LOSS OF A GREAT LEGEND AND TRUE AMERICAN HERO DR. DOROTHY HEIGHT

The passing today of Dr. Dorothy Height ways heavily on my heart and on those of millions. I first heard of Dr. Height during my student days at Howard University, during a time when I actually lived in off campus housing just doors from the offices of the National Council of Negro Women. Over the years as a DC resident, I came to know of Dr. Height's pioneering spirit. I also took an opportunity each year to join in at the Black Family Reunion on the National Mall where I could often catch an in person glimpse of Dr. Height embracing all the people she worked so tirelssly to impact. As I've grown older I am more in awe of how this beautiful woman of strength gave so much to each of us and left a legacy for women of all races and and picture of a woman that black women could be so proud to mirror. I enjoyed reading the USA TODAY article today that included a photo of Dr. Height and First Lady Obama together. Today, being my birthday, a great time of personal reflection; I am hoping that I can take a little of what this great woman has given and replicate it within my own circle of influence.

To Hostel or not to Hostel

After many years working in the hotel business...at some really nice Marriott hotels and a Ritz Carlton, I suddenly decided to do some quick research on the concept of hostels. So, a few clicks on the web lead me to search on whether or not the pricing is so affordable that one would have to consider sharing a common sleeping and washing space with strangers while on travel. So I did quickly find a "dorm bed" in Washington DC for forty bucks....yes, definitely cheap. So my next concern is are they safe...of course, the websites I found said beyond the very uncommon infrequent occurrences of small theft, they are indeed safe...and some of them offer lockers if you bring your own padlock.



I am still not going to be a hosteller. It's just not for me. I'll search the hotel sites for affordable rooms when I have travel on the horizon, I'm not twenty and I just require privacy. I am probably spoiled, too, by many years of visiting so many great hotels with great service and accomodations. Actually for me, the great hotel, is part of the whole reason I travel at all. Now, given the chance to do some mission work, I will have to accordingly make the adjustments and see the bigger picture.

I remember meeting a group of American and Dutch hostellers several years ago when I was vacationing in Nicaragua. I was curious about what was at the time a very newly formed concept, as far as I knew. They made it sound so "hippie" with quite a bit of inuendos about weed smoking. I think this experience fits some, is a cheap way to see the world, but does not make my list. If my nieces tell me they plan to stay in a hostel I'd be a little worried about letting them go.

7 Ways a Layoff Can Make Your Life Better

7 Ways a Layoff Can Make Your Life Better

"An inclination join'd with an Ability to serve mankind, one's Country, Friends and Family ... should be the great Aim and End of all learning.'

Benjamin Franklin"

Additional SCHOLARSHIPS

"AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
: Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, and to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated money for scholarships to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest or awareness. No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved. Money shouldn't be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it. Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be. (If clicking on the link doesn't work, then type in the Web site address manually.)

8) Sports Scholarships and Internships http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html
9) National Assoc. Of Black Journalists Scholarships http://www.nabj.org/html/studentsvcs.html
10) Saul T. Wilson Scholarships (Veterinary) http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mb/mrphr%20/jobs/stw.HTML
11) Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/sk_v6.cfm
12) FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships) http://www.finaid.org/
13) Presidential Freedom Scholarships http://www.nationalservice.org/scholarships
14) Microsoft Scholarship Program http://www.microsoft.com/college/scholarships/minority.asp"

Tap into SCHOLARSHIPS

"AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, and to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated money for scholarships to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest or awareness. No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved. Money shouldn't be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it. Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be. (If clicking on the link doesn't work, then type in the Web site address manually.)
1) BELL LABS FELLOWSHIPS FOR UNDER REPRESENTED MINORITIES http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships/CRFP/info.html
2) Student Inventors Scholarships http://www.invent.org/collegiate/
3) Student Video Scholarships http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html
4) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships http://www.coca-colascholars.org/programs.html
5) Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships http://www.aynrand.org/contests/
6) Brand Essay Competition http://www.instituteforbrandleadership.org/IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.htm
7) Gates Millennium Scholarships (major) http://www.gmsp.org/nominationmaterials/read.dbm?ID=12"