Baby Nickolaus Effort
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Education, Family, General, Health, Life, Society & Culture
A friend of mine’s sister and her family are in need of some help and I thought I’d share it with the readers of this blog. Their son Nickolaus had a negative reaction to a vaccine and is very ill. My wife talked with Nickolaus’ mom and she urged her to be careful of who administered our child’s vaccination. I can’t imagine what this family is going through and with an eight month old, it gives us something to think consider. This is the first I’ve heard of this, so if you know of someone who can add to the vaccination discussion, please send them here to comment.
Here’s some background info on what happened:
In 2008, the number of vaccines that are given to kids is 36. There were only 10 required vaccinations 20 years ago. The chance of these vaccines having a negative effect on boys vs. girls is 5 to 1. Currently, it is affecting the immune system of our nephew which is causing numerous complications from his decline in speech and motor skills to his inability to fight off life threatening infections. Vaccination injury is an immune system issue which resembles the symptoms of Autism, so he is working with the Defeat Autism Now (DAN) group.
Right now, Baby Nickolaus is going through the Vaccine Injury Recovery Process which is expensive and not covered with this crazy U.S. Healthcare System.The Lewis Family has already spent thousands to get Baby Nickolaus well and will continue to do so…..We are asking any and everyone who reads this email to consider “Chipping In” as this journey is still not done.
I’ve seen the power of the blogosphere first-hand and know the compassion of the people who take the time to read this blog. If you are able, please take the time to donate whatever you can. On the Baby Nickolaus Effort Chip-In donation page there are some useful links and information on how to contact the family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Education, Personal Finance
Established in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, the American Dream Scholarship Program is open to African Americans with financial need. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), who meet Pell Grant eligibility criteria, and are enrolled full time at approved, accredited, undergraduate institutions. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000.
The American Dream Scholarship program will open on February 16. Please spread the word.
Application deadline: April 15, 2009
Award Amount: $500-$5,000
Government Gets Involved In NCAA Playoff Battle
Filed under: Blog Entries, Entertainment & Sports, Politics
First the banking system, then the auto industry, now college football. I was looking through the active bills at govtrack.us and found H. Res. 68. On January 16th, Rep. Neil Abercrombie [D-HI] introduced a resolution in the House which supports the establishment of an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Championship playoff system in the interest of fairness and to bring parity to all NCAA teams.
What’s even more interesting is that this is a bi-partisan effort with a Democrat and two Republicans listed as co-sponsors. While I doubt this resolution will make it past the committee, it was funny to read because we all know President Obama supports the playoff system. And I agree! Let the teams battle it out and fight their way to a National Championship. That way, we won’t have to hear teams (and fans) whine and complain when they don’t make it. Check out some of the wording in the resolution:
Whereas the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I A) is currently the only major college sport without an NCAA championship: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives–
(1) rejects the BCS system as an illegal restraint of trade that violates the Sherman Anti-Trust Act;
(2) demands the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division investigate and bring appropriate action to have the BCS system declared illegal and require a playoff to determine a national champion; and
(3) supports the establishment of an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Championship playoff system in the interest of fairness and to bring parity to all NCAA teams.
So the question remains, what will Congress take over next?
Read the full text of this resolution
Drunken Negro Face Cookies?
Filed under: Blog Entries, Business, Community, Laughable, Society & Culture
Wow, I guess stupidity comes in all forms. A New York baker has created a cookie in honor President Obama called a “Drunken Negro Face Cookies”. For some reason he does not see anything wrong with what he’s done and doesn’t feel he’s racist because his brother-in-law is Cuban. He sees his cookies as art and as a freedom of expression. Hmm.
I think what bothers me the most is the apology. If you don’t like black people, that’s cool. Just don’t punk out when things get hot and offer up an apology when people “freely express” their opinion about you. I seriously don’t think he believes people wouldn’t get upset about it when they found out. To all those who feel race isn’t a touchy subject, here ya go.
Coach Loses Job Over 100-0 Win
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Entertainment & Sports, Society & Culture
You know, I’ve been trying to stay away from this one, but this is getting out of hand. Yesterday the Covenant School fired Micah Grimes, its girls basketball coach, after posting a comment on a blog about their 100-0 win over Dallas Academy. In a post at www.flightbasketball.com Grimes stated, “I respectfully disagree with the apology, especially the notion that the Covenant School girls basketball team should feel ‘embarrassed’ or ‘ashamed,’ ” part of the post says. “We played the game as it was meant to be played and would not intentionally run up the score on any opponent. Although a wide-margin victory is never evidence of compassion, my girls played with honor and integrity and showed respect to Dallas Academy.”
I’ve never really understood why running up the score was looked down on. I could see how it would be damaging to the kids’ self-esteem, but what message are you really sending? The girls at the Covenant School where in the same position as Dallas Academy a couple of years ago. With hard work and dedication to the game, they were able to turn the team around. Because they attend a Christian school, should they be told to go light on a team when the lead gets too big? Basketball is a competitive sport and Dallas Academy was out of their league. I hope the young ladies on both sides don’t get frustrated by everything that’s going on. I hope The Covenant School continues to play hard to the end and Dallas Academy uses their time off to rebuild and improve. There’s motivation in losing the way they did and there’s nothing to be ashamed of if you come back stronger next time.
Covenant coach who beat Dallas Academy 100-0 is fired
President Obama’s Weekly Address – 01/24/09
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Obama, Personal Finance, Politics
In his first weekly address since being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama discusses how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will jump-start the economy.
“This is not just a short-term program to boost employment,” he said. “It’s one that will invest in our most important priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century.”
The Administration is still working with Congress to refine the plan, but in the address, President Obama lays out the key priorities. He goes into detail, noting that the plan will update our electric grid by laying more than 3,000 miles of transmission lines; weatherize 2.5 million homes; protect health insurance for more than 8 million Americans in danger of losing their coverage; secure 90 major ports; renovate 10,000 schools; and triple the number of science fellowships.
Watch the President’s weekly address and read the full remarks below.
The President’s First Proclamation
Filed under: Blog Entries, Obama, Politics, Society & Culture
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!!! On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 at 2:15 PM EST, President Obama’s media staff posted on his blog an announcement of his first proclamation. In it he proclaimed that January 20, 2009, will be a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and calls upon all of citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century. I’m not sure how long it takes other presidents to get working, but I’m sure this is just the beginning of things to come. It’s only fitting that his first one would be about service in the community. Time to get to work.
Hello President Obama!
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Entertainment & Sports, General, Podcasts, Think Global
Who woulda thunk it! Before he announced he was officially running, I was one of those who thought Obama should have waited to let Hillary get her eight years and then take his after she was done. I figured it would guarantee the Democrats 16 years in Office. I never thought the American people would go for it. Boy was I wrong.
Today is a special day for all people. Whether you voted for him or not, Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America and is in need of your help to set this country back on track. I was never one to think he would come in a fix everything with a magic wand, but I am one who believes Obama is the change agent this country needs. I’m hoping he will continue to be open to ideas from other parties and will push all Americans to get involved in making things better for all people. We’ve been selfish for a long time and the problems we are facing today are a result of our actions. It’s time for a change in our thinking and how we view the world around us.
One thing that I’m excited about the most is that my boys will be able to grow up under the administration of a black president. It’s been funny to see him get excited when he sees a picture of Obama and he knows without us telling him who his president will be. There’s a renewed hope in what’s been accomplished and America is a better place because of it. So if you pray, let’s keep him and his family in your prayers. If you don’t pray, then wish him luck. But whatever you do, he’s going to need it because there’s a lot of work ahead of the Obama Administration.
Check out this great poem by Samira Edi entitled “Obama’s Humble Shoes”.
Bye, Bye Bush
Well today’s the big day. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see Barack Obama get sworn in. I never thought I’d see this happen and it’ll be a major moment in American History. Yesterday was MLK Day and it’s only fitting that it would lead into the Inauguration Day of our first black president.
This is the dream being realized, but it is only the beginning of what we as a country have to do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Barack Obama is not going to come in and save this country from the depths of peril. Just the way he was elected, it’s going to take the American people backing him to get things done. We have to be ready to write to our congressperson and be aware of what our government is doing. This is the beginning of a new day and with that comes a change in how we view the world around us.
So with all due respect I’d like to say bye, bye Former President George Walker Bush. It’s not all your fault, but the one in power gets all the blame. Who knows, maybe we’ll see each other around D-Town or something. As a final farewell to the 43rd President of the United States, I’ll leave you all with some of the Bushisms we’ve all grown to love:
“I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.” September 2000,
explaining his energy policies at an event in Michigan.“Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?” January 2000,
during a campaign event in South Carolina.“They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they
misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief,
too.” Sept. 26, 2001, in Langley, Va. Bush was referring to the terrorists
who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks.“There’s no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail.”
Oct. 4, 2001, in Washington. Bush was remarking on a back-to-work plan
after the terrorist attacks.“It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of
human cloning to come out of that chamber.” April 10, 2002, at the White
House, as Bush urged Senate passage of a broad ban on cloning.“I want to thank the dozens of welfare-to-work stories, the actual examples
of people who made the firm and solemn commitment to work hard to embetter
themselves.” April 18, 2002, at the White House.“There’s an old saying in Tennessee, I know it’s in Texas, probably in
Tennessee that says, fool me once, shame on shame on you. Fool me you can’t
get fooled again.” Sept. 17, 2002, in Nashville, Tenn.“Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop
thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do
we.” Aug. 5, 2004, at the signing ceremony for a defense spending bill.“Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren’t
able to practice their love with women all across this country.” Sept. 6,
2004, at a rally in Poplar Bluff, Mo.“Our most abundant energy source is coal. We have enough coal to last for
250 years, yet coal also prevents an environmental challenge.” April 20,
005, in Washington.“We look forward to hearing your vision, so we can more better do our job.”
Sept. 20, 2005, in Gulfport, Miss.“I can’t wait to join you in the joy of welcoming neighbors back into
neighborhoods, and small businesses up and running, and cutting those
ribbons that somebody is creating new jobs.” Sept. 5, 2005, when Bush met
with residents of Poplarville, Miss., in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.“It was not always a given that the United States and America would have a
close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war 60 years ago we were
at war.” June 29, 2006, at the White House, where Bush met with Japanese
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.“Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to
families who die.” Dec. 7, 2006, in a joint appearance with British Prime
Minister Tony Blair.“These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria
ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved.” June 11,
2007, in Sofia, Bulgaria.“Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for being
such a fine host for the OPEC summit.” September 2007, in Sydney,
Australia, where Bush was attending an APEC summit.“Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech.” April 16, 2008, at a ceremony
welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the White House.“The fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the
machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there’s jobs at the
machine-making place.” May 27, 2008, in Mesa, Ariz.“And they have no disregard for human life.” July 15, 2008, at the White
House. Bush was referring to enemy fighters in Afghanistan.“I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North
Koreans right here in the Oval Office.” June 26, 2008, during a Rose Garden
news briefing.“Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired
immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These
immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing
nation of more than 300 people.” July 4, 2008 in Virginia.“The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there’s a
lot of prayer prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down.
And I’m one of them. It’s good to come down here.” Sept. 3, 2008, at an
emergency operations center in Baton Rouge, La., after Hurricane Gustav hit
the Gulf Coast.“This thaw took a while to thaw, it’s going to take a while to unthaw.”
Oct. 20, 2008, in Alexandria, La., as he discussed the economy and frozen
credit markets.
Is Dr. King’s Dream Fulfilled?
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Education, Politics
CNN has a poll which says that two-thirds of African-Americans who participated feel that believe Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for race relations will been fulfilled when Barack Obama is sworn in as President on tomorrow. According to CNN, the poll found 69 percent of blacks said King’s vision has been fulfilled in the more than 45 years since his 1963 “I have a dream” speech — roughly double the 34 percent who agreed with that assessment in a similar poll taken last March. The interesting thing about this poll is that whites had an opposite reaction to the question. Forty-six percent of them thought the dream had been fulfilled, up from 35 percent last March.
While I feel race relations have drastically improved over the last 40+ years, there’s still some work to be done. The dream is being realized and we should be excited about the historic event that will take place tomorrow. But let’s not lose site of the work ahead of us. Dr. King’s dream was about more than putting black people in high ranking positions. We’re on our way and the future looks bright. Let’s do what we can to move closer to fulfilling Dr. King’s dream for our generation and those to follow.
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