Tag Archives: Venezuela

Prince in The City w/ Dr. Aaron Bruce, Chief Diversity Officer at San Diego State University


In this talk I get to connect with Dr. Aaron Bruce, Chief Diversity Officer at San Diego State University.

Dr. Aaron Bruce is not only a renaissance man but a global citizen. He has held management positions in Latin America and Africa–conducting research on management strategies, public health, and education in Cuba, Mexico, and Kenya–and has a Master’s degree in International Business Administration from United States International University.
How he gained his passion for diversity and serving the international community stemmed from his parents, who weren’t like most parents.

Like most parents who spoil their children with ribbon laced gifts on Christmas Day, Dr. Bruce didn’t get that special treatment from his parents. Instead his parents would give him two gifts: a Christmas present and a plane ticket to an exotic country. He remembers a time when he and his family flew to Venezuela, and asked his parents if they spoke any Spanish. To his surprise they did not, but his father told him this: “If you can’t speak [Spanish], then we can’t eat.” It was then and there that he discovered how being a member in a global community was truly important.

Today as a Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Bruce is responsible for helping create an inclusive and supportive environment for all SDSU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and visitors. He works very closely with senior level administrators, deans, and committees throughout the campus, who are all dedicated to diversity inclusion strategies. He sits on several boards (including National Association for Diversity Officers in Higher Education, VP of the Southern California Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education) and is editing his first book titled, “Beyond the Black Horizon; African American Experiences Abroad.”

He volunteers his time educating fellow SDSU students and African American youth on education excellence, and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

If you wish to visit SDSU for the very first time or wish to contact Dr. Bruce to learn more about SDSU’s commitment to diversity and multiculturalism email him via abruce@mail.sdsu.edu or Google him.

To read his biography, click here

Check out my radio talks at www.urbusinessnetwork.com and click “Prince in The City”

Motivation Monday: Write A Love Letter Today!


It’s Monday, the beginning of a new week, and you need words of motivation to start your week off right.

This week’s words of motivation: Write a Love Letter Today!

In this short TED talk video, we do not only see the power of the pen but the beauty of love letters.

Hannah Brencher, letter enthusiast and founder of The World Needs More Love Letters, began writing her love letters back in college–which she would address them to her mother, who did not believe in emailing or texting her loved ones. And it would take Hannah one bad day for her to realize her true gift and mission in life.

Hannah experienced her bad day when she moved to New York City after college. But instead of doing the orthodox to console her pain, she did the unorthodox: she wrote letters to complete strangers and hid them throughout the Big Apple! (cafes, libraries, the U.N, etc.). Furthermore, she blogged about them and made a promise to the Internet, which evidently changed her life forever: “If you ask me for a hand written letter, I will write you one–no questions asked.” And so, what started out as a kind favor turned into a call of public service overnight.

One of the greatest takeaways from her TED talk video (and is my favorite) is the story of the man who almost took his life–but did not because of what Hannah and her team of “strangers” wrote for him. When I saw this, it reminded me of the interviews I had with people (on my website)–and how they all changed my life for the better.

Storytelling is what the world is really about: listening, reading, and sharing each others stories. TED talk speaker Drew Dudley, who I interviewed, told me that “storytelling is the basic unit of human understanding.” When we share our stories with each other (especially through letter-writing) we do not only save lives, but empower ourselves and others too.

So this week (and today), when you are at work or school, grab yourself a piece of paper, note card, thank you card, etc.; write a letter with inspiring words of love (NOT HATE); and tuck it away in a spot where a stranger can pick one up and read it.

[I’m going to start mine today (and this week) and see what happens!]

To follow Hannah and her TED talks go to www.ted.com/speakers/hannah_brencher

If you want to be part of this movement (which I strongly urge you all to do) go to www.moreloveletters.com, and learn how you can help a stranger through your words of love.

You can also go to Hannah’s website (www.hannahbrencher.com) and follow her on Twitter @hannahbrencher

Motivation Monday: Set Your Dreams High and Never Take Your Eyes Away From Them


It’s Monday, the beginning of a new week and you need words of motivation to start your week off right.

This week’s words of motivation: Set Your Dreams High and Never Take Your Eyes Away From Them.

In this video, we do not only see the beauty of Doug’s baritone voice but the power of dreams–and how dreams can ascend from all obstacles in life.

Doug Luffborough, who is now a heart inspired speaker and chief managing consultant of Turning the Hearts Center, was selected from his alma mater Northeastern University to give the keynote speech to his graduating class of 1993–a speech that would soon be the starting point of his speaking career.

In his speech, Doug starts out by singing Harry Belafonte’s famous song, “The Banana Boat Song”–and tells us just how much he wanted to go home after spending one week at Northeastern University. But the problem for him was that he had no home to go to. However, what prevented him from going back to his impoverished neighborhood was his dream of attending college–and how his mother, who sacrificed everything, made his dream possible.

One of the greatest takeaways from his speech was how his mother told him to set his dreams high (high in a corner) and to never take his eyes away from that corner. And it was through those words that he was able to go from “Homeless to Harvard”–and travel to the White House to meet the former President of the United States Bill Clinton himself!

Thank you Doug for your empowering words and I am elated to see the many successes that you have made thus far. You are a living testament of what dreams can do, when one does not look away. I am glad that I was able to share your story with the world.  –Prince

So this week, set your dreams high and never take your eyes away from them. Follow Doug’s mother’s advice and challenge each other for the great things in life while helping people along the way; so they can turn their lives around too.

And never live life with words like “I should’ve“; “I could’ve“; or “if only I had“. Instead live life with words like “I can“; “I will“; and “I did.”

If you wish to contact Doug Luffborough for your next leadership workshop or speaking engagement, go to www.dougluff.com.

You can also follow Doug via Twitter @dougluff

Here is Bill Clinton’s Reaction from Doug Luffborough’s speech

(Update: Doug Luffborough is no longer a Chief Managing Consultant at Turning The Hearts Center. He is now a full-time Heart Inspired Speaker! [7/9/2014] )

Weekly Spiritual Digest: Never Lose Trust in The Lord


 

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“Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NLT)

Never Lose Trust in The Lord! Even when the path ahead looks shaky, we must not surrender our fears to doubt. It is true what they say that we alone conjure illusions, barriers, and even superstitions in our heads when all reason is lost. However there is still no excuse to pray, and to keep pushing through those illusions.

It is in these matters that we must rely on our hearts in order to clear the “smoke and mirrors” in our minds minds.

So this week, remember to keep your trust in God–and seek his will. When all things look impossible, do not give in to your own illusions that you have created for yourself. Even though life’s path is treacherous and side-winding, remember that God is like the North Star and he will always be there to guide you.

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Weekly Spiritual Digest: Give Your Anger to God


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Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Romans 12:17-19, 21 NIV)

Two wrongs don’t make a right and two evils don’t make it good. I was inspired to write this spiritual digest after several experiences of feeling angry towards myself and/or other people.

Finding ways to cope my anger (like sleeping, meditating, or performing deep breathing exercises) was like finding 100 ways to reinvent the wheel; it was tiresome. Not only was I tired but fed up because I was revisiting the same problem over and over again. However, it would not be until I asked myself a simple question, that I soon made an astonishing discovery:

“Why not give your anger to God? Let him take care of it.”

When I asked myself this question, I suddenly felt a boulder sliding itself off of my head; my mind became elevated. I began to feel at peace with myself and others. It was then that I realized that my anger can actually serve as an anchor towards my work and relationships with other people.

I can acknowledge that anger or resentment does promote positive change in the world. However, hurting each other through violence or taking vengeance on each other through words or actions only creates an endless cycle of pain.

Smashing cars or windows (as seen on TV) to control your anger DOES NOT WORK–you are only awakening the devil!

It truly takes a divine power and intervention to alleviate anger from your mind and spirit. Remember that “anger gives a foothold to the devil,” (Ephesians 4:27 NLT) and “Satan cannot cast out Satan” (Mark 3:23-30)–only Jesus can.

So this week, Give your Anger to God; do not Relinquish your Anger at HIM. Remember that the world creates woes for us to get angry over and start arguments with. So why worship the world? I too get angry with the world and people, but what helps me is to remember that God is all powerful–and only he can cast out my anger and relieve me of any heavy boulders that I carry on my shoulders.

And so, whatever woes, pains, ills, or frustrations that you may have, never be afraid to Give it to God. Only then will you be free from the devil’s foothold and live life!

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Weekly Spiritual Digest: He Has Risen! (Happy Easter!)


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The Resurrection

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” (Matthew 28:1-10 NLT)

Jesus Appears to Thomas

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John 20:24-29 NLT)

Faith Brings Joy

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT)

Lord’s Suffering Servant

But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NLT)

God, ruler over the world and universe, heard the cries of Jerusalem and brought them a savior his son Jesus Christ! It was then that he sacrificed himself for humanity in order to rise again (on the third day) and defeat death and hell itself–the greatest feat that no man has ever performed.

While the world may forget his glory, his story still lives on! And his spirit and his peace will live inside those who seek it!

Glory to God! And Glory to Jesus Christ for showing God’s love to us–and for permitting us to live life with no fear of death! For we will rise too and join him in his kingdom forever and ever.

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ThrowBack Thursdays: The Lord’s Prayer (Boston Marathon Tribute)


Every Thursday I post a miscellaneous blog/article/review or an interview of an extraordinary individual.

This week’s Throwback Thursdays Edition: The Lord’s Prayer (Weekly Spiritual Digest: Forgive, for it is in The Lord’s Prayer)

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“Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come,
thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us of our tresspasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.”

I wrote this Weekly Spiritual Digest, six days after the Boston Marathon Bombing–one year ago. And in my post I wrote this:

“Finding the right words or verse to reflect on what happened six days ago in Boston was difficult–knowing what I saw and what I experienced could not be consolidated into words. However it was not until I visited the memorial site, of where it all began, that I began to recite the Lord’s Prayer.”

My epiphany, from reciting the Lord’s Prayer, came when I manifested on the Lord’s Prayer and it’s call to forgive: “And forgive us of our tresspasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us”

In righteous anger I asked myself and even to God Almighty, “How can I forgive anybody, let alone those two men, after what they have done to those innocent men, women and children?”

It was very hard for me to understand this concept. But once I asked myself this question, everything began to be clear:

“Then why are you reciting The Lord’s Prayer?”

I remembered that I was reciting The Lord’s Prayer that day to deliver the world from evil; to have mercy on us; and for peace. And I realized that in order to receive those requests, (to deliver us from evil, to not lead us into temptation or for peace) I must forgive those who have trespassed against me; or the Father will not forgive me of my trespasses against Him.

Gandhi once said that, “If we want change, then we must be the change.”

So now if we want peace, then we must be the peace.

WE MUST BE THE PEACE, IF WE WANT TO SEE PEACE

The Lords Prayer is perhaps the oldest prayer in the world and it took me several years to realize its true importance.

So this week, practice forgiveness of others, regardless of the circumstances. And more importantly be THE PEACE. If we want to see PEACE in this dark world, then let us forgive and practice peace for it is in The Lords Prayer.

My prayers and thoughts still goes out to the victims who were affected by this tragedy.

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To read my Weekly Spiritual Digest, click on the link below

Weekly Spiritual Digest: Forgive, for it is in The Lord’s Prayer

Also read my First Person Narrative of the Attacks of When it First Happened. To read click on the link below.

Weekly Political Report: First Person Narrative of The Boston Marathon Bombing Attacks

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Motivation Monday: Get Back ON Your Feet and Dance Again! (A Tribute to Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Adrianne Haslet-Davis)


It’s Monday, the beginning of a new week, and you need words of motivation to start your week off right.

This week’s words of motivation: Get Back ON Your Feet and Dance Again!

In this TED talk video we do not only see the future of bionic limbs and robotic prosthetics, but the beauty of the human spirit; and how it can triumph over all obstacles.

Hugh Herr, head of the MIT Media Lab Biomechatronics, lost both his legs in an ice climbing accident. But instead of allowing his disability to control his future, he built his own–using innovation as a new approach to prosthetic engineering. Today it serves as the bridge between the impossible and the possible–driven by nature and human ingenuity.

In his TED talk, he shows us first-hand how his bionic limbs function (fusing biomechanics with microprocessors) while sharing personal stories of those who were transformed by his invention. More so, he emphasizes the power of the human spirit. And what better example to prove his point than showing off the beautiful Adrianne Haslet-Davis.

Adrianne Haslet-Davis is a remarkable woman–a woman who breathes and lives dance. However, when she lost her left leg in the Boston Marathon terrorist attack, she was temporarily crippled to dance again. But like Hugh Herr, she refused to accept failure–promising herself that she would return to the dance floor regardless of her disability. And so with the help of Hugh, his media lab team, and her human spirit, she got back on her feet and danced again for the first time on-live television. It is this type of teamwork that makes “dreamwork.”

picture provided by TED.com

 Every person should have the right to live life without disability if they so choose–the right to live life without severe depression; the right to see a loved one in the case of seeing impaired; or the right to walk or to dance…As a society, we can achieve these human rights if we accept the proposition that humans are not disabled. A person can never be broken.” –Hugh Herr

“Tomorrow (April 15th) will mark the One Year Anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing Attack and I want to say thank you (to Hugh and Adrianne) for reminding the world the power of unity and the beauty of the human spirit–and how both of them will never cower against the face of terrorism or acts of violence.Thank you so much for sharing this remarkable story and I wish you two the best success!”  –Prince

To follow Hugh and his TED talks go to www.ted.com/speakers/hugh_herr

To learn more about Hugh and his biomechatronics research group go to: www.biom.com/

To contact Hugh go to: www.media.mit.edu/people/hherr

To follow the beautiful dancer Adrianne Haslett-Davis go to Twitter @adriannehaslet and www.adriannehaslet-davis.com

Weekly Spiritual Digest: Happy Palm Sunday! The Prophecy Has Been Fulfilled!


The Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ

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By artist Hanna-Cheriyan Varghese

“The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.” His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him. Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” (John 12:12-19 NLT)

Happy Palm Sunday! The Prophecy has Been Fulfilled! Today is the day when God heard the people’s cries and brought them a savior: Jesus Christ!

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the lord! Hail to the King of Israel!”

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Late Afternoon Lunch


20140411-170346.jpgToday I treated myself to a nice (late) afternoon luncheon after a long day of work. Today’s appetizer is “The Potato and Artichoke Soup.” My waiter told me that this is much better than the Winter Velouté soup, which I had three weeks ago. But I must say, after tasting this appetizer, the velouté is still the best out of the two! Thank you again Chef Andrew Yeo for the wonderful appetizer!

Artisan Bistro (Ritz Carlton Hotel)
10 Avery Street
Boston, MA

Instagram: #princesdailyjournal #foodie #cuisine #dining #yelp #yum #nomnom #work #study #play #networking #entrepreneur @urbusinessnetwork #tea #lunch #cooking #boston #bostonstrong #ritzcarlton #hospitality #hotel #travel #luxury

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ThrowBack Thursdays: Operacaffe–When My Website Really Skyrocketed!


Every Thursday I post a miscellaneous blog/article/review or an interview of an extraordinary individual.

This week’s Throwback Thursdays Edition: Operacaffe

Throwback w/ Operacaffe

It all started on the morning of March 24, 2013. Jon Medel (photographer) and I were cruising around downtown San Diego in our limo (courtesy of Limo Car chauffeur Gabe Gebremedhin) to find the perfect coffee shop for my new photo shoot “Political Correspondent ON-THE-GO.” Not knowing where our journey would take us, we then found this little coffee shop, with a beautiful front porch; and it was love at first sight: Operacaffe. I introduced myself to the man in charge, began shooting, and the rest was history.

Their hospitality that they showed me that day left an ever-lasting impression on me and on my site–their front porch is still the face of my website today. And so, every time that I am in San Diego, Ca. I always go to Operacaffe to either treat myself, my mother, or a guest for coffee or lunch.

Peter Morales, the restaurant manager of Operacaffe, is as friendly and approachable as they come. What I love about him was his sincere appreciation, for allowing me to do my photo shoot and post pictures of his restaurant on my site–he didn’t ask for any paperwork. However, when I was vacationing back in my hometown of San Diego, Ca–having lunch with my mom at his restaurant–Peter shared with me terrible news that the man who built this restaurant, Roberto Bernardoni, recently passed away. Even though I was never given the chance to thank him personally, for providing me with such a beautiful location for photo shoot, I was still fortunate enough to have tasted his legacy and immortalized his restaurant through my website. 

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For great coffee, great Florentine Food, and great wines & spirits, I highly recommend that you go to Operacaffe–especially if you are thinking about your next photo shoot. If you wish to start your morning right (like I did), then treat yourself to nice hot cup of cappuccino and sit outside its front porch–you will experience the rush and excitement of San Diego’s city life!

To visit their website go to: www.operacaffe.com

To make reservations call 619-234-6538

You can also follow them on Twitter @operacaffe

Weekly Political Tweet: Senate GOP blocks Equal Pay Bill for Women


On occasions that I don’t compose Weekly Political Reports, I instead write a tweet of my political opinion in less than 140 characters!

This week’s political tweet: Senate GOP blocks Equal Pay Bill

What Happened and What Will Happen?

Proponents of this bill did not get 60 votes to have it on the Senate floor for debate. When this happens there is no open debate and the bill does not get voted on. It will be put back on the agenda again later in the year. This is a common tactic used to delay a bill from becoming law.

What Politicians are Saying About This?

 “This isn’t over. Equal pay for equal work is going to remain center stage in this year’s agenda and we are not going to let the Republicans who blocked this bill off the hook. That could absolutely mean another vote later in the year” — Democrat Sen. Patty Walsh (Wash), Highest Ranking Woman on the Senate

“We see this for what it is and it’s just another attempt by Democrats to distract from what is a very bad record when it comes to helping women in the economy. That’s what this is all about, them trying to get a headline”– Republican Sen. John Thune (South Dakota)

“Today’s vote is to begin debate on the bill. Are they so repulsed by equal pay for hard-working women, they’ll obstruct equal pay for equal work? I’m at a loss as to why anyone would decline to debate this important issue.” –Democrat Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (Nevada)

“There are two other law that already cover this issue in addition to Lilly Ledbetter. I believe those laws should be enforced. And obviously I think it’s self-evident that I’m for women receiving equal pay. In fact, I’d like them to be paid more” Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire)

What do I say about this?

This is one of the few dirty tactics that Republicans use to stop progressive change in America. Instead of having a fair debate, which each side can have the power to persuade their fellow members of Congress to vote or not vote on a bill, Republicans will block a bill in order to prevent it from being debated or voted on–especially if it is inside a Democratic controlled Senate.

My question to Senate Republicans is this: “Does equal pay for women really hurt the economy?”

To follow this story, and myself on Twitter, click on my tweet above.

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