AFC North Champs

So the Steelers defeated the St Louis Rams this past Thursday and not without issues. I wish I had the answers for what is not going right for this team right now. A couple of years ago, the same things happened and they went all the way to the Super Bowl. The difference? the Steelers had a goal-get Bettis to Detroit and they pulled it out when it counted most, the last quarter of the regular season. So much is questionable now and this die-hard is dying hard. I had a premonition of what could be against Jacksonville and my ardent fears came to fruition. So the Steelers beat a team they were suppose to beat in the Rams, what is going to happen against the Ravens.

The Jags have always been the team I feared the most against the Steelers. No matter what; they always manage to have the Steelers number. First it was Del Rio's defense against Cowher's defense-all physical. With Aaron Smith injured the whole complexion of the game changes. Aaron Smith is underrated as a defense end and is one of the best run stuffers in the NFL. Travis Kirshke and Nick Eason don’t even compare putting both together. All I saw were arms flying around trying to catch Jags RB Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew and they taking off doing what they do best-pounding the field. 2007 has been the best year in Fred Taylor's career. Historically, this running back hadn't finished a season without injury. And if you look at his numbers in the past, he always eclipse 1000 yards before he falls. He is an incredible running back who has lacked durability until now. This will be a concern if the Steelers have to play the Jags in the playoffs.

Playoffs-Playoffs I say. At this point, do we want to see the Steelers in the playoffs? Of course we do, and playing better than they have up to this point. Understand, Ben is playing a new offense where the responsibility is square on his shoulders. Ben says he is up for the task. But, and there is a but, look at the offensive line. It has its weak link-center (Sean Mahan). Yes, I said it. This is a new position of him, so it is understandably he must get comfortable with the position. He as a Guard coming from Tampa Bay. Former center Jeff Hartings was a guard from Detroit before taking the center position in place of retired center Dermontti Dawson. Question: Was it the best decision for the Steelers to release C Chukky Okobi this season?. Although he was no more than a journeyman and was definitely not the answer to a permanent center, he had veteran experience. He has been a starter due to Hartings knees and Okobi helped paved the way to the 2005 Super Bowl. So what was the reason why the Steelers could not extend Okobi one more year for Mahan to get acclimated to the position?. Of course the answer is money. It is apparent that Mahan is a weak link considering the number times Big Ben has been hurried and sacked. (sigh).

I am beginning to see age in the defense. So much has been spoken about the age of the New England Patriot defense and yet they seem to perform. In fact, Belicheat (I refuse to call him by his current name anymore) gave his players an additional day off before playing the Steelers and they came to on the field and killed the Steelers. The blame does not solely go to Anthony Smith either. There is age affecting the team-Farrior, Haggans, Hampton, and Townsend are getting old and the rest play too green. For a Number One Defense, they are not showing the passion that is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tackling is a huge issue. Fundamentals are what Tomlin preaches-fundamentals. Well with the fundamentals comes time. So if it doesn’t click now-it should in 2008.

Special teams have been a issue for years and with all the work that was done during the off-season and training camp, there seems to be no improvement. Most are young players and they play like they have been in the league 12-15 years. Older players on other teams play better.

The last game of the regular season is in Baltimore and this die-hard wants a win. Cleveland lost today, and the Steelers are AFC North champs. Beaten and demoralized-the Ravens are more than a wounded animal and they want a piece of the Steelers. What would be a better way of getting back after a loss in Pittsburgh but to reciprocate at home. They will have to do it with their rookie quarterback. Are you scared? To be quite honest, I have issues. The Steeler D has not done well against rookie QBs this year and it’s away. Out of 7 away games thus far, the Steelers won 3 and amongst the losses were to poor teams such as Denver and the Jets. Sports writers are writing off the Steelers now that Willie Parker and Aaron Smith are down for the season. I believe Najeh Davenport is the answer for the running game, but I have no answer for the run stuffing game. The Steelers have to contend with Willis McGahee. We need our team to wake up and smell the coffee. The Division title is hanging in the balance and we want the playoffs.

I want more. Let’s get it done! Let’s Go Steelers

DUSTING OFF DETERMINATION

By Edwina L. Kaikai

Thanksgiving was only one day. And it’s over.

No sense in wallowing in self pity over the extras you ate. Those mashed potatoes and mounds of stuffing have already found a home on your hips.

If you haven’t been moving. Chasing after kids or running from store to store searching for holiday bargains doesn’t count.

All those good eats we indulged in on that one day have settled on our bodies for sure if real exercise hasn’t been part of the days that followed. Exercise without a continuation of the extra eating, that is.

I know it’s not easy. Those good dishes we only seem to get at holiday time taste extra special, reminding us of all the other foods we’ve avoided in our effort to be more healthful. We want those fried or sweet or butter-based foods that provided so much comfort and joy in the past.

Foods that also piled on the pounds.

No one plans to start the New Year unable to wear the past year’s favorites. And we won’t if we take action now.

Step One – Face the fact that Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah are just two days out of the 365 that make up a year. Our jeans don’t become snug because of any two days of indulgent eating. Not unless we use those two days as excuses to chuck the discipline healthy living demands.

Step Two – Get moving. As busy as the remainder of the year will be, make that to-do list and schedule time to exercise. That’s right, schedule it; don’t leave it to chance. At least 30 minutes of brisk walking or aerobics. Doing something positive for body and soul reduces the likelihood that we’ll yield to the temptation of eating too much or the wrong stuff.

Step Three – Beware of alcoholic beverages. They pour on the pounds with virtually no redeeming health value. A Kahlua and cream or glass of eggnog is not found on the food pyramid as a milk serving any more than a strawberry daiquiri or Peach Schnapps shows up as a fruit. If you want a drink, opt for a 4 ounce glass of wine or a light beer. Having more than one glass of your favorite drink? Then alternate it with a zero-calorie diet soda, club soda or Seltzer water. Or a glass of ice water garnished with a twist of lemon or lime (real fruits).

Granted, I haven’t followed my own advice much the latter part of the year. That’s why we’re on this journey together. It’s the first time in five years I’m not able to reach into the closet and put on any outfit I want confident it will only cling where it’s supposed to.

But I’m determined to exercise the discipline needed to make sure this what-to-wear, what-will-fit dilemma isn’t repeated again next year.

And the bonus payoff will be feeling fit and looking fabulous for the swimsuit season that’s right around the corner.

MOTIVATING MORSEL: Failure isn’t final. Failure is feedback. Realize what didn’t work and make adjustments accordingly.

Edwina L. Kaikai is author of “Stomach In My Lap: 25 Lesson Learned Confronting the Doubts, Fears and Excuses That Piled On The Pounds” and a contributor to “Chicken Soup for the Dieter’s Soul.” She strives to live a life of good health as an example to others. Contact her about the books or to share your tips, slips and triumphs at emptylap450@msn.com.

Words From Coach Tomlin

As coach Mike Tomlin said in Tuesday’s press conference, the Steelers did not put together 2 halves of football. Special teams regress back to their usual form committing 3 penalties. A turnover when the ball from a kickoff return hit the foot of CB William Gay and was recovered by the Patriots on the Steeler 34 and Chad Jackson returning a kickoff for 39 yards giving the ball to the Pats on their 48 yard line. It was just giving them points.

(Do you think I can get away with it by calling special teams ,the Kindler, gentler, special teams’. Always willing to help the OTHER team win).

Red Zone opportunities: Why is the offense having trouble getting into the end zone: and against an old defense. Belicheat gave his team Tuesday and Wednesday off because they were so tired from Sundays game, they needed to rest…the defense was banged up. Well, do ya think maybe Tomlin should have done the same, because it wasn’t the Patriots that looked old-it was the Steelers.

Finally, the biggest disappointment of all was the defense. FS Anthony Smith had to open his big mouth and give a guarantee of a win. Yeah right. The only guarantee out there Sunday was Anthony Smith getting beat out there. 2 Big plays for a total of 120 yards and NO SACKS. The only thing good out of Sunday’s game is the 7 points I got from Wes Welker for my fantasy squad and now I am in the PLAYOFFS.

Sunday, the Steelers meet with their old nemesis, the Jacksonville Jaguars and this can’t be good. The Jags managed to have the Steelers number whenever they play. The Steelers are undefeated at home this season and I would hate to loss two in a row-when the Steelers are still leading the division.

Oct 16, 2005 was the last time the Jags visited Heinz Field when Jags CB Rashean Mathis stepped in front of Tommy Maddox's pass and scored on a 41-yard return in overtime to upset the Steelers 23-17. At 9-4, the Jags have come from behind with a full head of steam coming off a 37-6 win over the Carolina Panthers. They are a physical ball club like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Jack Del Rio and ex-Steeler coach Bill Cowher used to play against each other defensively and knew each other well. Tomlin has not had that luxury and it will be interesting as well as nerve racking to experience the outcome of this match up. The Jags need a win to secure a Wild Card berth and they have the weapons to do it. Running back tandem Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew could put a hurting on our front line especially since DE Aaron Smith is out the season with a bicep tear. He is the best run stuffer on the team. The good news is we able to see “Troy Boy” Polamalu back and linebacker LaMarr Woodley. He is so needed in special teams.

QB David Garrard has been efficient. He plays smart and has one INT this season. One folks. Garrard has some weapons in receivers with Dennis Northcutt (formerly of the Cleveland Browns) and Reggie Williams. Northcutt and Jones-Drew can hurt us on special teams as they are reliable return men. Jones-Drew has one return for a TD. (Well, Steeler Allen Rossum has one return for a TD too).

It’s the same old story, the Steelers must establish the running game, which they managed to do last week against the Patriots (and that was about it.) They must capitalize on red zone opportunities. They can’t depend on “Skippy’s foot” to do the job, that’s 3 not 6. Finally the line has to do a better job in protecting Big Ben. He has been put in too many hurried situations which have resulted in incomplete passes, overthrown passes, dropped passes or interceptions. Need I say more? Come on Steelers. Let’s guarantee some Steeler football. Get it done. Beat the Jags. Let’s Go Steelers

Third Time Could Be a Charm

Opening day, September 9^th, 2002 was the last time the Steelers played at Foxboro. As 2001 Super Bowl champs, the Patriots defeated the Steelers 30-16. December 30, 2001, QB Jon Kitna and the Cincinnati Bengals exposed the Steeler secondary and defeating the Steelers 26-23 and left a gaping hole for attack by not only New England but the Oakland Raiders as well. That was then…this is now.

With 6 turnovers, 2 INTs for Big Ben and 4 fumbles by Willie Parker (although he was charged with 2), the Steelers defeated the Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals 24-10. Being plagued with penalties all season and the last thing the Steelers need is to give this very important game to New England.

Dec 13, 1997, was the last time the Steelers defeated the Patriots in their home field. Oct 31, 2004, the Steelers snuffed out the Patriots hopes of a perfect season and 21game winning streak with a crushing defeat 31-20 at Heinz Field. It has been two years since these teams have met and everything is on the line for Sunday afternoon’s game in Foxboro. It took 10 years for the Steelers to get to another Super Bowl, will this be a sign that it takes 10 years to defeat the Patriots in their home field. The 12-0 Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-24 in a fist- clinging game Monday night. It is the second time in a row the Patriots got a win by the skin of their teeth. Could a third time be the charm?

The Steeler D who slept during the Bengals opening drive on Sunday afternoon, stepped up their game to hold the Bengals to 3 points the rest of the game. The offensive line stepped up their game to keep Ben clean and provided a patent pocket for him to work his magic with Hines Ward (franchise leading receiver). On the downside - the running game and the fumbles. SNF Commentator John Madden did bring up a good point about Willie wearing those rubber arm bands in the rain. I question that too. Rubber is slick in the rain and snow- why wear them?

(Remember the controversy over Big Ben and the gloves in bad weather.)

RB Najeh Davenport has a bad foot. It seems he hurt it over the weekend on the elliptical machine putting the running back situation in a precarious position. Currently Carey Davis is subbing for injured fullback Dan Kreider who is on injured reserves and out for the season, leaving Gary Russell who has not had much playing time.

The Steelers have not done well on the road this season. Two of the three losses were to AFC teams that they should have won (Denver and the Jets). Could this also mean that a third attempt is a charm?

A win against New England and a Titan loss will help the Steelers clinch a playoff berth. Let’s get it done Steelers. There is no love loss between these two teams. Let’s Go Steelers.

Mud Bowl

Why is it that everytime the Steelers meet with the Dolphins it rains. Big Ben’s first game in 2004 came in place of the injured Tommy Maddox against the Dolphins. Remember there was a hurricane. 2005 preseason game at Heinz Field, there was torrential rains. Regardless of the rains, this was one mess of a game to win 3-0.

Oh I know many will say to me, “you try playing a game in the rain and mud and see if you can do better.” These are professional football players who looked at the beginning of the season as a playoff contender. The last three weeks it seems the “playoff contender” looks not better than the bottom feeders of the NFL. Miami became another tough opponent for the Steelers who should have made mincemeat out of them. Certainly the weather was a factor and only a factor.

What is going on with Ben Roethlisberger? He is suppose to be in the best shape of his football career. He is healthy considering all he went through last year. He has been given more responsibilities and yet he performs as a rookie. In fact the rookies look better and perform better than Ben has since the first game of the season against Cleveland. Multiple sacks per game, many hurried situations are not just the doings of an inconsistent offensive line. Ben is holding onto the ball too long. Receivers are not getting open. It can’t be that losing teams have such great defenses. Come on, Joey Porter had his best game as a Miami Dolphin against his old team.

The defense did everything they could to keep the offense in games and thank God for that, because it took to the fourth quarter to finally get something going. (sigh)

The Steelers next opponent is a second go-round with division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals and they will be looking for revenge. Cincinnati is coming off a big win against the Titans. Without DT Albert Haynesworth, the Titans were pummeled by the Bengals running game. RB Rudy Johnson, returning from injury had his best day this season. Hopefully, the D line will not allow another 100 yard rusher (as they did against Thomas Jones and the Jets). In the last meeting, the Steelers defeated the Bengals 24-13 without Chris Henry. Henry is back after an 8 game suspension and will change the complexion of the game. With Henry in the line up-Palmer will be able to spread the field more-opening opportunities for CJ and TJ. It is Henry who is the danger. He has beaten the Steelers before.

Sept, 2006, the Bengals defeated the Steelers 28-20 with Henry’s 5 receptions for 69 yards and 2 TDs and Houshmandzedah with 94 yards receiving and 2 TDs. Dec 31, the Steelers won 23-17 with Henry receiving 124 yards and 1 TD.

This game is a must-win to keep ahead of the division. The Bengals who like nothing more than to unseat the Steelers and play the spoiler. There is no love-lost between these two teams and the Steelers must go into crisis mode. The Steelers must pound the rock with Willie and Najeh. The running game has been subpar (Willie cranked out 81 yards against the Dolphins) at best. The o-line has to do a better job at protecting the pass and establishing the run. Ben has to get rid of the ball quicker to his receivers and the receivers to catch them. Special teams’ has to be special and the defense to defend.

Weather is expected to be about the same as Monday-rain. Hopefully, we will not find ourselves sitting on the edge of our seats through the 4^th quarter hoping for a win.

Come On Steelers-Lets get it Done.

Will the Real Pittsburgh Steelers, please show Up!

First it was Arizona, then Denver, now the Jets. These are three sub-par teams who beat the Steelers. Sunday’s game was a fiasco. Jets QB Clemens looked more like a veteran than Big Ben. The offensive line is horrendous allowing 6 sacks and I lost count on how many hurries. The defense faired no better allowing a 100 yard rusher to a running back who up to Sunday’s game rushed a total of 100 yards all season and no touchdowns.

It seems this team is falling apart in the worse way. What makes it so bad is its November and traditionally the Steelers are stronger in the second half. What is going on?

The Steelers have been so bad I can’t seem to compose myself to break down the break downs. The only thing good about Sunday’s lose-The Steelers are still AFC North leaders.

Next stop the 0-10 Miami Dolphins. At this point the Dolphins must be licking their chops. This could be a chance to break their losing streak. The Steelers will be with out “Troy Boy” Polamalu due to a knee injury. Troy didn’t play against the Seahawks and the Steelers shut them out. So there should be no excuses for another lose, especially against the Miami Dolphins. As did the Jets, the Dolphins will be starting a rookie QB John Beck and RB Ricky Williams is back on the roster slated to play. Since RB Ronnie Brown has been injured, the trench duties have been turned over by Jesse Chatman. However Ricky Williams may contribute in his first game in what 2 years-3 years. Now will the Steeler D allow another 100 rusher in Chatman or Williams?

Do ya think Joey Porter will be talking stuff to his old teammates? I am quite sure he too is looking for that illusive win and seeing how the Steelers respond to sub-par teams…he could see it.

Yes my view point is grim. The first two losses were bad enough, but to the Jets…the situation seems deplorable. Hopefully, Steelers fans will have a happy ending to their Thanksgiving…..With a win. New England is next.

Lets Go Steelers.

A Cross Burning in Carrick on Thanksgiving

Soul Pitt really appreciates Paradise Gray sending us emails to keep us abreast on the racial incidents and crime that happens around Pittsburgh. Paradise makes it a point to be up on this info and shares it with the community and media. With all the Thanksgiving celebrations and partying, you may have missed this incident in the news that Paradise shared with us about a cross burning in Carrick on Thanksgiving.

After you check out Paradise's comments and the WPXI article and video, come back here to post your comments below about the racial incidents and crime going on in Pittsburgh...


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is this not terrorism ?

5 noose incidents and now a cross burning in the Pittsburgh area, give me a break, can we get some Homeland security?

Paradise

http://www.wpxi.com/news/14670634/detail.html

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Police were trying to figure out who burned a cross in a Carrick yard early Thursday morning.Anna Young told Channel 11 News that she was cooking her Thanksgiving meal when she heard a commotion outside.She looked outside and said she saw a cross burning in her yard.She also saw some teenagers running away from the scene.Fire investigators said someone did use an accelerant to start the fire.Nobody was injured.Click on the video link to watch the raw interview with the victim.

--
Paradise Gray
One Hood
Http://www.myspace.com/onehoodorg
Http://www.myspace.com/paradisegray

The Glass Ceiling of Revolution

by bonita lee penn, The Soul Pitt
November 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007, the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh's Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion offered to the public the first in a series of panel discussions on the topic of racial discrimination. Tuesday's topics of discussion were the issues surrounding the Jena 6 incident and the question, 'Could it happen in Pittsburgh?'

By now the public has been made well aware of the incident that took place in the small southern Louisiana town of Jena, including the injustice handed down to the six black teenage students compared to the slap on the back given to the white students. They are well aware that the enforcement of civil rights for blacks are not on the judicial system's priority list. They are well aware that the accomplishments made through the civil rights movement of the 1950's and 60's are but a puff of smoke in today's world. As we have come full circle and those issues our ancestors fought and marched for, have not yet been met.

To answer panel's questions, "Yes, it could and it has happened in Pittsburgh and in the majority of cities large and small, urban and rural within the borders of the United States of America on a regular basis."

The Jena 6 Panel was a ground breaking step on the part of the YWCA in an effort to focus on their mission statement of eliminating racism and empowering women. The panelist for this session was Esther L. Bush, President and CEO of the Urban League of Pittsburgh; M. Gayle Moss, President of the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP; and Mike Healy, Attorney for Pittsburgh's ACLU. The common consensus of the panel was that the incident in Jena came as no surprise; these types of incidents are happening everyday all around the country; and the rise in hate crimes fires have been feed by the current political climate with roots in the White House throughout the Supreme Court.

The panelist took turns in voicing several common opinions such as the need to revamp the hate crime laws to include the hanging of a noose, based on its place in American history and the need to educate youths of all ethnic backgrounds. They felt the inclusion of a higher level of diversity training on all businesses levels would be an asset in halting the cycle of hate crimes and a way to bring forth cultural awareness to those in need.

As all discussions of this nature that could explode out of control was restricted to the confinements of political correctness, meaning nothing was said by the panel to raise the eyebrows of big brother, no one shouted "Black Power!" Sure discrimination, hate crimes, the Jena 6 are terrible, hurtful things that happened to be directed towards Blacks and minorities and all that we are offered, is more diversity training and further panel discussions.

This writer and others would like to know exactly when are we going to make demands and when will it be OK, not to be politically correct when demanding rights as a human being? When will our children be able to attend school and not have to worry about a noose hanging, where they don't have to be the butt of racial jokes, or hurtful words? Who will stand up for our children and demand fair treatment? When will a group of new leaders rise from the younger generation and lead?

The panel discussion offered to the audience a warm over of previously heard statements. As the hate crimes rise, as the discrimination continues, as the violence covers our neighborhoods all we can do is sit and discuss. How can a discussion about the judicial system be held without representation from that sector? How can we speak of violence and crimes against the black man and the audience and panel is 90% female?

The panel addressed each issue as politely and pleasing as possible, an issue so horrendous as racial discrimination, as ugly as violence against another human being, as ignorant as the disregard for others civil rights, sooner or later you going to have to get down and ugly too.

LET’S COMMIT TO GET FIT TOGETHER

By Edwina L. Kaikai

The week before Thanksgiving is a crazy time to commit to a diet overhaul.

Not that diet overhauls are ever easy. They aren’t, even for those of us who have lost weight and kept it off for more than a year. Even five years.

That’s how long my stomach had stayed out of my lap with relative ease. Seasons had changed but my wardrobe didn’t have to unless I wanted something new, not something bigger.

Then came the change; not menopause but the change in my work life.

What a difference an hour and a half can make. When the work day starts at 8 a.m. instead of 9:30, that morning exercise session needs to begin at 5 a.m. instead of 6, requiring a 4:30 wake up. Replace a one-mile walk from the car to the office with an on-site parking lot and that daily goal of 10,000 steps gets more challenging to achieve. Add the fact that eating places are now a short drive away, instead of a short walk down the street and creeping weight gain should not have been a surprise.

But it was. For four months. By blaming the dryer for the suddenly snug fit of skirts and jackets, I was being a bit loose with the truth. The return of the wiggle dance to button a favorite pair of jeans snapped me back to reality.

It forced me to recognize that the lifestyle adjustments, coupled with the expected new job jitters were causing me to abandon the once successful coping methods for stress that had kept my lap empty for so long. Instead, I had been reaching back for my trusty, decades-old calming tool – food.

Portion control became a concept instead of a way of life. Meal planning gave way to catch-as-catch can mindless eating. And a light beer was a poor substitute for kahlua and cream at the end of the day.

By Halloween, I knew I had to change. It couldn’t wait until January. I don’t want to buy bigger clothes for the holiday season; I’d given away those larger sizes long ago.

That’s why my diet’s being overhauled right before Thanksgiving.

How? By going back to the basics and reconnecting with the lessons learned while getting my stomach out of my lap the first time. Starting with a return to these three lessons:

1. Putting myself and my good health needs first by no longer inhaling a breakfast sandwich while driving to work. I must make time to sit down and eat at the kitchen table.
2. Fighting the snack attack by always keeping fruit and/or veggies handy for morning and afternoon snacks. They’ll be eaten in lieu of Peppermint Patties or handfuls of soft mints.
3. Creating satisfaction guarantees by preparing a real meal for dinner. The only acceptable liquid substitute will be a Weight Watchers smoothie. Not beer (not even a light one), or a Kahlua and cream.

Those are my back-to-basics “lessons” for the everyday. Holiday party invitations have already begun rolling in making a return to these additional “lessons” necessary to keep the good times from overwhelming the overhaul:

1. Enjoy those special occasion foods rather than menu staples when there is a choice.
2. Leave space between the foods on my plate like my kids used to do to keep portion sizes under control.
3. Savor the flavor of a single-serving dish. Think of second helpings as a second meal.

Yes, it’s the week before Thanksgiving, but I’m committed to beginning my diet overhaul with these steps now. Though I don’t expect to be perfect, I do expect to see progress. It’ll be gradual; getting – and staying -- fit is a journey. It’s a lifelong journey with peaks, valleys and plateaus.

If you’re in a valley, won’t you climb out of it with me? I’ll be sharing my trials and triumphs, tips and slips monthly in this space, and it sure would be nice to know I’m not on this road alone. Write me about yours at http://www.blogger.com/emptylap450@msn.com. Together we can make it through the holidays and into the New Year feeling more fit and looking more fabulous than we do today.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association should have made me and legions of overweight folks feel better about creeping weight gain. According to some television and newspaper reports, http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07311/831671-114.stm, the study basically said that being 25 pounds overweight wasn’t as big a deal as a lot of people were making it out to be. An analysis of federal research findings over the years didn’t show being slighting overweight, not obese, as increasing a person’s chances of dying from certain cancers or heart disease.

Good news for those of us in the weight war trenches, right?

Wrong. Losing weight isn’t just about preventing an early death. It’s about enjoying a better quality of life while living, too. No matter what that report says, I know shedding 25 pounds made a world of difference in how I felt, reducing my joint pain and blood pressure while increasing my ability to exercise and move through the day without being winded and gasping for breath.

Those changes alone were worth every pound I lost. They motivated me to keep losing more. And it’s why I’m determined not to reach that 25-pound weight gain mark.

MOTIVATING MORSEL

"Your body is the baggage you must carry through life. The more excess baggage, the shorter the trip," Arnold H. Glasow, from Reader' Digest's "Pocket Treasury of Great Quotations."

Edwina L. Kaikai is author of “Stomach In My Lap: 25 Lesson Learned Confronting the Doubts, Fears and Excuses That Piled On The Pounds” and a contributor to “Chicken Soup for the Dieter’s Soul.” She strives to live a life of good health as an example to others. Contact her about the books or to share your tips, slips and triumphs at emptylap450@msn.com.

Monday Night Football Cleveland at Pittsburgh

Two words about Sunday’s game against Cleveland-Special Teams (sigh)

All the work put into special teams during mini camps this spring and training camp this summer and we still have a problem with special teams. It doesn’t matter that former special teams’ players, Chidi Iwouma, Sean Morey, Verron Haynes are gone. There are young players who are suppose to make an impression as to whether they can cut the mustard in the NFL.

If you can’t make it on special teams, you can’t make it in the NFL. Cleveland Browns WR Josh Cribbs’ had four kickoff returns and a 51-yard average, including a 100-yard return for a touchdown. In addition he had four punt returns averaging 4.8-yard per return. 7 missed tackles which include Allen Rossum, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Anthony Madison, and Arnold Harrison. With the exception of Timmons and Woodley who are rookies, these others have been on special teams for at least 2 years.

In 2001, the Steelers lost the AFC Championship to the New England Patriots and a chance at another Super Bowl because of Special teams. The Steelers will meet the Patriots Dec 9th in Foxborough, hopefully for a chance to beat the unbeaten. To that we need special teams.

Sunday afternoon, the Steelers meet with the N Y Jets. The last time the Steelers played the Jets at home Dec 14, 2003. In blizzard conditions the Steelers lost 0-6, thanks to the offensive play calling of Mike Mularkey. With Tommy Maddox at the helm, Mularkey called for throwing the ball in the blizzard instead of running it with Jerome Bettis. The Jets on the other hand chose to run the ball with RB Curtis Martin who rushed for 174 yards setting up 2 field goals to win the game and a shut out.

The 1-8 Jets are coming off a bye and are hungry for a win. Kellen Clemens is slated to play instead of Chad Pennington. Clemens has played two games thus far this season, Sept 16 loss to Baltimore where he threw for 260 yards and 1 TD and last Sunday’s overtime loss to the Redskins. It was his first start. Clemens completed 23-of-42 passes, and no interceptions which has been a problem for Pennington. He also rushed seven times for 48 yards.

The Jets run a 3-4 defense as the Steelers and are listed at No. 32 in rush defense, 24th against the pass. We can expect Fast Willie Parker to have a fast start and Big Ben to spread out the defense.On the other hand, Jets RB Thomas Jones, formerly of the Chicago Bears, will face the No 1 rush defense in the league. Jones hasn't scored a touchdown in any game this season and has only gained over 100 yards. RB Leon Washington has 1 TD thus far this year.

The Steeler secondary will be tested by WR Laveranues Coles who can go deep and Jerricho Cotchery, the underneath routes. Coles has 6 TDs and Cotchery 1. This should be another in the win bracket.

Let’s Go Steelers.

“Home for the Holidays”

The Hope Lives Foundation is giving away a “Home for the Holidays” to a deserving Military family from the Pittsburgh area. Local servicemen and women can learn more at http://www.coolstuffradio.com/

Pittsburgh, Pa October 2007

The Hope Lives Foundation will give away a newly renovated house this holiday season to a military family experiencing hardship due to a family member’s service in Iraq or Afghanistan. The organization, founded in 2001 by Real Estate Riches president Jim Toner, provides emergency aid to people facing disaster, tragedy and unforeseen circumstances.

Jim Toner has been a member of the Salvation Army’s board of directors for years, and created the Hope Lives foundation to assist an immediate need in the Mon Valley for interim housing. In 2005, Jim Toner’s compassion for the young men and women serving in Iraq, lead him to a decision that would change the life of one American solider forever. He decided to take one of his houses, do an extreme home make-over on it, and give it debt free, to a deserving local family. The organization will once again honor a veteran from our area with “ Home for the Holidays” 2007.

“We wanted to find a way to say thank you to a Pittsburgh family for their
dedication to our country.” Toner noted. “We are hoping to give a
veteran a proper homecoming and a fresh start.”

Jim Toner and Hope Lives volunteer Todd Lash will be special guests on the Cool Stuff Radio Show heard locally at 7am on 94.5 3WS. Cool Stuff Radio is hosted and produced by local radio personality Kathy Svilar, who is also a Hope Lives Volunteer. Get more info at http://www.coolstuffradio.com/

The 2007 “Home for the Holidays” house is a three bedroom, two story home in West Mifflin. The home will be completely renovated, and the group is currently raising additional funds to furnish the home to meet the specific needs of the family selected. The entry criteria are very simple, and the application and information can be found at http://www.thehopelivesfoundation.org/.


For information:
The Hope Lives foundation
412 673-9800
http://www.thehopelivesfoundation.org/

Cool Stuff Radio
Kathy Svilar
http://www.coolstuffradio.com/

IS YOUR PAST KEEPING YOU FROM YOUR FUTURE?

By Renee P. Aldrich

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past,
you can't really go on well in life until you let go
of your past failures and heartaches.

Anonymous

The above quote has been said many times, in many different ways. I believe so much so that so that at this point the words “you must leave the past behind” no longer has as strong a meaning as it once did. It is rather like what happens to young couples when one or the other every weekend has something to apologize for; and the “I'm sorry’s” begin to lose some of their steam. Many us know what it is to say, “I'll just have to move on”; but have not really discovered the fine art to 'getting over it'.

Self help gurus have written books, conducted entire workshops and held seminars on the importance of closing the door on what was, and focusing on what is to be. And while many of us women work hard to convince ourselves and others that we understand this concept and practice it; the truth is, 'letting go” is more than just “saying so”.

In fact, getting over past hurts, disappointments and offenses can be extremely difficult. If it weren’t, it wouldn't be such an issue for so many people, especially women. I am not saying we are completely unforgiving; actually, that is part of the problem, many times we want so badly to appear as though some misdeed is not bothering us; we act as though we have forgiven and forgotten when the reality is we haven't really dealt with the issue so that we can freely release it. . We have just tried to bury it and move on. When you do that, invariable it comes back to haunt us in some form. The other extreme to this is that we allow the anger and hatred for someone or about something to get deep down inside of us, we stay 'mad' at that person; perhaps waiting for them to realize how wrong they did us until it eats a hole inside. Again we think we have handled it by just hating, and being angry, but it is still festering within unresolved and ‘blocking’ the pathway to freedom that forgiveness provides. There is definitely a special consciousness involved in this thing called “getting over the past”.

Let's exam why honest forgetting, forgiving, and moving on is such a struggle. One reason, as strange as it may seem, is that sometime we want to stay stuck in a place of pain. For some, wallowing in that unfair thing that happened to us, gives us a kind of identity that perhaps we are afraid to break free of. In other words, we have such a shabby sense of self, that we fear the freedom to just look at ourselves without the weight of that baggage. We unconsciously know that if we shake off that old stuff, we may have to do something productive and responsible with our lives.

Another reason we lag in our past, is that it is easier to stay, than to invest in the 'work' it would take to climb out. Inability to forgive ourselves is another reason we remain locked in some past event for which we blame ourselves. The challenge of entering a softer, more loving relationship with ourselves is acknowledging our errors, owning the weakness, forgiving ourselves and focusing on the future. This is important because its a fact of life that if we cannot bring ourselves to forgive ourselves, then we won't be able comprehend the all consuming power of the love of God who stays ready to forgive us, wants to do it, and will do it.

The top reason, however, that we can't get over some of the pain of our past, is the inability to forgive the one who offended us. This is how our past gets in the way of our future. Our anger, bitterness, resentment and sometime rage consumes us, and fills up those places were blessings belong.

We have the notion that forgiving the person who wronged us is saying that “it was okay” what they did. This is a grave misunderstanding. Be assured that the expectation in forgiveness is not that the offender has no accountability, and that should blindly stay targets for repeat offenses. The act of forgiveness is directly related to the appropriate process for moving our lives to the next level. It is seeing a situation for what it is, handling it, and making a self affirming decision to step away from the harm or pain and then not holding on to it.

The act of forgiveness is between you and God mostly; and when in cases were it is feasible, yes, it could mean a verbal declaration to the offending individual. But it is in your heart where it is most important that you make the transition from the anger to peace; the peace that comes from understanding that your time, and energy are so much more valuable that to be used obsessing about the terrible event.

I specifically recall a situation that transformed me. I belonged to an organization where I one day found myself the object of, what I thought at the time, was a terrible conspiracy by a certain individual within the organization to discredit me; and ease me out of a position I held. (it was not a leadership position) I was called on the carpet about some alleged infractions in front of about 10 people—including the head of the organization. Everyone was there with the exception of my accuser—who had submitted a 3 page letter filled with accusations about me. This was in September of 1996, I vividly even now remember the emotion as I sat there listening to these people asking me to essentially defend myself about the information that was in the letter (which by the way had been 3 months earlier of the same year). So what I learned on that day in September was that everyone in the meeting had been walking around interacting normally with me all these months (including my accuser) knowing about this letter and that this meeting was coming. I was told that due to scheduling problems it could not be dealt with before 3 months had passed.

I was totally blind sided by this whole thing. While I was definitely aware that due to transitions within the organization, the accuser and I were butting heads, still, I felt that the respect we had for each other and the fact that we had already been working together indirectly for six years, would provide an opportunity for us to smooth out our issues. I never thought this tactic would be taken -- taken before the leadership board in this manner, without the presence of my accuser.

Of course, I wouldn't even entertain the idea of defending any of the content of letter; and of course I immediately resigned from that position. For almost two years I wrestled with this thing, I still tried to remain a part of this organization thinking that I could just move on mentally. At the end of that time I knew that trying to stay had been a mistake.

I was there, but I lingered in my resentment, I watched as it seemed that no one within the organization had a heart for what I was going through. It was tough to walk in there and not keep getting the visual of the humiliation I experienced on that day. I could not forgive these people and did not want to forgive them. Until finally the wisdom of an elderly lady friend brought me to the reality of what I had to do. When I kept complaining to her saying that “they had to know how wrong it was of them to do that to me, every one of them, even the head of our organization.” She said to me, “People have a way of convincing themselves that they were right about something; you want them to come forward and say they were wrong—and you can just forget that. Waiting on that is what’s tearing you up inside—holding on to that hope keeps you the victim. You will stay torn up and confused and miserable as long as you hold on to it. LET IT GO!!” In that instant, was through, I left that organization and begin to systematically forget the incident, and over time I forgave the parties. Subsequent to that, I had doors opening for activities and creative situations that I would not have been able to take advantage of if I was still in that position with that organization.

What I learned from this painful experience was that for every reason people find to hold on to the negative past, there are just as many reasons for letting go. A key reason being is that the longer you hold on thinking there is some value in that, the longer it will eat away at you; another important reason it is better to let go, is that the longer you delay the process of moving on, the longer you delay your healing. It is a fact that you cannot progress with an open unhealed wound because when you least expect to, you bang that wound and the pain goes all through you again. And lastly, but most importantly, holding on to those old hurts and anger, does not have you in a POSITION OF POWER, but really is a reflection of your POWERLESSNESS. Think about it, in any situation where our physical or emotional power is compromised, we still have free will of our thoughts, and literally can choose to release anything that is holding us in a mental hostage.

Accomplishment in life lies in the free creative flow of our beautiful minds. If our minds are cluttered up with remnants of some distant, unresolved hurt, there is no space for growth. We must keep ourselves open to the blessings intended for us by consciously deciding to step out of that past stuff. Just like I was told by my wise elderly friend, “waiting on someone else to make a past situation right will tear you up inside”. The first tool we possess to help us in moving on is our minds and thoughts. Whatever our past experience has been, whatever wounds or heartaches they have rendered to us—We are still in charge of our thinking—this is where our power lies.


TIPS FOR MOVING ON

Quit sharing the story over and over again with friends or family members
(if you need to talk with a professional do so, but don't just keep it as a topic of your conversation in general)--even supporters tire of the broken record you become.

God has provided prayer as a means of communicating with him things that are larger than you USE IT

Go ahead and give yourself permission to be sad, angry, disappointed, disillusioned
or whatever you need—PUT A TIME LIMIT ON IT, and then start the process of moving on

Understand that moving on is a process, and the quicker you begin it, the quicker you
get to your healing.

Don't expect it to be easy, but do expect it to be doable—Do not be ashamed or to proud
to seek professional help, it is a sign of strength




Renee is a Community Cancer Control Health Educator for the American Cancer Society, a writer of poetry and prose, and is free lance writer for the New Pittsburgh Courier. She can be reached at Tehreh06@aol.com or 412-414-1347. You may also post a public comment below.

8 Down- 8 to Go!

Half a season is over and the Pittsburgh Steelers are just getting into the meat of their season, the title for AFC North. The Steelers are now 2-0 in division play, defeating the Cleveland Browns in Sept, Cincinnati 24-13 Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati now 2-5 (and the cellar dweller) was a team the Steelers were suppose to beat. The Bengals have a high powered offense lead by QB Carson Palmer and WRs Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh, but the missing link to that offense was WR Chris Henry. Henry can spread the field and with the other two double teamed, he always managed to be open downfield and burn our secondary. Henry will be active for Dec 2^nd.

The Steelers looked solid offensively executing a balance attack 50-50 passing and rushing. Fast Willie chalked up another 100+ yard day and I TD while Hines Ward collected 2 TDs and 88 yards receiving. Hines needs three more TDs to past former Steeler WR John Stallworth’s record for the most TDs by a Steeler WR. FB Dan Kreider sprained his ankle early in the first quarter (that’s because he hasn’t had many reps this season). When last reported, the ankle is better than anticipated and he may play against Baltimore.

The defense did have a stellar day, allowing 1 TD (2 field goals) and holding RB Kenny Watson to 88 yards rushing. They continue to disallow a 100 yard rusher against this defense. Tomlin and LeBeau coached the defense to understand that the Bengals offense would be gaining some ground in the passing game but were to hold them to no more than a field goal. My concerns in the future stem from the running game. Although Denver’s Travis Henry got 51 yards, Kenny Watson rushed for 88. The missing link is DE Aaron Smith (knee), one of the best run-stuffers in the NFL. It was last reported that the knee will be taped up for practice. He has progressed in his rehab and may be able to play against Baltimore.

Cause for concern…(yep, I can’t believe it either) special teams. Cincinnati’s WR/return man Glenn Holt returned kicks of 42, 34 and 33 yards.

Whatever is going on or not going on with special teams needs corrected. We can’t go back.

Note….The Steelers will have a final meeting with the Bengals at home Dec 2. 2005 & 2006 the Steelers won at Paul Brown and lost at Heinz Field.

Monday night, the Steeler vs the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. The Ravens are coming off a bye and tied with the Cleveland Browns (4-3) and 0-2 in division play with a loss to Cincinnati and Cleveland. The Ravens offense is anemic. They have managed 3 TDs in the last 3 games (5 all season). Against the Buffalo Bills week before last, the Ravens scored 14 points against a defense that allowed an average 23 points per game. QB Steve McNair has been in and out of the offense due to injuries to his back and groin and is listed as probable for Monday night’s game. The Ravens offense average 18 points per game and have been plagued with penalties, 57 for 438 yards to the Steelers 31 for 226 yards. The receivers have been ineffective. Using their West Coast style offense, the Ravens receivers are subjected to being tackled after a catch limiting the ability to move the chains or lengthening the field on 3^rd and long situations. Other injuries include: McNair’s go-to-guy WR Derrick Mason questionable and WR Mark Clayton still battling leg injuries and long with TE Todd Heap. Our Steeler corners will need to keep an eye out for WR Demetrius Williams can go deep. RB Willis McGahee (formerly of the Buffalo Bills) was added to improve the running game and averages 4 yards per carry and has 2 TDs to his credit. RB Musa Smith and Mike Anderson have been used sparingly thus far this season.

The Ravens D is not as scary as they use to be, but they still have their key components. Thus far, the Ravens D has 10 INTs to their credit, 4 to FS Ed Reed alone. He is the one to watch out for. He is an all-purpose, multi-faceted and dangerous. Although Joey Porter is no longer a Steeler, there is still no love lost between these two teams. LB Ray Lewis will have his game face on. The Ravens are 3-0 at home and the Steelers 2-2 on the road. The last two meetings 2006, the Steelers lost 27-0 in Baltimore and 31-7 in Pittsburgh. There is an axe to grind here, so Let’s Go Steelers.

Things Done in Denver

So I dressed in black on Monday and pondered over what went wrong in Denver I came up with two key issues: 1) defense and 2) the run game.

Defense seemed to go downhill after DE Aaron Smith injured his knee during the Bronco’s first possession. With Casey Hampton and Troy Polamalu back you would have though the defense would have been stronger. Nick Eason replaced Aaron at DE and was no more effective than me sitting on the couch looking at him. The defense allowed QB Jay Cutler and the Broncos offense to convert 70% of their third down conversions.

And the offense faired no better. With Champ Bailey out and the Broncos run protection at an all time low, you would have though this would have been a run away considering how the Steelers thumped on the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago. This was a disappointing loss to say the least. And it leaves me with concerns going into the next three weeks.

First of all, we don’t have to worry about another bye week. Apparently the Steelers should not rest on their laurels. We might want to remember that if they get to the playoffs. The Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2005 without any rest.

Secondly, the Steelers will face all three divisional foes in the next three weeks. Only Cleveland is the stronger of the bunch. (remember what I said after the Cleveland game…we need to watch for them). Baltimore still has not offense. Their running game is shotty at best and the defense is no longer scary. Cincinnati is nothing without WR Chris Henry. If you double team CJ and TJ, Chris will burn you and since he is still on suspension there is no reason not to beat up the Bengals besides they still have no defense. A win over the Steelers Sunday would move the Bengals to within one game of first place in the AFC North. It would also be the Bengals' first victory at home over the Steelers in nearly six years

It will be up the Steeler D to confuse QB Carson Palmer into mistakes. He can be rattled and rattled he must be. The Bengals are trying to dig themselves out of the hole they created, 2-4 in the division standing-cellar dwellers and the Steelers need to keep them there. This is the first meeting with this team, and when the Steelers meet with them again Dec 2 it will be with WR Chris Henry in the line up.

The Steeler D still have not allowed a 100 yard rusher thus far this year. RB Rudy Johnson is questionable with a groin strain and has averaged 3 yards per carry so far this year. He is not what he once was and neither is the offensive line (which about the same as the Steeler o-line and that is not saying much). However back up RB Kenny Watson had a great day running all over the NY Jets on Sunday rushing 130 yards and 3 TDs. So it seems the Bengals are getting back on track with their running game.

Tomlin was quoted to say in his press conference, 6 games does not determine the character of a football team. If that is the case, the Steelers better plan on stepping up their game against this division opponent. After the Bengals are the Ravens, then the Browns. Lets’s Go Steelers

How To Deal With A Man You're Dating When He Makes Less Money Than You?

- By Gil Bryan, "The Dream Motivator"

We've all been taught that money doesn't buy happiness – but this is the real world, and we all know how stressful it can be to worry about money!

If you're a typical single woman, you work hard to pay bills, buy food, clothes and gas, and keep a roof over your head.

You've gone through a lot to establish your financial identity. You deserve to be proud of yourself for achieving all of that on your own.

But out in the dating world you're going to be meeting men who may not make as much money as you do.

And I know there are some women that this is not an issue for them. So it's especially daunting for them, when the dating ritual goes sour.

So below I listed some things to watch out for when dating a man that makes less than you do and some suggestions on how to deal with this situation:

Monitor your attitude

Many women simply refuse to date men who make less money than they do, just as some women won't date short men, men of another race, or men with different religious beliefs. And while it makes sense to avoid hooking up with a man who's frequently in the unemployed state, refusing to date someone based on their income really limits your dating options.

If you're a lawyer and you meet a wonderful man who owns a small coffee shop or you're a nurse and he's a delivery driver, are you going to determine if he’s a good man or a man worth you dating based on the size of his paycheck?

Remember, most millionaires were dead broke before they made their fist million!

But with that being said, if you do start dating a man who makes less money than you he may have a few more issues with the situation than you do. And as a wise woman you'll have to be sensitive to his feelings.

Understand that no matter what you see in the media nor how many men may deny it, the truth is most men have their self-esteem and identity wrapped up in how much they earn. So one of the worst things you can do to a man that your dating or in a relationship with is to emasculate him with respect to money… especially out in public.

Making comments like, “I wish we could come with you, but we can’t afford it” said in front of a group of people will encourage your man to start looking for another woman.

Now maybe in your mind you may not be thinking that he's less of a man (or anything else negative) because you make more money than he does, but comments like that may make him feel like your ‘putting the slap down’ on his manhood.

Make him feel like he’s the man

Even though your man may make less money than you, you still want to make him feel like he’s the man. Go ahead and let him buy you flowers, take you to dinner, and buy you small, inexpensive gifts. And when he does, thank him as if he just bought you the world. But don’t thank him because he bought you the gift, thank him for showing you, by this gesture, that he was thinking about you.

Avoid out doing his gifts

Avoid giving him elaborate, expensive gifts, even if you can easily afford them. Later, if your dates turn into a long-term relationship, how you spend your money shouldn't make a difference. But if you give him a big-screen TV or buy him an expensive suit while you're in the early dating stages, the fact that he can't do similar things for you may bruise his ego. And you know how we men are about our egos!

Remember I’m talking about a real man here. If your man is a bum and looking to feed off you then that’s a whole different ball game.

Set high goals but be realistic

Remember it’s o.k. to set high standards but make sure your standards are based on a true foundation and not these worldly ideals puffed up by society. These shall soon fade away.

Don't miss out on an opportunity to date that great guy that works on your car, teaches at your child's school or waits tables at your favorite restaurant. Heck, at least he has a job.

Be open-minded. There are a lot of really smart, loving, unattached guys who are attractive in non-traditional ways.

© 2006 Gil Bryan

Gil Bryan is a motivational speaker, teacher, trainer, and author of "Why Does He Do That? The Key to Understanding Why Men Do What They Do In Relationships". To get a FREE preview of this book visit http://www.GilBryan.com.

Stand Up Now: Art To Heal The Village

ART EXHIBIT

Stand Up Now: Art To Heal The Village

The Stand Up Now: "Art To Heal The Village" exhibit begins this Fall season. This special community exhibit consists of all original art work completed for the Stand Up Now Tour 2007. There will be food, drink, live dee jay and Band performances with other special accents that include: rhyme, drum, song, spoken word poetry, and new release book readings by local authors during exhibit. Come participate in this fine community event celebrating pride and diversity in Pittsburgh!


Join us each Saturday from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Connections Coffeehouse - 3495 Bates St Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)


November 3

Opening Reception - (Drum / Bass, Trip, Mash, Hip Hop)

Live music by Y.M. da Kid, Roxamore, CRA$H, Jacquea Olday, B-Flames and other
Performing Artists

Live art demonstration by Mark Murdzak

DJ Shadow

Refreshments will be served

Curator: Royal Tribe Music

Hosted by: Ron Garland and Shaela Montague-Phillips



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November 10

Connections Coffeehouse - 3495 Bates St Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)

(Neo Soul, Hip Hop)

Live music by Joy Ike, Hakim Rasheed, Lejon, and other Artists

DJ Stylz

Refreshments will be served

Curator: Royal Tribe Music





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November 17

Connections Coffeehouse - 3495 Bates St Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)

(Jazz, Hip Hop)

Live music by Hot House Jazz Band, Nicole Roach and other Artists

Live art demonstration by Mark Murdzak

DJ Shadow

Refreshments will be served

Curator: Royal Tribe Music

Hosted by: Yah Lioness and Sage Berlin



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November 24

Connections Coffeehouse - 3495 Bates St Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)

Closing Reception - (Latin, R and B, Hip Hop)

Live music by Angela Gonzalez, Dell Saunders and other Artists

Live art demonstrations

DJ Goodnight birthday celebration

Refreshments will be served

Curator: Royal Tribe Music

Hosted by: Leonardo Reyes-Gonzalez and Pedro R. Burckhardt



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December 1

Connections Coffeehouse - 3495 Bates St Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Oakland)

(Gospel, Christian Hip Hop)

Live music by Eric Blackwell and Faithful, MELE mel, and other Artists

DJ Shadow

Refreshments will be served

Curator: Royal Tribe Music

Hosted by: Anna Thorpe and Shawn Pinkston



Opportunities are available to Volunteer, Perform, Paint or Present

For additional information call (412) 657-3327 or visit the Stand Up Now Tour
Website see Art Exhibit - www.standupnowtour.com

Why Did I Get Married? Movie Review

as reviewed by bonita lee penn, The Soul Pitt


What else would a bunch of beautiful and intelligent black females do on a warm Friday evening? Go to the movies? My sisters and sisterfriends met at the Waterfront praying the 8:30pm showing of Why Did I Get Married? wasn't sold out. Well it was, we brought tickets for the 10:15pm show and headed to a nearby bar and grill to drink and stuff down some cheap appetitizers. We were informed by one of Loewes Customer Service Representatives to be back by 9:30pm, warning us that long lines had formed for previous showings.

After drinking a few decent but pricey drinks and fighting over why should we pay for stale nacho chips we all headed back over to take our place in line. Thank goodness we were warned as the line did get long after only a few moments of standing. The line consisted of sister friends all having the same idea of spending a great Friday evening with friends and with Tyler Perry and his friends in Why Did I Get Married?

Tyler Perry fans have been by his side since the inception of the stage plays and their introduction to the fast wit and faster tongue of his Madea character. He has expanded his stage plays to movies and even a television show, The House of Payne. One show which I'm not totally thrilled with regarding the personalities of the characters or the acting, but the show does have Tyler's signature lessons learned story lines, which to me saves the show.

My first judgement of the movie was strictly built around the short snips of beautiful scenry and the promise of drama. This led me to wonder what type of movie would this be? How would it work being a cross between Madea and The House of Payne? Naw! It wouldn't work and thank goodness Why Did I Get Married ? is in a category all it's own.

The 10:15 show was filled to capacity. The movie started off a little shaky with Janet Jackson's character, Patricia. Some of my movie companions felt she was not right for this role, I disagreed, her character was the one grounded female character, I personally find most grounded people are not lively, they are more calm than most and she played this part well. The movie introduced us to four professional upwardily mobile black couples and their personalities. Even though they seem to be well off economically, the audience soon became aware they have the same relationship problems everyone we know has. Ranging from infidelity, being taken for granted, verbal abuse, career vs. marriage, financial, and children issues. All their secrets rolled out the closet during their yearly couples retreat, taking place in the mountains.

Believe me when I say I truly didn't see this much drama coming to a head, but it did and the audience loved it. The actors gave depth to their on screen characters and real emotional pain showed through on several occassions, giving it a real connection to the audience. It doesn't matter the audience gender, age or ethnicity, this movie will touch everyone. The couples who have made it in their careers, but underneath the money, furs, houses and the positions, they were regular people just like us. They have our same fears and short comings. To see the realness and the wide range of emotional turmoil on screen, acted out by black actors and not the sterotypical black drama was a relaxing and refreshing experience. Thank you Tyler Perry for bringing real black folks to the fore front of America.

I cannot conclude this review without giving props to our favorite couple Angela and Marcus (played by Tasha Smith and Michael Jai White). This couple had a common issue I have noticed in my own relationships and those of friends. A clashing of two strong personalities, neither one wanting to submit to the other, feeling it would be an admission of weakness, neither willing to trust the other enough to share their true feelings and admit their fears. The other most enjoyable character was Troy, the Sheriff played by Lamman Rucker. Ahh yes, everyone was woooing when he came on the scene. The Sheriff was our Knight in Shining Armour, the man who unselfishly was able to see deeply into a woman's soul and accepts her for the beauty that shines from within and the man who enjoyed communicating his needs, his dreams, his fears and had no second thoughts in loving a woman the way God wants them to be loved.

At the end of the movie the final verdict of my sisters and I were, Why Did I Get Married? was an excellent movie, emotionally well written, strong characters, real life situations, drama, soul searching and a great sound track.

Jena 6 Panel Discussion

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion

Hosts Jena 6 Panel Discussion

Pittsburgh, PA (October 17, 2007) - The Louisiana racial discrimination case known as Jena 6 has created a lot of attention and racial tension within the past months. In the year 2007 how can such racism still exist? Or does it? Can a Jena 6 situation happen in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area?

These questions and others will be addressed during the November 13, 2007 Jena 6 Brown Bag Lunch and Panel Discussion sponsored by the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion. Bev Smith, host of “Our Voices,” a syndicated nightly radio show broadcasted locally on AM 860 and nationally on the American Urban Radio Network, will serve as moderator for the event. Panelists will include Esther L. Bush, President and CEO of the Urban League of Pittsburgh; M. Gayle Moss, President of the Pittsburgh NAACP; and Thomas Farrell, Attorney for the ACLU Pittsburgh.

“This case has cast a national spotlight on the racial inequalities that continue within the criminal justice system and the existence of everyday discrimination faced by African Americans and other people of color,” says Debra Mason, Director of the Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion (ORDI). “We hope this panel discussion will shine some light on solutions, to begin building bridges cross culturally and to help us to change racial thinking and actions.”

Mason points out, “It is necessary for our office to sponsor such an event and demonstrate that we are serious about the mission to empower individuals, organizations and communities to engage in educational and communication opportunities that address racism, oppression, diversity, and inclusion.”

In operation since 1996, the ORDI works to prepare individuals within the greater Pittsburgh region as culturally competent members of an increasingly diverse community and workforce. ORDI helps foster sensitivity towards and an appreciation of diversity, develops behaviors that contribute to a non-discriminatory, respectful workplace, and identifies ways in which promoting diversity can benefit individuals, organizations, and businesses.Programs include “Cultural Diversity-Building Bridges,” “Community Dialogues on Racism,” “White Privilege and Anti-Racism,” “Internalized Racism,” and “Youth/Teen Diversity.”

The Jena 6 case focuses on six African American high school teens ages 15 to 17 who were arrested last December after a school fight in which a white student was beaten and suffered a concussion and multiple bruises. The six African American males were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy. The African American students face up to 100 years in prison without parole. The fight took place amid mounting racial tension after a black student sat under a tree in the schoolyard where only white students sat. The next day nooses were hanging from the tree.


For questions about the Jena 6 Panel Discussion or to inquire about The Greater Pittsburgh YWCA Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion please contact Debra L. Mason, Director, at 412-255-1451 or email dmason@ywcapgh.org