The Truth - A Quote

"The truth feels right and good and loving. Love doesn't hurt. Truth allows you to live every day with integrity. Everything you do and say shows the world who you really are—let it be the truth."
— Oprah

Song of the day: India Arie - The Truth

Back to Life....Back to Reality

I know I've been trippin this week with keeping my postings up-to-date. It's always hard for me after a few days off. I'm just trying to make it through the week. Luckily I've had the help of some good music to help my days go by just a bit faster. I heard these songs on my commute into work today and I'm loving them....

Amy Winehouse - Just Friends
Beyonce feat some dude - He Still Loves Me (soundtrack to my life)
Patti Labelle - If Only You Knew
Van Hunt - Down Here in Hell (With You)
Common - Light

Here's one of the mp3's I fould from this morning's playlist:


I just WISH I could use my iPod at work. But there's always streaming music and podcasts! What online music do you listen to? Maybe you can give me some new sites to visit to find similar songs.

Until we meet again...

~Brightstarr

Right on Time - Prayer

One of my favorite girlfriend's just sent this prayer to me in an email and it was right on time. I'm usually not into long spiritual emails, but this one was short, sweet, and to the point. Simple, but necessary.

Oh, here it is:
"Stars do not struggle to shine, rivers do not struggle to flow, and you will never struggle to excel in life, because you deserve the best. Hold on to your dream and it shall be well with you... Amen."

There will be a lot of people in your life who will spew negativity in the face of your dreams - almost unknowingly. I now realize that I only need to look to God for all encouragement I need in the midst of moving forward with all of those things I wish to pursue. Anything other than positivity I will choose to ignore.

NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS SPECIAL FIVE-PART SERIES "AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN: WHERE THEY STAND

Check out this series, it begins on November 26th - TODAY - on NBC around 7:00pm Eastern.

Throughout the week of November 26,"NBC News With Brian Williams" will take a look at the issues facing African-American women across our nation in a new series "African-American Women: Where They Stand." The series will cover a wide-range of issues from their role in the '08 Presidential race, to the increased health-risks that they need to be concerned about.

Monday's installment will discuss African-American women's progress in the education field. Nearly two-thirds of African-American undergraduates are women. At black colleges, the ratio of women to men is 7 to 1. And that is leading to a disparity in the number of African-American women who go on to own their own businesses. Rehema Ellis will talk to educators, students and businesswomen about why this disparity exists.

Tuesday, Ellis will look at relationships within the African-American female community. Many agree the gender disparity in education and business among African-Americans is having an effect on relationships that African American women have. Some even say the implications could redefine "Black America's family and social structure." In the past fifty years, the percentage of African-American women between 25-54 who have never been married has doubled from 20% to 40%. (Compared to just 16% of white women who have never been married today). Ellis sits down with the members of a Chicago book club and talk about this difference and how it impacts them.

Wednesday, Dr. Nancy Snyderman will discuss the increases risks for breast cancer for African-American women. Mortality rates for African-American women are higher than any other racial or ethnic group for nearly every major cause of death, including breast cancer. Black women with breast cancer are nearly 30% more likely to die from it than white women. Premenopausal black women are more than twice as likely to get a more aggressive form of the disease. And, not only are African-American women more likely to die from breast cancer, but they're less likely to get life-saving treatments. Dr. Snyderman will profile one of the only oncologists in the world who specializes in the treatment of African-American women with breast cancer.

On Thursday, Ron Allen will take viewers to South Carolina -- the first southern primary state -- and ask the question: Will race trump gender or gender trump race? In South Carolina, black women made up nearly 30 percent of all democratic primary voters in 2004. This year, polls show a significant number are undecided, torn between choosing the first African-American or first female Presidential candidate. Allen talks with the undecided, as well the state directors for the Clinton and Obama campaigns, who happen to be African-American women.

To close the series on Friday, Dr. Snyderman will raise the frightening statistic that African-American women are 85% more likely to get diabetes, a major complication for heart disease. And, like breast cancer, more black women die from heart disease than white women. Dr. Snyderman will profile a leading expert and a unique church-based outreach program in South Carolina that seeks to spread the word about heart disease risks to black women congregants.

Mara Schiavocampo, Digital Correspondent for "Nightly News," will address two hot topics in the African - American community: interracial dating and the impact of hip hop music on black women. Interracial dating is a growing trend in the African - American community. An Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future. Schiavocampo will convene a panel of leading black men and women from the hip-hop industry for an engaging discussion on whether hip hop lyrics and videos positively or negatively affect black women. The roundtable also will address how these portrayals are affecting relationships between black women and black men.

Consumers can go online to join the discussion and share their thoughts on message boards. They can also read and respond to blog entries atwww.nightly.msnbc.com. Alexandra Wallace is the executive producer of "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams." Bob Epstein is the senior broadcast producer, and Rich Latour is the senior producer for this series.

Dreading Monday - Sleepy Rant

Ok, it's 12:19a.m. right now....I should be sleeping. Preparing for tomorrow's return to work, but I can't sleep. I mean I had four days off, I should be ready to go back to work, right? Negative. So what AM I doing? Well, anything to avoid going to sleep. Reading random mags I haven't gotten a chance to read, sorting my pictures, organizing my iTunes, watching bad tv, oh and surfing the net.

Luckily I found a good article on one of my favorite blogs, Afrobella, about transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. I started this journey about 4-5 months ago and so far so good. It is messing with my vanity just a bit [ok more than a little bit], but I can't wait to have natural and more importantly - HEALTHY/FREE hair. Yes, I'm questioning how I'm going to look, but I'm optimistic and so excited about this new journey.

I'd also found Nappturality about a year ago when I attempted once before (before giving in to the chemicals) - and the blog has pointed me back in the right direction - just when I was thinking about going back to relaxers.

Oh, what also helped was when I searched "relaxer" on wikipedia. The results also helped to remind me that again, I was making the RIGHT decision. Btw, since I'm really trying to participate in the movement to support black products/businesses it doesn't help that a majority [if not ALL] weaves and relaxers are made by those who are anything BUT black.

I had a conversation with a caucasian female co-worker (yes, that one) about my hair regimen. Listening to myself it sounded so ridiculous that I paid so much money to get my hair straightened every 6 weeks. I mean A LOT of money went towards these products that damaged my hair. What was I thinking? I know she was definitely laughing silently on that one.

Who makes hair weave? Who makes relaxers - really? Why are we groomed from such a young age to get these chemicals that damage our hair? I know a lot of people believe their choice is completely independent of societal pressures, but I wonder if that's even possible. Is it?

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not anti-relaxer/straight hair. The best part of being a black woman is the versatility we have with our hairstyles. Mind you, I'm not a fan of colorful weaves and creations, but we can do some unique and beautiful things with our hair. I just think we should be able to see our hair in it's natural form and still feel that we can be beautiful. Women especially feel a need to conform to men's view of beauty [not to mention society's] - so I really feel like we rarely look at what "we" think of as true beauty. Ya feel me?

What do you consider "pretty/handsome?" Be honest. I'd like to hear the male and female opinion firsthand.

So in the meantime, I'm going to look up some more hairstyles on the net....let me know if you have any suggestions/recommendations to help me along my journey. If you are going through a similar journey check out Natural-Shapes Hair Salon in DC and Carol's Daughter hair products.

G'night...

Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!

On days like this with family, I realize how extremely blessed I am. I hope you all are able to spend this day with family, friends, and loved ones, while taking a step back to realize all the things that you are thankful for. As we are preparing for the Christmas holiday, remember that the things you are most thankful for are not material things, but those people who have made a difference in your life. Even those who have passed on before us have contributed significantly to who we are as human beings. For those mourning a loss this holiday season, I can honestly say that things DO get better. I appreciate all of those tho have helped me, even unknowningly, to turn into the woman I am today. I'd like to take that moment now to just say: Thank you. *Muah*

Also, big thanks to my loyal readers [or should I say reader, lol] who make posting my random thoughts so much fun. ;-)

~brightstarr

Christmas Shopping? - Keep it Black!

Please don't give Walmart/Target/Louis Vuitton/Fendi/Etc. all of your money this holiday season. Keep it in the FAM. To help out a bit, here's a list of black-owned businesses. It's a work in progress so please check back for updated links:

Carol's Daughter - beauty products for men and women

Miss Jessies - hair products for natural hair - THE BEST!

Retail Closeout Mall - black owned online retail shop
Karibu Books - black owned (afrocentric) bookstore
Swahili - African Home Decor and Accessories
Warm Spirit - beauty products for women
Phat Farm - clothing.accessories.fragrance.
Sean John - It's not just a label
Artistic Tees - Cool stuff check it out...
Greek 4 Life - All types of greek paraphernalia
Bob Marley Footwear - They contribute 10% of the profit of all shoes sold on this website to various charities in Jamaica as well as Hunger Task Forces throughout the world.
Dalinkwent - Lyrical clothing that stem from the core of today's inner city.
Applebottoms - Turn down your sound I got scared to DEATH
House of Dereon - If you wish...
Michael Knight - If you're into 'Project Runway' - you're already all over this!

Innervisions Productions - check it...

Please provide any other companies and links that you may have and I will post them accordingly. Or if you're interested in a black-owned bank with the best rate around check this out.

'Pretty' is Gay - End of Story

*Ahem* Not that I watch this show. I'm way too sophisticated but....

It's ok Pretty we still love you. Just be you. Still cute, still FLYYYY...

Updates: Dr. Jan Adams, Kanye West, and Weezy

Update on the Larry King Interview with Dr. Jan Adams (the doctor of Dr. Donda West): Um...basically there was no interview. He went on Larry King Live, to say that he wasn't going to say anything at all - respecting the wishes of the family. I actually commend him for doing this and walking off the show, knowing Kanye and his family are going through a very difficult time right now. Reportedly, Kanye broke down crying at a show Saturday night in Paris while attempting to sing 'Hey Mama' - SO sad. I saw the vid on YouTube but didn't want to post it...he's definitely in my prayers.

On a lighter note, I heard this madness this morning. Apparently Lil' Weezy (Mr. Single, Ready to Mingle, I got Pringles) will be featured as one of the men of the year in the December issue of GQ Magazine [surprisingly all of those nonsensical hooks and mixtapes paid off]. Y'all crazy...stop playin'. But big-ups to Kanye for making GQ's Man of the Year: better.

Photos of March on Hate Crimes - Nov 16, 2007

Here are the pictures I took while marching on Friday. Most of them are a bit blurry, I need a photographer (*ahem* - she bailed on me), but you get the idea.

Visit my gallery here. Hopefully you can access these pics. If not, I blame "the MAN!"

I have some video, but it's not that great either (I was walking while taking video - not a good idea).

In related news it seems that in the year 2006, hate crimes rose 8%. Read more here. This brings up the question, are things really getting better for black people in America?

Parting Quote: "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference." - Elie Wiesel

More than 3,000 dead in Bangladesh due to Cyclones

Very sad. http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/19/bangladesh.cyclone/index.html

Breaking News: Michael Vick Surrenders to U.S. Marshals

From TMZ - Michael Vick has surrendered to U.S. Marshals three weeks before his formal sentencing was to take place. ESPN is reporting that the former Atlanta Falcons star made arrangements with the U.S. Marshal Service to turn himself in today to begin serving his sentence -- meaning whatever sentence the judge hands down on December 10 could potentially end earlier.

Great Gift Idea for Avid Book Readers

Nerd post? Maybe. But read on. -- Amazon has recently released a sort of wireless ipod for avid book readers, called the Kindle. The display is the same size as the typical paperback book and it’s easy on the eyes. Books are easily downloadable and magazines/newspapers/blogs are updated automatically daily. This just may be the end of massive libraries. I love books, but this just seems easily transportable and accessible from anywhere.

Lets say I’m looking up technical information for work, I’d have to wait until the end of the day to go to the bookstore to pick up a book directly pertaining to my project. Now I can just download a book, and get to helpful information within seconds. Sounds pretty useful to me - the Internet is great, but this may actually be it's new sidekick. I'm sure it'll have a few kinks at first, but this is a great idea. Now, lets just wait until this $400 price tag drops and the technology evolves a bit, then it's ON.

A few highlights:
Free wireless
Bestsellers and new releases are just $9.99 or less
Keeps the page where you left off reading.
High resolution screen
No cables/cords
Buy books, magazines, newspapers, and blogs right on your device
Holds over 200 titles
Weighs only 10.3 ounces
Can store your own word documents and pictures

Downside:
Writers/Publishers get ready to be pissed -- book piracy on the move!
Price - mad expensive (should come with like 100 free books for that price, lol)
New technology - may have some kinks

Dr. Jan Adams to Plead His Case on "Larry King Live"

The doctor who operated on Donda West just hours before her death will do "Larry King Live" this Tuesday. This will be the first on camera interview Dr. Jan Adams has done since the death of Kanye West's mother.

I can't wait to see what this man has to say. Apparently he wasn't even board certified in plastic surgery like many other t.v. plastic surgeons. However, he deserves his right to defend himself. I'm sure things like this happen more often than we know in a variety of patients around the world. It just so happens this patient was a relative of a pretty famous person. I'll hold judgement until I hear his case tomorrow.

The KKK Disbands: Leaves Their Job To Black Folks

Just got this in an email - and it went a little something like this:

KKK Quits
The KKK leader stepped to the podium, his hood
lowered around his shoulders and a look of disgust on
his face. He said, "Sorry guys but this will be our
last meeting; we're going out of business," A member
stood up in back. "But why sir?"

The leader sighed, "Well, reverend, the Blacks are
doing a better job getting rid of themselves than we
ever did, so we are no longer needed," There were
rumblings and protest. The leader raised his hand to
silence the Klan members, and said, "Their rap music
says more vile things about Black women than we ever
thought of."

The members grudgingly nodded in approval. The
Imperial Dragon continued: "And their women write
books and make songs that demean black men better than
my two speech writers ever could, looking down at two
men seated in
front who lowered their heads.

"They shoot each other constantly ", he continued;"
And as a group, they spend a huge amounts of money on
cars, liquor, that stuff they call bling bling, and
the proliferation of rap music -- as they talk about
all that in their magazines -- and nobody needs us to
talk about how a lot of their sorry butts keep playing
the race and victim cards while c complaining that other
groups are surpassing them in economic development and
supposedly getting more attention in schools.
Hell, they even support a so-called "Black Hair" DVD
that a white man is making money on, in four sequels
at $20.00 a pop.

They talk about how Koreans have taken over the
"black hair" industry, without acknowledging that
Black entrepreneurs had 100 years to get a monopoly or
entrenchment in the industry that Madam C.J Walker
founded 100 years ago, but got
out-hustled and out-strategized, while spending
investment capital elsewhere. Let's face it, they're
being hoisted by their own petards."!

Some members went looking for dictionaries, while
most members nodded as it hit them that their job was
finished; that Blacks had become their own worst
enemy.

The leader shook his head. "It's time to go back to
our regular lives as policemen, judges and
congressmen, and leave the business of getting rid of
Blacks to Blacks. They are just better at it than us,"
He then threw his hood on the ground and walked off
the stage. Thus ended the last KKK meeting.

---------------------------------------------------------
Wow - I get it, the message is loud and clear. I'm thinking maybe we need to change the focus of these rallies and marches and aim them at our own communities. We've been ignoring the problem for far too long.

You Can't Put me in a Box - My Soul Just Don't Fit in One...

Check this out too - YouTube find- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2P2m_a6vj8&feature=user - Love it or Hate it?

I'm tired of the same stuff on the radio/videos...I need some more music...

But dang, gotta go to bed, I'll post those pics from Friday later...

Todays the day - Hate Crime March on Washington

Well it's here. Today's the day. Personally I haven't heard a lot of talk about it, but I hope I'm not the only one there with Rev. Al. It's COLD, mad windy, and I feel sick, but it's all good. It's history in the making, so I'm bundling up for the cause. Look forward to seeing some of you there. If you have any personal pics of the march, please send them to brightstarr82@gmail.com and I'll share them. ;-) Um...who am I kidding? Noone reads this! LOL. How about I'll share mine with you - if I can find my camera...

Peace.

MLB After Barry Bonds - Hateration?

Apparently Barry Bonds has been officially suspended from the MLB after an indictment alleging that he tested positive for steroid use in 2000 (mind you this was 3 years BEFORE the MLB started its testing program). That's like trying to take Microsoft from Bill Gates because he smoked marijuana in the 70's. We all know steroid use was prevalent in baseball for years. I knew when they started comparing his ass to Babe Ruth, he was in for it, damn... I bet he's gotten MAD hate mail since he broke that record, lol.

Now for the record, Barry Bonds has NOT been found guilty - and there is no concrete evidence stating that he DID use steroids; however this indictment and suspension will ruin whatever career and reputation he's built for himself over the years. I really hope that he's able to regain some sort of recognition for his accomplishments in baseball history - free of all of this steroid speculation. I really hope so.

[From fox sports]: "One way or another, Bonds is fighting a losing battle. Even if he escapes relatively unscathed from a legal perspective, his standing with the public is so low that the majority of fans are unlikely to forgive him. Not that he seems to care.

No, he won't recover like Martha Stewart, who agreed to a five-month prison term when confronted with similar charges. Stewart went to jail and 2½ years later, she is again a popular homemaking expert, having revived her business empire seemingly overnight.

Bonds, thanks to his surly personality, has built no such empire, even though he was the Michael Jordan of his sport. Fans wonder if a conviction would result in Selig placing an asterisk next to his records, but there would be no need. Bonds is a walking asterisk, a constant reminder of an unseemly era."

Damn.....

*Sigh* - Case of the Thursdays...

I'm having one of those "blah" days. The end of the year is steadily approaching and once again I find myself contemplating the purpose of my life, my goals, my frustrations, etc. I have quite a few goals lined up for next year but one thing that remains constant is "the bills must be paid." But what would I do if I didn't have to work everyday? I don't really know. EVERYTHING. I'd love to travel, volunteer, exercise, work with my non-profit, spend time with family/friends... But I hate even thinking about it, because it all comes back to the fact that I have to wake up and go BACK to work the next day. *Sigh*.

Don't get me wrong, I like my job - it's a great opportunity for me to contribute to something bigger than myself. I like my co-workers (some of them) and I like what I'm doing. I just don't want to "HAVE" to work.

Since when did I start feeling all entitled to everything without working? I don't know - I blame Paris Hilton and the media. I can't say I'm all that spoiled, but the fact is, I just want to win the lottery and do whatever the hell I want to do. I need a vacation. A good two-week vacation away from work. When will I ever get this? I can't say I've really had two weeks off all at once since college 3 years ago. This should be illegal. I'm tired of my alarm clock, taxes, time sheets, mortgage payments, traffic, work politics...somebody help me!

Ok, I know I'm making absolutely no sense, but it's because I'm trying to type while sitting here at my desk....sighing...praying that the clock moves a bit faster....praying that I'll win the lottery without even playing....

*Thanks for listening to me vent....I need to watch Office Space tonight....ASAP.

Traffic, Rants, & Expletives

Ok, today is my day to vent (you know before I move towards my whole healthy zen lifestyle free of expletives). So anyway, I commute about 2 hours/day (total) - pretty much standard in DC. But this shit REALLY gets on my nerves on the daily:

1. People with no EZ-Pass/Smart Tag for the toll road (WTF)!!!! It feels exactly like those visa check card commercials when things are zooming and ish but then someone stops the WHOLE show to find cash to pay the toll – B*TCH go in the damn cash lane! This really gets on my last damn nerve….it’s 2007 folks. Let me upgrade you.

2. People going the 55 mph in the damn fast lane (on the rare occassion we're moving at regular speed). If you drive slow, and you see cars passed you consistently, move your ass over to the right…DAMN.

3. People who ride the exit/entrance lanes to get ahead of traffic but just cause more traffic. Unless it’s me, then it’s ok – shit I have places to be.

4. People rubbernecking when they see an accident on the side of the road. This has been known to delay my commute at least an hour for an accident that’s just on the SIDE of the road. Get a damn life.

5. People who have to come to a complete stop to make a right onto a side road. I mean seriously, there’s no light, no stop sign, is your car really that f*cked up that you can’t make a damn right turn without stopping? Where did you get your driver’s license?

6. Stop and go….bumper to bumper traffic….hate it. Wasting my damn gas.

7. People who brake for no reason, CONSTANTLY, learn how to drive in slow traffic without slamming on your breaks every 2 seconds. Especially when you’re a huge truck and I can’t see in front of you….

I know I’ve left some off, but maybe you can share the shit stuff that gets on your nerves. Possibly it’s folks like me driving like a maniac cursing you out trying to make your non-EZ-Pass-having-assbehind get over to the right lane. I’d like to apologize, DC has turned me into a psychopath. I need help. Now, back to centering myself..

Panel May Cut Sentences For Crack

It's about damn time - but I think we should further evaluate the sentencing for crack vs. cocaine. This is definitely a first step --> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/12/AR2007111201745.html?hpid=topnews

Britney Runs Red Light - Front Page CNN

Um...so I don't know about you all, but clearly traffic will drive you INSANE. I speed, run yellow/red (which I like to call orange) lights, curse ppl the f*ck out, and all that ---> clearly those of you in metropolitan areas feel me on this. So why is it frontpage news when Britney does it? And when did I become her defender? I don't know, but the b*tch needs a break.

A mess. http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/13/people.britneyspears.ap/index.html

Okay, I just realized I need some zen in my life. Signing up for yoga as we speak...

Dr. Donda West, Noted Scholar, And Kanye West's Mother, Dies At 58

I was out tonight eating dinner when I heard the news from a couple friends. Extremely sad news. Kanye West's mother, Dr. Donda West, died early Sunday morning at the age of 58. Reportedly she died due to complications during cosmetic surgery last Saturday night, but I can't be 100% positive as to whether that has been officially confirmed. From what I've seen she seemed like an extremely positive woman, Kanye's best friend, and #1 supporter. My prayers go out to all of those affected by this loss.

Read More here --> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1573999/20071111/west_kanye.jhtml

Check out his song "Hey Mama" here:

Kanye West & John Legend - Hey Mama (Live in Amsterdam, 2004)

If you can't listen to the song at work, here are the lyrics...http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/kanyewest/heymama.html

March on Washington 11.16.2007 - See ya there...

JOIN REVEREND AL SHARPTON, MARTIN LUTHER KING III, NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK, REALIZING THE DREAM, WARREN BALLANTINE, STEVE HARVEY, AND OTHERS TO MARCH ON THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

"With hate crimes and noose hangings on the rise across the country, we must have the federal government protect us from local hate and bigotry. From Mychal Bell in Jena, Louisiana, to Sean Bell in New York, it is time for the federal government to intervene, and you can help us achieve this objective. "

WHEN: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH

WHERE: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

950 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW

TIME: NOON TO 2PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net/html/washington_d_c__march.html.

High School Colored Sign Controversy

Don't have time to discuss this in detail, but for more information read here --> http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/11/09/dnt.water.fountain.signs.khou

Come to find out a black student is the one who put up the signs. What do you think? Was he making a statement? Or making a mockery of Black History?

Hometown Hero, Gotta Love Him

Come on now, we grew up with him....he made thriller.....thriller.

Check out his recent interview --> http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/07/people.michaeljackson.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch

Btw, his hair is FLYYY. Is that a weave? If not, his relaxer is ON POINT. What kind does he use?

Had to include this skit...I miss Dave Chapelle....dang..

Stop the Insanity!!!!

Horrible news (especially because I have no life) to report. The new season of 24 will be postponed due to the writer's strike. Noooooooooo!!!! Ok I don't know what the demands are quite yet of the writer's but seriously....give them what they want!!!! Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn Gina! Stop the madness.

Check this out --> http://tvdecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/07/strike-postpones-24-premiere-fox-revises-schedule/

Work, Chitlins, and White Folks

Ok people, I have to let y'all know what went down yesterday at work. It has a little bit to do with that pic of Jason "Mr. Chitlins" Whitlock you see up there in blackface. But anyway, let me set it up a bit for you. I'd just gone to lunch about an hour earlier with a Caucasian (I'm trying to be proper) co-worker (we'll call her Jane). Then I get an instant message on our internal work messenger that went a little something (no, it went exactly) like this:

Jane: "What's that food that African Americans eat? It's not grits but something else...?"
Jane: "It's kind of gross"
Jane: I am sure that ALL people eat it but I have heard how some like it the best
Jane: I think it's intestines...
Jane: Do you know what I'm talking about?

That's it in a nutshell. But I hadn't noticed the message until she called immediately after I hadn't answered.

The phone convo went a little something like this....

Jane: Hey girl!!! (trying to sound black like we're cool like that)
Me: Um...hello, what's up?
Jane: Did you get my message.
Me: Oooohh, no, let me check.
Me: *speechless*
Jane: I just wanted to make sure you didn't take it the wrong way
Jane: Some of my best friends are.....blah blah blah
Me: I think what you're referring to are chitterlings. They are more of a Southern dish than an "African American" dish.
Jane: Oh. Strange question huh?
Me: Very odd. I don't think anyone's ever asked me a question like that before.
Me: What made you ask that question?
Jane: I was talking to someone about becoming vegetarian and it came up...
Me: Oh.
*Awkward silence.
Jane: Um....so I guess I'll go now.

Ok, y'all, come on now.

Mind you, this is the same woman who tries to let me know how "down" she is by saying she likes certain black artists (who she can never remember the name of) and straight asked me if I had on a wig when I changed my hairstyle. Oh and made a special effort to say that she doesn't like black men and would never date them. She had a couple chase her HARD (calling nonstop, leaving notes on her car, etc.), but will NOT date them. Mind you, the chick is not Angelina at all (but that's another post right there in itself - some blk men have mad issues). But I held it down, kept my composure, and had a good laugh off this ish.

But here's my theory. Lets keep it real - racism/envy exists even in the workplace. I'm a pretty educated chick - B.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Engineering, working as a software engineer - I don't think that ish matters, it's the fact that I'm BLACK (woops I mean "African American"). This woman is also a software engineer (working with outdated technologies), but doesn't have the education to back it up. I'm thinking that these conversations she likes to have with me are a way to knock me back down to size. That ish definitely worked yesterday. I felt REAL colored, lol. Good job Jane.

I should've said something stupid as hell too, like, "what are those things Caucasian Americans keep hanging? I know ALL people probably hang them, but I hear whites like it best. Um....not burning crosses, but.....what is it again?" Jk, jk....dang.

Truth is, I don't think "Jane" is really all that racist. And, I'm not really upset - just annoyed. I think she just has no idea how to act around blk folks. Or maybe the problem with our society is that we're TOO race sensitive and need more folks like Jane to just ask the uncomfortable questions to learn more about race-sensitive issues. But f*ck that, she better not cross me again with that ish, lol. I might not be in the mood to be so friendly next time. But on a serious note: What would you have done?

A blk co-worker of mine gave me some great advice. She says the woman needs to 1) Check the motive of her curiousity and 2) the way she asks a question. Example: If asked to a Mexican American, which one of these questions would fly: 1) Why y'all be hittin pinatas with sticks?, 2) I'm curious, can you tell me the origin of pinata tradition?, or 3) What's that silly thing Mexican people hit with sticks? (You decide)

She also gave me a good bible verse that was perfect for this situation (had to go to the LORD with this one y'all) --> "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing they do gender strifes." - 2 Timothy 2:23

Personal Playlist - Share Yours

Hey folks, I'm updating my music collection and need some song suggestions. I love all music so don't be afraid to share. Below are a few of my favs (I have hundreds, but here are some off the top of my head):

Refuge - John Legend - ahhhh love...
Umi Says - Mos Def

The Truth - India Arie

Purify Me - India Arie

Little Things - dang I like India Arie I guess?

Brown Skin - India Arie

Get Up (remix) - Amel Larrieux (feat Mos Def)

Closer to my Dreams - Goapelle

Buddah Lovas - Bone Thugs n Harmony - don't smoke but good song for relaxation in traffic.

Order my Steps, Stand - Donnie McClurkin - good for the soul.

Changes - Tupac - love, Love, LOVE Tupac....listen to the words

ADIDAS - Outkast

Ghetto Snow - Talib Kweli/Common

You Live, You Learn - Alanis Morisette...great songwriter...cool chick

Golden - Jill Scott...love her, enough said.

Mathematics - Mos Def

Good Life - Kanye West

Get By - Talib Kweli/Mos Def

Can You Stop The Rain - by Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers
Dreaming on a Broken Heart - John Mayer - so true....*sniffles*

Okay, drawing a blank on any more....would love to know some of your favorite songs. I need more smooth easy listening songs too, but I love it ALL from rap-to jazz -to pop-to rock, so lets hear them. Now let me get back to Nip/Tuck...peace.

*Oh and congrats FAMU on winning your homecoming game against NCA&T. Although they tried to hate on the Marching 100, we still killed it at halftime and won the game.

Arrest made in Oprah school abuse case

Glad to hear this situation has been handled - horrible story, but I'm glad justice has been served - well almost. Read the story here - http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-071105oprah-story,0,5666198.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Update!! [11/5/2007] --http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/11/05/oprah.school/index.html

T-Pain Arrested - but LOOK at that Pic

Saw this on http://stylerazzi.blogspot.com/ and had to find the story. [And check out that horrible (but better than usual) pic.] Apparently, rapper T-Pain was arrested in Tallahassee, FL (home of the RATTLERS) on Friday morning.T-Pain, whose real name is Faheem Najm, was arrested on for outstanding warrants from the Tallahassee Police Department.They include driving with a suspended license as well as a non moving traffic violation.Najm is scheduled to perform at Florida A&M University's Homecoming Concert tomorrow night. There is no word yet on how his arrest will affect that performance.For more on this developing story check with http://www.thefamuanonline.com/ for updates and listen to WANM News on 90.5-F.M.

Why is CNN all in Britney's Biz?

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/02/people.spears.custody.ap/index.html - This seems like something that should be in Star Mag....not the frontpage of CNN.

CNN: The Noose Follow-up

I was looking to find videos to share some of the CNN documentary on nooses; however, this is the only video I could find. I'm speechless. Again, what year are we living in? I forget...

REMINDER!!!

I almost forgot!!! ---> http://ynggiftedblk.blogspot.com/2007/10/national-black-out-day.html

Bounty Hunter Caught Up!!

Apparently "Dog", the bounty hunter, was caught up using the n-word to refer to his son's girlfriend. Sucks for him. But is anyone shocked, I mean really. Have you seen him? Best part, is that he offered a public apology...what's up with THAT?

To read the story and listen to the phone conversation (which is quite ironic I must add)....click below --> http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/01/dog.chapman.ap/index.html

The Noose: An American Nightmare

The Noose: An American Nightmare on CNN. Also read this story if you get a chance --> http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/01/nooses/index.html

If you're like me you're tired of hearing about these noose incidents. It's shocking to me that people do not understand the significance of the noose, and what it represents to black people living in America. It's one of the most offensive symbols (along with the confederate flag) that really bring back horrible memories of what was done to our ancestors. I'm really looking forward to this program, and hope that they are able to illustrate exactly why the noose is a symbol of hatred in our country.

Kids are Crazy as Hell!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/31/AR2007103103148.html?hpid=topnews