BHBW Presents: Sea Vegetables

While many people are seeking to make health and wellness a priority, the trend of incorporating sea vegetables is on the rise. From making soaps, conditioners and even novelty chips, sea vegetables are making their way to the mainstream. Which is an awesome thing because conventional diet lacks sufficient amounts of iodine and other antioxidants. But for those of you that may not be familiar with sea vegetables, allow me to provide a brief introduction.

Sea vegetables are seaweeds that grow in or around coastal regions and oceans. They are truly one of nature's most potent super foods. From addressing thyroid issues to weight loss and hair growth, sea veggies, are crucial to restoring health imbalances. Additionally, sea vegetables can be added to compost, and can even be used as a mulch within the garden.

In this week's segment I discuss dulse, bladderwrack and irish moss. I also make mention of nori and kelp. Here are some nutritional points about each one:

 

(photo credit: www.dkimages.com)

 

Nori: Reduces the risk of heart disease

    Contains high levels of B-12 

 

 

(photo credit:  www.growing-algae.com)

 

Dulse:  Mild flavor and iodine rich

                                 Protects the body from harmful radiation

 

 

(photo credit: www.prweb.com)

 

Bladderwrack:  Very strong smell and taste

                                                  Great for weightloss and reducing cellulite

 

 

(photo credit:  www.nouveauraw.com)

 

Irish moss:  Contains 92 body essential minerals

Ultimate skin nourisher

 

 

(photo credit:  www.herbalremediesinfo.com/kelp)

 

Kelp:  Alkaline rich

                                         Wonderful source of chlorophyll

 

 

No matter which sea vegetable you select, just be sure that its source is one that is harvested in a sustainable and wild crafted way. There have been reports about levels of radioactive iodine being found in sea vegetables as well as other foods (The Fukushima Effect). It is a great idea to do your due diligence before indulging. Here is a quick word about radioactive iodine and its implications on RT news.

 

 

All in all, sea vegetables can be used in soups, salads, teas and smoothies.  Other creative uses are body wraps and even taking seaweed baths.  Find out which way works for you and if you have discovered any other uses for sea vegetables, share the wealth :)

 

 

Black Health and Wealth Always,

 

 

 

Karolyn Oakley

Facebook: Kurlyn Drums

***TEAM BLACKANOMICS***

Sirius XM 128 (The Power)



 

 

Sources Consulted:

http://www.naturalnews.com/032032_purple_dulse_radiation.html

http://bestsuperfoods.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/irish-moss/

http://www.naturalnews.com/034055_sea_vegetables_kelp.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/035138_nori_vitamin_B-12_iodine.html

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10114456.htm

 



Who are you voting for?

So today is election day, and everyone is lining up to cast their vote for the best person to represent America. Foreign policy strategies, promises to provide jobs and many other factors will determine who will be selected as America's next President. But as the ballots are counted and the polls close, are you only casting your vote for a politician, or are you casting a vote for yourself?

Casting a vote for your own greatness that is. One positive perspective of democracy is the right to vote. Voting is a right that should be duly exercised. But one thing I have noticed is that there are some people that put politicians on a pedestal to turn their situation around. But as the saying goes:

“You are in charge of your own destiny.”

Now by no means am I saying that politicians should not be held accountable by the promises that have been made on the campaign trail. However, there must be a focus on rising above your individual situation. So instead of wondering which politician you will vote for, I am wondering: Are you casting a vote for your goals?

 

So today I urge you to take a moment, look within and determine if you are doing all you can to better yourself. It could be as simple as taking inventory of your skill sets and sharpening your mental tools. But no matter the outcome of the election, always cast a vote to work on and reach your goals.

Black Health and Wealth Always!!

Karolyn Oakley

Facebook: Kurlyn Drums

***TEAM BLACKANOMICS***

Sirius XM 128 (The Power)

GMO GOTTA GO!!!

Last week, I received an email asking to sign the petition for more research as it relates to  Monsanto's genetically modified corn.  The above pictures are from the African Center for Biosafety and the message is quite clear:  NO GMOs!!!

When you get a moment, please read the brief and sign the petition.  Additionally, take into consideration the amount of genetically modified organisms you are allowing into your homes.  And if the pictures don't mean much to you, please consider the following results of the Seralini Study:

• As early as 24 months, that is to say at the end of their lives, from 50% to 80% of females fed GMOs had developed tumors (fibroadenomas and keratoacanthomas) as against only 30% fed the GMO-free diet.

• In males, the majority died of liver or kidney problems.  "We found progressive chronic kidney disease in greater numbers in rats fed GM corn, especially in the males," says Dr. Spiroux co-author of the study.

• In groups fed GM maize, 50% of males and 70% females died prematurely, before the average life expectancy.  Mortality rates were not dose-dependent on the concentration of genetically modified maize in the diet.

If you would like to know more about GMOs and about the Seralini Study, you can visit the African Centre for Biosafety at the following website:

http://www.acbio.org.za/

And here is the petition to sign the petition for solidarity against GMOs in Africa:

http://www.acbio.org.za/activist/

 

 

I signed the petition...will you? 

 

 

 

Black Health and Wealth Always!!

Karolyn Oakley

Facebook: Kurlyn Drums

***TEAM BLACKANOMICS***

Sirius XM 128 (The Power)



 

Musings on being GRATEFUL

 

Earlier this evening, I took the time to assess my progression towards my life goals. And what I found were a large amount of unfinished projects. Things that I wanted to get to, but I never found the time. Promises that I made that I never quite followed through on. Needless to say, it bothered me and I started to complain about what I did wrong or what I could have done differently. But then I stopped myself. And decided to direct all of the energy that I was wasting to do something constructive. So I started organizing my life. From the stack of papers collecting dust to getting rid of empty cosmetic bottles, I cleaned house!! Attempting to re-focus my thoughts and let go of negative energy, I stumbled across an old magazine that was headed straight for the trash pile. But I took a moment to open it to see if there was anything useful. In all caps, towards the end of the magazine, I read an article entitled “GRATEFUL.”

And I stopped dead in my tracks.

The article went on to talk about being grateful despite obstacles, circumstances and to just be happy. With so many struggling just to make ends meet, it is so easy to focus on areas of improvement versus operating in the spirit of gratitude. But it is very necessary.

Over the years, I have come to learn that gratitude ensures that you don't take anything for granted. But it is really easy to forget small pearls of wisdom when the focus is not on anything positive. To serve as a reminder, I think I'll keep the article. Most importantly, I will try to do one crucial thing that the article mentions: to write down three things I am grateful for each night.

I am grateful......

• For my life and the opportunity to follow my dreams.
• For family and dear friends that are concerned for my well being.
• To have a place to stay infused with peace and solitude.

What are you grateful for?

Black Health and Wealth Always!!

Karolyn Oakley

Facebook: Kurlyn Drums

***TEAM BLACKANOMICS***

Sirius XM 128 (The Power)

Millet anyone?

Question: How many of you have ever heard of millet?

 

Growing up in the south, it was not a grain that was used on a daily or even weekly basis in my household. Perhaps in processed breads or snacks, millet was an ingredient, but it was never a mainstay. But how times change. With the influence of healthy eating campaigns and whole grain diets, millet surfaces once again as a grain with powerful nutritional benefits.

Millet contains 15% protein and is also a gluten free grain. It is the perfect grain for anyone that suffers from various food sensitivities. You can use millet in soups, bread making and even fix millet as a hot cereal dish. Additionally, research has concluded that millet can reduce migraines, heart attacks and can even assist in weight loss. And most exciting......it's alkaline!!

 

(photo credit:  http://healthandfitnessarticle.org)

 

 

And as I did more research about millet, one thing that stood out to me was that the Bible mentions millet. In Ezekiel 4:9 it says:

“Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof.”

So it is safe to say that millet is rightly regarded as an ancient grain. And if you are wondering how to get started with incorporating this wonder grain into your diet, try adding a ¼ cup of millet in your next soup.  Keep in mind that millet has a tendency to expand, so always remember that a little goes a long way!

 

(My veggie soup with millet and bladderwrack)

So what are you waiting for? With over 6,000 varieties of millet available, I am sure that you will pick the perfect one!

 
Black Health and Wealth Always!!

Karolyn Oakley

Facebook: Kurlyn Drums

***TEAM BLACKANOMICS***

Sirius XM 128 (The Power)

 

 

The Vegan Opportunity

                      

 

On Saturday, I spoke about food security and the vegan lifestyle.  What prompted the discussion were two articles that I read about recently.  You can find them listed below.

Vegan by 2050:  http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/vegetarian-2050-190426669.html

Vegan McDonald’s:  http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-opening-first-vegetarian-only-    restaurants-2012-9

 From the above articles, the world may be forced to go vegetarian by 2050 and McDonalds is opening up vegan restaurants in India.  It seems everywhere you look, some new nutritional consultant is talking about the best nutrient dense grain to incorporate in your diet.  Everyone wants to go green and more and more people are setting the goal to thoughtfully eat in hopes to reduce or eliminate malignant symptoms.  This is a message to the entrepreneur.

 For the entrepreneur, the message is simple:  Start a business that appeals to the vegan community. And with more people beginning to understand the process of how meat lands on their plate, a lot of people are opting out from eating meats and using whole grains, mushrooms, and vegetables to provide a necessary protein source.  If there is not a soul vegetarian restaurant in your community, BUILD ONE!  For a large corporation to expand operations providing vegan options for customers, only means that a person looking to start a business has yet another way to be unique and appealing.  After researching some of McDonald's vegetarian menu items, I must admit it seems quite promising.  But will their vegetarian dishes be organic?  Sustainable concerning water supply?  Only time will tell. 

But the time to take action is now.  This is a trend that belongs to you.  Research what opportunities currently exist and if possible, create your own!  You can do it!!

 

Black Health and Wealth Always,

Karolyn Oakley
Facebook:  Kurlyn Drums
Team Blackanomics  - Sirius XM 128 (The Power)

 

Food Waste?? COMPOST!

 

(photo credit:  www.insteading.com)

So today I spent some time reading a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.  You can access the report by clicking here:

http://www.nrdc.org/food/files/wasted-food-IP.pdf

 

The title alone is quite telling. 

Wasted:  How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill

I originally heard about this in a brief media clip on a local news station.  And upon reading the report, I was shocked to find out just how much food is wasted by farming operations, grocery stores and restaurants.  Not to mention over purchasing from a consumer perspective.  But here are some of the facts from the report:

1.       On average, diners leave 17% of meals uneaten and 55%    of these potential leftovers are not taken home.

2.       American families throw out approximately 25% of the food and beverages they buy.

3.       Today, portion sizes can be two to eight times larger than USDA or FDA standard serving sizes.

4.       In 2008, 126 billion pounds of food was lost within the food services industry.

5.       A large tomato packing house reported that in mid-season it can fill a dump truck with 22,000 pounds of discarded tomatoes every forty minutes.

6.       The decomposition of uneaten food accounts for 23% of all methane emission in the United States.

So what does all of this mean?  For starters, it shows that American food supply is such that we can eradicate hunger, but instead we have become wasteful.  It is also a clear indication that we are not managing our waste properly.  It is almost as if we have taken our food for granted.  And not only the food, the resources that it takes to get the food to our favorite restaurant or grocery store.  Transportation costs, water, and labor to harvest crops just to cull based on aesthetic criteria. 

What happened to common sense?  Only preparing what can be eaten?

 Because we live in a world of excess, Americans are so used to having everything within a three block radius.  Looking for the next big super food from a country nearly 3,000 miles away?  Check aisle six.  Looking for fresh seafood from one of the most remote places on earth?  Served nightly at your favorite restaurant with free delivery.  America’s obsession with excess provides a bit more clarity on the epidemic of obesity and other preventable ailments.   Too much is never enough. 

So what is the solution to America’s waste problem?  I’m willing to cast my vote for composting. The report did mention composting as an important way to manage waste.  But with only 3% of all food being composted, more has to be done to make a bigger impact. 

The science of composting is decomposing carbon and nitrogen inputs to create a nutrient-rich additive that can be used as soil or in combination with other organic substances.  If you are not sure what I mean by this, no worries.  I will write a step by step blog (with pictures) on how to compost.  It is really easy and the best part about it is that you can do your part to reduce food waste and contribute to the soil creation movement.  So I’m just wondering, how many of you compost?  And do you eat the leftovers?

Black Health and Wealth Always,

 

Karolyn Oakley
Facebook:  Kurlyn Drums
Team Blackanomics – Sirius XM 128 (The Power)

 

Abolishing Food Oppression

So this week on Black Health, Black Wealth, I will be talking about Food Oppression.  It all started with an article I read about a Canadian couple having to remove a portion of their home garden at the request of city officials. 

 

(The illegal home garden in Drummondville)

Natural News Article:  http://www.naturalnews.com/036709_home_gardens_attacks_self-sufficiency.html

Of course this is not the first time such an event has happened.   But what exactly is going on?

In one word:  Oppression

Oppression is defined as an unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power.

Now bringing the issues of food oppression back on the home front....

It is kind of ironic that what was once a prominent contributor to the wealth of early America is now being threatened by those obligated to maintain and protect citizen's rights.  As far as an explanation goes, there are many reasons why a stronghold is being placed on embracing agriculture.  One heavily emphasized observation is that money will be taken away from an industry that thrives off of convenience.  

No matter the explanation, food security is something that has to be developed in our homes and communities.  However, the sad part is when I talk to my peers about food security and farming.  There is a stigma attached.  A stigma that is focused on Black people going back to slave- related practices.  And the aforementioned statement is not the truth.  Prior to enslavement, our ancestors maintained some of the most advanced agricultural systems known at that time.

 What often happens is that our history is not presented in an empowering manner.  Instead it is offered as yet another example of minority dependency.  What has to change is our manner of thinking.  Food security should not be associated as a slave practice.  Instead, it should be regarded as a method of survival and economic advancement. 

Black Health and Wealth Always,

Karolyn Oakley
Facebook:  Kurlyn Drums
Team Blackanomics - Sirius XM Channel 128 (The Power)

America needs an IEP… Individualized Economic Plan

As we progress in life through different experiences and challenges we should be asking ourselves

“What did I learn… and how can I improve?” As American’s in order to be able to improve we first must be alerted to the true facts of our economic situation as a whole.

Here are the facts: Our GDP Gross Domestic Product (ie: meaning all of the income that we make as an entire country) is 15.1 trillion dollars annually whereas the U.S. National Debt is 15.2 trillion.

This means that we are spending more money as a country than we are able to bring in on an annual basis. In order to change this behavior it will require an uncommon collective effort from all Americans.

The reality of the situation is that today every American citizen is carrying a debt of 48,811 on behalf of the country. The deficit is not going to go down because Warren Buffet writes a check (He does not have enough money to cover a 15.2 trillion dollar debt) it will go down when everyone generates on average an additional 50k and mails it into the U.S. Government. The challenge is that the average U.S. citizen is not equipped with the knowledge or resources to generate an additional 50k in addition to the bad debt that they are currently carrying.  

Here are some more important facts, the total population in the United States is 312 million and only

112 million are paying taxes on the income that is being made. There are 23 million people who are unemployed, 47 million people who are receiving food stamps, and 874 million Americans in foreclosure.

This is further evidence that shows that Americans are not being properly educated or trained on how to provide the basic needs in life (ie: Food, Clothing, Shelter) and knowledge of the U.S. Tax Code.

With this being our current situation it would make sense to focus all efforts on the development of curriculum that focuses on the training and education of entrepreneurship and finance immediately for the purpose of intentionally creating entrepreneurs. Everyone has a 50k nut that has to be serviced right now in order to address this issue now. The alternative is you or your children having to service a 500k debt in the next 10 years.

The solution to most challenges is an idea; however most ideas must be supported by an infrastructure.

A solution to our current crisis would be an “Individualized Economic Plan”.

In this plan every American Family would be encouraged to build an economic infrastructure that included wealth building principles that can be enacted immediately.

Robert Kiosaki in his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” introduces to us a concept of E-S-B-I

in which E=Employee, S=Self Employed, B=Business Owner, and I=Investor.

There is no mention to an exact blueprint to the most insulated position on the chart which is “I=Investor”.

The passive investor is making money without having to perform an action.

This is the phase of entrepreneurship that needs to be attained by every American if we are going to collectively work together to pay down the GDP. The “Individualized Economic Plan” will consist of the strategies that include the foundations of wealth building principles starting with B=Business, R=Real Estate, P=Precious Metals, A=Annuities, S=Stocks, F=Foreign Currency. These are the contents in portfolios that allow for the “I=Investor” to generate passive income. This type of training needs to be offered to all Americans at all levels if receiving food stamps or in foreclosure.

Financial Literacy and “Individualized Economic Solvency” is imperative to the survival of this country that we call America.      

For Financial Content & Commentary:

David Anderson

SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio

Channel 128 – The Power

info@blackanomics.com

blackanomics.com   

404-884-8893 

The Economic Impact of Red Tails and the future of Black Action Hero Movies…

This weekend will be the litmus test to see how viable the “Black Action Hero Movie Market” really is… For years Hollywood has never “Green Lighted” an All Black Action Hero film under the auspice that it will not sell. The Action Hero film genre average cost of 50 million dollars in production cost, Hollywood fears that risking that kind of money in a business model is bad business.

In retrospect some of the biggest films in Film History have been inspired, created, and written by African Americans. Sylvester Stallone goes on record to say that his inspiration for ROCKY came from watching a Muhammad Ali fight in which Ali’s opponent for a split second got in a few hits on the champ and created a false sense of hope for Ali’s opponent and in that moment Stallone became inspired to write and create one of the best inspirational and motivational films of all time ROCKY inspired by Muhammed Ali.

Also in the 80’s a client of mine Ms. Sophia Stewart (Google: Sophia Stewart) wrote a book called the third eye an all “Black Action Hero Movie” of which her inspiration for the main role of the characters was also Muhammed Ali. The Wackoski brothers read the book the Third Eye became inspired and created not one but 2 Blockbuster Brands “Terminator” and “The Matrix” grossing over 500 million combined sales to date from one body of work written by a black woman about “Black Action Heroes”.

So clearly if “Blockbuster” films from the last 30 - 40 years have been inspired and written by black people, but have been changed to fit the Distribution Requirements of Hollywood. Then the question becomes why now is it “Good Timing” for “Red Tails” to be successful? Is it because for the past four years we have subconsciously and consciously seen an African American operate as the commander and chief over our affairs in this country or because this story of the Tuskegee Airmen is just so important?

Either way the economic success of “Red Tails” is a lot bigger than George Lucas bank rolling a “Black Action Hero” film spending 50 million dollars. “Red Tails” success is a win for all of the Black Filmmakers, and Black Actors, and Black Writer who in the past have been creating great scripts and never got a green light because of Hollywood’s “Distribution Requirements”. Writers who watched their characters who were intentionally created to inspire little black boys and little black girls be stripped out of there scripts and replaced with white characters under the auspice of the “Hollywood Distributing Requirements” which are “Black Action Hero” films don’t sell!

The Tyler Perry business model is to spend 5 million gross 25 million net 20 million screening on 2000 screens using smaller distributing channels 2 - 5 times annually.

A market that Hollywood allows for Perry to dominate, because they have no interest in competing in that space.

In short if “Red Tails” is a success it will be a game changer for a genre of films and ideas that have been benched for the past century because “Black Action Hero” films don’t sell. In closing get your scripts together organize your thoughts create characters that inspire, motivate individuals towards change. If Lucas is successful the door will be cracked open and it is up to us to break it down with films that continue to inspire… To all great black filmmakers those to come and those to follow… STAY FOCUSED!

For Financial Content & Commentary:

David Anderson

SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio

Channel 128 – The Power

info@blackanomics.com

blackanomics.com   

404-884-8893