The wAy i SeE tHiNgS

I'm back

2009-08-17T00:56:00.003-04:00

Hi folks. I'm back. My hiatus was longer than expected but I had to enjoy life a little.

A few updates.

-I found a new job as a pre-school teacher. I was trying to get back to corporate America but for some reason the childcare industry keeps calling me.

- Went to N.C. for a week and half to clear my mind. I spent the week riding scooters (foot powered) down a big ass hill, running up my father's water bill by turning on the sprinklers for hours at a time, drawing on the road with chalk, using the lawn mower as a go cart and doing other stupid things bored country kids do.

- Went to Vegas

-And for the most part I was job hunting.

So how has Summer 09 treated you?

First Lady Obama's kickz

2009-05-04T11:26:00.004-04:00

I'm supposed to be working on something but of course i'm procrastinating. I was surfing the web and I stumbled on a few articles where people were complaining about First Lady Michelle Obama's sneakers. Apparently she wore a pair of $540 kickz while volunteering on Saturday.

It appears people take issue with her sneakers b\c they are so pricey and it can be deemed offensive. And they also complain that if Sarah Palin had done the same thing the media would have been all over it. This is silly. She's volunteering why does it matter how much her kickz cost? She was dressed appropriately and she felt like wearing her new shoes to spruce up her outfit. I could see it being a big deal if she wore a pair of stiletto Jimmy Choos and was prancing around in a strapless dress b\c then she wouldn't be able to walk around, lift, pack bags etc... But she was dressed for the occasion

Secondly there is a difference between First Lady Obama wearing these Lanvin sneakers and Sarah Palin, Michelle Obama earned her own money. It appears some people have forgotten that prior to making it to the white house the Obama's had money. Both are Ivy-League educated, both were attorneys, President Obama was a professor and Senator not to mention they've earned the bulk of their money from Obama's two books. Sarah Palin's clothes on the other hand were purchased by the RNC. The donations the RNC receives are to fund elections and other such GOP events, not wardrobes.

There's got to be something else going on in DC to report on besides the First Lady's kickz.

http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2009/04/30/michelle-obama-wears-lanvin-sneakers/?icid=mainmaindl7link6http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stylelist.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fmichelle-obama-wears-lanvin-sneakers%2F

Brief Hiatus

2009-04-30T00:19:00.003-04:00

My desk at home looks a lot like the one in the pic. ---------->

I've been so off on my blogging game lately. I do apologize. It's the end of the semester, I'm graduating, an assistant teacher, and on the job hunt. I'll be back after graduation... hopefully before my 1st vacation of the Summer.

To my new readers and old readers thank you for your support! I'll be back soon... but, if something major happens I will certainly try my best to do an entry.

*While I'm gone check out the blogs I follow. They are sure to keep you entertained and informed

Mandingoism

2009-04-15T21:25:00.005-04:00

Today I'd like to coin a new term "Mandingoism". I created this term fairly recently after re-reading some material for middle eastern studies. This term is an extension of Edward Said's term Orientalism. Orientalism defined at its simplest is described as, "Western knowledge about the East is not generated from facts, but through imagined constructs that see all "Eastern" societies as fundamentally similar, all sharing crucial characteristics unlike those of "Western" societies, thus, this ‘a priori’ knowledge established the East as antithetical to the West. Such Eastern knowledge is constructed with literary texts and historical records that often are of limited understanding of the facts of life in the Middle East.[5]". Essentially most knowledge generated about the Middle East is based on preconceived notions and preoccupied with exaggerating the East's "otherness" and differences from the west.

Mandingoism is Orientalisms first cousin. Mandingoism shall be defined as American fascination with Africa and its differences from the Anglo-American world. It shall further be stated that most of the Anglo-American world's interaction,and ideas of Africa and Africans (particularly the men) are based on antiquated studies (eugenics,the likes of Dr. Blumenbach, and various anthropologists studies) and stereotypes that originated as early as the 17th century. Some of them are that Africans are immoral, overly sexual, uncivilized, poor, cannibals, and of course have a big...stick

Hi, I'm Satya and i'm an Mandingoist (one who unknowingly follows or studies Mandingoism). I don't mean it in the sense that I think all Africans live in huts, are going to eat me, or are going to hall me off to their village and have me circumcised. But in the sense that I am extremely fascinated with the "otherness" and do see African men as exotic. I guess you could say I find myself wondering if some of the sexual stereotypes are true. Why do I wonder, hell if I know... wait it could have something to do with all the B-S I was continuously told in secondary school and things I have seen in various movies.

I'm currently seeing an African guy and hot dam I'm so attracted to him. I find his accent quite appealing, i'm very attracted to his height, and I know it sounds crazy but something about him seems exotic and mysterious to me. Is he really exotic and mysterious or am I just creating this in my mind b\c of the crap I've learned and heard? The latter is probablly true. This whole thought process is uncool to me. I spend a great deal of time in academia trying to debunk Orientalism and here I am being a Mandingoist. What's up with that? I'm trying my best not to let my Mandingosit thoughts affect our interactions. They usually don't, but every now and then when we're out a Mandingoist thought or behavior enters my mind.

Have you ever thought of someone as exotic and been fascinated by their "otherness"? Have you ever received attention b\c you were deemed different\exotic\other? How'd it make you feel?

CP Time

2009-04-01T00:48:00.003-04:00

I have a few observations about folks and time and coordinating events. Like to hear it? Hear it goes

Who the hell invented CP time? I want to meet the person or group that invented said concept and tell them it's bull sh*t! The other night I was off to meet a friend for dinner and she was late. 30 mins late to be exact. I was to the train station when I heard her call out my name. Two problems 1) don't be hollerin ot my name in the middle of the street and 2) this buzzard was extra late. When I asked her why she was so tardy she replied "gurl, you know i'm on CP time. I am so sick to death of hearing this lame ass excuse from colored folks! I don't believe in CP time. If we say we're going to meet at 7 then plan to be there by 645 so in case the train or bus is off schedule you'll only be there 5 or 10 mins late. Stop this CP time foolishness ASAP.

Folks if you're having a child's birthday party have it at an appropriate time. If I get another invite to a 6 year old's birthday party that starts at 6pm i'm going to scream. Back in my day kids' birthday parties started between 12-3. Anything after 3:30 is for the adults. Also alcohol.... not appropriate at a kids party. You can't be downing Heineken's and Hennessy when you gotta drive your child\niece\nephew home. Not cool people.

Finally if you're planning an event for someone please plan the event in a timely manner. Don't send me an invite to a party\baby shower\bridal shower 3 days in advance. These invites should arrive at least two weeks in advance.

I guess this is just a rant. I'm in the process of planning a baby shower for a close friend and i'm very organized at party planning. However, a close friend of the mom-to-be and me is also having a baby shower but her shower planners are unorganized. The two expecting mothers want to be at each others' shower but the lack of organization on the part of the other shower is pissing me off. The shower i'm helping to plan is scheduled 5-6 weeks ahead of the due date (pending the availability of the venue). The other mom's shower is guessed to be around 2 weeks ahead of the due date. wtf? Why so close to the due date? Normally I wouldn't care but their lack of planning is interfering with my two shower dates. Obviously their showers can't be on the same date. And I don't see myself being nice about this once I make a deposit on the location. If you're not decisive or lack organizational skills get someone to help you when planning an event. Anywho this is my rant.

Anyone else ever been invited to poorly coordinated events? Does CP time bother you?
I guess i'm old school. If you're going to do something don't do it half-ass

The Princess and the frog

2009-03-30T00:40:00.005-04:00

Many apologies for not posting. I've been sick the past week. But i'm back.

So I heard for a while that Disney is finally making a princess movie with a black princess. Yay!!! I'm an adult and i'm excited for it. It's so long overdue. Back in my day the princesses were Arielle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, and Mulan. Since no one was black I just automoatically aligned myself with Princess Jasmine. She had a brown complexion. Her hair looked thick and she wasn't a pushover princess. She was cool. But I still wanted a black princess to look up to.

Apparently there's some controversy about the movie because the prince is not black. He's not white either he's one of those you can't tell kinda folks. People are upset because every other princess had a boo that was the same ethnicity. I'm not really bothered by it. I think it's cool for biracial kids and black kids to finally have their Disney character. Theblack kids can see a a princess they can identify with and biracial kids can see a couple that looks like mommy and daddy. Kudos for everyone.

The article ends by saying little black boys will have to wait another 20 for "their"character but I don't know if I agree with that. I know little black boys so need a character thats their own, but I don't think the "princess" movies really effect boys or linger in their subconscious. I remember in elementary school the girls gathered around saying they wanted to be like Arielle or Aurora or Jasmine. I never heard the boys saying I want to be like Prince Eric or John Smith. These movies are geared more towards girls and greatly affect them. How many grown women have you heard say i'm looking formy Prince Charming or knight in shining armor. I've yet to hear a grown man say I want my Mulan or Cinderella. Fairytales cater to girls.

I'm excited for Princess Tiana. So folks is the "contraversy" overblown? Are you going to boycott b\c the prince isn't black? Guys did you ever identify with any of the princes?

Here's the story: http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/03/19/disneys-first-black-princess-has-a-white-prince?icid=mainmaindl8link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackvoices.com%2Fblogs%2F2009%2F03%2F19%2Fdisneys-first-black-princess-has-a-white-prince

Religious Roots

2009-03-16T21:49:00.005-04:00

I've found myself in several discussions about religion lately and they've been pretty interesting. I have friends that practice different religions (Christians, Muslims, Hindus) agnostic and the ones that are spiritual.When people ask me what religion I am I say i'm spiritual with a Christian Hindu leaning. lol I can't deny those Christian roots.

I was born into a Baptist family. My father is the pastor of a Baptist church and i've spent most of my life attending various Baptist, AME Zion, AME and the occasional Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) and Pentecostal church. I know scriptures pretty well and am very aware of church protocol. I say i'm spiritual but my Christian\Baptist upbringing is still a part of my life. I go to church a few times a year. I still fast for Lent. I hardly talk during service for fear of the TSA I mean ushers coming over and pulling my ear lol. And I still know most of those good ol hyms.

Anyhow with all of this i've never been baptized. My friend and I were talking and somehow it came up and he just stopped and looked at me.

Friend: Have you been baptized?

Me: no

F: *blank stare* what? How is that possible. You know the only way to the father is through the son. Girl, God doesn't even know you

M: Dude I know the scripture. I just haven't.

He said this to me in a joking way but I could tell he was definitely serious and believed what he was saying. This was interesting because he is one of the friends that defines himself as Agnostic. He grew up Catholic taught Sunday school and the whole nine. But since he was about 17 he's claimed he's agnostic and doesn't know or deny there's a God and doesn't agree or believe with all Catholic Dogma and often jokes saying bury him in shorts and a t-shirt b\c he doesn't want to be overdressed when he arrives in eternity. Yet he was lecturing me about the importance of being saved to ensure my eternal resting place. I wonder how many other people are like him? How many are like me? We identify ourselves one way in terms of religion but our thinking and actions on certain things are dictated by the religions we have stepped away from.

I find it interesting when people like Bill Maher (who grew up Catholic) say they are agnostic and chide those that are religious. Religion is quite powerful. We may think some people's religious practices are silly or impractical in modern times but for some reason or another it is hard to break away from. Think about it. If you grew up in a religious household\family how much of your time has been devoted to instilling the principles and practices of said religion in you. When I was young every Saturday my parents and I would go to my grandparents house and have family Bible study. My grandparents mostly listened to gospel music. I was in the choir (so rehersal was 2nd and 4th sat.) and on the praise dance team, not to mention there was Sunday school. Thats several hours of my week that was devoted to learning about and practicing Christianity for like the first 13 years of my life. There's no way I can throw all that knowledge\info away. It is definitely part of my life. Religion can dictate every part of your life if you've been taught that way. It dictates dating, sex, some of your money, time (for prayer worship, and charity work), your relationship with the "unbeliever" marriage etc...

How many of you are religious? If you've moved away from the religion you grew up as, have you completely shed your religious past? Would you date someone that's not as religious as you?

Ignoramos

2009-03-11T00:19:00.004-04:00

Last night I was talking with a male friend and somehow or another intellectuals were mentioned. The convo went like this

Him: I'm highly intellectual. Wouldn't you agree?

Me: ummm if that's what you believe

H: You don't think i'm intellectual

M: I don't think you're stupid and you definitely know some things

H: What do you rate my intellect on a scale of 1-10

M: I don't like this question. are you prepared for the answer

H: Go ahead tell me

M: a 5 or 5.5

H: You've gotta be kidding

M: *Silent*

If you have to ask if someone regards you as an intellectual chances are you are not. Why in sam-hell would he ask me that? I wasn't out to break him down or anything like that but it needed to be done. I usually let fools ramble on and on and let them keep making a fool of themselves. But, last night he was getting way too condescending. He thought because I was quiet "see you can't refute my argument. clearly your lack of comments shows i'm right. just admit i'm more intelligent than you". And that is the comment that made me have to check him. How dare he challenge me. (Satya has slightly masculine ego...perhaps i got it from my father hmmm). I don't think i'm a genius or anything like that. I think i'm as intelligent as most college grads. I don't feel the need to flaunt what I know about a subject in front of someone who doesn't nor do I say things to get attention and have people tell me "you're so smart'. Its not necessary. Stop trying so hard

But if you're feeling bold and decide to challenge me directly bring it. So basically I had to shut him down and by the end of the convo he was telling me that he didn't appreciate me putting him down and belittling him. Don't start no stuff, won't be no stuff. So now I shall present a list of the some ways to know whether or not you're an intelligent

-If you ONLY read Hip-Hop magazines, hood books, and comic strips. you're not an intellectual. Broaden you're horizons (note the emphasis on ONLY)

-If you can only converse about one topic with ease and knowledge, you're not intelligent. You should be well versed in many areas. It should be anything from English lit. classics to chopped and screwed to the latest movies to events in history to the latest technology.

- If you cannot answer questions about an argument you are making, you're not an intelligent. Don't make an argument if you can't defend\answer questions about it.

-If you ask someone are you intelligent, you're not

- If you try to change the meanings of words to express what you're saying, you're not very bright

-A final note, Just b\c you graduated form college doesn't mean you're intelligent. I know some college grads that make scratch my head sometimes

I know there's more but i'll stop here. Go on add to the list. What are some ways to know whether or not you're intelligent

Dastard

2009-03-04T00:17:00.009-05:00

Michael Steele is a punk plain and simple. Ok let me behave like an adult. He is not a good leader. He needs to accept his new position and assert himself.

On Saturday Michael Steele appeared on D.L. Hughley's show "DL Breaks the news". During the interview Hughley called Rush Limbaugh the "de-facto leader of the Republican party". Steele seemed agitated by this comment and responded by saying ""No he's not. I'm the de-facto leader of the Republican party... Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer... his show incendiary and, yes it's ugly" I saw the show when it aired and thought to myself maybe Steele does have what it takes to revamp the party, he's got balls for calling Limbaugh what he is, an ENTERTAINER. And claiming his authority over the party. I actually applauded him. I think too many Republicans have been afraid to call Rush on his B-S b\c they fear the backlash from him and listeners. Rush's listeners are the problem child of the party. They want to sustain "the core Republican principles" and have no desire to recruit "others" into the party. The fact is Republicans have to redefine their core principles and start recruiting "others". I would suggest they direct effort toward the Latino demographic. They're the leading minority (in terms of population)and most are pretty religious. True they're Catholic, but they both love Jesus. If they could tap into just 25% of that population it would make a huge difference for the party. But I digress.

Surprise, surprise today when I was watching the news and saw Steele apologized to Limbaugh. He said, "My intent was not to go after Rush - I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh...I was maybe a little bit inarticulate. ... There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership". What a punk &%^#$... I mean what a coward. Steele is an elected official and he needs to learn quickly how to assert his authority. The chairman of any political party is indeed the de-facto leader of said party. The RNC "provides national leadership for the Republican Party of the United States of America". Steele was elected the chairman of the RNC and is therefore the de-facto leader. I can't believe Steele apologized. He must grow a set quickly because he is going to have to step on a lot of "grass roots Republican's" toes to change the direction of the Republican party and make it a viable party again.

So we know how much Limbaugh loves attention. Here's a little of what he had to say about Michael Steele, ""Michael Steele, you are head of the Republican National Committee. You are not head of the Republican party. Tens of millions of conservatives and Republicans have nothing to do with the Republican National Committee...and when you call them asking for money, they hang up on you."

Are you all surprised by Steele's apology? Any Republicans out there believe that the Republicans and the RNC are two separate entities?

Body art and Piercings

2009-03-02T01:32:00.006-05:00

According to various articles and news reports i've seen, tattooing and piercing has been on the rise in the past 20 years. It's often cited that tattoos and piercings used to only be associated with biker clubs, thugs, and military personnel. I guess that is somewhat true. When I was younger I had a friend that lived near a local motor cycle club and the members were extra tatted and pierced up. And there were a few OGs in my hood that had a few tatts.

In the past 8-9 years i've noticed everybody and their mama, literally has tattoos and or piercings. This older lady at my home church showed me her new tattoo in the bathroom (why I have no idea). I've seen older folks getting new tattoos and piercings in shops pretty regularly. What's up with that? I can understand the current generation (35 and younger) getting inked up but what with the older folks? Is it an attempt to recapture their youth? Or have they always wanted one and never had the balls to do it. I've seen older folks with some questionable tattoos. When I got my first one this older woman (probably early 50s) was getting a tatt of cherries with a mouth behind it...WTH? why are you getting that @ 50ish? Another time I saw a 40 something woman getting her name on her arm... WTF? At 40is you still don't know how your name looks? If you're older at least get something tasteful.

I have two tattoos (the picture @the top is my first one) and 2 piercings besides my ears. I think my tattoos are tasteful and they actually mean something to me. But, my tatts are pretty hidden. People at my job have no idea. I like that. at work i'm a cool very corporate looking lady and in the evening and on weekends I'm a 20 something with ink.

So what do you all think about tattoos and piercings? Are they a turn-on or turn-0ff? Is there a such thing as too many tatts or piercings? What do you have pierced or inked on you?

How the...

2009-02-23T03:39:00.003-05:00

I realize I'm about two week late but had to post on this.

Have the members of PETA lost their minds? How in the world could "rational" human beings think it is OK to dress up as the KKK outside of Madison Square Garden to protest the American Kennel Club (AKC)? PETA alleges, "Like the Klan, dog breeders who subscribe to the AKC standards are all about the sanctity of “pure bloodlines.” There is absolutely no comparison. NONE! Animals are not equal to humans. I don't think animals should be abused for sport but they are not people. Animals do not have rights! Meat is not murder!

How could they possibly compare the way the KKK treated Blacks to the way the AKC treats dogs? Let's give a brief recap of the KKK shall we. Let's see a group of white guys decide that they are part of the Aryan race and only want to live amongst their kind. They dress up in white sheets and in the middle of the night decide to attack Negroes. What exactly do you mean by attack? Glad you asked. Well they would bomb your house and or car. While your wife and children were there. But wait that was too nice for the Negroes. They would take a black man castrate him, lynch him, and then burn him, as his family watched in horror. "Let the family live" onlookers shouted, so the Negroes would never forget and tell other blacks so they would learn their place. They would also rape a black man's wife and hold him down and force him to watch. The killing of Negroes was even a family outing. There are several reports of "fine" white families packing a picnic basket and going to see a Negro get lynched. These crimes that the Klan committed openly were rarely even addressed by local police departments or elected officials.

In 2009 so far we have witnessed the police kill an unarmed man in CA. In NY police officers sodomized a young man in a subway station, and the NY Post put out a racist cartoon. Let's give a brief recap of police injustice in the past 10-15 year. Let's see there was Abner Louima. A young man that was sodomized and brutally attacked in a police prescient bathroom. There was Amidou Diallo. The young unarmed man that was shot at 41 times because police believed his wallet was a gun. And let's just end with Sean Bell. The young man who was gunned down by police hours before his wedding b\c they believed someone in his crew had a gun. With all of these things happening PETA is worrying about "animal rights"? They can keep that. I'll think about the injustice of a "pure blood dog" when spending in "urban" schools is equal to spending in suburban schools, when racial profiling is no longer the accepted social norm by police forces, and when minorities and whites are charged for the same crimes equally.

*Side note- I think I may go out and have some Kobe beef and veal this week

Confused?

2009-02-18T23:18:00.005-05:00

"Oreo, Sellout, or lost. That's what they call me. But why?

They say I don't act black enough, but what is acting black?

Do I have to speak improperly or act ghetto to be black?

Do I have to watch B.E.T all day and keep my sneaker game tight to act black?

Should I be politically and socially unaware?"

-Satya

That's a little excerpt from a poem I wrote in high school. Throughout H.S. I was called all the names mentioned above in addition to boughie. I was on the school's moot court and mock trial team. Junior year I was a grade senator and senior year I was the Vice President of student government. I was always pretty articulate and grew out of my "hood phase" fast. All these things I guess led to me being called an Oreo. (My HS was 60% Latina ,28% black, 6% Asian ,3% White and 3% other)

Why do some black people associate possessing the social graces, speaking proper English, and good grades with acting white? Why can't it just be dag she's on point or he's the sh*t. According to Dr. John Agbu some black kids have dumbed themselves down because they fear their peers will say they are "acting white". It appears this is a phenomenon is the black community. I was friends with Asian kids in HS and you can believe me when I tell when they did well in school no one said they were acting white. Has this happened because we as a people have lowered our expectations?

A few times in some of my classes some of my peers tried to question my "blackness". They'd ask me what rapper I thought was the best, who the current tracks that were out, who was on the cover of the latest Source or XXL, what videos were on 106& Park etc... And I would think to myself what kind of fuckery is this? No one ever told me you had to pass a test to be black.

As a result of not really being understood or accepted by my black counterparts in HS I began to dislike young black people. When my peers began calling me an Oreo or mocking my amazing performance of soliloquies in English class I would respond with an off the wall comment about how I didn't like their kind anyhow. Funny thing is I would be insulting them and they didn't even realize it. I'd call some Jigaboos, porch monkeys, i'd talk about them being inferior b\c of their small brain size etc... (I learned about eugenics early on b\c my older cousins went to HBCUs and studied race). Was this nice? Not at all. It took a while but I've grown out of this phase. I had to make it to college to meet other black people like me.

With that said, we as a people need to raise our expectations of each other. Excelling in school is not acting white. It is called being a good student. Speaking proper English does not mean you are white, it means you are literate. So I know most of you that read here have heard of the "acting white" phenomenon. What do you make of it? Has your blackness ever been questioned?

Female Sexuality

2009-02-16T00:59:00.010-05:00

Last week over at Threewaystotakeit.com Seattle Washington and Slim Jackson wrote a post about Homosexuality and the Black community http://www.threewaystotakeit.com/homosexuality-black-community/ ( It was a very good post check it out). This post reminded me about a presentation I did sophomore year of college on Black sexuality. Today we'll take a look at Black Female Sexuality.

Throughout the course of American history several myths have been created about blacks. One of the most damaging myths in my mind is about Black female sexuality. For centuries the black woman has been labeled as overly sexual and loose. In Deborah White's book Ar'n't I a Woman: Female slaves in the plantation south, she pointed out that the idea that black women were "exceptionally sensual" started when the English went to Africa to buy slaves. They saw the women semi nude (due to the warm climate) and automatically assumed the women were loose. Additionally, Europeans didn't understand "African cultural traditions, so that polygamy was attributed to the Africans uncontrolled lust, tribal dances were reduced to the level of orgy..." (White p.37).

These ideas came with the English to the "new world" and went even further once slavery came to fruition in the U.S. Black women's sexuality became a regular conversation piece in the Antebellum south. There are accounts of slave masters saying they could hardly go go anywhere without a Negro woman looking at them with lust in their eyes. They also allege that force was never needed to to sample the black woman's goods as she was a Jezebel and always ready for sex; In fact, some believed the black woman manipulated them and got them into bed. (This is also in White's book)

So that's a brief history lesson on how the myths started and became a part of American culture.

Why is this relevant? I'm glad you asked. These American ideas about black sexuality have shaped and and still do heavily influence black sexuality today. Because blacks were seen as heathens, whorish, loose moral characters Blacks tried their best to disprove white America's allegations. Black people adopted extremely conservative attitudes about sexuality. This conservative\puritan mode way of life and thinking was in large part promoted by church to show whites that blacks were the opposite. Keep your skirts down and your pants up became the motto.

White mentions in her book that as a result of the stereotypes placed on black women two images emerged, Jezebel and Mammy. Church I'd like to talk to you all about Jezebel (lol j\k). the image of the black woman as Jezebel real. She is the overly sexual black woman in movies videos and sitcoms. On the TV show Girlfriends Lynn and Tony were the Jezebels. Both paraded men in and out of their life and had many lovers. In the movie Two Can Play that Game with Vivica Fox, Gabrielle Union plays a character Connie that is the Jezebel. Everything about her in the movie oozed sex and she was known for sleeping her way to the top. In Luv and Basketball Gabrielle Union's character was the girl that"sent her coochie by mail'. Bad Boys II Union's character was the sexy bait to catch the bad guys... wait side note, why is Union the Jezebel in so many of her roles? Robin Givens as Sunshine in Harlem Nights (she was the girl who had good p*ssy), Willona on Good Times, Clark in Mo Better Blues and the list goes.

After reading several books and articles on black female sexuality I started wondering whys black women's sexuality so complex?If you're sexually free the older generation and church calls you Jezebel. If you're a good wholesome girl that has decided to save yourself for marriage you're a prude and undesirable. What gives? Are we still trying to fight off the myths? Why is "sex" still a taboo topic in black households? Especially for couples or parents that have daughters

What's your take on black women and sexuality.

Black Sitcoms

2009-02-12T00:32:00.004-05:00

What the heck happened to black sitcoms?

There was Julia staring Diahnn Carroll in the 60s. The Jeffersons, Good Times, Sanford and Son, Different Strokes in the 70s. Amen, The Cosby Show, A Different World, Family Matters, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, 227 in the 80s. Roc, In Living Color, Arsenio Hall, Martin, Sister Sister, Moesha, Girlfriends, Living Single in the 90s. Where have all the good shows like this gone? I can't name any decent black shows that came out in the 2000s that are on the level of the previously mentioned shows... wait My Wife and Kids is the exception. Ok wait there were a few more decent shows One on One and All of Us, but I don't think these two shows were the caliber of the others either.

During the 90s there was a a black sitcom on nearly every network...positive black shows. What happened? To be honest I have no idea. I'm actually quite disappointed that there isn't a wide variety of black shows to watch. I found it pretty inspiring to see examples of black love, success, intelligence, and sense on community on television. It saddens me to hear young kids in the hallways of the school I work in dumb excited (dang that's mad old) to talk about the previous nights episode of I luv New York, Hell Date,Real Housewives of Atlanta, Bad Girls club etc... but, the same students looked at me like I was crazy when I told them to watch Queen on TV One... I digress. I'm not saying all black shows need to be serious and intellectually stimulating but can we have some positive shows again?

I miss 90s tv sitcoms dearly. The cool theme songs (Fresh Prince and Living Single in particular), actual story lines, seeing the characters interact with each other, bringing light to social issues(A Differenet World and Roc) Dam they just don't make good tv like they used to. What are your favorite shows form back in the day (black, white, Latino, whatever)? Why aren't there good black sitcoms anymore?

HBCUs

2009-02-03T00:20:00.007-05:00

Since it's Black History month most of my post this month will probably focus on African Americans or African American issues.

I was watching School Daze this past weekend and I guess you could say it was the inspiration for today's post, HBCUs. In the movie an argument is made that HBCUs have become obsolete because Black people were integrated into society and had come a long way. I'm going to focus on this topic.

HBCU is an acronym that stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. "HBCUs were founded in the late 1800's to address the educational needs of Freed Slaves and Native Americans." (http://www.hbcuconnect.com/). "There are 103 historically black colleges (HBCU) in the United States today, including public and private, two-year and four-year institutions, medical schools and community colleges" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historically_black_colleges_and_universities).

School Daze came out in 1988 and they were debating whether or not HBCUs were obsolete. In 88 they definitely were not. In 2009 are they obsolete? I understand both sides of the argument but I would say they definitely are not. HBCUs are sacred academic environments for blacks. You can be an Africana studies major without people asking "why would you major in that", there are books in those school's libraries that are no longer in print, the school itself is a museum, you can wear dreads and natural hair without being deemed ethnocentric or having people ask to touch your hair, you're not the one black guy in your dorm, you know there's a barbershop or hair stylist near campus that can do your hair, and even though you won't like everyone it's nice to know the people around you understand your struggle (financial, probs at home,driving while black, being the subject of subtle sexual innuendos at work as you are the erotic exotic "other" that your co-workers dream about but probably wouldn't go there with).

HBCUs offer more than the pros that I've listed above. "Today's HBCUs are the top producers of professional African American talent " (http://www.hbcuconnect.com/) I don't know how true this claim is but they certainly do produce a great deal of black professionals.

Yes we are integrated into society and have certainly come a mighty long way, but we still have a way to go. There's still ample injustice happening to blacks throughout the country. Just watch your local news or talk to the chocolate men in your life. A few years ago the New York Times published an article that said a white man with a criminal record has a better chance of being hired than a black man with a clean slate. We're integrated but our men still can't get into some of the "all boys clubs". Our kids can be charged with white kids for the same offense but ours are charged as adults. The lackadaisical way the government handled/ is still handling Hurricane Katrina victims all show there's till work to be done. HBCUs produce some of the people that will try and fix the injustices that are being done to us, as well as those who are great orators and will motivate us to try and stop blaming "the man".

All in all HBCUs are havens for the black youth in America and you can learn the truth about the stock from which you come (unlike the B-S they teach in K-12 grade). Do you all agree, are HBCUs still needed?

The Sex and the City Effect

2009-01-29T01:45:00.004-05:00

I have to admit I used to be a big fan of the show. It was pretty good. It shows you a glamorous side of New York City that the average person would not have known existed. Although I liked the show I never wanted to emulate the characters. I am thoroughly entertained walking the streets of NYC seeing young women in my age bracket and beyond trying their best to mimic these characters. They try to mimic everything from wearing high end fashion, to eating Tasti-*- Lite, to drinking Cosmos, screwing every man they can, being a docent, to trying to find every bar or club ever mentioned on the show, they even nick name men in their life after the characters beaus. "OMG, he's so Mr. Big" or "I'm looking for a guy like Aidan". The aforementioned beavhior shall be called the Sex and the City Effect.

The main character I see emulated is Carrie. She was the glue that held the four women together. She's a fashionista, writer, had no problems meeting men (wealthy men), and abreast of all the hip happening things in the city. I'm guessing this is why most women like Carrie. I find Carrie the most annoying out of the four characters. She is so exaggerated and most don't even realize it. She was a writer for some skuzzy gossip magazine which meant she probably made about $50K per year. In middle America or anywhere but a metropolis you can live comfortably with that income. In NYC you can not live on the Upper East Side, dine out everyday, impulsively purchase couture and high end fashion (Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos, Roberto Cavalli, Hermez, Prada, Yves St. Laurent etc...), and participate in NYC nightlife on $50K per year. Yes her apt was rent controlled however, everything else would have had her eating Ramen noodles and shopping off the sale rack at M*cys. In Manhattan dry cleaning a dress cost $8 and up, mani\pedis cost $30+, and the initial cab fare is $2.50, not to mention the places she and the girls dined were moderately priced so in NYC that means about $50 for dinner (appetizer main course and soda). There's no way Carrie could afford the life she lived

Carrie was financially irresponsible, immature, and selfish. There's an episode when her bf moved out and gave her the option to buy her apt or he would keep it and sell it. She had no assets whatsoever. No savings account, checking, retirement funds, stocks, mattress fund.. nothing. She purchased $500 shoes b\c she had to have them. She's immature because she got upset with Charlotte for not offering her the $ for the down payment on her apartment. Her selfishness in relationships and friendships all make her annoying.

The show has warped all these 20 and 30 something women's minds. All these women in the city are suddenly Cosmo drinking, couture wearing, nutty 4inch heel wearing robots. I love my city! But the show only shows how corporate people live in NYC. The average person in NYC can't impulsively buy a $700 bag, dine out everyday, nor cab everywhere. It just doesn't happen like that.

So my question is why has this show become a guide to life for so many 20 and 30 somethings? Why is it that so many women want to model themselves after Carrie in particular? Am I over analyzing the impact of the show?

Minstrel Man

2009-01-27T23:45:00.002-05:00

I just discovered this poem and I though I should share it.

Minstrel Man
By: Langston Hughes

Because my mouth Is wide with laughter

And my throat

Is deep with song,

You do not think I suffer

after I have held my pain So long?

Because my mouth Is wide with laughter,

You do not hear My inner cry?

Because my feet Are gay with dancing,

You do not know I die?

400 years in the making

2009-01-21T01:33:00.004-05:00

Today January 20,2009 was an AMAZING day! Amazing is an understatement. I can't even think of a word to describe the feeling of the day. The people and the mood was awesome!

With that being said what if everyday in America was like inauguration day? People helped each other. Strangers gave each other water and helped each other hop over barricades. People were friendly. You could just start talking to people and they would respond and were interested in your conversation. There was a sense of community. There was a lady standing near me with a baby and the baby didn't have any gloves or anything to cover his face and people gave the lady a scarf to cover the kid's face and little mittens with the warm packets in them. People were calm and even tempered. It was crowded and people were bumping into each other, in each other's personal space and no one bugged out. It was peaceful. It made me think about the way my grandmother described the way the black community was during Jim Crow in the south.

I've always been proud to be an American, but yesterday I experienced patriotism. I was proud and fell in love with my country. I beamed watching old glory wave and when I heard the Star Spangled Banner. Many people experienced a similar feeling. So my question is, Was yesterday the beginning of a new attitude in America? Can we the American people strive to make everyday like inauguration day?

NOTORIOUS

2009-01-19T00:09:00.002-05:00

I went to go see Notorious on Friday and it was a decent flick.

I saw it in Brooklyn of course. Initially I was going to see it where I currently reside but I'm from BK and no other place could or would appreciate such a movie. It was crazy chaos! I heard tickets were selling like hotcakes so me and my homegirl went to the theater at 8 and bought tickets for the midnight show. We came back at 11 and the concession stand lines were crazy long and to top it off there was an ill line to wait to get into the theater.

Ok we're in. The movie was decent. If you know about Biggie then you pretty much knew exactly what was going to happen. The only thing I can really say the movie clarified for me was the beginning of the Biggie Pac beef. The acting was ok. Nobody was amazing or anything like that. However, the chick who played Lil Kim was good. True she was darker, but she really studied Lil Kim. She had her manerisms and flow down pact. The chick who played Faith was wack but she kinda looked like Faith minus about 50lbs. Derek Luger did his thing as Puffy. To me he doesn't look like him too much but he had Puffy down. Remember back when Puff's dumb ass used to shuck\jive\clown and dance in all his artist videos and do his crappy moves? Lugar had it down LMAO!

Overall the movie probably deserves a B\B-due to the some of the corny acting. I'm from Brooklyn so I was going to see it no matter what rating anyone gave it. Shout out to Broooooooooooooooooooooklyn!!

Here's some B.I.G for ya

I got a story to tell- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfpvpKfR2Ck

Juicy- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsT8FaZnzdE

Players Anthem- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueyt2NQeVxM

Teefs

2009-01-16T02:10:00.002-05:00

This will be a short post. I never realized I have Oral Hygiene OCD. People please take care of your mouth! It is one of the first things people see when they meet you. A new co-worker completely grossed me out yesterday. She introduced herself and then smiled and I stared at her teeth in shock. This woman had a thick coat of plaque on her teeth and a few extra teeth. I couldn't stop looking at it (this pic is a pretty accurate depiction of the woman's teeth). I wanted to take my finger and start scraping the plaque off. EWWWWW! To make matters worse she bought orange soda from the vending machine drank it and her teeth were stained by the coloring in the soda. EWWW! If your teeth are so plaque ridden that coloring from food sticks to your teeth you shouldn't be out in public! Plaque is something you can control.

I realize people are human and everyone has imperfections, but correct whatever oral errors you have. Work an extra job and get your mouth fixed one tooth at a time. People please brush and floss 2x a day. EVERYDAY! See a dentist twice a year. If you don't have insurance brush 3x a day and minimize your sugar intake. That's all

Broke Friends

2009-01-12T23:50:00.004-05:00

Friday night me and a few friends decided to go to happy hour and just see where the night takes us. One of the friends lets call her "Helen" asks can her homeboy "John" come. I give that "no heifer" smile and say it doesn't matter. I've hung out with John before; he's pretty fun but he ain't got no job (I realize the poor grammar but it must be said this way).

I said doesn't matter because I figured its a new year maybe his financial status has changed and everyone deserves a second wait third chance. Me and my posse are not high rollers but when we go out we like to have fun. We go to happy hour dinner and then bar\club hop and take cabs to do so. When in the club or bar everyone will buy a round of drinks except take a guess... John. This ninja ain't pay for a got dam thang! At happy hour everyone was buying rounds (mind you he never refused a drink and was ordering top shelf liquor) and he "disappeared when it was his turn. Ok I let it slide. Went to a lounge homie continues making drink requests but never so much as tips the bartender... Satya let it slide. Finally at dinner the check came and I was including the tip and dividing it by 5 and then Helen said we'll divide it by 4. PAUSE wtf. This negro ate an appetizer, entree, side dishes (a la carte), and friggin dessert and i'm supposed to contribute to paying for it NEGATIVE.

I grab Helen and we go to bathroom to discuss the issue. This heifer has the nerve to tell me "Btw i'm a little low on cash so can you pay half of my share of the tab". I laughed and went back to the table. Normally I only have about $20 in my wallet but Friday I had cash. I put my $65 in the checkbook and everyone else paid in cash as well. (Helen is still in the bathroom while this is occurring). All of us get our things and tell John he and Helen can meet us outside. Helen came out and was ready to go but the server informs her that the check is $130 short.

Is it wrong that I stood outside and ignored her phone calls. How the hell do you suggest going out knowing you're broke? Not only that, she selected the restaurant and decided to invite her notoriously broke friend. As adults I don't find such behavior acceptable. Especially because this scene was a repeat. I think Friday taught her conflict resolution and commandment 11, "Thou shall not go out when ye are broke. Nor shall ye invite bum ass friends when your pockets are like rabbit ears".Perhaps I was wrong. Let me know

Lebanon

2009-01-08T02:50:00.003-05:00

Interesting read in the wee hours of the morning. Lebanon felt froggy and they leapt.
I think it's time the U.S. to put more pressure on Israel for a cease-fire. Yes, Israel does absolutely have the right to defend itself from attacks. However, if it were the reverse and 688 of them had been killed in battle I think the international community would have responded by now. I think if a certain country threatened to withdraw financial and military aid from a certain unofficial self governing territory a cease-fire agreement would be make with all deliberate speed. But anyway it seems this is one topics that American can't discuss freely otherwise they'll be labelled a naughty name. This post isn't the most concise but when writing about such a topic you must be.

More on the story here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090108/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians

House of Saddam

2009-01-06T23:50:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year all!!

I spent all day Sunday at home as I am sick. While at home I watched the four part HBO BBC series "House of Saddam". It was pretty good overall but had several inaccuracies and definitely has a western slant.

The movie kind of had a soap opera t.v. drama kind of undertone to it. The movie begins with with the birthday celebration of his daughter Hala and then goes on to show him become president of Iraq. We see some drama some killings yada ya. Then the next part shows Saddam ready to wage war with Iran after the Iranian Revolution. They show the cartoons and various types of propaganda Saddam used to promote the Iraq Iran war. But, one huge factor left out was that the U.S. supported Iraq during the war. The U.S. sold Iraq military equipment. Looking at the Iraq Iran war there is no way Iraq could have fought as long as it did against Iran. At the time of the war Iran had the 5th largest standing army in the world and Iraq... well lets just say they didn't even make the top 15. Gee I wonder why American military aid wasn't shown in the movie.

I think the movie didn't show Iraq at its high time in the 70s and 80s. Iraq was a country on the come up at that time. It was actually quite modern. Not at all saying that I agreed with Saddam and his approach to governing but Iraq had good infrastructure and was revamping the school system to battle the high illiteracy rates. Yes Saddam was erratic and a dictator but, he did some good things for the country. In part 3 of the movie it shows President George H.W. Bush giving his speech about Iraq withdrawing from Kuwait and then shows Desert Storm. We see the bombs drop and the fire but the audience never sees the real damage. When Desert Storm occurred I'm sure General LeMay was proud we bombed Iraq into the stone age. The images we currently see of Iraq is not the place it once was. Desert Storm shook the country down.

The soap opera part come with the drama with the daughters husbands. Basically they are top advisors in Saddam's regime and betray him and he eventually has him killed and the daughters are upset about it. Actually Hala's husband surrendered to the coalition forces in 2003. What was this drama for? This is not supposed to be the Sopranos

The mini-series was okay overall. But, I don't think the average person would understand the series. To really understand Desert Storm you need to know a little about the history of the Middle East. Like when Saddam says "to the party" my homeboy was like what party? The Ba'thist party. I could critique the movie on several other points but ahh why go there. I just had to point out the Western slant. One could easily argue this series is a propaganda piece. Any who... I'm back will be here sharing my thoughts

He's just a friend...

2008-12-19T00:07:00.007-05:00

I'm fighting my buzz right now so bear with me. I hung out with my a long time homeboy today (my mom's best friend's son) and his girl today. He and I go way back. And of course we grew up together and he taught me a thing or two hint(not that. keep your mind out the gutter).

When he was like 10 his fam moved... we'll say out west. they would come and visit two maybe three times a year and we would kick it. We had feelings but he was there I was here nothing could be done except phone calls, letters, and send each other gifts. Dam seems like only yesterday I would use part of my allowance to buy calling cards and stamps LMAO!! He graduated high school n not long after got with a blanquita. Nothing against them but, that was a slap in the face. N she's not a Pam Anderson Angelina Jolie Jennifer Aniston type either. *Having a moment*

*moment over* We talk weekly. It's clear that there is chemistry n something there but he's with her and I'm usually dealing with someone or want to be single. Any who, tonight the 3 of us are out drinking chilling having a good time. By the time he has 3 beers he's getting touchy feely. I let it slide w\e he's my home boy from way back. His girl goes to the bathroom (she usually never leaves us alone. she'll go to the bathroom when I go or she won't go lol) and starts reminding me of things from the past and turns up the play hitting. We head to the next establishment and while looking for seats in the bar he grabs my ass while blanquita is on about 8 feet ahead.

Although my homeboy is all kinds of delicious I'm faced with a moral dilemma. First he belongs to the blanquita now. I'm not into messing with other people's property. It goes against my moral fiber. I think if more women weren't willing to mess with men they knew were someone else, less men would cheat. Second, I kinda feel like he was mine first and I should reclaim what's mine. Third, I'm unnerved by his behavior. What does it say about him if he's willing to behave this way with his girlfriend around? I know he's a good guy and he hasn't cheated on her but still. I wouldn't be thrilled if my bf was flirting and groping a good friend he grew up with.

So this is me buzzed and rambling. Do you have any friends of the opposite sex from way back when? How do things work when you're in a relationship?

"On these melodic lines I sniff"

2008-12-16T00:12:00.005-05:00

Lately i've been updating my iPod on the regular with new tunes. More than I ever have. There's something about music. She has the ability to change your mood and enhance your life She appeals to me in a way the other arts just can't She understands me like no other I've devoted countless hours pursuing her via concerts downloading and hours in record stores. She truly is my mistress...

I went to see Cadillac records today and it reminded me how much I love and appreciate music. It also reminded me of how much I miss playing music. I've thought about returning to the piano for the past few years but, I can't find a way to fit it in my schedule. I don't think people realize how much work musicians put into their craft. I started piano lessons when I was 5 and had to practice an hour every other day. When I turned 8 or 9 it became an hour a day. At 11 it was two hours a day and at 12 i quit lol. I felt two hours a day was too much time away from jumping double dutch with the girls and my family had practically planned my life for me.

I look at it now and that was really nothing. My cousin is a professional musician and he practices about 8 hours a day. Clearly there's no way I could practice even half the amount of time he does. But if I went back I would need to practice at least two hours a day to catch up. That doesn't even include time to learn new concepts. But I'm so addicted when I start playing that I can't pull myself away. When I visit my father I find myself at the piano for hours not realizing how much time has elapsed. I used to always make fun of musicians when they started making faces, doing strange gestures, and rocking as they played their instruments but now I understand what that was. It was the artist connecting with their craft. The sound itself and playing the music are literally a high.

I discovered this high in 2003 while playing at my father's house. By the time I finished playing I had moved/rocked the piano bench away from the piano and was standing and had some ill facial expressions going on. I didn't even realize my sister was taking pics of me playing. It's an amazing feeling. Every stroke of the keys takes you higher and higher. Mixing the chords, changing octaves, and once I add in the foot petals ooooo weee! I'm oblivious to my surroundings. The only things that exists is the sound i'm creating and euphoria. I don't have to go to the bathroom, i'm not thirsty nor hungry. The music is everything in that moment. Dam, I need a fix right now! lol.

I've rambled long enough. Tell me what does music do for you? Or what branch of the arts appeals to you?

Lovers and Friends

2008-12-04T00:40:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't been on my blogging game lately; the end of the semester always get a little crazy for me. Finals are underway and i'll be back

Anyway... I've been into the dating game heavily the past few months. Hang out with guy(s) go on a date just having fun. I have recently diagnosed myself with man ADD lol. I'll like a guy and kick it with him for a while but I can loose interest and place them in the friend category with all deliberate speed. Once placed in the friend category there's usually no coming back.

What makes a guy get moved to the friend category? Hmmm any number of things. A boring guy, if you're life totally revolves around your job, you're an absolute homebody, sucky conversation are all no bueno. Number one reason: inconsistency. This seems to be the biggest one for me. If dude texts/calls regularly and we kick it and he disappears or stops/slows txts\calls I loose interest in him as a potential lover with the quickness. Note that I said if he... I follow dudes lead on the communication front. You call me regularly I call u reg. You contact me once in a while I do the same. Latest guy said " you're too chill. why don't you call me more." Ummm i'm going to chalk his comments up as him being juvenile. Am I supposed to be a neurotic stalker and get buck if you say you're gonna kick it with the boys

I have to say that I don't require much attention lol. I've never been the I wanna see you everyday call and text a million times a day kinda girl. That violates one of my biggest dating rules: Never date someone with too much free time (not that i'm a rules girl but experience has taught me that someone w\o hobbies and friends of their own isn't for me). But I do think if you're into someone you'll make time to see that person. I shouldn't have to beg and plead for you to spend time with me. If you want to you will. If you don't well, I know someone else will. Is this mentality unreasonable?

Am I the only person that gets ADD with the opposite sex? Perhaps its not man ADD...
Thoughts, questions, and comments

I am... not feeling B's cd

2008-11-20T23:56:00.004-05:00

Seeing as how music is my mistress I thought it was time for a new album review. I checked out Beyonce's "highly anticipated" new cd. I've read a couple blogs about it and heard people talk about it but, I had to check it out for myself I hear music differently than most. I was a training to be a musician (jazz\classical pianist to be exact) in my teeny bopper days.

The cd overall is mediocre. I'm not a Beyonce fan but I can appreciate anybody's craft when it's on point. I appreciate an artist that is willing to take risks with their sound and is constantly evolving. I'll give B props on that front, her sound has evolved over each of her albums but this one can go back where it came from.

Most people have already heard her first two singles: If I were a Boy and Single Ladies. I like If I were a boy not for its lyrical content but b\c she showcases her range and vocal control in that song. Single Ladies is a cute club banger\get hyped with your girls kind of song. I noticed that after Dreamgirls and having to sing alongside a real soul singer (Jennifer Hudson) B has tried stepping her vocal game up ie: doing more runs in her songs and trying to sound more soulful. But her attempts at the runs seem strained, prime example her song "Hello". B is a soprano and for some reason she doesn't seem to be able to transition easily from singing in an alto range to soprano.

In the song "Ego" she attempted to show us her upper range and sounded bad. She's proven her upper vocal range is a her strong point time and time again (speechless, emotions, dangerously in love live performances even on this new one with Ave Maria) but this released recording of Ego is not a good one. She starts sounding a bit horse and lost while in her upper range.

Again I look for an artist's evolution and risks with sounds and improvement in vocal ability. This is a mediocre production in my eyes. Her song Halo is good vocally but I hate the music it sounds a lot like one of Jordin Spark's crappy tracks. Most of the songs on "I am" sound the same music wise the beats are very similar and follow the same handful of chords. The Sasha Fierce part is an amorphous blob of crap. Sweet Dream is decent, Radio is mediocre but will probably become a club joint in certain places, why the hell was she tryna mimic Lil Wayne's A Mili with that crappy track Diva? Who produced that song? They should be banned from the studio for the next 6 months. Mediocre I give "I am... Sasha Fierce" a C.

This cd will not even make it from iTunes onto my iPod. I kinda want my $ back from iTunes for buying this cornball cd. Before this cd I doubted her ability to play Etta James in her upcoming movie citing that she isn't a soul singer like Etta nor can she transition to and from her soprano and alto range well. I thought maybe she'd prove me wrong on this cd...SIKE! We'll see how she does in this movie.

Don't get mad, Try again

2008-11-19T10:31:00.002-05:00

I've been watching the news a lot lately and I notice all the coverage Proposition 8 is getting. No problem, however I've also noticed that the talking heads have constantly pointed out that Blacks and Latinos overwhelmingly voted "Yes" to Prop. 8. They've called it ironic, an oxymoron etc... that Blacks and Latinos would vote for Obama but ban gay marriage.

Point 1- Why are people pointing fingers at who voted against Prop 8? The woman's name escapes my right now but she was a guest on Real Time with Bill Maher election week, she pointed out that those who wanted "No" to Prop 8 didn't spend any time advertising Prop 8 to Latinos and Blacks. In the U.S. we all know marketing is key. With California having a large Latino population (who are usually Catholic or Protestant Christians), those against Prop 8 should have been brave and bold enough to try to reach out this population to help Latinos understand their cause. The same goes for blacks, a good percentage of blacks are active Protestant Christians why weren't any efforts made to reach out to them? Now that you know who voted against your cause that means those who wanted "No" to Prop 8 need to start reaching out to Blacks and Latinos not being angry they didn't vote the way you wanted them to.

Point 2- It is clear that religion particularly Christianity is a huge factor in American politics. Don't believe me... why would every news station refer to the Midwest and some southern states as "the Bible belt". It was a big deal when John McCain became a Baptist a few years back. Look at all the attention Rev. Jeremiah Wright got, and how many voters said they wouldn't vote for Obama b\c he was a Muslim and the "the U.S. has Christian values". Knowing how significant a role religion plays in the U.S. Prop 8 protesters should have fund raised and done better at marketing their cause to religious folks. Take a lesson from the Mormons.

Point 3- This is my biggest point... don't equate being gay with being black. They are two very different struggles. Being gay is defined by an act. Someone can assume you are gay all they want but, you are not in fact gay unless you act on it. Being black just is. There is no act, behavior, type of clothes you wear that makes you more or less black... you just are. You're black when you wake up, walk down the street, no matter how many degrees you have etc...
I'm not saying that if you're gay you should have to be in the closet... do what makes you comfortable. But please stop equating being black and being gay. They are not the same. Is there a box on college applications that asks what's your sexual orientation? On the U.S. census is there a question about your sexual orientation? When you apply for a job do they ask if you're gay straight bi etc...? Were your people taken from a continent and brought here to do manual free labor on the basis of their race\looks? No. So please don't go there. The issue was taken to the people of California and the people voted against your cause. If at first you don't succeed try again. Emancipation, voting rights, and the civil rights act of 65 didn't happen over night. Look at what the Mormons did, look at Massachusetts and Connecticut and follow their model and try your cause again in like 2 years.

Moving Forward

2008-11-09T15:56:00.012-05:00

What a historic week it has been. Barack Obama is the President-elect of the United States of America! I still get excited when clips of his victory speech are played, I beam with pride.
Now that Obama is going to be the President we can't sit down, go into hiding, or get content. We must continue to be as politically active and aware as we have been in this election. There is still work to be done. The bar has been raised! We must walk a little straighter and with our heads held high.

Now that the bar has been raised here are some things parents and students can do to make sure the we don't go to sleep on the job. In order to get to the mountaintop we have to keep on keeping on. I have two... let's call them oaths\affirmations\reminders of our roles and responsibilities

Students

I will try my hardest in everything I do.
I will strive for excellence at all times, even if my parents are not pushing me to do so.
I won't mock my peers because they speak English well, nor will I make fun of those who have good grades. I will try to emulate them.
It is cool to read books that are not assigned by my teachers. Not just "hood books".

I will hold myself accountable for my own actions.

I will respect my teachers and take my education serious.
I now know that with education all things are possible.
I will dream bigger. There are no limitations on who I can become.
If I work hard I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

Parents

I will play an active role in all areas of my child's\children's life
I will check their homework
I will make time to go to Parent teacher conference night\day
I'll encourage my children and nurture their dreams instead of telling them what they can't do
I am not my child's friends which means: I won't buy them inappropriate clothing, smoke any substance with them, drink with them, nor will I be afraid to discipline them because I'm afraid "they won't like me".
I'll set rules and boundaries
The T.V. is not a babysitter neither is Wii ,PS3, a computer or any other electronic device
There are other methods to discipline my kids besides beating them (it's still an option, just not the only option)
I'll read to my young children
I'll teach them to be accountable for their actions
I won't curse at my children, EVER
I will listen to my children
I will be a role model for my children
I'll teach them that if they dream of something and work hard for it they can accomplish it.

Let me know if I missed anything

Read and Internalize this!

2008-11-05T19:42:00.003-05:00

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America."

I think we all need to read this and internalize it!
I will post more but i'm still taking everything in.
In the meantime, walk a little straighter and with your head held high!!

Questions and observations

2008-10-29T22:42:00.011-04:00

I think this will be weekly

1. Why isn't there more discussion of the U.S.' sloppy attack in Syria?

I wonder what will be the outcome of Syria's complaint to the United Nations

2. When will Barbara Walters get rid of Elisabeth D. Hassleback?

Were there no other intelligent young Republicans instead of her? Yes, they do need a Republican on the show but I'm in favor of someone who is more intelligent (not a moron who tries to "divert attention from Palin's wardrobe but to her accessories". WTF. This is why politicians have speech writers so they don't look unintelligent like Hassleback) I propose Barbara Walters get rid of Hassleback and Sheri Shepherd. In their place I propose a Latina and a new Republican. Perhaps, a Latina Republican. We've seen an Asian co-host (Lisa Ling) but never a Latina... it's time Barbara. Shepherd doesn't bring any intelligence to the table so lets just can her.

3. I'm tired of seeing people's fat exposed. Please buy a belt, make sure it holds your pants up. Make sure your shirts cover your gut even when you lift up your arms, if it doesn't wear a tank or undershirt under your shirt (this applies to men and women). If when you sit down you keep tugging at your shirt because its clinging to your fat... buy a larger size. I work in a school and I am so tired of my students raising their hands and out pops their stomach or they bend over and I see gluteal cleft. But what is worse is that I see adults guilty of exposed flesh. Please stop!

4. I think I like Chocolate News.

5. Typos are one thing everybody misspells things from time to time but, improper use of homonyms by adults... wait people who's native language is English and are over 12 is disgusting. Here's a quick grammar lesson

Their- possession. Ex: That is their house

There- direction. Ex: They are going over there

They're- They are. Ex: They are going to the football game.

Two- the number 2. Ex: There are two hoops on a basketball court

Too- excessive. Ex: She wasn't too knowledgeable about foreign policy

To- describes movement or direction. Ex: I went to the bookstore

6. I know this is extremely late but, didn't Phylicia Rashad get robbed at the Emmy's? I watched A Raisin in the Sun again not too long ago and she played they hell out of Mama\Lena

7. This is the most important one, GO OUT AND VOTE on Tuesday November 4, 2008.

I'm not endorsing any candidate here. Just reminding folks every vote counts, get out there!

Drop your answers, questions, and comments

Ignorance on the loose

2008-10-27T23:00:00.011-04:00

When I started this blog I said to myself I was not going to touch politics at all. This post is a small violation of that rule but I think I have to go there. Two "neo-Nazi's" were arrested today because they planned to try to assasinate the democratic candidate for president and kill a total of 102 black people (88 shot 14 decapitated these two numbers are significant to white supremacy). The shooting range for the 102 African Americans was a predominately African American High School in T.N.

This is extremely sad to see especially because it is 2008 however, I can honestly say I'm not surprised. I have to agree with Chris Rock when he said he's surprised when black people are shocked at racism. I've heard quite a few people comment on the arrest today and several people(minorities included) were shocked. Why? I gues i'm not surprised because i've spent my years travelling the states and have been to and partly lived in (parents divorced) the "red states". While in those red states i've heard some saucy\cheeky statements from non-minorities about minorities. Believe me when I say ignorance runs rampant in this country. We've seen a great deal of ignorance at a certain presidential candidate's rallies. I don't expect all non-minorities to be racist or sketchy of minorirties but I am usually not surprised when I hear an ignorant statement.

I talked with a colleague about racism and ignorance within American and she pointed out that my generation is the beginning of change. She reminded me that my generation is the first to grow up being taught that racism is wrong and that the change will take time. And if we continue to keep being politically active, as we are during this campaign season we can help to gradually rid America of its dirty not so little secret.

One of the many faces of ignorance, bigotry, hate, and intolerance>

The story- http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081028/ap_on_el_pr/skinhead_plot

And you are...

2008-10-25T01:48:00.011-04:00

I absolutely love music.

I enjoy academia

Optimistic

Love to walk around Manhattan aimlessly

Overly analytical sometimes

I'm 20 something

I recently discovered the blogosphere and I like it

I'm thoroughly entertained by adult's ignorance at times however I can find it repulsive and frightening @ the same time

I can't stand "rap"

I like kids... a lot but I can't stand or tolerate unrulely disrespectful children

I'm old school (music, video games and attitude towards kids lol)

I'm very picky about food and men

Single

Love old video games N64 and Super Nintendo to be exact

I like to dine out

I enjoy yummy cocktails

I enjoy cooking and enteraining guests... sometimes

I love my family as crazy and as silly as we may be

My friends keep me grounded and are entertaning as hell

I need a new book case because I am currently storing books stacked near my bed

I refuse to spend more than $35 on a t-shirt

I love to travel

I think adults that don't have cell phones are suspicious

Enjoys conversation

I've been told I see things in a unique\interesting\weird way

Loves stand up comedy

I don't like that everytime I go to the Doc's office they try to offer me some type of new vaccine

I'm a little boughie\siddity but I still volunteer and do things in the hood

There will be more about me as time progresses but these are the basics for now

Chocolate News

2008-10-16T22:58:00.013-04:00

I tuned in to the the new sketch comedy show Chocolate News last night and I honestly don't know if I should be entertained or embarrassed by the show. On one hand I thought it showed just how ridiculous we look at times. The PSA by fictitious rapper Phat Man was to promote the No Child Left Behind policy(NCLB). The video shows girls dressed in raunchy school uniforms with the almost standard booty shaking and liquid being poured on the girls. Here's a little bit of the lyrics "Yeah ho, yea bitch, let me see yo coochie twitch". Maybe David Alan Grier was trying to show rappers just how ridiculous and degrading rap videos have become. Perhaps his hope was that the rappers and directors that produce such trash would stop and evaluate the current state of rap videos.

The segment continues and shows Phat Man performing his PSA in front of a group of kids; kids I'm guessing between 8-10 years old. The lyrics weren't edited and the message wasn't tailored to children. I find it interesting when people say rappers should go into schools and talk to the kids. No, they shouldn't, real lyricist should. Many don't know how to tailor a message to kids nor do they realize the impact they have on kids. Or perhaps they don't care if their lyrics negatively affect kids. What would Lil Wayne say to motivate kids? Don't write nothing down and devote your minutes seconds hours to the almighty dollar. How about 50cent, is he going to talk about getting shot? I know, let's send Three 6 Mafia... SIKE!!!!!!! Why would we want morons talking to our kids in person? Isn't it already bad enough they talk to our kids on the radio and videos. I know some folks will say they are just making the music that sells and are actually intelligent but, if you you have to "play dumb" and create mentally retarded music that degrades women, glorifies the streets, and encourages hurting your own people(intellectually and physically via selling drugs and violence) that makes you a puppet and therefore a buffoon. We should be done shucking and jiving.

On the other hand I see the show as just another platform for us to make dam fools of ourselves much like Flavor of Love 1-3, Hell Date, I Love New York etc... Why do we keep joining shows that are designed to humiliate us? I'm going to see the glass as half full in this case. Grier is trying to get us to stop and evaluate ourselves. I guess this is why some people like or dislike the Boondocks. I see the Boondocks as trying to get black folks to stop and look at how messed up certain things in our community are and figure out how to fix them. Some just see it as junk.

Here's a clip of Chocolate News

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNXpjCoZXPo

A Dream Deferred

2008-10-15T14:04:00.005-04:00

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore-- And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

By: Langston Hughes

This poem has been lingering in my head for quite a few days now and I felt the need to share it. I don't know why it's lingering but it is. Enjoy it.

Analysis of C and C

2008-10-10T00:38:00.032-04:00

I was walking home from classes today and recalled a conversation with a high school friend. The conversation was about the Cosby Show. We discussed the dynamic of family that was portrayed on the show. We all know the Cosby Show was the first all African American cast television program to show a functional, educated, upper middle class family. The show was important far beyond this explication. The show taught the viewer how to be a loving, devoted, caring: father, wife, friend, sibling, and child. We're going to explore the spousal relationship between Cliff and Claire and define the real Alpha Female.

Cliff and Claire (from this point on C&C) had an awe inspiring relationship. They were a functional, loving, educated couple that never forgot their humble beginnings. A good portion of episodes have a scene with C&C dancing, feeding each other (Claire's birthday with the cakes was cute), listening to a favorite song (my favorite was the one when Clair plays "Candy"by Big Maybelle),pillow-chat,and their unforgettable moments on the couch. The various episodes allowed viewers a glimpse at various aspects of a couple's daily life, granted it was a a very Utopian life, but a life to maybe try and emulate.

I've been reading a lot of blogs about Alpha Males and Alpha Females and who they like to date etc... and C&C's relationship comes to mind. Claire was without a doubt an Alpha Female. By Alpha Female I mean an articulate, strong-willed, career woman, post women's lib kinda lady. Because of her character and traits she definitely could have been the bitter, I don't need a man, cantankerous friend that thinks all men are intimidated by her strength of character. The woman I just mentioned often thinks she is an Alpha Female but she isn't. She's insecure, thus she needs to constantly remind whomever is around she's independent and doesn't need a man. Often times she's emotionally damaged. A real AF also knows that you don't have to be boisterous and constantly remind folks who you are, they already know because you exude it. "Courage does not always roar, sometimes it is a tiny voice whispering to us". She knew how to step aside and let Cliff be the "man"/ "man of the house"... at least is some instances. She knew how to include him in her decision making process.

Yes, yes this is a fictional relationship but I think this art mimics reality. If you are a real woman or an AF(confident and secure in yourself and your relationship) who is dating a real man you will not have a problem stepping aside and letting your man (at least on occasion) be the man. An alpha female I know broke it down very well, "If you are with a real man, in the sense that he is a provider spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially yes in that order your spirit will not mind you letting him assume the role of head the house/ be the man". Well said AF. I know some feminists and wanna be AFs will disagree with this and start their don't need a man, why do I have to step aside line of questioning; and I welcome your comments but it's "the way I see things".

I know this is an analysis of a fictional couple but the question, "Does art mimic life, or does life mimic art?" has been asked many times over. I think it is a case by case analysis. In the case of Dr. Heithcliff Huxtable and Claire Hanks Huxtable art is mimicking reality.

Saadiqism

2008-10-03T12:08:00.011-04:00

So my current music obsession is Raphael Saadiq. I've been a fan of Saddiq since the days of Toni Tony Tone. His current project "The Way I See It" stands out in a different way. This project cemented in my mind what a real musician is and does. A real musician is not afraid to take risks with their sounds and put out the music they want. When interviewed Saadiq said he's not trying to please anyone, he just goes in a room and creates. I respect that. I don't respect artist that try to conform to the bubble gum shitty music that radio stations seem to love to play. After seeing Saadiq perform, it is apparent that he really does just go in a room and create. I saw him at SOB's and he and his band jammed for a good 10-15minutes to his song "Be Here" from his first solo project InstantVintage. While playing the song He and his bandmates were all in a trance. You had to be there to see their facial expressions and body movements were dictated by their body's response to the sounds they were creating.

The album is what most people call a throwback to old school soul but I don't see it that way. It's Saadiqism. He's a real musician in the sense that he has listened to and studied music all his life and has made tracks that are an eclectic mix of all the sounds he has grown to love. This album has some of that 70's soul sound as well as gospel influence with a hint of Doo Wop. It reminds me of the Delfonics (Oh Girl reminds me of them), Temptations (Love that Girl), stylistics and I hear a hint of Al Greene and Marvin Gaye with Let's take a walk (this song kinda had that Pips feel to it also) in there. What makes the album even better is that Saadiq plays a good portion of the instruments himself. He does bring in other muscicians to play some instruments like his guitar player for some tracks. That man is bad!!! I must say he was rocking the most at the show.

At any rate, his cd is getting major burn in my stereo and Mp3 player

The first pic is of Mr. Raphael Saadiq the second is the guitar\bass player and third the background singers.

Genesis

2008-10-03T01:15:00.000-04:00

So I'm not really sure why I started this blog. It's not like I don't find enough things on the web to distract me. I guess I started it so I can share a few of my thoughts and things I learn. We'll see where this goes.