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THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health
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T he E mbodiment of P erseverance Remembering Charles Young on Veterans Day
American officer in the United States, having achieved several military and nonmilitary honors. The road from slavery to military heroism was fraught with difficulty and hardship of every kind, but Col. Young persevered through it to the end. Col. Young was accepted to West Point Military Academy in 1884 and graduated in 1889 as a second lieutenent, the third ever African American to do so. Throughout his time at West Point, Col. Young endured unending discrimination and racism, but he never quit. During his 28-year military career, Col. Young served mostly with black troops. He started with the 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, which, along with the 10th, was nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers.” At different points in time, Col. Young was also a national park supervisor, a professor of military science, and a military attache to foreign nations. He rose quickly through the ranks, and, after leading the 10th U.S. Cavalry on a successful expedition into Mexico, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Col. Young might have been promoted to brigadier general if the racist and bigoted sensibilities of the time didn’t temporarily prevail. Many white officers didn’t want to serve under a black commander, and some complained to the War Department to have Col. Young forcibly retired from active duty. The War Department heeded their backward complaints, and they removed Col. Young from active duty due to his “high blood pressure.”
Never one to give up without a fight, Col. Young rode on horseback all the way from Wilberforce, Ohio, where he lived at the time, to Washington, D.C., to prove his physical fitness. War Department officials reinstated him as an active duty colonel shortly after that. Col. Young died from illness while serving as a military attache in Liberia in 1922, and he was later buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. It’s hard to put such an incredible life in so few words, but I want to do my best to show how Col. Charles Young embodies perseverance. One of the initiation rituals at Omega Psi Phi ends with new members wearing gold boots, to symbolize the dust and sediment that Col. Charles Young picked up on his boots on his horse ride to Washington. It’s meant to show how the new members have persevered through the initiation process. Omega Psi Phi has four cardinal principles that all members must live by: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. I hold all four in high regard, but perseverance is a trait I have taken to heart and earned a lot of success from practicing. Because of this, I have immense respect for Col. Charles Young and everything he stands for. He is absolutely someone worth remembering on Veterans Day.
Many people have someone they celebrate on Veterans Day. It might be a mother or a father, a son or daughter, a grandparent, or even a close friend who has served in the armed forces. On Veterans Day, I celebrate the life of Col. Charles Young. Many of you might not be familiar with who he is, but I think his life is one worth remembering, and someone we can all look to as an example for perseverance. In 2008, I crossed the burning sands of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., which is the first African American fraternity to be founded on a historically black college or university in the United States. Omega Psi Phi was founded Nov. 17, 1911 at 7:11 p.m. on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. Although he was never formally initiated into the fraternity before his death in 1922, Col. Charles Young became the second-ever honorary member of Omega Psi Phi because he lived a life so closely associated with OPP’s values. One of the founders of the NAACP, W.E.B. Du Bois, said Col. Charles Young’s life “was a triumph of tragedy,” and I don’t think anyone could have said better if they wanted to. Col. Charles Young was born into slavery in Mays Lick, Kentucky in 1864. By the end of his life, he was the highest-ranking African
–Duane Hamilton 1 770-744-1855
other shady types, take only what you need to make it through the morning (or evening, depending on when you start): Your driver’s license, one credit or debit card, a fully charged cell phone, and however much cash you need. Carry your valuables in your front pockets where you can keep better track of them. As an added tip, hit up the ATM the day before, rather than during the day after Thanksgiving rush. Find Safety in Numbers Shopping by yourself is both no fun and unsafe. You don’t always have to stick together since your friend might be gunning that Instant Pot, and you might be sprinting to the electronics section for a 4K TV at half price, but so long as you have friends or family you can enter and leave different stores with, the chances of you being show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity — how well your blood vessels respond to stress. Your Brain Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of dementia in the elderly with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves: “The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of
developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” Your Mood Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%. So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip.
Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second- most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person’s long-term health through regular consumption. Your Heart According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies
Navigating the Warzone That Is Day-After-Thanksgiving Shopping
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Shopping the day after Thanksgiving is a warzone. You stand outside your department store of choice in the dark, frigid hours of the morning, gazing at the bright displays just beyond the doors. You and your fellow shoppers stand unmoving like soldiers laying siege to some ancient village — until the doors open and the inevitable charge begins. In all seriousness, shopping the day after Thanksgiving is hectic, and, if you’re thinking of partaking this year, safety should be at the top of your mind from the moment you step out of your car, to the moment you load up your spoils and drive home. For every part of your wild west shopping bonanza, here are a few safety tips. Travel Light Rather than make yourself a target for pickpockets and
bothered by anyone in the parking lot will go way down. Keep Them Secret, Keep Them Safe Always store your newly purchased gifts in the trunk, away from wandering eyes. Cars that aren’t obviously carrying new, expensive gifts are less likely to draw the attention of thieves. Another great way to deter thieves is by parking under a street light, illuminating activities they would rather keep in the dark. Stay safe on your day after Thanksgiving adventures, and have fun!
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T he T urkey : A lmost A merica ’ s N ational S ymbol ? The Truth in the Legend
Back in the first years of the American Experiment, almost everything was the subject of heated debate, from establishing a national bank, to how to best represent the citizens of the different states. But was the United States’ national bird ever in question? One popular myth that has persisted over centuries is that Ben Franklin proposed having the turkey as the national bird instead of the bald eagle. Is there truth to this story? Legends are often born from kernels of truth found in the lives of extraordinary people. This Thanksgiving fun “fact” is no different. This story has its genesis in a letter that Ben Franklin wrote to his daughter in 1784, where he does indeed lament the decision of the United States adopting the bald eagle as the national bird. It’s at this point however, that the facts and the story go in different directions.
Franklin called the eagle a “rank coward” that steals from other birds, and questioned why the United States would want a bird with such “bad moral character” as their avian symbol. Then the turkey talk starts. Apparently Franklin had seen a drawing that included the bald eagle as a national symbol, and apparently he didn’t think it was very good. He said that the drawing looked more like a turkey than an eagle, and then went on to talk about how the turkey was a much more respectable bird anyway. Franklin liked a lot of things about turkeys, apparently. He found them courageous, albeit a little goofy and full of themselves, and he liked that they were truly native to the United States (although, so are bald eagles). So, while Franklin may have thought turkeys were better birds than bald eagles, he never seriously suggested
that one should replace the eagle as the national symbol. At best, this story of Ben Franklin is overblown, and at worst, it’s just flat out false. So, if anyone at your Thanksgiving dinner shares this story with you, you can tell them what really happened. Just don’t be a know-it-all about it — it’s not worth a fight with the other dinner guests.
G reen B eans W ith G inger and G arlic
Inspired by Food Network
Turkey is, for the most part, a healthy and lean protein. Thanksgiving sides, on the other hand, tend to be a little more indulgent. This year, eschew the classic, creamy green bean casserole in favor of this lighter, healthier, and altogether tastier option.
Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 is open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare. Please let us know if you have friends or family that need assistance with enrollment this year.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lbs whole green beans, ends trimmed • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp crushed red pepper • Kosher salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. To the side of the stove, prepare a large bucket of ice water. 2. Cook beans in boiling water for 4 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice water. Drain and pat dry. 3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in ground ginger and crushed pepper. Add green beans. 4. Cook together for 2–3 minutes. 5. Transfer to plate and serve.
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Remembering Charles Young on Veterans Day Spilling the Tea on Tea Safety Tips for Black Friday Shoppers Did Ben Franklin Want the Turkey as America’s
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National Symbol? Green Beans With Ginger and Garlic How to Write a Novel
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S o , Y ou W ant to W rite a N ovel
If the number of participants in the internet-based writing project National Novel Writing Month is any indicator, thousands of people, perhaps even you, have a story to tell. But getting your ideas onto the page can sometimes feel like dragging a stubborn child to their first day of kindergarten. Even the best authors struggle, and you will, too. That being said, keeping these three overarching principles in mind may help. Read If you want to become a great writer, consider the novels on your shelves as guides. Every famous author was once in your shoes, and, eventually, their writing appealed to a publishing agent, who in turn got it printed and into your hands. To inspire your own writing, read different genres and search out story elements you enjoy. The breadth of a writer’s ability is
often found in the range of authors they’ve read. Actually Write You may think this step is intuitive, but how often have you sat down in front of a computer, or with a pen and paper, waiting for inspiration that never came? Here’s what you need to know: Even if you’re the finest storyteller in the land, your first drafts are going to be very rough. Embrace bad writing as a necessary part of the process. To begin, just write something. Revise Writing gets you started, but revision gets you to the finish line. Once you get some pages written, scrutinize them. Change words, remove paragraphs, and be willing to raze entire chapters to the ground. Be a ruthless critic of your own work, over and over again. What remains in the ashes will be the
elements you’re truly pleased with, and this remnant can become the foundation for a great story. No magic guide will get your novel finished, much less picked up by a publisher. But if you write (even if just for yourself), revise, and read every day, you may come to enjoy the process regardless of how long it takes to finish. That is a success worth striving for.
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