Tuesday, June 30, 2009

THE MIDWAY POINT

We have journeyed through the first six months of 2009. The year has been historic and hectic, messy and magical, compelling and contentious and painful yet purposeful. I hope during the next few days you measure the past and get prepared for the future. One of the worst things is to live this life without purpose, without a plan. Many of us set specific goals and resolutions for this year, how are you doing with those resolutions? Do you need to refocus? Did you complete them already?

Here are just a few moments to remember:
*Barack Obama takes the oath of office and becomes the 44th President of the United States
*North Korea makes unsettling moves potentially involving the creation of nuclear weapons
*Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA championship
*Pittsburgh Steelers win the Super Bowl
*The Automotive Industry receives government bailout
*The King of Pop – Michael Jackson dies
*Middle East unrest between Israelis and Palestinians
*Bernie Madoff receives 150 years in prison for Ponzi scheme

If you have experienced disappointment or a lack of success, the best is yet to come. You should be determined to make the most of the remainder of the year and overcome for the time already lost in 2009.

Micah Sims says here are a few things to look forward to:
*The Holiday Season
*Becoming more financially stable
*Opening your own business
*Improving the education of your children
*Developing healthier eating habits
*Kicking the habit, stop smoking
*You becoming a champion
*Becoming a regular listener and support of A New Day w/Micah Sims talk radio show

MICAH SIMS SAYS see you tomorrow

Friday, June 26, 2009

THE KING OF POP

Michael Jackson is a one of a kind, a legend and one of the greatest musical talents in history. He will be remembered for his unbelievable musical talent – singer, performer, choreographer, songwriter and producer. Michael Jackson represents the first African American artist to transcend race and have his music reach people of all colors, backgrounds and economic status. His songs crossed over and achieved number one status for weeks in several Billboard categories and worldwide recognition.

It is difficult for me to write about an individual who I admired and adored. I enjoyed his music and performances from being part of the Jackson Five to his solo career. The songs, albums, concerts and videos clearly define the journey for me as I grew up. In this blog allow me to give you the songs as a journey from childhood to adulthood.

ABC 123 is my learning as a child in Mann Elementary School.
NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE part of being a child in a busy household, we were always on the go
DANCIN MACHINE made me understand I better learn how to dance
ROCK WITH YOU represents music during my first parties and roller skating parties at the rink on Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia
THRILLER welcome to age of MTV and Friday night videos
HUMAN NATURE that certain things are going to just happen, out of my control
MAN IN THE MIRROR you need to expect much of yourself, work on yourself first
REMEMBER THE TIMES as I’m moving into adulthood don’t forget where I have come from
BLACK AND WHITE I learned that reaching all races and cultures is important of reaching greatness in life

As I attempted to improve the content and style of my weekly radio talk show, I decided to add an artist spotlight and feature some of the artist’ biggest hits. The initial artist featured in the music spotlight on the show – MICHAEL JACKSON.

MICAH SIMS SAYS that Michael Jackson will be missed by millions!

MICAH SIMS SAYS that I will miss the King of Pop – Michael Jackson.

MICAH SIMS SAYS see you tomorrow.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

EDUCAITON AND COMMUNITY ARE TIED TOGETHER

I found out recently how the business of education has changed. In past years it was defined by the successful academic accomplishment of students. A large high school graduating class: featuring students going onto college, joining the military and becoming vital parts of society was the former pride and prestige of education. Well, things have changed because the business of education has become contracts, budgets, state financial assistance and changing the complex of communities.

The focal points of every community within urban communities are churches and schools. Well, when the community loses a school for unjustified and crazy reasons then get ready for the downfall of property value, peace and family growth. Some critics would argue that this takes place to aide in a master plan to change the complexion and content of the community. It is clear that education, public education, is directly tied to the betterment and value of the community. So why are you talking about it, well MICAH SIMS SAYS community leaders and residents must become more concerned about the success and vitality of your neighborhood schools.

I was involved in a coalition effort to save my alma mater high school, William Penn High School, in Philadelphia. This group along with other community organizations organized several events to bring about awareness and support to fight a proposed closure by the School District of Philadelphia. In the past 90 days rallies, meetings, media reports and other events were held to prayerfully change the mind of the district and allow this 13acre facility remain a public high school and continue to bring stability to north Philadelphia.

On yesterday afternoon the school district, under the leadership of a new superintendent, heard the final testimonies of community leaders, politicians, former and current students who were hopeful that the school would remain open. Well I’m happy to report that the school district decided, after hearing and reviewing everything, that William Penn High School shall remain. A part of the decision to keep the school open is the possible renovation of the 13acre site or building a new structure to house the school.

MICAH SIMS SAYS that a victorious step for the alumni because our memories and records stay alive. It’s a victorious step for the administration because they don’t have to take the torture of angry supporters and don’t have to become realtors.

MICAH SIMS SAYS the biggest winner are the homeowners and businesses which surround the school who will not watch their property value decrease, revenues decrease and may receive even more services after the renovation and improvements are completed. Yes, education and community are tied together.

MICAH SIMS SAYS thanks to Dr. Ackerman and the SRC of the School District of Philadelphia for keeping my high school open and thanks for the hundreds if not thousands who were supportive in one way or another in keeping William Penn High School open.

MICAH SIMS SAYS see you tomorrow

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

THE BEST SECOND BANANA

THE BEST SECOND BANANA

Can you say Batman without quickly saying Robin? They are considered one of the greatest duos in fictional character history. Batman was clearly the dominating leader, he secured most of the attention from adversaries and allies. During most of the episodes Batman was the main feature, however if not for Robin how much success would Batman have obtained? The power of a duo or team is evident in the ability of the second member to provide the necessary support, not overshadow the lead and keep the flow going.

In the modern form of media, radio and television, there was no better second banana than Ed McMahon. His work in communication spans over some sixty years and generally most of it was being the second banana. Mr. McMahon possessed a professionalism that enabled him to produce in the role of second or sidekick. MICAH SIMS SAYS he had the ultimate tri-fecta of entertainment partners over his career – Dick Clark, Jerry Lewis & Johnny Carson.

Our world, our society is a much better place when people learn they don’t have to be the top banana, the leader to be successful. As we are encouraging our youth and developing their skill set, I hope we are telling them you don’t have to be the leader to be the best. Anyone who is achieving the maximum in the role they have been assigned in life is a leader.

In thinking further about being #2, it made be the harder of the two roles. Could it take a more special person to be a #2 than a #1? As the second there may be moments when you will be asked to step up and take the role of #1. And maybe there will be moments when you will have to perform both roles. MICAH SIMS SAYS wait a minute - #2 is actually #1 twice, meaning that a #2 is a person who should possess two times the talent-ability-greatness. :)

MICAH SIMS SAYS there is no ‘I’ in team, nor is there any ‘I’ in world. It takes all of us doing the best we can in our assigned duties of life to achieve total happiness and harmony for everyone. Ed McMahon teaches us that there is greatness in being the second banana.

MICAH SIMS SAYS glad to be back writing the daily blog

MICAH SIMS SAYS thanks for missing me

MICAH SIMS SAYS see you tomorrow

Friday, June 19, 2009

THE POWER OF SILENCE

The world is watching as many within the country of Iran protest the recent presidential election results. It has been amazing to watch young and old Iranians march for democracy. Several politicians, mostly republicans, have voiced outrage about the silence of President Obama. They would like the president to speak in support of the protests and outrage of many Iranians who declare a fraudulent election.

President Obama is the leader of the United States of America; his job is leading and taking care of this country. We don’t like any country leader declaring support for candidates in our presidential election, so why should our country leader? We don’t want world leaders voicing opinion about presidential elections being stolen or questioning hanging chads on ballots in Florida. MICAH SIMS SAYS there is the power of silence by President Obama. Our country has a history of tinkering with the politics of Iran and we should mind our business and allow political process to unravel. I would like the President of the United States to remain silent.

MICAH SIMS SAYS that doesn’t mean that other national politicians and political operatives can’t speak out. I believe that what is taking place in Iran is inspirational and specifically watching the younger generation demand transparency and integrity by their government is awesome. I’m not asking our politicians to pick sides but speak words of encouragement to those willing to march and protest for what they believe is right.

MICAH SIMS SAYS there is the power of silence by President Obama and there is the power of vocal support of those in Iran marching for their beliefs. If I possessed a national voice I would say the following – MARCH & PROTEST FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS RIGHT! LET FREEDOM RING! DON’T FORGET WHAT MOHAT GHANDHI AND MARTIN LUTHER KING WERE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH.

MICAH SIMS SAYS sees you tomorrow.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

A DOUBLE STANDARD

During my weekly political talk radio show yesterday, we participated in a hearty discussion on racism and hatred within America. The conversation was engaging and meaningful for the listening audience and us. I believe that discussions should take place occasionally so that we aren’t attempting to ignore or sweep the issue under the rug. It is true that information is power and the more informed we can become about the unfortunate acts of racism and hate the more proactive we can be about addressing them.

One of the ideas to aide in diminishing racism and hatred is teaching the current generation of youth to view one another as humans and not as white, black or Latino. As we completed the conversation another issue surfaced which confirmed the need for continual talks about racism – the double standard.

A report was issued that a 16year old boy, current sophomore in high school, was dropping out of school to pursue a baseball career. The report detailed the excellent percentages and averages accomplished by this young phenom. Many scouts have declared him to be the next big thing in baseball. In cable media reports, several commentators elaborated on the potential fame and stardom of this young man.

We have heard of athletic phenoms before, however some of them were ridiculed for foregoing college and heading directly into the NBA. Journalists wrote editorials, reporters grabbed interviews from sports executives, psychologists talked about the immaturity of these young men to properly transition and handle the rough life of professional basketball. MICAH SIMS SAYS the reporting went further than the individual, it attacked the parents, families and high schools who seemingly pushed these young high school graduates from attending a college and making a declaration to go directly into the NBA. The public outcry was so strong about these decisions that the NBA then enforced its own rule to not allow anyone in the league until they completed one year of college.

MICAH SIMS SAYS here is the double standard, the young baseball high school sophomore drop out is white. The players going from high school to the NBA receiving the public scrutiny were African Americans. Lets continue to have discussions about racism and hatred on all levels and prayerfully we can eliminate double standards.

MICAH SIMS SAYS do you think double standards exist? Let me know by leaving a comment or response to this blog.

MICAH SIMS SAYS – see you tomorrow

Monday, June 15, 2009

MOTIVATION & LEADERSHIP

On yesterday evening the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship with a win over the Orlando Magic. The Lakers won the series four games to one. Kobe Bryant clearly proved during this series that he is the best basketball player on the planet. His greatness is magnified by his ability to improve the basketball abilities of those around him.

The greatness of one individual and the success of that individual along with the team are only possible with great overall leadership and coaching. Last night Phil Jackson motivated and coached the best player in the world and his teammates to the championship, additionally secured his 10th NBA championship. I believe talented players’ takes you far, but great coaching, motivation and leadership produces championships. MICAH SIMS SAYS Phil Jackson appears on my list of top motivators, leaders or coaches of today.

My list of top motivators, leaders and/or coaches:
-President Obama
-Phil Jackson
-Oprah Winfrey
-Roger Penske
-Bishop T.D. Jakes
-Rudy Giuliani
-Ambassador Andrew Young
-Pat Summit
-Donald Trump
-Russell Simmons/Sean Combs/Jay-Z (hiphop mogul club)
-Carly Fiorina
-Colin Powell
-Pastor Joel Osteen


MICAH SIMS SAYS tell me some of your top motivators, leaders or coaches


MICAH SIMS SAYS - see you tomorrow.

Friday, June 12, 2009

THE WORLD OF HIGH DEFINITION AND DIGITAL

Our television broadcasting transmission signal changes from analog to digital today. Many of us, unless we purchased a converter box, will find some of our televisions useless. Yes, that means no more rabbit ear television. As I thought about it this morning maybe today is a day when we could consider some other HD transitions.

MICAH SIMS SAYS THE WORLD OF HD – high definition is here, not a better picture on our televisions but how about us creating a more clearer picture of our individual lives. Can we become clearer on our love of self, family and others? HD means more than saying it but seeing it.

MICAH SIMS SAYS THE WORLD OF HD – higher defense of the true morals and values that have made this country great and will continue to make it great. Part of our values is agreeing to disagree without being disrespectful and violent towards one another. Our public policies can differ but if we all don’t agree that the goal is improving the lives of all Americans then we are not highly defending the true essence of this country – live, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.

MICAH SIMS SAYS THE WORLD OF HD – hate disappears. It will take a greater attitude, more discussions, greater tolerance and a ton of prayers but after the shooting tragedy at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, I hope today we can transition this world into HD – hate disappearing!

MICAH SIMS SAYS THE WORLD OF HD – hopeful determination. Today we should transition the mind of all young people and input hopeful determination. Yes we want you people to strive to become anything and everything they desire. Possess a sense of determination and never settle for mediocrity, but strive for excellence.

MICAH SIMS SAYS talk to you tomorrow

Thursday, June 11, 2009

CROSSING THE LINE

I enjoy a good joke like everyone else. Good jokes, wonderful skits and enjoyable monologues can turn a bad show into a great show. As a radio host and radio personality I realize my public awareness can make me subject to jokes and attacks. It is clear that all media personalities, politicians and athletes are subject to scrutiny, ridicule and humor.

On Tuesday late night talk show David Letterman crossed the line. His opening monologue and top ten list involved Alaskan governor Sarah Palin. I’m not a fan of many of the views expressed by the governor; however I view her as a potential powerhouse in national politics over the next few years if developed by the right political operatives. During his monologue Letterman extended a joke about one of her daughters engaging in a sexual act – a rape. MICAH SIMS SAYS this totally crossed the line.

In reference to politicians, all bets are off, go after them – their policies – looks – blunders etc. but I believe that we should not involve the children of any politician, media personality or athlete in personal attacks, jokes or editorials. MICAH SIMS SAYS involving the children, who are innocent, who have no part of the political spin, athletic attitude or media madness is totally crossing the line and should be off limits.

Mr. Letterman MICAH SIMS SAYS you owe Gov. Palin, her husband and family a public and private apology. Let me ask you how you would feel if someone made a joke about someone raping – touching – hurting your child.

MICAH SIMS SAYS tell me how you feel, respond to my daily blog

MICAH SIMS SAYS talk to you tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

CITIZEN OF THE WORLD

In watching the Republican Party search for leadership, identity and purpose, I listened to the speeches of Gov. Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich. Gov. Palin continues to raise several core points of the right wing but nothing that would bring the country together; I think they will actually separate us further. I know that she is speaking to the base, the only base of the Republican Party, hard-core right wing evangelical southern conservatives.

Allow me to say that there are some values and issues expressed from this segment of the party that I believe have some legitimate merit, but I have always declared its all in the presentation and often the Republican far right presentation is one of arrogance and ignorance.

Now the speech by former Congressional leader Newt Gingrich featured some jabs at current President Barak Obama. Wait a minute- this is the same Obama that Gingrich declared to the Republican Party that they should get to know and even support for the sake of the country. Okay that didn’t last long because he declared as a shot to President Obama that he, Newt, was no citizen of the world. His statement declared that the being a citizen of the world was ideologically stupid,

Well Mr. Gingrich I would like to alert you that God didn’t place the United States in isolation, we live to communicate and interact with the world. In all reality, everyone here who is not a Native American Indian is actually a citizen of the world, because your fore parents we not born in this country but came to this country in hopes of a better life. MICAH SIMS SAYS hey Mr. Gingrich, that a better life, not a bitter life.

You and I are citizens of the world. What I do today, here in Philadelphia, does impact those not only in Philadelphia, but also in Chicago, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, Rome, Brazil, Paris, Johannesburg, and Moscow and everywhere in between. MICAH SIMS SAYS if you want to improve the chances of the Republican Party, then Mr. Gingrich realize that unless you are leading the Navaho Indians or some other tribe, then your following includes citizens of the world.

Wait I got it – the new Republican Party members live on the MOON. They aren’t citizens of this United States of America or a citizen of this world.

MICAH SIMS SAYS stay there and send Newt a ticket to join. We need this country to come together, possess hope and bring prosperity to the entire world.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

In This Life A Little Rain Must Fall

IN THIS LIFE A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL As I woke this morning the Philadelphia area is being bombarded with rough thunder storms. The rain is coming down hard, thunder is roaring and lightning flashing across the sky. I went to the window and noticed the hard rain and without an umbrella decided to wait until the rain slightly subsided to head to my car. While waiting I thought that without this rain falling the grass would start turning brown and trees would struggle to produce leaves, that’s right the RAIN MUST FALL FOR GROWTH TO OCCUR. MICAH SIMS SAYS that if we are going to grow as individuals, communities and a country – a little rain must fall. In other words we are going to endure periods of dark skies-strong winds & rains-thunder-lightning, that in this life we will go through some storms. However in those storms we will develop the character and fortitude to grow and become stronger. Right now this country is going through some rain, unemployment is high, many are struggling financially and some companies are literally on the verge of closing however MICAH SIMS SAYS this is the storm which can provide time to develop new strength, better practices and new vision to come through the storm and grow. There are moments when a storm washes away things which are firmly planted and maybe during this period of rain and storm in America some companies need to either develop a stronger sense of business and community commitment, instead of greed, or they will possible be washed away. MICAH SIMS SAYS in this life a little rain must fall, in this life you will endure some storms however if you take the time to analyze yourself life, your family, your finance and your business this may be a time of growth and development. MICAH SIMS SAYS   - see you tomorrow.

Monday, June 8, 2009

THE JOY OF SUNDAY

The Joy of Sunday.
MICAH SIMS SAYS it is clear that Sunday is the day of rest, relaxing and enjoyment of family & friends. On this past Sunday it was great to see the awesome display of focus and precision of Tiger Woods, the determination of Kobe Bryant as he led the Lakers in the NBA finals and the power of Ryan Howard and the Phillies in Dodger stadium. But I discovered today that nothing is more meaningful than watching your children or grandchildren taking time to play baseball or lacrosse or basketball in a league. Young people are appreciative of one another, embrace the joy of team and strive collectively to not win but to bring smiles to family members who are sitting on the sideline enjoying their competitive spirit and display of teamwork. He didn't hit the ball as far as Ryan Howard but my youngest son Chris (6 yrs. old) hit the ball further in my heart because he tried, didn't complain and just loved playing the game. My oldest son Micah (10 yrs. old) had more determination than Kobe as he pressed through his first season ever of lacrosse and was determined to get the ball to the right teammate so his team could score in their final game of the season. For me the Joy of Sunday aren't the highlights showcased on ESPN, but the moments shared with my boys today as they enjoyed trying their best to make their teammates proud and family members happy as they played. The Joy of Sunday is sharing with your family and friends and watching your kids give more than 100% on the field to make you proud. MICAH SIMS SAYS he is proud of Micah & Chris and all young people who just love playing their hardest because they just enjoy the sport, their teammates and family support.
MICAH SIMS SAYS tell me about the Joy of Sunday for YOU!