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A Diva's Guide to March Madness
A Diva’s Guide to March Madness
By Anita Jarman
Divas, it's that time of year again...March Madness is here! I find this time of year so exciting, as it involves one of the most influential sports: NCAA Division I College Basketball. In addition to watching and rooting for the teams in the actual tournament, this is the time to organize your brackets for the impending office pools. Organizing your tournament brackets, better known as “Bracketology,” is your chance to incorporate your knowledge of NCAA basketball.
When engaging in Bracketology, however, you should always abide by the golden rule: Never pick all of the favorite teams! That's too obvious! Underdogs will always show out during the Madness! Case and point: the George Mason University 2006 Men’s Basketball Team (Check Them Out!). This phenomenon simply implies that Bracketology is not always about the favorite team…determination and inspiration is also an important factor. While the Underdogs are an important element to consider while engaging in Bracketology, remember to incorporate a bit of reality in your bracket strategy. For example, selecting the 2011 CIAA Men’s Basketball Champions to make it to the Final Four is not a sound strategy. Nonetheless, congrats to Shaw University!
As Professional Divas, we are never in the business of being unprepared. As such, here are a few tips to get you started on your brackets, and on your way to bracket glory!
1. The NCAA will select teams for the Men's Tournament on March 13, 2011, and the Women's Tournament on March 14, 2011…let the games begin! Your local newspaper should have a printout of a blank bracket spreadsheet for you to use. If not, you most definitely can find one on the Internet. (Try This One!)
2. Check the statistics and scores for each team for the season. This may take a while, but it will help you strategize. Pay close attention to the leading scorers and the clutch players (players who have stood out when the game gets close).
3. Listen to sports analysts for their take on the teams. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN is one of my favorites! (ESPN INsider)
4. Check out the following websites for some insight:
5. Lastly, vote for Georgetown!!! (GoHoyas!) Just kidding…I’m supporting my Hoyas, but we could have done better these past few weeks!
These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Just that quick, you’re on your way to entering the office pool, and winning! Remember, the Men's Championship Game is on April 4, 2011, and the Women's Championship is on April 5, 2011. Hopefully, your teams have made it to the finals.
Now watch the games while you check out one of the fabulous martinis featured on the Martini Chronicles (Martini Roll Call).Until then I’m raising my martini glass and sending a special Tournament Toast your way! Have fun Divas!
Martini Break!
It has long been settled that the Mojito is one of my favorite mixed drinks. I have experimented with several different varieties of the Mojito: I’ve added different flavors, fruits, spirits…all in an attempt to reinvent this traditionally Cuban drink. Imagine my surprise when a new acquaintance suggested that I turn the Mojito into a Martini...GENIUS! And so I did! And why shouldn’t I? The Mojito has quickly become one of the trendiest drinks amongst professional women. The hint of mint offers a refreshing change from the usual fruity mixed drinks that women often frequent. Creating the Mojito Martini was an easy departure from the norm, without straying too far from our comfort zone. I think it’s another winner to add to our Martini Roll. So without further adieu, I present the Mojito Martini.
Ingredients
3 Mint leaves
4 oz Light Rum
3 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Water
2 Teaspoons of Sugar
Ice
Lime Wedges for Garnish
Recipe
1. In a martini shaker, muddle mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice for about 2 minutes.
2. Add Rum and Water. Shake!
3. Strain mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a Lime.
There you have it! Great big shout out to Michelle for the idea! If any of you Divas have an idea for a great Martini, email me and let me know (theprodiva@gmail.com)! I'm always looking for new inspiration. Drink Responsibly!
Celebrating Women's History Month!!
Greetings Divas! And Happy Women’s History Month! For those of you who don’t know, the U.S. Congress formerly proclaimed the month of March “Women’s History Month” in 2001. In honor of a month that commemorate the remarkable and fabulous history of women, I thought it appropriate for the Martini Chronicles to recognize a small portion of these phenomenal, professional women…and celebrate the things we love about them. After all, they too are Divas, and we rejoice in their accomplishments. Let’s begin, shall we!
Dr. Susan Mckinney Steward (1847-1918)
Dr. Steward was the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the state of New York (third in the United States). She earned her medical degree from the New York Medical College for Women, and graduated as the class valedictorian. She was also an accomplished organist. And, she was a Brooklyn girl!
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910)
Dr. Blackwell was the first woman doctor in the United States (quite impressive!) She earned her medical degree from the Geneva Medical College, where she graduated first in her class. She was also very active in the anti-slavery and women’s movements.
Madeline Albright (1937)
Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919)
Many Divas can attribute the origins of their hair and skin care products to the life work of Madam C.J. Walker. Madam Walker, who is widely considered the first woman, self-made millionaire, built her fortune by developing and marketing hair and beauty products for African American women. She came from humble beginnings, and created a brand that still resonates today. Thank you Madam Walker!
Myra Colby Bradwell, Esq. was the first woman attorney admitted to practice in the state of Illinois. Before she was admitted, however, Myra was denied admission to the Illinois bar because she was a woman. She took her case to the U.S Supreme Court, which decided that the denial of her admission based on gender was not a violation of the 14th Amendment. It wasn’t until the Illinois State Legislature passed a law in 1872 which made it illegal to deny admission to the Bar on account of gender, which allowed Myra to step into history…You Go Girl!
Marian Wright Edelman (1939)
Marian Wright Edelman, a graduate of Spelman College (Go Jaguars!), is the founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund. She is also an accomplished attorney (she went to Yale!) who became the first African American woman to be admitted to the Mississippi State Bar. What a Diva! See the Resources section below for more information on the Children’s Defense Fund.
This is just a brief reflection of our history…the history of women…the history of that which I consider a Professional Diva. So to all of the professional women who have paved the way, we salute you!
Hot iPad App!
Check out the Black Enterprise Wealth For Life App for the iPad! Let me know what you think!
Martini Break!
Martini Break - The Raspberry Ice Tea Martini
It’s that time of the week that you all have come to love…Martini Time! I would like to dedicate this week’s martini recipe to all the readers and followers who have supported the Martini Chronicles, and have spread the word to their fellow Professional Divas. I appreciate everything that you have done to promote the Chronicles, and I am completely overwhelmed with the love and advice I have received regarding its content and its delicious martini recipes. I am ecstatic that you all love the Chronicles, and I hope that you will continue to Like It, Retweet It, Post It, Link It, Blog it, etc.!
As a token of my appreciation and gratitude, I present to you the Raspberry Ice Tea Martini! This recipe is a little bit sweet, and a little bit tart. In any case, it is all around refreshing. Try it this weekend, and continue to provide me with any and all feedback…good and bad.
Ingredients
3 oz of Raspberry Sweet Tea Vodka
1 oz of Raspberry-flavored Lemonade (I prefer Simply Lemonade®)
1 oz of Freshly Brewed Tea (Cooled and Sweetened to Taste)
Fresh Raspberries for Garnish
Lemon Wedge for Garnish
Ice
Recipe
- In a shaker, combine ice, vodka, lemonade, and brewed tea. Shake!
- Drop fresh raspberries in the bottom of a chilled martini glass, and strain mixture into glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
There you go! Enjoy your martini, and please continue to support the Martini Chronicles! Drink Responsibly!
