Random Question/Rant of the Day

Why can't "we" be happy for each other? It's amazing that in my 31 years, I have felt more racism and prejudice from my "own people" than from "them". While in college, it was my black friends who laughed when I said I wanted to become an attorney. In law school, it was mainly the black students who were upset when they found out I had good grades and landed a firm job. It's black people who call me "booji" because I can (gasp) drive a nice car and live in a nice house, instead of choosing to live with my mama and have the nice car. It was my black secretary who disrespected me and treated me as if I was inferior and mistakenly given a law degree and bar membership. WHY? I just don't get it. Why is it ok for "them" to have educations, large bank accounts, nice homes, and goals/ambitions BUT when "we" want and earn these same things, we're trying to "act white" or we're not "black" enough. My husband's cousin sarcastically refers to us as the "Huxtables" as if that's a bad thing. I just don't get it. I am proud when I hear that one of us is a doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur. Travel Diva's brother attends an Ivy League college and I told everyone as if he was my sibling. I was so proud. I just don't get it. It's the 21st century and we still have the old slavery mentality. The reason for my rant is because my ex-secretary who I finally dropped after 7 excruciating months together is still obsessed with me. It's like it angers her that a black woman from Bmore could actually be an attorney. Every day I hear about some stupid comment she has made about me. She doesn't like me because I actually wanted her to .....gasp....treat me with the same respect as she gives to the white partner who walks around telling everyone she's "stupid". She can smile in her face and kiss her-ss because she's supposed to get respect BUT for me, she recently questioned the "ranking" of my law school and was "surprised" that the manager of the litigation department exclusively provides me with his work. WTF???? I don't care about her because she's just a disgruntled middle-aged woman who's just hatin' BUT what I do care about is that there are millions like her. Now, I have to tell/teach my kids that they will likely face prejudice by not only "them" but "us" too. That's just sad. Very, Very sad.

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

I love this couple..... It's about time that we see a "positive" black family in the media.

Whether he's our next president or not, I love them. I don't know about you BUT I'm tired of seeing and/or hearing about the poor struggling single mother with five kids, no job, and no daddy around for her kids. Or, the triflin' brotha locked up again because he won't pay his child support, sold drugs or got "caught up by the man". Hey, these people exist BUT they are not the only type of Black people in this country. Now, some of us don't care that the black family is virtually extinct and that's your choice BUT I care. This picture says so much more than I can write..... It's about DAMN time!

Joker of the WEEK Nominations

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney - For singing "Who let the Dogs out?" to a crowd of African Americans in Jacksonville, Florida and asking a young child about "bling bling." He's about 10 years late on his stereotypes and ridiculous slang.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick - For not only having an affair with his chief of staff and lying about it under oath, he also was allegedly holed up in a hotel with another woman (Carmen Slowsky) enjoying a whirlpool bath and champagne just last week before attending an MLK prayer breakfast.

Former President Bill Clinton - For playing the race card yet again and comparing Obama's potential win in South Carolina to Jesse Jackson's victory and for losing the endorsement of his BFF Ted Kennedy to Obama.

Bobby Brown/Sisqo - Two Words: Gone Country.

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WINNER - JOKER OF THE WEEK

Congrats to GW for narrowily edging out Bill Clinton for a Joker of the Week win last week. Golf Magazine came in third.

Who will this week's winner be? Well Mitt Romney, who asked a young black child about bling bling and sang who let the dogs out to a group of African Americans looks like a solid contender....

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Ummmm, What?

I hope Jamie is looking this way for a role because the Samuel Jackson-Shaft look is not hot.

And Mama Sean John shows once again that money cannot buy class, style, taste and/or age appropriate clothing.

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They Tried to Make Her Go To Rehab..

Finally! Amy Winehouse checked into rehab today. Methinks the recent video of her smokin' crack surfin' the web might have been the straw that broke the camel's back. Detox and a long shower are in order.

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Detroit Mayor Caught Lying and Cheating - Is Monagamy Possible?

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was recently caught in lies. The married mayor and his married top aide/mistress lied under oath during a whistleblower lawsuit last summer. They testified under oath that they did not have any type of romantic relationship. Kilpatrick actually was indignant at the suggestion. Well, after looking through over 14,000 text messages (sent on city issued pagers), the Detroit Free Press discovered that Kilpatrick and his aide had exchanged some fairly provocative messages indicating a romantic and sexual relationship. The less explicit texts include:

• "I'm madly in love with you." Kilpatrick to Beatty.



• "I hope you feel that way for a long time. In case you haven't noticed, I am madly in love with you, too!" - Beatty to Kilpatrick.



• "I've been dreaming all day about having you all to myself for 3 days. Relaxing, laughing, talking, sleeping and making love." - Kilpatrick to Beatty.



• And, did you miss me, sexually?" Beatty to Killpatrick. "Hell yeah! You couldn't tell. I want some more." Kilpatrick to Beatty.



• "This is one of those little things I had to tell you. Last night when I was laying on your shoulder in the car and you held my face and sang whatever song it was, that felt so good. It was just one of those little moments when you just made me fall some more," - Beatty to Kilpatrick.

One particular night in '02
"Can I just come and lay down in your room until you get back?" Beatty to Kilpatrick.

"Yes," Kilpatrick replied.

The next morning:
"They were right outside the door. They [the mayor's bodyguards] had to have heard everything..., So we are officially busted! LOL." Kilpatrick to Beatty.

I feel bad for their spouses having to go through this kind of public humiliation. It's bad enough they've been betrayed, but to have it play out publicly. Horrific. Cheating is so common place that it's left me to ponder, is monagamy possible? And I mean monagamy for the longhaul - not one slip up.

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I Wish I Could Get This Close to LL....

Damn...
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"D'OH" - A Pair of Fools Mistake Bread For Cash

Two robbers, Benjamin Jorgensen, 38, and Donna Hayes, 36, were sentenced for robbing the Cuckoo Restaurant in Melbourne, Australia. They "thought" they were stealing $26,000 in cash when they grabbed a sack, but in actuality, they had mistakenly grabbed a sack of bread.

To compound matters, during the bread heist, Jorgensen accidentally fired his gun and shot Hayes, his accomplice, in the butt.

HAAAAA. Before sentencing them to prison (Jorgensen (7 years) & Hayes (8 years), Judge Roland Williams called them a "Pair of Fools." Agreed.

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Random Question of the Day

I was listening to the radio this morning and the host reported that he was "surprised" by a recent poll which showed that most women would choose a million in cash over Halle Berry's body. I am perplexed. Why is this surprising? If I had to choose between securing my family's financial future and having a body like Halle Berry, I would hands down choose the money. I've accepted that I will never look like Halle and I am ok with that. I have learned to love myself just the way I am--well, minus the preggers and post- preggers tummy. BUT, I have not accepted the fact that I don't have a large reserve in the bank. Hey, what would you choose? A million bucks or a body like Halle?

Guess Who Has Changed His Name Once Again?

None other than Puff, Puffy, I mean P-Diddy, or is it Diddy? Now, the most arrogant man in show business--well, perhaps a tie with Kanye--wants to be called by his legal name "Sean John". Gimme a break...

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Sad News - Heath Ledger Passed Away

CNN is reporting that actor Heath Ledger was found dead in a Manhattan apartment today. Tragic. My condolences definitely go out to his family and his little two year old. Ledger played in such films as Brokeback Mountain, 10 Things I hate about you, and is the Joker in the upcoming Batman flick.

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Joker of the WEEK Nominations

Bill Clinton - For falling asleep on MLK day while listening to Martin Luther King Jr.'s son speak. Clinton must have had a different kind of dream eh?

Sherri Shepherd - For saying that Shirley Caesar was the Black Patti LaBelle. I'm guessing she meant the gospel Patti Labelle, but who knows?

Traceddie - For being part of a symbolic marriage for only two weeks.

Golf Magazine - For putting a picture of a noose on its recent cover in the wake of the Tiger Woods/lynch in the back alley scandal. Tacky. (Nadja recommendation!)

George W. Bush - For coming into office with a $236 billion budget surplus, squandering it and leaving us facing a recession and massive debt.

I don't know who I'm voting for...

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Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream - Are we living it or Crushing it?

Here's an excerpt of the most famous speech in our civil rights history --- As we read the words of this speech, let us not think of this as a "dream," but as a call or directive to live a rich and full life, a call to make a difference in our homes, our jobs, our communities and our countries. We should ask ourselves, what have we done to carry on this legacy? What can we do in 2008 that can change our lives and others? For freedom, For education, For food, shelter and clothing, For the right to vote, For peace!!! How will you carry on this legacy!!!! You have a dream that one day....[insert your dream/directive].

MLK Jr.'s Dream----

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."²

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of
Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

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Joker of the Week Results

You voted and it was two-way tie between Bob Johnson for his comments on Barack Obama and The Juice (O.J.) for his recent confinement and overall tomfoolery. I think the judge's words in the O.J. trial fit both of these winners - ARROGANT AND IGNORANT. Jokers of the Week indeed.

Who is going to be nominated next week? Traceddie and Sherri Shepard from The View are definitely looking like contenders............

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Bill Clinton is Not Black

NEWS FLASH. BILL CLINTON IS NOT NOW NOR HAS HE EVER BEEN BLACK. I'm so sick of people saying that he was the first African American President. Why? Because he was a playa? Because he was smooth? Because he cheated on his wife? Or was it because he played the sax on Arsenio Hall and loved himself some Aretha Franklin? I do not deny that Clinton had a number of Blacks on staff and was definitely a more inclusive president. But does that give him a black card? Please.

The latest offender is former civil rights activist and politician Andrew Young who stated, “Hillary Clinton, first of all, has Bill behind her. And Bill is every bit as black as Barack.” WHAT? Are you kidding me? So Bill faces the same struggles and racism as an obvious African American? Is Obama not black enough because he's educated? Give me a break. Mr. Young you do a disservice to yourself and to African Americans as a people by implying that Clinton is a) black; b) as black as Obama and by suggesting that there is some litmus test for being black.

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Random Question of the Day

Should we hold preachers to a higher standard of conduct? Specifically, would you continue to attend a church where the preacher has unlimited extramarital affairs? Or, is his only job to "save people" and therefore, we should not care about what he does outside of the pulpit?
I have had this argument with several people. For me, I understand that preachers are human and yes, they are trying to get into heaven just like us. BUT, I cannot and will not sit under the leadership of a man who has numerous extramarital affairs, fails to repent and walks around like he's holier than thou. Are people willing to accept adultery because that's just what "men" do? Or, would they accept any "sin" committed by their preacher? For instance, if your pastor was a drug addict, would you still follow him? In no way am I suggesting that a Man of God cannot have flaws. However, I need a preacher who falls but then realizes his mistakes and picks himself up--not one who continues sinful behavior.
Like I told one of my friends, even if I am at the club on Saturday night, I don't want to see my spiritual leader there. I think we should hold them to a higher standard. If not, why should they be leaders?
What do you think?

Setting Financial Goals for 2008

New Year, New You, New Goals - Chicas Get Your Money Straight!!!

How to simplify your finances in the New Year - Simple ways to stay on top of your dollars and cents in 2008 - By Stacey Tisdale

Do you always resolve to organize your bills, pay off your debt, and save more money, but just don’t know where to begin? Financial journalist Stacey Tisdale, author of “The True Cost of Happiness: The Real Story Behind Managing Your Money,” has a few simple tips to help you stay on top of your finances in the New Year.

Set goals
Nothing will simplify your finances faster than focusing on your most important goals. Set specific goals like “I want to save $1,000 and take my wife on that dream vacation” or “I want to put $75 a month into my child’s college fund.” Ideas like “I want to save more” and “I want to invest more” are vague and overwhelming.

A great way to stay connected to your goals is to put your budget on the refrigerator or on the wall where everyone can see it. It’s important to list your goals right at the top.

For example, my husband and I want to go to Paris this summer. I keep a picture of the Eiffel Tower in my wallet right next to my credit card. I have a friend who wants to save $5,000 this year for her child’s college education. She keeps a picture of him wearing a cap and gown where she used to keep her credit card.

These things motivate you to make smarter financial decisions that will make things easier down the road. Another way to make our financial lives simpler is to hold a good old-fashioned monthly family meeting to make sure that everybody is on the same page when it comes to money.

I know some people are thinking they can’t get their kids to sit down for dinner, let alone a monthly meeting. Tell them you need to talk about the money they will have to spend. You’ll be surprised by how they suddenly find time. These meetings allow you to reconnect with them and share your goals. You can let family members know what is expected of them when it comes to financial contributions. You can address challenges before they turn into problems. Set a regular date, and designate someone to take notes. That will help you avoid confusion at future meetings.

Organize financial documents
If your family cannot find the information they need when they need it, you have put them in the most complicated of all financial situations. Let them know where things are, where your finances stand, and if you have any special desires for your money. This is a good time of year to do this because a lot of us are getting our financial documents in order as we prepare for tax season.

Consolidate your accounts
If you have a lot of financial accounts, it’s difficult to keep track of them, and therefore difficult to figure out where you stand financially. I know people who have had five different jobs and have five different 401(k) accounts. They have no idea of what they have accrued in retirement savings.

Cut down on credit cards
If you have credit card debt, use only cash or debit cards until your debt is paid off. Each transaction is making your life more complicated and expensive.

None of us needs more than one credit card unless we have an additional card for business. The Federal Reserve Board has a Web site that will help you pick a card that is right for your needs. For example, if you pay off your bill each month, you don’t necessarily need a card with the lowest interest rate.

Automate your financial transactions
I urge people to get their bills, saving and investment money automatically deducted from their paychecks or bank accounts. Your bank and your employer should be able to help you set up everything you need. It’s important to remember, however, that online accounts are still managed by people and therefore subject to error. So it’s up to you to check on your financial transactions and make sure that they are correct.

See a financial professional
The days when managing money meant putting some of your savings in the stock market are long gone. Financial planning has become a complicated business. There are different investment options, saving options, estate-planning options, the list goes on and on.

Getting professional help can relieve your worries about money whether you have a little or a lot. If you are looking for a planner, the Financial Planning Association can help you find one in your area. You can expect to spend between $100 and $200 for a one-hour session.

Also, look at the areas where you need help. For things like investing and debt reduction, you may just want to find a specialist.

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Excerpted from the Today Show on msnbc.com

Stuck in a Reality Rut

Last year I swore off American Idol after that Sanjaya debacle and Blake Lewis outlasting mousy but talented Melinda Doolittle. I was convinced this time I could keep the resolution because AI was no longer holding my attention anyway. But I'll be damned if I didn't watch Tuesday's and Wednesday's episodes last night after winding down from an evening round of Taebo with Billy Blanks. (sigh). It's the writer's strike and the end of scripted television that ruined my Anti-Idol resolution. I can only read and watch the news so much. Eventually, I need to veg out, and since there's nothing new coming on (aside from The Wire woohooo!!!), I find myself glued to American Idol and generally watching reality programs that should not interest me (i.e. Crowned: The Mother of All Beauty Pageants and Celebrity Apprentice). I hope they reach a resolution soon....or I could do the unthinkable and tune in to American Gladiators.

(Sidenote, comedian Huggy LowDown commented on Randy's new sideburns this morning on TMJS. He said that Randy looked like "an overweight vampire with glasses." L M A O!!!!!!!!!!)

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Random Question of the Day

Rumor has it that Tracey Edmonds' refusal to sign a prenup was a contributing factor in the demise of her "relationship" with Eddie Murphy. If you were marrying a millionaire, would you sign a prenup? Do you find the whole idea of such an agreement "offensive" or, is that just the reality of marriages today?
Personally, if I were marrying someone like Jigga, I'd sign and just suddenly forget to take my birth control a few times and have like 3 kids. That way, I'd be guaranteed 90 grand a month and that's enough, I wouldn't need millions. Hey, don't judge me. A girl has to secure her future.....
What do you think?

Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds Separating After 2 Weeks

What is sure to be logged in the "Shortest Celebrity Marriages" file, Eddie and Tracey are separating just 2 weeks after their wedding ceremony in Bora Bora according to http://www.people.com/. According to People, the relationship was tense from the start as Eddie yelled at Tracey on several occasions during the honeymoon, in public no less. This short-lived pr union (I mean marriage) is ridic even by celebrity standards.

• Other short-lived celeb weddings:

Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd - 8 months

Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney - 4 months

Janet Jackson and James DeBarge - 4 months

Nicholas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley - 3 months

Britney Spears and Jason Alexander (regular joe) - 55 hours

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We Couldn't Make This Up If We Wanted...

First, she embarrasses herself on national TV by admitting that she doesn't know whether the world is flat or round. Then, she says that nothing pre-dated Christianity. Now, she says...."Shirley Caesar, is like the black Patti LaBelle." WTF? Travel Diva, I so wish I could nominate this chick as the Joker of the Week...

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Ummmm, What?

Now I love Ms. Badu, but what in the sam hell was she thinking leaving her home in this get up?

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Random Tidbits

Oprah Winfrey - Say what you will about Oprah Winfrey, but she is an entrepreneur. Yesterday it was announced that she is launching her own network in conjunction with Discovery Communications--the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Do you Oprah!

DMX - Oh X. First you state your plans to release a gospel album in an announcement laced with profanity. Now word is a judge has ordered you to pay $1.5 million to the mother of your child for defamation for claiming in an interview in Sister 2 Sister magazine - "She raped me. DNA says it is (my child). I don’t know. If I did (have sex with her) I would remember. It ain’t like she’s a pretty girl." Classy X. Real classy. Clearly your mouth is writing checks your behind can't cash.

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Celebs on Steroids?

Apparently, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean and Tyler Perry have been named in a New York probe into steroids use. Well that would explain Timbaland's transformation. But Wyclef? WTH?

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Joker of the WEEK Nominations

Congrats to last week's winners Michael Patrick Carroll and Chris Stokes and Co...

This week's competition is certainly shaping up to be a tough contest.

Bob Johnson (for attacking Obama at a Clinton rally) - "To me, as an African American, I am frankly insulted the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Hillary and Bill Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues — when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood; I won't say what he was doing, but he said it in his book — when they have been involved." (So uncalled for. What is even more ridiculous is Johnson denying that he was talking about Obama's drug use as a youth, but was instead talking about Obama's community organizing activities. Yeah right).

Roseanne Barr (for posting the following on her blog about Oprama) - "Obama votes with Bush constantly funding this terrible endless war.Oprah, you play the race card and the gender card too. You are a closeted republican and chose Barak Obama because you do not like other women who actually stand for something to working American Women besides glamour, angels, hollywood and dieting!"

O.J. Simpson - For being thrown back in jail for contacting a co-defendant in contravention of his bail terms. Oh Juice.

Vivica Fox - Not for the alleged sex tape but because with the plastic surgery, it's getting very hard for me to recognize her......

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Happy Birthday LL!!!!!

CITC could not let this milestone go unheralded. 40 years old and still smokin'!

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Roseanne Barr on Oprama

Roseanne Barr recently posted the following comments on her website:

"Obama sells hope in lieu of TRUTH. Obama votes with Bush constantly funding this terrible endless war. He is anti union in his votes, corporately owned as completely as hilary is, and this just proves how stupid americans are and how they can be tricked so easily by the color of a person's skin...exactly what MLK hated! Obama doesn't even back reproductive rights for any woman! It is historical that Oprah Winfrey, beloved of women, chooses a flashy man with small credentials over a seasoned woman politician with 35 years of experience...and sells that to the female demographic who look to her for inspiration!

She goes on to add:

"Obama votes with Bush constantly funding this terrible endless war.
Oprah, you play the race card and the gender card too. You are a closeted republican and chose Barak Obama because you do not like other women who actually stand for something to working American Women besides glamour, angels, hollywood and dieting!
When Americans find out that Obama backs right wing corporate racist anti worker bullsh*t, they will not vote for him, and the victory will go to the most racist right wing republican ever.... Mccain, who is a fascist!"

Is she auditioning for The View again? Oprah can back whoever the h*ll she wants to. Obviously Oprah believes in Barack--she wouldn't put her credibility on the line otherwise--especially during the primaries. The fact that Barr dismisses Obama's message, his 11 years as an elected official, and his Harvard background and instead focuses on his race as the ONLY possible reason Oprah could support him raises some questions about her. Whateva Rosie.

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Ummmm, What? (Blast From The Past Edition)

Oh Slick Rick. There are so many things wrong with this image, that all I can say is Ricky Ricky Ricky can't you see?

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Random Question of the Day

How long should a "couple" date before one of the two has the right to ask the dreaded question "where is this 'thing' going" or "are you seeing anyone else"? One of my friends has been dating this guy for like 3 months and she's going crazy because she wants to know whether they've reached the "boyfriend/girlfriend" status. However, she's afraid that it's just too soon to ask. But, apparently, it's not too soon for them to get their freak on on the regular. But, I digress...
I haven't been single for many years so I'm not sure. But, I would hope that if I felt comfortable enough to sleep with someone on the regular, I would have the "balls" (no pun intended) to ask if they were seeing/sleeping with someone else. However, I've been out of the game for more than a minute. So, I'd like to know what you think--thoughts?

HAPPY BDAY TO THE QUEEN OF HIP-HOP AND R&B

Happy Birthday Mary J!

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Ummmm, What?

Amy Winehouse's new look. I honestly want to drive her to rehab my damn self or at least give her some Pantene (shampoo and a leave in-conditioner) and a hairbrush....

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Random Question of the Day

Is it wrong for a preacher to live well while his congregation is poor?
Apparently, people are in an uproar about a recent airing of MTV's Sweet Sixteen where Rev. Vernon (Word Church in Cleveland) threw his sixteen year old daughter a $500,000 bash at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many say that such an extravagant display (which was allegedly paid by tithes/offerings) is unGodly like. Does the preacher have a right to use the tithes/offerings or his salary (set by the church) in any way he sees fit (bentleys, million dollar homes, designer wardrobe) or is he obligated to sow much of that money into community/church efforts? Do we hold preachers to a different standard than any other affluent person? Hmmmm.... What do you think?

Usually, "they" are not my type but DAMN!!!

I'm gonna have to add him to my list of men who could get it.... WOW

So, here we go again...

Why do these a-holes keep spewing hateful and racist comments only to then say "I didn't mean anything, I hope no one is offended"? Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman has been suspended by the network for joking that young players should "lynch [Tiger Woods] in a back alley" as a way to deal with his supremacy. After making the comment, she stated, "I have known Tiger for 12 years and I have apologized directly to him. I also apologize to our viewers who may have been offended by my comments.

Whatever heifer.... Apparently, Tiger wasn't offended. I guess that blond wife and mixed heritage has him confused.

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Republican Candidate Ron Paul's Scandalous History

The New Republic is reporting on Republican Presidential Candidate Ron Paul's racist crazy past. Apparently Paul had previously published a series of newsletters to his "followers" spouting a number of extreme ideas. Including:

-Paul on the 1992 L.A. Riots - "Order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks three days after rioting began. ... What if the checks had never arrived? No doubt the blacks would have fully privatized the welfare state through continued looting. But they were paid off and the violence subsided."

-Paul's description of Martin Luther King, Jr.? - "a world-class adulterer" who "seduced underage girls and boys"; "replaced the evil of forced segregation with the evil of forced integration."; "world-class philanderer who beat up his paramours"; and a "flagrant plagiarist with a phony doctorate."

-Paul on homosexuals - "I miss the closet. Homosexuals, not to speak of the rest of society, were far better off when social pressure forced them to hide their activities."

-Paul on homosexuals and HIV - "gays in San Francisco do not obey the dictates of good sense," adding: "[T]hese men don't really see a reason to live past their fifties. They are not married, they have no children, and their lives are centered on new sexual partners."; "they enjoy the attention and pity that comes with being sick."

-Paul advising anti-government militias - "Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."

-Paul on conspiracies - "I've been told not to talk, but these stooges don't scare me. Threats or no threats, I've laid bare the coming race war in our big cities. The federal-homosexual cover-up on AIDS (my training as a physician helps me see through this one.) The Bohemian Grove--perverted, pagan playground of the powerful. Skull & Bones: the demonic fraternity that includes George Bush and leftist Senator John Kerry, Congress's Mr. New Money. The Israeli lobby, which plays Congress like a cheap harmonica."

Wow.

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Chicas on Politics

With the nation aflutter with Election 2008, I figured we might as well start a regular blog to discuss politics.

Last night I realized something. I like John Edwards; and Hilary Clinton as president would be a nice gender victory. BUT, I really want Barack Obama to win. I always knew I would vote for him, but I had not actually allowed myself to hope that an African American could actually win. I didn't believe that America was enlightened enough to elect a racially diverse person given our country's history. Shame on me. Obama has shown that he is electable. He won Iowa, and he was narrowly beaten in New Hampshire. These are states that are not exactly a racial melting pot (to put it lightly). So he can rally the support of the masses. Mind you, he faces a tough challenge in Clinton, who was down for a week, got emotional and came back full force with a strong showing among women voters in particular. But now, I do believe that Obama can pull out a historic victory, not just in the primaries but in the general election in November. It won't be an easy road for him, but nothing worth having comes easily.

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That's What S/He Said!

Some interesting recent quotes....

Conservative pundit Robert Novak (on Senator Obama's chances to win the presidency) - "I think the only potential Achilles heel is in a general election, if there is some racist prejudice. I'm not sure there is. He's, as poor Joe Biden said, he's clean. He isn't a stereotype African-American. And I think he's a very strong candidate." Poor Biden? Stereotype African American? Nice.

Ice Cube (in Complex magazine on GW) - He (George W. Bush) doesn’t give a f*ck about anybody. That’s my main frustration. He cares about making his families rich and his friends. That’s how his daddy is, and that’s how he is. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. They don’t care about nobody, they just want to be rich, and use their position to get richer. They know they have four or eight years to snatch and grab all they can and they did. And people are going to say “worst president ever,” and he’ll say “who gives a sh*t? I’m rich.” (Ice Cube take them to school and teach! He's so right!).

Halle Berry (on being pregnant and walking the red carpet) - "It is true that I am three times the girl I usually am. I have to say there are some really wonderful things that come along with that. This is the first red carpet that I've really walked down where I didn't have to think about holding in my stomach – because I can't."

Mr. Blackwell (on Posh Spice being named the worst dressed of '07) - "Forget the fashion spice - wearing a skirt would suffice! In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty posh can really wreck-em."

Baseball player Roger Clemens (on whether the steroids scandal will jeopardize his Hall of Fame potential) - "You think that I played my career because I'm worrying about the damn Hall of Fame? If you have a vote and it's (turned) because of this, you keep your vote. I don't need the Hall of Fame to justify that I put my butt on the line and I worked my tail off. And I defy anybody to say I did it by cheating or taking any shortcuts. OK?"

Roger Clemens' trainer's lawyer Richard Emery (after Clemens secretly recorded his client regarding the steroids issue) - "He wants to play that game, he's going to get buried. I have no compunction about putting him in jail. This is war." And the plot thickens. If Clemens did take steroids as it appears many in the baseball arena were, then he needs to calm the heck down and take his lumps.

These People Are Deserving of A B--- Slap

According to the Baltimore Sun, today's memorial for a Parkville family (mother and her four children) killed in a drunken driving crash in Ohio was protested by a group that was recently ordered to pay millions for protesting the Westminster funeral of a soldier killed in Iraq.Three members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, known for protests at military funerals, were demonstrating about a block from St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, the site of the service.The demonstrators said the deaths are God's retaliation against the community for a recent $11 million jury award against the Kansas group. A federal jury in Baltimore made the award in October to Albert Snyder, of York, Pa., who sued after the group protested his son's military funeral in Maryland. Demonstrator Fred Phelps said the community is going to "pay the price" for persecuting his group for preaching the word of God.

How can these people spew such hate in the name of God? They deserve a good ol' fashioned b--- slap courtesy of GW.

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Please Spare Us

Reportedly, Ray J is releasing a new CD in April. Why can't he just live off of his sister's millions? Is it because her financial future is uncertain due to the civil lawsuit? Whatever, the reason why can't he just spare us?

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Random Question of the Day

Are blacks hatin' on Obama?
A recent poll showed that 3 out of 4 black Democrats support Hillary. Now, I'm not suggesting that every person of color should support Obama solely based upon "color". But, there has been a lot of criticism among black folk that Obama isn't "black" enough and that he won't do much for "us". Why do you think most blacks aren't supporting Obama? Is it because he's not "black" enough? (whatever the hell that means) Is it because "we're" like crabs in a barrel and hate to see one of us make history? Is it for legitimate reasons (for example, don't believe that he's the best candidate for the job)? Or, is it just plain old brainwashing (white is always better)?
Tell me what you think.

Joker of the Week Nominations

From the message boards it was a close race between Amy Winehouse and Brit Brit for Joker of the Year, so let's call it a tie. Other notables were Larry Craig, Don Imus, Bill O'Reilly and Ann Coulter.

So, we're off to the races for the first Joker of the Week nominations of 2008. And the nominees are......

Ryan A. Mueller - Wisconsin man busted for sneaking into a home and stealing $20 from the bank of a 2 year old girl. LOSER!

Vivica Fox - For allegations of a Paris Hilton like sex romp tape going around. Say it ain't so Viv!!!! I thought she hit rock bottom getting low for Lil' Jon on the VMAs.....

Hilary Clinton - The former front runner got PUNISHED in the Iowa caucus by Obama and narrowly edged out by Edwards. Now polls show Obama with a 10 point lead over Clinton for the New Hampshire primary. Step up your game Hil.

Republican Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll - For indicating that African Americans should be thankful for slavery because they're in the good ole USA now. Yes, the brutalization and victimization of millions of people was well worth American citizenship.

Raz B, Ricky Romance and Chris Stokes - For the allegations of molestation against Stokes by the former B2Kers, the retractions and the general shadiness of this whole Michael Jackson/R. Kelly-esque situation. Ewww.

I guess I need to remove Hilary's name from this week's list. :-)

Preggers Update: So I Guess Some People Do Opt to Remain Silent If They Have Nothing Nice to Say

Ok, so my mother-in-law informed me that she warned her sister that she needs to watch the things that she says. This warning was partially for my benefit and partially for my mother-in-law's. Apparently, the same day her sister was spewing hate towards me, she also was making negative comments towards her own sister. So, I see her over the weekend and she barely opens her mouth to speak to me. I didn't get a "how 's it going?" "how are you feeling?" "is the baby moving a lot?" Just a "hi". So, I was taken aback. It's like, oh, ok. Since, you're not "supposed" to criticize me, you don't have anything to say to me? B**ch! Some people are just so hateful!

Random Question of the Day

Should We Receive An Apology For Slavery? Would a Mere Apology be Sufficient? Is it Even Necessary?

I'm very torn on this one...What do you think?

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I'd like to nominate this fool for Joker of the Week

I know we all have fallen on tough times but damn...

According to Fox News, a 30-year-old man has been charged with sneaking into the bedroom of a sleeping 2-year-old and stealing $20 from her piggy bank.
Ryan A. Mueller, of Sheboygan Falls (Wisconsin), was charged Thursday with burglary, after DNA evidence allegedly linked him to the Aug. 10 crime in the town of Wilson.
Mueller faces up to nine years, six months in prison if convicted on a charge of felony burglary.

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At least he has his priorities in order....NOT

Ok, so I'm sure you've heard by now that Eddie and Tracey's Bora Bora wedding was not legally binding and therefore, they will have another ceremony in the U.S. (at some unspecified time). So, Eddie "Father of the Year" Murphy has the time to have not one, but two weddings this year but can't seem to find the time to bond with his daughter with Scary Spice. HMMMM.. He sure sounds like the type of man every woman would want to play "step daddy" to her kids ...NOT!!

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My vote for A-Hole Quote of the Day

According to a New Jersey Politician, "we" all should be thankful for slavery. Republican Michael Patrick Carroll said, "If slavery was the price that a modern American's ancestors had to pay in order to make one an American, one should get down on one's knees every single day and thank the Lord that such price was paid."

Who elected this jacka--?

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CITC Book of the Month

I'm currently reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Suns is Hosseini's follow up to his hugely successful first novel The Kite Runner. Suns tells the story of a young "illegitimate" girl born in Afghanistan and follows her life from the Russian invasion through the tyranny of the Taliban take-over to the present day. Thus far Suns is poised to be equally as riveting, insightful and heart-breaking as its predecessor. This is definitely "eye-opening" fiction.

What's on your reading list?

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She needs an intervention

Brit Brit is at it again. Last night, she was taken to a local hospital after refusing to turn over her kids to K-Fed's bodyguard (yeah, you read that correctly--this dude actually has a bodyguard!). Apparently, she was under the influence of some unknown "substance". Brit locked herself in a room with one of her kids and refused to come out. And get this- a court appointed monitor was present at the time. Looks like Brit won't have visitation with her kids much longer. Well, this debacle is good for Jamie Lynn. The media won't be too concerned with her whole teen pregnancy thing after her big sis' latest breakdown.

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My Girl MJB is at the top of the charts

Congrats to MJB for having the #1 album in the country!!!!! Selling 200,000-plus!!!

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CONGRATS TO BARACK OBAMA....

He's one step closer to making history!!!

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OMG, Just when you thought you'd heard it all....

DMX is releasing a Gospel CD....

“I [was] the first n—a to put out two albums in one year [It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood in 1998], now I’m gonna hit ‘em again — drop two albums on the same f—in’ day, yo. A double album will make mutha—-as mad, because they gotta spend more money — plus it’s already a long [double] album. I’m talking about a hip-hop album and a gospel album.”
The gospel album’s lyrics will be without cursing — how ’bout that one? No songs about b—-es, no songs about robbing, just straight ‘Give God the glory.’

Hey, I don't believe in questioning a person's walk with the Lord BUT I just can't imagine that this crackhead could provide me with any spiritual empowerment. But hey, cop it and you decide.

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Worst Christmas Gift Ever? Maybe....

Normally I don't talk about gifts because someone took time, effort, etc. in giving, so they should be appreciated. However, my mother received a Christmas gift from a relative who shall remain nameless that was pretty darn atrocious--a candle. Seems like a nice enough gift right? But this candle wasn't from Yankee Candle, Bath and Body Works, or even the Dollar Store. OH NO--this nameless relative regifted a candle that was given out as a wedding favor two years ago. I KID YOU NOT. There was a sticker on the candle that said "Donna and Michael's Wedding, September 22, 2005." (insert blank stare). It gets worse: a) the candle was partially used; b) my mother and said relative attended the wedding together so my mother already had the candle; c) the joker didn't even have the sense to remove the sticker from the candle; and d) the relative actually had the audacity to get angry when my mother, hurt and offended that her "close" relative would regift a used candle, later confronted her about the gift. How on God's green earth do you regift a damn wedding favor? Who walks around their house, picks up something used and wraps it? If you don't have money for a decent gift, just don't give anything!



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I think we have a contender for Joker of The Week...

Vivica, Vivica, Vivica...She just hasn't been the same since Fifty turned her out. First, she was humiliating herself in the media by recounting the details of her heartbreak over their demise while he was simply referring to her as a "jump off". Second, her old a-- was on the BET Awards dropping it like it's hot as if she were some video vixen not a respectable actress. Third, she was recently arrested for drunk driving. And, now......she is in the hall of shame....another celebrity with an "alleged" sex tape. Hopefully, it's not true. The sex tape allegedly shows Vivica "servicing" some dude from the ATL. Vivica, Vivica, Vivica... Hey, I'm not hatin'. Mama do your thing BUT just don't allow yourself to be taped and if you're gonna be taped, at least you should be the one being serviced.

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