When someone says catfish, most of us think of the ugly creatures with whiskers that lurk at the bottom of the lake. When Dr. Phil defines them, they are people who pretend to be someone they are not in order to lure and reel in unsuspecting women and men hoping to find love online.
My first taste of catfish left a lasting impression. They were breaded and fried to a beautiful golden brown. Although I had never eaten that type of fish before, I knew in my gut that I would not fare well if I partook of it. On that fateful day, I allowed co-workers to talk me into having it for lunch because a grateful client had volunteered to come in and prepare the catfish and fresh hush puppies for us as a "thank you." What a nice gesture! With everyone telling me how that man's catfish lunch was such a treat, I ignored what I knew to be true for me and joined them for the meal.
Of course, Dr. Phil's show had nothing to do with real catfish. It had everything to do with a group of women who had been lured and caught in the nasty net of a devious predator whose fish pond was the vast waters of the Internet. The bait was a handsome man with the much admired six pack abs, chiseled arms, and a strong athletic frame. Few women would rebuff his attention.
A skillful fisherman, this man said all the right things to hook at least twenty-six women and get them emotionally invested in him without ever having met him face to face. Most of them considered themselves to be in a relationship with him. The problem with fish hooks is that they pierce the flesh of the fish it catches and leaves a hole. That has to be painful even if the fish caught is released. Yes, this man caused quite a bit of pain. One woman resorted to cutting herself as a way of relieving her heartache. As it turned out, the handsome athletic man was himself a victim. His pictures and information were being used without his knowledge or consent. And by a woman! He only found out about the duplicity when a Dr. Phil producer tracked him down and made him aware of what had happened.
Dr. Phil featured three women who were willing to speak out about the new catfish, the online predator -- not the lake dweller. They are still hurting from the damage the catfish/predator caused. If you missed today's show, catch the show about exposing catfish that airs on MTV on Monday nights created by a man who once found himself on the hook.
If you were once lured and caught but managed to wiggle free, Dr. Phil has a new book called Life Code: The New Rules for Winning in the Real Worldhe's promoting to help us guard against falling victim to predators no matter where they troll for prey. Based upon the details he's revealed on his shows over the past few weeks, it will be helpful to many. It should probably be required reading for any child old enough to read and comprehend it. Parents can't watch their kids 24/7 so the best alternative is to arm them with knowledge.
Oh yeah, I should tell you how my catfish lunch ended. As soon as the catfish hit my mouth, that weird sensation that causes the mouth to immediately salivate excessively while causing a sharp pain in the jawline and instant queasiness caused me to gag. I was sick for two days. And the manager had the nerve to ask everyone to give the client $5.00 for the meal to defray his costs. So, I was hungry, sick and out of five bucks for a meal that I didn't want to partake of in the first place that was supposed to be a "thank you" to us (I translated that to mean at no cost to me) all because I ignored my instincts in favor of other people's opinions and desires. We get that funny feeling in our gut for a reason. Don't ignore it. That's usually when we go wrong and get caught in someone else's net.
Although I regret the occasion upon which I first heard the 23rd Psalm being sung, I feel blessed to have been introduced to the passionate and touching vocals of Felicia Moss Eaton. She lead the choir as they performed at the funeral of beloved music icon Whitney Houston. I still remember watching the live stream and wondering who this talented lead singer was, especially since there were many moments during the song that her voice was so similar to Whitney's. Was she related to Whitney, perhaps? I didn't know the answer to that question but I did know that she breathed life into David's Psalm. She absolutely tore it up!
Just by chance a few days ago, the song suddenly came to mind so I decided to try to find it on Youtube. Thank God, a few people had posted it. As I read the comments, someone confirmed my suspicions. The lead singer was identified as one of Whitney's first cousins. Felicia's mother, Anne Drinkard Moss, is the sister of Emily "Cissy" Drinkard Houston. Felicia has sung background for Whitney and their cousin Dionne Warwick.
Of all the performances at Whitney's funeral, this was my favorite. Several celebrity singers turned out to help send Whitney home in a fashion befitting such an incomparable musical talent but in my humble opinion, none of the "stars" shined as brightly as this vocalist who was simply a member of the choir to many of us who had never heard her name uttered before. I am thoroughly enjoying this song and I hope that you will as well. I would love to see Felicia and the choir perform it in person one day.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." ~ Psalm 23:6
I was just thinking that I need to complete the novel I started like 7 years ago but never finished. I have countless poems to type and organize into book format. Song lyrics need to be typed and at least crudely recorded so that I don't forget the arrangement. Movie scripts and television show concepts are running through my head. So much to do, so little time. Each new start towards completing my goal gets interrupted by something... migraine headaches, overwhelming fatigue, someone needs me to do this, that or the other. Excuses, excuses, reasons, problems, blah, blah & more blah.
So, I was surprised to find this message from Tyler Perry in my email. Okay, I am not special. I don't know Tyler. I am one of millions of fans who subscribe to his newsletter. But, I promise you, I felt like he was speaking directly to me today. And he called me the dreaded D word.
Hey Sunida,
IF YOU QUIT OR GIVE UP THEN YOU DON'T DESERVE IT!!
Process that and get back in the fight, DREAMER!
You can do it.
Your coach,
Dreamer!!! You know, people who have big plans but never actually make good on them. There are always road blocks and problems... real or imagined, important or insignificant, difficult or easy, but effective. Yes, if they derail your plans, hogtie your hopes and deflate your aspirations, it doesn't matter what the reasons are, they are effective and that is all that should matter. Whatever is holding you back, has turned you into a dreamer. I say "you" because I know that I am not alone. There are numerous people who have gotten this message from Tyler Perry who feel that he is speaking directly to them as well.
Mr. Perry, I will not take this lying down! No, sir! I will finish my first novel, YaLaena Live! I will put together my books of poetry, do basic recordings of my song lyrics, write my first movie script and somehow get myself elevated past the level of a lowly dreamer. I have readers, movie goers, music lovers and television viewers to entertain. I was born to be an inspiration. And while I am always willing to help others, it's time to put me first and help myself.
Thank you, coach Perry. This reformed dreamer is claiming her status as a writer. Who's with me?
Ladies, how many times have you shopped online and found the perfect garment only to be disappointed because it didn't fit and you had to return it? Chalk that up to a waste of time and effort. To make matters worse, you had to repeat the process or (heaven forbid) go to the mall. That's enough to make you decide that you don't need a new blouse after all and call it day!
Hold on, girl... Online Fit is the solution to that problem. Imagine a virtual tool that allows you to try on clothes before you put the wrong size in your online shopping cart. No need to imagine it. Online Fit has made it a reality. You give your measurements and it gives you the right size based on the cut and style of the outfit you select. Fantastic, right? After watching the video demonstration, I felt like I do after watching an episode of Shark Tank --- Why didn't I think of that? It inspired this little poem (hey, it comes naturally! What's a girl to do but write it down?).
Online Fit
You go
online to buy pants, a blouse, or the skirt with the sexy high split
All you want
is to get it in your waiting hands and have it fit
If only you
could try it on online… oh, just a silly dream
Until
OnlineFit, the virtual sizing tool that will make you scream!
In delight
when OnlineFit helps you decide on the perfect size
You supply
your measurements and it helps you customize
So if your
favorite online retailer doesn’t have it, send an inquiry
Tell them to
make your shopping experience more enjoyable and hassle free
Ask why they
don’t have it. Ask when they’ll get it
Tell them to
contact Tricia. They won’t regret it!
Shoppers and
retailers can both have a positive reaction
With far
less returns, time saved and increased satisfaction
Shopping is something we all have to do at some point.
There's no reason it shouldn't be a more enjoyable experience. Mipso
makes it possible. Now go get that skirt with the sexy high split!
Tonight's episode of Basketball Wives was part two of the reunion. Evelyn and Jennifer took polygraphs but I won't start out writing about that as I want to save the best for last.
When she is not being yelled at and cursed out, it appears that Kesha can indeed speak up for herself. I don't think she and Tami will be friends any time soon. Such is life. I still think Tami is cool peeps. My opinion. I'm entitled. Moving on...
As usual, Suzie got jumped on for running back telling something somebody said. She denies it. I don't remember that scene and I don't care. Suzie, give us something to talk about, girl.
Lots of tears tonight. Shaunie, there's really no reason for you to feel guilty. Yes, you invited the women to join you on the show. No, you are not responsible for them acting up. However, let's not be so quick to call some fans "judgmental". I like "highly opinionated" better. Fans get invested in watching the drama unfold between the ladies they like and the ones they like to hate. Face the facts, fans are not the ones in front of the cameras airing their business and they are not the ones behind the cameras taping it or the ones doing the editing and deciding what to show and how to portray you all. So, to put down the viewers as if they don't realize that it's just mindless entertainment is a bit wrong. And you all don't make it seem any less true when you continue to address your spats in blogs, via twitter, and in interviews. You can't put it all off on the fans as being too judgmental or having too much time on their hands. No one can peek in your window if you close the curtains. But I'm glad you're leaving them open for season five! Seriously, Shaunie, you can't control the other women's behavior, hence your pastor's advice... come up to the mountain and leave the ones who want to stay there in the valley.
Jennifer's polygraph results determined that she was untruthful when she answered "no" to the question of whether she was jealous of Evelyn's relationship with Chad. It happens, Jen. You have to fall back when your single friend gets a man in her life. At least you were able to admit that you miss your friendship. That was key in being able to move forward and repair things.
Now, on to the woman I am calling a beautiful liar... Evelyn Lozada. When asked if she missed her friendship with Jen, Eve tried to be hard (one assumes) and answered "no". It was determined to be a lie. What's beautiful about that? Nothing. But, when John Salley reached for her hand to get her on her feet and over to Jen for a hug, she did not hesitate to rise to the occasion. Jennifer was reluctant (John can be heard saying, "You better get yo ass up?") and stood motionless when she did stand. Stay with me 'cause the beautiful part is coming right now! Evelyn stretched out open arms to Jen and pulled her close for a hug, tears falling. It was a beautiful thing, a precious moment, if you will. In my estimation, that was the best part of the entire two part reunion. Even after Jen said to Evelyn, "I don't want to do this here", Evelyn explained her actions and expressed her regret. And that, Basketball Wives fans, is why I named her Beautiful Liar.
Almost made me tear up. Almost.
Best of luck with piecing your friendships together ladies (all of you)!!!
For decades, the good people of Salem have been terrorized by the wealthy and all powerful Stefano DiMera. He could make someone disappear without a trace only to return years later as someone else with no memory of his or her former life. The extent of DiMera's debauchery and torment visited upon the Brady and Horton families is expansive and often defies imagination. Until today...
Today, Days of Our Lives began where it left off on Friday, with someone shooting and killing a man who has died many times before but resurfaced just when Salem's residents were relaxed and unsuspecting.
I'm suspicious. Is this truly the finale of the long, virtuous-lacking life of Stefano DiMera? Is his death simply a clever ploy by the incomparable writing team who craft his dazzling crimes behind the scenes? Perhaps the person in that chair with a bullet hole in his back is an operative hired to impersonate DiMera while he is safely ensconced in a government hiding place. Remember, he had cooperated with the CIA or one of those alphabet laden organizations and was hailed a hero just days ago.
Whatever the case, Salem will not be the same without its most prolific and talented villain. Certainly, there are the likes of his son (rather, formerly thought to be son),EJ, his most recent ex-wife, Kate, and the only enemy who was vaguely close to possessing a comparable capacity for evilness, Victor Kiriakis, but one would be positively naive to think that anyone could hold a candle the Phoenix.
Oddly enough, nearly a month ago on May 9th, a poem for Stefano DiMera came to me totally out of the blue. I had no idea that my favorite villain, played so artfully, and with superb skill by Joseph Mascolo, would be coming to the end of his reign of terror. He will be missed.
And so I present to you The Phoenix. Enjoy.
The Phoenix
An untimely demise
In the Brady clan
Usually means Stefano DiMera
Has blood on his hands
Most evil, most vile
Or just gutsy and smart?
He’ll do the deed
When no one else has the heart
If there’s trouble brewing
You know he’s stirring the pot
A cold-blooded villain, but when he rises
From the ashes, the Phoenix keeps Salem hot!
Movie mogul Tyler Perry is coming to the defense of Bobbi Kristina, daughter of the late singer and actress Whitney Houston and R&B singer and actor Bobby Brown . Perry has sought to help Krissi, as she is affectionately known to family and friends, deal with her grief by giving her a positive outlet as she continues to feel the loss of her beloved mother. To that end, Perry hired Bobbi K. to appear in his latest TV series, For Better or Worse.
The newsletter ends with this plea from Tyler Perry:
So please... PLEASE LEAVE THIS BABY ALONE!!!! AND SHE IS A BABY!!! Please stop the lies and give this child some room to breathe and grieve.
IF IT WAS YOUR CHILD WOULND’T YOU WANT THAT?
-Tyler
While I am a fan of Perry's work, I sometimes take issue with his methods. Today is one of those times. It was noble of him to write Bobbi Kristina into his show and allow her to follow her dream of having a career in acting and simultaneously give her something to focus on and keep her occupied while she grieves one of the most devastating losses a person can experience. However, you can't send the lamb to slaughter and then cry foul.
As an experienced actor, writer, director, etc., Tyler Perry has first person knowledge of the cruelty public figures endure at the hands of the media. Although his intentions were good, the plan may have been shortsighted if negative media publicity, real or fabricated, was not considered as a possible result of his efforts. Perhaps, Mr. Perry, you assumed that the underbelly of the media would exercise restraint, employ common decency, and embody simple respect with regards to Bobbi Kristina. Unfortunately, you were mistaken. Evidently, the enigmatic pull and influence of the almighty dollar proved much more important than any courtesy that could have been afforded a grieving teenager regardless of her famous pedigree.
Your efforts to assist Bobbi K. are still worthy of admiration, Tyler, but perhaps you could have inquired as to whether she would be interested in learning how the acting business works behind the scenes until she is emotionally solvent enough to handle public criticism. While your attention is focused on the false media report right now, there will be detractors in the viewership as well. People will critique her acting ability and some of their responses to her debut will be less than flattering.
This would be a good time to come to her aid before negative impact can be achieved and share some of your strategies for blocking out the negative noise, using the positive comments as fuel for the soul, and growing thick skin all while remaining grounded and true to oneself. If this has already been done, it never hurts to reinforce the lesson.
From this viewer's vantage point, Bobbi Kristina is poised for a bright future with the help of family, friends and fans. So speak up and drown out the unnecessary noise of those daring to sidetrack this young lady's destiny.
Miss Brown, there will be times when it is difficult to know who has your best interest at heart. Those are the moments that require quiet reflection, introspection, and an audience with whatever spirituality you ascribe your serenity to. Stay strong!
VH1's Basketball Wives knows how to bring the drama with constant arguments between the women who, oddly enough, claim to be friends. Each week, somebody's gettin' a good cussin' out. These days, drama translates to more than just venomous words... it means physical violence.
Things have escalated so much so that viewers, spurred on by talk show host Wendy Williams, are boycotting the show and are petitioning online prevent Evelyn Lozada from having a spin-off show due to her "bullying". Some fans are offended that women are shown in such a turbulent angry red haze --- throwing a full bottle of wine at someone's head, slapping someone in the face, and jumping on a table to run and dive on the other chick.
While I understand how those who have taken offense feel, I can understand how easy it is to let your anger get the better of you as well. Been there many times. Will still go there if necessary. So, I'm not boycotting or signing that petition because I feel like Tami and Evelyn are me, just in a different city and on TV. This chick ain't mad at them. You have to stand up for yourself. And some of us are just magnets for drama. Not that we want to be but it likes us.
Let's get to what I can't understand. The slap heard around the world. That situation has been stuck in my craw since the episode aired weeks ago. It was brought up again tonight and the asinine attempt to justify it (again) was so ridiculous, I have to speak on it.
The argument went like so:
So, chick gets up and comes around the long a$$ table to do just that. Slap Jen in her freakin' face. Jen just sits there as though she doesn't see this girl coming for her. WTF, Jen? Are you out of your M Fing mind? I don't care how refined and bougie you are, you don't hold still and let a b!+ch smack the damn taste out of your mouth. You should have been on your feet with that six inch heel in your freakin' hand by the time she made it around that table. What!! Girl, if I could've, I would have reached through the TV and slapped your a$$ right after she did just because you sat there and let her do it. Now that's what I can't understand. Why would you not even attempt to protect and defend yourself when you knew she was on her way to get you? See, that's what the viewers should be boycotting, stupidity like that. That kinda crap should have people scratching their heads in amazement. I won't be the first one to resort to violence, but if you attack me, it's on, baby! Cuss and scream all you want to but don't put your damn hands on me.
The other thing that I don't understand is the crazy (I'm being nice) explanation for why Jen was slapped. As of tonight, it has been said at least twice that she "asked" to be slapped. You heifers are crazy. Quit playing stupid 'cause the viewers aren't that dumb that they're buying that crap. Everybody knows that when you're in a heated argument and someone makes a threat and the other person responds with, "I wish you would" or "I wish you might", even prefaced by the word "yeah", it is not an invitation for you to carry out your threat. It is a warning, plain and simple. Translated, it means, 1) "Go ahead and try it and see what happens, fool!"; 2) "Come on over here; you'll get the best a$$ whippin' you ever had 3) "Um hmm! You might act crazy but you know better.
Sadly, in Jen's case, it simply meant, "Okay, I'll be waiting, girl." But ladies, please stop trying to convince us that Jen invited that chick to slap her. Pure nonsense! You seem foolish each time you say it. And the lawsuit, well, it might be a bit much to us chicks who don't mind scrapping; but, clearly, Jen is not that chick. Even if she was at some point in her past, she has distanced herself from such behavior and she prefers to do her battle in the legal arena. To each her own. You choose the action, you have to live with the consequences. The slap got you a few moments of fame but Jen is taggin' that a$$ in court.
Does that mean that chick asked for the lawsuit? I think it does. Oh, and if you're wondering why I'm calling her "chick", I don't remember her name and she just seemed so random, like she didn't belong there with the group. That is all. Now go play nice!
P.S. I found this article on TMZ and the Youtube video above. Her name is Nia.
I wish I could compose music as effortlessly as Ryan Leslie makes it look. Epic talent! I almost forgot to mention how gracious he is to surprise a fan just for tweeting him back. Cool.
Lauren Luna, chicFABu, and Bella Epique bring you shoeGASM 2012:
The Lauren Luna Experience
Live Jazz!
Live Painting!
Meet Lauren Luna!
Houston, TX, January 17, 2012; source: chicFABu – On Saturday, January 21st, Lauren Luna, chicFABu, and Bella Epique will present shoeGASM: the Lauren Luna Experience. The event will be held at Bella Epique located at 4819 Caroline, Houston, Texas 77004 from 6pm - 9pm.
Guests will enjoy live jazz with Lauren Luna painting to the melodies. The painting will be raffled off and the winner announced the evening of the event. Various works of Lauren, including custom designed shoes, will be on hand for viewing and purchasing. VIP guests will receive a makeover at Bella Epique's Makeup Bar. Wine and appetizers are complimentary.
Luna’s art is an expression of freedom and is her way of sharing her joy and creativity with the world. Never one to be pigeonholed into a certain genre, Luna’s art ranges from paintings that are politically charged and direct with their messages,to free flowing abstracts where she draws upon her love of music to create vibrant works of art to cityscapes, in which her love of New York City and other big cities comes shining through.
Most recently, Luna has moved her art from the canvas onto a new surface: shoes. Forming a company bearing her name, Lauren Luna Ltd. specializes in custom shoes- from sneakers to stilettos. Her customized shoes have been seen on the feet of radio personalities, popular musical artists, and underground fashionistas. She has been featured in a myriad of blog websites, ranging from independent radio to fashion forums and internet networking sites.
About Lauren Luna: Lauren Luna LTD is a custom design company specializing in fashion footwear from the everyday casual style of sneakers to couture stilettos. Established in 2008, Lauren Luna LTD began as an expression of freedom and creativity displayed on canvas. Lauren Luna LTD custom footwear is design to be one of a kind for people who love to stand out. Lauren Luna LTD designs shoes with the individual in mind. Shoes that make a statement.
Luna holds a Bachelors of Fine Art, focusing in Painting from Kent State University, an MA in Education from Manhattan College, and is currently back in school pursuing her Masters of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University, based in San Francisco, California. She now resides in Houston, TX.
I have and I'm excited to tell you about it. Hopefully, I can do that without spoiling it by giving away too much because I want you to see it for yourself. It's a keeper. Before I get to the movie, let me explain to you why I'm excited. Walk with me for a moment.
You take a trip to your local video rental store and browse the isles and isles of available videos and a straight-to-DVD movie is just begging to be rented -- the cover catches your eye, you flip it over to read the synopsis and it sounds intriguing, so you just know that this one is the reason you got in your car, traveled to the store, willingly handed over your money and you're even more willing to spend your time watching. This is it... until you pop that sucker in and five minutes later you're ejecting it because it's so stupid you can't take another second of it. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Stay with me a little while longer 'cause I've got something for that.
Everyday Black Man. Bam! Okay, okay. The first time I saw the title, I said, "What?", too. People, believe me when I tell you, I was so glad that I took a chance on this movie. I was actually proud of myself for choosing a really good straight-to-DVD movie. I was beginning to think that they no longer existed.
The three main characters have stories that are familiar but have a twist that keeps it interesting throughout the film. Claire (Tessa Thompson) is a student trying to find her way after the grandmother who raised her passes away. Moses (Henry Brown) is a family friend who owns a small neighborhood store. He has always looked out for Claire and her grandmother. Malik (Omari Hardwick) is the dynamic and inspiring leader of a small mosque. He is also a businessman who seeks to partner with Moses and help him to expand his store. When Malik meets Claire, the chemistry between them is almost ignitable even though he plays it smooth. By the time there are chinks in the armor of respectability Malik has cloaked himself in, Claire and Moses are both beyond the point return.
Everyday Black Man speaks to several societal ills at once -- children growing up without fathers to protect and guide them, the stereotypical black man who shuns his responsibility as a father, drugs ravaging the lives of the users and all those around them, greed, lies, and false pretenses. It causes you to feel every emotion and leaves you wanting more.
I found myself so invested in the characters that I wanted to know how the survivors picked up the pieces after everything fell apart. I was certain that there must be a sequel in the works. So, I set out to find the extraordinary woman responsible for the movie that restored my faith in the quality of films that never make it to the theaters. The word extraordinary is used because she wore numerous hats in order to see her project come to life. Carmen Madden wrote, produced, directed and performed other duties as well. And, yes, I found her on Twitter and posed my question about the possibility of part two. Prior to contacting her, I had already decided to write an article about Everyday Black Man to post here so I decided to ask her if she'd be willing to answer some questions for me. she agreed. You can read the questions and her responses below.
Everyday Black Man is an impressive debut film that Carmen Madden should be proud to have completed. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. And by all means, if you have a young, impressionable daughter (read: teenager), get the movie and watch it with her and discuss the lessons to be had afterwards.
As always, be blessed!!
Carmen Madden / Everyday Black Man Interview
Q: When did you realize that you were a storyteller and that you wanted to share that gift with the world through movies?
A: I have always thought of myself as a writer more so than a filmmaker. I've known that I wanted to write since I was a kid but I didn't start to pursue it until I was 19. That's when I sat down and wrote my first book.
Q: How did you prepare yourself for becoming a screenwriter and movie producer?
A: I don't know if there is a special preparation for being a screenwriter and a movie producer. I certainly hadn't planned on the producing part. As a writer, I had been writing plays and novels but I think the playwriting which eventually led to screenwriting was easier for me and it was quick- and when you are busy and doing a lot of things- novels are hard. However, I am working on a novel now. It really just depends on the story. What's the best way to tell the story is always the question and then you go from there. As far as a movie producer- well, if you want to get your film made then you become the producer. No training really- just desire is needed and taking steps to get it done. Dreaming is nice but it won't get you anywhere. You actually have to do something.
Q: Do you find that it’s still difficult for women to establish themselves in Hollywood and become successful and respected?
A: It's extremely difficult for women to establish themselves in Hollywood especially black women. The directors field is pretty much all male and the hierarchy is ridiculous, and youth is highly praised- so yes, it's difficult especially when you don't fit the young, white, and male model.
Q: The antagonist is a Black Muslim. Were you worried about backlash from the Muslim community given the types of activities he was involved in?
A: The funny thing about Malik is that he is not a Black Muslim. He is pretending to be a Black Muslim- just like there are a lot of baptist preachers pretending to be baptist preachers- and you don't find out they are pretending until they run off with all the money- so no, I really wasn't that worried about it. Malik was a drug guy pretending to be a Black Muslim. I even put a line in the film towards the end where Malik and Yusef use their real names and Yusef says that they are not Muslims and what his brother says that being a muslim is.
Q: Did any Black men who are fathers reach out to you share their views, positive or negative, on how the portrayal of the father impacted the already poor image people tend to hold about Black fathers?
A: In regards to the father issue- no- no one shared their views. As a single mother- I have plenty but I've known men that have not raised their child and it is always a major regret in their life. I don't think of it as negative but a real regret- a real loss chance, and if anything I was making a call that men should be involved with their kids so that they don't regret or miss out on some real learning and loving.
Q: It seemed as though you were speaking directly to young ladies to impart a little wisdom on several issues. If that assumption is correct, what lessons would you like for them to learn from the movie?
A: As far as the message for the women especially young ladies, well, I was young once and I know how we like our good looking men who most of the time have a lot of charm but no substance and we are really susceptible when we are young. Smooth talkers are as accessible as liquor stores so we do have to be careful, and if there is a message for them- maybe it is that- be careful and to remember that people are not always what they seem.
Q: Usually, young women are drawn in by a man who is flashing cash, rolling in an expensive car; he’s all blinged out or something of that nature. You chose a completely different type of character. He was conservative, well-spoken and caught her attention with a sweet potato pie. What made you take that approach?
A: You know, I think of Malik as a very smooth talker. I don't think he's all that different- he just looks a little different and says the right things but he doesn't really follow through with them. He's a danger but the real problem is that he's a fantasy.And he knows it. I have to say though- that it was Omari who really brought Malik to life this way so that he seemed something other than what he is- not me. I had him at more the smooth talker but Omari made him more complicated and I love it. It was the right move. I don't know how to warn young women about men playing with their feelings though- I really don't. We are all susceptible to that.
Q: The story has a good ending but it leaves one wanting to see more of the characters and what becomes of them after the tragedy. Will there be a sequel?
A: In my mind there will not be a sequel. But you never know. I've got a fighter film that I'm trying to make now, and then a mob film so we will see if the sequel happens. I guess it depends on the story and how it comes to me.
Q: You wore so many hats in the process of bring this movie to life. You wrote and produced. What were some of the other roles you took on to make it happen?
A: In addition to my writing, producing, and directing, I also was casting director and anything else that I had to be. My Assistant Director Josh Hoover and my Unit Production Manager, Karen Dea also wore a variety of hats as well and we were all location scouts. The lines/roles were quite blurred for this film.
Q: You decided to give back by teaching a film class, which is so commendable. How can those interested in participating in the class find more information on that? Will the class be available on DVD for those who cannot attend?
A: Well, I hadn't planned on putting my class on DVD but that is a great idea and I thank you Sunida for it. I am an English Professor so teaching comes pretty easy for me although I don't often get a chance to teach film unless it's on my own. I have a website CLM Productions and soon carmenmadden.com will be up and it will post classes and of course DVD's for those that cannot attend. So keep checking those sites. Everyday Black Man also has a face book page so you can find information there.
Q: What would you like your fans to know about you that they probably don’t know already?
A: I have no idea what my fans would like to know about me- but I just finished an early draft of a book on women finding their purpose and am also working on a detective novel. In terms of film- as I mentioned before I'm working on my next film Shadow Fight about an ex-fighter- totally fiction. I'm very excited about this film but it's a bigger budget so we will see what happens.
