Because I said so

Civil Rights Martyrs: Free at last

2010-01-24T16:54:00.004-06:00

As I watched Civil Rights Martyrs:Free at last it reminded me of lessons from my family. I remembered stories my grandfather told me of having to move to the back of the bus. Stories of my great-grandmother standing up to white people for mistreating her girls and the fear my grandmother had that her mother would be taken away from her because of it. Those were the stories I remember growing up and those were the stories that helped push me to want to be better.

When I read this story and particular the following comment I was dismayed.

In 2008, state officials in Alabama, Arizona and Washington delayed the start of the exit exam requirement and lowered standards after seeing that many students, including a disproportionate number of minorities, would fail the tests.

I am well aware of statistics which show that minorities underperform. Yet my mind has a hard time processing this information because I know it is not because minorities are intellectually inferior to whites. My personal belief is that families are no longer an integral support system for their children. Whether that is due to absentee parents or parents working too much trying to provide financially at the expense of a child’s emotional and behavioral needs.

We went to school year around in my home. During the summer time my mom found these student desks and we would have class, we would have recess,and even snack time. I even remember her having our room plastered with vowel sounds and numbers. We were very poor my mom was not able to provide financially for us but she invested heavily emotionally in us. At the time the exit exam in Texas was called the TASS Test my brothers and I all passed the test and on the first try.

Lessening the standards does little to prepare students for
college or young adults with productive futures. There are certain basic skills that should not be compromised. I think there is small percentage of people that have learning disabilities that will inhibit them from ever progressing pass a basic level for everyone else it just takes something called desire. A desire that is lacking in the students and administrators who believe that lessen standards is helpful.

I'm so sick of this shit!

2009-12-26T12:01:00.002-06:00

This is newsworthy.

Black Kids told to Pick Cotton

2009-11-09T09:36:00.002-06:00

H/T to Siditty

Black students singled out to pick cotton by black historian.

Yumm-O

2009-11-08T15:41:00.012-06:00

UPDATE!!!! Ooops. I thought the Thug element was reserved for Black football players only.

2009-11-08T10:45:00.004-06:00

Player Lambert was suspended indefinitely as she should be, that kind of behavior has no place in sports.

No mention of thuggery blasted across sportnews anywhere in regards to this soccer player's behavior. I have no doubt that if this was a player of color they would have been suspended indefinitely.

Mayor Deprives Rival of Black Clergy’s Support

2009-10-29T16:52:00.004-05:00

Mayor Deprives Rival of Black Clergy's Support is the title of an article that can be found hhere.

My first issue with this story is the title. Why was stating Bloomberg has the support of the Black clergy while his Black opponent does not necessary? I'll tell you why because the authors wanted continue to stir the race pot, as if we don't have enough of it today. Author's Confesore and Barbaro felt it was necessary to say hey a Black candidate doesn't have the support of the Black clergy which is his by "birthright" something must be going (I'll get to that in a minute). More than anything I think the title reveals something of the author's themselves. To me that reveal says

1. That most if not all White people BELIEVE Black people will stick together because they are Black and nothing more. Let me explain something being Black is the only true unifier in the Black community it’s what we have in common. Anyone who is not black and has spent any significant amount of time around Black people will know we are far from a united front. Nor do the majority of us blindly believe that another Black person has OUR best interest at heart. Nothing could be further from the truth there are numerous reasons as to why Black people are distrustful of other Black people I just don't have the time to venture into with this post.

2. Black people will blindly follow the pastor's direction.

A few weeks ago, the Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, the influential pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, came to a difficult decision, one he had wrestled with all summer.

He would not endorse William C. Thompson Jr., the city comptroller and a longtime friend and ally, for mayor, as he had promised Mr. Thompson last spring. Instead, he would endorse Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

Mr. Thompson was furious at the betrayal. But what he did not know was that Mr. Bloomberg gave a $1 million donation to the church’s development corporation — roughly 10 percent of its annual budget — with the implicit promise of more to come.

Damn! Does this not just prove what many people already believe to be true of clergy members at large? Corrupt bigots easily bought. If I was Mr. Thompson and a long time friend of mine who had previously pledged his support suddenly changes his mind when a milli ends up in his church coffers I would feel betrayed as well.

A message to the church attendees: RUN!

How is what Bloomberg is doing not the same as this.

Feminism isn't for everyone

2009-10-24T18:07:00.005-05:00

“I’m not saying women shouldn’t work. If you enjoy your job and it’s a fulfilling career, that is a positive choice. But if it’s not . . . it's almost in some ways that we got it all, then found that actually it wasn’t quite what we wanted.”

So true family matters most.

Things that make you go...

2009-10-24T14:30:00.001-05:00

GOP.COM

Why is this a dot com? This bothers me to no end.

Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war!

2009-09-29T16:51:00.003-05:00

Nas responsed to the beating of Derrion Albert.

Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong wars! Killing each other is definitely played out. Being hurt from the lost of a love one was never cool.

Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war! I know that feeling, that frustration with life and needing to take it out on someone, any one. But....

We chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, Fila sneakers, and name plate chains. Deaths over "he say, she say"!!!!! "I'm from this block or I'm from that block", or "my moms n pops is f*cked up now the whole world gotta pay"!!!

I remember feeling like I was the hardest "n*gga" breathing. And I couldn't wait to prove it. But let's think. What are we really proving?? And proving what to who?? Everybody knows Chicago breeds the strongest of the strong but I just feel, me, being ya brother from another state feels your pain as if I grew up with you in ya very own household.

You have the ability and mindpower to change they way we are looked at. Look who's watching us young warriors, look who's throwing us in jail constantly, look at the ignorance in the world. Look at the racist dogs who love to see us down. Loving to bury us in the ground or in jail where we continue this worthless war on one another.

Young warriors.... We are WASTING more and more time. We gotta get on our jobs and take over the world. Cuz this movie left the theaters years ago, Juice, Menace, Boys n the Hood , Blood n Blood Out, Belly!

When we see each other why do we see hatred? Why were we born in a storm, born soldiers, WARRIORS....and instead of building each other up we are at war with each other.. May the soul of this young person find peace with the almighty. I'm with you young warriors. You're me and I'm you. But trust me! you are fighting the wrong war.

This sh*t sucks !!

--Nas

The mentality that killed Derrion Albert is one I struggle to understand. What parent or family members pollute their children into believing they are nothing and will never be nothing. That is what killed Derrion Albert. A mentality of contemptible hatred for anyone that is doing what you ought to be doing. Instead of Obama visiting for the Olympics his visit should have been precipitated by the continued death toll of teenagers in his beloved Chicago. Derrion Albert was killed by a familiarity that breeds contempt within our black communities. Derrion Albert was killed because we don’t believe that we can be what he was working towards. Rest in Peace Derrion. The world loses too many like you and in turn is left with the reprehensible do nothings that continue the cycle of hatred and low self worth from generation to generation.

Random Rambling Keep up

2009-09-19T08:23:00.005-05:00

Woke up Wednesday morning around 3:30 praying God please let it be heart burn. I already knew my body was attacking itself again. I tried to wait it out hoping this would pass quickly but my gall attacks never pass quickly its always at least four days of oscillating discomfort to intense pain. I finally broke Thursday morning and called my doctor he was able to find a hospital that would allow me to come in for an ultrasound quickly. Went on Friday at 11:30 then got a call from the Radiologist and he asked if I could come back in tomorrow (which is today) I told him no he asked when was the last time I ate, he said don’t eat anything else and come back later tonight for a second ultrasound. WTF did you find!

Thank God I work in a hospital I am going to find out myself because there is no way in hell I am waiting until Monday to hear the results of that second ultrasound. When he first told me to come back in I thought it was the spot on my liver which was found over a year ago when I first began having really serious gall attacks. But the spot turned out not to be cancerous because there is insufficient blood flow and I do go ever six months to make sure it’s not getting larger. Back to my current problem damitt I am now hoping my “elective” gall bladder surgery which I have been waiting for months will now turn into a medically necessary surgery. The throbbing not’s so bad it’s when my insides begin to feel as if someone is wringing out a wet towel that I can find no release because no position alleviates the pain, vicodin helps but a morphine drip is much betta. Anyway I’m functioning today I believe I am at the end of this attack I am going to attempt to workout today I have not run since Tuesday and I hate missing days.

I am getting really good at my runs. I am now able to run 5 complete miles in 1:01. I am preparing for the turkey trot this year which is an 8 mile jog on Thanksgiving Day. My husband and youngest brother will be doing the 8 mile along with me my mom is going to walk the 5k. I have gotten so much better than when I first started back in May. I really enjoy running it helps clear my mind.

Lord delivery me from the banality of stupidity that encompasses much of the Republican Party. Really Rush because this was not happening before Obama was elected President. For real you also think the reverse didn’t happen to black kids going to all white schools. For real. Bullies are bullies so you can cut the Obama’s America crap.

"It’s Obama’s America, is it not? Obama’s America, white kids getting beat up on school buses now. You put your kids on a school bus, you expect safety but in Obama’s America the white kids now get beat up with the black kids cheering, “Yay, right on, right on, right on, right on,” and, of course, everybody says the white kid deserved it, he was born a racist, he’s white."

Dick. I hope you are the first causality of “THE” race war you are trying desperately to incite, oh, might as well add that douche Hannity and just for grins Cheney.

Whitney, Whitney, Whitney, why lie! Yes I said lie because she did not keep it one hundred. Nothing will irk me more than someone who will not own their mistakes. Did anyone else watch the Oprah interview because she blamed Bobby and the industry for a lot of her unhappiness. I hate when women who are in abusive relationships once unconstrained by that relationship flip it and blame everything on the man. No, NO, NO. Whitney you were apart of this and you did not own that. I also don’t think she owned her drug usage either. Let me get this straight I don’t think Whitney had to talk to anyone about her drug usage but because she did then you should have at least been honest and forthright. I did not see that and I think denial will only cause her to relapse. I am far from wishing that on her but when you can’t admit to the full depth of your problem I only see a repeat of the behavior.

We are, or I should say I am (because my husband has been ready for quite sometime), finally ready to have a baby. I opted to find an OB/GYN that specializes in fertility because for the last year we have used nothing and nada, no baby, not even a grasp I think I could be preggers. Anyway she prescribed some prenatal pills we are not trying in earnest now but if it happens great I think I am really ready to be a mother now. This all came about thanks to Bush and his stupid Iraq war. When I was forced to keep my brothers kids while he and his wife were deployed last year. I was rarely around children until that point and I fell head over hills in love with my niece and nephews. I Love those kids soooooo much. So I guess I should thank Bush, ugh. Anyway we are not going to really try until after May. I turn 30 next may and we will be celebrating that and our 5th wedding anniversary in Europe. I am so excited we have saved for the past two years for this trip and I can’t wait.

Speaking of the trip I will be glad when it gets here my husband has such trip anxiety its ridamdiculous. He worries over the smallest minute details. I think I drive him crazy because whenever we travel I’m like oh if we forgot something we will get it when we get there its only TOOTHPASTE for God’s sake. I have yet to officially decide where we are going I was hoping to do at least four countries but my husband doesn’t really like to travel in the first place (he loves it when he gets there its just the getting him there part that sucks so much energy out of me). For sure we are going to Spain because it’s a direct flight from DFW and France I am really hoping to squeeze in a trip to Portugal as well.

On the corner of Wycliffe and Maple at 6am this morning a cop just ran the light. There was no emergency he did not have his lights on he just flat out ran the light and he made a left turn. Hell I want to run a light too. Asshole, cop.

Back to kids I have already decided on the names for my girls. Yes I think I am going to have girls whenever I have children and I am hoping for twins. My father is a twin, I had a twin, and my husband has six sets of twins on his side of the family. Their names will be Alexandria Cecily (and no that is not pronounced like Celie from the color purple) and Jacqueline Lynn. I know my husband would like a boy what man doesn’t but I also know he would like to make him a Jr. and my husband’s first name is so not cute. It makes him unique and we get plenty of odd looks and he is often asked to repeat his name but, no I don’t think our child should have to carry on THAT name.

And if there is such a thing as reincarnation I want to come back as a Puerto Rican. Puerto Ricans are the greatest people on earf. I really want to go back there instead of going to Europe, I enjoyed my time there. Beautiful water fun people it was all one love.

AHHHHHH I feel so much better now. I might actually be able to focus enough to produce an actual coherent post this weekend.

House of Parliament anyone?

2009-09-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

House of Parliament and no I am not talking about George Clinton’s P-Funk. An apology is insufficient only punishment will deter another idiot from turning Capital Hill into the raucous parliaments witness across the globe. I know there is a demographic of conservative republicans which are rational yet fiercely dedicated to their cause. However, the people like Wilson and the other’s waving the Republican Bill and carrying signs as if they are at a rally, are the extremist and they are the burgeoning face of conservatism. Liberals and Progressives need only sit and watch the continued implosion created by sensationalist journalism and the inability to create rational arguments.

Wilson you are no better than a toddler who throws a tantrum because he can’t have his way. It is plainly obvious that you not only lack civility but the ability to discern your remarkable display of disrespect continued to perpetuate your party as the party of irrationality.

Psychological Terrorists

2009-09-06T19:51:00.001-05:00

Repost from Jack and Jill Politics

I spent the past several months away from politics. It was an involuntary hiatus made necessary by personal and professional commitments that demanded my utmost attention. When I left, we had a stimulus bill in place, a president with high approval ratings and some remaining afterglow from election night and inauguration day.

When I returned in mid August, it was to a country that had clearly lost its damn mind. I turned on one cable station to hear people demanding President Obama prove he’s an American citizen, an insane movement led by an Israeli citizen. I switched channels to see another group screeching in fear that Obama’s health care proposal would institute death panels to kill grandma. On yet another station, Glenn Beck accuses this president of having a deep-seated hatred for half of himself. Flip again to find parents removing their children from school because they don’t want their kids exposed to Obama’s socialist indoctrination. And yesterday, Green Jobs Czar Van Jones resigned after extreme pressure from right wing groups and extreme tepidness from the White House that hired him to do his very important work.

Great. After a brief respite, the most accessible American political discourse has returned to fearful, hate-filled, ignorant rants of a high-volume, low-intellect minority.

In such an environment, how does one govern? Does one try to “balance” such concepts as contradictory as a “public option” on one hand and “fear of death panels” on the other? Or does one realize that this is a false spectrum and to try to find a center in such a sea is a worthless and foolhardy expedition?

Too often, this White House has sent the signal that it seeks common ground and conciliation with parties interested in its total destruction. From my point of view, negotiating with ignorance, fear, hate and irrationality is insane. For example, when a major Republican figure in the health care negotiations spreads the death panel lie (Grassley), you see him for what he is, realize you’re dealing with a group of psychopaths, and reset the objectives. “Oh, so that’s how it’s gonna be? Cool. Good to know what we’re dealing with. Thanks for your time. We won’t be needing your services anymore. We’re taking our ball and playing somewhere else.” Negotiations require trust and trust assumes that all parties are not completely batshit crazy.

I realize I’m lumping a variety of “opposition” camps together: birthers, deathers, those who accuse the president of racism and those who accuse him of socialism. I’m grouping them because to me they all come from the same place. They’re engaging in a form of terrorism. They are using psychological violence (and occasionally the threat of real violence) to pursue a political objective, and in so doing, inflicting harm upon non-combatants.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the movies, it’s that “The United States of America does not negotiate with terrorists.” Yet this White House is willing to let these psychological terrorists set the terms of the debate and negotiate from their insane positions. One group of people is trying to talk about co-pays. The other thinks the president is a secret Kenyan. One group of people sees the creation of domestic, sustainable jobs as a cornerstone of the 21st century economy. The other thinks the president is going to murder your grandmother. This is not legitimate political discourse and to make decisions acknowledging terms so far apart in their reality is just plain stupid.

Van Jones was one of the good guys. A really, really good guy. He used his education and his passion to combat police brutality and the massive, wasteful incarceration of so many of this nation’s young, brown people. Having fought in the trenches for so long, he saw an opportunity to build hope and jobs and tangible communities as the world responds to the climate crisis. He connected the dots and inspired action and had a vision. He was the rare outsider who got a chance to move inside, and move he did.

Van was the kind of guy that gave me real confidence in this administration’s seriousness. President Obama meets with generals every day and sees scary reports and wants to get re-elected. I can always make some politics-based allowances for his underwhelming actions. Van, however, was truly one of us. He got it. And to give someone like him power gave me more faith in the president. So when the lynch mob came after Van, it was a test. The same test so many Democratic administrations have failed time and time again. When the going gets tough, do you back your people, or do you fall back on excuses.

This White House, this administration and this president failed Van, failed its supporters and failed to honor the efforts of millions that got them into office in the first place. What’s the point of having power if you don’t use it? When will this White House realize that nothing it does will ever be acceptable to the loud-mouthed, ignorant minority? When will it learn that you cannot negotiate with terrorists??

I’m heartbroken over Van’s departure because it’s these little meaningless concessions that undermine people’s faith in the system. You get folks all riled up about change. You empower a man who embodies that change. And they you let him be run out of office by fucking Glenn Beck? So Glenn Beck is running the White House now? Is that how it’s gonna be? Just tell me that I knocked on all those doors for nothing, and I can start the grieving process, but don’t pretend this will solve anything.

I can’t help but look at this spineless response and see it in contrast to the previous administration. You know how gansta they are? DICK CHENEY IS STILL TALKING SMACK! You don’t see anyone of prominence telling him to shut up. The man who has been wrong about everything gets the full support of his party, yet President Obama can’t find enough audacity to stick up for a true change agent?

How do you expect folks to continue to go to the mat for your agenda, when you so easily sacrifice our best and brightest at the whim of an illegitimate lynch mob? How do you expect the next generation to invest themselves in the political process when they see that despite their good works, they can be taken out over nonsense, especially when the double standard is so abundantly clear? How can you ask from us what you won’t do for us? And when will you realize that you cannot negotiate with terrorists?

- Baratunde Thurston (aka Jack Turner)

WTF is Wrong with You!

2009-09-06T18:10:00.004-05:00

H/T to Go B. and TaulaZoeApple

Why do you hate yourself so much?

Van Jones I Miss You Already

2009-09-06T11:36:00.003-05:00

Thank you Rippa: Mental Midgets indeed.

Republicans are running around claiming people are commies and socialists trying their best to undermine progress. I find it alarming that Republicans are resorting to the use of McCarthyism again to spread fear. Republicans have long since used this tactic to discredit progressive and liberals (there’s a difference) and to question their patriotism.

We all know that no one loves their country more than God-fearing, gun-toting, pro-life Republicans. I think it truly boggles the mind of conservatives that God-fearing and pro-choice progressive and liberals love this country as well. We differ in how we believe the country should run and function. To question whether someone loves their country because they don’t agree with your ideologue just makes you seem simple.

Van Jones announced his resignation today because the McCarthyist machine, now known as Fox News, has declared Jones to be a threat to the America Republic. I enjoyed reading Jones’s The Green Collar Economy. I thought he had some terrific ideas in how to move us into an independent nation (because you know we really aren’t if everything says made everywhere but the U.S.A.) however, his section on green jobs translating to relief from poverty in the hood rang a little hollow. I believe he saw his vision coming to fruition but alleviating the problems in inner cities across America will take more than Green production.

Maybe we are on the precipice of civil war again I think that is the direction the right is actively seeking.Well, congratulations Republicans, you are truly God’s chosen people you continue to uphold the principles of the bible such as:

Thy shall not commit murder – War in Afghanistan and Iraq
Thy shall not commit adultery – Too many to list
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

I understand why Jones resigned it’s him or healthcare reform, he understands this. Obama you had better tighten the hell up and go all out for health care because, how many sexy bald headed brothers can we afford to lose in the White House.

To Jones: please leave a sista your forwarding address.

In-Laws

2009-09-02T20:48:00.002-05:00

She’s joking but she’s really in pain. I have been very lucking in my marriage that I get along with most of my in-laws except one. In the beginning my husband’s youngest aunt and I would just do the head nod and keep it moving. One evening I decided to skip dinner because I knew she was going to be there and I didn’t feel like being tied in knots all evening. Well when my husband (fiancé) at the time came home I could tell something was wrong right away. Knowing my husband he needs a day or two to mull over the problem before he confides in me. A few days later he told me he had to have a talk with his aunt at the dinner because he didn’t like some of the things she was saying or how she was treating me. While he is talking I am doing figurative cartwheels in my head and I fell in love with him all over again. My husband is so close with his family that I know it took an incredible amount of nerve for him to possibly even consider severing ties with a member of his family.

A brief aside: Marriage in itself is rough enough without the interference of in-laws. There will be those days you ask why did I get married, better yet why did I marry this person. Perfect example, my husband did something today that he knows will set me off its really very trivial but dammit it irritates me. I get up to fill the dog’s bowl I come back to the kitchen and he is eating my food, BEFORE I get a chance to taste it. I don’t mind sharing but can I please taste it first. Hell he doesn’t know the meaning of bite or sip he consumes. Damn I am getting mad all over again just typing about it.

Anyway, I firmly believe it is your spouse’s duty to confront some out of order family member. My mom had a really hard time excepting my husband because we starting dating my senior year in college and she just knew I was going to give up everything I was working towards “for some man” her words. I actually skipped going home on breaks to keep from having to listen to her harangue him (when she had never met him, we were only dating at the time and only so-so serious). Finally I called in my granny and asked her to get mom to lay off. Now hell, most of the time my family doesn’t care if I come home or not as long as my husband stops in for a visit. Sickening really. I can honestly say that each of our families care and respect us and our spouses and that makes all the difference in the world.

My BFF was married for six months before she filed for divorce. I firmly believe the divorce could have been prevented had each of them placed their families in check from jump. As it is Mr. Man and I are coming up on five years and besides the occasional Gawd you get on my nerves, I guess I really can’t complain too much. Besides it helps living by my mom’s golden rule “never get involved in family squabbles, never.”

Slightly Disturbing

2009-09-02T17:48:00.002-05:00

I often buy store brand. Usually Target’s Archer Farms is superior to other brand name products. I dipped into Wal-mart earlier this week and I don’t like the new packaging for Great Value. I actually find the packaging disconcerting. Am I the only one that feels this way?

I'm in need of a pick me up

2009-08-31T19:59:00.003-05:00

Loc Envy

2009-08-30T21:38:00.003-05:00

Her locs are exactly the size I wanted for mine. Can you say Jealous! Every time I watch her videos I'm green with evny. Why oh why could I not be blessed with really thick hair. My loctician and I are toying with the idea of combining my locs. I hesitate because we combined two in the back now I have a two headed dragon and I am not feeling that at all. I need to ask her how that would work if we did my whole head. Any locstars out there with answers on how to combine an entire head please, pretty please hit me up here, via twitter jazzykh or email.

BTW, I'm real mad she's using blue magic, other than that her hair is the bidness.

The most embarrassing day of my life.

2009-08-30T16:56:00.004-05:00

This post was inspired by this YouTube video and an email conversion. The person I was conversating (yes I know that is not a real word but it’s funny that’s why I use it) with said the following:

If I were put in a situation where I was going
to come back with either a story of hilarious failure or ultimate win
and my friends didn't encourage me to go for it, I would get new
friends

I on the other hand completely disagreed. You don’t let friends make a complete fool of themselves on purpose, without at least attempting to sway their mind. Said person then went on to say

I am not responsible for your self esteem issues. Really, when you
can laugh at yourself, then you are in a comfortable place

I don’t think this person meant the “responsible for your self esteem issues” to sound as callous as it did, then again maybe so (side eye). To make a long story even longer I have decided to share the most embarrassing moment of my life. Keep in mind nothing could have been more traumatic to a young country girl fresh outta West Texas and nothing has since “the incident”.

Background. During a fire alarm you have to vacate immediately from the dorms regardless of your state of dishabille. Almost everyone is a broke college student therefore, the threat of a 75 dollar fine will surely cause you to go hungry for a month. Just think of all the top ramen and msg packets you can buy with 75 dollars.

It was a beautiful fall day on campus the leaves had completed their magical transformation from green to bright golds and deep reds. The girls and I will be hanging with some of the guys at the Roo pub later that evening so I head to the shower to freshen up. I’m in the shower enjoying the nice hot water and high water pressure (only me and one other chick in the shower, so not competing for water pressure) then BAM!

BOOM BOOM BOOM someone is knocking on the door like they the police (which it was) screaming “out of the shower this is a fire drill”. I’m thinking to myself screw that. He pokes his head in “out of the shower now”. At that point I know he means business I don’t even bother rinsing the rest of the suds off. I grab my huge fluffy hot pink towel wrap up and head out of the shower. My flip flops are soaked and it is hella difficult to walk in wet flip flops.

Of course during a fire drill you can’t take the elevator so I am heading towards the stairs with my friends ass clowning me. When this really nice girl who I had previous beef with dips into her room which is right next to the stair well and tosses me a robe. As I reach to grab the robe, my flip flop snaps I’m falling down the damn stairs and my towel is off. I live in an all girls dorm which means boys are their all the time. Yep that’s right I end up naked and wet with my raw ass resting on concrete steps desperately trying to hold onto a sliver of Martha Stewarts big towel. UGH! Talk about the worst. You all have no idea the amount of snatch jokes I had to endure for a week. And my BFF the heffa that she is could not wait to publish a newsletter with ass as the butt of the joke. I can only thank God
that happened in 99 before YouTube and camera phones.

The point in reliving that horror is because the person I was emailing is under the mistaken impression that laughing at oneself is innate. For the majority of situations I agree you should be able to laugh at yourself. I’m clumsy I fall and trip a lot so I am used to laughing at myself however tripping and ending up buck ass naked is no laughing matter. “The incident” happened ten years ago and only a few years ago was I able to keep from visibly cringing as my BFF would take immense pleasure in relating that story to anyone who would listen. Something’s come with maturity and age and distance from the subject this was one such event.

Bi-racial ...Not Black Damn It

2009-08-25T19:12:00.005-05:00

Oh damn. I look at my nieces and nephews as black. I have never said that to them but I definitely view them as black kids. I think that is mainly because they spend most of their time with our side of the family. This clip came out of left field for me. My lovely and wonderful niece asked my mom a week ago what color was she. My mom asked her what color would you like for me to be, my niece said blue. My mother's reply was well then I'm blue.

My mom let us find out about race at school she never brought it up until then. I think this is a mistake and obviously someone is speaking to niece about it. We, meaning the adults in our family might need to have a talk about what discussion to have with the kids and when.

Little Girls Need Their Father’s As Well

2009-08-20T11:44:00.002-05:00

You can find this post located at Dallas's first non-profit news site called Dallas South News later today or tomorrow morning.

Much has been said of the need of father or male role model in a young boy’s life. I often feel as if the need of a father is neglected or rarely seen as a significant for little girls. A mom can do many things for young girl. A mother can teach her daughter the proper way to conduct herself as a lady, she can teach her about Femininity, and coach her through the grand discovery of womanhood (i.e. menstruation). Yet, there is something mistakenly pivotal in the relationship between a father and his daughter.

My mother and father divorced while my brothers and I were reaching that critical stage of realization that something or someone was missing. Fortunately, for us our grandparents stepped in and shouldered the burden of a newly single and divorced mother of three. While my mother grappled with beginning to start a new life on her own with minimal skills and rearing the three of us my grandparents were there.

My fondest memory of my grandfather occurred when I was in the eighth grade I was being inducted into the National Honor Society for the first time. My mother had purchased a god-awful black dress with a million and one flowers on it reminiscent of the floral background to one of my granny’s couches. I wore ruffled socks, and black patent leather shoes, while channeling my inner Sally Jesse Raphael (I had red glasses at the time). I burst out crying I thought I looked horrible. I was already much taller than many of the other girls in school so I felt like an oversized walking flower display with buck teeth. I don’t know if my pawpaw heard me crying but when I went to the living room to show off my ugly dress he said “you sure look pretty tonight, I’m proud of you”. I went from instant ugly duckling to believing I was going to be the prettiest girl inducted into the National Honor Society later that evening.

Growing up without a father was extremely painful in particular for my middle brother who I will never forget cried one night to my granny “why doesn’t my dad want me”. Children internalized and present their hurt differently. For me I was able to channel the missing father into a fierce desire to always outperform anyone else for others it manifest itself in the form of acting out, an all to familiar cry for attention.

I am so proud of my brothers; I can only believe that the role our grandfather played in our early lives had a profound affect on their interaction with their children today. My middle brother is so careful with his daughter; I have never seen someone so protective of another tiny being. My baby brother is treated like the greatest man alive by his kids. He was deployed for a year and despite their young age they remembered him running screaming daddy, daddy, daddy throwing themselves at his legs.

I miss my grandfather. He missed some very important events in my later life like, my college graduation and he missed walking me down the aisle at my wedding. As my little brother escorted me down the aisle I began crying, imagining my grandfather placing my hand in my husbands while kissing my cheek and telling me to be happy. His physical presence was missed but I believe his spirit was there that day like so many days before.

Men you were given the role of protector and provider. Remember your role and the importance God has placed on you, your families are in need of you. I have an unwavering belief that the coming generation will see a turn around in the number of active fathers, my brothers, and so many more men give me hope.

Vick Should Play & Lurie Can Suck It!

2009-08-17T19:07:00.007-05:00

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said he did serious "soul-searching" regarding Vick. The owner said he met with Vick for hours and is convinced he can become a force in stopping animal cruelty.

"I needed to see a lot of self-hatred in order to approve this," Lurie said.

Self-Hatred, really!? I hope they Eagles loose every game this season and that's not just because I am a Cowboys fan. Do I think Vick is full of penitentiary talk, yep sure do. I think he has learned his lesson in regards to dog-fighting, but when the money starts back rolling in will he remains so humble, I doubt it. He served his time get over it! If Donte Stallworth can commit manslaughter and receive less of a public crucifiction, Vick deserves no less.

Socialism vs. Free enterprise: The health debate

2009-08-16T19:31:00.007-05:00

The health care debate has sparked more than discussion it has devolved into a full fledge battle between what is seen as a stepping stone toward socialism and a step away from free enterprise.

Research confirms children with full insurance coverage whether private or public have lower rates of unmet healthcare needs than children with no insurance or intermitted insurance coverage (Olson, Tang, & Newacheck, 2005). Most often the health care debate centers around the 40 million people who are counted as uninsured. However, there are possibly millions more that are just as stringently affected by a lack of healthcare characterized as underinsured and intermittently insured individuals.

I am not sure where the visceral reaction emanates. People seem unaware that they pay for a government run option already, County hospitals are supported by taxpayers as well as Medicaid and Medicare. The current public option is crippling healthcare systems across the nation and reform is needed. Emergency rooms are used as primary health care facilities. People flood the ER with non-emergent care issues causing tremendous wait times leading to deaths in some cases. It appears that with the growing concern of a government run public option the White House seems to back peddling on its drive to push a public option.

The public option originally proposed by the White House appears to be undergoing a compromise in which the public option will become a consumer-owned nonprofit coop, in keeping with free enterprise. The government funded option has been touted as a step towards socialism however, providing an option to the current monopoly private insurances hold on health care is the essence of free enterprise. If companies choose to embrace a public option it makes the market more competitive. I don’t believe it will cheapen health care or inhibit technological progress.

The progressively worsening health of Americans can be directly attributed to a lack of preventative care associated with preventable deaths (McGlynn et al., 2003). The loudest protestation for the public option is the quality of health care would suffer. According to a study conducted by McGlynn et al. between 1998 and 2000 on average Americans receive only half of the recommended medical processes they are in need of currently. What many people do not dispute in health care administration is the need for an overhaul in establishing a national baseline for performance making it possible to assess policy changes and evaluate efforts to improve the quality of care (McGlynn et al., 2003).

Our current state of health care is unconscionable and is far from representative of an international power in my opinion. if we are the best we should be able to provide the best to all of Americans and develop a health care system that is enviable to other nations. As a nation we provide some of the best quality once provided it is however, the obtainment of said care that needs addressing and the delivery of payment for the procurement of services.

References:

McGlynn, E. A., Asch, S.M., Steven, M., Adams, J., Kessey, J., Hicks, J., et al. (2003). The quality of health care delivered to adults in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(26), 2635-2645.

Olson, L.M., Tang, S.S.,& Newacheck, P. W. (2005). Children in the United States with discontinuous health insurance coverage. New England Journal of Medicine 00284793, 353(4).

2009-08-10T12:25:00.002-05:00

H/T to my girl Siditty.

Disgusting! I want to very badly beat the living shit out of this mother. If anyone should understand or even come close to understanding rape it should be a woman. This mother has decided to ignore the fact that her 8 year old child was gang raped by four boys ages 9-14. Not only has she denied the child was raped she goes on to say she deserved what happened to her. Needless to say the child has been ostracized and is currently in the care of child protective services. The family is Liberian and in some African countries women are often blamed or said to have brought the unwanted attention on. Well this is America take your bitch ass back to Africa if you want to pull that shit. I hope they lock the mother and father up as well.

Good Hair

2009-08-04T20:57:00.007-05:00

I am really looking forward to Chris Rock’s movie Good Hair. The clips are showing lots of good material about weaves and perms. I hope he does an in depth segment on natural hair or unprocessed hair. There is one particular clip I laughed at every time and that is does your wife let you touch her hair? The answer HELL NAW! Whew I swear to Gawd my husband, when I was permed, never touched my hair unless it was the night before I went to the salon.

To this very day my husband is so trained he still won’t touch my hair unless I physically place his hand on my head. I still remember those wasted Saturday’s at the salon; I would get there at 6 or 7 in the morning and leave at 4 in the afternoon. I was an every week person at 40 dollars a week and 120 for perm and dye job every 5th week. When I did wear a weave it would cost anywhere from 300 to 450 depending on the hair. I was breaking bread at the salon.

I won’t say I became enlightened, but something just happened one Saturday morning and I decided I didn’t want to waste my time anymore. I asked Angie (the bomb stylist if you are in Dallas) to cut it off. She asked one time if I was sure I said yes and she went to work. I started at the same stage Solange is now and kept loose naps about two years.

Starting into my third year I decided to loc it up. I have been locked for 8 months and no complaints. I am about 80% locked I still have a ways to go before I hit the mature stage, but by my lociversary I should be completely locked. My family was extremely supportive of my decision to go natural most of them are technical naturals they just do the press n’ curl. Whereas, my husband and his family it took them a minute to come around or rather until I actually had enough hair on my head that I looked like a woman again. Now my husband loves my locks.

The only regret I have is that I did not do this sooner. If I run from rain now it’s not because I think my hair will mess up it’s because I don’t want to get wet. I no longer worry about humid days, matter of fact my hair loves humidity now. I just don’t worry about my hair anymore. I let my loctitican tighten me up every month or two in between I wash and go, easy.

What gives?

2009-08-04T14:03:00.000-05:00

Why is the former 1st Black President in North Korea? I can think of a more important place that he could be negotiating the release of a captive What about Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl? I have heard that soldiers are only captured if they are doing something wrong. Bergdahl was reportedly drunk or lagging behind on patrol whatever the case, I think he deserves our attention more than two glory seeking journalist.

Tell the Truth People!

2009-07-15T19:17:00.001-05:00

A couple of times a year I partake in self-torture a few months back I decided to step it up to full scale self-mutilation. When I went to the initial consultation I was told that the pain level would be similar to having a tattoo. My tattoo experiences have all been pleasant no complaints and in some pain there can be pleasure (I’m just sayin). Anywho, I went today for my test “patch” in electrolysis hair removal and I was lied to. Them bitches lied. Lied, I say, I have never had a tattoo that could even rival the amount of pain I have suffered. I have an ice pouch resting on my good good. I have no idea how I will make it through a full treatment let alone the complete course. I keep telling myself relax relate release that it’s not that bad. Hell, I need to replace my ice pack.

Blacksummer's night

2009-07-07T19:33:00.001-05:00

I just finished listening to Maxwell’s BLACKsummer’s night… I think I’m pregnant. Oh Lawd! Yes, he is back. I think a very high percentage of black women in America are half in love and in full lust for Maxwell. The first joint Bad Habits is classic vintage Maxwell a great way to open the CD. Of course Pretty Wings was a great way to whet the appetite for months as we eagerly awaited the release of Maxwell after an 8 year hiatus. The track Help Somebody had a smooth blues feel. Love You: I was not expecting the quick tempo with a song title as Love You but the lyrics worked helped along with Maxwell’s sensual sound. Not a single song needs to be skipped in fact the CD ended much too soon. I am anxiously awaiting part II of the forth coming trilogy. Welcome back Maxwell.

BTW, afro or no Maxwell can “GET IT”, whenever, wherever, whatever (for the Maxwell STANS).

Supreme Court agrees with the New Haven 20

2009-06-29T20:10:00.004-05:00

The Supreme Court has decided to reverse the decision made by the appeals court of whichSotomayor was apart. I have yet to read the entire ruling but I find myself wondering the ramifications the ruling will have on the New Haven community. It is to my understanding that New Haven is predominately a minority community and will now be served by few minorities in positions of authority. I know of many people who came from areas where authority figures did not look like them. I know first hand how feelings of mistrust will pervade the neighborhood and do very little to bridging a widening gulf.

After reading the original ruling I agreed with the ruling in which Judge Areterton arrived. I can say with all honesty I am happy the New Haven 20 will receive the promotions they deserve. I will also say I am very apprehensive about the future of affirmative action. It is my personal belief that though we have come along way affirmative action is very much needed to ensure a diverse environment,especially on college campuses. For many minorities affirmative action is our Legacy admission. It will be interseting to see how this affects Sotomayor's confirmation I am of the opinion that it will matter little. Judge Souter whom she would replace agreed with her ruling.

It is undeniable to me that Sotomayor is right in respects that the bench is were policy is made. The supreme court just elected a new policy that will have far reaching outcomes for the future. What those outcomes are remains to be seen.

No Words Necessary

2009-06-25T22:08:00.002-05:00

I Get IT, Why don't you?

2009-06-01T22:18:00.002-05:00

We all remember our first, probably most memorable first is our…well this is a family blog so you get the point.

Some important first that I remember are:

Shirley Chisholm the first black female U.S. representative congresswoman.

Thurgood Marshall first black male U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Dr. Charles Drew the inventor of the blood bank (and a huge part of my chosen profession)

Mae Jemison the first black female astronaut.

Madame C.J. Walker first black female millionaire

Ursula Burns first black woman to become chief executive of Fortune 500 company.

Barack H. Obama first black president.

There are more notable firsts that I can recall but for me these are a few in which I feel tremendous pride. What many people fail to realize with Ms. Sotomayor’s nomination is the exact same thing they failed to realize during Obama’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States, Pride. Sure we all have pride in accomplishments from our fellow man but there is something undeniably special when it is someone who either looks like you or comes from a similar background. For those that believe minorities are indifferent to issues or a person’s record and that only their ethnicity or race matters I laugh at you and I reject your bigoted views. Nominations like Sotomayor’s and Obama’s will cease to be racially significant when they are no longer the first of their kind. However, for now Sotomayor’s nomination is another proud moment for me as a woman of color.

Is it time for the Catholic Church to Change?

2009-05-28T18:34:00.003-05:00

Alberto Cutie is a cutie (couldn't help myself)and it is a shame that he can no longer practice the faith that he believes because of his vow of celibacy to the Catholic Church. He will now "pursue the priesthood in theEpiscopalian faith".

Stepping Out the Box

2009-05-26T21:42:00.012-05:00

My husband usually likes to spend vacation on a beach somewhere relaxing to the sound of the waves. For my birthday he decided to accompany me on my yearly trip to Colorado for some light hiking and for the annual Bolder Boulder 10k. While the beach offers softly crashing waves it doesn’t compare to the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountain range in Colorado. For my husband’s first visit the weather could not have been worse. It rained at some point every day and was cloudy the entire time. We did not bother going to Pike’s Peak because it would have been pointless, all that would have been visible would have been clouds. However, the beauty in the gently rolling hillside the quaint housing and the occasional glimpse of snow capped covered mountains has my husband eager for next year’s trip.

We traveled to Bear Lake (9475 elevation) in hopes of completing a four mile hike. Instead we were met with at least five inches of snow which impeded our trek because we did not have snow shoes. At one point we were actually walking in the lake without realizing we had ventured off the trail.

We got up close and personal with some Elk and later enjoyed Elk and Buffalo burgers in the town of Estes. Some other sights included a visit to red top hotel which, is where Stephen King’s Shining was filmed. Later we headed to Denver for a vendor festival they were having before a torrential downpour forced everyone inside for cover.

I participated in the Bolder Boulder 10k race this year and had set a goal for myself of 1:25 (to see if I met this goal stay tuned for Jason Johnson’s post to learn my results). The race was incredible 50,000 people show up each year for the race and for the culmination in the elite runner’s race at the end of the day. The men’s elite runner finished in a mere 27 minutes! The Memorial Day celebration at CU was great 6 parachuteers floated in and at the very end of the national anthem three fighter jets flew over just in time to beat the storms.

Our trip was great. I had a secret agenda in this year’s trip I wanted to introduce my husband to a different way of living in hopes that he will want to start a new life in Colorado. He enjoyed himself immensely but I don’t think it was enough to sway him, YET.

Is It Just Me?

2009-05-20T21:04:00.006-05:00

Is it just me or does the fact that Rashida Jones only takes roles in which you find yourself questioning is she supposed to be white, slightly bothersome. I liked "I Love You Man" it was a good laugh. What I found odd was the complete absence of anything remotely ethnic when Rashida was on screen. I find myself wondering if this is a real life remake of Imitation of Life. Does anyone else feel this way or am I reaching?

Over or Under? UPDATE

2009-05-19T20:00:00.003-05:00

I debated sharing this information but then I thought what the hell. I will be running in a 10k on Memorial Day I am aiming to complete the race in an 1h25. Before I ask the over or under bet I feel I must disclose some information.
1. Until three weeks ago I thought this was a 5K
2. The race will be in Boulder, Co, which means I will be running at 5430feet.
3. My husband is taking over on this one (the scoundrel)

On the plus side I have never suffered from altitude sickness any of the times I have visited. I have camped and hiked with no problem or ill after affects. My friends are always surprised that I don't need an adjust period that we are able to hit the mountians the minute I land. However, I have yet to run there, so late Friday when we make it in my friend and I are going on a quick mile run to see how my lungs hold up. I will post an update on how I feel and the mile time late Friday or early Saturday.

My husband is actually going with me this year which, has its perks I have asked him to be at the finish line with bags of ice and glad cling wrap.

Update Finished a mile in 11:40 which is an 1:20 seconds longer than it usually takes for me to finish. Looks like I might make the goal I set for myself.

Damn Obama, you got this one wrong from jump.

2009-05-13T16:04:00.002-05:00

I love me some Obama and I want to him to succeed with all my heart. However, his stance on torture and the release of the Bush administrations memos on waterboarding is wrong. There will come a time in Obama's administration when tactics that require harsh interrogation will be needed and he will use them. What I don't like is Obama's no tolerance stance on torture. I think it only sets his administration up for a horrible black eye when they have to take advantage of harsh interrogation practices.

Currently, Obama is trying to block the release of detainee photos because of safety concerns for military personnel. I don't think the same consideration was given to the image and safety of all Americans with the release of the Bush adminstration use of waterboarding.

Change You Can Believe In

2009-05-12T20:18:00.003-05:00

The President's 2010 budget eliminated $110 million per year in what is called “discretionary spending” and $50 million per year in mandatory spending otherwise known as Title V funding. There were vigorous arguments on both sides each equally passionate in their beliefs in what will protect America’s youth.

The National Abstinence Education Association had this to say regarding the abstinence only funding cut.

Obama's anti-abstinence budget “disregards the growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of abstinence education,” including research showing “a 50% decrease in sexual onset among teens that are enrolled in abstinence programs.”
“At a time when teens are subjected to an increasingly sexualized culture, it is essential that common-sense legislators from both sides of the aisle reject this extreme attempt to de-fund the only approach that removes all risk,” said NAEA Executive Director Valerie Huber.

I agree with the NAEA that there needs to be a counter balance for the increased sexualized content seen on television and print ads. I just happen to believe providing age appropriate content that covers abstinence and safe sex practices provides adolescent who are “curious” with knowledge and information about the possible consequences of engaging to soon in sexual activity.

Who's got Next?

2009-05-05T19:27:00.004-05:00

Leah Ward Sears

Sonia Sotomayor

Kathleen Sullivan

Make no mistake I think Barack has to appoint a woman for political reasons just which woman is the question.

BOOOOOOO!!!!

2009-04-30T21:34:00.001-05:00

I love me some TJ Holmes, but, CNN this is garbage.

Dear Texas: F*ck Off

2009-04-21T19:57:00.001-05:00

The great state of Texas is periously close to passing the "Heartbeat"Bill. Which is:

An anti-abortion bill (House Bill 36/Senate Bill 182) in Austin [which] lawmakers debate whether a woman should be legally bound to have an ultrasound and listen to her baby's heartbeat before having an abortion.

.

If any woman decides to have an abortion regardless if you believe life starts the moment of conception or later it is still her right to terminate her pregnancy. I am so furious that anyone would dare to tell me if I ever decide that abortion is an option for me that I have to have an ultra sound and listen to a hearbeat in some attempt to shame me. F*ck You!

Blackface, Really!

2009-04-08T19:10:00.005-05:00

I have no idea what he is saying and it really does not matter, Black face was not necessary. This is something that often strikes me as funny and perplexing when it comes to other races and ethnicities and their mocking of black skin. Obama's complexion is probably very similar to the news anchors natural complexion yet he felt the need to dramatically darken his skin to represent Blackness. In the case ofSparkle Rai a few years ago an Indian man hired a man to kill his black daughter in law. The father in law and son were multiple shades darker than Sparkle. The fact that Sparkle was black any shade of black was enough to result in a contract for her murder. That is why I think colorism is so completely useless and divisive in ethnic communities because even if you are light bright next to white you are still black as a spade to some. Simply because we carry the label of black that automactically encites fear, loathing, and caution in some. .Why? And for those with the school of thought that racism is all but dead, don't believe the hype

Taliah Waajid Product Review and Loc Update

2009-04-03T16:26:00.008-05:00

I purchased the $35 gift package from Taliah Waajid
and it should have come with a shampoo, conditioner, locking gel, protective body mist, herbal hair cleanser, and herbal hair strengthener (aka grease). First red flag it took almost two weeks for the products to ship when there is a 3 to 5 business day shipping clause on the website. Second flag I was sent two shampoos (see picture) in place of the Protective Mist Bodifier. Third red flag I repeatedly had to email the office of Taliah Waajid as well as call to talk about my missing product. Final straw when I finally spoke to the office manager I was told to send the other shampoo back and they would send out my Protective mist (which keep in mind I had already paid for). WTH you are holding my product hostage until I return a product that you mistakenly shipped to me. Black Folks customer service is 75 percent of the business and Taliah Waajid did not pass that part of the test.

I was more than satisfied with the products. All of her products have a very earthy smell which I like. The herbal shampoo is excellent as a clarifier, the conditioner is the bomb and the Protective Mist is the truth. In all honesty I will continue to use the Protective Mist until I find a product to replace it everything else I have already found substitutes for when I run out of her products. I actually found another person making their way through the journey of lockdom who shared her recent experience at the Taliah Waajid hair care center in Atlanta. She was not pleased, peep the video for her customer review.

The bottom pics are some of my latest progress. The massive amount of shrinkage I was experiencing in February is now over my hair is no longer just sticking up I am actually getting some hang time and movement. I am still in the adolescent stage lots of budding and fuzziness. In the beginning I was worried about my locs forming on the smaller side now that they have plumped up I love the size in this stage. I often wonder to myself every morning why did I take so long to make the decision to start locs. The desision to start locs has been great for me. I have not had one moment of doubt about committing to locs. Weekend wear throw on some oversized earrings and mist the hair and go, I LOVE IT.

For Those Still Checking for this Blog

2009-03-25T18:15:00.003-05:00

Warning this post is going to be disjointed a lot like my life this month, so consider yourself warned.

The social problems and solutions theme out until I can have the time to pull the stats to go along with the posts; so consider the remainder of this month and next month until April 25TH as “Get it How You Live”.

First up I have a certification exam on the 25th of April which is taking up a bunch of my time studying for the exam. I have taken a leave of absence from my side hustle because I can’t find the extra time I need to devout to studying if I am working there 2 to 3 times a week.

I have been under so much friggin stress it is unbelievable I have a mouth night guard (totally sexy, totally) that is state of the art. You heat this sucker up and quick cool it and it molds to your grill. I have worn that bad boy down! Five hundred dollars gone I am going to need a new one and I have not even had it a year and insurance doesn’t cover it. I don’t consider myself a vain person EXCEPT when it comes to my teeth. I don’t drink coffee and red wine and tea I to kept to a minimum because I seriously have some kind of phobia about stained yellowing teeth.

I have a wedding this weekend in H-town. It is a very formal wedding she required us to wear an evening gown or cocktail dress. So I am opting for the cocktail dress only problem my dress is all black my shoes are pewter (killa, btw). I thought it was kinda to dark for a wedding so I wanted to jazz it up with some makeup so I headed to the mall today for a eye shadow tutorial ( I rarely wear eye shadow). Why why why, did the lady make me look like some kind of transvestite. Seriously, my make up looked like New Yorks from Flava of Love. So looks like I will be sticking with the eyeliner and mascara.

Obama I love you! I kept telling folks don’t get him riled or he WILL lay his goon hand down. Everyone saw the set down he gave Ed Henry, but by far the most interesting comment came from a commenter over at Jack & Jill Politics the classic line form New Jack City “ Sit yo five dollar ass down before I make Change” OWNED sucka.

Whew! I told you this post was going to be all over the place.

I will get back to once a week posts at least.

It’s Still Trickin if You Got It.

2009-02-28T21:48:00.000-06:00

If you begin a relationship popping bottles and trickin off gifts what women are you exactly expecting to attract. Is it then the gold diggers fault for being attracted to the colorfool (spelling intentional) peacock or the peacock’s fault for flashing his tail feather. I never understood the let me buy you a drink at a bar and I just met you 2 seconds ago, then getting a ‘tude when the chick walks off. I am a firm believer in you get back what you put out. So men that are tired of gold diggers stop flashing your wallet trying to shore up play. I was watching some nonsense on television about gold diggers and hip- hop and as usual the gold diggers were portrayed as carrion ready to swoop down and consume on a dead carcass. Do men really have the right to feel used when they get juiced especially when some of them are in an “it ani’t trickin if you got it” mentality?

That Thing

2009-02-24T20:20:00.002-06:00

If people would just listen to the message in this song so many would save themselves a lot of heartache.

Expectations

2009-02-22T17:28:00.000-06:00

Expectations, expectations, expectations. I cannot stress this word enough. During our pre-marital counseling sessions our counselors said we should each write down our expectations for each other. The next week when we came back and exchanged books I looked at my then fiancé and said to myself who does he think he’s marrying. The reverse was true for me when he read my expectations of him. Our counselors had us discuss our results then come to shared and agreed expectations for each other. Knowing what you expect from each other prior to marrying or committing will help you through some rough times. Are your expectations reasonable or even feasible?

Shacking, why do we do it?

2009-02-15T17:10:00.006-06:00

Why do we Shack? I lived with my now husband for almost a year before we made our trip down the aisle. One of the main reason we moved in together were financial. We paid cash for our wedding and living in separate apartments, plus bills at two separate places was not going to help pay for our wedding, so we moved in together. A decision that neither of us would be willing to repeat. That time of living together was one of the most trying times in our relationship. We were engaged at the time but we were still two very separate individuals playing married without the spiritual commitment.

USA Today reports that according to the U.S. Census Bureau 6.4 million in 2007, now make up almost 10% of all opposite-sex U.S. unmarried couples. 8.6% of cohabiting couples were both black. The increase in numbers of people living together has not neccessarily correlated to an increased marriages. Why are couples living together for years yet refused to take the final step to marriage.

It would appear that if the 8.6 % of Black couples living together were to commit to marriage then it would significantly decrease the number of unmarried Black women. Women who truly want more from the person they are living with in the form of marriage and all the legal benefits should demand nothing less than marriage. (This does not count the women that prefer living together to marriage).

Another favorite saying of my husband's "A man is only going to do what you allow them to do." If marriage is what you desire demand it if the guy leaves then you dodge a bullet be thankful.

So what keeps shacking couples from marrying?

Fly Girl: Thread Earrings

2009-02-15T15:18:00.008-06:00

Siditty, always writes provoking posts, this is one that concerns Black People's partonage or the lack of Black Businesses. I had already decided to start a new series titled Fly Girl were I post my reviews about black owned products, goods and services, Siditty's post ties in well with my desire to promote Black businesses. I previously wrote about a company called Toombas, an excellent product, check out the post if you need a reminder.

I am an earring FANATIC, I Love earrings. I purchased three sets of thread earrings at Aziza Beauty Supply

I ordered my earrings on Sunday received them thru USPS standard shipping on Wednesday. I received update emails from the time I ordered my product until the moment they shipped. I also received a thank you note for my business. If you would like to purchase your own thread earrings check the link above, or you can find Aziza Beauty Supply on facebook, or by phone: 1-866-648-7577. Aziza Beauty Supply also offers more than accessories, they also have hair products. So if you are in need of some products please give this lady a try and let me know about your experience with Aziza Beauty Supply.

Off Topic: After the Show its the After Party- Get back in Shape.

2009-02-15T13:43:00.011-06:00

I was a size 6 forever until I got married (almost 4 years ago). Over a four year period I have packed on twenty pounds. For the first two years of marriage I increased to a size 8. Size 8 lasted for two years and for the last year and a half I have ballooned to a size TEN. Not the business, AT ALL!

How did I go from the above to the below simple:

I started letting everything else take greater precedence in my life instead of me. I work full time and I have a part time hustle twice a week, and I am a part time grad student with class twice a week. So one day out of the week I can come straight home and chill. So sometimes I can workout three times a week but most times I only get in one day a week of running. I HAVE to make time, stress levels at work have skyrocketed within the last weeks and something has got to give. So instead of coming home and relaxing and just getting off my feet I am going to dedicate that hour to working out 4 times a week.

You can watch my weight loss progress at Dallas South which begins this week so check Dallas South often for updates. Jason Johnson of jmjfitness has agreed to help me with my goal of reaching 145-148lbs and getting well on my way to running the White Rock Lake half-Marathon at the end of the year. Jason has an online weight loss program as well so for anyone that does not live in the DFW area you can still benefit from his expertise.

Wish me LUCK!

Happy Faux Holiday!

2009-02-13T21:35:00.002-06:00

Why are more White Women Married than Black Women Part II

2009-02-11T19:13:00.006-06:00

Librocrat asked the question:
“As a follow up question, though, I would ask why more non-college educated white women are married than black women"

In an attempt to answer her question I found several journal articles with various theories and hypothesis but I used one in particular to answer her question.

This number comes down to sheer numbers. The decline of married Black women has been accompanied by the “substantial” increase rates in interracial marriage; particularly among Black men and non-Black women (Crowder & Tolnay, 2000).

Some interseting facts from the study performed by Crowder and Tolnay :
Black men married to non-Black women:
1) Make $1,400 per year more than BM married to BW & $9,000 more than singal BM
2) ½ year advantage in years of education
3) 3 points higher in terms of occupational prestige

More possible explanations for decline in BW marriage rates:
1) Sex ration imbalances
2) Incarceration of men
3) High unemployment rates

Overall shortage of economically attaractive Black marriage partners affect BW marriage rates.Interracial marriage to a greater extent than intraracial marriage may deplete the pool of economically attaractive BM.

Reference:
Crowder, K.D., Tolnay, S..E. (2000) A new marriage squeeze for black women: The role of racial intermarrige by black men. Journal of Marriage & Family, 62(3), 792-807.

Why are more White Women Married than Black Women? Part I

2009-02-08T18:53:00.001-06:00

There may be a couple of reasons for this I hope to present a couple of rationales and get you all to provide some feedback.

It has been my experience that a high number of white women go to college with the expressed desire of finding a potential mate. I receive a quarterly magazine from my College and I find it interesting that so many of the White people eventually married other classmates, even if years had lapsed after graduation. Only one Black woman married another college classmate from my College. One. I think White people realize early that this is a prime time to find a mate even if they are not ready for the final commitment. Black people are too busy wild n’out during college to understand that this is a peak time to begin looking for a mate. College is a time and a place where you are meeting likeminded people with some of the same goals and aspirations as yourself. It becomes exceedingly harder to find a mate when you are not surrounded with people on a daily basis with the same interests and ambitions.

Most of the women I know found their mates while they were still in college. There was an average of 3 to four years after graduation before the couples were married. The important factor being that the women found their mates in an atmosphere that was smaller and more condensed (a college campus) without the extra added competition from a larger pool of women.

So for women looking for marriage starting early doesn’t hurt your challenges. For women who are out of college joining clubs with specific interests e.g. medical professionals, Black teachers associations are possible starts for pursuing relationships with people who have the same interests as you.

Off Topic: Bathroom Redecoration

2009-02-04T18:27:00.014-06:00

I have the whole week off and I decided to redecorate the guest bathroom. After the paint job a while back I didn’t do anything as far as accessories. The first couple of picks are the before pics.

The next two pics are of the materials I bought to use. The first set came from IKEA and the other stuff came from Wal-Mart.

The last pics are of the finish product. There are some items that were not included in the materials pics and those were items I already had in the house. I really wish the colors would show up better than they are (The lighting is off). The paint on the wall is the color of the inside of a cucumber.

Anonymous shares her story.

2009-02-04T08:28:00.005-06:00

Yeah I had my first person to respond to my Love and Relationship email request (ya'll don't let her be the ONLY one). Here is her story, enjoy.

February, the month we set aside to openly celebrate love. Ironically enough I met my true love 19 years ago this month. We have celebrated 14 years of marriage and to this day I can't imagine loving anyone else. There have been moments of tremendous happiness and yes, moments of anger and sadness. We have to daily remember to choose love over judgement, forgiveness over blame, and patience over hastiness. There are days we get it all wrong but I thank God that we give each other another day to get it right. I have found that when I show love even in the midst of pain I eventually find joy. Love truly is the key that unlocks true happiness. Don't be afraid to show it this month and all through the year.

Thanks for writing Anon I am sure your story resonates with a lot of people.

Barack and Michelle Obama

2009-02-04T08:09:00.005-06:00

I love this couple! They are the real life Cliff and Clara Huxtable (only betta). The couple surprised a DC charter school yesterday for story time. Needless to say the kids were ecstatic with the President and First Lady’s visit. The reason why I love this couple first they are black. There are not enough black couples in the spot light that exhibit the kind of unabashed love for one another that these two have. I enjoy watching every huge, kiss, light touch on the back I LOVE IT, I say. My husband and I have become a Barack and Michelle magazine junkies anything with the two of them on it we buy and store it with our ever growing collection of Obama gear. Ok back to why I love the Obama’s; I am hoping that there will be an Obama effect on relationships. I am hoping the Obama’s can do what Will Smith, Grant Hill and other really great men that love their wives have been unable to do, and that is bring marriage to the forefront in the black community. For America I am hoping they bring what a healthy marriage looks like to the forefront. Now before someone says how can I know their marriage is healthy? I don’t but it appears that way. I also believe their marriage is a happy one because I look at Michelle I don’t know many black women that can fake it that well. If there is a problem it usually shows in body language or facial expressions I don’t see that with her, so I take it Barack is doing something right. Here’s to hoping they continue to have a happy and blessed marriage.

Photo courtesy of Bossip .

The Flip Side of Miss Independent

2009-02-03T18:56:00.002-06:00

This is the flip side to Miss Independent if you have not read it then I suggest you start here first.

The Miss Independent role has been embraced by many women but I wonder are women being forced into this role. Video after video after video(this song will be revisited on a later post) by men are saying they want an independent woman. The messages are mixed. Black women and other women of color are often forced into independent roles due to lack of male leadership. Some men are looking for a caretaker and a woman that is finically independent so that they don’t have to come out of their pocket. Materialism is eating away at the fabric of all American lives. A lot of relationships are being reduced to what can you do for me. Not pointing fingers but when you have pervasive messages coming from the male population that they want an Independent Woman can you really blame women for trying to give you what you are loudly asking for in public.

There is a lot of history behind the Independent Woman movement history that I share with a lot of women. Many of our fathers were absent or not the best role models. As much as I love my grandfather he did not always take care of business and that forced my grandmother into grind mode which she passed along. Grinding is what women are used to doing to keep their families together. If men want a soft and cuddly woman then it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. I say money because money is part of what it takes for women to feel secure another part is grind. Does a man have enough grind in him to constantly be on his hustle? It does not take a lot of money (because most of us are self-sufficient) but it takes an attitude I’m willing to do (within the legal realm) whatever it takes to make this work. There are many women that are waiting to switch roles but they have to have that man that inspires trust and stability.

So Kofi you co-signed on the previous post where you at on this one?

Bye-Bye Miss Independent

2009-02-02T21:54:00.004-06:00

Independence is something that was frequently espoused in my home. My mom wanted to make sure I would be self-sufficient, that I could handle business on my own in other words be independent. I think this message has derailed a lot of relationships even though it is well intentioned. Before my husband and I married we had some really good pre-martial counseling from the folks over at OCBF. They had us fill out a book that had different scenarios in it separately, we came back to class the next week and we exchanged books our answers were completely different. My results in particular presented a need to be in charge and need to feel in control and to drive the results of those scenarios. My husbands were the same the only problem according to our counselor I was out of ORDER. (Ok at this point I’m about ready to chunk the deuce and say we need to find somebody else). The whole independent movement would have broken our marriage apart before we even started AND it ever nearly did during our dating stages.

Men need to feel needed period. They are a lot more vulnerable and sensitive than they or we believe them to be. My husband’s favorite saying is “you have to let a man be a man”. It took me two and half years into our relationship to fully understand what he meant. There are still times when it is difficult for me to let go and let him handle a situation especially when I would do it differently. There have been many times when I have almost bit my tongue in two to keep my opinions or criticisms to myself. However, the times that I completely let go and trust him even when it does not turn out the way we expect, the road to correcting our mistake is a lot easier without a tug-of-war.

Placing your trust in an individual is beyond terrifying. Too often we are willing to trust an individual with our bodies but not with our emotions or place confidence in their ability to take care of us. This is a mistake. If you don’t trust the individual you are with to provide for you and be able to hold it down then you are wasting your time and his.

Miss independent went out the window during our counseling sessions. I wanted to be taken care of but was afraid of admitting that I needed someone, afraid to place complete trust in my soon to be husband. I was faced with the choice of keeping a defense wall and losing a man that I know loves me and I love. After our counseling was over there was a huge change in our relationship. I let go and I gave in. I trust my husband I don’t agree with every decision he makes but I trust that he has OUR best interest at heart. He trusts me enough to talk about every decision prior to making that final decision he listens to my suggestions. So when something does not turn as we expected it was our decision not his or mine, but ours.

There are definite benefits to letting Miss independent go you are no longer alone in making decision, I hate paying bills my husband takes care of most of that, he is open with the accounts I don’t have to worry about him tricking off our money, and he makes sure that I am safe secure and will be taken care of in the event that anything should happen to him.

Sex vs. Intimacy

2009-02-01T21:33:00.004-06:00

Sex and intimacy are often elements that are skipped over in many Black households. I never had the talk with my mother which has it pluses and minuses. On the plus side I did not have to endure an awkward sit down talk like I did when I started my period. On the minus side friends, books, and television filled in a lot of missing information but not all information is good or even educational.

Sex and intimacy are topics that should first be broached in the home. Open discussion of the differences between the two is critical to shaping the ideas and views of the inexperienced in their relationships. Everyone is inundated with images of sex from television, print adds to product consumerisms. Yet hardly was the topics of sex broached other than to have my mom say I’m not raising any babies. The mechanics of sex were ever present but the actual emotional attachment (especially for women) was missing in all the advertisement. Sex has become so mechanical or robotic the world does not present it as the ultimate emotional connection that it was intended to be.

Casual sexual encounters have replaced intimacy. Parents and families should teach their children early that intimacy does not begin with sex but begins with a touch a look or even a word. I share an intimacy with my husband that I still marvel at it makes our relationship all the more deeper and sincere. Neither of us had the best role models for marriage but we work on making it better than our parents had.

Sex needs to be discussed. Parents need to be strong and forth coming and open to questions. Parents of young girls should teach them early that sex should not be used as a way to gain affection. Young men should also be taught respect for women at an early age and that sex should be discriminatory and not a contest of conquests. The strained relationships and hardships that some people suffer in their adult years are in direct consequences to their misunderstanding and misuse of sex versus learning the beauty of shared intimacy.

Intimacy for our relationships begins in the morning every morning whoever leaves for work kisses the other good-bye. During bad weather my husband calls to make sure I have made it safely even on the really bad days he drives me to work. We will find a note or cards over the house in each other’s cars slipped in each other’s lunch boxes when we need it most. Holding hands, relaxing on the couch together, sharing a laugh or brightening the others day is what strengthens our bond; especially during those you get on my nerves moments. The greatest intimacy I share with my husband comes from waking up on Saturday morning with him by my side and playing catch-up conversation.

Black Love and Relationships in the Month February

2009-02-01T10:27:00.003-06:00

Yeah February finally! I am looking forward to the topics of love and relationships this month. I have said before black love is often hidden from the mainstream while, the ignorant thug loving ideal is rampant across mainstream. Real love is present and I want to talk about what works what does not and why thug love (that just sounds ridiculous) is perceived as the prevalent type of relationships of in the black community (thanks BET). I will also discuss images of black couples/relationships in the media and the message they represent. I really want to focus on how to make relationships better and talk about some of the problems while trying to discuss possible solutions. I will be adding a wall of Fabulous couples and (hopefully I can convince Mr. Man to let me post his pic) along with some random commentary about how they made the cut.

I hope to have a post up by the end of the day but it is Super Bowl Sunday so that may or may not happen. Stay tuned.

Trouble in Madagascar

2009-01-31T15:18:00.003-06:00

Madagascar, is an island off the coast southeast coast of Africa, well known for its wildlife and eco-tourism. However, there is a dark side to the beauty of Madagascar. Madagascar has a history of political unrest and infighting and extreme poverty with more than half of their population living on less than $1 per day.

Over the past week there has been civil unrest in Madagascar resulting in 80 deaths. The current upheaval erupted from a power dispute between Marc Ravalomanana the President and Andre Rajoelina a mayor. Rajoelina has accused Ravalomanana of a growing "authoritarianism" as well as "accusing the government of miss-spending public funds and suppressing press freedom".

source

Off Topic: Thank You President Obama

2009-01-29T06:49:00.005-06:00

Barack, is expected to sign the Lily Ledbetter Fair pay bill today. The Associated Press posted a quick Q&A about the act.

Lilly Ledbetter was a supervisor at Goodyear Tire and Rubber’s plant in Gadsden, Alabama, from 1979 until her retirement in 1998. For most of those years, she worked as an area manager, a position largely occupied by men. Initially, Ledbetter’s salary was in line with the salaries of men performing substantially similar work. Over time, however, her pay slipped in comparison to the pay of male area managers with equal or less seniority. By the end of 1997, Ledbetter was the only woman working as an area manager and the pay discrepancy between Ledbetter and her 15 male counterparts was stark: Ledbetter was paid $3,727 per month; the lowest paid male area manager received $4,286 per month, the highest paid, $5,236.

To read more about the story and the bill you can visit the White House Blog here. This is a bill that champions not only equal pay for women but also for minorities.

"I Am African" Campagin

2009-01-25T13:48:00.003-06:00

The I am African Campagin spearheaded by Model Iman partners with Keep a Child Alive to provide important life saving antiretrovirals for children across Africa. The program illustrates celebrities and other individulas photographed in traditional tribal paint. The campagin works to bring understanding that the poverty and disease in Africa is a burden that should and must be shared by everyone.

Off Topic: Loc Update

2009-01-21T16:43:00.011-06:00

I am a few days shy of three months and I am still loving everyday of my loc journey. The first two pics are prior to me visiting my loctictian. The parts have the usual new growth that needed to be reincorporated back into the loc. I have been using Dr. Bonner's Peppermint soap mixed with olive oil and water and I love it. I have yet to settle on a conditioner that I like yet. The last time I used one some of the locs actually came apart, so I have been sticking with just shampooing.

This pic was right after I left my loctitican. The fuzziness and swelling you see represents the budding stage of the locs. This means I have fully entered into the adolescent stage. There are still about five locs in the front that I am really concerned about and actually may have her combine them in March if they don't thicken up to a size that I feel comfortable with.

After every wash I usually place my hair into bantu knots(or Chinese bumps) overnight. The next day it comes out curly for the rest of the week. The curly look also helps to disguise of all the budding and fuzzies.

My locs are coming along so well that I have decided to retwist myself next month. I have not decided if I am going to try palm-rolling or the interlock method yet either, way it is sure to be a learning experience.

This is Our Day.

2009-01-20T06:18:00.003-06:00

Yesterday symbolized the close of the age of Equality. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his supporters (my grandparents generations) fought for that equality. My mother born in 1960 reaped the benefits from their generations fight. This was an age that will never be forgotten but it closed yesterday.

As the sun set on one age it began to rise and brightly shine on the age of Responsibility. I don’t look for Barack and Michelle to solve our community’s problems. However, I look for them to demand that we actively serve one another and that we become the solution. Today, at noon I like so many others will watch the Inauguration of the nations first President of Color. I will shed some tears and hold today in my heart like so many before me held their memories of King and Kennedy.

This age of Responsibility begins within each individual; the Obama’s call to service yesterday was only the beginning. In this age I look and fervently hope that there will be a reduction in the number of incarcerations of black men and women. With responsibility I look for families to tough it out and even when that becomes impossible I look for them to remain active in rearing their children. I have high hopes, for this is my generation and I don’t plan on letting it go without a fight. In saying that I have decided to explore my options and become a teacher. I have yet to decide if I will be a classroom teacher or a community health organizer but either way come August I will begin my service. Thank you to Barack and Michelle for reminding us all that there is no greater sense of self-worth than helping out your fellow man.

The Fate of Divorced African Women

2009-01-19T18:54:00.003-06:00

Women who are divorced in Africa are "thrown out of their homes, lose custody [of their children], and many end up destitute." Hisbah (a religious -Muslim Police)are said to strongly suggest the Association of Divorcees, Widows, and Orphans not continue with their planned demonstration on January 29th. The Hisbah is denying demonstration by the women because it is against Muslim law and violates the moral norm for the people of Kano. Kano is the third largest city in Nigeria. Sunday Trust, the Hisbah deputy commander-general operations also stated that the rally would led to the ridicule of Kano in the eyes of the world. The Hisbah believes the divorcees must realized that there are better ways of addressing the issue of divorce.

African Diaspora for Change

2009-01-15T13:52:00.001-06:00

Obama’s run and subsequent election has started a movement among young leaders who are African immigrants or were raised by immigrant families. This organization is called African Diaspora for Change (formerly African Diaspora for Obama). It is a grassroots organization focusing on being the change needed locally, nationally, and internationally. The African Diaspora for Change (ACD) will host The African Diaspora Inaugural Ball on Sunday January 18, 2009 with the theme: “I am the Change: Educating, Empowering and Engaging the Next Generation of Leaders.”

Money raised by the event will benefit two organizations the Batonga Foundation and First Book, both nonprofits. The Batonga Foundation is dedicated to providing secondary and higher education to girls. Research finds that the investment of education for young girls greatly reduces the poverty and subsequent marginalization of women in developing countries. “Mark Blacken, [World Bank] one of the bank's lead analysts, said Africa's progress was inextricably linked to the fate of girls.

First Book distributes new books to children in low-income communities throughout the United States and Canada. In honor of Barack Obama our 44th President First Book, has committed to donating and distributing 44,000 books in support of literacy in Africa and America.

War Criminal: Bremba

2009-01-13T10:28:00.008-06:00

Jean-Pierre Bremba is a former Vice-President for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bremba was charged by the International Criminal Court with three counts of crimes against humanity and five counts of war crimes. Bremba has denied all charges set against him.

"He [Bremba]chose rape as his main method... rapes against mothers in the presence of their children and rapes of children as their parents were forced to watch."

Rape, interpersonal violence, and domestic abuse unfairly continue the marginalization of women and children especially those in developing countries. The UN has stated that rape is now a war tactic. It is said that in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone, some 40 women are raped every day.

"South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu said women had become the primary victims of war and civil unrest, and that violence against women was used as a form of ethnic cleansing".

What if anything will deter men from the continued use of rape as a form of terrorism to gain control, power, and wealth? Bremba is a very wealthy man supposedly to the tune of several million dollars. I don't hold hope that he will be convicted but, I am troubled that if found not guilty he will return to continue his path of destruction and crimes against women and children.

source
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Off Topic

2009-01-12T19:47:00.002-06:00

Picture of yours truly. If you would like to make your own visit
here.

Zimbabwe Cholera Epidemic

2009-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Cholera is an intestinal infection generally caused by contaminated food and/or water. WHO counts cholera as a key indicator of social development. Diarrheal diseases rob the body of precious nutrients and electrolytes. In children diarrhea is associated with “impaired cognitive and physical development” (Guerrant, et al., 2005, p.S526). Diarrheal diseases can be attributed to the majority of economic losses in many countries; but the infectious agents that cause diarrhea can fall to a low incidence through the process of good hygienic conditions (Gasana, Morin, Ndikuyeze, and Kamoso, 2002).

Zimbabweis experiencing a cholera epidemic with 34,306 cases since August 2008 resulting in 1,732 deaths recorded as of January 5th. There are concerns that now the rainy season is approaching that the epidemic will spread quicker and further. Successfultreatment consists of an oral rehydration solution mixed and drunk with copious amounts of water.

Zimbabwe is experiencing an economic and food shortage directly blamed on the mismanagement of government funds by Robert Mugabe

Dr. Feel Goods Nathans & Ndulor

2009-01-06T18:57:00.006-06:00

It is my fervent belief that healthcare should be a universal human right and not the privilege of a few. Healthcare in Africa has slowly transitioned from traditional medicine to modern technology with university trained medical doctors. However, healthcare is still rudimentary in rural areas. Dr. Ibe Nathans (a medial doctor)and Dr. Lawrence Ndular, (a clinical psychologist)are two UK educated Nigerians, who make the extra effort to return to their homeland to offer their aid to in need Nigerians.Ndulor was robbed and shot in the chest which, has curtailed his trips to Nigeria but not his financial support for the Ibelaw Community Health & Social Care Foundation. Huge thanks, to people like Nathans and Ndulor who work towards helping those with the biggest need.

Fatherhood Involvement

2009-01-05T20:52:00.003-06:00

Sorry my Adult ADD is kicking in. This post is off topic but LMAH sent me this vid and I wanted to share.

Now back to our regular scheduled program for the month.

Uganda’s HIV/AIDS Success Story Threatened by U.S. Interference

2009-01-05T18:26:00.005-06:00

Uganda has its share of problems yet, Uganda is still THE model for the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. However, Uganda’s model and success is currently being threatened. 940,000 people are living with HIV and 1.2 million children are orphaned by AIDS.

First and foremost with any successful health initiative you must gain confidence, trust, and speak to the direct needs of the target population. HIV/AIDS hit Uganda hard in the mid-80s around the same time President Museveni came to power. In President Museveni you had a president that cared that his country men were dying. He knew that a simple message of caution could (and would) save millions of lives. Museveni relaxed the control on media outlets allowing a frank message regarding the transmission of HIV/AIDS to spread through “churches, school, and villages.”

The forthright discussion and ABC programs (abstain, be faithful, use condoms) a comprehensive sex awareness program aided in removing the stigma and fear associated with the virus. Now the success that was once Uganda’s in the fight against HIV/AIDS is now in danger. Uganda’s HIV/AIDS programs are funded by numerous organizations. President Bush’s financial assistance is tied inextricably to "abstinence only" programs. A program which presses Uganda to teach abstinence versus the comprehensive sex awareness that reduced the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the 90s.

Abstinence “only” programs are ineffective and grossly unfeasible. The use of such stipulations tied to government funds in my opinion are a gross breach of the term separation of church and state. President Bush gave Uganda $8 million for the use of abstinence only programs. These programs do not and cannot effectively work alone. While, the concept and ideology is admirable we live in world filled with secular images and secular behaviours.

Stories from Child Soldiers

2009-01-04T16:40:00.003-06:00

"They took us as wives straightaway. We had to cook for them. If a cow was killed, we had to cook it...When they came back, they would eat and drink, then they would call for you. They were so many. It was so painful...If they went to attack somewhere or to loot, there was always someone who stayed behind. Then he’d call you. If you refused, they used sticks to whip you...We mostly stayed in the forest but sometimes we had to go with them and carry what they looted...They all had sex with me. I don’t know how many people had sex with me. A man would come, then another and another. I wasn’t even the youngest. Some girls were even younger than me. Even the commanders called for you. You couldn’t refuse...They said they’d kill you if you ran away. Some people fled and didn’t come back. We didn’t know if they’d got away or had been killed."

"I remember the day I decided to join the mayi-mayi. It was after an attack on my village. My parents, and also my grand-father were killed and I was running. I was so scared. I lost everyone; I had nowhere to go and no food to eat. In the mayi-mayi I thought I would be protected, but it was hard. I would see others die in front of me. I was hungry very often, and I was scared. Sometimes they would whip me, sometimes very hard. They used to say that it would make me a better fighter. One day, they whipped my [11-year-old] friend to death because he had not killed the enemy. Also, what I did not like is to hear the girls, our friends, crying because the soldiers would rape them. "

Rita’s life was filled with suffering however; her life line was filled with more flowers than rocks giving, me encouragement for the future of ex-child soldiers.

Genocide in Darfur

2009-01-02T18:11:00.001-06:00

Darfur is approximately the size of France. The current conflict in Sudan
is predominately in the Western Region and centered along ethnic and tribal lines. This conflict began in February 2003 and consists of four groups. The Sudanese military and the Janjaweed fight together and are of Arabic descent. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement are of African descent. The current government of Sudan is strongly Arab based.

The Janjaweed loosely translated to mean “devil on horseback” are one of the major players in the continued decimation of the farmers over precious few resources and land allocation. Millions of people have been displaced since October 2006. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum estimates a 100,000 deaths in the Sudan region for each year because, of the assistance of the Arab- backed Sudanese government.

The United States has called the mass massacre in Darfur genocide but, the United Nations falls short of calling the killings genocide. It is in my opinion that the United Nations falls short of enacting stronger UN sanctions due to China'sinterference. (China receives huge amounts of oil from Sudan) There is an argument as to who supplies more weapons to the Janjaweed China or Russia. What is not in dispute is that at least 90% of the weapons used to continue the genocide in Darfur are imported weapons.

Men are killed or either mutilated, forcing women and children to flee their homes for refugee camps. Women and young girls are often raped and brutalized if they venture too far away from the refugee camps while searching for firewood. Rape and sexual abuse are used as a weapon of terror to continue a cycle of fear. The refugee camps are filled with hundreds of families trying to escape the brutal systematic slaughter carried out by the Janjaweed.

If you would like to aid the victims of a sense less war fought among herders, farmers and the most marginalized of us all women and children; then please click on the following links to find a way you can contribute and help.

Help Darfur Now
Save Darfur
24 hours for Darfur
A message to President Elect Obama

Christmas Day Massacre

2009-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Alice Auma an Acholi spirit – medium woman, was a leader of the Holy Spirit Movement (HSM) a rebellious movement against the Ugandan government. Alice, claimed to be possessed by a spirit named Lakwena. The HSM, after suffering a sound defeat quickly fell apart, forcing Alice to flee leaving way to what is now the LRA lead by Joseph Kony to form.

Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a Ugandan rebel group formed in 1987, currently led by Joseph Kony, perpetrated one of the bloodiest massacres over Christmas and the following days. An estimate of 400 people lost their lives while the LRA went from town to town burning, pillaging and abducting children to continue their reign of terror. (It is important to note that LRA has denied any involvement in the Christmas day massacres.)

The LRA is well known for its abduction of children. These children are used as " guards, concubines, and soldiers.” Without the enforced servitude/slavery of child soldiers the LRA’s fighting forces would be tremendously reduced.

An estimate of 20,000 children have been abducted and used in the LRA’s consistent brutal reign of terror over a period of 18 years. The profile reported by BBC found Kony’s philosophy for his continued cruelty came from his desire to cleanse the Acholi people. A more sinister reason for the LRA’s sustained terrors is the secular benefits. Kony and his top officials have first pick of the young girls taken captive to be their wives as well as any looting goods.

What to expect from Because I Said So in 2009

2008-12-31T06:29:00.003-06:00

I usually operate in an organized chaotic state which is evident in my restless posting style. For 2009, I am, going to pick a topic and stay with that topic for the duration of the month, peppered with mini loc updates. A quick preview January will focus on all things pertaining to Africa. From travel destinations, to conflict, to little know success stories from the Dark Continent. February will focus on relationships among Black women and men. Beginning from our childhood interactions, through the college years, and ultimately what makes us choose our mates. So stay tuned or tell a friend that things are changing at Because I Said So. A quick hint, check the Banner January 1st and every month thereafter to find out what the topic of the month will be.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T06:13:00.003-06:00

The New Year is a time for new declarations and pledges. I, like everyone else, have made them and broke them. So this year I am trying something different. I compiled a list that should help other people know how to approach me in 2009.

1. If I have gone all day without eating don't even think of engaging me in conversation. You will know I am hungry because I will have
Tyrone Biggum lips, induced by the lack of food ingestion not crack consumption.

2. If you set a time or if you are hosting an event then please, at least be on time because, if you are late trust me the 'tude will be stank. I am usually 15 to 30 minutes early for everything, a nasty habit I picked up from my mom that I have yet to break.

3. There is such a thing as a dumb question. If I give you the head cocked to the side and one eyebrow raised you will know that you just asked it.

These are your guidelines for 2009 please, govern yourself accordingly. You guys have a safe and wonderful start to the New Year. I wish you all the best in the coming year.

Bernard Madoff and his Texas Connection

2008-12-28T16:57:00.004-06:00

Bernard Madoff was arrested for "allegedly running a $50 billion "Ponzi scheme" in what may rank among the biggest fraud cases ever." The fallout of Bernard Madoff's scheme almost crippled The Innocence Project of Texas. The Innocence Project has freed more than 20 individuals in 2008 through DNA evidence from wrongful convictions. Their investment with Bernard Madoff almost cost them $400,000 in operating money, but the company was informed that they would be able to keep the money they had received to date. The Project believes they have enough money to complete all DNA testing underway so far however, if funds are to fall short they will seek help through the private sector. If you would like to learn more about the Innocence Project of Texas or how you can donate please visit here.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T21:13:00.000-06:00

Let Colorism Die!

2008-12-20T12:01:00.004-06:00

Colorism within ethnic communities is nothing new. Within the Black community colorism was a way during slavery to separate, divide and confuse a race of people.

The prevalence of colorism within ethnic communities is still rampant. Months ago Yung Berg made the statement that he didn't like "dark butts" and that his women must pass the pool test. Fast forward a few months and there is R&B artist Ne-yo who tells a reporter that "all the prettiest kids are light skin". I sat there is stunned silence with my mouth ajar as I watched the clip, inwardly recoiling at the blatant ignorance and unaware self-loathing that such a statement would prompt someone to say.

When we ask other people to view us for whom we are on the inside should we not be able to ask the same of ourselves? We are no longer physically enslaved yet we find ourselves a slave to an old color caste system.

I believed we had made so much progress outside of the 80's when people the complexion of Debarge and Apollonia were all the rage. Yet, here we are again bombarded with psychological images that continue to define the standard of Black beauty under the shallow veneer of skin complexion.

I often wonder of the educational and social cognizance of artist like Yung Berg and Ne-yo when they make such absurd statements. At the end of the day light skin or dark skin you can still be called a nigger.

Image courtsey of Abagond

The Beauty of Natural Hair

2008-12-15T20:01:00.005-06:00

Just thought I would share some of my favorite youtube videos on locks and natural hair. I would also like to say that I received two compliments today on my locs YEAH! The are coming along and I will do another post when I get them retwisted in January. I am hoping to stretch my retwist to 5 to 6 weeks so that I will have a healthy hairline. I would rather deal with fuzzies than have to combine a bunch of locs down the road. Speaking of combining there are three in the front that I want to make larger so when I go back to my loctician I will have her do that so I can avoid the two headed dragons.

The first video is inspirational, I look at this video often so that I can stay focused on my goal. The second video features Goapele's music, an artist that does not get enough play.

Wow! I bet Bush can not wait until January

2008-12-14T15:46:00.007-06:00

I am no Bush fan but I am very grateful that this was only a shoe. The Secret Service needs their asses kicked for this. Their reactions were too damn slow for me they should have had Bush on the ground after the first shoe.

Big ups to the journalist (if he was a journalist) in the tan blazer and orange shirt who was able to stiff arm the shoe terrorist.

I would also like to say thank you President Bush for holding your own afterwards. I know it was just a shoe but hell I am still an American and I am proud that you pushed forward and showed no fear and ended your speech with great fortitude.

Is the Military doing enough?

2008-12-10T14:10:00.003-06:00

During my grandfathers and uncles tour of duty I believe the ship rides back home helped to alleviate some of their stress. The month long voyages home helped to slowly reintroduce them back into a society were they are not constantly in a fight or flight mode. Today’s military personnel are in war zone one minute then the next on a flight route back to the States all within 24hours.

I have genuine concern for the mental health of all actively serving military personnel. I am not quite sure how the military approaches mental health to my understanding it is on a volunteer basis. (If anyone knows differently please let me know). I personally believe that they need at least 3 months of mental health counseling after serving in an active war zone. My brother has been on leave for 18 days his wife just arrived last night and I believe they are both suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We are urging them both to seek the aid of mental health services. In the meantime as the old folks say we can only keep them lifted up before God.

Illinois Governor Taken into Custody: What does this mean for Obama

2008-12-09T09:40:00.004-06:00

According to the statement, Blagojevich is alleged to have discussed obtaining:

a substantial salary for himself at either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions;

a spot for his wife on paid corporate boards, where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year;

promises of campaign funds -- including cash up front;

a Cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.

What was he thinking?!!!

Will Obama Attend the People's Ball

2008-12-08T23:26:00.005-06:00

Stafford Foundation Announces 'People's Inaugural Project' at Washington's Historic JW Marriott

Thanks to the foundation's $1 million investment, participants will attend the events and stay at the JW Marriott free of charge. A third of the tickets for all the Stafford Foundation events will be distributed to hundreds of marginalized Americans who have demonstrated a positive example by embodying hope and facilitating change in their communities. The Marriott will serve as the central point to welcome the group of diverse people who come to celebrate America's new president.

I saw this story on the news and my eyes actually got misty.

Loc Update One month

2008-12-08T21:30:00.010-06:00

Ok Ash, this post is just for you. These pics are about 2 weeks old I intended to post them weeks ago but I'm always on the late show. After I went back to my lociticain for my re-tightening I had BUDS. For those not familiar with loc lingo buds are the beginning formation of your locs it means the hair is starting to tangle and loc. I think for a lot of people buds take up to 3 or more months to form however, Regina told me I had that good Negro hair (nappy as hell,4b) so my hair would take no time at all to loc.

When I first became natural I was in such a hurry to get to a nice size fro' that I did not fully enjoy the different stages of my hair during that period. I have decided to enjoy every stage even the extremely unattractive and fuzzy stage. I never expected to feel as if my loc journey would be some kind of spiritual journey as it is for so many others. However, I can tell you I am far more confident and excepting of who I am so through this process. I think it is the combination of approaching 30 and not being overly concerned with other peoples definition of beauty.

The first two pics were after my first complete month, my loctician started my locs off with double strand twist. At the close of the month I had a lot of lose hair that needed to be gathered back into the base.

These last three pics were after the re-tightening she used the latching method. The latching method gives me more freedom to play with styles because I don't have to worry about them coming apart like the twist.

A Tribute to Lauryn Hill

2008-12-02T19:04:00.004-06:00

I miss Lauryn like crazy. I have been listening to my MisEducation CD and I realize that no one could come close to touching her, when she was on. Lauryn come back puuuullllleeezzee! I have included my favorite song Ex-Factor: I can not listen to this song without getting weepy. Not to mention she has the best locs ever!

Turn the Lights Down Low

The Final Hour

Ex Factor

World AIDS Day

2008-12-01T06:29:00.003-06:00

JPS Health Network recognizes World AIDS Day

BY ELIZABETH BASSETT
December 01, 2008

JPS Health Network will be hosting a memorial service on Dec. 1 to recognize World AIDS Day.

The hour-long service, which will start at 10:30 a.m., will be in the third-floor auditoriums of the John Peter Smith Hospital. Those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS will be remembered, and a list of names of those who died this year will be read. It’s estimated that about 100,000 within Tarrant County have HIV, which causes AIDS, and up to one-third of the infected may not know they have the disease. For more information on the event, contact Nicci Willey at 817-927-1025.

The following are events in Dallas in Observance of World AIDS Day
DALLAS

The North Texas HIV Service Providers Council will host its 2008 World AIDS Day event Friday, Dec. 5 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Fwy. An information fair and AIDS Memorial Quilt viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White, will be the keynote speaker. Reservations are required. Call 214-521-5191 to make a reservation.

The DFW Stomp Out Syphilis Campaign is hosting a World AIDS Day balloon launch and educational presentation at noon on Monday, Dec. 1 at the MLK Family Clinic at 2922-B MLK Blvd. Keynote speakers for the event are Barbara S. Cambridge, Ph.D., professor at UT-Southwestern Medical School, and Fernie Sanchez, M.A., of AIDS Arms, Inc. For more information, contact Diedre Spears, or call her at 214-528-0144.

AIDS Interfaith Network/Manos Unidas , in conjunction with Dallas County Health and Human Services, will provide HIV testing at the Mexican Consulate, 8855 N. Stemmons Fwy., on Monday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Edgar Carmona at 214-943-4444.

For additional post regarding HIV/AIDS you can read here and here.

Plaxico Burress Shoots Himself in the Leg!?

2008-11-30T18:08:00.005-06:00

Why are you going to a club where you feel the need to carry a gun? Stay your azz at home and bring the party to you. It ain't that serious that I would have to put my life and future in jeopardy for a night on the town.

What an idiot

My political Compass

2008-11-24T16:52:00.003-06:00

My Political Compass

Economic Left/Right: -5.50
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -1.03

You can find your political compass here h/t to Siddity

Barack names Social Secretary

2008-11-24T15:45:00.002-06:00

Desiree Rogers is the White House Social Secretary. She is 49 years of age with a Harvard MBA and will be the first African American to hold the post.

The changing image of Black Women

2008-11-24T10:23:00.008-06:00

I received this article by Erin Aubry Kaplan from Shawn over at
Dallas South.

I read it and loved it. In quick summary the article is about Michelle’s Donk!
The article goes on to say that a bountiful posterior has been “both vilified and fetishized as the most singular of all black female features”. I always felt the election of Barack would pale in comparison to the elevation of his wife to First Lady. I love the fact that Michelle has a dark complexion that she has a figure that has long been considered less than aesthetically pleasing according to Hollywood or mainstream magazines.

It is my greatest hope that with Michelle as the First Lady that Black women will be able to take confidence and pride in knowing a woman that finally looks like one of us will set the stage for how the world views Black women.

Black women have had few constant role models in the media. Mental imagery is exceptionally compelling. When the constant image is objectification and overt sexuality it becomes harder for younger impressionable girls to delineated reality from make believe.

The constant image that young Black women are bombarded with are the Melissa Ford’s, Buffy the body, etc… For some that have no male figures in their life these women are seen as powerful in control of their sexuality (when they are not, regardless of what they say). Even Jet magazines still has their beauty of the week segment; seriously the only beauties they can find are wrapped in string bikinis. Can women not be beautiful unless they are half naked? I don’t understand why JET can not showcase a beautiful woman that is fully clothed with an actual job besides student or model as their description.

I’m still a Christian?!

2008-11-24T09:21:00.003-06:00

I guess I consider myself either a Christin in training or either a searching Christian.

I feel I have a personal relationship with God. I talk to him constantly throughout the day when I’m angry, happy or even feeling lost. What I am not to sure about is the credence that in order to be saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost Christian you must attend church.

I am far from the ideal Christian but I truly feel that I am neither one of those shucking and jiving. I have faults in which I constantly ask the Lord for his help with changing. There are times when I know I past the test he sets before me and others when I fail miserably.

My husband and I pray almost every night together (with the exception when we go to bed at separate times). Throughout the day we give God thanks for all that we have. We are truly blessed. I believe we have a blessed marriage relatively little drama; both of our families love each other. We don’t suffer from the dreaded in-law disease. We live a comfortable financially stable life.

As a scientist I believe in the big bang theory I believe in evolution (to an extent) however, I believe those were part of a larger higher power.

I do find myself wondering how the Lord came to be; but I do not doubt his existence. There have been times when I find it hard to continue to believe but even in those times I find myself talking to the God.

Can I be a Christian that does not attend church, or are the two inseparable?

I've been tagged!

2008-11-20T09:37:00.002-06:00

I have been tagged by Ash author of Go Bytch and because I ignored her last tag I feel obligated to participate in this one. Boo hooo

Ok I am to name 7 random/weird factoids about myself.

1. Like all good CLS’s I talk out loud to myself when working though a problem. I am no longer even embarrassed when someone gives me the side eye

2. I have no arches

3. When something is extremely funny I snort loudly and often

4. I enjoy teaching people but I don’t want to be a teacher in the conventional sense of the word

5. I have a tiny pinpoint hole in the center of my forehead (most people don’t even notice it). I forget the medical term for it but I remember the plastic surgeon telling me it would cost 450 bucks to get rid of it. Needless to say I am still walking around with it.

6. I love being outdoors!

7. I’m a big titty baby I cry over just about any sob story.

Completely Random: Favorite phrases

2008-11-19T20:08:00.006-06:00

The following are a couple of phrases that I not only use but laugh at heartily when I hear other people say.

1. Its the end of days (probably my all time fav)

2. That's all you!

3. Showing your azz

4.Put sumthin with sumthin to get sumthin (my hubby's saying)

5. B.F.E

6. You crazy as all get out

7. Two tears in a bucket

8. Lawd have mercy.

9. Quit acking brand new

Please feel free to attach your own.

Guest post Courtesy of Undercover Black Man

2008-11-19T09:41:00.006-06:00

I thought this was an excellent reminder that we cannot become so engrossed in ourselves that we forget about the contributions of others.

If you think the story of black people in America has too many forgotten chapters, let’s talk about the Indians. (November, after all, is American Indian Heritage Month.)

Did you know that the game of American football, as it is now played, owes a debt to Indians? Sportswriter Sally Jenkins explained this in her 2007 book “The Real All Americans.”

I was already vaguely aware of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which was created by the U.S. government to “civilize” the conquered Indians. But I didn’t know that the “Carlisle Indians” were a collegiate football powerhouse in the early 20th century, competing against teams such as Harvard and Yale.

The Carlisle Indians couldn’t match the white teams for physical size. So instead of the common style of play – grinding trench warfare – Carlisle focused on speed, forward passing and offensive trickery.

This strategy was developed by Carlisle’s most successful coach, a white man known as“Pop” Warner.

Sally Jenkins focuses on a 1912 game between Carlisle and the U.S. Army team at West Point. Army’s star offensive player was halfback Dwight D. Eisenhower... a future president of the United States.

Carlisle’s star was one of the greatest athletes of all time, Jim Thorpe,who played running back, defensive back, kicker and punter.

The Carlisle Indians won.

The racial dimension of this game against Army is fascinating.Click hereto hear a minute-long excerpt from the audiobook version of “The Real All Americans.”

Get over it, and learn to deal!

2008-11-18T20:14:00.004-06:00

A post racial society; well maybe notsomuch

"I can't say that every white person in Snellville is evil and anti-Obama and willing to desecrate my property because one or two idiots did it," said Millner, who is black. "But it definitely makes you look a little different at the people who you live with, and makes you wonder what they're capable of and what they're really thinking."

Potok, who is white, said he believes there is "a large subset of white people in this country who feel that they are losing everything they know, that the country their forefathers built has somehow been stolen from them."

Thanking Slave-masters; What next?

2008-11-18T16:19:00.004-06:00

Soulja boy is young, rich, and famous and more importantly without any real significant parental influence; made obvious by his slave master comments:

He said, “Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we’d still be in Africa.”
“We wouldn’t be here,” he continued, to get this ice and tattoos.”

My heart actually bleeds for Soulja Boy. He has such a huge following, hell I even spent an afternoon trying to learn how to do the Soulja Boy. The problem with Soulja boy and the majority of rappers they are not doing anything significant with their celebrity. I truly believe his slave master's comment was in jest howbeit a poor one. It is just another example of how diluted hip hop culture has become.

The problem I see with the rap game it is no longer relevant Kanye is doing something new (which I like) but who else is changing the game. I have become so bored with hip hop that I have switched to listening to alternative rock for my afternoon commute home.

On a side note: Does anyone else miss Kelis? Rihanna is like a new reincarnated Kelis. There is no doubting her style but every time I see Rihanna I cannot help but think of Kelis. Come back Kelis.

Yum!

2008-11-11T17:44:00.004-06:00

I am not the cook in the family, I dislike the mess cooking makes. If anyone ever comes up with disposalble pots and pans then holla at your girl. As it is if it can't fit in one pan or one cassrole dish then count me out. I made chicken chowder last night and placed it in bread bowl. I SOOOO suprised my husband, he LOVED IT! So I don't do the Wedensday Wine Down (and yes I know today is not wedensday) anywhere near as good as Ash, I think I held my own last night.

Tavis Smiley: Financial Empowerment Part II

2008-11-10T18:28:00.007-06:00

During the Nationwide Tour with Tavis Smiley I was granted personal time with Tavis Smiley and Jasmine Green of Nationwide.

Tavis’s response to new media at times was flattering and on the other end pointed out the problems with the blogosphere.

New media is phenomenal and I am using it myself I like it because it is a way to get information out instantly, it is a way to talk to a burgeoning group of people who are getting connected. The Obama campaign used the internet remarkably well; in ways I could never imagine ….

I like the new media I like the blogosphere but what I don’t like is there is no fact checking. Everyone has an opinion and because you have a blog you can put your opinion out there. What happens in the world we live in too much of what is opinion ends up taken as fact and that is not the best thing.

We also have to make sure that we are earnest and responsible.

Tavis's response to how to obtain traditional wealth was good common practical sense that too few follow:

Young people have to develop a money philosophy at a young age that is lasting. You cannot spend money you don’t have, stop buying stuff you don’t need to impress folk you don’t like.

Jasmine Green the Vice President Chief Customer Advocate at Nationwide

Jasmine Green response to the hardest aspect of getting minorities to seek financial stability was tempered by the overwhelming financial crunch people are facing. She stated:

Their own personal financial issues with people being out of work they have issues of not being able to afford home or car insurance. One thing I want to stress is it is crucial and vital to get insurance because the last thing you want to do is have a terrible event happen and you are not insured. We as a community may not have the annuities but we need to have the basic coverage. The basics will help us to avoid a crisis.

At the conclusion of the seminar Nationwide provided great breakout sessions to help people learn a starting point comfortable for their current fininical circumstances. The entire event was free in Dallas, Texas provided by Nationwide. Special thanks to Bob Cunningham Public Relations Manager with Nation wide and to Shawn Williams of Dallas South for the name drop.