Good Afternoon Family!!!!
Things are looking pretty good for the start of meeting my 2016 goals. One of which is to write on this blog every day at least for the next two months. The second thing that I wanted to make happen is to work out everyday. Michael bought me these dance tapes for Christmas and I started the first one today. It's 30 mins and you learn a dance routine and then "perform" it to current day music. It's pretty fun actually I just pray that I stay committed and consistent.
In the news, in case you have been under a rock, Bill Cosby has been arrested for "sexual assault". What's incredible to me about this is that the alleged violations occurred 10 years ago. And not only has he now been arrested, but all the honors, accolades and memorialization of his art and humanitarianism has been stripped away...based on allegations. It's not right!!!! The day of the arrest was front cover news!! However, the murderous cops of Tamir Rice, the 12 year old that was murdered in 1.5 seconds because he had a toy gun, weren't being charged and that didn't make front pate news. What the hell! That is just wrong on so many levels. The double standard, the institutionalized racism is so pathetic it's nauseating! How do we turn this thing around? My Mon always says....Satan your kingdom must come down. I think this experiment called America, needs a do over.
The very foundation of this country has been based on violence and racism. Is it any wonder we are still operating from that place of violence and racism. Burn it to the ground and let's start over. What if the foundation was based on togetherness, love and respect, we would be a better country of people.
I am so exhausted by all of the hatred, the violence and the complete disrespect. I don't even know what to do anymore. I've protested, signed petitions and written emails and it seems nothing has changed, it continues and/or gets worse. I will continue doing my part, but I need to see some change. There is a ground swell of protests led by young folks, #blacklivesmatter is one that has gotten national press. But I think one part of the "protest" needs to be to get into a position that we can get candidates elected that are promoting our agenda. That requires economics. We need to put our money where our protest is and then put that towards the candidate that is going to carry our water. Why do we think the NRA has some much influence, $$$. We need to do the same. I hope the #blacklivesmater has this as part of their long term agenda. And also to take on the voting rights and registration of our community and the disenfranchised. I'm tired, but do have some hope.
And in other news...it's Saturday, it's sunny and it's already been a great day so far. I'm gonna chill and leisurely go about my day taking it all in. You do the same and meet you here at the lake!! Have a great day!!
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Friday, January 1, 2016
The Lakeview....Friday, January 1, 2016
Well hello out there!!! Happy New Year!!! It's 2016 and I thank God to have been awakened this first day of the new year. As always, some didn't make it, Natalie Cole being one of them. Rest in Peace, she was only 65 and died of congestive heart failure. 65 is young these days....she's with her Dad, Nat King Cole.
It's been three years to the day since posting from the lake, needless to say quite a bit has taken place over the years. So allow me to update you on the events that have occurred during these few years. First off, Maddison graduated from high school and has been attending cosmetology school. She's actually a pretty good stylist! She's even given me a trim and style. Next I may have her die my gray sparkles! Maybe not....
David Michael has changed his major from engineering to English and he loves it. He's gotten a internship with a local paper and since has been published several times. Is graduation will be extended as a result of the change.
I am so very proud of both of my young adults. I still like them as people and enjoy their company.
As has become the tradition, I will not engage in the practice of reciting New Year's resolutions. I will however continue to pursue my current goals to lose more weight, save more money and to participate in more joyful encounters and experiences. I will keep a journal of the first couple months of the year, as usual, because at the end of the year, I have a problem remembering what happened the first part of the year.
With that being said, Michael and I hosted a NYE party with Sai, Antoine and Riccardo. We had fun, good food, great music provided by DJ Mike and excellent company! It started a bit rocky, but smoothed out and was fun. The younger members of the party crashed out before the more seasoned of us! Funny!! Since Mike and I didn't go to bed until late, we didn't wake up until about 11:30am.
We had brunch and mimosas, so not a bad start on the first day of the year.
Later today, open house at Irene's and Savanah's, AWJO and First Friday's at 7! So many things today. I could cuddle up right now and take a nap! I will let you know how the evening ends up.
Since I plan to be in constant blog mode, I will save the many topics of discussions or ventilations, for another time. I think today we keep it cute! Until tomorrow, for January, it's warm at the lake.
It's been three years to the day since posting from the lake, needless to say quite a bit has taken place over the years. So allow me to update you on the events that have occurred during these few years. First off, Maddison graduated from high school and has been attending cosmetology school. She's actually a pretty good stylist! She's even given me a trim and style. Next I may have her die my gray sparkles! Maybe not....
David Michael has changed his major from engineering to English and he loves it. He's gotten a internship with a local paper and since has been published several times. Is graduation will be extended as a result of the change.
I am so very proud of both of my young adults. I still like them as people and enjoy their company.
As has become the tradition, I will not engage in the practice of reciting New Year's resolutions. I will however continue to pursue my current goals to lose more weight, save more money and to participate in more joyful encounters and experiences. I will keep a journal of the first couple months of the year, as usual, because at the end of the year, I have a problem remembering what happened the first part of the year.
With that being said, Michael and I hosted a NYE party with Sai, Antoine and Riccardo. We had fun, good food, great music provided by DJ Mike and excellent company! It started a bit rocky, but smoothed out and was fun. The younger members of the party crashed out before the more seasoned of us! Funny!! Since Mike and I didn't go to bed until late, we didn't wake up until about 11:30am.
We had brunch and mimosas, so not a bad start on the first day of the year.
Later today, open house at Irene's and Savanah's, AWJO and First Friday's at 7! So many things today. I could cuddle up right now and take a nap! I will let you know how the evening ends up.
Since I plan to be in constant blog mode, I will save the many topics of discussions or ventilations, for another time. I think today we keep it cute! Until tomorrow, for January, it's warm at the lake.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Lakeview....Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!!! It is 2013, a new beginning, a new opportunity and a new chance to be a better person, better Christian, better mother, daughter, friend and wife. I was feeling a certain kind of way on the 31st, but when we rung in the new year, I almost immediately got excited for the blessings that are in store for me. I didn't make any resolutions, instead of talking about it, I am going to be about it. I have always made a resolution for New Year's, so I'm doing something different this year.
With all the optimism and enthusiasm I have for 2013, I still have issues with certain things that happened in 2013. Things that I would like to see resolved, eliminated and not repeated in this new year. The first on my list of gripes, is this flipping DO NOTHING politicians. So as you know we faced the end of the Bush Tax cuts at midnight on NYE, which would mean an increase in taxes and cutting of exemptions that we, the middle class, have benefitted from over these past several years. And you also know that our employees, the DO NOTHING politicians, could not come up with a deal before the deadline and as of today the House has yet to vote on the deal passed by Congress. Now, here's my problem(s)....what employee can repeatedly miss deadlines and remain employed??? I can't go in to work and miss the deadlines for my reports, etc and think I should keep my job. What's up with that? Why is it ok for them? I am paying their salaries and I say "You're Fired".
The other issue I have with the House of Republicans especially is that they are so hell bent on NOT compromising or reasonably negotiating that they would have the whole country suffer to prove a point. Isn't that like cutting off your nose to spite your face? It gets me so angry, that there isn't more outrage for this behavior and on top of it, regular folks in the 99% are still supportive of their position. Is it me??? Who doesn't vote their interest?
Another thing from 2012 that had/has me upset is the violence in Chicago and how the murder rate continues to rise and it doesn't appear grand enough measures are being taken to deal with it. I felt like I needed to do or say something and so I did. I wrote to Father Pflegar to ask what I could do. I wrote to the mayor, the governor and Rev. Al Sharpton, asking each of them what they are doing and to Rev. Sharpton, how I think his show on MSNBC can help shed a national light on the issue. As there was National light on the Sandy Hook murders of 26 adults and children. The dialogue went to gun control and mental health. But I haven't heard that about the 500 people dead in the Chi. In the posting on Rev. Sharpton's page I got into an email debate with some very right wing, gun toting individuals. I don't understand why looking for more control on types of guns, makes those that hunt and gather and that are unable to protect themselves without fire power, feel threatened? They always speak of the second amendment, which is the right to bear arms. I am not promoting taking your handgun or hunting rifle, I am saying no one other than military personal need assault weapons or magazines that carry multiple bullets. These are not the weapons/tools for self defense they are tools for mass death and destruction. It escapes my why those folks can't make the distinction.
Chicago needs help as well as other major cities and it's a multi-level approach. But nothing is going to happen unless the people make something happen. The residents, the communities need to write letters, petition, protest and speak out to make the powers that be solve the issues. It's not going to be easy, but it's necessary. The work has to be done, or it will just continue to be bloodshed in the city. I will continue to let my voice be heard on this issue and do what it is I think I can until a change has come.
I guess the last thing I want to talk about is more about my personal goals for 2013. First off, I will be celebrating my milestone birthday all year. So I plan to do something to celebrate 50 each month. And so for November 2012, my birthday month, I went home to the Chi to celebrate my birthday with my family. December, Maddison and I went to the Kevin Hart concert, which was funny as hell. And for January, I have re-committed to improving my health and an Ipad! I will be celebrating ME all year, how fun. I don't know yet how we will culminate the celebration, but that will be in November. I plan to move closer to my goals and vow to always choose to be happy. Oh, was that a resolution? Naw, it's a life choice:)
Whew that was cathartic! I am serenely resting now at the lake. I will do my part to receive the Blessings that God has in store for me and my family. You do the same. The lake is beautiful this time of year.
With all the optimism and enthusiasm I have for 2013, I still have issues with certain things that happened in 2013. Things that I would like to see resolved, eliminated and not repeated in this new year. The first on my list of gripes, is this flipping DO NOTHING politicians. So as you know we faced the end of the Bush Tax cuts at midnight on NYE, which would mean an increase in taxes and cutting of exemptions that we, the middle class, have benefitted from over these past several years. And you also know that our employees, the DO NOTHING politicians, could not come up with a deal before the deadline and as of today the House has yet to vote on the deal passed by Congress. Now, here's my problem(s)....what employee can repeatedly miss deadlines and remain employed??? I can't go in to work and miss the deadlines for my reports, etc and think I should keep my job. What's up with that? Why is it ok for them? I am paying their salaries and I say "You're Fired".
The other issue I have with the House of Republicans especially is that they are so hell bent on NOT compromising or reasonably negotiating that they would have the whole country suffer to prove a point. Isn't that like cutting off your nose to spite your face? It gets me so angry, that there isn't more outrage for this behavior and on top of it, regular folks in the 99% are still supportive of their position. Is it me??? Who doesn't vote their interest?
Another thing from 2012 that had/has me upset is the violence in Chicago and how the murder rate continues to rise and it doesn't appear grand enough measures are being taken to deal with it. I felt like I needed to do or say something and so I did. I wrote to Father Pflegar to ask what I could do. I wrote to the mayor, the governor and Rev. Al Sharpton, asking each of them what they are doing and to Rev. Sharpton, how I think his show on MSNBC can help shed a national light on the issue. As there was National light on the Sandy Hook murders of 26 adults and children. The dialogue went to gun control and mental health. But I haven't heard that about the 500 people dead in the Chi. In the posting on Rev. Sharpton's page I got into an email debate with some very right wing, gun toting individuals. I don't understand why looking for more control on types of guns, makes those that hunt and gather and that are unable to protect themselves without fire power, feel threatened? They always speak of the second amendment, which is the right to bear arms. I am not promoting taking your handgun or hunting rifle, I am saying no one other than military personal need assault weapons or magazines that carry multiple bullets. These are not the weapons/tools for self defense they are tools for mass death and destruction. It escapes my why those folks can't make the distinction.
Chicago needs help as well as other major cities and it's a multi-level approach. But nothing is going to happen unless the people make something happen. The residents, the communities need to write letters, petition, protest and speak out to make the powers that be solve the issues. It's not going to be easy, but it's necessary. The work has to be done, or it will just continue to be bloodshed in the city. I will continue to let my voice be heard on this issue and do what it is I think I can until a change has come.
I guess the last thing I want to talk about is more about my personal goals for 2013. First off, I will be celebrating my milestone birthday all year. So I plan to do something to celebrate 50 each month. And so for November 2012, my birthday month, I went home to the Chi to celebrate my birthday with my family. December, Maddison and I went to the Kevin Hart concert, which was funny as hell. And for January, I have re-committed to improving my health and an Ipad! I will be celebrating ME all year, how fun. I don't know yet how we will culminate the celebration, but that will be in November. I plan to move closer to my goals and vow to always choose to be happy. Oh, was that a resolution? Naw, it's a life choice:)
Whew that was cathartic! I am serenely resting now at the lake. I will do my part to receive the Blessings that God has in store for me and my family. You do the same. The lake is beautiful this time of year.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Lake View....Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Election Issue:
I realized my last post was October 21st. Which means there has been a historic event that has happened since then. You know, President Barack Obama and VP Joe Biden have been re-elected for a second term. I was so very excited it was probably like how it would feel to win the lottery. We, Michael and I, had our own Election Night Watch party, which was a blast! I totally felt like I did my share in helping them get re-elected!
So if you were paying attention, which I'm sure you were, you know that the "Republican's" spent millions/billions of dollars to buy the election. And then when that wasn't working, they tried to steal it. Well, needless to say, that didn't work, which shows that the American people know BS when they hear/see BS! Yea, American's. I do have to acknowledge that some on the right, took about a week to really believe that there tactics didn't work. Now though we have work to do. There definitely needs to be some changes made in the voting processes. The things States tried to pull to suppress the vote was obscene! I will be doing my part to make some changes. I hope you will too, especially if you are in Florida and/or Ohio especially.
Another area we need to focus is education. we being the American people. The President signed a proclamation this week, proclaiming the week of 11/11 -11/17/2012 as American Education week. During this week we should support our schools, volunteer, etc. I think this is a great thing, but this was not broadly or widely communicated to the American people. So how in the world can we support it, it we don't know about it....missed opportunity. So now that you know, get out there and support a public school or a student. We also need to hold our government accountable to support and do what it needs to do so that our children can be properly educated and we can become competitive Nation again.
My last comment is that just this past week, Gen. David Patreus has resigned as the Director of the CIA, due to an affair. Now at first, I couldn't understand why he would do that because of an affair. But then I read where having an affair could be breach of National Security because that could put us in a position to be blackmailed. Also in the military courts an affair could be considered grounds for a court martial. So he needed to resign. This was what President Obama had to deal with when he returned to the White House.
That is all for now. There is excitement and hope at the Lake!
I realized my last post was October 21st. Which means there has been a historic event that has happened since then. You know, President Barack Obama and VP Joe Biden have been re-elected for a second term. I was so very excited it was probably like how it would feel to win the lottery. We, Michael and I, had our own Election Night Watch party, which was a blast! I totally felt like I did my share in helping them get re-elected!
So if you were paying attention, which I'm sure you were, you know that the "Republican's" spent millions/billions of dollars to buy the election. And then when that wasn't working, they tried to steal it. Well, needless to say, that didn't work, which shows that the American people know BS when they hear/see BS! Yea, American's. I do have to acknowledge that some on the right, took about a week to really believe that there tactics didn't work. Now though we have work to do. There definitely needs to be some changes made in the voting processes. The things States tried to pull to suppress the vote was obscene! I will be doing my part to make some changes. I hope you will too, especially if you are in Florida and/or Ohio especially.
Another area we need to focus is education. we being the American people. The President signed a proclamation this week, proclaiming the week of 11/11 -11/17/2012 as American Education week. During this week we should support our schools, volunteer, etc. I think this is a great thing, but this was not broadly or widely communicated to the American people. So how in the world can we support it, it we don't know about it....missed opportunity. So now that you know, get out there and support a public school or a student. We also need to hold our government accountable to support and do what it needs to do so that our children can be properly educated and we can become competitive Nation again.
My last comment is that just this past week, Gen. David Patreus has resigned as the Director of the CIA, due to an affair. Now at first, I couldn't understand why he would do that because of an affair. But then I read where having an affair could be breach of National Security because that could put us in a position to be blackmailed. Also in the military courts an affair could be considered grounds for a court martial. So he needed to resign. This was what President Obama had to deal with when he returned to the White House.
That is all for now. There is excitement and hope at the Lake!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Lake View.....Sunday, October 21, 2012
Well it's about time! It has been quite awhile since I visited the Lake and trust alot has transpired. I think I need to rail on the political climate we are in the midst of. A couple things are quite amazing to me one of which is undecided voters. I was watching a show with Roland Martin today and he showed footage from the Debate Watch party he attended and lo and behold a brother indicated that he was still undecided. If I had been there I would've popped him upside his head. How in the world can anyone be undecided Mittens and the President are polar opposites. Unless you are a 1% selfish person, how do you consider Mittens as a viable candidate for your 97% ass? (LOL) Here's how I see it, the President has demonstrated that he cares about this country and the people that live here. He wants people to have a fail shake and wants to see help provided for those that need it. Mittens has lied about what he believes, he's been secretive about his motives and he believes that half this country's citizens are shiftless and lazy and only want a hand out. And you are undecided? So perhaps people are just saying that to get attention or these are the real individuals are can't commit. It was funny after the second debate, which had an audience of undecided voters, if you weren't clear before, that debate performance should've sealed the deal for you. But a woman said she was "waiting for more information"...I yelled at the TV, there ain't no more information. I do like to understand things and people, so if you're one of the undecided's, please take a moment to come to the Lake and enlighten me.
Speaking of the debate, I thought the President was far and away better than he was at the first debate. In comparison, maybe the President was high at the first one. I kid, I'm sure he wasn't. It did seem at though he was sooo over the whole thing. However at the second one, he was all in. He called Mittens on his lies, he called him out on is 1 point plan and he scolded him for his remarks after the Benghazi (sp) incident. I was very proud of him and his performance. I found Mittens to be brash, ignorant and arrogant and HIGHLY DISRESPECTFUL. I totally understand having a different vision of the country and thinking you can do a better job than the man sitting in the Head Chair, but you don't have to be disrespectful of that man nor of the office. I just don't see any redeeming qualities in him that in my mind makes him a viable candidate. Binders of Women?? Really?? You can even answer the question about equal pay for women without sounding like a neaderthal. Overturn Roe vs Wade, really?? The whole campaign to "make it difficult" for people to vote, he and the Republican party want to go backwards. I sure don't, do you? Oh and what was the deal with folks commenting on Candy correcting Mittens on what the President said. If you know the truth, it is your responsiblity to tell the truth. I knoe in that Republican bubble they believe if they say it enough it will be true, but that isn't really how it works in the real world. I guess the only thing I really want to leave you with is this, GET OUT AND VOTE.....FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA. Yes I said it. I was trying to be bi-partisan, but NO. I want President Obama to have another 4 years, so we can get further in the process of turning the economy around, seeing continued job growth and see the housing market begin to turn around, and lastly, pulling troops out of Afganistan (sp). I want my guy to win and I want you to vote for him. You really don't have a choice.
One last thing I MUST speak on and that's this vote yes for marriage. Which in Minnesota it will be on our ballot and amendment that only a man & a woman can marry. WTF? Here's what I don't understand and I am married. To have my gay friends marry takes absolutely NOTHING away from my marriage. It doesn't impact the institution of marriage one bit. The legal benefits that marriage affords you should be available to any human beings that chose to be apart of each other's lives in that fashion. I would like soemone to tell me what is wrong about it and why their rights should be denied. Who are we to stand guard and the gates of marriage like bouncers and say who can come in or not? What arrogance? I am sure people will try and use the bible to justify why, but isn't it up to God to judge? And if you're going to use the Bible to justify your position on preventing people their pursuit of happiness, why aren't you, as the Bible says, loving your neighbor as you would yourself??? I say an older gentlemen standing on the corner holding up the sign to vote yes for this amendment, I wanted to go engage him in a conversation and the only question I would've asked is, how would you feel if there was a law that prevented you from marrying your wife...I'm pretty sure he was married. I think we need to stay in our lane on some issues and that for me is one of them. So my vote is NO, marriage is between teo people who love each other. Hold on a second.. follow me on this train of thought. Most of the folks that are voting yes on this amendment are probably republican and therefore will probably be voting for the republican candidate, who by the way is Mormon and don't they believe in polygamy? I'm just saying....it's ok to have many wives, and then in that scenario aren't the woman married to each other as well? OMG the hypocrisy is making me loopy. Just vote NO, say NO and vote for President Barack H. Obama!
Whew, I think I have sufficiently unloaded my thoughts and frustrations here at the Lake. Until the next time....drop the mike!
Speaking of the debate, I thought the President was far and away better than he was at the first debate. In comparison, maybe the President was high at the first one. I kid, I'm sure he wasn't. It did seem at though he was sooo over the whole thing. However at the second one, he was all in. He called Mittens on his lies, he called him out on is 1 point plan and he scolded him for his remarks after the Benghazi (sp) incident. I was very proud of him and his performance. I found Mittens to be brash, ignorant and arrogant and HIGHLY DISRESPECTFUL. I totally understand having a different vision of the country and thinking you can do a better job than the man sitting in the Head Chair, but you don't have to be disrespectful of that man nor of the office. I just don't see any redeeming qualities in him that in my mind makes him a viable candidate. Binders of Women?? Really?? You can even answer the question about equal pay for women without sounding like a neaderthal. Overturn Roe vs Wade, really?? The whole campaign to "make it difficult" for people to vote, he and the Republican party want to go backwards. I sure don't, do you? Oh and what was the deal with folks commenting on Candy correcting Mittens on what the President said. If you know the truth, it is your responsiblity to tell the truth. I knoe in that Republican bubble they believe if they say it enough it will be true, but that isn't really how it works in the real world. I guess the only thing I really want to leave you with is this, GET OUT AND VOTE.....FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA. Yes I said it. I was trying to be bi-partisan, but NO. I want President Obama to have another 4 years, so we can get further in the process of turning the economy around, seeing continued job growth and see the housing market begin to turn around, and lastly, pulling troops out of Afganistan (sp). I want my guy to win and I want you to vote for him. You really don't have a choice.
One last thing I MUST speak on and that's this vote yes for marriage. Which in Minnesota it will be on our ballot and amendment that only a man & a woman can marry. WTF? Here's what I don't understand and I am married. To have my gay friends marry takes absolutely NOTHING away from my marriage. It doesn't impact the institution of marriage one bit. The legal benefits that marriage affords you should be available to any human beings that chose to be apart of each other's lives in that fashion. I would like soemone to tell me what is wrong about it and why their rights should be denied. Who are we to stand guard and the gates of marriage like bouncers and say who can come in or not? What arrogance? I am sure people will try and use the bible to justify why, but isn't it up to God to judge? And if you're going to use the Bible to justify your position on preventing people their pursuit of happiness, why aren't you, as the Bible says, loving your neighbor as you would yourself??? I say an older gentlemen standing on the corner holding up the sign to vote yes for this amendment, I wanted to go engage him in a conversation and the only question I would've asked is, how would you feel if there was a law that prevented you from marrying your wife...I'm pretty sure he was married. I think we need to stay in our lane on some issues and that for me is one of them. So my vote is NO, marriage is between teo people who love each other. Hold on a second.. follow me on this train of thought. Most of the folks that are voting yes on this amendment are probably republican and therefore will probably be voting for the republican candidate, who by the way is Mormon and don't they believe in polygamy? I'm just saying....it's ok to have many wives, and then in that scenario aren't the woman married to each other as well? OMG the hypocrisy is making me loopy. Just vote NO, say NO and vote for President Barack H. Obama!
Whew, I think I have sufficiently unloaded my thoughts and frustrations here at the Lake. Until the next time....drop the mike!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The Lake View....Sunday, August 26, 2012
Folks, the lake is stormy today. I have been flabbergasted about of few things in our community. First let me warn some of you that this post may make you angry because you don't agree and that's fine. Just know that I am speaking my mind/heart. If what I say here offends, distrubs or surprises you, please let me know, I would love to discuss. Now, with that being said....
What I've seen lately reminds me of a quote by Dave Chappell as Rick James, "they shoulda never let you Ni$$as have any money"...may not be exact but, here's my point. I am a two year subscriber to O magazine. Not because I just love the magazine, but because it's a magazine owned by a black woman and I want to support her. I don't have a ton of time to read the mag, with all my Facebooking, emailing and TV watching, but I take it with me when I know I will have down town, like spending time at the salon. Yesterday, was just that opportunity. I take with me the August issue of the magazine and with no expectations on what I'll find in the pages, I began to read the magazine while under the dryer. What began to immediately grab me, was the lack of advertisements, magazine contributors, etc that looked like or were geared toward me, a Black woman. As a result of my disappointment, I put the magazine away and picked up The Total Money Make Over, much better for me. However, I digress.
So this got me to thinking and re-affirmed why I am lukewarm on Oprah. I know her staunch fans will say that she is a humanitarian and she does help people, etc. And I don't disagree, but what I don't see is the humans that she helps looking like she and I. I think about why I didn't really watch her show, it's because it seemed she pandered to her white audience. I thought it was great that she started a school in Africa, educating young African girls, but why not helping the Black Americans, that are like you here. A school right here in the States, that teaches girls how to be leaders. I think about her network. Which is absolutely a fabulous thing, but....I would've liked to see her fill some of the gaps are community experiences on the major networks, like cancelling our shows willy nilly. Oprah is a King/Queen maker...Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, the interior designer guy...to name a few. I just haven't seen that crown placed on someone that looks like me.
Now Michael tells me that when Oprah visited Gabby Douglas, she interviewed her host family in Iowa, not her biological Mom & Dad. For real? And now, tonight, she's interviewing the Kardashian's (side bar: who the hell cares about them and what they are doing? Seriously, do they need any help being lifted up?) Michael says she brought her whole damn company and she's the only Black person in the room, except Kanye...oh yeah, he wasn't there. Are you serious right now? There are not any Black people/African-Americans that have the skills that would allow them to work in your company, Ms. Winfrey? I see this as a problem.
I just would have liked to see more balance from her in the choices, executive decisions that she has made. I want to see Black folks in the public eye "wear our t-shirt". Every other culture lifts up each other for the good of the community, but it doesn't seem we do that. Why not? Can you tell me why?
On to LeBron James and his new shoes with Nike. I saw them, but I didn't know the cost of them. I am ashamed of Michael Jordan for endorsing shoes with Nike that cost $100+ . But Mom tells me LeBron's shoes are $300. Mr. James, you have got to be freakin' kidding me. How can you let Nike use you like that and exploit your community in that manner. Who are the one's that are going to try to purchase these shoes? Really who needs $300 gym shoes? And that's all they are, gym shoes. You need to stop, it was just last week you were strugglin' and you could be back there in a week. C'mon, really? Is it really all about the individual? What about the community, what about taking care of the least of these? So I am done with him too.
My last bitch is about this violence in Chicago. It literally makes me sick to my stomach to hear about sooooooo many shootings in the city and the only hope for it to stop is that the weather change will cause them SOB's to go inside. This is ridiculous. Why aren't people outraged enough to do something about it and hold people accountable to helping solve the problem. Where is the President on this issue, it's on par or worst than the soldiers dying in Afghanistan? Where is the Mayor on this issue? Why were they able to have the summit there, without incident and you can't do anything to stop the violence? Folks we have to wake up, we have to care about each other.. yes you are your brother's/sister's keeper. We have to hold our police, elected officials and any other public servant on our payroll accountable to help us solve this problem And most importantly, we need to hold each other accountable. We need to start telling what we see and what we know. We need to stop hiding these murderers. If they are under age, we need to hold their parents accountable. Enough is enough and too much stinks. Well Chi-town is funky right now.
Whew, I'm tired now. I needed to get all that off my chest and put it in the lake. There's more there, but I'm feeling better now. Thank you for the opportunity. I feel the lake calming. Take care of you and your brother/sister. MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE AND MAKE SURE YOU VOTE. THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TOO.
What I've seen lately reminds me of a quote by Dave Chappell as Rick James, "they shoulda never let you Ni$$as have any money"...may not be exact but, here's my point. I am a two year subscriber to O magazine. Not because I just love the magazine, but because it's a magazine owned by a black woman and I want to support her. I don't have a ton of time to read the mag, with all my Facebooking, emailing and TV watching, but I take it with me when I know I will have down town, like spending time at the salon. Yesterday, was just that opportunity. I take with me the August issue of the magazine and with no expectations on what I'll find in the pages, I began to read the magazine while under the dryer. What began to immediately grab me, was the lack of advertisements, magazine contributors, etc that looked like or were geared toward me, a Black woman. As a result of my disappointment, I put the magazine away and picked up The Total Money Make Over, much better for me. However, I digress.
So this got me to thinking and re-affirmed why I am lukewarm on Oprah. I know her staunch fans will say that she is a humanitarian and she does help people, etc. And I don't disagree, but what I don't see is the humans that she helps looking like she and I. I think about why I didn't really watch her show, it's because it seemed she pandered to her white audience. I thought it was great that she started a school in Africa, educating young African girls, but why not helping the Black Americans, that are like you here. A school right here in the States, that teaches girls how to be leaders. I think about her network. Which is absolutely a fabulous thing, but....I would've liked to see her fill some of the gaps are community experiences on the major networks, like cancelling our shows willy nilly. Oprah is a King/Queen maker...Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, the interior designer guy...to name a few. I just haven't seen that crown placed on someone that looks like me.
Now Michael tells me that when Oprah visited Gabby Douglas, she interviewed her host family in Iowa, not her biological Mom & Dad. For real? And now, tonight, she's interviewing the Kardashian's (side bar: who the hell cares about them and what they are doing? Seriously, do they need any help being lifted up?) Michael says she brought her whole damn company and she's the only Black person in the room, except Kanye...oh yeah, he wasn't there. Are you serious right now? There are not any Black people/African-Americans that have the skills that would allow them to work in your company, Ms. Winfrey? I see this as a problem.
I just would have liked to see more balance from her in the choices, executive decisions that she has made. I want to see Black folks in the public eye "wear our t-shirt". Every other culture lifts up each other for the good of the community, but it doesn't seem we do that. Why not? Can you tell me why?
On to LeBron James and his new shoes with Nike. I saw them, but I didn't know the cost of them. I am ashamed of Michael Jordan for endorsing shoes with Nike that cost $100+ . But Mom tells me LeBron's shoes are $300. Mr. James, you have got to be freakin' kidding me. How can you let Nike use you like that and exploit your community in that manner. Who are the one's that are going to try to purchase these shoes? Really who needs $300 gym shoes? And that's all they are, gym shoes. You need to stop, it was just last week you were strugglin' and you could be back there in a week. C'mon, really? Is it really all about the individual? What about the community, what about taking care of the least of these? So I am done with him too.
My last bitch is about this violence in Chicago. It literally makes me sick to my stomach to hear about sooooooo many shootings in the city and the only hope for it to stop is that the weather change will cause them SOB's to go inside. This is ridiculous. Why aren't people outraged enough to do something about it and hold people accountable to helping solve the problem. Where is the President on this issue, it's on par or worst than the soldiers dying in Afghanistan? Where is the Mayor on this issue? Why were they able to have the summit there, without incident and you can't do anything to stop the violence? Folks we have to wake up, we have to care about each other.. yes you are your brother's/sister's keeper. We have to hold our police, elected officials and any other public servant on our payroll accountable to help us solve this problem And most importantly, we need to hold each other accountable. We need to start telling what we see and what we know. We need to stop hiding these murderers. If they are under age, we need to hold their parents accountable. Enough is enough and too much stinks. Well Chi-town is funky right now.
Whew, I'm tired now. I needed to get all that off my chest and put it in the lake. There's more there, but I'm feeling better now. Thank you for the opportunity. I feel the lake calming. Take care of you and your brother/sister. MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE AND MAKE SURE YOU VOTE. THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TOO.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Lake View.....Sunday, August 19, 2012
It's a bit cool by the lake, but the waters are calm.
What a weekend it has been. We took David Michael to school this weekend. Our first born son is off to college. He is a freshman at NDSU, majoring in manufacturing engineering. It was bittersweet time. I think his Dad is taking it a bit harder, but Mom on the other hand, is handling things surprisingly well.
I am so proud of his accomplishments thus far. I am proud of the young man he is becoming. Through this journey thus far, I can tell he will be a man that handles his business first. A man who seems serious of about his career and education. He has been a pleasure to raise and we have been so blessed to be his parents. So I say thank you to God first and to everyone that has supported and participated in making this young man. We all have great hopes for him and I think he has great hopes for himself. So let's sit back and watch him sprout his wings..from the lake.
In other news, NATM's movie event was Sparkle and 3/4's of the McCoy's went to check it out. Barb, Tasha and her Mom joined us. It was a good film, very entertaining, good acting and good music/singing. Now, NATM's movie events take place at the Showplace Icon theater in St. Louis Park. They have a VIP lounge and theater that allows you to take cocktails in the movie theater. I love the concept, but oftentimes the films with all black or predominately black casts, don't get to VIP. I am contemplating if we should move the venue or if I should speak with the manager to understand how we could influence that...what do you think?
Lastly what has been on my mind is this voter registration hijacking that is happening in States across the country. They are passing laws that require folks to show id's in order to vote, they are shortening voter time in districts, etc...every nasty ploy in the book. The problem is that there isn't more outrage about this. My people died, DIED for the right to vote, we can not be so apathetic to allow racist people to #$*& with that. So I am going to do something. There's a march going on next Saturday and I plan to be apart of it. What are you going to do?
That's what's going on down by the lake. Until next time...stay breezy!
What a weekend it has been. We took David Michael to school this weekend. Our first born son is off to college. He is a freshman at NDSU, majoring in manufacturing engineering. It was bittersweet time. I think his Dad is taking it a bit harder, but Mom on the other hand, is handling things surprisingly well.
I am so proud of his accomplishments thus far. I am proud of the young man he is becoming. Through this journey thus far, I can tell he will be a man that handles his business first. A man who seems serious of about his career and education. He has been a pleasure to raise and we have been so blessed to be his parents. So I say thank you to God first and to everyone that has supported and participated in making this young man. We all have great hopes for him and I think he has great hopes for himself. So let's sit back and watch him sprout his wings..from the lake.
In other news, NATM's movie event was Sparkle and 3/4's of the McCoy's went to check it out. Barb, Tasha and her Mom joined us. It was a good film, very entertaining, good acting and good music/singing. Now, NATM's movie events take place at the Showplace Icon theater in St. Louis Park. They have a VIP lounge and theater that allows you to take cocktails in the movie theater. I love the concept, but oftentimes the films with all black or predominately black casts, don't get to VIP. I am contemplating if we should move the venue or if I should speak with the manager to understand how we could influence that...what do you think?
Lastly what has been on my mind is this voter registration hijacking that is happening in States across the country. They are passing laws that require folks to show id's in order to vote, they are shortening voter time in districts, etc...every nasty ploy in the book. The problem is that there isn't more outrage about this. My people died, DIED for the right to vote, we can not be so apathetic to allow racist people to #$*& with that. So I am going to do something. There's a march going on next Saturday and I plan to be apart of it. What are you going to do?
That's what's going on down by the lake. Until next time...stay breezy!
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