Taboos

Most people are familiar with plagiarism when it comes to the written word. But plagiarism comes in many forms. Many times, creative people are plagiarized and their work is used for the gain of a larger purpose. That purpose usually is a big business that does not feel the need to credit the individual(s) that created the work of art. I...

A “no” can almost always be turned into a “yes,” and being in the media, fashion or entertainment business, this is a mantra to live by. To get what you want and be successful, never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. This determination will set you apart from the pack and make you stand out in...

Creativity can sometimes be one person's “eye” and when they cease to create, the business they create ceases as well. In the case of the first two American women’s magazines, this seems to be true. Louis A. Godey founded "Godey’s Lady’s Book" in 1830, which he published for over 48 years with the help of editor Sarah Josepha Hale; right before both...

When you think of American heroes like George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, and FDR, they had a concern, they organized, and they achieved a goal. This heroic couple was the exact opposite. In 1953, Richard Loving married Mildred Jeter. This would have been fine had Loving not been white and Jeter not been black. It may be...

Learning about a fringe lifestyle can be hectic, especially when you hold tightly to your own spiritual perspective. Being Christian/Catholic while trying to uphold your journalistic integrity is a challenge in itself, with me constantly pondering whether or not to get my information out without upsetting anyone. With witchcraft, I took the pondering a step further, attempting to make right of what...

Some people have no idea where to begin when it comes to traveling internationally with their canine companion. A journey outside the country always requires preparation. When you decide to take your dog along with you, however, your responsibilities increase. In spite of the work involved, you can take steps to ease the stress on yourself and your dog. With...

It seems like superstitions are mainly seen in baseball, but that isn’t entirely true. Every sport has its fair share of superstitions. If you look at a sport like basketball, free throws are a very superstitious act. When a player is fouled in the act of shooting, the player goes to line to take two or three free shots. If you...

“You’re really pretty for a black girl.” For a black girl? At first, the words just hung there. I couldn’t even react, but the words slowly began to resonate in my mind. When I finally allowed myself to process the backhanded compliment, I wasn't hurt; I was angry. I had been placed in some fictitious box because of the color of...

Having a portfolio in the fashion, film and journalism field is just as important as a résumé and college degree. The world has become so competitive that anyone that is striving to be successful needs to have a leg up on the competition. Since I was a clothing designer back in 1999, I knew the importance of having a portfolio...