MY BOYS WON!!!

DALLAS COWBOYS SUCCESSFULLY END THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS WINNING STREAK, AND IT FEELS WONDERFUL =] 24-17; DALLAS

a cool christmas gift...

This Christmas is definitely going to be one to remember. It is my first "white" Christmas, thanks to this "blizzard" that blanketed the east coast with snow. It is also going to be my nephew's first ever Christmas, so to see him "opening" up his gifts is going to be nothing short of hilarious. He will probably just try to put the gifts in his mouth, but I'm excited for him. There is one "worldly" thing that I wouldn't mind santa slipping under my tree. I would love to get a puppy for Christmas. I've never had a doggie, I have had pets though. I would particularly love a Bishon Frise. I've done my research and they do not shed much, so pet dander isn't going to be a problem (or so I hope). I did not want a really big dog either, so the size is perfect. How could Santa say no to something as cute as this?

protect and serve

The job description of police everywhere includes these 2 simple words: protect (and) serve. All too often do they do just the opposite. Remember Rodney King? Ronnie Hathaway? You know the schizophrenic 49-year old from Passiac, NJ. How about Marshawn Pitts, the 15-year old special needs student? Unfortunately all of these guys have something in common, they are all black and they are all the victims of unjustified severe police brutality.

Incidents as such are the reason why police departments across the nation cannot forge a working relationship with many communities, especially those densely populated with blacks. Thus, many murders go unsolved. People do not want to talk with police (uniformed or white collared) because they cannot trust them. How often do you see instances as such in affluent white communities? As if "crime" doesn't exist in those areas.

Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. said it best: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

what they don't want you to know about SWINE FLU (H1N1)

Media sensationalism has catapulted Swine Flu to the forefront of the national agenda. Many media reports urge the public to get the vaccine to reduce the chances of contracting the potentially deadly disease. Unfortunately mass media reports have not warned of the dangers of getting the vaccine.

One major danger of being vaccinated is a muscular degenerative disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, or GBS. Fourteen-year old, Jordan McFarland, knows the devastating effects of the Swine Flu vaccine. He was diagnosed with GBS no later than a week after receiving the shot. Jordan reports that he is struggling to walk and needs the assistance of a wheel chair to get around. Prior to the vaccine he was an essentially healthy teen. Take a look at the video below.

my nerd moment, dont judge me!

Recently, I have been on a hiatus courtesy of Final Exams at my University (fun, right?). During the "studying" part of my exams, I read a WONDERFUL book, that my professor Dr. H. Hirsch decided to make part of our examination. The book is called "There's Nothing in the Middle of Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos," by Jim Hightower. The book deciphers the underworld of the American Political Arena. In the book, Hightower exposes the government for its faulty practices and for lack of better words "shitty policies." It (the book) is broken up into 5 chapters with subchapters within each to help better illustrate his points.

My favorite part of the book is the fourth chapter, "Pollution." This chapter is the vehicle Hightower uses to make sense of the hoopla surrounding the environment. A vast majority of the chapter is dedicated to agribusiness. There are so many instances that he points out that I was not aware of, which I accredit to naivete'. A good example of this is the "mad cow disease" outbreak in the United Kingdom. This "outbreak" was when many of the cattle supply in the UK had fallen ill to a disease called Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, BSE, or commonly known as "mad cow disease."With this disease, cows suffer from degeneration of brain tissue and the spinal cord. The symptoms are not caught instantly but are prevalent as early as 4 years after being infected with BSE. Hightower points out HOW COWS GET INFECTED! Cows are naturally herbivores, but the government and those in charge of our beef supply have turned them into essentially carnivores, or CANNIBALS. By this cannibalism, I mean that the cows are fed themselves essentially, well other cows that have been sent to the chopper. When cows consume themselves this triggers the "protein" that causes BSE. If you are interested in the safety of cows, how about the safety of yourself? If you consume these tainted cow products (meat or milk) you can become infected with the human version of the mad cow disease, CJD, or Cruetzfeldt-Jakob Disease, which has some of the same symptoms. These symptoms include degeneration of BRAIN TISSUE and the SPINAL CORD. This disease, CJD, has been linked to other dementia disease such as Alzheimer's Disease, hmm? Perhaps that is why we all know someone either diagnosed with the disease or caring for someone who has been diagnosed with the disease.

With that being said, this is definitely a good read. It is extremely informative. I just can't wait until Jim Hightower runs for president, where do I get a ballot? (not that i disapprove of the current president of those of the past)

world AIDS day

I know I haven't blogged in awhile, but in the words of our great president "It's Time for a Change." Today is World AIDS Day! Which means it is time to dispel some common myths.

1. Is HIV and AIDS the same thing?

-No. When someone is said to be living with HIV, that simply means that they have the virus within their body. When someone is said to be living with AIDS, that means their immune system is so weak that it cannot fight off diseases that it could normally.

2. You cannot spread HIV/AIDS or any STDs through oral sex.

-WRONG! Contact with sexual body parts can be a breeding ground for STDs.

3. There is a cure for HIV.

-No. However, there is treatment that could control the virus. The earlier the virus is diagnosed, the higher probability for a longer, healthier life.

4. You can spot someone with HIV, simply by looking at them.

-DEAD WRONG. There is no "HIV Look," in fact people with HIV generally look healthy

rumor has it...

So rumor has it that Oprah Winfrey will be canceling her day time talk show. I mean I know its a recession, but it cant possibly be affecting the Queen of Day Time, or could it?

The Oprah Show is (well was) the highest rated syndicated talk show in American television history. THAT'S HUGE! The television show has been running for over 23 years, which happens to be longer than my entire life. The original show aired on September 8, 1986. Since then there has been over 3000 episodes. The talk show is viewed by 20 million viewers weekly, and is also broadcasted in over 100 countries worldwide.

Oprah is without a doubt one of my idols. She has stared adversity in the face and is even stronger because of it. She is a living testament to the American Dream. Only in American can an impoverished little black girl become a powerfully strong black woman. I admire Oprah, not only for her success but for the mere fact that through it all she has remained humble and gives back to nearly every community. I can only dream of attaining some of her success.

In the words of Swizz Beats "I'm tryna get that Oprah"

gut wrenching...

This is such a heartbreaking story. I learned of this particular story while on Yahoo! today. The story comes out of Georgia Army base. A single-soldier-mom refused deployment and was subsequently jailed by military police. She was jailed because she skipped her flight to Afghanistan. Her reasoning: no relative or close friend could take custody of her son while away for at least 15 months. The father of the child is ABSENT (like many young fathers in America). Her mother (the grandmother of the baby) promised to take care of her grandson while she was away, however she is overwhelmed with taking care of her dying mother, special needs daughter, and her ailing sister.

Military officials suggest that they do not allow single parents to deploy without a plan of action in place for their children. Unfortunately, her plan of action fell through. Initially some military personnel suggested that she go ahead and ship out to Afghanistan while her child be placed in foster care. Of course, the young mother declined because she does not want to abandon her child.

This is a tough situation to be placed in. When in the military there is a Fog of War, or chain of command, which means you have the duty and obligation to do whatever you are told by a "higher up." One side of the argument is that she has made a commitment, which needs to be filled. The otherside of the arguement is that she should not be seperated from her infant son because he could suffer pshycologically.

If it were another issue, for example, paralysis, there would be no question that the commitment to serve and protect the country could be broken. Unfortunately, she is going to have to make a case for herself because she is a female in a male dominated industry. Lets face it, most men don't have to worry about where his child will be while he is deployed.

To read more on this story click here

monday madness part deux

Last night, I was watching bits and pieces of the Larry King Live show. The guest on the show was former Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin. The topics covered on the show ranged from being a mom, to her future in the political arena. Larry King invited some of her supporters on the show. Among the supporters were a close ally to Palin, Kristan Cole. Cole was quoted saying "I want our country back."

That statement was puzzling to me. What do you mean "your country?" Maybe she hasn't heard the song with the tune "this land is my land, this land is your land, from California..." Seems as if there are some underlying inuendo she was suggesting.

I may be totally off target. Maybe she meant the Republicans want control of government back. Maybe she meant conservatives want control of the government back. If that were the case, perhaps she should have specified that. Sarah Palin needs to rethink who she appoints as her spokesperson, but then again it is Sarah Palin.

Would you really want her (Palin) to be running your country? Think about it, she quit the governorship of Alaska, what makes you think she wouldn't quit the Presidency if elected? Nonetheless, she has supporters, who might be supporting the candidate and not her qualifications. But, hey what do I know, I'm just a undergrad student?

monday madness part l'un

American movies are often released internationally, "Couple's Retreat" is no different. Or is it? The movie chronicles FOUR couples trip on a relationship retreat. The main headliner of the film is Vince Vaughn, so of course he would appear on all promotional media and products. But what about the co-stars? Well promotional posters in the United States include ALL FOUR couples, but the UK version, leaves out ONE particular couple. The black couple. Truth be told, the film's target market might not know the two black co-stars as well as the A-list Hollywood actors, but is it blatant racism?

Some have offered their opinions on the situation. James Ulmer believes that "the international marketplace is still fairly racist." Even if that is the case, is that acceptable? Universal, obviously does not believe so, although they allowed it to occur. The entertainment group issued a statement that regretted any offense the poster could or would have caused. They also say that the altered posters will not be used and have subsequently been removed.

My Opinion: There is no doubt that the posters are "suggestively" racist. The blacks were "good enough" to be include in the film, but should not reap the publicity benefits that the non-blacks could potentially receive. As far as the international marketplace being racist, I just have a hard time accepting that as an excuse. It is 2009, there are IGOs that exist such as the United Nations, that unite all people of the world. In many modernized countries especially in Western Europe, there are blacks, whites, and asians all living within the same borders. Do incidents as such suggest to minority groups that they should assume a subservient role? Do incidents as such suggest that white supremacy still lives throughout the world?

impromptu.

man life has been going so great now. I genuinely cannot complain right about now. Everything seems to be falling into place as far as school, work, and family life goes. I know there will be more great things in store for me if I simply FOLLOW MY GUT feelings. Therefore, the soundtrack of my day is....WALKING ON SUNSHINE, better illustrated in the picture =]

Creepy Nights...YIKES!

So this kid is nothing short of amazing. Well without further ado, his name is Damey (Dame). He is EXTREMELY talented, and HELLA humble. Luckily, I get to listen to his music. He is a member of the 4 man band, The Diligentz (yes, the ones I blogged about earlier...so. what? bite me.) that hails from the San Francisco Bay Area. I was fortunate enough to hear one of his latest tracks, titled "Creepy Nights" produced by (the other amazing kid i blogged about) SU!.

My First Gray Hair...at 19!?!

So yesterday, November 13th I had the worst scare thus far! My (only) nephew appeared to be having some breathing problems while he was in my care. I know he wasn't feeling too well. Normally he is HYPERactive, giggling, testing his vocal cords, typical 6-month old stuff, but yesterday he just wasn't being himself. Which lead me and his parents to taking him to the emergency room. After performing an array of tests everything seemed to check out. Luckily he was discharged from the hospital. We all were concerned that he might have asthma, or worse SWINE FLU! I'm just thankful my lil "juice-man" is healthy and back to his normal self. Maybe he was acting strange because he was sick of me playing dress up with him? What you think?

this week in pictures

the rebirth.

Lil Wayne is at it again. He is releasing another album this winter. "The Rebirth" is slated to hit music stores his December 15th. Unfortunately, his record label Young Money, has not released a tracklist, after all good things come to those who wait.

The People Formally Known as Niggers...

This topic of debate has been brewing in the African-American community for what seems like forever. The use of the word "nigger" and its derivatives as slang. In the age of slavery, the term was used by slave owners to refer to their slaves. Depending on who you talk to the word has several meanings. In American English it initially was applied to white abolitionists, and those non blacks that were sympathetic towards Blacks.

In recent years, there has been movements to kill the use of the word, be it as a term of "endearment" or a racial slur. During the prominent O.J. Simpson murder trial, the euphemism "The N-Word" was used in replacement of nigger.

According to the late Legendary Rapper, Tupac Shakur there are two different definitions for the word. "Nigger- a black man with a slavery chain around his neck; Nigga- a black man with a gold chain on his neck."

The video below is an artistic interpretation of the word. Enjoi.

For Further Reading Click on the Link Below:

"The N Word"

the slump economy.

Today I was watching the news (yes, CNN is my source of choice) and there were reports of the unemployment rate in America reaching an all time high of 10.2 percent. This recession is said to be the worst economically since the Great Depression. Never could I have imagined that someone near to me would fall victim. Today my sister-in-law lost her position in a respected Toyota Dealership. This comes after Toyota reported profits in the third quarter. I was a bit baffled by it until the news reporter, said that some 650,000 more jobs would be cut.

With the Congress approving legislation to extend Unemployment benefits, and expand the Homebuyers' Tax Credit to existing homeowners, hopefully the economy will see some improvement. These tough economic times bring up a question posed by many economists, Is the Middle Class Really Sinking?

find out more about the legislation extending unemployment benefits and expanding homeowners tax relief!

From This Day Forward...Well You Will Have To Wait?

Gay nuptials will have to wait in the state of Maine, for now. Voters decided to overturn legislation that would allow same-sex marriages within the state. The vote was significantly close, 53-47. The vote was just another win for opponents to gay marriage nationwide. Now more than 30 states have held elections to allow gays to marry.

Similarly, California voted against allowing same-sex marriage with Proposition 8 nearly a year ago. Unlike Proposition 8 in California, Proposition 1 in Maine works only as a veto and can be overturned by lawmakers the next time they convene.

According to CNN reports, early exit polls suggested that the legislation would be upheld, which would have had enormous implications in favor of homosexual nuptials. Because there was such a narrow margin of votes implies that there is a shift in people's attitude toward the idea of same-sex marriage. Perhaps its a cultural change that many are willing to see.

Ultimately, this issue is going to have to be decided. It will be probably reach a national resolution like issues of the Civil Rights Movement. Initially some civil rights issues were left up to the state, but eventually had to be decided on a nationwide basis through the Supreme Court.

cleaning out the camera...

some photos from HALLOWEEN 2009, had to clean out the camera. enjoi.

I Now Pronounce you Maine and Maine?

Maine finally wants all of America to know that it still exists as a state. Today, November 3, 2009 is the day that Maine voters decide what to do with the legislation "Proposition 1." Proposition 1 is a bill that allows same-sex marriage in Maine. The bill was approved by the state legislature and signed by the governor in May. The bill has yet to be put into effect. A dirty political battle has erupted in Maine with the prominent Roman Catholic Church on one side, and equal rights advocates on another side. More than 80,000 Maine voters have decided to support the interest Group Protect Maine Equality.

On a nationwide scale, not much has been done in support of same-sex marriage. Since 2004, more than 2 dozen states have passed referendums to prohibit same-sex marriage, including typically liberal California. There are however 5 states that have legalized gay marriage. These states include Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

If Maine voters decide to uphold the law, Maine will become the first state to endorse same-sex marriage by popular referendum. If that is the case it would put water on the Republican fire that claims there is no popular support for gay marriage.

Nowadays, homosexuals are the new blacks. Many homosexuals find themselves in similar situations blacks were subject to from pre-Reconstruction to at least the Civil Rights movement. Human beings should not be denied life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If it makes gays happy to be legally connected to someone for the rest of their lives, than why should they be denied that basic right given to everyone else also outlined in our Constitution.?

(photo credit: FilmNoirPhoto)

a closed mouth never gets fed

Typically, I try to stay out of celeb affairs (i said typically) nowadays thats kinda hard, thanks to the media. But, apparently Rihanna is breaking her silence. The Singer is scheduled to appear on GMA(Good Morning America) on ABC in the upcoming week. She is also slated to appear on 20/20 to talk about the Chris Brown abuse saga. The gag order must have been lifted from this case?

in lieu of Trick or Treating...

With Halloween finally here, Nike has released some pretty interesting and delightful goodies for all you GOONS and GOBLINS...take a peep @ these!

oh and did i mention you could get your hands on a pair (or 2, or 3, or 23423423) of these @ Kicks Hawaii

ok. so what?

Okay. So what if i blogged about this kid already...it's not my fault. He continuously puts out good music, so blame him not me. Again, he goes by the name of SU!(with the exclamation point). Next Tuesday he is releasing an addendum to his previously released mixtape, IAMSU3, the addendum is called IAMSU3.5. I'm excited to see the new masterpieces this kid has cooked up, I just hope he doesn't push it back.

writing you to catch you up on places ive been.

I love stumbling upon music that incorporates artists from different genres of music, so I was delighted when someone sent me this link! The collaboration is between Wale and John Mayer. The paired joined forces for Wale's upcoming album "Attention: Deficit" on a song called "Letter."

disturbing.

There is no other way to describe this story. The news comes outta Richmond, California a suburb of San Francisco. As many as 20 people were involved in what is being described as a "gang rape" of a 15-year old victim. According to CNN, she was found under a bench on the Richmond High School campus after the annual homecoming dance, and it was not until bystanders heard people "reminiscing" about the tragedy that the victim was discovered. The victim suffered extensive injuries, ultimately subduing her consciousness. She had to be flown to an area hospital for treatment, as of Tuesday she was downgraded from critical to stable condition.

football frenzy

This certainly was a game worth watching. From the fumbles, to the formations the COWBOYS kept me on my toes. Miles Austin finally got the opportunity to showcase his talent. The kid seems to rack up plenty of yards!!! I think one of my most favorite plays of the evening was the impromptu touchdown toss to Crayton! Oh wait did I mention that was only in the first half, there was still TWO QUARTERS LEFT!!! Unfortunately the Atlanta Falcons, started this half off with a touchdown, but it wasn't before long that Austin would get the ball back in his hands. For once, Tony Romo held his own on, and did not throw all interceptions. But just when you think the game is winding down, PATRICK CRAYTON gets a hold of the ball and runs center field all the way to the in zone (best play of the night). I'm almost certain that Jerry Jones went home happy last night! Final: 37-21

preach picasso.

Ohhh do I have a new artist thats pretty dope. I stumbled upon him on twitter yesterday!!! By chance, he has some great indie tunes! "He" is Preach Picasso. The song that got me hooked on this guy is called "Its Not Hot" featuring Benny Bennasi. He just happens to have a myspace.com page that showcases some of his other tracks...I HIGHLY SUGGEST CHECKIN IT OUT!

the big bang theory...

One of the hottest Baltimore-Club Mix artist out right now is Rye Rye (the one in the middle). Her claim to fame was with her single "Bang." "Bang" captured the attention of Sri Lankan singer M.I.A, which ultimately got Rye Rye a record deal. Her album was scheduled to come out sometime in March of 2009, unfortunately it has been postponed. Hopefully she gets to drop an album, but 'til then BANG!

After tallying all the votes...the winner for most overused word of 2009 goes to "swag." With "anthems" such as "Turn My Swag On" by Soulja Boy Tell 'Em it was a seemingly unanimous decision that "swag" or any of its derivatives would win the award.

With 2010 slowly (and I mean slowly) approaching, it is now time to bury the word "swag." Pay your final respects...and find a new word!!!

Funeral services will be held at Laquisha Alize Cognac Jenkins Memorial Regional First Baptist Church of Bankhead in Atlanta, Georgia.

This has been brought to my attention so I wanted to share it! I did a little research and found that this is not the first time that ad campaigns have used "racist" marketing strategies for whatever purpose. I guess Vogue wanted to strut down the racist runway as well. On the September 2009 issue cover of Vogue France there is a Dutch model, Lara Stone, in what make-up artist call "blackface" make-up. To non-make-up artist it appears to be blatant racism. I'm kinda confused as to why they (model casting directors) did not select a "model of color" to do the shoot. Reminds me of some of the ad campaigns during the Reconstruction period of American History when images of "Sambo" and "Aunt Jemima" were everywhere you turned.

Wayyy Cooler!

It is rare (like a black pearl) that i find a great musician or band, but it does happen. Well i didnt just find these guys, I've actually known about them for years. They are based out of the San Francisco Bay Area (of California). I first fell in love with these guys when I heard their song, "Punk Rock," and it has been bliss ever since. They are incredibly talented, humble, and hungry (not like they are starving or anything but hungry as in the pursuit of their career). "They" are The Diligentz, a four member brotherhood/band that produces and pens their own music. I got my hands on a copy of their latest masterpiece, "Here We Go Again"...and I must say I HELLA LOVE IT!!!

"octomom aint got nothin on me"

Speaking of fathers, Desmond Hatchett, 29 of Knoxville, Tennessee has 21 children, by at least 11 different women. Unfortunately he cannot afford to provide basic necessities for the children and many of the mothers have decided to pursue child support. This story is so disheartening. The video tells it all (sorry so late).

beyond words

I recently read a book that was literally "beyond words." Much of it really hit home for me, and that is probably why I loved it soo much. The book is called "The Bond" by Dr. George Jenkins, Dr. Rameck Hunt, and Dr. Sampson Davis. It chronicles their childhood, growing up with absent fathers. They also give credit to many of their friends and mentors who are great examples of what fathers should be. This is the second installment to their book series. Their first book was titled "The Pact." "The Pact" was endorsed by Bill Cosby, yes it got the Dr. Huxtable stamp of approval. It is certainly a great read!

Davis, Hunt, and Jenkins together established a foundation called "The Three Doctors Foundation" and they host conventions and meet-and-great nationwide. They also have a YouTube page, but to learn more about their foundation, check out their website.

future endeavors

well since i can remember...i have always wanted to be an attorney...now that I'm getting older...time is winding down on that decision...so I have been looking into potential law schools. I really like the University of Richmond (Richmond, VA) law school program. Next week I'm gonna get the chance to sit in on a class about legal procedures! I'm excited, I wish this opportunity was available to me for undergrad (maybe then I would not have had to transfer, instead just stick with my original choice). Hopefully that will give me some more insight into the school. Until then, I'm working on my resume' so my application package can be SOLID!

picture perfect

I'm into all kinds of things that people my age might find weird...Politics is one of them!

For some time now (decades) the president and the first family are required to take a family portrait...and call me biased but this is definitely the cutest First Family ever!

The White House also manages a Flickr photostream of the Obama's and their travels.

The Genesis

Hey, so I'm starting this blog. Y? Well, because twitter is only 140 characters. In other words I have too much to say to just put it in that much space. Oh yeah and I thought it would be cool to start blogging. This is like my 4328902384th blog, I have a hard time updating them, so hopefully I can manage this one much better. Wish me luck.