The Phoenix

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!



Sunida E. York ©2012
All Rights Reserved

Tyler Perry pleads, "Leave this baby alone!"

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.

As the old familiar and often true cliché states, "No good deed goes unpunished". An unfounded report has surfaced claiming that young Bobbi K. walked off the set. Perry flatly disputes this report which was undoubtedly engineered for publicity purposes (to sell an article for some celebrity newspaper or TV show). According to Perry's latest newsletter, the show had already completed taping when the allegation was made. In fact, he declares that Bobbi K. finished her obligations and "did a great job".

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!

"I wish you would!"

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.

Ryan Leslie - "5 Minute Freshen Up" In-Studio

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.

ShoeGASM 2012: The Lauren Luna Experience!

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.


For more info,visit: www.LaurenLuna.com. Find Lauren on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with her fabulous ventures.

For all media inquiries and to schedule an interview with Lauren Luna, please call Brandie Randolph at 832.543.3480 or email: Brandie@chicFABu.net.

Have you seen a good movie lately?

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.


For more information on Carmen Madden or Everyday Black Man, please visit everydayblackman.com, clmproductions.com. Purchase Everyday Black Man at Amazon, itunes, Netflix, Best Buy, Walmart and at E One Entertainment.

Brian "Astronomical Kid" Bradley Redeemed

The world watched last week as 15 year-old X Factor USA contestant Astro had what he called "a moment" but most critics called a temper tantrum. After learning that he was in the bottom two and would have to perform again for the judges to decide whether he or Stacy Francis would go home. Brian Bradley did not feel that he should perform for people who had obviously rejected him. There were tears, attitude and for those of us who could see it, some deeply hurt feelings. Presumably, the judges saw his pain because they voted to keep him on the show.

Fans of the hugely popular talent show immediately took to Twitter and Facebook to let the young rapper know how they felt about his emotional display. Most were kind and understanding and offered words of encouragement but many were harsh and quick to tell him that he needed to grow up. They also felt that he should have been sent home... promptly!

Hopefully, the naysayers watched Tuesday night's episode of The X Factor USA and heard the rap delivered by Astro. He was terrific. The theme of the night was being thankful. His rap included an apology and a thank you to his fans, who've dubbed themselves "the Astronauts". He gave a shout-out to locales in America and around the world for supporting him in his quest to become the X Factor. He brought the energy and excitement that hooked his fans at his audition.

This fan was particularly proud of the teen rapper because in the end, he showed more maturity than the adults who accused him of being immature, a brat, ungrateful, disrespectful and a number other of things. Astro owned his mistake, expressed his regret for his actions more than once and returned to the stage and owned that as well with yet another original hip-hop/rap tune.
Watch a recap here
If those who were so critical of this young man had their way, this is what he would have learned from their comments.

-- No one makes mistakes
-- You are not allowed to express hurt or disappointment
-- Teenagers are expected to act like adults
-- You are not deserving of understanding and compassion

Luckily, he learned from the people who know that no one is perfect so everyone makes mistakes yet they can be treated with compassion even when they have shown their vulnerability by exposing hurt feelings. Hopefully, he learned that he should enjoy his youth and not rush into adulthood as that will come in time with loads of responsibilities that he needs to be prepared to handle but not at this moment. He has definitely learned to take responsibility for his missteps, apologize and move forward and be grateful for the people who are supportive of him.

Astro writes original lyrics each week instead of covering some else's material. No disrespect to the other singers (because I am a fan of Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow, Marcus Canty, Chris Rene and Stacy Francis) but that takes a level of talent not possessed by most. The Astronauts appreciate his amazing talent and I hope that the critics can as well. And well... back up off the kid. He did show and prove.

Wave! Wave! Wave!

Tyler Perry explains his decision to cast Kim Kardashian in his movie

Tyler Perry sent a letter to his fans, and I am one, asking that we allow him to explain his decision to cast Kim Kardashian in his new movie, The Marriage Counselor. Basically, he is trying to appeal to a younger audience and, as always, impart some valuable life lessons including pitfalls to avoid. A quick glance through his message board reveals that his fans are loyal and plan to give Perry and the film a chance. There are fans who are not as flexible and vow that they will not see the movie because of Kardashian's participation. Even men are outraged over her perceived belittling of marriage. Kris Humphries only lasted 72 days after the wedding. What do you think about the controversy? My opinion is below.


Although I have never been a fan or watched her show, I have no objections to Kim K.'s appearance in The Marriage Counselor. It was a brilliant business move to cast her in the film because her fans cross all age, gender, and socioeconomic boundaries. That equals even more cross-over appeal than Tyler Perry has experienced thus far with his movies. People should understand that he is not only a writer, producer and filmmaker, but he is a businessman. With that said, I would be more concerned about how Perry is using his wealth and influence to give back in these difficult economic times. Many of the people who have faithfully supported his efforts by buying tickets to plays and now movies and purchasing DVDs are barely making it. Kim Kardashian having a role in a movie, lead or otherwise, is not at the top of my list of important issues. I understand some people's objections because of the way that she gained her fame and fortune but the fact of the matter is that there is a market for her willingness to put her life on display, obviously. Perhaps people should remember that even the most unlikely messenger can deliver news that will have a positive effect and change lives for the better. The Bible has many stories of God using the worst and most despised for something good. According to Mr. Perry, he is attempting to do the same. Viva Free Enterprise!

Remembering September 11, 2001

9/11


September 11th, the year two thousand and one
The workday in America had barely begun
When evil descended from the sky
Causing thousands to be injured or to die

Those caught in the line of fire were innocent... just going about their day
A nation was horrified to see them taken in such a violent way
And as a nation, we mourned
While the attackers were vehemently scorned

Stories of loved ones lost are constantly being told
Some stories include heroes in the face of danger standing bold
September 11, 2001. We’ll never forget what happened on that date
Shaken? Sure. But this country is still undeniably great.






Encouraged


Tragedy far beyond anything my eyes have ever seen
How could anyone be so hateful, so callous, so mean?
Only God knows the depths of the horror the victims felt that day
Sacrificed for a senseless cause in a horrible way

An entire nation, indeed most of the world, shocked and dismayed
Frightened and angry survivors demanding that vengeance not be delayed
Days and days of digging... still thousands remain lost
The nation’s leaders vowing to apprehend and punish the attackers at all cost

A country in chaos, yet standing united, standing proud, standing strong
Celebrating the lives of those lost through candle light vigils, prayer, and song
We were rocked by these dastardly deeds, there is no doubt
We were knocked to our knees but we are up again and ready to show the
enemy that we are not out

Though the nation’s past is riddled with the temporary fall
We are sustained by a mighty God who sees us through it all
With a faith never ending, deep abiding, and true
Our citizens remain encouraged for we know what God can do.



Poems excerpted from "My Heart's Treasure" by Sunida York ©2005 All Rights Reserved.

RHONY - Oh Those Damn Blondes!

You know things are bad when Kelly is calling anyone "weird." She said it to Alex several times during tonight's episode. Kelly's a sweetheart, wacky, but a sweetheart. Oh, but those damn blondes! Baby, they can work a nerve!

Poor Alex... she needs to take Kelly's advice and just observe the altercations between the other women and not try to participate. Alex can't confront someone and come out on the winning end to save her life. She ends up standing there with her mouth wide open as the other person shuts her down and throws her out or walks away. Hey, Alex, you do realize you defended the woman who threw you out of her party just a few episodes back, right? Head check, please. I'm still in shock that she's modeling. On to the next damn blonde...

What's the chick's name who's so childish and rude? Oh, yeah, Sonja. You believe in a pecking order? Cindy should've pecked your a$$! You're all adult women. How about simply treating each other with respect? By the way, are you and Ramona more than friends? It appears that you are sharing more than friendship and Pinot. Now for the last damn blonde...

Oh, Ramona, Ramona. You can b!t&h it out but you can't take it. As soon as Jill lit into you, you melted into a puddle. Get a better body guard than Alex. Unless she can shoot out pepper spray while she's standing around with her mouth wide open, she's pretty useless as a means of protection.

Cindy, jump in there, girl. You were too quiet. Did you see how the Countess pulled shade on those blondes? You can do it just as well. There's no being reasonable with them. You have to come in swinging elbows, baby! Take your 15 minutes of shine instead of letting them get all the camera time.

Jill, love, love, love you, girl. You're standing up for yourself. Now that's the what AND the ish! However, I don't think you should borrow anyone's swim wear, dear. I really thought that you would have cut ties with Ramona after the way she spoke to you about your step-daughter during your auction but you must truly like her. Too bad. Even though she says she's going to be more considerate towards you, she won't. Selfish people are never considerate of others.

LuAnn, You handle yourself better than any of the other housewives. You take charge and you don't apologize for it. And, if anyone has the nerve to ask you to fall back or say sorry, you have none of that nonsense. The Countess is damn near gangsta! That's how we like it-- brass balls, no chaser. She can tell your a$$ where to go with class and style. Not one cuss word. She's good. Hey, Countess, can you teach a sista how to do that? Put those lessons on etiquette you give to the rude blondes on DVD. Bestseller, baby.

Seriously, though, the show didn't disappoint. I was entertained. Brunettes rock! Blondes, kick rocks.

Homeowners Foreclose on Bank of America

Check out this article and video where a couple gets to foreclose on Bank of America for illegally trying to seize their home for which they paid cash. It's about time they (the bank) got a taste of their own medicine.

Milk+Honey

milk + honey series trailer from brown paper dolls on Vimeo.

It would be great to have Debbie Allen back on TV in a series! According to the email I received, the scripted series is looking for a home on network television. The handsome Idris Elba is the executive producer along with the Brown Paper Dolls company (Dana Gills, Asha Kamali May, and Jeanette McDuffie). Lance Gross is a part of the talented cast. Gotta love that, ladies!

Let's help them make this show the "ish"!! LOVE! DREAMS! GO!!!!

Prayers for Candace

I haven't made a post in quite some time but I wanted to take a moment to ask for prayers for my beautiful 7 year-old niece named Candace, the youngest daughter of my sister Cindy and her husband, who is in an Intensive Care Unit following an ATV accident yesterday. A team of surgeons will be working to stop bleeding on her brain and repair other serious injuries. She may require skin graphs to her arm and other areas where flesh was stripped from her small body. She is enduring a tremendous amount of excruciating pain.

Normally, she is a fun-loving, feisty, super-smart little girl who loves learning and playing with her cousins. She has had aspirations of becoming an attorney since at least the age of five. She was always clear and frank about that. I have always been proud of what a remarkably astute and determined young lady she has been since arriving in this world. She pays close attention to everything and has a memory like a steel trap. She is an 'A' Honor Roll student.

I'm devastated after seeing her at the hospital last night. So, I ask those who believe in the power of prayer to please join her parents and big sister, Briana, family and friends who are praying for her full recovery without lasting or debilitating affects. She is a very caring child who attends Sunday School and church services faithfully and I know that if you needed it, she would pray for you.

Thanks!!!

Peace and blessings.

~Sunida

Sunshine Anderson - The Sun Shines Again

Just saw Sunshine perform this song from her new CD on the Mo'Nique Show. I know you remember "Heard It All Before". Oh, what the heck?! I'll post that one, too. Enjoy!!

Cornelious "See" Flowers: The Message, STAND

More poetry from Cornelius.

Camden, SC church to host Christmas concert

Free Times - Rant & Rave

The Free Times, a South Carolina entertainment magazine, features a section called Rant & Rave where citizens can phone in and voice their opinions in hopes that they will be quoted anonymously in print.  The following rants are excerpted from Free Times.

November 24-30, 2010

   Remember all the people who insisted two years ago that Obama didn't have enough experience to be president?  Those people should be shouting the same thing about Sarah Palin.

   Republications and conservatives spent us into a bottomless pit of debt, blamed anyone but themselves, then are seriously thinking of nominating Sarah Palin for president.  Have any of you ever read her rap sheet:  Makes Jim Bakker look like the pope.

December 8-14, 2010

   Dear Republicans: please, please, please nominate Sara Palin for president. She is exactly what this country needs:  Reassurance that in our "Can Do" country, any unqualified, quitter, moron and sellout can become president.

   A rave for Sarah Palin:  Thanks for prematurely quitting a real job where you could do some real damage and becoming a (mostly) harmless roving curiosity.  Could you help me convince Nikki [Haley] to join you?  You could be a pair of mama grizzlies "protecting" your families from afar. (Bonus: A rant to John McCain for unleashing this curiosity on an unsuspecting public.  Had you made better decisions during the campaign, you might be president now.)

   I went to the Vista and saw Bahama Mama wearing spandex.  They need to outlaw that.

Electronic Pickpocketing

Thieves never give up... they just adapt.  Electronic pickpocketing is the latest identity and credit card fraud threat. The second video gives pointers on how to prevent this from happening to you. Identity Stronghold offers protection sleeves for credit and debit cards that use RFID technology. Aluminum foil, is supposed to work as well.




 



Special thanks to my cousin Tonya for sharing this eye-opening story.

Jon B - Comfortable Swagg

I know you remember this smooth white boy from back in the day! Vanilla Soul, baby! His new CD is titled Comfortable Swagg. Jon B performed "Body Language" on the Mo'Nique show tonight. He's still got the pipes.  "Someone To Love" featuring Babyface has to be my all time favorite by him. Check it below.

Holiday weight gain meets The 17 Day Diet

Today, guests of the Dr. Phil show who have struggled to lose unwanted pounds were introduced to a new ally in their ongoing battle with the bulge. Dr. Mike Moreno jumped into the fray with his 17 Day Diet program. Noting that most people reach a plateau while dieting, a point at which they stop losing weight, Dr. Moreno asserted that this is not the case with the 17 Day Diet. In addition, it is not necessary to "trick" or "confuse" the body so that weight loss can continue.

This new program does include a cleansing phase but it does not require users to use liquids only (like juicing) or to take supplements.  Instead, dieters eat real food. The body's metabolism is reset or activated as when a weight lifting program is started. The program also incorporates a Hunger Fullness Meter to help deter dieters from over eating.

Dr. Moreno advises those who want to lose weight during the holidays to "pre-diet" by going on the 17 day cycle to drop the pounds before the holidays.  He also gave the following tips for holiday party goers.

  ---  Eat a healthy dinner before going to the party
  ---  Choose only 2-3 of the healthiest appetizers
  ---  Don't hang around the buffet table
  ---  Just say no to prepacked holiday candies and cookies

Remember that the brain takes 8-12 minutes to register what you have already consumed, so you may not feel full or satisfied with the amount of food you've eaten right away. If you are not certain that you are ready to commit to a new diet, visit the Dr. Phil website to take a quiz he's designed to help you decide.

The 17 Day Diet book is currently available only through Dr. Moreno's website, which has recipes and other helpful tools.


Happy dieting!