Father’s Day was great and I decided to give myself (and my family) a special Father’s Day gift – glass food containers that can go from the fridge to the microwave to the freezer and even the stove – unlike the plastic microwaveable stuff I use to use.
If your plastic food containers contain these numbered codes above, then there might be a problem…
Polyvinyl Chloride #3 is more commonly known as PVC. PVC contains phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals which are included because they help make the plastic pliable. That’s why garden hoses contain PVC, as do shower curtains, some cling wraps, teething rings, baby’s vinyl toys (oh Lordy) and some squeezable bottles (that Chef’s use to create our dinners.) The trouble is, phthalates are highly toxic and small doses migrate from the PVC to anything that touches it – whether that be food, drink, shampoo or a baby’s mouth. (Phthalates are endocrine disruptors. They mimic estrogen. Because phthalates resemble estrogen, they can mimic or block estrogenic effects in the body. Endocrine disruptors are associated with a number of health problems that are on the rise on the U.S. and worldwide, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, infertility and heart disease.) – uhm, yeah! Here’s something else for ya: Know that “new car smell” that we all so love? What we’re smelling (and inhaling into our lungs) are phthalates.
Polystyrene #6 is used in disposable coffee cups, take-out food containers, egg cartons and the packaging of meats, cheeses and other foods in our local supermarket. The problem with polystyrene is, it contains styrene, also known as vinyl benzene. The US Environmental Protection Agency, which is notoriously conservative when it comes to associating plastics with any ill-effects, has described styrene as “a suspected carcinogen” and “a suspected toxin to the gastrointestinal, kidney, and respiratory systems, among others.” (Styrene is also listed by the World Health Organization as a possible carcinogen.) When you next drink coffee from a polystyrene cup, also keep in mind that the release of styrene is increased when polystyrene is heated. Some people are “fooled” because they think Styro-foam is the culprit and they know what styro-foam looks and feels like. However, polystyrene isn’t always used in its foamed form. Polystyrene is also used in a solid form, as a clear or colored plastic. Solid polystyrene is used, for example, in disposable cutlery, some yogurt cups and clear containers for cakes and other baked items.
Polycarbonates #7 (the number 7 designation actually includes pretty much every plastic that isn’t included in 1-6.) However, most plastics marked with the number 7 are polycarbonates. Polycarbonates contain BPA, also referred to as bisphenol-A. BPA is highly toxic and has been banned from use in most plastic products by both the European Union and Canada. But not in the US. (The first state to legislate against the use of BPA in some products was Minnesota, in January 2010.) Where will you find BPA? If you live in the US, you will find it in many baby bottles, sports bottles, water cooler bottles and in food and drink containers. (You can often figure out plastics which contain BPA because they are rigid, and almost unbreakable. That is why BPA is found so frequently in baby bottles and sports drink bottles. If you drop them, they don’t break.) A study by the CDC estimated that 92.6 percent of Americans age 6 and above had measurable BPA in their bodies, and the number one source of that BPA is the plastic coating on the inside of cans. If you eat canned food, you have been absorbing BPA – damn, damn, damn!! (As with phthalates, BPA is an endocrine disruptor, with all the same dangers described in the section on Plastic #3 above.) Even if you don’t live in the US, don’t be complacent. Polycarbonate plastic is also used in common kitchen appliances, like coffee makers and blenders.
I took a stand for my family, will you for yours? Below is a picture of the “gift” I gave myself and my family for Father’s Day…
1. Cab Rides: The fares are now way over-priced and the traffic is still congested as ever (they charge by the minute, whether you’re stuck in halting traffic or not.) Subway rides http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm are cheaper AND faster to take (and environmentally cleaner,) familiarize yourself with the subway map before you arrive…however, if your destination is less than 20 blocks away – walk! Walking in NYC is one of the BEST experiences you’ll have since there’s so much to see. It’s the best way to “see” the city. You can walk through famous neighborhoods, try different sidewalk cafes, shop at the little boutiques, or catch a famous celeb or two.
2. Touristy Tours: Forget them, all you need is a good map and a pair of comfortable sneakers. Most tours stick you on a hot red bus and show you “destinations” that you can’t enjoy because YOU’RE ON A HOT RED BUS. It’s overpriced too for what’s essentially a crowded bus ride. For the same price you can enjoy a nice lunch in Little Italy, China Town, or Soho (which by the way are the neighborhoods these tours usually take you through.) Also, ask a New Yorker where to go to catch some NY culture. I can’t tell you how many times I arrive at the World Trade Center and see tourists trying to look at ground zero through some construction fencing. I walk up to them and say, “Hey, there’s a great memorial at the Church across the street for free and right over here is the NEW Tribute WTC Visitor Center (they require a donation). The looks of gratitude makes it worth telling. http://www.tributewtc.org/visitorinfo/index.php
3. Comedy Clubs: Don’t visit them in Times Square unless the comedians are “professionals” that you recognize as being funny (Chris Rock, Mon’Nique, Kat Williams, etc.,) then it’s worth it. Usually however, it’s an overpriced experience with several drink minimums, and the comedians are so-so funny (they are after-all “up-and-coming” for a reason.) What I would recommend is the UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) Theater on 26th Street. The UCB is where established acts (Robin Williams, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Mike Myers) try out new material every now and then, and Amy Poehler is a regular there as well. The comedians at the UCB usually end up as the newbies debuting on SNL. Best part? The tickets are about $8 and they have $2 beers all night. http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/
4. Restaurants in the Theater District: Why…just why? They are the same EXACT chains (Olive Garden, Planet Hollywood, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesdays, T.G.I.Fridays, etc.,) in everycity U.S.A. only double the price and triple the long lines. The Restaurants that are not chains are also inflated in the Theater District – walk down to the 30th and 20th streets for enjoyable meals at half of the TD prices. For great cocktails and impeccable cuisine try Graffiti http://www.graffitinyc.com/on the East-side or the Rocking Horse Cafehttp://www.rockinghorsecafe.com/ on the West.
5. The Empire State Building: What a waste of valuable NYC time! My best analogy is – you know those amusement park rides where you and mobs of people wait 2 hours for a 2 minute ride? Visiting the Empire State Building is something like that, but not as fun. True – the view is great, but you’ll be in no mood to see it by the time you get there. Here’s the gist: You’ll wait in no fewer than five separate lines (the sidewalk line, the lobby elevator line, the ticket purchase line, the second elevator line, and the line to get off the elevator and onto the observation deck.) While you wait, you’ll endure aggressive up-sells for an express ticket (a lame “3-D ride over the city,” a picture of your own infuriated face superimposed on a green-screen version of the skyline, etc.) Oh wait, then you’ll wait in no fewer than three additional lines to get back downstairs, getting herded through a gift shop on your way. Hands down, one of the worst tourism experiences in any city, anywhere.
6. Vendor Carts: Just pass these by. You do not have the time to scout and find the best Vendor Carts in NYC (there are some) so just “walk on by” no matter how good the food smells. Dirty-water dogs (hot dogs) are estimated to sit in re-used liquids for about 48 hrs. The quality of meats are always the lowest grades (beef, chicken, etc.,) and stay away from those “roasted nuts” carts too. They are nothing more than sugar-coated rocks (you may actually crack a tooth.) Try a New York Deli (again, not in the Theater District) and grab a roast beef on rye, ham and swiss, or just a plain NY bagel with a schmear of cream cheese. Add a strong coffee or some pop for the same price as any hot dog from any vendor cart. Your stomach will Thank You!
7. Century 21: Do not shop here unless you love paying regular to high prices for “dated” clothing. To put it simply, Century 21 is a ZOO and it is filled to capacity with animals more than merchandise. Famous for its discounts on designer clothes (which means that angora sweater will cost you $300 instead of $399) is packed to the walls with tourists, aggression, and bad energy. Walk in here and be forewarned: You will be elbowed. You will be barked at. You will be lectured on obscure store policies. And you will wait in lines of such slowness, disorganization, and hostility that they would test the goodwill of a Franciscan monk. Better to shop at Lord and Taylor http://www.lordandtaylor.com/store.cfm?&ckey=US&lang=eng The flagship department store on Fifth Avenue and 38th Street is an elegant alternative to big-city retail madness. Its hushed, dignified interior always seems impeccably neat, the sales staff is leaps and bounds less pushy than the clerks at Bloomie’s or Bergdorf’s, and the cosmetics counters are well staffed and crowd-free. Even if the store is not actually full of “Ladies Who Lunch” anymore (browsing for gloves and hat pins) the old-school atmosphere can make you believe that a civilized shopping experience can still be had in New York. Hospitality plays a big role at Lord and Taylor (the store sets out chairs for early-bird shoppers and the retail day still begins every morning with a piped-in rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner”) and the staff really know their crafts. Locals in the know make a beeline for the dress floor (on four) whenever a wedding invitation drops (a high-end cocktail dress or evening gown can be had for about $175.) You can find me in the Men’s section at Christmas time getting suede gloves or my zany signature wool scarves at 40-50% off.
8. Drinks: Do NOT accept drinks from anyone at the club/bar in NYC (or anywhere for that matter). Sure, he or she may be HOT, but is she or he a hot criminal too? You never know. Date-rape drugs are back on the rise in the U.S., with many cases in NYC. Now, accepting a drink from someone, but served by a bartender that you can “see” pour a drink for you - well then, that may be fine. But don’t be one of these people (I actually know a few) that accepts drinks just because you’re too broke – or worse – too cheap to buy your own. A drink invitation does NOT mean “you can use me to pay for your drinks.” What it does mean is “I’d like to talk to you, are you interested?” If you are not interested (because of their looks, stature, ethnicity, whatever,) then by all means do not lead someone on just to get drinks – it cheapens your character. When my lady friends ask me what’s the best, safest way to handle the “may I buy you a drink” question, I always suggest: If you are not at all interested, simply say, “No, thank you.” This way the message is clear. If you are unsure whether you are interested or not, say “Maybe later, but we can talk for a bit now, how are you?” After some conversation, if you find yourself not interested say, “Well, it was nice talking to you _______, I’m going to go back to my girlfriends now. Take care.” If you find yourself to be interested (after some conversation) then say, “Let’s have that drink.” But by all means do not get inebriated and lose your “good” sense. And as always, make sure you can “see” who is making/pouring your drinks.
Do you know about the Banner Shortcut?
Do you know about the FaceBook Share button?
Do you know if your email address is verified? (If you’ve received this post in an email – then it is!! If you got to this post via a “link” on FaceBook, Twitter, NYC Miami Vegas, etc., then you are NOT subscribed…please enter your email on the left hand side of the PC Screen to subscribe, then look for a “verification” email to “click” on.)
Do you know that the “Sliding Pictures” (up top) are actually categories/pages?
Do you know about the “search” feature and category buttons?
Do you cruise the channels on HLP TV for recipes and HowTo’s?
Do you read the “related posts”?
Do you share the posts you like on Twitter and FaceBook?
We Tweet (Twitter), we have a Wall (FaceBook), we have a YouTube channel, some of us are “Mayors” on FourSquare, some of us check-in on Loopt, some of us are still on MySpace, a few of us are LinkedIn, and a few of us are Delicious! Well, some of us are sour too…jajajajaja!
Then we find out about “public domain data” sites (Spokeo, Zabasearch, etc.,) and freak out. What these sites do is match all your legal public information with something as simple as Phone Book records, other information such as email addresses, photos, & social media data, and compile a database with your name that’s accessible to EVERYONE. I know, I know…it’s pretty scary to see pictures of our homes via satellite, but what we do VOLUNTARILY on social sites are scarier than that – and we’re usually not aware that we are behaving in ways that can harm us.
Take “Scott” for example; Scott returned from a vacation only to find that his home was burglarized. He didn’t tell the concierge/security personnel of his condo complex that he was going to be out of town for a week. However, he told hundreds of “followers” (strangers really) on Twitter that he was going to Vegas for a week. Scott had 38 Tweets about his upcoming vacation itinerary (dates, activities, events, etc.,) and he even tweeted about “…have 2 turn off phone, plane door about 2 shut, Vegas here I come!” Even on vacation, he was tweeting every day. One of Scott’s last tweets was “…Vegas was insane, back n NY tomorrow, plane lands @4, drinks @6 w/ friends – cutting it close.”
So, some crook who “follows” Scott on Twitter took this info and robbed his home. Scott gave the crook a timeline of where he was and more importantly, where he wasn’t. He even gave the crook a specific “time” when he was expected to land in NY from Vegas.
According to the concierge, Scott’s “cousin” came to pick-up Scott’s cat, water all his plants, and collect his mail. The concierge asked, “Oh, I didn’t even know he was away?” and the crook said, “That’s Scotty for ya…well, he’s in Vegas for an entire week, but you know how he is about those damn plants. Hopefully ‘Chester’ didn’t destroy any of ‘em.” The concierge laughed and said, “Yeah, Chester destroyed some exotic something or another just last month…your cousin was so upset about it.” The crook walked towards the mailboxes waving some keys, then stopped, “Oh damn, I’ve been to the apartment, but what’s the apartment number?” The concierge, thinking he was helping said, “He’s 12F, should be the mailbox towards the lower corner there.” The crook pretended to open the mailbox (I assume his back was to the concierge) and supposedly pulled out a fitness magazine (probably from under his shirt) and an envelope or two and proceeded to go to “12F” and jimmied the lock on the door. He later walked away with a new iPad, 2 expensive watches, about 20 silk-imported ties, some gold jewelry, $600 in cash, and an XBox – all contained all inside the owner’s designer pet carrier (the cat and the plants were NOT harmed, thank goodness!)
It’s just that simple! This crook knew where Scott lived, knew Scott was not home, knew Scott had a cat (even knew the cat’s name)…he even knew that Scott was a plant-loving freak. Everyone knew – he told ALL 834 of us on Twitter and FaceBook, everyone except his building’s concierge/security personel.
Take “Andrea” for another example; Andrea was on her way to the Coffee house she frequents where she was assaulted by a woman named “Geri.” Before that incident, Andrea has been trying to get close to a dude named “Billy.” Billy has a very jealous fiance named “Geri.” On the Internet, Andrea has been stating that she did not know “what on Earth does Billy see in this disgusting, fat bride to be?” Andrea proceeded to tell cyber-space how “she’s better matched for Billy” and how she’s going to “steal his heart away from that pig” the first chance she gets. When Billy’s friends started telling him what Andrea has been writing on her “wall”, he quickly stopped “following” her and stopped being “friends” with her as well as avoided her in “real” life. Then, Andrea started sending Billy provocative pictures of herself to his email address. This was “the last straw” for his fiance, Geri.
By cruising Andrea’s information on Foursquare, Geri knew the spots she “checked-in” at, including time of day and duration. Andrea told at least 657 people on the Internet that she buys a very specific beverage at a very specific coffee-house at a very specific time of day – every weekday. Geri went to that coffee-house and waited for Andrea (she knew what she looked like from her profile “photo(s)”, then proceeded to beat Andrea’s butt in front of the place. (“Geri don’t play that!”)
The downside of social networking sites is that they allow others to know a person’s contact information, interests, habits, and whereabouts. Consequences of sharing this information can range from the relatively harmless but annoying—such as an increase in spam—to the potentially deadly—such as stalking and physical violence.
Criminals can use information provided about a person’s birthday, location, routine, hobbies, and interests to impersonate a trusted friend or convince the unsuspecting that they have the authority to access personal or financial data. They can even use such info to guess your account passwords—which is why you should never have a password that uses the name of your pet, favorite band, hobby, birthday, or something else easily known about you. And stalkers (common criminals as well as professional burglars) will really appreciate your help if you post your daily routine and whereabouts online!
So, when deciding whether to post something, remember that the more information malicious people have about you, the easier it is for them to take advantage of you. Choose wisely what you say on the NET!
NOTE: THE STORIES MENTIONED IN THIS POST ARE TRUE STORIES AS TOLD TO ME. NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THE STUPID INNOCENT.
I’m proud to say that Oprah Winfrey’s Live Your Best Life charity walk has been a huge SUCCESS! Share Our Strength, the charity “H. Luiz Presents…” has been affiliated with since the begining of The Blog, has raised over $60,000.00 for the No Kid Hungry campaign. We could not have done it with all you supporters.
Three top fundraisers were “quoted” on Share Our Strength’s website: Michele Mudrick, Carol C., and Yours truly, H. Luiz Martinez. Marla Lowe was the top supporter, raising over $10,000.00 for the cause. Click here to see Our quotes at Share Our Strength’s website
In addition to all those that raised funds and all those that supported Share Our Strength with donations, we would like to thank Food Network’s Celebrity Chef Aaron “Big Daddy’s House” McCargo, Jr. Big Daddy is the new spokesperson for Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out. Visit Big Daddy Aaron at http://www.aaronmccargo.com/ We would also like to thank Chef Mindy Segal, Owner of HotChocolate Restaurant and Dessert Bar. Mindy is the Chicago Share Our Strength’sTaste of the NationCulinary Council Member and a Chicago Taste Committee Member. Visit Mindy athttp://www.hotchocolatechicago.com
Aaron McCargo & Mindy Segal
“I’m a strong believer that every child (especially in the U.S.) should never go hungry and we ALL must do what we can to end this travesty. My child [Jonathan] and I used to make full lunches (sandwiches, water, fruit) and give them to the hungry people in the communities of Jersey City, NJ. Advocacy to end hunger is something we have been doing as a family for years.” - H. Luiz Martinez
On behalf of the (less hungry) Kids of the No Kid Hungry campaign, THANK YOU!!-THANK YOU!!-THANK YOU!!
A lot of people don’t know that I have been a Financial Center Manger for 2 National Banks, back in the days. What that experience has taught me (especially my interactions with Customers) is that no one prepares us or gives us a “foundation” for Financial Security. I believe that a financial foundation starts in the home with our children. We should teach our kids about saving/investing money and laying down some “foundations” that they can incorporate into their future ”financial” lives. Most of us are in debt today because our parents didn’t teach us anything about banking and/or credit…but who’s going to teach us, right?? Well, we’re going to teach each-other…
This was why, as an FCM, I have incorporated a program that would allow me to enter high schools and teach our youth about Money & Banking – I knew our parents and our schools were NOT doing the job. That little program grew and snowballed into speaking to Universities about Money, Banking, and Credit Card Debt (the credit card companies weren’t thrilled to see my flyer: H. Luiz Martinez presents ways to DROWN IN CREDIT CARD DEBT!) – I know, catchy, huh?
This has started a movement among Universities (Farleigh Dickinson, NJCU, Kean, etc.,) to close their doors to Credit Card Companies from preying on young students (remember those Credit Card tables in College? All you had to do was sign, and you would get $200.00 instantly! How many students can resist that?) See, my passion for people started early. My entrepreneurial skills were evidenced too (all those high school and college students became future/current customers of my bank!) I’ve done my research and found that these programs are in place today and different Banking Institutions have adopted the program too.
In my home? Well, Jonathan had his first Money and Banking Book at age 7 – it was a kids’ picture book, written in “their” language. Jonathan knows all about banking and even investing money (he’s 17 now.) Most kids today do not know anything about banking because most of us parents are very secretive about our finances. You don’t have to share your financial situation with your children, but at least talk about the “mechanics” of banking and money with them. Who do you think they’re going to turn to when they have money woes?? Avoid that problem early!
1. Teach your children how to setup a bank account, how an ATM works, what is “credit,” and ways to save/earn money. Age 8 is a good year to start “talking” about money. Age 10 is a good age to bring a child to a Bank to explain how to write slips, checks, and what the “teller” does for you (I found out, as an FCM, that young children are oftentimes afraid of banks – comes from watching “robberies” on TV and the Movies…armed guards are scary too.) If your young child receives an allowance (I never got into that, but if you’re into it…) give them a bunch of $1′s as oppose to a $5 or $10 dollar bill so that it’s easier to put some away. If your high-schooler has a part-time/summer job, then have them put 20 to 25 percent of it away (into a custodial account or whatever) and they can start learning about percentages as well as “savings.” Also, show kids about “donations” and giving to those less fortunate whenever possible.
2. Distinguish between “wants” and “needs” early with your children (i.e. You need clothes for school, you want designer label clothes.) If you only spend what you can afford, then your kids are more apt to do the same in their future spending lives. Also show the kids, that just because you “have” the money, does not necessarily mean you can “afford” to spend it (kids don’t get that concept until about 15 years of age…they may not like the idea, but they get it.) If your child asks you to buy something expensive, consider offering to split the cost. They may realize how much money will have to be saved for the purchase, then decide to save for something more affordable instead.
3. Give each young child a couple of dollars (if you can afford to do so) and tell them they can buy whatever fruit, low-sugar snack, or unsweetened cereal they want when you go food-shopping. I find that this really gets their “wheels turning” as you introduce them to “spending.” I remember Jonathan saying, “These avocados are too expensive…and how much for those navel oranges?? Oh, these peaches are on sale, I’m getting those!” He was 11 years old and sooooo cute!
4. If your child has earned income (baby-sitting, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, summer job, whatever,) he or she can set up a Roth IRA that will accumulate an attractive tax-free retirement nest egg. A $1,000 investment at age 12 can grow to over $150,000 at age 65. There’s no minimum age to set up a Roth IRA and many IRA providers will accept accounts for minors. This can promote how “investing” works and you may segue into how the stock market works (403b, 401k, S&Ps, ROTH accounts, etc.) If you do not know much about “investing,” why not learn together? There are many free programs online that could show you (in layman’s terms) how to do this, with or without your child. Learn, then teach!
5. Teach your child how to BUDGET his or her money. You can setup a simple program in Microsoft Excel (or use a writing tablet) to tabulate and calculate past, current, and future monies. If you child has a set income (allowance, P/T job, summer job, etc.,) then he or she could budget for a specific purchase (an iPod, a bike, video games, cool clothes, whatever) or “see” just where all their earned income is going. Jonathan once told me, “I’m spending too much money on fitted ballcaps,” (there like $40 apiece) and just like that, he stopped. Why? He was able to see in his Budget Spread Sheet where his money was going. By re-budgeting, he was able to save and purchase a new PS2, two pairs of sneakers (Jordans & Nike Uptowns,) and some Timberland Boots, he was also able to show me (with his Spreadsheet) how “long” those items took for him to buy.
6. Let your child be responsible for his/her purchases when they work. In the summer time, Jonathan is responsible for paying for his own haircuts and his video games. If he wants to hang out with his friends in the summer (movies, mall, meals, etc.,) then he could do so, provided he can afford it. The first year he was like, “I want to go play some footaball with my boys, then go out to eat and go to the movies afterwards, but I don’t have enough money.” I replied, “Wow, sounds like you have a huge issue on your hands, what will you do?” He cut his eyes at me (I pretended not to notice…I don’t play that) then he proceeded to call his friends, “You guys want to go out to eat or go to the movies…I can’t do both, it’s not in my budget. I don’t get paid until next Friday. His friends must have said, “Just ask your Dad,” because I heard Jonathan say, “Nah…not his problem!” jajajajajajajaja!
7. Do not let your college-bound children take out a credit card, unless they have a job AND plan to pay the debt themselves. Never co-sign for a credit card either - why place your FICO score at risk in your child’s hands?? Explain your credit card statements and show your kids the “purchases” made and what is an APR, Interests, minimum payments due (and how you can end up paying $300 for a $100 purchase) late fees, and due dates. Note: Since the Card Act of this year, 18-21 year olds will need their parent(s) signature(s) and you will be responsible for their debt. CLICK this LINK to learn more about the CARD ACT
8. Teach your child the differences between CREDIT, DEBIT and CHARGE CARDS.
(a) A credit card gives you credit. That means that you do not have to pay your bills fully and you can carry a balance. You will be charged an interest on the balance that you carry. The rate that you will be charged is the APR (annual percentage rate), which is stated in the terms and conditions of your card. This is one of the ways that credit card companies make money.
(b) A charge card on the other hand, requires that you pay your bills in full. That means that you cannot carry a balance. The most famous charge card is the American Express Card, along with the Diners Club Charge Card. Most charge cards have an annual fee. The reason is that these cards cannot make money from cardholders carrying a balance (they also make money from merchants whenever a transaction takes place). Though a charge card has annual fees and does not allow you to carry a balance, they have very good reward programs. For example, the Membership Rewards from American Express and Diners Club Rewards are perhaps the best reward programs around.
(c) Debit cards are tied into your Bank Account(s). Debit cards do not carry a line of credit. The purchases made with a debit card can not exceed the amount of money a person has in their bank account. Merchants may accept debit cards, carrying the Visa or MasterCard logos, however this does not make the debit card a “credit” card and won’t carry a balance. Again, you’re limited to the money you have available in your account(s).
Be sure to speak with your children (while they are young and in your care) about money, banking, saving & budgeting, and investing. Don’t forget to speak about those credit cards as well. In the end, you’ll be so happy that you did (they’ll appreciate it too!)
The charity “H. Luiz Presents…” is associated with is Share Our Strength. Our small donations go directly to that organization with the help of O Magazine. Click on my SHARE OUR STRENGTH logo (on the left of your screen) to learn more about Food Network’s Share Our Strength (H. Luiz Presents is a Proud Sponsor.)
Faisal Shahzad, 30, was arrested around 11:45 p.m. ET Monday at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, said Attorney General Eric Holder. He parked a car (with a bomb in it) in the heart of Times Square. Authorities hunting for the suspect in the botched Times Square bombing dramatically beat the clock overnight, seizing a Pakistani-American citizen moments before he was set to begin a long trip to his strife-torn homeland.
“This was an act designed to kill innocent civilians and strike fear into the hearts of Americans and I’m happy to say that it failed on both counts. We will not be intimidated by those who hate the freedoms that make the city and this country so great.” - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The SUV was parked on Saturday night on a busy midtown Manhattan street near a theater showing “The Lion King.” The explosive device inside it had cheap-looking alarm clocks connected to a 16-ounce can filled with fireworks, which were apparently intended to detonate gas cans and set propane tanks afire in a chain reaction “to cause mayhem, to create casualties,” police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.
We still live in that world, America…please: DO NOT BE AFRAID (that’s what they want) BUT USE CAUTION!
Same-gender marriages may be granted in 5 states( plus the District of Columbia,) but divorce will be much harder to come by.
Most people can get a divorce in any state, usually where the soon-to-be “Ex” resides (the one filing for divorce will “sue” their spouse in the state that “spouse” lives in.) However, if you have a same-gender marriage, and the State you or your spouse reside in, does not recognize same-gender marriages – how do you then get divorced? Uhm, this could be a real problem…
Two months ago in Pennsylvania, a judge denied Carole Kern, 47, and her soon to be ex-partner a divorce because they were married in Massachusetts. Carole Kern stated, “I’m still legally married, and if I want to marry again I can’t.” Kern is being advised to file in Massachussets where she was “married,” but her partner would have to live there for Kern to legally file there…right? Could you imagine the conversation one would have to have, “Could you please uproot yourself, pack up and move to the state we married, so that I can divorce you?” (Be very suspicious if your spouse wants to all of a sudden move back to the state you married in for no apparent reason.)
To make matters more confusing and difficult…
Some states (like Maryland) will not marry same-sex couples, but will recognize gay marriages performed out of state (WTH??) What this means is that those states will be able to perform gay divorces. So, you can’t marry there, but you can get divorced there? Huh??
California no longer allows gay marriage, but since the state had legalized gay marriage for several months back in 2008, the courts are still hearing same sex divorce cases from marriages during that period. What??
Last month, an Texas divorce case involving a lesbian couple, Angelique Naylor and Sabina Daly, made headlines. A judge granted the couple a divorce in March, but the state has a constitutional amendment, passed in 2005, that defines marriage as a union between “a man and a woman.” The judge ruled the constitutional amendment violated the federal Equal Protection Act of the U.S. Constitution. The lesbian couple had been married in Massachusetts in 2004, where gay marriage is legal, but Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott appealed the decision. “The court doesn’t have the legal power to divorce the lesbian couple and other courts may not recognize the divorce,” he states.AArrrghhhh! (This couple tried mediation, but it did not work for them – they have an adopted son to make matters more murky.)
Last October (in Texas again) same-sex couple J.B. and H.B. were granted a divorce by a Dallas, Texas, judge. But then Abbott, the Texas attorney general, filed an appeal claiming the Texas courts can’t grant a divorce, and so J.B. and H.B. are now still legally married. The case is pending in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas and has the potential to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court since it involves discrepancies in how state courts have decided on the issue. They were married in Massachussets.
Some Texas critics have asked why J.B. and H.B. won’t move back to Massachusetts where they were married in 2006 to get a divorce. Well, it would be financially detrimental for them to move away, they have homes and careers in Texas (they would also have to reside in Texas for a year.)
Ironically, if the attorney general of Texas is so against gay marriage, why is he trying so hard to keep these two men together? Ha!! But seriously, gays want marital rights just like everyone else. We just thought that our right to marriage would also include the right to divorce.
One of my “Besties” (did I actually just use that expression?) Sara Schwarz-Snell is a dynamic and wonderful real-estate agent specializing in the Hudson County area. She strongly believes that you can have beautiful, upscale living and much sought-after luxury at affordable price points. Sara just gave me the inside scoop on some low-cost, high-end condos that are spankin’ NEW on the market – right in Jersey City. Naturally, I asked if I can share this information with you all (I am a strong believer in “passing on” valuable information) and she was more than delighted. The real deal is that the property is FHA approved, which means that you can own a home for as little as 3.5% down.
Introducing Grant Street West…
Welcome Home to Grant Street West, a unique collection of 27 affordable-priced condominium residences, situated on the busting west side of Jersey City, steps away from the West Side Station Light Rail stop – a commuters dream! Homes were designed with style & sophistication in mind and feature wide plank oak floors, subway tiled showers & baths, contemporary white cabinetry and huge walk in closets to name a few! You won’t find anything else like it around!
“Hello there, H. Luiz Presents Friends and Family! Currently I am working on a new construction condo building, the Grant Street West, which offers 1 and 2 bedroom homes located near the West Side Avenue light rail station. Grant Street West offers its residents a home that is affordable and stylish with convenience. My passion for the real estate industry is equivalent to the care and detail that the developer and builder have put into this beautiful building.” - Sara Schwarz-Snell
I have Sara’s permission to give you her contact information, yes – my good friend can now be your new real estate agent! If you are interested in buying, selling or renting your next home anywhere in Hudson County, give Sara a call and tell her H. Luiz sent you!!
Call Sara to find out when the OPEN HOUSE is for this remarkable place. High Style at Fair to Low-cost prices, now is the time to buy!! sara@halliburtonhomes.com
There’s a new State Law in Arizona that allows racial profiling – but it’s not calling it that. It’s calling it an Immigration Bill.
In a nutshell, the Arizona Immigration Bill will allow local police officers to stop anyone they think may be an illegal immigrant and demand to see proof of citizenship. But what does that really mean…
It means that the Hispanics and Latinos (American-born, legal immigrant, or not) in Arizona are going to be harassed along with the Native American (Navaho) and Asian American communities. The local police are NOT going to harass enter the European American and Canadian American communities and ask persons they suspect to be here illegally for their papers – do you know how many illegal immigrants are living here from Europe? An estimated 1.2 Million!! (But we never hear about them, they are invisible under the cloak of their white skins.)
No, this is going to be nothing more than racial profiling of people of color (blacks, browns, yellows, and reds) pure and simple.
Ex-boyfriend Ricky Martin has expressed his views on this very subject on his popular Twitter Page. Mr. Martin has been a champion and defender of human rights for all, especially the Latino Communities worldwide. Eva Langoria, George Lopez, and Mark Anthony have also expressed their feelings against Arizona’s new immigration bill.
”Equality is understanding that we all come from the same place. Racial profiling should never be tolerated, in the U.S. or anywhere in the world. We’re moving backwards. Scary.” – Ricky Martin
President Obama came out with a stern warning about this new Arizona law. Obama also recognized that inaction at the federal level on immigration leads to these kinds of laws at the state level and has pledged to have the Department of Justice look into the legality of this new policy. G’Obama!! President Obama spoke more extensively on the Arizona immigration bill on Tuesday, taking a question during a rally at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa Iowa.
Obama criticized the recently passed Arizona immigration bill, calling it “poorly conceived.”
“You can imagine if you are an Hispanic American in Arizona, your great grandparents may have been there before Arizona was even a state, but now suddenly if you don’t have your papers, and you took your kid out to get ice cream, you’re gonna be harassed. That’s something that could potentially happen. That’s not the right way to go.” -President Barack Obama
This is going to affect people, businesses, and morale in Arizona. Bodegas, Taquerias, and Spanish restaurants are already feeling the effects. Imagine me in Arizona with my beautiful family (we actually wanted to go) and someone stops my son or I on the street to check our citizenship? What if I don’t have my driver’s license or passport? I’m an American-born Jersey Boy – but they don’t know that. All they’re going to see is that I’m brown (“pecan-tan” actually.) If we don’t go out, businesses suffer. That’s what Latin Americans and Legal Immigrants are facing in Arizona today, so who wants to go out to get harassed, embarrassed, and possibly detained for not have “papers” on us? What’s next – arm bands?? This must stop before it gets too out-of-hand. Our/All voices must be heard about this issue.
Note: I am NOT saying that we in the United States do not have a serious problem in regards to “illegal” immigration. What I am saying is that you should not TARGET only specific American groups, such as Latin Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans – that’s just racism.
About a year ago, I became involved with Food Network’s Share Our Strength (No Kid Hungry) campaign and now Oprah Winfrey and O Magazine is celebrating 10 NYC Charities and Share Our Strength is one of the them – YES!! Click here for more info on Share Our Strength
Now you too can…
…in NYC, Sunday May 9th, 2010 – the walk will begin on the scenic Hudson River, at the Intrepid Museum, and will culminate in the heart of New York City – Times Square. You must register ($32 per participant) and raise money for the Charity of your choice:
This is part of a 3-day event celebrating O Magazine’s10 years in publication. So what did the O of O Magazine decided to do along with best-friend and Editor-At-Large, Gayle King – well, GIVE BACK of course, it’s what they do! Now, we can be a part of it.
If you cannot register and attend, why not participate by helping me (or someone else you know who’s participating) by donating as little as $10 or as much as you want. “H. Luiz Presents…” has never solicited funds from any subscriber – this is for charity, not H. Luiz Presents…however, H. Luiz Presents will match your funds up to $500. Together, we can donate $1,000.00 to Share Our Strength, a wonderful charity that helps children receive nutritious meals.
If you could help end childhood hunger in America, would you? Almost 17 million children in the US today—that’s nearly one in four kids—face hunger. Think about kids in school, or at the playground: one, two, three, hungry. Join Team No Kid Hungry to support Share Our Strength’s work to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. Funds raised from the Walk for a Cause will support Share Our Strength’s work to connect children with nutritious food where they live, learn and play. The time to end childhood hunger in America is now!
“Going Green” can be exhausting and very overwhelming. “Living Green” can be difficult and even expensive. So, what should we do? The trick is to do one or two things you can actually do (or change) and start there. The process is a gradual one. Add some more Earth-Friendly tips over time and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to going green.
.
For us, it was changing our light bulbs to the Eco-friendly CFL’s (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs in the bedrooms about 3 years ago and we have gradually become “Greener” over those years. Now, we do quite a few things that are Eco-friendly and other things that we’ve done for years and years (before going green was even fashionable) – here are a 8 Simple things you can try on your way to going green.
1. Buy stainless steel water bottles and fill them up with your city’s tap water (buy a filter attachment for your faucets for added protection.) Take these to the gym, school, and work. On the weekends, bring your filled water bottles when you head out – this cut costs and the need to buy “water” in toxic, plastic water bottles from the store. Buy a glass pitcher (or a stainless steel one) for your water intake at home.
2. Unplug electronics (and appliances) when not in use (coffee maker, washer/dryer, air conditioners, computer, hair dryers, mobile phone charger, etc.) It really makes a difference and can lower your Utility bill – we have seen a $34 difference on average since we’ve “unplugged” about 3 years ago. Those plugged-in electronics/appliances are still using energy while “off.”
3. An easy way to go green is to turn the dial on your washing machine to cold. Most loads don’t need hot water, and 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating. The higher the water temperature, the higher the cost to you and the planet. We are actually going to start to “clean green” by using a non-toxic laundry detergent – the one I have researched even uses recyclable materials for their packaging.
4. Know your “Plastic Numbers.” I know, you’re like, “What?” But I’m talking about those recycling codes found on plastic items. For instance #7 is the code for “polycarbonate” and its made with a toxic material called Bisphenol A (an estrogen-like chemical.) They make plastic water bottles and baby bottles out of this toxic chemical that can leach (leak out) into our systems. #6 is for “polystyrene” and those include your Styrofoams, plastic forks and spoons, and plastic deli containers, but they can leach carcinogens. Increase your knowledge of plastics using these codes in order to make better decisions when buying/storing consumables.
5. Pay your bills online, even your mortgage/rent. It saves on paper and also eliminates the fossil fuel needed to get all those billing envelopes from them to you and back again. Plus, you’ll save money on stamps. Most national banks offer “bill pay” for free!
6. Support your local farmers – Grocery store produce travels nearly 1,500 miles before it ends up on your plate. All this traveling burns fossil fuels and results in carbon emissions (pollution.) Buying from local farmers means you’re not only getting the freshest food possible, you’re saving energy.
7. Use tote bags (we actually purchased Earthwise Reusable bags) for your shopping needs. When they ask, “Paper or Plastic?” Say neither! Most grocery store chains give you money back when you use recyclable bags. We even use them when we go clothes shopping (yes, we get “looks” when we do that, but someone always says, “I’m going to start doing that too!”)
8. Trade in your paper towels and paper napkins for cotton kitchen towels and linen/cotton napkins that you can re-use. You’ll save lots of money and decrease your landfill contribution.
These are just a few tips, try one or two – go green, gradually! Remember, small changes make big differences!
There is nothing like having friends. Friends can help make life bearable, sometimes pleasant, and most times wonderful. I am fortunate to have thousands of acquaintances and many, many associates, but “friends”…in the true sense of the word? – I have about 8 of them.
1. The “Hold-You-Down” Friend: This friend is your “ride or die” partner, the one that really got your back. You don’t have to talk every day nor every week, but if you have a problem – that’s who you call. They are reliable and they literally move mountains to assist you. It’s the non-blood relative that you can put down as an emergency contact, and really feel like you have nothing to worry about. They are our protectors and will “snap a neck like a twig” if someone looks at us too hard!
2. The “Good-Time” Friend: Everyone needs a friend that just cracks them up. You know, those laugh-until-you-cry friends, telling you a hilarious story about a “tire-change” experience or their latest parenting disaster. Sometimes, life is just not that funny, but a “Good-Time” Friend makes you see that it can be. They teach us to lighten up a little bit. They remind us that maybe life is not so bad after all. A good hour or two and we’re reminded that life can actually be a blast.
3. The “Motivational” Friend: This Friend doesn’t have to have a Life Coach degree, but they just have a way in motivating us. They make us feel powerful, make us feel strong. When we speak to them, we become 10 feet tall and near-invincible. One 45-minute talk with your “Motivational Friend” and you’re updating your résumé, signing up for music lessons, and booking a much-needed vacation. They give us that “push” that we sometimes need to do exactly what we want/need to do – they take the edge off and we end up telling ourselves, “Hey – I can do this!!”
4. The “Rival” Friend: It’s a friendly rivalry, a healthy competition you may share with a friend, but definitely NOT a frenemy. They may have a nicer car, a nicer home, or they’re even nicer parents, but that just makes you want to do better at your job or with your own children. Chances are, your Rival is one step ahead of you, but that just forces you to focus on what’s really important in your life…and make it better. Your “Rival Friend” will be the first to congratulate you on your achievements or hard-earned possessions (and they are truly happy for you, but now – game on!)
5. The “Nurturer” Friend: This Friend has a paternal/maternal quality about them. They advise you on your finances, education, personal health, and things of that nature. They worry about us when we “party” too much or too long, when we miss payments, and when we think about committing naughty mischief (or even felonies.) They steer us back on a good path and let us know that they are “here” for us. They even check on us (some even make chicken soup) when we are ill. They’re proud of us and we want to make them proud.
6. The ‘”Single with No Kids” Friend: Everybody needs time away from their life as a parent/spouse now and then. This Friend knows the hottest clubs and the trendiest restaurants. They go to the movies that have NOTHING to do with Disney and their cocktails have actual alcohol in them. They seem to always have fun and they are always traveling to either N.Y.C. Miami or Vegas (that was NOT a plug for my Facebook Fan Site, by the way…jajajajajajajaja!) One afternoon or evening with them, and we’re transformed back to a life without “attachments,” if only for a few fun hours. We hang out with them, feel fantastic, then we get back to our routine lives as a parent and/or spouse – only we’re re-energized as individuals.
7. The “Savior-Faire” Friend: This Friend knows what you should serve “the boss” at your next dinner party. Need a romantic gift idea for your spouse? – call your Savior-Faire Friend. This Friend knows the difference between afternoon tea and high tea, and doesn’t mind explaining it to you. They know how to do just about anything with just the right amount of pizzazz. All we need do is ask and they have no problem lending a hand when we need their help for our parties, events, weddings, and social affairs. When they entertain us, we feel “oh so special” as we learn of new foods, old recipes, and different ways to prepare everyday meals. This Friend is classy and won’t ever tell us we’re classless – there’s and admirable “air” about them but they do not “put on airs.”
8. The “Health-Nut” Friend: Everyone has a Friend like this, they are healthy, energetic, and go to the gym 4, 5, 6 times a week. They are ALWAYS eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains…and that’s on Halloween (while we’re raiding our children’s candy bags.) This is the Friend we call on when we need to re-shape our bodies because summer’s coming. Incidentally, they are the same ones that tell us that a healthy, fit, tight body is NOT a seasonal thing, but a lifestyle. We want their healthy recipes and their low-calorie protein shakes. We envy them, but in a good way. A “Health-Nut” helps us steer clear of fad diets and miracle weight loss supplements, but teach us the benefits of healthy eating.
So there you have it, 8 Must-Have Friends…how many do you have and which type of “Friend” are you to others. Please share in the ”comments” field.
Any self-respecting former/current B-Boy, B-Girl, Breaker, Hip-Hop Dancer, Popper, Locker, Performance Artist, and/or Dancer has heard of the Innovative Safi A. Thomas.
Safi A. Thomas is the Founder of BLADE Dance Entertainment in New York City. He has shared his extensive 20 years of experience in the music and dance industry, with over 4,000 students worldwide. Safi has worked with some of the top names in the industry and dance community, including most recently, Shakira (2006 MTV Awards), Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Rocawear, and in the past, the companies, Reebok, Bad Boy, and Motown.
Safi A. Thomas is also the Founder and Artistic Director of The BLADE Academy: School of Contemporary Hip Hop Dance Education, and The Hip Hop Dance Conservatory (the only one in the world). Thomas founded The BLADE Dance Technique®, the only codified teaching methodology for professional Hip-Hop Dance to date in the late 20th century.
The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory Repertory Company (HDCRC), the performance division of The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory (HDC) will present “My Ghetto Pop Life: A Dream Sequence” on April 17, 2010 @ 6pm at The Lovinger Theater.
I had the opportunity and the privilege to meet Yvonne H. Chow, Curator of Works of The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory Repertory Company. My daughter Tiana-Joi, who is a Repertory Company Dancer among many talented ones, introduced us last week. We set up a meeting because I was not really sure what Tiana-Joi was into in regards to her “education.” I must say, I was beyond IMPRESSED! Before I get into my wonderful experience, let me give you some information because you’ll have an opportunity to see The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory Repertory Company’s Spring 2010 Repertory Showcase for yourselves…
I was invited by Yvonne Chow to observe a class or two. I have to admit, that at first I was feeling like, “It’s hip-hop – I KNOW hip-hop…I was a B-boy back in my day and I’m immersed in the Hip-Hop Culture even today.” What was this cute Asian chick going to show me about Hip-Hop, right? Uhm…WROOOOOONGGG!
First of all, It was quite clear that this was NOT a dance school that happens to have a HIP-HOP class (those are a “dime a dozen,” incorporated into some dance schools to lure people into their classrooms.) The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory is an institution for higher learning dedicated to the education and the preservation of Hip-Hop Dance. Then it started to really hit me, “That’s why there’s a ‘Curator of Works’ (Yvonne Chow) to preserve the art-form of hip-hop dance.” Yvonne Chow is also the Education Director of The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory. The seriousness started to set-in with me. Then Yvonne Chow started to explain that The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory was the ONLY one in existence on the planet. WOW…really?? I was so giddy, fascinated, and interested (like a child given a new toy) that I’m sure Yvonne was like, “Who IS this H. Luiz?” jajajajajajajaja! I felt the raw power and electric energy of their meditative exercise called “ARMS-OUT” and witnessed the human body interpret a popular hip-hop song – AMAZING! As far as Yvonne Chow: She literally “schooled” me on Hip-Hop Dance – that woman has skillz too! I was so impressed that I may be posting a “series” about my experience and what The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory offers its students (dancers) from A to Z in my ENTERTAINING PAGE hopefully soon.
For now, check out The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory’s site http://www.hdcny.org (800) 697-4698 for more information and I’ll see you on April 17th, 2010 @ 6pm at the Lovinger Theater to witness the powerful performance of the Spring 2010 Showcase - “MY GHETTO POP LIFE: A dream sequence.”
