Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
BFT Bookshelf: Tempted by Trouble by Eric Jerome Dickey
Meet Dmytryk Knight. He was a respectable man...once. College-educated, happily married, a stable job at a car factory in Detroit. When a crippling recession annihilates the auto industry, Dmytryk and his wife Cora suddenly find themselves without jobs and in foreclosure. After two years of living by the rules, they learn the hard way that honesty doesn't pay the bills.
When a powerful and ruthless crime boss named Eddie Coyle gives them an opportunity to buy back their comfortable lives, Cora urges Dmytryk to take the deal. All he has to do is join Eddie's crime ring and rob some banks: two minutes, in and out, nobody gets hurt. Now, more determined than ever to gain his financial freedom and independence, Dmytryk falls into a life of crime. But when a job goes horribly wrong and Cora disappears, Dmytryk wonders if he'll ever find his way back to his old life. And in the end, will he even want to?
BFT Discussion: Am I A Sellout Because I Moved?
I have heard so many times that when black folks move from the inner city to the suburbs that they somehow become sellouts or they are out of touch with the black community? Thoughts?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
BFT Discussion: Should We Meet Or Start A School?
This discussion comes from our BFT sister, Michelle Morris-Pulliam. What does it take to start a school? The reason I ask is because of this. If you add up all the money that the NAACP, NUL, NAN, and all the other black organizations spend on conventions and other uncalled for meetings and traveling, they could have taken an abandoned school and used the funds to fix it up and start a school or two or even more depending on where they decided to do this.
All this time spent talking for years, having meetings on meetings on talking and carrying on is just a way to spend money and make youself look good for doing nothing.
If you really care about education, cancel your next convention, all those undue trips across country to meet about the same old thing and start looking for a school to develop and turn into something that is productive.
All this time spent talking for years, having meetings on meetings on talking and carrying on is just a way to spend money and make youself look good for doing nothing.
If you really care about education, cancel your next convention, all those undue trips across country to meet about the same old thing and start looking for a school to develop and turn into something that is productive.
Monday, August 16, 2010
BFT Discussion: What Is The Point Of Voting?
What does your vote mean if it can be overturned in court? If everytime a group does not like what the majority likes, then we go to court? What is the point of voting then? Thoughts?
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
BFT Men: 10 Etiquette Tips Men Should Know
By Mybrotha.COM Staff Writer - September 23, 2006
What ever happened to good old-fashioned manners? Not a lot of men follow the simplest of rules these days and consequently, it shows in how they behave. Aside from the momentary fashionable trends that seem to grip our society ever half generation - good etiquette tips never go out of style.
Mybrotha gives you 10 of the most important ones:
1.Restaurants - Whenever dining out (especially in a formal setting), be sure to allow your female partner to be seated first. You can control this situation by pulling out a chair for her and seating yourself afterwards. For those of you who dare to be really chivalrous -- it is common practice to stand when a woman gets up to leave the table.
2.Table Manners - When sitting at a table (either in a restaurant or at home), your elbows should never rest on the eating surface. Elbows on the table are acceptable only between meal courses, or in extremely informal settings like bars or pubs.
3.Addressing Women - Did you know that there is a correct and incorrect way to address a woman, both verbally and in writing? It all depends on her age and marital status.
You should speak and write "Mrs." when addressing married woman. For any woman who is unmarried, or if you're not sure about her marital status - use the term "Ms." For girls and teens under the age of 17 years, you should use "Miss".
Various cultures inside and outside the U.S. usually have two distinctions -- (i.e. Madam, Señora, Frau (for adult and married women); and mademoiselle, señorita, fräulein (for unmarried teens and girls). Of course you could always use a generic, respectful "ma'am", for women of all ages and classifications.
4.Hats and Caps - Never enter a building with your hat or cap on. The only exceptions are public places of interests such as train, bus, and subway stations; indoor and outdoor pavillions; or places near public street entrances like lobbies or hallways. You should always remove your hat for photographs, when entering a home, for the national anthem, and when in the presence of a woman.
5.Flowers - Unless you mean to say -- "I love you my little Snookum-Cakes", something other than red or pink roses should be given to female acquaintences. Roses are a symbol of love, romantic interest, or "respectful love" -- as in situations when giving roses to a mother on Mother's Day.
For occasions when a female is not a love interest (i.e. birthdays, graduations, promotions, or new friendships) -- choose from a variety of "friendly flowers" like Lilies, Sunflowers, Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Bamboo, or Irises.
6.Personal Property - If at all possible, men should refrain from touching, moving, or interferring with ones personal property. For example, you should never touch and move an unknown woman's purse -- even if it's in your way. You should also steer clear of touching clothes, vehicles, equipment, or any personal items belonging to another.
The only exceptions are having to return lost or misplaced items to their rightful owners, or if an emergency calls for your intervention. More strict rules apply to home properties such as mailboxes. Not only is opening someone's mailbox bad etiquette -- it's also illegal.
7.Shaving - Men don't like to shave, but it's a necessity in certain situations. When attending such events as weddings, formal gatherings, reunions, business meetings, job interviews, etc. - your face should be stubble free. If you're venturing into an unfamiliar territory, it's best to leave that shadowy look at home. The only exceptions here, are well-trimmed beards, moustaches, or goatees.
8.Coughing and Sneezing - You were probably told as a child: "Cover your mouth when you cough!". This is still good practice, but you should go one step further.
If you have a handkerchief or some tissue nearby, try sneezing or coughing directly into it and when finished -- throw it away. Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, whooping cough, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are spread through airborne germs, and germs on your hands. If no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your sleeve. This helps keep germs out of the air and off of your hands.
9.Invitations - Believe it or not, there are a few occasions when you should never turn down an invite or request for attendance. Two such events are requests for funeral assistance and honoree events. If you're asked to act as a pallbearer at a funeral, or if a banquet or dinner is being held in your honor -- you should make every attempt to attend.
10.What To Wear - Knowing what to wear and when to wear it is important if you want to save your reputation. There is a difference in casual, business casual, and professional dress. In reality, it all depends on the event.
If attending a day wedding, school play, or luncheon - a button-down with slacks is the way to go. A formal wedding, class reunion, job interview, or business meeting all require a button-down, tie, and slacks. Jackets and/or blazers are necessary when presenting, facilitating formal meetings, or when in a place of recognition.
Shorts of any length and t-shirts should not be worn -- even if an event is labeled as "casual". The only obvious exceptions are outdoor events such as barbecues, pool parties, and family reunions.
There you go. Those are 10 great etiquette tips that should keep you from making a total fool out of yourself. Use at least five of them, and it's likely that someone will label you as a "true gentleman".
What ever happened to good old-fashioned manners? Not a lot of men follow the simplest of rules these days and consequently, it shows in how they behave. Aside from the momentary fashionable trends that seem to grip our society ever half generation - good etiquette tips never go out of style.
Mybrotha gives you 10 of the most important ones:
1.Restaurants - Whenever dining out (especially in a formal setting), be sure to allow your female partner to be seated first. You can control this situation by pulling out a chair for her and seating yourself afterwards. For those of you who dare to be really chivalrous -- it is common practice to stand when a woman gets up to leave the table.
2.Table Manners - When sitting at a table (either in a restaurant or at home), your elbows should never rest on the eating surface. Elbows on the table are acceptable only between meal courses, or in extremely informal settings like bars or pubs.
3.Addressing Women - Did you know that there is a correct and incorrect way to address a woman, both verbally and in writing? It all depends on her age and marital status.
You should speak and write "Mrs." when addressing married woman. For any woman who is unmarried, or if you're not sure about her marital status - use the term "Ms." For girls and teens under the age of 17 years, you should use "Miss".
Various cultures inside and outside the U.S. usually have two distinctions -- (i.e. Madam, Señora, Frau (for adult and married women); and mademoiselle, señorita, fräulein (for unmarried teens and girls). Of course you could always use a generic, respectful "ma'am", for women of all ages and classifications.
4.Hats and Caps - Never enter a building with your hat or cap on. The only exceptions are public places of interests such as train, bus, and subway stations; indoor and outdoor pavillions; or places near public street entrances like lobbies or hallways. You should always remove your hat for photographs, when entering a home, for the national anthem, and when in the presence of a woman.
5.Flowers - Unless you mean to say -- "I love you my little Snookum-Cakes", something other than red or pink roses should be given to female acquaintences. Roses are a symbol of love, romantic interest, or "respectful love" -- as in situations when giving roses to a mother on Mother's Day.
For occasions when a female is not a love interest (i.e. birthdays, graduations, promotions, or new friendships) -- choose from a variety of "friendly flowers" like Lilies, Sunflowers, Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Bamboo, or Irises.
6.Personal Property - If at all possible, men should refrain from touching, moving, or interferring with ones personal property. For example, you should never touch and move an unknown woman's purse -- even if it's in your way. You should also steer clear of touching clothes, vehicles, equipment, or any personal items belonging to another.
The only exceptions are having to return lost or misplaced items to their rightful owners, or if an emergency calls for your intervention. More strict rules apply to home properties such as mailboxes. Not only is opening someone's mailbox bad etiquette -- it's also illegal.
7.Shaving - Men don't like to shave, but it's a necessity in certain situations. When attending such events as weddings, formal gatherings, reunions, business meetings, job interviews, etc. - your face should be stubble free. If you're venturing into an unfamiliar territory, it's best to leave that shadowy look at home. The only exceptions here, are well-trimmed beards, moustaches, or goatees.
8.Coughing and Sneezing - You were probably told as a child: "Cover your mouth when you cough!". This is still good practice, but you should go one step further.
If you have a handkerchief or some tissue nearby, try sneezing or coughing directly into it and when finished -- throw it away. Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, whooping cough, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are spread through airborne germs, and germs on your hands. If no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your sleeve. This helps keep germs out of the air and off of your hands.
9.Invitations - Believe it or not, there are a few occasions when you should never turn down an invite or request for attendance. Two such events are requests for funeral assistance and honoree events. If you're asked to act as a pallbearer at a funeral, or if a banquet or dinner is being held in your honor -- you should make every attempt to attend.
10.What To Wear - Knowing what to wear and when to wear it is important if you want to save your reputation. There is a difference in casual, business casual, and professional dress. In reality, it all depends on the event.
If attending a day wedding, school play, or luncheon - a button-down with slacks is the way to go. A formal wedding, class reunion, job interview, or business meeting all require a button-down, tie, and slacks. Jackets and/or blazers are necessary when presenting, facilitating formal meetings, or when in a place of recognition.
Shorts of any length and t-shirts should not be worn -- even if an event is labeled as "casual". The only obvious exceptions are outdoor events such as barbecues, pool parties, and family reunions.
There you go. Those are 10 great etiquette tips that should keep you from making a total fool out of yourself. Use at least five of them, and it's likely that someone will label you as a "true gentleman".
BFT Men: Holding It Down (Mybrotha.COM)
(Mybrotha.COM) - I was talking to a friend the other day and the subject of bills and finances came up. The topic seemed natural since millions of us are struggling financially, and the global economy is behaving like a spoiled 5-year old. Unfortunately for us, this particular 5-year old doesn't have a set of parents to whip its backside.
As our conversation continued, I asked my friend how he was keeping things together with a wife and two pre-teens. His wife is great, but twelve year old twin boys can ravage a refrigerator full of food, and outgrow a set of clothes in a few months. It's not like I had to tell him this; he was living it every day.
My friend talked about his primary job no longer being sufficient for supporting his family, and needing to work a second job. I was amazed. How could a brotha who puts in 8-hour days in corporate America manage to slip in a second gig? What type of second job did he have, and how much time was he siphoning away from his family?
According the the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 7.6 million Americans hold down more than one job. These so-called "moonlighters" comprise 5 percent of the working population. Of these, 4 million work full-time at their primary job and part-time at their other job.
I have always known that African-American men are some of the hardest working beings on the planet. We are a huge piece of that 7.6 million. Some of us work harder than others, and after speaking with my friend, I was beginning to feel like I was one of the "others." I work hard, but trying to manage two jobs and still support a house, wife and kids would push me to my limits.
In addition to his 8-hour a day, 5-day a week job as a pharmaceutical sales rep, my friend goes completely blue collar at nights. A year ago, he began working an 8pm-11pm shift as a stock person at a local retail store. He typically runs home after his last appointment to catch a quick dinner and maybe even a short nap. By 7:10pm., he's back in his car--only this time he's wearing jeans, an Atlanta Falcons cap, and carries a box-cutter as he travels to his second money maker.
Bills and debt will haunt those who are unprepared and unwilling to go the extra mile. We all know these types of people. They are the brothas who constantly complain about a lack of money, but never seem willing to do much about it. My friend isn't one of those men.
But it isn't just my friend who walks the extra mile when it comes to commitment. Twenty-seven percent of workers age 16 and older work more than 40 hours a week. About 7 percent work 60 or more hours a week. My friend belongs in the latter group.
Still, I found myself puzzled by the amount of dedication this brotha was giving to making some extra cheese. He doesn't live in an elaborate house, buy expensive cars, or wear fancy clothes. He doesn't own a new iPhone or laptop either. In fact, he works so much, it appears that he never has time to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
I soon realized that my friend wasn't motivated by money; he was propelled and inspired by his family and his desire to be a great father. To him, fatigue takes a backseat to anything and everything needed to support his family. If he had to work five jobs, I have no doubt he would have five different paychecks at the end of the week.
He admitted it's a huge sacrifice. He doesn't spend as much time as he would like with his kids and wife, but noted that it's only temporary. He would rather work multiple jobs and acquire enough money to become debt free now, rather than continue struggling with debt for the next 15 years.
I have to admit he inspired me. The energy and effort he puts into building a strong family is commendable, and I am searching for a second job as I type this.
I can imagine we're both looking forward to the day when neither of us have to hold down any jobs.
As our conversation continued, I asked my friend how he was keeping things together with a wife and two pre-teens. His wife is great, but twelve year old twin boys can ravage a refrigerator full of food, and outgrow a set of clothes in a few months. It's not like I had to tell him this; he was living it every day.
My friend talked about his primary job no longer being sufficient for supporting his family, and needing to work a second job. I was amazed. How could a brotha who puts in 8-hour days in corporate America manage to slip in a second gig? What type of second job did he have, and how much time was he siphoning away from his family?
According the the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 7.6 million Americans hold down more than one job. These so-called "moonlighters" comprise 5 percent of the working population. Of these, 4 million work full-time at their primary job and part-time at their other job.
I have always known that African-American men are some of the hardest working beings on the planet. We are a huge piece of that 7.6 million. Some of us work harder than others, and after speaking with my friend, I was beginning to feel like I was one of the "others." I work hard, but trying to manage two jobs and still support a house, wife and kids would push me to my limits.
In addition to his 8-hour a day, 5-day a week job as a pharmaceutical sales rep, my friend goes completely blue collar at nights. A year ago, he began working an 8pm-11pm shift as a stock person at a local retail store. He typically runs home after his last appointment to catch a quick dinner and maybe even a short nap. By 7:10pm., he's back in his car--only this time he's wearing jeans, an Atlanta Falcons cap, and carries a box-cutter as he travels to his second money maker.
Bills and debt will haunt those who are unprepared and unwilling to go the extra mile. We all know these types of people. They are the brothas who constantly complain about a lack of money, but never seem willing to do much about it. My friend isn't one of those men.
But it isn't just my friend who walks the extra mile when it comes to commitment. Twenty-seven percent of workers age 16 and older work more than 40 hours a week. About 7 percent work 60 or more hours a week. My friend belongs in the latter group.
Still, I found myself puzzled by the amount of dedication this brotha was giving to making some extra cheese. He doesn't live in an elaborate house, buy expensive cars, or wear fancy clothes. He doesn't own a new iPhone or laptop either. In fact, he works so much, it appears that he never has time to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
I soon realized that my friend wasn't motivated by money; he was propelled and inspired by his family and his desire to be a great father. To him, fatigue takes a backseat to anything and everything needed to support his family. If he had to work five jobs, I have no doubt he would have five different paychecks at the end of the week.
He admitted it's a huge sacrifice. He doesn't spend as much time as he would like with his kids and wife, but noted that it's only temporary. He would rather work multiple jobs and acquire enough money to become debt free now, rather than continue struggling with debt for the next 15 years.
I have to admit he inspired me. The energy and effort he puts into building a strong family is commendable, and I am searching for a second job as I type this.
I can imagine we're both looking forward to the day when neither of us have to hold down any jobs.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Nicole's Corner: You Are The CEO Of Your Life
Hey Family! This is for all the people going through something. This is for people having relationship problems. This is for people who are going through financial problems. This is for people who just have alot of drama, issues and problems.
Over the last couple of months, I have been going through some trying times. Friendships have been tested! Family support has been tried! Money issues have come to a head. A host of other things that I can't talk about has come to light. With all of these challenges, I still remain faithful to God. I know who has my back. I know who I can turn to for help and advice. I believe challenges like this is a test of your individual strength. It is a test of your beliefs. It shows you what you are made of. It gives you wisdom and clarity for your life, dreams and aspirations.
Your life never really goes as you planned. There are always curve balls thrown your way. When that happens, how do you handle it? Do you pass it off for somebody else to handle it? Do you ignore it? Do you dive into the problem head on? When you do dive into your problems or issues, do you lie to protect yourself and others? Do you tell the truth? What do you do?
My initial response to the above was looking to someone else to resolve my problems. I looked to my dad. I looked to my sisters. I looked to my aunts. I looked to my pastor. I looked to everyone else instead of looking to myself. Once I realized that I had to look to myself to resolve my own issues and problems, I then realized that I had to be truthful with myself and the situation. I had to comes to terms with what actually happened and not with what sounds good. Truth goes along way. A lie will eventually show it ugly head and can make the issue or problem worst.
Another thing I had to do in order to overcome problems and issues is that I had to take responsibility for my part in whatever is going on. I couldn't always blame someone else for your mistakes and you can't either. I realized that I am the ultimate decision maker in what goes on in my life. I had to learn and still learning to listen. I had to educate myself on certain things. I had and still learning to pray about decisions first. I had to learn and still learning to question things before I make decisions so that I know what I am making the right decision. Even it is family and friends. If you don't do these things, then you can end up alone, in financial trouble or in legal trouble.
When dealing with issues and problems, it is ok to ask others for help. You are not expected to be able to do everything by yourself. You can't expect others to do it all for you. You have to put in the most work but you will find people will help you. You will also find that the people that you least thought will help you will come through and help you in a mighty way. So please do judge a book by its cover. Don't ever underestimate people because you don't know what they are really capable of. Good or bad. They may be the saving grace that saves your life.
So remember, when you are having problems or issues, be the CEO of it. Handle your own issues or problems. You make the decisions about your life. Don't give that task to someone else. Be accountable to your problems. Be truthful with yourself and others. Also know that it is ok to ask for help. Remember, that I love you and there is nothing that you can do about it. Talk to you all later.
Over the last couple of months, I have been going through some trying times. Friendships have been tested! Family support has been tried! Money issues have come to a head. A host of other things that I can't talk about has come to light. With all of these challenges, I still remain faithful to God. I know who has my back. I know who I can turn to for help and advice. I believe challenges like this is a test of your individual strength. It is a test of your beliefs. It shows you what you are made of. It gives you wisdom and clarity for your life, dreams and aspirations.
Your life never really goes as you planned. There are always curve balls thrown your way. When that happens, how do you handle it? Do you pass it off for somebody else to handle it? Do you ignore it? Do you dive into the problem head on? When you do dive into your problems or issues, do you lie to protect yourself and others? Do you tell the truth? What do you do?
My initial response to the above was looking to someone else to resolve my problems. I looked to my dad. I looked to my sisters. I looked to my aunts. I looked to my pastor. I looked to everyone else instead of looking to myself. Once I realized that I had to look to myself to resolve my own issues and problems, I then realized that I had to be truthful with myself and the situation. I had to comes to terms with what actually happened and not with what sounds good. Truth goes along way. A lie will eventually show it ugly head and can make the issue or problem worst.
Another thing I had to do in order to overcome problems and issues is that I had to take responsibility for my part in whatever is going on. I couldn't always blame someone else for your mistakes and you can't either. I realized that I am the ultimate decision maker in what goes on in my life. I had to learn and still learning to listen. I had to educate myself on certain things. I had and still learning to pray about decisions first. I had to learn and still learning to question things before I make decisions so that I know what I am making the right decision. Even it is family and friends. If you don't do these things, then you can end up alone, in financial trouble or in legal trouble.
When dealing with issues and problems, it is ok to ask others for help. You are not expected to be able to do everything by yourself. You can't expect others to do it all for you. You have to put in the most work but you will find people will help you. You will also find that the people that you least thought will help you will come through and help you in a mighty way. So please do judge a book by its cover. Don't ever underestimate people because you don't know what they are really capable of. Good or bad. They may be the saving grace that saves your life.
So remember, when you are having problems or issues, be the CEO of it. Handle your own issues or problems. You make the decisions about your life. Don't give that task to someone else. Be accountable to your problems. Be truthful with yourself and others. Also know that it is ok to ask for help. Remember, that I love you and there is nothing that you can do about it. Talk to you all later.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
New Movie Releases for August 2010
"Lottery Ticket" coming out on August 20, 2010. This movie features Bow Wow, Brandon T. Jackson, Loretta Devine, Ice Cube, Charlie Murphy, Terry Crews, T-Pain, Mike Epps, Keith David, and Bill Bellamy.
With the Fourth of July fast approaching, Kevin Carson (Bow Wow) purchases a pair of lottery tickets and settles down in front of the television to catch the winning numbers. When Kevin realizes he's just won 370 million dollars, he knows his neighbors will all come knocking the moment word of his massive windfall gets out. And he's right, too; before long, the local thugs are looking to take the ticket by force, and the sexiest girls in the neighborhood are begging to bear his children. Unfortunately for Kevin and his grandma, the lottery-claims office doesn't open until Monday, and over the next 72 hours there are more than a million ways the winning ticket could fall into the wrong hands.
"Takers" coming out on August 27, 2010. This movie stars, Idris Elba, Paul Walker, Chris Brown, Michael Ealy, Tip "T.I." Harris, Jay Hernandez, Matt Dillon, and Zoe Saldana.
This movie is about a notorious group of criminals who continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low in between heists. But when they attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective who is hell-bent on solving the case.
BFT Sports: Detroit Lions Reach Deal With No. 2 Pick Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh and the Detroit Lions have agreed to terms on a five-year contract worth $40 million guaranteed. The deal was expected to be done by Wednesday morning, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.
Monday, August 2, 2010
BFT Health: President Obama Explains Healthcare.gov
President Obama explains HealthCare.gov, the new consumer website that helps you take control of your health care coverage. This first-of-its-kind website makes it easier to find health care coverage and clearly explains how the Affordable Care Act will benefit you, your family, or your business.
President Obama's Weekly Address: Good News On Autos, Obstruction On Small Business
President Obama praises the successes of the auto industry restructuring as good news for our economy, and calls on Republican leaders in the Senate to "stop holding America's small businesses hostage to politics" by blocking a vote to help them create jobs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)