INSIGHT

Four Women that Rocked it

2011-01-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

Why wait until February to celebrate "Black." The Black Girls Rock Foundation most certainly didn't. Kudos to them for partnering with BET for a powerful awards show acknowledging Black women and girls and just how special we are and not waiting until February. If you missed the awards show this year- you missed this powerful performance. These four contemporary artists put on a mind numbing performance of Nina Simones "Four Women". I couldn't keep it to myself, so check it out below and then check out the original sung by Nina herself.

A Book Took My Child's Innocence

2010-10-01T12:20:00.000-04:00

Frankly the idea of a book stealing ones innocence seems quite silly! Yet, some (over protective parents) believe this to be possible. Enraged by the content of the material in a few of the books selected for reading in school- parents have complained. All the complaints have led to a list of banned books. But contrary to what you might think, the books on the list are actually celebrated during an annual Banned Books Week hosted by the American Library Association. This year it runs September 25- October 2nd, 2010. The goal of this is to celebrate the first amendment and our freedom to read and have access to such materials that may expand our knowledge, creativity, awareness, etc.

Intellectual freedom—the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular—provides the foundation for Banned Books Week. BBW stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints for all who wish to read and access them. -ALA

This year 20 out 87 challenged books were banned. Some of those on the list include "Snitch" Allison Van Diepen, "Eye Candy" by RL Stine, and "Forever" by Judy Blume. "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee continuously makes the list despite its permanent status as an American classic. In fact there are several classics that have constantly been challenged including, "A Catcher in the Rye" by JD Salinger and "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker and the "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway. These books were a huge part of my childhood and adolescence. Aside from learning valuable lessons, reading these books allowed me to make connections not only with my peers from other schools but also with my older siblings, my parents and even grandparents... because we had all read the same book. Books become classics not because they paint a rosy picture but more importantly because they present a unique perspective in history that perhaps is left out of the history books, or maybe is complimentary to history books. Books become part of our history and serve to enrich future generations, by offering the context.

Earlier in the week Obama appeared on morning news to be apart of NBC's weeklong focus on education in the United States. Our education system is in crisis. It was reported that American children are slowly and progressively falling behind in education. NBC cites that the U.S. currently ranks 21st in science and 25th in math among advanced nations. While the focus should be on boosting learning in these subjects, we should still continue to cultivate well rounded individuals. Thus instead of banning books and shielding our children, perhaps we should strive to educate them more. Give them the gift of awareness and knowledge because ignorance is not bliss.

Mario Empanya- A Black man with a global mission

2010-09-28T12:00:00.006-04:00

In 2008 Vogue made headlines across the world when the Italian edition created the Black issue which featured Black models. It was a big move for Vogue, who is considered a longtime leader in the fashion world but with that one great step forward, they have now taken great steps back. The pictures that accompany this posting were all shot by Mario Epanya for what he had hoped would be Vogue Africa, an African edition of the magazine. His vision for the magazine came from his belief that it was lacking in African influence.

“I read my first Vogue in 1979 and have been buying it regularly ever since. I always felt that African creativity was not represented.” -Epanya

“I also realized that black women in Western magazines didn’t correspond to African beauty. Women in Western magazines frequently had light skin, fine features, and long hair. Today I think black women want to re-appropriate their image and don’t want others to dictate what is beautiful and what isn’t. Beauty is diverse and today we aspire to more diversity of choice. So when I got the idea to create the covers, I said, why not?” -Epanya

Epanya, created several sample covers for the envisioned Vogue Africa and presented them to Vogue publisher Conde Nast. Nevertheless he was met with rejection. Afterwards Epanya posted on his Facebook page:

“DEAR ALL. The Wait is over. Condé Nast said NO to an African license of VOGUE. So this is the last cover. Enjoy, but it’s a beginning of something”

This is only the beginning. Epanya plans to start his own high fashion magazine, which will feature a non-white & non-Western standard of beauty. He may even opt to purchase the license that will allow him to create Vogue Africa. While Empanya has many supporters, he has been met with challengers. Some have made the argument that Africa is and always will be a player in the fashion game. Magazines such as Arise and Canoe are examples, yet, Vogue magazines in Africa are still more popular. Sadly, African designers still need validation from the West. Yes, Colonialism is still a nasty bitch! For this reason Epanya feels that it is necessary to join forces with the great force that is Vogue and branch out.

His response to his critiques:

“Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. Africa is behind in a number of sectors, including politics, chemistry, research, I could go on. I’m sorry, but we can’t enter into war with the people who created the internet, cell phones, and airplanes. No, I didn’t create the Ipad, life saving vaccines, or Google but I’m happy for the things that contribute to our lives so that the world advances. I’m not at war with the West…and I think that instead of living in the rancor of a difficult past between the races, we should look at how we can exchange between people.”

SO now the question is: Should the Africans nations move to sit at the big global table or should they continue to build their own table? Epanya clearly believes that it is time not only for Africans to take their place at the table but to bring along their own dishes for the rest of the world to experience.

The Arabic edition was also rejected, but Vogue India was launched. Perhaps there wasn't enough room at the table for Africa...it is a continent after all.

NEW LOOK

2010-09-26T11:15:00.003-04:00

Insight has a new look! Check back for the latest insightful updates on everything from world news, fashion, politics, sex and more!

When to Shut up

2010-03-18T11:58:00.003-04:00

One thing that really bothers me at work are the endless and ineffective meetings. Is it necessary to meet constantly to discuss each and every step of an action plan? There can't be any progress made if you are constantly interrupted by a meetings where you must update folks on your inevitable lack of progress. I think this is something that everyone deals with... which lead me to believe that its not just my boss who likes to hear himself talk. People are just obsessed with talking.

I came across this article on Huffington Post discussing this obsession with communication. If you find yourself wondering if you are guilty of obsessive talking here is a simple guide:

1. When someone starts a sentence with "We need to talk about..." run for the hills.

2. If you think you have a great idea for an invention, book, product or song, wait until it is ready to come out. Don't wrench it from its womb while it is incubating.

3. If you feel you are not having sex often enough or as you want it, think again about talking about it. You may make your partner feel even less like having sex.

4. Obviously, when your partner asks for advice, shut up.

5. When talking replaces action, lose the talking in favor of the action. The next time you are inspired by someone telling you to live your best life now, sketch out an action plan immediately after. If not it will live in soap bubbles of inspiration and will serve the sole purpose of temporarily making you feel inspired without any follow-up impact.

Talking is a balm for the lonely and afraid, but a poison for those who use it to replace the art of living.

Scheiße, oder Sie steigen den Topf!

Rude Boy

2010-02-25T20:34:00.001-05:00

Does anyone feel like this is the vibe that Bey was going for in "Video Phone" but didn't quite achieve?

Bring Change 2 Mind

2009-11-11T19:43:00.005-05:00

"1 in 6 adults and almost 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Yet, for many, the stigma associated with the illness, can be as great a challenge as the disease itself. This is where the misconceptions stop. This is where bias comes to an end. This is where we change lives. Because this is where we Bring Change 2 Mind."

Bring Change 2 Mind is an excellent campaign to fight against the stigma attached to having a mental illness. Ron Howard partnered with actress Glenn Close and the array of national mental health organizations to put together a 1 min commercial. If you have a moment please visit the site or pass the information along to someone else- you never know what people are dealing with.

Yuck!

2009-11-11T19:17:00.004-05:00

I know you've been sprayed at least once or twice by the water that sometimes springs up out the toilet after powerful flush. Now think about this.... if your ass wasn't in the way, just how far would that stray droplets get?
YUP.... that far!!!

According to Women's Health mag "There are more than 3million bacteria per square inch inside the average toilet bowl. When you flush, those bad boys are ejected into the air and land on EVERYTHING IN THE ROOM, INCLUDING THAT INNOCENT BYSTANDER KNOWN AS YOUR TOOTHBRUSH." Close the lid before you flush and get a toothbrush cover!

The Naked Body Issue

2009-10-08T14:21:00.009-04:00

All praises to ESPN for putting a real woman on the cover of their magazine. I never thought I would see the day when the naked body of a woman over a size 3/4 with brown skin would grace the covers of a mainstream magazine. A magazine that isn't catered specifically to Black and Latinos or on the cover of a porno. Kudos to Serena for having the courage to break the mold and for showing mainstream (white) America what a beautiful chocolate body is all about

Thoughtful Thursday

2009-10-01T19:04:00.002-04:00

"Perspective is like an invisible lens how do you clean it if it gets dirty?"

-thoughts gone wild

Mama I Wanna Sing

2009-09-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

What you think of this remake featuring Ciara?

Thoughtful thursday

2009-09-24T18:55:00.005-04:00

"Sometimes you've got to keep steppin' to catch the beat"
-thoughts gone wild

Make your own interpretation- it works for many situations in a positive way.

Tardy for the party

2009-09-14T18:46:00.003-04:00

Here's a lil sumthin special for those fans of Desperate Housewives of Atlanta...oops I mean The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Shout out to Kandi, the producer for trying to get a dollar out of fifteen cent with this one!

Caster: Woman....and Man?

2009-09-11T18:49:00.003-04:00

If you have a mere interest in sports or in world news, then you would know about the South African track star Caster Semenya who recently became the World Champion in the womens 800 meter race. If you take a look at the photo of her you will note right away what the controversy is...yes don't be afraid to say it- She does look like a man! That seems to be what everyone thought- and so the International Association of Athletics Associations ordered a gender test.

Yesterday the Daily News reported that : The 18-year-old South African champ has no womb or ovaries and her testosterone levels are more than three times higher than those of a normal female, according to reports. The tests, ordered by The International Association of Athletics Federations after Semenya's 800-meter victory in the World Championships, determined she's a hermaphrodite - having both male and female organs. Semenya could be stripped of the gold medal she won in Berlin last month and her competitive future is in limbo, according to Australia's Daily Telegraph

Today the Daily News reported: an Australian newspaper reports indicated that those tests had revealed that Semenya had no ovaries, but did have male sexual organs inside her body, producing large amounts of testosterone (and giving her an advantage in competition). The IAAF has refused to confirm or deny the reports, and has said it does not expect to make another comment on Semenya before the next meeting of its top executives Nov. 20-21.

So they are calling her a hermaphrodite but for those of you who read the previous post on Lady Gaga you know intersex is the proper name for these individuals and you probably suspected Semenya was an intersex all along. What I didn't expect was for Semenya not to have any ovaries! I think that our reproductive organs are among the most basic elements of biological gender classification not necessarily gender roles- but at the very least biological classification. This in combination with testosterone levels triple that of the average female does not make Semenya's argument for womanhood look any better. There is a condition called androgen insensitivity syndrome, in which the body is programmed to develop into a male, but something happens to prevent that from happening properly - maybe this is Semenya?

Perhaps you think this is unjust/unfair and that if she was raised as a woman- she should compete as a woman. Those of you who are athletes, especially female athletes understand the unfair advanatge that Semenya has- especially in track and field. Your gender puts you on an equal playing field- your strength, perserverance and talent are what help you get ahead.... not your testosterone levels. However, Semenya already has the gold medal. Do we take it away from her? -She is a hero to her people, how can we snatch that away? She did not intentionally compete against women so as to have an advantage...as far as we know. It's kinda like she had natural steroids. Going forward what is the best move? Who are her peers? Should she be allowed to continue to compete with women? Her times are good enough to compete professionally with men- so do we move her to the mens division? -Guess we'll wait and see what is decided.

Happy Birthday Michael

2009-08-29T09:37:00.003-04:00

HAPPY 51st BIRTHDAY

Michael Joseph Jackson
(August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

Here are a few of the reasons why Michael was so great....

This undated photo provided by the Vered Gallery in East Hampton, N.Y., shows Andy Warhol's "Michael Jackson 1984," a 30-by-26-inch painting of the pop star in a red jacket from his 1980s "Thriller" days. The Vered Gallery in East Hampton, has sold the Andy Warhol portrait. Gallery co-owner Janet Lehr did not reveal the final bid price, but did say it was above a million dollars. (AP Photo/Vered Gallery, File)

On March 25, 1983, he performed live on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special, both with The Jackson 5 and on his own singing "Billie Jean". Wearing a distinctive sequined glove, he debuted his signature dance move, the moonwalk, which former Soul Train dancer and Shalamar member, Jeffrey Daniel had taught him 3 years before.

Unlike later albums, Thriller did not have an official tour to promote it, but the 1984 Victory Tour, headlined by The Jacksons, showcased much of Jackson's new solo material to more than two million Americans. He donated his $5 million share from the Victory Tour to charity.

He also co-wrote the charity single "We are the World"in 1985 with Lionel Richie, which was released worldwide to aid the poor in the U.S. and Africa. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold and millions of dollars donated to famine relief.

Jackson starred in the 3-D film Captain EO, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It was the most expensive film produced on a per-minute basis at the time, and was later hosted in Disney theme parks. Disneyland featured the film in its Tomorrowland area for nearly 11 years, while Walt Disney World screened the film in its Epcot theme park from 1986 to 1994

The Bad World Tour began on September 12 1989. He broke a Guinness World Record when 504,000 people attended seven sold-out shows. He performed a total of 123 concerts to an audience of 4.4 million people, and gained a further Guinness World Record when the tour grossed him $125 million. During the trip he invited underprivileged children to watch for free, and gave donations to hospitals, orphanages, and other charities.

One of Jackson's most acclaimed performances came during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. As the performances began, Jackson was catapulted onto the stage as fireworks went off behind him. As he landed on the canvas, he maintained a motionless "clenched fist, standing statue stance", dressed in a gold and black military outfit and sunglasses; he remained completely motionless for several minutes while the crowd cheered. He then slowly removed his sunglasses, threw them away and began to sing and dance.

Jackson gave a 90-minute interview to Oprah in February 1993, his second television interview since 1979. He denied tabloid rumors that he bleached his skin, stating for the first time that he had vitiligo. The interview was watched by an American audience of 90 million, becoming the fourth most-viewed non-sport program in U.S. history. It also increased awareness of vitiligo, a relatively unknown condition. Dangerous re-entered the album chart in the top 10, more than a year after its original release.

History, released in 1995 is the best-selling multiple-disc album of all-time, with 20 million copies (40 million units) sold worldwide. "You are not alone" was the second single released from History; it holds the Guinness World Record for the first song ever to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The memorial was held on July 7, 2009, in Los Angeles. Some unofficial reports claimed a worldwide audience as high as one billion people. The U.S. audience was estimated to be 31.1 million, an amount comparable to the estimated 35.1 million that watched the 2004 burial of President Ronald Reagan, and the estimated 33.1 million Americans who watched the 1997 funeral for Princess Diana

*info courtesy of Wikipedia

MJ's Free Birthday Bash

2009-08-28T12:12:00.003-04:00

Director Spike Lee's Brooklyn public celebration of Michael Jackson's birthday has been moved amid predictions of a big crowd. The free bash will be held in the Nethermead meadow in Prospect Park on Saturday afternoon, rain or shine. It originally was planned for Fort Greene Park. The New York Times reported Friday that the initial crowd estimate of 2,000 swelled to more than 10,000. The paper says the Rev. Al Sharpton will say a prayer at the party. President Marty Markowitz will present a proclamation declaring Aug. 29 Michael Jackson Day in Brooklyn. DJ Spinna will play all things Michael Jackson. Jackson would have turned 51. Lee collaborated on Jackson's video for "They Don't Care About Us." Jackson died on June 25.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/28/spike-leesponsored-michae_n_271049.html

Are you gonna eat that?

2009-08-25T10:40:00.004-04:00

Ever wondering if that week old pasta is still good? Still Tasty is a great website for figuring out the shelf life of virtually anything edible.

Do I have to store ketchup and mustard in the fridge once they’re opened?

Answer: Technically speaking, you don’t have to store opened bottles of ketchup and mustard in the refrigerator. But it’s a good idea all the same, since you’ll get a lot more mileage out of them if you do.Due to their high acid content, both mustard and ketchup will keep fine for about a month in the pantry. But after that, their flavor, appearance and texture will begin to break down and deteriorate much more quickly at normal room temperatures than in the cooler 40° F storage conditions of the refrigerator. An opened bottle of ketchup should stay at peak quality for about 6 months in the fridge mustard for at least a year. And both will remain safe to consume for much longer than that, as long as they've been continuously refrigerated.

What Lady Gaga and earthworms may have in common

2009-08-15T09:51:00.007-04:00

Lady GaGa .... a "hermaphrodite"?! Apparently rumors started when a slight bugle in front of her panties made obsessed viewers curious. - Lady Gaga has a penis! Pretty soon after this the pictures zoomed in on her crotch area surfaced and everyone was over analyzing her videos. Then there is an un-cited statement floating around by Lady Gaga in which she states:

"It's not something that I'm ashamed of, just isn't something that I go around telling everyone. Yes. I have both male and female genitalia..." "But I consider myself a female. It's just a little bit of a penis and really doesn't interfere much with my life. The reason I haven't talked about it is that its not a big deal to me. Like, come on. It's not like we all go around talking about our [genitalia]. I think this is a great opportunity to make other multiple-gendered people feel more comfortable with their bodies. I'm sexy, I'm hot. I have both. Big fucking deal."

I don't know if this is a true statement or not but its pretty gutsy- as we know Lady Gaga to be. but it's still unfortunate to have your personal biz put on blast. Yes I am adding to the hype but I would also like to offer some insight of course and make some sense of the matter.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a hermaphrodite is 1. an animal or plant having both male and female reproductive organs 2. something that is a combination of diverse elements. An earthworm is a known hermaphrodite carrying both ovaries and testes. Humans are not hermaphrodites. What Lady Gaga might be is intersex. Intersex is a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. Now if Lady Gaga is in fact an intersex individual and considering herself to be female then she probably has female reproductive organs. The bulge in her panties could possibly be an enlarged clitoris making it seem like a baby penis.

This is unfortunate for Lady Gaga but this does bring to light some greater social concerns about Intersex individuals. When an intersex child is born with one of the various birth defects that would make them intersex should corrective surgery be done shortly after birth or should the child be allowed to grow and develop a few more years? Sometimes the birth defects are deadly and thus surgery is necessary but what about when it is a matter or making things look more normal? The Intersex Society of North America recommends that Surgery to change genitals or make them look more like a “normal” penis & scrotum or vulva should not be performed until the child is mature enough to make an informed decision for himself or herself. Do you agree with them? Your answer might depend on how you categorize gender.

"nature doesn’t decide where the category of “male” ends and the category of “intersex” begins, or where the category of “intersex” ends and the category of “female” begins."

~Intersex Society North America

Poor Lady Gaga- I guess when you are constantly wearing leotards, body suits and thongs over tights people can't help but stare.

Subway Series of Unfortunate Events- JERK

2009-08-13T13:25:00.004-04:00

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS GUY?

Hopefully you haven't. Unfortunately he was busted on the 3 train jerking and I don't mean dancing.

A woman riding the uptown 3 train captured this picture of him on her cellphone. He got on the train at 42nd Street/Times Square at 3:45 p.m. and then got out at the 96th Street stop. This woman happened to be an FBI officer so she reported her findings to the nearby 32nd precinct where she was told to dial 311 because it wasn't a police matter. The media has had a fields day with this story- flashing this mans picture everywhere and coming up with funny headlines. I have a couple questions- this photo doesn't reveal much. What if he wasn't actually masturbating? Shouldn't e be smiling or having some type of euphoric grin. This man looks confused. Actually he looks like he was looking at someone else doing something outlandish. If he actually was masturbating isn't that illegal? If so - that cops who told her to call 311 is gonna be in some ish. The sad thing is that this does happen quite often an unless the perp is caught in the act- how can it be regulated?

Ginuwine in Trouble

2009-08-12T20:56:00.004-04:00

New Ginuwine featuring Bun B- Trouble

*Disclaimer* Bun B does not appear in the music video however he is featured on the album version...wonder why. Insight anyone?

AaaaWoooo!

2009-08-07T22:42:00.004-04:00

She Wolf- Shakira

Howls and all. There isn't much that can be said... Shakira leaves nothing to the imagination. Although I do really like the concept of every woman having a she wolf inside of her- it's somewhat liberating.

Maxwell- Bad Habit

2009-08-07T22:27:00.001-04:00

I have a bad habit of watching this video over and over again....

D-list Dames

2009-07-31T00:31:00.005-04:00

This was an ad on one of my favorite gossip blogs- Bossip. I am not posting it to publicize it. I am posting it to ask what the hell happened to these chicks to make them pose nude for a hip-hop website?! I am not knocking the nude/semi-nude or sexy photos...but this hardly seems classy. Reagan Gomez from the Parenthood! Mya! Really?! Are times tough or is this what they aimed for?

*Let me add that there is no hate here- the girls look great and they are beautiful women (at least with the help of lots of weave and make-up).

Poetic Justice 2009

2009-07-31T00:27:00.002-04:00

Lil Mama: No words are necessary here...

So-Bald

2009-07-23T22:29:00.006-04:00

I bet Solange Knowles is regretting having uttered this statement:

“I get asked about Beyonce all the time but I try and make fun of it. Sometimes I say she’s not my sister. Other times I say I’ve stuffed her in my suitcase and sent it to Dubai. I have to have fun with it or I’ll turn into Britney – shave my head and go totally crazy.”

Solange is showing classic signs of being the youngest. Yet still, she isn't the only chick sporting next to nothing. Amber Rose actually makes it look fly.

Obama looking frumpy?

2009-07-21T21:58:00.003-04:00

I wish they would just leave him alone... even though I was thinking it myself. LOL!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

B.L.O.G.

2009-07-21T21:32:00.005-04:00

B****** Love Online Gossip. Hmmm not quite what you were thinking? Me neither. This is the title for Kandi Burruss's upcoming album. It is inspired by everything that's been going on with her in her reality show life...not quite sure what that is yet but we will soon find out. She will be one of the housewives in the upcoming season to of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Season 1 was everyone's guilty pleasure but who knows what season 2 will do. I'm not quite sure how someone who was supposed to be on the ghetto fabulous 'Tiny & Toya' show has instead been placed on The Real Housewives of Atlanta but I suppose we will find out soon enough. I think it's also notable to add that she is engaged to AJ, former 106 and park personality. Kandi's own insight on the matter here

14years old, 555Lbs and a fugitive

2009-07-21T20:53:00.004-04:00

A 555lb 14 yr old boy! What! How did this happen?! Couldn't someone at least have stopped him at 200lbs....How in the hell do you get to 555lbs at the age of 14? This poor kid...

The boy disappeared with his mother after she was accused of neglecting his health was found with her Thursday afternoon at a laundry in Maryland, authorities said. Paramedics checked Alexander Draper, 14, before turning him over to the Maryland Department of Human Resources, police said. The two were found in Woodlawn area of Baltimore County, police said.

His mother, 49-year-old Jerri Gray, was arrested on a charge of violating a custody order, police said. South Carolina officials plan to pursue her extradition back to the state. Authorities said the teen was at a "stage of critical health risk" but wouldn't provide details about his medical condition beyond his weight, said Greenville County Sheriff's Lt. Shea Smith.

The story continues at MSNBC

Strawberry Swing

2009-07-20T21:20:00.004-04:00

Coldplay's "Strawberry Swing", from their album "Viva la Vida."

The video was directed by the creative/animation team Shynola, and it features a superhero version of Coldplay singer Chris Martin doing battle with a killer squirrel in a chalk board world.

I had to post this, it's one of the most creative videos (without any dancing involved) that I have seen in a while.

*Courtesy of videos on smash

Tales from the F train

2009-07-17T12:22:00.004-04:00

I can't stand the "F" train. I don't know if it's because it has such a long route or what it is that makes it so attractive to Riff Raff and his friends.

10am queens bound train
Enter the "tear jerking" beggar...
"Ladies and Gentlemen please forgive me for begging but I have no place to go. I have 6 kids and nothing to feed them. Anything you can spare would help."Yeah right! Try handing her that extra banana you were going to have as a snack and watch the look you get...they want them dollaz!

4pm headed back on the train toward Manhattan...home of the hustlers, a step up from the beggars.
A "deaf" man enters passing out sign language cards. Flip them over and they explain how he is making his living educating the public on the deaf. Where is the educational piece? It's simply a two sided piece of paper, one side the sign language alphabet, the other side with his explanation of begging. All you did was throw your cards at the supposedly uneducated train passengers and expect them to buy them at "any" price. What a lazy and unoriginal hustle! I remember back in the late 80s and 90s when people would pass out these sign language cards, as a kid I thought they were cool until the person would return looking for a dollar and I would be forced by my grandmother to give it back....Thanks but no thanks, I'll keep my dollar!

The deaf act is followed shortly by the desperate act. This one doesn't even bother to put in ANY effort. He is just straight dirt and grime. He shamelessly walks through the car in his get up of rags accessorized only by the garbage bag dragging behind him and coffee cup to collect change. He is cloaked in an original odor that only someone if his caliber could stir up. He doesn't bother with any speeches or plugs... Just a dirty old coffee cup to serve as his guide through the car full of disgusted and unsympathetic New Yorkers who have seen this all too often. I'm definitely keeping my change...and holding my breath!

Ugh, what will tomorrows train ride bring? Stay tuned for my Subway Series of Unfortunate Events...

Mario- A Sex Symbol?

2009-07-14T21:22:00.003-04:00

Break Up - Mario (featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett)

It's evident that he is trying to elevate his status to sex symbol. I just don't know if I can handle the bald head just yet. I just got past the image of him sitting on the stoop singing "braid my hair..."

Ciara still at "Work"

2009-07-12T21:26:00.005-04:00

Work- Ciara (featuring Missy Elliot)

Not really much to say about Ciara. She's pretty consistent, not necessarily improving but not getting any worse...

oh wait, almost forgot about that "We are the world" tribute at the BET awards. SMH. She tried.

BLACKsummer's Night

2009-07-07T23:50:00.006-04:00

7-7-09 Maxwell's long awaited album dropped and although it may have been slightly overshadowed by the illustrious funeral of Michale Jackson it was definitly not forgotten. The album, BLACKsummer's Night is a breath of fresh air and a return to true music.

The first single, Pretty Wings was only a preview to the beautiful melodies that come forth from his sultry voice. The second single, Bad Habits brought back that sense of familiarity and timelessness that is ever present in Maxwell's music (similar to the Alicia Key's vibe). The creativity and talent of the musicians is dispelled through their instruments and fused with Maxwell's sound making this album such a breath of fresh air.

There is something so genuine about Maxwell that comes across in his performances and once again in this album. These are not songs created for airtime or radioplay nor are they meant to be sing-a-longs with catchy hooks. I would say it's reflective, meditative, feel good music that you can play over and over again. You don't get the sense that he is trying to hard or aiming for a certain look, he is just being himself. He is not forcing the reinvention of himself on his audience, you just get the sense that he has taken hiatus to live and experience a bit more of life and now he is back to share. It definitely was worth the wait.

The most exciting thing is that this album is part of a trilogy, Black Summer's Night. Black is said to be more of a dark reflective album which brings you into, Summer, the present, more hopeful, uplifting and light. Night is the one that perhaps I look forward to the most, it is more of that 'Til the cops come knocking', 'This womans work,' 'Whenever wherever, whatever' type of music that Maxwell has been known to bring us in the past. Classy love making music. Fellas if you thrown on some Maxwell I guarantee you will get farther than you would by putting on The Dream... although you might want to thrown on some 'sweat it out' a little later on.

Death of an Icon

2009-06-29T15:09:00.004-04:00

Michael Jackson
August 29, 1958- June 25, 2009
An American Icon and Music Legend
May He Rest in Peace

*Look out for our series on Michael Jackson.

Alice in Wonderland....yet again!

2009-06-24T21:39:00.008-04:00

Yes! Alice done made her way back into Wonderland, but this time I think she is going to get a lot more than she bargained for. There have been several version of the classic children's tale Alice in Wonderland. I personally always found that even the previous animated Disney version to be pretty scary. But Tim Burton has put a peculiar spin on things making this version quite unique...and perhaps even scary.

Sources say that the Disney film will be out March 5, 2010. The cast includes veterans of the fantasy land Johnny Depp (Mad Hatter of course) and Christopher Lee mixed with newcomers like Alice herself, Mia Wasikowska. Here are a few sneak peeks...I'm not quite sure if this is one for the children or not but it definitely looks interesting.

Ryan Leslie- Valentine

2009-02-21T10:39:00.001-05:00

For your listening pleasure- Ryan Leslie's new single: Valentine

The NY Post will forever be a trashy paper...but what about it's readers?

2009-02-21T09:33:00.006-05:00

By now everyone has heard about the seemingly racist carton that appeared in the NY Post, now they have issued what they call an apology :

Wednesday's Page Six cartoon - caricaturing Monday's police shooting of a chimpanzee in Connecticut - has created considerable controversy. It shows two police officers standing over the chimp's body: "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill," one officer says. It was meant to mock an ineptly written federal stimulus bill. Period. But it has been taken as something else - as a depiction of President Obama, as a thinly veiled expression of racism. This most certainly was not its intent; to those who were offended by the image, we apologize. However, there are some in the media and in public life who have had differences with The Post in the past -and they see the incident as an opportunity for payback. To them, no apology is due. Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon - even as the opportunists seek to make it something else.

Sounds like the post has built up some enemies over the years. More disturbing than this half ass apology were the comments below the apology:

-The cartoon clearly was aimed at Pelosi and Congress. They wrote the stimulus bill, not Obama. Sharpton, the rascist (Tawana Brawley, Freddie the White Interloper) opportunist has no moral capital on this issue. He and Jerimiah Wright are the racists. How about that for a non coward discussion of race, Eric Holder? Also I seem to remember liberals depicting President Bush as a chimp in numerous cartoons and writings.Shame on the Post for knuckling under to the new thought police. There is no freedom of speech in Obamaland.

-"My question is quite simple : a white President can be compared to an ape, but an African American one can't. Why ???"

-The was nothing wrong with the cartoon, it was free speech. Those in the black community need to control themselves and leave our freedom of expression alone!Instead of acting like third world muslims going after a Mohammed cartoon, they should be cleaning up their dysfunctional and destructive inner city culture and communities that are draining this country. Maybe the rest of us should protest them?

Seems like this cartoon has opened up a racist can of worms. Perhaps the cartoon was just a cartoon not meant to depict our black president as a monkey, but instead a larger depiction of the democratic party who approved the stimulus bill. Either way- it has served as a gateway for both racist white folk to state what they really think of black folks in this modern day and there are some blacks who jump on every opportunity to shout racism. So where does this leave us now? Well, now instead of just NYers knowing that the NY Post is a trashy paper, everyone knows it's a trashy paper.

UnbeWEAVEable!

2009-02-21T09:26:00.002-05:00

This weave saved her life...smh... what a mess!

Black is in!

2009-01-22T20:33:00.003-05:00

Larry King admitted that his 8yr old son wishes he was black.... "There's a lot of advantages to being black," King said. "Black is in. Is this a turning of the tide?" Someone should tell little Cannon King that black has always been in... white people been jackin' our style. The real question is why Larry King's old ass has an 8yr old son? smh!

Le Question Du Jour: Why Do Men Cheat?

2009-01-09T01:48:00.008-05:00

I have had the unfortunate privilege to, every week, hear about another one of my friends getting cheated on and the question always posed is: why do men cheat? Today, I felt the inclination to address it. I am by no means an expert in the convoluted (ha) thoughts of men, but in talking to some of my guy friends, this is what I’ve come up with:

Because they can—Let’s take former NY Governor Spitzer for example. He seemed to have everything: money, power, success, and a loving family. And yet still with everything to lose, he cheated on his wife...because he can. Ladies lets be real here. For various reasons, it seems to be rare that a woman leaves (permanently anyway) after her man cheats. When women reaffirm that, men continue to do whatever they want because they know shorty will be there til the end. Hey...maybe the dude really puts it down. Some might not think that’s important, but I know many a female who have stayed in fucked up situations for some mind-blowing sex...that wheelbarrow jumpoff really is on point btw, but I digress
Then there’s the “it’s just sex” argument. Ok, now in seeing the dealings of some of my closest male cohorts, I do believe that a man can still love his girl/fiancée/wife the same way even if he’s doing his dirt on the side. It’s kind of like living a double life cause one situation does not effect the other…the problem is that it should! His love for his girl should preclude him from hurting her and cheating
My favorite: the only thing better than good p*ssy than new p*ssy: ‘nuff said on that
It’s biological: now this is a lil controversial, but what the hell. So in ancient times, men used to have numerous wives and concubines and what have you so as to maximize the number of his possible heirs and to make sure to proliferate his name. Women, however, are pregnant for 9 months so women are used to being dedicated to one man. Biologically speaking, it may just not be natural for men to be faithful. Unfortunately for them, society says they are just gonna have to get over that.
Some guys are just innately and forever shady

Does knowing any of this help? Probably not because at the end of the day, people are going to do what they are going to do. I’ve been told by many men: but not every man cheats and there are a lot of stories where men who cheated stop for the right girl, stop after getting married, or don’t get married to get the cheating out of their system so there is hope.

(Shouts to Hurrikane)

For those who are not about “hope,” there’s a saying “Men are like buses. You never chase one, because there is always another coming in fifteen minutes.” Recently, it has become a quite useful mantra. As soon as any “bus” [read: man] shows the smallest sign of breaking down on me, I swiftly hop off that joint at the nearest stop and wait for the next bus. Ya’ll city folks all know that your worst nightmare is being stuck on a broke down bus, all pissed cuz the air conditioning is off (God forbid there may be other unsolicited chicks on the bus as well) and then you see a perfectly functional bus rolling right by you with an ugly chick on it, all comfortable and laid back in her seat, swiftly and efficiently reaching her destination drama free, and express at that!

I have hopped many a bus in fear of future unreliability.

Then one day I was talking to a friend (that is what I’m calling him and I’m sticking to it. He’s too young for me, but I can keep a secret) and my mantra came up, to which he responds, “Yes most men are like busses. But some are like BMW’s. And a few are like Maserati’s.”

DAMN. Checkmate. He’s right.

Then I started thinking to myself – why is it that so many of us ladies take the bus? Let me take the time to make clear that this bus, BMW, Maserati analogy has nothing to do with money, it’s about quality. I know many a wealthy bus nigga. Tsk. Tsk.

Anyway-

Ladies have you ever found yourself out in the cold, losing hope that a BMW gentleman will be picking you up and driving you to the land of Milk and Honey? Why is it that, even though we know that a BMW is out there, we instantly lose faith and hop on the first raggedy ass bus that we see? The ticker says that this bus is going to your destination, so we get all complacent and say “okay fine I’ll take it for a ride” (aoww). Then we get pissed when the joint runs local, doesn’t take you where advertised, and/or breaks down on you at the worst time. Then we get off the damn bus, all pissed cuz now not only are we not where we want to be, but we wasted mad time with this awkward, shady vehicle. I guess you could argue that even a rickety, raggedly, local running bus is better than walking. (Or is it?)

What about those BMWs and those Maserati’s? Where the hell are they and why don’t the manufacture more of them joints? First of all, if you find yourself a Maserati you better count your blessings and keep that car clean, polished, and in good running condition!! Beware though ladies, sometimes a BMW will come to pick you up and you know that it’s going to a destination that you are not tryna reach. Whether you saw through that shiny exterior, or if he let you know up front where he was going, you knew that it wasn’t where you wanted to be! But you get in anyway. And while the ride is so so nice, you soon realize that you are traveling farther and farther from your where you wanna be. And that, my loves, is when you have to politely pull over the car, step out, and with a classy smile on your face say, “Thanks for the memories, babe.”

Don’t be afraid to walk alone, girl, as long as you’re going in the right direction.

Condy's Getting A-rab $$$

2008-12-28T19:12:00.003-05:00

Despite President Bush's lack of popularity in the middle east, it seems that his top diplomat Condoleezza Rice has made a name/reputation of her own. According to one of my favorite news blogs she received $316,000 in jewels alone from Arab leaders. Busta might talk about getting A-Rab money but it looks like Condoleezza really is. LOL! Check out the article here.

This ain't your mama's music...or is it?

2008-12-17T20:30:00.007-05:00

This might seem random...but the tight pants and orgasmic thrusts of the male vocalist and sultry moans of the female vocalists caught my attention while eating lunch today in a peruvian restaurant. They were showing a medley of videos by this group Boney M. I decided to follow up and learn a little more about the group.

With raunchy album covers, provocative lyrics and costumes, Boney M were trendsetters during the seventies. They were produced out of West Germany but the members hailed from the Caribbean... shout out to those who hail from Montserrat, Aruba and Jamaica (it's rare that you find another Montserratian). There music was extremely popular over in the UK, India, Australia, The Netherlands...pretty much everywhere except the U.S. This first video is called "Daddy Cool" and it was one of their biggest hits, the second video is "Ma Baker" which got much more play over here in the US. Check out what they wearing! Once again... random, but fun! and yes it probaly is your mama's music if she was in the disco during the late 70s and early 80s.

Daddy Cool

Ma Baker

Can women be pimps? Or is she really just a whore with confidence?

2008-12-02T21:40:00.004-05:00

This blog post is not some sociological interpretation of female madams and their impact on modern feminism. Rather, it is about is your home-girl who calls herself “a pimp” or “player” when it comes to the world of men and sex. Where as madams or real pimps, like Heidi Fleiss, used the bodies of the women they employed for sexual services, I’m talking about the woman who uses her own…not necessarily for money or gifts, although they might be part of the perks, but for the pure, raw enjoyment of the sexual experience. She’s got several men in rotation, and boosts about keeping up with the promiscuity of her male counterparts. Mimicking some of the behavior that’s most abhorred in men, she keeps up relationships with several men at a time, keeping them all at a certain distance, and steadfastly claiming that “there are no strings attached”.

Is she really a pimp, player, or mac? I’m not downing anyone’s right to have casual sex, or sexual exploration, but is having several partners at the same time really sexual exploration or just letting yourself be explored? Considering the very nature of sex and its dynamics, can a woman really say “there are no strings attached” when it’s her body that’s entered and sometimes left with a deposit from her most recent visitor? Now the female pimp might stop me here to correct me and tell me that her body is more a John Mayer-esque “Wonderland”, rather than a “Slip and Slide”, but I remain unconvinced. If every sexual experience is supposed to be some type of metaphysical connection between two bodies, how is it possible that you have that same connection with like three other people in same week. Better yet, do you ever wonder what you’re getting out sex? What’s the end goal for the female pimp – a couple dinner dates and pink polka dot Rolodex full of male acquaintances? I find it hard to believe that you are having great sex and tear inducing orgasms with every single partner.

The funny thing is, I truly believe that women are the more superior sex, and are capable of being better liars and more devious than most men. I’m fairly sure the female pimp can keep up more pseudo-relationships than her male counter parts and have all her partners convinced that they are the only ones. But what the female pimp fails to acknowledge is the fact is that there is probably more power in not giving it up than there is in being spread eagle. Great wars have waged by men simply over the possibility of getting some (Helen of Troy any one?). Think about it, male players give little and take a lot, all while dangling the mirage of a relationship in the face of their current plaything. If the male player currency is a relationship, perhaps its only fair that the female pimp keeps what the market wants high in demand, rather than tossing her currency around like free money (or better yet the US’s current economic stimulus package).

And as you treat your partners like a dessert tray, what happens when you can’t deny the fact that there maybe one particular dessert that hits the spot just right, satisfying you better than all the rest and leaving you longing for more? Ironically you face the same dilemma of the male player in the end. Now you want your late night dessert to turn into a breakfast croissant, and instead of a Sunday roll in the hay you want to enjoy a walk in the park. But like the male player –can anyone really take you seriously? Because you know, no one turns a hoe into a housewife…

Oooooh No...not the rat tail again!

2008-11-30T01:29:00.005-05:00

I know that the eighties has been making a real comeback...but please oh please tell me that the rat tail that lil boys used to rock is not coming back?! Fellas don't do it! Apparently NBA player Drew Gooden was sporting the beginnings of one... and I came across this blog about rat tails . Now I have spent the majority of my time in NY...but maybe it never died in some parts...i don't know, but I wish it would die.

It seems as though Bobby Valentino is growing one in the back of his head. Check it out in his new video Beep Beep.

Ever had a REAL Conversation?

2008-11-30T01:22:00.004-05:00

Ever had to have a real conversation with someone? For those of us who like to keep it classy…we like to have ‘real conversations’ with certain individuals. If you don’t know what it is… I would say that having a real conversation with someone is a spin off of “telling like it is” or “keeping it real,” but it’s more classy, sophisticated...if you will…a tool of EBP (Educated Black People …still don’t know google it). Having a real conversation with someone is not intentionally hurtful or mean…. But instead you are clearly and effectively expressing the truth and your concerns since they seem to have gone unnoticed for sometime. It may be the case that the individual is not ready for what you are about to let them know…so things may get ugly before they get better.
Usually the point at which you find yourself needing to have a real conversation with someone is close to when it will actually happen, because its simply UNAVOIDABLE. It’s usually something that needs to be done…because frankly the BS has gone on for waaay to long and you feeling like “I need to handle this before I choke ole’ girl.” Once you put it in your mind that that’s it’s not okay for them to carry on the way that they are, you won’t be at ease until you express yourself. If you are still unsure of what a real conversation is please read the following scenarios and think back to when you may have had to have a real conversation with someone.

When you loaned your friend money out of the kindness of your heart and a couple weeks go by and they still haven’t paid you back; yet, you notice that she got a fresh blow out/ or he got on fresh kicks; meanwhile you scrapping together paper bag lunches trying to get by cause you made a sacrifice for they ass. A real conversation needs to be had about when they gonna pay you back and why you struggling at their expense. Real… talk, maybe if you weren't getting so many blowouts or new kicks you wouldn’t need to borrow cash in the 1st place…those keds get you to and work just fine.

When your friend doesn’t understand that a bootycall is not a relationship…and she is running around telling everyone about your nightly activities and blowing things out of proportion…a real conversation needs to be had. Real talk…Coming over at 4am is not a breakfast date boo.

When you come back from lunch and you notice repeatedly that your coworker is eyeing you, or when you get off of a personal phone call they eyeing you again. How about when you chatting with your friend on gchat and that’s when they decide to come over and ask you about a report due next week as if to warn you about your productivity. A real conversation need be had about he or she clocking your work when they not your supervisor. Real talk…You don’t see me saying nothing about your oh so convenient coffee breaks or on Monday morning how you feel the need to let your girlfriend know about your weekend escapades while the rest of us were preparing for the work week.

When your homegirl beings to think she's the third person in your relationship. Filling you in on your man's whereabouts or asking about his upcoming projects as if she's a consultant. A real conversation needs to be had about the fact that she need not be overly concerned about your man and vocalizing how great he is. Real talk…Yes, I like my man in that vest too, but you don't need to mention it 5 times about how good he looks in it

Feel free to share any situations in which you had to have a real conversation with someone over some ole’ bullshit. Stay tuned for the Rules of a real conversation and when a real conversation goes wrong.

Who should most be inspired by Obama? AND...Will we see a baby in the White House? (Hopefully...)

2008-11-26T09:44:00.008-05:00

I've been meaning to provide commentary on this particular subject for quite sometime. Today's early boredom at work is as good a motivation as any, I suppose, to highlight the people that I espouse should be most inspired by that dude Barack's election (yeah, we're on a first name basis like that). Though many groups lay legitimate claim to Obama's racial and cultural identity, his monolithic appeal forces a magnetism of sharing and commonality that is unprecedented to date (even immediately post 9-11, in this author's opinion), primarily because the guy just doesn't fit nicely into any category to which he's grabbed (I dunno, kinda like how people romanticize America). One group, however, exacts an exlusivity in claim (two if you count my sorors) on a very acute inspiration from Barack, and they get the gold for who should be most inspired. That group is BLACK WOMEN--and their claim is Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama is straight up black and a straight up woman, period (who's "bad" in a good way...see photo above [which doesn't even show off the fatty])! Michelle seems to be as good as it gets, on a number of levels, and I think nothing evinces Barack's judgment more resoundingly than his grinding (hard by most accounts) to pull Michelle (who was older and who was more established...she was even "the breadwinner" for a good portion of their marriage--even Oprah can't say that). With the destitution of honor and chronic dearth of mores in the black community, the black family more frequently than not finds itself in the position of suspect numero uno. From the natal alienation of slavery through the institutional devouring of our families presently, the black family has never more prominently stood nor has the world subjected it to as much scrutiny as it does today, using the Obama household as conduit. With black women vastly positioned as the cornerstone of our families, Barack's success is largely Michelle's. One could argue at length regarding the nuances of her involvement in Barack's campaign (I personally believe she was the mastermind), she consisently projects a standard by which black women should be inspired--touching the professional (did u see her speeches!?!?), aesthetic, and familial aspects of black womanhood. In short, I imagine little debate would surface as to whether or not Barack would be in his present station were it not for Michelle. Since the US Census reflects black women's propensity to marry outside their race to be the lowest of all racial categories, there is hope and inspiration that doing you could pay off in a way markedly different from black people feeling that we can all "make it" now. Some might call me a dreamer, but I think the likelihood of stronger black families (no matter how few) as a result of black women being reinvigored by Michelle's example will more likely outnumber the total of neo-"[insert noun] movements" in America, and hopefully it will dead movies like "Something New" or "The Family that Preys" (lol...smh with a heavy sigh).

Black men need to sit they asses down, be humbled, reflective and introspective about the magnitude of having the safety net of institional excuses singed more and more daily (and then stand up and set out to inspire our black women even as Barack has with his lifetime cabinet pick). Whatever the expectations preset, whatever the onslaught of adversity, black men are increasingly realizing unprecedented successes AND holding down black women. Playtime is all but over in that regard. Black women, on the other hand, in this small way can viscerally empathize and enjoy Michelle's illness so far, though I'm sure more is to come.

[Though I didn't comment on her innumerable professional accolades and chose to focus exclusively on family life, please don't assume my accent to family life in any way being a presumable pinnacle of success amid black women (it had to be said, cuz yall crazy, and I ain't tryna get cut).]

On a lighter note, the White House unquestionably needs a baby! Behind the grin resulting from my conviction, rests the negro in me who wants to still further push America to a place of deeper tolerance and acceptance. First, let me say that I am delighted at how the media has embraced the Obama children (and their coming pup). Could you imagine how the media would respond to a new baby? While Michelle is doing big things professionally (because I think she's going to grind)? While Barack leads the free world? If that would not be inspiration for black families and for American tolerance and acceptance to be extended, I would be hard pressed to find anything short of "choose your champion (UFC/Gladiator type)" strong arming. Although, I am uneasy about America falling in love with black youth publicly (see Michael Jackson and Gary Coleman) to say the least.

But perhaps most exhilirating aspect of a baby in the White House would be sticking it to the Palin family (wow!). Nuff said!

*I know if Michelle was my wife and I was prez, I'd be getting it poppin' in the White House!!!!

Comments welcome!

Who is Sasha Fierce

2008-11-19T23:58:00.006-05:00

It’s a shame that our girl B must create an alter ego to say what she really wants to say. I actually I like this character Sasha Fierce much better. My favorite tracks come from the Sasha Fierce side, including sweet dreams. But all in all I think B should drop the alter ego and just be herself. Her fans would appreciate a more down to earth and slightly more gritty side every once in a while…well at least I would. Not saying she should take the Keyshia Cole route but it would have us all intrigued nonetheless.

The alter ego idea is not at all creative, most recently TI, Mary J., Tyrese, Nelly and Garth Brooks have done it and in the past David Bowie and The Beatles have experimented with alter egos as well. None seemed to be major career boosters… I think that B attempted something, but she just scratched the surface of something that could’ve been better. As a Newsday blogger so cleverly put it

It's a brilliant idea, if only the music cooperated. Beyoncé is clearly feeling more lovey-dovey and less bootylicious these days....In the end, neither Beyoncé personality gets fully developed here. "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" is supposed to be a declaration, but it sounds more like "I Am ... Not Sure."

I agree. I mean what is it that Sasha Fierce has that Beyonce, as we know her, lacks? A kinky sex life?…wait until you hear Video Phone. Other than that they sound like the same person. Honestly Sasha Fierce isn’t a huge jump from good ole’ B (and this is evident with the double cd). Instead she sort of reminds me of the sassy Beyonce that made songs like Independent Woman, Check on it, Crazy in love, 03Bonnie & Clyde. Could it be that Sasha Fierce existed all along but only now was she able to break free? If so how long will she be free. Will there be more from Sasha Fierce on the next album?

I'm going to give this album a B. It's somewhat consistent in that you have a few danceable hits and sing along ballads...but no classics coming out of this one. So far nothing can touch her first solo album Dangerously In Love (2003). I’m not sure if anything will ...at least not as long as she is still able to dip it low for silly songs like Single Ladies

What we will take from this album is a new definition of a hustler: “A diva is a female version of a hustla” –thanks to Sasha Fierce for that one…whoever she really is.

Sweet Dreams

2008-11-19T23:51:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite tracks off the latest Beyonce album- I am...Sasha Fierce

Bald is beautiful ?

2008-11-18T01:25:00.003-05:00

In the past week, I've run across TWO different stories in TWO different reputable literary sources (Glamour and Allure) on male landscaping-- i.e. "MAN-SCAPING". Is it really that much of a phenomenon? Or are these magazines just running out of things to talk about? Perhaps there is a quota on how many "Have better orgasms" articles they can print each year, and they have decided to get at the fellas instead.

Now, for those who don't now what "man-scaping" is - let me fill you in. Man-scaping is basically any kind of hair removal from a man's body other than from his face or scalp. This can include shaving or waxing, like "chest man-scaping", a la "The 40-year old Virgin", or something a little more intricate (to say the least) .... i.e. the "Brozilian", a male equivalent to a Brazilian. In fact, both Jay-Z and Diddy have publicly admitted to having had "Brozilians". In this month's Allure, Diddy states, "I shave and groom my private areas. It's a better presentation for me. If men require women to go through the pain, we should return the favor."

See now, I appreciate that Diddy realizes that he holds his women to a high standard when it comes to personal grooming and is willing to do the same for his partners, but um really, is this necessary? I mean, its one thing to trim and keep tidy but is the prepubescent hairless look really that sexy? Isn't being hairy one thing men are good at? Let's not even explore the pain/stubble/ or ingrown hair aspect to this scenario. And although I am secretly delighted that some men are experiencing the sheer level of pain that is a result of hot wax being spread across their unmentionables and quickly ripped off, it doesn't mean I want my man to build a relationship with the same chick who waxes my eyebrows. Also, I feel like this puts some pressure back on women in an subtle, underhanded way. If you stay on top of your wax game ...does that mean I have to too?

Now there are many different hypothesises on the causes of this phenomenon. Of course, there is that long held rumor that "it makes it look bigger", or the suggestion that there is an element of extra sensitivity when hair free. But overall, I blame porn, and in particular hi-definition pornography, for this craze. I think men are beginning to try to capture the unrealistic physical expectations displayed in pornography that has long plagued females. I have hard time believing that most average men would 1. come up with this idea on their own without seeing it on t.v., and 2. really want to lift their leg up and to the side so that Kim Lee can get those stubborn stray hairs.

What I do know is that I'm going to feel real strange if my man got shy one night because he missed his standing wax at Bliss. I have a hard time thinking of anything un-sexier. So what do you think? Is it too much to enjoy a little bit of chest hair on a man (and some below), or should we be exploring the whole new ball game...hair free...

Don't Block Your Blessings

2008-11-16T13:01:00.005-05:00

It's Sunday again...the day I allot to a little reflection time.

On a daily basis I work with a woman who has a lot going on in terms of stress. Her heart is in the right place but life seems to keep knocking her down. She is caught up in a system that has lead her through cyclical stress. I would be completely discrediting myself, my job and other in the helping field if I said that the system hasn't given her anything. I realize that the system has finally come to the point of putting a few people in her life who really care about her and are there to actually help... already some changes have been made.

Just this past week I came to realize that I was dreading her coming into my office. I noticed that she was so miserable that she was draining my energy. I'm in a helping profession and the burn-out rate is quick...but this woman is burning me out almost immediately. I finally had to say "look put the goddamn stress aside and do something fun!" No noo I didn't actually say that, but I did become frustrated with her because she was sitting around moping, when I was about to skip off to a fun workshop that my job was offering for free. All I could think was that she was sitting there sulking yet again but not taking advantage of the free class that I knew she needed. More importantly I thought she just needed to take a break from her miserableness and do something to benefit herself. The thing that is most frustrating in working with her is that she does not see the good in her situation AT ALL. In just six months we had done so much, made so much progression and yet she wasn't seeing this.

Unfortunately I don't have some cute ending to the story with her. She is still going to carry on miserably until some miracle occurs...unless I can convince her otherwise. But I did learn two things.
1. Sometimes you just gotta be selfish and do you.
I mean sometimes you gotta put your stress aside and enjoy yourself. Forget about everyone else and invest sometime into your self. it may seem selfish, but it actually isn't. When it comes to taking care of yourself, you have to make the first move.
2. Don't block your blessings.
Remember not to block your blessings. Look for the good in your situation, even if it's small. Any amount of progress, is progress nonetheless. Also if you are spending your time complaining to a friend...eventually they are going to get tired of hearing it. My solution: realize your emotion and let it out so that you can get rid of it or deal with it and move on. Live your life and realize that there will always be bumps along the way. The journey doesn't end at that bump, eventually you get over it and onto the next.

Our first "colored" president

2008-11-11T23:54:00.002-05:00

Ok so we know that Lindsay Lohan has no home training...but damn did she really call Obama our first "colored" president??? I think it was a rather muffled part of the interview but listen for yourself right around 17-19 seconds into the clip.

The Girlfriend Code Rule I

2008-11-09T15:18:00.004-05:00

Rule I
If your girlfriend VERBALLY expresses that she likes/has a crush/ hooked up with/ had a one night stand/ or had some serious flirting with a guy that she would like to date….he is off limits.

I’m addressing this 1st b/c it the most common mistake - usually is a fool proof way to dissolve a friendship.

Personally, I don’t get why women still refuse to get this—thousands of relationships would be saved if we simply followed this rule and stopped being underhanded. Women are possessive, and even if it did not work between her and him – it does not mean that she wants to see you together…ever… It’s just an honest fact. I mean really ladies, think of men like a pair of shoes. If you are scouting a pair of gorgeous pumps, day dreaming about them, bookmarking the URL on your computer, and just waiting for pay day so you can make your move...how would you feel if your friend showed up with the last pair, in your size, talking about "Oh I didn't know you liked them,". Just the thought makes you want to slap a bitch, and ask her what parallel universe she is living in, considering you've been talking about those shoes for the past two weeks, and planning your Saturday night outfit around them. Now if your foolish girlfriend had really been listening and followed the code, you'd probably have that pair of faux crocodile purple pumps to wear with your skinny jeans right now, or better yet that tall, dark, and handsome guy you met at that party you went to last week.

Moreover, I would like to point out that at least 70% of the time, it’s so not worth it because the relationship that ensues is usually so drama riddled that it ends up imploding on itself, and in the end you'll just have to go back your inner circle...embarrassed and seeking forgiveness.

I’d also like to point out the key word in rule 1- VERBAL communication—you cannot be responsible for reading your friend’s mind. Ladies please remember, stating your claim is still a necessary step...even amongst the inner circle (its a hard world out there). I cannot assume just because you smile at a guy that you're actually really interested -- you smile at everything with a penis.

Stay tuned for Rule II.....

The Girlfriend Code

2008-11-09T14:48:00.003-05:00

Note: this blog is part of a series, and will updated periodically. Please stay tuned, and commentary is always welcome!

I’ve always had a lot of female friends. Having only one little brother, and no sisters, I find comfort in having close female friends and cousins that I could confide in. There is a power and inexpiable strength within that female bond, and it probably explains why I joined a sorority in college. Over the past 24 years, I have to say I’ve been a pretty good girl friend. In fact, I think broken friendship between a close girlfriend leaves what Diane Farr, the author of “The Girl Code”, calls “ a scar on the soul”, where no matter how much time has passed, you still feel a soft spot for a girlfriend lost and close times shared. Unfortunately, “these scars” or broken friendship are often result from blatant disregard, neglect, and obliteration of a simple code of ethics that all women have learned, socialize in, and continually perpetuate. So I have taken it upon myself to give you, the readers of this highly culturally aware blog, a crash course in girlfriend ethics, in the hope that all of us who do still follow the code of ethics amongst girlfriends can stop asking ourselves if we are crazy, and start asking other chicks “Bitch, where are your scruples?"

So what is a girlfriend exactly? I’m not talking about that chick you chitchat with at work, or a casual friend that you run into while getting your nails done. I am talking about the girls who comprise your inner circle, who you go visit just because, and spend hours with talking about something seemingly insignificant with the kind seriousness found only at G8 summit (example: your undeniable love affair with Anderson Copper, even though he’s a powder puff or Beyonce's video). A girlfriend has a mini catalog of your outfits (or if you have a memory like mine—a extensive catalog), and doesn’t judge you for still trying to be “friends” with that ex-boyfriend that you actually did love … even if the relationship was three years ago. You are not afraid to breakdown and cry in front of this girlfriend, in particular, if it is over seeing that same silly ex-bf (that you were just trying to be “friends” with) kicking it with some other girl –whom your girlfriend (if she’s a good one) will assure you is ugly and has some type of physical deformity (even if ole girl is a Naomi Campbell look a like). Real girlfriends allow you to bitch about your other good friends when they are acting out, and you know she won’t turn around gossip because she knows 1. You’re just venting, and 2. You’re probably right. And most importantly, these are the friends that you can go without seeing for one month or more, and will you not receive a nasty message talking about “where the fuck you been?” – but instead will be able to catch up over one dinner and couple glasses of wine like no time had ever passed.

Now in life, you are only blessed with a few friends like this. I believe that you can have really only have 4 girlfriends like this at the most (because honestly to share your business with anymore of these would just be silly). Now a woman’s circle of friends can be as wide as 10 or 12 people. But your inner circle comprises of a much smaller group of women in and outside that circle with whom you share your dreams, hopes, and fears.

Women learn the code of ethics at a very early age – as early as in pre-k or kindergarten- and the lessons only solidify, as you get older. It starts with small things, like only sharing your crayons with the girl who brings you an extra jell-o pack to lunch. But I feel like the real height of female socialization is middle school- or what I like to call “The Mean Girl Stage”. Why middle school you ask? Well for three reasons:

It’s where the formation of cliques, inner circles, and social hierarchy are formed.
Puberty begins and you can choose to either surround with friends who make you feel better about yourself, or not
The crash collision of hormones and boys –which sad to say is often the cause of fissure between girlfriends.

It’s on the middle school playground, amidst discussion of training bras, lip-gloss, and crushes, you learn to be a girlfriend, confidante, and a team player. Essentially it’s where you learn loyalty to those close to you, and fierce bitchiness to those who want infiltrate or destroy your circle. In some ways middle school is its own form of girlfriend hazing where you are constantly tested, and constantly testing your girlfriends. (Yes, it’s incredibly immature, but hey you’re 11)

So I think what women need to return to the lessons learned on the playground, amongst ponytails and bubblicious bubble gum, and start treating their inner circle girlfriends with the some sense. For those of you women who have read this far—and are on that “I only hang out with dudes because I don't get along with girls” tip—this actually probably more for you –because the real reason you don’t get along with women probably lies in your serious lack in girlfriend ethics (i.e. bitches don’t have a reason trust your no scruple having behind…get your shit together).

My next post will include a cheat sheet for you to help keep the few girlfriends you may have....

10 Rules for Being Human

2008-11-09T08:36:00.003-05:00

These past couple weeks have been rather tumultuous for me, trying to juggle school, work and other life issues. Fortunately I am taking a spirituality class that sometimes forces me to step back from the rambunctiousness of life and reflect. I think it is important that every once in a while we take a step back from our physical selves and surroundings and evaluate where we are. It is necessary in order to ensure that we are staying true to ourselves. The phrase may be cliche, but you would be surprised at how many of us are not comfortable in our own space and therefore have spent life trying to occupy someone else's. These people have become externally motivated...motivated by the needs and wants of others. They have been out of touch with their own personal space for so long that they are estranged from it and don't even recognize themselves.

In my studies I came across this phrase... "life is a set of lessons that will be repeated until learned." Ain't that the truth! How many times have we seen our trifling friend do the same thing over and over again and we say "one day he/she is gonna learn" or we make a mistake so bad, that cost us so much that we say .."oh I learned my lesson! I will never do that again." If the lesson is truly learned, then it won't happen again. However, if you were just saying the ever-popular phrase just to be saying it, then you may find yourself right back in that same damn situation. Anyways it all comes back to the rather boring saying ..stay true to yourself, perhaps not so trite after all!

The phrase about life being a set of lessons was adapted from Cherie Carter-Scott's "10 Rules for Being Human." I know we can't all be perfect but here are some things to keep in mind:

"10 Rules for Being Human"

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life".

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work".

4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.

5. Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're "alive", that means there are still lessons to be learned.

6. "There" is no better a place than "here". When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here".

7. Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.

10. You will forget all this.

Black People Are Not Ready For a Black President

2008-11-05T15:25:00.008-05:00

I am very well aware that some people will not agree with how I feel or what I’m about to say…but who cares, this is my blog! Haha anyway there is something that is on my mind and I felt the need to express said thoughts.

To be frank, I am highly concerned. I do not think that black people, as a whole are prepared adequately equipped for having Barack Obama (or any other black man) as our president. What I mean by that is “niggas are just not acting right.” One of my dear associates said that he did not think black people were ready for equality…while I agree with him, I don’t think that we currently have achieved universal equality at all… Just because he is black does not mean that the ENTIRE race has achieved equality…every time I hear “WE in there!” I shake my head…no WE are not…HE (and family) is in there, and they worked hard for it. My issue is that people are not realizing that 1. He did not run specifically for black people, and 2. He was a man qualified for the job, wanted to change the world, and “happened” to be black. He did not run AS the black presidential candidate…granted there’s nothing he could do because although our president-elect is half African-American AND half white, following in line with the “one-drop rule,” for all intents and purposes, everyone just calls him black.

And if we DID have equality, I still stand by my stance that black people just are not ready. I received a text today (one of many) saying to drink a lot of water cause there are gonna be a lot of salty crackers…I’m not gonna lie and say I didn’t give a lil chuckle at first out of pure shock…but then it was like damn, this is a prime example of the ignorance I’m talking about. That text was the complete antithesis of what Barack stands for. That is not what he wants. He is half white ("cracker" if you will), but people completely ignore that.

Another comrade of mine said it best when he said just because we have a black president does not mean that the ignorance will cease to exist in America. However, I don’t think a majority understand the magnitude. Having Barack Obama as a president has proven that it will only bring more ignorance. People will feel more comfortable because he’s president and it brings black people under more scrutiny as well…and we’re failing the damn test!

Anyway, people, I’m just really embarrassed. White people around the world predicted this type of behavior…black people just declaring this a holiday and being real reckless. People are going insane. Before you know it, people will be smoking weed outside like oh it’s ok, we got a black pres…NO people it’s NOT OK lol (although they should just legalize it…not even on no Barack Obama shit as an excuse). You don’t want people to think “look at this coonery, maybe we made a mistake” which is definitely what was said to me earlier. We don’t need to be talking about how they are gonna be frying chicken up in the White House or having chitlins or anything else that can be regarded as stereotypically “black.” It’s really not necessary. Get right and act right.

White people voting for Barack was a bit cathartic as well. You know it made them feel good to counteract effects of racism by casting their vote for a black guy. It helps to relieve thoughts of their own level of prejudice, whatever the level…but honestly, this is about to make them never vote for a black man again. We need to think of the future as well as the present and this isn’t boding well for black people. This is not just a historical moment for black people. The man just happened to be black and that’s great, but in all seriousness, this is a really historical moment for AMERICA and the world.

On a side note though, talk about a great night for the Obama’s. It was a beautiful moment when his family came out to support him. It’s so nice to see a couple so in love these days…you know Michelle put it on Barack like nobody’s business when they got home… your man just got elected to be president and you first lady…talk about an aphrodisiac! lmao

President-Elect Barack Obama!!

2008-11-05T11:21:00.004-05:00

The time for change is here, right in this moment! This election has been nothing short of inspiring. Dwelling in the present, I know this is a wonderful moment. "There must be a change in the way we think about ourselves, our responsibility for our own success, and the way we look at the opportunities that exist in the world." YES WE CAN and YES WE DID!!!!

Throwback song of the day

2008-11-04T11:43:00.002-05:00

This one is dedicated to Barack and Michelle Obama! It's time to move on up.

Vote for Change...TODAY! Obama 2008!

2008-11-04T10:34:00.014-05:00

Let's give credit where credit is due. Whether it be to vote for him or to vote against him, Barack Obama has really moved everyone to get up and vote. This morning I went out to the polls in my hometown of Roosevelt, Long Island. It was amazing to see the long line that stretched out the doors of the local catholic school. Many of the poll workers were saying that this is the first time they have ever even seen a line at such an early hour. Despite the long lines, people were smiling, feeling upbeat and motivated for change.

Often, we New Yorkers are given a bad wrap for being rather unfriendly, but the friendly attitudes at the polls this morning would prove any outsider wrong. Everyone had that glimmer of hope in their eyes. It goes without saying that a history (ourstory) is being made and we are all excited to take part. Nonetheless I think that there is another source of excitement in that people actually have decided to believe in our government. The large turnout in polls shows that people feel like their one vote will indeed make a difference. I have done my fair share of campaigning in the streets in the past...when Bush was up for reelection...it was depressing to see the amount of people who weren't bothering to vote because they didn't think their vote mattered...yet look what's going on today! People feel like someone has come along who genuinely cares about them and that he is truly down for a change. People actually have taken an interest in government.
It felt good to vote! if you haven't already please get out and do it our friend below did!

2008-11-03T14:22:00.004-05:00

What would a blog be without a little promoting and advertising... A friend of mine and a graduate of Temple Uiniversity, Steven Lewis has established himself as a poet and photographer. Check out some of his work right here

Here is his latest work:
A Mother’s Requiem

Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
But have you really forgiven me for trespassing against you

At that time in my life I felt alone
Scared that no one would be there
So I ended your chance
To enhance mine

Now I regret
My only opportunity
To give you more than I had
To teach you more than I learned

I sit and think about what could have been
Mother to child
Rocking to sleep on my chest
A kiss of comfort from the beat of my heart

Thoughts have never left my soul
I still cry at the image
Suicidal thoughts ravage my mind
A lifetime away from a new beginning

Our father who art in heaven
Heal my soul because I am torn
No one can truly understand this pain
A pain that continues to leave its mark on the inside

Shame
Fear
Guilt
Each one fueling my demise

Depression
Anxiety
Wanting to feel that life inside me again
Each one fueling my stuttering downfall

Flash back of memories and nightmares
Going to sleep while my child exits my body
Persistent thoughts of the procedure
All on what would have been your day

I ask for your forgiveness
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory
Forever and ever
AMEN

Beyonce to Play Etta James

2008-10-25T08:54:00.012-04:00

What would this blog be without a little bit of hate...

No your eyes aren't deceiving you, B is looking a little plump. She has put on 15lbs to take on her role as the living musical legend, Etta James in the upcoming flick, "Cadillac Records." As if dream girls wasn't enough... she's at it again. Just couldn't settle with someone else taking her shine. Unfortunately much of the buzz surrounding this movie is because Beyonce is in it, but by no means is she the star. The film chronicles the rise and fall of Chess Records in Chicago during the 50's & 60's. The label brought many greats like Muddy waters, Etta James and Chuck Berry to fame. Oscar Winner Adrien Brody stars as Leonard Chess, the man responsible for Chess records, while Cedric the Entertainer plays one of the songwriters on the label. Gabrielle Union plays the devoted woman of one of Muddy Waters. Mos Def stars as Chuck Berry, of which I am sure he will put on a good performancee. However I can't say the same for B's portrayal of Etta. Can you honestly see Princess B embodying a woman who went through much stress and strife due to drugs and alcohol? I'm skeptical. Would it have been too much to try out someone new...Keyshia Cole maybe? Keyshia's life story would give her a personal place to pull from in order to display hardships Etta had with drugs and alcohol, not to mention a deep & soulful voice... just a thought.

I'm sure that by now you have either heard the new singles or heard some buzz about Beyonce's new album I AM ....SASHA FIERCE due out in November. Once again B is telling us how playing Etta James has helped her to really dig deep within herself and ...blah blah blah...and how it helped her to create this latest album. In an MTV interview she says

"Lyrically, it's deeper than what I've done before," the 27-year-old singer said. "I wasn't mature enough or old enough, or in touch with myself enough, to do this type of album before. I didn't have the guts."

WHAT! Have you heard the single, "Single Ladies"? With lyrics like "if he likes it than he's sure to put a ring on it" You gonna tell me that's deep, with the tap dance recital video to match. Now obviously I like B and respect her work...but I think it's time for her to sit down and take a little bit of a rest. She should take note from Alicia. Take some time off so as to truly be able to put out some quality work. I love B and admire her drive...but I hate to see her do this foolishness.

Facebook Ruins Relationships

2008-10-22T13:49:00.003-04:00

The key to saving a relationship is to get off facebook. That shit ruins lives. If I hear one more person say “Unless you're dating on Facebook, it is not official,” I’m going to tell them about themselves. That’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard. Frankly, I think a relationship is more real if it’s not on Facebook because you’ll probably have a better chance of making it work and heaven forbid ya'll break up, you won't have the whole world in your shit. Facebook is the perfect tool for stalkers. I’ve deactivated my account for numerous reasons (those stalkers get all up in people’s biz), but I hear people talk about it all the time. This one girl I know was dating someone for a month when he added her as his girlfriend on Facebook. Her “in a relationship with (insert name here)” bar was not visible although she accepted the invite that he sent her. He got really mad about it, removed her from his relationship bar and a week later they broke up. That’s really just a case of bitchassness and bitchassness is getting even more prevalent in the community, make no mistake [blog on that coming soon.] People can’t even get poked anymore without a significant other seeing that shit and getting upset. In any case, the top three reasons for conflict concerning relationships and friendships, in my opinion, are listed below:

The Facebook wall- this is the worst weapon of all. Plain and simple. People write some really reckless shit that you would rather not have the world see. And aside from that, there are some really jealous people out there. I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard “who are all of those guys/girls who are always writing on my girl’s/man’s wall…wtf.” This is also a really popular one: “Oh hell no, so you had time to be writing on so-and-so’s wall, but you were too busy to call me last night??” I CANT wit that shit though…smh
Do you remember that first day that Facebook introduced the mini-feed and no one knew how to turn it off? Madd relationships were obliterated that day lmao. People got caught OUT there. It got so bad that Zuckerman had to send out a message letting everyone know how to access their privacy settings to customize exactly what they wanted/didn’t want people to see. Everyone knew who was in a relationship with whom, who broke up and when, who was writing on who’s wall, who was commenting on what pics…it was a crazy/funny day. I think we all knew a little more about each other that day than we cared to lol
Don’t have pictures tagged to your account. I have witnessed many a conversation that went something like this “so where did you say you were Saturday night? Oh really? Cause I remember you saying you were too busy to go out with me, but on FACEBOOK, I see you tagged in madd pics at (insert name here)’s party.” You already see where that is going…Pictures are dangerous cause even if you don’t get them tagged, you gotta make sure other people don’t post pics of you anyway. Or sometimes you might be in a background of a pic and not even know it. If you are somewhere you are not supposed to be, my advice is to just avoid cameras at all costs.

Bonus. One last thing--when it comes to gift-giving...please make the gifts anonymous! Not everyone needs to know who's giving you what or who you are giving things to. That causes a lot of unnecessary speculation and drama.

This clearly is not an exhaustive list, but comments are welcomed!

Investment Idea to Resist the Economic Slump

2008-10-21T15:06:00.008-04:00

In the wake of this economic turmoil, black and brown folks alike reside in the unfortunate position of most likely to get F'd in the A (to borrow a phrase from Cartman). With that, it is tremendously important that we all wade the present and future economic tidal waves with creativity and earnest. How you ask? We must all adopt Surrogate White Parents!!!!

Now at first glance, this may appear vintage Uncle-Tomism, but I assure you of the contrary. In stark contrast to past interaction between whites and blacks in America, it is now not only increasingly taboo for white people to voice any negative feeling predicated in race (even if valid) without also conjuring some backlash, but they must also appear racially sensitive--at least for the time being. This, my friends, is the niche in the market that many of us educated blacks can capitalize on to ensure the economic maelstrom doesn't take us for that final and fatal ride. Overall, the benefit to adopting Surrogate White Parents is practically limitless. Beyond being viewed as racially transcendent and having access to previously untapped spheres, imagine how much fun you might have in making these white folks perpetually uncomfortable while simultaneously subservient. Despite the risk factors involved (e.g. at some point actually believing that you've been adopted), the cost benefit analysis definitely favors active and aggressive pursuit of this venture.

There exists, of course, a method to the madness. Adopting Surrogate White Parents ensures a certain level of inheritance directly commensurate with the type of "child" you are. Lastly, be sure to invest according to your means. It makes no sense to own a bunch of stock with an investment horizon that precludes you from paying your rent. Similarly, attempting to adopt Warren Buffet might be equally asinine for some. Besides, Lebron James is already working on that. If done correctly, you may be the next Barack Obama. Good Luck! (See Helpful Hints section below.)

Helpful Hints (Not an exhaustive list, comments welcome):

Do's

Discover the most efficient means of acquiring your Surrogate White Parent. (Just asking won't work. Think public display. Think black male. If them denying you risks public humiliation for them in some way, you're on the right track). This limits supplier power.
Once secured, you must think long term growth in the value of your investment. You must teach your surrogate things like the motorcycle dance or how to pop-loc-and-drop-it and any other thing they wish they could do to increase their "coolness." This increases your buyer power as it ensures their investment in your success (you bring something to the table that "enriches" them "culturally") and reduces the likelihood of them looking to substitutes. Brand quality baby.
Began to extract small dividends. Getting benefits that tax the Surrogate White Parent (if done at the right level) will discourage poaching by rivals in the space and provide intermittent goodies.
Know when to sell. No investment is sound without an exit strategy.

Don'ts

Don't physically or emotionally harm a Surrogate White Parent as a form of reparation. It's bad form and not good for morale.
Don't befriend the biological spawn of a Surrogate White Parent. If you are successful in your endeavor, you will surely incur their wrath at some point.
Don't demand too much in dividends prior to sufficient growth. Dividends are resources that are better utilized than reinvested in the company. Don't be that hood chick asking for somebody to buy her some shoes.
Don't tell your Surrogate White Parent that they are your Surrogate White Parent.

*For additional information, please see my forthcoming softback "Creepin On the Come Up: Getting White People to Do Whatever the Fuck You Want" from the folks who brought you the Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. (Crown Publishing/Three Rivers Press).

The Jesse Jackson Affirmation of the Day:

"If white is comprised of all the colors of the rainbow, then you best believe colored folks should be gettin' some of that dough." ~Jesse Jackson (cough)

(We need yallz vote to get Jesse Jackson inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame...let's get, get, get it!)

Greetings! Get tested!

2008-10-21T09:21:00.005-04:00

I'm sitting in class right now kinda bored, waiting for the teacher to begin class. So I head on over to my favorite blog to see whats new in the world of gossip. The first thing I see is an ad about these new anonymous E-card greetings in which you as the recipient are notified that you should get tested! The intention is that those recently diagnosed with an STD will stop the spread by informing their partner in a more discreet fashion that they have come in contact with an STD.

Being a young woman in a big city this can be a daunting topic and I'm sure it touches fairly close to home for many young adults. Makes you wonder how many times you have either been exposed to or been one person away from being exposed to an STD. I would imagine it might be rather embarrassing for one to inform their partner that they have an STD, but lets face it...you owe it to them!

The new site is www.inSPOT.org. It was created by Internet Sexuality Transmission Services, Inc. a non profit organization dedicated to preventing the spread of such diseases via technology. The site is great because once you have recieved and inSPOT card the site not only provides information about the specific STD but it will then give you locations within your city in which you can get tested.

SMH at what this world has come to...but at the same time we must not ignore it, i'm glad someone has come up with an action plan. Hopefully those who need to take heed will. For the rest of us....watch out! It's a jungle out there.

Cindy McCain: Salty at the NY Times

2008-10-19T12:24:00.004-04:00

According to Fox News, the McCain campaign is pissed over a New York Times article on Cindy McCain: her marriage (and mention of her miscarriages), her past addiction/theft of painkillers and her failure to fit in Washington (especially since she’s viewed as a home-wrecker and McCain’s past wife Carol was so well-liked)

This is an excerpt from the Times article:

“She played a role in the Keating Five savings-and-loan scandal, and just as her husband was rehabilitating his reputation, she was caught stealing drugs from her nonprofit organization to feed her addiction to painkillers. She has a fortune that sets the McCains apart from most other Americans, a problem in a presidential race that hinges on economic anxieties. She can be imprecise: she has repeatedly called herself an only child, for instance, even though she has two half-siblings, and has provided varying details about a 1994 mercy mission to Rwanda.”

John Dowd (Cindy McCain's attorney) wrote a letter to the NY Times Executive Editor, Bill Keller, for the story and tried to ram into him for not digging up more info about the Obamas’ personal life. Here is part of the letter:

"It is worth noting that you have not employed your investigative assets looking into Michelle Obama. You have not tried to find Barack Obama's drug dealer that he wrote about in his book, 'Dreams of My Father, nor have you interviewed his poor relatives in Kenya and determined why Barack Obama has not rescued them. Thus there is a terrific lack of balance here."

The McCain camp sent the letter in to FOX News, and the Times maintained its fair coverage of both candidates and story on Cindy McCain responding to FOXNews.com ensuring that they went into depth on investigating the backgrounds of both families.

Frankly, the McCains are just salty concerning the story and trailing in the polls so they want to say that all of this is propaganda for the democratic party…personally, after I read the article, I kinda felt bad for Cindy; it didn’t make me look at her in a negative way. AND it’s not like the McCains are disputing ANY of the facts in the story. So I get it: Cindy doesn’t want her business out…understandable—for the average person...but too bad! You’re the wife of someone who is running for president! Your privacy rights are officially null and void. Get over it. Even those close to her were quoted in the article. Maybe she should talk to them about that or get better/discreet friends.

Anyway perhaps that’ll teach her to stop talking about Michelle Obama (the hottest chick in the game) and her being unpatriotic. Hope Cindy stopped poppin’ those pills. She’s lookin awfully frail and skinny

Sources:

NY Times
Election Fox News

New Chris Brown Video

2008-10-19T09:05:00.006-04:00

New Music from Chris Brown and Keri Hilson :

Superhuman

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Making the Band...Aubrey: Before and After

2008-10-18T16:10:00.016-04:00

I have been hearing a lot about Diddy releasing Aubrey O’Day and D. Woods from his multiplatinum-selling girl group Danity Kane…well I guess more accurately, he dismissed Aubrey and D.Woods just decided she wasn’t having any of the bullshit with separating their Ebony and Ivory 'clique' as Diddy so eloquently categorized them.

I’ve been watching Making the Band from the very beginning so I suppose you could say I feel a somewhat affinity towards the girls of Danity Kane. And at the time that the group was first made, Aubrey was my favorite (and clearly Diddy’s favorite). However, there are a couple of thoughts I want to express about this whole ordeal:

This Aubrey is not the same Aubrey that Diddy first signed. Aubrey used to be a wholesome girl. Now she wants to complain that she aint a hoe…once again, this is coming from someone (me) who liked her the best out of the rest of the group. But ummm I mean she dresses like a slore and acts like a slore…but she’s not a slore? Aubrey, sit down somewhere. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then your hoe ass is a duck…smh I’ve attached a before and after picture (up top) so that you could decide for yourself.
It’s my personal opinion that Diddy and Aubrey slept together. There was a lot of unnecessary tension and he didn’t have to talk to her the way he did at the season finale. “I like your shirt” should not have been responded by “Babygirl, with your attitude you gon’ end up in a dark and lonely place by yoself.” That was just extra for no reason

Dawn is a freakin hater and Q is a b*tch (I think this is self explanatory for those who watch the show)
Ha, now with all that said I think Diddy had the realest conversation of his life when he said “Aubrey and Aundrea, I’ve never seen you speak. Do ya’ll know each other?” That’s some dysfunctional line type situation…those who need to, will know what I mean by that ;-)

Anyway, Diddy is a publicity whore. There’s another season in the works for Making the Band so I highly doubt that his decision is final. DK will lack the ‘je ne sais quoi’ that D. Woods and Aubrey bring to the group

The truth about Obama according to Maher.

2008-10-18T02:58:00.005-04:00

Apparently Maher really is down for the cause, and not just taking a dip in the chocolate fountain. Bill Maher is either an Obama supporter or a McCain hater. He made it apparent on Larry King Live this past Thursday night as he likened Barack Obama to the late great Jackie Robinson, referring to him as the Jackie of politics.
"He's smarter than all of us. He knows what he has to do is just what he did there -- don't take the bait. You know, he -- I keep calling him the Jackie Robinson of American politics...

As the first black guy in baseball, he could not react.

And it's the same with Obama. He cannot make one mistake and he never does. Imagine if he showed up somewhere five minutes late or played into any stereotype that racists think about black people?

They would say oh, well, we can't have a president who's going to be on colored people's time. Come on."

croaked!

2008-10-18T01:55:00.002-04:00

Quick... what's the first thing that came to mind?

Welcome

2008-10-17T21:03:00.001-04:00

This is the perfect haven for the culturally inclined, who want to hear our spin on life and what’s hot…or what’s not. We will be writing down our philosophies about anything and everything with a chic, urban sensibility--be it our personal experiences, political views, relationships, work-related, movie reviews, and more…it’s sure to be quite an exciting ride and I hope you all enjoy reading our blog as much as we will enjoy writing it!

Welcome to our world of insight!