Welcome, once again, to PROLIFICK PROFILES! Will someone please tell me where 2010 has gone? Just when we were getting used to this year, it's already time to exchange it for another one. I hope that this year has been fruitful, progressive, and satisfying, and if NOT, then better luck in 2011!
I wanted to write something poignant, philosophical, and mind-blowing to lead us from the old into the new, but I couldn't think of a dang thing; so, I decided to do something better. If you know me (or know OF me), then you often see my daily presence on FACEBOOK (this is where I cultivate business, network, and obtain new contacts.) As crazy and busy as I am, I often find the time to "wax poetic" and write some pretty nifty things from the top of my head. The following are some of my best writings/quotes:
"When you are confronted with an obstacle that seems unsurmountable, try not to panic, get reckless, or act abruptly. Just THINK, RESEARCH, ACT ACCORDINGLY, and then DO...... SOMETIMES CHANGE and ADAPTATION are NECESSARY....."
"WE PUT IT IN AND DO WHAT MUST BE DONE, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER...."
"Many of those who volunteered and gave blood, sweat, and tears for a candidate sometimes feel they will get a "special" reward i.e. job, position, etc once the candidate "gets on". Unfortunately, many are disillusioned and upset when all they receive is a THANK-YOU, a handshake, and a appreciation dinner. If you HAVE to ask if you are in a certain group's "inner-circle, more than likely you are not....."
"PEOPLE, many may see this as cynical, but I see it like THIS: No matter WHO is elected, they ALL have their OWN agendas. Some are better/worse than others and some may affect us more or less, depending on your tax bracket. Either way, as long as whomever is elected doesn't undo hundreds of years of legislature and we wake up shackled and chained, we have no choice but to move forward and make things happen within or without the system."
"It seems so long ago, and yet it feels like yesterday. Who would've known HIP HOP would have evolved so fast and be as it is now..."
"URBAN EXCLUSIVE" with DJ Richie Rich and J. BLACK is like H.R. Puffenstuff, "You can't get a little and you can't get enough......"
"And THIS is MY question: Why is it that with all the negative political ads on the television, strife/disease in countries around the world, and chaos in our Nations's financial infrastructure, is the show THE REAL HOUSEWIVES of ATLANTA even relevant?"
"AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE: It's OFFICIAL - I am a PROUD FATHER-TO-BE or my new theme song is "THAT'S JUST MY BABY DADDY" (smile) Of course, my Pops said, "It's about time... The family thought something was wrong with you." Go figure....
"SHOUT OUT TO KANYE WEST, LOVE 'EM or HATE' EM, YOU REALLY HAVE TO RESPECT HIM. HE is DEFINITELY MAKING THINGS HAPPEN....."
"It is ALWAYS satisfying to meet with a prospective client and obtain the comment, during your presentation, " I LIKE what I'm hearing so far....."
"THUS, we need to educate OURSELVES. I don't blame anyone, company, or belief on MY shortfalls. They don't make us EAT, DRINK, SMOKE, or NOT EXERCISE. Every day you have a chance to walk, run, think, investigate, and CHANGE. If we don't, and we end up obese, lethargic, etc and HAVE to depend on doctors and medicines then I am afraid we deserve what we get...."
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM the STAFF of ALFONSO TODD AND ASSOCIATES/PROLIFICK MEDIA !!!!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
JAY-Z, "DECODED", THE REVIEW by TREMAYNE TATEM
The book definitely resonated with me on so many levels. First, being strongly influenced by the Hip Hop culture, Jay gave his commentary of "the movement" as he saw it happen; being in the very heart of it. Also, he got into the fears, insecurities, and doubt he faced as he was transitioning from drug dealer to rap/business icon. He, also, highlighted the influences of each song, breaking them down in an almost academic manner in detail.
Jay truly had a passion for words and language from a very young age, touching topics such as competition, hustle, integrity, spirituality.
He talked about how his grandfather was a Pentecostal pastor in the C.O.G.I.C. and how that shaped his father’s life and strict upbringing. Jay mentioned that even though his father grew up in this strict religious lifestyle, he made it clear that he, himself, was never looking to go to church; this was sort of an explanation for his his life.
The book itself was visually stimulating from page to page, but lacked the cohesiveness of a straight read. It, almost, seemed like it was all over the place, because it was not written as a linear autobiography, which is definitely not Jay’s style being self-proclaimed ADD.
I know there is a lot of talk about his affliation with the “Illumanati” though he doesn’t address it, even when he talks about the song “Lucifer”. The book, itself, on the surface, makes you forget about all that talk and connect on a real human level with Shawn Carter, the man within Jay-Z.
Jay truly had a passion for words and language from a very young age, touching topics such as competition, hustle, integrity, spirituality.
He talked about how his grandfather was a Pentecostal pastor in the C.O.G.I.C. and how that shaped his father’s life and strict upbringing. Jay mentioned that even though his father grew up in this strict religious lifestyle, he made it clear that he, himself, was never looking to go to church; this was sort of an explanation for his his life.
The book itself was visually stimulating from page to page, but lacked the cohesiveness of a straight read. It, almost, seemed like it was all over the place, because it was not written as a linear autobiography, which is definitely not Jay’s style being self-proclaimed ADD.
I know there is a lot of talk about his affliation with the “Illumanati” though he doesn’t address it, even when he talks about the song “Lucifer”. The book, itself, on the surface, makes you forget about all that talk and connect on a real human level with Shawn Carter, the man within Jay-Z.
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CLARION CALL
More Political Theater: Obama’s Tax Cut Deal
A NOTE TO OBAMA: YOU’VE LOST OLBERMANN
The night Obama got elected to the presidency, Keith Olbermann literally fought for the honor of announcing his triumph with tears in his eyes and his voice breaking. For Olbermann and many others, this was an historic night and one to remember. It was only little over twenty four months ago, but it seems like ages ago now.
There was a time when LBJ concluded that if he lost Walter Cronkite, he lost America. Obama now has his moment with Keith Olbermann. He’s lost Olbermann and along with him most of his base and the straw that broke the camel’s back was his capitulation on the tax cut fight. Basically, he’s lost his base by constantly trying to accommodate the same people committed to the failure of his presidency. Perhaps he’s been just worn down by the battle with these people and I can’t imagine a worst way to lose one’s political base than to basically lay down and surrender.
I watched Obama’s historic election with my kids two years ago and while I was happy to see Obama get elected, I’m also a pragmatist and I knew that expectations were far in excess of what this man could deliver even under the best of circumstances. The main limitation is a political system that’s been purchased lock, stock and barrel by the monied elite and that alone serves to limit any real change unless one is able to change the entire system. Changing the entire system requires that this monied elite be displaced and Obama had the chance to engage that battle on several fronts—with the banks, on health care and with the Bush tax cuts to name a few. He failed on all accounts, but the one that was the most critical failure was that revolving around the Wall Street oligarchs and the failure to break their power. To be sure, he was saddled with Bush’s precedent on the TARP, but there was nothing to prevent him from pursuing prosecutions for the criminal elements among the banksters and there was nothing to prevent him from bringing in a reformist minded group of economic advisors, but he lacked the courage to really bring change and that failure is not just his alone but extends to the nation as we will all pay for that. It was never the expectation that things would be fixed in a mere twenty four months, but people did expect at least a general movement in the right direction. Instead, what we wound up with was Bush II.
I never like to count anyone totally out, so all is not lost at this point. But to avoid going down in flames, Obama needs to get a backbone in a hurry and get about truly doing the people’s business. That means he has to get some convictions first, and then show the courage of those convictions rather than constantly compromising and bending over backwards to accommodate the very people committed to seeing he’s a one termer. And above all, set aside concerns about getting re-elected. Now is time more than ever when we need people to simply put the country first as that’s far more important than his re-election. He has to do the right thing and uncompromisingly so.
A NOTE TO OBAMA: YOU’VE LOST OLBERMANN
The night Obama got elected to the presidency, Keith Olbermann literally fought for the honor of announcing his triumph with tears in his eyes and his voice breaking. For Olbermann and many others, this was an historic night and one to remember. It was only little over twenty four months ago, but it seems like ages ago now.
There was a time when LBJ concluded that if he lost Walter Cronkite, he lost America. Obama now has his moment with Keith Olbermann. He’s lost Olbermann and along with him most of his base and the straw that broke the camel’s back was his capitulation on the tax cut fight. Basically, he’s lost his base by constantly trying to accommodate the same people committed to the failure of his presidency. Perhaps he’s been just worn down by the battle with these people and I can’t imagine a worst way to lose one’s political base than to basically lay down and surrender.
I watched Obama’s historic election with my kids two years ago and while I was happy to see Obama get elected, I’m also a pragmatist and I knew that expectations were far in excess of what this man could deliver even under the best of circumstances. The main limitation is a political system that’s been purchased lock, stock and barrel by the monied elite and that alone serves to limit any real change unless one is able to change the entire system. Changing the entire system requires that this monied elite be displaced and Obama had the chance to engage that battle on several fronts—with the banks, on health care and with the Bush tax cuts to name a few. He failed on all accounts, but the one that was the most critical failure was that revolving around the Wall Street oligarchs and the failure to break their power. To be sure, he was saddled with Bush’s precedent on the TARP, but there was nothing to prevent him from pursuing prosecutions for the criminal elements among the banksters and there was nothing to prevent him from bringing in a reformist minded group of economic advisors, but he lacked the courage to really bring change and that failure is not just his alone but extends to the nation as we will all pay for that. It was never the expectation that things would be fixed in a mere twenty four months, but people did expect at least a general movement in the right direction. Instead, what we wound up with was Bush II.
I never like to count anyone totally out, so all is not lost at this point. But to avoid going down in flames, Obama needs to get a backbone in a hurry and get about truly doing the people’s business. That means he has to get some convictions first, and then show the courage of those convictions rather than constantly compromising and bending over backwards to accommodate the very people committed to seeing he’s a one termer. And above all, set aside concerns about getting re-elected. Now is time more than ever when we need people to simply put the country first as that’s far more important than his re-election. He has to do the right thing and uncompromisingly so.
FINANCIAL ADVICE by CHRISTOPHER LYNCH
INFLATION vs DEFLATION
Inflation is the increase in price of goods and service over time. When investing and planning for your financial future, it is important to realize that leaving your money under the mattress only leads to a reduction in true value of your money. Planning professionals let clients know and understand inflation and deflation and how it can help with planning to effectively
maximize investment earnings over the long term. A powerful example when trying to understand inflation is looking at prices in 1980 vs 2009 in common goods. In 1980, a gallon of milk was $0.87 and now it's $2.99; a stamp was $0.15 and now it's $0.44; and so on. With this constant increase in the cost of goods the purchasing power of your money constantly decreases. A low, steady rate of inflation is a sign of an economy with positive growth. Low inflation can help dilute the risk of a recession by helping the workforce to maintain spending and cost of living.
In the U.S. inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Indexes (CPI), a typical group of consumer goods and services are measured on a monthly basis to see whether products are going up or down in value (deflation). The US government provides CPI data on its official Bureau of Labor Statistics site. The issue with measuring the CPI is objectively monitoring the change in prices and making sure that the price change isn't related to changes in other factors such as volume,quality,or performance. For example if there is a corn shortage due to weather, that should not be a factor in the CPI. However, if the price of corn simply changes without any outside factors then that is directly related to inflation.
The opposite of inflation is deflation,which means the value of money has increased while the value of goods has decreased. Although on an individual level deflation seems likes a good thing - with the value of your money decreasing at a slower rate--for the economy as a whole it can result in a slowdown in the economy with the worst example being the Great Depression. Understanding the principles of inflation and deflation can help in your investment planning and the value of your money over time changes. Be sure to discuss the properties of inflation and deflation with your financial advisor so that you understand clearly the present and future value of your money.
Inflation is the increase in price of goods and service over time. When investing and planning for your financial future, it is important to realize that leaving your money under the mattress only leads to a reduction in true value of your money. Planning professionals let clients know and understand inflation and deflation and how it can help with planning to effectively
maximize investment earnings over the long term. A powerful example when trying to understand inflation is looking at prices in 1980 vs 2009 in common goods. In 1980, a gallon of milk was $0.87 and now it's $2.99; a stamp was $0.15 and now it's $0.44; and so on. With this constant increase in the cost of goods the purchasing power of your money constantly decreases. A low, steady rate of inflation is a sign of an economy with positive growth. Low inflation can help dilute the risk of a recession by helping the workforce to maintain spending and cost of living.
In the U.S. inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Indexes (CPI), a typical group of consumer goods and services are measured on a monthly basis to see whether products are going up or down in value (deflation). The US government provides CPI data on its official Bureau of Labor Statistics site. The issue with measuring the CPI is objectively monitoring the change in prices and making sure that the price change isn't related to changes in other factors such as volume,quality,or performance. For example if there is a corn shortage due to weather, that should not be a factor in the CPI. However, if the price of corn simply changes without any outside factors then that is directly related to inflation.
The opposite of inflation is deflation,which means the value of money has increased while the value of goods has decreased. Although on an individual level deflation seems likes a good thing - with the value of your money decreasing at a slower rate--for the economy as a whole it can result in a slowdown in the economy with the worst example being the Great Depression. Understanding the principles of inflation and deflation can help in your investment planning and the value of your money over time changes. Be sure to discuss the properties of inflation and deflation with your financial advisor so that you understand clearly the present and future value of your money.
PROLIFICK HAPPENINGS
BUY LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Art Mart, the valley’s premiere artist-operated and locally created holiday shop, is returning to downtown Allentown for the second year. The store officially opens Wednesday, Dec. 1 and will be open during the Downtown Tree Lighting from 4-8 on Dec. 2.
The shop is being graciously hosted at the Holiday Inn at 9th and Hamilton streets and will exclusively feature handmade, original goods by area artists and artisans.
You can find one-of-a-kind gifts such as knitted and crocheted hats and scarves, jewelry, hair accessories, home décor, original art and more. Demos by artists will be held on Saturdays throughout the season.
Art Mart is an independent effort of Diane Teti, Sarah Fulton and Yodi Vaden that strives to support local artists and advance downtown Allentown through its annual holiday store. Special thanks to Cathy Minnich, general manager of Holiday Inn, for hosting the shop for 2010.
COMPLETE SCHEDULE:
Art Mart will be open from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 as follows:
Wednesdays 11-2 & 4-7
Thursdays 11-2 & 4-7 (Dec 2 is City Tree Lighting - we will be open until 8)
Fridays 11-2 & 4-8 (Dec 24 and 31 there will be no 4-8 shift)
Saturday s 12-7
For more information please contact allentown.artmart@gmail.com or call Diane Teti at 215-704-9497.
Junior Achievement is offering
Dale Carnegie Generation Next
Leadership Course Scholarships
The Dale Carnegie Generation Next Leadership Course
is designed to be a window into the real-world,
as well as help students reach their full potential.
This opportunity is great for students to:
Develop public speaking skills
Increase interpersonal skills
Increase self-esteem and self-confidence
Complete JA Success Skills Program
List on their college applications or job resume
Students in grades 9th through 12th are eligible to receive this award. 30 Greater Reading scholarships and 30 Lehigh Valley scholarships are available, sponsored by the Dale Carnegie Leadership Institute. There is no cost to the student. Participation in this program is appealing to both colleges and employers.
Click the appropriate link for your area to download the application. Deadline is December 17, 2010, and scholarships are awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Greater Reading
Lehigh Valley
Please feel free to forward this opportunity to any high school student who you think may be interested in participating.
Please return the applications to:
Junior Achievement of Greater Reading and Lehigh Valley
531 Canal Street, Suite 403
Reading, PA 19602
or email to:
ellen@jareadinglehigh.org
Important Information about the Dale Carnegie Program:
Greater Reading:
A total of nine classes starting January 8, 2011 through March 5, 2011 from 9:00a.m. till 12:30p.m. at Reading Area Community College.
Lehigh Valley:
A total of nine classes starting January 8, 2011 through March 5, 2011 from 9:00a.m. till 12:30p.m. at Penn State - Lehigh Valley.
Become a fan and support Junior Achievement on Facebook.
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Please join us and volunteer your time at the gift wrapping booth at the Lehigh Valley Mall. All proceeds from the booth will benefit Camelot for Children. Please talk to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Make it a “Girls Night Out.” The only thing we ask is that whoever you recruit is capable of doing a nice job of wrapping. The booth has a good reputation of producing beautifully wrapped gifts and we would like that good reputation to continue.
Also remember to tell everyone you can about the booth and where it is located.
There are many dates and shifts available for more information or to schedule a time please CALL Cassie at 610-791-5683. If for some reason you would need to cancel your shift please try to give us as much notice as possible. If no one answers at the above number please call 484-695-0055 (This number is ONLY to be used for cancelations).
Gift Wrap Schedule for 2010
November 29th thru December 9th 12:00pm-3:00pm
3:00pm-6:00pm
December 10th thru 12th 12:00pm-3:00pm
3:00pm-6:00pm
6:00pm-9:00pm
December 13th thru 16th 9:00am-12:00pm
12:00pm-3:00pm
3:00pm-6:00pm
6:00pm-9:00pm
December 17th thru 23rd 8:30am-11:45am
11:45am-3:15pm
3:15pm-6:45pm
6:45pm-10:15pm
December 24th 8:00am-11:00am
11:00am-2:00pm
2:00pm-6:00pm
The Crimson Diamond Gala Benefit for The American Diabetes Association
The Crimson Diamond Gala 2011, a monumental event will be held at the illustrious SANGRIA Restaurant located in Downtown Allentown, PA. It is located on the first floor of the Butz Corporate Center at 9th and Hamilton Streets.The event date is set for January 30, 2010.
This will be an affair for those in the Lehigh Valley wishing to support the American Diabetes Association.
The Crimson Diamond Gala 2011 will be an event that will involve residents, merchants, and proprietors, but it will also, be the genesis of a quality annual event that will assist in the research and treatment of the illness known as Diabetes.
The goal is to increase awareness of the disease, improve the lives of those suffering, and, ultimately, finding a cure
This will be a an "Exclusive Red Carpet" Event which will consist of Fine Dining Dancing, and Diamonds. Music will be provided by Jesus Vivar from NYC Pure Mix DJ / Fashion by SOPHISTIKATE of Bethlehem, PA / A Silent Auction will be held / A Champagne Diamond Fountain will be present
Please visit our website for all information:
www.CRIMSONDIAMONDGALA.com
*Tickets $65/person
*Black Tie Optional (CE Roth Formal wear coupon)
*Valet Parking
*Additional contact information regarding sponsorships and donations
The Crimson Diamond Gala 2011 Affiliates would like the media to, also, know that sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available for all interested parties.
POSH LIFE AFFAIRS / NINALEE EVENTS / ALFONSO TODD & ASSOCIATES
Telephone: 888.215.0865 / 484.838.0155 / 484.619.6541
E-Mail: www.crimsondiamondgala.com
THOUGHTS THAT ARE STILL RELEVANT TODAY by J.BLACK
On Christmas Eve, as I was reminiscing about past events I had orchestrated in 2008, (please see www.5minutes2shine.blogspot.com), I experienced a warm feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for all of the people I have met and encountered. I was fortunate enough to have cultivated old and new relationships and am forever grateful for doing so.
Meanwhile, on my television, as one of my favorite movies, "It's A Wonderful Life" was ending, I, for the first time, actually understood the last scene that had Harry Bailey offering a salutation amidst a room full of people who had just given their money to save the town's Savings and Loan bank; and he stated, " A toast to my big brother George. The richest man in town." And as tears suddenly appeared and rolled down my cheeks, I truly understood that I shared the same wealth.....
Meanwhile, on my television, as one of my favorite movies, "It's A Wonderful Life" was ending, I, for the first time, actually understood the last scene that had Harry Bailey offering a salutation amidst a room full of people who had just given their money to save the town's Savings and Loan bank; and he stated, " A toast to my big brother George. The richest man in town." And as tears suddenly appeared and rolled down my cheeks, I truly understood that I shared the same wealth.....
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