What Will It Cost?

I remember the era (1980’s) in which “scan cashiering” was first introduced in grocery stores.  It did not take long for one to see that a new way of doing business was before us and that the old traditional way of “checking out” would never be the same.  In theory and concept “scanning” at the checkout counter would help to speed things up for customers, reduce the time standing in line, inventory control, ordering of products, control cost and in the long run be a better way of doing business in a changing society.   Since its introduction there have been several adaptions to the “scan cashiering” process, including self-checkout kiosks, various methods of payment, credit cards, coupons, product bar codes and loyalty reward programs. 

Even with such advances in technology or what is known today as a “point of sales” system, some things have not change and that is the “cost.”  Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate having a shorter time in which to “checkout” at most stores, restaurants, convenient stores, airports, malls and certainly at the gas pump.  If fact it is one of the normal perks that one expects while shopping, it faster and convenient.   But even with a more efficient way of conducting our business, the fact still remains that there is still a “price tag” on every item and that is the bottom line.          

Today, in our nation, some things have changed because of advances in technology, research, education, communities, travel, global warming, buildings and health care.  Yes, I agree with you that more needs to be done and should be done in those areas. But what is puzzling to me is that we are short on making advances to reduce infant mortality, incarceration of non-violent offenders, poor community policing, reducing gun violent, expanding diversity in public and private workplaces, hiring US Military Vets, raising the minimum wage for poor families, ending voting restrictions, creating better schools, safer communities, health care for the poor, reducing college debt, women rights, and limit corporate greed and excess.

What is more outrageous and nonsense in my view is the fact or it seems that we have money to build bridges to nowhere, give tax breaks to those who do not need them, invest in personal ventures and spend millions on getting elected for public office.  If we are talking about misplaced priorities and values, then here we are.  Then again, what have we learned, the more we believe we have change the more it remains the same... even with a change in the cast of characters... the results and the cost remain the same... if only we can read the “price tag.”  What do you think?           

Looking For a Solution

I have attended a lot of meetings, summits, updates, briefings, causes, award ceremonies and the like over the past two years.  Most of them in their own right are wonderful events to attend, well organized and serve a unique purpose in our modern society.  For those who are fortunate to be a part of these activities, to be in the loop or run in those circles; these kinds of events are just a normal part of doing business or an expectation of one’s job.  It could be how you move up in life, shaking hands, rubbing elbows and to be seen by those who are the “wheelers and dealers” in the city and beyond.  It perhaps how one builds their resume, portfolio, exchange business cards, build a reputation and getting your name out there.  The motto for such actions could be... “It’s who you know and who knows you.”        

From my observations, here are a few take a-ways of ideas that I have learned from going to these events and perhaps I am not alone.  First of all, there seems to be an endless number of topics, issues and causes of interest.  Those include housing, health care, aging, foster care, education, crime, employment opportunities and poverty to just name a few.  Secondly, there are a large number of organizations, agencies, community groups, civic officials and even governmental departments, who are all vying for support from the public as to what they have to say about what they are doing.   
Thirdly, it seems that these events only appeal or cater to a particular segment of the general population and because for the most part many people don’t know what is going or care in the first place.  Lastly, I am struck by the number of ideas, suggestions, and findings from research and of course the many, many, many....“great and glowing speeches” about what’s happening.   

What seems to be absent from many of these noteworthy events are workable solutions, creative plans, levels of engagement and the resources available to address the modern challenges.  Don’t get me wrong, I like eating as many cooked versions of chicken, salads, rolls, dressing and deserts as the next attendee, but it would all taste a little bit better if the presentations included a roadmap, building blocks, bridge, connections and outcomes.  Most of us don’t mind attending these events and hearing wonderful speeches, for most of us, we are fully aware of the problems that need to be addressed in our community... “we are just waiting for a lesson plan on how to deal with it.”   By the way, could you pass the dressing, it’s my favorite?  What do you think?            

 

The Inner City Blues

“Oh, make you wanna holler, The way they do my life”

Those are some of the lyrics sung by Marvin Gaye in the song entitled “Inner City Blues.”  It was included and became  one of his three top selling singles on the “What Going On” album in 1971.  The song full title was “Inner City Blues (Make me wanna holler) and was the last song of the album.   It was recorded in September of 1971 and soon reached the top of the billboard charts.  Like a number of songs recorded in the late 60’s and early 70’s, it too was able to capture the mood of the nation. 

As a nation, we were still in a war (Vietnam) coping with an economic crisis, high unemployment, civic unrest, mistrust of policing; rising taxes, poor housing, lack of quality health care, and escalating crime.   Additionally, we were working our way back from the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., major city riots, marches, draft dodgers, urban blight and an expanding social service network.  Those were tough times and a lot of people who lived through those days have not forgotten the cost, pain and suffering that they and their families endured.
Trying to find a way to heal, move forward or just to survive took real acts of courage and faith.   

And just like a page from history, his song resonates and speaks volumes of what most Americans feel today in 2014.  You can’t make this stuff up.  This “stuff” just makes you want to “holler.”  Marvin Gaye song covers it all... “inflation, bills piling up, send boys off to die, hang ups, let downs, bad breaks, setbacks, can’t pay my taxes, throw up both of my hands,  crime increasing, trigger happy policing, panic is spreading , and God knows where we’re heading.”

At the end of the song, Marvin closes out with... God bless you and the Lord keep you, and may you live, live, live a good life... God bless you, Lord Keep You and may you live, live, live a long, long sweet life, ... don’t let the things get you down, hold your hands, baby, walk around... Say God bless you and I’ll keep you, I’m praying a prayer for each and every one of you... Heaven bless you.”   It is truly amazing that this song from the 1970’s has a place with us today.   In so many ways this song continues to speak to us today and it echoes the  “inner city blues.”   What do you think or holler back?          

 

Let's Do a Selfie

It is all the rage these days, but it is nothing new... people taking photographs of themselves. The greatest difference today is that is easier to do since the creation of smartphones, digital cameras and webcams.  Unlike the past, when people used a camera that had a timer, station it on a tripod, shelf or table top. They would set the timer and then hurry to get in front of the camera before the timer would go off and the photo was taken.  Or better yet attend the fair or amusement park and go into one of those photo booths and get some black and whites done.  That will certainly make your day. 

Now days, all a person has to do is to hold their smartphone about an arm’s length or pointed at a mirror and start taking photos.  You can choose your back ground, who in it with you and location.  And those photos can be uploaded to a number of social networking services such as Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumbir, Twitter and of course this list continues to grow.   

A lot of older Americans don’t get what is behind the rise in interest in this strange phenomenon.   But I certainly can tell you, it continues to grow in popularity, especially among the 18-34 ages demographic.  My view is not along, if fact major industries, business and governments have all taken notice as well.  A number of new companies have emerged and are benefiting from use of this new technology.   

The real question is why do people take selfies?  Those psychological factors vary and would depend upon a person situation.  It could include; to get attention from as many people as possible, to get a self-esteem boost, to show off, to get a specific person’s attention, boredom, and perhaps fun.  There is meaning behind why we do it, and why it’s has become such a massive trend.  And the meaning varies including as a way to stay connected with family, interest among friends, colleagues or to capture a special moment as it happens in time.  

Today, taking a selfie is mainstream and part of our daily lives.  Its reemergence and wide spread use is changing how we think and feel about the community, world, family and ourselves.  These self-portraits of ourselves in these moments of time are also helping us to cope with others thinks as well.  But in all cases, a "selfie"captures what it sees and sometimes that it the truth.  It is time to take a real good picture with our community in the background.  Now, hold that pose... No, Duck lips please!!! What do you think?           

 

The Big Little League

It’s been quite a month...and what a wild emotional and draining ride it has been. On one hand our hearts were broken by what occurred in Ferguson, MO.  Another shooting of an unarmed young black man by the hand of a policeman, protests, looting, riot gear being worn, tear gas being used, arrests, rifles pointed at protesters, setting of curfews, civic disobedience, and military equipment.  And it was hard not to notice that this was happening in America and not in some other part of the world... all the while the nation and the world took notice... and our reactions became difficult to describe or to believe.       

However, on another hand our hearts began to rejoice with the news coming from the Little League World Series held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  On this national and world stage, a 13 year old young black girl, Mo’Ne Davis (Philadelphia) made history by being the first girl to win a game as a pitcher in the Little League World Series.  In fact, her debut was a shutout as she was throwing the “heat” at 70 mph.  She was amazing, pose and truly a team player.  The other great story was the Jackie Robinson West baseball team from Chicago.  They won the national title in dramatic fashion on a doubt play to end the game against the team from Nevada, a team they had lost to earlier in the week.  This was truly proud moments for them, their families and for the city of Chicago.  Kids doing what they should be doing, having fun and playing a game.      

The accomplishments of these little leaguers playing “America’s Pastime” game became an inspiring story to follow.  This was a great story to watch unfold, to see that young black youth can achieve on a playing field as long as it is level.  If fact, our black youth can achieve when they are given a chance to succeed in the classroom, community, sports, career and life itself. Their story has caused others to take another look at restarting youth leagues in other major urban cities again. 

All urban communities are rich with many stories of young black youth doing the right things day in and day out.  They are going to school, volunteering, attending church, playing sports, making good grades, respectful of their elders and becoming good citizens.  But I am afraid that most of those stories are never told.  In so many ways, what the 2014 Little League World series did for us was to believe again in the “American Dream” and that good things are always possible if we look and work hard for them.  What do you think?