My time at Tuskegee University is approaching an end.
Should we stop using our cell phones?
Dr. Oz always has some interesting informtion to share for viewers. Recently, he talked about cell phones in a segment on his show. Since the introduction of advanced technology, the cell phone has become a ”must-have” product. Almost everyone has one and it is very useful; however, studies show that cell phone radiation increases brain activity. And that’s not all. When your signal is weak, your brain has to work even harder. That means more activity as a result of radiation. Cell phone use increases metabolism in the brain. Medical experts feel that cell phone use may contribute to the development of cancerous cells. Further studies are being conducted by researchers to further investigate this phenomenon.
I spend a lot of time on my phone; therefore, this could really affect me. I plan to follow this research to see what findings are discovered. I may have to start using my cell phone less often.
I Miss Those Shows!
When it came to watching TV shows, I had a routine. In the morning after I got dressed for school, I would watch Saved by the Bell. In the evening after school, I would watch Family Matters, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Full House, and The Cosby Show. These shows were classic. They just don’t make great television shows like these anymore. These shows always taught a good life lesson. Today, we do not have much to choose from. Reality tv is taking over and most of these new shows are kinda pointless. And the fact that I have gotten older isn’t the reason I feel this way. Most of today’s shows are less creative. The actors in the dramas appear very amateur. The comedies are too dumb. Even though reality tv is supposed to be true accounts, they are still very scripted to the point that they aren’t entertaining. Entertainment as a whole has gone down!
THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR
*Lyrics from “Man in the Mirror” by the late Michael Jackson
I’m Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I’m Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could’ve
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That …
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That …)
Change!
This song by Michael Jackson calls for one to examine themselves. Don’t just look at how you can do things to make your own life better, but try to make a difference in someone else’s life as well. This is a song that asks people to open their eyes to poverty and other misfortunes people in the world face. Who are we to attend our great institutions of higher learning and never reach out into the local community to do community service? Who are we to escape the inner-city and not go back to help those little girls and boys who were once us? Who are we to be privileged enough to not have to experience starvation and not even take time to imagine life without such necessities?
We should always put ourselves in other’s shoes first to get a glimpse of what their lives are like. This song gives voice to the unheard. It is messages such as these that made me want to go into a career field that not only affords me a comfortable life, but that serves humanity as well. Many times we have to be walking examples of the things or changes that we want to see in the world. This song applies to all aspects of one’s life. On the other hand, we should ask ourselves some questions. Am I too selfish? Do I give enough? Do I study enough? Are there habits that I need to drop? Am I too materialistic? Instead of a personal outlook, we need to develop a global standpoint. We should always see ourselves as in transition. This song’s message is one that will never grow old. Whatever stage of life that you are in, I’m sure that we could all stand a bit of change. That image that we see can use some touching up!
Many times we complain about other people and what they do. The song says, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.” This means that before we even attempt to judge others, first take a look at ourselves to see how we can change the situation. Instead of looking in the mirror to make sure my hair is in place and my skin has a glow, I look deeper inside to put my attitude in check, my heart tuned to the world’s needs, and replace the child-like ways with woman motives.
A horrible first!
Locked my keys in my car about 40 minutes ago. Gotta find some solutions! And my phone is in there too. Gotta walk somewhere close to use someone’s phone to find someone who can help.
*Another Entry from The Encyclopedia of T.C. (Atypical, that is!)
Homemaker: (noun)- someone who builds or constructs houses.
Word used in sentence: We have a meeting with the homemaker tomorrow to discuss the floor plan and see when he can start on our new house.
Synonym: carpenter
Is That A Trick Question?
When potential employers ask “What is your desired pay?”, I have always wondered was that a trick question. Obviously, if I’m trading my time for money, I would like the most that I can possibly get….. Right?
The Anthem
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938)
Recently in closing at one of our church programs, the congregation sang the Black National Anthem which is “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. This song was written in 100 by James Weldon Johnson. As a child, I was urged to learn this song and sing it proudly. So, singing this at church was no task for me. As Black History Month was approaching, I held my head up high sing from remembrance. The words of this song were also printed on the program, but of course I didn’t need it. While listening to the congregation as we sang together, I heard several stumbles. Soon, I looked around and just about half of the congregation at this mostly African American Baptist church in the South was reading the song from the printed program as if they weren’t familiar with it. I was shocked because I thought all African Americans or at least most should know this song. Then weeks later at a convocation on campus, I looked around and was surprised to find the same incident at this HBCU. Shocked again, I began to realize that more of us need to read our history and take pride in it. I feel as though we should know the Black National Anthem as well as we know the Star Spangled Banner (The National Anthem of the U.S.).
Teachers Make the World Go ‘Round
With an alarming deficit in the U.S. economy comes a trickle down effect in the school systems. Recently, I heard of several school districts laying-off substitutes and positions within the school districts because of budget cuts. I have even heard of teachers being laid off. What! Teachers are already under paid. They aren’t even shown enough appreciation. Laying off teachers conjures up yet another dilemma. My major isn’t education and I don’t plan on being a teacher; however, I do think that the role of teacher is one of the most important tasks or jobs. We always hear about the shortages of teachers. From my own experience, I know that out of the few teachers we do have, there are very few good ones. Many people who would make great teachers even fear the position because of the low income. We need teachers in order for someone to be a good doctor, lawyer, or politician. Teachers influence a child’s life in many different aspects. Teachers “teach” the world for the prosperity of the world.
Less than a week after I posted the original version of this blog, there was news of the situation on our local news station, WSFA 12 News stationed in Montgomery, Alabama. The topic was Montgomery Public School District had to lay-off 270 teachers. This number is alarming. That’s a large number of teachers to lose with the many students in the district. Most of my life, I achieved a public school education. Many of us have no choice. That means that the quality of education will surely decrease as well. This news is more devastating than the higher prices of gas and increases of city taxes. Instead of funding wars, our government need to somehow pour more money into the schools. God Bless America!
