adjust priorities)
> Get a jump on my blog posts
> Marvel at the Facebook/Goldman Sachs investment deal (Wall Street’s still one of the best “Off Broadway” shows in New York)
> Take stock of what I’ve accomplished and what I’d like to achieve in the next 20 years
> Catch up on HBO reruns (Entourage, Six Feet Under, Boardwalk Empire, Big Love – new season starts Jan. 16)
> Mull over my new meaning for “PC,” not the standard “politically correct” phrasing, but a concentrated effort to be more --
1. Persistent
2. Consistent
> Appreciate the power of pleasure reading and unstructured play
Today’s New York Times even included a feature about how humans, particularly kids need time to just be imaginative and play without a hidden agenda:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/garden/06play.html?src=me&ref=general
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