Will Coca-Cola Introduce A New Beverage Without The Approval Of The FDA?

A lot of Americans seemed to have gotten the message that we must eat healthier. This new awakening regarding the importance of healthy eating has opened up a lucrative market for the sale of health food. In an attempt to reap some of the profits from this expanding market, the Coca Cola Corporation has announced that it will introduce a non-carbonated drink that contains a "natural, calorie-free sweetener." This new beverage is expected to make its debut in the United States this week, under the label of Coca Cola's Odwalla line. However, there is a glitch in the plans.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the sweetener contained in the new drink, which is allegedly derived from herb stevia, has yet to receive the approval of the Food and Drug Administration. The news source also states that: "Stevia is approved for use in at least 12 countries and as a dietary supplement in the U.S. But after some studies suggested adverse health effects from stevia-based products, such as potential mutations in the livers of rats, the FDA concluded in the early 1990s that data weren't sufficient to allow its use as a food additive."

The suspenseful question is, "Will Coca Cola release the drink despite not having the FDA's approval?" They can do so, and the scuttlebutt surrounding the issue indicates that they will likely proceed. If so, then the question will be: "Will the public buy it?"

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: Fannie Mae To Halt Tenant Evictions

A legal aid group's threats to sue the mortgage giant, Fannie Mae, has become a deterrent for the company's current modus operandi to evict tenants who have leases in homes that have gone into foreclosure. In an unprecedented move, Fannie Mae has announced that they will allow "bona fide tenants who are current on their rent to remain in their homes under the terms of their lease."

This nationwide policy will take effect on January 9, 2009. It is reportedly in line with the requirements that the mortgage company must adhere to after accepting bailout money from the government.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the other bailout-rescued mortgage company- Freddie Mac, has not made a formal announcement stating that they are also complying with the aforementioned policy. However, their spokesperson has said that they are "currently evaluating" their presently implemented eviction policies.

[SIDEBAR: Hats off to the legal aid group that dedicated time to ensuring that the mortgage giant is complying with the law after taking bundles of taxpayers' money. Question: Shouldn't the government be doing what this group of lawyers are doing???]

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

Internet domain names can not be copyrighted. However, copyright law allows for any original creative work that appears on a website to be eligible for copyright protection.

Quote Of The Day

"God made us in his own image, and he had some purpose when he thus created us; then why should we seek to destroy our identity?" -Marcus Garvey

Sunday's Op-Ed: Is Pop Culture Distorting History?

As we go about our lives everyday, we are creating history that future generations will talk about, analyze, and possibly bolster. Generations yet unborn, will play a hand in how they honor current events that they are not even alive to witness. This is the baton that lays in wait to be handed to every generation as it emerges. Some will take this baton as a privilege, while others will see it as a burden. Some will feign indifference, while others will distort the facts- either purposely or inadvertently. The history of history tells us that these are some of the options.

Being a member of what has been branded "The Hip Hop Generation," I am currently observing how the sword of history is being wielded by certain people. Some artists and political figures reference pioneers and way-paving historical figures in a manner that bestows respect. When a popular modern day artist or public figure references a popular figure from the past, this is sometimes done to pay tribute or peak interest in an influential person from days past. This is great because acknowledging a person who made sacrifices for future generations is only right. In addition to this, it is a catalyst that sparks intellectual curiosity.

However, on the flip side of things, I am also witnessing millenium pop culture figures spewing questionable analogies and inserting the names of heroes into them. I was dismayed a couple of summers ago when a couple of heavy rotation radio tunes incessantly played for several weeks on popular radio stations, in which the recording artists compared themselves and their accomplishments to certain civil rights leaders. This trend is continuing in a current song in which an artist compares himself to Jackie Robinson because he "jacks, robs, and sins." I must ask is this just witty wordplay, or is it witty wordplay that can be as damaging as sticks and stones?

As a recording artist, looking from the outside in at the maneuvers of other artists, I am learning to be more sensitive in how I allude to certain situations lyrical. I recognize and acknowledge that I now belong to a generation that is responsible for how we educate and set examples for the youth coming up. They are studying our every move. With that being said, I would like to say, "Thank You" to all of the elders who sacrificed so much for my generation. It is my hope that my peers and I will follow in the best imprints of your footprints, while we also forge our own path. I would also like to urge people to continue, or start, to dedicate some time out of your day to study and read. Don't be duped by someone else's rendering of events. Judge for yourself, and build a foundation that will allow you to judge correctly.

Have a great week everybody.

Lots of Love.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: China To Increase Their Money Supply

According to The Wall Street Journal, China will increase its money supply by 17% on 2009. They will use this strategy to boost domestic spending amongst citizens.

China will also reportedly increase loans, and put reigns on the sale of some central bank securities as part of their economic plan for the new year. The Chinese government hopes that this will shield their country from experiencing a deep recession.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

A copyright is considered intellectual property.

The United States' copyright website defines a copyright as: "A form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works."

A copyright protects artistic and written works. This includes: Books, movies, songs, architecture, and computer software- to name a few.

Quote Of The Day

"Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them." -Albert Einstein

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: Hyperinflation

Hyperinflation is a condition in which the rate of inflation is in an uncontrollable advancing state. When inflation exceeds several hundred or several thousand percentage points, hyperinflation is in effect, and a country's money becomes greatly devalued. In this state, the price of goods also rise sky high, causing a currency's purchasing power to plummet.

The U.S. dollar has yet to fall victim to hyperinflation.

When a country is hit with hyperinflation, the barter system is likely to become more beneficial than the standard medium of exchange.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to wikipedia: "The Geneva Conventions consist of four treaties formulated in Geneva, Switzerland, that set the standards for international law for humanitarian concerns.

They chiefly concern the treatment of non-combatants and prisoners of war. They do not affect the use of weapons in war, which are covered by the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 and the Geneva Protocol on the use of gas and biological weapons of 1925."

Quote Of The Day

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing- that's why we recommend it daily." -Zig Ziglar

Zimbabwe Gets New Money

As an attempt to combat hyperinflation, Zimbabwe has introduced new denominations of money. In a country currently effected by a severe cholera outbreak, Zimbabwe is also staring down a troubled economy. It is their government's hope that by releasing new high denominations of money, they can help combat their lack of tangible currency due to a devaluing of their country's tender.

According to CNN, Zimbabwe's newly circulated $500 million note is worth approximately 8 U.S. dollars, and can only purchase about 8 loaves of bread.

The new $500 million note is also accompanied by the introduction of a $100 million note, and a $200 million dollar note into the African country's economy.

Book Excerpt Of The Week: Part 2- "Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers Go To War" By: Jimmie Briggs

"It has been estimated that at least 10 percent of the world's fighting forces are under the age of eighteen. Since the time of the Roman and Spartan Empires, children have been molded into combat-ready soldiers, all the way up to the Civil War and later, World War II, which saw the emergence of a formal cadre of trained children, the Hitler Youth. In Vietnam youths were used on suicide missions to ambush unsuspecting American GIs. But today, with the proliferation of light weapons and the range of low- to high-level conflicts emerging around the world, the percentage of kids in combat has been growing higher and higher.

Sadly, the United States has not always been the most constructive partner in achieving international action on the issue of child soldiers. The Machel Report, a 1996 study presented to the United Nations General Assembly, documented the suffering of millions of children because of war...

The CRC [Convention on the Rights of the Child] outlines in detail the rights of protection for children living in difficult circumstances, including conflict, disease, and displacement, as well as domestic rights related to their parents and caregivers...The United States is one of only two countries that have not ratified it. In 1995, President Bill Clinton signed the treaty, but the U.S. Congress has been unable to ratify it. Generally, the Pentagon and, on occasion, the State Department believe that the United Nations should not interfere in domestic American matters, such as how and whom the country recruits into the armed forces. Further, members of Congress have long doubted the wisdom of conferring special rights on children; this is particularly true of many conservatives, who view the convention as an assault on the 'traditional family.'

In January 2000, after six years of negotiation, progress was made with the passage of the Optional Protocol to the CRC. At the insistence of American and British officials, the 1989 CRC set fifteen as the minimum age for recruiting soldiers. The Optimal Protocol addresses the behavior of non-governmental and governmental armed groups but also applies a more stringent standard to non-governmental groups that to governments." -From, "Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers Go To War" By: Jimmie Briggs

Book Excerpt Of The Week: Part 1- "Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers Go To War" By: Jimmie Briggs

"Though overshadowed by high-profile fighting in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, the American Military has maintained a significant presence and role in Columbia for a number of years. In the fall of 2002, the U.S. Congress approved a request from the Bush administration to allow American military aid, previously targeted against the drug trade, to be used against insurgents namely the FARC [The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia] and ELN [The National Liberation Army]. Both the Columbian and American governments insist that fighting drugs is a major component of dealing with the anti-government guerillas as well as the pro-government, right-wing paramilitaries. That was the initial reasoning behind "Plan Columbia," a $1.3 billion assistance package pushed by President Bill Clinton to combat the growth and production of cocaine in the mid to late 90s. Starting in the late 70s and going into the 1980s, illegal drugs became a factor in Columbia's civil war." -From, "Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers Go To War" By: Jimmie Briggs

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

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Nolo's website, these are the steps to forming a non-profit organization:

"1. Choose a name.
2. File articles of incorporation.
3. Apply for your IRS tax exemption.
4. Apply for a state tax exemption.
5. Draft bylaws.
6. Appoint directors.
7. Hold a meeting of the board.
8. Obtain licenses and permits."

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: The Auto Bailout

Although the House of Representatives quickly passed the Auto Bailout Bill earlier this week, the bill has stalled in the Senate.

In a vote of 52-35, the U.S. Senate declined the $14 billion bailout.

Financial analysts have predicted that General Motors and Crysler are likely to close its doors within a few weeks without the financial assistance of the government.

However, according to CNN, all is not lost for the auto makers. The news source states that: "The struggling auto makers may get some money anyway. As part of their effort to urge skeptical Republicans to back the deal, Bush officials made clear that if Congress didn't act, the White House would have to step in to save Detroit from collapse with funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program."

Quote Of The Day

"Be happy. Talk happiness. Happiness calls out responsive gladness in others. There is enough sadness in the world without yours. Never doubt the excellence and permanence of what is yet to be. Join the great company of those who make the barren places of life fruitful with kindness. Your success and happiness lie in you. The great enduring realities are love and service. Resolve to keep happy and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties." -Helen Keller

Anecdote Of The Week: Do You Allow People To Make You Curse Your Gift?

"Pretend for a moment that you are a mink- beautiful, valuable, precious because of the skin that covers you. Suddenly your homeland is invaded by hunters, with bats. The hunters seem kind, yet you approach them cautiously. They pet the younglings who are innocent, less cautious. As you approach your young, the hunters attack. They beat you. You are dazed, struggling for composure. The hunters steal your skin, your heritage, the very essence of your being. They leave you to die, but you survive.

Your fur grows back. Stronger. More beautiful than before. Somehow it doesn't make sense. The very thing that makes you who you are is the source of pain. Confused, distrustful, you hide yourself or camouflage your fur, your essence. Silently you begin to curse your fur, because the hunters return again and again. You begin to understand you will never get away from being what you are. As long as you have fur, you will be hunted. The issue is: Will you curse your fur, give up and die? Or just continue to be a proud but cautious mink?" -From, "Acts Of Faith" By: Iyanla Vanzant

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

The Taiwan-based High Tech Computer Corporation, popularly known in the business world as HTC, posted record profits for November. A reported $528 million in profits for November is a 10.8% boost in growth for the corporation, which was founded in 1997.

HTC which lists a "rich heritage of device firsts" on its website, states that its mission is "to become the leading innovative supplier of mobile information and communication devices by providing value-added design, world-class manufacturing and logistic and service capabilities."

By recently introducing the new Google phone to the public, HTC is right in line with continuing to fulfill its mission.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to "Law 101" By: Jay M. Feinman, "The Fourth Amendment applies to searches and seizures conducted by any government official, not just a police officer. A public school principal who wants to search a student's locker or a Food and Drug Administration meat inspector who wants to inspect a packing plant has to abide by the Fourth Amendment, although the standards of what constitutes an unreasonable search are different in those contexts than with a police officer stopping someone on the street. Conversely, the constitutional safeguards only protect against actions by government officials. A private employer who wants to monitor employees' e-mail or a department store that installs security cameras in its dressing rooms is not subject to constitutional restrictions. In some cases, the common law right of privacy provides some protection."

Quote Of The Day

"Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect." -Marcus Aurelius

Video Of The Week

Patti LaBelle salutes Oseola McCarty.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Polaroid is phasing out its inventory of instant film. The company, which once supplied the quickest way for photographers to develop a picture, has to invent new methods of survival in a camera market that is rapidly advancing technologically. Digital cameras have made film obsolete.

Although the last available bundles of polaroid instant film have been selling online for a pretty penny, the sale prices are likely reflective of the film's nostalgic value rather than an indicator of consumers' desire to take pictures the "old-fashion way." While polaroid's white-edged flicks are sure to remain a cult classic, it will be interesting to watch how this trend-setting company will solidify its place in the digital era.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

Blacks's Law Dictionary states that the Mallory Rule is a "rule derived from [the] case of the same name in which the court held that a confession given by one who had been detained an unreasonable time before being brought before magistrate was inadmissible though it was otherwise voluntary and trustworthy." This rule is also known as the McNabb-Mallory Rule.

Quote Of The Day

"People do not wish to appear foolish. To avoid the appearance of foolishness, they are willing to remain actually fools." -Alice Walker

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Pic Of The Week

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Rumors have abounded from business and technology news sources, that the 4 GB iPhone will soon be available at Wal-Mart for $99. While the retailer, and the popular phone manufacturer, have yet to confirm or deny the chatter, the rampant rumor has helped to give a recent boost to iPhone's stock. As for the bottom line of the retail giant, Wal-Mart, it has continued to increase despite the current economic downturn. An addition of the iPhone to its inventory, could definitely help Wal-Mart to continue to prosper.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

The Evidence Log website states that the function of The DNA Identification Act of 1994 is to:

"(1) Provide direct grants for five years to states to develop or improve their forensic DNA laboratories; 

(2) Officially charter an FBI-run national DNA identification index to facilitate the exchange among the states of DNA records from criminal cases;

(3.) Establish a DNA standards advisory board to recommend standards for crime laboratories on DNA quality assurance and testing proficiencies." 

Quote Of The Day

"Ours is supposed to be a government in which classes and distinctions melt into a harmonious whole. Until we reach this ideal of government, we will be a distracted, contentious people." -T. Thomas Fortune

Who Is Oseola McCarty?

"Oseola McCarty, an aging washerwoman who had lived alone since 1967, felt at eighty-eight years of age that her life was nearing its completion. Since she had no living relatives, she decided to give $150,000- her entire life savings, putting away one dollar at a time- to the University of Southern Mississippi.

Oseola did this simply because it seemed the right thing to do. Her generosity touched so many people that she found herself flying across America, accepting humanitarian awards and meeting many famous people, including Whoopi Goldberg, who knelt at her feet; and Roberta Flack, who sang for her. Harvard University gave her an honorary degree; President Clinton asked to have his picture taken with her; she even carried the Olympic torch a little ways. Oseola McCarty's portrait now graces the wall in the administration building at the University of Southern Mississippi- the first portrait of a Black person to do so. She appeared on Good Morning America. Her story was on the front page of The New York Times. Barbara Walters named her one of the ten most interesting people of 1995. She was also featured in numerous magazines, such as Ebony, People, Guideposts, and Glamour. She even even appeared on British Television.

Other donors have followed Oseola's gift with more than $250,000 to her original endowment, all due to the generous heart of a hardworking woman who wanted to make a difference before going to the next world." -From, "Everyday Enlightenment" By: Dan Millman

Cops Gone Wild Part 25: The Greek Edition

High school students, in the country of Greece, have been rioting for approximately 72 hours straight. The riots were sparked in response to a police officer killing a defenseless 15 year old.

The Wall Street Journal states that the events that instigated the killings are currently inconclusive. According to the news source, "The two policemen [allegedly responsible for the killing] claimed they had come under attack by a group of about 30 youths, and that three warning shots and a stun grenade were fired when they sought out the group a few minutes later. But witnesses have disputed the officers' accounts, telling Greek media that the police intended to shoot the youths."

Despite the fact that the catalyst for the tragic death has not been officially determined, Greek officials have arrested two police officers who are allegedly responsible for the slaying. One officer has been charged with murder, while the other has been charged as his accomplice.

Early reports on the riots, stated that the Greek youths coordinated their protests of the killing in different cities across the island via mobile phone text messages.

Greece hasn't seen such emotional and severe protests since 1985; when another death of a teenager at the hands of the police led to weeks of riots.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Vodafone and Western Union have reportedly partnered up. The partnership will permit clients to transfer money internationally via mobile phone.

With the new implementation of at your fingertips international wire transfers, immigrant workers abroad will be able to easily stay economically connected to their native countries.

This service also shows how much the global economy is shrinking in terms of access. Business people around the world can now exchange goods and services with greater feasibility.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

"QUESTION: I hired a private lawyer to represent me, but cannot continue paying him. Can the lawyer withdraw from the case over my objection?

ANSWER: Possibly, subject to approval by the judge. Professional rules in many states allow a lawyer to withdraw from the case if the client fails to pay the lawyer's fees, or if continuing to represent the client causes financial hardship to the lawyer.

However, before a judge permits a lawyer to withdraw from a case, the lawyer usually has to give a client sufficient advance warning to give the client time to hire a new attorney.

A judge MIGHT not permit the attorney to withdraw at all under these circumstances:

(1) The attorney seeks to withdraw on the eve of trial;

(2) The attorney has put in so much work on a case that the client would be prejudiced by having to start all over with another lawyer; or

(3) The client has already paid substantial legal fees to a lawyer and is financially unable to pay additional fees." -From, "The Criminal Law Handbook" By: Bergman & Berman-Barrett

Quote Of The Day

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." -Arthur Ashe

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: The Puppeteering Of Oil Prices

In an effort to halt plunging oil prices- which according to CNN, hit a four year low on Friday- the 14 member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), will reportedly cut oil production. Analysts are predicting that the committee may cut production as deeply as 2 million barrels per day.

While this production slashing is sure to jolt oil prices, the main question is how will this puppet-like control of the oil output effect the lives of average people across the globe; especially those already feeling the financial crunch?

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

"Since the federal government got back into the death penalty business in 1988, attorneys generals have authorized 420 prosecutions. According to statistics kept by the Federal Death Penalty Resource Counsel Project: 180 during the 1990s, an average of 18 per year, and 240 since 2000, an average of 40 per year, mostly attributable to the Bush administration. Of the 420 authorized prosecutions, 162 actually reached trial and sentencing. Juries imposed 105 life sentences and 57 death sentences. Since 2001, the beginning of the Bush administration, there have been 32 federal defendants sentenced to death." -Marcia Coyle, National Law Journal, April 30, 2007

Quote Of The Day

"There is no future for a people who deny their past." -Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

Fossils Of A New Species Of Reptile Discovered

Scientists have found the remains of a previously undiscovered species of reptile in a Brazilian lake. They have given the new species the name "Lacusovagus," meaning "lake wanderer."

According to The Independent, the creature is "the largest of its kind, which would have flown in the skies above Brazil 115 million years ago." It would have "had a wingspan the size of a family car."

The discovering scientist, sums up his find by stating: "The discovery of something like this in Brazil - so far away from its closest relatives in China - demonstrates how little we actually know about the distribution and evolutionary history of this fascinating group of creatures."

Cops Gone Wild Part 24: The Rob Drug Dealers Up & Down The East Coast Edition

A NYPD officer was recently charged with joining with a group of bandits, and robbing drug dealers while on duty. The drug dealer-robbing officer and his crew (which allegedly also included a retired NYPD officer), attacked dealers up and down the east coast- in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

According to The Gothamist, the officer and his violent gang "kidnapped and sexually tortured some of their victims." The New York Daily News states, "They carefully picked their victims and stole some 750 kilos of cocaine - worth $20 million - and $4 million in cash."

If convicted, the NYPD officer faces life in prison.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: Obama & The Economy

Obama says that his economic blueprint will: Upgrade schools, expand internet access in various communities, allow hospitals to be connected with each other online, and implement energy saving and money saving standards in government buildings.

In a recent radio address, the President-Elect said that his administration will help millions retain and gain employment by "making the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system in the 1950s."

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Answer's website, white collar crime is: A "term coined by Edward Sutherland for non-violent crimes committed by corporations, or individuals (such as office workers or sales personnel) in the course of their business activities.

White-collar crimes include embezzlement, false advertising, bribery, unfair competition, tax evasion, and unfair labor practices."

Quote Of The Day

"I'll wrassle me up a future or die trying." -Zora Neale Hurston

Book Excerpt Of The Week: "The Sky's The Limit" By: Steven Gaines

Here's an interesting excerpt on the not so distant economic cycles in NYC:

"Only a few years before, you couldn't give away apartments in New York City. After twenty years of statewide fiscal mismanagement and two liberal mayoralties, the city was in financial and social turmoil. One million citizens were on the welfare roles, crime rates were at historic highs, and the prostitutes in hot pants and the muggings in Central Park had become comedy fodder for late-night TV talk-show hosts. One million middle-class people fled the city during the 1970s, mostly into the surrounding suburbs. They called the exodus the 'squeegee effect,' after men who appeared out of the shadows on New York City street corners to wash car windows for change. In October 1975, with the tax rolls depleted and the short-term, high-interest debt over $6 billion. Moody's Investors Service downgraded all New York State and city securities and bonds, and it was thought that 100 banks might fail. That month an indifferent President Gerald Ford turned down New York's plea for a federal bailout and declared in an address to the National Press Club that perhaps the best thing that could happen was for New York City to go bankrupt and be restructured. The following day the New York Daily News ran the classic headline 'Ford To City, Drop Dead.'

'You could have brought any apartment in the city for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars,' Cave [a real estate agent] marveled.

Not for long. By the 1980s the hungriest, most powerful generation in history- the baby boomers, who were moving through time and space like the proverbial elephant in the snake- burst upon the U.S. economy. There were 76 million baby boomers, and they had turned all the idealism and pacifism of the 1960s inside out into naked ambition and greed. The most ambitious of the boomers were inevitably drawn to New York in the 1980s, where the bull market on Wall Street was a cornucopia of cash. Tens of thousands of boomers became part of the engine that made the bull market run, and the workers who tended that good-time engine- the bankers, lawyers, brokers, traders, money managers, accountants, and all those employed by the myriad tributary industries fed by greenbacks- were compensated gloriously and beyond imagination. Men and women who were only thirty or forty years old got rich quickly. Very rich.

In 1982, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were only 12 billionaires in America. By 2003 there were 262 billionaires-with 48 of them making their home in New York City. The rest of the nation was rich, too. At the turn of the twenty-first century there were 6.5 million millionaires in America, one-third of them under thirty-nine years of age. By 2001, according to one analysis, there was a total of 9.8 million millionaire households." -From, "The Sky's The Limit" By: Steven Gaines

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

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: The New Top Level Domain- .TEL

There is a new domain name now available: .tel. .Tel differs from the popular .com top level domain, in that it is designed to specifically cater to mobile phones. It will access the contact information of the owner of the .tel address.

The contact information will appear as a hot link that will allow an internet accessible mobile device user to instantly access that contact with the click of a button.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

"Defense lawyers often try to prevent the filing of criminal charges by arranging for a civil compromise. Much like mediated agreements, with a civil compromise a defendant agrees to reimburse a victim for damages. In return, the victim asks a prosecutor not to file charges. This option gives wealthier arrestees a ticket out of the criminal justice system that poorer arrestees may not have." -From, "The Criminal Law Handbook" By: Bergman & Berman-Barrett

Quote Of The Day

"Men can starve from a lack of self-realization as they can from a lack of bread." -Richard Wright

Anecdote Of The Week: Is Your Pain Self-Imposed?

Here's an anecdote that invokes some reflection. It was written by author Dan Millman in his book, "Everyday Enlightenment":

"While coaching gymnastics at Stanford University, I walked into a workout one day and found Jack, the team captain, lying on the mat, stretching- grasping one of his legs and pulling it toward his chest. As I walked by, I saw him grimace and heard him groan, 'Oh, I hate this- it hurts so much!' I didn't know whether he was talking to me, to himself, or complaining to God, but I felt as if I'd wandered into a Mel Brooks movie [SIDEBAR: I don't quite understand the analogy, since I don;t think I've ever seen a Mel Brooks movie.] I wanted to ask Jack, 'Who's doing it to you? If it hurts that bad, why don't you just let up a little?' This holds true for your life as well: If it hurts so much, why don't you just let up a little?

The moment we recognize the degree to which our difficulties are self-imposed, we begin to heal them."

The Legal Eagles Legal Brief: The Case Of Discriminatory Zoning Laws

"One of the most controversial issues concerns exclusionary zoning, or using zoning not to regulate the location of particular land uses but to exclude them altogether from a community. By limiting an area to single-family dwellings, imposing minimum lot size requirements, or placing other restrictions, a municipality effectively can exclude poor people from living in it. Several state courts have held that using zoning for this exclusionary purpose violates the state or federal constitution. The leading case is Southern Burlington County NAACP v. Township of Mt. Laurel (1975, 1983), which twice appeared in the New Jersey Supreme Court.

The zoning in Mt. Laurel, a growing community in southern New Jersey, allowed the construction of single-family homes on lots of substantial size. As a result, it was economically impossible to construct homes for low-income people in Mt. Laurel. The only apartment buildings permitted were cooperatives or condominiums for senior citizens, also beyond the reach of low and moderate income retirees. Applying state constitutional law, the court held that a developing community like Mt. Laurel must make it possible to build a variety of types of housing, including low-income housing. Among other provisions, the New Jersey Constitution guaranteed to everyone the right 'of acquiring,possessing, and protecting property.' When the state delegates its police power to a municipality, the municipality cannot consider purely local interests in exercising that power in framing a zoning ordinance. The township's desire to keep its real estate tax burden down by excluding the poor is an insufficient justification for limiting the people who could live in the community.

In the first Mt. Laurel case, the Supreme Court relied on the good faith of the township, and other municipalities in similar positions, to revise their zoning ordinances to comply with the requirements of the law. That reliance turned out to be unfounded, as Mt. Laurel and other evaded or ignored the Court's mandate. Several years later, in Mt. Laurel II, the Court imposed a series of remedies to ensure compliance. The remedies included empowering special judges with supervision of the cases, requiring that developers build low-income housing as a condition of having other projects approved, and ordering municipalities to allow builders to construct low-income housing unless the municipality met a high burden of proving the harm it would cause. Eventually the entire issue was dealt with by the legislature, which enacted a Fair Housing Act creating a statewide agency to deal with the problem." -From, "Law 101" By Jay M. Feinman

Today Fly Or Die Commerce Report: NASDAQ

According to the online Financial Guide: "NASDAQ (the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System) is the world's fourth largest stock market, behind New York, Tokyo and London. NASDAQ is a screen based market with over 500 market makers."

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

Black's Law Dictionary defines zoning as: "The division of a city by legislative regulation into districts and the prescription and application in each district of regulations having to do with structural and architectural designs of buildings and of regulations prescribing use to which buildings within designated districts may be put."

Quote Of The Day

"But words are things, and a small drop of ink falling like dew upon a thought produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think." -Lord Byron

Cops Gone Wild Part 23: The How Did A Man With Outstanding Traffic Warrants End Up With Blunt Head Trauma Edition

The father of the Green Bay Packers wide receiver was allegedly beaten by 3 Houston police officers. Marvin Driver sustained blunt-force trauma in an incident in which police officers arrived at Mr. Driver's mother's home to arrest him for outstanding traffic warrants.

Thankfully, Marvin Driver is physically better after being subjected to the brutal beating. He is no longer attached to the machines, as shown in the above picture. He is now vaguely speaking out about the incident. He has chosen to remain mum on the details of the brutality he suffered. Marvin Driver told Milwaukee News (TMJ), that he has made his statement to the police department's internal affairs division, and he has faith in the system.

[SIDEBAR: I question whether this is "faith" or "fear."]

Video Of The Week

Hollywood and Its Stereotyping Of Native Americans:

Who Will Replace Hillary Clinton As New York's Senator?

Now that Hillary Clinton has been named President-Elect Obama's Secretary of State, her Senate seat will be left vacant when she assumes her new role.

The powers of the Governor's office vests New York's Governor David Paterson with the responsibility of picking Clinton's replacement. As of now, Paterson says that he will remain silent on who he will choose to be the new New York Senator. He has stated that he will not announce his choice for Senator until the current-Senator Clinton officially vacates her seat.

If anyone has any idea on who should be the new Senate representative for New York, now would be a good time to write or call Governor Paterson's office and let your voice be heard.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

According to The Wall Street Journal, the economic crunch is expected to effect cellphone sales next year. It is predicted that the mobile phone industry may be hit with anywhere from a 1% to 9% decrease in sales.

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

"Judges have the power to place restrictions on defendants as a condition of releasing them on bail. For example, depending on the offense charged, a defendant may have to agree to: Abstain from alcohol, drugs, or weapons; Avoid contact with a victim or witnesses; Report regularly to a law enforcement officer; Undergo a medical or psychological counseling program; Maintain or seek employment; Maintain or seek an educational program; and Remain in the custody of a designated relative or other person." -From, "The Criminal Law Handbook" By: Bergman & Berman-Barrett

Quote Of The Day

"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can." -John Wesley

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Pic Of The Week

I always appreciated the beauty of The Sistine Chapel, and that Michelangelo allegedly went blind to create it.

Cops Gone Wild Part 22: The Pepper-Spray A Commuter Edition

A hurried New York City commuter in a rush to catch her train, crossed under yellow tape and ran down an up-only subway staircase. The repercussions for this typical, life moves in a New York City minute act, was severe.

The commuter claims that when she reached the train platform, she was halted by a NYPD officer who asked for her identification, and told her that she was being arrested. Frightened by the prospect of being arrested for not committing a crime, she flipped open her cellphone to call her mother. It was at this point that the NYPD officer sprayed pepper-spray in the young woman's face, threw her to the ground, and handcuffed her. According to the NY Daily News, the commuter was charged with disorderly conduct and held in lock-up for 15 hours.

After the police officer was exonerated of any wrong doing by the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the subway-traveler decided to file a lawsuit against the city. The NYPD denies doing anything wrong. Police Commissioner, Paul Browne released the following statement: "She began to yell and scream, causing public alarm...The woman then started swinging her arms, preventing the officer from handcuffing her. The officer used pepper spray to aid in effecting the arrest." This statement falls short. The Police Commissioner fails to address the issue of why the woman would be stopped to be arrested for such a petty, non-criminal act in the first place.

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report

Earlier this year, Nokia- the world's largest cellphone manufacturer- purchased the digital map-making company Navteq for $8 billion. This acquisition will allow Nokia to have a more advanced version of "Nokia Maps" on their latest editions of cellphones- namely the soon to be released N-97.

Nokia's upgrading of Nokia Maps is likely a move to create a location application that is at least comparable to, if not more sophisticated than, the Google phone's application, "Google maps."

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to the city of Hampton's website a true bill is: "The finding of the grand jury. 'True bill' means the grand jury found probable cause to send the case on for trial. 'No true bill' means no probable cause."

Quote Of The Day

"When self-respect takes its rightful place in the psyche, you will not allow yourself to be manipulated by anyone." -Indira Mahindra

Today's Fly Or Die Commerce Report: The Prudent Man Rule

According to Black's Law Dictionary, The Prudent Man Rule is: "An investment standard. In some states, the law requires that a fiduciary, such as a trustee, may invest the trust's or fund's money only in a list of securities designated by the state- the so-called legal list. In other states, the trustee may invest in a security if it is one which a prudent man of discretion and intelligence, who is seeking a reasonable income and preservation of capital, would buy. [There is] a federal 'prudent man rule' which governs investment of pension funds."

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law

According to Black's Law Dictionary the Ordinance of 1787 is "A statute for the government of the Northwest Territory. Religious and legal freedom, encouragement of education, just treatment of the Indians, the future division into States, and the exclusion of slavery were ordained."

Quote Of The Day

"An aim in life is the only fortune worth the finding; and it is not to be found in foreign lands, but in the heart itself." -Robert Louis Stevenson