90's R&B group Intro

My friend Yolanda and I were reminiscing about our days at Ft. Bragg when she told me that Intro's lead singer, the late Kenny Green, was in her unit and loved to sing to her all the time. I thought I'd see if there were any videos on Youtube and I was in luck. Greene had crazy talent (singer, songwriter, arranger, etc.) Click on the Youtube link to watch other videos and view their first interview with Donnie Simpson on Video Soul. Enjoy! 

Dirty Words: Increasing a woman's sexual arousal with Zestra

SEX.  Girls, can we talk about it? I can! Come join me or just read along silently.

Viagra, Levitra, Cialis... male erectile dysfunction.  No one seems to mind that commercials taunting drugs that help men achieve sexual satisfaction are shown constantly but the women who created Zestra for women can't buy advertising slots.

I watch Nightline from time to time and was surprised to see an interview revealing that Zestra is not widely advertised because the major networks are too squeamish to allow the advertisements to air even after requested changes to the language of the ads, which were already tame, were made.

What's the problem?  Is it because women are mothers, daughters, sisters and dear old aunties that no one wants to see a commercial presenting a product that gives them sexual healing? Are men the only ones allowed to speak openly about problems that decrease their libido and solutions to those problems?  Unfortunately, the answer seems to be "Yes."

Thanks to shows like Nightline, The View and Rachael Ray taking an interest, the company is finally getting the publicity it deserves and literally couldn't buy before. Just like men, women have health conditions that inhibit their ability to experience a satisfying sex life.  And like men, they want to be able to have great sex and mind blowing orgasms again.  There should be no shame in that.  Humans are sexual creatures.  It's natural, people!  If Zestra helps to accomplish that, show the ads all day long... just like they do for Viagra and the others.

Ladies, you can get a free sample of Zestra (you pay shipping and handling) and sign up for a $5.00 coupon. The website has information on conditions that adversely affect a woman's sexuality and ways to increase sexual desire.  Zestra is not a medication but is all natural -- botanical oils and extracts.  Get your groove on; bring your sexy back, free your inner freak!  Get yourself some Zestra, girl and don't worry about the prudes who are trying to keep us in the dark about it.

Bishop Eddie Long --- It's Your Time... to be truthful about who you really are

Embattled mega church leader Bishop Eddie Long spoke to his congregation regarding the allegations that he coerced several young men from the worship center into sexual relationships. Long stated that while he never portrayed himself as a perfect man, he is not the man the media portrays. He also compared himself to David in the fight against Goliath.  Promising to fight "vigorously", Long warned that he has five stones, none of which he has thrown.

The New Birth Baptist Church congregation erupted in thunderous applause in support of their pastor.  Those willing to speak to reporters upon leaving the service said that they believed Bishop Long and would stand by him.


CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield spoke with CNN correspondent Martin Savidge  about Long's speech as well as Shayne Lee, author of  Holy Mavericks, and Craig Washington, writer for The Root.   It seemed that all three felt that Long spoke with a lack of conviction and did not make a clear declaration of innocence.  Lee was the most outspoken in his belief that this is the beginning of Long's downfall as leader of the 25,000 member church.

Even before watching Long's televised speech to his parishioners, it has been my opinion that the young men who have bravely come forward to reveal their ordeal are telling the truth and Bishop Long should stand boldly on the truth of who he really is, a smart, calculating, and patient pedophile who waited until his prey was of the age of consent to avoid criminal charges. His speech only served to further cement my beliefs.  

Those reading this post will undoubtedly accuse me of being judgmental. Absolutely! As a pastor, this man has stood in judgment of people every Sunday telling them what actions and methods of living are sinful and instructing them on how to conduct themselves.  Why should he not be held accountable and to a higher standard given his position as a leader? He knew from the moment he conceived the notion of taking advantage of those young men that he was in violation of  the very religious teachings he so charismatically belted out weekly.  He knew in his heart, where no man can hide from his true self, that he enjoyed the same homosexual activity that he so loudly declared to be morally and religiously wrong. It is simply ludicrous to think that the same biblical principles and societal customs should not be adhered to by Bishop Long.  

And yes, I said that those young men are brave... because they are. Who are they in the eyes of society?  Have you ever heard their names mentioned before this report was made public?  Still, they were willing to subject themselves to untold scrutiny, anger, and ostracism to take on a man with a tremendous public platform who has more wealth, powerful connections, and influence than they may even dare dream of having in their lifetime. Yet, they came forward to expose a well insulated predator. They should be celebrated by responsible parents everywhere.  
  
I am the parent of a teenage male and if we were members of that church, I would be actively questioning him as to whether or not he was ever approached by this pastor in the manner described in the lawsuits.  As parents, we sometimes focus so much on having our children become independent and self-sufficient that we unwittingly throw them to the wolves presenting themselves as sheep (or in this case, shepherds) to our society.  We need to realize that it is not a crime to be an active participant in our child's life.  Rather, it is a necessity to protect them from the wolves of humanity waiting for the opportunity to devour them. Instead of being there for Bishop Long, the members of his congregation should be standing with these men on their treacherous journey in search of justice, the release of the burden and pain endured over the years under the weight of such a heavy secret and the ever elusive peace of mind.

I challenge the members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to be judgmental and demanding of their bishop in defense of children in their congregation.  Save them from the monster in the $4,000 suit as they are too naive and vulnerable to protect themselves.  It is your duty as a parent, as an official of the church, or even just as an adult who is better equipped to stand in opposition of another adult.  The church should be a refuge instead of the hostile environment it's leader has turned it into for those men.

Please read "A Sermon for Bishop Eddie Long" by Craig Washington.  I came across it as I searched for applicable links for my own post.  He is a far better writer than I and puts forth a compelling case for church goers everywhere to refrain from idolizing pastors.  They are as human as the rest of us. While that is often spoken as a first defense for their immoral, criminal or just plain bad behavior, it is not a viable excuse to allow them to remain on a pedestal after they've severely abused their position and power while their victims continue to be abused by the unfair judgment and condemnation heaped upon them because they dare to try to pull back the veil and reveal the identity of their tormentor.  And torment is what these men will endure for years to come even if their allegations are proven and upheld in court.  Are you standing by and protecting the predator? 



Bishop Long, it's your time... time to be truthful about who you really are and what you've done. You've been called out and you know that you cannot stand on a lie.  If you used your power, influence, and wealth to betray your duties as the church bishop and prod young, impressionable and vulnerable teenagers to engage in homosexual activity with you, you need to be the leader and man you claim to be and own it. It's time.

QuietStorm - I Cry

QuietStorm is a poet and spoken word artist who is deliriously talented.  He has a new book titled "Expressions of Thought" which has sold out at Amazon but is still available at Lulu.   Check out more of his work at ReverbNation.  Enjoy!



 

Woman's boyfriend tortures 4-year-old daughter

More than once on this blog, I've posed the question to parents, "Do you know who's watching your child?" Headlines like the one above require that parents be more diligent about scrutinizing the people with whom they leave their children for any significant amount of time.

In Johnston County, NC, a 4-year-old girl is in critical condition because of head trauma, injuries indicative of sexual abuse, bites, and bruises and abrasions that cover her small body. She was left in the care of her mother's boyfriend of six months while the woman reported to the Army Reserves for training in New Mexico.

Seasoned investigators involved in the case stated that they had never seen such pervasive abuse before. Jonathan Douglas Richardson, 21, of Smithfield, is being held in the Johnston County jail on $1 million bond for felony child abuse with severe bodily injury.

The child's mother was contacted and she returned home.

Usually, I try not to be too judgmental, but not in this case.  The woman moved into a BARN in the back of this man's parents' home with her 4-year-old daughter after knowing him for six months.  What?!  Are you kidding me?  Where is the little girl's father? Why was this child not left in the care of her father? He must not have been involved in his daughter's life.  Shame on him.  I haven't walked in this mother's shoes so I don't want to be too harsh but her focus should have been on what's best for her daughter.  Her judgment of this man's character seems to be extremely lacking.  Personally, I would never leave a female child with a male who is not her father and I would be hesitant to leave her with the father for more than a few minutes because of the amount and type of data on child abuse.  Sadly, most children are abused by someone they know and should be able to trust.

In fairness to men, I should point out that some women sexually abuse children as well.  It's ludicrous that somehow society sees this as a lucky situation when it involves a young male with an older female.  It is still abuse and is as confusing, detrimental, demoralizing, and devastating as it is for a young girl. We should be just as outraged when it happens to a boy as when it happens to a girl.  Children should be able to grow up without abuse of any kind scarring their lives.

Parents are the shield that protects their children from the world.  Parents must ensure the safety of their children.  It is a duty inherent with the decision to bring a child into the world. 

Who did you leave your child with today?  Can you trust him or her as much as you thought you could?  Ask your child questions when you get them back into the safety of your care.  Assure them that they can tell you if anyone has touched them inappropriately or said or done anything that made them feel uncomfortable or afraid, even if the person has told them not to tell.  Sometimes children are threatened about what will happen if they tell and sometimes they are lulled into a false belief that what the perpetrator is doing to them is okay, normal, and just their innocent little secret.  As the parent and protector, you have to keep an open dialogue with your child and be more convincing than the bad guy so that your child trusts you instead of the person who is harmful. 


Parents, your child's protection, safety, security are based on the choices you make. Make them the right choices as often as you can.

Links to child safety websites:


National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Resources for Parents & Guardians

Polly Klaas Foundation: Keeping Children Safe  (this site offers a free child safety kit)


America's Security Products Mall: Child Safety Devices

Joran van der Sloot ... A Reminder of the Need for Personal Protection

Joran van der Sloot has long been thought to be the person who ended the promising life of American teen Natalee Holloway. Now he is accused of murdering another young woman, Stephany Flores while in Peru. The suspect gave several different accounts of what happened the night Holloway disappeared but has reportedly confessed to battering Flores in a fit of anger after she found a connection to him and Natalee.

Since the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, whose body has never been recovered, allegations of van der Sloot preying on young female tourists who visit Aruba have flourished. He has been characterized as a predator who hid behind the power of a father who was a judge. The elder van der Sloot passed away, perhaps making his son more vulnerable to making mistakes and getting caught. NBC's Dateline profiled van der Sloot tonight. Dateline has updated the case reporting that van der Sloot has finally confessed to killing Natalee Holloway.

On ABC, 20/20 focused on the rape and murder of angel-faced 3-year-old, Riley Fox. The little girl was taken from her home while her father slept and her mother was away.



These are but a few in the numerous instances of violent acts against women and children that often result in their deaths. It is my opinion that predators are born. More often than not, they are not candidates for rehabilitation but are repeat offenders who will never stray from their abusive, menacing behavior.

As a society, we have to become proactive in our efforts to defend ourselves from these types of criminals. Equipping our homes with alarms is a good start but chances are, an intruder can be in and out before the police ever arrive. Other methods of protection should be considered. Statistics show an increase in the number of women choosing to arm themselves with firearms. Some people are uncomfortable with that idea. Additional options, such as tasers and stun guns are available as well. Each individual should consult law enforcement in his or her jurisdiction to confirm that possession of such items is legal. A self-defense course could be another option if any are held in your area.  Also, if you have young children, you may want to consider personal alarms  or other safety devices for them.

Ladies, if you must be out at night, try not to go alone. Always be aware of your surroundings to make sure no unsavory characters are lurking around or watching you. Lock your car doors and do not label your address as "home" if you use a navigation device. If it's stolen, it can lead the thieves to your house. Keep your home alarm system turned on during the daytime as well as at night. Above all, use common sense.  Remember, that handsome smile and suave demeanor could be masking your worst nightmare.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's Straight Talk

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!