Inspired
& Empowered Creating the life you deserve.
th
The 44 President Who Is He
At the Dinner Table Maintaining Your Weight This Holiday Season
Release the Guilt Enjoy the Holidays Without the Frustration
A Green Holiday Prepare Your Home and Dinner Table
Foundation of Love Barack and Michelle Obama Keeping Love Strong
Nov/Dec 2008
CHANGE
Congratulations! President Elect Barack Obama Inspired & Empowered – Holiday 2008
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Inauguration Day January 20, 2009
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contents FEATURES 9 Inspired & Empowered Spotlight Valorie Burton coaches you to greatness
12 Who is Obama President Elect Barack Obama takes center stage
16 The Obama’s Legacy…Barack and Michelle Barack and Michelle Obama making love last
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EMPOWERED
22 The Gift of the Obama Family The First Family will bring more than a new puppy to the White House
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10 8 Ways to Enjoy a Green Thanksgiving This Year Fill your home with the warmth of going green.
MIND BODY & SOUL 15 Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain Keep it all under control with six simple steps.
INSPIRED
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19 Guilt Free Holidays Make the most of this holiday season without the pressure.
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OFF THE SHELF Books & Music
26 The American Journey of Barack Obama by The Editors of Life Magazine
Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama’s Plan to Renew America’s Promise
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 27 Organic Carrot Cake A hoiday delight the entire family will enjoy
by Barack Obama
The Essential Barack Obama: The Grammy Award Winning Recordings (Audio Book) by Barack Obama (Reader)
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IE Inspired & Empowered
We’re growing! Inspired & Empowered is going to print!
Creating the life you deserve
Publisher & Editor Glenys Colclough
Executive Creative Director Winnie M. Brown
Design & Production Evolve Publishing
Letters to the Editor Glenys@GlenysClarice.net or mail to Soul of a Woman Enterprises 6000 Fairview Rd., Ste 1200 Charlotte, NC 28210
Contributors
Sabah Karimi Defoncia Herndon Anthony Robinson Noir Andrea Hess Jean Lowrie-Chin
On the Cover President Elect Barack Obama Inspired & Empowered (e-zine) is published monthly by Evolve Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this e-zine may be reproduced, stored in any kind of retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Sometimes you have to follow the beat of your heart to reach your destination. -Glenys Colclough Publisher & Editor Inspired & Empowered is growing; and with the desire and vision of its founder, we are moving to a larger format to offer more for our readers to help inspire, empower, entertain, and uplift. We are hard at work laying the foundation for the first printed edition of the magazine which will be available with our Collector’s Edition; April 2009. There will be something for everyone to enjoy with the addition of new departments, editorials, and features. We may even have a new name to go along with new look. We are currently looking for the following: • • • •
Contributing editors and writers Graphic artist Advertising sales staff Photographer
If you or anyone you know is interested in being apart of an exciting transformation, please contact Glenys Colclough directly at Glenys@GlenysClarice.net or by calling her office at 704-509-1982
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from me to you A Letter from the Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
Inspired By Change I don't know about you, but I'm still floating on a natural high from the excitement of the 2008 election. As I sat glued to the television that night awaiting the announcement that would not only change our country, but history as well; I felt a sense of confidence that Barack Obama would indeed become the 44th President of the United States. As the announcement flashed at the bottom of the screen; it did not register what I was looking at, but my spirit knew as quiet tears filled my eyes and flowed down my cheeks. A friend of mine said "it feels like New Years" as we talked until 4:30 am; empowered over the outcome.
“President Elect Barack Obama has inspired me. He has inspired me to change, care, love, be true to who I am, and live my life’s purpose without compromising my beliefs and values.”
President Elect Barack Obama has inspired me. He has inspired me to change, care, love, be true to who I am, and live my life’s purpose without compromising my beliefs and values. He has shown me the essence of compassion, courage, confidence, and commitment; not only to myself, but to those who also live in this great country. We all have arrived and the victory belongs to the American people; who have suffered and prayed for a breakthrough. History was made and I for one am proud that my one vote created a voice for who I am and what I believe in. This holiday issue is dedicated to President Elect Obama, his lovely and stylish wife Michelle, and their adorable daughters Malia and Sasha. As we anticipate Inauguration Day 2009, let’s celebrate the victory that was ordained many years ago. As this year comes to a close, and we prepare for the holidays with late night shopping, and spending quality time with friends and family; let us remember the reason for the season and how far we have truly come. Until next year, Stay Inspired & Empowered
Glenys Glenys@glenysclarice.net
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your thoughts I wanted to send you a quick hello and let you know how much I enjoy reading your ezine Inspired & Empowered. It keeps getting better and better. Continue to let God use you and let your gift of creativity and desire light your path. Mary Williams, Charlotte, NC I enjoyed reading your interview with Spirit. I often tune in to her radio show when time permits, and she is a woman that knows her stuff. Thanks for featuring her and I will be sure to pick up a copy of her new book. Ray Young, Atlanta, GA I have shared each issue of your ezine with my friends and family and have heard nothing but positive responses. Continue to build your dream and your following will grow. Jennifer Peters, Columbia, SC Keep moving forward and continue to pour your heart and soul in all endeavors. It is clear to me that God is leading you. When you are being led, your truth will manifest. Love the ezine and I’m looking forward to what’s next. Larry Jones, Atlanta, GA I have admiration for The Three Doctors and their mission to empower children to move pass their current situation and surroundings to become great men and women. Their story not only proves that one can overcome, but also succeed at whatever they put their minds to. Their story is truly an inspiration. Patricia Williams, Charlotte, NC
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In The Spotlight :: Valorie Burton
Coaching the Team Valorie Burton
A sought-after life coach and speaker, Valorie Burton is the author of Listen to Your Life, What's Really Holding You Back?, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards and Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence, all published by divisions of Random House, Inc. Her newest book is How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule, and Reconnect with What Matters Most. A professional certified coach (PCC), she coaches entrepreneurs and professionals seeking a more purposeful path. Organizations such as American Airlines, Toyota, O, The Oprah Magazine and Ohio University have hired her as a speaker. She has also spoken at events for some of the nation’s largest churches, including The Potter’s House (Dallas), Lakewood Church (Houston), and New Birth (Atlanta). Ms. Burton is a frequent media contributor and has engaged in hundreds of interviews with media such as CNN, ABC Radio, The 700 Club, Psychology Today, InStyle Magazine, Self, Essence, and the Los Angeles Times. She is a regular columnist for CBN.com and BlackAmericaWeb.com. She is former co-host of the national daily television program, The Potter’s Touch with Bishop T.D. Jakes and served as the on-air life coach for KXAS-TV (NBC5/Dallas) and two, nationally-syndicated morning shows on the ABC Radio Network for two years. An entrepreneur at heart, her first and only corporate position was as marketing director for the largest Dallas-based CPA firm. Two years into her career, she founded The Burton Agency, a marketing and public relations firm. She was named one of the nation’s 30 rising stars in public relations by PR Week Magazine in 2000. She sold the business in 2001 to pursue her passion for helping people, women in particular, live more fulfilling lives. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology. At age 21, she earned a master's degree in journalism from Florida A & M University. Her undergraduate degree is from Florida State University. Ms. Burton is a member of the International Coach Federation, the International Positive Psychology Association and the National Speakers Association. She lives with her husband in Annapolis, Maryland, where they enjoy boating and being near the water.
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Empowered
8 Ways to Enjoy a Green Thanksgiving This Year by Sabah Karimi From cooking an organic menu to making your own decorations, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to get the whole family involved in a green lifestyle. Your commitment to the environment can continue on through the holidays, and Thanksgiving is a great time to get started! All it takes is a little creativity and planning, and you can celebrate a healthy and environmentally-friendly Thanksgiving for a fresh take on tradition. Here are just eight ways to enjoy a green Thanksgiving this year: 1. Celebrate Thanksgiving at home. Avoid the extra emissions from traveling by plane or car, and plan your celebration at home this year. You'll be helping reduce global warming simply by reducing your pollution quotient. 2. Go organic. An organic Thanksgiving feast is not only healthy and tasty, but can also help the environment. Freerange turkey, fresh vegetables from local farmers, and treats from the organic bakery are just a few choices for your organic cornucopia of food this year. 3. Pick out natural or organic Thanksgiving dĂŠcor. From bamboo placemats to homemade napkin rings, make a commitment to go green by decorating with an eco-friendly touch. Making Thanksgiving decorations at home is another way to get the whole family involved in a creative project. 4. Use soy candles to decorate with. Decorating your living and dining space with soy candles is an eco-friendly option, and you'll find plenty of fragrant pillar candles, votives, and floating candles to complement your look. Consider using natural essential oils and aromatherapy candles to freshen up any room or living space as well. 5. Make a commitment to recycle. Make sure you're recycling all the paper, plastic, and glass from your Thanksgiving revelries properly, and setup a separate area to manage the extra recycling needs through holiday season. 6. Send out homemade Thanksgiving cards. It's an easy way to say 'Thank You' to friends and loved ones, and gives you yet another creative project to keep you busy on those chilly days before the celebration.
oul of a Woman Enterprises, Inc. www.Soulofawm.com
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Become inspired & set yourself free!
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Empowered Feature :: President Elect Barrack Obama
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Empowered Feature :: President Elect Barack Obama
Who is Obama? By Defoncia Herndon Relating to someone is one of the hardest things to do. Conveying the unconventional message of empathy sometimes is superseded by the thought of acceptance. Acceptance is a tricky thing; it can make or break a person’s public image. This concept also has allowed politicians, entrepreneurs and artists of different races to influence America, even at a time when it seemed impossible. In some American’s minds, there should only be one type of person accepted for certain jobs in our country. This type of backwater thinking usually galvanizes a person with any type of heart to dedicate their life to proving that myth to be false, and thus I present to you, Barack Obama. His father died in a car accident and his mother of ovarian cancer. Neither one of them got to see their grandkids enter into the world. From Barack’s behavior you could never tell this. Cool, calm and collected are three words that define his behavior. He treats every public moment like a chance to represent not only his thoughts, but his beliefs as well. This has been missing from any highranking politician since the Clinton Era.
His promise of change invokes memories of Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech. The irony in that is, Mr. Obama is actually what African-American’s have been dreaming about since the day we arrived in America: Our first African-American President. In this day and age of Social reform and Equal Opportunity, it seems as if African-Americans have began to relax on the race issue. It takes situations like Jena 6, to remind us of how far we still have to go. Thankfully, Mr. Obama is a reflection of how far we have advanced as a nation. When Mrs. Till told Mr. Johnson of Ebony that she wanted the casket to stay open, so “the world can see would they did to my baby,” the world gasped. 53 years later, they gasp again, but not at the unholy sight of a deceased and disfigured 15-year old African-American child. Yet, it’s to see the finished product of a race that has endured Slavery, Jim Crow and Racial profiling. My uncle once told me, “We will not see a black President within my lifetime.” 2 months ago, I presented him with a Time Magazine. He looked at the cover and his tears fell right on Obama’s face: He was wrong.
Mr. Obama graduated from Harvard Law School, Columbia University and Occidental College. His ascendancy to his current position will be one that will grace the pages of history, forever. “Good guys finish last,” is a quote I heard my whole life. It was upheld as the Law of the Jungle and it seemed to be true. Now when I look back at everything it’s just another lie, we: the American people have been forced to swallow. In actuality, a respectable hardworking person can beat the system but it all depends on time and chance. The times have changed and the chance with it, now anything is possible. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Emmett Till, we thank you for your sacrifices. I overheard an older southern lady tell one of her friends, “I hate the way he sounds and I can’t stand to hear him talk. Anytime, he comes on the radio, I just change it.” I grimaced in the glow of racism and smiled. She was right, when he speaks he does put you in the mind of an old-time Civil Rights leader and it‘s a beautiful thing.
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Mind Body & Soul
Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain By Anthony Robinson People have a hard time with holidays and overeating. It's a tough time of year for a lot of people, but by following a few basic tips, you can avoid putting on that proverbial "Holiday Weight". The average amount of weight gain over the holidays is typically only about 1 pound. However, the winter months can bring on a pound or two in general and before you know it, your pants are fitting a bit snug. Tip #1 - Avoid thinking that the holidays are a time to "take a break" from your healthy diet and exercise routine. Sometimes it can be too easy to stay on that break and fall into unhealthy eating habits. Avoid a whole lot of extra calories, small amounts of foods are best. Don't gorge! It's o.k. to taste, try different and yummy foods, but take into account the amount of calories that you are ingesting. If you follow a healthy eating plan, and know what your goals are for your weight it will help to visualize that. This will keep you in the right frame of mind. Tip #2 - Don't starve yourself before you go to a holiday party or dinner. This usually ends up backfiring, you'll end up overeating because you are so hungry. Eat smaller meals throughout the day and then eat a healthy snack before you leave for the party. Snack on protein, like chicken or some cottage cheese. This will satisfy and help you to avoid overeating. Tip #3 - Eat a lot of low calorie, high fiber foods, like broccoli and carrots and other veggies (careful with the high calorie dips!) They also give you that "crunch" that is so appealing in a snack! The key is to eat healthy, slow and often. Make healthy decisions. Ask if you can bring a dish and make this the healthy alternative! Tip #4 - If you are having dinner and the host is serving something that is not on your health plan, politely say "it's not on my eating plan". If you feel that they would be offended because "it's the holidays", just say that you are full and thank them graciously. Keep an eye on your portions. Tip #5 - Avoid high calorie alcoholic beverages. Stick with club soda as a mixer, add lemon, lime or orange wedges to make it more festive and add a flavor aroma. Light beer or a small glass of wine is best. A lot of holiday drinks can contain in upwards of 300-500 calories! Tip #6 - Don't neglect your workout routine. It's easier to keep it up than to start it again! Find ways to help keep you motivated during the holidays and winter months. Find a site, or a buddy that can keep you on track. Fitnessboard.net is an excellent place to find the support you may need to dialogue and keep your motivation. Remember, to your body it's just another day. Keep up your routine and monitor your eating and portions. A healthy attitude will keep you in a healthy state of mind.
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Mind Body & Soul Feature :: Barack & Michelle Obama
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Mind Body & Soul Feature ::
The Obama’s Legacy…Barack and Michelle By Noir America has been privileged to glancing into the lives of two well educated and refined individuals who appear as loving, family oriented and have a passion to make a difference in this world though their sacrifice to serve. What makes them special is that Barack and Michelle Obama are African American, and their profile is not what the country is accustomed to viewing. The overall picture of African Americans in our Country is not that of a loving couple, father mother both with an Ivy League education, rarely is the public image good at all. This should not be exotic, but when you look at the coverage in regards to this group as a whole, this picture is not one that is presented. It’s the opposite that we see most, the rapper, sport figures and on the nightly news it’s the neighborhood hoodlum unable to articulate the answers to questions being asked. These are African Americans the world has become comfortable with knowing. In my world as a African American this is not unusual, yet to some even in our communities it’s not anywhere near the typical black family. There are many professionals in the communities well educated professionals snapshots of this family throughout the Black community. I will add that all of America has a mixture of persons of varying economic and social standing, so to portray a group in one way leads to unfair judgments which can be credited to lack of factual knowledge.
Although it’s tough for some to digest, as time goes by many are listening, watching and realizing that we are so much more alike than we knew, and maybe this say’s something about the images that are projected in our Country. True diversity is inclusion, and learning each others cultures, and understanding that its fear which keeps the dream of racial harmony so far away in our Country. Barack and Michelle Obama have shown the world that there is a different side of the black life, culture and the experience. This portrait of what it is also like to be black in America makes our Nation look stronger and even more powerful as a leader. As African Americans we embrace all sides of our culture including the not so pretty sides. African Americans should be publicly displayed from all perspectives, not just the negative sides of the culture. To whom much is given much is required and the Obama’s learned this lesson long ago as they began the path to education, family and personal sacrifice to serve the people, not blacks, whites but all, by giving a voice to those less fortunate and ultimately inspiring others with greatness of their own obligation to be proactive in impacting change. This is and will be the Legacy of Barack and Michelle Obama.
The Obama’s are simply a picture of what this Country has neglected to highlight. Exotic, unusual is only because no one focused on the attorney’s, physicians, corporate CEO’s professors and a long list of black professionals dedicated to personal achievement, strengthening and impacting their communities and the world at large. This 2008 election has moved the Country and the world by provoking curiosity and even the desire to look deep inside ourselves. The history of the first woman candidate, Hillary Clinton, and the first black Barack Obama opened us up to the possibilities of what are capabilities are as a Nation.
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Inspired
Guilt-Free Holidays By Andrea Hess Like it or not, the holidays are soon upon us. If you haven't noticed the appearance of eggnog in your grocer's dairy case, you no doubt have become aware of the friendly giftgiving suggestions offered through television commercials. Apparently, we should start our Christmas shopping right after Halloween.
Tell your families and your guests what the various events mean to you. Ask them to support and join you in your intention. In this way, you help to create a powerful experience for all through shared and conscious intent.
While I think the retail industry's fervor is a little premature, I do consider the beginning of November a perfect time to create our holiday season through conscious intent. All too often we allow Thanksgiving to sneak up on us. Suddenly the holidays are upon us, and we do what we've always done. This may serve us - or not. Bringing mindfulness to the holiday season long before the hustle and bustle starts can assist us in doing away with two energies that are commonly experienced during this time of year. I'm talking, of course, about our old friends, guilt and obligation.
What will assist you in creating the energies you have assigned to your holidays? What if you could throw out every tradition, every expectation? What would your holiday look like? If everyone were ready to go along with all of your wishes, what kind of day or event would you create? You may find that there are traditions and expectations of which you would like to let go. Perhaps you don't really want to travel. Maybe you don't want to cook a big meal. Or maybe you want to cook elaborately, and invite a ton of friends rather than family. Maybe you don't want to receive or give presents. What would complete authenticity look like this year?
Are you ready to experience a guilt-free holiday season? Why not choose these holidays as a time of joyful selfexpression in which you can invite the energies that most support you into your home and heart. Here are some things you might wish to consider as you consciously explore the possibilities the rest of this year holds for you: Set your intentions early and out loud. What do the various holidays you'll be celebrating this year represent to you? What energetic qualities would you like to expand in your life through your festivities? If you're celebrating with others - as most of us do - don't keep your intentions to yourself. Inspired & Empowered – Holiday 2008
What will support your intentions?
We cannot presume to know what other people want. Feeling guilty or obligated is about us, not other people. No-one is holding a gun to our heads, insisting that we make mashed potatoes from scratch, or spend two months' worth of income on presents. Bring up a gift-free holiday, and you may find that your family responds with relief. Bring up that you don't want to come over for Thanksgiving, and your mother may be delighted that she doesn't have to cook. Question your assumptions about what other people want. Instead, talk to them and find out their thoughts and feelings. Continued on page 20
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Inspired
You may find more common ground than you expected. Don't spring surprises on others. If you want to introduce or do away with a tradition, discuss it well before family members and guests show up at your house. Announcing that you will not travel to see family needs to be done well before the holiday season is in swing. Allow others enough time to adjust to your decisions. Given plenty of advance warning, you'll find that loved ones are far more accommodating of your wishes. The only person whom you can make happy is yourself. You are at the center of your own experience, and only yours. If your choices may surprise or even disappoint others initially, they will get over it! Everyone chooses for themselves whether they will have a happy holiday season or not. And that choice is completely unrelated to your decisions. If you decide not to visit your in-laws this Christmas, they will still have a happy holiday. If you decide not to invite your friends to Thanksgiving, they will do just fine. If generosity and inclusion of others comes with the strings of guilt and obligation attached, we are serving no-one, least of all ourselves. And finally ... Imagine someone being under your roof or at your table not because they want to be there, but because they feel obligated to be there. Would you not rather have them do exactly what they want to do this holiday season? If we can extend that generosity of spirit to others, why can we not also extend it to ourselves? It may seem early yet to think about the holidays. But by applying conscious intent to the months ahead, we can avoid allowing our time of celebration to be hijacked by our own sense of obligation. Here's to a consciously created holiday season that truly reflects all that you are, and all that you wish to bring into your life.
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Inspired Feature :: The First Family
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Inspired Feature :: The First Family
The Gift of the Obama Family By Jean Lowrie-Chin Will we ever tire of seeing the defining moment in history when Barack Obama and his beautiful family emerged onto the stage in Chicago's Grant Park, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of cheering, weeping fans? We're chuffed that we correctly called the US presidential elections, and so moved at the scenes of celebration around the world. Who knew that there was a Japanese town called Obama where the citizens joyfully donned Hawaiian leis as they watched the US election results? They cried in France, they cheered in Sydney, they killed a fatted bull in Kenya and we can say with certainty: they partied in Jamaica. Watching Obama in triumph, then British racing driver Lewis Hamilton's heroes' homecoming, and the incessant reruns of Tiger Woods' exploits on the Golf Channel, I harked back to that "flower power" anthem of the 60s by Blue Mink: "What we need/ Is a great big melting pot/Big enough to take the world and all it's got /Keep it stirring for a hundred years or more/ Turn out coffee-coloured people by the score." This was the age of Obama's idealistic mother, who fell in love with a young Kenyan student she met at the University of Hawaii (the same university where Sidney Poitier's character fell in love with a white student in the prophetic movie, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?). They produced the handsome coffee-coloured Barack Jr and after their divorce, she married the pragmatic Indonesian Lolo Soetero; young Barack lived with them for about four years in Lolo's country. Obama's description of their neighbourhood in his book, Dreams from My Father, reminds us of Jamaica - animals in the backyard, beggars in the streets. As I heard commentators discussing Jamaica's continued expectations from the US under its soon to be sworn-in president, I harked back to a telling passage. His stepfather tried to guide him when Obama was moved by beggars: "How much money do you have?" he would ask.
"How many beggars are there on the street?" I tried to imagine the number that had come by the house in the last week. "You see?" he said, once it was clear I'd lost count. "Better to save your money and make sure you don't end up on the street yourself." This incident happened during Obama's most impressionable years and his campaign speeches have reflected this thinking: be compassionate but don't ship American jobs abroad. As a skinny kid, Barack was taught by Lolo to defend himself from bullies with neat boxing moves: "Men take advantage of weakness in other men. They're just like countries in that way. Better be strong. if you can't be strong, be clever and make peace with someone who's strong. But always better to be strong yourself. Always." Even as Lolo taught him the street smarts, his mother was ensuring that he read prodigiously and woke him at daybreak to do English lessons. If we examine the Obama campaign, his quiet, nimble fighting spirit, and the brilliant minds he brought together, we see he has learnt his lessons well and has gained what President George W Bush describes as "capital" - tons of it. But he is not resting on his laurels for a single moment. The day after his victory, Obama breakfasted with his family, worked out at the gym and met behind closed doors with his transition team. He is rousing himself and his team early o'clock to deal with the challenges faced by their extended family - the nation of over 300 million Americans. Jamaicans had better know that our little rock of 2.5 million, with none of the challenges that bitter winter brings, will have to wait for America to solve her pressing problems. A friend who lives in Florida said on a recent visit to Jamaica that she was seeing more opportunities here than in her community there - campaign news has overshadowed the details of massive job loss, displacement and desperation among once comfortable Americans. Like any leader, Barack Obama will be sorely tested and will not always look like that cool, confident leader that strode out onto that Chicago stage last Tuesday night.
I'd empty my pocket. "Thirty rupiah." Continued on page 23
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Inspired Feature :: The First Family
But unlike Bruce Golding, he was immediately offered the conciliatory hand of friendship by his opponent Senator John McCain. By the next day, it seemed that President Bush had also been charmed by the lovely Obama children and said he was looking forward to seeing them enter the White House. Americans throughout the world have regained their national pride, being congratulated at every step after the Obama victory. "Long live America!" many non-Americans are cheering. On a tour bus in Beijing in August, an elderly American tourist walked up and down the aisle, collecting tips for the driver. I said to him, what I have said many times to my American friends, Republicans and Democrats alike: you are the most generous people on the face of this earth. We need to share this generosity of spirit, and understand that the average American is now suffering from the economic downturn, and that the country needs time to recover before it can once again pour out its munificence on the world. There is a way out of our own serious issues, one that requires no help from anyone but our very own selves: family. The gift that Michelle and Barack Obama have given us is worth far more than any millions they can dole out. They have shown us what a strong black family looks like, sounds like and can achieve. Barack Obama found time during his campaign to spend two days at the side of his gravely ill grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, to take his wife to dinner for their anniversary, to talk each night with his two daughters. They showed us how hard work, high achievement, and righteousness took them to the most prestigious address in the world.
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Inspired & Empowered The Blog
More than insight; a refreshing dose of inspiration. www.InspiredAndEmpowered.blogspot.com
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Off The Shelf
The American Journey of Barack Obama by The Editors of Life Magazine For decades Americans have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Just as LIFE once opened up the glittering Kennedy White House, LIFE now focuses its lens on Barack Obama. The American Journey of Barack Obama covers the candidate from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. The unfolding drama of Obama's life and political career is cinematic in scope, and never has it been presented so compellingly. In addition to a powerful array of photographs that were taken by many of the country's greatest photographers (and some that were snapped, in the quiet moments, by Obama family members themselves. Many readers will find a new understanding of Obama. All readers will feel that they are bearing witness to a singular, undeniably American story.
Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise by Barack Obama At this defining moment in our history, Americans are hungry for change. After years of failed policies and failed politics from Washington, this is our chance to reclaim the American dream. Barack Obama has proven to be a new kind of leader–one who can bring people together, be honest about the challenges we face, and move this nation forward. Change We Can Believe In outlines his vision for America. In these pages you will find bold and specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world. Change We Can Believe In asks you not just to believe in Barack Obama’s ability to bring change to Washington, it asks you to believe in yours.
The Essential Barack Obama: The Grammy Award-Winning Recordings (Audio CD) by Barack Obama (Reader) A CD collection featuring the best-selling audiobooks, The Audacity of Hope and Dreams from My Father from Grammy® award-winning author, Barack Obama.
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Food For Thought
Carrot Cake Ingredients 1 cup organic whole wheat flour 1 cup organic unbleached white flour 1/4 teaspoon Eden Sea Salt 2 teaspoons non-aluminum baking powder 1 cup organic seedless raisins 1 1/2 cups grated carrot 1/4 cup Eden Organic Safflower Oil or Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 cup organic maple syrup 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or allspice 1/4 cup Edensoy Original or Edensoy Extra Original 1/2 cup water 1 Tablespoon Eden Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Directions Preheat the oven to 375°. Mix the flours, sea salt, baking powder, raisins, carrots and cinnamon or allspice together in a mixing bowl. Combine the oil, maple syrup, Edensoy, water and vinegar. Mix well. Pour into the mixing bowl and stir until the batter is smooth. Lightly oil a cake pan and lightly dust it with a little flour. Pour out the flour. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool before adding your favorite icing or topping.
Nutritional Info Per serving: 184 Calories, 6g Fat (27% calories from fat), 2g Protein, 34g Carbohydrate, 3g Fiber, 0mg Cholesterol, 146mg Sodium
This and other recipes can be found at www.edenorganic.com.
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THANK YOU! The Colclough Family Clarice Wright The Pringle Family Christopher Henderson Winnie Brown Yolanda Hammond Demetria Melton Gerald Lilliard Spirit Doug & Jackie Christie Bridgette Collins Kesha Nichols Natasha Munson Defoncia Herndon Tamara Westwood The Three Doctors
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Until next year… Stay inspired & empowered!
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