d-mars.com Business Journal 43

aug 10 - sept 10 2010

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Why Not You?

INSIDE

43

Edition

There’s always light at the end of the tunnel

Investing in an Education

By Christina R. Grochett Top 5 reasons to invest in Education.

PAGE 7

Tips to Prepare for a Career in Information Technology.

By Shayan Mirabi Tips on how to prepare for a career in Information Technology.

PAGE 18

Photography by Tom Duke

Letters from d-mars.com Interns

Marilyn Gordon & MR. D-MARS MR. D-MARS & ??????????

“You do what you have to do, to be able to do what you love to do.”

Pastor Johnson

The importance of youth working with entreprenuers.

PAGE 29

Marilyn Logan The Money Lady

Joseph Chatman JC’s Credit Repair

Monica J.R.Graham, M.D. Central Care Community

Black History - HCCC on the Move

By Brandale Milss HCCC has provided the foundation for Black businesses to not only survive, but thrive during these challenging economic times.

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See pg. 6

Borris Miles Tamara Hill RDH Brandale Mills Contributing Writer Independent Insurance Agency Lasting Impressions

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones

When faced with adversity or hardships, people have a tendency to ask, “Why me?”

“Why is this happening to me?” “What did I do to deserve this?”

The answer to these seemingly difficult questions is actually quite simple. Sometimes you have to experience hard times to find your purpose and create your own destiny. I have had my share of ups and downs, but in the end, I know that everything I have experienced has made me a stronger and wiser person. As you read this issue, recognize that your life story can be your greatest glory.

Instead of wondering, “Why me?” this issue is encouraging you to ask yourself, “Why NOT me?” Why NOT become a ground-breaking entrepreneur? Why NOT strive to be the best? Why NOT dream big? This motto can be your motivation to achieve your goals and follow your dreams. Greatness begins with believing in yourself.

This month’s issue came from the heart, including stories on how to utilize your tools to further your goals, the importance of mentoring youth and an inspiring story on how an entrepreneur turned her dreams to reality….. Literally!

As you’re reading the paper, please check out the ads and support our advertisers. It is because of them and their support that we are able to inspire, inform and educate you, our readers.

I hope this issue motivates you to seize the opportunity to make the impossible, possible!

PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath

CONTENTS

JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley

Executive Assistant Chris Y. Ardoin ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

MARKETING CONSULTANTS Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brandale Mills Christina R. Grochett Marilyn Logan Tasha Bowen Marcie Brooks Wykesha C. Hayes Monica Grahams, M.D. Nigel Mustang Shayan Mirabi Diedria Joseph Noel Pinnock Charles Swindell Dr. Wendy Alice Seba Carla Lane

aug 10 - sept 10 2010

Inspiring Protection, One Bag at a Time……………………........................ 5 Giving Back to the Youth through Inspiration............................................. 6 Investing in an Education……………………………………………............... 7 Until Debt Do Us Part?................................................................................ 8 JC’s Credit Repair…………………………………………………………........ 8 How do I prep my child for College?........................................................... 10 SETBACK Are Designed for your PURPOSE!............................................. 10 Oral Hygeine RX…………………………………………………………........... 13 Healthy Check Up………………………………………………………............ 15 What are the Odds of Fate?........................................................................ 17 Tips to Prepare for a Career In IT…………………………………….............. 18 Why Not You, Why Not Us?......................................................................... 19 Go Local! Rediscover Your Home Town...................................................... 20 So…Why Not You?...................................................................................... 20 Protecting Your Income Part 1…………………………………….................. 22 You Get in Your Own Way!.......................................................................... 22 Letters from d-mars.com Interns………………………………………........... 29 Use Your Tools………………………………………………............................ 32 Write more content...................................................................................... 34 Black History: HCCC on the Move………………………….......................... 42

MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month “Your life story, can be your greatest glory.”

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7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 806 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com 3.

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Inspiring Protection, One Bag at a Time

By Brandale Mills, Contributing Writer

Marilyn Gordon CEO of SOS Light Bag.com

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t started as a dream, a dream about a power outage in an airport. A dream that helped Marilyn Marshall, creator of Marilyn Light Bags, see the light.

“It was like a vision,” Marshall said.

“I would wake up remembering these dreams and I knew God was talking to me through these visions.”

These frequent “visions” came at the same time every night. As Marshall recalled her dreams, she described feeling as if she was actually in the airport, then suddenly all of the lights when out.

Moments after the blackout, Marshall said everyone in the airport started using personal small lights inside their luggage and purses and attached to these lights were GPS tracking devices.

“I kept thinking to myself, ‘you have to be in the future,’” Marshall said, describing how surreal her dream seemed.

Marshall didn’t know what to make of her dream. She’d never seen or experienced anything even remotely close to the vivid images in her dream. And GPS devices? Why on earth would people walk around with those attached to their purses and luggage? Marshall would soon find out.

It was about two o’clock one morning when Marshall woke up from the dream and immediately went to check her bags hoping to find some type of light, but instead found nothing but darkness. After the dream recurred night after night, Marshall said she knew God was trying to tell her something.

Awakened by her dream one night, Marshall turned on the television and a commercial with the tagline, “If you have a good idea, let us help aug 10 - sept 10 2010

you patent it!” flashed across the screen.

Marshall wrote the commercial off as a late-night television gimmick, but when it came on again, there was no longer a question of whether God was trying to speak to her.

She knew He was and she couldn’t fight His messages any longer. A few days later, Marshall called the number listed on that commercial and took a step closer to making her dream a reality.

Equipped with her first prototype, a Christmas light on a switch, Marshall went to the Invention Submission Corporation and shared her vision.

Although some time had passed since her original dream, Marshall remained confident in her product. While going through the development phases of receiving her patent, Marshall decided to do some marketing research on her own.

“I went to the Galleria one Saturday as soon as it opened and I stayed until closing,” Marshall said. “I searched every store, Coach, Gucci, whatever I could think of, to see if there was anything out there like my product.”

But there wasn’t anything like her protection device. After leaving the Galleria, Marshall said she knew she was creating a great product.

“I just had to convince and show other people how it was going to make a difference and be an asset,” she said.

SECURITY MEETS FASHION Tagged as “Technology Meeting Fashion,” each of the unique handbags comes with a portable miniature GPS locator and is lined with LED lights, which turn on when the bag is opened and power down when the bag is closed.

Once purchased, you can add 60-minutes of free talk time and AGAR personal body alarm, which can be used for tracking.

“The device itself has a transmitter,” Marshall said. “It sends messages both in and out. That way it can tell where you are and which way you’re going.”

The device can also be programmed www.

on her own,” Marshall said.

Marshall’s granddaughter called her using the device, frantic and scared.

Within a matter of moments, Marshall logged into her security account online and immediately located her granddaughter.

“That was so much of a relief,” Marshall said. “This device actually does save lives.”

to transmit messages to the police, fire department and EMS. Satellite SUSTAINING HER VISION picture can also be sent Marshall credits the values her grandmother instilled in her and her faith in God for the success of her business.

“He always points you in the right direction to meet the right people,” she said.

“He sends others to help you in a physical form and to let you using the telephone and internet. know that He’s always there.

Marshall’s bags offer a range of Several people have assisted the styles from purses, brief cases, overnight mother of three on her journey to make bags and back packs for kids. The light- her dream a reality and she said these ing system allows sight in hard to view people always come at the right time. places inside bags to help locate keys, “You never know how God is going to talk to you,” she said.

Marshall has recently signed a contract agreement with Macy’s and hopes to see her products of all different designs inside several federated stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.

“I want to be able to help young lip stick and prescriptions. Parents can people and do speaking engagements also use the tracking device to locate to inspire youth not to give up on and protect their children. their dreams,” she said.

Marshall’s advice for aspiring SUCCESS STORIES entrepreneurs is simple: “When you Marshall said there are several “real stop thinking about yourself, that’s life” stories on how AGAR, personal when God starts.” body security has already saved lives.

One customer was waiting at a bus stop when he started feeling symptoms of a heart attack.

“He pressed the button on his device and the police and EMS came out and saved his life,” she said.

Another success story was all too familiar to Marshall.

Her granddaughter got lost one afternoon walking home from school.

“Her mother usually picks her up, but this day, she was convinced she could make it home 5.

Giving Back to the Youth through Inspiration Pastor

Terrance H. Johnson

If you Google the word ‘Success’ you will get at least 307,000,000 results!

That overwhelming number is an indication that those individuals that develop this type of content understand that Success is something that people are actively seeking. People want the knowledge and insight, and the secrets on this particular subject matter. They have an indescribable hunger for reaching their highest possible achievements in life.

Most Success gurus - the Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, and John Maxwell - will tell you the quickest way to success is to begin to study the habits and the principles of successful people. In that study you will find one common element over and over again. That common element is the foundational proof of their entire success journey. That element is their ability to be relentless in their success journey. Successful people, no matter what challenges they face, are persistent about their purpose. They allow absolutely nothing to interfere with the promise they believe God has given them to pursue. And that same unremitting steadiness is the key ingredient that will allow you to become successful aug 10 - sept 10 2010

in every area of your life.

In your research of Successful individuals you do not have to go very far. For there is a man, a very young man, who has been relentless in his pursuit to impact the Westwood Community.

He had a vision and a dream that was often hampered by unbelievable trials and challenges so extreme that for most of us we would have called it quits.

His vision was noble, and selfless. He saw in his mind, an environment, a community center The D-Spot, where the youth of Southwest Houston can come and be a part of a family that nurtures a spirit to keep going no matter what.

Known for his radical and relevant approach to ministry, Pastor Terrance H. Johnson has shown so many individuals that they can defy the challenges and hardships of their environment. Pastor Terrance H. Johnson was born February 22, 1972 as an only child. Growing up in Third Ward, then one of Houston’s lower income neighborhoods, sent a easy invitation for him to become a part of the drug infested neighborhood. But the purpose of God in his life prevailed.

He understood that in order for his dream to happen he would need to not only understand but implement several success principles in his life.

He knew that one has to stay committed to the process! Anything that you believe God for will take you through a season of process and preparation.

While building the community center, the economy was still in a downward spiral. Most of the funding came from his congregation, many of whom were struggling financially themselves.

Their loss of incomes directly affected the church’s initiative of finishing the community center. But Pastor Johnson moved forward in spite of what the www.

viduals to a place where they can begin to live the life of their dreams.

Pastor J’s relentless attitude gives him the ability to make things happen in spite unfavorable circumstances. He believes in legacy and provides a way for young adult men to get inspired and motivated about achieving their own dreams. He has a deep-seeded dedication to the mentoring of young men.

His ongoing approach, Don’t Settle, take it to the Next Level, is the principle of continuous i m p r ov e m e n t .

Always believe that you can be better, and that every day we should be doing those things that get us closer to Pastor Johnson & Congressman Al Green at D-Spot Grandopening the dream.

Pastor Johnson’s faithfulness to the Pastor J understood that in order to make an impact in the community, he ministry and now celebrating a 10 year had to research the need of the people. anniversary of saving lives has created a He had to understand the lives of the platform as a premier preacher where he people he served. And he had to under- has the opportunity to change lives of stand those things that are hindering the those that he encounters via the use of community from reaching its personal his gifts of biblical exposition, interpresuccesses. He decided to implement tation and proclamation of the gospel of programs that will provide practical Jesus Christ. Pastor Johnson contributes resolutions. The D-Spot Community his success to surrounds himself with Center has programming to deal with people who are going in the right directhe increased HIV statistics among tion. He says “Success is hinged upon those young adolescents in the com- the people you surround yourself with.”

For more information please conmunity. In addition, initiatives are in place to combat the community and its tact D-Spot at 713.271.7217 or visit war on drugs. Both of these programs their website at www.higherd.net. provide services that will catapult indieconomy claimed.

These are some of the challenges you too will face but there is a principle that successful people put into play in these trying times and that is that you have to stay focused on the dream!

Looking at your vision daily keeps your mind off of the challenges that you may be facing. It gives you the ability to stay on course and not allow you to become distracted.

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Investing in an Education reached. Taking the time to challenge yourself helps you take control of your life and become a better person.

Live Healthier. As a student, you gain a sense of accomplishment as you complete school assignments and program courses. This leads to increased confidence as you hone your skills, which can be immediately applied to the workplace. As a result, many graduates have a more positive attitude and live a happier and healthier life.

By Christina R. Grochett, University of Phoenix – Houston Vice President

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hether sharpening skills to gain a competitive edge among co-workers or exploring new territory to re-career, an increasing number of residents are returning to the classroom. As local working professionals invest in their education and sharpen their skills, many are already seeing it pay off in Texas.

According to a July 16 Businessweek article, three of the top five cities for college graduates are in Texas. In fact, Houston was listed as number one in job openings, good pay, and affordability of the cost of living. The other top five cities include Washington, Dallas, Atlanta and Austin. The ranking was based on the AfterCollege postings, city unemployment rates, and the average annual pay for all occupations as reported by the U.S. Labor Dept. Wages were adjusted for cost of living and using data from the Council for Community & Economic Research.

Whether it is a new career path for unemployed workers, an opportunity for professionals to sharpen their skills or helping young adults make the most of college, investing in education is the best thing an individual can do. Education holds many keys and below are the top five reasons to invest in one.

Empowerment. Ultimately, investing in an education is devoting time and resources to better yourself. Whether it is because you’ve always dreamed of an advanced degree or that you would like to provide a better life for your family, this is a personal goal that can be aug 10 - sept 10 2010

Increased Salary and Opportunities.

Education is a smart investment with a substantial return. After earning an advanced degree, some students receive an immediate return on investment (ROI) by securing new job opportunities with a higher salary. Other graduates, however, see more of a long-term outcome that includes recognition from management and promotions that lead up the career ladder.

More Stability. When the economy is unstable, those professionals with advanced degrees have a competitive edge among their colleagues and other job seekers. This helps provide an extra sense of stability or piece of mind.

anyone who would like to go back to school. For more information, please visit www.phoenix.edu or www.facebook.com/uopxhouston.

Christina Robinson Grochett is the State Vice President/ Director of South Texas for University of Phoenix. An accomplished leader and champion of higher learning, she was selected as a 2010 Women of Influence by Houston

Woman Magazine and one of the Top 10 business women by the American Business Women’s Association in 2008.

Under her leadership, the Houston campuses were selected as a 2009 Best Place to Work by The Houston Business Journal and were awarded with the 2009 and 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Awards from the City of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

Setting an Example. Whether you are a parent, a leader in the community or a manager at a company, you are considered a role model. As such, you should lead by example and do what you would like to be done. If you want your children to go to college or if you would like your employees to be well-trained, you must set an example. Remember, no matter what your age, there are always new things to learn. Learning is a lifelong process.

Going back to school is not easy.

You need to have time, resources and dedication. It can be costly, particularly in today’s economic environment, but the benefits outweigh that cost. Education is ultimately a smart investment to the individual and to the community.

University of Phoenix, which has six campus and learning center locations in the Greater Houston, the Woodlands and Sugarland areas, helps professionals who would like to earn their advanced degrees every step of the way from enrollment to graduation. The University dedicates a team of counselors, graduation coaches and student mentors to make the academic process easier for www.

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Until Debt Do Us Part?

“The Money Lady” Marilyn Logan Contributing Writer Been preparing for your wedding day and feel as though you have the logistics of it figured out? The pre-wedding parties are planned and you have just finished your counseling – feels good having that certificate in hand, doesn’t it? But, there is one question I will ask of you that probably – was not asked of you in your counseling session.

Financially speaking – would you marry you? I’m sorry, are those crickets I am hearing?

Well, then allow me to retort! That’s right; what does your current financial situation look like? Would you marry someone with an identical financial circumstance to yours?

When personal inventory is covered in the pre-marital sessions, typically we find ourselves not being totally candid – about “everything”. My focus is on simply trying to help us to be financially transparent with ourselves and our future spouse before we make one of the most important love and financial commitments of our lives. Here is a little fact that no one wants to talk about: According to the American Bar Association - over the past ten years - the number one cause marital strife and divorce is financial discord – I call it “financial infidelity”.

Many people get married without facing up to their own financial misgivings or analyzing their partners. People are usually afraid to divulge their deepaug 10 - sept 10 2010

JC’s

Credit Repair

NEED CREDIT REPAIR??? CALL US NOW!!!

est darkest financial secrets to each other amazing how much information we give to our bankers and not to our lovers.

Do you know their credit score or how much debt they are in or whether they ever filed bankruptcy? Better yet, have you divulged to him the $30,000 – the average adult American financial liability - in credit card and school loan debt you have accumulated? Business owners scrutinize vendors, so why don’t we fully pour over our lifelong partner’s financial scorecard?

We tend to inflate income and assets and devalue the liabilities. Do this before getting hitched and you are most likely headed for a major relationship headache – “financial duplicity” can distort marital obligations. Get on the same page early and you have mitigated the leading risk factor for divorce. Here is a proposal – no pun intended. Have money talk before pillow talk and exchange credit reports, credit card and bank statements and get with a financial coach/advisor prior to the nuptials.

Full disclosure, candid discussions and developing a financial plan – in the premarital phase – can be one major tool that can keep the financial weeds from growing in your marital garden – I am a testament to that fact.

Remember, the wedding vows end with “Until death do us part” not with “Until debt do us part”. So, start memorizing your vows and start respecting your money. Now, get your money right!

For more information please contact me at 713.876.6316 or visit mywebsite at www.marilynlogan.com.

Joseph Chatman (Owner) I enjoy making a difference in everyday people’s lives. I want to help as many people as I can to achieve and maintain good credit.

JC’s credit repair specializes in repairing credit reports. We know how important it is to maintain good credit, that’s why we offer free credit monitoring for one year for your benefit. We also offer cash referrals to customers who are referred to our company, ranging from $50.00 up to $100.00. Our company only specializes in credit repair. That’s it…credit repair and nothing else. This gives us the opportunity to be personally hands-on with restoring your credit.

JC’s Credit Repair isn’t full of scams or a fraudulent activity. We are a legitimate and legal company whose only goal is to help people with bad credit.

We do: • Charge-offs • Repo’s • Foreclosures • Bankruptcies and much, much more.

I want to make sure that people know that there is help for those with bad credit. Some may have been tricked

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by different credit restoration companies in the past, but I am here to help you turn the corner with your credit and help you get the good credit you deserve. Let’s face it, in this economy one needs to have good credit to have a solid foundation to establish themselves.

I would like to make that difference in people’s lives.

I have seen first hand how having bad credit or no credit can make life very difficult. I once too had credit that left little to be desired. In 2001, I took the knowledge I gained through various courses in college and used that knowledge to make an impact on my own credit. After having a measure of success, I was approached by a number of people to help them resolve some of their credit issues. Thus, JC’s Credit Repair was born. I have always had the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. JC’s Credit Repair wants to help you reach your personal and financial goals by repairing or establishing your credit.

For more information please contact me at 832.286.5766 or visit my website at www.jccreditrepair.com.

Let us Promote your Business, Your Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal Call Us Today!

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Vision, How do I prep my Action, child for College?

Results!

school year, there are two critical aspects of college life that students must be aware of before they embark on the journey of a college experience-academic and social.

TIPS:

By Tasha Bowen Contributing Writer A “Vision,” as described by the dictionary can be; eyesight: the ability to see; mental picture: an image or concept in the imagination visions of power and wealth or far-sightedness: the ability to anticipate possible future events and developments.

When I reflect on these definitions in relation to personal and business endeavors, I realize that everything starts with a vision. Having the ability to imagine your business expanding, your debts being paid or your goals being accomplished is the first step to moving closer toward results. The desire or the passion that many of us have regarding our lives is what drives us to do our best on a daily basis. When we have a vision, most of the time we have already mapped out all of the pieces in our mind so well, that we can visualize the end result before we even began. Our visions are so clear, that there is no way you could have developed the concept on our own. The biggest issue is that there are often many obstacles to tackle before being able to move forward with your vision. You may have the vision to own a home, but past credit issues are holding you back. Or if you want to start a business, you may be lacking the funds needed for start-up expenses. This is where your faith has to be activated and we have to realize that if God gave you the vision, He will make provision.

The theme for this month’s journal is “Why Not You?” We usually limit our own abilities because of doubt or because we are trying to figure out how we going to get something done. When we take a family vacation or a road trip, you have your routes mapped out, itineraries, hotel arrangements, etc. We should treat our lives the same. I would encourage you to write out your goals, and the steps that are needed to accomplish them. Focus on the items that you can do, instead of looking for the reasons on why you can’t. Action = Results!! aug 10 - sept 10 2010

level reading should be reading all the time. Students should practice reading a variety of materials, from novels to textbooks to newspapers to essays.

Students should learn how to read for comprehension and retention. They should also learn to take notes and develop timelines to capture the most important events and dates. Students who have not practiced reading large amounts quickly will have a difficult time managing the workload of college reading requirements.

Time Management- Students need to practice good time management in high school in order to be successful in college. The schedule for high school students is scripted, whereas the schedule for college students includes hours of unscheduled free-time. In college, there is no one to wake students up, and no one will pressure them to be in class on time or at all. Students need to be self motivated to get to class on time and turn in assignments as well.

Study Skills - Students need to learn how to study for tests. As high school students, they should get into the habit

By Marcie Brooks, Contributing Writer of taking at least one hour Parents should begin instilling the to study every night, whether they have importance of higher education in their homework or not. child’s minds as early as elementary.

Research- Students who hope to be While everyone may not have a desire to attend a college or a university, we successful in college should be able to should begin planting the seed in our write 6-9 page research papers. In or- Source: youth that after high school, there is still der to write this type of paper, students “Preparing for College”-www.k12.wa.us work to do. must have experience Academia In Motion is a college with developing thepreparation company that assists high sis statements, writing school students and their parents as they transition into higher learning. outlines, taking notes, Throughout the process, students are citing resources, using assessed to determine what their inter- correct grammar and ests are (this will help them decide on a walking through the major). Students are matched up with revision process. scholarships based on their eligibility, and they are guided through the entire Reading Skills- Stucollege search and application process. dents who want to be As we approach the 2010-2011 prepared for college-

SETBACKS Are Designed for your PURPOSE!

By Wykesha C. Hayes CEO Keey 2 Kids Contributing Writer “I am not who I am by accident, in fact, I’ve been handcrafted, carefully made and equipped to fulfill the very purpose that I was designed for.”

I’ve personalized this statement as my mantra, and believe that it would be fitting as a plaque in the office of every business owner striving to accomplish their desired level of success. I can say without a shadow of doubt, that for evwww.

ery CEO, President or business leader who as experienced some degree of success, they have also journeyed the muddy waters of setbacks.

While I have certainly not experienced near the achievement that I believe has been divinely planned for Keey 2 Kids, I can attest to the power of perseverance as it relates to what has been written thus far in its historical journey.

As the driving visionary behind K2K, I’ve been honored with a certain degree of public appreciation, congratulatory accolades, and heartfelt testimonials.

Yet, I remind you, that I too have stood in the middle of what felt like a very lonely battlefield.

To list every obstacle that I’ve endured would simply require more time and space than this article would allow. What I will say, is that my travel through the muddy waters of setbacks began much earlier than the actual establishment of Keey 2 Kids. You see, many of us with a vision to carry the

weight of a business on our shoulders were enrolled in “SETBACK BOOT CAMP” early on in life. These setbacks have been designed to equip us for the fulfillment of our PURPOSE. Fast forward several years and what you have is a woman who has survived many personal and professional heartaches, who was and is willing to kick any door down that stands before her and the dream she’s aching to share with the world. With that, I know what it’s like to carry a dream without the appropriate financial backing. I know what it means to have contracts cancelled, denied or not renewed. I know what it means to experience the doubt of others because of age and race. I know what it means to MAKE MISTAKES. I am proud, very proud however, to say that I also know what it means to regroup and react according to the lessons I’ve learned from my obstacles.

The lives of youth and their families have been changed because I recognize that “I am not defined by the problems in my past but rather the POWER IN MY PURPOSE!” 10.

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Oral HygeineRX

2. Prevent Halitosis (Bad Breath) This is somewhat in line with number one, but at the same time it’s something else that must be considered. A thorough cleaning can help individuals with bad breath a lot. If you are one of those that have a bad problem with halitosis, not having your teeth cleaned regularly will definitely make it worse.

3. The Prevention Of Oral Cancer.

This is one of the best reasons to visit a dentist regularly, especially if you’re a tobacco user. Oral cancer can be caught in it’s early stages if you have your teeth cleaned regularly.

4. Your Overall Health

By Tamara Hill RDH

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ral hygiene is very important. Without strong, healthy teeth, you may lose the ability to eat foods that you enjoy and may be forced to wear dentures in later years. Brushing, flossing and using rinses Breath-RX are essential parts of good oral hygiene.

Also having your teeth examined and cleaned at least every six months can prevent costly and painful problems.

The main reason of having your teeth cleaned every six months is to prevent or delay the progression of gum diseases. Do your gums bleed, especially when you brush your teeth? This is a condition known as “Gingivitis” and if you don’t take care of it you can eventually lose your teeth. Biannual cleanings are also important to:

Did you know that the condition of your teeth has been directly linked to heart disease? Although these studies have not been 100% conclusive, there is evidence that gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene may be linked to heart attacks and strokes.

5. Have a nice smile Don’t you want to always look your best? Of course you do! By visiting your dentist on a regular basis you can have your teeth cleaned, get them whitened and take care of any other issues that may arise before your teeth are damaged. There have been major advances in cosmetic dentistry in the past few years, so there’s no reason to believe that any issues that you may have can’t be taken care of.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And our goal at Lasting Impressions Dental group is to help you obtain and maintain great oral health.

So remember, get regular dental exams, cleanings and your teeth (and pocketbook) will thank you.

To reserve a time for your cleaning and exam, contact us at 713-528-0040.

1. Maintain good oral hygiene Over time, everyone will have plaque build-up on their teeth. Having your teeth professionally cleaned will remove this plaque that has built up in areas that you are either unable to get to or would have difficulty getting to. aug 10 - sept 10 2010

Lasting Impressions Dental Group 4418 Almeda Houston, Texas 77004 Drs. Alison Scott Cuillier, Rhesa Bautista, Khalilah McAfee

713.528.0040 www.

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Healthy Check Up

By Monica J. R. Graham, M.D. Medical Director Central Care Community Health Center Contributing Writer

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etting a tune up is not just for your favorite automobile. We often spend more time and energy taking care of our automobiles than we do our own bodies. As we move into a season of growth, whether it’s starting a new job, a new school semester or just getting ready for the fall season, we should put our own health on our things to do list.

When was the last time that you checked in with your primary care doctor? Most of us don’t realize how often we should have a physical exam, annual screening exams, or blood work done to check the levels of important blood components. We either don’t check often enough or continue to check when it is no longer recommended to do so.

Either way, we should be informed about when and why we should be seeking out preventive medical care.

What can make it even more confusing is that there are different schedules for men, women and children. However, we should not let these hurdles get in the way of us taking care of our most prized possession…our health.

Most men have the hardest time keeping up with their scheduled health care. They should check in with a primary care physician once a year, whether it be a Family Medicine physician or Internist, starting at age 18. To be proactive they need to have their cholesterol levels, complete blood count, glucose (sugar), and electrolytes checked once a year. As they get older these level can often change and catching these changes early will allow you to make the necessary lifestyle modification early rather than wait until chronic condiaug 10 - sept 10 2010

tions have to be managed with multiple medications. As they approach age 50, they will need to add prostate specific antigen (PSA) to their blood work, especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer. Not only should they have blood work done, but also they should have a physical exam as early as 18 years old where they should learn how to do self-check of their genitals for sexually transmitted diseases and scrotal cancer.

Everyone is familiar with getting his or her heart and lungs checked, but we get a bit squeamish when it comes to a prostate exam that should accompany a SPA at age 50. A colonoscopy should also be scheduled with a qualified gastroenterologist to screen for colon cancer beginning at age 50. If symptoms of pain, constipation, change in bowel habits, or bleeding occur, it may be done before age 50. Thyroid levels and vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels can also be checked, because thyroid disease, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiencies also occur in men.

Women seem to take a little better care of themselves, but I find that we still don’t have correct information on how often or how long we should be doing our screenings. As we transform from a girl to a woman the first major exam that should be scheduled is a Pap smear, but this exam should occur at the time when a young woman becomes sexually active. In the past, the age of 18 was used as the starting age to begin this exam, but it is important that if a young woman has become sexually active before this time she has increased her chances of being exposed to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

Because of that risk through exposure, she needs to have a Pap smear. Now the recommended age for initial Pap smear screening, without any other high risk factors to consider, is 21. A pelvic exam with Pap smear is recommended annually to every two years, between the ages of 21 - 30, if her screenings results are normal. After age 30 and having three consecutive normal Pap smears women may be screened every three years. In conjunction with that recommendation, after age 65 and a history of three or more normal Pap smears in a row and no abnormal test in 10 years they may stop cervical cancer screening.

Pelvic exams for ovarian cancer are no longer recommended due to its poor predictive value. However, if there is a high suspicion of this cancer due to the presence the BRCA2 gene, the combination of transvaginal ultrasound and www.

blood levels of CA-125 may be used between the ages of 35-40. Although, self-breast exams are no longer recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer, I believe that the earlier that we learn how to recognize what is our normal anatomy versus an abnormality, the better off our health will be. Screening mammograms should begin at age 3540 especially for those with first-degree relatives who have had the diagnosis of breast cancer and /or are positive for the BRCA gene. The U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends that screening be done every two year for women between the ages of 50-74. After age 75 there is question of the benefit versus harm of continuing screening mammograms.

As with men, women also need to begin screening their lab work at age 18.

They will need to check their cholesterol level, complete blood count, glucose (sugar), and electrolytes annually. As we age, monitoring our thyroid levels is also helpful in catching early stages of thyroid disease. Osteoporosis is more commonly looked for in women and checking bone density as well as vitamin D levels and B12 levels is important. As with our male counter part, there is still the necessity for screening colonoscopy for colon cancer at age 50.

We cannot leave our children out

when it comes to having their check up. In the first year of life, there should be regular visits to their primary care physician every two months. These will include a physical exam, possible immunizations, or maybe a chance to get questions answered concerning breast feeding complications. They should have their blood work checked for thyroid disease, anemia, as well as lead poisoning. Early problems with weight gain or weight loss can give a health care provider early clues to diagnosing problems with diseases such as diabetes and food intolerances. As children progress into their teen years annual doctor visit are necessary to spot complications with puberty as well as weight management issues. The doctor’s office is a great place to have open discussions about healthy lifestyle choices including sexual practices and dietary choices.

As you can see there is always a good time to get ‘tuned up’ at your doctor’s office. As with your car, it is better to find a problem in the early stages, before it breaks down on the side of the road. Be healthy!

Be sure to contact the Central Care Community Health Center for your health needs at (713) 734-0199 or (713) 831-9663. www.centralcarechc.org.

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16.

What are the Odds of Fate?

By Nigel Mustang, Contributing Writer

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ere at D-Mars.com, we focus on delivering three factors to every individual that open our editorial paper, to inform, educate and inspire.

This issue inspiration blooms. My goal here is to invoke in you a question of inspiration, “Why not me?”

Now, I could paint you a picture.

Tell you a story of a man at the end of his road that took all the rocks he kicked along the way and paved his own way, but I do not believe inspiration to be an emotion. I believe unequivocally, inspiration derives from the heart, quickening in the presence of love, the mind focusing in the shadow of doubt, or the divine drip of adrenal endorphins amid imminent danger. Granted the previous could all be assigned to specific situations, yet my cause is to relate the question to life in general; more so, your life individually. I must have scratched off a dozen real life role models to interview.

At the end of a week, there I was looking at a wrinkled led smeared list of teachers fighting retirement, an ex-crack addict now the head of a family of four living in a brand new house, pastors, politicians, millionaires, authors and astronauts. At the bottom of the list, there is my selection, Nigel Mustang. Yeah, that made me smile. You see, who better is there to ask the question, “What inspires you?” than a failure that’s a repeat offender?

The whole purpose of my narcissistic evaluation of inspiration is to catch the individual I want to expose, not at the end of his or her pursuit of success, but in failure number four knowing that they have a hundred more to go. That can be relative to five job interviews within a month, application number eight out of twelve you intend to fill out, or question one on board exam the fourth time you take it. When a person bent on success is constantly dealing with failure or overzealous difficulties, they confront the simplest meanings of determination, motivation, and perseverance. Simply put, you begin to doubt your odds of success. Questions arise like “Why can’t life be easy?” Truth is life is easy! Its just the things we want out of it are hard to obtain.

When you retain the inspiration to endure failure and simply ignore aug 10 - sept 10 2010

the fact you may not ever get what you want—that is the perfect time for you to pursue what goals you set for yourself. The main question you should answer before you endure that first sleepless night is, “Why not me?” If you do not believe that you are worthy of your goals, then by all means abandon hope or shoot for something less. The fact is that there will still be an office vacant, or a position that needs filling. I have given the example a hundred times. The odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 500,000; however, if you want to be struck by lightning, run through an open field during a thunderstorm holding a metal rod. I bet your odds will improve. If you want that dream job, then put yourself in position to land it.

Mostly that means get an education and make yourself available.

Everything I’m preaching I had to ask myself along the way, still some questions have been prolonged for fear of false inspiration—for fear of doubt.

I learned long ago that you can change your destiny but you will never avoid your fate. Destiny is the road you ultimately took that brought you to your fate, essentially every decision you made along the way. I on one hand know what my fate is. Whether anybody else believes it or not, I do. I mean I know the odds of my success, and yeah, it seems like the spin of a roulette wheel that a young black kid from West Texas without a degree or adequate training—just tal-

ent, divine intervention, and little sleep could proclaim above all others that he is the poster boy for 21st Century American Literature. And be without a doubt right about it. The fact is somebody has to take that title. Why not somebody else—I could give you a great reason. Why not me—well, what are the odds of fate? “…What are the odds of fate?” After the interview, I dwelt on that statement. People always say you can be anything you set your mind to be. A good friend of mine, Hamed Moshrefi, had the perfect quote, “Luck is when opportunity meets hard work.” Unless there is some hidden ugly truth, like there is no Santa Clause, then proclaiming your fate and taking the necessary steps to achieve what you have set for yourself, no matter how unlikely, as in Nigel’s case, the odds of fate happening are 1 to 1…a sure bet, readers, that might be a philosophy to live by.

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Mr. Mustang, I know it has been a long time and a rough journey nonetheless, but what has changed since you first wrote those four pages of gibberish and dubbed it science fiction?

Everything and nothing, I still have my ambitions as a writer—that initial preconception that I am going to win the Nobel Laureate for Literature before 35. Things have matured somewhat in respect to how I approach everything that I write. The reason I take [writing] seriously now was the vision I had for success. Which used to be that I would send a copy of my novel anywhere in New York and some fat guy with big pockets would call me back two days later. I see now that’s not the case. I address my fears of never becoming successful with every piece I write. I guess you can say that fear inspires me to produce my best quality.

It is difficult to make it into the world of literature, even harder to become successful. What makes you believe that you have a chance of making it, better yet becoming successful? www.

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Tips to Prepare for a Career In IT

By Shayan Mirabi, Contributing Writer

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he one constant in technology is change. What will be required of a professional wanting to enter or advance in an information technology-related field such as computer forensics, networks, programming and security?

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for a career in information technology:

3) Know how to deliver solutions.

Technology-based education is much more than learning about how to use technical tools. To enter and advance in an IT-related career, problem-solving is essential. At AIU students must engage in critical thinking and learn how to blend methods across varying disciplines to solve problems.

1) Look for a degree program that focuses on an outcomes-based education. This student-centered learning philosophy measures student performance in knowledge, skills and practice. Curriculum and instruction in outcomes-based education is centered on course content that is practical and applicable in today’s new economy, and focuses on what is essential for students to be able to do successfully at the end of their learning experiences.

4) Get experience with mobile technology. Powerful handheld communication devices will unite, synchronize, and change the human experience at nearly the speed of light. Google’s president, Dave Girouard, predicts that mobile technology will totally replace desktop computing in three years. In sum, the worldwide business landscape is nearing a transformational reform of enormous proportions.

2) Seek a degree program where instructors have real-world experience as well as the academic credentials. Look for schools that have faculty with previous experience at technology companies.

Theory is important, but learning from someone who has put it into practice and who may have a good professional network is valuable.

Also ask if the instructors receive ongoing training in technological advancements. For instance, at American InterContinental University (AIU), the school is dedicated to faculty and staff professional development in the area of technology. This has ensured educators’ competency in technologybased education, which is assessed by measuring program outcomes as well as the teaching process itself. aug 10 - sept 10 2010

5) Learn to adapt well to change.

Tools and platforms in technology change seemingly overnight.

For instance, we know Google as a search engine and more recently as a mobile communication provider, but it is much more. The Google consortium is leading the way in developing and deploying Internet services and is changing the economy of informational exchange.

The enormous cost to keep pace with changing computing paradigms is forcing organizations to share resources and skills. Companies are partnering with universities to implement curriculum aimed at keeping on top of technological advances. The rapid rate of change driven by global parity and advancing technology is imposing a new way of life; success will go to those that see the world as a global village. www.

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self-limiting behavior. Community is the greatest resource that we have been freely given. But a community of individuals, all at different levels, with different expertise, is only profitable when people are willing to give back to each other for the greater resource.

Each person is an expert at something.

If you are strong in accounting, be a resource with all types of unfair opposition and to a new business owner, helping them unfortunate situations, but still some- to get their books in order. If you are how the individual still overcame all a high school graduate, support high odds to be successful. The amazing thing about potential is that it is not limited by your upbringing as many will believe. The crippling piece of potential means absolutely nothing when it is not converted into action.

Our mindset should shift to knowing that our greatest hopes and dreams are just a few action steps away from being accomplished. We must maxiife is pretty grand for a popumize each moment. If you have a lar TV weathercaster on the goal, your first step is to do as much West Coast, an actor with research about what it takes to make a recurring role on a major your goal a reality. Second, find somenetwork sitcom, or an astronaut having one who is successful in that industry completed two Shuttle missions. They and have discussion with them. Third, are individuals that I claim as relatives seek all available education and trainand a friend, who are two generations ing opportunities. When considerfrom life in farming, and achieved their ing training and education costs and goals with limited resources. They are time commitments, you must identify the epitome of people who see beyond the present to realize that the world sits if this is a large determining factor of in their hands. your success. If so, evaluate the time Frankly, I possess true happiness and financial cost but often know that for anyone who attains a challenging it is easy to shy away from education goal in their lifetime. Be it getting that because of the costs, but education is new home, starting a business, achievinvaluable. Fourth, you should seek a ing a new promotion, becoming the mentor. This step can be higher above, next singing sensation, or becoming a but usually you want to meet various lawyer – and doing so in the face of cerprofessionals to build opportunities tain odds. for building mentor relationship while The odds are prolific in that they other actions can be done during this are constantly present and reproduce as time. Fifth, write a clear plan, includwe walk life’s journey. So why do we add ing time-bound and measurable goals to them with excuses for not becoming and action steps and have it reviewed “the one?” The excuses I’ve heard vary: by your mentor and other profession• I have a very busy social calendar als. Lastly and consistently, you should that’s imperative to maintain. hold yourself accountable to the plan • I must take care of my kids and can and re-evaluate. only focus on one thing at a time.

Why Not You, Why Not Us?

school students with keeping on course to graduate. If you are a successful business leader in a specific industry, be a mentor to new business owners. Why is giving back as important as setting goals? Because these are the situations that provide growth opportunities and relationships that can thrust your own ideas about your business to new levels.

Your goals and dream are within reach. Always remember, “I’m the difference between possibility and impossibility.” Reinforce to yourself daily that “I’m going to make the impossible possible in my life.” Having the mindset of success coupled with the correct action steps and giving back will get you there.

Who’s Draining You? You?

By Diedria Joseph, Contributing Writer At the stroke of midnight, as a new day comes, it is met with endless opportunities and potentially life-changing moments. Success is the ultimate goal of all human beings, while its definition is a moving target. Situations in life cause us to redefine what our goals and dreams look like. For many of us, we allow life situations to dictate our altitude and potential. Instead, it is important to have unwavering goals and pursue them with all of your might, including getting educated, receiving training, pairing with a mentor and using other resources to fulfill your dreams. Your goals could be to become a successful business person in a specific industry, to complete your education or to be a community leader, all are achievable.

Seize the Opportunity It is amazing how when we look back on the lives of individuals who have achieved great success, it is usually the person who had the odds stacked up against them. We have all heard a story of how a person who grew up on the” wrong” side of town, was faced aug 10 - sept 10 2010

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The “Giver’s Gain” Oftentimes, when we are looking to reach goals and be the best at what we do, we become very self-centered (my business, my education, my family). We think of others in relation to what they can do for us. But this is a www.

friends to think I’m better than them.

• My faith and belief in myself changes by the day.

• Success is meant for others, not me.

• I did not see the results of my efforts within a few weeks so I gave up.

• I never had anything and will never have anything.

• I just don’t have the money.

And then there’s the all too common, “I will pursue it as soon as I complete ________________” Well, life will never present the right moment to pursue our dreams and, you may recall my saying, we can drain our time and energy just thinking about it versus doing it.

Truly, there are times when our best is just not enough. In these cases, we must persevere and do so with patience.

This launches our physical effort to the next level. As children of a higher being, we are called to consistently and foremost act with faith, prayer and obedience. This daily commitment WILL lead to discipline, godly living, and abundant rewards – ingredients for our success.

• I just have too much (drama) to The underlying message here is to contend with and resolve. prioritize the important elements of • After investing $1500 in that mu- your life and always acknowledge them sical instrument, I will try it out in that order. In doing so, you will maximize your world of opportunities. one day.

• I don’t want my less-motivated

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Go Local! “So…Why Rediscover Your NOT You?” Home Town

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ith busy schedules and tighter budgets, more people are looking for ways to have fun without spending a fortune. Whether you have a long weekend to enjoy or just an afternoon, going local lets you get away without going very far.

Small towns and big cities have something in common: There are always new experiences to be had. Here are some fun and easy ways to go local, no matter where you live.

How to Find Fun Things to Do

productions and local dance studios all offer wonderful experiences for people of all ages. Look for matinee pricing, or for special group rates if you want to go with other families.

• Family Fun Centers. You can play mini golf, go bowling and even play laser tag at these all-in-one places for fun. Sometimes you can find coupons in local parenting publications or the newspaper.

• Local Bed and Breakfasts. You don’t have to travel to wine country or the mountains to enjoy a good B&B. Search online and check local ads for a romantic getaway that doesn’t involve air travel.

• Check your local newspaper – in print or online. Look for stories about hot spots, family-friendly activities or unusual shops. There are usually event calendars that Get the Whole Family Involved highlight activities sponsored by Make discovering local treasures a civic, cultural and faith groups. family affair.

• Search locally on websites like • Write down different categories on www.yp.com. With access to a slips of paper such as restaurants, database of millions of local busimuseums, activities, etc. nesses, you can search in specific neighborhoods, watch business • Have each family member draw a videos and use enhanced maps to category out of a hat and give them get directions immediately. Find a each 24 hours to find five things restaurant and book a reservation, in their category that cost $10 or browse movie times and buy tickless per person (or choose another ets, or get ticket prices to live local price depending on your budget). events – and even purchase them • Present findings to each other, then on the spot. Check out local users’ start adding activities to the family reviews and post recommendations calendar. of your own, too.

• Consider making a game out of • Pop into a library or coffee shop your local adventure by creating and check out the fliers, brochures, a scavenger hunt within a specific and other free information on local venue or across several local spots. events.

Take time to discover your town • Tap your online communities to and you may be surprised at how just discover and share recommen- much there is to explore. dations for favorite local spots.

Websites like www.buzz.com offer - Family Features you a personalized version of local search, based on the recommendations of people you know and Let us Promote trust.

What to Look For • Behind-the-Scenes Tours. Company museums, firehouses, factories and police stations often offer formal tours of their facilities. Some television and radios stations offer tours, as well.

• Theatrical Productions. Community theatres, touring Broadway aug 10 - sept 10 2010

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through and then doubt enters our psyche and our breakthrough looks more and more like a breakdown and we fizzle out like an extinguished flame.

So, how do you prevent the fizzle and ignite your sizzle? Well, you have to start with yourself and ask the poignant and burning question, why not me? “Why not me” is self-awareness and inflection question that is aimed at digging deep into your internal belief systems. As you know our beliefs produce our thoughts, our thoughts

By Author Noel PInnock, produce our feelings and our feelings B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC produce our actions. If you are not takContributing Writer ing the action you need to take your marriage, career, business or parenting “A lot of people have gone further to the next level, then I would recomthan they thought they could because mend that you: someone else thought they could.” This 1. Conduct a belief self-assessment is a profound statement, whose author to determine what’s at the core of is unknown; however, the resonating “you.” Once you, decide to believe message is that someone else believes in in your imminent success or acyou - your knowledge, skills and abilicomplishment, then… ties. This is a powerful notion because our existence is predicated by the way 2. Develop an action plan that will we believe other people perceive us. assist you along the life cycle of Even the most narcissist isn’t immune this venture, project, etc. but it is to the power, influence and phenomall too paramount that you… enon of the “others factor.” Psycholo3. Surround yourself around others gists refer to this as the self-fulfilling that believe in your vision and can prophecy; whereby, our behavior is see the end result with clarion lensinfluenced by the way we believe othes, naysayers are not allowed here. ers perceive us; hence, the popularized Remember, we innately do more Pygmalion Effect: when others believe we can.

- I am not what I think I am Let me say that again, we in- I am not what you think I am nately do more when we believe that - BUT I am what I think YOU think others believe that we can. I can reI am! member when I was a gymnast and You can see this principle play was competing for the gold in a midout from classrooms to offices across dle school gymnastic tournament at the globe in practically every indus- Welch Middle School way back in the try imaginable. In a previous D-mars. ‘80s. I was nervous and the compecom article, I wrote about how Gerry tition was fierce but I can remember Fusco, CEO of Gerry Fusco Consult- my Pershing Middle School coach, ing Group, once told me that his fa- Nancy Shrull, who whispered the ther would tell him that he is no better powerful words of encouragement, than anyone else and no one else is bet- “I believe you can take it all.” These ter than him. This gave him a neutral words ignited a flame in my heart that foundation with everyone he encoun- solidified my belief that instigated tered. He was not intimidated by stat- my thought, fueled my feelings that ure, titles, positions, education, etc. produced the gold medal winning acHe had a general understanding that tions. See, it is a cycle and when you he could go anywhere and do practi- know the cycle then I recommend cally anything that someone else did, that you enjoy the ride. Be mindful… and quite possibly, that he could do a lot of people have gone further than it even better. He believed so, because they thought they could because somehis father believed he could; but it did one else thought they could; therefore, not stop with his father’s belief, he had I leave you with the resonating questo believe it for himself too. We can tion, why not you? I believe you can… find ourselves on a brink of a break- so should you!

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You Get In Protecting Your Income Your Own - PART 1 Way!

By Charles Swindell Financial Services Representative Contributing Writer If you are in business, you probably insure the components of your business against loss beyond your control.

You insure your premises against fire, accidental injury and theft of property.

Your equipment is probably insured.

You probably have business interruption insurance to compensate you if your property is rendered unusable due to accidental damage. Whether or not you own a business, you probably insure your car so you can make certain that you’ll always have the means to get to work. You probably insure your home so you can be sure that there will be a roof over your head in the event of a catastrophe.

Life, homeowners, and other types of insurance policies provide important kinds of coverage, but they will not safeguard you from financial impact if a disability prevents you from working.

The stark reality is that without disability income insurance, a serious injury or illness could be financially devastating to you and your family.

You may believe you’re less likely to become disabled than to die prematurely, but statistics show exactly the opposite is true. According to tables prepared by the Society of Actuaries in 1985, at any given time in your career, the chance that a long-term disability will occur is several times the likelihood of death. For example, at age 37, the odds of a long-term disability vs. death are 3.3 to 1. At age 42, the odds are 3.5 to 1, at age 47, they are 2.8 to 1, and at aug 10 - sept 10 2010

age 52, they are 2.2 to 1.

Before you read further, please get a piece of blank paper and a writing utensil. On the paper, write the names of 20 people that know each other. Some examples are members of your family or members of a club, service or religious organization. Once you have finished, circle the ones who have had a disability lasting 90 days or longer. My experience has shown that more than 90 percent of you will have circled at least 1 name on your lists.

If you earn $50,000 per year, in 20 years you will have earned 1 million dollars. Without you in it, will your car earn you that kind of money? Will any of the other things you insured enable you to continue receiving your income?

Disability income insurance, also known as disability income replacement insurance, is an important vehicle that will help replace a portion of your income in the event that you become disabled due to accident or illness.

There are several types of disability insurance policies. A properly licensed agent or financial representative can explain what may be appropriate for you.

The opinions expressed in this article are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you consult your representative, attorney or accountant with regard to your individual situation.

This article appears courtesy of Charles Swindell. Charles is a Registered Representative offering securities, including variable products through MetLife Securities, Inc.(MSI) (member FINRA/SIPC), New York, NY 10166.

Insurance and annuities issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), New York, NY 10166. MSI and MLIC are MetLife companies. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of all people. You can reach Charles at the office at 10333 Richmond Ave, Suite 1050, Houston, TX 77042 and 832251-5493.

*Like most insurance policies, Disability Income Insurance policies contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keeping them in-force.

Your agent or financial representative can provide you with costs and complete details.

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HAPPEN! Looking for a job, starting your own business or earning a degree will not happen overnight.

It is up to you to “take that step” to move this process forward.

By Dr. Wendy Author/Motivational Speaker Contributing Writer www.drwendyjohnson.com

2. Develop a success road-map – Once you determine what you are going to do…write it down. In order to see results you must create a success road-map. Typically, when people take the time to create a plan they are serious about seeing results. When creating this map, ensure that your monthly or quarterly goals are realistic.

3. Strategically communicate your plan/idea – Having a good business idea and sharing it with others is expected. However, before you disclose the inter-makings of your business aspirations it is important that you properly secure your idea.

This can be done by ensuring that your plan is appropriately copy written, your domain name and/or intellectual property is secured and you’ve obtained the assumed name.

After you have taken the necessary steps, share your vision, as you never know who can assist you along the way.

We have finally reached the half-year mark and many are assessing if they’ve accomplished their six-month personal and business goals. Goal setting is an important aspect of life, as many want to be successful and make a difference; however very few are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to hit the goal.

There are various reasons why people don’t reach their goals. It’s not due to the lack of knowledge, skills, nor resources. It’s largely due to a lack of commitment. That’s right, a lack of 4. Your Team – Discovering your commitment to the goals that you set. passion and creating a success road Hence, You Get In Your Own Way! map is definitely a step in the right Accomplishing goals is not an easy direction. However, you must task. It takes a lot of hard work, sacriensure that you assess who’s on fice, determination and drive. So often, your team. This can be a difficult people talk a good “GAME”, they have task for some, as people that you good ideas, dress well and even attend thought were “on your team”…reseveral networking events; however what ally are not. Strategic networking are you doing to make this happen? and effective communication is a In order to reach your goals it is imgreat way to develop “new” busiperative that you know your skill sets ness relationships. Remember… and you must prepare a realistic road you can’t continue to associate with map. You must also know how to efpeople that do not believe in the vifectively communicate, strategically sion and exude negative energy. network and execute your plan.

5. Find a Mentor – Locate a person Below are five “core” Success Tips: that is currently doing what you have a passion for and ask for their 1. Take ACTION! – If you are curassistance. Oftentimes people asrently doing something that you pire to do “big-things” and that is are not happy with, do something GREAT, however it is okay to ask about it. Take a step back, do for help. some self assessing and determine your passion. If you no longer enjoy working for a certain company, start looking for a new job. If you want to start your own business, then do it. Research your area of interest; obtain the appropriate business information and MAKE IT

Now that you have been given some success tips, it is time for you to step things up a notch. Take control of your destiny; do not let it take control of you. Remember, “The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure” - Sven Goran Eriksson.

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BY CARLA LANE, Contributing Writer I’m pregnant! My husband and I are overjoyed, but I was planning on changing jobs in he very near future. With the new addition to our family it’s going to be even more important that I get a new job.

Should I tell new potential employers that I am pregnant?

Congratulations! With all the changes going on in your life (like your growing belly and the ever-expanding responsibilities that come with it), it may seem insane to want to add another to your list. But there are dozens of valid reasons why an expectant mom might consider a job change. Maybe your employer isn’t family friendly and you’re concerned about balancing career and motherhood upon your return. Maybe the commute is too long, the hours inflexible, or the grind all-consuming. It could be that you’re bored (and hey — change is in the air, so why not make the most of it!). Or perhaps you’re worried that your workplace is hazardous to you and your baby.

Whatever your reason, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons thoroughly before you make a job move. Here’s a few to consider.

Beware of the grass-is-greener syndrome: It may seem as though other workplaces have better benefits and perks that are far more generous than yours. And that may indeed be the case: Some companies are more flexible and family friendly than others, and it’s in your best interest to know your options and find the best ones for you.

But make sure you understand the total picture before seek out another job opportunity. Does the company you’re interested in offer twice as much vacation time, but also charge double for health insurance? Do they allow people to work from home, yet expect them to be on call morning, noon, and night?

Are the salaries far higher and, likewise, the travel demands? Also bear in mind that companies often offer fewer paid short-term disability days (STD), or pay a lower percentage of your salary during leave if you have been employed for less than one year. If the grass is truly greener on the other side of the job hunt and if working elsewhere will make your aug 10 - sept 10 2010

pregnancy, maternity leave, and return more manageable), go for it.

Be realistic: Looking for work takes time and energy, two things you may be lacking these days as you concentrate on having a healthy pregnancy. Typically, you’ll be asked to come in for several interviews and meetings before an offer is made. Starting a new job also demands a great deal of concentration (all eyes are on you, so you have to be extra careful not to make mistakes), and you should be certain you have the stamina and commitment to take these steps.

Consider full disclosure: Should you tell your potential employer that you’re pregnant (if it isn’t obvious)? Legally, he or she has no right to ask, or to deny you an offer in light of the news. But that said, some companies simply can’t bring you on and let you leave so quickly.

And not all employers appreciate what they consider to be a bait-and-switch (you tell them you want to work there, and then after you begin you tell them you’ll be out on maternity leave). While it may be smart in the short run to keep your pregnancy a secret, it may damage your relationship with the company in the end. On the other hand, sometimes it’s better to get the offer first, and then discuss the future once you know they want to hire you. Assess the pros and cons so you can make a thoughtful decision. What if you started a new job before you found out you were pregnant? Be frank about what happened and get down to doing your job. Just make sure you know your rights about job security should the situation take a turn for the worse.

Finally, my best advice to you is to be wise and make a move only after giving it much thought. And remember it is usually easier to find a job when you have a job. www.

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Letters from Interns The importance of youth working with entreprenuers you come from but where you are going. The choice is theirs and only they can make it. The entrepreneurs are the map, but they cannot travel the path for you. The only job for the young men is to watch, pay attention, and use the information they receive the best of their ability. There will be many people trying to knock you off that narrow path, but they must learn to keep their balance to keep moving forward.

Terrell Mcknight Team Leader

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he world has many young men that need guidance and a strong father figure to look up to. The primary group that should support these young men is entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs. They have lived in the real world and have overcome their own flaws to reach greatness. They should act like a master taking a pupil under his wings, showing the young men the way to be a better business man. They will not be there to make choices for the young man, but to guide him down the right path, over seeing him and make sure he stays on track.

Like everyone else, they have a purpose. Just because they are successful, it doesn’t mean they can’t pass on some information to aspiring entrepreneurs. They shouldn’t share all of their secrets, but offer some hints with a lesson with each speech. These lessons should be taught through action, not just through words. Words have a tendency to go in one ear and out the other. Actions enter the mind and hang on. Many want to listen, but need to be taught how to listen.

So many of these young men have dreams, but don’t know how to go after them. Most of them don’t have motivation and they just feel that the dream may be too hard to make a reality. They give up and just get a job working from pay check to pay check, barely surviving. They work for the money instead of making money work for them.

Life will not show any mercy and they need to know that. Every choice can make a difference in their lives. Life is no video game, there are no do-overs, no extra lives, and they have to work with what they have. It’s not where aug 10 - sept 10 2010

What did I get from the program?

The program is a great place to gain knowledge and opportunities.

“Knowledge is power,” is a phrase that just lingers around the halls and within everyone. The program is not just a way to gain some extra money, but to take every lesson with you. Every small thing has a lesson; you can never learn too much. The people actually interact with you and help you when you’re down.

We are not only workers, we are also a family and family sticks together. And the valuable information was priceless.

Life’s lessons are not in books and audio tapes; living life has the most benefits. Live life with no regrets; learn from your mistakes to ensure they don’t happen again.

Brittany Vail Receptionist/Team Leader When I think of interns, I think of the fashion reality television shows where the person is always complaining about how little work is given, how boring their job is, or how they never have contact with the boss. But then let’s get straight to the point. Why have interns when you’re not there to teach, to guide and to help them get a start on the right road? As a teacher, what you speak as a business owner to an intern are words of www.

Gabriel Cortez Marketing Assistant wisdom. They may not see that at first, but at the end they will. What we learn now will prepare us for the future.

Some interns may have all they need without working hard to be successful, but others may not have that type of support. Either way, there is always room for advancement. That’s where you come in. An intern is there to learn.

They should see a glimpse of the real world because some may still be stuck in the fantasy life of a teenager. The work that you give us, the care attitude that you show and your influence in our lives is what influences us to be better than what we have previously been. We may not appreciate it now, but we will give many thanks later.

I was raised by my mother with help from a few. As a young child, I lived in the suburbs, moved to the apartments, was evicted when my mother had her fifth child and finally moved to the middle of Acres Homes, which would not be considered suburbs. I went from having it all to not having anything at all. I know how it feels to live with no lights or water for a couple of days. I was taught to learn how to do things myself.

By the fifth grade, I knew how to take care of myself, but my mother was always there for me. I adapted to the new environment I was in. I was always shy until I felt comfortable in situations, which didn’t always come immediately.

When I became an intern at D-mars. com, business was something I didn’t want to do. Then when I started interning as a receptionist I hated it! I wanted to leave. I didn’t like sitting at the desk from nine to five. Every time I wanted to leave, I could hear my conscious ask me, “Why don’t you think there is more to learn than the thing you’re most interested in? Don’t you want more from your experience?” I found myself filing, labeling and listening to interviews, which ended up teaching me a lot.

I remember Mr. D- mars calling me little Miss Sassy, which made me laugh until I knew what the real meaning of it was and I wanted to change my actions immediately. Working at D-mars.com, you understand it’s a privilege and you learn so much from the opportunity.

I’m happy I’m here and my fellow interns are my family and everyone in the D-mars.com company are like second parents to me.

Entrepreneurs definitely have a lot more to offer than a steady paycheck for youth. It may go on unnoticed, but having a positive adult to look up to every day work wonders; like gaining management skills, good morals, and money management skills. Being allowed into this program is nothing less than a blessing.

Life itself brings certain circumstances that may be positive or negative to you. My father-figure was not up to par, but viewing a strong AfricanAmerican who maintains his reputation as he does is very empowering. I believe there are things Mr. Keith Davis teaches us all without even speaking sometimes. It could be his facial expression, his posture, or even the look in his eye that yields information for his interns.

A teen like me must have a very stable and structured surrounding in today’s society. Being in a summer program for D-mars.com is not only a great opportunity; it’s also an awesome learning privilege. However, the life basics I will need are being taught to me in ways that will benefit me as well as others to come in the future. Life is like game of chess, without the necessities needed to play, one will definitely lose.

Though many people have a colorful background, Mr. Keith has, without a doubt, opened his heart to us all. By doing this, he made me see life much different from the way I did before, resulting in a personal “spiritual enlightening”.

Despite my lack of whatever it is I may be missing, Mr. Keith only sees what I am trying to aspire to be. The previous version of me would probably have sold myself short on an opportunity such as this one, but it never is too late to change one’s ways. And this program is doing just that by allowing me to use and execute more positive ideas.

Who knows what I’d be getting into right now if I were not in this program.

Sometimes you have to slow down to consider all aspects of any situation.

Here I am absorbing multiple perspectives, not only from adults, but from teens as well on how things should be done in this “real world”. My mission is not yet accomplished, but being able to see the grass that’s greener is a wonder29.

ful way to achieve any goal.

If you want it, you have to work for it. If there is one thing Mr. Keith has taught me it’s, “If it comes from the heart, it touches the heart.”

Trelon Rivers Sales Calls Supervisor/Team Leader Aspiring entrepreneurs should join the D-mars.com summer youth program because the opportunity will better their future by teaching them how to work in the real world and see the differences that comes with it. This experience will help young people understand how to deal with the different styles of management, and also learn the ways of marketing and networking and how to manage and invest your money wisely.

The only way you will be able to make it through the real world is with the three major points, confidence, faith, and belief. Having faith in not only yourself, but God, because He is the only thing that gets you up in the morning. He also allows you to be able to handle any obstacles you may confront. Confidence in yourself is basically saying that you can do the unthinkable, and maintaining this confidence is important to your daily work. Most of all, you have to have faith in yourself because without it, nothing will ever get accomplished. Belief is what helps you to realize that, “Hey I can do anything and everything possible to get this assignment achieved.”

My mother used to always tell me, “Son, no matter what, you have to stay true to yourself. If not, no one will respect you.” I repeat that saying every morning I wake up to go to work.

My journey through the summer youth program was very helpful. I learned a lot of things that I thought I would never learn. When I first started working for D-mars.com, I honestly thought it was going to be another blow-off job that I would just be getting the paychecks. During my second week working here, I experienced the ways of marketing and networking. I learned how to make sales calls to get other franchises to become franchisees with this company. I say that age shouldn’t be a hindrance because Keith Davis Jr. is a young entrepreneur and he is only 19 years old. He is trying to help the youth know that even though you are aug 10 - sept 10 2010

young it doesn’t matter because anyone can become an entrepreneur if you just put your mind to it and follow through with it.

A wise man once told me, “What comes from the heart, touches the heart.” I really took this into consideration, most of all because if you take all that you have and just express yourself, there is someone out there that will take time to sit and listen to you no matter what the situation may be. The president of the company, Mr. Keith Davis Sr., also known as “Mr. D-mars,” has really made me see a different side of life.

He really taught me a lot about the business world and how crazy it may get.

Whether he was being stern or joking around, he showed that he cares about us and wants us to not only better ourselves, but succeed in life. D-mars.com has taught me that business is the key to success and the only way to achieve the goals is to know the business inside and out.

The great thing about Mr. Keith is he went from being a poor black boy looking for work, not concerned about getting paid, but more concerned with getting work experience, to being a very wealthy man with his own business. Some of his memorable quotes include: “Do what you have to do, to do what you love to do.” “What comes from the heart, touches the heart.”

“You have to know where you’re going, to know where you came from.” And “Those who want to succeed will find a way, but those who don’t will find an excuse.” With these quotes in my head, I will take them and pass them on to my kids and others so they can understand that anything is possible.

things we learned included networking, marketing and how to manage your money properly. Managing money was another one of my weaknesses because every time I got a little bit of change, I thought I had to spend it all. But here at D-mars, I was taught to save money, so now every time I get a check I decided to save half, which will benefit me later in my life.

When I first got to this job I thought it would be boring and I would just be working here to get money, but instead I ended up learning a lot and it has also helped me with my decision for my career when I graduate. I believe being an entrepreneur is the perfect job for me, because sometimes I have an issue with people telling me what to do. But being an entrepreneur, I could own a business and tell everyone else what to do, but I first have to receive orders before I can give orders. At this job, I learned that believing in yourself, even if no one else does, will get you a lot further in life. If you’re confident in what you believe in, no one will be able to stop you from achieving your goals.

Plus, with confidence comes respect.

That’s one of the reasons I liked working for my boss, Mr. Keith, because he taught me that I can do whatever I want if I put my mind to it and work hard at it. He also told me, “no matter what, there will always be a door open to new opportunity.” He told me several quotes I’d heard before, but he explained them in a ways I will never forget. I really appreciate everyone at D-Mars because they took time out of their schedule to help me try to become a successful young black man.

Janae Wright Marketing// Adminstrating Assistant

John Green Marketing Assistant Working at D-Mars.com introduced me to another world. It really made me see what it would be like if I were an entrepreneur. I was taught filing, emailing and how to speak properly in front of others, which was one of my weaknesses. I was taught to never give up, because like the C.E.O., Mr. D-Mars, I come from a troubled background. Originally, I didn’t like wearing a tie everyday, but I got into it and I learned that your appearance tells a lot about yourself so I needed to make sure I looked sharp every day. Some other www.

I learned a lot of things from this summer’s program, with one of the most important being that when you want to do something in life, you should push for it and strive to do your best when you get the chance to do it. I learned from both the other interns and the adults and I realized that I was fortunate to have this job because many others needed it. I also worked at a church and we held bible study every Monday morning, where I learned a lot of different things like praising God through the bad and the good and to just have faith in Him at all times and to never

question God, because He does everything for a reason.

Chelsea Rivers Team Leader/Filing Supervisor Opportunities are given every day in life and it’s a person’s prerogative to use them or do nothing with them. This summer I was given the opportunity to work at D.Mars.com Business Journal, an advertising company created to inspire, inform and educate. This was one of the greatest experiences in my life. I learned and observed so many things while I was there and my time working there gave me insight on things I would have never thought about. My internship gave me a whole different outlook on being an adult. For so long I had been telling my mom that I wish I was grown, but being grown comes with a lot of adult decisions and responsibilities.

When I first start working at DMars.com, I thought working there was so hard. I was still stuck in my child life and wasn’t ready to work every day as an adult. I have always been dependant on my mother because she usually gave me anything I wanted and handled all of my hard tasks. Working here instilled in me that I’m grown now and it made me realize that life is real and you have to work hard for what you want. I felt like the managers and supervisors at DMars.com were being hard on me for no reason, but I realize now that they were preparing me for life.

More business owners should allow young people to come work for them in summer jobs and camps because it could really change their lives. If it changed me, I’m more than sure that it will change someone else. There are so many entrepreneurs in this world. My head manager, Mr. D-Mars’s son, Keith Davis, Jr. is a young successful entrepreneur. Seeing him makes me feel like one day I could start my own business and become prosperous. If the youth were given a chance to experience what I experienced, they would be more successful in life and would be able to learn how to face and accomplish some of their goals in life. A great man once told me that accomplishing big goals in life takes hard work, and sometimes you have to do what you have to do in order to be able to do what you want to do.

Being at D-Mars.com prepared me 30.

for life and the real work force. I appreciate every person employed there for their time and patience with me. All of the things I learned while I was employed there will stay with me for the rest of my life. If I could, I would do it all over again because it made me stronger mentally and emotionally. Now, I have a passion to do things on my own and accomplish my goals by myself. I’m very thankful for my experience at DMars.com and look forward to coming back and working there whenever I get a break from college life.

Tiffany Davis Marketing Consultant Assistant Marketing is a way to gain clear understanding of what a customer may value and what they are willing to pay for. Business ethics sometimes determine the difference between good and bad de-

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cision-making and behavior. Knowing business ethics means you have to know what is right and what is wrong, but make sure you do what is right. Business ethics can be used to describe the difference between what you know and what you need to know. Working here at D-mars.com, has really taught me a lot, I learn the ways of business and how I can better myself as a person. D-mars. com has taught me that I can become a young entrepreneur if I just work hard and put my mind to it. My manager Mr. Keith has taught me the ways of business inside and out. Now, I will be ready for when times gets crazy and hectic, no matter what life throws at me. The real business world was nothing I expected to be. When I first started working here I really wasn’t very enthusiastic but I thought, “Hey, what a quick way to relax and make money without doing anything,” but now that I officially started working and seeing how hard it is and that I really had to stop clowning around and get to business. A wise man Bishop James Dixon once said, “You don’t prepare without expectations, but with expectations you will make preparations.” I really considered this because I never really prepared myself for anything; I would just wait until it happen.

But when I started preparing myself for everything that is when I had preparation for everything.

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Use your Tools

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer Believe it or not, one of the most life changing conversations I’ve ever had with my mom was earlier this year. It was shortly after I received a call to sit on a panel for Black History Month. I was initially very excited about being asked to sit on this panel; it was the first Black History Month panel Macy’s in Houston would ever host. Then I saw the flyer; Mae Jemison was listed as one of the potential panelists. Now it’s not that I don’t love Mae Jemison, I am more than impressed with her accomplishments. The truth is I was intimidated. My mind began to reel with negative self talk. “Why would anyone want to hear anything I had to say when on the very same panel is the first black woman in space? I mean come on, everybody is impressed with astronauts!

I’m just a little girl from the hood in Dallas, that came to Houston went to school, got job and started a business.

Nothing too spectacular about that.”

In the midst of all my negative thoughts, I seriously contemplated not participating on the panel. I mentioned the opportunity to my parents and they expressed interest in attending. After I told them I wasn’t sure I could fit it into my overloaded schedule, my mom sighed and said, “Carla, her tools are no more important than your tools.” I’m thinking, “OK, here she goes.” (Don’t you just hate that your parents know you so well?) My mom proceeded to explain to me, “everyone has been given a job to do on earth and they have been given tools to do that job. You can’t do your job with the wrong set of tools. If aug 10 - sept 10 2010

Mae Jemison had “creating and running a staffing business” tools, she would have never made it to space. Just like if you had been given astronaut tools, you would have never opened and grew your staffing business. So don’t you ever think someone’s tools are more valuable than yours. Tools are valuable when they are in the right hands.”

At that moment, a light went on inside me. We each have been given a job to do here on earth and it is not by chance that we are here or even that you are reading this article. Before the foundations of the world were formed, it was known that you would be exactly where you are, at exactly the point in your life, so despite what anyone may tell you, you are right on time. It is time for you to sharpen whatever tools you have, whether they are your intellectual capabilities, your ability to build things, your excellent navigation skills or your compassion. Take care of your tools and use them to do whatever job it has been designed for you to do here on earth.

I can’t tell you exactly what it is, but it is a passion that sits in your heart and soul. I heard someone say, “When you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready” so I strongly advise you to stay ready. Sharpen your tools through your education, experience, exposure and share your gift with the world. Without your uniquely crafted involvement, we will never reach our potential as a community, city, state, nation, or world. If my theory that we each were put on earth to be of some service to all of mankind, is correct, failing to do your job would be a huge disservice to mankind.

I once heard a story about a young boy who went to the Mississippi around 1945 to visit his grandmother. The two of them went to the corner store and as they waited in the colored section of the store to be helped, the store keeper said, “Boy stick your hand in that jar and get you some candy, you sho’ are a good boy.” The young boy looked up and said, “You stick your hand in there and get the candy for me.” The store keeper gasped but before anything could be said, the young boy’s grandmother smacked him across the face and said, “Boy you apologize to Mr. Sam. He is a www.

good man and was showing you a kindness.” The young boy with tears in his eyes, looked at his grandmother and the store keeper and said, “I just wanted him to get it for me because his hands are bigger if he sticks his hands in there he will get 5 gum balls. If I stick my hand in there I will only get one.” It’s all about whose hands it’s in.

• In my hands, a microphone is worth about $99.95, but in Oprah’s hand a microphone was worth $275 million last year.

• In my hands, a tennis racquet is worth $29.99, but in Serena Williams’ hands it was worth $17 million last year.

• In my hands a golf club, is worth $144.95, but in Tiger Woods hands it was worth $110 million dollars last year.

• In my hands blood is something to be washed off, but blood in the hands of Dr. Charles Drew gave us the foundation for the modern blood banks.

• I challenge you to use your tools.

Our Deepest Fear

By Marianne Williamson Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness which frightens us.

Your playing small doesn’t serve the world there is nothing enlightening about shrinking so other people don’t feel insecure around you.

We were all meant to shine as children do it’s not just in some of us it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear.

Our presence automatically liberates others.

• A law book in my hands is an interesting read, but in the hands of Thurgood Marshall it is the desegregation of schools and the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

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Write more content

By Alice Seba, Contributing Writer

Content rules the internet. And while video and audio content are certainly a force to be reckoned with, print content still rules the bandwidth. As an online business owner, that means one thing – writing content. However, writing tons of content can take tons of time, right? Well, it doesn’t have to.

Here are five easy tips to help you write more content. #1 Plan it.

This may seem like an oversimplified solution. However, you can write significantly faster when you know what you’re writing about and why. Spend an hour a month or even ten minutes a week and plan your content. What are you going to write? What purpose does it serve? Consider going as far in your content plan to outline the article with a few key points you want to cover in the content. #2 Seek user generated content.

Your online interactions are a fantastic way to find and create more content.

One interaction on a social networking site can turn into several article or blog post ideas. You can also use email

when they come to you.

Chances are your phone or mobile device has a note taking function or a recording device. Or you can use a good old fashioned notebook and pen. The point is to keep it with you so you can #3 Schedule time.

Creating content often falls to the capture those great ideas, and free mobottom of a to do list. You’ll be able to get much more content writing accomplished if you put it on your schedule.

Find a time of the week that works best for you and devote an hour or two to writing your week’s content. Then you can publish it, schedule it and be done for the week. questions that are sent to you or forum postings and interactions you have. If you’re going to use the content verbatim, make sure you ask permission from all involved parties.

Inspire kids to volunteer

#4 Repurpose.

You probably have a ton of content already created, right? You have reports, ebooks, blog posts, and articles. Repurposing your content to create fresh content is a great way to write content fast and it’s good for the budget. #5 Track your ideas.

Content ideas come to us at the strangest of times. Maybe you’re on the treadmill, waiting at the dentist or in the fast food drive through. Create some sort of method to capture these ideas

In recent years, volunteerism has become vital to the health of our nation’s communities as nonprofit organizations struggle with limited budgets and resources. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, more than a third of nonprofit organizations reported a significant increase in the number of volunteers they use throughout the year.

By teaching our children the importance of volunteerism and instilling values that promote community service, teachers, parents and caring adults have the power to inspire the next generation of America’s leaders to be active members of society and give to those in need.

Here are a few innovative ways to promote community service and volunteerism among children in the classroom, at home and in the community.

Service Learning Service learning offers a unique opportunity for our nation’s youth – from kindergarteners to college students – to get involved with their communities in a tangible way by integrating service projects with classroom learning. Service learning engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems.

Through service learning, students build character and become active participants as they work with others in their school and community. For example, students can visit with and entertain seniors at a local senior housing community or prepare disaster relief kits for families in need as part of a lesson on natural disasters. Or to learn about construction and the plant life cycle, students can make wood planter boxes and plant seeds – placing them around

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ments, to write more content.

Bonus tip – use your resources. In addition to keyword research, simply reading about your industry and networking with others can help you generate more content ideas. More ideas equals more content.

Writing more content doesn’t have to be difficult. Plan it, schedule it, and be ready for when those great content ideas strike.

Alice Seba can be found at Ladypens.com.

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the grounds to beautify the school.

Family Values In addition to promoting volunteerism within the classroom, there are many ways that parents and caring adults can encourage public service at home. For example, parents can plan a neighborhood clean up to make bettering the community fun for the entire family. Activities like these provide parents with the chance to show their children the importance of volunteering and the impact it can have. And studies show that children who volunteer are much more likely to continue as adults and carry on the tradition with their own children.

Identifying volunteer opportunities that inspire the whole family starts with picking an issue of interest. Web services, like VolunteerMatch.org, offer resources to help families find volunteer opportunities that are both meaningful and fulfilling. VolunteerMatch.org offers thousands of volunteer opportunities that connect people with causes 365 days a year, and any nonprofit organization can join its network.

Community Service Local companies also can reinforce and model the importance of public service among children. For example, team members at Target have volunteered millions of hours to community projects which effect children, from reading to young people to helping make over school libraries across the country.

They also provide specialized business knowledge to community and nonprofit partners through a variety of unique skills-based volunteering opportunities in areas including marketing, forensics and design and construction.

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THE EXPERT NETWORK - MEDICAL

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Black History Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce on the Move

“Let this be an honor of those who started the organization in 1935, but also let this be a challenge to current board members to things that are unfinished,” Lee said. “The founders laid the groundwork for what you’re doing today.”

Congresswoman Lee said the left to right: Chamber represents the preservation Former President of HCCC Val Thompson and HCCC Board Chair Carroll Robinson of the surrounding Third-Ward comRobinson said the historic marker munity and the organization must conwill serve as a small reminder from tinue to multi-task to ensure all needs the state of Texas to community and of the community are addressed.

By Brandale Mills, Contributing Writer

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f you asked most of today’s Texas Southern University students, I’m sure they are unaware that the nation’s second oldest Black Chamber of Commerce is walking distance from their campus. They probably can’t explain the barriers the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) had to overcome to establish itself as an independent organization in 1935, fighting for justice and economic equality in the African-American community. Most of today’s students will never appreciate the historic relevance of the Chamber and its significance in the Third Ward community and nationally.

Now rewind to the early 1950s, when Georgia Provost of Provost & Associates, was an up and coming entrepreneur in the Houston-area. At the start of her career, Provost said the Chamber offered a host of resources for local Black business owners, contributing to the wealth of productive Black businesses during that era.

“It was a beautiful time,” she said. “There was always somebody there that could help you with your business questions; during times of segregation, that’s all we had.” aug 10 - sept 10 2010

Since 1935, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce has served as an advocate for African-American business owners and professionals in the Houston area. Seventy-five years later, economic stability within the AfricanAmerican community is still in the forefront and the HCCC has provided the foundation for Black businesses to not only survive, but thrive during these challenging economic times.

“Right now, there’s really a need for the chamber,” Provost said. “They could be a vital force for the businesses that are [in the community].”

U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

“This is a small milestone we take in the journey for full equality,” Lee said.

In the midst of the economic depression the country was facing in 1935, the Chamber’s founders recognized the value of business in the Black community, Lee said.

“They came together to encourage, promote and push African-American businesses and the community,” she said.

Recently designated by the state of Texas as a Historic Organization, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce hosted its Historic Marker DediHCCC Board Chair, Carroll Robcation Ceremony, Sunday July 18th at inson said current Chamber members Texas Southern University’s New Sciand volunteers are a living link to the ence & Technology building.

The ceremony honored the Cham- future. ber’s role within the community over the past 75 years through musical selec- “We should take great pride tions, proclamations and remarks from in the accomplishments HCCC Board Chair, Carroll Robinson, we’ve achieved together in former HCCC board member Sharon Jenkins and U.S. Congresswoman Shei- the Chamber and in the community,” he said. la Jackson Lee. www.

Chamber members that even in 1935, African-Americans were actively working to sustain prosperity within the Black community.

After the ceremony, attendees made a pilgrimage to the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce for the unveiling of the Historical Marker.

2010 is a busy year for the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, this October the organization is presenting the 16th Annual Pinnacle Awards in October, formally celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Chamber, also honoring Houston’s African-American business elite.

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