Ten things each candidate must do in Mississippi tonight to win.

Debate Prep
By Terrence Samuel
The first presidential debate scheduled for the University of Mississippi tonight is being held hostage be John McCain’s deep concern for the economy, but plans remain in place for the showdown, which would give Americans the first opportunity for a side-by-side comparison of the two White House hopefuls. A clear win by either side will change the dynamics of the last five weeks of the campaign. Here are ten things each man can do to win.

Tips for Obama 

1.  Frame the debate around a new version of the old question: “Is the country better off now than it was eight years ago?”

2.  Be the smartest guy in the room, but don’t act like the smartest guy in the room.

3.  Wear a lei to remind viewers that you’re an American.

4.  Never back away from the fact that Iraq was a bad idea for the United States.

5.  Promise government jobs to the five Wall Street refugees who don’t already work for Uncle Sam.

6.  Avoid all references to lipsticks, pigs, pitbulls and Palins.

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Palin Meets First Foreign Leaders

Vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin met with a series of world leaders as a sort of crash course on foreign policy. What do you think?

Johnny Moreland,
Hotel Clerk
“Wow, she’s a lot better at meeting people than I expected.”

Kevin Freamon,
Tour Guide
“All she needs to do is make a simple mnemonic device for remembering each country, its form of government, its gross domestic product, its military history, its relationship to the United States, and what it’s best known for.”

Karla Greggs,
Rock Climbing Teacher
“This should allay voters’ concerns about electing a candidate with no experience being photographed with foreign leaders.”

Today’s video of the day comes from The O’Reilly Factor, where Bill and I discussed the current economic crisis.

UrbanPhilly.com Professional Network (”UPPN”)

Presents

Conversation on Love and Relationships
The Dichotomy Between Black Men and Black Women

In July 2008, Soledad O’Brien reported for CNN Presents: Black in America, which examined Black America 40 years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This program brought national attention to the condition of Black Male and Black Female relationships. However, the issues raised in the CNN special were nothing new. The Black Male and Black Female struggle has historically been, and continues to be, the focus of countless newspaper and magazine articles, books, symposiums, television talk shows, etc.

UPPN invites you to engage in a thought provoking and interactive “Conversation on Love and Relationships: The Dichotomy Between Black Men and Black Women” featuring New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree. This panel led discussion will openly and honestly discuss the questions, complaints and concerns voiced by both Black males and Black females about each other, as well as discussing strategies for building healthier Black male-female relationships. Discussion topics may include, but are not limited to the following: Black Singles; Dating (including interracial dating); Communication: What We Say to Each Other; Trust and Honesty; Finding and Keeping a Mate; Finances; Game Playing; Exploring Black male/female Stereotypes and Myths; Marriage.
The purpose of this panel is to provide a shared learning experience where black males and females can learn from each other rather than Black females only speaking to each other about Black males, and Black males only speaking to each other about Black females. The permanent benefits of developing such strategies are a base of healthy Black male and Black female relationships thereby enhancing the overall quality of Black family life. Whether you are married, single or in a relationship everyone can benefit from this event. The Moderators and panelists for this event are as follows:

Moderators
·         Patty Jackson: WDAS 105.3 FM Radio Personality
·         Colby Colb: Philadelphia Radio Icon

Panelists
·         Omar Tyree: New York Times bestselling author and winner of the 2001 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work — Fiction, and of the 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award for Body of Work in Urban Fiction. Omar Tyree has published 15 books and has sold more than 1.8 million copies worldwide. With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the African-American community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and intellectual topics.

·         Dr. Marc Lamont Hill: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is Assistant Professor of Urban Education and American Studies at Temple University. His work, which covers topics such as hip-hop culture, politics, sexuality, and education, and religion, has appeared in numerous journals, magazines, books, and anthologies. Dr. Hill has lectured widely and provides regular commentary for media outlets like NPR, Washington Post, Essence Magazine, and New York Times. He is currently a political contributor for Fox News Channel, where he appears regularly on programs such as The O’Reilly Factor and Hannity & Colmes. Prior to joining Fox News, Dr. Hill was a regular guest on CNN, MSNBC, and CourtTV.
·         Argie Allen, MFT: Argie is a Director of Clinical Training Programs in The Couple and Family Therapy Program at Drexel University. She is a practicing Couple and Family Therapist and has been supervising interns and externs for the past 8 years. Ms. Allen specializes in treating couples and families with conflictual issues related to various addictions, blended families, grieving processes, affairs as well as money. Ms. Allen appears regularly on local television and media networks talking about topics related to healthy relationships. Networks she has appeared on over the past 10 years include WCAU-NBC TV 10, KYW-ABC TV 3, WTXF-FOX TV 29, WDAS FM 105.3, WUSL FM Power 99 and 100.3FM The Beat. Additionally, Ms. Allen regularly appears on MSNBC Today Show as one of their national relationship experts and has a weekly segment called Tuesdays Talk on 107.9. Ms. Allen is currently a Doctorial Candidate in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Drexel University.

·         Envy McKee: Since taking over the Philadelphia airwaves 2 years ago as the host of the only Hip Hop talk show in the world, Envy– a five year radio veteran– has taken on celebrities, politicians, social woes, pop culture, and even every day folk on her provocative, very interactive, 5 time A.I.R. Award nominated and 2 time A.I.R. Award winning On the Real with Envy. Envy’s voice is unique. Her perspective is relevant. Her ability to get to the heart of any issue is uncanny and her topics are timely, issue driven, fresh in perspective and done with a knack for not taking herself or her show too seriously. From celebrities like 50 Cent to Presidential Contenders like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, when Envy McKee speaks, people of all walks of life, complexions, and interests tune in and give her their undivided attention.

·         George James, Jr., MFT: George is a Marriage and Family Therapist at Council For Relationship’s University City office. He is also the founder and director of a men’s group that helps men improve their emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual well being. Mr. James specializes in working with couples as well as issues of race, class, gender and societal pressures and how they affect individuals, couples and families, gender inequality, and the struggles of manhood. He has been an expert guest on many Philadelphia TV and radio programs including the Lynn Doyle show, It’s Your Call on CN8, NBC10’s 10! Morning Show, WURD, WDAS, WZZP, and WPHI. Mr. James is currently a Doctorial Candidate in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Drexel University.
Conversation on Love and Relationships
Date: September 24, 2008
Time: 6:30 pm – 9pm
Location: First District Plaza – 3rd Floor, 3801 Market Street, Philadelphia PA 19104