TC To WJZW   8/6/07 - Washington, DC  Citadel-ABC's WJZW, Smooth Jazz 105.9, has tapped TC  as the newest addition to the station's on-air lineup. TC was last heard as one of the hosts of the highly-rated "The Real DC Morning Show" on Howard University's adult urban WHUR (96.3 FM), before being replaced by the syndicated "Steve Harvey Morning Show" last year as a cost-cutting move.....
The Real DC Morning Show is Off the Air Just wanted to say thank you for listening to the show and for your love and support. We appreciate you starting your day with us each morning.  We knew there were choices on your dial and we were honored and humbled that you chose to listen to us. We have always worked hard to bring you the best information and entertainment on radio and represent the community in a positive manner.  It saddens us to inform you that we will no longer be on the air at WHUR. Management has decided to replace us with the syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show scheduled to start in March.  If any audience deserves to have a goodbye, you are that audience. However radio does not allow that. We have always said that you are the best listeners in the world and we will always believe that. Thank you again for the time we shared together.  The laughs and memories will stay in our hearts forever.   "We'll See Ya Real Soon," Tony, TC & George     *A personal note from TC*   Words can not express the heartfelt thanks that I owe to the thousands of you who lifted me up in prayer following my mother's passing.  Did you know that I printed out your words of condolences, and when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I  read over the emails, the poems and words of wisdom....until I feel stronger?   You all are the best!  I was never blessed to have biological sisters, yet thru the magic of the airwaves and the internet, I have made countless bonds of sisterhood.   No, radio may not allow for public goodbyes to the listening family, however, this website will.  Because SistaCircle.com has always been my separate entity (owned, operated and financially backed by none other than 'yours truly'), it's my plan for this online sisterhood to continue for as long as I am able.  My SistaCircle.com is a labor of love that was born before the DC radio gig, and (God Willing), will be by my side at the next gig.   It is a gift and a true constant in my life, along with you, my fabulous sistas!   Leave a message,  if you wish.  Remember, I'm only a "click" away at tc@sistacircle.com  Much love,  TC
Valentine's Day for One by TC Reprinted from The Afro American newspaper It's that time of year again. Everything changes to pink and red, and you're currently not romantically involved. That one, little fact can mean the difference between enjoying this holiday, or ranking it as one of the year's low points (and hey, it's only February). The so-called most romantic night of the year for couples can leave a single sista feeling pretty left out. But, we're not alone in being alone. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 80 million people will spend this holiday as a single. Historically, (brace yourself) Valentine's Day is a holiday established in commemoration of murder. Yes, according to my research, it's a day dedicated in the memory of St. Valentine, who advocated marriage and illegally wed couples when Emperor Claudius II of Rome banned marital unions in order to keep young men from being hindered from going to war. He was murdered on Feb. 14th. This may, or may not make you feel any better about going solo this Valentines Day, so decide on your vision for V-Day. Do you want to celebrate? Or would you rather treat it like just another day?

 If you choose the latter, then go through your normal routine on February 14th, knowing that February 15th will arrive and life will go back to normal (at least until next year) . Besides, the day is half over once you've survived the rose parade. Not the one in California, the one on your job. You know, those constant bouquet deliveries for co-workers. If you do choose to celebrate, consider making it a date night - with yourself. Order your favorite meal, rent a movie, light candles - whatever makes you feel special. You could even use the night to catch up on your sleep. Aren't most of us sleep-deprived anyway? By the time you settle in for the night, you start to think maybe being single on Valentine's Day isn't so bad. After all, you didn't have to drive home from work with a giant vase in your front seat, soaking your car interior with stem water every time you made a sharp turn. No high expectations for a hot night of romance that didn't pan out. Just you, a trip to Blockbusters, maybe extra cheese on your Valentine's Day dinner, and the one you should love the most: You!

 

Email your comments to tc@sistacircle.com.

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He's just not that into you . . . by T.C. Reprinted from The Washington Afro American newspaper - January 2005

"Rejection is your protection." A girlfriend laid those four, simple, yet 
profound words on me during a conversation about the men in our lives. The 
conversation really centered on men and why they do the things they do in romantic 
relationships. 
My friend is of the mindset that if a guy rejects you, you should read that 
as a clear and present signal that he's not someone that you should be around. 
Maybe he's just trifling. Maybe he has baby mama drama, maybe, whatever. 
It's a classic single-woman scenario: you really like a guy, but he's giving 
mixed messages. You make excuses and decide he's confused and afraid of 
commitment, and then he disappears. Now, you're drained and confused? Well, help is 
on the way. 
Luckily, there's a book of truth designed to clue you in on what, perhaps, he 
won't tell you, and why, perhaps, you shouldn't really care. It's flying off 
the shelves at bookstores nationwide. 
He's Just Not That Into You - The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys may 
be a bit unsettling to read, but it's worth the discomfort. You see, it's 
about truth -- his truth. Although it may not come from his mouth, it definitely 
shows in his actions. The truth may just be that his change in attitude -- his 
lack of returned phone calls, his arrogance, and his ability to change from 
Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde -- should not require an extensive investigation on 
your part. Truth be told, he's just not that into you. If you're not convinced 
yet, by all means read this smart, funny and surprisingly upbeat little book, 
full of questions and answers covering every excuse a woman has ever made to 
avoid admitting to herself that a man just wasn't that taken with her. 
A man's actions often leave women asking, "Why doesn't he just say so?" The 
answer, this book maintains, is irrelevant. 
Sure, you don't get it. Why would a grown man say one thing when he means 
another? That's part of what the book is about. The other part is about accepting 
that once you have wasted enough time trying to figure out why "what's-his 
name" plays the games he does, you (finally) may figure out that the whole thing 
boils down to this: He's just not that into you. Understand? And the time you 
waste is precious time taken away from recognizing Mr. Right when he shows 
up. 
Read He's Just Not That Into You, by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, for 
yourself. 

T.C. is co-host of "The Real D.C. Morning Show" on 96.3 WHUR-FM in 
Washington, D.C. Visit TC online at www.sistacircle.com

Will you thrive in 2005?
Reprinted from The Washington Afro American newspaper - January 2005


January is the month when many of us make resolutions, and February is the one when most of us break them!  But hey, this year's going to be different, right? Most of us don't have a clue how to make a reasonable resolution, which is why most of us fail to keep the ones we make. We set high goals for ourselves, and then wonder why we never reach them.  I reign as the undisputed queen of the broken resolution. Lose a few pounds. Exercise. And, of course, relax and take time for me, myself and I. They all failed, and not because I wasn't sincere when I made them. I'd say it, I'd mean it; I'd still fail.  I had to change my ways.   Nowadays, what I really like to think about for the new year is simply making one or two changes in my life that I know I can do!  Then strive a bit here and there, without putting too much pressure on myself.  It's as simple as doing five more minutes of yoga a day or trying to make a little more time for my family and friends. My simplest change for 2005:  to once a week write a short note, send a quick email or send a card to friends, family, or business associates.  Sure, it doesn't seem like much.  But it adds up to 52 a year, which is more than I am doing now. So, here is my New Year's hint for you: Pick one or two things you want to do or strive for or improve, write them down, and post the list inside your day planner, Bible, medicine cabinet or someplace that you will see daily. I have mine taped up inside of the drawer where I keep all of my vitamins, so I take a look every week or so. It works for me!  But if you're still intent on keeping those "resolutions," here are a few tips:
 
Think Positive! Counter negative ideas like "I'll never succeed" with positive thoughts, like "Today, I made some progress."
Surround yourself with people and situations that encourage good habits. Join a support group; get an exercise partner.
Give yourself rewards and pats on the back for your progress.

The most important secret to keeping those New Year's resolutions is to take the process of change one day at a time. Big changes begin with small steps.  Do just a little bit to get going and soon you'll feel the positive effects of the change, which can lead to long-term healthy habits that last far beyond New Year's Day.


T.C. is Co-host of The Real DC Morning Show" on 96.3 WHUR FM in Washington, D.C. 

Eat, Drink and Be Wary Reprinted from Fox 5 TV's MyVoiceDC.com - December 2007       Sista Circle - By T.C. Office party season is upon us. I humbly offer my annual cautions.  After all, we've all heard about the person who got so drunk at the office Christmas party that they groped a co-worker, told off the boss, and passed out under the buffet table.              Monday morning they couldn't remember what happened, but they still had to try to work with those people.   By then, the office grapevine had kicked into full gear.  You may have seen it happen. You may even have been the unfortunate one who did it.

        Either way, you probably know what happened to that person. They were either fired outright or shut out until they resigned. Very few companies tolerate that kind of behavior. Your attempt at being the "life of the party" may cost you your job.   If you drive drunk, it may cost you your life or cause you to take one. Unfortunately, too many people think it's the time to let their hair down, clown around and drink too much.  ?Get your party on? with your coworkers and  you may find yourself spilling all kinds of secrets, including the one about how you're job hunting.   Experts tend to agree that social activities related to work environments really should be treated as business settings; and it?s wise to be somewhat reserved in the situation . The office Christmas party is generally not the time to let it all hang out. Such frivolity should be saved for get-togethers with close friends and families. Yet, the number of business people who continue to display less than professional behavior in business-related social settings always amazes me.   Although the office party tends to occur after-hours, your job?s hierarchical structure continues to prevail and those in higher-level positions are prone to observe and evaluate employees in such settings.  You ARE being watched.  How can the trappings of the evil office party be avoided?   Here are some party survival tips:
          
           *    Keep it more "office' than 'party." Don't attract attention through outlandish actions.
                Be outgoing and conversational with colleagues but limit "shop talk."  Instead, concentrate                 on general topics.

          *     Dress stylishly but conservatively and save the club attire for the club.
           *     Minimize or avoid alcohol intake!                               
           *     Be mindful of what you say, to whom, and where.  For example, a friend of the boss's                                                          wife just might be in the ladies room within earshot of  your office gossip with a coworker.    
            *      Office parties are usually mandatory.  So, you cannot avoid them. Arrive on time, mingle, speak to the boss, eat a few hor d'ouevres, and thank the host.   Remember:  Holiday office parties are the time for you to be on your  best behavior.  Don't' do something that will damage your career.  Instead, use these tips to eat, drink and be wary!

Lessons in the positive
By T.C.

Back in my school days, I was amazed to find out that when you multiply two negative numbers you always get a positive one. Today, that mathematical theory may offer some much needed encouragement for those who try in vain to stay positive surrounded by those you might call "naysayers." I call them "spirit killers." You find them in the workplace, among family and friends; you even find them complaining as they ring up your purchases in the grocery store (it's time for their lunch break, they grumble). I've found that most negative people don't see themselves as negative. They truly believe they are just voicing what everybody else is thinking but not willing to say. Then, of course, there are those people who are just bitter and believe they've been through enough trials and tribulations to have earned their "Grinch Card." But once you overdose on tolerance, how do you handle it? Time to work on your reactions. (That's what you can control. You can't give them an attitude transplant!) I've been told I'm "the queen of tuning out negative folks." Beam me up Scotty. I'm out of here - transported instantly in my mind to a tropical, sandy, beach where the only thing I'm hearing now are waves crashing against my body. With practice, you too can tune out The Grinch, and find yourself...in a more positive place. Here are a few more tips:

* Don't reward negativity. Attention is a big payoff of a negative attitude. Well-meaning people try to cheer the person up and halt their pessimism. Flashing back to school again, I recall a basic Psychology 101 principle: behavior that gets rewarded gets repeated. Don't reward negative, complaining behavior with too much attention.

* Confront them. Most negative people don't know that they're negative because no one ever tells them. If someone's negativity is affecting your ability to be productive and focused, give them some straight-up feedback, or a copy of this column.

Final thought: Before you give yourself a mental pat on the back for being a positive person: Ask yourself if you're sure that YOU, yourself are not the dreaded negative person. Oh, you're not? Are you POSITIVE?

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Recently, I went on a serious mission. As a media personality, I would find the most eligible, unattached men in the Washington, DC area and toss them into the waters via radio and internet, ready for the single sisterhood to reel them in. Not just single and ready to mingle, but those unafraid of a committed relationship. Yes, I said the "C" word. I got tired of hearing the depressing ratio of single women to men in this city. Isn't it something like 13 to 1? Anyway, not one to be discouraged, I began my search. Once I put the word out, ladies in my online "sista circle" contacted me to recommend dozens of their platonic guy pals, coworker, deacons and dads. Not a contest for best body, buffed abs or beaming BMWs, what I call my "Mighty Good Man of the Month" is just that --nice, progressive black men with as much spirituality as sensuality. Well, I found so many good men, that every month, I'll introduce a new man to the world wide web via SistaCircle.com. The Mighty Good Man of the Month is another vehicle for single ladies to find single men in their 30's 40, 50's and beyond, and a chance to email them discreetly of their interest. So, what makes for a Mighty Good Man? I've developed a theory, and it has nothing to do with a fantasy knight in shining armor arriving to save me from single womanhood. My theory is this: Many women don't find good men because they don't know what good men look like. A good man may as well be the invisible man to them. The good men don't always hold prestigious jobs earning fat paychecks. He doesn't always wear designer clothing and platinum jewelry. He might not have degrees from the most popular colleges, probably doesn't live in a plush condo, and may not have six-pack abs. However, the men who lead these high-profile lives seem to get noticed by women. I've heard women proudly tell their friends that they date a doctor. Many have sprained their necks to check out the brother in the shiny Lexus. No, these brothers definitely aren't invisible to the ladies. Sure, a "Mighty Good Man" can enjoy a prosperous lifestyle--but he's just as likely to be rather ordinary, too. Plain, even. Like the old car you drove back in the day that was pretty dull on the outside, but always started up on a cold morning and got you to work on time. No eye-catching paint job, but the engine under the hood was solid and dependable. Look under the hood of a mighty good man, and you'll find attractive, functioning parts: honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, love of God and family, --critical pieces that can be found in a good man's system, performing in well-oiled silence. Take notice of a mighty good man, and know that he's a mighty good catch!

T.C is Lead Host of Washington, DC TV-13 and an air personality on WJZW Smooth Jazz 105.9 radio. 

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Buggin' over Cicadas!

All right, I know. By now, you may be just a bit fed up with the hype and terror surrounding the 17-year cicada invasion that is currently taking place in our area. Sorry. I can't help it. I happen to be one of the thousands of people who suffer from "cicada phobia." At least I think I'm phobic. Just the thought of the evil, flying nymphs with large wings that have long veins with blood pumping through each vessel make me start to itch all over! That would make me phobic, right? Not that I remember the last time these annoying little creatures reared their beady little red eyes and paid us a visit. I was a college student at Hampton University in Virginia back then and, thank goodness, I missed the drama on the East coast. Therefore, I rely on the memories of those family members and friends who survived the 6-week ordeal. From what they tell me, it was worse than I could have imagined. In 1987, they were so numerous that for every acre, their numbers averaged in the hundred thousands. I don't know about you, but my idea of a perfect day in late spring includes waking up to birds singing, spending quality lunch time with a friend at an outdoor cafe, then capping off my evening relaxing with my kids on my deck. Now imagine my same perfect, sunny day - but with millions of disgusting cicadas mauling the birds and devouring the bees. Some of you might wonder what I am whining about. Maybe you think that the cicadas are not that bad. Okay, I'll grant you that. Cicadas aren't really vicious.  Actually, they're harmless. But since I'm what most people might call a little "sissy" who jumps at the mere thought of bugs, the next six weeks are bound to be a nightmare. I wish I could take vacation leave from my position on WHUR-FM until the cicada drama blows over. But, that's a bit excessive since my name is not Oprah. And if I try to use my sick leave by calling in with a bad cough every morning for the next six weeks straight, my boss might get a little suspicious. Instead, to get over my cicada phobia, I have devised some ways to make these creatures tolerable.

* Have pride!  Not in the cicadas themselves, but in black history. Did you know that the mathematical fact that the 17-year periodical cicadas reappear every 17 years like clockwork, was discovered by a black man? Astronomer Benjamin Banneker!

* Vow to survive!  Listen to WHUR 96.3 FM weekday mornings to win your Real DC Morning Show Cicada Survival Kit which includes a net, swatter, eye goggles, protective gloves, etc. It's your only chance!

* Learn to Love 'em!  Look at them as annoying houseguests that overstay their welcome. Yet the cicadas are guaranteed to mate, lay eggs and die off all within 6 weeks. There is one downside though: Cicadas never shut up. Nature's explanation for the noise is that the male cicadas use membranes underneath their wings to produce earsplitting mating calls.

* They're sexy...in a way. You see, the adults live for four to six weeks. During that time, their sole purpose is to mate. So for a month and a half, we will all get to witness billions of cicadas doin' the nasty.

* Eat them. You could embrace the cicada on a culinary level. Cicadas are considered a delicacy in Shanghai, China and years ago Native Americans roasted them over fires. But you know better than to ask me for any cicada recipes.

       The bottom line is that cicadas will go splat against car windshields and crunch under the soles of shoes. Yes, our cute shoes, ladies! But, suffice it to say, we'll all have to find a way to deal with the pesky creatures. Whether we lock ourselves inside our homes or welcome them with open arms... the cicadas are here!

T.C. is Co-host of "The Real DC Morning Show" on WHUR 96.3 FM. Visit TC online at www.SistaCircle.com

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Spring it on!
by T.C.
(TC's Sista Circle column --The Washington Afro American newspaper)

It's official.  Spring has sprung!  It's time to renew ourselves: mind, body and soul. It's just like the flowers that start to bloom every spring, the grass and the green leaves that begin to grow and the snow that melts and runs through the ditches. Spring is truly a miracle, and even in the midst of horrific news swirling around the country and the world, it's hard not to feel hope blowing in through nature's wind.  Ottis Redding sang it best, "change 'gon come." Everyone is in need of a change. Whether it is a fresh new pair of sandals, some red/blond highlights, or a new romance.

Try these rejuvenation tips on for size:

• Walk it off!  The extra light and warmer weather may give you a much needed boost in your life and prompt you to live a healthy lifestyle.  It is the time to take your running shoes out and grab a friend to walk the neighborhood with on a Saturday morning or a beautiful evening after dinner.
• A "girls' night in" with manicures, pedicures, facials, food and movies may be enough to open your mind and soul for a whole new season.
• Plant a garden with your children. Take time to smell the roses...and plant new ones!  Watching the plants take root and then blossom in the same spot each year is redeeming and replenishing for all.
• By this time of the year most people are so dragged down by winter that they're in need of a change of scenery. Buy a cheap ticket to the nearest warm climate destination for a spring holiday. If you can't afford to go away due to money or time restraints then rent a hotel in a nearby place that you are not familiar with and take along some of your closest friends. This is the next best thing. At the very least, buy a travel book about your dream location and let it take you there.
• Pick up a good book and set aside time to read it.  These days, I'm curling up with The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren.  In this powerful book, Warren  answers that most important question, what is my purpose? What on earth am I here for?  Profound, compelling and transforming! 
• And don't forget about spring cleaning.  If your home is congested with extra stuff it will only weigh you down. Get set to renew!  It's the time of year to think about who you are and who you'd like to be.  

This season is all about YOU!

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The Washington Afro-American  

Sista Circle

By T.C.

Feeling Good About Ourselves

Let's begin with a Riddle:  You are not Tyra.  You are not Boyonce, Vivica or Janet  and you cannot dance on a music video, or sell cars in magazines or make-up on television.  As a matter of fact,  you are not even ON television.  What are you? 

Riddle Part II:   You live and you breathe and  you have breasts of non specific sizes ranging from AAA to EEE.  You have hair that is short, long, nappy or wavy, and you have, or  had, a cycle roughly every 28 days..

Hold it!  You know the answer now:

Every day,  400 to 600 advertisements bombard us in magazines, billboards, television and newspapers.  One in ten has a direct message about female attractiveness and so-called beauty.  It seems to me that we're not what we see.  We're not one of the images that we see day in and day out - an image that is held up as important and worthy of dollars and male attention.  It's no wonder our self esteem and body image is suffering.  Self esteem is how we feel about ourselves, and ladies, as a whole, we have a long way to go.  I once heard a saying that goes like this:  Men look in the mirror and see something more, while women look in the mirror and see something less.  Think about it!  Some of the most gorgeous women are always finding physical fault with themselves, and some of the most physically unattractive men carry themselves like they are "all that."  Have you ever met a man that didn't think he was fine?  But most of us can't even take a compliment without firing back, "Big as I am?  I'd look a lot better if I could lose some of this weight."  It's called low self esteem ladies, and we have it bad!  

We have to learn to really love ourselves from the inside out, and stop wasting our lives hating ourselves for not being strong enough, smart enough; not having hair that's long enough, straight enough, or -- the most common -- bodies that aren't thin enough.  It's important in every aspect of our lives that we feel happy, whole, and at least satisfied with what and who we are.  We're all on that journey, and we're not going to get their overnight.

Spiritual Changes Towards Self Acceptance   

Go through your circle of friends.  There are those who are positive, uplifting and supportive.  These are people who are good to us and good for us.  Talk to these people and hang around them as much as possible.  They give you that positive energy.

On the other hand, it's time to clear out the negative people that I like to refer to as "spirit killers."  You know the type.  They always have something gloomy or sarcastic to say about you, what you have on and anything else that is basically none of their business.  They're like termites in a building.slowly, but surely they bring the whole house (your spirit) down.  Stay away from the spirit killers!  They're toxic to your self esteem. 

If you believe in a certain religion, embrace it!  Take positive sayings or scriptures and write them down and put them in your mirror or on the dashboard of your car.  Then, for good reading on building self esteem and self acceptance, check out the recent bestseller Esteemable Acts by Francine Ward.

Are you ready to push the boundaries of your comfort zone, prove naysayers wrong, and examine every aspect of life to find hidden opportunities for greater self-love?  If so, let's get started building healthy self esteem ladies.  Then we can start to see ourselves as that beautiful,  unique woman that we are.  Love thyself and accept yourself, just the way you are!

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TC's Shrimp Linguine with Feta and Plum Tomatoes

2 pounds uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed or intact  (I like them better removed
10 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound assorted wild mushrooms (such as crimini, baby portable, and stemmed shiitake), sliced
4 pounds plum tomatoes, seeded, chopped (about 7 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil (FRESH, No cheating with dried)
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (FRESH)
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper (optional)
1 pound feta cheese, crumbled (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 pounds linguine

Place shrimp in medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; sauté until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to plate; cover. Add 4 tablespoons oil to same skillet. Add mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil, 1 1/2 cups parsley, garlic, and red pepper, if desired; stir until heated through. Mix in both cheeses.Meanwhile, cook linguine in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Return to pot. Add 3 tablespoons oil; toss to coat. Add mushroom-tomato mixture to pasta; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer linguine to large bowl. Top with shrimp and 2 tablespoons parsley.

Makes 8 servings.

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