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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

What Do you Think? WDYT?

Today has been moving kinda slow...I'm so ready to go home and take a damn nap!!! But I didn't want to NOT make a post today, seeing as I may not do it later on tonight. But anyway, I wanna make your "tummies tickle" (Husky Doug of the DBMS, lol) a little bit, just in case you are bored like me...so...

What do you think about this line-up I'm about to post? Can you see the resemblances? (click on the picture to get a "close-up")

Hahahaha esp. @ Fantasia and Trick Daddy... in the words of Craig and Smokey....







I'm bored, so please forgive my crudeness...HAHAHAHA!!! **this may get deleted. I'm just super bored right now!**

Monday, July 30, 2007

Overexposure (it's not good for your health)

Overexposure is defined by the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary as being "exposed excessively".

Excessive means "exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal"...


With that being said, and the words overexposure and excessive defined...I'd like to take this time to tell you who I think is OVEREXPOSED to the MAX and needs to SIT THE FUCK DOWN!

Take a wild guess, folks!

BEYONCE' KNOWLES!!!


Yeah! I said it! She needs to take a sit down at this very moment. This bitch has been rocking stages since the late 90s, and you mean to tell me she still ain't had enough?


Now don't get me wrong, I was a supporter of the ORIGINAL Destiny's Child when they first came out in 97. I was nine years old. But hold the hell up...it's been pain-stakingly obvious that Beyonce' has been in the lime-light ALL these years, with no intention of stepping down and letting the other girls get any shine.


And you know what? That's cool. I understand that you, your daddy, and your mama have a "plan"...Beyonce', to me, is like a MINI-DIANA ROSS, but DIANA did it and still does it SOO MUCH BETTER than Miss Knowles.


Call me a hater, but I'm just saying what MANY others are feeling and vocalizing themselves. She needs to saddown! I mean, give people a chance to miss your overexposed ass!!! I get tired of hearing your "recycled-sounding" music, seeing your lack-luster videos, hearing about you and Jay-Z's stagnant relationship, about your pitiful sister still trying to make a comeback in the midst of your shadow!


And let's not even TALK about shadows...Kelly mutherfuckin Rowland. She is equivalent to Cinderella and Beyonce' and Solange are the evil step-sisters...it's sad, but no matter how much Kelly tries, she is OUTDONE by both of the Knowles sisters.


Kelly should have GOT while the going was good when she and Nelly came out with the smashing summer hit "Dilemma" in 2002. She came out with her first CD and did okay, but she didn't create quite enough friction to make herself known SANS Beyonce'


Poor Michelle.....(that's all I can say).


Mama thinks that I'm being mean, but really I'm just calling it like I see it! Beyonce' is 25 years old...I mean, do you want kids? Wanna get married and start a life with Joe Kool---I mean Jay-Z? Sit your ass down somewhere and let some of these break-out artist get some shine!! Let the Ciaras and the Chrisette Michelles and the Tiffany Evanses do their thing and see what it feels like to be on top, for once.


If you're really the best, then what's wrong with taking a break, coming back, and handling biz...becoming the HEAD DIVA once again?


Lemme tell you who has their shit together and is well-balanced between public-life and stardom and keeping it on the private side: Alicia Keys! This girl knows how to work this industry. She gives us just enough to keep us wanting more, but knows how to take a seat and do other things (such as Charity work...*cough* Beyonce' should focus some of her energy on that *cough*). Alicia is a genius in the music industry, she finds time to give back to fans, finds time for a private life, and can STILL COME BACK AND COMMAND AN AUDIENCE! And guess what else folks! She's 25 just like Miss Knowles...


I believe Beyonce' is quite capable of doing the same. But her head has gotten so big, her daddy is pushing her so hard, that she just can't sit down. She's scared she's gonna lose the top-spot. But again...if you're so great--supposedly the BEST, then why CAN'T YOU TAKE A BREAK! PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE OVER-MUHFUCKIN RATED!!!!


Listen B, go chill, kick your feet up for about a year. Make some QUALITY MUSIC (that doesn't sound rushed), get married, get knocked up...hey! Maybe these things will make you more interesting! The industry is oversaturated with two people right now...you and that buck-toothed beaver Sean Combs a.k.a. P. Shitty!


Anyway, that's my rant for today, and I may be back for more (editing and what not). Until then...

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

IT'S SINGLE WORKING WOMEN'S WEEK!!! (July 29th-August 4th)


**taken from the Single Working Women's Affiliate Network website:


"SWWANs share in the joy as their friends celebrate impending marriages with showers, bachelorette parties, weddings. It's not unusual to spend a boatload of cash on these celebrations for friends going into a 2-income situation. Until now, one-income single working women have had no official occasion to celebrate like those for their getting-married friends.


What happens during Single Working Women's Week?
Single Working Women's Week is a chance to celebrate your courage and creativity. It's also a chance for those who love and respect you to help you celebrate. It's an excuse for them to shower you with cards and attention.

Single Working Women's Week is a week all its own--not connected with any other holiday--so your celebration can be undiluted. It's just for you and your single working women friends and colleagues. it's a great opportunity for the people you love and cherish and serve to show you how much they appreciate all you do. "


Single Working Women's Week is a relatively new national observance. Please feel free to visit the SWWAN website at http://www.swwan.org/ to find out more about the observance and what you can do to celebrate, or help a friend or loved one celebrate.


**Now on to my soap box!

We ALL know women in our lives who work like slaves, carrying 1, 2, or even 3 jobs just to make ends-meet. Some of these same women have children to support--mouths to feed, tuition to pay, etc. Well here's the opportunity to show them how much we appreciate their contributions to our families, businesses, and society as a whole. Single women, working to support themselves and/or children deserve a round of applause, a pat-on the back, a standing ovation and much, much more.


This post is dedicated to the Single Working Women in MY life:


Auntie Benita

Auntie Helen

My Grandmother Jessie P. H. (for working all of those years, doin it by yourself, mama, and raising 4 wonderful daughters all at the same time!)

LaTerrica T.


Y'all keep your heads up, and keep doing what you do! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!

Friday, July 27, 2007

July is almost over...

...and I've added new aspects to the blog, such as a "Holidays" section and a section for announcements as well. Since it's the end of July, there's really no need to list all of the daily holidays, and weekly and monthly observances that we missed. So, you will only see 3 entries. I want you all to take note that some of these holidays are bizzare, but that's why I like them!

A guy I graduated with named Michael was CRAZY about wacky holidays. He was really cool! Everyday, he'd come in either Economics class, or Britt Lit talking about what day it was. He's a really fun-spirited guy, and I'm glad to know someone like him! I wonder if he still observes those same holidays...LOL

But yeah, some of the holidays are serious, and well known. Most are not. Take it for what it is, and have fun with it. Some people go around wishing everyday was a "holiday"...well as I will show you, it can be!

Enjoy, and don't forget, tomorrow is National Milk Chocolate Day! OMG I love chocolate, and I just realized I read it wrong. I read: "National Milk Day", which sounds kind of boring...but NOW I SEE!!! OOH Imma make sure I get the largest Hershey Bar I can find, and Imma go to town on that bad boy!

See, wacky holidays are the JUNK!
But that's all for now!

Shallow side of Me: What I Usually Look for In A Guy (physically)

1) Light-skinned boys (this is totally a preference and subject to change, cuz I honestly like them in ALL SHADES!) make me wanna drop my draws (lol, for real, but only the cute ones). And I haven't met too many UGLY light-skinned guys. I mean I know they're out there, but then again I don't know many light-skinned dudes to begin with. And the only reason a few of them might be ugly to me is if they're light and SHORT (something about that is not very attractive, imo, but I have made an exception in the past--only to get slighted! Darn those short, light muhfuccas [except you RM and GS]!!).

2) Average-to-tall height. This means they are taller than me (I'm 5'4), but no taller than 6'6. I can't do nothin over that, cuz I'm naturally drawn to "shorties" (5'6-5'8) anyway. But some tall dudes, like this one basketball player at school (WHOOO) do it for me!

3) Built or a little meat on the bones. I don't do obese, and I'm just keeping it real. I'm not completely in shape, and by a doctor's standards I may infact be "obese", but I look no where near it. If anything, I'm "thick" (size 10-12, and have a big bust), so that puts me around 140-155 mark...hate it or love it, baby girl got something to hold on to. But I really really love musuclar and toned "slim" dudes. I don't like meat-heads or bean poles (EWWWW). And I love "chubby" boys too, but you gotta carry that shit WELL, and have a CUTE face (no Sean Kingston). I'm really not that picky. If some of you saw who I find "attractive", you'd probably slap me and ask me am I blind. But sometimes personality wins them over for me!

4) Big hands and feet. I know that sounds funny and stereotypical, but I don't want to date someone whose feet are smaller than mine. I've been dealt a bad hand which included size 10 feet (snicker all you want muhfuccas). But my hands are small and dainty :-). Just please have appendages that are larger than mine, that's all I ask.

5) ALL OF YOUR TEETH!!! Nuff said

6) Good hair (as in waves, braids, or dreds) is very attractive to me. My friend EB has the cutest hair. When it grows it gets really curly, but when he cuts it, NATURAL WAVES appear. Not too much brushin fa my boo! Braids imo, are getting played the fucc out, especially on GROWN MEN! Take them shits down and get some twists or dreds. Worn correctly, I believe dreds and twists look more professional than braids, anyway! And I'd love to run my fingers through a guys hair...that shit is sexy, IMO!!!

7) Guys with a MEAN LIP GAME! It's not hard to find a black guy with big juicy, succulent lips...just make sure they stay that way, fellas! And lick them often, cuz that shit is a KILLER!! I promise!!

8) Pretty eyes. Everybody ain't blessed with hazels, greys, or even color contacts...so I label this as a plus.

There's this one guy that I KNOW fits every one of my criteria, including the eyes and naturally wavy hair...he's light skinned and JUST THE RIGHT HEIGHT!! But guess what ladies....



Naw, he's not gheigh (gay for slow folks)....


HE HAS A GIRL! HELL!!!! But man, he looked at me during Church this past Sunday, with those green-hazel eyes...and I MELTED! We were separated by my play-play "brother", and both asking him at the same time what Bible verse the pastor had just called out...WHOOO...I wanted to die!

SB...look me up if YOU EVER become interested. I'll drop everything and we can hook up and hang out! (LOL...) But yeah, I might be missing something, but oh well, who cares. Every guy is different, and where one is lacking in a certain area, he probably makes up for it in the others...

**AND THIS IS JUST APPEARANCE-WISE....
Cuz guess what folks, no matter what anybody says, you don't see somebody's PERSONALITY, VALUES, MORALS, OR BELIEFS FIRST...you see their outside. Whether or not you get to know them for who they are determines if they are beautiful, sexy, and attarctive to you on the inside as well. When I see someone and they're "fine"...yeah, that catches my attention...but can they keep it...cause looks alone, JUST WON'T DO!


And with that, I'm out (for now...) "Peace be still."



Michael muhfuccin Ealy (wit his fine self)!!!

Caramel Zeus from an Overcooked vegetable

As some of you may know, or have gathered...I'm single. Been that way since early 2005. I've given love a shot, only to GET SHOT in the back by dudes who were just trying to take me too fast. Don't get me wrong, I've had encounters, and kissed a few lips since then. But nothing beats a relationship, and knowing that your heart belongs to someone and vice versa.

I haven't failed in anything yet (in my opinion), and a relationship is the last thing I want if I'm not COMPLETELY ready for it...but...companionship would be NICE...

On a softer note, since this is not a rant...there is this guy...OMG is he fine!! I don't know if it's his looks or his swagger, but he definitely has SOMETHING that attracts me. He's not light-skinned (which I have a thing for, call me shallow...), and he's NOT tall (but I'm not biased to tall dudes, I usually go for average height anyway). So what is it?

The guy has the MOST GORGEOUS SMILE I've ever seen on a caramel dude (my second favorite skin tone on a guy). He carries himself with the highest confidence and self-esteem. His hair is gorgeous...makes me think he has some Indian in him somewhere down the line. And even after a car accident that left scars on his face, he's still HOTT STUFF!

Doesn't hurt that his folks have stacks on deck either...but it's not even about that. What gets me is his swagger and persona. And I'm not the only girl who's noticed it! Me and my homie Monie used to fight over him ALL the time (in jest). And she claims she "gives up" and I can "have" him...we'll see!

But for real, dude is a SITE FOR SORE EYES! And he is BUILT...and he seems like a genuinely nice person. But I'll never know until I have a convo with him. He seems so unapproachable and so NOT ON MY LEVEL...he's a socialite, if you will. But hey...something's gotta give. And he showed interest in my by...well if I said that, I'd be giving him away, so I'll hush. But yeeahhh...He know what's up!! I believe things will change for him and I this semester...I just got that feeling...

Searching for the 70's--The Decade that Defines Me


**Soap box
The 70s represents a lot of who I am as a person. It was a simple decade, but it was one full of confusion and chaos. As a young black woman growing up in today's society, I feel much the same way. I am simple in my dress and demeanor. I'm not the flashy, out-going socialite. But I know how to get down with the get down too! In the 70s, our country was in a state of social and political turmoil. The name of that turmoil was the Vietnam War. Like today's war in Iraq, I feel that the US had no business over there in the first place. But I digress.

During this time, the country was much divided. Half wanted war, half wanted peace. I can relate. I feel like on a day to day basis I am at war with myself--my flesh. Trying to be a good girl, and a Christian young lady is hard! Satan knows how to push all of our buttons, and I am no exception! I make many mistakes: too much cursing, talking back to parents and elders sometimes, just being plain mean...I could go on. But I realize my mistakes and I make the conscious decision to try to do better. I have to! But there is no shortage of peace in my life. If anything, it outweighs the waging war within me! That peace is God. As it says in the Bible, "He will give us peace that passeth all understanding". And though I am human, and make mistakes, I can rest assured that He still loves me, will continue to protect and abide with me, and continue to reveal to me the plan He has for my life.

Also like the 70s, I am fun and free-spirited. Sometimes I can get that "hippie mentality" and have a "care-nothin-bout-it" attitude about things I should indeed care about! I can be irresponsible, reckless and nonchalant. But I also know how to stand up for a cause and get the job done. All these to me, are characteristics of people who lived in and experienced this decade and characteristics of the decade itself!

I believe that I would have enjoyed myself in the 70's...It would have been--"FAR OUT"!
**Off my soap box


If I could go back in time, and had to choose one decade to travel to--I would undoubtedly choose the 1970s! Call me nostalgic, but I am FOREVER telling family and friends that I belong back in the 70s. Some smart asses say, "You wouldn't be able to make it, why, with all that racism goin on and what-not". Um...HELLO? Racism is very much alive and well today, and especially prevelant (as it has been for centuries) in the south. So don't give me that racism bull-shit. That argument is played the fuck out!


But anyway...I dig the fashion, the music, the language (jive), the TV shows, the "games" and gameshows, the colors and patterns, the jewelry, THE HAIRSTYLES, and the lifestyle in general!! I have the bell-bottom gauchos and big wedged "platform" heels. I have 2 afro puffs (1 big, one small), I love big hoop earrings and retro patterned clothing, I'm a fan of ALL music, but when I think of the music of this decade, only one word comes to mind...HAPPY!


You got DISCO (which I love--"The Hustle", "Hot Stuff", "Last Dance" etc.). And then you got what I'd like to call "Hippie" music. Man that hippie music can put you in a GOOD MOOD! And it's the kinda music you roll one up to. I'm telling you (I wouldn't really know, but I imagine)!


And it's funny how today's culture is bringing back 70s styles and trends--from hair, to clothing, to jewelry, to music. I love it, and couldn't ask for too much more. I mean, how lucky am I, that I get to enjoy the fashion and styles of the 70s within the comfort, modernity, and technology of the 21st century? And I mean, people are really embracing the style of the 70s! The peace signs and "tie-dye" colors, bell-bottoms in full effect! And a lot of people are getting into blowing tweed. I contemplated it for a second, but still haven't given it a try. But who's not to say that I never will. But smoking weed is a WHOLE 'nother subject!


Anyway, if I found a magic lava lamp (something really popular in the 70s) and it held a genie inside. I would make my 3 wishes as such...

1)a cure for AIDS and ALL CANCERS
2) America to accept that times are changing and embrace having a "first black President"
3) to spend a month in the year 1975...my auntie Helen would be 4, auntie Yo would be 5 and auntie B would be 6...my mom? She'd be 12...hahaha...

I want to end this post with a few of my favorite "things" from the 70s...


Disco and Disco Balls

The Jackson 5 (pic taken in 1970)
Fros!!!
Twiggy is a 1960's pop icon, but her style is so reminiscent of what I love about the 70s
Who didn't love the BRADY BUNCH ?
Bell Bottoms

**this is the first 70's post, but it defintely won't be the LAST!!!**

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISAAC!!!



ISAAC--Kool Kat

Happy Birthday to my little brother, Isaac!! He is 7 years old today. He's been a little sick lately, with bronchitis and a sinus infection (sucks to have a summer cold infection), but he's in GOOD SPIRITS and SOOO excited about his b-day!

He's a good kid; smart, semi-athelitic, comical, helpful...but he really gets on my nerves sometimes. We are 12 years apart, and having him around was a BIG adjustment! We got thru it tho...and like I said, he's a good kid.

I'm supposed to be getting him a water-gun for his "special day" (as he would say). We're going to Chuck-E-Cheese's tomorrow to help him celebrate. He's invited some of his little friends, including one little girl he claims to be his "girlfriend"...what a seven year old is doing with a girlfriend is beyond me!

But anyhoo, we'll also be going out to Applebee's tonight for dinner (something we always do for birthday people). Should be fun, and TASTY!
But anyway, that's all for now, and again...Bon Anniversaire, mon petit frere!! Je t'aime!!!!


Isaac before Kindergarten Graduation


Thursday, July 26, 2007

ARRRGH!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes black people make me so MAD!!! A lot of "us" are ignorant as FUCK! no one wants to respect another's point of view, opinions, values, or beliefs. Instead "we" all want to point the finger, shift the blame, and claim our views to be superior to all others. That's why I HATE message boards sometimes, because these little kids (BET) that run rampant in them don't understand how to affectively agree-to-disagree with an internet peer...Instead they would like to argue you down with their point, and prove to you that YOU ARE WRONG! I'm so over this shit! It's like this everywhere though! If u don't agree with the popular notion, your head is bitten off and you are viewd as the ignorant one...When in fact, these same people are the ones who suffer from close-mindedness (is this a word, lol?). But anyway, I just wanted to rant about that. Cuz that shit is pissing me off...

And I mean, it happens in real life too! Muhfuccas wanna get mad and yell over you to make their point, and as soon as you open your mouth to speak, they continue to OUT-SHOUT you...making you feel small, or even ANGRY! This shit happened to me last weekend as a matter of fact, BUT TRUST, it will NOT happen again with this same person!

Your views and opinions are not the ONLY ones that matter. Acting out in the form of ignorant, belligerent yelling and snide remarks accomplishes nothing. If anything, it shows how mature you are! i don't have time for baby-bullshit or teen-aged tantrums from GROWN ASS WOMEN OR MEN! Get it together people and again, stop BITCHING and MOANING!

Life is too short to only look at things from your side of the table! open your minds, try to be insightful, and try to learn something from people other than your friends and family. Sometimes they are the ones holding you back! Anyway, I'm done...I had to get that off my chest.

READ A BOOK


How many of us can honestly say we read books? *raises hand* I do...I mean, not very often, but I am reading one now...(embarrassed to say I've been on the same page for about a week due to being lazy). There was a time when I couldn't keep a book out of my hand, would skip meals to read, and write my own stories--pretending that they would soon be published in some kind of series. I LOVE BOOKS!
But As I got older, I started reading less and less, opting to play a video game, talk on the phone, watch TV, and as of late, surf the net. I've picked up quite a few books over the past year and not been able to finish ONE of them. I always get close...but...
Well, there's a recent controversy concerning this very subject and it has a lot of black folks fuming at the intended message and the way it was delievered.
Bomani Armah, educator, activist, and poet is the mastermind behind one of BET's most controversial videos to hit air: READ A BOOK.
The premise is set up like your average "Lil Jon" video, but with a twist. It's animated. There are guns, cursing, animated video girls, and the like through out the video, and it all seems to be pointing back to the prevelance of these kinds of things in todays hip hop and rap videos.
I've discussed this topic many times on the BET message boards, and I will stand by my initial belief that this video is GENIUS, and was NECESSARY!!!...
I will post some of the ignorant comments toward the video, and follow them with educated and open-minded responses from other BET forum users...sit tight and get ready to "read my little book"...on this controversy.
Ignorant response #1: My family and I just watched the "read a book" video and I thought it was the most shocking and offensive video I ever saw produced and programmed by a company that "serves" the black community. HOW did this video ever get the green light. Or was this video designed to shock some sense in us. To shock our kids how about showing rappers like KrsOne,Talib Kweli, Immortal technique to uplift our kids instead what we witness daily on your network. Don't tell me that the above rappers doesn't fit your demographic. Just program their video's down our throat like you do the rest of the videos you play. As responsible adults our job is intelligently stimulate our kids,not dumb them down. Don't blame the rappers blame our weakness as adults, business leaders and community leaders. Thank God for TV ONE.
Open-minded response: The video was great. A reflection of BET. Anyone who found this offensive must not watch BET much. Nothing is more offensive than the trash they show ech day on 106 and BET all together. The 106 hosts can dance and applaud songs that are degrading to women, but they were in shock when a video with a concept was shown. That is sad.

Ignorant response #2: What is really going on on bet today? I really don't understand why we have cartoon type videos talking about read a book with a black female shaking her behind with "book" written on it and a whole bunch of cursing going on in the song. What kind of message is being put across the minds of our black people and the children’s minds for the most part! it is summer time and kids are home from school and they choose to watch bet and they see that provocative video ("Read a book") and some other bet commercial that I just seen about a man in a store naked showing customers two mirrors and moving the mirrors which reveals his private parts. I think that, that is beyond disgusting. This is bringing me to believe why white people look at us the way that they do! Because these people in the commercials represent us as black people! Now I’m only 17 and I feel betrayed by my own people! Imagine what my elders and ancestors feel like? Knowing that they went through so much just to get us to be able to read a book and now look what we have come to?
Open-minded response: Sometimes the truth hearts BAD, and in this case, people rather try and ignore the hurt and fight through it for the perpose of self satisfaction, meaning, these kids & some of the so called grown ups will not accept the fact that the rap videos and some hip hop videos are destroying the culture today. Instead of facing reallity, they choose to call it entertainment and that's it. Now, as far as this video and the perception people have of it, it's confusing, I can't believe how many people say they hated it, when they see it everyday in other forms, Oh, because it uses more curse word? Or should I say BLEEPS. Any record that requires you to have to bleep out words just shouldn't be played. But I love the concept of the video, the idea, and the controversy it is causing. The entertainment business is full of modern day slaves that don't know they are slaves. So like Harriet Tubman says,,," I have freed 1000's of slaves, and could have freed many more if only they knew they were slaves". I stay on these boards, and have been for a whole year telling people that BET is just bad for kids, and getting worst, I thank this gentleman for bringing this message straight to 'em.
Ignorant response #3, 4, 5: WHAT THE HECK!!!!! That is obscene, and pathetic that someone would create a song to get kids to do positive things, but include sexually explicit images and language that shouldn't be in that song, knowing who the song was directed to. The theme was good, but the presentation was trash. This was probably meant to be a good message, but think about the message that was actually sent. Yours truly, Genesis M.
WHAT A NEGATIVE IMAGE! I FEEL THAT IT VERY WAS DEROGATORY AND STEREO TYPE THE BLACK COMMUNITY. ALL THE PROFANITY AND BOOTY SHAKING WAS VERY NEGATIVE. HOW CAN YOU SHOW THAT VIDEO TO KIDS AS BEING EDUCATIONAL? IT REALLY SHOW HOW IGNORANT SOME PEOPLE CAN BE. IT SEEM TO ME THAT THE MESSAGE PORTRAYED WAS THAT WE AS BLACK PEOPLE ONLY ARE EDUCATED IN GUN PLAY, BOOTY SHAKING, AND PRISON LIFE. THAT VIDEO SHOULD NEVER BE PLAYED AGAIN. LYDRELL N, BAMA.
To all of the employees that work at BET and especially MY BROTHERS AND SISTAS: I just have one question, “Does anyone actually watch the videos before allowing them to be aired on NATIONAL TV????? I mean come on people if that doesn’t scream stereotype I don't know what does. As a proud member of the African-American race I felt very disrespected, embarrassed and most of all betrayed by the only one television station that has the ongoing reputation of representing our race to the highest altitude, but instead you allow this "video" to be aired. TO THE CEO AND ALL EMPLOYEES OF BET I HOPE YOU HAVE RELIAZED THE REFLECTION YOU HAVE INSTILLED ON YOURSELF AND THE REFLECTION YOU HAVE ALLOWED TO BEEN SEEN BY OTHER CONCERNING OUR RACE.
Open-minded responses:
This video was necessary for us to make a change. I liked this video because it got a reaction. The reaction isnt a positive one..but its one that we have to take notice of. The purpose of the video was to bring attention to the idiocy of it all. All it took was a change in medium and some exaggeration to get everyone riled up when in reality we've been watching videos of this nature for some time now. We should be pissed off! Thats the purpose! This isnt who we are! And the truely sad part is.our next generations are growing up to this..Its our duty to change that.
You cannot be mad at the video,..you can only be mad at rappers who created this stereotype because without them this video would not have been possible. There are plenty of videos like this out there. Its all around us!.
All in all..This video is an exaggeration of how hip hop can be. Violence, constant profanites, alcoholism, womenizing, materialism and ignorance. Are we going to let this become the norm?..or will we let the big media kno we dont want to be portayed as people that encourage this? Hate it or love it...the video made its point.
LOL this is causing some uporar eh? first off - this video is nothing but social satire and euphamism done at it's best. second: I loved the video third: why? because i found that d'mite is getting his message accross to the targeted audience. NO not only black people watch BET, and the hegonomy of BET has extended itself to a ridiculous level. Don't restrict or tarnish your arguments based on race. What the video is directed and intended to do is change the hegomony and dominant influence of negative rap and misinformed hip hop "rap" culture. I don't understand why everyone is taking offense to a video that is nothing but a response. Ignorance will breed responses that require adressing. This video is EXACTLY that. Many of you argue that this video is a TERRIBLE way of promoting the virtue of education, because young kids will get offended by the language and profanity. OR that it will do nothing POSITIVE for our community because it perpetuates these "negative" steroetypes about black people. But when 50 cent comes on about his amuesent park singing about Sex using his "magic stick" in euphamism ya'll bump your heads and look the the other way. FACE THE FACTS, BET has done absoultely NOTHING positive to shape the conception of black ethnicity. It is a network, like fox, like BBC, like MTV or anything else = it is designed not to promote ideals, but to MAKE MONEY. ALL these new rappers on here makin money glorifiying false virtue should be directed some attention. But when this guy televises a video (satire BTW) that does nothing but expose the harshness of our realities, everyone jumps on the racist and ANTI black train! if anything, this is the most positive thing to Hit BET IN YEARS! The message is simple; reduce consumerism, make intelligent decions, reduce dependancy, increase productivity, increase self sufficiency and enterprise, and take steps to improving your mind. ANYONE Will know that education sparks informitive decison and thought. As an artist, d'mite can only hope that the audience will intrepret it correctly (just like any other artist). Take what you will, but arguments such as "it's contradicitory to black"; "it's got curse words", "it's bad for kids".....ARE SIMPLY REFUTED; because of the other *73* that BET loves to keep on high rotation. High rotation so they make HIGHER dollars, so that leaks on to clubs so THEY make higher dollars. BET, because it has a network has NO responsibility to promote value, its sole purpose is to create wealth in free market. Think about why you are offended by this video; then ask yourself why you aren't writing letters to BET for misinforming black people or people in general with the BS they regularly air. OH and BTW; 50 cents original's can be find on limewire UNCENSORED. so get off the tip.
and the mother of them all:
not only have seen the READ A BOOK video, I was around for the inception of the song. First let me say, that the artist Bomani Armah is an EDUCATOR, ACTIVIST, ARTIST, FATHER, HUSBAND COMMUNITY LEADER AND OVER ALL EXTREMELY INSIGHTFUL and INTELLIGENT brother who I would tell ALL young men to listen to, learn from and emulate. He is also a CRITICAL THINKER. Which clearly most of the people on this site are not. I am not shocked by this after all these are folks who regularly watch 106 & Park. However, as a friend of Bomani's and his family I have to say I AM BAFFLED at the lack of insight we have. The fact that we are appalled by cursing but not appalled by the low aspirations of our children who only want to emulate these rappers, athletes and N*gg'as who make it RAIN on B*thces is saddening. Children who spend the entire day after school (if they went at all) staring at THESE VIDEOS. If your child were not spending every waking hour tuned into BET this video would probably be a lot less interesting them. IF YOUR CHILD IS WATCHING BET UNSUPERVISED, YOU MIGHT BE A BAD PARENT! IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE THAT EVERYTHING AIRED on BET NOT ONLY CONTAINS THE SAME “LANGUAGE” AS READ A BOOK BUT ALSO INSTRUCTS YOUR KIDS TO NOT READ A BOOK BUT "BUY HER A DRINK, GET HER DRUNK AND TAKE HER HOME" OR POP, DROP AND LOCK IT OR MAKE IT RAIN ON SOME *27*ES IN A STRIP CLUB, YOU MIGHT BE A STUPID PARENT. IF YOU ARE WRITING ABOUT THIS VIDEO AND HAVE NOT HAD A DISCUSSION WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT IT, YOU MIGHT BE AN IRRESPONSIBLE PARENT.
The video was meant to shine a light on the contradictions we embrace as a community. The point was, " How unfortunate that the only way to infuse a message of substance in our culture is to wrap it in HO's, *27*es, and Rims. But we have created that. We have allowed it to permeate our televisions, our radio stations, and our children’s brains. Now if we want to teach them the alphabet we should line up some strippers, bend them over and spray paint it across their bouncing asses! OF COURSE, IT IS SATIRE. Let me define SATIRE for those who do not know what it means:
Satire: the use of wit, especially irony, sarcasm, and ridicule, to attack the vices and follies of humankind
People who are taught to be critical thinkers, understand subtext; understand what something is saying without them actually saying it, understand this point. The video wasn't for them it was FOR YOU! School teacher who doesn't even get it. The reason our kids listen to the current crap that exists on the radio is because we have failed to teach them CRITICAL THINKING skills. They don’t understand subtext. Which is why you can’t say I need Sexual Healing, like Marvin Gaye. You have to say, “I want to *8* you, On the Floor” like Akon or the following excerpt from the Number 4 song on Billboards HOT 100 “A BAY BAY:
She Trying To See Where Imma Be.You Gonna Let Me Get Up InYour Mouth Well Dats Where Imma Beyou gon let me get up in your mouthwell thats where imma beI Don't Pop Trunk Wit Lights DatsWhere Dey Choppa Be. Straight To The HotelDone Fell Out In Da Dance FloorAnd Now I can't get upJs On Your Feet But You Cant Get TheseLouis Vatton brown White, And Yellowtrick pleaseIll Go To Saint Louis Let My Chain Hang LowCanary Yellow Diamonds Mixed Wit Rose GoldI Shine Real Bright In Da Light Because Im A Star8 Shots Of Patrons Now I'm Standin' on Da BarProbably Get Drunk as a skunkN put da keys in da wrong carAll Da Bad Chick Followin' Me
Now let’s ignore the fact that I haven’t seen English dialect like this since the first slave learned to write back in 1798, nevertheless, good sweet kind Hurricane Chris never curses but he has by the end of this song fellated the girl or several girls at the club, purchased a small home worth of jewelry (at a cost that the average LEGAL income does not allow for) and then proceeds to get very drunk and drive home in the WRONG CAR! BUT THANKS FOR NOT CUSSING CHRIS!!!!! Way to go!
PLEASE PEOPLE, teach your children. Teach them what satire means. Teach them to be people who are capable of ANALYZING THE WORLD THEY LIVE IN,THE VIDEOS THEY WATCH, THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT THEIR LIVES AND WHAT THEY ARE BEING TOLD TO BELIEVE ABOUT THEMSELVES, THEIR CULTURE, and THEIR COMMUNITY. Puppets only listen and don’t think. Stop raising puppets! And in the words of my favorite NOT A RAPPER. READ A BOOK, READ A BOOK, READ A FUTHAMUCKIN BOOK!!!

myspace.com/sonyareneeisreal
www.sonyareneeis.com
Big ups to Sonya for keeping it REAL for REAL and dropping that knowlede. My comments only reiterate their statements. But people need to stop bitchin and moaning and realize that a mirror is being put up to our faces...and like I told this one girl..."Just like kids are watching READ A BOOK, they are at the house watching 'Buy U a Drank', 'Shawty', 'Amusement Park', 'Coffee Shop' etc....you tell me what's the difference..."
For those of you who haven't seen the R.A.B. video, I'm pretty sure it's on Youtube (and not goin anywhere any time soon). It's also on BET's webpage and I believe there may be a link to his myspace page in Sonya's response.
And with that...I'm OUT!

My Life's devotion to a Light-skinned Man

Am I sick? Am I suffering from self-hate? What is it? For a long time now, I have been "hopelessly devoted" to black men of lighter complexion...the "yellow" and "red" boys, if you will. There is something SO SEXY about a guy with a light complexion. And I don't care what anybody says...Light skin is in!!! (for the men that is)...


Anyway, this is my 4th post of the day...and hopefully my last. I don't want to oversaturate anyone with my random thoughts! But yeaaahh...

I'm bored, so I'm going to dedicate this post to 10 of the sexiest light-skinned boys or men (most of who are underrated... **imo**). There will be no Boris Kodjoe (cuz I don't like him), and I highly believe Shemar Moore is GHEIGH! If I'm wrong, I'm sorry...but I just don't like his swagger ET AL! He's not doing it for me these days. Every since he was on Soul Train, I thought something was wrong with him...but anyway....here they are...from 10 to 1...
10. Taj Mowry of Smart Guy

9. Lil Romeo
8. Pretty Ricky's Spectacular
7. Robert Ri'chard of 1 on 1
6. LUDA
5. Gary Dourdan of CSI
4. Michael Ealy
3. Lil Richie from Family Matters

2. Corbin Bleu
1. T.I.

Honorable Mention goes to Allen Payne of "House of Payne" and Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints (I know he's not light-skinned, but the brother IS fine as hell!).

What Would Brian Boitano Do?

Shit, i don't know...but I sure love that song, and the movie it hails from, South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut! My cousin has the DVD and I remember one weekend, watching it at least twice a day. I ALSO LOOOVE the song "Uncle Fucka"...man you'd have to hear it to understand...but I was just humming the Brian Boitano song in my head over here at work, and decided I'd look up the name "Boitano"...sounds kinda French. So anyhoo...his name doesn't mean anything, but until today, I can honestly say i didn't know he was a real person...He's actually an AWESOME figure skater, and he's not bad looking, either! Big ups to Brian Boitano! But anyway, here's the lyrics to "What would Brian Boitano Do"...


What would Brian Boitano do
If he was here right now,
He'd make a plan And he'd follow through,
That's what Brian Boitano'd do.


When Brian Boitano was in the olympics,
Skating for the gold,
He did two sow cows and a triple lutz,
While wearing a blind fold.

When Brian Boitano was in the alps,
Fighting grizzly bears,
He used his magical fire breath,
And saved the maidens fair.

So what would Brian Boitano do
If he were here today,
I'm sure he'd kick an ass or two,
That's what Brian Boitano'd do.

I want this V-chip out of me,
It has stunted my vo-ca-bu-lar-y.

And I just want my Mom
To stop fighting everyone

For Wendy I'll be an activist, too,
Cuz that's what Brian Boitano would do.

And what would Brian Boitano do,
He'd call all the kids in town,
And tell them to unite for truth
That's what Brian Boitano would do.

When Brian Boitano travelled through time
To the year 3010,
He fought the evil robot king
And saved the human race again

And when Brian Boitano built the pyramids,
He beat up Kublia Khan
Cuz Brian Boitano doesn't take shit from an-y-body

So lets all get together,
And unite to stop our Mom's
And we'll save Terrance and Phillip too,
Cuz that's what Brian Boitano do.

And we'll save Terrance and Phillip too,
Cuz that's what Brian Boitano dooooooo,
That's what Brian Boitano do.

I think it's funny how the creators of South Park, took an ordinary person (not literally, but technically), and made him into some kind of a super hero, fighting for the human race, and inspiring little kids everywhere...I LAUGH everytime I see this movie. An honorable mention for Favorite song from the soundtrack goes to, "It's Easy, M'Kay", sung by the nonchalant, monotone teacher Mr. Mackey...

Anyway, I'll take my leave now and come back later...have to go check out my favorite blogs and message boards and see who's talking shit now! HOLLA!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

About Me

Note: I'm going to treat this blog as if it were my actual paper diary, so if you don't likey, you can keep it movin...comprendez-vous? Bien!

Anyway, I thought I'd do a post going into a little detail about me and my life, and where I'm coming from and trying to go.

I grew up in the South, Alabama to be exact, reppin the capital city to the fullest. I started going to private school at the age of 2 and stayed at this same school until I was 14 1/2. After leaving said school, I got my first taste of public school my 9th grade year, and I can honestly say that it was THE BEST school year of my life! Since the public school I attended was a "junior high", I left the next year, and attended a magnet school. This particualr magnet school is one of the best in the state, and IMO THE BEST in my city!!! 10th grade year was very challenging and my grades were proof of that. I went from making straight A's and B's to making a D here and there. 11th grade year was pretty tough too, but a certain teacher (my English teacher), provided me the skills I would need to get thru 12th grade Britt Lit and my first two semesters at college.

By 12th grade year (which was probably my second best year of secondary school), I was just ready to get the hell up outta high school. The underclassmen seemed so small, and the dreams of me and all my classmates seemed too big to hold in that small, old ass building! We were ready to break FREE!!!

It should be mentioned that by 8th grade, I already knew what school I wanted to go to. And by 11th grade year, when we had to start applying (Magnet schools get a move on), my school of choice was the ONLY one I applied to. While friends were filling out apps to 5,6,7 colleges, I was content with my one, and in my heart, I knew that was where I was going to be.

I received my acceptance letter to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in late October, early November of 2005. After graduation my dream became a reality when I attended New Student (Freshman) Orientation in late June of '06! I KNEW I was in LOVE with the school the moment my mom's trailblazer rolled into B'ham and we saw the signs with "UAB" on them...I was SOOO HAPPY!! :-)

I made Dean's List both semesters, was invited to and joined Alpha Lambda Delta (Freshman Honor Society), and participated in and LOVE UAB's GOSPEL CHOIR, headed by Bishop Kevin P. Turner!!! My freshman year was a blast, but know what?

I think sophomore year is gonna be EVEN BETTER! And stuff is already falling into place. One of my good friends I made freshman year is coming back up with a car (yes we were car-less first year), my homie BJ has a car and can drive down from Tennessee to see me over SB, I move into a new dorm and get my own room! So je suis content!

But to my future plans (academic-wise)...well, my major is Biology. I'm minoring in French and Chemistry. My favorite classes in school have been my two English Comp classes (love, love, love my 101 teacher). I want to master in forensic science and hopefully become a lab tech/ DNA analysis specialist some day...can you tell I like CSI...I love it (the original)! All day, baby, all...day....

My long term goals are to become closer to Christ. Have a better relationship with my little brother (cuz we loathe each other at the present moment), get married, and have 3 children...

That is all...


Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Something that's been bothering the hell out of me...

*sigh*...so July has been one of those random months in my life where I'm completely stressed out and everything seems to be going wrong...I mean, family acting crazy, friends acting shady, close friend being hospitalized, the list goes on. But what seems to be bugging me the most out of those things mentioned, is the quality of the friendships I hold with some people.

I mean, for years, I have been able to call these people "friend", without any question or doubt in my mind, but I have begun to wonder..."are these people really here for me like I'm here for them, or like they say they're here for me?" Shit, I mean I give my last to a friend before I even think of giving something to a family member (sad, I know...but if u were in my family, you'd understand), and I naively expect the same in return, only to get a slap in the face, or ignored all-together. That shit really hurts. And as I've stated many times before, as I grow older I'm starting to figure out who my REAL friends are and who is really on my side for the long run.

I'm tired of muhfuccas in my life who only want to leech, and have me do for them, support their every endeavor, listen to their bitching and moaning and give my all for their cause. These same assholes could give two shits about my birthday, if I was sick and in pain, or if my grandma was somewhere laid up in a hospital...that's just my take on the situation. And it's sad, cuz I always give my last.

Well, my best friend of 16 years (yes we've been friends since the age of 3) has just been thru hell with a medical condition she has, and has had since she was 8 years old. In all of our years of friendship, we have only had maybe 2 fights (once over some literal elementary shit, and another time when we were starting to grow apart)...but even then they weren't fights, just disagreements. We went to the same school for 12 years and then ended up at different high schools, but still remained close. I was there for her graduation, and she was there for mine. We've helped each other thru the "boy problems", laughed, cried, shared secrets, and even went thru the loss of another close friend of ours (not a death, we just grew apart from this person).

But anyway, she's been sick for about a month and I get a call earlier this month from her, explaining that she had been hospitalized. My immediate thought was panic, but when she said she was okay I was relieved. She then proceeded to tell me that she had made a point to call all her "friends" she thought would like to know she was in the hospital. I said, "you better than me" because I would have had my mom do it, or not have done it at all...but anyhoo...so we talk and catch up, and I say good night. (This is a Friday night)

The next day was my uncle's (who I am severly disenchanted with at this time) wedding, family had come in from out of town and everything...oh this event was gonna be bougie as HELL...but I digress. I speak with my bf's mom and let her know that if they were going to the hospital on Sunday (she was at a hospital in another city), to let me know so I could ride up with them and visit her. She said cool...

The wedding comes and goes and Sunday gets here. My bf's parents decide that they are tired and are not going up after all. My bf was furious at her parents, because she said they knew she was lonely and they knew they weren't coming up when they had talked to her earlier that day...why wait til 8pm to drop the bomb? We talk a little that night and I let her get her rest.

Fast foward to the end of the week...My bf was supposed to be getting out that Wednesday, but they keep her in because she has a new IV. I called her frequently throughout the time she was there, just to let her know someone was thinking about her. Well, one day, I'm talking to her and she sounds so sad...I ask..."has so-and-so called to check on you?" She replies dryly, "NO". And it is at this point I am shocked and appalled. My bf shoots off all of the names of these so called "close friends" who did not even pick up the phone and dial her number once while she was in the hospital...Including her boy friend (they had just broken up). I was not expecting people to be so nonchalant about a good friend of theirs being in the hospital...it made me sad and mad...

Fast foward to this past Saturday, I'm at my bf's house for a visit. And she enlightens me on some things. We were talking about how "X-amount" of people didn't call her, namely a few good friends and a guy back at school who was interested in her. Then she said these words, "Girl, some of my own family didn't even call me while I was in the hospital, so what makes me think friends would do any better?...we've got to stop expecting people to do for us what we would do for them...everybody ain't like us". I was still mad, but she was right. I mean, my mama had BEEN saying this very thing, but it took my best friend, fresh out the hospital and trying to recuperate, to let me know the real deal. It always takes several reminders from people I trust in order for me to understand a concept like that. Call me slow, but meh....


But what I'm trying to get at, is that I've broken my pockets, my back, my dreams, my promises to family, and my spirit, for some of these so-called friends, and I'm tired of doing that. I think back to my 19th birthday, and how a few of these "friends" conveniently forgot I existed. But BOY, when their born-day came around, did they have their hands out or what?! That's what I'm saying. And it's easy to say, "Well just stop hanging with them then" or "Cut they ass loose" or "Fuck em, move on" But actually doing that is the hard part. When you have known someone for 6+ years, you begin to get close to them and they actually become an esential part of your life, whether it be good or bad. And sometimes we just choose to deal. It's synonomous to an abusive relationship. You want to leave, but sometimes it's much more easier said than done.

Well, enough is enough....here is what my myspace "About Me" section reads: I'm at the point in my life where I'm tired of the bull shit and I'm tired of sugar-coating shit just so folks won't get their feelings hurt. I've come to realize that 9/10 the same folks don't give a shit about my feelings or what I want. I will say that I want positive, happy, and intelligent people in my life, not wannabe's who think that they are grown because they can stay out all night, smoke, drink, fuck, and the like. Doing these activities do not MAKE you grown because children can do all of that shit too if given the opportunity. I like people who are about change and action, who like to make a difference in their community, on their campus, in their city, and/or in their neighborhood. I don' discriminate against religions, although I am a Christian (Baptist) and prefer to keep it that way. I just need friends that are real and ABOUT SOMETHING!! "If you don't stand for something, you're bound to fall for anything"!

And with that folks, I'm out! Shouts out to my bffs CT, QT aka Bacon Bit, and my dawg4lyfe, BJ!!!!


Me and CT (@ her apartment)




Me and BJ (@ school--Declaration Day)

Time for...new beginnings...My Introduction

Hello, web...My name is C.Sha b.k.a. SHY, I'm 19 years old, and no stranger to the blogworld. I've always had an interest in reading (extensively) and writing. My writing spans from poems, to songs, to short stories, to A+ papers in the classroom. Writing is my medium and helps me best explain my thoughts.

As far as creating my own blog...well yeah, I'm new to this (if I don't include my 16-post blog on myspace)...but I'd like to give this thing a try, and I feel like I'd much better be able to express myself here than on open forums, facebook, or myspace (where things are moderated and reported for the slightest offense). My sincerest wish is that if someone happens to find my little corner of the web, that they enjoy what they read, offer comments, suggestions and commentary or whatever. If not, oh the f*** well...

With that said, to date my favorite blog is Crunk and Disorderly (hope to be linking soon). I mostly lurk, but things are just done so well there. FYI, C+D is mainly an entertainment/gossip blog where you can find out all the latest info on (mainly) African American celebs/politicians etc.

I tried to do a mini-something like what she [Fresh, the owner of C+D] does on the daily one time on facebook, but I burned out on it quick. I also had my own web-site hosted by freewebs a couple of years ago, and it was more in the style of social commentary (with movie and cd reviews, discussions on prevelant issues among teens, some celeb gossip, and a section with my and friends' poems and short stories). Somewhere that's GREEN is not the place to come lookin for the latest juice on your favorite celeb...that won't be here (most of the time)...Poems, stories, commentary, thoughts, a look into my life as I see it, will be what you get. If you don't like it, tough tits! I have major ideas...major...and I wanna share them with the world...It's going to take time though... I'm long winded as HELL!!! But yes, I guess this will do it for my introduction!!