Maxwell - Pretty Wings

Thanks Joshua Jones!

Hey Josh!
Thanks for reading my blog!!
You're Awesome!
See you soon!
TTYL!

-Carlton Lockett

Good Week!

Quote of the post:
"I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." -Henry David Thoreau

Just an update on me!

Well I've gotten most of grades from my teachers. I'm doing DAMN good! I'm proud of myself. Say good job CARLTON! (Waits for you to say Good Job Carlton!) Anyhow this week has been pretty good I sent in a proposal to be Event Coordinator for PVABJ! I got it obviously because no one ran against because it was something I proposed. I see great things with our organization next year! Congrats to all the other Eboard Members! I'm really excited about working with you guys. Well I'm off to go chat with my roommates you guys have a good night!

-Carlton Lockett

Some of my favorite products!

Just a few personal products I use to help me stay healthier and cleaner! lol

Tyra Banks testifies against her alleged stalker.....

Supermodel and TV personality Tyra Banks testified in the trial of her alleged stalker on Wednesday, saying that her life has changed significantly because of him, the Associated Press

reports.

Speaking in Manhattan Criminal Court, Banks recalled the day of March 18, 2008, when 38-year-old Dublin, Georgia, resident Brady Green appeared at the building where she tapes The Tyra Banks Show and demanded to speak to her.

"I was about to leave and a bunch of people from my staff were saying, like, 'No, you can't leave.' They said he was in the building," Banks said.

She added that her staff had shown her Green's photograph previously, warning her that he had threatened one of her employers and he was "somebody I should watch out for."

According to a criminal complaint, Green had previously appeared at Banks' Los Angeles studio several times and had asked to speak to her. When police arrested him in New York last March, he told officers, "I know [Banks]. She knows me. We had a thing together. I sent her flowers I sent her cards."

Green then asked police, "Should I plead no contest? I've got satellites watching me and recording us."

Banks went on to detail the psychological trauma she's endured since the incident. Since Green's arrest, she testified, she is tailed by security forces wherever she goes, contrary to her previous routine, even when she runs and exercises outdoors.

"I don't [like to] live that kind of sheltered, protected life," she noted. "I like to walk around."

"I fear for my safety. I fear for the safety of my staff and for my family," Banks added. "And I fear for the safety of people in my vicinity, who I'm with."

Green, who's facing charges of stalking, criminal trespass and harassment, faces up to 90 days in jail if convicted.

Me and Friends earlier this month!

Swine FLU.... It's a big deal!

At least 74 schools have closed across the country because of confirmed or probable cases of swine flu and 30 more have closed as a precautionary measure, the Department of Education said Wednesday.

The elementary, junior high and high schools have closed because of the H1N1 virus, Department of Education spokesman Massie Ritsch said.

The closures of public and private schools across eight states affect about 56,000 students out of an estimated 55 million students attending the nation's 100,000 kindergarten through 12th grade schools, Ritsch said.

Some of the schools that were closed had already reopened, he said.

In addition to closures announced earlier Wednesday, the Fort Worth Independent School District in Texas said it will temporarily close all of its schools until further notice, affecting roughly 80,000 students, according to its Web site.

Schools will likely not reopen any sooner than Monday, May 11, the district said.

School officials said they made the decision after receiving official confirmation of one case of swine flu at one campus and news of three other probable cases at three more schools.

"We have been diligently following the recommendations of our local public health authorities since this crisis first began," Superintendent Melody Johnson said. "We will continue to work with the senior-most staff of the local health department."

On Wednesday, President Obama called on schools with confirmed or possible swine flu cases to "strongly consider temporarily closing so that we can be as safe as possible."

Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Wednesday that everyone involved in schools needs to "pitch in and do our part to prevent the spread of this flu virus."

"Use the same common sense and courtesy that you would use during winter flu season: Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough and stay home if you are sick," Duncan said.

The secretary said the department is closely monitoring the flu outbreak and urged schools to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Do what is appropriate for the health of your communities, your schools and your students," Duncan said.

Department of Education officials and experts from the CDC held a conference call Monday with more than 1,700 people from national education associations, state school offices, individual schools and school districts.

The Department of Education emphasized the need for "common sense" preventative measures among students and faculty in school facilities, an official said.

Education officials also stressed the need for people showing any flu-like symptoms to stay away from school and called on administrators to report any suspected or confirmed cases to local public health authorities as well as the Department of Education.

If a school has a confirmed case of swine flu, the CDC recommends closing the facility for about seven days.

Lauren Conrad does Late Show!!

Quote of the post: Jaheem

"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity." -JFK

"In the matter of religion, people eagerly fasten their eyes on the difference between their own creed and yours; whilst the charm of the study is in finding the agreements and identities in all the religions of humanity." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is ridiculous... Parents need to teach their children the GOLDEN RULE!

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Eleven-year-old Jaheem Herrera woke up on April 16 acting strangely. He wasn't hungry and he didn't want to go to school.

But the outgoing fifth grader packed his bag and went to school at Dunaire Elementary School in DeKalb County, Georgia.

He came home much happier than when he left in the morning, smiling as he handed his mother, Masika Bermudez, a glowing report card full of A's and B's. She gave him a high-five and he went upstairs to his room as she prepared dinner.

A little later, when his younger sister called him to come down to eat, Jaheem didn't answer.

So mother and daughter climbed the stairs to Jaheem's room and opened the door.

Jaheem was hanging by his belt in the closet.

"I always used to see these things on TV, dead people on the news," says Bermudez. "I saw somebody die and to see this dead person is your son, hanging there, a young boy. ... To hang yourself like that, you've got to really be tired of something."

Bermudez says bullies at school pushed Jaheem over the edge. He complained about being called gay, ugly and "the virgin" because he was from the Virgin Islands, she said.

"He used to say Mom they keep telling me this ... this gay word, this gay, gay, gay. I'm tired of hearing it, they're telling me the same thing over and over," she told CNN, as she wiped away tears from her face.

But while she says her son complained about the bullying, she had no idea how bad it had gotten.

"He told me, but he just got to the point where he didn't want me to get involved anymore because nothing was done," she said.

Bermudez said she complained to the school about bullying seven or eight times, but it wasn't enough to save him.

"It [apparently] just got worse and worse and worse until Thursday," she said. "Just to walk up to that room and see your baby hanging there. My daughter saw this, my baby saw this, my kids are traumatized."

She said Jaheem was a shy boy just trying to get a good education and make friends.

"He was a nice little boy," Bermudez said through her tears. "He loved to dance. He loved to have fun. He loved to make friends. And all he made [at school] were enemies."

Bermudez said she thinks her son felt like nobody wanted to help him, that nobody stood up and stopped the bullies.

"Maybe he said 'You know what -- I'm tired of telling my mom, she's been trying so hard, but nobody wants to help me,' " says Bermudez.

After Jaheem's death, the school board expressed condolences, saying the school staff "works diligently to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students."

Trying desperately to understand what went wrong, Bermudez asked her son's best friend to recount what happened on the day Jaheem killed himself.

"He [said he was] tired of complaining, tired of these guys messing with him," Bermudez said, recalling the conversation with Jaheem's best friend. "Tired of talking, I think to his teachers, counselors and nobody is doing anything -- and the best way out is death."

Allegations of such severe bullying surprises experts familiar with the school district. It's anti-bullying program was considered exemplary and includes programs to raise awareness and a specially trained liaison. Students are even asked to sign a no-bullying pledge. But other parents told CNN they have complained about bullying as well.

Despite recent strides towards preventing bullying in schools and increased awareness programs, a Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network study showed that 65 percent of teens are bullied each year and most believe adults can't help them.

Less than a month before Jaheem's death, a boy in Massachusetts killed himself after being bullied, harassed and called "gay."

Eliza Byard, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, says to be effective, awareness programs need to include education about the harm that can be done by teasing someone about sexuality or perceived sexuality.

"Anti-gay language is really the ultimate weapon for a bully who wants to degrade his or her peers," she says. "And any effective response to bullying has to take that on."

Bermudez doesn't understand why the children at school couldn't learn to get along. Because of it, she'll never get to see her son grow up.

"My baby, that's my only boy, and I lost him now," says Bermudez. "He was my first child and ... to lose him 11 years after, he didn't live his life."

She hopes her son's death will result in positive changes that will help other kids being bullied.

"Those that are being bullied -- they need to talk to their parents, they need to not hold back," she says. "I lost my son and now something has to be done."

PVABJ media conference!

Quote of the post:
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy Adams

Hey Guys!

So today PVABJ hosted a media conference that included some of Houston's media professionals. The Panel included:Corneleon Block - Digital Director for the Houston Defender, Carl Willis - Reporter for Local Channel 2 News, John Guess - Journalist Consultant, Ayana Mack - Radio Personality from 104 KRBE, Tony Styles - Radio Personality for 104 KRBE Johnny Bravo - On Air Personality for Jack 103.7 and ESPN station, Brian Mason - Chief Editor for Local Channel 2 News, and Mr. G Barry- Editor and Chief Our Texas magazine. It was Amazing I must say! These people are very influential leaders to young students that are heading in the media market. I really enjoyed how down to earth they were about the industry. They didn't really fabricate anything, and the things they said were useful. I really appreciate you guys for blessing us with your advice on media.

Don't be afraid of the dark--... Whole grain explains!

Whole grains are in the midst of a renaissance. Since their 1970s heyday, the findings from scientific research have expanded on these fiber-rich foods' abilities to help protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Such results led the government to urge us all, in its 2005 dietary guidelines, to eat at least three servings of whole grains daily.

Joanne Slavin, R.D., Ph.D. -- one of the country's foremost experts on fiber and whole grains -- recalls grain's first go-round. "I was in graduate school pursuing a nutrition degree. This was during the mid-1970s, and there was a ton of interest in fiber then," she says. "I thought that by the time I got my doctorate degree everyone would be eating to get enough fiber."
Not so. Most of us still average just one serving of whole grains a day. As a professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul, she finds she has to spread the word. "Many people have questions about whole grains and how to work them into their diets," she says.
To help answer them, we asked Slavin, along with several other experts, to provide a primer on successfully choosing and cooking with whole grains.
What are whole grains? Whole grains are made of three parts: the bran (or outer layer), the germ, and the endosperm. "In order for a grain to be considered whole, it must contain all three components of the grain," says Nicola McKeown, Ph.D., a scientist who studies whole grains at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. Together the bran, germ, and endosperm contribute to whole grains' high levels of nutrients, nutty taste, and dense, chewy texture.

How do whole grains affect health? In addition to digestive health, whole grains have also been linked to the following benefits:
1. Preventing heart disease. "People with high intake of grains have much less heart disease," Slavin says. A meta-analysis published last year in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that 2 ½ servings of whole grains a day were associated with a 21 percent decrease in the risk of developing heart disease. People who ate mostly refined grains did not experience the same results, says study author Philip Mellen, M.D., assistant professor at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Mellen attributes the benefit to synergy. "The combination of whole grains' nutrients work together to reduce cardiovascular disease," he says.
2. Dodging diabetes. When you eat foods that cause a rapid increase in blood sugar (glucose), the pancreas responds by producing insulin. Foods made with refined grains, such as white breads or baked goods, are processed into glucose more quickly than whole-grain foods. "Over time, you can develop insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes," McKeown says. "Foods that are rich in fiber blunt the insulin response, and people with a higher whole-grain intake have less risk of developing type 2 diabetes," she says.
3. Maintaining a healthy weight. "Whole-grain foods high in fiber delay hunger, so maybe you'll eat less over the course of the day," McKeown says. Because fiber is indigestible, it adds bulk to foods, which in turn slows down digestion. The result: You feel fuller longer after eating fiber-rich foods. Bonus: Maintaining a healthy weight can also help you avoid health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. (CNN.com)

Update! Update! Update!!

Quote of the post:
"Life is the only real counselor; wisdom unfiltered through personal experience does not become a part of the moral tissue." -Edith Wharton

Hi Guys!!

Honestly I haven't been doing much lately, just cleaning up and trying to get myself ready to return to work this weekend. It's been so long seriously... But I'm doing pretty good I guess. I can't complain, because I'm still alive!! I'm really blessed and I think God for all that he has done for me. I'm so ready for summer it is not even funny. School is really killing me because we're at the end of the semester and I've gotten really lazy. I'm not going to let my guard down, because things can easily change. Many think I'm weird because the music i listen to, but I honestly listening to music for the message that it have, and nothing more. I like music with a positive message, and sometimes I like music for beat it may carry. I like Marie Digby's new song "Avalanche"... It's pretty cool! Uumm tonight a new episode of "Taking the stage", and the first part of MTB4 finale come on tonight. Well I'm excited about our media conference on Monday, and it excites me to meet some professionals in the field I am perusing. Well I'm going to go

Weekend Home

Quote of the post:
"When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality." -Dom Helder Camara

Hey Guys!!

Well I haven't updated since Thursday, So I apologize for that! What's been going on with me?? Well lets see! I had an awesome time home with my family. Omgsh I'm really about to pay this 24 Hour fitness some attention. I ate entirely too much, because my Mom and Aunt cooked everything I requested. Easter pretty good for both reason. Thank you God for my family. Well my family was not seeing eye to eye for a while, but for everyone came together yesterday and had a good time. It made me smile really big! Except for my one Aunt who couldn't swallow her pride and build a bridge and get over it. Anyhow if you know me you know I love Chicken Spaghetti and Homemade strawberry shortcake with ice cream. SO GOOD... Anyways those are may favorites and I had those. I didn't really go out, because I was on chill mode. Besides there's nothing really to do in Atlanta, TX considering I don't really talk to many people from my graduating class. I really enjoyed myself nothing really too interesting... I LOVE MY LIFE PEOPLE!! It's GREAT! I really believe i'm going to famous someday... My Mom, Aunt, and I discussed that.

I like this song... I heard it on "The Game"

Home in Atlanta, TX

Quote of the post:
"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." -James Barrie

Yesterday was so overwhelming! I had so much work to get done. I was pretty chill because it was hump day, and last day of school! Now i'm back home with my family, and I love it! They spoil me... Anyhow I'm mad because the weather is gloomy, and I want the sun to shine. Because when it's gloomy outside it makes me not want to do much. Well i'm watching "The Game" with my Mom, and Sister! It's one of my new favorite shows... But i'm going to catch up on some sleep and take a nap! I love my LIFE!

Road Trip! Austin! Texas Relays! Sixth Street! Good LIFE!

Quote of the Post:
"Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save." -Will Rogers

Well lets start with FRIDAY!! Well my roommates and I were going to leave on Friday for Austin, but we procrastinated until the last minute. We needed our haircut, clean laundry, and to pack. So we decided to leave on Saturday morning. However I met this lady on Friday, and she was telling me how nice I dress, and how she used to shop so much for herself and kids but can't anymore. Her Husband went from making $5,000 a month to making like $2,000 a month. Thats a big difference!! She told me that they went from staying in a house nice as mine to now living at a Hotel. I felt really really really bad for her. She was really really sweet, and carried good conversation. I just realize now how grateful I am for what I have, and never take anything for granted. Because just as sure as the good Lord can give you something he can also take it away. What sadden me the most was that she wasn't complaining about her life, she was actually happy and grateful and doing the best she could. The way I am I always want more more more, when I should be satisfied, because there are people in bad situations whom need help. Anyhow Saturday morning my roommates and I departed for Austin, TX! I first of all love miniture roadtrips, but I was mad that I forgot my camera! Ok first off we were iffy about going because I had so much homework I needed to get accomplished, but I decided at the last minute to go. So we made it to Austin, and we needed a Hotel room. Well during this time everyone has jacked their prices, and most of the rooms were filled. So I foundt a nice hotel about 3 miles from downtown Austin, and I told them that I was NOT going to leave until they got me a room. (LOL) It was actually funny, because I knew that they were not all booked. So they kept telling me to wait until 3 and see if some cancel. I didn't have time to wait, I needed a darn room to freshen up and relax because it was extremely HOT! So anyhow I'm guessing they cancelled someones reservation for me because they said that we now have a room. It was pretty nice had a full kitchen and everything considering it was last minute. I thought that part was funny, because my friend Chan'tal, Chasmine, And Jazmyne had to get a hotel 20 minutes outside of Austin because they were all booked. But my roommates and I who just showed up and got a room so close to the action was FUNNY! So my other good friend Ashlee Haywood was there and I was on the phone to her explaining to her where I was staying. Little that we both new is that we were DIRECTLY next to each other. It was so weird, but FUN! So Ashlee and Tiffaney (Ashlee's Cheermate) came over to our room and chilled for a bit. We met some cool girls from New Orleans that were acrossed the hall from us! We chilled with them as well. So we rested up and went out to 6th street in Austin. The traffic was literally RIDICULOUS!! I hated it! (if you knew how much I hate traffic you would understand) The roads were backed up starting from our hotel exit. We had to park I know at least a good 2 miles from the event. NOT including it took us over an hour to park. We had a blast, and stayed out all night! We ended up going to Ihop afterwards, and then back to the room to crash! Obviously Ashlee was put in a weird situation(Hhmmm...), so she came over to our room after she showered... LOL! We checked out at 12, stopped and got food. The traffic back to Houston was a mess! Made it home around 3:20, unpacked, and talked about the weekend a little bit with the friends. Went to sleep and thats about it! It's actually late right now and I have to drive 5 hours back home tomorrow for easter break, not including I have a biology test at 1o so I need to get some rest! Goodnight BLOGGERS

-Carlton Lockett

"Imma put it on her" Video Premiere!

Packing for Austin

Hey people!! So i'm packing for Austin, Texas! My friends and I are leaving early in the morning for a brief trip. I'm excited because I want to shop there... UGH! I need to try and save money, but I can't... I guess that is what I work for. Anyhow today was so so so BUSY!! I had woke up at 8 this morning, got dressed, and went to class! My drive to school today wasn't as horrible as it been lately. Anyways... I'm watching one of my FAVORITE movies ever... The Devil Wears Prada!! Well thats all people i'm going to bed GOOD NIGHT!!

Good Morning!

Quote of the post:
"We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same." -Anne Frank

Hey Guys!

Well this week is been springfest at school, so i've been attending events for that all week. It's been pretty chill, i've been enjoying myself with my friends! I think i'm addicted to TWITTER it's so ridiculous! I like the idea of stalking lol... not really but I like to know where my friends are!! I think thats the really cool part about it. However i'm supposed to be going to Austin this weekend, but I all of a sudden don't feel like going anymore. My friends are calling me a party pooper, but I have so much homework it's ridiculous!! I have a biology test on wednesday that I need to study for. I'm just a little stressed right now... God bless me! I've been thinking about my classmates lately, and how they are doing... No one really keeps in touch! Which is kind of weird, but funny at the same time. Some people feel as if you're not in college then you are a NOBODY or a low life! Which is very wrong to say. I do not believe college is for everyone, and if you're working and taking care of yourself thats good enough. I feel like people think they have to be better than the next person in my graduating class, which is negative! You are you thats the beginning and the end! Me personally wouldn't allow anyhow to even attempt to dictate my life! I love everything about me, and every decision I make in life is to benefit me. I try to live a happy and positive life, because if you're happy than how could you be sad? lol Anyhow i'm about to go shopping with Chantal, Chasmine, and Kadrion all over Houston!! Have a good day people!

-Carlton Lockett