Lets Talk About It...Emmett Till's Casket off to the Smithsonian

(photo taken from http://www.blackvoices.com/)

If you haven't heard yet, Emmett Till's casket is headed to the Smithsonian Institution. His glass-topped casket with his disfigured body will be on display for the world to see.

"Part of the responsibility of a national museum is to help people to remember, and through this donation we will ensure that future generations will remember how the death of a child, a mother's courage, helped to transform America," Bunch said.(Lonnie Bunch is the director of the Smithsonian)

Emmett Till, at the age of 14, was murdered after reportedly whistling at a white woman, and was noted as one of the leading events that sparked the American Civil Rights Movement. I think that the best statement said was by Simoen Wright, Emmett Till's cousin. She said that Till's mother's message of what racism looks like still needs to be told.

I couldn't have said it better myself. People don't understand why it is so important to our race that our story be told. People will never truly understand until they get a real feeling on how it feels to be us. Most importantly our own people need to understand where we were and how far we have come. I think it is a great gift to the Smithsonian and I hope that millions of people will witness what "racism looks like".


To read more about Emmett Till and the Smithsonian click here. (http://www.blackvoices.com/)


How do you feel about Emmett Till's body being put on display at the Smithsonian?

Keeping Up Quote of the Day

"If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these together ought be able to turn it back and get it right side up again." -Sojourner Truth

How will you apply today's quote to your life?

Keeping Up Tip of the Day...

Being kind is the best weapon to have with you at all times. Being kind will kill those around you that are evil, but protect the hearts of those around you in need of someone who cares about their feelings. What a powerful weapon...one that protects and gets rid of evil!


-The Socialite (taken from her daily "I wonder what God has in store for me today" twitter post)

Follow me on twitter at @imkeepingup

Keeping Up is Knowing Your History: Dred Scott Case!

It is very important that as African American's we know and understand our past in order for us to truly understand where we are headed in the future....

Today's history lesson is: Dred Scott Case!

The Supreme Court's 1857 Dred Scott decision showed the Civil War's inevitably. In 1847, Scott went to trail in Missouri to gain freedom for himself and his wife Harriet. Under the Missouri Compromise, Scott claimed he was entitled to freedom because his master Dr. John Emerson (since deceased) had taken him into Illinois and other free areas. When a lower court ruled that Scott and his family were free, the Missouri Supreme Court reversed the decision, and the United States Circuit in Missouri upheld Missouri Supreme Court's decision. Scott and his lawyers appealed it to the United States Supreme Court, but fared even worse at the hands of the highest court in the land.

Stacked with proslavery justices, the Supreme Court decided that, because Scott was African American, he wasn't a citizen and therefore couldn't sue anybody. To top it off, the Court ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. While the South cheered, abolitionists struggled to remain optimistic.

(taken from African American History for Dummies by Ronda Racha Penrice)

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Senator Edward Kennedy's gravesite taken at the Arlington Cemetery. (photo from Arlington Cemetery website)

This morning firefighters worked to contain a wildfire in the mountains above LA. The blaze killed two firefighters when the vehicle they were in rolled down a mountain. These natural disasters are coming hard; Hurricane Jimena has become a category 4 being pushed towards Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Mexico issued a hurricane watch for the southern portion of Baja, meaning hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours. Well, a town in Georgia probably feels like they need to be on watch, because they fear for their lives as the possible killer of 8 people might still be lurking around the town. A man who called the police reporting the dead bodies of his family members found in their mobile home in Brunswick, Ga, has been arrested on charges of evidence tampering and lying to police, but no suspect has been named. May the eight people killed R.I.P, and that is just what Senator Edward Kennedy is doing as Arlington National Cemetery gravesite of the Senator opened to the public at 8 a.m. Sunday, a little less than 12 hours after he was buried. While many people will visit his gravesite, Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, says he is visiting Taiwan to comfort typhoon victims, refuting China's claims that he is there for political reasons. Typhoon Morakot hit Taiwan on August 8, killing more than 500 people.


Sussex police are reviewing the death of Rolling Stones founder Brain Jones, 40 years after he was found dead in a swimming pool. Then they ruled that it was "death by misadventure", but an investigative journalist has recently handed over documents from his investigation for police to review. They wont be the only ones doing research, the NFL will need to figure out how to keep ticket sales up as the recession continues to stay around. Sports expert says NFL's best weapon would be exemplary customer service. I guess India ran out of weapons, because it is ending it's moon mission. Indian Space Research Organization fails to contact Chandrayaan-I orbiter, which was designed to take high-resolution images of moon's surface. Space agency says it lost contact with the orbiter on Saturday, and blames system failure. Well, I hope that this babies heart doesn't fail. A newborn baby boy with a heart dangling from his chest is set to undergo a complex surgery in New Delhi. The baby, who suffers from immuno-deficiency, will be put in a state where his blood will be cooled down to 18 degrees Celcius (64 Fahrenheit), for a half-an-hour stage of the operation, he explained. Speaking of children, Walt Disney has reached a deal to acquire comic book titan Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in stock and cash....Mickey Mouse meet Spider- Man.



-Keep Up!

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Returned after 18 years of missing

Jaycee Lee Dugard was abducted from South Lake Tahoe when she was 11, and has turned up 18 years later. She was hidden from the world behind fences and tents, and has mothered two of her abducters children. I am so glad that the child is alive, but Senator Edward Kennedy has passed away, and thousands of mourners are expected to pay their final respects to Kennedy on Friday as his body lies in repose at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. Well, I don't know if we can expect anything major from Tropicl Storm Danny, who forcasters say has weakened over the Atlantic and is barely a tropical storm. I can understand how Michael Jackson became so weak, the first search of Michael Jackson's bedroom a day after his death found marijuana, skin-bleaching and hair-growing ointments, anti-insomnia pills and empty bottles of several anti-anxiety drugs, according to court documents. This next thing isn't as weak; at least six structures have been destroyed and hundreds of homes are being threatened by a fast-moving brush fire in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Well, Al Qaeda wants to make sure they are not destroyed. Al Qaeda's second-in-command called on Pakistanis to back Islamic militants in the country's tribal areas against what he called an ongoing assault by American "crusaders" and the Pakistani army.

Police question a woman they believe to have helped reality TV star, Ryan Jenkins check into a motel, in Canada, where he later took his life. Jenkins had been accused of the murder of model Jasmine Fiore, and shortly after escaped to Canada. Canadian police say that the woman could face charges of helping Jenkins cross the border illegally. The world is waiting to see how Michael Vick's will help the Eagles this season. He played his first game Thursday night on Lincoln Field during the Eagles 33-32 win, only participating in six plays. While Vick was making his debut, Arris Pitmon was hijacking a bus full of teenage kids in Atlanta. Naked, Pitmon ran towards the bus and climbed into an open window. He took control of the wheel, and shortly after abandoned the wheel, leading the bus to crash. Students fled, but a few were taken to the hospital. On a happier note, the Commerce Department reported this morning consumer spending rose 0.2% in July, partially lifted by the government's "cash-for-clunkers" program.

-Keep Up!

Support Your Own: Kyle Christopher- "Its Looking Up"

Up-and-Coming artist of Internet production company PutaBeatOn.com presents...



Support your own! None of us can get to the top alone.

For more of his songs and other artist... visit his site http://www.putabeaton.com/

Keeping Up is Knowing Your History

As school is starting across the nation, it's only right to tell you the oldest African American school of higher education. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth and is the first official HBCU.

Keeping Up Quote of the Day

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." - Oprah Winfrey

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Microsoft changes an original picture of a black man to a white man for their website. Sources say they have issued and apology.

It is still sad that we have lost one of the greatest senators of our time. Senator Edward Kennedy's body will go home to Boston to lie in repose at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum until Friday, a place he helped develop in tribute to his slain brothers. As we remember the death of Senator Kennedy, let us take a moment to remember a U.S. service member who died this morning involving a roadside bomb and gunfire, bringing the total of dead U.S. troops this month to 44. That number brings August to a tie with July as the deadliest months of the eight-year war. I am not sure if August will become the stronger month with four more days left in it, but Tropical Storm Danny is getting stronger in the Atlantic as it moves closer to land. Speaking of water, the U.S. Navy says pirates holding a hijacked ship off the coast of Somalia fired at one of its helicopters making a routine surveillance flight over the ship. Talk about routine, is it routine for Microsoft to always edit black people out of their photos? Microsoft is apologizing for altering a photo on it's website to change the race of one of the people shown in the picture. The original picture showed an Asian man, black man, and white woman. The picture on the website showed an Asian man, white man, and white woman, but the hand of the black man remained unchanged.



According to sources, Obama will be giving the eulogy at Senator Edward Kennedy's funeral. Speaking of two great leaders, the supreme leader of of Iran says that foreign influences like the U.S. are not to blame for Iran's post-election violence. But the Feds are to blame in this next story. The court ruled that investigator's seizure of baseball players' drug test results five years ago was illegal. They said it violated the Constitution's Fourth Amendment. Looks like the courts did not approve of the feds actions, just like President Obama's approval ratings from independent voters have gone down from 66 percent to 49 percent, a collapse during the health care debate that reflects independents' dislike of deficit spending, the growth of big government and one-party control of Washington. Well, Obama's approval rate is not the only thing going down, men that have been caught attempting to buy a prostitute are being referred to a program called the John School in an attempt to lower the amount of men that continue to buy prostitutes by helping them understand why they put themselves in a bad position, to prevent it from happening again. I am glad this program could possibly help these guys, and it is also a good sign that the weekly jobless claims have dropped for the first time in three weeks. It fell 10,000 to 570,000. On other good news, Nokia unveils its first high-end phone running on Linux software. The new N900 model, with cellular connection, touch screen and slide-out keyboard, will retail for around 500 euros ($712).





-Keep Up!

Socialite on the Scene...Martha's Vineyard

Socialite ihavesuperpower hits the scene and takes a visit to Martha's Vineyard:

Obama mania was everywhere this year; even Bo was shown love!

"The Obamas are vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard!!!" This news seems to be everywhere, sparking buzz and curiosity about a small island that is near and dear to me. Growing up taking our annual family trip to Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the south of Cape Cod in New England, was without a doubt the highlight of my summer. I love everything about being there (when the weather cooperates) – especially, the close proximity to family, friends, the beach, great food, especially seafood (my favorite), meaningful connections, chic little boutiques, and more. You can do everything-- from sight seeing, renting bikes, water sports, yoga on the beach, hiking, exploring the island, touring the fabulous summer homes owned by some of the country’s most beloved names to visiting some of the best restaurants on the East Coast (in my humble opinion), dancing, lounging, going to the movies, arcade, or walking the "Strip" a.k.a Circuit Avenue to people watch and grab an ice cream cone from the delectable "Mad Martha’s" ice cream parlor.

Enjoying the hectic waves of Martha's Vineyard's 'South Beach.

Black folks have deep roots in the Vineyard, pun-intended, with history showing many of the country's most affluent black families have enjoyed a century-old tradition of summering on the island. Concentrated primarily in the town of Oak Bluffs, these families have historically represented the black elite from Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York City. In this day and age the island, with respect to our people, has evolved from a more pretentious and exclusitory nature to just a popular destination for black people from all walks of life. But it still has the appeal that attracts the likes of President Obama and his family, Spike Lee, Vernon Jordan to Beyonce & Jay-Z. I have even sat on the beach next to radio/tv personality Wendy Williams for years, as her family goes up the same week as mine traditionally. There is a ton of information about the Vineyard and the Vineyard as it relates to African Americans, many people are familiar with the film "The Inkwell" starring Larenz Tate based on life summering in the Vineyard in the 70’s.

Black Dog has become the unofficial official logo of the Vineyard. When you visit be sure to stop in one of the various shops around the island and cop some gear.

This is one of my favorite articles http://www.soulofamerica.com/black-genesis-marthas-vineyard.phtml describing The "Black Genesis- Martha’s Vineyard" and there are several books that offer accounts on Black People and the Vineyard, including African-Americans on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket by Robert & Karen Hayden and my personal favorite, Finding Martha’s Vineyard by Jill Nelson.

In addition to the Island itself, visiting the first week of August has become particularly exciting for me in recent years and it’s due to the Annual Run & Shoot Filmwork’s Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The festival, designed to showcase and pay homage to both established and emerging black filmmakers, takes place over 3 days (this year-- Aug 5-8) and includes the screenings of upwards of 50 films ranging in length and content. This year's sponsors, Stephanie and Floyd Rance of Run and Shoot Filmworks, have attracted the big-name clout of HBO, Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising, and others. The result brings a roster of high-quality films from promising newcomers. I was elated to find out that a fellow Bison (Howard University Alumni) and sorority sister, Kim Singleton had submitted a short film this year entitled "A Community at Peace" taking the issue of our community coming together to stand-up against evil, literally. For more information about The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, visit http://www.mvaaff.com/.


Getting to the Vineyard isn’t so bad, but seeing as how the island has no bridge to the mainland, you have to travel by plane or the more common and reasonably priced ferry, visit http://www.vineyardfastferry.com/ or http://www.steamshipauthority.com/ for information on getting there. And if you don’t have a hookup on a house to stay in while there, you can usually find vacancy in one of the many bed & breakfasts on the island, or simply do what many young folks do and go in on a house share, which usually turns out to be extremely cost effective. The best website in my opinion is http://www.mvvacationrentals.com/ , but a google search would turn up more websites.


Hope to see you next summer… remember high season is typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day so plan ahead. Toodles!

Chanelle Diane @ihavesuperpower on twitter…follow me!

Bomba pic credit Huffingtonpost.com
BlackDog pic credit igougo.com

Keeping Up is Knowing Your History

Today's history fact is in dedication to Senator Ted Kennedy who was a large advocate for civil rights:

-April, 9, 1964, Senator Kennedy took the Senate floor and urged support of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in employment, education and public accommodations.

-Kennedy went to work on eliminating the poll tax. On March 24, 1966, the Supreme Court vindicated Kennedy by declaring the poll tax unconstitutional.


-Another important voting rights victory occurred in 1970 when, at the height of the Vietnam War, Kennedy became the key sponsor of the statute that lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

-In 1982 he was the chief sponsor of the Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982, which led to significant increases in minority representation in Congress and state legislatures, nationwide.

- He was also a chief sponsor of the Voting Rights Language Assistance Act, which provided language assistance during the voting process for limited-English proficient Latino, Asian American, and Native American citizens.

-In the 1980s, Kennedy worked with a bipartisan group of Senators and Coretta Scott King to establish a federal holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Click here to find out more about what Senator Kennedy did to fight for civil rights in America.

Keeping Up Quote of the Day

The quotes of the day will come from the late Senator Ted Kennedy:

"For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

"With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion. With Barack Obama we will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group, and straight against gay."

"I hope for an America where we can all contend freely and vigorously, but where we will treasure and guard those standards of civility which alone make this nation safe for both democracy and diversity."

"The Constitution does not just protect those whose views we share; it also protects those with whose views we disagree."



R.I.P Senator Edward Kennedy and thanks for helping us "Keep Up"!

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Before you read the rest of the news, make sure you take a moment of silence as we celebrate the life of Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. He passed away at 77 years old Tuesday night after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. Kennedy is the last surviving brother of a political dynasty! Thank you for your long commitment to our country and may you R.I.P.

This is a sad day as we also mourn for the lives of 43 people killed in in a car bomb in southern Afghanistan, after a truck full of explosives went off near Japanese construction firm in Kandahar. Amongst those killed was a red cross worker for six years. Although Governor Mark Sanford has not been killed, has his career been killed? Yesterday two law makers set down with the governor asking him to resign from his position after having an affair and questionable spending, but the governor rejected their advice. House republicans will meet this weekend for a retreat, and the discussion of impeachment will likely be the topic of discussion. I wonder what is going to happen to Sanford? Well, the judge has already decided Pop Star Chris Brown's fate. On Tuesday a judge sentenced him to five years probation and to spend more than 1,400 hours in "labor-oriented service", for assaulting his pop star girlfriend, Rihanna. Also there was a probation report that indicated that there were two prior domestic incidents between the pop stars. Speaking of rulings, Argentina's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that it is unconstitutional to punish an adult for private use of marijuana as long as it does not harm anyone else. I wonder when our government will realize this, but until then they might need to re-structure the highway stimulus plan. The Recovery's Act funding for highway projects won't make enough of an impact on jobs and necessary infrastructure projects, because they are concentrating on short-term projects like the paving of small roads, and not long-term projects like the fixing of large bridges.

The Missouri Juvenile system might be a great model for other states to follow. The Missouri model focuses on therapy, comfortable living conditions and an emphasis on job training and education, which has led former offender Terrence Barkley to becoming a sophomore studying criminal justice at the University of Central Missouri. Thumbs up to Missouri, and looks like new orders for U.S. durable goods have increased also. A doubling in aircraft bookings in July drove orders for new U.S.-made durable goods up by 4.9%, the largest increase in two years. Despite the increase, futures on wall street were pointing towards a slightly negative opening this morning. Everyone is in the negative, and Toyota, the world's largest automaker, said it would halt a production line in Japan as it looks to cut excess capacity to return to profitability. On a good note, Mortgage applications are on the rise! On a bad note, the U.S. Postal service, the nations second largest employer, seeks 30,000 job cuts via buyouts.

-Keep Up!

Young and Keeping Up: Amber Lee "Kane & Couture"

Name: Amber Lee

Age: 27

Industry: Pet Fashion

Location: New York City

College: Fordham University

I am “Keeping Up” because I am a MOGUL


What I actually do is: Own and operate a line of high-end dog collars, clothes and accessories. I handle everything but the manufacturing of the products. I handle the designs, materials, marketing, pr, events, sales and business development. I manufacture my items in Seoul, Korea, but I’m working on bringing half of the production to the US.


I look up to Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen in the fashion industry because of their strategic and successful business models. Both Lauren and Karen offer premium lines, but also offer sub-lines with more affordable designs. They target an affluent customer base, but offer less-expensive, sportier items to cater to their more price conscious customer base. I look to people in fashion to be inspired and take Kane & Couture beyond a pet fashion brand to a pet and owner lifestyle brand.

My first job was: planting flowers on Belle Isle in my hometown, Detroit, Michigan. I was 14 and eager to make my own money.

My first job out of college was: I worked full-time in college for 107.5 WBLS and 1190 AM WLIB assisting the Director of Marketing and Promotions and the Programming Director. When I graduated, I went on to work for Frontline Marketing, managing the National Marketing and Promotions campaign for Martell Cognac and assisting with the National Marketing and Promotions for Seagram’s Gin.

Biggest Career Move: In May of last year, I left my job at my marketing job at FIJI Water and ended contracts with my largest clients to focus on my dream of building Kane & Couture. Making Kane & Couture my priority really made things come together faster for me. My biggest step was traveling to Korea and deciding to do my manufacturing there.

My Favorite type of dog is a Shih-tzu/Maltese mix because that’s what my dog Kane is and I LOVE him. He’s like a little person!

My Best quality is my confidence in my ability to succeed.

My Worst quality is…I wouldn’t call it a quality, but I’m working on improving my promptness.


People might be surprised to know that I’m a nerd and I love to cook.

I hate that people think that I’m some spoiled rich girl whose daddy must have given her the start up money. I have always had dreams of being a successful business owner and I’ve been preparing myself since high school. I purposely took jobs and internships that would give me the skills I needed to start and maintain a business. I busted my butt, sacrificed, and saved money for years to afford start-up costs and when I was ready, I did it.

Latest reads: Russell Simmons “Do You,” and Susan Shumsky’s “Miracle Prayer.”


Blogs/websites I follow: Reuters, Imkeepingup, Pawsible Marketing, Buzz Marketing.

Magazines I read: I love Magazines! I read: Inc, Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise, Forbes, Money Magazine, Uptown, Giant, and Pet Age on a regular basis.

The best thing about what I do is that I’m following my dreams and it’s working!

Quote you live by: “Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams. Live the Life You’ve Imagined.”- Thoreau


What advice do you have for people trying to “Keep Up” in your industry? Figure out what you like and what you’re good at. Use that to determine what your focus will be. Crystallize your thinking, develop a set of goals, write them down, tell people, and work towards them. Don’t give up if it’s what you really want. There are no failures when you’re doing what you love. There are just lessons in how to do things better. Always persevere and be open to improvement.


Amber Lee is "Young and Keeping Up"

Visit my online boutique at http://www.kaneandcouture.com/


Follow me on Twitter @KaneandCouture and @AmberKane

www.facebook.com/AmberKane


e: Amber@KaneandCouture.com


I can be reached at 877-KANE-670 (526-3670)





photos by Selena Singleton

Keeping Up is Knowing Your History

Buffalo Soldiers is the name given to the all-black regiments of the U.S. Army started in 1866. More than 20 Buffalo Soldiers received the highest Medal of Honor for their service –the highest number of any U.S. military unit. The oldest living Buffalo Soldier, Mark Matthews, died at the age of 111 in 2005.

(101 Facts about African Americans)

Keeping Up Quote of the Day

"The individual who can do something that the world wants done will, in the end, make his way regardless of his race." -Booker T. Washington

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The Obama administration is setting strict standards for treatment of terror suspects, as the Justice Department launches a criminal probe of past interrogation tactics used during President Bush's War on Terrorism. One report revealed that one CIA member told a man he would be forced to watch his mother be sexually assaulted if he didn't talk. An addition to the criminal probe, Obama has renominated Ben Bernanke as head of the Federal Reserve for a second four-year term. While Ben Bernanke might be happy about his second term, Americans might not be so happy this fall if an expected Swine Flu hits. Swine Flu could cause up to 90,000 U.S. deaths, mainly among children and young adults. Speaking of deaths, the number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has increased after a bomb blast killed four U.S. troops. More news on Afghanistan, vote fraud allegations in the recent election could undermine the results of the election that was suppose to release some of the results today. The release of the next set of information could undermine the work of many celebrity doctors. The Los Angeles coroner has concluded preliminarily that singer Michael Jackson died of an overdose of propofol, a powerful sedative he was given to help him sleep, according to court documents released Monday. Police are calling this a homicide. While propofol might have stopped Jackson's heart, the weather has stopped The space shuttle Discovery launch that was suppose to launch this morning. The shuttle is suppose to deliver equipment to an international space station, and is rescheduled to launch Wednesday.

People are making a huge assumption in this reform effort that as we extend converge to millions who don't have health insurance, there will be doctors there to actually provide the health care. Fewer and fewer medical students are choosing primary care and many primary care doctors are leaving the field. The country could face some huge awakens very soon about this health reform, and the three men accused of the murder of boxing champion Vernon Forrest could face the death penalty after robbing and killing him at a convenience store on July 25th. On more positive news, the prices of single-family homes in 20 major cities rose a seasonally adjusted 1.4% in June, and General Motors may make clear within the next 24 hours whether it wants to keep its European carmaker Opel rather than sell it.

-Keep Up!

2009 Uptown Summer Classic..."A Taste of Harlem"

The Event of the year is coming up....where will you be? Will you be "Keeping Up"?

HITS, INC is "Keeping Up" and honoring others that do the same!

HITS, INC presents the 2009 Uptwon Summer Classic..."A Taste of Harlem".

When: Sunday August 30, 2009, from 1:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: Riverbank State Park – Picnic areas 4 & 5
145th Street at Riverside Dr.

And

The River Room (Outdoor Patio - VIP reception from 1-3pm
679 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10031

What: HITS, Inc. and The 300 Club will be hosting a fun, free picnic event in honor of the many generous donors and volunteers who have demonstrated their commitment to youth in their local communities.

The 300 Club will also be taking $10 donations if you would like to help send a group of students on a college tour. (contact me at bwomack@imkeepingup.com)

Why: We expect that this event will inspire more professionals and entrepreneurs to give back to youth in their communities.

Who: Attendees: confirmed 300+ young urban professionals and entrepreneurs.

The VIP reception and Awards ceremony will go from 1 to 4pm, and will be hosted by BET's Alesha Renee, Senator Bill Perkins, and Assemblyman Keith Wright.

About HITS, Inc.

Hearts in the Streets (or H.I.T.S.) is dedicated to improving the lives of the many talented inner city youth in America who are often dismissed, ignored and forgotten. The HITS, Inc. organization is committed to harnessing the resources and talent of the entertainment industry, Corporate America and individual professionals who are committed to giving back to inner-city communities. We are making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth by providing essential resources, positive role models and advocating for better educational and career opportunities for the Youth.

The 300 Club Host Committee

Genelle Ambrose
Dalila Best
Lamon Bland
Maurice "Mo"Brown
Anne Broomfield
Jessica Dawson
Leonard Dixon
Chanelle Dumas
Adelia "Dee Dee"Faison
Charlene Friend
Carey Gabay
Ericka Goodman
Camad Hembree
Cari Jackson
Dyno Jones

Akil Kamau
Latrice Martin
Essie Rodriguez
Anthony Santagati
Corie Savage
Kim Singleton
Lindsay Smith
Yandy Smith
Mike Spence
Pernel Telfort
Dwayne Thomas
Melissa Valle
Aixa Weekes
Steve Wilder
Simone Williams

Omar Hamilton- OhPsalms Entertainment

Amber Lee- Kane & Couture

Denny Moe- Denny Moe’s Superstar Barbershop

Reggie Nance- Hot 97, Kiss FM

Christopher Windham -Human Nature Magazine

Brandi Womack ‐Blog Keeping Up with the Huxtables

-Keep Up and hope to see you at the event!

Keeping Up is Knowing Your History

History Fact of the Day:

Quincy Jones is the most grammy-nominated artist in the history of the awards with 76 nominations and 26 awards.

Keeping Up Quote of the Day

"There is no force like success, and that is why the individual makes all effort to surround himself throughout life with the evidence of it; as of the individual, so should it be of the nation." - Marcus Garvey

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Cash for Clunkers comes to an end today!

I am not sure if the Bush Administration will ever be able to leave the news. Recently, the Justice Department's ethics office has recommended that the attorney general reopen and pursue nearly a dozen CIA prisoner-abuse cases in the years after the September 11 attacks, which could lead to criminal prosecution for some CIA employees. Looks like Reality TV Contestant Ryan Jenkins will not be facing criminal prosecution anymore. Ryan Jenkins, who had been charged with the murder of his former wife, was found dead Sunday at a motel in British Columbia. While Ryan lost his life after supposedly killing his ex-wife, Hurricane Bill has lost the characteristics of a tropical cyclone after killing at least two people on the east coast. Speaking of water, an unknown sea creature has been spotted in West Palm Beach, Florida, and has been labeled the "Muck Monster". Florida might be worried about an unknown creature, but Greece is worrying about how they are going to contain the huge wildfires that have hit them. The wildfire has damaged or destroyed scores of homes and forced thousands to flee. While hopefully the wildfires soon come to an end, Cash for Clunker is coming to an end today. Under Clunkers, which launched July 27, vehicles purchased after July 1 are eligible for refund vouchers worth $3,500 to $4,500 on traded-in cars with a fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon or less. While Cash for Clunker might be coming to an end, Kartika Shukarno, a Malaysian model, only has her sentence delayed until end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, but still will face her sentence. She was set to be the first woman to be caned (spanked/stroked) in Malaysia for drinking in public. More on world news, Pakistani authorities have launched a massive crackdown on terror groups that they say were planning numerous suicide attacks, including in the country's largest city of Karachi.


The misuse of 911 for non-emergency issues is wasting billions of dollars. For every 911 call it cost $400 to transport a person via ambulance to a hospital, and tax payers will be stuck with the cost. I hope that they find a way to exclude this abuse like Shiite groups have formed a new alliance that will exclude the Iraqi prime minister. They aren't the only ones forming something new, Warner Chilcott Ltd, a specialty drug maker, is acquiring Procter & Gamble Co's prescription drug business for about $3 billion. Good move for Warner Chilcott, but Oil also makes a move, and increases up to near $74 a barrel. Nokia joins the list of companies making moves. The world's top cellphone company has announced that it is joining the laptop making business, with its first netbook.

-Keep Up!

Friday's Top Ways to Keep Up...Staying in Shape Continued...

Former personal trainer Brian Alls gives us a few more tips on how to stay in shape continued from last weeks "Friday's Top Ways to Keep Up".

1. Know Your Body Type (Do You): Knowing your body type is extremely important because it dictates how you should approach your workout regimen for maximum results. There are 3 basic body types: Endomorphic, Mesomorphic, and Ectomorphic.

Endomorphs typically store fat easier, have both a larger bone structure, and natural waist size. This body types workouts usually consist of a healthy dose of cardio along with a weight training regimen. Weight training is important even for this body type as the more developed the body's muscles are, the more effective the body is at burning fat. Remember, cardio workouts just burn fat. Weight training helps your body get better at burning fat, so both is necessary.

Mesomorphs can be generally classified as being naturally muscular with a larger bone structure. They also can go either way on fat/muscle gain, more easily than Endomorphs. Depending on the Mesomorphs goals (tone/weight loss or bulk up), the balance of cardio & weight training (and the type of weight training) can vary.

Ectomorphs are characterized as being naturally lean with a smaller frame and longer limbs/muscles. For this body type it's more difficult to gain a substantial amount of both muscle and fat (If you've been told you can eat whatever you want and are still thin as a rail, it's a safe bet you're an ectomorph). While cardio typically comes easier for the Ectomorph, it's more weight training that's going to give this body type anything in the form of desired additional size/shape.

We all are one of these 3 or some combination of endo-mesomorphic or ecto-mesoporpic types. Because of these differences, knowing your body and how you respond to certain exercises is vital to efficiently getting desired results.

2. There is no Substitute for Good Eating Habits: "Working off" unhealthy food choices every now and then is fine, but your workouts are nowhere near as effective as they could be if you are not consistently fueling your body with the nutrients, proteins, AND carbs that your body needs. Cutting carbs down is okay if you're taking in far too many, but cutting them out completely is like trying to go on a road trip with a quarter tank of gas. You need carbs to fuel your workouts, and your day in general. For specifics, you should talk to a nutritionist or a dietitian for more detailed and customized information and advice.

3. Find something you enjoy doing: Even for the fitness nut, there is always an exercise, workout, etc., that feels more like an unpleasant chore than an enjoyable workout. Part of the key to sticking with a workout regimen is to find things that you find more enjoyable and mix them into your workouts or reward yourself afterward, especially on days that you're dreading. I regularly mix exercises that I like with things that I don't to help with my motivation. As far as rewards go, anything salubrious and pleasant works. (I'll have to admit, I scheduled a hot rock massage right after a workout as motivation to get through it a while back. Wouldn't recommend that on a daily, but it made me focus & made the bad day I was having disappear.)

4. Chart your progress: You don't know how far you've come if you don't know where you started. Workout logs are a good way to set goals the next time you do the same or similar workout. It takes the guesswork out of exactly what was done, and it also visually shows you that your hard work does gradually pay off. Writing what you've done, for how long, how many repetitions/sets, and brief descriptions of how you feel after/during a workout are all things that help you reach your long term goals in a manageable way.

-Keep Up!

Brian Scott Alls

Co-Founder/Creative Director

brian@urbanitesocialites.com

http://www.urbanitesocialites.com/

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

Morning news....the quickest way to read it!

Nothing ever surprises me about the Bush Administration, so it wouldn't surprise me that former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge says pressure from fellow Cabinet members to raise the nation's terror alert level just before the 2004 presidential election helped convince him it was time to quit working for President George W. Bush, but despite the pressure, the alert level was never raised. Well, this is just another reason that highlights why Americans lost faith in Bush, but are Americans losing faith in Obama too? According to the results of a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, the survey found that just 49 percent believe he will make the right decisions for the country, down from 60 percent at the 100-day mark of his presidency. Well, I haven't lost faith in him, and I am not losing faith that one day the harsh acts of racist people will end. However, it is not over yet; authorities have charged two teenagers and an adult in connection with the beating of 76-year-old African-American man, James Privott, early Tuesday in Baltimore, Maryland, in an incident police say had a racial connection. This isn't anything new, but the launch of a solar cell phone is. Kenya's biggest mobile phone company, Safaricom Ltd., launched the nation's first solar-charged phone this month. The handset comes with a regular electrical charger and a solar panel that charges the phone using the sun's rays. That should be interesting, just like the story of cancer survivor Faith Coleman who has co-founded a free clinic in Florida to help the uninsured access health care. While Coleman is helping the uninsured, Sony is helping us see the last three months of Michael Jackson's life. The film about Michael Jackson's final three months, which uses video of rehearsals for his concert comeback, will run in theaters worldwide for two weeks only beginning October 28, according to Sony Pictures. Tickets go on sale September 27th. This will be a victory for Sony and Michael Jackson, but the premature claims of victory in the Afghanistan's election from President Hamid Karzai's and chief rival Abdullah Abdullah have not yet been declared a real victory yet. Back in America, American companies are now sitting on record mountains of cash in fear of the economy's future. With the holding of cash from consumers and now companies, it could add to worries about the sustainability of an economic recovery.

-Keep Up!

Support Your Own: Ralph Kevlaar...I Got It

Up and Coming artist Ralph Kevlaar of internet production company PutaBeatOn.com presents...




Support your own! None of us can get to the top alone.

For more of his songs and other artist... visit his site http://www.putabeaton.com/

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

Morning news....the fastest way to read it!

Senator Ted Kennedy

Turns out that the CIA has tried many ways to hunt members of al-Qaida, and it has just been reported that in 2004 they hired out private contractors at Blackwater USA in 2004 to hunt and kill top-level members of al-Qaida. Sources say that they were unsuccessful, just like Afghanistan's presidential election. Turnout was low in the southern part of the country after insurgents carried out scattered rocket, suicide, and bombing attacks. While there is hopes that people will respect the results despite the lack of votes, Senator Ted Kennedy is asking the Massachusetts leaders to respect his request. A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has written a poignant letter to Massachusetts leaders asking that they change state law to allow a speedy replacement of him in Congress. Although Ted Kennedy's health has people concerned that it might be getting worse, the U.S. life expectancy is getting better. Life expectancy in the United States rises to a new high -- 78 years old, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although overall Americans may live longer, life was short for an 8 year old boy. The body of 8-year-old Robert Manwill was pulled Aug. 3 from an Idaho irrigation canal.. On Wednesday, an indictment was made public. It charges the mother and her boyfriend with first-degree murder charges in Robert's death. While they have been charged with first-degree murder, luckily Hurricane Billl has been downgraded to category three, slowly becoming weaker. Although Hurricane Bill may have dropped, according to the Labor Department, the number of people who filed for unemployment benefits rose by 15,000 people to 576,000 for the week ending August 15. Unemployment has gained a few numbers, but the owner of Sears and Kmart department stores, reported a loss of $94 million, missing on both their top and bottom lines as cost cutting was not enough to offset consumers staying home and limiting spending. Consumers are obviously still struggling, but at least there might be some credit card relief coming soon. The first part of Obama's crackdown on the credit card industry will give consumers more notice when contracts are changed and the option to reject interest rate increases.


-Keep Up!

Socialite on the Scene...The Marcus Garvey Parade

The Socialite hit the scene on Monday and attended the Marcus Garvey Parade. Before I hit the scene, I couldn't help my excitement to see black people march together. I arrived on the scene at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. There was a group of marchers waiting patiently to start their journey through Harlem. There were drummers, drill teams, dancers, sign holders, and a line of followers. Everyone was dressed in African garments or shirts that spoke towards the movement. There was also a group of police officers attempting to block the way for the marchers to march smoothly through the streets. The march started at about 5:30pm after the speech and the release of a bird from what appeared to be the leader of the parade.

Marcus Garvey was a great leader and this is what he stood for:


"The time has come for the Black man to forget and cast behind him his hero worship and adoration of other races, and to start out immediately to create and emulate heroes of his own. We must canonize our own martyrs and elevate to positions of fame and honor Black men and women who have made their distinct contributions to our racial history.

Never forget your cause. Remember! We live, work, and plan for the establishment of a great and binding racial empire whose only natural, spiritual and political limits shall be : Liberty for Africans, at home, and abroad."

-Marcus Garvey



Marcus Garvey Parade...celebrating the life of a great man and addressing the many issues that effect the black community today.

Sponsored by the African Legion of the African Nationalist Pioneer Movement.

The fist annual Marcus Garvey Festival also took place on Monday. The schedule included:

Noonday Prayer

Youth Entrepreneurial Workshop - Black Media Dialogue

Politics in the Black Community w/Councilwoman Inez Dickens & Senator Bill Perkins

Exclusive Salute to: Thutmose Powell, Afrikan Nationalist Ploneer Movement

Elmbre Brath, Patrice Lumumba Coalition



For info & Donations, contact AIMA:



buyblackcampaign@yahoo.com



718-859-5143

347-742-4658

-Keep Up!

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

Giving you morning news...the fastest way to read the news!

Like a fast growing young boy, Hurricane Bill has grown to a category 4 Hurricane already. Looks like this Hurricane hasn't caused much damage yet, but a series of explosions targeting government and commercial buildings struck Baghdad Wednesday, killing at least 75 people and wounding more than 300, Iraqi police and medical officials said. While the people killed by the explosion were not so lucky, Jason Getsy is for now. Justice Sonya Sotomayor has made her first public decision has a justice on Monday, voting to delay the execution of Ohio inmate, Jason Getsy. Getsy had asked the nation's high court Monday to allow him to challenge Ohio's lethal injection system as cruel and unusual punishment. While Getsy is not ready to accept this "unusual" punishment, the University of Pittsburgh says it won't accept an estimated $225,000 bequest from the gunman who committed suicide after killing three women and wounding nine others at a Pittsburgh-area health club. Looks like the gunman's attempt to do something nice after his crime failed, just like South Korea's attempt to launch it's first domestic launch of a rocket. This happened minutes before scheduled liftoff because of a technical problem, delaying space ambitions that have threatened to anger rival North Korea. While South Korea was having technical problems, Afghan might have a problem if the media doesn't respect it's request for a media blackout on reporting violence as fresh attacks threatened disruptions a day ahead of pivotal presidential elections. The media was asked to refrain from covering any attacks on election day in an effort to "ensure the wide participation of the Afghan people." Looks like google will not be able to refrain from revealing the identity of a fellow blogger. A model who was slammed with derogatory terms by an anonymous blogger has the right to learn the identity of her online heckler, a judge ruled. In August 2008, a user of Blogger.com, Google's blogging service, created "Skanks in NYC," a site that assailed Liskula Cohen, 37, a Canadian-born onetime cover girl who has appeared in Vogue and other fashion magazines. The blog featured photos of Cohen captioned with terms including "psychotic," "ho," and "skank." While this blogger clearly caused some pain to this model, ancient man may have started global warming through massive deforestation and burning that could have permanently altered the Earth's climate, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. While ancient man may have caused the start of global warming, a stunt caused the death of a Disney stunt performer who died Monday night. Walt Disney World spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez said the performer was injured while performing a tumbling roll for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios, part of the Orlando, Florida, theme park. So we got to hear what Disney World's spokeswoman had to say, we also got to hear Jenny Sanford, the wife of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, open up to Vogue Magazine. She talks about her husband's affair with an Argentine woman. Jenny isn't the only one breaking her silence, so did Michael Jackson's doctor. Michael Jackson's personal physician, who's currently under investigation in the death of the pop star, breaks his silence in a video posted on YouTube. In it, Dr. Conrad Murray thanks his supporters and says, "I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail." While I am sure that Jackson's doctor is sick of being accused of murdering Jackson, Liberals are sick of all of the health care compromises. They say they haven't gotten much from Republicans in return for numerous concessions on health care reform, and feel it may be time to move forward without the GOP.

-Keep Up!

Young and Keeping Up: "Sanise" Fashion Designer

Name: Sanise

Industry: Fashion

Location: Philadelphia

I am "Keeping Up" because I am a clothing designer. "Sanise Airtemed Clothing Line"


What I actually do is: I design unique high fashion skirts. I am a huge girly girl and I always loved a hot skirt! So I decided to start designing my own line of skirts.

I look up to: Dsquared and Bottega Venetta in my industry, because they are simply Awesome!! I love every piece of clothing that stepped on the runway from these designers.

My first job was at age 14, a summer job at a clothing store called Jacqueline & Stacy in downtown Philadelphia. I hated that job. They use to make me stand outside and watch the clothes that they sold on the side walk. I really hated it.

My first job out of college was: I never went to college; I had a good job set up straight out of high school. I wanted money instead so I worked instead of going to college.

Biggest Career Move: I wouldn’t call it a big career move, but I would have to say a big start was the birth of my son. He played a major role in my choices. I was once a full-time secretary and I liked my job, but I couldn’t see myself staying there and actually retiring. My heart was in designing, but when you don’t have supportive people around you, it sometimes affects your decision making, which could result in you feeling extremely insecure. That’s how I was feeling for years. So I kept designing on the side and to myself. When I gave birth to my son, my entire outlook change, I resigned from my secretary position and decided to stay focused on my passion, what I really wanted and desired. I forgot about what people thought and began to follow my dreams. I became confident and was ready to take risk to get to where I wanted to go in life. That’s when Sanise Airtemed was born. I’m still not where I actually want to be, but I can now say I’m on my way there and nobody will steer me different!

How would you describe your style? I would consider my style bipolar…I have skirts for almost every mood and every girl.

My Best quality is: I am very open minded; I love ideas!

My Worst quality is: Its hard for me to forgive.

People might be surprised to know: I only comb/brush my hair if I’m going somewhere. I also have a fetish for brushing my teeth. I brush my teeth about 5-7 times a day.

I hate that people think I am mean..I am really a big sweetheart. I just sometimes have a guard up; that’s only to protect my feelings.

Latest reads: Alphabet Book (my son’s book..he loves for me to read his little ABC book)

Blogs/websites I follow: bossip.com, keeping up with the huxables and mediaoutrage.com

Magazines I read: I really like Vogue and love online magazines such as Style and Unvogue

The best thing about what I do: I can design a skirt depending on my moods. I am kind of a moody person so if I am feeling sad I will design a pencil skirt, something plain and simple, but still put a twist on it. When I am feeling happy and good the skirt that is designed becomes bright, happy and full of life.

Quote you live by: There are two I love and try to live by

"The best revenge is massive success." By Frank Sinatra.

"You don’t get in life what you want. You get in life what you are." - Les Brown.

What advice do you have for people trying to "Keep Up" in your industry: Never give up! When someone tells you you cant do something, go into overdrive and turn them into your motivators. Fashion is for everyone, you just have to be unique and as different as possible.

Sanise is "Young and Keeping Up"

twitter.com/Saniseirtemed follow me for updates

Photos by Selena Singleton

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

Bringing you morning news..the fastest way to "Keep Up" with the news.

It is always interesting when people claim they are exercising some part of the Constitution, like the dozen something people holding guns and protesting outside the convention center in Phoenix on Monday where President Obama was giving a speech. While Obama brought about a dozen out to protest against him, this informant might bring out millions to protest him. The feds bust the biggest identity theft ring in U.S. history.This one-time government informant is accused of swiping 130 million credit and debit card accounts on top of 40 million he stole previously. I wonder how many years he will serve for this crime? These next criminals might cause the police to make a call to Michael Vick for the correct type of punishment for these guys, because about a dozen dogs likely killed this Georgia elderly couple on Monday. While the police determine what they are going to do about these dogs, they have another large job on their hands. Scientist have just discovered that up to 90 percent of paper money in the United States is laced with cocaine. I guess the cops are getting prepared and refreshed to take on crimes such as this as they join together at a five-day police convention. Controversial James Crowley gets a standing ovation from his colleagues after making a few remarks at the convention. They aren't the only ones coming together, Egypt brings out several dozen workers in the Nile Delta for labor strikes. Seems like everyone is speaking up these days. Former U.S. Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said Tuesday that there is no room for a Palestinian state in the middle of the "Jewish homeland" and Israel should be able to build settlements wherever they want. Looks like Israel isn't the only one that might be building settlements wherever they want, Hurricane Bill is edging closer to the homeland and could turn into a major hurricane.
While Hurricane Bill could potentially cause major damage, I am glad this former Sunday school teacher is being punished for the damage she did against a 8-year old girl. A grand jury in northern California on Monday indicted a former Sunday school teacher on charges of kidnapping, murder and rape in the death of an 8-year-old girl. There is no doubt that this lady deserved to be punished, but the Health care bill brings doubt to the House of Representatives and they say that President Obama will have a difficult time pushing his health care plan if a government-run insurance program isn't included in the legislation. It looks like the Obama administration might have some more work on their hands, but so do Russian authorities. A Russian-crewed cargo ship that went missing for more than two weeks was hijacked by pirates, Russia's defense minister said Tuesday. The Pirates are not the only ones that escaped, a man escapes charges for barbecuing his pet dog. A man who roasted his pet dog to enjoy as a meal with his family and friends escaped prosecution after authorities in New Zealand determined the animal was killed humanely. The future holds well for that man, and so does U.S. equities. After Monday's big drop in U.S. equities, Tuesday was looking a little brighter for Wall Street after Dow component Home Depot reported earnings that beat analysts' estimates by a significant margin. While things are looking brighter for Wall Street, let's also shine a light on General Motors who finally reached an agreement to sell its Saab division to the luxury car maker Koenigsegg Group.


-Keep Up!

Black is Cool...

This weeks Black is Cool goes to the hundreds of vendors that hit the streets of Harlem for the cities annual Harlem Week. This week they showed us that it is cool to be black because of our natural born hustle. We always know how to make something out of nothing. We know how to do just about anything with our hands, and have created damn near everything in this country. Nothing will stop us from hitting the streets and being natural entrepreneurs. They did not give us anything in the beginning, will not give us anything now, so why are we waiting for them to give us something in the future? Black is Cool because we were given the skills to make it happen for ourselves! Gotta respect the hustle and grind. Congrats to the vendors that showed us it's cool to be black.

Photos by Selena Singleton ( @carmensandieg08)

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

So we might likely have the first tropical storm to hit the U.S. mainland this year. Tropical storm Claudette drops heavy rain on Florida. Florida isn't the only thing being attacked, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was hospitalized on Sunday after being attacked by a man with a pipe. It really isn't a week of good news; 1,000 people are still stranded as Taiwan storm aid arrives. Keeping in the trend of world news, North Korea agrees to resume joint projects with South Korea....let the touring and vacationing begin! Someone won't be celebrating as much, and that someone is Tiger Woods. Woods LOST a two-shot lead at the 91st PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club to a 37-year-old South Korean named Y.E. Yang. Woods is not the only one being beat at their own game, Colonial BancGroup will be bought by rival BB&T. Although BB&T had a victory, Democratic Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota said that President Obama's push for a government-funded public health insurance option will likely not have a victory. This is largely due to the lack of 60 Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Well, the plan may not get the vote, but a cupcake got the vote as the largest cupcake in the world. The cupcake was 1,224 Pounds, setting a Guinness World Record. China is trying to set some type of record also. They might be on their way to matching the skills of western oil firms, as they continue on their oil buying spree from other countries. Speaking of other countries, Japan just experienced a 6.7 magnitude earthquake. 6.7 magnitude? Try 9.58 seconds, which is how fast Olympic champion Usain Bolt ran, smashing his own record to end the reign of 100-meter title-holder Tyson Gay at the world athletics championships in Berlin on Sunday night. As Bolt lowers his average, a broad selloff in Asian and European markets, particularly in China, pushed U.S. stock futures sharply lower Monday morning. Well, looks like the economy is still in trouble. You need cash, sell your stuff! Garage sales are booming as recession continues on.

Blogs New Line Up!

"Keeping Up" Presents the new line up for the blog:

Monday- Black is Cool Campaign: Where I will feature different people, items, and products that let us know that it is Cool to be Black. The idea is to show blacks how important it is to truly love how God made you and to end all of the self-hatred that goes on in our race.

Tuesday- "Young and Keeping Up"/ "Keeping Up" : Where I will feature different people in the community that are making a name for themselves. It will give you a peek into their lives and how they managed to get their success. Hopefully you will be able to learn something from their stories and will inspire you to follow your dreams.

Wednesday- Socialite on the Scene: Will cover different happening events, so you can know how others are "Keeping Up" and the next event that you should attend. This will help show you what type of people attend what events and which ones you should be at to network. It will also show you different places where blacks love to celebrate!

Wednesday- Social Issue of the Week: Where we will discuss an issue that is effecting our community and try to come up with some solutions to improve the situation.

Thursday- Support Your Own: Where I will cover different black businesses and people that we should support. The idea is to get us in the habit of supporting our own.

Friday- Fridays Top Ways to Keep Up: Various Tips that can help improve your lifestyle and career.

Daily- Keeping Up Daily: Overview of what is going on in the news...making it easier for you to learn about it all at once.

Monthly: Culinary Goddess and her cooking tips. We all know black folks love to cook for any occasion. Food is what brings us together, so it is only right that we show you monthly how to cook up something nice and good.

Monthly: A Highlight of something that the Huxtables did that was positive and inspiring.


-The Socialite

Friday's Top Ways to Keep Up...Twits Tell Us How to Stay in Shape

Last Friday we gave you a few hair and skin tips from some Twitter Beauties to help you "Keep Up"! This Friday we asked a few Twits how they stay in shape. Below are a few tips on how to make sure that your body stays right:

"You get out what you put in. Your body's gonna give you a performance based on your intake. Be mindful." -@morethnavrage

"You have to know your body and body type , learn what works for you & develop good gym habits. (I'm in the gym 6 days a week)" -@BrianAlls

"Water over juice. Even if it looks healthy, most juice (and vitamin water) is full of sugar and calories." -@carmensandieg08

"Also, form is more important than weight. If you can't lift with perfect form, lower the weight. Muscles develop better." -@BrianAlls

"Since I like to eat whatever I want ...I try to hit the gym at least 4 times a week. a lot of cardio and core work." -@makcar

"Whatever else is adventurous.. best workout I ever had was a weekend of snowboarding.. every muscle in my body was sore" -@makcar

"Stay away from heavy meat, eat grilled chicken, exercise 4x/wk, run 2x/wk, lots of protein!" -krm_bia

"Here's a few gems for a daily workout. 1. wake up do 100 push ups(2 sets of 50) 2. 30min jump rope session (abs & calf time) 3. another 100 set of push ups at night before you hit the pillow. do this & you'll be feelin like Bruce lee roy. sho nuff! " -@JKTheReal

"I stay well proportioned by exercising (switch it up), no skipping meals,Run from SUGAR & late night eating its the DEVIL!!" -@catpeoples

"I stay in shape by keeping it moving! (& Hot Power Yoga)" -@ihavesuperpower

Here are some tips from the Socialite:

1. Eat five meals a day. Three main meals and two snacks.

2. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Do not skip this meal.

3. Start every work out with at least 30mins of cardio

4. Drink plenty of water

5. Find a fun physical activity like basketball to play so that you can enjoy working out.