Let's take a moment. . .

to mourn for Benazir Bhutto and her family. It's always a sad sad thing when someone is taken before their time. This woman was an inspiration. She was the first female Prime Minister in Pakistan and planned to bring democracy to her country. And to be a woman in a male dominated society who was able to mobilize people and rise to the point where she reached was not an easy path. Her name Benazir means incomparable. That's what she was. Let's give it up to women leaders.

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JOKER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

Congrats to Buddha, New York, Tailor made and anyone who got that reference (me included) for receiving the last Joker of the Week win for 2007.

Tilshop suggested we do a Joker of the Year award. Great idea! It's been one heck of a year and the nominees range from surgeons to politicians to athletes and singers from criminals to bad parents to racists. I have NO idea who to vote for.... (Since there are so many nominees, just add your vote to the comments section. Thanks!)

Dr. Jan Adams - For performing a questionable surgery on Kanye's mom and then breaching all kinds of doctor/patient confidentiality by speculating about the cause her death to the LA Times...

George Bush - On GP.

Bounty Hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman - For his private racist comments and attempted justification that he uses the "n" word with Black friends...

Ann Coulter - For calling John Edwards a gay slur. She is evil incarnate.

Senator Larry Craig - For being in a dirty airport bathroom trying to get his freak on with an undercover cop, pleading guilty to a crime, deciding to resign, attempting to retract the aforementioned guilty plea and staying in office despite promises to resign....

Paris Hilton -- For going to jail for drunk driving, for being released due to a "mysterious" illness and being thrown back into the slammer by an angry judge...

Media covering Paris Hilton - For making her imprisonment the lead story when there's war, poverty, economy issues, etc. that SHOULD be front page news. One reporter actually likened her release to the release of Nelson Mandela...

Don Imus - Nappy headed "h*s"...

Sanjaya Malakar and those who voted for him - For subjecting us to this non-singing, hula dancing, diva hair-styled teen for weeks on American Idol...

Eddie Murphy - For questioning the paternity of Scary Spice's baby and generally being a deadbeat dad...

Bill O' Reilly - For believing that all African Americans are cursing, ignorant, undignified losers who lack culture and cannot think for themselves....

Sherri Shepard - For saying the world may be flat and nothing predated Christianity..

O.J. Simpson - For launching an unsuccessful sports memorabilia sting and being busted...

Britney Spears - For shaving her head, attacking the paparazzi with an umbrella, her VMA performance, terrible weaves, drunken and reckless driving, and for being a less fit parent than

K-Fed...

Jamie Lynn Spears - For getting pregnant at 16 despite seeing the public service announcement that is her sister. She should have been scared straight!

Michael Vick - He's got that much money and still so hood...

Isiah Washington - For using an anti-gay slur multiple times, going to rehab for it and still losing his spot on one of the top television shows...

Amy Winehouse - For having a great cd, 6 grammy nominations and still leaving her house looking like a crackhouse extra from New Jack City. Say Yes, Yes, Yes to Rehab Amy!

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It is very likely that after today or early tomorrow, I will not look at or think about the internet, a computer or anything that resembles work until after the holidays. Soooooo to that end--Happy Holidays! Hopefully, you're spending time with your families, traveling to exotic locales, or at least resting (Sassy....).

So have a Merry Christmas from CITC!


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That's What S/He Said!

Kanye West (in Spin magazine) - “I’m a pop enigma. I live and breathe every element in life. I rock a bespoke suit and I go to Harold’s for fried chicken. It’s all these things at once, because, as a tastemaker, I find the best of everything. There’s certain things that black people are the best at and certain things that white people are the best at. Whatever we as black people are the best at, I’m a go get that. Like, on Christmas I don’t want any food that tastes white. And when I go to purchase a house, I don’t want my credit to look black.” Gee. Thanks Kanyeezy.

Janice Dickinson (to Al Roker on Tyra Banks' weight) - "[Jennifer Love Hewitt] is a healthy, not emaciated woman...You want to see someone who's fat? I'm sorry, Tyra. Tyra Banks is fat. This girl is not fat." Someone who looks like a Botox Crypt Keeper Barbie should not cast stones....

Bow Wow (his response to a punk'd style interviewer on BET) - "You pay my bills, bruh? Real talk. …Don't ask this man is he taking moves from Chris Brown, and don't ask no other disrespectful-*ss, stupid-*ss questions. You got a problem with it you can holler at me." HA!!!!!!

Omarion (defending Bow Wow's angry reaction to the prank) - "Everything is good, man," he said. "You know how it is, sometimes when you're coming up in the game and you as young as we have been, sometimes people think they can — not necessarily push us around, but they feel they can play with us like that. If it had been 50 Cent or Game or any other man who would have stepped up in that interview, it would have went a lot differently. We want our respect, man. We want our respect as men. You don't just throw a man in a spoof interview and disrespect him. You have to respectfully talk to him. We didn't know it was a spoof, but I'm a little bit different when we handle situations. I'm very mild-tempered. I like to think about what I do before I do it. Bow gets upset." Boohoo.

Quote Source: Omarion and Bow Wow

Quote Source: Kanye West

Quote Source: Janice Dickinson

Picture Source: Janice Dickinson

Random Ridiculousness

1. Kayne West's latest quote in Spin Magazine:

“I’m a pop enigma. I live and breathe every element in life. I rock a bespoke suit and I go to Harold’s for fried chicken. It’s all these things at once, because, as a tastemaker, I find the best of everything. There’s certain things that black people are the best at and certain things that white people are the best at. Whatever we as black people are the best at, I’m a go get that. Like, on Christmas I don’t want any food that tastes white. And when I go to purchase a house, I don’t want my credit to look black.”

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2. R. Kelly misses another court appearance. Why don't they just save the taxpayers' money and drop the friggin' charges already? The trial has been pending since 2002!

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3. T.O's latest rant re: Jessica Simpson's attendance at the Cowboys' game to cheer on her man Tony Romo:

"Right now, Jessica Simpson is not a fan favorite — in this locker room or in Texas Stadium," Owens said Wednesday, addressing her appearance at Sunday's home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, 10-6. "With everything that has happened, obviously with the way Tony played and the comparison between her and Carrie Underwood, I think a lot of people feel she has taken his focus away," Owens said. "Other than that, she was high on my list until last week.
He added: "Oh, I got a message for her when we make the playoffs. Just stay tuned."

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4. Free Michael Vick Campaign:

FIVE Atlanta Falcons players have been fined by the NFL for wearing T-shirts bearing tributes to jailed quarterback Michael Vick in a game last week.

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OOPS, they did it again

Just when you thought that the Spears' Family was going through more than any family could endure with Brit Brit's antics, Brit's little sister turns up preggers. I just feel for the mother. No mom of a teenage daughter wants to hear the dreaded "Mom, guess what? I'm pregnant" but just imagine that the horrid news is spread all over the media. And the Moral Crusade has already started lashing out against Mrs. Spears saying that she should be ashamed of herself for not raising better daughters. Excuse me... but Mrs. Spears wasn't the one playing the infamous "pull and pray" with her boyfriend and she sure wasn't the one tripping Brit Brit when she fell with her kid. Who's to say that Jamie Lynn didn't lie to her mom like many teens do and declare that she wasn't having sex with her boyfriend. I'm sure the paparazzi are having a field day with this one. Well, Brit isn't upset. In fact, she was recently spotted shopping for Christmas presents and reportedly is full of holiday cheer. Why not? At least, she can run a few red lights, miss some court appearances or drop one of her kids for the next few weeks and no one will give a crap. We're too busy reeling over the latest news. This could have all been avoided if "Ms. Zoey 101" would have paid more attention in "Sex Ed 101" and used some protection for goodness sake.

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WHY DO WE REALLY CARE?

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Ok, so I know by now you've heard the rumors that Jay and Beyonce were secretly married in France last week. The proof? Well, apparently Beyonce has a "IV" tattooed on her left ring finger and Jay-Z has the same tattoo. People are speculating that they have these tattoos instead of traditional rings. First of all, that is not proof--the pic of Jay's "wedding ring" isn't even clear--who knows what the hell has has on his finger? Second of all, let's just assume for a moment that they did get married. Why do we actually care? I'll tell you why...we care so that in a couple of weeks, we can speculate on either Beyonce's pregnancy or their divorce. We don't really care if they're happy. We just want more news to talk about. I, for one hope that they didn't get married because you know what? They'll be divorced in a couple of years. For some strange reason, celebrity marriages just don't work. Or, if they did get married (which I seriously doubt), I hope that they kept it secret like Janet Jackson did back in the day.

Joker of the Week Nominations

Wesley Snipes - For being conveniently black like OJ now that he's facing a tax trial....

Ruben Studdard - He cancelled an appearance at my church this week at the last minute AFTER the Christmas program was built around him, tickets were sold and the event was advertised. Since I'm speaking on church I'm going to try and refrain from disparaging remarks.

Old man at Iowa debate - He questioned Obama's loyalty to the black community and actually referenced the OJ decision. I need to insert the quote to give the full effect. “[S]omething has been sticking in my craw...a certain fella committed two murders in California and the jury found him not guilty. And all they said was, ‘It’s payback time.’ How are you going to have that come out in this election to combat one of your competitors?...The black jury in Los Angeles, the reason they found O.J. not guilty was ‘payback...for mistreatment by white America...How are you going to get that brought out in your campaign? Will the same thing happen? If he should become elected, you think Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Oprah Winfrey are going to let him forget about that and their obligation? Obama, has never said anything about payback for the problems the blacks have had getting their foothold in society.” (Can I declare this fool the winner and have done with it? Really. Now I'm torn between him and Ruben!)

Buddha, New York and Tailor made and anyone who understands this reference.

Picture Source: Snipes

Ummmm, What?

Sweet merciful Jesus! This picture was taken of MJ at a Barnes and Noble this weekend in Vegas. Seriously, he should have sent Jeeves to pick that book up. That is definitely not how one should leave their home. I'm actually a little frightened.

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Billboard v. Bootlegger

Daughtry was named the top seller on Billboard 2007. I can't dispute it. I bobbed my head (rocker style) and tapped my foot to his top three singles. I was surprised to see HMontana twice on the list. But some of you were shocked to see Jay-Z at the bottom of the list. Well, let this console you - the Bootlegger's Top Copied Records in 2007. This is what I figured had to be the competing list

Billboard's Top Selling 20 albums of 2007:
1. DAUGHTRY Daughtry

2. KONVICTED Akon

3. THE DUTCHESS Fergie

4. HANNAH MONTANA Soundtrack

5. SOME HEARTS Carrie Underwood

6. ALL THE RIGHT REASONS Nickelback

7. FUTURESEX/LOVESOUNDS Justin Timberlake

8. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 Soundtrack

9. NOW 23 Various Artists

10. MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT Linkin Park

11. B'DAY Beyonce

12. GRADUATION Kanye West

13. ME AND MY GANG Rascal Flatts

14. LOVE The Beatles

15. THE SWEET ESCAPE Gwen Stefani

16. HANNAH MONTANA 2 (SOUNDTRACK)/MEET MILEY CYRUS Miley Cyrus \

17. AWAKE Josh Groban

18. NOT TOO LATE Norah Jones

19. TAYLOR SWIFT Taylor Swift

20. KINGDOM COME Jay-Z

Bootlegger's Top Copied Records in 2007

1. KINGDOM COME Jay-Z

1. 50 cent's album (50 would say he was #1 or he'd go home - that's why he's not #2).

2. GRADUATION Kanye West
3. B'DAY Beyonce
4. KONVICTED Akon
5. FUTURESEX/LOVESOUNDS Justin Timberlake

6. THE DUTCHESS Fergie (for the BEP fans)

all the others just didn't make the list!!!!

Saggy Pants - Rooted in Prison Flirting?

Florida Senator Gary Siplin has introduced a bill to ban saggy pants in Florida schools. He claims that sagging pants are a distraction from learning as they draw attention to the body. Moreover, he believes that if people really knew the origin of the fashion trend, they wouldn't be so quick to emulate it. Siplin claims that the trend originated in prisons and has said that "[w]hen a prisoner wears his pants below the waist he's indicating that he's available for the night."

Putting aside First Amendment concerns with the bill and putting aside the fact that I hate to see men tripping up on jeans and exposing their underwear, is that true? Is that really the origin of sagging pants? If so, am I the only one who didn't know that? That is fascinating if it's true, on a lot of different levels. Sagging pants are seen as so cool, thuggish, manly, and the notion that the trend began by men signaling that they wanted to have relations with other men in prison is so contrary to that image. Further, due to the popularity of hip hop culture the "prison flirt" look then transcended prison, hit the streets and infiltrated suburbia and fashion period. And it's all based on some Oz-like romancing? Interesting.

Quote source

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Ummmm, What?

I'd like to start a new segment on CITC. Sometimes I see pictures that are beyond ridicule, scorn or comment, and all I can think is "Ummmm, what?"

This picture of Omarion at the I Am Legend premiere is just such an occasion.

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Joker of the WEEK

I hate to do this to one of my own, but Kreativemix A.K.A. Sassy is the Joker of the Week for tagging fellow chicas!!!! LOL. Enjoy the honor and join fellow Joker alum such as T.I., Eddie Murphy, and Bill O'Reilly in the CITC Hall of Fame.

Now which one of the women in these photos is Sassy? HA!


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TravelDiva's Random 7 Things

TravelDiva has been tagged by Kreativemix. Can I nominate her for Joker of the Week? LOL. Anyhoo, since I've been tagged I must now list 7 miscellaneous facts about myself on my blog, and also tag other unlucky bloggers. In addition, I have to let people know that I tagged them and leave comments on their blog to let them know they are now " it " and must do the same . Hence, the name "tag." So here goes it folks.


1. I have such a crush on Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, that I read and actually enjoyed his autobiography, The Rock Says.

2. I hate the summertime. Once I started working and could not benefit from a school time summer vacay, I realized that summer meant I was just hot and working. No joy there.

3. When I was a kid, my dimples were so huge that other kids put nickels and dimes in them just to see if they would fit.

4. I watch reruns of Seinfeld, Martin, The Simpsons, The Cosby Show, Xena Warrior Princess, Sex and the City and numerous other shows like I've never seen the episodes before.

5. I LOVE to read--everything from Shakespeare to historical romances to L.A. Banks vampire fiction to Harry Potter. Give me a new book, a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate by my fireplace and I'm SET!

6. I am addicted to the Nestle hot chocolate maker in my new office. It's like crack with chocolate calories.

7. I have a purse fetish. Every time I travel to a new country I have to buy at least one ridiculous purse. (Purse below similar to the one I just got in Espana).

I tag hautegirl. Sorry chica, your purse game caught my eye!

Picture Source: L.A. Banks

Picture Source: The Rock Says

Picture Source: Xena

Picture Source: Spanish Purse/LilyLily

Can I get a "hello"?

Today, while minding my business, casually strolling to Chipotle for a lunchtime salad, I was accosted by a random joker. I saw this guy headed in my general direction wheeling 4 or 5 boxes. When he saw me he veered left and literally started running towards me with his cart. And I thought, I know this fool isn't headed for me.... When he got within inches of me, he said, "Owwwwww, I'm a run you ova girrrrrl" in a voice that was oddly reminiscent of Jerome from Martin, and sadly I think it was his natural voice.

And this got me to thinking about all of the bad lines I've heard over the years from random guys. Some of my favorites include:

1. Where is your man at? Cause if I was your man, I'd never leave you alone." (Oddly a popular line--but frankly makes me think the guy is some kind of needy stalker).

2. So round, so brown, so fine. (Umm, yeah, you lost me at so round. WTF?)

3. Smile for me. Don't look so mean. (Maybe I'm having a bad friggin' day and don't feel like smiling!)

The bottom line is--can I get a simple "Hello, how are you?" Is that too much to ask?

Joker of the WEEK

Congrats to Eddie Murphy for a resounding win as Joker of the Week last week.

I just started a new job this week, so my blogging has suffered. So I'm going to have to name a Joker of the Week sua sponte. LOL. Yesterday while riding into work, I heard the most bizarre story on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. While filming The Perfect Holiday, Morris Chestnut encountered a crazed fan. A woman was in her car changing her baby, when she looked up and spotted Morris Chestnut. She immediately stopped doing what she was doing and ran over to meet Morris. Unfortunately, she left her baby unattended and the baby fell, was bleeding and an ambulance had to be called. The baby is okay, but clearly the mother is not. Now, Morris is fine--that is without question. I think we ALL remember his first scene in the The Best Man when he strolled into that bar. (sigh). BUT how in the sam hell can you drop your BABY upon seeing a hot celebrity? You carried that child for 9 months, the baby is from your womb and you just dropped the child? Sweet merciful Jesus!

Unnamed lady who literally dropped her baby for a hot celebrity--you are without a shadow of a doubt the Joker of the Week!!!!!!

Since I don't have a picture of her, I now have an excuse to post a Morris pic. :-)

Picture Source - Murphy

Picture Source - Chestnut

World AIDS Day - December 1, 2007

KNOWLEDGE IS HALF THE BATTLE!!


Ribbon

Giving Women Power