All The Single Ladies

In church on Sunday we had a fabulous message delivered by guest pastor Phil Pringle of the Christian City Church International entitled "7 Elements of Faith". It was a wonderful message and he is indeed an entertaining man of faith. While his message was insightful and engaging, there was one crossroads in the morning where he inspired a few say what now's or at the very least some shady side eyes. I don't recall now why he asked, but at some point in the service he requested that all the single people stand (please know that I can't utter the phrase single ladies without wanting to wave my hands about). That seemed a simple enough request. But was it?

Apparently, not! Upon his initial request no one stood (including me). After some lighthearted teasing from him and another request, we all stood. Some of us (yep, including me) sheepishly looked around to see who else was standing. For me, it wasn't that I was scanning the room for candidates so much as I was truly nervous about standing and putting my single status on blast. Por que?

Continue ruminating...

Oops She Did It Again...Or Did She?

At the beginning of the Obama era I was as pleased as punch when I learned of all the whip smart, beautiful, and stylish women joining his team. For a person who isn't easily star struck, I am a bit googley over Ms. Susan Rice. She totally rocks! But oh how I wish this were a chance for me to wax on about Ms. Rice. Nope. Naw dog. It ain't so. I shake my head, purse my lips and throw a mean side eye toward the mess that is the Desiree Rogers scandal. She has indeed become history's most famous Social Secretary and that turns out, isn't a good thing!

Continue ruminating...

Really, Wall Street

So the greedy Wall Street leeches (too harsh? I think not) have decided to go full throttle with a plan to place bets on the lives of other human beings. They are in the process of coming up with a scheme very similar to the sub-prime mortgage products wherein they buy life insurance policies from the sick and elderly, repackage them, and sell them as investments. They make more money when the policy holder dies than if they live so they have to hope for no cures for Cancer or HIV/AIDS.

The idea of securitizing a product that is meant to care for one's family and final arrangements, and the knowledge that you make the most money when a human life is lost just seems I don't know...WRONG ON ALL LEVELS!!!!! But maybe I over react.

Could someone please explain the upside of this to me because I've read the entire article and nope, I don't don't see the silver lining. Am I missing something?

Check it out for yourself: Wall Street Pursues Profit in Bundles of Life Insurance

Wondering Why

The tragic death of Vernon Forrest is indeed something to mourn. The blatant disregard for human life must come to an end. How many times we will cry and scream and protest about gun violence? For all you NRA people out there, I understand a gun alone doesn't kill anyone. But the countries with much stricter gun laws don't have the murder rates we have so maybe we should reconsider our gun laws. Let's face it, not everyone can be trusted to responsibly handle a firearm. But that's not the reason for this post. By all accounts, Vernon was an honorable man. He started a non-profit organization that helped mentally disabled individuals assimilate into society often times when their own families had abandoned them. He cared deeply for these people and in the early years of his organization, he lived in the same house with them. And this was all before he became famous. By all accounts he possessed an exemplary character. 

Why then, would a man with so much good in him and a good head on his shoulders feel it necessary to chase down people who had robbed him? I'm not implying he deserved what he got at all and please don't misread. I just wonder why couldn't he just let whatever little money they got away with fade with the wind? I can understand maybe he felt violated, but was whatever he gave up of greater value than the ultimate price of it? He gave so freely, he didn't have to give his life as well. 

Check out this article for just a glimpse of his charitable work. Vernon Forrest's giving 

Do People Ever Get Tired Of This

While I'm not surprised at all that there are individuals in the world who see attacking an 11 year old child with ignorant racial slurs an alright thing to do, I'm amazed that they are so bold in doing so. Or I guess not because most people can be thugs over the Internet. Just once I'd like to see someone sign a comments section with their real name and email address.

Malia Obama was seen in Russia wearing 2 t-shirts with peace signs on them. Radical Republican media sources have used this as an opportunity to spread hate. They have accused this CHILD of sending secret messages and being a propaganda tool for her father while calling her and her family not so nice names in the process.

I have never prior to Jan 20, 2009 heard people complain so much about a First Family. How many trips did Bush and his family (either Bush) take while in office? How much did Nancy Reagan spend on clothing and furnishings in the White House? Did anyone care? Let's be clear, the Obamas had a comfortable life well before coming into the national mindshare and dare I say if the world fell apart tomorrow and he were no longer President, they would manage just fine with the 4 Ivy League degrees between he and his wife. As for the children, they wear whatever trends are being sold in the stores and promoted by their favorite tween/teen stars. Really people, if she were sending subliminal messages via her wardrobe, is the message of peace a bad idea? I refuse to take the Republican extremists seriously.

Read more here and here

Why Is It Relevant?

The story of the Metro train crash in Washington, D.C. this week is a horrific story. When I first heard of it, I immediately thought the crash was related to signal/switch error. At this present time they are investigating just that. It is evidenced that the train's operator Jeanice McMillan had indeed pressed the emergency brake in an attempt to slow down and stop the computer operated train. Nine people died and 80 were injured. The operator, Ms. McMillan, was a single mother and leaves behind a college-aged son. Why is it relevant and necessary for USA Today to report that the woman had been sued by her apartment complex several times for late payment of rent or to mention that she was financially stretched thin?! Why in God's green Earth is that relevant? Everyone they interviewed had nothing but kind words to say. This is a woman who is at the center of a deadly and tragic accident. But this had nothing to do with her financial situation. Many many many many people function properly on their jobs even while dealing with financial stresses at home. What the pluck?! I just don't understand this. 

USA Today shame on you!!!

Am I The Only One

So I'm reading an article on CNN's site about James von Brunn, the accused shooter in the Holocaust Museum murder and I'm utterly amazed at what some people are willing to say on record. When a gallery owner was questioned about his knowledge of von Brunn's mental condition he had the following to say:

After three days, he said, von Brunn accused him of not doing enough to sell the paintings, telling him he "really needed money." Demolli said he gave the man $20, which he immediately used to buy beer and cigarettes and returned to the gallery, where he quickly began to disparage residents of the surrounding neighborhood, which was largely African-American.
"Then he started talking about the gas chambers, and I said, 'Jim, that's it. That's it. Time out.' I told him to get out of my gallery, and I started taking his paintings down," Demolli said. As he removed the last painting, he said, von Brunn opened his jacket to show him a pistol.

Is it just me or does it appear that the gallery owner was cool with von Brunn making disparaging remarks about African-Americans, but he had crossed the line to talk about Jews? Isn't it all wrong? Shouldn't we have respect for all races? Am I reading too much into the comment?

Several Questions

I have questions minor and not so minor.

1. Why are we two days shy of June and I'm still in a sweater?
2. Why won't my allergies relent?

Ok now for more serious stuff...

1. Was it really necessary for Secret Service or security, whomever, to carry Brenda Lee away at the airport for just trying to give President Obama a letter? Yes, she could have left when asked, but was it really necessary to embarrass this woman like that?
2. I'll save my anger until all details have been given, but why are police still killing innocent people? This time, they've shot one of their own. A young African-American off-duty plain clothes officer who was described as a "team player" by colleagues was shot last night by a white on-duty plain clothes officer who mistook him for a criminal. The mayor says that additional training is needed and there can never be enough training. Is procedural training really the problem here?
3. Can someone, anyone provide answers?

Someone's Lying

Last month Jaheem Herrera, an 11 year old elementary student in ATL, hung himself in his bedroom. While his suicide was unexpected, his parents knew he had been the target of bullying at school. Several weeks ago when I first heard about this case I was numb, angry, and sad. Parents send their kids to school with an expectation of safety.

There was an investigation conducted by the school system into the bullying claims post-suicide, but no one ever took them seriously when they were first mentioned. Now the investigation concludes that no one was bullying the child beyond "name-calling and teasing." Other parents and students interviewed stated that bullying is a problem at the school. Some parents stated that their kids were choked and beaten with buckles. But because teachers and school administrators say otherwise, the investigation says bullying wasn't a problem.

So the Dekalb County school district and Dunaire Elementary school want me to believe this child just hung himself because he was simply not popular? While one cannot be held responsible for the emotional state of another, especially not children, there still needs to be a demand for justice!

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2009/05/20/jaheem_bully_school.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Russell Simmons Fails Actually So Do We

I swore to myself that by the end of this day, I'd have written 2 chapters of my novel. To do so, I haven't had any communication with the outside world, other than the delivery guy from Wimpy's, since around 9 a.m. Needless to say, I've run into writer's block and my favorite distracting pastime, blog surfing. Tonight, for the first time, I checked out Russell's new web venture, GlobalGrind.com. I was horrified from page 1!

On the home page there is a link that takes you to "TOO HOTT! FOR TV: SCHOOLYARD PUNCH! FEST!" Needless to say I clicked on the link certain that I would find sheer tomfoolery and I was not disappointed. It is over 2 minutes of a schoolyard brawl that starts off between two young girls then spills into an all out "fest" amongst the other young ladies. The scene is being videotaped by some enterprising your men who are all too delighted to be witnessing such a thing. There has to be at least 30 kids out there either witnessing or taking part in this fight. I'm certain there are adults around because people are passing by in cars and they are still on school grounds, yet no one intervenes.

I was expecting there to be some sort of editorial about many of the obvious wrongs present in the clip. There was nothing. It's merely a link to the fight wherein one can find above the video a comment that in part states, "...Crazy! LOL!" Maybe I'm too old to get the humor. Maybe I'm too much a prude to see the entertainment value. Maybe I'm riding a righteous path on a high horse or giving speeches from a soapbox, but I expected someone as socially conscious (supposedly) as grandfather Simmons to promote a higher level of character on his site. But then again, this is a man who doesn't believe there is anything wrong with the current state of hip hop.

I saw that Rev Run has a blog on the site and rushed to his link thinking that he would provide the voice of reasoning. Nope, wrong again. I'm going to learn to stop looking for what I know isn't there. All he offers are trite sayings to motivate people on the most superficial level. Something is wrong when people are able to be successful doing this. I'm not trying to be the dreaded naysayer or hater, but for real?! Really? With generations of unhealthy life cycles and debilitating mindsets we have to overcome, this is what we offer them?

We've all made this too acceptable. We all, yep all of us, get a big fat F-A-I-L!

P.S. I'm not even going into the politics page that talks about First Lady Michelle Obama's "sneaker game." I'm done.

Why Hold On

I often forget just how much of a pack rat I am. This is easy to do as I live in a small NYC apartment and keeping it free of the appearance of clutter is foremost on my mind. Therefore, everything is neatly tucked away in folders and boxes. Because I don't see it, I often forget I have it. 

While looking for a document from '04 (I found it!), I came across a picture of the last man I loved taken of him the day we met; a card said loved man gave me explaining in writing what he could never verbalize; writing samples and press clippings from college; greeting cards given to me over the years by loved ones, as well as cards I bought and never gave out; tax and banking records from eons ago; my high school diploma and college degree; the registration papers for Paul (those of you who've rocked with me since '96, you have fond memories of Paul too); manuals and warranties; and a host of other papers and photos. 

Why do I keep them? Is it healthy to hold onto memories of failed relationships or notebooks containing goals you neglected to attain? What's to be gained from going through these things? And if you never look back on them, what's the point of keeping them? 

I found pictures that the entire Kindergarten class of a Baltimore charter school drew for me, as well as the card the 5th grade girls bought and signed for me. I hold on to these because they remind me of a time when I was truly fulfilled by a job that I went to everyday with a smile. I keep the letters and cards from family and friends because they remind that people love me and my milestones are important enough to them to acknowledge.  The pictures help my mind recall the details that I sometimes forget like it seems that every member of my family has a smile that whenever I see it (in person or on film) always makes me smile. The invite and pictures to the nuptials of a friend that I missed remind me of my past irresponsibility. 

There was a time when I'd dig through this box and feel homesick, lonely, depressed, stagnant, and any other negative emotion one could muster. But tonight, I realized an even more powerful emotion to be associated with these things: growth! I was thankful for the memories, kind and unkind. I'd gotten older and wiser since last I rummaged through that box. When I saw the pictures of the lost love that I used to lament over, I thought of the advice Cajun Spice once gave me, "If this guy made you feel that great, just imagine how much happier you'll feel when you meet the man God has for you!" Pictures of Bowler Boy remind me of how silly he is (I own no picture where he isn't "in character"). I realized that I'm no longer looking at the past and wishing the good 'ole bad days were still here. I'm more confident that delightful and maybe even not so delightful memories will come, but I'll be able to take either in stride. 

There were things I came across in the box that I was rather ambivalent about. I couldn't register any level of growth from the last time I saw them. But hey, I didn't break out into tears. I'll take that. Many of the items could really be tossed. Yet with all the growth, I still found them hard to get rid of. Why is this? Am I the only one with this condition? 

Surely, I can't be. 

My Apologies to Kevahn

Dear Kevahn,

1. I'm sorry that New York magazine decided it was ok to exploit you and publish your story thereby cementing the misbegotten notions you have about how one deservedly garners respect.  
2. My apologies that you have grown up in a society where people esteem you for what you have and not simply because of who you are. 
3. I'm truly sorry you haven't learned that the reasons you should be cherished have nothing to do with the designer clothes you've stolen and done prison time for. 
4. I'm sorry that as a people, African-Americans largely judge their own self-worth on superficial attributes. While I hope your comment to Judge Simpson about her article in The New York Times would help her see that she also perpetuates this mindset, I'm doubtful that it did. 
5. I'm sorry that a mind capable of retaining such facts as yours, and the ease with which you handle Calculus, is being short changed for meaningless pursuits. 

I hope that you make it out of Sing Sing unharmed and that once out, you have some intrusion in your thought process that shows you respect can be attained from some other means than petit larceny.  I apologize for all of the influences in your life that have encouraged your behavior and misconceptions about respect and class. 

Curious about who Kevahn is? Check out The Fashion Thief . 

Maybe It Was Broken

                         

For those of you who truly count me as a friend, you are already well aware of my feelings about the quality of Tyler Perry movies. I respect the man's hustle and dedication, but I'm certain the substance and structure of his movies could be greatly improved. Now in terms of substance I can live with, I have Bishop T. D. Jakes, a man who never fails to amaze me with his wisdom and insight into scripture and it's implications on our culture. Imagine then my surprise when flipping through the pages of my latest Essence magazine (I love MObama but I'm tired of seeing her and her husband on magazine covers), I see an ad for Bishop Jakes' last movie. Please note the seal of approval quote I've cropped out and it's author! I nearly clutched my chest, stumbled backwards and told Elizabeth I was coming to join her. I saw the movie in the theaters and didn't demand my money back like I've wanted to do in a TP flick, but I did think I could've waited until it was on Netflix. Is it possible that by getting an endorsement from TP it was a clear signal that it was already broken? I think Songbird is out to destroy me!!! Explain this HighStepper!!!!