There were a couple of things that most might have missed in the last couple of days. One is a nice tribute to the original television chef that started the industry niche. I’m speaking of Ms. Julia Child. I’m sure many my age and older recall this chef and her cooking program, that was on the same channel as Sesame Street and the Electric Company. I loved watching her put together a meal, which was always a bit better when you add a bit of sherry. Seriously, I’m pretty sure I recall her often taking a sip of sherry or 2, or more, in every episode. But she always looked like she was having a great time, and it was well worth the time to see what she created. It always looked like something you wanted to eat.
While younger readers may not be familiar with Ms. Child, they should take a moment to do a search on her. Without her show (which to my knowledge was the first cooking show, or at least the only one in the 70’s and 80’s) I doubt if there would be a Top Chef, or Food Network. Because of her achievements, Ms. Child is being honored by being added to the National Women’s Hall of Fame. It’s a shame this is being done after she has passed, but it is something I’m glad to see happen.
Another nugget of news is about LL Cool J. He has a new book out, LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout, that he hopes will help people improve their body and lives. I’m sure there are many women, and some men I’m sure, that love his physique. Well now anyone can get a better body, perhaps even one like his. But the big point is that it’s not about the outer image but the inner one. Unlike most stars that hock a video or book about dieting or getting in shape, LL Cool J is centered on the inner development that works its way out. That’s the difference, and that’s why I’m mentioning it. I haven’t read the book, but I did read his interview. Considering his words I think it could be worth the time for some.
And another inspiring item is a potential NFL draftee. Mr. Amobi Okoye is 19, entered high school at 12, got into college at 16 and a degree 3 ½ years later in psychology. He is expected to be in picked up in the first round of the draft. This is the kind of kid I think should be allowed into the majors. Unlike the high school kids that have no back-up plan, nor maturity, this is a kid that has accomplished a lot quickly. Especially when you consider that he is from Nigeria, he came to America when he was 12.
Now this is what more African American kids should be striving to be like. Success in more than just physical abilities. His mind has had at least as much growth as his body. He has adapted to the environment he is in, and he has excelled. I pose this young man as the example that there is more to life than trying to be a ‘baby-daddy’ or ‘thug.’ There is more you can gain than drinking a 40 on the corner waiting for someone to shoot you dead. There is a reason to stay in school. Maybe you won’t be a star athlete, maybe it will take longer to get your degree, but there is no reason you can’t do it. African Americans don’t need to learn a new language [and eubonics is not a language, it’s an excuse to allow people to be uneducated and poor – in my opinion] or travel to a different country to have a better quality of life. The color of your skin does not prevent you from gaining knowledge and improving your life. You just have to want it, and strive for it.
There was an old television ad by the NAACP, I believe it went, ‘There nothing worse than wasting a mind.’ Mr. Okoye knew this, perhaps the television ad needs to come back to remind everyone else.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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