Is it because I'm black?

It is rare that I pull the race card but several events in the last week has led my to ask the question. Is it because I'm black?

This all started last week as sat appalled by Brett Baier of Fox News asking President Obama what he thought of Tiger Wood's affairs, I had to ask why would he ask the President of the United States of America what he thought about Tiger's affairs when our country is in the midst of a health care overhaul. Would he had asked that question of President Bush or President Clinton? I don't think so. And, what did he expect to hear? In my opinion he asked President Obama about Tiger Woods because of the color of their skin. What do you think? Do you think such a trivial question would have been asked to Presidents Bush or Clinton? Well,,, maybe Clinton, but that's another story entirely.

And then today, I was angered and embarrassed by a statement that was made to me. I was at a social media event when several participants started discussing where the next event would be held. A local restaurant that I had never heard of came up. I commented that I had never heard of the restaurant and asked where it was. The response I got form one participant was, "You should know where it is it's a soul food restaurant." I was shocked at the idiocy of that statement.

At the end of day, I do not believe that the person who uttered those words meant any harm. And that is the rub, the elephant in the room if you will. I am amazed how so many people say they don't see color and then they go and make a biased, stereotypical statement like that. It's okay to recognized others' diversities. It becomes a problem when you began to put people into a group or category. For example, because I am black, I should automatically know where the soul food restaurants are? Or making the assumption that because I am black, I like Soul food.. If you are wondering, I do like Soul food, and Chinese food, and Greek food,and Italian food and meatloaf and apple pie.

The remark that was made to me was no different than when a golfer announced on public television" I guess we'll have collard greens and chicken for Masters' Dinner" when Tiger Woods won his first Masters Tournament.

I am here to say, do not reduce me to the color of my skin, I am much more diverse than that. It is a shame that in this day and age that I feel the need to ask - Is it because I'm black.

Let me know what you think. Do you think I am over reacting? Do you think the comment about me knowing where the soul food restaurant is located was acceptable? I do not and I was livid.

6 Essential things you should know when you go to the hospital.

Going to the hospital is no vacation but unfortunately you find yourself taking some time off by being hospitalized. I have had my fair share of hospital stays and there are some essential information I think you should know.

1. Emergency doctors are trained to treat emergencies. You must be aware of what your body is telling you. Do not be shy. Tell them all of your complaints so that they can see past the emergent symptoms and look a little deeper for the underlying cause.
2. If you want the real scoop, ask the nurses. Nurses have the most contact with patients and they tend to pick on things that doctors miss.
3. There are sick people in hospitals. Try not to sit in congested areas, you might pick up something you did not come in with.
4. Have an advanced directive. It is important that the hospital knows your wishes regarding life saving measures if you are incapacitated and cannot talk.
5. Have a list of your medicines with you. Make sure you allergies are listed as well.
6. And most importantly, if you get admitted, save all emergencies until after shift change. This includes heart attacks, asthma attacks etc....
7. Oh yeah, if they give you red footsies, it's like being on lock down, don't let them catch in the hallway.

I know I said 6 essentials, but I could not let you know about the footsies. May you stay healthy and not need these tips.  This is my list. Please feel free to comment and add your own.

What Mom taught me about Social Media

My dear sweet mother is 78 years old. She did not grow up in the world of Twitter, Facebook, Ning sites, My Space, LinkedIN or anything else social media. My mother does not use a computer, and she thinks I am speaking a foreign language when I mention social media. Even so, I have learned more about social media from Mom than any other source. This is what Mom taught me about social media.

1. Be yourself. People will know if you are not sincere.
2. Be polite at all times. 
3. Do not "say" anything you would not want me (your mother) to hear.
4. Listen to what people have to "say". 
5. Be conversant. Do not hog the conversation.
6. People will trust you if they know and like you. 
7. To make "friends" you need be a friend.
   
8. Friendships should be nurtured and not taken for granted.
9. Support your "friends". Help them get their word out by "sharing" when appropriate.
   
10. Share your knowledge. You never know who might be in need of your help.
11. Know when you to be silent.
    
12. You do not have to be "friends" with everyone.  
13. Everyone is not your "friend". Do not become "friends" with just anyone.
    
14. Some people you just have to "ignore".
15. Unfortunately, some people you have to "block" from your life.
    
16. Keep private things private.
17. Once you "say" it. You may not be able to take it back.
18. Nothing compares to face to face meetings. 
19. Get together with friends when possible.
    
20. And above all, HAVE FUN, life is too short not to enjoy it.