Quote Of The Day

"It�s a very funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it." -William Somerset Maugham

TODAY IS...

PLEASE PASS THIS ON! (EACH ONE TEACH ONE OR TWO!) THIS IS PHASE ONE ON HOW WE CAN HELP TO STRENGTHEN & EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY:The 2008 not guilty verdict in the Sean Bell case evoked outrage, emotion, and debate. It is not an anomaly that the police officers involved in the Sean Bell slaying were acquitted of all charges on all counts in State Supreme Court. I could run out of ink printing the names of people who have been victimized by the inaptly named justice system.

The American justice system has been especially terroristic towards the African American community. Many community members can cite historic and personal accounts to prove this. Therefore, it would be foolhardy (at the least) to turn to a system that has methodically oppressed us, and request that they free us. We can only free ourselves through extreme discipline and intelligent planning.

As a community we have been too compliant with leaders who organize ineffective, delayed reactions. The only strategy that can save us in this last hour is one that calls for a collective code of conduct that will be conducive to improving the conditions of our community, and shifting the paradigm of how we are treated by outside entities. The first step of this code of conduct should be based on economics.

The old adage of “money talks,” still reigns true in the new millennium. Any political scientist worth his or her library card will tell you that: “Economic powerlessness equals political powerlessness,” and conversely “economic power equals political power.” This means that if we continue to allow our wealth to be extracted from our community, we will remain impotent.

The power of the collective “Black Dollar” is often discussed. However, that power has been left unchanneled. Today is the day to change that. A one-time boycott is not going to bring long-term change and respect to our community. Our community has launched boycotts before. Our success and ascension will be based on what we consistently do. For this reason, we should initiate “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS.”

BUY BLACK FRIDAYS is a small step towards our community acquiring power via controlling our economics. Every Friday, people who acknowledge the injustice and oppression that the African American community has been consistently subjected to should do one of the following:

Option #1: Spend $0 on Friday
Option #2: Spend no more than $10 on Friday
Option #3: Only Shop at Black Businesses on Friday
[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE OPTIONS CAN & SHOULD BE EXERCISED ON A DAILY BASIS. However, we can all at the very least focus on Fridays. This way we can take a collective stand and build our collective discipline. Please remember that this is only Phase 1!].

To the people who are tempted to label “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS” as racist, I say this: In the big scheme of things, this is about right & wrong, justice & injustice. The African American community is a strong, proud community that has endured the brunt of America’s iron fist. We must stop the pounding. I feel that any fair-minded individual will concur, and join in.

ANY business that is privileged to enjoy the support of the African American community MUST return that support.

I thank you in advance for your effort and dedication.

-Elsie Law AKA Starface

Quote Of The Day

"Without debate, without criticism, no administration and no country can succeed- and no republic can survive." -John F. Kennedy

Quote Of The Day

"The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man's heart away from nature becomes hard." -Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Sioux

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Pic Of The Week

A statue of Queen Nzingha of Angola

Black History Fact Of The Day

"She was Queen and General of Angola. She was a military genius. Her favorite strategies were surprise attacks and infiltrating enemy ranks. The Portuguese were trying to control Angola. They were effectively using the theory of divide and conquer and were pitting Africans against Africans. Queen Nzingha took advantage of this and literally had more of her soldiers in their ranks than they had. She successfully warded off the attacks of the Portuguese for more than 40 years.

Not only was she a great military genius, she was an intense negotiator. The Governor of Portugal called for negotiations and a treaty to be established between the Portuguese and the Angolans. In the meeting room the Governor had his executive cabinet and military officers all around him and he was comfortably sitting in a chair. When the Queen entered with her men, the executive council and military officers did not stand to greet her. The Governor smirked. He designed the room so that the only chair in the room would be his. Queen Nzingha was always prepared, battle filed or negotiations. She knew that the Governor was arrogant, racist, and discourteous. Therefore, she brought her own accommodations. Her men rolled out the royal carpet for her. Her military officers took turns kneeling, palms to the ground, and were honored to have her sit on their back as she negotiated for the liberation of her people. The Governor then realized he was in for the fight of his life and that Queen Nzingha was going to represent her people with dignity." -From, "Sankofa: Stories of Power, Hope, and Joy" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Earlier this month McGraw Hill entered into negotiations to sell their entity Business Week to Bloomberg L.P.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the magazine will likely be renamed "Bloomberg Business Week." The Wall Street Journal also states that "Bloomberg has moved aggressively in the past couple of years to bulk up its news organizations."

[It Doesn't Take A Rocket Scientist To Figure This Out SIDEBAR: I wonder if this is why Bloomberg is getting so many endorsements by the press for his mayoral campaign.]

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

A citizen of the UK is accused of hacking into America's military computer system. According to the BBC, the accused allegedly stated that he "was just seeking UFO evidence."

The alleged UK hacker's extradition to the United States has been halted for medical reasons. However, In addition to the plaintiff's illness; the BBC states that the extradition is also on hold "until an inquiry into the US-UK extradition treaty has been carried out by the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee...Critics of the treaty say it does not treat US and British citizens equally."

Quote Of The Day

"No one can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices." -Edward R. Murrow

Quote Of The Day

"Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear." -Harry S. Truman

Newsletter News Brief: The Possible Dangers of Alcohol In Mouthwash

I had a facebook friend warn me about the dangers of flouride. However, I also found this information online (on the website for natural health information) regarding mouthwash:

"Mouthwashes with an alcohol content over 25% have been implicated in mouth, tongue and throat cancers. Note, the forms of alcohol used in cosmetics are not necessarily those used in alcoholic drinks, and may be much more dangerous."

Black History Fact Of The Day

Peter J. Delfyett developed "the worlds fastest, most powerful modelocked semiconductor laser diode." [SIDEBAR: Don't ask me what that is or how it functions. Lol.] In 2004, Dr. Delfyett was named one of the 50 Most Important Blacks in Research Science by Science Spectrum Magazine and Career Communications Group. He has also received: The National Science Foundations Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, The 1999 University Distinguished Researcher of the Year Award, The 2000 Black Engineer of the Year Award, and the 2000 Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Google has reportedly struck a licensing deal with the 4 major record labels (Warner Music Group, EMI, Sony, and Universal), which will allow them to permit Google-users to buy and listen to music from the Google search results page. The deal is said to be a maneuver by Google to stay relevant and competitive with new search engines- namely Microsoft's Bing.

According to The Wall Street Journal, while Google is the clear leader in the search engine market (they had 64.9% of the online queries in the U.S.); Microsoft's Bing is slowly increasing in popularity. Bing had 9.4% of the queries in the United States in September 2009. This is a 1.4% increase from their May 2009 stats.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

The New York Department of Education had slated 500 school aides to be fired on October 19, 2009. However, this action was halted when the New York State Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the layoffs.

The judge stated that he wanted to be certain that the layoffs didn't violate the New York State Constitution and Education Law.

According to The Amsterdam News, a union leader has stated that the attempted layoffs were initiated in bad faith. The union rep has stated that: "The city even offered to hire the laid off school aides to help out with the H1N1 school vaccinations programs without health benefits just for a couple of weeks."

The parties to the lawsuit are due back in court today to discuss the issue.

Quote Of The Day

"Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday's Op-Ed

I think that one of the best ways to learn how something works is to objectively observe it, and break down how all of the pieces operate and connect. Learning how this world and “the system” operates requires the patience and astuteness to watch a slippery morphing quagmire disguised in hidden agenda.

America promotes the image that it prides itself on democracy and its democratic process. However, we only have to examine the inequities that exist in the nation to realize that the “democratic process” is not all that it is promoted to be.

For the past few years, I’ve attended a slew of community council and community board meetings to observe how the political pieces function and connect on a local level.

I’ve seen politicians renege on promises and get re-elected. I’ve seen politicians voice one opinion and plan of action in one community district, and voice an entirely opposite plan and opinion in another district. I’ve seen people crying out for proper representation from their local politicians, and I’ve seen an absence of what I feel are the real sentiments of the majority of the community at meetings that are supposed to help that very community. After all of these experiences, I can’t help but notice the disingenuous nature that exists in all of the political pandering.

Some politicians are quick to jump in front of a television camera, or behind a radio microphone, and bewail violent deaths that happen in the street. Yet these same politicians allow sports stadiums to be built with hundreds-and-millions of dollars of city funds in the midst of a hiring freeze on teachers, and in the midst of little or no money being funneled into community programs and centers that could help to greatly decrease the violence. However, another side of this issue must also be explored.

We, the people, must demand certain services. Unfortunately, certain elected representatives aren’t going to act in the community’s best interest just because it’s in their job description. If we continue to allow politicians to pander to us by throwing holiday and summer parties, while the funds are going out of the back door to be disbursed in a way that is not in our best interest; then that is exactly what will happen.

I think that our vote and voice is effective collectively. Some members of some community districts have organized exactly who they will put into office before the election even occurs. This makes the politician starkly aware of who they are beholden to. If we do not exercise our vote collectively and determinedly then it is weak and of no consequence. Accountability must be stressed.

I’ve also conversed with people who do not believe in participating in the political process at all due to the rank deceit that plagues it. I can definitely understand this point of view. [SIDEBAR: There is a possibility that I too may one day join these ranks.] However, again I feel that if we do choose not to participate in voting because of the system’s gross inequities; we still must make a collective and determined decision. Our community still needs resources. Our community still bolsters the city funds with our tax monies. Monies that are being used to build extravagant sports stadiums, while our children hunger (mentally and physically). Therefore, I ask myself and others, “What should be done?”

Quote Of The Day

"Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their own strength. It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of." -Jonathan Swift

Newsletter News Brief: Incentives For Doctors To Keep You Healthy

Is the following statement really true? Comparing this to America's health system, it's hard to even fathom...

"...These problems are multiplied by a medical profession and a society that prefers responding to the symptom rather than prevention. Doctors in America get paid when you’re ill, but in China, doctors get paid when their clients are well. (A monthly fee is paid to doctors when you’re well as an incentive for doctors to maintain this state. The fee is not paid when the patient visits the doctor)." -From, "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

Book Excerpt Of The Week- Part 2: "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

"One place to see what America values, is in what their schools teach. If you want to be an engineer, doctor, accountant, etc., there are schools for that; but what if you want to be a father, mother, husband, or wife there are few, if any, schools. The importance of child rearing and marriage is left to guesswork, trial and error, and whatever you picked up from your parents. The values and priorities in America emphasize career and money, not family stability. Ironically, most employers admit the tremendous loss of employee productivity due to family problems." -From, "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

Book Excerpt Of The Week- Part 1: "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

"As powerful as the TV media has become, they have, as yet been unable to force us to turn it on! If television is a problem, it's because we have not monitored its use. Television actually is different from programming. The former is the equipment, and the later is the content. A major problem is the content, and specifically, who is in control. The advancement of cable, video recorders, and those rare shows produced by people sensitive to developing positive images to Black children provide some possibilities. It would be erroneous for me to flatly condemn television and be a frequent guest on TV talk shows.

The four major problems are: TV dulls the senses, causes physical damages, promotes commercialism, and causes information loss. The first problem is the dulling, and often deadening, of the senses. Television viewing does not require require all of your intellect, it does not require all of your intellect, it does not encourage thinking skills, and many people use it to put themselves to sleep. Programmers discount intelligence so much, they even insert laughter to cue the viewer on when it's time to laugh! I often hear children say, 'I'm bored and there's nothing to do.' What they really mean is that there is nothing to watch, and they don't know how to do anything. Boredom results when there is nothing on the inside...

Television viewing makes our children passive spectators. If you're watching television you're not reading, swimming, playing an instrument, sewing, drawing, skating or participating in any meaningful activity. A bored person is created by being frequently entertained. They have not developed any other proficiencies except watching television- which requires none.

The second problem is physical damage to the brain and/or the eyes. Many opthalmologists believe television, which requires only straight-ahead staring, weakens the eye muscles that control the left-to-right or right-to-left motion required in reading. Jerry Mander in 'The Four Arguments For The Elimination' explains that:

'Television's light is projected into our eyes from behind the screen by cathoderay guns which are literally aimed at us. These guns are powered by 25,000 volts in color television, and about 15,000 volts in the black-and-white sets. Artificial light from any source, whether incandescent or fluorescent, leaves out many segments of the spectral range contained in natural light, and it delivers an entire different mix of spectral ingredients. The effect on the body, called malillumination, causes disorders ranging from lack of vitality to lowered resistance to disease and hyperactivity. The Emoy report shows brain waves slow down the longer television is viewed.'

The third problem is commercialism. Our children see 50,000 commercials a year. They see it, they want it; they want their world to look like the world on television. Television is the media that sells products not values. How do you advertise honesty, integrity, morality, and commitment? Television is a visual media that works best with visual images and products. It does a better job highlighting the features of a Datsun 280Z and designer jeans that the values of sacrifices, denials, and causes. The sponsor only provides the show as a lead into their product. Do you think GM, Ford, Chrysler, Sears, United and Budweiser would pay upwards of $300,000 for a thirty-second commercial in the hope that you will enjoy the superbowl game? The advent of mass production created mass media and mass consumption. What advertisements must do is give the illusion to the consumer that their product is a need. When women feel they need a pair of shoes, with ten pairs in the closet; and when men say they need a Cadillac instead of a less expensive car, it proves that sponsors have done their job quite well." -From, "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

Quote Of The Day

"When you write down your ideas you automatically focus your full attention on them. Few if any of us can write one thought and think another at the same time. Thus a pencil and paper make excellent concentration tools." -Michael Leboeuf

TODAY IS...

PLEASE PASS THIS ON! (EACH ONE TEACH ONE OR TWO!) THIS IS PHASE ONE ON HOW WE CAN HELP TO STRENGTHEN & EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY:The 2008 not guilty verdict in the Sean Bell case evoked outrage, emotion, and debate. It is not an anomaly that the police officers involved in the Sean Bell slaying were acquitted of all charges on all counts in State Supreme Court. I could run out of ink printing the names of people who have been victimized by the inaptly named justice system.

The American justice system has been especially terroristic towards the African American community. Many community members can cite historic and personal accounts to prove this. Therefore, it would be foolhardy (at the least) to turn to a system that has methodically oppressed us, and request that they free us. We can only free ourselves through extreme discipline and intelligent planning.

As a community we have been too compliant with leaders who organize ineffective, delayed reactions. The only strategy that can save us in this last hour is one that calls for a collective code of conduct that will be conducive to improving the conditions of our community, and shifting the paradigm of how we are treated by outside entities. The first step of this code of conduct should be based on economics.

The old adage of “money talks,” still reigns true in the new millennium. Any political scientist worth his or her library card will tell you that: “Economic powerlessness equals political powerlessness,” and conversely “economic power equals political power.” This means that if we continue to allow our wealth to be extracted from our community, we will remain impotent.

The power of the collective “Black Dollar” is often discussed. However, that power has been left unchanneled. Today is the day to change that. A one-time boycott is not going to bring long-term change and respect to our community. Our community has launched boycotts before. Our success and ascension will be based on what we consistently do. For this reason, we should initiate “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS.”

BUY BLACK FRIDAYS is a small step towards our community acquiring power via controlling our economics. Every Friday, people who acknowledge the injustice and oppression that the African American community has been consistently subjected to should do one of the following:

Option #1: Spend $0 on Friday
Option #2: Spend no more than $10 on Friday
Option #3: Only Shop at Black Businesses on Friday
[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE OPTIONS CAN & SHOULD BE EXERCISED ON A DAILY BASIS. However, we can all at the very least focus on Fridays. This way we can take a collective stand and build our collective discipline. Please remember that this is only Phase 1!].

To the people who are tempted to label “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS” as racist, I say this: In the big scheme of things, this is about right & wrong, justice & injustice. The African American community is a strong, proud community that has endured the brunt of America’s iron fist. We must stop the pounding. I feel that any fair-minded individual will concur, and join in.

ANY business that is privileged to enjoy the support of the African American community MUST return that support.

I thank you in advance for your effort and dedication.

-Elsie Law AKA Starface

Quote Of The Day

"...Capitalism, or any economy where the wealth is in the hands of the few. This system can only be maintained with the continued participation of the masses." -Jawanza Kunjufu

Book Review: "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

Self-esteem and discipline is the cornerstone of building anything positive and worthwhile. A lack of self-worth equals a lack of motivation. A lack of self-discipline equals a lack of accomplishment and order. In order to oppress a people, you must break down their ability to discipline themselves and promote a belief to them that they are not valuable.

The mass media, the “judicial” system, and the “educational” system have very effective ways of chipping away at people’s sense of worth and positive ambitions. Once people lack values and a proper sense of order, they are very easily controlled and manipulated. This devaluing of people and their sense of self-motivation can be observed in the masses of people generally. However, it specifically has deeply and directly effected people who were literally used as “chattel” during chattel slavery.

In his book, "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children," Jawanza Kunjufu explains the necessity of fostering positive self-esteem and self-directive traits in children. He instructs on various methods that can be implemented to bolster a positive development of a child’s self worth. He emphasizes that adult’s and educator’s high expectations of children will be met if they are expressed properly and consistently.

Mr. Kunjufu admonishes that our children need praise and attention, and monitored contact with the mass media (which often emits imagery that will damage a child’s self worth). Jawanza Kunjufu also advocates for am improved school curriculum, and potently states that our focus should be to “advocate, supplement, and build our own independent institutions.”

"Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" should be analyzed, implemented, and expanded upon. Our children are worthy of the brightest futures conceivable.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

This video gives food for thought about how legal terms are defined and connected.

Quote Of The Day

"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Quote Of The Day

"The purpose of education is to transmit from one generation to the next the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of the society, and prepare children for their future participation in the maintenance and development of the society. With the advent of colonial rule this changed. A formal system of education was introduced, the function of which was not to prepare children for service to the community in which they lived, but rather to produce servants to the colonial administration." -Julius Nyerere (From, "Developing Positive Self-Images & Discipline In Black Children" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

Black History Fact Of The Day

Joseph Roberts was born in Virginia. He eventually migrated to Liberia with his family. After Liberia declared its independence in 1847, Joseph Roberts was elected as Liberia's first President.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Are you in the market to purchase a home? If so, CNN is reporting that:

"Home values are predicted to drop in 342 out of 381 markets during the next year...Overall, the national median home price is predicted to drop 11.3% by June 30, 2010."

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

State lawmakers in New York are attempting to pass legislation that will allow for the DNA of SUSPECTED criminals to be collected upon arrest. Under the proposed legislation, a conviction will not be necessary for an arrestee to have their DNA taken.

[Updated SIDEBAR: In a city where over 500,000 people are stopped & frisked annually- a majority of whom are innocent of committing any crime- I can only imagine how a law like this can be abused if implemented.]

Quote Of The Day

"Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart." -Seneca

Black History Fact Of The Day

According to About.com, Lyda Newman a New York resident received a patent for a hair brush in 1898.

The brush was a new & improved version of the traditional brush. It was more durable, easier to clean, and contained "air chambers."

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

According to Money magazine's November 2009 issue, top universities are now posting lectures online for free download. Right now, obtaining college credits are not associated with the free lecture downloads. However, you can imagine the implications.

Will this new trend eventually revolutionize how people can earn their college, and advanced education, degrees? Will it make education monetarily less expensive? [SIDEBAR: Can excessive student loans cease to be, or is that wishful thinking?]

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary, the Physical Fact Rule states that: "In evidence, a judge is required to take case from jury if [the] plaintiff's evidence as to physical facts leads to an impossibility in the light of undisputed physical laws. An appellate court is not bound by findings which violate physical laws."

Quote Of The Day

"Either you think- or else others have to think for you and take power from you." -F. Scott Fitzgerald

Riddle Me This: The Michael Jackson Edition

Are all the people who mourned Michael Jackson's death, and partied on his birthday, aware that his death was ruled a homicide? Do people care about getting to the bottom of who killed him and why; or do people just see this as yesterday's news?

Video Of The Week: Are We Living In The Age Of The Great Deception?

Whatever your religious beliefs or affiliations, I think that this video poises a lot of valid questions.


[SIDEBAR: I'm not into focusing too much on doom & gloom. However, I think that we should question, be aware, and act accordingly.]

Video Of The Week: Are We Living In The Age Of The Great Deception?

Book Excerpt Of The Week: "Sankofa: Stories Of Power, Hope, and Joy" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

"You are the offspring of ancestors who would not die. Some people say one million Africans died in the slave trade. Others say that it was equivalent to the six million Jews that died in Germany. Others have increased the figures to 20 million. Some say it's 40 to 60 million. Others feel that it was as high as 100 million if you include Africans who resisted being caught on African soil, those who died in the dungeons, on the slave ships, and on the plantations.

We are the offspring of the people who survived. Had our ancestors died in the dungeon, jumped overboard on the ship, or killed themselves on the plantation you would not be reading this story. There is something special about you. You have endured the world's greatest oppression and still you smile, laugh, and make beautiful music. You built the first civilization and you made America the richest country in the world. Neither could have happened without you. There is something special about you and everybody seems to know it but you. You are the fastest in the hundred meters and the marathon. You knock someone's brain out in the boxing ring and you can put his brain back together in the emergency room." -From, "Sankofa: Stories Of Power, Hope, and Joy" By: Jawanza Kunjufu

Quote Of The Day

"If honor be your clothing, the suit will last a lifetime; but if clothing be your honor, it will soon be worn threadbare" -William Arnot

Quote Of The Day

"A very great vision is needed and the man who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky." -Crazy Horse

Black History Fact Of The Day

Joseph Winters invented the wagon mounted fire escape ladder. He received a patent for it in 1878.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: Will Live Nation & Ticket Master Merge?

According to The Wall Street Journal, a proposed merger between Live Nation and Ticket Master is facing strict restrictions from the Justice Department. Insiders close to the negotiations allege that the Justice Department has threatened to sue to block the deal if it goes through as proposed.

The attempted joining of "the world's largest concert promoter" and the ticket retailing giant is under review by antitrust officials. The vertical integration of these companies could create a huge monopoly.

The Wall Street Journal states that Live Nation's shares closed at $7.96 yesterday; while Ticket Master's closed at $11.31.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary, an Evergreen Contract is "a contract which renews itself from year to year in lieu of notice by one of the parties to the contrary."

TODAY IS...

PLEASE PASS THIS ON! (EACH ONE TEACH ONE OR TWO!) THIS IS PHASE ONE ON HOW WE CAN HELP TO STRENGTHEN & EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY:The 2008 not guilty verdict in the Sean Bell case evoked outrage, emotion, and debate. It is not an anomaly that the police officers involved in the Sean Bell slaying were acquitted of all charges on all counts in State Supreme Court. I could run out of ink printing the names of people who have been victimized by the inaptly named justice system.

The American justice system has been especially terroristic towards the African American community. Many community members can cite historic and personal accounts to prove this. Therefore, it would be foolhardy (at the least) to turn to a system that has methodically oppressed us, and request that they free us. We can only free ourselves through extreme discipline and intelligent planning.

As a community we have been too compliant with leaders who organize ineffective, delayed reactions. The only strategy that can save us in this last hour is one that calls for a collective code of conduct that will be conducive to improving the conditions of our community, and shifting the paradigm of how we are treated by outside entities. The first step of this code of conduct should be based on economics.

The old adage of “money talks,” still reigns true in the new millennium. Any political scientist worth his or her library card will tell you that: “Economic powerlessness equals political powerlessness,” and conversely “economic power equals political power.” This means that if we continue to allow our wealth to be extracted from our community, we will remain impotent.

The power of the collective “Black Dollar” is often discussed. However, that power has been left unchanneled. Today is the day to change that. A one-time boycott is not going to bring long-term change and respect to our community. Our community has launched boycotts before. Our success and ascension will be based on what we consistently do. For this reason, we should initiate “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS.”

BUY BLACK FRIDAYS is a small step towards our community acquiring power via controlling our economics. Every Friday, people who acknowledge the injustice and oppression that the African American community has been consistently subjected to should do one of the following:

Option #1: Spend $0 on Friday
Option #2: Spend no more than $10 on Friday
Option #3: Only Shop at Black Businesses on Friday
[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE OPTIONS CAN & SHOULD BE EXERCISED ON A DAILY BASIS. However, we can all at the very least focus on Fridays. This way we can take a collective stand and build our collective discipline. Please remember that this is only Phase 1!].

To the people who are tempted to label “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS” as racist, I say this: In the big scheme of things, this is about right & wrong, justice & injustice. The African American community is a strong, proud community that has endured the brunt of America’s iron fist. We must stop the pounding. I feel that any fair-minded individual will concur, and join in.

ANY business that is privileged to enjoy the support of the African American community MUST return that support.

I thank you in advance for your effort and dedication.

-Elsie Law AKA Starface

Quote Of The Day

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing." -Camille Pissarro

Quote Of The Day

"There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity." -Washington Irving

Riddle Me This

Why don't we have community centers and learning centers as extravagant and expense as the city's sports stadiums.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Pic Of The Week

Red Cloud

Black History Fact Of The Day

In 1845, Macon Bolling Allen became the first African American licensed to practice law in America. He also became the first Black Justice of the Peace in the United States.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: Home Warranty Plans

"Sellers will often pay for a home warranty protection plan. These plans provide that if certain problems occur in the home, the insurance company (rather than the seller) will automatically cover them...

The warranty plan requires the seller to sign a statement acknowledging that, as of the close of escrow, the property is in good condition with no defects. If there are known defects, the warranty plan will usually exclude them from coverage.

Hence, while the warranty plan is very useful for covering smaller problems that may later turn up (such as a leaking water heater or a broken furnace), it may provide little of no protection against more serious defects, such as a broken foundation or bad roof, particularly those disclosed or discovered prior to the close of sale." -From, "Tips & Traps When Buying A Condo, Co-Op, or Townhouse" By: Robert Irwin

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary, The Franking Privilege is: "The privilege of sending certain matter through the public mails without payment of postage, in pursuance of a personal or official privilege. The privilege granted to members of Congress to send out a certain amount of mail under signature without charge."

Quote Of The Day: Part 2

"The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the larger centers has owned the Government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson." -Franklin D. Roosevelt to Colonel Edward House

(Source: "Family Of Secrets" By: Russ Baker)

Quote Of The Day: Part 1

"It's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity." -Francis Bacon

Black History Fact Of The Day

Federick McKinley Jones was a prolific inventor. He owned dozens of patents.

According to About.com, Frederick Jones "is best known for inventing an automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks." He also invented devices that allowed silent movie projectors to show talking films.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Last week, General Motors agreed to sell its Hummer Trucks division to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Company, a Chinese car manufacturer. The $150 million deal is reportedly the first time that a Chinese company has brought into the American car industry on a major level.

General motors will continue to manufacture Hummers until 2012- at the latest. After that the brand will be manufactured and marketed by its new owners.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law: Mandatory Flu Vaccinations

An "emergency rule" was put into place in New York State, requiring all health care workers to be vaccinated against the flu. New York was the first state to enact this rule, which demands that health care workers get vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and the swine flu or their employment will be terminated.

The mandatory vaccinations are a great concern of health care workers (and other citizens) who don't want to receive them for a bevy of reasons, including the belief that they are unsafe.

A New York nurse has brought a lawsuit against the State requesting that the mandatory vaccination requirement be blocked. Her request for the restraining order is still pending.

According to news reports, New York's State Health Commissioner is arguing that the "emergency" mandatory vaccination rule is "legal" and necessary. He allegedly opines that there is a legal precedent for mandatory vaccinations with other diseases like the measles.

[SIDEBAR: First an attempt to create mandatory flu vaccinations for health care workers; who's next on the list to receive mandatory vaccinations.

I salute the nurse who brought the lawsuit. Thanks.]

Quote Of The Day

"Only a kind person is able to judge another justly and to make allowances for his weaknesses. A kind eye, while recognizing defects, sees beyond them." -Lawrence G. Lovasik

Video Of The Week

The plight of the original inhabitants of America...The strategies & the rules of the game seem to remain the same...

Quote Of The Day

"Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind and spirit. The man who preserves his selfhood is ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence ...What are the fruits of silence? They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character." -Ohiyesa, Santee Sioux

Quote Of The Day

"Definitions belonged to the definers- not the defined." -Toni Morrison

Newsletter News Brief: What's Going On With Land-Ownership & The Economy In Zimbabwe?

It's often a miraculous feat to get accurate news stories on a national level; so getting accurate details on international news stories has to be just as difficult, if not a bigger quagmire. It's only been a couple of months since Zimbabwe's government lifted an 8 year restriction, and allowed CNN and The BBC to report freely from their country. I gleamed the following excerpt from a news story on The BBC's website. The excerpt led me to ponder exactly what is going on in Zimbabwe economically and politically.

"For many years Zimbabwe was a major food producer for neighbouring countries.

But the seizure of almost all white-owned commercial farms - with the stated aim of benefiting landless black Zimbabweans- has led to the collapse of the agriculture-based economy.

The country endured rampant inflation and critical food and fuel shortages. President Mugabe, however, always blamed the collapse on Western sanctions including an aid freeze.

He said the land seizures were necessary because after years of colonial rule, much of the country's best land was owned by a small number of white farmers." -The BBC

Anecdote Of The Week: The Do We Recognize Our Blessings Edition

"It was a beautiful day along Lake Michigan. A wonderful day for sailing. Numerous boats were out on the lake. People were taking in the sun. A sailor went out in his boat. He was experienced, his boat was in excellent condition, and he wanted to avoid the congestion from boats closer to shore. Unfortunately, a sudden storm appeared. He remained confident in his skills and knew he would be okay. The storm worsened, the sun disappeared, clouds came, and darkness enveloped the lake.

A larger boat drew near and an officer called out, 'Do you need any help? Do you want to tie your boat to ours? We are returning back to the shore.' The man hollered back, 'Thank you but I am okay. God will take care of me.' The crew aboard looked at him very perplexingly, but went on to shore. Several minutes later the Coast Guard drew near and said, 'The storm is worsening. Everyone needs to return back to shore. Several minutes later the Coast Guard drew near and said, 'The storm is worsening. Everyone needs to return back to shore.' The man told the Coast Guard that he was fine. He had been in the navy for 20 years, felt confident, and God provides. The Coast Guard thought this was strange, but they were not going to argue with someone in the middle of a storm. An hour later a helicopter flew over the boat, and the pilot pointed toward the shore. The sailor waved and said, 'I'm okay, God provides.'

Unfortunately, hours later the boat capsized and the sailor died. He was furious and when he went to Heaven he said to the angels, 'Let me speak to God immediately.' The angels looked perplexed and said to themselves, 'He should be glad he made it up here.' The angels ushered the man in to talk to God and then the man hollered out to God, 'I thought you loved me? I thought you said you would never leave me nor forsake me?' God said,'I do love you and I never have left you or forsaken you.' The man told God, 'But you lied to me. You did leave me, you did forsake me. I died and you could have saved me.' God bit his lip trying to hold back his frustration and said, 'I sent someone to rescue you three times. I sent a yacht, the Coast Guard, and a helicopter. Whom do you think sent them?'" -From, "Sankofa: Stories of Power, Hope, and Joy"

Quote Of The Day

"Those who give hoping to be rewarded with honor are not giving they are bargaining." -Philo Judaeus

Riddle Me This: The Who Do You Give Your Business Patronage To Edition

Do you demand respect from the people you spend your money with? If you have to "demand" respect from someone is it worth doing business with them?

Riddle Me This

Will the generations to come inherit a world where computers and technology control the people, instead of people controlling the machines? Are the adults of today responsible for how far this "technological revolution" goes?

TODAY IS...

PLEASE PASS THIS ON! (EACH ONE TEACH ONE OR TWO!) THIS IS PHASE ONE ON HOW WE CAN HELP TO STRENGTHEN & EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY:The 2008 not guilty verdict in the Sean Bell case evoked outrage, emotion, and debate. It is not an anomaly that the police officers involved in the Sean Bell slaying were acquitted of all charges on all counts in State Supreme Court. I could run out of ink printing the names of people who have been victimized by the inaptly named justice system.

The American justice system has been especially terroristic towards the African American community. Many community members can cite historic and personal accounts to prove this. Therefore, it would be foolhardy (at the least) to turn to a system that has methodically oppressed us, and request that they free us. We can only free ourselves through extreme discipline and intelligent planning.

As a community we have been too compliant with leaders who organize ineffective, delayed reactions. The only strategy that can save us in this last hour is one that calls for a collective code of conduct that will be conducive to improving the conditions of our community, and shifting the paradigm of how we are treated by outside entities. The first step of this code of conduct should be based on economics.

The old adage of “money talks,” still reigns true in the new millennium. Any political scientist worth his or her library card will tell you that: “Economic powerlessness equals political powerlessness,” and conversely “economic power equals political power.” This means that if we continue to allow our wealth to be extracted from our community, we will remain impotent.

The power of the collective “Black Dollar” is often discussed. However, that power has been left unchanneled. Today is the day to change that. A one-time boycott is not going to bring long-term change and respect to our community. Our community has launched boycotts before. Our success and ascension will be based on what we consistently do. For this reason, we should initiate “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS.”

BUY BLACK FRIDAYS is a small step towards our community acquiring power via controlling our economics. Every Friday, people who acknowledge the injustice and oppression that the African American community has been consistently subjected to should do one of the following:

Option #1: Spend $0 on Friday
Option #2: Spend no more than $10 on Friday
Option #3: Only Shop at Black Businesses on Friday
[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE OPTIONS CAN & SHOULD BE EXERCISED ON A DAILY BASIS. However, we can all at the very least focus on Fridays. This way we can take a collective stand and build our collective discipline. Please remember that this is only Phase 1!].

To the people who are tempted to label “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS” as racist, I say this: In the big scheme of things, this is about right & wrong, justice & injustice. The African American community is a strong, proud community that has endured the brunt of America’s iron fist. We must stop the pounding. I feel that any fair-minded individual will concur, and join in.

ANY business that is privileged to enjoy the support of the African American community MUST return that support.

I thank you in advance for your effort and dedication.

-Elsie Law AKA Starface

Quote Of The Day

"The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor." -George Bernard Shaw

Quote Of The Day

"May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy." -Anonymous

SIDEBAR: I'll be back with a bunch of posts tomorrow. I hope everyone is having a great day!]

Quote Of The Day

"Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them." -Aristotle

Quote Of The Day

"When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." -Charles L. Allen

[SIDEBAR: I think that most of us have witnessed how corrupt certain factions of the world can be. I think one of the greatest tricks/lies a corrupter tries to spread is hopelessness. No matter what, know that redemption is real. I've seen people clean up their lives after a lifetime of destructive living. I try to remember to remind myself of this, and the above quote, when I'm on the edge of getting frustrated with certain situations.

Any and everything has the potential to change for the better. Please pray daily for love, truth, strength, goodness & for those who are lost or in pain. (SIDEBAR WITHIN A SIDEBAR: My posts are likely to be very sporadic until Friday 10/09/09)]

Lots of Love,

Elsie

Quote Of The Day

"Riches may enable us to confer favors, but to confer them with propriety and grace requires a something that riches cannot give." -Charles Caleb Colton

Riddle Me This: The Future Of Snail Mail Edition

Services seem to be being cut at the United States Postal Service. Money deficits are being cited as the reason for this. However, Fed Ex and UPS are showing profits. Could the real reason that services are being cut at the USPS be to encourage "digital communications"?

Quote Of The Day

"The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." -Ralph Nader

Quote Of The Day

"We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove lid. She will never sit on a hot stove lid again and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore." -Mark Twain

[SIDEBAR: I think that there's a lesson in this quote. I also think that it applies to the person giving and/or receiving wisdom in a given situation. (Sometimes we're the teacher, sometimes we're the student, and often we're both simultaneously.)]

TODAY IS...

PLEASE PASS THIS ON! (EACH ONE TEACH ONE OR TWO!) THIS IS PHASE ONE ON HOW WE CAN HELP TO STRENGTHEN & EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY:The 2008 not guilty verdict in the Sean Bell case evoked outrage, emotion, and debate. It is not an anomaly that the police officers involved in the Sean Bell slaying were acquitted of all charges on all counts in State Supreme Court. I could run out of ink printing the names of people who have been victimized by the inaptly named justice system.

The American justice system has been especially terroristic towards the African American community. Many community members can cite historic and personal accounts to prove this. Therefore, it would be foolhardy (at the least) to turn to a system that has methodically oppressed us, and request that they free us. We can only free ourselves through extreme discipline and intelligent planning.

As a community we have been too compliant with leaders who organize ineffective, delayed reactions. The only strategy that can save us in this last hour is one that calls for a collective code of conduct that will be conducive to improving the conditions of our community, and shifting the paradigm of how we are treated by outside entities. The first step of this code of conduct should be based on economics.

The old adage of “money talks,” still reigns true in the new millennium. Any political scientist worth his or her library card will tell you that: “Economic powerlessness equals political powerlessness,” and conversely “economic power equals political power.” This means that if we continue to allow our wealth to be extracted from our community, we will remain impotent.

The power of the collective “Black Dollar” is often discussed. However, that power has been left unchanneled. Today is the day to change that. A one-time boycott is not going to bring long-term change and respect to our community. Our community has launched boycotts before. Our success and ascension will be based on what we consistently do. For this reason, we should initiate “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS.”

BUY BLACK FRIDAYS is a small step towards our community acquiring power via controlling our economics. Every Friday, people who acknowledge the injustice and oppression that the African American community has been consistently subjected to should do one of the following:

Option #1: Spend $0 on Friday
Option #2: Spend no more than $10 on Friday
Option #3: Only Shop at Black Businesses on Friday
[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE OPTIONS CAN & SHOULD BE EXERCISED ON A DAILY BASIS. However, we can all at the very least focus on Fridays. This way we can take a collective stand and build our collective discipline. Please remember that this is only Phase 1!].

To the people who are tempted to label “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS” as racist, I say this: In the big scheme of things, this is about right & wrong, justice & injustice. The African American community is a strong, proud community that has endured the brunt of America’s iron fist. We must stop the pounding. I feel that any fair-minded individual will concur, and join in.

ANY business that is privileged to enjoy the support of the African American community MUST return that support.

I thank you in advance for your effort and dedication.

-Elsie Law AKA Starface

Quote Of The Day

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." -Admiral Rickover

Riddle Me This: The Move Effectively Edition

What's more effective "protesting" and marching; or withdrawing you're attention, money, and resources from situations that are tainted and corrupted?

[FOR EXAMPLE SIDEBAR: I've heard several parents complain about how television was ruining their children, yet they pay to have cable television transmitted into their homes.]

Is Your Shower Making You Sick?

A new study has revealed that your showerhead may be infecting you with harmful bacteria. The moist environment inside of a showerhead can encourage the growth of bacteria.

According to The New York Daily News: An analysis of 50 showerheads from nine U.S. cities found that about 30% harbored high levels of Mycobacterium avium- a group of bacteria that can cause lung infections when inhaled or swallowed. Researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder found the levels of Mycobacterium avium were 100 times higher that those found in typical household water...Mycobacterium avium is linked to pulmonary disease, causing symptoms such as persistent drug cough, breathlessness and fatigue, and most often infects people with compromised immune systems but can occasionally infect healthy people."

Researchers suggest that people utilize metal showerheads, and change them regularly. This is said to greatly decrease the growth of bacteria.

[SIDEBAR: I don't know what implications this study has on other household faucets.]

Black History Fact Of The Day

Today is Donny Hathaway's birthday. The Chicago-born soul singer attended Howard University on a fine arts scholarship.

According to Wikipedia, Mr. Hathaway began singing professionally billed as: "Donny Pitts, The Nation's Youngest Gospel Singer."

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

IBM (International Business Machines) Corp. Is attempting to expand its business by selling its wares on the continent of Africa.

According to The Wall Street Journal, although the African market for information technology is currently relatively small, it is growing- even during the recession. That makes it an attractive market. The Wall Street Journal states that the information technology market in Africa is predicted to grow by 2.3% this year to $22.1 billion.

IBM will be competing with Microsoft, and other internet providers, for African customers. Microsoft has already struck licensing deals with several African governments, including Egypt and Libya.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

TiVo Inc. is suing Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. TiVo is claiming that the use of "time warping" technology infringes on their patent. Both AT&T and Verizon offer digital video recorders with their television service. This is a feature that TiVo has long been associated with, and is seen as pioneering.

According to The Wall Street Journal, TiVo has tried to negotiate with Verizon and AT&T regarding the use of the technology in the past; but it was to no avail. The Wall Street Journal also states that "TiVo is involved in a nearly five-year-long battle over the technology with Dish Network Corp. and EchoStar."

Quote Of The Day

"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood." -Martin Luther King Jr.