Santa Claus...BAHUMBUG!

It is no secret to those that really know me that I am no fan of Santa Claus. In fact, I think that this whole universal lie and farce should be banned. But unfortunately, so many different mediums make a lot of money off of this lie, so to no avail, I still deal with it.

I must have been at least seven when my family finally told me the truth. I remember how hurt I was, not because Santa wasn't real, but because my family had lied to me. I wondered if they thought I couldn't handle the truth. In the end, the truth made me appreciate Christmas so much. I can remember one Christmas, my brother and I came home from church and the gifts were all the way up to the door. I stood there with tears in my eyes, wondering what did we do to deserve all of that. Yes, we had some great Christmases as children. It was the one time of year, we got whatever we wanted. That sacrifice, that show of love from my parents truly made me realize the real meaning of Christmas. This further deepens my disdain for the jolly old St. Nick lie.

So as fate would have it, tonight as we left church from the Christmas service, I got pulled into the lie by my little cousin. At four, he hasn't been told the truth yet, and as bad as I would like for him to know it, I didn't want to be the one to open his eyes, his parents should do that. But he started asking questions about Santa Claus, and I realized I was getting pulled into the lie. I can't remember what I told him, but I do recall telling him to thank his parents. He asked me why. So I told him to thank them because they were buying him gifts too, and that they were the ones to tell Santa Claus what he wants. I don't know if that made sense to him, but I honestly didn't know what else to say. It got me to thinking about when I have children, and if I will become apart of the big farce. I just don't know if I have it in me to lie to them about something so ridiculous. Here, parents and grandparents, etc., go out of their way to make that day special for children and they must give the credit to some fantasy man? It just doesn't seem fair. The jury is still out on that one, but one thing for sure the birth of Christ will be the focus, not the Hallmark business of it all. And for that matter, I hope people realize the religious significance around Christmas because it means so much more than well, you know - the make believe guy!

This "BLEEPING" Guy!

I really tried not to write anything about my soon-to-be-felon governor Rod Blagojevich. But yesterday morning, watching him on the news in full running gear, quoting Elvis before he took a 5-mile run, just incensed me.

This is what, we, the people of the State of Illinois get for electing the state's first Polish governor six years ago??? This is what we get for accepting the man with the funny name and the funny hair into our hearts and trusting him with a pretty important job? This is what I get for being enveloped into one of the most awkward political hugs of my life, when he paraded into my church six years ago running for governor and patting my fellow trustee board members on the back, all the while singing gospel hymns and promising to clean up state government?

HA!

What a bleeping joke!

No, I open the paper only to find out he is now selling Senate seats. Even going as far as trying to keep it for himself (as if he is qualified) all the while cussing like a sailor and parading around Springfield and Chicago like some mafia don. Umm, isn't that Mayor Daley's job? I digress.

The media had a field day with this. Because it involved the Senate seat vacated by President-elect and Chicago man, Barack Obama, the national media had a field day with this. I can't even get back and forth to work without a media frenzy combing the downtown, which was already stretched to the limit following PE Obama around. Then transcripts got released and complaints got filed and we found out that Blago called Obama a M*therf*cker like a zillion times, simply because all he would get was appreciation for possibly picking Obama favorite Valerie Jarrett.

NEWSFLASH BLAGO!

You shouldn't expect extraneous payment for doing your damn job! You already have a salary, not to mention a bunch of shady real estate deals with now-felon Tony Rezko. So, why then would you bring it into a Senate appointment? Just bleeping dumb! However, the coup-de-gras was the mainstream media's forray into trying to name Jesse Jackson Jr. as Senate Candidate #5, which in the complaint was listed as someone who offered to pay $500K for the seat.



Yet, in a zippy and unexpected twist, Jr. appears to be a possible FBI informant that they have been working with for at least the past two years. Sorry FAUX News, find another negro to pen this controversy on since you clearly can't pin it on Obama. We all learned how Blago felt about Obama, not even five minutes into the complaint.

So, as we embark upon another holiday season, we also embark upon another Illinois gubernatorial scandal. WOW! The land of Lincoln has also turned into the land of the stinkin scandals.

The Ankle Break!

I knew I would be excited for the rookie coming into the season, but I figured it would be his second or third season before he would actually make the play of the day. Derrick Rose absolutely owned Andre Miller the entire game Sunday when the Chicago Bulls played the Philadelphia 76ers. Dunking on him, blocking his shot out of the building - no that wasn't enough. He then went on to come down the court and initiate one of the best crossovers I've ever seen. Check out Miller breaking his ankle!



SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

Lies to Sell Records???

So, I am perusing LoveBScott.com and I come across a story where apparently, Rihanna's publicist, Jonathan Hay, began fabricating rumors about Rihanna and Jay-Z when MTV first started playing her breakout single, "Pon De Replay".

Hay was introduced to Rihanna via the producer of Replay, Vada Nobles. Nobles who became infamous for the very public lawsuit with Lauryn Hill regarding her breakout album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. So, Hay immediately planted people to hit message boards and chat rooms spreading rumors that there was some romantic dealings between Jay and Rihanna because Jay was dating the super-famous Beyonce, and nothing sells like gossip. This propelled television networks to run stories on her, as well as radio stations to play her. So, in essence, Rihanna has Beyonce to thank for her career.

"Jonathan Hay: I feel awful but, yes, I leaked some of those stories. Looking back, I am ashamed of that; there was zero integrity in that maneuver. But this is entertainment and I wanted to obtain publicity - so I came up with some crazy stories and it worked. Rihanna is one of the biggest stars in the world now, and look at how she stormed into the business! Not to take anything from her - she is a great artist - but every artist needs a launching pad and there is nothing better than a good scandal to get the public’s attention. (Laughing)"

All I can say is that this is lame as hell. And umm Jonathan, it didn't quite work as well as you would like. Although Rihanna has definitely gotten the "crossover" crowd, she still gets upstaged by Beyonce anytime they have to share the same stage. And, Bee and Jay got hitched, so clearly they didn't fall for it. Whatever happened to people selling records because they have the talent to do so???

After Six

Nike has gone above and beyond with some of their Air brand commercials, especially the ones starring LeBron James.

Their new commercial doesn't disappoint. It stars LeBron James with the Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger and it is, shall I say comical in a sexy kind of way. Watch!



I love when he says, "That's genuine leather baby."

Now, I am definitely not a LeBron stan, and to be honest, that is what makes this comical, because I don't even find him sexy. However, the great 70's soul music in the background and the concept is unmistakably a winner. So score one for Nike - again.

Editorial History!

Okay, so the day after the election, I woke up hoping that if I got to the bus stop early enough, I would get my hands on what I knew would be a historic piece of the election. Well, as a faux pas on my part, I didn't even get into work until 11. All the papers were gone, on the street, at newsstands, stores, Walgreens, you name it.

Then the Chicago Sun-Times announced that on Sunday, their paper would have a collector's item 32-page pullout on the ascendance of Barack Obama in the election. So, this time, I decided that the early bird catches the worm. I left my house at 6:50 a.m. By the time I got within a mile of my home, I realized that getting a paper was going to be a task. Everywhere I went, the Sun-Times dealers were all out of papers. Every newsstand, paper box, store was completely out. I drove all across the city, stopping everywhere I could to get this special edition of the Sun-Times.

Finally at two corners on 87th and Stoney Island, I saw a dealer selling papers. I parked my car, got and stood in line for an hour until I got right up to the front and the dealer ran out of papers. I finally was able to stand in line at Walgreens and get one before going back to that same Sun-Times dealer to get two more.

Now, as a former journalism major, I love newspapers. Especially historic papers such as the Sun-Times, Tribune, Washington Post, New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, etc. However, this spiraling economy has affected newsprint as well. So much so, some papers have considered just going online. Never in my life have I stood in line for an hour for a paper. Today, I did - in the cold. Proudly. As both an Obama supporter and as a supporter of news print. I think it is amazing that both of the major papers in Chicago have sold out of papers everyday since he won the election. Literally every single day, they have sold out! That has never happened.

I heard a disc jockey talking about this phenomenon and he said that Obama is creating jobs already and he isn't even in the White House yet. If this is the future of newspapers. If this is the excitement and buzz that has been created due to his presidency and eventually his legacy, then I say newspapers better get with the program and continue to be a huge part of history.

Reactions From Around the World to President Obama!

Dancing in Kenya!


Watching in Athens, Greece!


Clapping in Shanghai!


Cheering in Sydney, Australia!


Glee in Jerusalem, Israel!


Happiness in Obama, Japan!


Children yelling with glee at his former school in Indonesia!

And the Winner Is...

For the past two days here in Chicago, it has been 70+ degrees. There is this peculiar excitement in the air, and for what should be the end of fall (in Chicago, at least), it has felt more like Christmas in July.

I voted in this election almost three weeks ago, and even then, it felt great. I have made phone calls, sent emails and worked with many others who have all been a part of this movement for change in this country.

AND NOW...



I am so full right now. As I sit here and type this through tears of joy, I realize that at this moment, the WORLD is different. I'm different. It is with extreme graciousness and thankfulness that I look forward to this family and to this new president entering the White House!

The Truth About ACORN

We have heard quite a bit about ACORN the last couple of days, and none of it has been good. In fact, the GOP has started an intense campaign to somehow shut them down and that this group is somehow trying to steal the election.

That is quite the charge, especially when there really isn't enough evidence to back it up. Well apparently in Florida, some people wrote on voter registration cards silly things like Mickey Mouse, etc. The McCain campaign is basically saying that this is the Obama campaign's attempt to steal the election with its pal ACORN.

The TRUTH...

First, Obama has NOTHING to do with the everyday operations of ACORN.

He worked with ACORN about four years ago in a motor registration drive so people could vote at the DMV.

ACORN stands for the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now.

ACORN has uncovered hundreds of election defects in many states.

ACORN hires volunteers to register people in all 49 states.

ACORN, by law must turn in all of their voter registration cards, yes, even the bad ones.

ACORN sorts all of their cards: the good ones (these are decided after a phone call is made to verify the registrant), incomplete, (if they call and that person is not at home), suspicious (the cards that may read Mickey Mouse, etc,).

So, you decide for yourself. It is very easy to find information on anybody, any group, especially non-for-profits and political affiliates. If nothing else, my advice to the GOP is to do your research!

Despicable - Part 2

In light of the recent hate parade that seems to have taken over the McCain/Palin campaigns, it appears that was just the start.

First up - a food stamp sent out by Inland Republicans with a picture of Barack Obama with a bucket of fried chicken, watermelon, kool-aid and just everything else you would expect from a racist. This is unbelievable, not to mention, highly offensive.



Second - a GOP flyer depicting Obama as a terrorist! It's one thing for Palin to bring up his so-called "palling around with terrorist," at one of her segregationist rallies, but then for the campaign to take it further by calling him one as well, then advertising it on a flyer is downright wrong as two left shoes.



Finally, and this may be the most despicable.
The McCain campaign has started what is called as robocalls. These solicited calls are from candidates to get you to vote for them. Here is the script from McCain's calls.

"Hello. I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC," before telling recipients that they "need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist, Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home, and killed Americans."

This, ladies and gentlemen is ILLEGAL! You do NOT, as a politician, call people's homes and defame your opponent, that is truly illegal campaign practices.



I sincerely hope that these states (Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota and others) take action against McCain. After all, he just said in last night's debate that he has repudiated every attack made by a Republican against Obama. Yet, his own campaign are making these type of calls. Unbelievable! Yes, he gets yet another despicable award!

I Wanna Rock Witchu!

I had the privilege of seeing Janet Jackson on September 25, 2008 in Chicago, IL. This was before the illness, which we now know was migraine-induced vertigo. This was before all of the cancelled shows. In fact, the night could not have been more perfect. Outside of the fact, that we waited in a car line to get into the parking lot of Allstate Arena that trailed all the way onto I-90, the night was great.

Now let me say, I purchased my V.I.P. ticket months ago. In fact, it was a part of my annual tax return gift to myself. Although this year, the ticket was slightly more than my tax return. I even wondered afterward if the $250 I spent to sit in the gold section was worth it. IT WAS SOOOOOOO WORTH IT! We were so close we could actually touch her. Now, I can't imagine going to a concert and sitting up in the bleachers or nose bleeds. I have to tell you, it is not the same thing.

First up was L.L. Cool J.





LL was decent, not great, but definitely good. The strongest part of his set was in the middle, when he went into a steady stream of his hits. With lots of shots of his guns and plenty of lip-licking for us ladies. Yet, it was how he ended his set that kind of had me scratching my head. He ended it with a song that I imagine might serve as the outro on his new album. He started rapping, and walked off-stage still talking with everyone thinking he would come back out, but he didn't - to be honest it was kind of weird.

So, the cous-de-gras was Ms. Nasty. For a woman who claims to be 42, she looks freakin fantastic! She has the smallest waist I have ever seen on a woman, and in stark contrast one of the biggest booties for a waist that size. As soon as she came out, there were comments flying all over place. One woman sitting begind me said, "I want her ass so bad." Now I do realize that comment is a bit double-sided. Anywho, Janet unveiled every popular song from all of her albums, even the first two that nobody counts. This woman moved about the stage and danced for 2 1/2 hours. I was in awe of her. She was humble and graceful, and truly an icon!





She just doesn't stop...




More JJ



She is so fierce!!!




Flawless!

Joe-the-Plumber is Really Joe-Six-Pack!

One day after the final presidential debate, we have a star folks! Nope, this time it wasn't Barack Obama and consequently, it was not John McCain. Nope, it was Joe-the Plumber!

John McCain unleashed a litany of charges against Barack Obama's tax plan by saying that his plan would hurt Joe-the-Plumber by raising taxes on those who make more than $250K, and that if Joe bought his plumbing business, he would be penalized for being successful.

He brought up Joe-the-Plumber so much that I began to wonder if Joe was a part of his campaign. In fact, maybe he decided that Joe-the-Plumber should be his running mate instead of Sarah-the-Hockey-Mom! It was this constant bringing up of the plumber that gave him one of his worst moments of the night. Take a look!



Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Ole Johnny Boy looked like he had pooped his pants when Barack said Joe's fine would be zero.

But that was yesterday, with technology forcing media and its counterparts to run 24/7, the researchers were relentless. Turns out Joe Wurzelbacher, who is better known as "Joe-the-Plumber," really ISN'T A PLUMBER! Yep, you read that right. Members of the National Plumbers Union checked him out on their site, which lists all registered and licensed plumbers in each state and good ole Joe wasn't listed. Turns out he is some regular guy, who may or may not work in the plumbing business who makes around $40K a year and who many believe was a pawn by the McCain campaign.

Video shows that he was in the neighborhood playing football with his son while Barack Obama was with local volunteers canvassing the neighborhood for votes. May I also note that he has never met McCain and it is very likely he never will. Afterall, Republicans don't usually go to regular middle-class areas canvassing for votes. Whatever the real case is of he and Obama's meeting, one thing is clear, Joe is most definitely not a plumber. If he wanted to buy a plumbing business, he may want to get licensed first, you know because it's a requirement. Nope, Joe is sitting at home with a six-pack trying to figure out how he wound up being the center of attention in the most historic presidential campaign ever. I believe he is also a member of the reverse-Anderson affect. It is my belief this self-prescribed northern non-Yankee will tell all of his buddies he's voting for McCain, I mean after all, McCain won't raise his taxes (yeah right). But I think Joe-Six-Pack will go into that voting booth, realizing that in order for him and the rest of his middle-class buddies to keep buying those six-packs, he may need to vote for the black guy.

COOL PIC OF THE DAY!

I must admit - Black Love is so beautiful! I love this pic also because they are doing something not readily associated with us, and that makes this so COOL!

KILLA BEE!

Okay, so on my previous post, I posted the two new singles that Beyonce dropped on Friday. I was not a huge fan of both songs, but felt they were solid. Then yesterday, Beyonce had the nerve, I mean the absolute audacity to drop both videos on the same day. And just like that, I was sucked in. Both videos are HOT!!! Not to mention, the videos make you LOVE the songs. DAMMIT BEYONCE!

She is one of those people, as soon as you think, maybe she fell off, or needs to go on a two-year hiatus, she comes at you with something so good, you are surfing the net at work to check it out.

SINGLE LADIES

This was the song that I liked the least when I first heard it. I thought it sounded like a bootleg "Get Me Bodied". Then I saw the video, and even in its simplicity, it was fierce! First, let me say, her body is sick! I want to be in "Beyonce shape," because clearly, she has her own anatomy. The black and white was fitting, the dancers were killing it, and they were attractive and very complimentary. But, I think what floored me, was the video had my attention, from the first synth to the very end when she laughs.



IF I WERE A BOY

Now, I did like this song when I heard it, however, I thought it was more feel-good pop than she normally does. The video, however, takes this song to a whole new level. It is, shall I say, DEEP! The message is clear and unlike, Ciara's "Like a Boy," it is not simply a change of wardrobe. Beyonce gutter punches men with this song, but not in a hateful way, but in a vulnerable, this is my side, kind of way. I will predict now, that this song will be a HUGE hit. Even bigger than Irreplaceable! What I love about it is just like "Single Ladies," she has the black and white theme. Yet, in this video she is very stripped down, not too much makeup, no lace front wigs or weave, and she looks great.

• Beyoncé
• New Music

If nothing else, Beyonce constantly reinvents herself and she makes you feel something for her, be it love or hate.

DESPICABLE!

I was perusing Huffington Post this evening when I came across the most disturbing story thus far in this election.

At a Palin rally on Saturday, a supporter, an older white male showed up with a monkey doll in his hand that wore an Obama bumper sticker around its head. He looked into a camera, laughing and waving the monkey as he stood in line to get into the rally. Even amidst, Obama supporters across the street, who began to shout, "Racist," he still raised the monkey and laughed.

I knew that race would eventually become an issue in this race, but it is still jarring to see it so blatantly today. Even in 2008, people still have the nerve to walk around carrying unrepentant notions of hate, and in this election, some have proudly exploited it.



I think what is even more despicable is the fact that the other people in the lines are smiling as if amused, and not one person said anything to him or even tried to stop it! God help us!

Inspiration - Behind the Scenes with the Obamas!

This is a true example of what America needs. While we have watched hate and racism take over the McCain campaign, Barack Obama is releasing behind the scenes footage of him and his family in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.

The scene where he is watching Michelle speak about him and their family and he is rubbing his wedding ring and you can tell it hits him emotionally - I almost couldn't take it.

Then when they showed him and Biden at the end messing up the PSA, and then of course laughing about it, I found myself smiling and laughing with them. This is what America needs, if you want to call it change that's fine. I call it - Real People!

Abuse of Power - Alaska Panel Decides!

According to the Associated Press, Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin has been found by an Alaskan bi-partisan Legislative Council to have unlawfully abused her power as governor. From months of investigating, they found that while she didn't break any laws per se, she did abuse her power by trying to fire her former brother-in-law as state trooper.

"Investigator Stephen Branchflower, in a report to a bipartisan panel that looked into the matter, found Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain."

Public safety commissioner Walter Monegan was fired and he immediately stated that he felt he was fired because he refused to fire Trooper Wooten when he was in the middle of a bitter divorce battle with Palin's sister. Yesterday, preempting the Council's report, the McCain campaign issued a statement stating that Monegan was fired due to a budget dispute. Apparently he was insubordinate.

After the report was released this evening, Monegan said that he felt vindicated regarding his firing. Immediately, the McCain campaign tied this investigation to the Obama campaign. However the committee chairperson, Sen. Kim Elton, said that is impossible since the investigation began prior to Palin accepting her party's nomination.

The most scathing part of the investigation is the fact that her husband, Todd Palin spoke privately with Monegan in her office shortly after she became governor about Trooper Wooten. He also made several phone calls to members of the staff regarding his personal feelings about Wooten, not to mention constantly putting out information that Wooten had threatened their family. Even if this were true, he has NO position. He is not a part of Palin's administration, he is the "first dude". This means that he overstepped his boundaries and compromised his wife's job as governor.

This news has definitely given a hit to an already spiraling campaign. Now mainstream media is wondering where this is going to go. Will Monegan now sue Palin for firing him? He was a "classified" employee, and he was union, which meant he wasn't at-will, thus his firing was unusual. We don't know, but one thing for sure, the Straightalk Express has lost yet another wheel!

New Music - Beyonce!

"IF I WERE A BOY"




"SINGLE LADIES (Put a Ring On It)"



I have to be honest, I wasn't wowed by either track. "If I Were A Boy," is a pop ballad. It has that Irreplaceable feel to it. I imagine, she will blow this live, but I am not sure how urban radio friendly this song will be. "Single Ladies," sounds a lot like Get Me Bodied, but a little more futuristic. It will have to grow on me, but both songs are solid. I guess I am waiting on that "oh yes this is it" track. Haven't heard it yet.

Needless to say, media blogs have had a field day with these singles leaking on the day that Michelle Williams' album came out. Don't know if there is some correlation there, but it makes sense. Her album does come out next month.

Michelle Obama - a true First Lady!

This is why she is going to be the next First Lady! I love her, she is so classy and gracious. She makes not only black women, but women look good. Not to mention, I love her and Barack's relationship.

I thought she was nice, above the pettiness and honest. She clearly is NOT an angry black woman. Go Michelle!

The View gets Political!

Can I just say I can't stand Elizabeth Hasselback!

She has become a stool pigeon for the RNC and the right-wing! Everyday, she finds some other way to bash Barack Obama and it has gotten to the point of ridiculum.

I was surprised that Sherri Shephard snapped because she seems a bit conservative at times and often seems to side with Elizabeth. But I guess now her far-right ideals have gone too far. She sounds like a close-minded, bigoted self-righteous pawn!

I don't even watch this show, but this was really good television!

That One?

So like me, I am sure many Americans, not to mention all those from all over the world who were tuned in, caught the second presidential debate last night. There are so many things that I could say, but I will provide the highlights (and lowlights) of the debate.

Question: "Who would you pick for Treasury Secretary in your administration?"
Answer - McCain: "Not you Tom!"

Question: "What do you propose to help climate change, the environment, etc.?"
Answer - McCain: "...What's the best way to fix it? Nuclear power. Senator Obama says it has to be safe or disposable or something like that...look I was on navy ships that had nuclear power plants."
Answer - Obama - "The big problem in energy is that for 30 years, politicians in Washington, haven't done anything. What Senator McCain hasn't said is that he's been there for 26 of them, and during that time he voted 23 times against alternative fuels."

On energy:
McCain: "There was a Senate Bill on energy loaded down with goodies, billions of goodies for the oil companies. It was sponsored by Bush and Cheney. You know who voted for it? You might never know - THAT ONE!"

Oliver Clark (Brotha in the audience) Asks How the bailout package is going to help regular people out.
McCain: "I bet you never heard of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before this crisis."

Question: "What are your priorities and in what order regarding healthcare, energy and entitlement reform (social security and Medicare)
McCain: "I think you can work on all three at once."
Obama: "We're going to have to prioritize, because families have to prioritize. 1) Energy we have to deal with today because here in TN, you are paying $3.8o here in Nashville for gas...countries like Russia, Venezuala are benefitting from it....2) Healthcare - because it is bad not only for families but making businesses less competitive. 3) Education, so that our young people are competitive in a global economy."

Question: "How will the economy affect the military might?"
Obama: "You know Senator McCain said it in the last debate and againt tonight that I don't understand. It's true, there are some things I don't understand. I don't understand how we ended up invading a country that had nothing to do with 09/11. While Osama Bin Laden and the Al Quaeda are setting up base camps to train terrorists to attack us...He suggested when we invaded Iraq that it would be quick and easy, that was the wrong judgment. And it's been costly to us."

Question: "In two years, how will you address the problems with social security, medicare and tax plans?"
Obama: "We'll have to take on entitlement and do it quickly. Might not be able to do it in 2 years, but at least during the first term of my presidency. Can't fix Social Security and Medicare until we fix the problems with the tax policies. Senator McCain, I think the Straighttalk Express lost a wheel on that one."

The QUOTE OF THE NIGHT!
Question: "Would you cross Pakistan's borders if they chose to side with Iran or were hiding bin Laden?"
McCain: "Like the great Teddy Roosevelt would say, talk softly but carry a big stick. Use force on Pakistan, but talk softly."
Obama: "No one called for the invasion of Pakistan. However, if they were unable and unwilling to give up Bin Laden if he is within their sights, then we will. Now Senator McCain suggests that somehow I'm just green behind the ears and spouting off and he's somber and responsible." McCain: "Thank you very much." Obama: "Senator McCain, this is the guy who sang, 'Bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran!' Who called for the annihilation of North Korea! That I don't think is an example of speaking softly. We hadn't even finished Afghanistan and he said, 'Next up - Baghdad'!"



This was the highlight of the debate for me because Obama stuck it to him. For someone who was supposed to be so strong in a town hall setting and on foreign policy, McCain clearly fell short.

So, the winner is: Barack Obama! *APPLAUSE>>>>>>>>>*

The Buzz! New Music/Videos

So today, I come across videos for two songs that I believe will slowly but surely change the face of hip hop. I don't think that it is a coincidence that both artists come out of Chicago and I further don't think it is a coincidence that they are both affiliated with one another.

First off the cuff is Mr. West, Mr. West! He's been kind of quiet lately. He surprised fans with his decision to perform "Love Lockdown" at the VMA's even before the song got radio play. I liked it then, I love it now. The video is a bit awkward, but then it does fit the mood and the lyrics of the song. Check it out.



But another pleasant surprise was "Universal Mind Control," by Common. Coming off probably one of the best years he has ever had in both music and film, not to mention cuffing Serena Williams as his girlfriend. Common, drops this Pharrell-produced futuristic-yet-old-school inspired hip hop track that you immediately want to shake your groove thang to. It's different, yet somehow familiar. I love it, it proves why these two are trendsetters in hip hop.



These are my two vids for the day, but with a few eagerly anticipated records coming out this winter, I am sure there will be much more hot music in '08!

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, why is it that when someone in Hollywood comes out, it is always someone that everyone ALREADY KNEW WAS GAY! So, who is our latest outer???

Clay Aiken!


Shocker, yes I know. I mean come on, if you didn't know when he was on American Idol belting out showtunes, that he was singing for the other team, then you are just blind. However, to me, he clearly outed himself when he decided to artificially impregnate 50 year-old Jaymes Foster, who happens to also be his BFF. I mean how gay is that? Well, the broadway favorite will be gracing the cover of People Magazine with his bundle of joy who somehow encouraged the move.

However, what really warms my cockles (don't ask) is the knowledge that Kathy Griffin, who has made talking about his sexuality infamous and often refers to him as "Gaykin", will have quite the material with this bit of juicy news.

Randomness for 09/23/08!

I admit it, I have neglected this blog for the past couple of months, but I have been working like two hebrew slaves and a Haitian lately, so I do apologize.

Well, we are about five weeks off of voting for our next president and I am starting to get antsy. I don't understand the common sense of the American public. Yes, I know there is racism, sexism, elitism, etc. But, when Lehman brothers is about to fail, HP lets 25,000 people go and AIG has to be bailed out by the feds, then all of those isms have to go out the window. This election is about common sense. When Thomas Payne penned the papers with that title hundreds of years ago, he was in a similar conundrum, dealing with Europeans fresh off the boat who somehow wanted an "American dream in a new land," but couldn't let go of the tyranny of the monarchy.

HELLO PEOPLE! THIS IS NOT FUNNY ANYMORE...THAT SENIOR CITIZEN AND HIS PIECE OF ALASKAN EYE CANDY CLEARLY AREN'T QUALIFIED OR READY! YOU CAN'T SUCCESSFULLY RUN THE WHITE HOUSE PLAYING OFF THE SENSATIONALISM OF PLAYING ON PEOPLE'S EMOTIONS. THEY HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT SQUAT SINCE THEY HOOKED UP AND PEOPLE HAVE THE NERVE TO ACTUALLY BELIEVE THEY SHOULD VOTE FOR THEM!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, OUR COUNTRY HAS SUFFERED ENOUGH, PEOPLE MADE THAT MISTAKE FOUR YEARS AGO, EIGHT YEARS AGO AND WE ARE TRULY PAYING THE PRICE!

I hated to get all font serious, but darnit I have to put my foot down and contribute to this blatant American ignorance. The world wants Obama and Biden - literally. They could take a poll of that and the numbers would be nowhere near close. That, in and of itself should be enough. I mean we actually have people shunning the hardworking Harvard Law grad over the West Point dude who graduated at the bottom. Praising the man who got into politics after going hunting with his jump-offs' family connections, while criticizing the other for being a part of effective community organizing. There is something wrong in American culture, when the answer is so clear, yet people still have to find something wrong.

Half-dead and clearly on his way to early onset Alzheimer's, McCain has support when it is quite possible if he won, he could die in the White House and his moose milf would then take his place. This Bush/Cheney puppet in a skirt with lipstick could end up being our leader - the chills won't stop running up my arm!

But the thing that infuriates me the most are these "Dixiecrats" who claim they were Hillary supporters but now support McCain, and feel that Obama made some grave mistake not picking Hillary as his VP (newsflash, her hubby went on the View and said she didn't want to be the VP) and now Palin will make history instead of Hillary. First of all, the Clintons have disappointed me even further because instead of standing by Obama and campaigning for him, they have sat back still licking their wounds and wondering why their "----- entitlement," didn't get them the nomination. Meanwhile, Obama remains close in way too many states that he should be running away with, and he has only gotten lukewarm at best, support from the Clintons. In fact, Billy was on David Letterman with that same soreloserness and Chris Rock gave the funniest synopsis of them that I've heard.



On a lighter note, 30 Rock took Best Comedy, Best Comedic Actress (Fey), and Best Comedic Actor (Baldwin) and I couldn't be happier. I just want to say that 30 Rock is the best show on television, and considering that I practically don't watch television shows anymore (that's because there are none, it's all reality) that says a lot. But I came across the show towards the end of last season, and I love it. Intellectual, satirical comedy at it's best and the laughs keep coming. They have incredible guest stars and the cast is damn near perfect. The new season starts on Halloween, so watch it. Thursday nights on NBC, you won't regret it, and I love that Fey, who is fresh off of impersonation infamy for her dead-on portrayal of Sarah Palin on SNL showed up to the Emmy's in a sexy yet elegant gown minus her signature glasses. Congrats to her for creating, directing and writing a great show and to her and the cast on a much deserved Emmy win.

Northern Exposure!

So tonight, the nation was supposed to get to know Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, who is the Vice Presidential candidate for the Republican ticket. We watched her come out and then go on an almost vicious tirade against Barack Obama, the Washington elite and the main stream media.

She very briefly told her story of how she was just a small town girl from Wasilla, Alaska where she eventually became the mayor before becoming the governor of Alaska. She briefly talked about her family, her husband, her kids, including her youngest who is a down syndrome baby. She went into a victim-laden tirade about how unfair the media has been against her family, and she even found enough time to criticize Barack Obama on his "inexperience". (As if Rudy Giuliani didn't do that enough).

However...

I made a list, and unfortunately, she didn't even touch one item on my list.

Here's the list...

1) The economy
2) The plan for the Iraq war
3) Housing crisis
4) Environmental issues - green economy
5) National security
6) Women's rights (after all she is a woman)

And to my shock and surprise, she didn't talk about ANY of the above! I mean, am I wrong, but isn't this a presidential election? Shouldn't we be talking about the issues? I just don't understand the Republican convention as a whole. Since day one, all we have heard from them is a litany of stories about John McCain's POW experience. All we have heard is a barrage of fear-rendering stories about 9/11, and all we have been force-fed is how dangerous the world is now. I feel like I am watching the same old crap. Let's instill fear, grab our guns, hold on to our self-righteousness and somehow trust this moose lady from northern territory. ARE THEY SERIOUS???

This is what Barack Obama was talking about. OLD POLITICS! Let's attack the opponent, let's create a dramatic story about ourselves and simply evade the real issues. This is no surprise, it is a regurgitation of OLD WASHINGTON, and aside from her being able to stand there and read a teleprompter well, I don't feel like I really got to know why she was the best candidate for vice president.

The other story...

They gleaned to Barack Obama's words to the media stating that families are off-limits. Yet, she exploited her family and showed them off tonight, almost using them as props throughout and then after her speech.

They (the right) claimed that the media was sexist and unfair to her because she is a woman. Yet, many delegates wore buttons that said: "HOTTEST VP FROM A COOL STATE!" As if that isn't sexist.

Then finally, Palin had the audacity to get up on stage and attack Barack Obama for lack of experience...ARE YOU FREGGIN KIDDING ME??? She is the poster child for inexperience and cluelessness. After all, this is the same woman who got on television, C-SPAN to be exact, and asked, "I just want someone to tell me exactly what a vice-president does?" And this was a month ago!!!

I have had enough. I don't want to hear another damn story about what happened to him over 40 years ago. I don't want to hear another story about what he voted on in the Reagan administration, which was over 25 years ago. And I certainly don't want to hear about him being a maverick, when quite honestly, John McCain hasn't done squat besides tirelessly trying to run for president over the past eight years, while his Republican colleagues have set us back.

At the end of the day, as a woman, who aspires to be a wife and a mother someday in a country where I would want my family to be safe, Sarah Palin fell unequivocally short of what I expect and need from a vice president. She tonight, came off as Dick Cheney in a skirt, and that's downright scary. But most of all, I don't feel like I got to know her at all. All I know is she can kill a moose, she's a mom, a wife and the governor of a state most Americans don't really know that much about.

The Promise...45 Years in the Making!

There are moments in our lives that as soon as we are in them, we know that we are a part of something big, monumental and unforgettable. All through the last week in August I caught glimpses of the Democratic National Convention. Opting not to become glued to the tube, but rather catching glimpses of speeches from Michelle, Hillary, Bill and Joe (don't celebrities operate on first names?)

Then on Thursday, August 28, 2008, one day after my birthday, I went to the newsstand in my building, and there on the cover of the Chicago Sun-Times was a larger-than-life picture of Martin Luther King and it hit me that it was the day of the infamous, "I Have A Dream," speech. The next thing that registered was how Barack's "big" speech was that night. I had been silently, but eagerly anticipating it for a week. So, here the day had come, 45 years to the day, and history was not repeating itself. And the #45 was more than the jersey Jordan returned in, no, instead something else was happening.

I didn't linger at work, instead, I hot-tailed it out of the office and came home, and there seemed to be a deep anticipation among Chicagoans all in the air. When I got home, I quickly got my evening chores/errands out of the way so I could watch THE SPEECH. I turned on C-SPAN and watched Al Gore passionately talk about the environment and Barack's plan to explore a greener society and the jobs it would create. I watched Joe Biden hit the stage and deliver another powerful speech. Then my grandmother called and we spoke on the phone as the video of Barack's life hit the screen. The story of who he was and who he has become unfolded before our eyes. Every detail of his separation from his father, being partially raised by his white grandparents, and his rise to this moment. Then all of a sudden, he strolled out onto the stage, very humbly and with that million dollar smile that we have come to know so well.

As he spoke, I listened to my grandmother thank God and state how she couldn't believe that she lived to see this moment occur. I felt a strange yet comforting sense of pride that my generation played a big part in this happening. Barack was eloquent, humble, powerful, sympathetic, aggressive and presidential. He had so much hope and faith and love in his speech. His words made you feel proud to be American again. He made you feel like YOU could change the world. Unlike so many of his predecessors, he didn't go into a love fest about himself, in fact he came out and said, "This isn't about me, this about YOU!" I sat there and listened to him speak, and a sense of overwhelming American pride came over me, along with a sense of pride about being black. I felt the tears of my ancestors, people who have passed on who spoke of this happening one day. I couldn't help but think about MLK's speech. The cameras panned out into the crowd, and you saw blacks and whites standing side by side, holding hands, hugging, clapping together, crying together and honestly healing together. It was as if the balm that this country so desperately needs to mend the broken hearts of slavery and racism was finally applied and for the first time people began to heal and move on.

I saw old, young, black, white, Hispanic, Asian and people from so many different walks of life sharing in this moment, and it meant so much to each and every one of them. I couldn't help but to shed a tear, because for a brief moment, the dream was a reality. I don't know if King and Obama would agree on all the issues, but I do believe that King would be proud of Obama. I believe that Obama is the key to the promise that each American deserves the right to have. The promise that he spoke of could only be delivered by someone like him. He put a whole new meaning to the term DESTINY. But more importantly he put a whole new meaning in the hearts of everyone who watched and began to feel a part of the American promise.

HISTORIC!!!




The Future First Family!






Intimate Moments...and we thought the fist bump was cool, I just love how loving the future president and first lady are with each other.





Emotions ran strong throughout the convention, but after Barack's speech, the floodgates opened. Many felt his speech was a huge part of how American can finally begin to heal from years of tension being ignored.




It was truly a historic moment in our nation's history!

Ha Ha Ha!!! The WTF Moment for the Summer...

Now I know reporters have to give you their TV voice and be professional, but this dude just did a complete 180 when unexpectedly, a fly flies into his mouth....LOL!



Whewwww, now that was funny!

The World Just Got a Little Less Funny...

That's what George Clooney said when he heard that comedian Bernie Mac passed. I instantly thought about the very first time I saw him. It was on Def Comedy Jam, and when he finished his set, that's when I realized that some people have to work hard at their craft to be funny and be successful in the business of comedy, but then others just have to be themselves. Whether you liked him or not, Bernie Mac was hilarious! He could make anybody laugh, and what made him so endearing is that he never appeared to be trying, he was just funny. It is still surreal to me....rest in peace Mac Man.

Who You Wit?

HOPEFUL? Now take a bow.

Ever since Jesse Jackson put his whole foot and ankles into his mouth last week, by stating that he felt Barack Obama was speaking down to black people with his faith-based program initiative, and then went further by stating he wanted to cut his nuts off, I've been thinking.

I've been thinking that yes, my first instinct was indeed right.

JESSE JACKSON IS JEALOUS AS HELL THAT BARACK OBAMA IS THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT!

I mean look at the facts....

Two black men

Both raised by their mothers, and grandmothers

Both raised lower class to middle class

Both went to good schools, and received great education

Both became pillars in Chicago politics

Both live on the southside of Chicago

Both ran for president

Both had platforms surrounding the idea of HOPE!

Yet, Barack became the nominee and by this time in '84 and then again in '88, we were watching Michael Dukakis smiling and shaking hands, while Jesse went fishing. While he has built an international name for himself, he has also somehow not done enough to have SUPERSTAR status!

There weren't celebrities writing songs about him. He certainly didn't break records by raising almost $55 million dollars within a month during his primary. He also never was able to defeat a political machine like the Clintons. Let's face it, you lose to Michael Dukakis, it's a wrap.

Yes, Jesse Jackson is the epitome of my parent's generation. All talk - no action! I say it all the time, our generation has to pick up the pieces left on the ground by our parents. Pieces that will somehow move our community forward instead of keeping us stagnant since the civil rights era. Jesse Jackson's message of change, come on now, we all know it: KEEP HOPE ALIVE! But once you get that hope, what do you do with it? Barack, on the other hand, said, we have the AUDACITY TO HOPE, and then took it further by saying, "Can we win the white house? YES WE CAN! His message is precise, hopeful, yet realistic. He is about taking a stand, and doing what needs to be done, truthfully by any means necessary, but in a calm and peaceful way. I imagine that infamous conversation that took place between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King served as the blueprint for the very message Obama is giving today.

Jesse Jackson had his moment - twice! He had his time during his prime, and he fell short. Perhaps, it wasn't the right time. Perhaps it wasn't enough. Either way, 20 years later, here we are again, except now, this hopefulness is working. So my advice to Jesse is to take a bow, be proud of the road you set, but stop HATING because the new flock is making it work. Not only are they making it work, but we have HOPE that it will bring the change we so desperately need.

Hip-Hop ROCKS!!!

The Glastonbury Festival is a 38 year-old festival with music, mostly rock that was founded by Michael Eavis. It first took place just one day after Jimi Hendrix died on Eavis' farm, where attendees paid one lire and got a glass of free milk from the farm's cows. Over the years, this festival has played host to acts such as Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, Joe Cocker, Oasis, Radiohead and Sting. It is this rock and blues sort of spiritual hippy concert that can only be compared to Woodstock, except Glastonbury occurs every year.

Through the years, the numbers have gone from 3,500 people to well over 100,000. The ticket sales usually fund big charities and attendees have made mud a second home. While the outdoor concert normally takes place in June, it is usually cool and rainy in England at this time. Last year's festival featured The Arctic Monkeys headlining the Pyramid Stage on Friday night and The Who rocked as the closing band on Sunday. Other acts included Bjork, Shirley Bassey, Iggy Pop, CSS, The Go Team, Amy Winehouse, MIA, Kate Nash, Billy Bragg, Corinne Bailey Rae, Damian Marley, Lily Allen and The Chemical Brothers. There was an attendance of 153,000. Tickets were £145 which included a program and the tickets sold out in one hour and forty-five minutes. However, it rained like the heavens were opening up and the mud was so bad, people came in plastic bags.

So fast forward to June 2008 - it is just a week before the festival and 137,000 tickets have been sold with about 3,000 left unsold. Highly unusual for the festival and some critics believe it is because American rapper Jay-Z is headlining the pyramid on Saturday. In fact Noel Gallagher from the band, Oasis, said he felt having a hip-hopper headline took away from the spirit of the festival. So amid much criticism and days of speculation, HOV hit the stage.....

AND MADE HISTORY...



BUT IT DIDN'T END THERE, BEFORE HOV HIT THE STAGE, LUPE GAVE AN INCREDIBLE
APPETIZER!



CHITOWN STAND UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lupe put his foot in this performance, OMG! And they had the nerve, the actual audacity to question whether or not hip-hop had a place at Glastonbury??? WHAT? Oasis doesn't have anything on either one of these performances. This is the kind of thing, that affirms why I love hip-hop so much. They made freggin history. I love how when they panned to the audience, those British kids knew like every word. So to Noel Gallagher, breathe in and breathe out, in fact inhale it real good, that smell is called REAL HIP-HOP, and in case you were wondering, it's taking OVER!

Miscellaneous Randomness - The June Edition!

Well folks it's been almost a month since I have regurgitated random thoughts on this blog, so here is some randomness for the month of June.

So, the weather is officially HOT now, which means that we ladies are having the feet out more. Now, thus far I have seen quite a few infractions...ladies, please oil, grease, moisturize or whatever you do to your feet before you pull them out all willy nilly. People of color do get ash, and thus when we show more skin, moisture is important. Go ahead, splurge, get that pedicure, you'll love it and so will your feet. For some, it is just plain necessary.

It is with sadness that I report the death of comedian, George Carlin. I really liked him, I always thought his incredible wit, penchant for finding humor in a ridiculous government, and his courage to attack the wrongs of this country were what made him brilliant.

I think I was about ten or eleven, the first time I watched his stand up. That was the first time I heard the term "N.I.M.B.Y." otherwise known as Not In My Backyard. Nimby was Carlin's way of telling people that we are all okay with righting the wrongs of society, as long as it's not in our backyards. Put the prisoners, juvenile delinquents, drug addicts, etc. in some far away place and we'll all be okay. He will be greatly missed.

BEEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clearly this weekend was the weekend for all of those with beef with someone else to let it rip. First up....Ice T and Soulja Boy????????? What?

As you can hear in this clip, Ice T basically feels that Souljah Boy singlehandedly ruined hip hop. I might be willing to agree, but I can't give the tike that much credit. While his song had soccer moms learning the dance, it is my belief in three years he will be long forgotten, thus he can't be given credit for such a feat in this great genre. No, in fact, many lame MC's contributed to the fall of hip hop.

Now, folks before you get the popcorn, there is a zippy and unexpected twist to this drama. Yes, another player has entered this Act and it is none other than Kanye West. Now as much as I support this hometown guy, he is a bit nuts at times. This is DEFINITELY one of those times.

His comments on the matter, according to Mediatakeout.com:

"Soulja Boy is fresh as hell and is actually the true meaning of what hip hop is 'sposed to be. He came from the hood, made his own beats, made up a new saying, new sound and a new dance with one song. He had all of America rapping this summer. If that ain't Hip Hop then what is? A bunch of wannabe keep it real rappers that ain't even relevant, recycling samples trying to act like it's 96 again and all they do is hate on new sh*t? N*ggas always talk about the golden age but for a 13 year old kid, this is the golden age!!! That song was so dope cause everything he said had a hidden meaning... that's Nas level shit... he just put it over some steel drums which is also some Nas shit if you had the 2nd album cassette with the bonus track "Silent Murder" on it. In closing... new n*ggas get ya money$$$$$$$$$$ Keep this sh*t fresh and original.... ain't no f*ckin' rules to this sh*t and that's what real hip hop is to me. "

WTFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is Kanye smoking that stuff? Is he sipping the yak? Comparing Soulja Boy to Nas is like comparing that hooker on Madison and Halsted to the Bunny Ranch. Two separate worlds. To make matters worse, he went even further, by stating on his blog that they have similar styles and music!!! First of all, when Nas first hit, he didn't even have a label, manager or promotion. They dropped him thinking his underground hip hop style would fall flat, instead of getting five mics from The Source and becoming an instant classic. Soulja Boy has one hit, and he has soccer moms doing his dance. Nas didn't inspire a new dance, he inspired a new way of thinking in hip hop. He inspired a consciousness in hip hop with a very real street edge. The two are NOTHING alike. It is just....wait, I need to breathe....it is just unthinkable that Kanye would compare the two and go even further by saying they are just alike! This is insulting as hell, and real heads would have to give him a virtual pimp slap for that grave infraction.

And for HIM to diss mixing samples, something he has made a career out of, is just preposterous! No, it's not '96, but Nas never has cared about everybody loving him or his music. He has always made the kind of music he wants to make. Soulja Boy isn't rapping with hidden meaning. He knew very well that white kids and their moms wouldn't know that "Superman that Hoe" was a porn term. This is complete and utter bullshyt for Kanye to even try and defend such garbage! Clearly they caught him at a high moment.

I digress....

In other BEEF, Shaquille "Overrated and Trying to Be A Cop" O'Neal is running his fat mouth again. Dissing Kobe in a rap he gave at a NY club, he disses him in a "Kobe couldn't do it without me" fashion regarding the Lakers losing to the Celtics in the Finals.

Okay, I need about 30 seconds...

WTFFFFFFFF! Shaq couldn't do it without Dwayne Wade! Let's face it, Shaq has gotten lucky in his career, in that he has always played alongside superstars. Everyone knows the year the Heat won, they were lucky as hell, and if it hadn't been for Wade, the Heat wouldn't have won a damn thing. Shaq was almost nonexistent in the Finals that year, he played not even half the season, and then got hurt going into the playoffs. In fact, it was all that extra playing and compensating that has kept Wade on the bench the past year and a half. As soon as Wade went down, the team had the worst record they've had in years, got swept by the Bulls in the playoffs one year, and just plain didn't make it the next. And this year, the Lakers beat the Suns, so what the hell is Shaq talking about? With Nash, Stoudemaire and Hill, Shaq couldn't get it done, and before he waddled into the desert, they were the favorite in the West.

Did he really say, Kobe made him get a divorce??? Wasn't that slip-up like four or five years ago? Was he really wearing a large chain that said BIG?? See, this is why Shaq has become a joke - he spends too much time on buffoonery in the off season, and less time trying to stay in shape, thus being relevant once the season starts. The funny thing is Kobe will get it without Shaq, and I wonder what Mr. Bigmouth will say then. UUUUGGGGGHHHHHHH!

KNOCKED UP!

So, in the past year, 17 girls at Gloucester High School have gotten pregnant. That's four times the amount the school normally has. Almost all of the girls are high school sophomores, and the Mayor of Gloucester claims that this is because Mayor Patrick Duvall has cut funding for many of the school's programs and the "No Child Left Behind," plan has failed.

All of the girls took Sexual Education in their freshman year, however, the school stopped the practice of passing out contraceptives, when they fired the school doctor for giving out contraception. However, several parents and school officials not only admit to seeing the girls celebrate and high five upon hearing that they've conceived, but some have been hearing about this alleged pact from their kids for months now.

Gloucester, MA is a small fishing town off Cape Ann. Most of the industry for the town comes from fishing, an industry that has taken a hit in this failing economy. Many families have been broken as a result, and many believe that the pact is a quest for unconditional love. Whatever the case, clearly there is a problem and it starts with communicating and then educating the girls at this school. Being a parent is hard, and a lot of work, I pray that they continue with their lives and follow their dreams. We have fallen on hard times, but there is still hope. I just hope they realize this!