More than a magazine. It’s a movement.
PURGATORY by: redline99 1
When Disappointment Manifests by: epiphany jones
For Guys Eyes Only: Rides That Excite! Custom Kicks
…And For the Ladies: Stuntin’ In Stilettos
HOT! Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Prostate Health: What You Need to Know by: tyra ellis
From the desk of
When approached by StarChild to host their June / Father’s Day issue, we were extremely excited as we always are when there is an interest in our Creative (X)periences. When I think about this season that we are in, I affectionately call it the season of the Black Phoenix. For those unfamiliar with the Phoenix’s background, it is believed to have the ability to regenerate when hurt or wounded. It is symbolic of rejuvenation, resurrection and immortality. And for a time such as this, when black men have taken the limelight on the country’s biggest stages (Mike Tomlin winning the Super Bowl, Barack Obama winning the Presidency, etc.), I can’t help but think that even in these times of job loss and apathy that we too, like the Phoenix, SHALL rise again. Though we’re not Mike or Obama we have an opportunity for resurrection; to be a Phoenix to our children, strangers, our wives or girlfriends but more importantly ourselves. I see a future where Father’s Day will include both Fathers: physical and spiritual. Life’s joy will return to a much simpler time where happiness is found within and living life means being the best you possible. We will be creator’s not just consumers; we will be seller’s not just buyers. We will be leaders and dreamers that will be looked upon as inspirational bridge builders and architects of the future. It is with this spirit that I conceived The Redline99 (X)perience; using our collective talents to be creators of things we are most passionate about: Music, Film, Fashion, Animation, and
Motorsports. We look to provide forms of escape and lift spirits along the way. I’m always amazed at how simple things can have an impact. I’ve witnessed spirits lifted just by giving exclusive shirts to teens; giving them more pride in their appearance. One in particular was just thankful, not being embarrassed having to wear the same shirt 3 times a week any more. This self-esteem boost also built confidence to take on other challenges…all from a simple shirt. You see, with every thing we do we try and plant new seeds along the way that provide inspiration, hope but more importantly opens the mind up to endless possibilities. Some would consider a shirt just a material thing, but if a simple shirt, song, film, etc. can open a world of possibility and optimism, then so be it. Every time a creative (X)perience happens the goal is for it to tell a story even if it’s silent (like a shirt). This particular issue will dive into some of our most passionate lifestyle areas, but as you read we challenge you to look beyond the surface of the material product, but think of the deeper stories that will be born from their travels. So in that spirit, StarChild proudly presents The Redline99 Father’s Day (X)perience -George Haynes, Strategy & Ideation Group Redline99 www.redline99.com twitter.com/redline99
The Year of Judgment REVISITED
by: brandee cartwright-jones 2009 is the year of judgment. A year when we are numerically admonished to make serious judgment calls within our lives. This is a year to take the magnifying glass of self reflection and examine friendships, relationships, business choices, career, financial matters, residency, and other pertinent areas of our lives.
and give it a slap on the wrist sentence in spite of its guilt (i.e. investing another 9 years of your life working there). Or you can throw the book at it and quit tomorrow (which might be considered a harsh and irrational sentencing). The key thing to remember: the choice is yours. You and God alone are the judge AND jury.
Imagine yourself as a judge; black robe, gavel and all. And envision your job (you know, the one you hate going to?) standing before you, pleading its case as to why you should stay. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Or is the only pro a steady paycheck? Is this job growing you as a person? Or is it stifling your spirit? If the majority of the questions you ask of your job result in an overtly negative response, it’s time to come to grips with the fact that the gavel has already been banged and it’s been found guilty. But as judge of your own situation, final sentencing rests in your hands. You can allow justice to continue to be perverted in your life,
It’s not so much about making the “right” choice or the “wrong” choice. What seems to be the right decision today can become one of the worst decisions you ever made when you look back on it 10 years from now. But God honors our free will. He allows us the freedom to make choices, and then manages our decision through His grace and mercy. So that even when we make “dumb” decisions, more often than not we come out unscathed, unharmed, wiser and bubbling with a testimony we can share to help others.
Judgment cont’d…
Now some judgment calls will be pretty cut and dry. Or they should be at least. If you’re questioning whether or not to stay involved with your married lover or if you should stop stealing from the job you hate before you get caught, let me help you with that one. Any situation that does not align with the Word of God won’t prosper and will only bring about confusion. The longer you take to call a spade a spade is the more time you spend stuck in that situation, further diverting your attention away from your own greatness. The hardest of the judgments to make, in my opinion, is that of friendships and close relationships. Co-dependency, past history and feelings of indebtedness oftentimes prevent us from seeing people as they truly are. Our misguided heart doesn’t want to accept the fact that, in order to go to the next level, we must leave some people behind. It might be a manipulative parent, it could be an obsessively negative pal, it could be the significant other who takes you for granted, or the dream killer who never supports anything you do. And although toxic relationships are a hindrance, how do you tell your dad or best friend since childhood to basically, “kick rocks?” The answer: you don’t. What I’ve learned in my 33 years of life is that spewing off at the mouth to someone about how
much they suck is hardly ever beneficial. It’s not your job to judge the person, but it is your responsibility to judge how the person is impacting your life. Instead of seeing yourself as the judge now, see yourself as a lawyer. Put this “friend” or “relative” on trial and see if the evidence proves he is really an asset to your life. Don’t give in to the fallacy of history; believing that since they “used to be” pro-you, you still owe them your friendship. Maybe they cleaned up your puke that time you got drunk and hurled on yourself when you turned 21. Or when you were facing eviction, they let you crash on their couch. Or 3 years ago you two had a baby together. While all of these accomplishments got kudos at the time, the fact remains that those were your glory days and they really haven’t done anything noteworthy since. True, God blessed you to have a baby via this woman, but if she’s not who you plan to spend the rest of your life with, why continue to have sex with her? And yes, they may have cleaned up your puke so long ago, but ever since then their actions toward you have made you feel like you want to vomit. Think about it like this: if the peach tree in your backyard only bore fruit for 2 years and then stopped, how good of a peach tree would it be? What if you sold peaches and your livelihood depended on this tree? Would you let it remain because of sentimental value? Or would you cut it down and make way for
new peach trees? The beautiful thing about this whole friendship judgment process is that the hardest part is simply admitting to yourself that you need to cut them loose. Once you have come to grips with that decision, simply begin to distance yourself from them. No need to make a grand announcement that you and this person are no longer cool. No need to post blogs on facebook and myspace declaring your independence from (or hatred of) this person. By simply backing off from you and this person’s usual routine, they’ll get the hint. Worst case scenario, they’ll confront you as to why you are acting unfamiliar. Best case scenario, they won’t even notice the change in you until you have fully accepted the change yourself. Whatever the case, don’t let 2009 be a lukewarm year. Choose wisely the situations and people you plan to roll with. Although our lives have already been written, it is up to us to turn the pages. The key thing to remember: the choice is yours. And you deserve what you accept.
Items appearing in StarChild are protected by federal copyright laws. Material found in StarChild may not be copied or reprinted without prior written authorization from the Editor and/or writer of the article. Send all requests to starchild.pub@gmail.com.
June 2009 | Volume 5 Issue 17
FEATURES The Origin of Father’s Day by Randy “Romeo” Gardner
6
HOT Father’s Day Gift Ideas
7
For Guy’s Eyes: Rides That Excite
10
Fresh Kicks
11
Stuntin’ In Stilettos
12
The Face of Romance
13
When Disappointment Manifests by Epiphany Jones
15
Elegant Soul by Chef Eric B. Lewis
18
Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know by: Tyra T. Ellis
19
Happy Father’s Day (Photos)
21
DEPARTMENTS 17 Shining Stars (George Haynes)
22 Eargasms
23 StarChild Ink
24 StarMail
(Marcus Burns)
23 Bday Shout Outs Cover art provided by Redline99
25 Outro
As Father's Day fast approaches, many of us wonder where this holiday originated. Is it an ancient religious celebration that took on a secular appearance ? Or is it just the yang to Mother's Day's yin; a day to make sure dads also have their due? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. Although Father's Day is celebrated in countries around the world and has been for a time, its roots are not nearly as ancient as Mother's Day. The Roman Catholics, for example, acknowledge fathers on St. Joseph's Day, which falls on March 19. They have done so for a time. In Thailand, fathers are celebrated on the current king's birthday. A set day for dads and dads alone, however, did not exist prior
to the 20th century. So, where did all the pomp and circumstance come from? In the United States, the first celebration of Father's Day is said to have taken place on July 5, 1908, following a mine explosion that killed more than 350 men. Despite the 1908 celebration, many credit Sonora Smart Dodd for really getting this holiday on the calendar. Ms. Dodd was inspired by Anna Jarvis' efforts to establish a Mother's Day holiday. Dodd's own father raised six children on his own – a feat worthy of celebration! Ms. Dodd's desire to see Father's Day become a recognized holiday began with the first celebration on June 19, 1910.
take place. By 1924, President Calvin Coolidge had recommended it as a national holiday. Lyndon Johnson, however, is the one who set the date as the third Sunday in June in 1966. It wasn't until Richard Nixon took office, however, that this holiday became officially recognized. While Father's Day doesn't have the historical roots that Mother's Day boasts, this special occasion is one that warms hearts all over America. As you do your shopping for that guy in your life who gave you everything, remember, dads deserve a lot of credit, too! HAVE A VERY HAPPY FATHER'S DAY GUYS - RANDY GARDNER "Romeo“
Following those celebrations, others began to
“The brightest stars can be seen by all”
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for advertising inquiries.
www.gottohaveitromanticgiftcreations.com
The Palm Pre
HOT FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS! The iPhone faces stiff competition with the introduction of the Palm Pre launching June 6. The Pre’s biggest advantage over the iPhone is that, in addition to sporting an elegant touch-screen interface, the new Palm device has a physical keyboard that slides out from its curved body. The Pre also sports an all-new operating system called webOS that’s designed to run a wide variety of sophisticated third-party programs, or apps, from social-networking gateways to games to business tools. The Pre has other nice advantages over the iPhone, including MMS ( the ability to send photos directly to other phones ), copy and paste, a universal search function and the ability to simultaneously run any programs you choose. The Pre also features a wireless backup service that automatically stores your data — email, contacts and calendar — on remote servers, so you can recover your information if the need arises. The Pre is launching on the Sprint network , but will be offered by other carriers at a later date. The cost for the device is $300 and comes with a $100 mail-in rebate, reducing the price to $200.
Motorized Tie Rack
Robomower
For more details about the Pre, visit: tinyurl.com/StarChild-palmpre
Designed to make your dad’s life easier by recognizing obstacles, maneuvering around edges, cleaning up after itself, and working on a timed schedule. Although he may feel like a manly duty has been taken away from him, in the end, when Bob the neighbor drools over dad’s new toy, he’ll feel like a king. Walmart.com $1,589.00
Remote Control Caddy One touch rotates the entire collection. Scan 64 ties or belts in five inches of space, in just seconds. Brookstone.com $29.95
The BMW of remote caddies is durable and rugged, and able to conquer a golf course like a Hummer. It’s also simple to transport with its folding and unfolding abilities. Guaranteed to improve dad’s game thanks to all the energy he saves by not lugging his old bag around. Stewartgolf.com $1490.31
Race Track Membership Let dad get his speed demons out with an ultimate driving experience like the one offered at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois. Drivers can race, train and lap their cars on varying tracks. Other perks include annual events, membership condos and clubhouse. AutobahnCountryClub.com
The Royal Wii By: mike krumboltz
Buzz up! The Nintendo Wii has positioned itself as the gaming console for everybody. As it turns out, that includes the Queen of England. Well, sort of. It's not like Her Royal Highness went down to Wal-Mart and bought one with her summer job savings. Rather, she was given a special version by gaming company THQ. What makes the Queen's "Royal Wii" different? It's gold-plated, sucka! None of that lame white plastic for Buckingham Palace — the Queen needs her bling! Gaming blog Joystiq reports that the gaming company is hopeful that the PR stunt "will amuse Queen Elizabeth.“ Meanwhile, Geek.com writes that the gift is actually meant to build awareness for the upcoming game, Big Family Games. An ulterior motive? What?!? As the geeks put it, "for a game that is meant to include the whole family from kids to grandparents what better family to send it to than The Royal Family in England.“ According to Game Revolution, Big Family Games is a collection of mini-games, including "golf, tennis, ladder golf, lawn darts, horseshoes, bocce," and more. So far, search interest is rather scant. However, should the Queen declare her love for the gift, expect the title to get a right honorable boost in the Buzz. Silly as that sounds, it's not out of the realm of possibility -- according to insiders, she was "addicted" to playing Prince William's Wii last Christmas. Now she'll have one of her own.
Atlanta, Georgia native Neko Cheri, author of the new eBook, The Truth Is: It’s Not Him…It’s You, is due to be released June 21st . With a style that is both witty and down to earth, Cheri gives the reader ten easy to follow rules which she believes all women should abide by. While these rules are for all ages and types of women, Cheri skillfully keeps in mind one single, universal trait: the modern woman. The guide is a refreshing look at the way relationships work in current times and how women can best see themselves in a happy, committed partnership. Exploring the makings of a healthy relationship, Cheri encourages the reader to discover her true worth as a woman and learn how to successfully evaluate a situation and avoid commonly seen pitfalls. To learn more about Neko Cheri and the new ebook, please visit www.NekoCheri.com.
www.redline99.com
For Guys Eyes Rides that excite
…and let’s not forget the kiddies
Fresh Kicks www.pimpmykicks.com Kashi $150.00
Jordan Brand Campus Chukka $110.00
Most true sneakerheads agree that buying kicks over the ‘net are not the move due to the extreme fakery that
www.pimpmykicks.com
abounds. BUT! If the Internet is where you go to get your inspiration for some fly a** kicks, check out the following sites that get our stamp of approval: www.redline99.com
Gravis Cortex Shoe, $69.00
www.kashikicks.com www.stalfred.com www.highsnobiety.com www.sneakerpimpsusa.com www.kicksonfire.com www.soleheaven.com
…and for the ladies
Stuntin’ in Stilettos Shoegasmic eye-candy to excite the sassy diva.
Giuseppe Zanotti $479.00 www.hotfash.com $32.99 Christian Louboutin
Parrin by Aldo $100.00 Petal Sandal $995.00
Miu Miu
Selan by Aldo $59.98
Suede Patent Pump $490.00 Valentina by Rocawear $84.99
Lacau by Aldo $90.00
THE FACE OF ROMANCE
by: chris roberts
You may be in a loving relationship but you don’t don t know the first thing about how to romance from the heart. heart. Sure you can say, “II love you” you just fine, but all those wonderful, romantic ideas just seem to escape you. you. Below you can take a page from a true romantic’s romantic s book. book. You can simply follow the guidance or you can adapt the suggestions below to your own nature. nature. Either way, you will be well on your way to being the true romantic!
Leave a note professing your love for your partner to find during the day. Put the note where it will be found, easily. Try their briefcase, the driver's seat of their car, in their coat pocket, in their lunch bag, taped to the receiver of the phone, taped to their computer, or left taped to a doorknob. As soon as you arrive home for the day seek out your partner and offer a big, loving kiss. Tell your partner how much you love him or her and ask about their day. Make this a new, daily habit. As an alternate idea, when your partner arrives home for the day, take their hand and pull them towards you aggressively. Offer a huge hug, kiss and say, "I missed you today!” While your partner showers, heat up his or her towel in the dryer. Have flowers delivered to your partner at work. Surprise your partner by arriving home with their favorite drink, snack, or ice-cream. Arrange for an intimate lunch date with your partner. Afterward, send a virtual card. Tell them how much you enjoyed lunch together. Call your partner in the middle of the day to discuss your romantic plans for that evening. Print out some love coupons (find them on-line) and present them to your partner. One might say: this entitles loved one to a full-body massage, and sign your name. For the kid in all of us! Use multi-colored, sidewalk chalk to draw a BIG heart in red and write. Print out the words, “I love you" in the middle of the heart. Do this someplace that is prominent such as on your driveway so that when your partner comes home he or she will see it. Cook a favorite meal for your partner and then eat it, slowly, by candlelight. When the weather is best, take a brisk walk through a nature trail with your love and talk about all the reasons why he or she is so special to you. If the weather is dreary, have an indoor picnic. Spend the time together, inside enjoying your favorite board games and just relaxing and talking. Cuddle up in your pj’s and relish a romantic movie together. Just sleep in and cuddle together. Call into work and explain you are “under the weather” and need to rest a bit more before coming in. Make a long list of the many reasons why you love your partner as you do and then have them framed and present it to him or her. If you don’t live together, call your loved one just to say goodnight. Recite a favorite love poem over the phone and end with, “Sweet dreams, until we meet again!”
When Disappointment Manifests by: epiphany jones I remember being 8 years old and waiting on my father to come and pick me up to take me to the carnival. With visions of Tilt-A-Whirls and Bumper Cars dancing through my head, I was thoroughly geeked and impatient. I couldn’t wait to conquer these rides with my dad! He came and scooped me, and together we headed to the carnival. My little heart pounded ferociously the entire the way, anticipating all of the fun my dad and I would soon have. Once there, we stopped at the ticket booth. My eyes lit up when the cashier slid 2 sheets of tickets under the partition. I looked around the carnival anxiously, trying to decide which ride we should get on first. Before I could decide, however, my father hands me the tickets and $10. He says, “I’ll be in the beer garden if you need me, okay?” My heart, that had currently been on cloud 9 with anticipation and excitement, felt like it had landed on a rain cloud. I was too young to really interpret the feeling. I was also too young to know about placing my hand on my hip, rolling my neck, and saying in my best b-girl accent “What you MEAN you’re going to be in the beer garden? Who am I supposed to ride these rides with?” Instead, I passively shook my head to acknowledge that I understood and watched him get little towards the beer garden. The rain cloud feeling still had my heart on lock, but once I got on that first ride (I think I chose the Tilt-a-Whirl), I didn’t even miss him. Or at least that is what I thought, then. Fast forward 25 years…the 8-year-old carnival freak is now a 33 year old, grown, independent woman who just got off the phone with a coworker. The co-worker just got done telling me that she did not complete a mandatory project; a project that I am managing. A project that I knew without a certainty of a doubt would be completed and successfully so, by her. A project that, at the end of the day, HAS to be done.
Since I’m grown now, my first instinct is to place my hand on my hip, roll my neck, and ask this chick in my best b-girl accent “What do you MEAN you didn’t finish the project?” But as she wallows through her lame excuse, I accept the fact that the onus is on me to get it done at this point so late in the game. That rain cloud feeling sets in, but as soon as I start on the project, I convince myself that I am going to do a better job than she would have done. Or at least that is the rationalized lie I tell myself to be able to complete the project. Once the project is complete, I send my new guy a suggestive text message; Lord KNOWS I’m going to need some TLC after the day I have just had! An hour passes and he has not responded. I check my sent messages to make sure it went through (it did), but I re-send it anyway, you know, just in case. 2 hours later and still no word from him. I pick up the phone and call him. No answer. I’m already pissed, having had to do that project, and now this guy wants to act unfamiliar? I place my hand on my hip, purse my lips and ready myself for his voicemail to come on. Wouldn’t you know, his voicemail box has not yet been set up. I hang up the phone, aggravated. The whole day passes with no word from him. There goes that rain cloud feeling once again. Before it kicks in full throttle, however, another cutie from my roster gives me a call. I lay the flirts on thick. He and I plan to hook up later, and I convince myself that spending the evening with him is going to be a thousand times more fun than had I spent it with my main squeeze. That is the rationalized lie I tell myself to gloss over the fact that my main guy is acting out of character. I guess by now it’s evident that what I call ‘the rain cloud’ feeling is an emotional and totally made up saying for disappointment. I was force-fed this emotion at an early age. Not liking the way it felt, I quickly comprised a coping technique that took the focus off of the person who was doing the disappointing (because to focus on them would cause me pain) and instead empowered me to make the best of the situation, despite their a**hole-ishness. I’ve been acquainted with the phrase, “You can’t change anyone but yourself” for a long time now. And I guess I have taken that to heart by not holding people accountable when they disappoint. Rather, I govern myself accordingly and make the best of the situation. Throughout the years, this coping mechanism has evolved into passive-aggressiveness. So for example, in the case of the co-worker who stuck me with the project?
I didn’t assert myself, I didn’t hold her accountable, I didn’t get an attitude, and I did rock the assignment. However, when the tables turned and she was on deadline, and she was blowing my phone up and sending me several emails to try and urgently get something to the Client; I “conveniently” had to attend a meeting and was unable to get back with her by the time her project was due. Oh yeah, did I mention that ‘meeting’ was really a 2-hour lunch break/shopping excursion at Macy’s? The whole time I was trying on clothes I laughed as I thought of her running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Did I feel bad? Not at all. I felt vindicated. I realized I had this problem bad when I decided to pledge in college. On one particular night the big sisters had us clean the bathroom with toothbrushes, locked us in a dark room and beat us, tried to force my line sister to eat her own vomit, and made us pass a raw egg from mouth to mouth. All of this brutality and then they had the AUDACITY to make us cook and serve them breakfast the following morning. I was in charge of making the scrambled eggs. I added a little “Shug Avery Pee” if you know what I mean. (Note: refer to The Color Purple if that went over your head). While my line sisters huffed and puffed their way through cooking the meal, after I had spit in their eggs, I was straight. Cooked it and served it up with the dopest calm. Is this behavior right? Not at all. Do I like being this way? Nope, not hardly. By nature I am nonconfrontational. Cussing you out is not an easy option. Why expend that energy and argue and point fingers when I can inflict some sort of subliminal harm to you and have the last silent laugh as I watch you unknowingly rot? I know it sounds harsh. But breaking my heart is harsh. Disappointing me is harsh. Lying to me is harsh. Treating me like I don’t matter is harsh. Rendering me helpless is harsh. Pretending I don’t exist is harsh. Cheating on me is harsh. Just because I don’t up and act a fool every time someone wrongs me, does not mean their deeds go unpunished. I silently exact revenge. When I hurt, I go Keyser Soze on ‘em…they don’t know what happened and never saw me coming. Screaming and cussing? That’s laughable and expected. It’s the quiet b*tch that’s the scary b*tch….and you can tell them I said it. (Note: Please do not incorporate her strategies, as she is aware they are dysfunctional and is looking to change)
Celebrating the journey of entrepreneurs as they travel the road of success.
Interview by: brandee cartwright-jones
George Haynes, Strategy & Ideation Group Redline99 redline99@redline99.com You've got your entrepreneur finger on SEVERAL triggers, what are the names of all your companies and what does each do? Everything is under the Redline99 umbrella, but you’re right , it breaks out into a few different areas: Angry Dragon by Redline99 is our performance line of polo shirts: The Fashion Lane. Thunder Cloud is our strategy, marketing and idea lab: The Marketing Lane. Redline99 is every thing else and the basis for the other components. It anchors every thing in the lifestyle we love: Motorsports, Music, Animation, etc.: The Lifestyle Lane .
Why the name Redline99? What does it mean? It means giving “it” your all. Pushing yourself to the limit to get the best results. You actually never want to run in the Redline as that’s dangerous territory, but to even get to that point on car/bike is thrilling . Everything I do to the max within control limits. The number 99 means a lot, also. It is the point of being sure and confident, but never perfect or complete. The name keeps me motivated and honest about how things are created. It’s either high performance creative or it’s not right. Were your businesses birthed out of necessity or creativity? More out of creativity and where I felt my professional happiness rested. I really wanted to start building some thing to hopefully turn that into my every day job. When I’m doing these things, it doesn’t feel like work at all. I’m having the best time of my life. How long of a time was it for them to go from a mere thought to something actionable? Different components have been built over time, so for 2 years I focused on developing areas where I enjoyed spending time. Then from there I just started to build them 1 component at a time to what you see today. The last 4yrs. have been the most productive as things started to come to life.
How important is it to have good people on your team? It’s extremely important to be surrounded by good people that are supportive and not dream killers. My group is very supportive but also brutally honest which I appreciate. If they like some thing they will let you know and if they think it’s garbage they will also let you know. That honesty really helps in shaping the creativity vs. someone saying they like or dislike every thing with no constructive feedback to build on. That’s the worst. I really love when people have genuine interest in what you’re doing and give you why they liked some thing or why they didn’t like some thing so I can digest it and either use or discard based on my focus and direction. You strike me as the type that has always had hustle in your blood. What was your first entrepreneurial endeavor and how did that go? That’s an interesting observation. There are a couple of childhood ventures I embarked upon. My first was re-selling candy from the candy lady to all the kids in school who didn’t have access to the 7-11 or a neighborhood candy lady. The second happened when I was in Florida for the summer and started a landscaping business using my Uncle’s lawn equipment. This was going so well I even hired a few of the other neighborhood kids and started managing them in how to cut/edge up lawns, trim hedges and pull weeds. I was making pretty good money as a kid. I would net about $200-$300 a week and had no real overhead. For big/important jobs I would hire the other kids to rake and bag. Were there any special financial steps you took to help fund your company? That’s a good question. I really didn’t use any lending sources. I just found one component that was making a little money and investing that back into the business to create the other parts. I also took my own corporate job money and shut down a lot of extra-curricular things: no partying, no vacations, etc. I just felt I should start investing in me and others would want to follow. Every thing is 100% owned by me until I find the right investor not
only monetarily but aligned with the vision which is equally important to me. What has been your biggest success thus far? We have received some music placements for video games (namely: 2007 NCAA College Hoops) along with some clothing placements in a couple of films. Most recently, I have been interviewed by a couple of cool sites that could help provide exposure to the brand…fingers crossed on that one. Where do you see your company 5 years from now? I hope to still be creating but on a larger scale.
Grilled Tilapia
By: Chef Eric B. Lewis (Serves 6) Ingredients 6 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets 6 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon hot sauce, to taste 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper Directions • Place the fish in a large nonmetal dish. Whisk together the 6 tablespoons oil, the orange zest, orange juice, ginger, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, to taste; pour over the fish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. • Meanwhile, prepare grill. Brush the fish with additional oil. Grill until fish just flakes when tested with a fork, about 5 minutes per side for each inch of thickness.
Chef Eric B. Lewis is Executive Chef and Owner of Elegant Soul Catering in Atlanta, Georgia. He can be reached via e-mail at chefericb@yahoo.com may not be copied or reprinted without prior written authorization © 2009
An Eye on Public Health in the African American Community
Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know “Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for men in the United States. African-American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world and the lowest rate of survival.” WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER? Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer, other than some kinds of skin cancer, among men in the United States. Prostate cancer is made up of cells that do not grow normally. The cells divide and create new cells that the body does not need, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor. These abnormal cells sometimes spread to other parts of the body, multiply, and cause death. The head of the American Cancer Society (ACS), Charles J. McDonald, MD, says: "Black men in America are 1.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and are 2 to 3 times more likely to die of the disease than white men.“ "Prostate cancer, particularly among African Americans, is a disgraceful tragedy that needs immediate and drastic action," says John R. Kelly, a board director of the American Cancer Society. All men aged 40 and up need their physicians to check for prostate cancer with a digital rectal examination (DRE) every year. African American men and all men with a family history of prostate cancer should also get an annual PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. Other men can wait until age 50 for the annual PSA test. African Americans are two to three times as likely to die of prostate cancer as white men. Only 66% of African Americans diagnosed with prostate cancer survive for five years, compared with 81% percent of white men. African Americans also must get screened early if they want to reduce the number of prostate cancer deaths in this group. Prostate cancer screening is crucial for patients at highest risk of developing and dying from the disease at a relatively young age. Scientists say they are gaining knowledge of the genes that cause inherited prostate cancer. But of the 250 families nationwide who have participated in this center's genetic family study, only three have been African-American. Researchers are seeking participation by AfricanAmerican families with two or more living men who have had prostate cancer. Although the causes of prostate cancer are not well-understood, scientists think heredity plays a role. Different genes may be responsible for causing prostate cancer in different subgroups of the population. Although researchers found no consistent evidence of a relationship between prostate cancer risk and either body mass or physical activity, increased risk of prostate cancer was found to be associated with high intake of saturated fat in each of the ethnic groups studied. Other factors such as genetically determined hormone levels and diet during adolescence may account for differences in incidence among the ethnic groups studied. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS • Blood in the urine • Frequent urination, especially at night • Weak or interrupted urine flow • Pain or burning feeling while urinating • The inability to urinate • Constant pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs.
RISK FACTORS Age: Prostate cancer, although primarily a condition of older men, can begin as early as age 35. While the risk of prostate cancer increases for all men as they age, the rate differs by race. Race: Prostate cancer is more common in some racial and ethnic groups than in others, but medical experts do not know why. Prostate cancer is more common among African American men than among white men. It is less common among Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American men. From 1995 - 1999, African- American men in San Mateo County had almost twice the rate of prostate cancer as Asian or Hispanic men and 1.5 times that of Caucasian men, according to the San Mateo County Department of Public Health. Family history: A man with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer is two to three times more likely to develop the disease himself. PREVENTION Medical experts do not know how to prevent prostate cancer, but they are studying many factors. They do know that not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and seeing your doctor regularly contribute to overall good health. Doctors recommend men age 40 or above get an annual prostate exam.
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT The two most common tests used by physicians to detect prostate cancer are the digital rectal examination (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. For the DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. This allows the doctor to feel the back portion of the prostate (where most cancers begin) for size and any irregularities. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the prostate-specific antigen, an enzyme produced only by the prostate, to see if the PSA level is within normal limits. The doctor also may use this test to check for any change in PSA level compared to the previous PSA test. Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. How fast the cancer grows and how different it is from surrounding tissue helps determine the stage. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer.
Published by Tyra T. Ellis, M.S.P.H Member, American Public Health Association Doctoral Candidate - Walden University School of Public Health
What IF? What IF you could help design the future of public education? What IF your conversations with your colleagues over coffee in the staff lounge, or your ideas during an energizing union meeting, could be turned into a reality? What IF you could receive money for projects to boost your students' achievement-projects you could only dream about until now? IF you can imagine it, the AFT Innovation Fund can help you design and develop it. The AFT Innovation Fund is a groundbreaking plan to seek and share successful local educatorand union-led reform efforts in public schools across the United States. This initiative is based on the AFT’s extensive experience with successful reform ideas developed and nurtured in classrooms—by the educators who work with students every day. Visit www.aft.org/innovate/ for more information
"A son is a son till he gets a wife; a daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life."
“If you're a dad, what kind of mark are you leaving on your children, especially your sons? Do you realize that your little boys are watching you like hawks? They're trying to figure out what maleness is all about, and you're their model.”
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” -T.Hesburgh
"If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.” – B. Barton
"To her the name of father was another name for love. “ - F. Fern
PURGATORY The Seraph tried his best to be Norton for the Oracle, attempting to protect all that was good and secure all that’s historical. By using back doors attempting to find refuge among clusters and indexes, I know the content perplexes, I guess that’s why they call me Google and Lexis Nexis. So if you Young and Restless, Follow the Guiding Light into Another World, where the General Hospital is filled with the spiritual sick, not pregnant little girls. Now while you’re shaking yo a**, I’m bout to rattle your brain.
Quit doing the same things over and over again, expecting a different outcome that is the definition of insane, most still infatuated with the false love of fame. I prefer Real Estate, 401Ks and CD’s but not the kind you play…I keep my mind on money, my money on my mind, so every time I blink I see S’s with vertical lines. The first rapper to provide an opportunity to encounter a 3rd kind. The Battle Star Galactica…Redline99. See the architect drafted a plan, trying to find balance between celestial and man, but underestimated the level chaos and pandemonium fans, failed to factor in the persuasive nature of the Merovingian, praying on the emotional and curious nature of women and men. So we end up at the train station floating in mental space, hoping to see light shine in the tunnel coming to deliver us from this place. Or could Paradise be Lost, with 9 against 7 evil attempts to win at all cost, society confused and twisted up, like they trying to guard Hot Sauce. Emotions override logic and reason, if you speak or try and correct a flawed government they call it treason and you end up like the VPs friend during hunting season. See a life with no purpose, is a life with no meaning. Which is the enemy of hope, diluter of faith, causing pain
and destruction to any and all that stands in its way. It’s never the what’s, when’s and how’s, but the Who’s and Why’s, the same kinds of questions that left Agent Smith, Neo and Socrates to die. Sacrificial lambs, martyrs for a cause, which all have effects. But all that is born will eventually meet the grim reaper who comes with the stench of death. You keep praying to Jesus, but I’d be willing to bet, that way back then there wasn’t even a “J” in the alphabet. If your name was Mary, would you answer to Sarah or Um Fufu, now you probably know and understand why the spirit never really moves you. See before there was Presbyterian, Baptist, Islam, Hindu and AME’s there was one nation under 3 simple letters: G.O.D So, Religion became the divider of people. Leading to the creation of all kinds of derivative works and Betty Crocker story sequels. Most ask, how can you curse and put the Bible in the same verse, because my language was bastard from the start, and my GOD knows I’m just trying to do my part.
To hear “Purgatory” & find out more about Redline, check him out online at www.redline99.com and follow him on twitter: twitter.com/redline99
may not be copied or reprinted without prior written authorization © 2007
Fresh cut edition
NAME: Marcus AGE: 18 AFFILIATION: Staunch StarChild Supporter on Several Levels! PASSION: Music COLLEGE MAJOR: Telecommunications WHY I GOT THE HAIRCUT: “The theme for our Prom this year was "Stars in Hollywood"; so I thought it would only be right to get them in my head.” Show us YOUR stars! If you or someone you know has a star tattoo and would like to be featured in StarChild Ink, send us a picture to starchild.pub@gmail.com.
Kiesha
Kevin
Corey “C-Rich”
Rico
Kelly
Joel Erby starchild.pub@gmail.com
D.Nyree
(The interactive edition)
And the starz responded by saying:
On May 17th B.da wrote: I was talking to a friend the other day and Musiq's song "Love" came on the radio. My friend then gave me a bit of trivia about the song. She told me that the song, as originally written, used the word "God" instead of "Love". But for the sake of mass airplay, they changed it. No need to tell you how huge of a hit that song was...I wonder who all would have been exposed to it had they kept the original word?
“I just want to say I keep all my shirts.” - Mondrea “When you add it all up; GOD is LOVE.” – Bryan Howard
Anywho... Lately I've been in touch with people who seem to desire in their hearts to be loved. They post blogs about it, notes on facebook about it, text about it, chit chat about it, even pray for it. Nothing wrong with any of the above. However, as one who has been there, done that, bought the tshirt, returned it back to the store, and recently acquired a new shirt, I can honestly say that the path to true love begins with a firm commitment to God. Instead of the majority of your focus being about finding him or her, start to funnel that time into developing a more personal relationship with God. The more you love and trust God, the more 'the real you' comes into focus. THAT is the you that your soul mate is in search of; not some clueless person who is going about love the wrong way. If you want love bad enough, the sacrifices it takes to see and accept the real thing won't be that big a deal. They say insanity is doing things the same way yet expecting different results. And maybe within the last three relationships you may have had, you went about things differently; the fact remains that on the God tip? You're exactly where you have always been. In my life walk I've learned that when I feel sick and tired and fed-up it's because I'm expecting change to happen from the outside, and feel powerless to do much on my end to bring change. But it is at these times that I remind myself that, through Christ, I was granted AUTHORITY and POWER! And as hard as it may seem, and as unfair as it may sound, I am a firm believer that I must BE the change I wish to see. I can spend a lifetime complaining that no one ever sends me flowers... or I can make the decision to plant my OWN garden and then roll up my sleeves and get to planting. Whatever the case, it's all a choice. Next round, choose differently. Choose God. He never fails. :)
“I was just thinking this very thing in regards to my life.” –V.S.
“Needed this...and it was right on time!!!! Thanks for the encouragement for change to begin within me! - Letise
“Truth in the message for real. Thanks for sharing…” -Frederick Gee
“Good advice for searching souls.” -Charles Burns
“Think of Messiah speaking in parables. Powerful communication is anyways-coded language.” M.Nwoke “For the longest time I put "men" before God and after a while I could already see the end before it got there. Once I decided to live loving God and myself first a REAL experience came about.” – Erica Galloway
B.da’s Outro ON AN ALL ABOUT ME NOTE… 5 Books I’m Currently Reading: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The 48 Laws of Power (Robert Greene) The Idiot’s Guide to Indigo Children (Wendy H. Chapman and Carolyn Flynn) Keep the Faith: A Memoir (Faith Evans) Spiritual Warfare (Richard Ing) Reparations (Kareem Vaughn)
3 Things that annoy me right now: 1. Seeing Jon and Kate Plus 8 splattered across every tabloid. 2. The way Jim Jones tries to rhyme “thought” and “divorce” in the remix of Kid Cudi’s song “Day and Night” 3. Bitter people
Happy Father’s Day Daddy!
Love Truth Dysfunction Babies Beauty
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!