The Lessons From the "Miami Thrice"

I didn't want to make any post but I've been thinking a lot about the whole hoopla Lebron James caused last week. Ok, unless you were living under a rock, you heard Lebron caused a major shift in the basketball world; perhaps in the whole sports world.

Let me disclose one fact: I'm a HUGE Miami Heat fan and for a few days last weekend, I was filled with glee and thrilled other basketball teams are mad at us. However, I still think the way Lebron made his "decision" on ESPN was ill-advised. I totally respected his "decision" but not the way he went about it. Comprehende? It's like there are times you may need to breakup with someone. But as a pivotal "Sex and The City" episode showed us, you don't do it over a post-it note or in more recent faux pas: Text messages or on FaceBook. Seriously!

That being said, there are lessons to be learned about all these free agency debate. It's good, nay great to take control of your own destiny regardless of how others have envisioned your lot in life. The reason many are mad with Lebron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh was they took the steering wheel of their careers and lives instead of owners, GMs and agents. These "Miami Thrice" guys figured they don't want an organization to run their bodies to the ground and no hardware (rings) to show for it. So to h*** to everyone who don't like it and spun their noses at them or burn their jerseys for their choice because secretly, those haters would want to be them. Hi haters!

So how're you going to take the reins of your life? Sometimes you have to bust of your confining environment and take your talents elsewhere where they will flourish. In Lebron's case, he said he was "taking his talents to South Beach . . ." I say to him, welcome aboard.

Housekeeping Matters

Yes, I'm alive. I came on my blog (for now) to announce some future plans I have about restructuring my online life only to see a few vulgar comments as if this was a dumpster for such crudity. Oh don't get it twisted: Just because you see the title of this blog as "afroamericawriter" doesn't say this is not one multi-cultural global sista! So using another language to post comments, with a few keystrokes I could readily translate them to real meanings - which I won't dignify to repeat but found their fate with the "delete" button.

But to my international readers who used sincere words in their native tongue: Thank you! I truly appreciate the kind words and here I thought this was just a small service I did. And for the English as first language commenters, know you were also missed but you will "see" me soon; hint: Not on "Blogger" host but something better and with my own control . . .

Oh and note to self: the comment moderation will now be enabled. Peace.

Going Dark For A While . . . And Giving Thanks

Hello Readers:

So what happened in the last month since I've been gone? I celebrated a birthday, my brother celebrates a milestone one today (Happy Bday again S., love you) and tomorrow is Thanksgiving.

During this time, I've taken to heart what Socrates spoke about an "unexamined life" and taken a hard look at mine. I want to rediscover ME and take a break of talking (in my case, writing) about the muddled world around me.

So I want to say thanks for reading. This blog served the purpose it was created for - you got to see how I really think along the way; I don't suffer fools.

But a person who loves to have fun also. I can't deal with people who are too serious. Funny, some folks have confessed that seeing me for the first time intimidated them until they saw the other side - the silly side.

I'm OUT getting to know the next phase in my journey . . . Peace

Hanging Out With The Boys

So what's bugging me today? I just found out it's wrong to hang out with one's own gender. Oh you didn't hear the story? Actually it's about our President (again) and the hoopla for hanging out with the boys to shoot some hoops and not inviting women. The horror.

The Prez called the news "bunk" and I'm thinking a more colorful word - the initials "B.S" come to mind. But where the Prez lost me was doing th P.C thing by inviting a female golfer to the White House to tee with him. Gosh, I definitely know I'm not called to politics. To me, that weakened his position. He didn't need to do that to show he's for feminist rights.

Now I'm unapologetically a feminist. Not in the way of thinking men are unnecessary (though sometimes I wonder), but to provide fairness in the field of life. But come on!

When I want to spend time with some friends as "girls night out," the invite means just what it says:NO BOYS ALLOWED. Not that I don't have love for the brothers but doggone it, I need a BREAK from you once in a while. What is so different with the Prez who has a wife, two daughters, a mother-in-law, and hired more women in his administration than any history?

Seriously people, give the guy a break and hanging out with his boys for some time to shoot some hoops could be a start.

Watching Oprah on Praying Robber

Pardon how this post will appear cuz I'm blogging from a handheld device and not my computer.

I'm going through a range of emotions with the 23 year old guy (Greg) who's black and robbed(well attempted to rob) the white lady(Angela) in the check cashing store but they ended up praying together.The robber later turned himself in and Oprah had all parties involved on the show; well Greg from his jail via satellite.

I actually cried watching this story - yeah even me the so-called tough chick cried because of the mercy and grace reflected in the story.

Greg said no one has ever spoken to him the way Angela did and he did not excuse himself for what he did even though he's been out of work for a year and was a former soldier but he was tired of feeling less than man who couldn't provide for his family.

Have you guys watched the movie "John Q?" You know how you were rooting Denzel's character John but you still felt bad in the end because he still had to go to prison? That's how I feel.

But then Oprah flipped the script with comedian Wanda Sykes who's had me laughing on topical issues only for Bebe and Cece Winans close the show with a great song called "grace." How appropo for the song to be dedicated to Greg.

Stop Hatin . . . Appreciate The Prez Nobel Peace Prize

I'm supposed to be studying but you know what happens when I have something bugging me . . . I blog about the subject. Such as the hoopla over President Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize.

Now I'd admit waking up Friday morning and hearing the news was a surprise. More like "really, wow!" But afterwards, I thought to myself "well, good for America!" Oh but I found out later that others didn't share the same sentiments. It felt as if the President stole something.

I really despise ignorance. And the sad thing is the 24 hours news cycle don't do justice to educating the masses how previous laureates won the influential prize. Granted I won't put President Obama in the same category as Mother Teresa - another Nobel Prize winner; infact, no one comes close. But you know someone who did and never got a Nobel Peace Prize? Mahatma Gandhi. I know right; the horror.

So for all the shouting talking heads who said the President hasn't accomplished anything, I say check your history. Yes, sometimes laureates have won for many years toiling in the struggle like previously mentioned Mother Teresa but others have won for just bringing awareness to an issue (such as Al Gore for climate change) or being a driving force behind a movement (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr for civil rights).

President Obama becomes the third African American and third sitting U.S. President in history to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The two African Americans (Ralph Bunche and MLK)were speaking out against racism and inequality. While they were doing so, the civil rights law was no where close (especially during Bunche's time)and about a year later after MLK won. Now the critics are right: you can't compare Obama to other U.S sitting Presidents because he's only been in the office for nine months. But guess what, the nomination was over just 11 days after his inauguration.

So what do you want him to do? Give up the prize? You must have bump your head! Don't hate because they wanted to bestow such honor to a person who represents an "aspiration" to what's yet to come. As previously stated, there have been many notables who got the prize just for that with less controversy. And the President struck the right tone by saying how surprised and humbled he was . . . and not to be compared to transformative figures who've won the prize. Ok, I disagree with the latter part of his speech. Obama became a transformative figure on Nov 4, 2008 when he became the first African American President.

Extra, Extra! Read All About It

More like Wear it as it proved in last night's (my morning) Project Runway which I wanted to live blog as I was watching a couple of hours ago but no capability here. Yes, Newspapers (a dying industry - just kidding) was the challenge for the episode. The designers went to the Los Angeles Times building and got stacks and stacks of paper to create a fashion forward outfit relevant for 2009 from when it was first introduced on the runways over 40 years ago.

These are the challenges I absolutely love (something from the grocery store, car and now, newspapers). And you got to see the private catfights from two lady designers: Irina and Althea (who won last week's challenge). Irina felt Althea shouldn't have won the challenge because she just did a suit (I agreed but she was the only one who made three pieces to others one or two-piece and she had the BEST walker for a model who sold the outfit).

Also, Althea won immunity - she cannot be eliminated for the next (this) challenge. Then Althea is also gossiping about how Irina's paper coat looks weird (Meow). More on those two later because the judges chose theirs as two of the three best outfits.

Another lesson learned from last night's Runway: THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS. In modern day speak: Thou shall not lie. Such was the memo sent to Johnny, though it came too late. You don't lie and how many times do these designers have to get it in their freaking heads: LISTEN TO TIM GUNN! There's a reason he's spent over 30 years in the fashion industry. Johnny flat out lied for why his paper colorful-faces dress was sub-par that a steam iron destroyed his first outfit. The guy was solving a cross-word puzzle when others were slaving over their outfits. NOT COOL!

Another memo goes to Nicholas: Don't be a legend in your own mind. Nicholas feel all the other designers there are not as talented as him. I'll give him this: He knows how to call the loser designers each week including him because he struggled really bad trying to figure out how to use paper to make an outfit. His outfit along with Johnny's and Georgina (not exact spelling but sounds like that) were the bottom three.

Now to the judges: The guest judges were Tommy Hilfiger, Eva Longoria Parker (love her) and editor of Marie (Zoe "Something"). They picked, as previously stated Irina and Althea's plus Christopher's (one of my fave designers). I didn't think Althea's should have been one of the top 3, I was floored by Louise outfit with something that looked like the "statement jewelry" in magazines attached to the dress. It just looked regal.

I would have pulled Christopher's as the winner with the bottom part of the dress looking like feathers and the top like a leather bustier (hard-paper). But I think because Irina (even though her coat was magnificent) hasn't won a challenge, she got the top prize and IMMUNITY. And Johnny, was sent packing.

Tag: Project Runway

Kanye, Kanye. Quite Contrary

So here I was waiting to watch the tribute to Michael Jackson by many especially that of Janet (Ms. Jackson if you're nasty). And it seemed the night at the VMAs was going fine until you knew it, Kanye West who wasn't even in the category to win an award got on stage and took away a teenager's (Taylor Swift) moment of winning her first VMA. What the hell?

Hey Kanye, how about picking on someone your own size? I didn't see you get on stage when Eminem won. You acted like a bully and gosh what alternate universe do you live in that makes you think you're the king and the rest of us are your subjects. Have you lost your ever-loving mind? Too late, you already did with some help from Hennessy.

And to cheapen the moment of both Swift's and the King of Pop (which contrary to your view, you're NOT his reincarnation) to the point that nobody is talking about the great duet dance of Janet with her video brother or the new generation dancing of her brother legendary moves only your CLASSLESS move is beyond appaling.

I don't care how many apologies you've issued, yes you are sorry and I don't mean it in the way you think. You're sorry for getting on that stage, you're sorry for dragging Beyonce to your tirade, and you're sorry for acting like an ignorant negro (yeah I said it).

Speaking of Beyonce, a woman you Kanye could learn an ounce of "class" from instead of being two letters removed from the word: She has gained a whole new level of respect from this girl by bringing back Swift to the stage to have her stolen moment when she could relish it for herself for winning "Video of the Year." And you, Kanye . . . have just lost a fan.

P.S. I intentionally chose not to embed that infamous video; afterall, we've seen it enough.

Tags: VMAs 2009

Runway Season 6

For those fans who expect me to be serious most times, sorry to disappoint you but it's fall (well technically on September 22nd) and for all fashionistas out there, this is the best season ever! This is time to show your real style and one show ALL (even those who won't admit it) fashionistas have to make a date with is PROJECT RUNWAY! Even folks who aren't fashionistas are Runway fans like my TV friend Jon Stewart (miss you the last three weeks) as seen with Tim Gunn (a genius) promoting the new season.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Tim Gunn
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Healthcare Protests

Runway has given us four episodes of the new season and it's time for me to give my musings: It's freaking great! Even a new city (Los Angeles) didn't dampen the show from it's previous home, the fashion capital - New York. And my three favorite designers (pictured above and in other) are Ra'mon, Epperson, Christopher.

What no women? Well there are a few bright spots that tickle my fancy like Louise with her vintage but edgy designs but the guys are my favorite not only for their obvious talents (and clothes of theirs I could see myself wearing) but their compelling life stories: Ra'mon was studying to be guess this - a neurosurgeon (isn't it great not to see a stereotypical rapper or athlete- in the words of Seinfeld: Not that there's anything wrong with that) but almost in his final year, quit med school to follow his passion for fashion.

Then Epperson, a 49-year old man, he could be a father to some of the designers (said his oldest child is 26) has had a life as a successful window designer (have you seen Macy's or Barneys in New York during the holidays?) but wanted to give his hidden desire of making his own designs a try.

Lastly, Christopher (who won the first episode challenge) is there with raw talent even if he's never been professionally trained in the fashion schools or regular formal education and according to the poll of Lifetime, he's leading all designers as "fans favorite."

My favorite episode so far was Episode 3 with "Rumble on the Runway" where it was a team challenge and they had to create a "surfer" and "avantgarde" look that will complement each other. You talk about drama! First of all, I knew there will be trouble when Qristyl (who I thought should have gone in the first episode), the team leader (pronounced Crystal - don't even want to go there) picked Epperson. I was like "hmmn, all your skin folk, ain't your kin folk" (to quote a great writer). Just because both of them were black, doesn't mean they were going to get along. And I was right - the drama was epic! In the words of Qristyl (who was supposed to be the team leader but Epperson thought he was), it was "a bad marriage." Their vision was conflicting and they were in the bottom two because their garments showed the confusion.



Second, was when Mitchell (the team leader in embedded video) picked Ra'mon as teammate and you knew (and Mitchell said) it that he wanted to ride on Ra'mon's coattail because he's been in the bottom two for two weeks in a row. Ra'mon did almost all the work even with time deadline and threat of elimination from Tim Gunn if one design didn't make it to the Runway. And their looks won but another history was made: first time the teammate (not to talk of the leader) of the winning look was eliminated.

I'm looking forward to more episodes but those are my musings so far . . .

Tags: Project Runway

Ellen In, Paula Out

Y'all didn't think I was going to let "Idol" news slip by without offering my opinion with all the buzz even though the season ended months ago.

First of all, let me be clear: Paula Abdul is not my favorite judge, that honor goes to Simon Cowell. My reveal tells you a little thing about me: tell me the truth regardless of how it stings. Simon does that very well and love him or hate him on Idol, he is the voice of reason - for the most part.

But Paula with all her oft-loopiness served a purpose: You also need someone who could be gentle especially when you're just a kid plucked from obscurity into a national limelight. I think Paula gets that because from being counted out from a young girl in ballet training to being a one-time multi-platinum pop diva, she knows the rigours. That's why I think it was wrong to let her walk away. It was wrong not paying her a comparable salary to the big boys club. It shows the fight many women still keep fighting in this country by being paid 77 cents to the guy's Dollar for the same job. Then the bombshell a couple of days ago: Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula. Say what!

Second thing, I happen to like Ellen. I think she's adorable and I know she "performs" in front of millions each day but to JUDGE A SINGING COMPETITION? Come on! And granted Paula is no "accomplished" singer; face it, she ain't Whitney (Welcome back Ms. Houston). But she has sang and can recognize tone, pitch, melody, etc you need for music. I'll never forget a couple of seasons ago, Simon was ready to write off this female singer from the audition, and Randy was on the fence. Paula was the only one who stood for her saying she should try and sing a "Dolly Parton" song because it seems she has a voice like Dolly's. The problem was: This singer didn't know any Dolly Parton song. So they gave her some time while auditioning others to find and practice a "Dolly" song. She came back and nailed the audition, went to Hollywood.

Now do you think Ellen is going to figure that out? I don't know. And I get all the "voice of the people" reason Ellen gave when she announced the news because I judge those singers and I'm not in the music industry and most times I'm right and other times I'm wrong. But I still want the final word to be from an expert and that, Ellen is not. Do I think the experiment will work? I think so . . . like I said Ellen is adorable and people tune in for the most part to see someone get a shot at their dreams, even it's a pie-in-the-sky one for those who can't even carry a tune (another reason people watch).

Do I think Ellen's pick is a fair one? Nope! I think it's another dig at Paula saying she wasn't really a "singer." And that's my truth . . . coming from a fan of Simon's.

Tag: American Idol, Paula Abdul, Ellen DeGeneres

The Lion Sleeps

Like many Americans, I woke up to the big news of the day that Sen. Ted Kennedy or "Uncle Teddy" as he's lovingly called passed during the night. If you've noticed, I've taken an intentional break from blogging while I figure out the next direction to take my online habits. But I would be remiss if I didn't put in an entry for a political figure that I ACTUALLY admire greatly.

Yes, even me who thinks politics is a dirty game and I've used a significant amount of time to blog about the shenanigans. But I'm also a big believer in still being part of the process; the main reason I vote. And I'd like to thank Uncle Teddy for given me that right to do so with the Voters Right Act and changing the voter's age to 18. Yes, all you kids (I can't believe I'm saying that) who "Barack-ed" the vote last year and the minute amount of you who couldn't wait to cast your vote for the opposing party, you got that right from Uncle Teddy.

If you are a woman in college able to play sports and equally use working facilities to train, you got Uncle Teddy to thank for passing Title IX. If you are an immigrant or the child of an immigrant (like I am), you have Uncle Teddy to thank for the Immigration Act because of his fundamental belief that we are a "nation of immigrants," a nod to his Irish roots.

Time will not permit me to talk about Disability Act, Medicare, law against Hate against sexual orientation, Medicaid, Martin Luther King Holiday, OMG Civil Rights Act. You name it, in almost 50 years, Uncle Teddy has had a hand in it. He showed with his failed bid for Presidency, that you didn't have to rise to highest office of the land to live a life of significance.

And as a part-time Bostonian, I mourn and reflect on this Lion's legacy today. One of my Uncles said in jest some years ago about Uncle Teddy that he didn't have to ever campaign for re-election in Massachusetts, he just won on default and no one dares run against him. We laughed at it because it was so true.

Just in case you're wondering about the title and if I'm in denial - no I'm NOT. I'm a person of faith and I don't see death as others do. I see it as a passage and in the biblical sense, I used the word "sleeps" intentionally. So as I said at a friend's memorial five years ago, "I'm not saying goodbye, I say see you later."

In the meantime, I hope we could glean something from Uncle Teddy's life - a complex one to say the least. I'm not denying the fact that he definitely wasn't perfect but he showed us no matter how "muddled" our lives could be even from our own faults, we can grow up, our better selves are still ahead of us and fighting for a "just America" as he used to say, is a worthy cause.

Tag: Edward M. Kennedy

Thank You, Bubba.

Politics aside, you may not care for President William Jefferson Clinton as your ideal candidate but as an American, as a person who cares to see a wife, mother, daughter, sister reunited with her loved ones, you have to give A BIG THANK YOU in the case of journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

Bubba is back! And the past couple of days have been one of those time capsules that make you say what a great country! I mean his wife lost to our now President and he made it known he was upset but when your country needs you, put all differences aside and step up to the plate, support your President, get out of your wife's way as Secretary of State and do what's required.

For this cynic, I won't lie, it was moving to see Former VP Al Gore give a bear hug to Bubba (can't help it) as he got came down the steps of the plane and I thought for a moment "what if?" What if Gore became President, would America's image have been tarnished that bad. But we got Barack because Bush was that bad (Oh admit it). So with a hand to my heart, I'd like to say Thank you, President Clinton. And as a nice present, here's something from Jon Stewart that also show my sentiments:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
William Jefferson Airplane
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Spinal Tap Performance

Jon Stewart Is "Most Trusted"

Give it up for one of my favorite guys on Television, Jon Stewart for winning the poll as most trusted newsmaker in America. Wow! In light of Walter Cronkite's passing (RIP), this poll was taken to see the pulse of who could replace the "anchorman's" legend. And most folks chose Jon Stewart.

Ok so, I've been a fan of Stewart since college. I normally have a good radar for folks who are full of B.S. and those who are authentic even if they are hosting a "fake news show" ( a la Stewart) and I pegged Stewart as the latter.

But many seemed to come to the game late up till oh about five years ago (2004 elections) when Stewart's star as they say in Hollywood really started to rise. And he served notice to the so-called news media that he isn't just a comedian but a brilliant guy who causes us not to take for lack of a better word, the B.S.

His memorable moments for me include his guest appearance on the now defunct program "CrossFire" with Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala, which many people believed got cancelled after Stewart's showed the ridiculousness of their "outrage" on things that don't matter to most Americans. And of course, the Daily Show coverage of the Katrina event. They (the crew and its host) deserved all the awards they got. Who was the one that found out Dubya hired a person who's only emergency experience was been over Arabian horses (here's looking at you Brownie) to put him as head of Homeland Security? The Daily Show NOT the regular news media!

At one time, the news media brushed him off as just the court jester but they forgot the history of the court jester - he normally had the ear of the King and the ear of the people. And he could show the King the errors of his ways in an amusing fashion when his dignitaries would only say things to tickle his ears. Now any Media personality who's worth his dough listens to Stewart and tries to be on program to get an audience. Oh the sweet smell of success. Kudos to you Stewart.

An Officer And A Gentleman

There's one advantage to switching more to a weekly blog cuz of my schedule and that is you have some time to look at some news story from various ends before writing your first reaction. But sometimes, I feel such advantage defeats the purpose of a blog - instant reaction.

What am I talking about? Oh the whole Skip Gates (aka Henry Louis Gates) and the Cambridge Officer, Sergent James Crowley incident. As a person who knows Boston quite well, let me say I'm not shocked by the incident. Just today, one of my Uncles told me a friend (who's black) of his gets stopped by the police most times he's going in to check on one of the properties he OWNS. I guess because they might not think a brother could won a property others rent from him.

Anyhoo, the story reached a bowling point when my President decided to answer the last question from the snoozefest (I mean the Healthcare Reform Press Conference) from Lynn Sweeney about Skip. Check it out:


But folks didn't hear the whole reasoning Obama made about racial profiling. What they focused on were two words: "Acted Stupidly" in relation to the Cambridge Police. I'm glad Obama didn't give a "politically correct" speech even though it would have served him better but the Cambridge Police did act stupidly if you slapped handcuffs on a 68 (not 58 per police report) year old man walking with a cane in his OWN HOME.

Now I truly believe that a little guilt should be given to Gates for overreaction but think about the irony of the situation, Skip is a Professor who's made his life's mission studying about race, tracing black folks' "roots," etc, to be the subject of what he's taught. I also believe that there was some serious EGO going on with Sergent James Crowley to make an example of Skip for standing to him which he had the right - it WAS HIS HOME. Do I think race played a significant role in all this? Well in the words of an Aunt: I don't care about the whole spin, all I know is if Skip was a white man, he wouldn't have been placed in handcuffs. And for me: I'll say in the words of the X-files - THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE.

Tags: Henry Louis Gates, Racial Profiling

Richard Jefferson's Foul Play

I'm an NBA fan (as followers of this blog know) but I wouldn't have thought during the off-season, many players (literally and figuritively speaking) would have much action going on off-the- court.

The news story that broke a couple of days ago was former New Jersey Nets and newly acquired San-Antonio Spurs player called a time-out on his $2 million wedding two hours before event. I remember thinking how did he break it off with the girl? Were both of them cool with it that the marriage wasn't going to work out? Then I thought, ok this doesn't go well with the "gay rumors" that have plagued Jefferson for a few seasons. In the words of "Seinfeld" - not that there's anything wrong with that! (Being gay that is)

Only to find out today, that this Negro broke up with the fiancee via e-mail 48 hours before the wedding but didn't tell his folks who were on their way to the wedding till two hours before the event. Now I cry FOUL to that move. I won't call him a punk, but that was a "punkish" move.

Let me go all Carrie on you from Sex and The City for a minute: When you become of age as a man, you need to learn the rules of the breakup. You need to learn how to be what's the word I'm looking for . . . CLASSY! Show that the person you were involved with (not to talk of about to marry) means something more to you than just a cheap thrill. And that means you don't break up with the girl with a phone, a stand off, an E-MAIL, text, or a "post-it" note. Get it?

And the nerve for you to buy her off (which you said wasn't so) with a "Six-figure settlement" afterwards when the news broke for her to "move on" is more CLASSLESS - what is she ? A high-priced hooker? Do these brothers think? Your defense was she's still one of your best friends. Huh! Gosh, I hate to think how you treat your enemies, if that was a "best friends" action.

In closing, my memo to you is to get your head together for yourself. Go see some therapist or something and learn why a 29-year old (ok, that's a year too young in my books to consider marriage for a guy) still doesn't know who he is - gay or straight.

Tag: Richard Jefferson calls off wedding

Project Runway Is Coming Back!

Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Lawsuit over, hello Project Runway! Will be back on my TV screen on August 20th. Y'all know I've lamented on one of my guilty pleasures on TV been gone for almost two years.

I have one more month to wait for Gunn's critical eye on the designers and folks who don't take his advise, might find themselves on the chopping block or hated by the TV viewers - what was that girl's name from the last season who only made "vintage" dresses with her signature feather hat and red lipstick? I can't remember but "that one."

And looking at Lifetime Promos for the show, I say eat your heart out "The Fashion Show." You can't touch this. The contestants have riveting story lines and I'm really going to see what innovation is all about.

Hopefully all the gang such as Michael Kors and Nina Garcia all make it back. It won't be the same without them.

The Question Is . . .

So in my extremely busy schedule, I managed to catch the highlights of the snoozefest (need those these days) called the SCOTUS confirmation hearings for Sonia Sotomayor. I get it that every nominee has to go through this protocol, what I don't get is that in the year 2009, with a historic President, I can still count on U.S. Senators to play up racial and sexist stereotypes during the hearings.

As a woman and a person of color, it made me wince when words like "major meltdown," "temparament," "got some 'xplaining to do" - I'm looking at you Sen. Lindsay Graham could perpetuate the ridiculous stereotype women (for the first two instances) and folks of color (showing you're hip with some colloquaism) have had to deal with.

Anyhoo, if you don't believe me, here are some highlights from the good folks of The Daily Show:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
White Men Can't Judge - Sotomayor: Judgment Days
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Joke of the Day

Another point I want to make is why do we keep having these hearings when you will NEVER know how these nominees are really going to vote when they get to the Supreme Court? It's called the "Ginsberg Rule" - named after one of our nine SCOTUS, who will give vague answers about controversial topics such as gun laws, abortion, etc. And many nominees after her have followed the same rule. Use "hypothetical" "abstract" as words that say you can't give an opinion on an instance. So what these senators have is to go by their records - the cases they've already JUDGED on.

The person Sotomayor is going (SHE WILL BE CONFIRMED) to replace David Souter was known to have hoodwinked the Senators because former President George H.W. Bush nominated him and many thought he was going to be "CONSERVATIVE" that some Democrats fought his nomination but over 20 years in the Supreme Court, he was known as the court's most LIBERAL of the judges.

What's the lesson here amidst the ridiculous questions of her heritage, gender, etc. The lesson is as long as she's undeniably qualified (not like Dubya's Harriet Mayers he tried to nominate but never served on a bench) and wasn't a proven racist (a word some conservatives have just found) then just go right ahead and confirm her.

Tags: SCOTUS, Confirmation Hearings, Sonia Sotomayor

Palin Confuses Me

Hi Y'all, normally I don't post around this time but I betcha knew I wasn't going to let the bombshell from Wasilla, Alaska get away (wink). I'm talking about the hockey Mom Governor of Alaska resigning from her office when she still had 18 months left to go on her first term. What was that of a press conference?

I'll give Palin this: congratulations on confusing one of the most logical persons I know with that press conference; ME! I kept on wondering WHAT IS SHE SAYING? Why is she rushing through a press conference? And then she used the game of basketball (and no newsflash I'm a student of the game for over two decades) as an analogy and I was more befuddled.

The idea that a point guard (i.e. Palin) knew when to pass the ball to win the game. Yeah but the point guard doesn't leave the game without finishing the play and definitely not leaving in the middle of the season without some season/career ending injury. Oh! Is there some injury done to Palin she didn't want us to know about, so she has to get out of office. This is fishy.

Look, I'll respect her more if she just said "I'm tired of the mudslinging (even though she gives it more than she can take), I've got a multi-million book deal and I'd like to be the female-version of Rush Limbaugh where I can say things that is not founded on facts and be the darling of a certain group in the GOP." How tough is that . . . oh I'm sorry, that sounds too much like the truth - that can be tough.

Tag: Sarah Palin Resigns

Give It Up for Jenny Sanford

It's been a while since I gave my "Kudos" to a very impressive person. My kudos for someone who's fascinated me over the last week is Jenny Sanford, the First Lady of South Carolina. Ok, I know Michael Jackson's death has overshadowed most news. Like Stephen Colbert satirized last night, this is the best time to do something bad and get away with it since the whole Media is concerned about the King of Pop.

Colbert went on to say the only mistake the Governor of South Carolina made wasn't the affair but that he confessed about the so-called affair that had everyone looking for him for days a day before the big news - MICHAEL JACKSON DIES. Anyhoo, I don't care about Sanford's affair (if you've read this blog long enough), I do think he was stupid for not leaving the state in capable hands and let the staff know where he was going. But I digressed.

As I was saying I am so impressed with the better half of the couple who had some sense; Jenny Sanford. Can I just say to Jenny: THANK YOU FOR NOT STANDING BY YOUR MAN (In the literal sense) as if you had something to be ashamed of or to "support" him in his moment(s) of indiscretion. Thank you for releasing that mind-blowing statement to show you are in the words of Maya Angelou "a phenomenal woman" and that you have such a self-worth about who you are and for your sons to see as an example that you refused to play the victim. I mean the woman was out bike riding a few days ago when reporters asked her about her "husband's career" when she said that was the least of her concerns. What! Can "Glamour" have Jenny as a nominee for their "Women of The Year?" She got my vote!


Tags: Jenny Sanford, Infidelity

Still In A State of Shock Over MJ's Death

I can't stop crying, there's still the overwhelming sadness that the King of Pop is really gone. I didn't believe it when a colleague yelled "Michael Jackson is dead!" I was like please, the guy has been rumored to be dead for many years. But she said she was really serious.

Then I went to a "credible" website and I can't describe the feeling, I felt the rug was pulled under me. I didn't want to believe my musical icon, the guy who captured my imagination even with all the off-stage antics I didn't understand is gone.

Michael Jackson has been part of my life before I was born; my parents were fans. As a toddler I was watching my parents VHS videos of the Jackson 5 and you know the lead singer was who I was really looking at While "Off the wall" record was playing in the background especially on Saturdays, that was when the Motown greats were always been played. And at the top of the pile, you guessed it MJ.
I became a girl and one of my Uncles brought "Thriller," the VHS video for me perhaps to take my mind off a death in the family that I still didn't understand the concept of death. I just knew one of my grandparents was said to have gone to a better place. I won't lie, I was scared of Thriller. Horror movies have never been my forte but I was drawn to it too. Before I knew it, I was watching that video multiple times in the day till the groundbreaking dance moves became second nature.

Thriller started my love affair with perfecting the gift of dance. No, I never made dance a career but I found time for it to be a great hobby. I was always a studious person, so I could escape in books but another place I'm very comfortable with is the dance floor and who better to learn from than the one who excelled at it - bar none. The guy was "bad." I remember running from school to make sure homework was done ahead of time just so I could catch the latest MJ video.

The guy could incorporate the ballet, paso doble, and a "Fred Astaire" all in one choreography. Wow! MJ showed you regardless of how asexual he might be in his personal life, there was nothing more sexy (other than a sense of humor) than a guy who could dance while he took command of the stage. One of the reasons, "Smooth Criminal" remains my all-time favorite MJ video. Don't even get me started on his sense of style that became part of our pop culture.

That's all I can say now. I'm sad because I was waiting for something more from MJ just like millions of fans and he was working on that "comeback." Too bad we never got to see it. Well I sent a text to that Uncle who gave me that "Thriller" album just telling him how sad I was (still am). He understood . . . he had a heavy heart too.
Tags: Michael Jackson Dying, The King of Pop