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Those of us that are fortunate enough to still have a job and or business during these uncertain economic times and unprecedented unemployment should aim professionally to do a job right and do it well. Exercising this simple standard can determine the outcome between success and failure.  Unfortunately, somewhere along the way we have become complacent with just “doing it.”   

Some would argue, “What difference does it make as long as the job gets done?” Well, the difference is evident in the teacher that’s able to educate and challenge the minds of our students versus a teacher that is challenged by the students and  hanging on by a thread to get through the day, perhaps the year, just being a babysitter. It’s the difference  in a company that pays, hires, and trains employees to be  professional and competent versus a company that hires convenient and cheap labor that can just barely “do it” leaving much to be desired. We have, perhaps more often than not, dealt with an employee with more attitude than skill or knowledge.        

The message here is to strive for excellence in our personal work ethic, whether it’s a temporary part time position, career dream job or your own business enterprise. Expect the same level of commitment, competence and customer service from those individuals and businesses that you frequent as you do of yourself. Don’t allow your hard earned dollars to be disrespected and more importantly don’t sell yourself short by not giving one hundred per cent of your efforts and talents to your chosen career path. Let us all “do it right” so that we can collectively “all do well.”
 

Reportedly, after months of taking incoming fire from Fox News, the White House fired back with negative criticism.

Do you think the White House crossed the line?

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Chet Baker Live in "So What"

"The Night Of Jazz" | MySpace Video

Check out today’s video message. It’s food for thought.   www.TanyaFree.com
 

Too much Halloween spirit! Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ video and share your thoughts on this or any issue of your choice. What’s on your mind today?  

This fast paced lifestyle of ours has unfortunately led to a lack of cohesiveness and connection in our neighborhoods. Many of us now may only know one or two people at most in our building or block. The days when neighbors sat on the front porch and watched and looked out for the kids coming home from school have been replaced by many latch key kids coming home alone to an empty house. While I realize that traveling down memory lane can result in selective memory, I sometimes find myself wishing for the days when parents were responsible for all of the kids on the block and the days when teachers would request and expect parents to ensure that homework was completed and behaviors were in check.

Today’s parents are in a position where they have to do everything necessary to make ends meet including working long hours and multiple jobs. While I know that looking back through rose colored glasses won’t change where we are today, the principles of personal and collective responsibility are in desperate need of a resurgence. Let me acknowledge and congratulate the majority of good and responsible parents who are there for their children and their neighbors kids every day and remain great role models in our communities even in these trying times.

Unfortunately, in too many instances, the concept of personal responsibility appears to be rapidly disappearing in this age of passing the buck. Why is it considered taboo by some to suggest or even discuss the fact that we as a whole can do a better job of accepting personal and collective responsibility for our lives, destiny and more importantly those who depend on us for guidance? Daily news broadcasts give us images of youth violence, gang related activity, teen pregnancy and school dropouts. We blame the school systems for failing grades, but how often do we as parents show up for PTA meetings and school board meetings to express concerns. We blame the police for violence in the streets and judges for the high rate of incarcerated youth and rap videos for displaying graphic portrayals and glorification of thug life but leave the supervision of our kids to the streets and cable TV.

Add the troubled economic climate, rising unemployment and underemployment to the mix and life can appear to be overwhelming. So what’s next, some of us blame the President, government and anyone else we can think of. There is enough blame to go around, from failing schools to corrupt politicians to greedy Wall Street executives. But at the end of the day we all have to look at what we can do to improve our little piece of the world. Let’s admit and acknowledge that we are a part of the problem whenever we expect someone else to make things better for us. We cannot afford to make excuses for a lack of personal responsibility. Celebrities like Bill Cosby have been lambasted for suggesting that there is a lack of responsibility in our communities. Some have suggested that our dirty laundry should not be aired in public. I say it is aired every night on the 6pm news. There is a lot of wisdom in an old childhood saying," whenever you point your finger at someone, there are four fingers pointing back at you."

Take responsibility, be a part of the solution. Take this opportunity as a call to action. I invite you to share and post your feelings on personal responsibility.

There is growing support calling for a moratorium on executions in the state of Texas, sparked by recent reports that an innocent man may have been executed.    

What do you think about a moratorium on the death penalty?

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Check out this Friday’s miraculous and amazing story.   www.TanyaFree.com 

If it sounds too good to be true, well … Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ story and share your thoughts on this story or on any issue of your choice today. What’s on your mind?  

Since April we have all been on preventive alert against a new viral strain and growing pandemic called the swine flu, now referred to as the H1N1 virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been a total of 9,079 people hospitalized and 593 deaths associated with the H1N1 virus between April and August. Every year approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized and an average 36,000 die from flu related illnesses. These numbers are estimated to double this season with the H1N1 virus. It’s imperative to take proactive measures to decrease the chances of getting the virus. 

Basic habits such as hand hygiene can help stop the spread of germs. Experts recommend washing hands frequently and thoroughly for 15- 20 seconds especially after sneezing or coughing. The CDC reports, one of the main ways the flu spreads is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes “known as droplet spread. It is explained that this happens when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person moves through the air and are deposited on the mouth and nose of people nearby. With this in mind, always cover a cough or sneeze. Have tissues available to avoid coughing or sneezing in one’s hands. Wash your hands or use alcohol based disposable hand wipes every time you cough or sneeze.

These are a few simple hygienic tips. For more preventive information click the following links:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_keyfacts.htm
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/swine-flu-prevention
http://www.flu.gov/
 

The State of Arizona recently passed a law that allows taking a concealed weapon into a bar, providing it’s not prohibited by the establishment.   

Would you patronize a bar that allows guns?

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Check out Friday’s “Feel Good” story.   www.TanyaFree.com 

Have you ever been stood up by your doctor for an appointment? Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ story and comment or share your thoughts on an issue of your choice. What’s on your mind? 

It’s terrifying when children aren’t safe in their own neighborhood and their school district is a combat zone. Such was the case with Derrion Albert, an honor student who was confronted by violence on his way home from school. Less than a month into the new school year, Derrion is the third student homicide in Chicago.

Touched by the death of this young man, the brutal murder of Derrion struck a cord nationally. Appalling raw video drove home the widespread youth violence that plagues our communities.  Check out your local news and there’s sure to be a report of youth violence. We’re just usually spared the graphics. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in this country. Among African Americans it’s the leading cause of death. It’s time to stop ignoring the facts. We’re long overdue with getting to the root of the problem.

Chicago, like many localities, plans to allocate millions of dollars to target at risk youth. Intervention programs targeting at risk youth help but cannot solve the problem alone. In addition to these efforts, we must address the problem on the front end and that starts - at home. There is a proverb that says, “Train up a child in the way that he should go…”   With this in mind, parents have the ultimate responsibility to teach and instill positive values in their children. That's where it should all start.   

In the state of New York there is a mandate for all health care workers to take the H1N1 flu vaccine. There are other states considering the same requirement.   

How would you react if your employer mandated that you to take the flu vaccine? 

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Check out today’s TanyaFree.com good news video.  

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/race/2009/09/jonathan-mccoy-stop-using-the-nword.html  (campaign speech)

Did someone not tell this couple that ….? Check out this week’s ‘Wassup’ story and comment or share your thoughts on any issue of your choice. What’s on your mind today?