WOWZERS!!!!!!!!!!

So I received some pics a few weeks ago of the stills of Trey Songz' video for his sexy hit "I Invented Sex". At the time, I thought the pics were nice, but wasn't super excited, I first heard this song months ago, featuring Drake and liked it then. Then today, he premiered the video and WOW!!!!!!



I had to wipe my brow. Twitter is completely abuzz with females near falling out, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and everything else under the sun. I have to admit, he got it right this time. He has a beautiful sista as his leading lady, not to mention, the chemistry is undeniable. The video may be a bit too "grown" to be shown during the day, which may cause some people to wish for those days of BET Uncut! Either way, good job Trey!

Michelle Obama Knows....

...how to land a GOOD MAN!


In the December issue of Glamour Magazine, Michelle Obama tells Katie Couric some great dating advice on how any woman can truly land a good man.


Watch CBS News Videos Online

Katie: Candice Jones from Memphis wanted to know how you landed such a good guy. Maybe he landed you, right? “Did you know that Mr. O was a great catch when you met him? What dating advice can you give a 26-year-old professional?”

M.O.: He was always special, you know? And not special, like, He’s gonna be important, he’s gonna be president. He was special in terms of his honesty, his sincerity, his compassion for other people. Cute’s good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it’s, Who are you as a person? That’s the advice I would give to women: Don’t look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. Look at how the guy treats his mother and what he says about women. How he acts with children he doesn’t know. And, more important, how does he treat you? When you’re dating a man, you should always feel good. You should never feel less than. You should never doubt yourself. You shouldn’t be in a relationship with somebody who doesn’t make you completely happy and make you feel whole. And if you’re in that relationship and you’re dating, then my advice is, don’t get married.

WOW! See, this is why I love this woman. Not because she is the First Lady or even because she is from the southside of Chicago. It is because she is just real. You know the kind of person who can give it to you straight, no chaser. This sounds simple, but a lot of women do get caught up in CUTE! I will definitely take her advice under advisement.

Up, Up and Away in My Beautiful, My Beautiful Balloon!

So today, I am at lunch and I get several tweets talking about a six year-old boy in Colorado swept up in a homemade hot air balloon. I thought it was a joke. Then I saw the coverage. Literally on every station that calls itself cable news: CNN, FOXNews, MSNBC, etc., this story was running and the footage was being shown. Then more information came out.



The Heene family is an eccentric family that lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. The father is an amateur scientist and apparently the family is known to study extra terrestrial life, UFO's and chase harsh storms. They were featured on the show Wife Swap, and were dubbed as the alien family. Both times they were on the show, the new wives coming in mentioned the behavior of the children. There are three boys in the Henne family.

Well the Heene in question was named, Falcon, which spurned tons of jokes on Twitter. Cameras frantically followed this balloon as it sailed for two hours past their home in Fort Collins. When it landed in a field, authorities reported that no boy was found inside. So then the search on the ground went into full-fledged operation. Cameras showed police and what appeared to be FBI vehicles driving through the field near the home and where the balloon landed.

Not too long after that, the boy is found hiding in a box in the family's garage!

*****Moment of silence******

I would have gotten whooped from sun up til sun down. My family members would have taken turns. I would have gotten whooped until they were physically tired. I would have been grounded until I graduated from High School. I can't help but wonder the fate of little Falcon.

This is a parental fail. Kids get into everything. Why would anyone have a homemade hot air balloon. That's like when I wondered how the Columbine moms didn't know their sons were masterminding execution of their peers, and harboring sawed off shotguns in their rooms.

I am all for science and education in the home. But this just reeks of stupidity! And it further supports the notion that cable news isn't really news, just informed gossip.

The Letterman Scandal!

David Letterman revealed last night that he was the victim of a $2 million dollar extortion due to his affair with a female employee. Apparently through the years he's had a few dealings with some of his female employees, and one of them, has a boyfriend who owes a lot of money in child support and debt payments, so he thought of extorting David Letterman. It didn't work, but Letterman had to reveal a very private matter to the public. Check out The Young Turks take on this scandal.



I agree with both Cenk and Ana - Letterman didn't have to tell anyone or apologize to anyone but his wife, who was his girlfriend at the time all of this occurred. I happen to like Letterman and watch his show and had wondered how no scandal such as this had ever popped up considering how long he has been in the television show business. Well here it is, and for some reason it doesn't hold the same water cooler gossip brio that I may have once thought it would. Hopefully he and his wife can get past this situation and move on with their lives.

This does support my motto: "Never get involved intimately with people you work with."

Olympic FAIL!

So by now everyone knows that the 2016 Olympics are going to be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That's right folks, Chicago, nor any other city in America will be hosting the 2016 Olympic games. We, chicagoans have been inundated with Olympic fever all year. The signs were posted on the streets, on buses, billboards and it was the constant talk around town. From day one, however, there were mixed feelings.

2009 has been quite the tumultuous year for the city of Chicago. We started the year celebrating the presidency and inauguration of Barack Obama. We went into the Spring dealing with the city streets being in the worst condition ever due to a harsh winter. Potholes and manholes were found everywhere once the snow and salt cleared. Then we were met with headlines regarding the loss of city and county jobs due to the economy. If that wasn't bad enough, the whole Rod Blagojevich senate seat-selling scandal was the talk nationally. Before we could catch our breath from political scandal the city sales tax went up, summer came and so did a rise in violence among teens. Several kids were murdered this summer which sparked national interest and an almost weekly investigation on CNN. Yet, through it all, every time you saw the mayor, he was talking about how great the city is and the Olympics.

This soured a lot of people here whose rising concerns for our safety and city costs marred support for the Olympics. Then in a zippy and unexpected twist. Sitting governor Pat Quinn decided to tax candy and liquor! The cost of living in Chicago has risen dramatically! A trip to Walgreens will lend receipts with at least three different sales tax codes, with some items being taxed at 12.25%! Then over the past three weeks, the Olympic push reached catastrophic levels, with talks of the First Lady, Oprah, Governor Quinn, Scottie Pippen and David Robinson all supporting the Chicago bid. Despite the tragedy at Fenger last week, the banners were hung, the big screen at Daley plaza reared its face and gates went up to prepare for an alleged Olympic celebration.

People lined up in Daley plaza at seven o'clock to get free "Chicago 2016" tee shirts. The media covered the area, sports stars showed up and waited anxiously for the announcement from the International Olympic Committee. Ironically, Chicago was voted out in the first round. There was news of tears and tangible disappointment. I can't say that I share in that feeling. The U.S. has bigger fish to fry than the Olympic games. Maybe we will be ready to host again, when we aren't practically at the bottom in education. Maybe we'll be ready when we aren't embroiled in a war. Maybe we'll be ready when our kids are safe, and families become important again in this county. Maybe we'll be ready when we finally get a public option in our health care industry. But right now, we aren't which is why we didn't get the bid. This was a reminder that the United States has a lot of growing to do, even on the International stage. I would love to see money and excitement being generated like that for education, poverty, jobs and children. Then, maybe we'll be worthy of hosting the Olympic games.

Self Destruction!

"Took a brother's life with a knife as his wife
Cried cause he died a trifling death
When he left his very last breath
Was I slept so watch your step
Back in the sixties our brothers and sisters were hanged
How could you gang-bang?
I never ever ran from the Ku Klux Klan
and I shouldn't have to run from a black man
cause that's
Self-Destruction, ya headed for Self-Destruction"


So here we are a week after a 16 year-old Chicago teen was caught on film being beaten to death by his peers, and yet there is more news of more violence. Two days ago a teen was found beaten badly in Edgewater, a north side neighborhood. And this evening, news flooded Twitter that Kandi Burruss from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, her fiance who was shown on the show, AJ was beaten and murdered in a club in Atlanta called Bodytap.

What the hell is going on?

Why are black people determined to kill each other off one by one?

Where is all of this anger coming from?

Personally, I couldn't watch the entire video of the Fenger High School teen, Derrion Albert because he died on there. I was personally offended that mainstream media thought it was okay to keep playing the video every hour on the hour. Then it hit me, this sensationalism of violence, be it real or fake, makes a lot of young blacks think that violence makes you a moviestar! Well guess what, this is NOT a movie! This is real life, real families, real emotions and real losses! There is absolutely no reason for a bunch of high school kids to beat anyone to death. Truthfully, there is no reason for an adult to do that either. AJ, as we all learned from the show has six kids! Now all of these kids have to live without a father due to senseless violence.

I live a very meager life. I go out from time to time, but I don't make it my business to spend every week/weekend in the clubs. I kicked it hard in my early 20's and got bored with that life very quickly. Yet, I know parents who go out more than I do. I always find that fascinating. I just don't find that life appealing. While I don't consider myself a homebody, my interests aren't necessarily in the streets. I would rather go to the movies, a museum, a wine tasting, bowling, a comedy club, etc. Crowded clubs with that 18+ crowd is almost always a recipe for disaster. Especially today when these youth seem to have absolutely no regard for human life. So here Kandi's fiance' is in a club, gets into an altercation and never lives to talk about it. I just don't understand the logistics of that. I don't understand why those kids were fighting with boards and rails by Fenger. I had too many things to do in high school. Shouldn't they? A few years back, one fateful night I chose not to go out and before dawn several people died after being trampled in a club called E2.

Life is too short to spend it angry, walking around carrying evil within us. God didn't allow us to walk the earth only to end someone's life senselessly or to do nothing with our own lives. We all have a purpose, and I just believe that purpose is not centered around violence! I pray for the families and friends of the victims, and I really pray that people learn to let some things go - it's just not that serious!

My Summer Blog Random List

Okay so that title was a bit non-creative, but it's 12:48 am and that's good enough for me.
So, it was like 70 degrees today, which for a summer/fall person such as myself was okay, but since I was born in this month, I tend to like summer.
This week at work was a bit eventful, you know the usual corporate drama.
As I get older, I realize that you have less friends, not because you're losing friends, but rather because you realize some friends are really acquaintances.
My cats are the bomb! I watch them sleep peacefully without a care in the world and I envy that kind of carefree-ness (yeah I know that's not a word).
I have also realized that I liked the Internet better before all of these social networking sites. Anonymity is where it's at.
I love anonymity, I think that's why I prefer working behind the scenes, no need for the limelight here.
Of course, that leads me to the fact that it's been a decade since I've sang in front of an audience. I used to LOVE singing!
Creative outlets are so important when you have to use so much time and energy on work.
I really need to get my act together and go back to law school.
I listened to "Lougin" by LL Cool J and Total - I love the part in the very beginning when Kesha says, "Mmmm, go head daddy!"
Does that make me a freak? LOL!
I know some people in my past would scream out YES, whatever!
Why is there someone begging on like EVERY corner in downtown Chicago? I love to give, but damn, we are in a recession.
I don't like tv anymore. Too many reality shows, too much coonery, and I realize that my television provides background noise for other activities.
I constantly think about the future...like all the time.
I even think about my future children. How scary is that? I am seriously trying to discipline myself and make necessary lifestyle changes so that when I have kids, I won't pass on bad habits. (Uhh, Mary, how about you get a man first)
My grandmother called me smart and beautiful today, and it brought tears to my eyes.
It's so nice to be genuinely complimented.
I am an incredible woman, whoever I marry will be lucky and blessed indeed. I hope that doesn't sound vain, but it's true.
I miss talking on the phone all night, I did that with my ex.
I wish I could find my putting iron (hope I'm saying that right), I have a putting set and I miss playing with it.
FACT#: I used to have the biggest crush on Grant Hill. I had his gym shoes, posters, book - everything.
I love argyle.
I also love plaid.
Yes, I'm a geek.
I love the line in Little Brother's "The Yo-Yo" remix when Phonte says, "Man, shit, I'm bout to kick some Trick Daddy next poetry night, like my black queeeenn, don't no nann nigaa!"
I listen to music EV-ER-Y-DAY! (Like Dre in Brown Sugar)
I probably listen to hip-hop 55% of the time.
And no, that doesn't include Soulja Boy or Gucci Mane or any of the myriad other minstrel show rappers.
I also listen to R&B (old-school), classical, alternative, rock, gospel and jazz.
Yeah, I be that eclectic!
Okay, so that was corny, but it is true.
I have these weird dreams about my old house. Funny how I couldn't wait to get out that bish, and it pops up in my subconscious.
I can't buy ground beef from the store. Haven't done that since...ever!
I don't like Milk, but I love some cereal, so I freeze skim milk.
God, help my future husband, he is going to be like WTF at some of my habits.
I adore Bad Habits by Maxwell, what a sexy song.
I have at least four books that are unfinished. I wish I had the time to just write.
I need to take up piano again, you know get my Alicia Keys on...
I daydream at least 30% of each day.
I hear songs all of the time, sometimes before they hit the radio/Internet. Been that way since I was a child - I know, weird right?
I heard "Fallen" by Alicia Keys at least a year before her album dropped.
Makes me wonder if I should have taken a music route.
CONFESSION#: I got my toes sucked outside of Secrets nightclub (LOL, shout out to Dee).
I would explain that confession above, but it's kind of a long story.
I found out I love Moscato this summer.
"Lay your head on my pillow, if you can be yourself. No one has to know what you were feeling, no one but me and you." - Alicia Keys Diary
I am on an A Keys hit tonight.
I want to get tickets to see Maxwell, Common and Chrisette Michelle, but my bourgeois arse wants like front row, or at least really great floor level seats.
When I went to Jamaica I was a ROCKSTAR! It was lovely.

Jonesin'

I first saw Love Jones when it came out in 1997. I was fresh out of a relationship that so incredibly paralleled the movie, I could barely stand to watch it the first time I saw it. However, this movie brings forth four archetypes that we often see in relationships. Now you may be asking yourself, four? I thought a relationship only involved two people. That is the goal, but normally, there are always "other folk" who end up playing a major role. What better way to foray into such a topic, but by discussing the film, Love Jones. This movie, in its simplicity uncovered the roles and the games that we often play when we're jonesin' and can't handle the vulnerability and emotions that come with it.

The Lovers

"I gather up each sound you left behind and stretch them on our bed. Each night I breathe you and become high." - Nina quoting Sonia Sanchez

Darius Lovehall and Nina Moseley were the lovers in this film. The two people who immediately connect, in an elemental way. It's a given fact upon their first meeting that they will indeed "hook up". As a woman, I hate that. It sucks to meet a man and be so chemically attracted to him, that it's blatant something is going to go down. Mainly because that, in and of itself is complicated. Rushing into something physical with someone new, ALWAYS complicates things, especially if you have loose ends that haven't quite been tied up yet.

The Loose Ends

"I'm going to get some mothafuckin toasted oats, cause you trippin." - Marvin

Often, the loose ends are exes. It's a given when you start something new, if there is an ex still in the picture, there will be drama. It's amazing how when you break up with someone, your ex is cool. You all may even find ways to amicably coexist. But as soon as your ex sees the new person, the drama begins and to hell with being amicable. The more complicated loose end is the "in-between person". You know those people we sometimes hook up with in-between relationships. This is a dangerous situation because unless you have a CLEAR understanding, the in-between person can become comfortable (for both of you) and can indirectly block you meeting someone new. Also, the in-between person can begin to feel a certain amount of entitlement, get used to a particular treatment and can find themselves competing with the new person. In Love Jones, the loose ends were Marvin and Lisa.

I always found the part in the film when Marvin decided to "see if there was still something there," interesting. The fact is, Nina knew she wasn't still interested in Marvin when he approached her. Yet, listening to her friend Josie, she decided to play games with Darius and go to NY and kick it with Marvin while looking for a job. But the fault wasn't all on her. When confronted with the situation, Darius played it cool, even though it killed him to see her go to NY where her ex was. Then to add insult to injury, he hooks back up with the in-between while she's gone. So, of course when she returns, the loose ends had complicated their whole groove.

This is where being grown comes to play. Now the game playing would have been understandable, had they been 12 and in junior high. But these almost 30 grown folks were pretending to be just "chillin," when they had both fallen from that first look. Life is too damn short to pretend when you find someone you truly love!

The Friends

"Everybody is always talking about jumping, diving and falling in love. Please, somebody tell me how to stay there!" - Savon

Friends are like footnotes when you are in a relationship. You refer to them because you know they already check out, however, it may not be the information that you need. True friends will offer advice, but constantly remind you to follow your heart. Even if you get hurt, your friend will be there to pick you back up. Fake friends and associates masquerading as friends will give you "free advice," that will probably quickly end your relationship. In Love Jones, the friends were Savon and Josie. The interesting twist to these two was they were real friends. The problem was they were both ill-equipped in helping Nina and Darius. Savon was a married teacher, an intellectual who was falling out of love with his wife. His marriage had lost its steam and for someone who usually had the answer to everything, he didn't know how to fix it. Josie was the typical sisterfriend to Nina. She was sweet and attractive, outspoken and funny, yet she was single and didn't seem to have any prospects lined up. So she was invariably living vicariously through Nina, which meant all of her advice would be how SHE would handle it, not how Nina should handle it.

I am immune to this. I have too many friends who fall into the issues category and since I was a little girl, I have been known to not take advice from people I wouldn't change places with. This is no disrespect to some of my friends, but if they've never had a successful relationship or have issues with men how can they offer me advice on something potentially real? Again, back to the grown folks stuff. When you get to a certain age, you should know who you can and can't take advice from.

The Haters

"I don't need poetry to get women. No, what you need is a personality. Try some breath mints and a Visa card." - Wood, Sheila and Savon

It is my belief that when God blesses you with the opportunity to find true love, and you accept it, you will be tested. If your heart is right, you will pass the test. But, if you are on that bowlshyt, the test will get the best of you. In Love Jones, without a doubt, the hater was Wood. The funny thing is, we knew Wood was a hater, before Nina and Darius hooked up. Why? Because the hater is usually an associate - masquerading as a friend. They are already jealous of you, and often walk around pontificating about things that just aren't true. They have to make themselves look good at all costs. As soon as Wood saw trouble in paradise, he swooped in to try and woo Nina. Nina, being the honest person she was assumed he was actually Darius's friend so she trusted him. She quickly found out the truth about him, even though he defamed her and tried to make it appear that the two of them were more than just friends. I've noticed that men tend to keep haters around them, maybe because they are more competitive than women, but the hater will most definitely test you, especially if it's obvious that this new thing is the real thing!


That Jones

"Romance is about the possibility of the thang. You see its about the time between when you first meet some fine ass woman and when you first make love to her. And when you first ask a woman to marry you and when she says I do. When people who have been together a long time say that the romance is gone.. Mmm-hmm, what they really saying is.... they've exhausted the possibilities" - Darius Lovehall

So why do we go through all of these characters in our lives? Why do we play games? Why can't we just accept a good opportunity when we see it? I think it's fear. I don't care who you are, if you live long enough, you will get your heart broken. Love is the most infuriating wonderful thing to ever happen to the world. It can be so painful and so incredible all at the same time. A lot of this is the result of fear. But, fear is not of God, and since God is love, then seeking it is a risk we all must take!



"You always want what you want when you want it? Why is everything always so urgent with you?" - Nina

"Let me tell you somethin'. This here, right now, at this very moment, is all that matters to me. I love you. That's urgent like a motherfucker." - Darius

Just as an aside to this post. There are certain parts of this film that really spoke to me.

When Darius performed his poem for Nina..."I'm the blues in your left thigh, trying to become the funk in your right."
I also loved when he met up with her at Dr. Wax. Once he saw she wasn't trying to get hooked up, he asked if he could play something for her, and he played Charlie Parker.

The part when they had their first date and she was riding on the back of his motorcycle in her shades all close to him - that was HOT!

When their date night ended and he walked her to the door. From the kiss to the whole talk about just going upstairs to talk.

And of course the end, when he caught her in the rain and professed his urgent love for her. This movie exemplifies the consummate love story. But what I love about it, it's a black love story!

Good Hair/Bad Hair!

The trailer for Chris Rock's new film/documentary entitled: "Good Hair" hit the Internet. Just about every black blog picked it up. I checked it out and I have to say, it appears he has put a comedic twist on a very touchy subject for African-Americans, especially sistas!

Since I can remember, I have heard the terms, "good hair" and "bad hair". It is no secret in American society, that most black folks feel as though they have "bad hair." Good hair was always seen as being hair that belonged to a mixed race person. Someone with parents of two races, or at least someone who had "good hair."

Good hair is also defined as being manageable, soft, silky, straight without chemicals, wavy without chemicals, able to be wet and dry naturally without drawing up. Unfortunately, black girls learn at a very young age this whole concept and I truly believe become imprisoned by this. Hair holds us back. A lot of black women don't workout, because we're afraid we will sweat our hair out and God forbid, walk around nappy! I've always wondered about this, and more importantly why European hair is automatically the desired look.

While I choose not to wear weaves/extensions/wigs or any of the other "not naturally my hair" products, I do have a perm. I work in corporate America, so it was the right thing to do, right? Honestly, it does make my hair more manageable and easy to maintain. But I have considered going "au natural" and even tried it once, but my hair started fighting back after about two months. For now, we'll just say that idea has been postponed.

Personally, I feel like any woman, should wear her hair (even if she bought it) anyway that makes her feel beautiful. However, one thing that struck me in the clip, that I have never encountered, is the idea that men can't touch our hair! I have had guys play in my hair before, and truthfully I enjoyed it. I hope black women go out and see this film, and realize that this whole HAIR thing is residual Willie Lynchism. Yes, I know, that sounds like a militant rant, but it IS true! We need to be free of the limitations of hair, but this is about more than just hair. This is about self-love. Clearly, some of us need more of it, then this whole HAIR issue, won't be an issue at all.

The Booklist!

So, I am almost ashamed that it took Twitter shutting down for me to come back and post on my blog. I've noticed that I don't have loyalty to the Internet anymore. I have completely abandoned my MySpace page, I have neglected this blog for two months, and although friends and family have resorted to begging, I am not even accidentally interested in Facebook. My mother has a Facebook page. My mother! The woman who thinks she can only search on Yahoo, but I digress.

So, it is fitting that I return with a post about books. Since I was eight years-old, reading and writing books has become one of my favorite past times. I am in a book club that never meets, but averages about twenty books a month. I easily surpass that if I have the time. So, I decided to recommend three very different books, which can enlighten anyone's personal library, whether you are an avid reader or not.

Intimate Seduction by Brenda Jackson



Brenda Jackson is my favorite author - period! Her stories are legendary. While, she tends to stick to the black romance fiction, the characters are generally well-rounded, educated, multi-dimensional and provocative. In her Steele series, she finally pens the story of die hard bachelor Donovan Steele, and his quest for the mysterious Natalie Ford. It is a great read, I actually read this in two sittings. Check out the foreword:

When a man finds a beautiful woman asleep in his bed...

...he has only one choice. To seduce her with a night of lovemaking she'll never forget. Trouble is, Donovan Steele's sultry new housekeeper is just as determined not to become the legendary playboy's latest conquest.

Trading the Ivy League for down South, Natalie Ford is helping out with her ailing aunt's housecleaning service. But she finds that this powerful, potent man of Steele ignites a different kind of chemistry - one that defies every law of attraction the science professor ever learned.

Natalie knows she has to come clean to Donovan about who she really is, especially when he starts believing she's out to sabotage his family business. Will she lose her chance to love the real man behind the seductive legend?

The Hunted by L.A. Banks



L.A. Banks is a literary genius when it comes to stories of the paranormal type. Her vampire huntress series is more popular than anything Anne Rice could ever write, and it would not surprise me if this series was ever picked up by one of the premier cable networks, because it is addictive. I fought getting any of these for some time. Banks, pens under Leslie Esdaile and Leslie Esdaile Banks with stories in the romance and adventure categories respectively. Yet, when she has a new vampire book coming out, lines are out the door and around the corner of bookstores. If you are into these type of books, you won't be disappointed, in fact, you'll surely be addicted.

The foreword:

A Neteru--a hunter or a huntress--is born every thousand years in favor of the Warriors of Light as they fight against the Dark Realms. But Damali Richards is the Millennium Neteru. The one who will play a pivotal role in the Final War. The Warriors of Light had been waiting for her and the Dark Realms will do anything to either possess or destroy her. What they did not account for was the man who would love her.

Damali Richard has been to hell and back--literally--and she is not eager to repeat the trip. A Vampire civil war has been averted, but there were casualties and she believes that Carlos Rivera, former lover turned master vampire, is one of them. His death has not only shaken her emotions, but weakened her powers as well. But then Damali gets word that horrific killings are taking place in Brazil. The vampire civil war has left a small door to hell open and new and dangerous foes have risen from the Dark Realms. The leader, a deadly female, is set on a path of destruction. However, her blood lust hides a nefarious plan and the newly resurrected Carlos Rivera is at the heart of it. But Damali is not about to lose her man a second time, so she plans to send this old girl right back to hell she came from--no matter who stands in her way.

Mercy Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye by Michael Eric Dyson



I don't know if I purchased this book because I love Michael Eric Dyson and his phenomenal intellectualism, or because as a little girl I had a big crush on Marvin Gaye. I was probably about five years-old when Marvin Gaye was killed, but his music still had quite an effect on me. I mean who doesn't like at least one of his songs? My awe of him stemmed from watching the Ebony Jet Showcase when they documented his exile to Europe. They showed a man deeply troubled, disappointed with life and hurt over the pain of losing his family, being in debt and feeling disconnected from the music industry. At the time when I saw the documentary, I was taking a vocal class. The golden rule was to sit on the edge of your chair, shoulders back, inhaling through the nose and using the diaphragm to hold notes and change registers. Marvin Gaye was in a flat in London. A band was setup in the living room. A drummer, bassist, guitarist and keyboard player. Marvin was literally lying down on his side, holding a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other, with a microphone stand right by his mouth. He was singing a tune and sounding so astoundingly good, I couldn't breathe while I was watching it. Marvin just had a way about him, an effortless swagger that was as natural as breathing. So, I said all of that (sorry) to say that led me to buy Dyson's book.

This book doesn't disappoint. Dyson boldly delves into Gaye's troubled childhood, the suffocating strictness of being raised by Pentecostal parents, his rebellion against his father and distancing from his family as a teenager to travel with his doo wop band. He even discusses Marvin's tumultuous relationship with his wife, Anna Gaye and of course, his tense relationship with his brother-in-law, Berry Gordy. This book is interesting from start to finish. It provides an intimate glimpse that we don't hear about or see, check it out!

So Far BLOWN!!!

I am still sitting here at 4:58 a.m. with the yellow House of Blues wrist band on my wrist. There are no words for the numerous amounts of things that took place tonight that led to the most anticipated Hip-Hop/R&B show to take place in the city since Glow in the Dark. So because so MANY things occurred, let's go with a play-by-play.

9:50 p.m. - My friend Cathy picks me up so that we can go to the show.

10:12 p.m. - We arrive at the House of Blues, there is a mile long line ALREADY, and the ramp to the HOB parking lot is CLOSED.

10:24 - We finally find a lot about seven blocks away for a cheap evening price of $19.

10:36 - We finally arrive on the other side of the House of Blues where the restaurant is so we don't have to wait in the super long line.

11:12 - I down my second shot of Patron with salt and lime and start feeling nice. We waste a chicken finger appetizer so that we can get in the V.I.P. line for the show.

11:31 - I trip up the stairs as I anxiously climb them to get into the concert hall.

12:02 - I take a third shot of Patron for good measure, all the while hysterically cracking up my friend and neighbor sitting at the barstools where we have a fantastic view of the stage.

NOW THIS IS WHERE THINGS GET SKETCHY AND WHAT ULTIMATELY LEAD TO THINGS ENDING THE WAY THAT THEY DID.

12:45 - The main floor of the venue is just about full, with a plethora of people standing all around both sides, both sides of balconies full. Still NO SHOW.

1:26 - A lesbian couple decided to make out about two feet in front of where I am sitting. Oh yeah, and still NO SHOW.

1:44 - I scream out to 40/40 when I see him yet again. Hopefully the show will begin soon. Crowd starts to get antsy and tired.

2:03 - The show starts with a weird DJ combination and city shout-out.

2:09 - Opening act, some small Lupe Fiasco looking dude, who is sing rapping. GARBAGE!

2:15 - Another opening act, some dude from Cleveland who sings while another guy raps. He practically gets booed off the stage. MORE GARBAGE!

2:22 - Another opening act, local DJ spins, uses his own beats. He's decent, but by this time, the crowd really wants to see Drake.

2:31 - Some Puerto Rican rapper hits the stage with a hype man, and two strippers booty popping off some Miami-bass GARBAGE. This is when my buzz officially left the building.

2:40 - Curtains close, then reopen as local artists Ben-Won hits the stage. He sings six songs, of which only one is a song that actually gets played on the radio. A local DJ shouts out Derrick Rose and Marcus Jordan who both are in attendance.

2:52 - The actual scheduled opening act whose names made the ticket, "Sly Polaroid" hit the stage. I don't know if this is the whole group, but there was like ten dudes on stage. They do about five songs, and several times, booing erupts from the crowd. The only people into them are a few westside hoodrats. At this point, I am sure that something bad is going to happen if Drake doesn't hit the stage. Also at this point, I get molested by some drunk dude standing behind me smoking Black-n-Milds. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

3:13 - Future da Prince, Drake's DJ comes out to try and hype the now overly-tired and greatly irritated crowd. At this point I am livid! I don't want to see anymore people - Just Drake! (In my Jack from Will & Grace voice)

3:18 - Future talks to the crowd, does a minute on the turntables and it changes the energy somewhat, but we are WAY PAST READY for DRIZZY.

3:21 - Drake appears on stage, the crowd goes wild, and then his set begins. The LOVE is ridiculous. Every man, and woman seem to know every line and pause he utters. 40 smiles as the crowd screams, "I see my next girl, standing to my ex-girl, standing to the girl that I'm f*cking right now!" I even heard a guy singing Brand New like his life depended on it. The crowd is finishing every line, every note, my anger has completely dissipated and the love fest is in full swing.

4:08 - Drizzy's set is coming to a close. He is doing Best I Ever Had and all of a sudden, I feel about two people fall on me. I turn around and there are two idiots fighting. Yeah, and NO SECURITY. So the fight escalates. Two more guys join in, ending in one of the guys knocking him out with a barstool. Then two guys jump in the fight from the main floor. These ninjas were fighting like they were trying out for the UFC. Needless to say, Drake's set got interrupted and the crowd expressed their displeasure immediately. Future joined in and decided to encourage the crowd to tell the fighters to get the f*@k out. We obeyed.

4:12 - Drake comes back on the stage, although the fight isn't quite broken up yet. He launches into "Every Girl," and the crowd is right there with him. By then though, the jig was up. People were scared and mad that the set was interrupted.

4:20 - I am standing on Dearborn and Hubbard when a ring of gunshots unloaded. My friend and I start briskly making our way to the lot where we parked.

4:32 a.m. - I am sitting in her car cruising down Lake Shore Drive in a daze, because I can't believe the show ended like that!

This is what happens when a show is poorly managed. You don't make a bunch of people wait FIVE HOURS to see the headliner!!! Furthermore, you certainly don't throw a bunch of no-name, talentless opening acts on the stage to add fuel to the fire.

I LOOOOOOVE Drake! I really do, but if he comes back to the Chi, and it's at the House of Blues or some other too small venue - I'm not going. If the management/promoter isn't reputable - I'm not going! He sold that joint out, even the skyboxes were full, which means he could have sold out the Chicago Theater or some place like that. I know he isn't signed, but would the record industry WAKE UP! Seriously, last night, there was another concert with Keyshia Cole and The Dream, and he still sold out the HOB.

I sincerely hope that the fight incident doesn't taint his image of Chicago. We really are good people, and before that fight, the night was EPIC!



Sorry that my pictures aren't the best (camera phone), but it is hard to live life and be the camera girl too. (Shouts to MikeSee)

I want to shout out Lupe Fiasco for coming through and reminding those who forgot that we actually have REAL hip-hop artists from this city.

Also, I want to offer a suggestion to the promoter. Don't put acts that have no cohesion with the headliner on the show. For example, you wouldn't expect to see Souljah Boi opening at a Nas concert!

To Drizzy...Chicago thinks you're THE BEST WE EVER HAD!

Freestyle Drama!

The young Drake finally hit the big apple last week and was immediately put on the spot on Funkmaster Flex's show on Hot 97.



Now off the cuff, this should be a lesson to "his people," that maybe he needs a little artist development. This is the stuff that record labels, A&R's, managers, agents have failed in. Now I am a HUGE Drizzy fan. I think he is quite the substantial M.C. and he has a little tongue on the singing end. So, unlike a lot of these new Orange Juice Jones rappers that keep peeking into the industry wearing fake chains and wearing video ho's like a Flavor Flav clock, you have this biracial dude from T.Dot trying to make a mark with actual talent. So, his people need to make sure on the business and developmental end he is right.

Rule #1: Never send an upcoming M.C. on a popular hip hop radio show unaware. Let him/her know that they will most likely have to spit a freestyle, so at least the idea of a rhyme can start flowing. Never mind the fact that Drizzy had already been at the station for several hours because he had been on the Angie Martinez show. So, here we are several hours later and my man is supposed to just bust some killer freestyle. Yes, it sounds good on paper, but most of the time, these M.C.'s have already thought up those rhymes or written them and they are passing them off as freestyles. This was bound to not go right, simply because Drake wasn't prepared for that.

Rule #2: Don't expect every rapper to have Biggie-flow. Most backpackers know that Biggie would just freestyle all of his rhymes. Most also know that Hov does the same thing, even Weezy. The problem with that is they don't know why. Biggie didn't freestyle all of his rhymes because he was just some musical genius. A lot of it was a part of his business savvy. Biggie hated paying for studio time, so it was a survival method for him to come up with rhymes off the cuff. That was just his gift. To a larger extent that is Jay's gift too, but it is also his curse. You listen to a lot of Jay's rhymes and the substance is incredibly lacking. People love his style and swagger so much, they often get eclipsed by the fact that there are only so many songs where you can discuss Cristal, Louis Vuitton and groupies. Yes, the excessive sensationalism of materialism (that's a lot of isms...LOL). This materialistic expression has killed the purpose of hip hop, which used to serve as a voice for our generation, and has now become a ridiculous reality show, that's secretly scripted. What happened to the celebration of an M.C. that can really write? I mean isn't that what M.C.'s get paid for? Should they get writer's credit if they didn't "actually write it"? Known lyricists like KRS-One, Common and Nas have legendary lines - that they WROTE! Those M.C.'s are in a league of their own because they have written rhymes that embody history, struggle, and progress. Instead, rappers shouting out designers that hate them, upholding millionaires that were slave owners and supporting liquor that most blacks can't buy become celebrated and quoted...

RULE #3: Talent overcomes the gimmick. I am sure Flex has seen many rappers walk into that radio station with their gimmick in full effect. From the hat of a team they know nothing about to the designer sneakers on their feet. They walk up to the mic freestyling (wink) a rap that a ghost writer has secretly written for them prior to the interview and then they get (as Cuba Gooding would say in Jerry Maguire) the QUAN! But in this video you see Drake in what appears to be a tee shirt from like Old Navy or the Gap, chillin with a Blackberry. Low fade hiding under the headphones, and the rawness of the moment slaps you. There is no gimmick. Unlike the Eminem's of the world, he is not coming at them with a chip and a satirical minstrel show. He isn't trying to thug it out like some of these "thug rappers". He's just a kid with an ill flow and crazy swagger who was smart enough to spit something he actually wrote over any beat, and then finally admit that he was caught unaware and would come back and get it. It's clear that he is tired, and overwhelmed by the moment. Period. So to all of the haters who exhaled at this moment, breathe in and breathe out some more. Because when this young kid says, "I'll get em though." I believe him.

Miscellaneous Randomness! The Mid-April Edition...

So here it is the middle of April and it is still cold outside. In fact, Sunday before last, which I believe was Palm Sunday, it was FREAKING SNOWING outside!!! I was incredulous to say the least. The irony that I live in Chicago and I am adverse to cold weather is not lost on me. This year though, the weather has been RI-DAM-DICULOUS! One day, it is a warm breezy seventy degrees and the very next, it is 35 and snowing outside like it is December. I'm officially over it already.

So lately, on the bus, I have found that my patience bar is at an all-time low. The Chicago Transit Authority has now gone environmental and for some months now have had Hybrid buses on the street. These large monstrous, yet environmental buses have "touch" back-doors. Yet, every single day someone gets their non-reading arse on the bus and stands there like an idiot at their stop as if the back doors are supposed to magically open on their own. Nevermind the fact that in BIG BOLD letters, it specifically says "PRESS HANDS HERE TO OPEN"! I mean seriously folks, a child could figure this out. It amazes me how everyday, people do the same dumb crap. Reading truly is fundamental.

So Da Bulls (in my Southside of Chicago Irish voice), are in the playoffs. YAY! However, they are playing Boston in the first round. Shall I plan the summer vacay now? Seriously though, I have a hunch that this series won't be the sweep that people think it will be. If my hunch is right, then Boston is in for quite the windy ride against the Chi!

On a political note, can you believe these uber-conservative Republicans throwing these (dare I say) TEABAGGING parties??? I mean I don't know if anyone else is oblivious to the double entendre here, but if we are dealing with idiots, they will be showing up to the party with an entirely different idea than protesting the raising of taxes. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall at one of those mix-ups...LOL! If we don't raise some taxes, then our great-great-great=great grandchildren will be still paying for our debt. Speaking of which, the Obama's paid almost 900K in taxes last year. GEEZ LOUISE! Talk about practicing what you preach.

Music News

I am still amped about the I AM tour coming to the States. Rumor has it that when the tour hits the U.S., Mrs. Carter will be touring with Mr. Carter! Can you imagine that? That freakin show will be sold out in like 5 minutes.

SIR DRAKE!


Yes, I am still on that Drake Mixtape. Right now, he is the only cat out there who is both rapping and singing well. No disrespect to Ye and Weezy, but they need to stick to that initial career of JUST rapping. Drake has an ill flow, with a Hova swagger, although he is killing Mr. Carter in the substance. Then he flips it, and will sing a la Joe/Kenny Latimor-ish and it kind of blows you away. This kid will be around for a while, I am just feeling his swag right now. A friend of mine couldn't get into him because she's not into light-skinneded (ugh) dudes...I will be so glad when black people stop being so color-struck. Truthfully what does complexion have to do with talent? And we say slavery is over with...

This whole Keri Hilson v. Beyonce, Ciara, Pussy Cat Dolls or whoever is just too ridiculous to really be addressed. Get on first. Get established first. Get platinum first. Achieve stadium status ON YOUR OWN FIRST! Now that, that is out of the way. Her album is nice, not awe-inspiring, but radio friendly, clean your house while listening to it kind of record.

I have also been blazing that N.E.R.D. "Seeing Sounds" records. If you don't have this record - go out and buy it, trust, it is such a worthy purchase! Gotta love those Star Trak boys! That Jada record review will be next.

Oceans 7


So, it is no secret, I am like addicted to YouTube. I need to cut back on watching it at work (yeah I know), but Jermaine Dupri has a channel on YouTube called Living the Life. Those who regularly watch it are called Lifers. What has become interesting is this Oceans Boy clique he has put together. The Oceans 7 are:
Jermaine Dupri - The General
Johnta Austin - Johnny Sinatra
Usher - The Light
Bryan Michael Cox - The Texas Ranger
Tyrone (JD's Asst.) - Intynational
Trey Songz - 007/11
Nelly - Moe(?)

These guys are typical men, they are truly an explicit male version of the View. The things they discuss are hilarious, crass at times, but definitely entertaining. Check them out.

This FROCKING GUY! (The Keri Hilson Edition)

Okay, so a few weeks back, Keri Hilson releases the remix to her song, "Turnin Me On," and in the remix she appears to be dissing Beyonce and Ciara. Some of the language in the song, would leave ANYBODY to infer that she is most definitely talking about Beyonce and possibly even Ciara.

Now, I am no R&B peacemaker, however, I do believe in staying in one's place. This remix came out even before her album dropped, so it just seemed premature, not to mention ridiculous for her to be talking shyt! Either way, experience is the best teacher, and she will find out that in the industry, if you don't have the proverbial IT factor, it doesn't matter how many hot songs you write/produce, the spotlight isn't for everybody. Only time will tell.

So, I come across this video on YouTube of this Beyonce stan completely LOSING it about the diss. To say this mess is funny, is an understatement. Check it out!



This guy is a STAR!

The Republican FUDGET!

Ever since, we watched the GOP criticize Obama's budget plans, call him a Communist and a Socialist, and then sit back to see how the media would spin it, I kept asking the question: "Where is your budget?"

As if President Obama heard me, Tuesday evening during his press conference, he pretty much said the same thing. "They have criticized my recovery plan without offering one themselves." I thought, "YEAH!" However, when YOU are the minority party and YOU are greatly responsible for getting the country in this mess. The only thing you can do, is fall back and wait until the opportunity presents itself for an alternative. In fact, one could say that President Obama baited the GOP somewhat by making the comment that they offered no alternative. The pundits thought there was no way though, that they would actually take the bait...

Then today, the GOP holds a press conference (that they were late for) in which they very briefly talked about the 18-page document that they called the Republican Road to Recovery. This proposal barely had any numbers in it, of which they offered to get into more detail sometimes next week, which at this point is in four days. I don't think I can take anymore buffoonery from that party. Millions of people are out of work, the economy is going to hell in a handbasket and the biggest figures in their plan, gives a 10% increase in tax cuts to the rich. I AM OFFICIALLY DONE!

Anyone who can still admit to being a member of the Republican party is a CHODE! Yes, I said chode, courtesy of Beavis & Butthead.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

De Ja Vu - the Justin Timberlake Edition!

Okay, so it is no secret, I haven't really been a fan of JT since the whole '04 Superbowl incident. Yes, I believe that he LEFT JANET HANGIN! And so should anyone else, who watched that tomfoolery take place, and middle American society basically have an aneurysm from it. The image of him holding three pieces of material from Janet's outfit is embedded in the dome.

Fast forward to 2009. Ciara is desperately trying to promote her upcoming album, so after basically two singles that flopped, she decides to drop the cut she has with JT. It has been about two, maybe even three years since she dropped her last album. Amid rumors of her alleged relationship with 50 Cent, a very revealing spread in Vibe Magazine and a notorious haul to reinvent herself, in "Love, Sex and Magic," her sexuality is almost overkill.

At first glance/listen, the song is decent. A nice radio-friendly track that I am sure will get lots of play on the dance stations. Whether or not the urban market will grab a hold of this remains to be seen. I kind of feel for Ciara, because it is hard to make that girl to a woman jump, and let's face it, prior to this year, her fan base was greatly the 6-16 market. Now she is trying to appeal to grown folks. The problem is that while us, grown folk love a nice video and song on the radio, it's the a great live performance that will make us loyal. Considering that I have seen Ciara perform live quite a few times, and all of them were bad at best, I am not so sure, she will be able to grab the adult market.

But what struck me in this video was the parallel to Janet Jackson. She has made no secret about her constant Janet-inspired style. Although, this video almost looks like a Beyonce knockoff with the shades and the bodysuit and stockings. But watching her play-by-play with Timberlake, the Superbowl came crashing back to me. Their chemistry is forced. The choreography is always good, but at times Ci Ci comes off a little masculine. While the song is solid and the video is entertaining, I don't know if America, especially the urban market can deal with JT schmoozing another sista in the industry with blatant sexual interest in a song. Time will tell.



I wonder what Jessica Biel thinks of the vid?

Cockblocking...the Keri Hilson Edition!

Amber Rose, Kanye West's (sometimes she's straight, sometimes she's gay) girlfriend better watch out, because Ye and Keri were getting it in, in her new video, "Knock You Down," featuring Ye and Ne-Yo.

The song is not exceptional, but it is tolerable. Personally it would be a lot better without Ne-Yo. This track would have been banging with The Dream! With all of that said, I couldn't help but notice the chemistry between Ye and Keri...hmmmmm, I'm sure we'll hear about more of this.

Aww DAD!

Ever since Michael and Juanita Jordan divorced, their middle child, Marcus Jordan has been lending his skill to Chicago's premier magnet high school, Whitney Young College Prep. This weekend they went to the Illinois Class 4A Championships, and Mike sat in the bleachers and watched his son contribute 19 points that put Young in the lead and eventually the win.

As his son and his teammates ran and jumped up and down on the court celebrating, he tearfully watched before exiting the game. Awwwwwww!



What a great dad!

Cockblocking BIOTCH...LMAO!

Okay, so I found out about these guys a couple of months ago, and they are hilarious. David Spates and John Ollie are two up and coming comedians who have a sleugth of videos on YouTube and have become YouTube stars.

Check out their latest videos in their COCKBLOCKING series!





Do men really do this kind of stuff to each other???

Someone Please Call 911!

Now all of us have had a bad experience at Mickey D's! Plain and simple, McDonald's is notorious for workers with bad attitudes, bad food, hot coffee with lids that come off, etc. However this woman calling 911 because they didn't have nuggets or the McDouble available takes the cake.



First of all, why did she give them her money if they didn't have what she wanted? Normally, you order, they ring you up, then you give them your money. Secondly, let's say we believe her story that all of this took place and that the lady came back and said, "Oops we don't have what you want." I have never heard of McDonald's refusing to give someone their money back for food you didn't eat! Now that I think about it, I probably would have lost it if they didn't give me my money back. But calling 9-1-1 doesn't solve anything. Call corporate, call a regional office, etc. Clearly she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but at least it was entertaining!

I have a CRUSH.....

...on RYAN LESLIE!



I could watch him all day, and I mean that as non-Westside of Chicago-hoodratish, as possible. This guy is for real, real music, real lyrics and intelligent as hell. Gotta love a triple threat like that!

Shoe Fetish - Part Deux!

So, to quell my shoe fetish, I like to take a look at the season's hottest looks. This Spring, Manolo Blahnik has shoes offering daring buckles, patchworks of color, metallics and even military print. They all somehow work, and with the right outfit could be a sure winner.

MANOLO BLAHNIK






Fendi offers two of my favorite looks this spring. A bold red velvet show with a bow that would compliment an after-five or even a casual look. And the white slingbacks are just sick!

FENDI




Christian Louboutin, my red sole favorite has the never gets old platform pump in spring colors such as Lavendar, and also offers a mirrored pump in colors such as magenta. Two looks that will definitely hit some red carpets this year.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN




Prada gives us two warm looks for this spring, in browns and tans that can compliment just about anything. The cap-toe pump will be a fasion favorite, as well as the studded slingback.

PRADA




Finally, Dolce & Gabana and Yves Saint Laurent offer two looks that will work well into the summer. D&G's t-strap pump has soft colors and a tailored toe. YSL's crimson satin mary-jane is just classic and exquisite enough to make any girl pull out that credit card to add it to her permanent collection.

DOLCE & GABANA



YVES SAINT LAURENT

Are You FREGGIN SERIOUS!

So, President Obama gave his first address tonight to both Houses of Congress. Before we could get past the proverbial, "ahhhh" of actually having a president that is hopeful, intellectual and prepared. We get the Republican response from their now "golden boy" Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.



He gets on television looking like the dude that made Johnny No. 5 from the 80's movie "Short Circuit," and he gives us a litany of just outright BullS*&! Republicans have a plan to save the economy?? For real? Like seriously? Because, all I have heard for the past two and half weeks is ridiculous criticism with no offer of solution on their part. But the cous-de-gras...

Standing on the steps of his mansion in Baton Rouge, this Bama had the nerve to tell a story about Hurricane Katrina to outline his reasoning for why the government should not fix the economy, but rather the American people. HURRICANE KATRINA!!! KATRINA was the mess that got most Republicans ousted from office considering how well they handled that debacle and he uses THAT as an example for why WE, the American people should renew our trust in the Republican party???

ARE THEY FREGGIN SERIOUS??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They send Johnny No. 5's owner to tell us that CRAP?!?!?!

Miscellaneous Randomness - Superbowl Edition!

So today was the Superbowl. YES! Superbowl Sunday, and it brought with it all of the excitement and drama that you look for in the final football game of the season. For two weeks, I kept getting that question regarding my pick for the big game. I could not give one, because quite frankly I always thought it would be a very close game. I was RIGHT! Not only did this thing go down to the fourth quarter, there were lead changes in the final three minutes of the game, with the game literally going down to the last 15 seconds. It was phenomenal. In the end, the Steelers came up the victor, but I must tip a hat to the Arizona Cardinals. They played a hell of a game. Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald also did not disappoint, but in the end, it was that amazing catch by Santonio Holmes that sealed the fate for the champs!



As an aside: It was overwhelming to see Jennifer Hudson sing the national anthem. She looked beautiful and she sang her face off. I see nothing but continued greatness for my fellow Chicagoan! )Photo courtesy of Getty Images)




Well, as I have stated on previous posts, it is cold as a snowman's azz in Chicago, although it is starting to warm up. To think I was happy that it was in the upper 30's this weekend. However, I think it is a consensus, that most Chicagoans can deal with it being cold, it's all of this damn snow that makes it unbearable sometimes. And we have plenty of it, as seen by the pics from in front of my house. I am praying for some more warm weather to melt this snow - well a girl can hope!



The Bulls go on a west coast trip twice a year. They started the season off with a dismal 1-6 road trip record, and ended it in horrible fashion by losing to the Thunder. However, a few months later, and a few players healthier and all of a sudden they look like a team that actually has talent and doesn't want to become the Detroit Lions of the NBA. With rookie phenom Derrick Rose at the helm, who knows, they may even have a chance to make the playoffs. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The GROWN and SEXY!

This is the moment that I became completely unhinged. The first dance from the First Couple. All I have to say is I can't wait to meet and eventually marry the man that looks at me like that!

Colin Powell is COOL!

I saw this vid and had to post this. General Colin Powell went to the BET Inaugural Ball and rocked out with Wyclef Jean, even getting on the mic and singing "No Woman, No Cry," with him.

At Last....The Obama Era Begins!

PRESIDENT OBAMA!

For some reason, that doesn't sound foreign or weird. It's as if I should have been saying that all along. Yes, I know it has been almost a month since I have blogged, and I have pretty much fallen off the face of the online earth. But, I have been so caught up in the new first family, frankly I haven't cared about much else.

I am still overwhelmed. I thought I was over the moon when he won the election, this Inauguration takes the cake. I barely got any work done Tuesday. I couldn't stop watching the Inauguration festivities. My entire office was tucked away somewhere watching him take his oath. I had MSNBC streaming as I watched he and Michelle at the Inauguration luncheon and then the parade thereafter.

Doesn't it feel GREAT! America finally got it right and chose right. Yes, him being the first African-American president is monumental. But, more than that, we have a good leader! He's intelligent, articulate, funny, humble and has the most beautiful family ever. The first lady is smart, fashionable, an incredible mother and an incredible wife. The fact that they are black is a bonus!

I have been caught up in Obama-mania just like the rest of the world all week. Of course, all over Chicago, all you see is drinks named after him (Obamatinis), food named after him (the Obama burger), tours named after him (the Obama tour), flags and banners hung all over the city. So, needless to say, the spirit and rousing support is not lacking here. But what has captured me the most is the whole dynamic of the Obama family. Watching him interact with those cute little girls. Seeing how confident and poised they are. Looking at he and Michelle walk down Pennsylvania Avenue waving at the crowds while they hold hands. Watching them share intimate looks and touches as they share their first dance. It's just too much!

They are like a fairy tale. You watch them, and you almost have to pinch yourself and say this is not a movie! There will be no credits at the end, this is real life. I mean to watch mega stars like Denzel Washington, Dustin Hoffman, Steven Spielberg, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West, etc, all be turned to awestruck fans was humbling. Obama is the biggest rock star ever! No one is more famous, more respected, more revered than him right now. And he just takes it all in stride. No boasting, no arrogance. He seems so content to just get a hug from Sasha and Malia and a kiss from Michelle. This isn't just what America needs. This is what the world needs right now. I am just thankful to God that I am here to see this, and to witness this and be a part of this time in history.

So to President Obama, First Lady Obama and the entire First Family. God Bless You, and thank you for choosing this responsibility and making America and the world a much better place!





It just doesn't get any better!




First Couple!




And so it begins...