Sistah Selah's Survival Guide

I'm Really into Twitter

Bella — Fri, 20 May 2011 19:43:48 GMT

Hello Everyone!

I know everyone who has a computer with Internet access is very familiar with social networking sites. In the past, MySpace was very popular; however, Facebook has become the dominant player in online social networks. Many of my friends and relatives love Facebook but I have not developed a "warm" and "fuzzy" attachment to it. Frankly, it's an interesting means to "reconnect" with people whom we have fallen out of touch with or interact with people whom may or may not share similar interests. For many, Facebook is an online "hang suite" or "virtual salon" in which people can discuss almost any topic 24/7. It's also a convenient place to upload digital pictures and videos that can be shared with the general public or just a "select" group of users. Businesses, politicians and high profile individuals have tapped into its potential uses as an effective marketing vehicle. By nature, we humans enjoy social interaction and online social networks provide a convenient outlet for us to interact with others from the comfort and safety of our homes.

Recently, I have started using Twitter, another very popular social networking site. What I love about Twitter is how it's configured. A "tweet" or text message can be no longer than 140 characters which makes reading the content created by other users much easier. It enables me to keep up with a wide spectrum of other users and organizations that are relevant to my interests. On Twitter, users can choose to view "tweets" and digital content from everyone or just a select few. There's also the option of limiting who may see your "tweets" and digital content. In fact, many users provide links in their "tweets" pointing to a separate website, Facebook page or YouTube video where the actual digital content is uploaded for complete viewing. Other users can be located on Twitter by using their telephone number, if the user has provided this information. This option is really convenient, if you actually know another user's telephone number but not his/her user name. Twitter really cuts down on what I consider to be excessive information "overload". It's short, sweet and to the point! It really challenges you to engage "intelligently" with other people especially if they have "tweeted" an interesting message that's worth responding to. With "tweets" being limited to only 140 characters, you're not tying up an excessive amount of time reading responses from other users. It's a great "one stop" virtual hub that provides access to the content you value the most.

On the downside, it has had several security and privacy related issues dating back to within a year of its initial launch on July 15, 2006. Being a relatively new micro-blogging social network that has grown globally to an estimated 200 million registered accounts, there's going to be some "bumps in the road". Twitter is a "public" forum designed to broadcast short messages. Essentially anything being transmitted via the Internet is accessible by the public unless a heavyweight encryption algorithm is used to mask the data. Otherwise, any expectation of "ironclad" privacy is very unrealistic. Private commercial and academic networks (Intranets) are constantly hacked into which would make a public network with very high traffic even more vulnerable. Whatever you really don't want known about yourself, don't broadcast it over "any" computer network that's accessible via the Internet. Chances are there's already plenty of information related to your life that can be accessed using a search engine such as Google. Many newspapers both large and small along with magazines and professional publications have gone completely digital. For the most part, any public announcement that's ordinarily published in a local newspaper within the last 20 years, is probably available online. Unless you're a hermit who's completely isolated from civilization, some reference about your existence can be found by searching the Internet. Considering that potential employers and business associates do use the Internet as a means to perform "casual" background checks, it only makes sense not to post anything on the Internet that you may regret having "ANYONE" see. Even posting content "ANONYMOUSLY" does not guarantee that you won't be identified by someone. It's much easier to avoid saying something that you'll regret than to "RETRACT" it once it's been published on the Internet.

Enough said! Enjoy your weekend!!!

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah

MOTHERHOOD AND CREATION

Bella — Sun, 08 May 2011 19:07:00 GMT

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

Setting aside a day to honor one of the most important functions in any civilization is only a small token of our appreciation. Our mothers carried us inside their bodies and nurtured us until we were strong enough to emerge into the world. Once born, whether it's done by our "biological" mother or another female, the nurturing continues until we reach adulthood. There's a great deal of truth to the English proverb, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world". Many child psychologists believe the essential foundation of an individual's personality is well established by age three. Considering that women are the primary purveyors of "language" and "culture" in any society, the influence of our mothers and other relevant "hands on" care givers, provides us with our earliest perceptions of relationship awareness. Realistically, our mothers prepare us to "interact" with society as a whole. The fundamental coping mechanisms learned from our most consistent care givers at such an important period in our early development lays the foundation of how we embrace and value "humanity" as a whole.

Just as the mechanics of creation and evolution provides humanity with the ability to procreate and sustain our species, our Blessed Mother Nature nurtures and sustains all life on our planet. There's no question that all life forms on this planet are interconnected. The expansion of scientific research ushered in by the Age of Reason, has repeatedly emphasized this universal truth. As we honor and give thanks for all the countless women who have given birth and/or nurtured children, we're also acknowledging a deep reverence for an essential component of GOD's creation. Just as our mothers and other "hands on" care givers cradle and nurture us, Mother Nature does the exact same thing by providing the necessary elements that sustain the various interconnected ecosystems which supports life on our planet.

As we praise and give thanks for our mothers today, we should also thank GOD for allowing us the "privilege" to experience his creation as a product of his love embodied in nature. Many religions and philosophical schools of thought embrace the axiom of "as above, so below". In the simplest of terms, life as we know it, is a "microcosm" or reflection of GOD's creative intelligence on a smaller scale. The love, caring and discipline provided by our mothers and other "hands on" care givers provides us with glimpses of this intelligence through relationships. Today, it's my sincere prayer, that humanity will become much more atunned to our relationship with GOD's creation as it's embodied in the "wonders of nature". We can do better in this realm and owe it to future generations to make a concerted effort to try. Enjoy your Mother's Day!

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah

Online Predators - You Can Never Be Too Careful!

Bella — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:49:00 GMT

Hello Everyone:

One can never be "too careful" when meeting people via the Internet. Around April 14, 2011, an entertainment executive filed a lawsuit against Match.com because she was sexually assaulted by someone she met on their dating website. Several days later, Match.com announced that it would begin screening applicants against law enforcement databases to determine, if they, in fact, have been convicted of sexually related criminal offenses. My heart really goes out to this woman because given the popularity of online dating websites, it's only a "miracle" that we haven't heard about more of these sort of incidents. I applaud this woman's courage for publicizing her plight because the "victim" is usually subjected to all kinds of "intensive" scrutiny. Legal disclaimers only protect the service provider from "financial" liability not the "client" from potential harm.

I can really relate to the perils of meeting people "online". About 18 months ago, I was contacted by someone who saw my online profile on a dating website. Luckily, the person who contacted me was very honest about his current situation. I almost dropped my blackberry when he told me about his "incarceration" in a state prison not very far from where I live. Of course, the next time he contacted me, I quickly got ride of him because for various reasons, I don't intentionally date criminals. Ever since then, I have been wondering, how did he get access to the Internet behind bars?

Earlier this year, I read an article online, about the persistent problem prison officials are having nationwide with prisoners obtaining smuggled cell phones. Bingo! Many current cell phone models have the ability to access the Internet which would enable anyone to use it. In fact, the problem is so prevalent here in California, that last month a bill was introduced into the California State Legislature to punish cell phone smugglers – employees or visitors – with up to six months in prison and fines up to $5,000 per device. Last year, over 10,000 cell phones were seized in California State Prisons. I have included the link below, if you want to read more about this legislation.

Bill Aims To Punish Smugglers Of Cell Phones To Prisoners

As a well respected Intel Corporation President, CEO and Chairman, Andrew S. Grove has said, "Only the Paranoid Survive". The gist of this statement reinforces the reality that people must be "actively" vigilant in order to move forward into "unknown" territory as a means to maintain their competitive edge. Interacting with people on the Internet is no different. In this day and age, it's very easy for anyone to fabricate an online persona that's not a realistic representation of who they really are. Furthermore, there have been instances in which a person's profile was stolen from a social networking site and used to fabricate a fraudulent profile on a dating website to bilk unsuspecting victims out of thousands of dollars. If the dating profile was casually vetted, it would have came up legitimate in many respects.

Since performing a comprehensive background check of anyone you meet online may cost around $90 and it's not "fool proof", it may be more effective to actually "network" via social introductions through individuals in which you have established "solid" offline relationships. Of course, this approach also has its drawbacks. My personal experience has taught me to be leery of being introduced to men by people who have never visited their homes. People can conceal a great deal about themselves when no one knows where they "actually" live. Once I ended up dating someone who was actually concealing a "wife" and several "girlfriends" because the people who introduced us "never" met his wife or knew exactly where he lived. Our relationship was "somewhat" short-lived because I do value "integrity". The primary goal is to parlay your "online" relationships into "tangible" offline relationships through "reliable" contacts that you "trust". Discussing too much about your life and the lives of your loved ones to total strangers is very unwise and you may live to regret it. Connecting with people via the Internet is an effective way to expand your social circle but everyone you encounter isn't "sincere" or "reliable". However, as a means of doing business, I wouldn't want to live without it as long as the appropriate safeguards are in place.

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah

I Still Believe in the Democratic Process

Bella — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 01:37:00 GMT

Hello Everyone:

Currently our Federal government based in Washington, D.C. is trying to negotiate a budget compromise that will guarantee its continued operation for the remainder of the fiscal year. The clock is ticking and both parties controlling Congress have apparent differences regarding how key spending cuts should be allocated. This isn't the first time such an impasse like this has occurred and it won't be the last. Usually the party which has the least "humanistic" approach (Republican) will live to regret it in the upcoming national elections in 2012. Too many people who belong to this party don't seem to be the “sharpest knives in the drawer” regarding how the vast majority of people will perceive their actions. Economically, too many people are still reeling from the global recession that began around 2008 and any actions that will “throw a monkey wrench” into the U.S. economy's recovery efforts won't be taken graciously. As we say in the “hood”, 2012 as of today is “on and popping” campaign wise. At the rate, our Federal government is going, a repeat of the 2008 elections wouldn't surprise me at all. When people are hurting economically, they will send a very clear mandate to initiate change for the better. Patience is a virtue and I'm patiently awaiting November 2012 because nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing the Republican party losing in major national elections. Lately oppressed people have been revolting against their “insensitive”, “unresponsive” governments all over the world and now certainly isn't the time to be angering the “oppressed masses” in the United States just to make an “ideological” point.

Democracy is defined according to Webster's Dictionary as “government in which the “POWER” is vested in ALL THE PEOPLE" which reinforces every citizen's “equality of rights”. The beauty of the democratic process is that all people in this country have a right to voice their opinions whether we all agree or not and to “officially weigh in” via the ballot box concerning how our government shall function in accordance to the amendments ratified within our U.S. Constitution and individual State Constitutions. Just because one political party may have won a majority of the popular vote in an election, it doesn't lessen or mitigate the rights of the losing minority. In order for a democratic based government to effectively function, compromises have to made on a regular basis regardless of the ideological differences of the opposing parties. Of course, there are “special interest” or “lobbyist” groups who represent various industries that are constantly attempting to “hijack” the democratic process to suit their own very “self absorbed” financial interests. However, in the end, all the elected officials these lobbyists have “bought and paid for” can only remain in public office by “the will of the people” they represent which isn't always guaranteed. Modern day elected officials simply don't have the luxury to completely ignore the masses who didn't vote for them. To do so is political “suicide” because enough defectors from their established political base may be enough to cost them an election. In my opinion, “not voting” is just as detrimental as a “no” vote. It only strengthens the opposition's position.

The democratic process in the United States isn't without its challenges but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. This process has been so beneficial to the development of our country because it enables the infusion of “fresh” ideas and perspectives within our cherished societal institutions. Too many people “live and breathe” based upon their somewhat "narrow" interpretation of “tradition”. Not all traditional practices are worthwhile due to the evolution of mankind’s empirical understanding. Contrary to what many believe, “change” is the only constant in life. Nothing remains the same. The pendulum of existence swings both ways and will always seek “balance” when any situation becomes “out of sync” with the universal Laws of Karma. Courage, compassion and faith have always been tremendous equalizers that have guided our wonderful nation in the most uncertain of times. Yes, I still believe! Don't you?

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah

Individuals Can Make A Difference!

Bella — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:35:00 GMT

Hello Everyone!

For starters, I want to thank the people who have taken the time to leave comments on my blog entries. I do read all of them and respond to some of them. I don't respond to all of them because although I'm well educated, I'm not an “expert” on everything and nor do I wish to be perceived as one. Furthermore, I'm also attending graduate school which requires quite a bit of focus and time in order to succeed. Believe me, if I had the time, I would update my blog more often; however, I do have other commitments that require my constant attention.

The following comment was posted on my blog: Will there be a doomsday in 2012?

I responded as follows:

If that's what you care to believe, but I wouldn't bank on it! I believe the fate of mankind isn't written in stone and everyday gives us a new opportunity to set things right. What we do on an individual level is just as important as what's happening on a global scale. Individually we can and do make a difference.

Like everyone else, I'm very concerned about the recent international events and their global impact upon the entire world. The radiation that's leaking into the ocean from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan really concerns me. I enjoy eating seafood and the impact upon fragile underwater ecosystems may be devastating. Certain species of birds primarily eat fish to survive. Seafood is also used as a primary ingredient in some brands of pet food. Will I still be able to use “sea salt” to season my food? It's become a popular lower sodium alternative in some brands of canned soup. I also occasionally add it to my bath and it's an additive in some spa products along with “sea weed”. I also use “Irish moss” to combat nasty colds which is a “red algae” that grows along the coasts of Europe and North America. Like many people, I take “fish oil” tablets on a daily basis to improve the health of my circulatory system. Will I have to stop taking them?

What will the impact be upon marine life? There are “endangered” marine species and how will this disaster impact them? Remember last year's BP oil disaster. I was just as nervous about that one and I have to wonder how much our oceans can withstand before we kill them altogether. I live in the USA on the west coast and enjoy going to the beach. Will it be “safe” for me to “wade in the water”? The current unrest in the Middle East is pushing the price of oil “through the roof”. The current price is $108.10 per barrel. Not only does this have a direct impact upon what we pay for gasoline to fuel our cars but the price of products that use significant amounts of petrochemicals will rise as well.

In my opinion, the hand writing is on the wall! Modern society is entirely too dependent upon products and forms of energy that have the potential of destroying large ecosystems which we, humans, and other forms of life on this planet depend upon for our survival. Even with all of our modern capabilities to monitor changes in our environment, we lack the ability to quickly restore invaluable ecosystems once they are destroyed, if they can be saved, at all. We, as consumers, should petition our government leaders to make a concerted effort to implement more “ecologically friendly” forms of energy. The survival of our planet may depend upon our “individual” efforts to make our wishes known. Our planet's ability to “heal” itself isn't “unlimited” and we're pushing it to the brink.

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah

Thank you, Tyler Perry!

Bella — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 07:35:00 GMT

Good Evening, Everyone!

The last seven to ten days have really "thrown me for a loop". I had multiple personal and professional deadlines to meet and quite naturally something important slipped through the cracks, so to speak. Fortunately, I did catch my oversight and properly addressed the matter. However, another important project that I had been working on for about a month did not turn out as planned. I gave it everything I had, but I still came up short in the end. I really prayed for a positive outcome but it didn't materialize. My disappointment with the outcome would certainly be an "understatement". In fact, I was "mad as hell" but I was just too busy to allow my intense anger to get the best of me. After I received the bad news, I recalled a recent email message that Tyler Perry, who is a very successful African American film writer, producer and director sent out to his fans on March 6, 2011. Below is a key passage from that email:

Now, as a man, I recount that. When I deal with negative things in this life, in this business, I "rise above it". I stay on higher ground. I don't come down from the safety of a higher place to deal with the foolishness or danger of what is beneath me. I tell you it works. It frees your soul to be free. If you haven't tried it you should. It will mess your enemies up. If I can leave you with anything, I will leave you with this--in this life there will be a lot of things thrown at you. Take them as they come. Some things you fight, but most you don't. Rise above it! Nothing can hurt you when you stay in the high place. It's safe there. And don't worry about your enemies. The 23rd Psalm says, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies", which means, in order for you to eat, then your enemies have to be present! (smile)

There's a great deal of wisdom in the above passage from Mr. Perry's email. Too many people thrive on being downright "envious" and "evil", period! They will project their own insecurities and unhappiness upon others who clearly have achieved something "admirable" but refuse to come to grips with their own shortcomings. Giving "credit where credit is due" requires a well developed sense of "fairness and humanity" that they woefully lack. If you have never had to deal with such worthless "riff-raff", consider yourself lucky, because I have and there's nothing worse than confronting a "self absorbed" sociopath who possesses overly inflated entitlement issues. Adversity and deprivation doesn't bring out the best in everyone and many people weren't taught that "cream rises to the top" regardless of where it's placed. Winners don't waste their time wallowing in "self pity". They pick themselves up and move forward whether they are supported or not because they are "internally" motivated to please themselves -- not necessarily everyone else!

Historically, on a societal level, "anger" has been constructively channeled to empower the disenfranchised masses to decisively confront their oppressors. Countless political grass root movements that have toppled governments were sparked by injustices that angered the masses. The recent events that have transpired in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya are prime examples. The chain of events in the late 1700's that led to the Revolutionary War that severed England's control of the original thirteen colonies in North America gave birth to the United States of America would certainly be another. On a personal level, "anger" can prompt a person to make sweeping changes for the better. Since I've had a minute or two to reflect upon my recent disappointment, my entire agenda for the next year has drastically changed. Anger has prompted me to completely reassess my current objectives and develop new ones. Out with the "old" and in with the "new". "Let's keep it real" is my new motto. I'm only "ONE" person who can't please "EVERYBODY"! Take it or leave it! I'll live!

May Peace Be With You and Yours,

Sistah Selah

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Bella — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:44:00 GMT

Hello Everyone:

It's been quite some time since I've updated this blog due to a multitude of reasons. To be perfectly frank, I've been considering starting a brand new blog but I haven't made a final decision on this issue. However, I've been prompted by an issue that deserves to be addressed with some "intelligence" and "objectivity".

It never fails; every time any news about African Americans is posted on the Internet the amount of derogatory feedback is legion. For the most part, we African Americans aren't surprised by this sort of "overt" negativity. It simply goes with the territory, so to speak, because many very "racist" and "hateful" people who deeply resent "people of color" for whatever reason, never miss an opportunity to anonymously sit behind their computers and mindlessly bash us because they can't be readily identified. Thankfully, the GOD I worship, "SITS HIGH, AND LOOKS LOW" and when people choose to put "hateful", "destructive" intentions into motion, THEY WILL ALWAYS COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM AND THAT'S A "NATURAL" FACT!!!

Historically, the achievements of African Americans have always been under represented within American society which is what has prompted the recognition of "Black History" month. During the month of February, a concerted effort is made to focus public awareness upon the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans. For the most part, the significant accomplishments of "Non-Caucasians" have been consistently overlooked within the curriculum of public schools. Community efforts such as these help combat the institutionalized racism that is well embedded within so many public and private institutions that result in these blatant oversights.

On March 6, 2011, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, known as the NAACP, held its 42nd Annual Image Award ceremony. From its inception on February 12, 1909, this internationally renown organization has been at the forefront of the struggle against inequality that has adversely impacted "people of color" within the United States. Like so many well established institutions, it has had its "ups and downs" but for the most part, it has significantly contributed to the judicial, legislative and cultural victories that have advanced equality in America. Make no mistake; these significant victories have paved the way to eradicate "overt" discrimination against anybody based upon age, race, sex, religion, national origin as well as sexual orientation. This well respected organization provides an excellent annual forum to acknowledge the accomplishments of African Americans which aren't always readily appreciated within the larger scope of American society.

What I find "unacceptable" is the constant criticism of African Americans who openly voice their discontent about being overlooked when the nominations of more entertainment industry specific awards are compiled such as the Oscars, Golden Globes and Emmy awards. Mind you, these are usually the same "ASS BACKWARD" Neanderthals who routinely criticize "community specific" award ceremonies such as the BET and NAACP Image Awards. They criticize them as being vehicles of "reverse discrimination" but what is the justification for the complete "shut out" of African Americans regarding the Oscar nominations that have occurred this year???

A simple Internet search would yield numerous national, international and ethnic based organizations that honor the accomplishments of Australian, British, Chinese, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Latino and Spanish people, just to name a few. Nobody criticizes these "national" or "ethnic" specific awards because there is "NOTHING MORALLY WRONG" with a community of individuals who come together on a regular basis to honor the accomplishments of their members. Even those who work in the pornographic movie industry annually honor the accomplishments of their members. Considering the depths of their “depravity”, does anyone complain??? At least organizations that honor the accomplishments of African Americans primarily promote those individuals who are making significant strides in their chosen fields in a very positive sense. For those individuals who can't assimilate into a more “global” and “multi-cultural” world landscape THAT'S STRICTLY “YOUR” PROBLEM! GET OVER IT! People of color aren't going to "DISAPPEAR" simply because you would rather not acknowledge our "RELEVANCE''. Diversity makes the world a much more interesting place and if you have chosen to reject the statistical realities of current and future population trends, the world will continue to "ROCK AND ROLL" WITHOUT YOU! It existed long before you were born and will continue to do so regardless of how much you have chosen to absorb yourself in “hate” and “bigotry”. YOU ARE YOUR “OWN” WORST ENEMY!!!

May God Bless You and Yours,

Sistah Selah

THE BP OIL SPILL – GOD HELP US!!!

Bella — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:31:00 GMT

Hello Everyone:

It’s been several months since I’ve updated my blog. Truthfully, I’ve been somewhat preoccupied with other matters and now, I have more time.

I’ve been monitoring some of the reports concerning this catastrophe and as a former resident of Louisiana I’m very concerned about the long-term impact it will have on its’ future and that of the entire world. Preliminary investigations have been made and a high level government official has resigned but it has been well over a month and crude oil is still gushing into the Gulf of Mexico which poses a significant environmental threat to all of us. You don’t have to a doctorate degree in the sciences to understand that realistically the world has only “one” ocean and if enough chemical pollutants are pumped into it, it will die.

From a legal and ethical standpoint, I understand the Obama Administration’s frustration because this is a “man-made” disaster – not a natural one. In all fairness, the parties who created this mess should “clean it up” and “reasonably compensate” those individuals whose livelihoods and way of life have been directly impacted by their negligence. I’m very sympathetic with the desire of BP executives to privately manage the spill containment and clean up efforts. However, if this was only a leaking oil tanker with a finite amount of oil; I’m sure they would be able to handle it but we’re talking about an enormous amount of oil gushing out of the ocean floor which may be well beyond their capabilities to contain.

Considering the magnitude of what’s at stake, BP should formally ask the U.S. government and possibly NATO for assistance with the understanding that government involvement does not “lessen” or “terminate” their financial responsibility in this disaster. Time is not on our side and BP should be willing to acknowledge this reality. The future of our world’s precious oceans is at stake. The United States' federal government lacks the solid expertise to deal with this ecological nightmare on its’ own; however, a combined effort composed of BP and governmental logistical support may be exactly what’s needed to quickly contain this spill and minimize the ecological damage to our planet.

I sincerely pray that an effective solution will be implemented as soon as possible. If BP can successfully deploy it by themselves, that would be wonderful; however, if this is not the case, please ask for assistance. There’s just too much at stake.

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -- A DREAM COME TRUE -- SUPER BOWL XLIV

Bella — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:14:00 GMT

GO SAINTS