Quote Of The Day

"Love is not a feeling. Love is an action, an activity...Genuine love implies commitment and the exercise of wisdom...love as the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth...true love is an act of will that often transcends ephemeral feelings of love...it is correct to say, 'Love is as love does'." -Scott Peck

Black History Fact Of The Day

Famed composer Scott Joplin is often noted for his "ragtime" creations. However the talented pianist also created operas.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: Madoff Sentenced

Infamous money manager Bernard Madoff (also known as the leader of the Ponzi Scheme) was sentenced to 150 years in prison today.

The 71 year old financier, who cheated his clients out of billions of dollars, was given the maximum sentence. According to The Wall Street Journal, he plead guilty to "11 criminal counts, including securities fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering."

Early reports stated that Bernard Madoff's wife, Ruth Madoff, agreed to relinquish almost all of her assets. It has now been revealed that while she has agreed to give up her "potential claim" to more than $80 million in assets, a deal that she reached with federal prosecutors will allow her to keep $2.5 million in cash.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

"The Rules of Civil Procedure are usually statutes passed by a legislature or rules issued by a state’s highest court. They govern such matters as:
Who can sue whom, for what kinds of wrongs and in which courts;
Which kinds of documents must be filed with the court to initiate a lawsuit and respond to it;
Time limits for filing various court papers;
What court papers must say to be effective;
What court papers must say to be effective;
What ways each side to a lawsuit can find out necessary facts from the other side and from third-party witnesses (discovery);
How a case is actually brought to trial;
To what kind of trial you are entitled (that is, by judge or jury);
To what kind of judgment and relief you are entitled if you win;
What happens to you if you lose; How you can enforce a judgment;
How you can appeal a judgment if you lose; and
What kind of appeal is available if the court does not comply with the laws in the pre-trial stage of the case.

You must follow these rules exactly. While some procedural mistakes can be fixed, especially if this is dome very promptly, many violations mean that your case is lost, just as surely as if you went to trial and the court or jury found against you.

Rules of Civil Procedure for the federal courts are found in Title 28 of U.S.C.A. Rules of Civil Procedure for state courts are usually found among the other state statutes in a code, title or chapter entitled 'Civil Procedure' or 'Court Rules.'" -From, "Legal Research" By: Elias & Levinkind

Quote Of The Day

"Determination and perseverance move the world; thinking that others will do it for you is a sure way to fail." -Marva Collins

Quote Of The Day

"The only lifelong, reliable motivations are those that come from within, and one of the strongest of those is the joy and pride that grow from knowing that you've just done something as well as you can do it." -Lloyd Dobens

Riddle Me This

I created the "Riddle Me This" blog posting to rhetorically ask questions that I feel are relevant to life, and our journeys as human beings.

At this juncture in time, the world is mourning the passing of one of the (if not THE) greatest entertainers ever, Michael Jackson.

Times of mourning are often times of great grief- understandably & rightfully so. However, death also has a way of being a catalyst for learning and great reflection (Although some may perceive this to be tasteless). With that being said, I would like to preface my following statement by saying that I mean absolutely no disrespect in asking my following rhetorical question:

Is it hypocritical for us to mourn someone's physical death, when we often ignore it when people are spiritually dying around us?

Riddle Me This: The Martyr vs. Superhero Edition

What's the difference between a Martyr and a Superhero?

[SIDEBAR: I'm still thinking on this one, but part of my answer would include that a superhero always has a great exit plan.]

Sunday's Saturday's Op-Ed

I first heard whisperings of Michael Jackson's passing via text message. My first reaction was incredulity because rumors of people's death have been greatly exaggerated before. My next thought was that if there was even a sliver of truth lining the rumor, Michael Jackson was pulling a Niccolo Machiaveli. I mean, why wouldn't he? As much as people seem to crave the spotlight, I came to the conclusion a long time ago that public adulation is inhumane.

In today's American society, public adulation means that people myopically view someone as a commodity. It can also dangerously leave the "object of adulation" confused, disorientated, abandoned and starved in a myriad of ways- including emotionally and psychologically. Once the mass media trains its lighted magnifying glass on someone the resulting fire is likely to rage out of control. Malcolm X said it best when he said the following about the power of the mass media: "They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent; and that's power because they control the minds of the masses."

Today, we are more connected to the mass media than ever before. The advent of "smart phones," and other technological advances makes this possible. I'm realizing how much we allow the mass media to shape our reality. The fact that I don't watch television or buy newspapers [SIDEBAR: I do get internet news] and rarely listen to the radio anymore means that certain occurrences seem less "real" to me than it did when I constantly watched television and listened to the radio. The media shapes and influences not only our perceptions and sense of "reality," but our emotions too. As Malcolm X profoundly alluded, this is truly dangerous! We must ask not only who is doing our thinking for us, but also who is manipulating our emotions. Emotions are powerful because it is usually someone's emotions that make them committedly "buy in" to a way of life, particular actions, or a belief system. This is the power of today's mass media. The media has attempted a coup to preempt our thought processes an instincts.

I must say that the tools of media, in and of itself, does not necessarily have to be detrimental. However, when the intention of the people who control the media revolve around the sinister objective of making more dollars for corporate interests, the stakes are diabolical and destructively high.

As we continue to add more technology to our lives we may be comforted by its convenience and distractions from everyday life. However when using technology, please remember not to allow it to use you.

Lots of love.

Rest in peace to all of our loved ones who have passed on. May we learn from their lives so their deaths have not been in vain.

Book Excerpt Of The Week: Part 2- "Warrior Song" By: Djehuti Wa Kamau

"From what we're doing with our bodies we go to what we're putting into them, the voluminous drug intake by our people, supplied by European pushers. We can trace the parts just about all the 'classic' drugs have played in the slave trade, cocaine, heroin, opium, etc., but our focus will remain on the two that in most eyes have and continues to have the most detrimental effects upon us: alcohol and tobacco (with or without additives). Undoubtedly, the mass production of these high-toxins needed the blood-blistered hands of the Afrikan to keep the slave cogs turning, the picking and cutting of cane and leaves from can't see to can't see. That scenario hasn't changed, as we still take to the fields for slave-like 'wages' or outright slavery on the very same plantation.

What the big corporations want most at this time though is for us to be mass consumers- mind slaves. The center of attention is the Black buyer, so every turn leads to a corridor of consumption- nothing new, but the dollars and stakes are higher and the fight is on to procure what's left in already nearly-empty pockets. Mass consumption is the result of mass media." -From, "Warrior Song" By: Djehuti Wa Kamau

Quote Of The Day

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed" -Mahatma Gandhi

Black History Fact Of The Day

Michael Jackson aka The King of Pop is considered by almost all to be this planet's greatest entertainer ever. He broke several Guinness World Records- not only for his musical achievements, but also for his philanthropic endeavors. R.I.P.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

According to breaking news from The Wall Street Journal, prosecutors have received a $170 billion judgment against fraudulent money manager Bernard Madoff. The infamous money manager's wife has also reportedly agreed to relinquish nearly all of her assets.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law: "No Contest" Defined

According to Wikipedia, the term "No Contest" is explained as follows: "In criminal trials, and in some common law jurisdictions, it is a plea where the defendant neither admits nor disputes a charge, serving as an alternative to a pleading of guilty or not guilty.

A no contest plea, while not technically a guilty plea, has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea, and is often offered as a part of a plea bargain."

The latin term for no contest is "nolo contendere." This term is also seen in its latin form in legal circles.

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

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." -Eskimo Proverb

[SIDEBAR: To all of our loved ones who have passed on: Rest Peacefully.]

Book Excerpt Of The Week: Part 1- "Warrior Song" By: Djehuti Wa Kamau

"All Reggae was kept off u.s. 'black' radio during the 70s, when the Black revolution was all but squashed. Yet [Bob] Marley eventually came out as Reggae itself. The first time many Blackfolk ever heard of Marley was the day he died. That was the plan; the subliminal message being this is what happens when you commit to saving your people. As with Malcolm X and MLK, the sole 'charismatic leader' 'black messiah' image prevailed; when that leader dies, so does their movement, and everyone wallows in nostalgia for their lost prophet." -From, "Warrior Song" By: Djehuti Wa Kamau

Riddle Me This: The Think For Yourself Edition

What happens to people who allow someone else do their thinking for them?

Black History Fact Of The Day

In 1984, Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson, became the first Black coach to lead a team to a Division I NCAA national championship.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

According to The Wall Street Journal, early next week the Iraqi government plans to "auction off oil contracts to foreign companies for the first time since Iraq nationalized its oil industry more than three decades ago.

Thirty-five companies will bid over six Iraqi oil fields- which reportedly "hold reserves of more than 43 billion [oil] barrels." The Wall Street Journal states that foreign bidders will not get ownership of the oil reserves. However, they will be paid for helping to increase the oil production.

The timing of this auction coincides with Iraq arguably being at the height of their political turmoil. Many Iraqis are crying foul due to this fact.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

Federal prosecutors have brought charges of embezzlement against two New York City Council aides.

The prosecutors claim that the aides used "slush funds" to funnel approximately $200,000 to fake organizations.

Wikipedia defines a "slush fund" as: "A colloquial term which has come to mean an auxiliary monetary account or a reserve fund. However, the term has special meaning within a context of corrupt (including but not limited to) political dealings by governments, large corporations or other bodies and individuals.

Slush funds can have particular elements of illegality, illegitimacy, or secrecy in regard to the use of this money and the means by which the funds were acquired.
Political dealings with slush funds tend to create suspicions of quid pro quo (buying political favors), and can be viewed on the surface as corrupt and subversive of the democratic process."

According to The New York Times, at least one of the defendants are expected to take a plea deal soon.

Quote Of The Day

"No man can reveal to you nothing but that which already lies half-asleep in the dawning of your knowledge." -Kahlil Gibran

Riddle Me This: The Love It Or Leave It Alone Edition

If the proverb that states, "All things grow with love" is true; then shouldn't we focus on the people/situations/things that we love more than we focus on the situations/things that we despise?

[SIDEBAR: Maybe society is afflicted with too many "love/hate relationships."]

Quote Of The Day

"All things grow with love" -Proverb

Riddle Me This: The Within The System Or Build A New System Edition

I read the following quote today by author, Djehuti Wa Kamau in his book "Warrior Song": "The machine resists all attempts at revisionism; there is no change from within- the power structure will easily change you, if you haven't changed already to get in."

This quote leads to the question: Is it possible to change a system that was built to function in a certain manner, or should people venture out to build independently of that system if they truly want change?

Riddle Me This: The Information Age Edition

We are supposedly living in "The Information Age." A lot of information is being disseminated. Are your mind and your instincts sharply trained enough to differentiate fact from fiction?

Black History Fact Of The Day

On this date in 1888, Frederick Douglass became the first African American to be nominated for the presidency of the United States.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

According to The Wall Street Journal, Google has invested more money into a biotech company owned by the wife of one of the website's co-founders. The $2.6 million investment is Google's most recent investment in 23andMe Inc. The online giant reportedly invested approximately $4 million in the company in 2007.

23andMe Inc. is a company that analyzes people's genetic information. Google is refuting that it's investment in the company is nepotism. The Wall Street Journal states that: "Google said its investment in 23andMe was consistent with the internet search company's goal of organizing the world's information." [SIDEBAR: "Organizing the world's information & investing in a genetics company...Hmm.]

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary, "Unfair Methods of Competition" is defined as follows:

"This phrase within Federal Trade Commission Act has broader meaning than common-law term 'unfair competition,' but it scope cannot be precisely defined, and what constitutes 'unfair methods of competition' must be determined in particular instances, upon evidence, in light of particular competitive conditions and of what is found to be a specific and substantial public interest."

Quote Of The Day

"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense." -Harold Kushner

Quote Of The Day

"There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect." -Nikki Giovanni

Definitions Better Than Webster's: Part 23- Psychological Warfare & Political Warfare

"The following definition is provided by a former Director of Psychological Operations in the Office of the Secretary of Defense:

'Psychological operations may be defined broadly as the planned use of communications to influence human attitudes and behavior...conducted to create in target groups behavior, emotions, and attitudes that support the attainment of national objectives.'

Psychological operations are merely one part of a larger strategy, known as 'political warfare.' This was defined as follows by the head of the U.S. National Defense University:

'Warfare is often defined as the employment of military means to advance political ends...Another, more subtle, means- political warfare- uses images, ideas, speeches, slogans, propaganda, economic pressures, even advertising techniques to influence the political will of an adversary...'

Still broader is the description of political warfare used by the former National Security Council communications specialist which appears in a text published by the National Defense University Press:

'Political warfare is a general category of activities encompassing political action, coercive diplomacy, and covert political warfare...Political action means a range of activities including certain kinds of multilateral diplomacy, support for foreign political parties or forces, and support for or work with international associations of various kinds. Covert political warfare [includes] operations against enemy alliances, influence operations, and black [clandestine] propaganda...[A] psychological-political component is inherent in every use of the diplomatic, economic, and military instruments of national power...A nation's economic and military strength of necessity creates political weight that can be exploited in a variety of ways to advance the national interest.'

As the military experts note, economic pressures, diplomacy, and the military threat are all part of a larger strategy of control over hostile, neutral, sometimes even friendly nations around the world." -From, "The Entertainment As Propaganda Report By: The Information Project for Africa [via, "Warrior Song" By: Djehuti Wa Kamau

Riddle Me This: The Learn Something New Everyday Edition

What did you learn today? How relevant is what you learned to your life?

Quote Of The Day

"He that never changes his opinions, never corrects his mistakes, and will never be wiser on the morrow than he is today." -Tryon Edwards

Riddle Me This: The Strength In Numbers Edition

If there are strength in numbers, then why do the few rule the many?

Quote Of The Day

"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it." -Marianne Williamson

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

"We cannot think of uniting with others, until after we have first united among ourselves. We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves." -Malcolm X

Riddle Me This: The Get Rich Edition

How can America continuously get rich off of free labor, and then promote the idea that the rest of us can prosper if we "work hard"?

Black History Fact Of The Day

"Madame C.J. Walker is believed by some to be the first Black woman to become a millionaire. This is disputed by supporters of Annie Turnbo Malone. Both women produced hair care products for Black women and were developing their businesses at the same time; it is asserted that Walker worked as a salesperson for Malone's products. Both became wealthy around 1910." -From, "Black Firsts" By: Jessie Carney Smith

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

According to The Wall Street Journal, jelly and jam maker J.M. Smucker Co., more than doubled their earnings in the fourth quarter. It should also be noted that the Smucker company does more than just make jelly. They also produce Jif peanut butter and Crisco oils. In November 2008, J.M. Smucker also brought coffee-maker Folgers.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary Freedom is: "The state of being free; liberty; self-determination; absence of restraint; the opposite of slavery.

The power of acting in the character of a moral personality, according to the dictates of the will, without other check, hindrance, or prohibition than such as may be imposed by just and necessary laws and the duties of social life."

Quote Of The Day

"The only kind of dignity which is genuine is that which is not diminished by the indifference of others." -Dag Hammarskjold

Black History Fact Of The Day

Josiah Henson, the runaway slave who founded The Dawn Settlement in Canada, wrote an autobiography. It is believed that Harriet Beecher Stowe based her book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" on Henson's tome.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: Dunkin' Donuts Multiples Its Stores In Korea

Here, in the New York City area, Dunkin' Donuts are plentiful. However, the Massachusetts based company is far from just a national entity. They have an expanding international presence as well.

According to The Wall Street Journal, South Korea currently has 663 Dunkin' Donuts stores; and, executives want to "double that number in the next decade. They allegedly plan to open 100 additional stores in South Korea before 2009 ends.

Dunkin' Donuts growing popularity in a country whose citizens traditionally drink tea (not coffee- like Dunkin' Donuts sells), and traditionally eat breakfast at home with their families, means that Dunkin' Donuts had to calculatingly set out to change the cultural mindset of the country's citizens when it comes to breakfast and food consumption in order to create customers. The corporation has reportedly done this via enticing advertising, marketing, discount coupons, and free product samples.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary a Sovereign is: "A person, body, or state in which independent and supreme authority is vested; a chief ruler with supreme power; a king or other ruler with limited power."

Quote Of The Day

"Before complaining that you are a slave to another, be sure that you are not a slave to self. Look within...You will find there, perchance, slavish thoughts, slavish desires, and in your daily life and conduct slavish habits. Conquer these; cease to be a slave to self, and no man will have the power to enslave you." -James Allen

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Pic Of The Week

Happy birthday to influential artist & activist Tupac Shakur.

[SIDEBAR: This is likely to be my last blog posting on this blog today. I'm going to be handling some business today- as usual. However, I'm also going to be doing some studying. No, I'm not enrolled in school in the traditional sense. However, everyone should take some time out to study, read, and learn. As I learn, I will share. Have a great day everybody! Lots of Love.]

Quote Of The Day

"Sometimes people create flaws (knowingly or unknowingly) just so they can have something to hide behind. WE HAVE TO BE BRAVER!" -Elsie Law

Do The Electrical Power Cords In Your Home Contain Lead?

Very early in the AM hours, much to my chagrin, I unpackaged a new hair care appliance that was tagged with a troubling warning label. Around the appliance's electrical cord was a tag that stated:

"WARNING: The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING."

Knowing the dangers of lead- and reading the perilous warning- prompted me to google, "power cords containing lead."

I wanted to know if this warning was exclusive to one particular product , or if it was common for numerous products. What I found was a tad disturbing. It seems like my purchased product was not the anomaly.

One question and answer online site states: "One survey found lead in 23 out of 27 cords tested. After handling the cords for only 10 seconds, fingers also tested positive for lead."


The lead is supposed to be a functional element in the power cord that keeps it from becoming flammable. However, it doesn't seem to be necessary. Other, less hazardous materials can reportedly be used in lieu of lead.

Online sources claim that European countries have totally banned power cords from being manufactured with lead. A consumer on a site stated: "the European Union...has already 'ban[ned] the placing on the EU market of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.' Their cords are RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Materials) compliant." America currently has no such stipulations. Only a California law passed on 1986 [SIDEBAR: Scroll down and see today's "Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law post] requires that manufacturers who create products that contain power cords made with lead alert customer's to the substance's presence.

Seeing the lead warning label attached to my electrical appliance was a first for me. I wonder exactly how long power cords of American products have been made with lead? Why was this the first time that I have ever seen a notification regarding the lead warning? Will America ever adopt Europe's rules for manufacturing power cords? How dangerous is it that our power cords contain lead?

Black History Fact Of The Day

Josiah Henson was born a slave. He escaped slavery, and fled to Canada where he founded a settlement and a school for other runaway slaves. Josiah Henson's Settlement was called "The Dawn Settlement."

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

I found a very interesting article online that dates back to 1996. The article states that in 1996, Percy Sutton (legendary business man and Malcolm X's attorney) was attempting "to build the biggest wireless telephone network in Africa."

Mr. Sutton was reportedly attempting to construct this network along with a group of African American business people. The group was allegedly raising $650 million to build the African wireless service empire.

At this time, I don't know whether or not Mr. Sutton and his group were able to build the network. I am very interested in how this deal turned out. The plan shows great business foresight. Hopefully I will be able to find more information online regarding this venture, so I can follow this story up.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Wikipedia: "[California] Proposition 65 (formally titled "The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986") is a California law that has been in effect since 1986 to promote clean drinking water and keep toxic substances that cause cancer and birth defects out of consumer products. It is administered by Cal/EPA's California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).

Proposition 65 regulates substances listed by California as causing cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm in two ways. The first regulatory arm of Proposition 65 prohibits businesses from knowingly discharging listed substances into drinking water sources, or onto land where the substances can pass into drinking water sources.

The second regulatory arm of Proposition 65 prohibits businesses from knowingly exposing individuals to listed substances without providing a clear and reasonable warning. Since enactment, Proposition 65 has been the reason for the addition of notices of specific contents to consumer product labels.

Along with the added label requirements, an official list of implicated substances is maintained and made publicly available. Entries are added or removed based on current scientific information. All substances listed show their known or suspected risk factors, a unique CAS chemical classification number, the date they were listed, and if so, whether they have been delisted."

[SIDEBAR: This law is the law that is behind a warning tag that was attached to a hair-care appliance that I recently purchased. The hair appliance's warning tag alerted that the power cord "contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling."

I'll be expanding on this in a blog post later today.]

Quote Of The Day

"I am indeed a king because I know how to rule myself." -Pietro Aretino

Quote Of The Day

"Those who do not read are no better off than those who cannot." A Proverb
[SIDEBAR: Discover and use all of your gifts and talents.]

Quote Of The Day

"One of the strongest characteristics of genius is the power of lighting its own fire." -John W. Foster

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

"My father was a slave and my people died to build this country, and I'm going to stay right here and have a part of it, just like you. And no fascist-minded people like you will drive me from it. Is that clear?" -Paul Robeson

Black History Fact Of The Day

Jimi Hendrix, reportedly got his first acoustic guitar at the age of 15. Despite dying at 27 years old, Hendrix is arguably the world's most revered and imitated guitarist.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Market researchers are predicting big money in the future for mobile advertising. According to Information Week, a research group has forecasted that the mobile advertising market will bring in $5.7 billion by 2014. This prediction is leading to a lot of start-up mobile advertising specialists and cellphone application creators.

Although mobile marketing is a huge potential growth market, the study also states that mobile advertising "will still only represent about 1.5% of the total global spending on advertising." This shows that while we will continue to be inundated with advertising in the public arena and in the media, we will also increasingly begin to carry our advertising along with us everywhere we go via mobile devices.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Nolo's glossary, an "attractive nuisance" is legally defined as: "Something on a piece of property that attracts children but also endangers their safety. For example, unfenced swimming pools, open pits, farm equipment and abandoned refrigerators."

Quote Of The Day

"There's nothing more powerful than a made up mind. Don't say 'I'll do it tomorrow.' All you have is this moment in time! Make up your mind now!" -Minister Farrakhan

Newsweek Asks: "Is Your Cellphone Spying On You?"

It's common sense that a cellphone can be used as a tracking device. However, Newsweek recently published an article, "Is Your Cellphone Spying On You?", that details how your cellphone can be turned into a truly invasive spying mechanism.

According to Newsweek, "spy phone" software now makes it easy for anybody to infect any mobile phone with a wiretapping program. The spy software is manually downloaded onto a cellphone. The download process only takes a few minutes.

Newsweek reveals that once the software is downloaded onto the phone: "The latest programs can silently turn on handset microphones even when no call is being made, allowing a spy to listen to voices in a room halfway around the world. Targets are none the wiser: neither call logs nor phone bills show records of the secretly transmitted data."

Newsweek also states that an Italian software developer is creating spyware for law enforcement agencies that will allow a cellphone to be infiltrated by spying software via a text message. Once a cellphone user opens the text message, installation of the spyware will automatically begin.

Reportedly smart phones- like iPhones and BlackBerries are the most vulnerable to spy phone software.

[SIDEBAR: While I like the convenience of modern technology, I'm beginning to have deep apprehensions (to say the least) about living in a digital world.]

Book Excerpt Of The Week- Part 4: "The Isis Papers" By: Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

"Black people must not only commit themselves to combating inferiorization through the struggle for maximal development, we must, as a part of that struggle, begin to establish standards of academic achievement and codes will serve as the fundamental basis of developing Black self- and group-respect. Without true self-respect, all efforts for achievement will be in vain. In keeping with that goal, all Black children, before the age of six, should be taught the following fundamental exercises in Black self-respect by Black adult examples in the home, school, church and neighborhood:

(1) Stop name-calling one another.
(2) Stop cursing at one another.
(3) Stop squabbling with one another.
(4) Stop gossiping about one another.
(5) Stop snitching on one another.
(6) Stop being discourteous and disrespectful towards one another.
(7) Stop robbing one another.
(8) Stop stealing from one another.
(9) Stop fighting one another.
(10) Stop killing one another.
(11) Stop using and selling drugs to one another.
(12) Stop throwing trash and dirt on the streets and in places where Black people live, work and learn." -From, "The Isis Papers" By: Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

Black History Fact Of The Day

Michael Croslin invented the computerized blood pressure machine.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Madison Square Garden's owner, Cablevision Systems Corporation, will spend $500 million to renovate the arena. According to The New York Daily News, the arena's overhaul will include: 20 courtside suites with kitchens and lounges, a party deck, wider concourses, luxurious corporate boxes, more restrooms, and two 10th floor bridges that have overhead views of the main floor.

Although Cablevision is reported to be allegedly paying for all of Madison Square Garden's upgrades, some are skeptical about the cable company's plan to foot the entire bill. Skeptics are citing the precedents set by the exorbitant amount of government funds that were used to assist in the construction of the new Yankee Stadium, and of Citi Field. Whether or not the government will ultimately kick in funds to help in the Garden's renovation remains to be seen. The stadium's new look is expected to be partially unveiled by the 2011-2012 sports season.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

Financial corporations, Wells Fargo & Company and Bank of America, have agreed to pay out settlements in cases that claim that the financial entities misled investors regarding the value and risk-level of certain securities.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $40 million in order to settle civil, state, and federal securities fraud cases that state that the company: "Overvalued the holdings of its Evergreen Ultra Short Opportunities Fund and then, when it was going to lower the value of the securities, informed only select investors."

The Wall Street Journal also states that Bank of America reached a settlement with the California Department of Corporations in which they vowed that they would, "facilitate the return of more than $3 billion to California [based] clients who purchased auction rate securities [in] an investment that went sour last year."

Quote Of The Day

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." -Mark Twain

Book Excerpt Of The Week- Part 3: "The Isis Papers" By: Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

"During periods of crisis and stress, the easiest thing to do as an expression of our pain, despair and hopelessness is to moan, groan, cry or attempt to escape through alcohol, other drugs, fantasy, laughter or just fun and games. However, another possible behavioral response, which channels the body energy upward and onward as opposed to downward, is the use of the crisis as a stimulus for analysis, challenge, responsibility, growth, and great creativity.

The word crisis evolves from the Greek word 'krisis,' which means decision. A period of crisis is a time for decision: an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs when the decisions that are made and acted upon become all-important for determining future events." -From, "The Isis Papers" By: Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

Book Excerpt Of The Week- Part 2: "The Isis Papers" By: Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

"Inferiorization is essential to the process of oppression. It ensures that the oppressors need not be troubled to hold the oppressed constantly under gun and key to keep them in the oppressed state; it keeps the oppressed from effectively challenging the oppressive process and system. In this way, the oppressors mold the oppressed to share fully in the process of their own oppression. In the final analysis, the process of inferiorization is designed specifically to prevent the maximal development of the genetic potential of the non-white oppressed. Black people must learn that no system of oppression ever maximally develops those whom the system is specifically structured to dominate. Such a system only permits the oppressed to survive so that they can continue being oppressed. No system of oppression is structured consciously to destroy itself. The maximal development of all Black people would prove false the ideology of white superiority. Thus, if Black children and Black people as a whole are ever to be developed fully, Black people themselves will have to enact that development...

Instead of developing behavior patterns for further useless protest, Black people should be cultivating patterns of self-help for self-development. Since the Black family setting is the first social institution under the racist system in which the Black child begins to experience inferiorization, it is of key importance that all Black people begin to understand(1) the true function of family life, (2) how some of the most important aspects of inferiorization can occur there and (3) that the Black family is the one social institution over which we as Black people can begin to exercise some control. Control of the Black family will be evident once we gain some mastery over our individual lives. We will learn that dysfunctional behaviors can be changed through the exercise of willpower. Thus, within the family setting, Black people can begin to alter the inferiorization dynamic and create a process for the maximal development of Black children.

The functional family unit is composed of the father, mother and offspring. The ultimate role of this vital social unit is to instruct the children as to how adult males and females function, usually and harmoniously together for the maximal development of a people. Individual family units are but cellular units of a whole organism called a people or a nation. All of the units must function efficiently and effectively if the whole organism is to live a healthy existence. If a family unit cannot instruct the young in harmonious patterns of relating between adult males and females, then ultimately the people will perish because adult male and female alienation eventually leads to the end of the procreative process. Without the young, the people will have no future." -From, "The Isis Papers" By: Dr. Frances Cress Welsing

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Pic Of The Week

Jesse Owens receiving his gold medal in the long jump at the 1936 Olympic Games, held in Germany.

Black History Fact Of The Day

Jesse Owens was the first American to win 4 Olympic gold medals in track and field.

He achieved this feat at the 1936 Olympics, which was held in Germany.

Jesse Owens' victories foiled Adolf Hitler's plans to use the 1936 Olympic games to "prove Aryan dominance and superiority."