My friend and fellow National Black MBA Association member, Carole Copeland Thomas, did an excellent piece on the history of Watch Night Service on New Year’s Eve in the Black community. It is so well written and researched that I am sharing it with you via this link. So click here and enjoy the article:
http://bit.ly/2lpphVZ
Please post your comments on her article here. Thanks in advance.
May you and your family have a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year in 2018 and beyond!!
Today I had a colonoscopy. My last one was back in 2012. Based on my medical history, my doctor recommends them every five years. So, knowing that early detection saves lives, I scheduled it so I can start the new year with a clean colon. The picture above shows my first meal after after my colonoscopy, earlier today. It was steel cut oats and rolled oats with blue berries and raisins with one third cup of almond milk…that’s right, no sugar or sweeter. Though fruit can be considered a sweetener, I often eat my oatmeal without fruit.
Have you had a colonoscopy?
Do you make sure you get your preventive health screenings?
It is sad that people spend more time and money doing preventive maintenance on their car than on their body. Yes. Lots of people spend time and money making sure their car gets oil changes, expensive tires and rims, detailing, special upgrades, etc.
Some even spend more time planning their vacation(s) they do planning in areas that help with their quality of life now and in the future. From planning health screenings to planning healthier meals to planning some type of regular physical activity, the harsh reality is: You either take the time NOW to take care of yourself, or “time will take you”. For those of you who think:
-1) It cost too much to eat healthy. I ask: How much does it cost when you get sick? From the time off your job, to the cost of the medicine, to the cost of the doctor’s appointment, which cost less?
-2) I do not have time to work out, it is not safe to walk in my neighborhood, or it too far to go to walk at the mall; I ask: how much time do you spend finding out which cell phone to buy, how to download music, how to find the best weave and weed? It is all about priorities!
3) I do not have any of those diseases in my family. I am pretty healthy. I never get sick. Really? Do you really know your family history? Relatives do not always share all of their illnesses. Besides, some people die before the disease manifest itself. Do you really want to take that chance?
When a person gets a long term illness someone has to go to the doctor and/hospital with them. Patients are not allowed to drive home from procedures that require anesthesia. That means your illness, many are preventable, affect and inconvenience others. Diabetes and morbid obesity are two of the worst. They often require long-term regular treatments.
Some of the same people, who spend more time on car maintenance than their health care have health insurance. Some of the most important preventive health checkups include:
– blood pressure checks: drug store and fire stations have free testing. High blood pressure often has no signs. So get periodic tests.
– mammograms are offered free by Susan G. Komen for those without healthcare, or can’t afford the deductible to get one. https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Mammography.html
– prostate exams are given free by local clinics and Northside Hospital. Contact Northside at: https://www.northside.com/prostate-cancer-screenings
– colonoscopies, under the current Affordable Care Act (also called ACA or ObamaCare) became a preventive procedure that is covered 100%. So for the past few years, there was no cost to those covered under ObamaCare.
– HIV tests are given free by several local organizations that include Aid Atlanta at http://www.aidarlanta.com or call 1-800-561-2728. Also, HIV test kits are sold in most drug stores.
– Dental care is important because what happens in the mouth affects the entire body. Many local clinics offer low cost or sliding scale fees. Free clinics includes the Ben Massell Dental Clinic: https://www.benmasselldentalclinic.org
-Vision care, especially test for glaucoma are criticahttp especially if you have diabetes. Free vision care: http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/free-exam.htm
For low cost vision care, contact your local county. In Fulton County, use this link: http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/vision-care
Other free health screenings are given annually at various health conferences that include cholesterol and blood sugar. This is an examination of one: http://www.champsga.org/health-summit.htm
Preventive health screenings are the key to our quality of life as we continue to have more birthdays. However, babies, teens, millennials, baby boomers and seniors need regular health screenings just as much as our homes need smoke detectors with a working battery. Yes. It is that critical! Therefore, I challenge you to take the time to do what you need to do to prevent or catch diseases in their early stages so they can be treated early enough to allow you and your family members to have a good quality of life. Make it a priority in 2018 to get your preventive health screenings by scheduling one each quarter.
Many local and national TV and radio stations are mourning the loss of Amanda Davis a resilient lady, leader and journalist. She died yesterday after suffering a massive stroke at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Tuesday. Yesterday and today, as I switch from station to station, all are reserving time to allow people to express their feelings about this well loved news anchor who has worked for several local networks.
With tears streaming down their faces, co-workers, colleagues, friends and fans tell stories of this Amanda who worked over theee decades here in Atlanta, overcame her alcohol addiction, and started at the anchor desk earlier this year with CBS.
In the photo above, CBS co-workers FresnKalil and Paul Ossman embrace Amanda at a local event. Amanda was friends with other longtime local female anchors: Monica Kaufman Pearson, Brenda Woods, Lisa Rayam, and Karyn Greer. According to CBS TV’s Sharon Reed, ‘They all knew each other, helped each other, and had a fun get-together every year. That is unheard of in this very competitive industry.’
Amanda will be truly missed. May our prayers of sympathy go out to her family and friends as they deal with her sudden passing.
For the full story on Amanda Davis’ life and award winning career, use this link:
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/amanda-davis-veteran-atlanta-news-anchor-dead-at-62-after-stroke/
Here are the details for the inauguration of Atlanta’s 60th Mayor. The events are free and open to the public. Arrive an hour early to park (parking deck is not free) and get one of the 2,500 seats at the M.L.King Jr. Chapel. Or, take MARTA to avoid traffic congestion.
This would be a great opportunity for you to take a student or young adult. Students can learn:
1) who are these elected officials
2) what they do
3) which one(s) represents their area
4) how to talk about it on social media
4) how policies made by elected officials affect them now and in years to come
5) to memorialize the occasion by taking pictures at the event with these elected officials at the end of the Inauguration and all during the reception.
Inauguration Day Schedule Of Events
Tuesday January 2, 2018
Interfaith Worship Service – 8am
Impact Church
2323 Sylvan Road, Atlanta, GA 30344
Inaugural Ceremonies – 1pm
MLK Jr. International Chapel
Morehouse College
830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
(doors open 11:30am)
One Atlanta – Citizen’s Reception – 5:30pm – 8:30am
Atlanta City Hall Atrium
55 Trinity Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
(Including Inaugural Community Service Project-
Please bring school supplies for APS students)
* * *
In a new book being released in early January 2018, Jeff Haden destroys the myth that you have to be an “A” student to do well in life. His study is destroying the myth and maybe “misplaced myth” about kids straight “A’s” equating to success in life. Here is the link to get his book:
https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Motivation_Myth.html?id=GA2jDgAAQBAJ&hl=en
This is powerful stuff. This book is a must have for parents, teachers and other educators. Here is an article Jeff shared on his LinkedIn post that will get you to realize you cannot argue with “real” results:
8 of 10 Self-Made Millionaires Were Not ‘A’ Students; Instead They Shares 1 Trait
Listen to most teachers — and most parents — and it’s easy to assume that getting good grades in school is a requirement for professional success.
Nope.
Tom Corley, an accountant and financial planner, surveyed a number of high net-worth individuals. Many of them are self-made millionaires. (Not that you have to be a millionaire to be successful, of course.) He found most of the people surveyed did not earn high GPAs in school.
In fact, only 21% of the self-made millionaires were “A” students. 41% reported they were “B” students, and 29% were “C” students.
That’s right: More of the self-made millionaires were C students than were A students.
And if you’re wondering if family background played a part, 59% of the self-made millionaires came from middle-class households and 41% came from poor households — proving where you start does not dictate where you finish.
As Corley writes:
“…success in life does not come easy. It is fraught with pitfalls, obstacles, failure, and mistakes. Success requires persistence, mental toughness and emotional toughness in overcoming these pitfalls. Its pursuit pushes you to the edge emotionally and physically. You must grow a thick skin and become accustomed to struggle if you hope to succeed.
“Individuals who struggle academically may be more accustomed to dealing with struggle and making it a daily habit to overcome pitfalls.”
In short, they become mentally tough, which creates a foundation for long-term success.
For example, successful people are great at delaying gratification. Successful people are great at withstanding temptation. Successful people are great at overcoming fear in order to do what they need to do. (Of course, that doesn’t mean they aren’t scared — that does mean they’re brave. Big difference.) Successful people don’t just prioritize. They consistently keep doing what they have decided is important.
All those qualities require mental strength and toughness, so it’s no coincidence those are some of the qualities of remarkably successful people.
So if you didn’t get great grades in school, that’s OK. The past doesn’t define you. The past is just training. Think about what you didn’t do well, about mistakes you made, but only in terms of how you will make sure that next time, you know what to do to make sure things turn out the way you want.
And never forget that “school” is really never over. Successful people are lifelong learners. As Corley also writes:
“It is now clear that one’s IQ can change over their lifetime. It’s not fixed. Just because you were a “C” student at age 17 with an IQ of 100 doesn’t necessarily mean you will stay that way. You can increase your IQ all during your life, even into your 80s.
“Self-made millionaires do certain things every day that improve their brains and continuously increase their intelligence during their lifetimes.”
And you can, too.
In the spirit of unity, the event was put together by local Black ministers as an interfaith event to help the City of Atlanta after tough and divisive runoff elections.
At last Sunday’s church service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Pastor Warnock announced that Mayor-Elect Keisha Lance Bottoms said she would attend. Well, she was not there. Atlanta City Council President-Elect Felicia Moore is out of town.
Shortly after winning the Atlanta Mayoral runoff election, Mayor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms put together her transition team. As I walked through City Hall earlier today I passed their office.
The transition team is being lead by Vicki Palmer, former Executive V.P. of Coca-Cola Enterprises and Larry Gellerstedt, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Cousins Properties. Read the full story from the AJC at:
High hopes and expectations are expected from behind this door. May the 60th Atlanta Mayor exceed our expectations.
How could there be a power outage at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? This is the world’s busiest airport. Its’ operation effects air travel nationally and internationally.
It has been almost eight hours and no word from Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Where is the press conference from GEMA? With technology, statements and so many modes of communication, passengers and people everywhere are concerned about the slow or no communication about the cause and status.
Why has there not been any official statement from anyone in leadership?? Is this acceptable in this day and age? How would our leaders feel if they were sitting on an airplane on Atlanta’s tarmac? Or, sitting in a dark airport? Where is the compassion??
The good news is, MARTA was not affected by the blackout. Their trains were running on schedule. The not so good news is, the police were not allowing anyone to enter the airport during this time to prevent more people from being dropped off. So, if someone were trying to pick up, they were also unable to enter the airport area since there was no way to tell which cars/shuttles/buses were doing doing what.
As reported by NBC TV 11 Alive in Atlanta, several passengers took to social media to complain about the airlines not providing information in a timely manner. And, many passengers were unable to communicate to their friends and family due to their cell batteries dying. Others with cell phone battery life used the light to navigate through dark hallways in an effort to get outside.
Calls to Georgia Power from 11 Alive were not answered. They had a vague statement on social media saying they were working to restore power at Hartfield-Jackson Airport. Yet, that simply was insufficient for stranded passengers and people across the U.S. Who simply want the facts.
The Cascade Patch has a full article by Doug Gross on today’s power outage. They have as many details as were available at 7:50pm EST. Here is the link: https://patch.com/georgia/cascade/s/gbb1e/atlanta-airport-power-outage-caused-by-fire-officials?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=weather&utm_campaign=alert
Also, according to CBS 46 live TV coverage, Mayor Reed and the Atlanta Police Chief are having a press conference this evening (No time given).
Mayor Reed holds press conference with Georgia Power V.P. Bertina Terry as they reveal details of Hartsfield-Jackson airport power outage. A fire in an underground power station is the culprit. It also effected two backup stations. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Also, the FAA is involved and conducting a review of this matter.
Your thoughts??
Today as I exited the Garnett MARTA Rail Station, I saw a group of youth helping the homeless. All the way from Shiloh Hills Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia; these kids are getting to see, process and make a difference for a few people who are struggling to survive during this Christmas season.
As the middle and high school youth approached the homeless with blankets, hats, gloves, and kind words, it warmed my heart on this 36 degree day in Atlanta. According to one of the parents with the Shiloh youth, James, this is the 10th year they have done this mission project. The church asks for donation of the items and then distributes them on the streets around downtown.
As I walked a block further along Peachtree Street, I see another homeless person bundled up on the sidewalk reading a pamphlet that was probably included in the bag distributed by the youth. Then in the background of the above photo, the Shiloh Hills youth stop for a short briefing at Peachtree Street and Trinity Street before they continue looking for homeless people to bless.
Thank you Shiloh Hills Baptist Church youth. You did a good thing today! However, it is my hope that ten years from now, homelessness will be eradicated and you will have to find a different outreach ministry project.
For information about Shiloh Hills Baptist Church, visit: http://www.shilohhills.com/church/index.php/about-us/church-staff
As we continue prepare for this Christmas season, remember how blessed we are to have a roof over our head and heat. And, as you remember the true meaning of Christmas, think of how you might be able to bless someone in a small yet significant way.
Once I entered the Riverside Epic Center, this beautiful Christmas tree caught my eye. It was very inviting on a this cold 38 degree day as I arrived for the Google-SCORE workshop. The workshop was sponsored by Google and the Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) It was called:
GOOGLE’S GROW YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE HALF-DAY MARKETING SUMMIT
For anyone who has an online presence, I highly recommend this workshop. It was lively and exciting as it enlighten the audience of about forty people. It taught us how to:
– target customers
– determine which social media platforms work best for various types of businesses and why.
– make sure our websites are functional and as effective as they need to be.
– improve your social media presence
The information shared at this workshop is invaluable. This FREE workshop, Choosing Keywords to Maximize Content far exceeded my expectations! A million thanks to the workshop presenters Demming Bass and Mia Martin. Demming is Google’s Get Your Business Online National Speaker. Mia is CEO at Modern Créatif and SCORE Atlanta Director of Marketing.
SCORE has been helping small business owners for more than fifty years. For more information about the numerous SCORE mentors and workshops in your area (locally or nationally), visit:
The Riverside Epic Center in Austell, Georgia is about than ten miles west of Atlanta. It is part of the Word of Faith Ministries. For more information on this beautiful facility, visit:
http://riversideepicenter.com/
Your Power Connection 
You must be logged in to post a comment.