TIOM Archive - The Image Of Magazine

With a victory in the Senate race for the state of New Jersey, Cory Booker adds to the short list of popular elected Black Senators. Only 3 before him have won their seats by in a popular election. In the 237 years, there have only been a total of 8 Black elected Senators in American history…and his presence is a welcome from the recent influx of elected officials that have a personal agenda instead of the country’s best interest. Some do have their own party’s best interest in mind. And if you ask them they say it is the will of the American people who they represent. The last I checked, I did not ask to have the government of the United Staes of America to shut down, take the country to the brink of a default or to not pass laws that would help create JOBS, JOBS, JOBS as promised in the 2010 midterm elections.

The 2010 elections began an era of radical positions on American policy and views. The majority of those elected took positions that were in the interest of a minority segment of America..The Tea Party. Their views seemed to not be their own, but a conjoined agenda passed down by big backers and organizations. These new officials came from a gerrymandered segment of local communities, without any diversity of thought and ideology. There seems to be no free thinking member among them. Public officials like Cory Booker, that have represented a diverse population bring a better representation of America to Washington DC. Mayor Booker has shown his community, city, state and America that he governs on an even kiel. The demographic of Newark is as diverse as the opening session of a UN meeting, a little bit of everyone. A politician that has a hands on approach to governing and dealing with his constituents, will deliver an approach similar to that of a Trigonometry equation “If – Then”.

From our little corner of the world here in San Diego, we have seen the effects of a mayor who has his hands on the pulse of the city and a mayor that has his hands on…well you know. And one of them ends up not to good for the city. Mayor Booker’s open approach to government and the importance of government officials to see his constituents as people and not just a block of voters, helps to make better decisions when there is a need to get involved and when to take a step back approach. This leads to a “Solution” that is in the best interest of all, not just the select few or a supporters cause. Keeping people in perspective, Mayor Booker was literally hands on when saving lives, physically and figuratively. An intelligent approach to solving problems creating opportunities is a missing trait in Washington.

Eight African Americans have served in the United States Senate. No African American served in the elective office before the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1870. The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits the federal government and state governments from denying any citizen the right to vote because of that citizen’s race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Of the eight senators, three were popularly elected, two were elected by the Mississippi State Senate, and three were appointed by a state Governor. The 113th United States Congress marked the first time that two African Americans have served concurrently in the Senate. Congratulations to Cory Booker in his bid to the US Senate and welcome to history.

The official senate portrait of Barack Obama, the fifth African-American United States Senator who would later become the first African-American President

P. B. S. Pinchback (1837–1921)
Republican 44th (1875–1877)

Hiram Rhodes Revels (1827–1901)
Republican 41st (1869–1871)

Blanche Kelso Bruce (1841–1898)Republican
44th (1875–1877) 45th (1877–1879)
46th (1879–1881)

Edward William Brooke, III (born 1919)
Republican 90th (1967–1969)
91st (1969–1971)
92nd (1971–1973)
93rd (1973–1975)
94th (1975–1977)
95th (1977–1979)

Carol Moseley Braun (born 1947)
Democratic 103rd (1993–1995)
104th (1995–1997)
105th (1997–1999)

Roland W. Burris (born 1937)
Democratic 111th (2009–2011)

Mo Cowan (born 1969)
Democratic 113th (2013–2015)

Tim Scott (born 1965)
Republican 113th (2013–2015)

Inside the New iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles

Posted on: October 12th, 2013 by tommyj

Exclusive: Inside the New iHeartRadio Theater Los […]

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on: October 9th, 2013 by tommyj

From the Editor

The Image Of Magazine is proud to lend its support and promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most os the chatter in the media is geared toward the dis-functional 113th Congress, and those who represent no one but their own common interest. What is being drowned out are the heroines that have gone through much tougher battles than standing and talking in front of so called colleagues and treating them and our government as the enemy within. There are women who’s struggles have taken them to the brink of a bitter, real fight for survival…to live. I will not comment on, or take away from the men and women who are doing the real deeds of Americans by letting the chatter of misfits speak louder than HERO”s, working for the GOOD of humanity.

There are many great causes and charities that are doing great deeds. We at TIOM will list and post stories and events for the month of October that champion the cause of those with breast cancer and the survivors who’s passion to live should be noted and publicized. Their stories can be inspiring for those going through any life threatening condition, or even apersonal struggle that can cause one to want to stop and give up. What we see and hear does not begin to reveal the hurt and pain of someone that is in the middle of that fight. I’ve never been there but I can only share a image that I have kept with me for years…Never Give Up. This post recognizes The National Breast Cancer Foundation

HOW NBCF STARTED

The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hail. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980 at the age of 34. At the time of her diagnosis, there was little information about the disease, and she was forced to make a decision about her health with few options. After her treatment, Janelle made a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

THE MISSION OF NBCF

NBCF’s mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need. This mission includes increasing awareness through education, providing diagnostic breast care services for those in need, and providing nurturing support services.

Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women in the United States. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.

According to The National Cancer Institute (NCI), getting a high-quality mammogram and having a clinical breast exam on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early. The National Cancer Institute recommends women age 40 and older receive annual mammogram screenings to provide early detection of breast cancer.

However, with increased healthcare costs and a rapidly increasing percentage of uninsured women, many simply cannot afford the cost of screening tests. These women are at a significantly higher risk of dying from breast cancer if later diagnosed.

That’s why NBCF provides free mammograms to women in all 50 states through our network of hospitals. We are now joining hands with people around the world to provide breast cancer education.

HOW NBCF FULFILLS ITS MISSION

NBCF is a stabilizing force in the lives of hundreds of thousands of women who have reached a crossroad in their lives and need a helping hand to get across the bridge. NBCF offers free, innovative programs that other organizations aren’t providing to women facing breast cancer. These programs include:

National Mammography Program
Beyond The Shock
Early Detection Plan
Breast Health Awareness
MyNBCF
BreastCancer.Net

NBCF is one of the most recognized and respected breast cancer charities in the world. Since 2003, NBCF has received the highest 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator. Each year, over 80% of our revenue is directed to our life-saving programs, and because of that, NBCF has grown by 20% each year since 2005.

Donate to NBCF

Show your support. Your donation helps provide mammograms for women in need.

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Become a Sponsor

Join a charity that will work with you to create a custom campaign and help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

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Read about our latest programs, fundraisers, campaigns and stories from the people we serve.

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Political Gangsmen

Posted on: October 1st, 2013 by tommyj

We have often talked about the evils of Gangs and the harm they cause to certain communities. In the latter part of the 19^th Century and into the 20^th Century the Klu Klux Klan was the largest gang in the country. Breeding fear in communities, spreading hate and propaganda, killing someone simply because of their Color or religion, without reason of right or wrong. In the latter part of the 20^th Century and into the 21^st Century, in most urban cities across America, young men and women can be killed or harmed just because of his affiliation to an area. A man or women can be abused, treated with disdain or humiliated just because of their looks or lifestyle. In Southeast San Diego or South Central LA, a young man can be killed just because he wears Red or Blue labeling him Blood or Crip. A person can be murdered without reason. Today marks another day in American history when we say WTF is going on. Well the DC gangs have carried out their orders to vote along party lines because they associate with the Red Gang or Blue Gang. They voted based their agenda and their own myopic view of what America should look like and how it should function, instead of what is truly best for the country. Instead of going on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, Meet The Press, all radio shows, go behind closed doors and work this mess out.

A Majority of elected Republican congressmen and women have voted to shut down the government, they were elected to serve and govern for, and they are happy and pleased at their actions. In the 40’s and 50s of the past century, this would be called treason and those members would be labeled Communist, then placed on a list or in jail. Where’s McCarthy when you need him. They say it is for the good of the America and the people they serve. The Tea Party candidates stated their mission prior to being elected by stating “Our main goal was to shut down the government”…and they did. So why are we surprised at the outcome of yesterdays Cirque De Congress in the dangerous turf war for the capitol building. They did exactly what they promised. For those who voted for a congressional person, that vote for an official to shut down the government of the United States Of America, your actions can cause more harm than any enemy of America, that wish to do this country harm and render it helpless. You are just as culpable as they are.

Regardless of your party affiliation, what is happening in Washington DC is embarrassing and dangerous. We have allowed our politicians to play games with our lives, and they are winning. For the Republican mother who needs assistance with her child, or the Democratic Veteran that wants his benefits, if you are not getting your just due services, the game that is being played within Washington DC is “It’s Your Life”. It is being played so the politicians can continue their position in government, even it means you lose some of your inalienable rights and much needed services due to you by the constitution of the Unites States of America. Your congressman and senator will be well taken care of, even if they loose their job when it’s all said and done. You, us, we on the other hand must live with a decision made by someone who has no one else best interest in mind than their own and the puppeteer that pulls their strings. Those puppeteers remain behind their sheets and send out their henchmen to carry out their deeds, with the promise of being well rewarded, after they have sold their souls to their cause.

The ignorance in some of our political leaders and the blind faith to “Party” leads me to belief there needs to be a some kind of litmus test or intelligence barometer or even a rational logical deduction of consequence form that anyone running for office should fill out and pass, before they are can be placed on the ballet. Then we as voters can be sure to make a wise decision on whom we chose to represent “us”.

I have voted on several occasions to elect Republican, Democratic and Independent candidates to political office. I also have Not voted for any candidate running for a particular office if I felt that neither one was qualified or would serve the best interest of that office but for their own agenda.

The Image Of Magazine has joined with Meet The Candidates, a San Diego Based organization, to hear the people that are running for public office and what they have to offer. It is also a forum that anyone, of any political affiliation can affordable get to hear these candidate, meet him or her up close and personal and choose wisely. No $5,000 dinner plate. Check out Meet The Candidates San Diego on Facebook for the next date and time to see Councilman Kevin Faulkner, candidate for San Diego Mayor.

Tommy Jennings Publisher – The Image Of Magazine

Chargers, A Team Of Misfits

Posted on: September 24th, 2013 by tommyj

Most people that know me know that I am an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. I am also a fan of football on all levels. I chose to wait and write this piece after all the dust settles and the Monday morning quarterbacks, sports columnist and sports commentators all get their digs in on the Sa n Diego Chargers. Over the past years, I now feel that I have been too harsh of a critic on Phillip Rivers. I have said the Chargers will not win a Super Bowl as long as he was the quarterback. After Sundays game against the Titans, I was driving with my girlfriend talking about the game. I said that the Chargers look like the Bad News Bears, especially after that game of “Hot Potato” at the end. The Chargers blew another game after starting off looking like contenders. My girlfriend reminded me that the Bad News Bears were a group of Misfit kids all thrown together like a pot of gumbo, trying to play baseball as a team. The term misfits hit and stuck with me and turned on the rational light in my head.

The San Diego Chargers seem have a knack for taking a good team or a great player and delivering him to other NFL franchises to live out their greatness and glory. It all started for me when they had a player who went by the simple letter “JJ” John Jefferson. JJ came into the league and delivered some of the most spectacular circus catches I had ever seen in the game of football. He did them game after game, always one better than the other, at critical times during the game. When he tried to renegotiate his contract, the then owner Gene Klein, decided to trade JJ to Green Bay (a place where players were sent out to pasture and oblivion in the 80’s) instead of paying him a salary he would have been worth. San Diego fans were not happy with the trade because they finally had a talented exciting Pro Bowl caliber receiver they haven’t seen since the days of “Bambi”. At that time Don “Air” Coryell was in the midst of redefining the passing game in the NFL and San Diego fans felt that loosing JJ would be the end of an era that never took off. Fortunately the Chargers were able to land Wes Chandler from the New Orleans Saints and the chargers didn’t miss a beat. Air Coryell was born and enters the new era of the forward pass in the NFL.

After a disappointing lost to the Bengals in the championship game in 1981 in the Freezer Bowl, the Chargers began to make a name for themselves in the NFL. That’s where things seem to go bad in San Diego. It seems when a San Diego team begin to show greatness and a player emerges as a standout in the league, the San Diego Franchises (Padres included) seems to dismantle what made them a winner, trade great players and legends to other teams (Dave Winfield to the Yankees) and try to bring in no name athletes, or athletes past their prime and try to FIT them into the mix. It doesn’t work. Hence the term Misfits. It’s like working on a puzzle all day and getting down to a few pieces to make it all complete, then deciding to scramble the pieces and staring over, with new pieces that don’t fit. That is the San Diego motto. San Diego has had great athletes like Drew Breez, Ladanian Tomlinson, Jr. Seau, Rodney Harrison and many others, on great teams during their time. Instead of going out and adding the missing piece to the puzzle, the Chargers front office trade them all away and hope their decision to focus on salaries, will work out. They might as well grab a pair of dice and head to the craps table in Vegas.

Most storied franchises have always seemed to be the ones that have shown loyalty to their fans by keeping their star players and teams together, then bring in pieces that help make the puzzle complete. Doing so keeps the fans loyal because they just bought a $200 jersey with a star players name and number on it and they can wear it for life, instead of watching a game with that players name and number on another team. The owners and GM’s seem to think the game of football revolves around them and their clever choice of trades, draft picks and acquisitions. They do have a hand in building a team but in the long run, it is the coaches and players that make a championship team. It is a combination of good talent, the chemistry of the players that know one another skills and can depend on that teammate to do what they should do. That’s what makes a championship team. That’s what brings fans to the stadium. The Franchises that have had dynasties (Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburg Steelers, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Yankees) have all had the same identifiable players and coaches during their era of greatness, with some franchises having more than one era of champions. I could not recognize or name half of the defensive players on the field for the Chargers in Sunday’s Game.

I can no longer place the Chargers lack of championships on Phillip Rivers or any one player. It stems from the top and those that call themselves businessmen that feel they are the reason the league and sports exist. You are not. Just sign the checks and let the fans, coaches and players have their game. Stop building the Bad News Bears and a Band of Misfits over and over again.

Tommy Jennings – TIOM Editor

Tuesday Sept 24, 2013