Sy Smith - Conflict

Sy Smith, a background singer on American Idol, chatted with Mo'Nique about her CD, Conflict, and performed Fly Away with Me. Check it out along with The Art of You.  Your ears will thank you!

To NOT kill a Mockingbird

Sleep problems stem from many different reasons.  I have more than one but the most interesting is called Mockingbird Syndrome.  Okay, that's not a real issue.  I made it up.  However, it can cause real health concerns for those of us who are already sleep deprived and this tiny creature adds to the problem.  How can a bird hamper a human's sleep process?  It sings!  No, no... not the ones who sing at daybreak.  This lovely little devil sings at night.  All night!!!  It has many different calls and it shares it's large repertoire usually beginning at 2:00 a.m.  Occasionally,  some have begun earlier.  And when they tag-team and one repeats the other's call, it's double trouble.  Did I tell you that it sings all night?  Well, it's worth repeating.  Granted, the calls are varied, interesting and cute, at first.  The next night, it's annoying.  By the end of the week, it's so irritating, you're tempted to go find the bird, grab it by it's tiny little throat, squeeze hard and break the beak just to make sure it can't sing anymore.  Then, reality sets in... it's late and dark (really dark) and the mockingbird is not the only creature that thrives at that hour in the deep, deep darkness.  The eight-legged freaks are out there, too.  So, you can't go find the bird, grab it by it's tiny little throat, squeeze hard and break the beak just to make sure it can't sing anymore.  Instead, you turn up the volume on your T.V. a bit and  put the pillow over your head and pray that the bird moves on to a tree outside of someone else's bedroom window.  Heck, the damn tree isn't even in my yard.  It's the neighbor's tree. At 2:00 a.m., it may as well be my tree because that singing bird is my problem.  Some nights, I watch the sun come up because so does the bird, singing all the while.  Mockingbirds are protected by law, hence the title of this post, "To NOT kill a Mockingbird." Besides, I like birds.  They come in so many pretty colors and have such varied looks and they can fly!  But, I don't want one singing incessantly outside my window at 2:00 a.m.  It even has a call that is reminiscent of someone screaming, car alarms, and all sorts of what nots. Here's a Youtube video to help you understand what I'm ranting about if you've never experienced it yourself.  This bird's sleep schedule has to be upside down.  Birds are supposed to delight us with their melodious voices in the freaking daytime! Ahhhh, if only I had wings to fly myself somewhere else until the bird shut up.  Until then, I'll work on getting to sleep before he or she gets to singing.  Wish me luck!

Mo'Nique featured Sunday's Best... Y'anna Crawley

I had seen a few previews of the BET Gospel competition called Sunday Best but I have never watched it.  Thanks to Friday night's episode of The Mo'Nique Show, I was able to witness the sensational Sunday Best season two winner, Y'anna Crawley.  Believe me when I tell you, this woman SANG!!  She reminds me of the one of my all time favorites, Aretha Franklin.  Y'anna also sang Heaven with Tina Campbell of MaryMary. I couldn't find a video post of Y'anna's Mo'Nique Show performance but this one is just as If you've already seen her perform, you know what I'm talking about.  If not, I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.  Take a listen!




 

"A Night of Star Studded Soul" Featuring Morris Day and The Time and En Vogue

The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus' Annual Gala will be held on May 1, 2010.  Guests will be treated to "A Night of Star Studded Soul" with a concert sure to delight fans of old school R&B.  Morris Day and The Time will perform signature songs like What Time Is It?, The Bird, Cool, Gigolos Get Lonely Too, 777-9311, Fishnet, The Walk and Jungle Love.  One of my personal favorites is "Don't Wait For Me" so, I'm hoping to hear it.

The Funky Divas themselves, En Vogue, will be on hand to thrill the audience with their exquisite voices.  They are one of the most vocally talented girl groups ever!  Their string of hits include Hold On, Don't Go, Give It Up Turn It Loose, Lies, Don't Let Go (Love), Giving Him Something He Can Feel and Yesterday.

Aaron Hall, formerly Guy, is coming to serenade the ladies with sultry tunes such as I Miss You, Don't Be Afraid and When You Need Me.


Jazz guitarist Terence Young, who performed at last year's gala, returns by popular demand to allow the folks to Experience his Healing for the Soul.  Terence is simply genius with a guitar.

Don't Get It Twisted because high spirited performer Pressha of  Splackavellie fame will be there to host and entertain like only he can.  He kept the audience engaged and on its feet at the 2009 gala.

A reception will be held prior to the concert and the event takes place at the Carolina Coliseum on Saturday, May 1, 2010.  Tickets are available online 24 hours a day or by phone, 803.251.2222, between the hours of 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For additional information, please contact The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus at 803.734.3041 or www.sclbc.org.

See you there!

Girlfriends' Get Together: Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?"

This weekend, April 2, 2010, groups of women will be getting together for a bite to eat and to view Tyler Perry's latest movie, Why Did I Get Married Too. Of course, the men will be going out to ride the emotional roller coaster Perry creates in this film because they enjoy his work as well. However, the theater is generally filled with women who are there with their sisters, mothers, daughters and even grandmothers who don't mind talking to the characters on screen as if they can hear them. And they clap for scenes that really strike a chord with them. To be sure, a good time is had by all... so much so that the audience remains seated to watch the outtakes. If you have not seen Why Did I Get Married?, you have time to watch it before the sequel hits the theaters this weekend. You'll love it as much as the rest of us did. Really.



The movie features Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, Lamman Rucker, Richard T. Jones,Michael J. White, Cicely Tyson, Louis Gossett Jr., and Tyler Perry.

Writers, there's still time to enter the NPR Fiction contest!

Visit NPR for more details. Happy writing!

Andre Pitre

I just saw this fine brother, Andre Pitre, on The Mo'Nique Show on BET. The "Southern Gentleman" says he's single ladies. Mo knows that chocolate this smooth and delicious will keep the sisters coming back for another bite. Yeah. Check out the video for his debut single, Your Name.

Tiger's ready to roar. Does anyone care?

After many weeks of silence and hiding out, golfer extraordinaire Tiger Woods is ready to speak publicly about his infamous love life. Does anyone really care to hear what he has to say?

According to reports, Woods will be apologizing publicly before a small group that will include family, friends, and select media outlets. My opinion about his extra marital affairs is the same as it was about all the other high profile figures who have spoken publicly about such issues... that's between the golfer and his wife. As far as this member of the public is concerned, Elin has to deal with it in whatever way she chooses. The public is not married to Tiger and his dalliances with other women have no bearing on us.

Some may pose the following question. What about the fact that he pretended to have such a squeaky clean image in public while secretly serving it up to woman after woman for years? Don't put public figures on pedestals. Whether they are Hollywood celebrities, sports stand-outs, or political powerhouses, they are simply human just like the rest of us. Yes, they managed to take a talent and parlay it into a lucrative career that garnered them lots of attention, but at the end of the day they are just people.

Everyone knows some guy or other who has had countless women in and out of his bed. Most likely, he had affairs for a long time before the wife found out about his philandering. It's the same with Tiger with the exception that he was able to keep it under cover a lot more easily because he had the financial means to buy discretion and silence. If he had taken a different route and provided the mistress who spoke up with the money she requested, it's likely that his play house would still be standing.

So, what have we learned from Tiger's story? Cheaters... sometimes you have to pay to continue to play. However, the dirt you've done in the dark will eventually find daylight. Fans... don't be a fanatic because the celebrities you admire are just like you but luckier.

By the way, if you are interested in hearing the Tiger roar, tune in to his press conference on Friday, February 19th at 11:00 a.m. Although Mr. Woods' skills are very impressive, this member of the public is not a fan of golf or its players and therefore, was never disappointed by the fact that he turned out to be a mere man after all.

Happy New Year!

Greetings! The new year has arrived, closing the door on a very turbulent 2009. Last year brought us quite a bit to contend with... horrific natural disasters, terrorist attacks, economic chaos and instability, unthinkable crimes like senseless murders of young children, record unemployment and even the shocking death of one of music's most celebrated icons. That was last year.

Today is the beginning of a new year, indeed, a new decade. Many of us have made resolutions whether we fully intend to keep them or not. Some have not the hope needed to inspire them to attempt to embrace a new resolve. The country continues to struggle to make it's way out of the pit created over the previous 8 years and worsened during the past year, depending upon which side of the story you believe.

Personally, I have not made any resolutions for 2010. Unfortunately, I must admit that I'm one of those people who forget all about the promise I made to myself if I haven't accomplished it within 2 or 3 months. However, I do have hope. Hope for a better year, a better life and a better country. I hope that the politicians who say to us what we want to hear while they are begging for our votes abandon the political rivalries and personal agendas in favor of doing what is best for the people whom they have promised to serve and assist. I hope that those who are suffering the most because of job loss, being homeless, fighting a catastrophic or chronic illness (which is often times the same thing), fighting a relentless enemy overseas while on a 3rd deployment in a war that seems to have no end, or have some other struggle that is overwhelming, find some semblance of peace, happiness and prosperity. I hope for the best for everyone.

Did you make a resolution this year? What do you hope for in 2010? How will you make it happen?

You don't have to have all the answers right now. You do need faith and perseverance. Hold on to your dreams and work on making them come true often and relentlessly. It may take a little longer than you would like for that dream to come to fruition, but if you give up, it never will.

Let me tell you a short story. My mother decided that she was going to grow an apple tree from seeds from an apple from the grocery store. I didn't think she could grow an apple tree from seeds in the dry, dusty yard devoid of rich soil. She planted the seeds and watered them faithfully. Sure enough, a tree began to grow. I was probably in my early teens at the time. I grew older as did the tree. Once it was full grown, we waited to see if it would bear fruit. I moved away, joined the Army, and came home to find that the tree still had no fruit. Still, Mom tended the tree as if it yielded fruit enough to make her proud. Though I can't tell you when it finally happened, that tree has been full of small green apples every year now for some time right there in the same soil that seemed so non-conducive to such a task. My mother made her little dream of growing her own apple tree come true by fertilizing and watering it and never giving up on it. She has a peach tree beside the apple tree now that she grew in the same manner.

If you've planted a seed for something good and worthwhile, I hope and pray that it grows and bears fruit. Let's make 2010 the year our dreams bear fruit due to our continued cultivation of them. May peace, joy, and prosperity be yours in over abundance! Be blessed.

P.S. Check out Star Jones' 2010 Resolution Handbook on her blog. I like it.

Christmas Greetings

Merry Christmas to you and yours! May the spirit and magic of the holiday season bring you abundant joy, love, peace and blessings!!! XOXO










Grey's Anatomy fans... this one's especially for you.
Sara Ramirez sings Silent Night

Author Karen E. Quinones Miller on self-publishing

Best-selling author Karen E. Quinones Miller began her writing career as a self-published author before the major publishing houses came looking for her. In the video posted below, she shares her story and her take on self-publishing.



If you live in the Philadelphia area, she will be giving a seminar on Publishing/Self-publishing on November 14, 2009. For additional information, please visit Ms. Miller's website.

On the air with Pam Osbey - Giving a voice to domestic violence

October is the month that the spotlight is placed on domestic violence. Pam Osbey, author and host of Literary Pizzazz on Blog Talk Radio, is not only holding the spotlight on October 28th, she is giving a voice to victims of domestic violence who otherwise would not be heard. Restoration, Renewal and Overcoming Domestic Violence is a two hour broadcast that Pam has put together to give a virtual hug to those who have found a way out of their situations and to encourage those who are still searching for a path to safety.

During the show, authors Almari Jonson, Felicia Madlock, Heidi West, GPA and Quietstorm will share poetry and prose. Touching Heart founder, Brooks J. Young, will give information on the resources available to women and children in need of a safe haven. Listeners can join in the discussion to share their own stories or read their poetry during the open mic portion of the program.

Domestic violence is unacceptable but it will never end until all victims become past victims and abusers are rendered powerless. You do not have to be a victim to help raise awareness. Please tune in at 9:00 p.m. EST! I'll meet you there!!

About the host:

Pam Osbey is a graduate of Grambling State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. She has published several books, including Musings of a Mocha Sistah, Black Orchids, and Rivers of My Life, and her work has been featured in various literary magazines.

RHOA's Kandi Burruss on Love B. Scott

The Real Housewives of Atlanta aired the final show of season two on Thursday night. Now fans are looking forward the reunion show. In the meantime, I thought you might like to watch Kandi Burruss being interviewed by B. Scott of the Love B. Scott show. Kandi has become the new fan favorite on RHOA. If you're wondering why, just watch the two-part interview and you'll understand. Be blessed!

A War for Your Soul by Reggie Bullock

A War For Your Soul-regular version from Erisai Films on Vimeo.

Tim Wise on White Privilege

I heard about this via a Facebook post by a writer named Jeremy Williams a.k.a. Push Nevahda.

From the DVD:

The Pathology of Privilege
Racism, White Denial & the Costs of Inequality

For years, acclaimed author and speaker Tim Wise has been electrifying audiences on the college lecture circuit with his deeply personal take on whiteness and white privilege. In this spellbinding lecture, the author of White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son offers a unique, inside-out view of race and racism in America. Expertly overcoming the defensiveness that often surrounds these issues, Wise provides a non-confrontational explanation of white privilege and the damage it does not only to people of color, but to white people as well. This is an invaluable classroom resource: an ideal introduction to the social construction of racial identities, and a critical new tool for exploring the often invoked - but seldom explained - concept of white privilege.

Find more information and video clips on Youtube posted by ChallengingMedia or at MediaEd.org.

Chicago, where is your village?

Chicago honor student Derrion Albert was laid to rest on Saturday. More than a thousand mourners attended the service at the Greater Mount Hebron Baptist Church on the South Side of the city. The 16-year-old was struck in the head with a two-by-four, kicked and brutally beaten on his way home from school on September 24th. Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke at Derrion's funeral and urged Chicago's youth to refrain from any further violence.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will travel to Chicago to speak with school officials, students and the community about the pervasive violence that has been plaguing the Chicago area for some time. Dozens of students have been victims of violence ending in their deaths. The Chicago Tribune has posted a photo gallery of some of the students.

I first heard of the problem with the rise in Chicago area minority student murders on CNN months ago. Like everyone else, I was deeply saddened to see the disturbing video footage of young Derrion Albert being viciously attacked. Amongst a myriad of other questions that raced through my head were these two: Where were the police at that moment? and Why didn't anyone step in to rescue this young man? Later, I wondered what was wrong with the students who carried out such an insidious attack. What angered them so much? What type of parents raise children like these?

In addition to those questions, I have a few more. Why were three of Chicago's most famous citizens (well, two are former citizens) traveling abroad to speak to the Olympic committee when their influence was needed more right at home on the South Side of Chicago. I think it's a good thing that President Obama is sending Mr. Holder and Mr. Duncan to Chicago in a few days but I fail to understand why he cannot give these students his much needed attention just as he did the Olympic committee. President Obama, if ever any part of the country could use a variation of your "Yes we can" speech, it's the students at Fenger High School... Yes, we can stop the violence. Yes, we can learn alternative, peaceful ways to solve our differences. Yes, we can co-exist even though we hail from different neighborhoods. Yes, we can find more constructive ways to express what we're feeling like in a positive rap song, a poem addressing our hopes and potentials, or a prayer for a brighter future. Yes, we can embrace and support each other. Yes, we can survive high school and become successful, upstanding, prosperous adults. Yes, we can!

Will the First Lady, Michelle Obama, spend time at this school speaking with these students? She has visited a school in Washington, DC. Of course, she is number two of the three famous Chicago citizens I mentioned earlier. Mrs. Obama, I believe these students are older than the group you spoke with in DC, but I also believe that your influence on them could be just as profound. They would probably love to hear you speak, shake your hand, receive a hug, or have a photo taken with you. Bringing a message of peace, hope, and security through the cessation of violence to the lives of these students is so much more important than any speech you delivered to the Olympic committee. Who better to deliver this speech to minority children than an African American woman who grew up in Chicago, thrived and excelled in school, became an ivy league educated attorney and now resides in the White House with her husband who runs the country? Well, perhaps there is someone.

Oprah, I watch your show often, though not daily. If you've ever presented a show on the violent and unnecessary deaths of students on Chicago's South Side, I missed it. This is happening in Harpo Studio's backyard. You are one of the most influential people in the world. How many times have you visited Fenger High School to encourage the students? Kudos to you for building a school in Africa! Could you possibly just adopt this one and help them through this infinitely distressing period? Do what you've done so many times before... assemble a team of experts to counsel, coach and empower. This time, let those being encouraged, uplifted and empowered be these children. Use your voice to rally the community and viewers to do whatever they can to help facilitate an end to the violence there. Call on some of your superstar friends to throw a benefit concert or auction some items to raise money to help heal whatever it is that ails Chicago's South Side youth.

It would be foolish of me to voice my dissatisfaction of Chicago's dream team without addressing the two most important groups of people at the core of the situation. Of course, that would be the parents and the students themselves.

As a parent, I know how difficult it is to raise a child, especially in this economic downturn. However, parents, you have to take an active role in the lives of your children. They did not ask to be born and they are not capable of raising themselves, no matter how much attitude they have at times. As in any relationship, communication is the key. Talk to your children every day, several times a day, so that you will know what's happening with them. Allow them to talk to you about the things that are important to them. Children know when you're not paying attention to them and they feel hurt by that. If you make your children feel important, no gang could use that old selling point of being their family to lure them into the gang culture. Hug your kids and tell them how much you love them and how proud you are of them. They will want to be successful to get another glimpse of the pride their parents have in them. If you are beating your children, even as a disciplinary measure, please stop. Find an alternative method to deal with your child when there is a problem. When your child makes a mistake or misbehaves do not respond with violence. Use that moment to teach him or her that violence is not the way to resolve a dispute. Be a parent instead of a tyrant. Also, this is not the time to try to be your child's friend. There will be plenty of time for that when they have made it to adulthood and are out on their own.

As for the students who are participating in these unspeakable acts, you have to take responsibility for your actions. You may think that you don't care and that you can handle the consequences, but there will be someone who's badder than you think you that you are once you're behind bars. Research the statistics on the likelihood that you will become the victim once the prison doors slam shut and you're a resident. Put yourself in Derrion Albert's place. Would you want to die such a horrible death for no reason other than you were on your way home from school? No one wants that for you. You should not want it for yourselves. Believe in yourselves. Respect yourselves. Love yourselves. You are worthy of a better life but you have to seek it out. You can start by leaving the violence behind. This young man's life meant something to his family and friends. The rest of the world never heard of him until his death. Now that we have learned a little about him, we want his death to mean even more. Let it be a turning point for you. Let it be a lesson for you. Let it be a light that leads you in a different direction. Let it lead you to peace, hope, love and most of all to a future.

We all have heard the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child." Chicago, where is your village? If you live in the vicinity and you can assist parents who need help with children who are headed down the wrong path, please volunteer your time and assistance. Step into the life of a child in need of positive guidance before the wrong type of influence becomes appealing and irresistible. Become a mentor. Start a homework group to keep the children agreeably occupied until their parents get home from work. If you are a writer, a poet, a musician, or an artist, teach an after school class and pass on your skills. You might inspire the next Toni Morrison, the next Maya Angelou or Nikki Giovanni, the next Mozart, or the next Picasso. Even if you simply give a child a skill that he or she can use in the future to make an honest, decent living, that's okay, too. By helping these children, you will be helping to restore the community at large. It's your village, Chicago. Isn't it worth saving? Look at the faces of the children who have been murdered before you answer that question. I believe that you will agree that the answer is most assuredly "Yes!"

Kandi Buruss' Ex-fiance', "AJ", killed outside of club

Ashley "AJ" Jewell was beaten to death outside of an Atlanta strip club on Friday night. Jewell was engaged to Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Kandi Burruss. They ended the engagement in August.





According to reports, Fredrick Richardson was charged with voluntary manslaughter in Jewell's death.

Prayers, peace and blessings to A.J.'s family (especially his children) and Kandi Burruss.

Back in the Dae... Paperboy doin' Ditty

1993's one-hit wonder & top ten biggest-hit "Ditty" by Paperboy. This is how it's tagged by Beatamy on Youtube. One-hit wonder... Whateva! It still makes you move!

Hey, Wendy, isn't Mt. Vernon in your vicinity? Have him on your show, Big Wen! Thought I'd post the original music below just for fun. Don't blame me if your supervisor catches you dancing.

Roger & Zapp - Doo Wa Ditty 1983

Jonathan McCoy on the "N" word

Catching up with Kimberla Lawson Roby

Award winning writer and New York Times bestseller Kimberla Lawson Roby's latest book is about to hit the shelves. Roby fans can pick up A Deep Dark Secret on Tuesday, September 29th at their favorite bookstore. Although the title alone screams of a ceaseless intrigue sure to lock readers into a literary prison until the very last page is read, the synopsis below will have Roby's fans clamoring to add this one to their collection! If you have a Kindle, she's got you covered. The book is available in the electronic format as well.


A DEEP DARK SECRET

On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child. She’s helpful with chores around the house, gets straight As in school, has plans for college, and stays out of trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, a mother who adores her, and an attentive stepfather. But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret.

Terrified to tell, convinced that her friends and loved ones, especially her mother, won’t understand—and worse, will blame her—Jillian endures her pain in silence, believing she’s got everything under control. But as time passes, the bright, hardworking girl transforms into a sullen, disinterested student with failing grades. But just when it seems she's on the verge of losing everything, Jillian discovers she has more strength than she ever imagined . . . and the power to save herself and her family.


THE BEST OF EVERYTHING is on sale nationwide!
A DEEP DARK SECRET (coming Tuesday, September 29, 2009)

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR (coming Tuesday, January 19, 2010)


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