By Stephanie Hill-FrazierSpecial to The Star

"Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. - Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food: An Eaters Manifesto

Down here in the warm, humid climate of the South, vegetables and fruits have a long growing season. What a great blessing for us! We have a nice long tomato season, peaches are sweet and juicy for a couple months, and yellow squash and zucchini seem to proliferate...well...nearly eternally.

Not that Im complaining!

Now, we all know that doctors and nutritionists say that we should all eat more fruits and vegetables, and boy, thats a wonderful prescription. We dont mind that one bit, right?

However, when we walk into the grocery store and are faced not only with the decision of what vegetables and fruits to eat, but.should we buy organic and pay the extra money? Or is it a gimmick and not worth it?

Apparently lots of shoppers in the aisle with you in the grocery store are starting to spend that extra money for organic food. The Organic Trade Association says that Americans bought nearly $40 billion worth of organic food in 2016, which amounted to about 5 percent of total food sales. Thats up from $28.4 billion in 2013.

However, the sometimes hefty price tag compared to conventional produce can leave shoppers like you and me wondering whether it's worth it. In a study performed by marketing group Mintel, it was found that 51 percent of Americans believe that labeling a food "organic" is merely a marketing ploy, intended to persuade consumers to pay more for the same food.

Others, like author Michael Pollan, say that to choose conventional produce is to leave oneself open to cancer-causing chemicals.

It helps to know what earns a product the right to be labeled "organic." The United States Department of Agriculture has the job of overseeing farms that wish to become certified organic. You can read all the technical details at the USDA website, but in short, the department requires that to be stamped organic, food must be grown using their approved methods.

"These methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used, according to the USDA website.

These methods do come at a higher cost, of course, but many consumers have decided that extra dollar or two is worth it for what they believe to be better nutrition and fewer chemicals.

But is organic produce really more nutritious than conventionally-grown produce? Some recent studies say yes.

Antioxidants, those nutrients which are said to help the body fight diseases like heart disease and cancer and protect our cells, have been shown to be more abundant in organic produce. According to a study performed by the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition, switching from conventional to organically-grown produce adds enough extra antioxidants to the diet to equal up to two more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Professor Carlo Leifert, who led the British study, told Newcastle University researchers that, This study demonstrates that choosing food produced according to organic standards can lead to increased intake of nutritionally desirable antioxidants and reduced exposure to toxic heavy metals.

So if its better for ones health, but the grocery budget is tight, which organic vegetables and fruits are the best choices?

An independent watchdog organization, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), studies pesticide residue on commonly purchased fruits and vegetables in the U.S., and creates two annual lists, the Clean 15 list of produce with the least amount of pesticide residue, and the Dirty Dozen, which are those fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue.

The EWG says they test the produce after it has been washed as the consumer would wash it at home, so the levels of pesticide residue would not change after the consumer takes the food home and cleans it. Since some plants absorb pesticides systemically, the group says, no amount of washing would remove the pesticides used, as they literally become part of the produce itself.

According to their latest study, the worst offenders among conventionally-grown produce, and those they suggest consumers buy organic versions of, are as follows:

Strawberries

Spinach

Nectarines

Apples

Peaches

Pears

Cherries

Grapes

Celery

Tomatoes

Bell Peppers

Potatoes

Alternately, the EWG's Clean 15 list includes conventionally-grown produce that shows the smallest amount of residual pesticide residue after washing. If your budget is limited, these are the items that are least likely to expose you to those unwanted chemicals.

Sweet corn

Avocados

Pineapple

Cabbage

Frozen sweet peas

Papayas

Asparagus

Mangoes

Eggplant

Honeydew melons

Kiwi

Cantaloupe

Cauliflower

Grapefruit

Ultimately, the EWG and other watchdog groups say that if you can't afford organic produce, it is still better to eat properly cleaned conventional produce than it is to eat processed and sugary foods. While they recommend eating organics when possible, they are not saying that one should never eat conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables at all.

So, do eat up all the vegetables and fruits you can, whether organic or not, instead of processed foods like chips, dehydrated pre-cooked potatoes, macaroni with neon orange "cheese" powder, and candy. Train your children and grandchildren to do so, as well!

Here are a couple of recipes that may just help you enjoy your summer produce even more this weekend:

Stephs sauteed balsamic vegetables with polenta and fresh mozzarella

One 5 ounce package of organic baby spinach, arugula or other greens

One fresh fennel bulb, chopped (found in most produce sections nowso delicious!)

One pound of fresh tomatoes, chopped (more or lessuse the amount you have, or use canned in a pinch)

One small package fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)

1 medium or two small zucchini squash, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

One cup (approximately) fresh mozzarella, cubed

One tube pre-cooked polenta (or serve over rice or grits)

Method:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the chopped fennel bulb, and stir around in the very warm oil for two minutes. Add the zucchini and cook for three more minutes or more, but do not allow vegetables to scorch.

Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, pepper flakes, vinegar and mushrooms. Stir and watch for the tomatoes to begin releasing their juices as they soften, and for the mushrooms to begin to shrink and darken.

After a few minutes, add the spinach or other greens. Sprinkle with a half-cup of water or broth if the pan looks dry to you. Stir and watch the greens cook down into the vegetables. Taste for salt and add as needed. (I allowed the whole mixture to cook for 10-12 minutes so the fennel and zucchini would be tender.)

Drop in a handful of fresh mozzarella cubes, if you have some handy. Slice the polenta and slide the veggies over to one side of the pan, and place the slices on the bottom of the pan to heat, turning at least once. Sprinkle polenta with a bit of salt.

Place a round (or two) of polenta on a plate; top with a healthy serving of veggies, making sure everyone gets some of the melt-y cheese. Top with a bit of shaved Parmesan or Grana Padano, if youd like.

Note: This vegetable mixture can also be served over grits or rice, and is delicious either way!

Gingered shrimp stir-fry for one

6 thawed, pre-cooked shrimp

3-4 green onions, thinly sliced

3 mushrooms, sliced

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What Southern Folks Eat: Is buying organic food worth it? - News ... - Port St. Joe Star

Have you ever thought about the produce you get? Is it fresh? Organic? Local? Sometimes it can be hard to make sure that all of these boxes are checked by simply going to yourpreferredgrocery store. But fear not. Alocal business is turning that doubt into a simple online ordering systemwith its CSA(Community Supported Agriculture),Eating with the Seasons.

The Herbert Family has hadafarmin Hollister for four generations, producing organic produce. In 2000,Pat Herbert decided to create aneasier wayfor consumers to get his produce directly. He wanted people to know where theirfood was coming from; thus,the CSA was born.

In 2002, his daughter, Becky, joined the team and helped to grow the business to what it is today.With 120 pick-uplocationsspanningfrom Hollisternorth to San Rafael,Eating with the Seasonshas more than 1,200 customers that receive fresh local produce each week.Typical pick-up sites include neighborhood sites, local businesses, and even larger companies such as Google and Microsoft, where fresh produce is delivered toemployees.

The CSA partners with many local organic farms to provide a wide array of produce, dairy, and meatoptions to satisfy every customer.

Becky Herbert hasbeen directingEating with the Seasonsfor 15 years, andin 2016she openedtheFarmhouse Cafin downtown Hollister.The cafuseslocal produce and meat that you can get through the CSA, and sells local goods like fresh eggs, cheese and yogurt.In the kitchen shealsopreparespremade dips, soups and salads that she sells through the CSA.

Becoming part of the CSAis simple. Customers can gotoeatwiththeseasons.com,up for a weeklysubscription and choose an order size based on how many people they wish to feed. Then, they can choose a pick-up location that is mostconvenientand selecta payment plan. Once signed up, the customer gets to choose the goodies they want each week.

Herbert said she isproud of what her CSA has accomplished in the food industry.

"Mygoal with Eating with the Seasons is to provide anaffordable way for people to get local organic foodand alsoto givefarmersan outlet to get their food to consumers," she said.

In a time where you can get anything with the click of a button, Eating with the Seasons hopes to bring fresh foodin the same way.

More here:

Eating with the Seasons brings local, organic food to customers - Benitolink: San Benito County News

For a running back that had nearly 1,700 rushing yards as a junior, Garrett Morris remains as humble as a young man seemingly can be as he deflects praise for his accomplishments on the field. Instead, he decidedly points towards the bond of his teammates and coaches for his success.

The rising senior garnered Class 7A All-State first team honors for his accomplishments last year, though he views his accolades as a result of the opportunities that his team provided for him.

Last year when I was playing running back, I was able to show my stuff because of the offensive line and everyone else on the field, said Morris, one of the Opelika-Auburn News' Super 8 Seniors. They really opened up holes and then they gave me the opportunity to show my speed when I had to or run over someone but they didnt miss blocks and I didnt really have to do that.

Personally, I dont feel like I was doing anything more than each and every one next to me. I see everyone the same on our team, I think it takes all 11 of us to be out there and win every game that we did.

While Morris breakout year as a junior put him on the map, head coach Adam Winegarden saw the talent and his desire early on a year before.

When he was a sophomore, we recognized early that this kid had winning characteristics, Winegarden said. Hes a battler; hes a competitor in everything we do. Its hard to be a follower before we become a leader, but he had all the characteristics of the winning makeup.

We knew that early in that year we had to start investing time in to get him ready to play because at some point that year we knew he was going to need to play for us. We got to the second half of the year and he was the big spark our team needed.

Morris was thrust into an early contributing role as a sophomore as the team was hit with several injuries, and despite the early call-up, he thrived as a player and built a relationship with his leaders that has inspired him as leader as he enters his final year.

Tyus Flakes was the running back here and just to be on the same field as that guy, it was awful that he got hurt early in spring practice, but he was a mentor to me, Morris said. When I was a sophomore and the seniors up there Bradley Northcutt up there at quarterback and everyone they really showed me how to be a leader and how to lead the people younger than me.

As Morris gained a greater knowledge of how to lead, it only served to bring the qualities that were already instilled within him based on the foundation that he was given from his family, friends, coaches and teammates.

His success on the field can be attributed to the support of those around him, but Winegarden also recognizes that Morris accomplishments have come from a tremendous expectation of himself.

Hes got a great family thats poured a lot into him, hes been given a great foundation by his family, Winegarden said. Your best players are self-motivated, and your best players are ones that have a high sense of excellence, not only in the sport that they play but in every aspect of their life. With that, he has a lot of great life balance. He gets what this is all about, he gets what his purpose is, he expects the very best out of himself in everything he does.

Morris has pushed himself, and while he prefers to point to his teammates for coming together and finding success as team, he has racked up numerous accolades and set the bar high for his senior year.

He rushed for 1,643 yards and 16 touchdowns and added 324 receiving yards with four touchdowns as he finished the 2016 season as a Class 7A finalist for back of the year. With such personal success, and a team that finished in the second round of the state playoffs, the expectations for team also remain high.

We are shooting for nothing less than a state championship, Morris said. But I feel like with football it comes with so many that you learn just by becoming a leader, becoming a friend, learning all of the life values that the coaches teach you. Thats really what people take away from the game, because you dont get to play football your whole life, but you will live out these characteristics that the coaches teach you and that you practice every day out on the football field.

While Morris looks to the life lessons that can be taken away from football, its no wonder to see the schools that have voiced their interest in him and offered scholarships. Morris holds four scholarship offers from West Point, the Naval Academy, Richmond and Furman.

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BOND OF BROTHERS: Auburn's Garrett Morris finds strength and success through teammates - Opelika Auburn News

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Per Mertesacker says Arsenal want Alexis Sanchez to stay because of the special talent he brings. Shaka Hislop reacts to Per Mertesacker's decision to head up Arsenal's academy after the 2017/18 season.

LONDON -- Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker says he wants to influence the club "on a different level" when he takes over at the academy next year.

Mertesacker announced this month that he will retire at the end of the forthcoming season and become Arsenal's new academy director.

The former Germany international, speaking after Arsenal's 5-2 Emirates Cup win over Benfica, said he was excited about "getting an opportunity to work here and inspire young people."

He added: "That is my path, and that is why I made this decision. But the club has so much trust in me, and that's why I took that job as well."

Some have speculated that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be preparing Mertesacker as his eventual replacement.

But the defender said: "I have no ambition [to become a manager] at the minute, because I have no coaching background.

"So learning will be something that I have to really do, but I embrace that. I love this club, and I'm hoping that I can have an impact on a different level."

Mertesacker has already started mentoring academy players such as 17-year-old Reiss Nelson, who has impressed in the club's preseason games.

"I like to see them playing that well, but it takes more than that," he said. "And to educate them a little bit is fun for me -- to be a helping hand, to communicate well with them.

"They need some guidance -- they're not quite there. [I am] influencing them on the pitch, being that guy who is questioning things, who is not just praising, who is always reminding them what it takes."

Mertesacker is also helping new signings Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette settle in at Arsenal and said fans needed to give ex-Lyon star Lacazette time to adjust to the Premier League, calling it "a huge step" from Ligue 1.

He praised Kolasinac for his performance against Benfica, saying: "He is a presence and he fits well into this team, and he's quick as well -- he looks lively.

"He can play a deeper role in that back three because he's got that tactical education from Germany -- you can feel that in training."

Mertesacker added the continued uncertainty surrounding Alexis Sanchez was not affecting the team and stressed: "We cannot just concentrate on one player. That doesn't work.

"Everyone wants him to stay because he's a player with the X factor. But still, we're not focusing as much on that because it's another season and we have new signings, trying to implement them into our game.

"To focus just on one player is not what this club is about."

Mattias is ESPN FC's Arsenal correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @MattiasKaren.

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Per Mertesacker aims to inspire young Arsenal players to success - ESPN FC

TITANS HEAD COACH MIKE MULARKEY PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT - July 28, 2017

(opening statement)

Welcome back. Id like to say that I missed you all. But no, its been a good break for the team and for the coaches. I think everybody is glad to be back with the season getting ready to get underway and the start of training camp. Kind of an anxious time for everybody. Just had the assessment run and it was outstanding. I dont know if I could say it was any better, our guys came back in very, very, very good shape which they have to, to play at the level that we want to play at. So with that, Ill take some questions.

(on if defensive tackle Jurrell Caseys extension is an example of what working hard can do)

Yeah, I think so. I think so, I think it Id be shocked if it wasnt a great example for other players to watch how Casey goes about his business, both here and off the field. Hes done a lot for the community. Obviously, hes done a lot for this team and hes been very successful with his play based on a lot of how he works when he comes in here.

(on the uniqueness of extending Casey with two years remaining on his contract)

This is a unique case. Its definitely a unique case, but a lot of things played into the factor of that happening. But, it is unique. But again, like I said, theres a lot of just on and off the field things that warranted it.

(on if rookie wide receiver Corey Davis is in the facility today)

He is not, but were talking to him.

(on if any other players did not show up today)

Nope, everybody is here.

(on how much it would hurt Davis to miss the first day of camp)

Im not going to address that until he misses the first day or two, which Im hoping he doesnt obviously. Ill address it if it gets into a period that hes missing time. But, thats not the case right now.

(on the importance of Davis getting training camp reps)

Id be mistaken not to say every rep is important. Every single rep is important for everybody.

(on if quarterback Marcus Mariota will be a full participant in tomorrows practice)

He is cleared to go. We are still going to were not going to just send him out there and have at it. Hes still going to have some limited reps, not as much as he had obviously in the offseason camps. Its not going to be like hes been healthy the whole time. Were going to watch him.

(on if outside linebacker Kevin Dodd will be a full participant in tomorrows practice)

Hes full go, hes full go as well.

(on the importance of this training camp for Dodd)

I think he has he hasnt had a lot of time. That foot has been an issue with him. We need him, I think he knows that. I think he wants to play, he wants to practice, he wants to be out there with his teammates. He wants to be good. Thats important to him, and we want him to be. We need as much help as an edge rusher as we can get. Cant have enough, in my opinion. Its important that he comes up and shows that he can do it.

(on if outside linebacker Eric Walden is insurance at the linebacker position)

Sure, we have some depth there now. That is always an issue and concern about depth, especially at that position. We feel better about that position now.

(on what he likes about Walden and the unusualness of a player his age posting a double-digit sack season)

Again, thats why then, not earlier? I cant speak for the schemeor his opportunities, but he's been a thorn in any place that I've been that we've had to play againsthim. He is a good football player, he's a nasty player. He's not 30, he's just a physical player. Has given us problems again and again. Hopefully is building off what he did last year and that continues and gives us a force from the outside.

(on offensive lineman Sebastian Tretolas release from the team)

First of all, he couldn't practice with the injury he had. Second, he made some poor decisions. It wasn't strictly the two offseason incidents that made that decision.

(on if poor decisions by Tretola by extending beyond two off-season incidents)

Yes.

(on the reasoning behind holding quarterback Marcus Mariota back to start training camp)

Because we have time. Again, I'm not talking about an extensive hold back. There's going to be certain things I'm going to ease him into.

(on wide receiver TajaSharpe and quarterback Matt Cassel's health)

They're better. Tajawas in here, he's been in here every week. He's better. Matt is going to probably be limited. Tajaprobably won't practice tomorrow or I'm not even sure when, he'll be a PUP discussion later. Then we'll just have to limit Matt with the throws.

(on defensive lineman Karl Klug's health)

He could probably go full speed too, but we're going to again, like Marcus, we're going to limit him with his reps. He has made a tremendous effort to come back, and he could go, if I let him. I know he wants to.

(on Klug wanting to play immediately)

That doesn't surprise me. Not at all.

(on the possibility of Klug being on PUP to begin camp)

No, I don't think so. Again, we're talking about it, but he just did the conditioningtest with the d-line and looked great running.

(on his message to the team)

It's not going to change much from when they came here in April about us getting better. Every day that we're here, like we did in the offseason, I thought we got better. As a team, as individuals, as units, I think that's not going to change. If we can improve over what we did last year, I think we all know what the reward is. It's about getting better, coming in here and don't worry about what is being said outside this building. Worry about what we need to do inside the building.

(on disregarding the negative narrative that surrounded the team entering last year's training camp)

I do that all the time, regardless of what it is. I try to ignore things that are outside sources that can easily influence football teams. It's a matter of what we believe in here and expectations that we set amongst ourselves in here, and that won't change.

(on national pre-season predictions favoring the Titans)

That's nice. I think it's nice because it recognizes what they did last year, the talk is aboutwhat we did last year. Again, that was last year. This is a totally different year. Not totally different, but a lot of changes on this team, so you've got to just be careful about paying attention to that.

(on if nose tackle SylvesterWilliams will be a full participation training camp)

He's full go, he did the assessmentrun as well. He's in great shape, he should have no restrictions.

(on wide receiver Eric Decker's health and his role as a mentor to younger players)

He is full go. His role, he may have a little bit more of a role of being a utility guy that can play at multiple positions. We're going to start him out at the slot and as a Z receiverwith Rishard Matthews. He'll play all over the place. The value of having him in that room with some young guys, again even Eric Walden, another veteran that's had some success, is invaluable to me. You see how guys have done things over their career and the success that's come from it. We just added another guy in that receiverroom that will help that room.

(on how the organization has progressed since his arrival)

There's been a lot of change, we talked about it last year. We first got together, Jon Robinson and I, the facility has really changed since I got here. We've gone through two phases of renovation. Thisyear it included the weight room and training room, and we expanded and basically updated it to be one of the top facilities in the NFL. I'll be shocked to see if there's anythingbetter than this. Amy Adams Strunk has been very instrumental, very instrumental, in making sure it's gotten done. She has seen the vision that Jon and I have put in front of her and she's on board with it. I think the players respect that we are trying to do it right for them and make it one of the best facilities that they come to work in every day, and Amy has been very supportive of that.

(on the importance of bringing in veterans that have experiencedsuccess)

Add that on to personal success, and they've had some team success, I think that just gives them more credibility when they walk in that room.

(on being in pads throughout camp)

We'll be in pads every chance we have a chance to be in pads. By rule, we can't be in pads the first four practices, that's tomorrow andSunday. Monday will be the first time, and a lotof them are scheduled for the mornings. But if you look at the schedule for the practices, it's a variation of differenttimes and a lot of that is thought out. The Monday night practices, allows the players to geta littlemorerecovery from a Saturday game. Also gets them out of the heat, also gives fans the ability to come out and watch us. People that work all day have the ability tocome outandwatch us under the lights. And I think our players enjoypracticing at nightand then obviously we have the Friday Night Lights which is new and that's at Centennial High School. It'll give fans again a chance to come out and watch us there and thefamily night scrimmage at the stadium. There's just a variety of times so if you feel like you can't make it out to a practice because of work, look at the schedule. At some point you'll be able to make it out here and we're inviting everybody to come out and watchthis team. Especially with what, again, Amy is responsible for, putting all the stands out there on the fields. It's going to be a comfortableenvironment, you'recovered to get out of the heat. Thats a changein itself of what we're doing for the fans for training camp.

(on how Sharpe has responded to his off-field situations)

Very positive. He understands he's made a mistake and trying to handle it the best he can. He's been very positive but apologetic.

(on if hell determine in late Augustwho can be expected to have return duties)

Probably will do that. But again we've had more options than we've had since I've been here, with Adoree' (Jackson) back there with punts, Eric Weems back there, Harry (Douglas)has always got returnability. Kickoff return, Khalfani Muhammad's got a chance back there, Eric Weems. I've been with Eric as a returner, kick returner. May again put Tre McBride back there in the mix. Got some options for both punt and kickoff return.

(on what he wants to see from safety Kevin Byard)

Take another step. I thought he took one last year, coming in here really not intimidated by the level of the game. Really confident in his ability, he looks great again to me the second year. When guys come back in here, and they've had a year inan NFL system and NFL weight room, their whole body type is different and you can just see he's been working at it. So, just take another step. See if he can be more of a force, make more plays for us.

(on if it can be expected that Byard will play more center field at safety than last year)

I think that it's all based on the way we're going to attack the opponent. What is their plan, and how we are going to counter it? I can't say it's going to be more. There'sbeen no conversationto get him back there more, it just depends on how we want to play our defenses for those games.

(on running back DeMarco Murray saying he'd like more work this year)

I love it. I mean, I hope everyone wants to get more work and play more and be more involved. We'll see howthat allunfolds. Again, a lot of that has to do with how we're game planning. But he'll have enough to keep his hands full. I promise.

(on the comfort running back Derrick Henrys skill provides if Murray needs an in-game break)

I think we havean option now and you saw it last year. What the numbers are this year, I'm not going to predict that because I'llback myself into a cornerwith that one. They'll both be involved, they'll both be effective for us. How that will be, we'll seewhen we line up on Sundays.

(on how the offense will evolve with the newly added players)

Again, we have more options to attack people and that's what we're always looking for. How many different ways can we come from all angles to attack the defense, and we have more now.

(on if the offensive game plan will change on a weekly basis)

Sure it does. I see it however we've got to win the game, that's what we're going to do. Again, no predictions. Wehave some more options of how we can keep some teams off-balance and try to hit them again from as many angles as we can to try to gain an advantage.

(on how the change in the roster reduction rules will change the amount of playing time during preseason)

It may, we haven't gotten to that point yet. It may, but I like the rule. We were in favor of it and I think it gives players another opportunity to show other teams - obviously, it's a big cut from90 to 53. It justgives other teamsmore opportunities tosee you one more time. And I like that, it's about opportunity for someguyswho may never play again.

(on replacing the physicality at tight end that departed in free agency)

I think everybody's going to kind of takeover. Obviously we're hoping our tight ends understand what's expected from them, I think they know that. I know Jonnu (Smith) knows what's expected from him. (Phillip) Supernaw'sbeen here long enough to know that he'll have a larger role and how important it is, but we'll find other ways. Again, based on our personnel is how we're going to do things. Again, we're not going to force feed anything down that we can't do. If we are struggling insomething we'll get away from it. We're going todo what we're good at.

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Coach Mularkey's Friday Training Camp Transcript - Tennessee Titans - Titansonline.com

Columbia, S.C. -- Local Midlands professionals hit the runway at the Richland County Public Library Saturday afternoon.

It was the "Finding Your Voice" Fashion Show and Midlands residents got the opportunity to see up close and personal how to dress for success.

From USC professors to local businessmen/women, professionals dunned their most professional, yet stylish attire in various styles and patterns as the audience looked on and took note. The event was free of charge and open to the public.

Following the event, every participant in the audience got to put together and take home their own professional outfit for free out of available clothes, shoes, purses and accessories provided by the library.

Two lucky raffle winners also took home $100 in prize money.

Organizers of the event say it was a fun but informative way to give tools to the public that they could utilize in their respective careers.

"We wanted to develop a concept that would teach people how to dress appropriately for the workforce," said Randy Heath, project manager for the event. "And so, instead of doing a PowerPoint presentation where...you know, with visuals on how you should dress or how you shouldn't dress, we decided to teach that through the format of a fashion show. And so, we've gotten people from the community, sponsors and a great team of folk who brought this project to life."

The fashion show lasted from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

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Local fashion show highlights how to dress for success - WACH.com

'Meet the Real You, a two-day live event championing the concept of Life Transformation through a highly interactive, educational and entertaining agenda, helped participants unleash their full potentials.

During the event held recently at the Viceroy Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, renowned entrepreneur Moataz Mashal revealed strategies for personal transformation, the creation of deeper relationships, and even financial freedom.

The opening day was held under the theme Know You and centered on what controls people, what holds them back, and how they can break through their personal barriers. Attendees gained valuable insights on their moods, their passions, what they value most in life, and how they can make their challenges work in their favor to achieve true happiness. Interactive exercises were held to spread positive vibes among the diverse 250-plus participants comprising individuals aged 16 to 70 years who came from different cultural, social and educational backgrounds.

The second day focused on the theme Create You and helped participants create the story of the life they desire, where they currently are in relation to their dream, set their goals, and take practical steps towards achieving them. The sessions provided advise on how to raise spiritual, financial and interpersonal standards and help participants know the reasons behind all their actions. Practical strategies and tools for living the dream were shared, while practical and achievable goals were set through a goal setting workshop.

Mashal said: Attaining personal success requires fully knowing ones self and taking decisive action to translate weaknesses and strengths into a viable road map for living an inspired and productive life. Participants of Meet the Real You went home invigorated and equipped with clear strategies and thoughts for consistently pursuing a happy and fulfilling life. The event taught participants how to effectively unleash personal potential and sustain positivity under all circumstances and experiences.

Event moderator Mashal is popular for his Meet The Real You series of training programmes that have caught the social networking scene by storm. He studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Motivation, Positive Thinking, and various human sciences related to the development of personal abilities after earning a Business Administration degree at the American University of Sharjah. His YouTube program Minute with Moataz,was one of the first Arabic online programmes dedicated to the motivation of young people and the resolution of major problems hindering their personal and professional development.

Mashals A Jalsa with Moataz, Meet The Real You programme was launched in 2016 and continues to educate, train and entertain people in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and other Arab countries. More than 100,000 followers from various Arab countries support his engagements on popular platforms Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.

The audience of Meet the Real You appreciated Mashals unique perspectives on self-improvement and growth and his ideas on how to achieve genuine happiness while making a difference in the lives of others. - TradeArabia News Service

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Participants seek life transformation at 'The Real You' event - Trade Arabia

Since the news broke last week that singer R. Kelly is allegedly holding young women against their will in an abusive sex cult, recriminations against Kelly have piled up thick and fast. The allegations that Kelly has a habit of abusing young women and girls have been public knowledge for decades, so why, many people have demanded, is he still able to sell music and record and perform and live the life of a beloved superstar? But answering the question thoroughly requires delving into the manifold ways race, gender, class, and celebrity are playing out in the R. Kelly story, which is a Herculean task for anyone.

Its the task culture critic Jamilah Lemieux set for herself with her Colorlines article Why Are Some of Us Still Defending R. Kelly? Lemieux, a former Ebony editor and contributor to publications like the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Guardian, has been arguing against Kelly for more than 15 years.

For Lemieux, its personal. She and Kelly share a hometown of Chicago, where Kelly was first accused of statutory rape, and where the news first broke, in 2002, that a video tape existed of Kelly engaging in sex acts with and urinating on a girl who was allegedly 14 years old. And as Lemieux has noted, Kelly has consistently targeted young black girls and women, in a pattern that fundamentally affects the discourse surrounding the latest allegations against him.

Lemieux argues that black women and girls have been forced to bear the burden of white supremacy by protecting the black men who hurt them. Is the system so corrupt, so terrible, so biased against Our Men that we won't allow them to be punished for consuming the flesh of young girls? she writes. Are the odds so stacked against Our Men that we cant allow one who made it out of the ghetto to lose it all for defiling our daughters?

I spoke with Lemieux over the phone about why R. Kelly has been able to survive so many scandals, and how to respond when an artist who makes art that you like is accused of doing monstrous things.

Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

R. Kellys tendency to go after teenagers and very young women has been public knowledge for years and years. Why do you think its been so often ignored?

Honestly, I think the R. Kelly situation sits perfectly at the intersection of class, insane privilege, sexism, and specifically sexism toward black women and girls. If the majority of his alleged victims had been young white women, its just hard for me to believe he would have been able to go on so long virtually unchecked.

And why is that?

Its hard to believe that there would not have been a more concerted effort by members of the law enforcement and the judicial system in the state of Illinois [where Kelly was sued by multiple women alleging that he initiated sexual relationships with them when they were minors], or in the state of Florida, where R. Kelly was tried on charges related to some of these allegations, and members of the music industry, and fans. I dont see people standing for the sheer number of accusations against this person had these been young white girls.

Now, had this been a white male artist of R. Kellys level of celebrity and white female alleged victims, I cant definitively say that he would not have escaped any sort of punishment for what hes doing, but I dont believe that anyone would have allowed R. Kelly, a black man, to allegedly abuse white girls in that way.

I hate to even make the comparison, because an abused girl is an abused girl and nobody deserves that sort of treatment. I think all girls should have the relative level of protection that is often not always, but often extended to white girls, specifically class-mobile ones.

But everything about this story reminds me of how much it takes for a black girl to be believed or to be taken seriously. Im not only pointing the finger at law enforcement or the music industry or the media here. There are fans, many of them black women. There are supporters, even in our shared hometown of Chicago, who have willfully ignored the things we have said and heard and known about this man for years, because hes popular, because he makes music that people like.

What do you think is a good way of addressing this dilemma that we see with R. Kelly and with other very powerful men who are accused of hurting women, where the fan base will say, Yeah, he probably did that, but I really like the art he makes? How do you respond to that?

I think that the relationship of a consumer or a fan to art is a personal one, and its really hard to, for lack of a better word, police something like that, to tell people how and when or why they should consume art.

The thing is, this person is still alive. This person is allegedly still harming girls. This person has been flippant and dismissive when met with these accusations. This person seems at the very least like he could be a possible danger to young girls and women in his company.

And again, theres also the video. The video at the heart of the 2008 trial is something that was seen by a whole lot of people. If you go looking for it on the internet, its still there. So with some of the other allegations that have been leveled against powerful or influential or well-known men, theres this absence of that sort of evidence. People have decided to take Kellys acquittal in that 2008 case as a sign that hes just not guilty, but it has everything to do with the fact that the young lady who was in that video would not participate [in testifying against him].

Absent a victim, the state of Illinois could not prove a crime. But if youve seen even a screenshot of that video, theres no question about the youth of that girl.

This is a person who makes music that is incredibly sexual in nature. This is someone who has written lyrics that play with the idea of age and consent, right? Age Aint Nothing But a Number for Aaliyah, and Show me some ID for Bump N Grind.

I am not somebody who is comfortable listening to somebody like that singing about sex. I would not want to send the message to him or to anyone else that I am complicit in things that it seems that he has done to young girls and women. Obviously other people feel differently.

Its hard for me to tell someone that they have to divorce themselves from memories they may have created to that music, or the enjoyment they get from it. But I think its irresponsible to continue to make space for this person to continue to create, to continue to perform.

If theres something that he recorded in 1992 or 2000 or 2005 before you knew these things about him, and thats something that you still want to engage with, I suppose I can understand that a bit more, but this isnt the sort of thing that makes you sit down? This isnt a reason to lose a record deal or a sports sponsorship or the opportunity to collaborate with others in your field? I just find that to be inherently wrong.

Do you think anything will change after this latest round of accusations?

I hope so, but Ive hoped that in the past. There have been some reports that his ticket sales are up, and that perhaps this spate of attention has increased that. I dont know if people are going in hopes of seeing some sort of I dont know what theyre looking to see, if theyre looking for evidence, if they forgot R. Kelly existed and now that hes making headlines again they want to go and see him. Im saddened by that, but I hope were able to put some pressure on certain stakeholders to loosen their hold on him or their need to support him.

I think the most likely positive outcome from all of this is that young women will be reminded, or perhaps even taught for the first time, that these sorts of relationships are not acceptable, and theyre not okay, and theyre also not their fault. And we can have a conversation about that part of rape, which is something that a lot of people dont seem to think actually exists at that point, where you can offer a verbal consent and youre thus a consenting adult [and can still be raped], which is true.

Im hoping that artists are turned off and decide they dont want to be associated with somebody like this, and that the systems of deception and dishonesty and manipulation that allow a person like R. Kelly to behave as he allegedly has for so many years start to break, that somebody who starts to behave in the way he has allegedly behaved wont get tied to a major label.

That instead of saying, Okay, this artist is really talented, but hes got this thing with little girls. Its weird, but maybe we could just send somebody on the road, make sure the only girls who come back to his room are 18, like, dont take that chance! Dont empower and embolden somebody like that. Say, You know what, theres some weird shit with this guy, and its not right. He has absolutely no room on any record label or any song that Im producing.

I think we have unfortunately almost run out of time to truly punish or hold R. Kelly accountable. And the fight to get people of the mind that he needs to be held accountable at all, Ive found, is not nearly as easy it should be. We have gone through this in 2001 [when the first stories that Kelly was being sued for statutory rape broke], and in 2008 [when Kelly was tried for charges of producing child pornography], and then again in 2013 [when Kelly headlined Pitchfork], and then again now. There are so many people that are willing to say theyre standing by this guy.

Lady Gaga recorded a record with him after the trial, and gave a performance at an award show that almost gave a little wink and a nod to some of the things hes been accused of. Its really disheartening, but Id like to believe if she had to do it all over again, and if people who collaborated with him in recent years had to do it all over again, they wouldnt.

We may not be able to punish this R. Kelly, but Im very hopeful that well be able to stop the next one.

Originally posted here:
Why R. Kelly's continued success is inherently wrong - Vox

Many people spend their lives wondering when success or a better life is going to magically appear in their lap but, of course, it never happens this way.

Instead, spend less time dreaming and more time working on your thoughts, feelings and goals this is how to improve your life.

Goal Setting

My first suggestion is to set clear goals and map out an action plan. Use who, what, where, when and why questions to nudge your thinking.

Think about what is important to you. For example, your goal setting activities would includedeciding what you want a year from now, five years from now What goals would be important for that to happen? Who do you want in your life? How do you know when you are headed in the right direction?

Set goals, then when you take steps each day towards your goals, you are far more likely to reach your goals than if you just wait for things to happen. And doing that is far better than seeing success happen for other people but not yourself.

Is It Attainable?

When deciding the direction you are headed, are goalsattainable? Start with your short term goals and then work toward your long term goals. This way you wont become discouraged, waiting for five years to see some fruitage from your efforts.

Even while attainable, be careful not to sacrifice important things to get your goals met. An example of this is a person who decides to move up the ladder at work, but has to put in long hours. This person may be sacrificing time that would normally be spent building a stronger relationship with spouse and children. Is the trade off really worth it?

Your Inner Dialogue

Since thoughts and feelings determine whether you are successful or not, be sure they line up. Start listening to yourself.

If you have some negative or self defeating or fearful thoughts and feelings, this will hold you back and make it more difficult to achieve your goals. Look into some therapies you can do yourself or find a therapist that can assist assist you. Emotional Freedom Techniques,EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are a few that have been greatly helpful to me.

You may know people who seem to be in a constant state of improvement. Always working on some things, reaching towards their goals and making plans.

I believe you can over do it, getting so caught up in the doing that important things such as relationships, parenting, family time, being a spiritual person and nurturing yourself can get put to the side. However, it is important to have goals and set a direction. To muddle about is to get no where.

How to improve? Where do you want to start? Self improvement does not have to be labor intensive, it can be smaller and easier things, just to get the ball rolling and you will feel like you are making some progress.

So lets go over several ways to improve somewill not take a great deal of time or effort, others will. All areunder the umbrella of improvement and will help you have a better life.

Stress Management

It can be a stressful world we live in. What is your stress level? Low, medium or high?Stress managementis important for optimal well being. I suggest you work on it, if you see it in your life.

Dont ignore it. Stressusually builds up over time and leads to symptoms and diseases. In fact, it is thought that 75% or more of Doctors visits are caused by stress.

Your Appearance

How you feel about yourself is reflected in your everyday appearance. Improve on yourself with just making sure your hair is styled and your clothes are well fitted and presentable when going somewhere shopping, working or visiting others.

This makes a good first impression, as people first judge you in the blink of an eye, according to research. (read more on that here).

It does not take fancy styles or the latest fashion. Just look well groomed. This is a boost to your self esteem.

Smile And Make Eye Contact

For some, it is hard to look people in the eye. If this is done in your culture, practice smiling at people and looking them in the eyes. This shows you are comfortable with people. People feel positive about this and will respond back positively.

If you have a hard time, start out by looking just above their eyes and as comfort grows, shift to looking in their eyes.

Make A Budget

Many people have too much debt. Money stress where the money is going to come from, is one of the biggest stresses people have.

I heard yesterday from a relative that is only managing to pay the interest on his credit cards, and so will not ever get them paid off as things stand. Unless he changes something, the amount due will continue to mount. So he is making some drastic changes.

Go on a money diet. Take a look at all the places your money is spent. Cut back on your spending, unless you are severely limited in your income, this can be done.

Can youcut all but your necessary bills? When working, dont buy your lunch, make your lunch. Instead of having cable, buy the box and an antenna for your tv and see what you can get free or check movies out of the Library where you live and learn to play games with the family, which is much more interactive and bonding than watching a movie.

Make a budget. Write it out and plan for all the things that must be paid, set aside some for emergencies and save for the things that you can, rather than put them on a credit card. Stop using your credit cards unless you are making a purchase and then pay that right off. (To build your credit score).

Take the money you are now beginning to save and apply it to your highest interest rate credit card.

Another example is that in the summer, your electricbill may beless, if in North America, so earmark that freed up money to pay down a credit card or save for the August sales of childrens back to school clothing and items, if you have school age children. This will save you money in the end, which could be applied somewhere.

Give A Compliment, Show You Care

Think of genuine compliments you can give to others. Complimenting others often gives them a lift and in return, it shows you feel confident in yourself.

So here are a few examples: That was clever of you, good job, the color of what they are wearing suits them, I appreciate you. It does not have to be long and drawn out. Just point out something good.

Ask about how things are going and really listen. People will remember the feelings they get of someone really caring about them, and will in turn show you more respect as well.

Focus On Your Strengths

Figure out what your strengths are and focus on them. Incorporate them into what you are doingwhen possible. This will help you feel like you are excelling and are good at what you do.

For many, they think it is all an uphill battle or struggle to makeimprovement.You on the other hand, can continue to feel good about yourself while you make improvements.

Work On Your Health

Take a look at your health. Is it good, fair or poor? Many people dont think much about their health, until they dont have good health, are faced with a disease or are seriously over weight. Once the problems manifest to where a person notices, it can take some diligent effort to get things turned around.

Besides the physically seen symptoms, there are many who fight foggy thinking,depression or inability to concentrate. This can all be affected by ones diet, and many times can be corrected by taking out some foods from your diet and adding more of other healthier foods and good oils, such as fish oil in. See my health articles on this site.

Accept Your Imperfections

If you are a perfectionist, or had a perfectionist in your life who criticized you, it is time to let it go. These feelings and beliefslead to not starting things, not feeling you can do an adequate job or giving yourself constant criticism. It is a downward spiral. Let it all go.

Listen to your thoughts and counteract the negative thinking. Be comfortable in admitting you are imperfect in some areas. It show you that you are human. If something negative pops up often, have a counter statement worked out to tell yourself immediately. Fight the negative thinking!

Excel At What You Do

I was explaining this to my 10 year old (going on 16!) niece the other day. She wanted to do just a quick clean up of putting the dirty dishes in the dish washer and to get back to the computer, when the cupboards and kitchen stove also needed cleaning.

I pointed out to her that she needed to do her best. Do more than the minimum that was required. Do a good enough job that it impresses people (her parents in this case). She will have to hearthis lesson more than once, to get it.

This is a lesson that if learned young, will take a person far. If you have never put that into effect until now, start.

When I was a manager of a store and when I owned my businesses, I always looked for self starters, that could be given a set of instructions, they asked questions if needed and then dug in and did a good job. This attitude will take you a long ways at work.

No matter what you are doing, strive to do your best.

Be Prepared

By preparing, you can be successful. Create a to do list, look up what you will need for a project instead of winging it, or ask for directions ahead of time. Or maybe it is that you need to practice something severaltimes, such as a public speech.

Being prepared can increase your confidence and certainly makes you look better in the eyes of the people that are around you.

Do Set Goals

Sit down and write out your monthly, yearly and five years and beyond goals, as mentioned above.With goals, you will see the progress and that will help with your motivation, confidence and self esteem. So make sure to see the motivational articles on this site.

Make Time For What Makes You Happy

What makes you happy? Make time for it. If you feel like your life is out of control, this will help you feel like you have more control.It brings satisfaction and contentment, often some excitement to life.

It Is Worth It

It takes work to see self improvement, have motivation and become your personal best, but it is worth it. Check out the articles on site to assist you in becoming your best.

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