Deanna Kimberly Burrell's Blog: The Red Cup Adventures, page 10
February 4, 2013
Celebrate Black History Month at the WVON Black Heritage Film Festival
Join WVON 1690AM every Thursday in February to Celebrate Black History Month with the annual Black Heritage Film Festival hosted by the WVON personalities. Each movie will be followed by an insightful discussion at the AMC Lowes Country Club Hills 16 (167th and Pulaski).
Beast of The Southern Wild, Thursday February 7th, 7pm
Hosted by Cliff Kelley; Admission $5
This critically acclaimed film made history this year as its 9 year old star, Quvenzhane Wallis became the youngest person ever to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her performance. Faced with both her hot-tempered father's fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, the character, Hushpuppy, must learn the ways of courage and love.MARLEY, Thursday February 14th, 7pm
Hosted by Salim Muwakkil; Admission $5
Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. The definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international super-stardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, there is rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best. Written by Magnolia Pictures.Carmen Jones, Thursday, February 21st at 7pm
Hosted by Perri Small; Admission $5
This 1954 classic was a Contemporary version of the Bizet opera, with new lyrics and an African-American cast. It was directed by Otto Preminger and featured Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge in leading roles and other notable actors including Pearl Bailey and Diahann Carroll. The film made history as the first ever opera featuring a Black ensemble and it produced an academy award nomination for Dorothy Dandridge in 1955. She became the first African American female to be nominated in a leading role.Lincoln, Thursday February 28th at 7pm (Full-price admission)
Hosted by Matt McGill; Admission $10
Directed by Academy Award winning director Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day Lewis, Lincoln recounts President Abraham Lincoln’s efforts, during January 1865, to obtain passage for the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in the United States House of Representatives, which would formally abolish slavery in the country. Lincoln has received the most academy award nominations this year including best movie, director and actor nods.-There will be free admission for the first 75 people in attendance each week with exception of the February 28th showing of Lincoln
-Stop by the State Farm booth and register to win a Kindle Fire Tablet. One will be given away weekly.
-WVON employees are prohibited from participating.
Deanna Burrell is an account executive at WVON, the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer, and a movie buff.
February 3, 2013
Celebrate Black History Month by going to the Theatre
Chicago has a vibrant theatre scene and there's truly something for everyone. Celebrate Black History Month by supporting a local theatre performance. And if you have kids, grandkids, nieces/nephews, godkids, etc, now is great time to expose them to the joys of the THE-AT-TRE (said with my pinky in the air and in my drawn out, uppity voice). Here are few options for colorful theatre in Chicago:
"School Daze Class of 2013" at Kenwood Academy
February 8 - February 10, 2013 (Fri at 7pm, Sat at 7pm, Sun at 5pm)
5015 S. Blackstone Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60615
The Mahdi Theatre Company presents an adaptation of this classic Spike Lee joint. This musical drama features live performances from the King College Prep Marching Band, G-Phi-G & The Gamma Rays, Alpha Phi Alpha Iota Delta Lambda Chapter, The Naturals & Da FELLAs, and many more...
"DRUMLine Live" at Governor's State University
Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. (One night only)
The Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois 60484
DRUMLine Live brings the raw energy and atmosphere of the movie to the stage. Featuring a large cast of performers from America’s historically black colleges and universities, and beat-heavy music from R&B artists old and new, this production is music to many an ear.
"Bud, Not Buddy" at the Chicago Children's Theatre
January 12 - February 24, 2013
Ideal for Ages 8+
The Ruth Page Center for Arts
1016 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
Bud, Not Buddy follows the journey of a young African-American orphan as he searches for his father. Clues kept in a suitcase lead him to adventures in Depression-era Michigan, where he finds community among a group of jazz musicians and, ultimately, an unexpected sense of home.
Popular reading in the classroom, author Christopher Paul Curtis’ Bud, Not Buddy was the winner of the 2000 Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award. In 2010, Jackson’s stage adaptation won the Distinguished Play Award from The American Alliance for Theater and Education.
"Imitation of Life" at Broadway in Bronzeville
February 8 – March 31, 2013
Harold Washington Cultural Center
4701 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60653
John Ruffin bring to the stage a gripping adaption of Fannie Hurst’s classic novel Imitation of Life. Imitation of Life is riveting dramatic story about family, race, and women in business set in the 1930′s. A struggling white widow, Bea Pullman, and her daughter Jessie hires a black housekeeper, Delilah Johnson, and her fair skinned daughter Peola in exchange for room and board. They become like family and strike it rich selling Delilah’s fabulous pancakes made from a special family recipe. Imitation of Life is a pioneering story that tackles important issues such as women, race, heritage, and society.
In the blink of an eye, Tempest is struck by the bullet of a police gun and finds himself at the pearly gates facing St. Peter and his judgment. Refusing to accept his eternal condition, he’s stripped of his identity and given a new body and a chance to change his fate. Alive, Tempest was no angel, but he was far from evil. The Accounting Angel, Joshua, is out to prove the scales tip toward the latter. Adapted from his book, Tempest Tales, and inspired by Langston Hughes’ colorful character, Jesse B. Semple, Walter Mosley takes us on a hip trip-- an ethereal excursion into the metaphysical conundrum between right and wrong, good and evil. Which will you choose? Based on the novel "The Tempest Tales" by Walter Mosley.
Listen to WVON 1690AM this week for multiple chances to win tickets to "Bud, Not Buddy" and "DRUMLine".
For more theatre suggestions, visit http://www.theatreinchicago.com.
And don't keep all these great events to yourself. Click the social media buttons and share with your friends. See you at the show.
Deanna Burrell is an account executive at WVON, the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer, and she loves getting lost at the theatre.
"School Daze Class of 2013" at Kenwood Academy
February 8 - February 10, 2013 (Fri at 7pm, Sat at 7pm, Sun at 5pm)
5015 S. Blackstone Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60615
The Mahdi Theatre Company presents an adaptation of this classic Spike Lee joint. This musical drama features live performances from the King College Prep Marching Band, G-Phi-G & The Gamma Rays, Alpha Phi Alpha Iota Delta Lambda Chapter, The Naturals & Da FELLAs, and many more...
"DRUMLine Live" at Governor's State University
Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. (One night only)
The Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois 60484
DRUMLine Live brings the raw energy and atmosphere of the movie to the stage. Featuring a large cast of performers from America’s historically black colleges and universities, and beat-heavy music from R&B artists old and new, this production is music to many an ear.
"Bud, Not Buddy" at the Chicago Children's Theatre
January 12 - February 24, 2013
Ideal for Ages 8+
The Ruth Page Center for Arts
1016 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
Bud, Not Buddy follows the journey of a young African-American orphan as he searches for his father. Clues kept in a suitcase lead him to adventures in Depression-era Michigan, where he finds community among a group of jazz musicians and, ultimately, an unexpected sense of home.
Popular reading in the classroom, author Christopher Paul Curtis’ Bud, Not Buddy was the winner of the 2000 Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award. In 2010, Jackson’s stage adaptation won the Distinguished Play Award from The American Alliance for Theater and Education.
"Imitation of Life" at Broadway in Bronzeville
February 8 – March 31, 2013
Harold Washington Cultural Center
4701 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60653
John Ruffin bring to the stage a gripping adaption of Fannie Hurst’s classic novel Imitation of Life. Imitation of Life is riveting dramatic story about family, race, and women in business set in the 1930′s. A struggling white widow, Bea Pullman, and her daughter Jessie hires a black housekeeper, Delilah Johnson, and her fair skinned daughter Peola in exchange for room and board. They become like family and strike it rich selling Delilah’s fabulous pancakes made from a special family recipe. Imitation of Life is a pioneering story that tackles important issues such as women, race, heritage, and society.
"The Fall Of Heaven" at Congo Square Theatre
Feb. 22 - Mar. 24 2013
Pegasus Players Building
4520 N. Beacon, Chicago, IL 60640
In the blink of an eye, Tempest is struck by the bullet of a police gun and finds himself at the pearly gates facing St. Peter and his judgment. Refusing to accept his eternal condition, he’s stripped of his identity and given a new body and a chance to change his fate. Alive, Tempest was no angel, but he was far from evil. The Accounting Angel, Joshua, is out to prove the scales tip toward the latter. Adapted from his book, Tempest Tales, and inspired by Langston Hughes’ colorful character, Jesse B. Semple, Walter Mosley takes us on a hip trip-- an ethereal excursion into the metaphysical conundrum between right and wrong, good and evil. Which will you choose? Based on the novel "The Tempest Tales" by Walter Mosley.
Listen to WVON 1690AM this week for multiple chances to win tickets to "Bud, Not Buddy" and "DRUMLine".
For more theatre suggestions, visit http://www.theatreinchicago.com.
And don't keep all these great events to yourself. Click the social media buttons and share with your friends. See you at the show.
Deanna Burrell is an account executive at WVON, the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer, and she loves getting lost at the theatre.
January 14, 2013
Am I the only one excited for the inauguration?
Okay, I’m exaggerating. I know I’m not the only one excited for the President’s second inauguration, but I’m getting tired of people saying that attendance for this event will be significantly less than in 2009. I’m in my mid-30’s and seven years ago I thought I’d never see a black President in my lifetime. For the first inauguration, I flew to Washington, D.C. and stood in the freezing cold for hours so I could witness that historical moment. I just went to DC on 12/12/1212 for a wedding and I don’t want to go back until the weather is nicer. So for this inauguration, I was determined to convince my boss (the owner at the black news talk radio station in Chicago, WVON) to let me organize an inauguration party, but everywhere I turned I kept hearing and seeing predictions for a low inauguration turnout and participation.
Maybe people don’t realize that 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the pivotal events in 1963 Birmingham that sparked the American Civil Rights Movement. Events like an afternoon at a lunch counter, a thousand arms linked at the elbows, a firing line of water hoses, a pack of German Shepherds, a letter from a Birmingham jail, and a devastating explosion killing four little girls. As you read that list, I guarantee pictures from those events flickered in your mind. Those snapshots and images highlighting the injustices and violence that African-Americans endured were broadcast to the world and were the catalyst that ignited a nation’s change. 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the death of Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers. As the first NAACP field secretary, he fought to overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi and was gunned down in his driveway by a member of the White Citizens’ Council. His murder and trial inspired civil rights protests, as well as numerous books, art, music, and films. And 2013 is the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. No matter how many times I hear or read that speech, I get goosebumps. Dr. King’s powerful oration challenged America to make good on the bad check given to the Negro and fulfill its promise for democracy and equality.
January 21st, 2013 is not only inauguration day. It’s also the national holiday observing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. This is the fulfillment of a dream declared as “the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation”. When I realized the double significance of the date, I asked my boss, Melody Spann-Cooper, to let me organize a WVON Inauguration Party. She told me WVON had an inauguration party in 2008 and over 500 people came, but she wasn’t sure people would be as excited this time around because the economy is suffering. I was determined to convince her that the party would be a success again.
I support my president. He took office when America was already deep in a recession and war. He also has to fight tooth and nail with hostile Republicans who would rather make him look bad than help him cure the country. Plus, the American government and economy are massive ships that take time to turn around. The Titanic hit the iceburg not because they didn’t see it, but because they couldn’t move that behemoth machine out of the way fast enough. President Obama is a scholar, a role model, and a gentleman. I’m sure he’s not doing everything perfectly (let he that is cast the first stone), but I feel good having him at the helm. People may not have the fact that he’s the first black president to celebrate this time, but they should celebrate with him since this will be his last inauguration to the nation’s highest office due to the two-term restriction. They should also celebrate because who knows when another person of color will be elected POTUS. And when I say they, I don’t just mean black people. This inauguration should be celebrated by every race, color, creed, religion, gender, and every other politically correct classification. This inauguration demonstrates that those with a “thirst for freedom” are stronger than those “drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” This inauguration is a testimony to the idea that “we cannot [and do not] walk alone…and we cannot [and have not] turn(ed) back.” This inauguration is the hope, faith, and brotherhood emanating from the “land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside” letting freedom ring. This inauguration is the fulfillment of a dream and we need to celebrate that we are that much closer to being “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
I predict that inauguration turnout and participation will be just as high, if not higher than in 2009. They predicted low voter turnout for President Obama's second election and yet I had tears in my eyes every time I saw the long lines to early vote and on election day. I can't wait to prove the pundits and nay-sayers wrong again. Stay warm if you’re going to the event in DC. And if you’re in Chicago, celebrate with me at WVON’s Inauguration Party at the Grand Ballroom. My boss agreed to have a party and the WVON listeners are ringing the phones off the hook to get tickets. 2013 is also the 50th anniversary of WVON 1690AM which is the only African-American news talk radio station in Chicago and on the IHeartRadio platform and one of the last remaining African-American owned and operated radio stations in the United States. WVON is the Talk of Chicago and we can't wait to see you at our party!
Click here for more details on the WVON Chicago party.
Click here for more information on the city of Birmingham’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Click here to read Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech". (excepts included above)
Deanna Burrell is an account executive at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
Join the "Single Girl Summer" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, click the buttons below and share with your friends. Thanks!
Maybe people don’t realize that 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the pivotal events in 1963 Birmingham that sparked the American Civil Rights Movement. Events like an afternoon at a lunch counter, a thousand arms linked at the elbows, a firing line of water hoses, a pack of German Shepherds, a letter from a Birmingham jail, and a devastating explosion killing four little girls. As you read that list, I guarantee pictures from those events flickered in your mind. Those snapshots and images highlighting the injustices and violence that African-Americans endured were broadcast to the world and were the catalyst that ignited a nation’s change. 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the death of Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers. As the first NAACP field secretary, he fought to overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi and was gunned down in his driveway by a member of the White Citizens’ Council. His murder and trial inspired civil rights protests, as well as numerous books, art, music, and films. And 2013 is the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. No matter how many times I hear or read that speech, I get goosebumps. Dr. King’s powerful oration challenged America to make good on the bad check given to the Negro and fulfill its promise for democracy and equality.
January 21st, 2013 is not only inauguration day. It’s also the national holiday observing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. This is the fulfillment of a dream declared as “the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation”. When I realized the double significance of the date, I asked my boss, Melody Spann-Cooper, to let me organize a WVON Inauguration Party. She told me WVON had an inauguration party in 2008 and over 500 people came, but she wasn’t sure people would be as excited this time around because the economy is suffering. I was determined to convince her that the party would be a success again.
I support my president. He took office when America was already deep in a recession and war. He also has to fight tooth and nail with hostile Republicans who would rather make him look bad than help him cure the country. Plus, the American government and economy are massive ships that take time to turn around. The Titanic hit the iceburg not because they didn’t see it, but because they couldn’t move that behemoth machine out of the way fast enough. President Obama is a scholar, a role model, and a gentleman. I’m sure he’s not doing everything perfectly (let he that is cast the first stone), but I feel good having him at the helm. People may not have the fact that he’s the first black president to celebrate this time, but they should celebrate with him since this will be his last inauguration to the nation’s highest office due to the two-term restriction. They should also celebrate because who knows when another person of color will be elected POTUS. And when I say they, I don’t just mean black people. This inauguration should be celebrated by every race, color, creed, religion, gender, and every other politically correct classification. This inauguration demonstrates that those with a “thirst for freedom” are stronger than those “drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” This inauguration is a testimony to the idea that “we cannot [and do not] walk alone…and we cannot [and have not] turn(ed) back.” This inauguration is the hope, faith, and brotherhood emanating from the “land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside” letting freedom ring. This inauguration is the fulfillment of a dream and we need to celebrate that we are that much closer to being “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
I predict that inauguration turnout and participation will be just as high, if not higher than in 2009. They predicted low voter turnout for President Obama's second election and yet I had tears in my eyes every time I saw the long lines to early vote and on election day. I can't wait to prove the pundits and nay-sayers wrong again. Stay warm if you’re going to the event in DC. And if you’re in Chicago, celebrate with me at WVON’s Inauguration Party at the Grand Ballroom. My boss agreed to have a party and the WVON listeners are ringing the phones off the hook to get tickets. 2013 is also the 50th anniversary of WVON 1690AM which is the only African-American news talk radio station in Chicago and on the IHeartRadio platform and one of the last remaining African-American owned and operated radio stations in the United States. WVON is the Talk of Chicago and we can't wait to see you at our party!
Click here for more details on the WVON Chicago party.
Click here for more information on the city of Birmingham’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Click here to read Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech". (excepts included above)
Deanna Burrell is an account executive at WVON and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
Join the "Single Girl Summer" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, click the buttons below and share with your friends. Thanks!
January 13, 2013
Happy New Year: Northwestern Finally Won a Bowl
On the first day of the New Year, my alma mater, Northwestern University, ended a 64-year drought by winning the 2013 Gator Bowl. I started at Northwestern in 1994. I picked NU for the rich academic curriculum, distinguished Radio/Television/Film program, and proximity to home. (I wanted to go away, but not be too far from home). I did not pick NU for the sports. Routinely finishing last in the Big 10, the football program was dismal. My first year, students could attend games for free, but because the team was so bad, very few NU supporters (students, alums, or Evanston locals) went. Fans for the visiting team almost always outnumbered NU fans. Many of the black students (at less than 10% of the college body, there weren’t that many of us) would go and sit together on 50-yard line chanting along with the other NU students “That’s alright, that’s okay. We’re gon’ be your boss some day” and the taunting cries of “State School” at the University of Illinois, Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan State games. Yes, we were sore losers.
Coach Gary Barnett started a year before me. When he was introduced to the NU student body, he declared that he was taking the purple (Northwestern’s school color) to Pasadena (the Rose Bowl). But at the end of his first football season, Northwestern lost to every Big 10 opponent and finished last in the conference. My first year was Coach Barnett’s second and I saw that he was clearly something special. I loved listening to the football players talk about Coach Barnett’s motivational techniques. He not only coached his team, but he encouraged and inspired them. He dreamed big and he instilled that dream, that drive, and that determination into all his players and staff. At the end of his second year, the team beat two Big 10 opponents, but again finished last in the conference. Even though the team’s record wasn’t great, hope and change were in the air. It was like all the football players had a fire burning in their bellies and they told everyone that next year would be different.
The start of my second year, the school announced that games would no longer be free for students (new price was $10) and the assigned seats on tickets would be strictly enforced. Students laughed at the idea of having to pay to see the football team lose. The first game of the season was at Notre Dame and NU was a 28-point underdog. Northwestern hadn’t won an opener since 1975 and Notre Dame hadn’t lost one since 1986. My girlfriend Angie (who was on the NU LadyCats dance team and dating a football player) and I were supposed to go, but my mom’s car had mechanical trouble as we were about to drive down so we watched the heart-stopping game at my house. It was a close and hard fought game and we were thrilled as our friends and classmates beat Notre Dame 17-15. It was incredible and Angie and I knew that everything the football players had been saying about this year being different was about to come true. The seats at home games were full with NU supporters and the stadium staff actually had to enforce the assigned seats ticket policy. NU ended the season with a 10-2 overall record, 8-0 conference record, and an invitation to the Rose Bowl. (I think Angie is still mad at me that we missed the Notre Dame game, but she got to perform at the Rose Bowl so she’s alright.)
NU hadn’t won a bowl game since the 1949 Rose Bowl. In 1995, Cinderella was finally asked back to the ball. USC was a powerhouse, but everybody loved rooting for the underdog. We hoped. We prayed. We played hard, but lost 41-32. It was a hard loss, but still a fabulous season and there was always next year. The following year, NU had another great season and another loss at the Citrus Bowl. In the subsequent years, there have been nine bowl appearance and nine losses, until this year. On January 1, 2013, the Northwestern football team won the Gator Bowl ending a 64 year drought.
As Murphy's Law would have it, this is the first year that I didn’t watch the NU bowl. Nevertheless, I jumped for joy when I got a text that my beloved Wildcats had achieved this monumental goal. Can you image what it’s like to want to bring honor to your institution and program for 64-years? Can you imagine how it feels when no matter how much you win during the regular season you end each year as another notch in a losing streak? Can you image being the butt of jokes and a bad sports statistic for so long? Well not any more. Northwestern WON! What a great way to start 2013! What a testament to the adage that if at first you don’t succeed, you try, try again!
I decided to take this milestone to heart. This year, as trials come up (and they will) and when I find myself facing some of the same tribulations that I’ve faced before (and there will be some repeats), I will remind myself that if the NU football team can crush a 64-year streak, then I can make miracles happen in my life too. I’m a Wildcat. I bleed purple. I was proud of my school before, but I’m energized and inspired by it now. 2013 is the year to dream big, work hard, and turn those dreams into realities. Happy New Year!
Deanna Burrell is a Northwestern graduate and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
Join my "Single Girl Summer" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, click the "LIKE" button and share with your friends. Thanks!
Coach Gary Barnett started a year before me. When he was introduced to the NU student body, he declared that he was taking the purple (Northwestern’s school color) to Pasadena (the Rose Bowl). But at the end of his first football season, Northwestern lost to every Big 10 opponent and finished last in the conference. My first year was Coach Barnett’s second and I saw that he was clearly something special. I loved listening to the football players talk about Coach Barnett’s motivational techniques. He not only coached his team, but he encouraged and inspired them. He dreamed big and he instilled that dream, that drive, and that determination into all his players and staff. At the end of his second year, the team beat two Big 10 opponents, but again finished last in the conference. Even though the team’s record wasn’t great, hope and change were in the air. It was like all the football players had a fire burning in their bellies and they told everyone that next year would be different.
The start of my second year, the school announced that games would no longer be free for students (new price was $10) and the assigned seats on tickets would be strictly enforced. Students laughed at the idea of having to pay to see the football team lose. The first game of the season was at Notre Dame and NU was a 28-point underdog. Northwestern hadn’t won an opener since 1975 and Notre Dame hadn’t lost one since 1986. My girlfriend Angie (who was on the NU LadyCats dance team and dating a football player) and I were supposed to go, but my mom’s car had mechanical trouble as we were about to drive down so we watched the heart-stopping game at my house. It was a close and hard fought game and we were thrilled as our friends and classmates beat Notre Dame 17-15. It was incredible and Angie and I knew that everything the football players had been saying about this year being different was about to come true. The seats at home games were full with NU supporters and the stadium staff actually had to enforce the assigned seats ticket policy. NU ended the season with a 10-2 overall record, 8-0 conference record, and an invitation to the Rose Bowl. (I think Angie is still mad at me that we missed the Notre Dame game, but she got to perform at the Rose Bowl so she’s alright.)
NU hadn’t won a bowl game since the 1949 Rose Bowl. In 1995, Cinderella was finally asked back to the ball. USC was a powerhouse, but everybody loved rooting for the underdog. We hoped. We prayed. We played hard, but lost 41-32. It was a hard loss, but still a fabulous season and there was always next year. The following year, NU had another great season and another loss at the Citrus Bowl. In the subsequent years, there have been nine bowl appearance and nine losses, until this year. On January 1, 2013, the Northwestern football team won the Gator Bowl ending a 64 year drought.
As Murphy's Law would have it, this is the first year that I didn’t watch the NU bowl. Nevertheless, I jumped for joy when I got a text that my beloved Wildcats had achieved this monumental goal. Can you image what it’s like to want to bring honor to your institution and program for 64-years? Can you imagine how it feels when no matter how much you win during the regular season you end each year as another notch in a losing streak? Can you image being the butt of jokes and a bad sports statistic for so long? Well not any more. Northwestern WON! What a great way to start 2013! What a testament to the adage that if at first you don’t succeed, you try, try again!
I decided to take this milestone to heart. This year, as trials come up (and they will) and when I find myself facing some of the same tribulations that I’ve faced before (and there will be some repeats), I will remind myself that if the NU football team can crush a 64-year streak, then I can make miracles happen in my life too. I’m a Wildcat. I bleed purple. I was proud of my school before, but I’m energized and inspired by it now. 2013 is the year to dream big, work hard, and turn those dreams into realities. Happy New Year!
Deanna Burrell is a Northwestern graduate and the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer.
Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
Join my "Single Girl Summer" page on Facebook.
If you enjoyed this blog, click the "LIKE" button and share with your friends. Thanks!
December 20, 2012
Two Words: Open Bar
There are two words in the English language that are guaranteed to bring a huge smile to my face: OPEN BAR. When I hear that rallying call, my mind instantly swirls with all the possibilities! A much younger me dreamed about being a kid in a candy store. Mid-thirty me dreams of free appetizers, beer, wine, and cocktails. Mid-thirty me relishes nights where I can get full on food and drinks and not spend a dime of my own money or any of my precious time entertaining assholes (AKA dates).
Last night was the Chicago Now holiday party and I was not disappointed. Being a blogger is not for the faint of heart. You have to dig deep to find topics of interest, jokes of funny, and/or moments of sincerity. Then you wait for people to like your posts and maybe even leave a comment. You read other bloggers and wonder why the hell you aren’t as clever or why they have so many likes because you totally don’t get her sense of humor. Nevertheless, you type and you post. You read and you wait. You spell check and you share. It’s often a thankless job until, in those rare moments, your fearless leader organizes a get-together for your motley community. When I saw the “holiday party” post, I held my breath until I spotted those fateful words “OPEN BAR.” RSVP, hell yeah!
I decided to go solo. Sometimes I like to challenge myself to make new friends and not depend on a +1 crutch. After I hung up my coat, I launch into my Jack Nicholson/As Good As It Gets/Do they have hard shells? routine by asking random people who don't work there if it was an open bar. I wanted to check in case something got changed at the last minute. Nothing wipes that “yes, I scored a free glass of Pinot Grigio” smile off your face faster than the bartender calling you back to the bar and telling you that you owe $7. Five people confirmed it’s an open bar and I watched a couple of people get drinks and not be asked for money, so I think I'm good.
Just as I'm feeling confident about the drinks of free, the smell of sliders catches in my nose. In the far corner, I spy salad, quesadillas, buffalo chicken wings, mini-burgers, and fries…food of the late-night Gods. There’s a line for the food, but I don’t see anyone collecting money or tickets...FREE FOOD. I decide to eat first. This is a strategic move. A novice would drink first, but an old pro like myself knows that if I lay a base of carbs, I can drink more later. Since the party started at 6pm and I arrived at 630pm, I feel assured that I’ve got some time before the open bar is over which reminds me that I need to ask five more people when the open bar ends.
While in the food line, I make my first friends. It’s a nice couple whose names I can’t remember because I’m terrible at names. I pile my plate with food, get a glass of red wine, and go sit with my new party-friends and their crew. I talk. I eat. I sip. I’m happy. The DJ fires up the karaoke and I excuse myself for more wine and a close up view of the comedy. I’m kinda in the mood for a Jack and coke, but I’m too afraid to ask if call liquor is included. Nothing ruins free wine faster than the knowledge that you don’t have any other choice. I’m not a beer drinker and I never touch well liquor. I don’t see anyone with highball glasses so I decide to be happy with wine all night; which is just fine with me.
I laugh at the karaoke and table hop around. I introduce myself to new people and remember how much I hate shaking hands. I’m a closet germaphobe. I try to keep it under wraps, but nothing freaks me out more than a roomful of hand-shaking strangers especially right before I want to get another plate of food. I’m trying to focus on the conversation and not run away to the bathroom to wash my hands. I think that’s why I forgot to ask what time the open bar was over. Nevertheless, I keep meeting cool people and secretly squiring hand sanitizer on my hands.
I end up sitting with a group female bloggers some of whom I’ve met before and some I’ve just met. We take turns getting rounds of wine. We laugh. We exchange tips and topics. I’m so happy I came. It’s getting late, but I just need one more glass of wine...a night cap if you will. I stand to go to the bar and hear someone say there’s only one more minute left for the open bar. SHIT. Panic seizes my heart. I rush to the bartender I’ve been giving $2 tips to for every glass, but she’s already helping a couple. I wait hoping she’ll hear the screaming in my head or see the desperation in my eyes and hurry up. She hands them their drinks, types into the computer, and turns to gives me that look. It’s the same look your mother gave you before she told you your fish died or your dog ran away. I already know. She doesn’t have to say it. In fact, I would prefer she didn’t. I raise my hand to silence her. The open bar is over and I go back to my seat deflated. One of my new blogger friends notices my altered state and offers me one of her two glasses of wine. She was double fisted all night. She’s my new hero. My smile reappears as I accept this early Christmas present. The tangy grapes dance on my tongue. Nothing says Happy Holidays like Free Wine and an Open Bar!
Happy Holiday to all the Chicago Now Bloggers and our Fearless Leader and Party Organizer, Jimmy Greenfield!
Last night was the Chicago Now holiday party and I was not disappointed. Being a blogger is not for the faint of heart. You have to dig deep to find topics of interest, jokes of funny, and/or moments of sincerity. Then you wait for people to like your posts and maybe even leave a comment. You read other bloggers and wonder why the hell you aren’t as clever or why they have so many likes because you totally don’t get her sense of humor. Nevertheless, you type and you post. You read and you wait. You spell check and you share. It’s often a thankless job until, in those rare moments, your fearless leader organizes a get-together for your motley community. When I saw the “holiday party” post, I held my breath until I spotted those fateful words “OPEN BAR.” RSVP, hell yeah!
I decided to go solo. Sometimes I like to challenge myself to make new friends and not depend on a +1 crutch. After I hung up my coat, I launch into my Jack Nicholson/As Good As It Gets/Do they have hard shells? routine by asking random people who don't work there if it was an open bar. I wanted to check in case something got changed at the last minute. Nothing wipes that “yes, I scored a free glass of Pinot Grigio” smile off your face faster than the bartender calling you back to the bar and telling you that you owe $7. Five people confirmed it’s an open bar and I watched a couple of people get drinks and not be asked for money, so I think I'm good.
Just as I'm feeling confident about the drinks of free, the smell of sliders catches in my nose. In the far corner, I spy salad, quesadillas, buffalo chicken wings, mini-burgers, and fries…food of the late-night Gods. There’s a line for the food, but I don’t see anyone collecting money or tickets...FREE FOOD. I decide to eat first. This is a strategic move. A novice would drink first, but an old pro like myself knows that if I lay a base of carbs, I can drink more later. Since the party started at 6pm and I arrived at 630pm, I feel assured that I’ve got some time before the open bar is over which reminds me that I need to ask five more people when the open bar ends.
While in the food line, I make my first friends. It’s a nice couple whose names I can’t remember because I’m terrible at names. I pile my plate with food, get a glass of red wine, and go sit with my new party-friends and their crew. I talk. I eat. I sip. I’m happy. The DJ fires up the karaoke and I excuse myself for more wine and a close up view of the comedy. I’m kinda in the mood for a Jack and coke, but I’m too afraid to ask if call liquor is included. Nothing ruins free wine faster than the knowledge that you don’t have any other choice. I’m not a beer drinker and I never touch well liquor. I don’t see anyone with highball glasses so I decide to be happy with wine all night; which is just fine with me.
I laugh at the karaoke and table hop around. I introduce myself to new people and remember how much I hate shaking hands. I’m a closet germaphobe. I try to keep it under wraps, but nothing freaks me out more than a roomful of hand-shaking strangers especially right before I want to get another plate of food. I’m trying to focus on the conversation and not run away to the bathroom to wash my hands. I think that’s why I forgot to ask what time the open bar was over. Nevertheless, I keep meeting cool people and secretly squiring hand sanitizer on my hands.
I end up sitting with a group female bloggers some of whom I’ve met before and some I’ve just met. We take turns getting rounds of wine. We laugh. We exchange tips and topics. I’m so happy I came. It’s getting late, but I just need one more glass of wine...a night cap if you will. I stand to go to the bar and hear someone say there’s only one more minute left for the open bar. SHIT. Panic seizes my heart. I rush to the bartender I’ve been giving $2 tips to for every glass, but she’s already helping a couple. I wait hoping she’ll hear the screaming in my head or see the desperation in my eyes and hurry up. She hands them their drinks, types into the computer, and turns to gives me that look. It’s the same look your mother gave you before she told you your fish died or your dog ran away. I already know. She doesn’t have to say it. In fact, I would prefer she didn’t. I raise my hand to silence her. The open bar is over and I go back to my seat deflated. One of my new blogger friends notices my altered state and offers me one of her two glasses of wine. She was double fisted all night. She’s my new hero. My smile reappears as I accept this early Christmas present. The tangy grapes dance on my tongue. Nothing says Happy Holidays like Free Wine and an Open Bar!
Happy Holiday to all the Chicago Now Bloggers and our Fearless Leader and Party Organizer, Jimmy Greenfield!
December 14, 2012
Remembering Our Loved Ones During the Holidays
I met Dawj Sangster last year when I was a member of Six Brown Chicks. She is a Doctor of Motivation who has turned her life's pain into purpose through her writing, motivational speaking, and serial philanthropy. Last night, Dawj hosted an “Ornament Hanging Memorial Service” to honor the lives of our loved ones lost. Guests were invited to help Dawj decorate the tree in her “Think Royally” loft space. Each ornament was placed in remembrance of lost friends and family.
Dawj hung in ornament for her recently deceased husband, James, and her sister. For James, she hung an ornament shaped like a shiny green pickle. She explained that James had spent time in Germany where he learned the tradition of hiding a pickle in the tree. The person who finds the ‘Christmas Pickle’ gets an extra gift from St. Nicholas and good luck for the whole year. I hung an ornament shaped like a house in remembrance of my deceased grandparents and two family dogs.
Dawj thought of everything. There was wine, holiday cookies, a baritone singer, and a saxophone player. She even had a health care professional at the event to speak about bereavement and the holidays. Wanda Parker from Ingalls Hospice Bereavement Services reminded us that the holidays can be a difficult time for many. Grief is a very normal reaction and you shouldn't feel ashamed or alone. Most importantly there are resources to help someone grieving for lost ones. Ingalls Hospice in Harvey, IL has Grief Support Groups. Call 708.331.1360 for more information.
By remembering those we have lost, we keep their memory and legacy alive. As you’re celebrating this holiday season, take time to remember. Celebrate loved ones lost by hanging an ornament on your tree in their honor.
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer .Described as “the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated”, Single Girl Summer tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life and love during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
Dawj hung in ornament for her recently deceased husband, James, and her sister. For James, she hung an ornament shaped like a shiny green pickle. She explained that James had spent time in Germany where he learned the tradition of hiding a pickle in the tree. The person who finds the ‘Christmas Pickle’ gets an extra gift from St. Nicholas and good luck for the whole year. I hung an ornament shaped like a house in remembrance of my deceased grandparents and two family dogs.
Dawj thought of everything. There was wine, holiday cookies, a baritone singer, and a saxophone player. She even had a health care professional at the event to speak about bereavement and the holidays. Wanda Parker from Ingalls Hospice Bereavement Services reminded us that the holidays can be a difficult time for many. Grief is a very normal reaction and you shouldn't feel ashamed or alone. Most importantly there are resources to help someone grieving for lost ones. Ingalls Hospice in Harvey, IL has Grief Support Groups. Call 708.331.1360 for more information.
By remembering those we have lost, we keep their memory and legacy alive. As you’re celebrating this holiday season, take time to remember. Celebrate loved ones lost by hanging an ornament on your tree in their honor.
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer .Described as “the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated”, Single Girl Summer tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life and love during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
December 11, 2012
New Schools Expo Resources
On Saturday, New Schools for Chicago and Chicago Public Schools presented the New Schools Expo 6.0 which gave parents and students a chance to talk with leaders from more then 100 great school options including charter schools and complete enrollment forms on the spot. New this year was the techNOW area which featured the latest tech tools, many at low-cost or free cost, that can help children learn more now both at home and in the classroom. I, Single Girl Summer, don't have any children but I was excited to go to the Expo because it I knew it would be a great networking opportunity. I’m an account executive at a radio station and the Expo was clearly a stadium full of potential clients. Plus it was at Soldier Field, which is just a cool building, with free admission and free parking.
The Expo was wonderful. It was well organized and fully staffed with polite and trained people and volunteers. Once I got there and saw all the great resources available, I knew I had to compile the information in a blog and make it available for all parents and children. In the main hall there were over 100 schools including military academies, college prep programs, international schools, language academies, virtual charter schools, arts programs, in more. The Expo provided a step-by-step guide which included tips on how to make the most of your time there, what to look for in a quality school, principal/school interview checklist, and school score cards & trackers for your notes. Here is a link to the list of the schools that participated. http://www.newschoolsnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/EXPO-Participant-School-List-as-of-11.9.pdf.
I was really impressed by the techNow are which featured the following educational resources and innovations for the home and classroom, many at low-cost or free cost:
Chicago Public Library: YOUmedia YOUmedia Is a digital learning Center in the Chicago Public Library where you can hang out and create digital media for FREE! Youth between the ages of 12-18 have access to digital media equipment, digital media workshops, and the chance to perform in showcase locally and nationally. YOUmedia is available at the following Chicago Public Library locations: Harold Washington Library Center (high school students), Rudy Lozano Branch (grades 6-8), Richard M. Daley Branch (grades 6-8), Thurgood Marshall Branch (grades 6-8). http://youmediachicago.org
Comcast Internet Essentials: If your child receives free or reduced price school lunches, you may qualify for Internet Essentials from Comcast allowing you to bring the Internet home for just $9.95 a month. You can get online today with affordable Internet and no price increases, activation fees, or equipment rental fees. http://internetessentials.com
Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing tools and curricula to teach students about becoming responsible digital citizens. The FREE Digital Literacy and Citizenship classroom curriculum consists of more than 60 lesson plans, student handouts, videos, interactive components, and parent-outreach resources that span grades K-12 and cover 3 topical areas: safety and security, digital citizenship, and research in information literacy. Because media profoundly affects our kids' social, emotional, and physical development, Common Sense Media rates media based on age appropriateness and learning potential and provides reviews of movies, games, apps, & more so parents can make informed decisions. http://www.commonsensemedia.org
eSpark learning: eSpark is a “Pandora for education” app. Innovative schools are buying iPads for personalized learning, yet they face various challenges like sorting through 103,262 educational apps to find the right apps for their students. eSpark develops a custom learning “playlist” of Common-Core aligned educational apps for students in grades K-7 based on their unique learning needs. http://esparklearning.com
Flipped Learning Network: Turning Learning on its Head! Together, with Schoolwires technology, the Flipped Learning Networks mission is to provide educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources to successfully implement Flipped Learning. The goals of the FLN are to provide professional learning opportunities on Flipped Learning; to conduct, collaborate and disseminate relevant research on Flipped Learning; and to act as the clearinghouse for distributing best and promising practices for current and future “flipped” educators. http://flippedlearning.org
Gooru: A Search Engine for Learning. Teachers and students can use Gooru to search for rich collections of multimedia resources, digital textbooks, videos, games and quizzes created by educators in the Gooru community. Gooru is FREE (of cost and ads) and developed by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to honor the human right to education. http://www.goorulearning.org
PowerMyLearning: Your destination for the best in fun, free online educational activities. With PowerMyLearning, students and parents can discover fun and stimulating activities to reinforce classroom learning and spark new areas of interest. Teachers can take advantage of the free instructional resources and use this tool to help meet the specific learning needs of their students. http://powermylearning.com
Study Buddy: A FREE, online, revolutionary homework support system that connects students seeking help with volunteer high school honor students…instantly. Students work collaboratively ONLINE with volunteer honor students in a state of the art digital notebook containing whiteboard technology, writing/texting tools, instructional videos, and so much more. No hassles, just live, individualized support. Help is available 7 days a week from September through June from 3”30 till midnight Sunday through Thursday, til 9 PM Friday and Saturday afternoons. http://www.studybuddyhelp.org
Sylvan Learning: Your child's custom learning experience. Partner with Sylvan to give your child a leg up on schoolwork, a boost in confidence, and avoid the summer slide. Don’t hope for the best--get your child the help he or she needs today. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach with Sylvan. Successful learning requires a focus on the individual, to unlock each child's potential. At Sylvan, your child's program is custom-tailored to meet his or her academic goals and needs. http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/
Wowzers: By accommodating for different learning styles, speeds, and concentration levels, Wowzers allows educators to provide all students with the opportunity to learn the way that best fits their learning style. Learning should be fun and provide students with clear and challenging objectives along with the tools to achieve those goals. That’s really a fancy way of describing video games. A good video game keeps students engaged through multiple failures. Wowzers combines that same engagement element of a video game, but also weaves in pedagogy in a way where neither the game nor the learning suffer. http://www.wowzers.com
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer .Described as “the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated”, Single Girl Summer tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life and love during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
The Expo was wonderful. It was well organized and fully staffed with polite and trained people and volunteers. Once I got there and saw all the great resources available, I knew I had to compile the information in a blog and make it available for all parents and children. In the main hall there were over 100 schools including military academies, college prep programs, international schools, language academies, virtual charter schools, arts programs, in more. The Expo provided a step-by-step guide which included tips on how to make the most of your time there, what to look for in a quality school, principal/school interview checklist, and school score cards & trackers for your notes. Here is a link to the list of the schools that participated. http://www.newschoolsnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/EXPO-Participant-School-List-as-of-11.9.pdf.
I was really impressed by the techNow are which featured the following educational resources and innovations for the home and classroom, many at low-cost or free cost:
Chicago Public Library: YOUmedia YOUmedia Is a digital learning Center in the Chicago Public Library where you can hang out and create digital media for FREE! Youth between the ages of 12-18 have access to digital media equipment, digital media workshops, and the chance to perform in showcase locally and nationally. YOUmedia is available at the following Chicago Public Library locations: Harold Washington Library Center (high school students), Rudy Lozano Branch (grades 6-8), Richard M. Daley Branch (grades 6-8), Thurgood Marshall Branch (grades 6-8). http://youmediachicago.org
Comcast Internet Essentials: If your child receives free or reduced price school lunches, you may qualify for Internet Essentials from Comcast allowing you to bring the Internet home for just $9.95 a month. You can get online today with affordable Internet and no price increases, activation fees, or equipment rental fees. http://internetessentials.com
Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing tools and curricula to teach students about becoming responsible digital citizens. The FREE Digital Literacy and Citizenship classroom curriculum consists of more than 60 lesson plans, student handouts, videos, interactive components, and parent-outreach resources that span grades K-12 and cover 3 topical areas: safety and security, digital citizenship, and research in information literacy. Because media profoundly affects our kids' social, emotional, and physical development, Common Sense Media rates media based on age appropriateness and learning potential and provides reviews of movies, games, apps, & more so parents can make informed decisions. http://www.commonsensemedia.org
eSpark learning: eSpark is a “Pandora for education” app. Innovative schools are buying iPads for personalized learning, yet they face various challenges like sorting through 103,262 educational apps to find the right apps for their students. eSpark develops a custom learning “playlist” of Common-Core aligned educational apps for students in grades K-7 based on their unique learning needs. http://esparklearning.com
Flipped Learning Network: Turning Learning on its Head! Together, with Schoolwires technology, the Flipped Learning Networks mission is to provide educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources to successfully implement Flipped Learning. The goals of the FLN are to provide professional learning opportunities on Flipped Learning; to conduct, collaborate and disseminate relevant research on Flipped Learning; and to act as the clearinghouse for distributing best and promising practices for current and future “flipped” educators. http://flippedlearning.org
Gooru: A Search Engine for Learning. Teachers and students can use Gooru to search for rich collections of multimedia resources, digital textbooks, videos, games and quizzes created by educators in the Gooru community. Gooru is FREE (of cost and ads) and developed by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to honor the human right to education. http://www.goorulearning.org
PowerMyLearning: Your destination for the best in fun, free online educational activities. With PowerMyLearning, students and parents can discover fun and stimulating activities to reinforce classroom learning and spark new areas of interest. Teachers can take advantage of the free instructional resources and use this tool to help meet the specific learning needs of their students. http://powermylearning.com
Study Buddy: A FREE, online, revolutionary homework support system that connects students seeking help with volunteer high school honor students…instantly. Students work collaboratively ONLINE with volunteer honor students in a state of the art digital notebook containing whiteboard technology, writing/texting tools, instructional videos, and so much more. No hassles, just live, individualized support. Help is available 7 days a week from September through June from 3”30 till midnight Sunday through Thursday, til 9 PM Friday and Saturday afternoons. http://www.studybuddyhelp.org
Sylvan Learning: Your child's custom learning experience. Partner with Sylvan to give your child a leg up on schoolwork, a boost in confidence, and avoid the summer slide. Don’t hope for the best--get your child the help he or she needs today. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach with Sylvan. Successful learning requires a focus on the individual, to unlock each child's potential. At Sylvan, your child's program is custom-tailored to meet his or her academic goals and needs. http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/
Wowzers: By accommodating for different learning styles, speeds, and concentration levels, Wowzers allows educators to provide all students with the opportunity to learn the way that best fits their learning style. Learning should be fun and provide students with clear and challenging objectives along with the tools to achieve those goals. That’s really a fancy way of describing video games. A good video game keeps students engaged through multiple failures. Wowzers combines that same engagement element of a video game, but also weaves in pedagogy in a way where neither the game nor the learning suffer. http://www.wowzers.com
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer .Described as “the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated”, Single Girl Summer tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life and love during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
December 5, 2012
Relationship Lessons from Geese
I was at an event where Dan Hampton was the keynote speaker. He ended his talk with “Five Lessons from Geese” which he explained that he didn’t write, but it’s so powerful that he likes to share this story. I was so moved by his words that I googled “Lessons From Geese” and found that this inspirational story had been in circulation for many years. I’ve add my commentary as “life application” tips after each “lesson”. If you haven’t read the geese lessons before, then you’re in for a treat. If you have previously read them, then it never hurts to be reminded of good advice.
When geese migrate, they fly in V-shaped formation to conserve energy and coordinate communication. There are five key lessons that can be learned from studying this act of nature. These lessons provide wonderful examples on the importance of teamwork and how it can have a profound and powerful effect on our relationships. When we use these five principles in our personal and business life, they help us foster and encourage a level of passion and energy in ourselves, as well as those family members, friends, and business associates that we interact with.
Lesson 1 - The Importance of Achieving Goals When geese fly in formation, they create their own unique form of teamwork. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in their ‘V', the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Life Application: Do you find it difficult to work with others? One of my favorite acronyms is T.E.A.M. – Together Everyone Achieves More. When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other achieve our goals.
Lesson 2 - The Importance of Coordination When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly moves back in line to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. In addition to conserving energy, the second benefit to the V formation is that it makes it easier to keep track of every bird in the group. Flying in formation assists with the communication and coordination within the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.
Life Application: Are you aligned with like-minded individuals? If we had as much sense as geese, we would stay in formation and constant communication with those headed where we want to go. When you pick a goal, hang out with other people who have similar goals and desires. If you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. If you want to soar with the eagles, don’t fly with the turkeys.
Lesson 3 - The Importance of Sharing When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the ‘V’ and another goose flies to the point position. In this way, the geese can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest. The authors of a 2001 Nature article stated that pelicans that fly alone beat their wings more frequently and have higher heart rates than those that fly in formation. It follows that birds that fly in formation glide more often and reduce energy expenditure (Weimerskirch, 2001).
Life Application: Do you know you don’t have to do it all? It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. The beauty of effective delegation is that you can do less and achieve more. Sharing the work also gives others opportunities to learn, grow, and shine. Tap into the skills, capabilities, talents, and resources all around you.
Lesson 4 - The Importance of Empathy When a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out of formation, two other geese follow it down to the ground to help and protect it. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group.
Life Application: Are you a ‘fair-weather’ or ‘ride-or-die’ friend? Even geese know the importance of standing by and taking care of our teammates. Do onto others as you would have them do unto you.
Lesson 5 - The Importance of Encouragement The geese flying in the back 'HONK' to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Life Application: Is your ‘honking’ encouraging? My grandmother always said, "you can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar". In atmospheres where there is encouragement and praise, productivity increases. Speak positive words to all those you encounter. And remember to also speak positive words to yourself.
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer . Described as “If Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated, the bouncing baby would read like Single Girl Summer ,” the novel tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
When geese migrate, they fly in V-shaped formation to conserve energy and coordinate communication. There are five key lessons that can be learned from studying this act of nature. These lessons provide wonderful examples on the importance of teamwork and how it can have a profound and powerful effect on our relationships. When we use these five principles in our personal and business life, they help us foster and encourage a level of passion and energy in ourselves, as well as those family members, friends, and business associates that we interact with.
Lesson 1 - The Importance of Achieving Goals When geese fly in formation, they create their own unique form of teamwork. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in their ‘V', the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Life Application: Do you find it difficult to work with others? One of my favorite acronyms is T.E.A.M. – Together Everyone Achieves More. When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other achieve our goals.
Lesson 2 - The Importance of Coordination When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly moves back in line to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. In addition to conserving energy, the second benefit to the V formation is that it makes it easier to keep track of every bird in the group. Flying in formation assists with the communication and coordination within the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.
Life Application: Are you aligned with like-minded individuals? If we had as much sense as geese, we would stay in formation and constant communication with those headed where we want to go. When you pick a goal, hang out with other people who have similar goals and desires. If you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. If you want to soar with the eagles, don’t fly with the turkeys.
Lesson 3 - The Importance of Sharing When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the ‘V’ and another goose flies to the point position. In this way, the geese can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest. The authors of a 2001 Nature article stated that pelicans that fly alone beat their wings more frequently and have higher heart rates than those that fly in formation. It follows that birds that fly in formation glide more often and reduce energy expenditure (Weimerskirch, 2001).
Life Application: Do you know you don’t have to do it all? It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. The beauty of effective delegation is that you can do less and achieve more. Sharing the work also gives others opportunities to learn, grow, and shine. Tap into the skills, capabilities, talents, and resources all around you.
Lesson 4 - The Importance of Empathy When a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out of formation, two other geese follow it down to the ground to help and protect it. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group.
Life Application: Are you a ‘fair-weather’ or ‘ride-or-die’ friend? Even geese know the importance of standing by and taking care of our teammates. Do onto others as you would have them do unto you.
Lesson 5 - The Importance of Encouragement The geese flying in the back 'HONK' to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Life Application: Is your ‘honking’ encouraging? My grandmother always said, "you can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar". In atmospheres where there is encouragement and praise, productivity increases. Speak positive words to all those you encounter. And remember to also speak positive words to yourself.
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer . Described as “If Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated, the bouncing baby would read like Single Girl Summer ,” the novel tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
December 3, 2012
After the Reelection of Barack Obama…What?
On November 6th, 2012, the country reelected Barack Obama as president. As an African-American Democratic Chicagoan, I was ecstatic. I partied so hard Tuesday night that I had to drag myself to work Wednesday morning. After work, I really wanted to go home and sleep, but my favorite American poet, writer, activist, and educator, Nikki Giovanni, was speaking at Governors State University and I had to go see her. Ms. Giovanni never disappoints which is why she’s one of the nation’s leading social and artistic voices. Her work illustrates her commitment to civil rights, activism, family, and love.
Some of the notes I jotted down on my program during her lecture included these points:
-You cannot be reasonable with unreasonable people.
-I’m not just pro-choice. I’m pro-abortion because if you don’t want to have a baby, then I don’t want you to have it either.
-Falling in love is like riding a bicycle; it requires trust and balance.
-Now that Barack Obama has been reelected, we have to find ways to push back on some of the hatred that's coming with his second term. This election showed that racism if still alive and thriving. People of color need to actively support other people of color and organizations of color. Everyone in here should join the NAACP.
For the past month, Ms. Giovanni's advice about supporting people of color and organizations of color has stayed top of mind. To this end, I compiled the following list to help achieve her suggestion:
-Support black media, especially African-American owned and operated entities, and know the difference between entities that are owned by blacks or just showcase black voices.
Subscribe to black magazines such as Jet , Ebony , Black Enterprise , Sister2Sister , Uptown , Upscale , O, the Oprah Magazine , and/or Essence to name a few. Know that of the magazines listed, Essence is not an African-American owned and operated entity.
Subscribe to your local black newspapers and share stories from their websites on your social network. In Chicago, there's The Defender , Chicago Crusader , Rolling Out , Final Call , Bean Soup Times , and What’s Da Bizniz .
Listen to radio stations and shows that progress the Black agenda. I’m not talking in general about the local hip-hop or R&B station owned by ClearChannel which is owned by Bain Capital which is owned by Mitt Romney. I’m talking about WVON in Chicago which is one of the last African-American owned and operated stations in the country and the only African-American news talk station in Chicago. I’m talking about the Tom Joyner Morning Show which promotes and raises money for numerous organizations and causes that progress people of color and the Reverend Al Sharpton's Keep It Real which shines a spotlight on economic and political issue affecting people of color.
-Purchase a season pass to your local American-American museum. In Chicago, that’s the DuSable Museum of African-American history. http://www.dusablemuseum.org
-Read and promote literature by and about people of color. I'm an avid reader and I list my recommendations on Goodreads.com. A few books I’m highly recommending right now are “32 Candles” by Ernessa T. Carter, “Bicycles: Love Poems” by Nikki Giovanni, “Perfect Peace” by Daniel Black, “Freeman” by Leonard Pitts, “This is How You Lose Her” by Junot Diaz, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, "143 - Love According to Musiq" by Musiq Soulschild, and of course “Single Girl Summer” by yours truly.
-Send a donation to a historically black college even if you didn't go to one. If you went to a non-HBCU (general market university), contact your Black student union and ask what you can do to help.
-Join and volunteer with an African-American nonprofit or civil rights organization like the NAACP or National Urban League.
-Volunteer to speak at the career day at an inner-city school. Be a mentor. Be a voice and beacon of hope and inspiration.
-Support black businesses. Don't be put off by bad experiences. There are numerous quality African-American owned and operated businesses that provide excellent customer service. And circulate references and referrals for those quality businesses amongst your friends and social network. I love my dentist Dr. Anthony King at Private Dental Services.
-A new iPhone app ‘Around the Way’ Locates Black-Owned Businesses.
-Purchase “Our Black Year: One Family’s Quest to Buy Black in America’s Racially Divided Economy” by Maggie Anderson from a Black bookstore and read it. Near Chicago, check out Azizi bookstore in the Lincoln Mall in Matteson.
-Host investment club or book club meetings at Black owned businesses and coffee shops.
-Start your own Black owned business.
Reelecting Barack Obama was just one step closer to Martin Luther King’s dream or equality and prosperity for African-Americans and all people of color. The job is not done. There is plenty of work to do.
Deanna Burrell is an account executive at WVON and is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer . Described as “If Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated, the bouncing baby would read like Single Girl Summer ,” the novel tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
Some of the notes I jotted down on my program during her lecture included these points:
-You cannot be reasonable with unreasonable people.
-I’m not just pro-choice. I’m pro-abortion because if you don’t want to have a baby, then I don’t want you to have it either.
-Falling in love is like riding a bicycle; it requires trust and balance.
-Now that Barack Obama has been reelected, we have to find ways to push back on some of the hatred that's coming with his second term. This election showed that racism if still alive and thriving. People of color need to actively support other people of color and organizations of color. Everyone in here should join the NAACP.
For the past month, Ms. Giovanni's advice about supporting people of color and organizations of color has stayed top of mind. To this end, I compiled the following list to help achieve her suggestion:
-Support black media, especially African-American owned and operated entities, and know the difference between entities that are owned by blacks or just showcase black voices.
Subscribe to black magazines such as Jet , Ebony , Black Enterprise , Sister2Sister , Uptown , Upscale , O, the Oprah Magazine , and/or Essence to name a few. Know that of the magazines listed, Essence is not an African-American owned and operated entity.
Subscribe to your local black newspapers and share stories from their websites on your social network. In Chicago, there's The Defender , Chicago Crusader , Rolling Out , Final Call , Bean Soup Times , and What’s Da Bizniz .
Listen to radio stations and shows that progress the Black agenda. I’m not talking in general about the local hip-hop or R&B station owned by ClearChannel which is owned by Bain Capital which is owned by Mitt Romney. I’m talking about WVON in Chicago which is one of the last African-American owned and operated stations in the country and the only African-American news talk station in Chicago. I’m talking about the Tom Joyner Morning Show which promotes and raises money for numerous organizations and causes that progress people of color and the Reverend Al Sharpton's Keep It Real which shines a spotlight on economic and political issue affecting people of color.
-Purchase a season pass to your local American-American museum. In Chicago, that’s the DuSable Museum of African-American history. http://www.dusablemuseum.org
-Read and promote literature by and about people of color. I'm an avid reader and I list my recommendations on Goodreads.com. A few books I’m highly recommending right now are “32 Candles” by Ernessa T. Carter, “Bicycles: Love Poems” by Nikki Giovanni, “Perfect Peace” by Daniel Black, “Freeman” by Leonard Pitts, “This is How You Lose Her” by Junot Diaz, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, "143 - Love According to Musiq" by Musiq Soulschild, and of course “Single Girl Summer” by yours truly.
-Send a donation to a historically black college even if you didn't go to one. If you went to a non-HBCU (general market university), contact your Black student union and ask what you can do to help.
-Join and volunteer with an African-American nonprofit or civil rights organization like the NAACP or National Urban League.
-Volunteer to speak at the career day at an inner-city school. Be a mentor. Be a voice and beacon of hope and inspiration.
-Support black businesses. Don't be put off by bad experiences. There are numerous quality African-American owned and operated businesses that provide excellent customer service. And circulate references and referrals for those quality businesses amongst your friends and social network. I love my dentist Dr. Anthony King at Private Dental Services.
-A new iPhone app ‘Around the Way’ Locates Black-Owned Businesses.
-Purchase “Our Black Year: One Family’s Quest to Buy Black in America’s Racially Divided Economy” by Maggie Anderson from a Black bookstore and read it. Near Chicago, check out Azizi bookstore in the Lincoln Mall in Matteson.
-Host investment club or book club meetings at Black owned businesses and coffee shops.
-Start your own Black owned business.
Reelecting Barack Obama was just one step closer to Martin Luther King’s dream or equality and prosperity for African-Americans and all people of color. The job is not done. There is plenty of work to do.
Deanna Burrell is an account executive at WVON and is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer . Described as “If Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated, the bouncing baby would read like Single Girl Summer ,” the novel tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
October 6, 2012
7 Steps to Get Ready For Fall
This morning I woke up shivering even though I slept under a comforter. I can no longer deny that fall is here and I need to replace my sandals and open-toe pumps with boots and chunky heels. Ready or not, the crisp bite of fall has descended so here are some 7 tips to make the transition easier:
1) Change over your closet. I hated to do it, but I had to. When I opened my closet doors this morning, my colorful tank tops and skimpy sundresses looked at me like “B*tch please.” With tears in my eyes and a shaky hand, I removed the wardrobe that bought me so much joy and so many compliments this summer. I replaced it with knit sweaters, long sleeve shirts, and wool pants. Next I rotated my sandals to the bottom of my shoe rack making space for my winter shoes. It was tough and I’m still a little shell-shocked but a summer-to-fall closet change-over is necessary evil.
2) Purge, purge, purge. Before packing away my summer wardrobe, I decided to purge any items I didn’t wear over the past few months. My purge principle was simple: If I didn’t wear it once from May to October, then it goes in the Goodwill pile. I didn’t try it on and I didn’t hesitate. Purge now so you have room to replace later.
3) Accessorize. For all its shortcomings, fall does have two wonderful fashion perks: boots and hosiery. In fact, I got a little giddy when I was in a department store a couple of weeks ago checking out the fall shoes. Ankle boots, fur-lined booties, causal wedge heels, thigh-high leather…the right boots will definitely heat up your ensemble. I love wearing dresses and skirts all year round, but in the winter I don’t dare go bare. I protect my legs from the cold with the cutest collection of pantyhose, tights, and leggings. Pair sassy, sheer tights with simple, sexy booties and take your outfit to the next level of sophistication.
4) Step up your beauty regiment. The environment and change of seasons have a great effect on our bodies. Now is a great time to get a deep cleaning facial and full body exfoliation to clear away dead skin cells and unclog pores. The colder air and dry heat from vents, fireplaces, and wood-stoves will cause dehydration by depleting the water from your outer protective layers. It’s really important to use the right and right amount of moisturizer on your skin, lips, nails, and hair.
5) Check and wash your winter gear. I wouldn’t make it through a Chicago winter without my Northface jacket and wide array of gloves, hats, and scarves. They served me well last year but when winter was over, I just pushed them all to the back of the coat closet without a second thought that they would spend the summer covered in last year’s germs. Before I put on any of my winter gear, I must sanitize it all. Follow the cleaning instructions to know if garments go to the cleaners or washing machine. And this year I will finally give up hope of finding long-lost gloves mates from winters past. Any unpaired gloves will be properly mourned and discarded.
6) Winterize. Being a responsible adult means getting things fixed before they break. Winter is right around the corner. It’s extreme temperatures and elements can wreak havoc on your home and car. Winterize your home by cleaning the gutters, heat ducts and furnace, sweeping the chimney, reversing the cleaning fans, insulating the pipes, plugging any leaks, and putting up storm windows. Winterize your car by changing the oil, replacing the windshield wipers, checking the battery, belts, hoses, tire pressure, and fluids, switching to snow tires if necessary, and storing an emergency kit in the truck.
7) Make it count. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the holidays will fly by. Review your 2012 resolutions and before-I-kick-the-bucket list to see if there’s anything you can accomplish in this year’s remaining weeks. Spend quality time with your family and friends. See a good movie. Sip some hot chocolate. Snuggle under your winter blanket (that could be a cute companion or a cotton comforter). Nevertheless, stay warm and enjoy the season.
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer . Described as “If Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated, the bouncing baby would read like Single Girl Summer ,” the novel tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
1) Change over your closet. I hated to do it, but I had to. When I opened my closet doors this morning, my colorful tank tops and skimpy sundresses looked at me like “B*tch please.” With tears in my eyes and a shaky hand, I removed the wardrobe that bought me so much joy and so many compliments this summer. I replaced it with knit sweaters, long sleeve shirts, and wool pants. Next I rotated my sandals to the bottom of my shoe rack making space for my winter shoes. It was tough and I’m still a little shell-shocked but a summer-to-fall closet change-over is necessary evil.
2) Purge, purge, purge. Before packing away my summer wardrobe, I decided to purge any items I didn’t wear over the past few months. My purge principle was simple: If I didn’t wear it once from May to October, then it goes in the Goodwill pile. I didn’t try it on and I didn’t hesitate. Purge now so you have room to replace later.
3) Accessorize. For all its shortcomings, fall does have two wonderful fashion perks: boots and hosiery. In fact, I got a little giddy when I was in a department store a couple of weeks ago checking out the fall shoes. Ankle boots, fur-lined booties, causal wedge heels, thigh-high leather…the right boots will definitely heat up your ensemble. I love wearing dresses and skirts all year round, but in the winter I don’t dare go bare. I protect my legs from the cold with the cutest collection of pantyhose, tights, and leggings. Pair sassy, sheer tights with simple, sexy booties and take your outfit to the next level of sophistication.
4) Step up your beauty regiment. The environment and change of seasons have a great effect on our bodies. Now is a great time to get a deep cleaning facial and full body exfoliation to clear away dead skin cells and unclog pores. The colder air and dry heat from vents, fireplaces, and wood-stoves will cause dehydration by depleting the water from your outer protective layers. It’s really important to use the right and right amount of moisturizer on your skin, lips, nails, and hair.
5) Check and wash your winter gear. I wouldn’t make it through a Chicago winter without my Northface jacket and wide array of gloves, hats, and scarves. They served me well last year but when winter was over, I just pushed them all to the back of the coat closet without a second thought that they would spend the summer covered in last year’s germs. Before I put on any of my winter gear, I must sanitize it all. Follow the cleaning instructions to know if garments go to the cleaners or washing machine. And this year I will finally give up hope of finding long-lost gloves mates from winters past. Any unpaired gloves will be properly mourned and discarded.
6) Winterize. Being a responsible adult means getting things fixed before they break. Winter is right around the corner. It’s extreme temperatures and elements can wreak havoc on your home and car. Winterize your home by cleaning the gutters, heat ducts and furnace, sweeping the chimney, reversing the cleaning fans, insulating the pipes, plugging any leaks, and putting up storm windows. Winterize your car by changing the oil, replacing the windshield wipers, checking the battery, belts, hoses, tire pressure, and fluids, switching to snow tires if necessary, and storing an emergency kit in the truck.
7) Make it count. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the holidays will fly by. Review your 2012 resolutions and before-I-kick-the-bucket list to see if there’s anything you can accomplish in this year’s remaining weeks. Spend quality time with your family and friends. See a good movie. Sip some hot chocolate. Snuggle under your winter blanket (that could be a cute companion or a cotton comforter). Nevertheless, stay warm and enjoy the season.
Deanna Burrell is the author of the explosive novel, Single Girl Summer . Described as “If Waiting to Exhale and Sex and the City procreated, the bouncing baby would read like Single Girl Summer ,” the novel tells the story of three women navigating the ups and downs of life during one special summer in Chicago. Find out more at http://www.singlegirlsummer.com.
The Red Cup Adventures
Welcome to the Red Cup Adventures. You're probably wondering "Why the Red Cup Adventures"? Because they are the universal symbols of fun. They’re ambassadors of good times and the perfect decorative h
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