2014 Review: Changing The Game - Rel Dowdell

by C. Henry Adams

This is somewhat embarrassing to state, but it has taken me three (3) years to be able to sat down, purchase a fellow Fiskite and Classmate's Film.

http://www.amazon.com/Changing-Game-Tony-Todd/dp/B008A6QBUO

Rel Dowdell is one of those Outstanding Americans of African Descendent that I have known over two decades.  I heard of his great accolades from Colleagues, but fail to review the film until recently.

First, let me state that while attending College in the Late 1980's and early 1990's, I can honestly say that it was a culture shock for me being from the South and I'm quite sure for those individuals from the North in the USA as well.

The ways of our thinking from all students of different facets of life ,  their actions and their concepts were slightly different.

I believe from viewing the Movie, "Changing the Game", Rel took experiences from College, as well as, his Culture in Philadelphia to write and Co- Produce the Film.

It is with no doubt in my mind that the intelligent aspect of the young boy reading the Charlotte's Web Book in his Elementary School at the beginning of the movie was likely from an episode in Rel's own life. 

Rel was outspoken and highly intelligent in College to say the least.

Furthermore, thinking like a Skilled Leader of Warriors when it comes to creating strategies to overcome obstacles, coupled by the 'Birds of a Feather' flock together observation , whereas, two young men fake their deaths - was in fact intriguing.

I have given you a taste of the beginning of the Movie and a piece of the ending of it.   I honestly rated the Movie via letter grades at the level of a B, whereas,  A is the highest and E is the lowest of the ratings given.

Rel and his Team obviously put a lot of work into everything regarding this film and it shows.

http://www.amazon.com/Changing-Game-Tony-Todd/dp/B008A6QBUO

I hope Professor Rel Dowdell consider making other Movies in the near future.  So, what do you think?


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City of Atlanta Street Cleanup in Local Districts - Grade: D+

by C. Henry Adams

First, I want to thank the Workers out in the field for the City of Atlanta - Department of Public Works. Your work is appreciated.   However, regarding the management, planning and removal of Winter Debris (Salt & Gravel) that has plague the streets for nearly a month in the 9th, 10th, and 11th District ;  I have nothing good to say at all.
Furthermore,  it is interesting to the say the less, that streets like Tribble Lane, Linkwood Road, Collier Drive , Peyton Road, Willis Mill Road and Venetian Drive to name a few; still have gravel and salt present.

Word is out that Atlanta is only addressing a 'Request List' now.   So if you see a street sweeper cleaning one street of many filthy streets within the same surrounding area, the other passages are not on the list.

I can only imagine the number of people that could get upset like I did when I heard this method of doing business.
It appears that some Elected Officials of the City of Atlanta don't really care about their Constituents until they (Constituents) start raising hell.
One way to boost the economy in an area and perhaps help lower the crime in the same location is to keep the live-work place clean.
Why are we still waiting for the City of Atlanta to take immediate action?
The grade of a D+ was given because something is being done.  So, what do you think?

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' Cause I'm Happy

By C. Henry Adams


Excerpts from a discussion on Facebook regarding Pharrell Williams' Song called,  ' Happy  '


In December of 2013 if I recall correctly, Pharrell Williams put out a song called, " Happy " on YouTube. Well, one of my Brothers from another Mother ( Scooda Red ) posted the song on his Facebook Page. By that time, it had 36 Million hits. Today, that song has 78 Million hits and many many Artist's attention. We need to turn the Vibe around to a more Positive Vibe. Pharrell is a trail blazer in this day and time.

BIE Media Group, sells Radio Ads on PRAISE 102.5/1029 FM in Atlanta - A Contemporary Gospel Radio Station. That station played this song on the AIR. This song has transcend across many genres. I don't care what NO BODY SAY, God is working with that Rump Shaker Producer ( Pharrell ). LOL

Hey, it's just my thoughts, opinions and observations.

So, what do you think?



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XLA: Developing A Student Mastermind

A Student Mastermind or Scholar is a highly intelligent educated person.  He or she is capable of planning and directing complex or difficult projects.

Becoming a mastermind should NOT be misconstrued as something negative, bad or evil.

Fore many centuries, men and women alike studied the behavior and nature of human beings. We have gotten so good at our studies, that we can make predictions based on systems that we have created to cause reactions to particular stimulus.

A system is a set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole.

Everything that can be positively conceived about your 'Way of Life' or course of actions are based on a set of systems.   You did not manifest in this manner and no, life did not just happen.

But, rest assured as a Student, trial and error was involved in the development of your World (Culture or 'Way of Life') as you know it to be in this particular dimension of events.

Growing up, we are influenced by other people, cultures, values, ethics and authorities to say the least regarding types of systems that we encounter.
XL Academics connect Students to Mentors, facilitate Employment by developing talent, and engage in the continued growth of individuals served by its organization.

To successfully accomplish goals and make dreams realities, an individual would have to maneuver through great obstacles in their cycle of life. XL Academics offers multiple levels of support to aid Students with questions and training.

Sometimes that person requires assistance from an individual or group of people to reach the next levels in their life.

XL Academics provides that support through various technologically advanced platforms to bring out the Master Mind abilities in people aspiring beyond their dreams and or reality.

To learn more about XL Academics platforms, please "LIKE" them on Facebook or visit them here:  http://www.xlacademics.net/xlaimplementation.php






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CBO Says 2 Million People Will Impoverish Themselves?

Notice:   Comments made by C. Henry Adams do not directly reflect the views or opinions of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. ,as well as, BIE Media Group, LLC.  Nor will his statements in this discussion relate to any policy or procedures utilize to operate the companies.

by C. Henry Adams

What is really going on here in America?   I ask that question because the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office ("CBO") report in my opinion can be somewhat alarming.

I'm sure by now you have seen the articles by the AJC , the Washington Post  , the Washington Times and the New York Times about how it is estimated that at least (2) two million Americans are expected to impoverish themselves to get, keep or maintain Affordable Healthcare.

By the way, Affordable Care Act, Obamacare or whatever you so choose to called it, maintains the poverty status in my professional opinion.   But, what do I know, right?

Well, according to the CBO, in just ( 7 ) seven years or by 2021, at least 2.3 Million People will impoverish themselves.   Does this sounds familiar?   Where did they get their numbers?

Let's say that 48.8 Million People are now estimated to be in poverty, according to 2000 to 2012 US Census report and the CBO has just added at LEAST 2.3 Million more People by 2021.

Do you see the light now?   Do you see the light in the picture above ,whereas, we are trying to make a point?

I can hear someone say, " C. Henry, your two metaphoric questions don't make any sense to me.  I'm going to go out and get the ACA Health Insurance , make under the amount of money to keep my subsidies and buy whatever I want.  So, shut the hell up! "

My Reply To That Person:   Well, alrighty then - I wish you well in your poverty state of being in America.

Listen, I am not making it my job to tell you how to conduct or even run your life.

But, I sincerely hope that you read and download the CBO which is an economic forecast of sorts.  I know that I will be proactive in regards to it and other things observed in this economy.

So, what do you think?

Congressional Budget Office Publication for Feb. 2014:   http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45010

US Census:  ' Poverty:  2002 to 2012   American Community Survey Briefs '  PDF  :  http://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr12-01.pdf

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Snow Jamnit Atlanta 2014: Hats-Off To Unsung Hero Contractors And Elected Officials Who Care

Notice:   Comments made by C. Henry Adams do not directly reflect the views or opinions of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. ,as well as, BIE Media Group, LLC.  Nor will his statements in this discussion relate to any policy or procedures utilize to operate the companies.


By  C. Henry Adams

You know, just when I thought that I had my feel of the Snow Jamnit Atlanta 2014 Nightmare,  my God showed up and showed out through his people. 

I can hear someone asking, " C. Henry, why is he your God and not mine, too?"  Well, out of the respect for the non-believers who perhaps might be reading my blog, I simply made that statement.

It allows me to not offend God,  his People like me, other Religions, Agnostics and those People who chose not to believe.

America is still America when you see Small to Medium-sized Businesses clearing the streets, roads, bridges and byways of snow turn black ice in Atlanta during the wee hours of the morning until after 12:00 o'clock midnight.

For the efforts of those Contractors like the Team that I encountered from Newnan, Georgia, the Atlanta City Public Works Department, as well as, Georgia State Representative Sheila Jones alone with Atlanta City Councilman C. T. Martin -  thank you so very much for caring about ALL the CITIZENS in your districts.   

It is greatly appreciated.


So, what do you think?



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Is Emergency Management Non Existent on Linkwood Road?

by C. Henry Adams

Is Emergency Management non-existent in Northwest, Southwest and West of Atlanta Communities like Collier Heights?    Is Emergency Management non-existent on Linkwood Road that is the corridor to which connects Martin Luther King, Junior Drive to Collier Drive?

These are the questions running through my mind and many constituents minds of the elected officials we put into office.

But, instead of getting angry, I just walk, try to provide help when physically able while busting my butt on solid black ice a total of (6) six times between Tuesday Night and Wednesday Afternoon.  My location at the time, the area of Linkwood Road.

Yes,  we reached out to two elected officials to whom we will not call their names, plus dialing 511 and another Emergency Management Agency as well.

If you are thinking that  ' I'm going out on a limb ', yep-  we done that and the limb is now broken.

So, what say you  is the solution?   Well, if you ask me, the solution for the City of Atlanta, County of Fulton or all Counties, as well as, the State of Georgia is to TRAIN Citizens on how to HELP themselves.

The split digital image seen above is not a lie as of the date provided and likely 11:36 pm EST 1/29/2014 as I write this blog article.

There are four EMAs that should be available to thousands of people in my area.  I can hear somebody saying, " What is an EMA, C. Henry Adams ?"

My Reply:  Emergency Management Agency.

List of EMAs available to Atlanta-Fulton County Citizens below:

Note:  There are no Law Enforcement Agencies mentioned below, but they are an active part of EMAs.

1) Atlanta Fire/Rescue Department ("AFRD") or Fulton County Fire and Rescue Department ("FCFRD") :

http://www.atlantaga.gov/index.aspx?page=187

http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/fcfrd-home



2) Atlanta - Fulton County Emergency Management Agency ("AFCEMA") : 

http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/afcema



3) Georgia Emergency Management Agency ("GEMA"):

http://www.gema.state.ga.us/


4) Federal Emergency Management Agency: ("FEMA"):

http://www.fema.gov/


So, what's the problem with them showing up?


Let me answer that; Limited Man and Woman Power during times of Disasters.


I can hear somebody I know say, " C., you know this, so the only other alternative is to help yourself. "

My Reply:   Yes, you are correct.  WE NEED TO HELP OURSELVES.

Please train us to be a CERT ( " Community Emergency Response Team " ) Atlanta, Fulton County and the State of Georgia.

http://www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams 


What does a CERT do?  
http://www.fema.gov/community-emergency-response-teams/frequently-asked-questions#benefit

A: People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace and community and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes or workplace. If a disaster happens that overwhelms local response capability, CERT members can apply the training learned in the classroom and during exercises to give critical support to their family, loved ones, neighbors or associates in their immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, CERTs provide useful information to responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community. CERTs have been used to distribute and/or install smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries in the home of elderly, distribute disaster education material, provide services at special events, such as parades, sporting events, concerts and more.

That's it for me.

I hear somebody saying before I  go, " C. Henry, how many vehicles were stuck on Linkwood Road before you go and is that a Grady Hospital EMS Ambulance, is it stuck on the black ice too!? "

My Reply:  As of Wednesday 1/29/2014, approximately 2:30 pm EST, we counted 20 vehicles which included the Grady Hospital EMS Ambulance seen to the left (3rd Vehicle far left) digital image above.

So what do you think?


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UPDATE: Committee Meeting for HB714 Canceled?

Notice:   Comments made by C. Henry Adams do not directly reflect the views or opinions of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. ,as well as, BIE Media Group, LLC.  Nor will his statements in this discussion relate to any policy or procedures utilize to operate the companies.

By C. Henry Adams

It appears that the meeting regarding an amendment to House Bill 714 that would stop certain Hard-Working School Employees from seeking Unemployment in the off season was canceled Monday, January 28th 2014.

This particular meeting was scheduled by the Georgia Legislative House Committee called,  " Industry and Labor ".
I can hear someone asking, " What is an amendment?"  

My  Reply:  1. A way to make a change or add to a law.  ( C. Henry Adams made-up definition. )  2. an addition, alteration, or improvement to a motion, document, etc.  ( Free Dictionary.com's definition. ) http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Amendments

For Clarification Purposes Only:
HB714 is currently a Georgia law.  Here is a link to the amendment that is being introduced.

http://legiscan.com/GA/text/HB714/2013  

Note:  You must have an Adobe PDF Reader installed in your computer to read the document.

Here is the interesting thing about the HB714;  May 9th 2009 this bill passed in Regular Session.

Below, is a summary of the bill at that time:

http://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HB714/2009

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act providing a new charter for the City of Norcross, approved March 28, 1990 (Ga. L. 1990, p. 4934), as amended, particularly by an Act approved April 5, 1993 (Ga. L. 1993, p. 4727) and by an Act approved March 25, 1996 (Ga. L. 1996, p. 3666), so as to change the terms of the mayor and city councilmembers; to provide that the mayor and councilmembers shall be elected by a plurality; to provide for submission of this Act for preclearance under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

http://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HB714/2009

Alright, then comes January the 12th of 2012,  whereas, an amendment was made to HB714 to add the use of defibrillators on site at such facilities at all times for use during emergencies, however,  25% progress was made regarding that amendment.  Thus, its works died in the committee meeting and still is pending.

Furthermore, during January 15th 2014, an amendment was introduce regarding the determination of eligibility for unemployment benefits of certain people performing certain services to the HB714.

http://legiscan.com/GA/text/HB714/2013

Well, since the Industry and Labor Committee canceled the meeting Monday, January 27th 2014 and it snowed in the Atlanta Metro area Tuesday, January 28th 2014, perhaps we should wait while watching out for the next time this particular amendment shows up on the Georgia Legislative Calendar for the House.

 http://media.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?chamber=house



So, what do you think?

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I'm Morally Against Georgia General Assembly HB714.

Notice:   Comments made by C. Henry Adams do not directly reflect the views or opinions of Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc. ,as well as, BIE Media Group, LLC.  Nor will his statements in this discussion relate to any policy or procedures utilize to operate the companies.

By C. Henry Adams

Often times, I'm finding out information about the ' going-ons ' in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, the Nation and the World through text messages, social media, emails , TV ( When I watch it. ),  Radio ( When I listen to it. ) and the telephone ( Cellphone or VoIP).  LOL  OK, maybe not quite in that order.

No, no -  I did not fail to mention the Newspapers or Magazines.  Why?  Well, a number of times by the time it reached the periodicals, it would likely be old news.

Alright, to the point.  Someone or should I say, one of my Colleagues email me a letter addressing several issues.

I decided to choose this issue of HB714 amendment.   My late Father use to say, know what you are getting into before you get into it.   http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/display/20132014/HB/714http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/display/20132014/HB/714

Well, that very valuable piece of wisdom and some other statements disguised in cliche have likely saved my life, kept me out of trouble and quite aware of my surroundings.


HB714 amendment clearly states below:

" 

Benefits based on service in employment as defined in subsections (h) and (i) of Code Section 34-8-35 shall be payable in the same amount, on the same terms, and subject to the same conditions as compensation
payable on the basis of other services subject to this chapter, except as otherwise provide
in this Code section:

.

(b)(1) With respect to services performed in an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity for any educational institution, including those operated by the United States government or any of its instrumentalities, divisions, or agencies, benefits shall not be paid during periods of unemployment if services were performed in the prior year, term, or vacation period and there is a contract or a reasonable assurance of returning to work for an educational institution immediately following the period of unemployment. Such periods of unemployment include those occurring:

(A) Between two successive academic terms or years;
(B) During an established and customary vacation period or holiday recess;

(C) During the time period covered by an agreement that provides instead for a similar period between two regular but not successive terms; or

(D) During a period of paid sabbatical leave provided for in the individual's contract.

;and

(2) With respect to services performed in any other capacity with any educational institution, including those operated by the United States government or any of its instrumentalities, divisions, or agencies, benefits shall not be paid during periods of unemployment if services were performed in the prior year, term, or vacation period and there is a reasonable assurance of returning to work for an educational institution immediately following the period of unemployment. If compensation is denied pursuant to this paragraph to an individual, however, and that individual is not offered an opportunity to perform services for the educational institution following the unemployed period, such individual shall be entitled to retroactive payment for each week during that period of unemployment a timely claim was filed and benefits were denied solely by reason of this paragraph  "

I'm going to stop quoting right here, 'cause what has already been said, likely pissed some HARDWORKING folks off or greatly caused concerns regarding their livelihood.

It is my understanding that there will be a hearing on HB714 Monday, January 27th 2014 at 2:00 pm  EST, in Room Number 506 in the Coverdell Legislative Building, 18 Capitol Square (Downtown) Atlanta , Georgia, SW.

I'm morally against suffering or causing more people to suffer everyday in this economy.  I'm morally against Georgia General Assembly HB714.



So what do you think?

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XL Academics Efforts To Stop College Level Education From Depleting

by Staff Writer


According to a recent US Census News Release Sept. 3, 2013,  college enrollment in fall 2012 plunged by half a million (467,000) from one year earlier.

Of the Males for all Races enrolled October 2012, according to the US Census   Table 5 ( Type of College and Year Enrolled for College Students 15 Years Old and Over, by Age, Sex, Race, Control of School, Attendance Status, and Enrollment Status) ; on average for all colleges enrollment for males the 1st year was 2,200.  But, by the fourth year it decline to 1,560.  For more information, download the spreadsheet file here.

Of the Females for all Races enrolled October 2012, according to the US Census  Table 5 ( Type of College and Year Enrolled for College Students 15 Years Old and Over, by Age, Sex, Race, Control of School, Attendance Status, and Enrollment Status) ; on average for all colleges enrollment for females the 1st year was 2,687.  But, by the fourth year it decline to 1,223.  For more information, download the spreadsheet file here.

The decline in enrollment is a serious factor in the depreciation of the US Economy.

When individuals are not advancing in life and have no sense of direction, communities experience hardships as a result of the decrease in the management of resources.

This is likely due to the failure to fulfill highly skilled jobs or careers that require years of training.

Wisdom comes from knowledge.  Without the knowledge of how to manage your time, your financial responsibilities or even being guided by those people ( Elders or Mentors ) before you in life; perhaps one could be lost in our society.

XL Academics of Rockford, Illinois identified these problems faced by Business(es), Communities and Government.   Realizing that youth lack direction in their daily lives, XL Academics created several unique platforms to help resolve these very serious issues.

For the sake of time and to encourage you to visit their website or XL Academics Facebook Page, we decided to point out one of the greatest platforms developed called, " XL University ".

What is the XL University Platform?   Well, it is a series of performances that specifically caters to College Students.

It aids College Students by giving them guidance on how to manage their time, better obtain fiscal responsibility and help them to enter into business relationships with companies via Mentor-ship or Internship Programs.

For more information about XL Academics, please feel free to call them at 815-880-7373.

Currently,  XL Academics gives support in the States of Illinois and Georgia.

XL Academics
5411 East State Street, #385
Rockford, IL 61108

 'LIKE'  XL Academics on Facebook!






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