Healthy ways to Break Down Sugars in the Body

Many people have made New Years resolutions that involve weight loss, time and time again. Many people have made the choice to lose weight without it being the beginning of a new year, and many have not. Regardless of which category we all fall under there are various ways we can take care of our bodies and maintain a health plan that is best for us. This blog is the first of many to come, illustrating not only what we can use to manage this conscious decision to be healthy, but also why and how.

Take today and decide to not stroke your ego, or say that you can't do it, but yet to say that your health is important to you. Make the decision to live it and not just feel or think it is. Know what is right under your nose that can help you live healthier and know that healthy does not necessarily mean tofu, and veggies but involves ways of life, foods and habits beyond exercise and so called nasty foods.

"There are so many different aspects of maintaining overall health that it's sometimes hard to know how to prioritize. While maintaining a healthy sugar metabolism might not seem as important as say, supporting heart health, it directly contributes to every one of your body's systems - including the heart. So, if your body metabolizes sugar in a healthy way, your heart and circulatory systems will only stand to benefit."

So, today lets make a conscious decision together, to live healthy. I will take this road with you so that I too can say that I am a living testament to what being healthy represents. No, I won't give up all of the "bad" foods that I have become accustomed to over the years. No, I won't say that I am definitely going to exercise every day, because I don't know this information yet. What I will say is that I will live a healthy lifestyle one day at a time. I will eat in moderation and I will eat smaller meals 5 to 6 times a day (a blog on this is coming soon), including snacks, as I already do. As, someone who has lost 23 pounds since January 2008, I can say that being healthy is not just great on the physical appearances of our bodies but also health wise. So, lets start by being informed on what supplements we can take that will get us started on the road to HEALTHY.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a co-enzyme that helps to support good health and is involved in sugar uptake.* ALA plays an important role in helping to metabolize sugar in the body, especially in the muscles, where it promotes energy production.* Those following a regular exercise program might find the benefits of ALA especially useful!

"In America, there are about 23.6 million people who have cause for concern when it comes to their sugar metabolism (American Diabetes Association). That's about 7.8% of the U.S. population."

Gymnema

Gymnema's popularity continues to grow today, especially among high and low carb Gymnema another herd that is involved in the metabolism of sugars and carbohydrates in the body.* The leaves of the Gymnema plant have been used in India for over 2,000 years.

"While you can't do much to change your genetics, eating healthy and exercising regularly will help you to maintain a healthy sugar metabolism."

Cinnamon
More than Just a Heavenly Aroma

Most people know Cinnamon for its sweet scent and delicious flavor - but Cinnamon provides the body with far more than these superficial benefits. As a dietary supplement, Cinnamon plays an important role in the healthy metabolism of sugar, starches, and fats.*
Cinnamon supplements, like those from Vitamin World, make an excellent herbal addition to your daily routine. Cinnamon's beneficial effects on sugar and fat metabolism have in turn been shown to support heart and circulatory health.* Aside from contributing to the healthy metabolism of nutrients, Cinnamon helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within a normal range.*
Since it has been around for centuries, Cinnamon has plenty of science to support its benefits.

"A clinical study found that subjects taking 1,000 mg of Cinnamon per day were able to support sugar metabolism more effectively that subjects taking a placebo."

Khan, A. et al. Diabetes Care. 2003 26:3215-3218.

"In another laboratory study, researchers tested approximately 50 different varieties of herbs and spices to measure their effects of sugar metabolism - Cinnamon was found to be the most bioactive ingredient tested.
The researchers concluded that Cinnamon's natural polyphenols and other components most likely contributed to the beneficial effects."

Broadhurst, C. et al. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2000. 48. pg. 849-852.

Here are the answers to many common misconceptions about managing a healthy way of life.

Myth: People who have concerns about their sugar metabolism have to avoid sugar-laden desserts - like cake, candy and cookies - at all costs.

As long as you plan ahead and eat nutrient rich foods throughout the rest of the day, there's no reason you can't have a serving of your favorite dessert every once in a while. Remember, moderation is always best. eating an entire birthday cake in one sitting does not count as moderation.

Myth: Eating right and exercising regularly are the only ways to maintain overall good health.

The fact is, dietary supplements can complement these healthy lifestyle habits outstandingly! Supplements like Cinnamon, Gymnema, and ALA are especially helpful in supporting healthy sugar metabolism in your body.*

Fact: Try to devote 30 minutes a day to exercise. Every little bit of movement counts.

It's important to make a conscious effort to move more. After all. taking a ten minute walk after a meal is certainly better than plopping onto the couch, isn't it? Small changes, like parking a little further away from your offices entrance, and choosing the stairs instead of the elevator all add up to burning more calories and enhancing your level of physical fitness.

Fact: You should maintain a healthy weight for reasons that go beyond your ego.

Sure, it can only boost your self- confidence to know that you look great, but achieving and maintaining a weight that's healthy for your body is vitally important for a healthy lifestyle. If you have a healthy sugar metabolism [amongst other things*], you should feel physically well and energized. Talk to your doctor if yo notice any changes.


* These statements have not been evaluated by the FADA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


All information was courtesy of Vitamin World.
For more information call 1-800-381-9000 for a location near you or visit www.vitaminworld.com

Reasons why Women want Babies

1. Natural Instincts can take over sometimes allowing the woman to experience what only their bodies can.

2. Husband wants children to start family.

3. Women can feel needy, because they are alone or single.

4. Some women want babies because they have money.

5. Reasons don't always have to be good. Some women want babies to trap a man or to get him to want to be with her.

CAN YOU THINK OF ANY MORE REASONS? JUST LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR ME.

Change Has Come

On November 4, 2008, we all know what happened that changed the course of history forever. Barack Obama, became the President elect and showed that all is possible with determination, faith, dedication and hope. Hope is something that many people have had, before Obama decided that being President was on his political agenda.


Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought the injustice of these United States for years until he was assassinated in 1968. It is now 2008 and we are still fighting the waves of hate and injustice that targets minorities, and many more. People have lived believing that nothing will ever change and that we have no other choice but to tolerate the hate that has been bestowed upon us for centuries. Obama has shown that we have the right and the strength to do more than sit around.

Some feel that he won because of the color of his skin, and although there may have been many who voted for him for that reason, think about why they would feel it was appropriate. Color has always played a factor in the way people live their lives and the circumstances that they encounter and endure in their lives. Just look at the inequality of the Jena 6, and the deaths that continue to grow because of race, and even sexuality. How many people have to suffer because, as truth be told, people feel that we live in a "caucasian" world, when we do not.

I am about speaking my mind, whether some feel it is the truth or not. I look at the bigger picture and I do not pretend that this is not a racist world that we inhabit. This world, this United States of America has been seized by a group of people who felt that slavery was wrong. However, in reality they felt that their slavery was wrong, and fought to be free. They then decided that other races didn't share those right and went on to enslave them or run them off of their own lands. We don't need a history lesson, we know how it all works, but why is it that we continue to live by this sort of falsification.

We live by it because many of us don't care enough about ourselves to do more than the normal, "just getting by." We all have so much to learn from each other, and yet are too stubborn to do so. Let's face the truth, you have African Americans hating on successful African Americans because they have done something with their lives and so forth. It is time to get over it, live life and do right, not just by others by by ourselves.

Obama winning the election shows that this country wants progress more than we thought. Over 60% of his voters were Caucasian, which means a lot. Yes, there were those people who made their racist comments, and whom feel that a NIGGER has no place be the head of state, but they mean absolutely nothing. They are the people who live in the past, and if that is where they want to be than let them live there alone. It has never been about race for many, it was always about wanting something better for our country as a whole.

No more soldiers dying on the likes of making specific individuals richer. No more people losing their homes and falling victim to the issues of the economy because some wealthy people are selfish and because we have a President that is only out for self. No more...No more...No more...

Life, Pursuit and Laziness

Sometimes standing around doing nothing will affect some of the future decisions that we make. Does this make sense to you?

Well, it is true, ask anyone who has dealt themselves a raw hand on the likes of laziness.

We pursue our goals and dreams and we tell ourselves that they are within arms reach. We go through those beginning years doing everything we can to get to the finish line, but then one or two things happen that we deem crucial turning points and that is when dreams, goals, and aspirations go down the drain. There will always be someone who will tell you that what you have gone through is nothing compared to their life, but at the end of the day what is dramatic and hectic to one will still be that way regardless of what someone else says. This is still no excuse, no matter who it is to allow your life and the things that you had once pursued in life disappear into non existence.

Someone may look at this article and say that I am talking out the side of my "you know what," but that is far from the case. We all need to take into consideration that there are people who have lived the lives that they refer to. I am one of those people. Lets get personal for a minute.

Eight years ago, I was one of the most dedicated people, heading towards the goals that I had in mind to achieve. I was on top of "my game," so to speak and then it all went down the drain when my brother died in a car accident. My brother, Chukes whom we called CJ died in a car accident on April 16, 2000. This occurred during my spring break, senior year of high school. I shared my life with him, especially after we had been neglected by our mother when I was in the sixth grade. We took initiative and worked together to take care of three little girls, the oldest being 5 and the youngest not even close to being a year old. We took turns going to school until one day our father took me away from him, I felt as though I neglected him. After that day I was motivated and when he died at the age of 24, I gave up.

Graduation, prom, my luncheon meant nothing to me after that. My parents, my daddy and stepmom had to talk me into attending these functions because they knew CJ would want me to. All I could think about was him being there seeing me off to prom and meeting me at the door after graduation as we'd planned. So, when I went away to college that summer I found myself not caring and pregnant. I had my son the following year. I decided to drop out of college, and take care of him. His father and I had another baby the following year and by then I felt that my life was hopeless, and all I would do from then on out is take care of my children, living check to check.

In 2007, I met quite a few people who encouraged me to go back to school, and introduced me to resources that would allow me to focus on school and basically "handle my business." Now, here it is with less than two week left of 2008, and I am a sophomore in college, working two jobs, taking care of two beautiful children,getting good grades, and happy.

I got off of my lazy behind, and although some may say that I had a reason for my laziness, it was still that non-the-less. I could have stayed in school and made it work eight years ago, but I took the other road, and now I can truly say that I know how it feels on both ends.

So, although I don't know what situations everyone else has gone through, i do know that anything is possible. I lived through losing a piece of me, to gaining two big parts back. I went from thinking my life was over because I was a mother, to knowing that even then I can still be successful. I know that this is something that anyone can say if they put their mind to living and pursuing life. I will be your motivator, I will be your backbone, I will be your support system.

Mysti

Lyric...Not Just a Bad Girl

Everyone has aspirations of being successful in life. However, some sit around and just dream about it, while others go out and get it. Reality television can either make a no name person well known or a known person even more popular. Shows such as Bad Girls Club have done just that for many including Melissa “Lyric” Henry from season 2 who went into the house with just herself on he mind and left the house with viewers on her side.

Walking into the Bad Girls Club house Lyric was excited to be on the show. She had never done anything along these lines before and while she knew that being in the house would be a stepping stone for her career, she also knew that she had a lot to bring to the house. As she settled into this unfamiliar place she knew that she could connect with Jennavencia, because she knew her from Arizona. Some first impressions were good, some were bad. Lyric saw that Hanna, who eventually made up one third of the Hyena’s, would be a follower. Lyric felt that her and Naveen would click, simply because they were both exotic. Last but not least, Lyric felt that it was nice to not be the only African American in the house, but knew that there would be a power struggle with Tanisha. One thing Lyric knew was that there has always been tension with her and other African American women, mainly because she is who she is.

Some may remember her as the one lady in the house who was all about herself. She took the measures to advance her own life, and many times had to illiterate her infamous phrase “I’m in front of myself.” During her stay in the house she joined no clicks, just socialized with people who weren’t “phony or followers.” She left the house after just a short time with enemies, or shall we say haters and those who she was able to get along with, Darlen, Cordelia, and of course Jennavencia.

There are those who may believe that she left the house strictly because of a case pending against her back home, but that is not the case. As she said, “When you see yourself whooping someone’s ass, it’s time to separate yourself from them!” That is exactly what she did. While there she wanted to show that African American’s are not ignorant and are very cultural but Lyric felt that Tanisha lived up to stereotypes of African American people. She saw that the problems between Tanisha and herself were not getting any better, and after the well known musical act by Tanisha (I didn’t get no sleep cuz of ya’ll…Ya’ll not gon’ get no sleep cuz of me…), Lyric knew it was time to leave.

However, what people may not know about Lyric is that she is laid back and is willing to get along with anyone. She grew up in a strict family with restrictions that any child would hate. Her grandfather was a minister, and even with all her restrictions she still mange to be one of the most rebellious. She has been pursing her dreams and remains focused at all times. Unfortunately, there are people who disagree with her demeanor, but she can only be Lyric. As Lyric stated during our interview, “People walk up to me on the street and just start talking because they can sense that I am a cool person.” Regardless of any conflicts that occurred on the show, she left with her head on tight and her priorities in tact.

Although she was part of the cast of Bad Girls Club, Lyric has been on her “grind” since the age of 11. She discovered that she can profit from her skills while on a plane to Guyana to attend school. She performed “Jump” by KrisKross for passengers on the plane, and when she arrived at her destination her grandmother was shocked to hear the flight attendant say that Lyric had earned the money from rapping during the flight.

Lyric who was originally known as Pocahynz, obtained the name Lyric after watching the movie Jason’s Lyric with a male friend (whose name happened to be Jason); who went on to tell her that Jada Pinkett’s character in the movie, whose name was Lyric was much like hers and they had a facial resemblance. From that moment she was known as Lyric. Lyric says, “I have always been surrounded by guys,” which is how she began on stage working with Richard Booker, who has become one of the hottest MC’s from Brooklyn. She also had her endeavors with Children of Israel who are from Virginia and the Knights of the Round Table.

This “Bipolar” MC continues to spread a piece of herself, after touring with The Roots she is currently working with artists and producers on the Jim Jones Project and promoting artist such as Oshy. However, after the death of her uncle in December 2007 in Guyana, Lyric decided to start a non profit organization called Project3rdWorld. For more information on Project3rdWorld contact Lyric at goddess.lyric@yahoo.com. In five years she see her non profit organization successful and making a difference. She also sees herself established with her music career. She is currently working on a major record deal.

Aside from music and Project3rdWorld, she has much to give to society. Although all she has to give is herself, that alone is more than some can offer. She carries a realistic and positive tune about herself, and that is something that has been witnessed first hand. Lyric had this advice to give to others looking to break onto the entertainment scene, “Don’t sell your soul, learn how to say NO and be your own boss.” She knows from experience the life of the entertainment world, and gave advice that is needed no matter who you may be.

While she emphasizes about being for “self,” she is one of the most selfless people I have encountered, yet. During our interview she often spoke on the world and not just Lyric. While Lyric sees the world as a, “light of change,” we see her as an unique individual, who has much to offer not only to society but also to herself.

Anyone looking to donate and sponsor
Project3rd World
Send emails to: goddess.lyric@yahoo.com

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A Changing America

(keenantrotter on youtube.com)

In society today we endure all type of feelings that weigh in from every which direction. It is difficult to ask ourselves if the country we live in accepts us for whom and what we are, but for most that question has already been answered. Still, we can’t help but wonder if the hate that all of us receive from various areas, is because of who we are or others insecurities.


Back when Christopher Columbus “pretended” to discover America we learned that they too had their speculations about those that they came across as they ventured onto unknown land. Speculations that later made a nation of people relocate and even die, destroying a culture, a people that lived on this land long before anyone came from over seas. This was the beginning of a strife that to this day we have yet to overcome. Year after year people succumb to the hate, the intimidation, the insecurities, and what they were taught to believe in from the past. Year after year our people fail to recognize that the past is the past for a reason, and that being wise comes with maturity, and that is something that has yet to be experienced be many whether Caucasian, African American, African, Asian, Hispanic, Indian, European, whatever.

Regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, sex or sexual orientation the America we live in has been taught to judge each of us based on who we are. No it isn’t right, but what is there to do about the stupidity that stretches from East to West, North to South. There is a lot to be done about our home, our Nation, but it starts with owning the voice that comes from within us, the voice that we want recognized, the voice that represents us as individuals and as a people. Hate has gone mainstream, and it isn’t stopping at calling African Americans “Niggers,” it has expanded to African Americans hating African Americans, Caucasians hating Caucasians, etc. It has spanned to heterosexuals hating homosexuals, people being divided by class and gender, the saved against the unsaved and it goes on and on.

We manage to hate so much because we don’t have a clue as to who we are, and yes that is a personal belief but it is a personal that has proven to be true time after time. I lived in a home where homosexuality was not accepted, and because I feel that homosexuals should be treated the same as anyone else, and because I feel that it’s a life choice that those individuals made and should not be condemned for, I was told that I should see a psychiatrist. Everyone has an example showing that we are a hateful America. I don’t care who an individual is, as long as they are a good person, they are welcomed in my life. I grew up around all types of hate, and still managed to be understanding of others regardless of who they are. People feel that by being understanding and accepting of others that we agree and feel that everything is right. That isn’t true. I feel that homosexuality takes away from the reproduction of life, which is something that we need to survive as a people, but I believe that everyone deserves to be happy, and to be happy with who makes it possible.


Our Nation has taken away from many people rights that they should have. Our Nation feels that they have the right to control this land, and they don’t. We are so torn apart that we don’t even see that we are hurting ourselves. Martin Luther King Jr. had to die because of stupidity, Malcolm X had to die because of stupidity, Emmett Till had to die because of stupidity, soldiers in Iraq, John F. Kennedy, Matthew Shepard, Lawrence King, Ann Frank, and many other all had to die because of others who judged and hated them because their values were different, and because they were different. Each of these people could have and some did make a huge difference in our lives as a “people.” So where do we go from there, do we learn a lesson, no we don’t and we remain in the same frame of mind just more hateful.

Nothing ever truly goes out of style, such as platform shoes, but it is how many people utilizes it that counts most. We know that change is a progression, and progress comes over time, but that time is now. There is no reason for races to dislike each other we all bring different qualities to the table that can benefit us all. You have those that believe in a “pure” race, and I say show me one and I will shut my mouth. You have those who feel that anything that is different from what they know, understand or have been taught is wrong. I say show me where we are not all equals in some form or fashion and I will shut my mouth.

There are those who are taking a stand and who have decided that this Nation of ours is too colorful, too talented, and too resourceful to live the same year after year. This year alone has proven to be a huge stepping stone for those who want change, and those who see ability in people regardless of who they are. By that I am referring to having two presidential candidates that many may not want in office, but who I see as going down in history for the commitment that they have exemplified in many ways, mainly because they have take sacrifices by going for what they want and challenging the way our country has been for centuries. Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton are astounding figures for their endurance and candid qualities that have brought them this far in the 2008 presidential candidacy. Are they the push that we need as a Nation to finally break loose from this hate that we have so long dealt with? Doubtfully, but it surely is a start.


Barack Obama is a true example of a modern day MLK Jr. I am honored to extend that comparison to him because he has more riding on this than any of the three candidates. He knows the challenges he face and although some may not want to say it, I believe he recognizes that if he wins he may not be able to complete his term, but he is making a stand that others have not been able to do. He has brought being Black, being African, and being American to another level. He is the example of a well educated African American man who carries his culture, his name and himself as well as one can. He has earned the support of thousands whether white or black and is commended for making it as far as he has. He and his opponent for the Democrat position have earned our respect in different ways.


Hilary Clinton makes us proud as the first woman presidential candidate. She is what a real woman should be. She is a hard worker, a go-getter, and she has gone through some hard times and managed to keep her head up high and came out on top. Here she is as a Senator gone Presidential candidate giving women who want so much more in life to see that it is possible and that women are equal to men in so many ways. 2008is the year of change as we see with both Obama and Clinton, so how do we take this a step further.


Again I emphasize that change is a progression, and progress comes over time, but that time is now. Whether someone is running for President, marrying into the family of another race, coming out of the closet about their sexuality or who they are as individuals, or are of a different sex or class we all benefit each other on different levels, and can learn from one another. We miss blessing by discouraging ourselves from supporting and embracing our people, and by our people I do mean everyone from every walk of life. There are not too many times anyone can say that HATE is a thing of the past. We Are One, and no matter how much some may not like it, we can live as one. Brothers, sisters, children, parents, people are dying because of hate. People are deprived because of hate of who they are, what color they are, what religion they are, what sex they are, and so much more. We will always find a reason to dislike someone, but why? We benefit each other, and I don't want to loose a piece of me because of ignorance. This is a Nation's strife, and it needs to be solved as a Nation.


PICTURES AND VIDEO'S COURTESY OF:
ESSENCE.COM
YAHOO IMAGES
AFTERELTON.COM
KEENANTROTTER (YOUTUBE.COM)
GERBILSONSTRIKE (YOUTUBE.COM)

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Celebrities who give back to society and the world... There are resources out there for the less fortunate... What it means to be a Woman... See who I am behind THATSREALTALK2 @ www.myspace.com

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Beautiful Black Woman

Today people are beginning to see the beauty of a black woman. Black woman such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige have proven that black woman from all walks of life can be beautiful, independent and successful. Being featured on the cover of essence magazine as an example of today's Black woman these three women have proven that you can work your way to the top respectfully and through any type of situation.



Alicia Keys who was born Alicia J. Augello-Cook on January 25, 1981, as of 2007 sold over 25 million albums worldwidethat consists of songs such as Diary, You Don't know My Name and Fallin. At her tender age of 27 this young entertainer has won many awards to go along with her records sold, ranging from NCAAP Image Awards, Grammy's, BMA (Billboard Music Awards), and AMA (American Music Award). She has recently come out with her latest LP, As I AM which includes hit songs such as Noone, Teenage Love Affair, and Like You'll Never See Me Again.


Aside from the accomplishments of Alicia Keys, another R&B artist that has come a long way and has made a positive name for herself is Mary J. Blige. Blige started out as a teen singing background for artists such as Father MC. She had been given an opportunity of a lifetime after she'd dropped out of high school her Junior year. As the years progressed she had endured "life" and continued to go for her goals. She was then recognized by Sean Combs, who took her away from the background life and brought her to the forefront, as she released What's the 411 in 1992, from there she went on to release 6 more Lp's such as No More Drama, The Breakthrough, My Life and the most recent Growing Pains. She is a true representation of a woman who has been through personal obstacles and has succeeded in being successful and being happy with herself and her life as any woman should.


Swaying away from the soulful voices of both Keys and Blige, you can edge towards the wonderful soulty voice of Jill Scott who has wowed the entertainment industry with her strong, encouraging voice with 5 LP's such as Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 and The Real Thing released in 2007. Scott broke onto the music scene in 1999 when she was noticed by Amir "Questlove" Thompson, drummer of The Roots as she performed her peotry, which became part of her own soulful style. she recorded You Got Me with the Roots in 1999 and it was up hill from there, the song landed number 40 on the charts. in 2002-2003 during her time out from the music world Scott was married and founded the Blues Babe Foundation, named after her grandmother, which helps minority students pay for college. A grand achievement of any kind, especially by an African American woman.

If there was ever a woman or group of women that any individual looks up to, these three women are just that. Whether independently or together they have not allowed themselves to be torn by society, and yet have taken the trials of it and made their lives into what we all want in the end.

PROMOTING THE UNDISCOVERED

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Celebrities and their Contributions

You have celebrities such as the Black Eyed Peas, Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt whom have given a piece of themselves to the world because they know that people need help around the world, from South East Asia to Africa to America. I am here to educate everyone on how they are beneficial to us for more than just their wonderful attributes to the entertainment industry and beyond. This is only an attribution to them taken from places like YouTube and such to show how much they have accomplised and attempted to do to help those in need globally, because "WE ARE ONE PEOPLE."

THE BLACK EYED PEAS

In 2006 The Black Eyed Peas who founded the Peapod Foundation in 2005 performed in South Africa with friends to allow this underprivileged section of the world to experience music of such magnititude. Their goal for the concert was to raise awareness for the contributions to philanthropy and raise funds fpor the Adopt-A-School Program in South Africa (compliments of the Peapodfoundation.org).

The Black Eyed Peas have done more concerts and benefits in recognition of ample complications facing society, and the world... Visit The PeapodFoundation.org and check ot some of these philanthropic contributions....

OPRAH WINFREY

Oprah Winfrey is known for many things, charitable in many ways. She has given a piece of herslef for years, especially being a victim of circumstance at one point in her life, she knows how it is to have a need for a life beyond what is sitting in front of her. She has taken her blessing and have blessed people around the world. People condemned her for her contributions in South Africa, not understanding that "WE ARE ONE PEOPLE."

Oprah Winfrey was raped at age nine and lost a child at age 14, and has managed to develop into such a business woman, having endured such trials in her own life. She began as a radio personality, and has gone from that to being one of the most popular and wealthy television host, as she host The Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago. She has even had her share of acting, producing, and debuts on Broadway as she has co starred in movies such as The Color Purple, and starred in her own directed movie Beloved, and who can forget her acclaimed broadway show a rendition of The Color Purple, which sold out everywhere.
Adding to the count of Oprah accomplishments she has added philanthropy to her amazing achievements as she has developed the Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

Compliments of Businessweek, Oprah is the first African American to make the top 50 list in the magazine. As she was being interviewed by the prestige magazine she expressed what her philanthropic goals are, "My foundation will continue to focus primarily on funding education projects globally. I believe that education is freedom. It provides the tools to affect one's own destiny. My gifts are more focused and directed toward making immediate change" (Oprah Winfrey, Businessweek.com).
The Oprah Winfrey Foundations supply grants to non-profit organizations that want to help with educational opportunites and help families around the world live better. For more information check out O PHILANTHROPY

ANGELINA JOLIE AND BRAD PITT

Daughter of actor John Voigt, Angelina Jolie has made a name for herself in the movie industry as well, but beyond her acting capabilities, Jolie and partner Brad Pitt, and esteemed actor as well have taken time to travel the world and give a large part of their lives to helping and figuring how we can help the less fortunate. Going beyond the act of philanthropy, they have also taken it upon themselves to bring children from different cultures into their own lives, as they have adopted children from other countries as their own.



According to Philanthropy Today Brad Pitt gave $4.4 million to the Jolie Pitt Foundation and Angelina Jolie gave $4.1 million totaling $8.5 million to their charity which had only accrued $27,000 in expenses. From there they gave $1 million each to Doctors Without Borders and the Global AIDS Alliance and went on to supply smaller amounts to Namibia Red Cross Action Program, the Daniel Pearl Foundation, Global Green USA, and the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, among other grantees (Philanthropy.com).





But the list of celebritities who have given to others does not end there....
According to LookAtTheStars.org there are 30 top Celebrity Philanthropists who we should know about, and Oprah makes #1.

1 Oprah Winfrey $58,300,000 Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, Oprah’s Angel Network, and other groups

2 Geoffrey Beene $44,000,000 (bequest) Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

3 Jack and Marie Lord $40,000,000 (bequest) Hawaii Community Foundation

4 Barbra Streisand $11,750,000 Streisand Foundation, numerous civil liberties, environmental, and civil rights organizations “dedicated to democratic values”


5 Tiger Woods $9,500,000 Tiger Woods Learning Center, Earl D. Woods Sr. Scholarship Fund, and other Tiger Woods Foundation programs













6 Rosie O’Donnell $5,700,000
Katrina Relief efforts including Renaissance Village (a temporary shelter for Katrina victims), day care centers, a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, and a Habitat For Humanity sub division in Baton Rouge









7 Martha Stewart $5,000,000 New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital for a center on healthy aging




















8 Carmelo Anthony $4,282,000 CAF Youth Center in Baltimore, AAU Basketball, Syracuse University Recreational Center, and other charities

9 Pat Boone & Shirley Boone $3,000,000 Pepperdine University for the Graduate School of Education and Psychology Center for the Family

10 LeRoy Neiman $3,000,000 The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to support a Master’s class in figure drawing

11 Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt $2,415,000 School and Community Center in Swakopmund in Namibia, Daniel Pearl Foundation, Namibian hospitals, Doctors Without Borders, Global Action for Children and others


12 Nicolas Cage $2,000,000 Amnesty International for a fund to help child soldiers









13 Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”) and Dany Garcia Johnson $2,000,000 University of Miami to name new Alumni Center living room






14Paul McCartney $2,000,000 Adopt-A-Minefield









15 Arnold Palmer $2,000,000 Pledged to the Arnold Palmer Foundation ultimately to benefit the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

16 David Geffen $1,600,000 David Geffen Foundation

17 Susan Saint James and Dick Ebersol $1,300,000 The Gunnery to help pay for a new dormitory in memory of their son Teddy killed in a plane crash

18 Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg $1,250,000 Boston University to renovate facilities

19 Andre Agassi $1,070,000 Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

20 Tiki and Ronde Barber and family $1,000,000 University of Virginia to support the McIntire School of Commerce, the Virginia Athletics Foundation, Childrens Hospital, a scholarship fund for African-American students, the Young Alumni Council, and to challenge young alumni to participate in the capital campaign

21 Bob Barker $1,000,000 Georgetown University to endow a fund at its law school that will focus on the study of animal rights

22 Gloria Estefan $1,000,000 Miami Paralysis Project
















23 Dr. Phil McGraw & Robin McGraw $1,000,000 Dr. Phil Foundation

24 George Steinbrenner & family $1,000,000 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Boshamer Stadium for baseball

25 Tony Stewart $1,000,000 Victory Junction Gang Camp

26 Denzel Washington $1,000,000 Save Africa’s Children


27 Mike Sexton $560,000 Special Olympics, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Children, Inc., Wounded Warrior Project, Ohio State University, and other charities








28 Lance Armstrong$500,000 Lance Armstrong Foundation

29 Dolly Parton $500,000 Fort Sanders Medical Center















30 Elizabeth Taylor $500,000 New Orleans AIDS Task Force to purchase mobile medical unit for AIDS sufferers in New Orleans

Crunch Time

As a young mother, it is difficult to explain why I have done the things I have done, especially making the same mistake twice. Unfortunately, I don't regret my children and oddly enough I don't regret having them with the person I had them with. Everything happens for a reason, and my children gave me back a part of me that I missed after the death of my brother in 2000. I know that this information may be irrelevant to some, but I know there are those who can understand where I am coming from when I say that I am hurt at the decisions I have made, but I have learned from them and have pledged to make life better for my children and myself.

So how is it that we do this, some may say? Well there are many resources out there that young moms and dads alike can utilize to futher themselves, including educational wise. I am here to tell yo about many of the available resources for parents, single or not and how to go about obtaining them.

First off, NEVER PAY ANYONE FOR ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION LEADING TO ASSISTANCE!!!!



Now on to what is out there for us...

Utilizing the internet is very useful, but you have to know what to type in to get the best results. Sometimes putting in a phrase such as : "resources for single parents" will often come up with sites that will not be useful, especially those that want your money.

So, what we do is type in related info so that we get more broader site informantion such as: "financial reosurces". That way we get more then what is or may be available just because we are parents. Once on the site you choose to visit then you search according to specifics....

One site that has seemed to be beneficial is GovBenefits.gov.
On this site you will fill out a survey (answer all questions HONESTLY AND IN FULL) and receive a list of benefits that may apply to YOUR situation.

From that site, I received ample information regarding things that I expressed need for while filling out the survey....

Programs that may be of use to some:

Child Care Access

Program Description

The Child Care Access program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a parent or primary caregiver who is a current or prospective student accepted or enrolled in an accredited degree program, college or university. You must also be responsible for a child(ren) under the age of 19 years, and you must characterize your financial situation as low income or very low income .

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov

Program Contact Information

Headquarters Office:
Department of Education
Office of Postsecondary Education, Higher Education Programs
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202-5131
202-502-7525


Web Site Address:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/campisp/index.html

Childcare Resource and Referral

Program Description

Local Child Care Resource and Referral Organizations help parents locate and choose quality child care by providing referrals to local child care providers, information on state licensing requirements, availability of child care subsidies, and other information.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for children under the age of 19 years or responsible for a child(ren) with a disability.

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/

Program Contact Information

To find a Local Child Care Resource and Referral organization visit:
http://childcareaware.org/en/findcare.html

Or call toll free:
800-424-2246



Child Care and Developmental Fund

Program Description

The Child Care and Development Fund provides assistance to low-income families who need child care due to work, work-related training and/or attending school.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for children under the age of 13 years of age, or under 19 if incapable of self-care or under court supervision who needs assistance paying for childcare; and must also characterize your financial situation as low income or very low income. In order to qualify you must also be either employed or in some States enrolled in a training or education program.

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/

Program Contact Information

Use this locator tool to obtain contact information for State and Territorial Child Care Subsidy Agencies:
http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/statedata/index.html

Use this locator tool to obtain contact information for Tribal Child Care Subsidy Agencies:
http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/tribal/grantees.html

To find out whether you are eligible to receive child care financial assistance, contact your State, Territorial, or Tribal Child Care and Development Fund subsidy agency.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Program Description

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, other new mothers up to one year postpartum, infants, children under six years of age, and elderly people at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods and providing basic nutrition education. The CSFP provides food and administrative funds to States to supplement the diets of these groups.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, applicants must be of low-income and one of the following: an infant under one year of age, a child under six years of age, a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding woman up to one year after giving birth, a new mother up to one year postpartum, or an elderly person 60 years of age or older. Individual States may also require applicants to meet certain nutritional risk eligibility criteria.

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov/

Program Contact Information

Web Site Address:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/csfp

Community Food and Nutrition Program

Program Description

The goals of the Community Food and Nutrition Program are:

1) To coordinate private and public food assistance resources to better serve the food and nutrition needs of low-income populations
2) To assist low-income communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs in under-served or unserved areas
3) To develop innovative approaches at the State and Local level to meet the nutrition needs of low-income individuals, including displaced workers, elderly people, children, and the working poor and other low-income individuals
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must characterize your financial situation as low income or very low income .

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/

Program Contact Information

For more information please visit:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs

Emergency Food Assistance Program (Food Commodities)

Program Description

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a Federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income needy individuals and families, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must characterize your financial situation as low income or very low income.

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov/

Program Contact Information

Headquarters Office:
Food Distribution Division, FNS
USDA
Room 502, Park Office Center
3101 Park Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302


Regional or Local Office: See Food and Nutrition Service Regional Office contacts listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.


Contact: Les Johnson, Director

Telephone:
703-305-2680

Web Site Address:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/tefap

Illinois Summer Food Service

Program Description

The Illinois Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was instituted to provide nutritious meals to children during the summer months when school is not in session. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Illinois, your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $17,224 if one person lives in the household; $23,107 if two people live in the household; $28,990 if three people live in the household; $34,873 if four people live in the household; $40,756 if five people live in the household; $46,639 if six people live in the household; $52,522 if seven people live in the household; $58,405 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $5,883 for each additional person in the home.

Managing Agency

Illinois
http://www.state.il.us

Program Contact Information

Please visit the Illinois SFSP web site for more program information:
http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/summer.htm

Phone calls can be placed to the Nutrition Programs and Support Services office toll-free to ask about SFSP:
866-262-6663

You may also contact your local school district to learn more about Illinois SFSP.

Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program

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Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program

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Program Description

The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help low income residents save fuel and money, while increasing the comfort of their homes. Its mission is to insulate the dwellings of low-income persons, particularly the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with a high energy burden, in order to conserve needed energy and to aid those persons least able to afford higher utility costs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Illinois, your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $13,965 if one person lives in the household; $18,735 if two people live in the household; $23,505 if three people live in the household; $28,275 if four people live in the household; $33,045 if five people live in the household; $37,815 if six people live in the household; $42,585 if seven people live in the household; and $47,355 if more than seven people live in the household.

Managing Agency
Illinois
http://www.state.il.us

Program Contact Information

For more information about this Weatherization program, please go to:
http://www.weatherizationillinois.com/

You may contact the agency provider in your area, to apply for Weatherization services. For the list of agency providers, please go to:
http://www.weatherizationillinois.com/community.html


Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals

Program Description
The purpose of the Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program is to test and evaluate ways of creating employment and business opportunities for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance. The program also aids other low-income individuals through self-employment, micro-enterprise, new business ventures, expansion of existing businesses through technical and financial assistance and non-traditional employment initiatives that lead to their economic self-sufficiency.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you, your spouse, parents or children must receive or be eligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or your household's annual income before taxes must be less than $10,400 if one person lives in the household; less than $14,000 if two people live in the household; less than $17,600 if three people live in the household; less than $21,200 if four people live in the household; less than $24,800 if five people live in the household; less than $28,400 if six people live in the household; less than $32,000 if seven people live in the household; less than $35,600 if eight people live in the household; less than $39,200 if nine people live in the household; less than $42,800 if 10 people live in the household; less than $46,400 if 11 people live in the household; less than $50,000 if 12 people live in the household; or less than $53,600if 13 people live in the household.

Please note that these numbers are for contiguous U.S. states only; see for income guidelines for Alaska and Hawaii.

Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/

Program Contact Information
For more information please visit:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/joli/index.html

Or contact us at:
Division of Community
Discretionary Programs, OCS, ACF, DHHS
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW
Washington, DC 20447


Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

Program Description

The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) is a paid student program, which offers you valuable work experience directly related to your academic field of study. It provides formal periods of work and study while you are attending school. It requires a commitment by you, your school, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. You may be eligible for permanent employment after successfully completing your education and meeting work requirements.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify, you must be:

A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.);
At least the minimum age required by Federal, State or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors;
Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school;
A U.S. Citizen; and
Able to produce a letter of verification from their educational institution showing proof of enrollment in school for the upcoming semester/quarter at the beginning of each semester/quarter.

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Commerce
http://www.doc.gov/

Program Contact Information

For more information, please visit:
http://ohrm.os.doc.gov/Career/PROD01_001021.html

For a list of contacts for student employment at DOC, please visit:
http://ohrm.os.doc.gov/Career/DEV01_000329.html


Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

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Benefit Details



Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) Collapse
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Program Description

Student employment provides an opportunity to earn money and continue your education, to train with people who manage the day-to-day business of the federal government, and to combine your academic study with on-the-job experience. Job opportunities under this program offer you temporary employment with the Department of Commerce. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that last as long as you are a student. These employment opportunities need not be related to your academic field of study.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify, you must be:

A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.);
At least the minimum age required by Federal, State or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors;
Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school;
A U.S. Citizen; and
Able to produce a letter of verification from their educational institution showing proof of enrollment in school for the upcoming semester/quarter at the beginning of each semester/quarter.

Managing Agency

U.S. Department of Commerce
http://www.doc.gov/

Program Contact Information

For more information, please visit:
http://ohrm.os.doc.gov/Career/PROD01_001021.html

For a list of contacts for student employment at DOC, please visit:
http://ohrm.os.doc.gov/Career/DEV01_000329.html


There is much more online and in print...
Please email me or leave a comment if you need help finding anything else....
Otherwise stay tuned for more programs and benefits....
If you have any suggestions on specific resources that you would like for me research or show you how to research...

My goal is to help those who want to help themselves. We should never fall into the trenches of poverty when we don't have too. We should always go for our goals because although we may feel that all hope is gone.... it isn't and there are many resources out there waiting to help all of us accomplish these goals.....

Mysti