Eye Candy#25

This weekend the sistas went to see Takers..talk about EYE CANDY!! The movie was well written and the action was great but the cast really set it off. Idris Elba, T.I., Chris Brown, Paul Walker, Michael Ealy, Jay Hernandez and Hayden Christensen made this movie, not only with their acting but with their looks :)..Me and the sistas were in there OOHHHin and AAAHHHHin and OH MY GOSHin especially when they showed Paul Walker's backside entering the pool and Idris Elba's exit out of the bed in his briefs scene. Talk about Hot and Bothered scenes LOL. We kept on saying whoever put this cast together deserved an award for the best eye candy in a movie category (yes we made it up and there really needs to be a category like this). If you haven't seen Takers we recommend you go see it, promise you won't be disappointed..only the fact that it didn't last longer and you can't take any of the men home HAHAHA!!

Smooches
RONI

Life Is Too Short....

Who would have thought that 3 black sistas from the 805 would go kayaking? When I first thought about this adventure I knew Kareen&Michelle would be down with no hesitation, but we were surprised by the reactions of others. Just because we are black don't mean we won't do adventurous activities. The whole reason for this adventure was for us to expand our comfort zone and try something new. Now most people don't know that when I was younger (during my "I can do anything a boy can" days) I was skateboarding, bmx biking, doing tricks on dirt piles in the fields, baseball, surfing, bogey boarding, etc etc..you name it I tried it. But as I have gotten older my love for the ocean had vanished; I turned into a germ-a-phob HAHAHA!!. Growing up in Oxnard I appreciated living near the beach and being able to go there whenever I wanted too. I think when I experienced my miscarriage I started to think about how short life is. I started thinking in my head of things I wanted to do, but never had for one reason or another (somewhat like a bucket list). I was thinking of things that would test my comfort level and boundaries, without causing me bodily harm of course LOL. I have always wanted to try kayaking but thought it would be hard, but as I researched it and saw some videos of people doing it, I knew it would be fun. Michelle, Kareen and I went to the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard and set off on our adventure in the deep blue sea (don't ask). For $12/hr this adventure was a steal!! We each got our own kayaks and decided to leave our phones behind due to the chance of getting wet (so no pics except a pic of the kayaks sorry). Kayaking turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. I was so relaxed and seemed to be at one with nature (never thought I would hear myself saying that, but its true). I found this adventure to be so serene, yet fun and exciting at the same time. Now I am not going to act like I was a pro; I'll leave that to Michelle and her 5 hour energy drink that kicked into overdrive ;). I did manage to crash into a few docked boats LOL..But even with those mishaps I had a great time with my sistas who are always down for whatever. But its not that easy to compete with boats, current, waves and a breeze while rowing in a plastic canoe LOL..But as long as nobody ended up in the water we were fine; we succeeded. Once I got back on land I felt a sense of pride, accomplishment, happiness, and calmness. We decided to eat lunch at the Pirates Pub n Grub; which was so good!! But I bring the restaurant up, not for the food, but the innocent love we witnessed while there. There was this elderly couple having lunch and the husband was so attentive to his wife. He went to the car to get his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders to keep her warm. Then when they were leaving, he went and got her walker and helped her up. We all went "Awwww" and I looked at them with admiration and a feeling of hope, that my husband and I would be like that in our later years. But then I thought about how short life really is, but it's long enough to enjoy it, if you want too. As we waited to turn at the red light we looked over and there was the couple again in a Chrysler 300. The husband was driving and as they waited for the light to change, he reached over and rubbed his wife's leg. We all said "Awwwwww" again. The love we saw was so real and genuine, it was so touching. As I drove home alone, I thought about losing my first child and for the first time I did not cry or become sad, I thought to myself that I was blessed with the gift of life and giving life and love to another. It's funny to me how an adventure to one can turn out to be a silent reminder of what life has to offer if you are willing to accept it, come good or bad.

Smooches
Roni

Party at Home

So I woke up this morning with startling news about a shooting at a so called Bisou Elite club on Beverly if you watch the news I'm pretty sure you heard.
I've seen fights and people scatter through the years of clubbing but I have never ever been in a crowd and beenn randomly shot at !!!
I remember when I use to go to that club and the Police would be heavy Outside .That night where were they at ???Drive by in a Bentley in Bev Hills !!!
Wow this very enlightening to me let's me know by sitting my grown ass in the house is the best thing to do !! Two innocent bystanders shot and a valet man dead.
Don't get me wrong I mean I love the hot shit now special events,award weekends shit where the cars are parked at a shuttle and no one can just jump in a car and start shooting. Real security. I can't put my ass in jeopardy to shake my small tailfeather I'll pass. You can keep the undercover dudes,the expensive bottles and drinks, the tired mamas boy driving his mamas car,the shelter recipients,the want to be rappers that should be thinking about retirement,bad breathe sweaty silver dollar watermelon hanging titty hoes ,and no common sense using half asses. Because if you think about it ,the times I use to party are nothing like the current clubs. The music is totally different and I can listen to the roots.nas,notorious.common,mary j ,wutang,swv.jodeci.mj,erykah.outkast,gap band,prince morris day and the time.full force lisa lisa and the cult jam ,d angelo,lauryn hill,heavy d &the boyz,arrest and developement,jill scott, blink 182 , no doubt,etc . Create your own club in the comfort of your temple !!
Shells
(image sourced from yahoo image search engine)

Happy Birthday To Me

As I get older having a party is not appealing anymore. When I was younger having my birthday recognized was a big deal, if someone didn't call me on that day I would be devasted. But now as a 34 year old woman I'm all about spending the day with fam&friends and relaxing. Since my wedding anniversary and birthday are 3 days apart my husband and I decided to take a road trip. Final destination was Monterey, Ca. When I was younger my family and I would always make a summer trip to the central coast. So it was like being young again. Our road trip was fun, boring, tiring, scenic and appreciated. When we arrived in Monterey, I felt a sense of calmness and relaxation take over me. I knew that this is what we both needed. I knew that this would be one of the best birthdays of my adult life. As we entered the county lines, I could smell the fresh air, saw no pollution or traffic. I knew my husband would appreciate this adventure, too. The weather was a cool 60degrees and the smell of the ocean was very welcomed. We stayed at the Quality Inn which thanks to my research on Priceline I got us a great deal for our 4 day stay. We checked in and went driving around the city. We went to the Old Fisherman's Wharf and were welcomed by the sea lions. Then we went Cannery Row and drove around some more. We were very lucky to have our hotel within 5 or 10mins of Monterey's attractions. In a short version of our adventure we went to Cali's best aquarium, on a boat ride, pedal boating on the lake, rode the free trolley, ate like pigs and appreciated the city's green way of living and it's natural scenery. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. As we made our 5hr drive back home on my birthday I realized that this was one of the best birthdays I had and it was so simple. No major planning, no calling everyone and rsvps, no reservations anywhere, no crowds and loud noise, no splitting the million dollar restaurant bill and best of all the next day I felt refreshed and appreciative for another year of life. I felt so blessed for another year that I registered to become a bone marrow donor. The day after my birthday as I was reading my gossip sites I ran across an article about a little girl that has a role in the Lion King play that needed a bone marrow transplant. As I read the article I questioned my self and my purpose on this Earth. Some may say that I'm the best sister, daughter, auntie and friend, but I know there is more that I am supposed to do. Something came over me after I finished reading the article and I found my self going to the DKMS website and registering for a home kit. I felt a sense of pride and blessings after I hit the register button. I told my husband the next day what I had did and he smiled; as I stated to him this was my birthday gift to myself and hopefully someone else's birthday gift in the future. Some times we need to think of others and you'll be surprised at the gifts you'll receive unexpectedly.
PSA----check out DKMS website http://www.battleforward.com/ you could be a match!!

What If....

I want to eat everything I want to eat but I can't . I often wonder if I was fat what would I look like or how would I feel ,would I sport it and love it because I'm confident already or would it swirl me into an all time low. I want to do a test ill eat and gain 40 lbs and then ill do another test an get me a booty pop. I'm always curious would I get a higher volume of men paying attention to me with bigger butt cheeks, it also seems like big girls get more love these days as well, Remember when black chicks had ass back in the 90 and it was spoke of as if it was a curse your ass was so big. Now we have commercials helping you out to get a bigger butt.did kim kardashian silicone ass make this fad ok it wasn't actually the ass maybe it was the porn flicc that made her ass famous??? So over the summer some time I'm going to pad my self up and see what the outcome is. Ill let ya know what happen .Be happy with who are skinny fat noassatall virus .People must always try new things just can't make any surgical changes I don't think that will be good to makes changes to the body God gave you at the end of the day that's all that counts. Damn I'm hungry !!!
Toodles
Shelly Shells

Lead By Example

Life is becoming more bizarre everyday. We tend to ignore the important things in life .Why I ask everyday the most irrelevant things are being exposed, have people become trained , brainwashed . When I was a child prayer use to be so powerful. Now people seem to be followers of man made things or man itself . People are not using common sense . We the people can make changes but if we are going. On living life like if things don't matter we will be subjected to the negative traits and follow the enablers that will lead to destruction. Life is great but if you look around Life is full of sorrow may not be in your backyard but its around. Look around people oil spills,serial killers,people jobless,kids killing kids,police officers murdering our brothers, terrorist on our soil, earthquakes shaking the earth at a more rapid pace,and the most disgraceful people questioning the word of God . Take heed people wake up let's try to make this world a better place .Don't become a follower be a leader.
Xoxoxox
Shells
(image sourced from yahoo image search engine)

Come on PEOPLE WE NEED TO WAKE UP!!

• News
• World news
• California

Oscar Grant shooting: officer found guilty of involuntary manslaughter

• Johannes Mehserle shot black 22-year-old in 2009
• Grant's family express disappointment with verdict

• Ewen MacAskill in Washington
• The Guardian, Friday 9 July 2010
• Article history

Oscar Grant's family, above. John Burris, the family's lawyer, called it a 'compromise verdict'. Photograph: Mike Nelson/EPA

A white police officer who shot dead a black man in a controversial case in Oakland, California, has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

The family of Oscar Grant, the victim, expressed their disappointment with the outcome. They had been hoping for a murder verdict.

Grant, 22, was shot in the back by policeman Johannes Mehserle, 28, while lying on the platform in a railway station on 1 January 2009. Mehserle claimed he had thought he had his Taser in his hand rather than his gun.

The shooting, which was shown on YouTube, led to a riot in Oakland, and there were fears of further trouble if Mehserle had been found not guilty. Police were yesterday deployed in riot gear in case of any outbreaks of violence.

The case has become a cause celebre in the US, with its echoes of the treatment of Rodney King, a black man whose severe beating by police in LA in 1991 was captured on video. The subsequent acquittals of four LAPD officers sparked the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

The verdict means the jury thought Mehserle had been criminally negligent but had not intended to kill Grant.

Mehserle, who is to be sentenced next month, could face anything from five to 14 years in jail.

John Burris, a lawyer representing the family, described it as a "compromise verdict".

"The system is rarely fair when a police officer shoots an African-American male," Burris said. "No true justice has been given."

The trial was held in Los Angeles because of the tension in the Oakland and neighboring San Francisco over the shooting.

What is your opinion of this case and verdict? Personally, I am not surprised, but was hoping that at least for once a black man shot would receive some justice. I think his family has been through a lot and deserved some justice. This is another example of how America feels that people of color, Blacks especially are a disposable commodity like we were during Slavery. What will it take for us to wake and accept that? During the 50s and 60s we were united against the injustices, not we only riot when we don't get our way. Shouldn't we be in a constant revolt against the system that continues to serve&protect others, while using us as their guinea pigs?? I wish the Black Panther Movement was around, there would be sit-ins, fasting, protests, parts of the government being affected by their revolt. Where is that energy and revolution today? We all are quick to jump up and loot/riot, but afterward or before is what really matters..after the looting&rioting what then?? Will we go about our business of working dead end jobs barely making it while the white man earns more and owns more? Worry from day to day about our lives while doing what everyone else does, just living and trying to survive? How much longer will we tolerate out Black Men to be sacrificed? It's one thing to be a casualty of the war of injustice and equal rights, but being a casualty/statistic is what they like to refer to it as just for trying to survive everyday in this so called land of the free and the home of the brave where everyone comes for that American dream..What dream are you coming for? The dream to have to look over your shoulders constantly while doing the right thing? Or the dream that was promised; freedom and opportunities regardless of creed, race or sex? What will it take for us to take a stand and speak out?? Do these fools need to start lynching or hunting us down and burning us again? Maybe they should run us out of America and send us back on those slave ships before we holla??!! Or will we choose to have the revolution televised like our predecessors? This shit got me pissed and I'm ready to join the revolution..who else is??

Roni

When did you first fall in love with hip hop?

This question came to my mind after listening to all the bullshit on the radio on the way home today..I found myself questioning the direction that hip hop has gone. We went from messages like Self Destruction, We're all in the same gang and The Message to shit like Tooted and Booted(sorry michelle LOL)..We went from lyrical skills to just fallin in love with the beat and ignoring the shit that was spilling out of rappers mouth...Have we become so brainwashed with shaking our asses and doing the 2 step that we don't care about what is being said?? Artists that rap about real shit are labeled as independent and underground and those that rap about the lifestyle they don't live make it to the top of the radio play list. When you watch 106&Park you'll see what I'm talking about, but if you watch VH1 Jamz or Soul you'll see what I grew up on which made me fall in love with Hip Hop and want to live, breath and eat that music..that type of music had me rewinding tapes constantly writing down the lyrics and rapping over the tracks. That type of music had me wanted to be a female DJ and had me scratching 45s with the little yellow thing in the middle mixing hip hop and r&b together..now DJs follow what's on the radio.
So think about it.. WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH HIP HOP..REAL HIP HOP??
(image sourced from yahoo image search engine)

Random Thought

Is it possible that one can be in a committed relationship and love that person, but love another too? Why did America make being in a committed and legal binding relationship with more than 1 partner illegal? Wasn't there polygamy in the bible?...our dollars say In God We Trust?? If we TRUST then why question, challenge or judge it? If people have an open relationship and its working for them who are we to say that what they are doing is wrong?? Just a random thought to make ya think....



Roni

JUST TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man people sometimes get on my last damn nerves

always thinking what they got to offer is better than

what is already at hand

People try to make their plans sound better and then shit

just goes down hill from there.

How many times have I been out somewhere with a plan

in mind and then the shit gets redirected and then wtf

happens next is that I don't end up enjoying myself at all!!!!!! NEVER

So what now Do I continue to let people ruin my fun or

should I be real and tell them the shit they plan

IS SOME FREAKIN BULLSHIT and it never works out

SO STOP TRYING TO BE A FREAKIN PARTY PLANNER

If you want to plan some other shit PLAN IT and be on your

GOD DAMN WAY !

Man see now I know why there is only three people in the

SISTASNTHECITY picture FOR REAL !!

And why my phone dials some numbers on a consistent basis

I hate phony people trying to hang with the Crew but they really

just don't belong unless oh let's go to the club!!

Since your so overtop and rich can you come up with anything better besides

going to club CAN SOME PEOPLE USE THEIR FREAKIN MINDS

and come up with better options besides going to the club ???

Beeotch if you dont call me why you hanging out on special events for my girls bday

Who cares if people get their feelings hurt thats what real friends do tell the truth

So What's the problem in speaking up telling people

I dont need your suggestions

I dont need your help because everytime we follow your lead it's BULLSHIT !!

Man if I end up on a vacation and have a bad time ill probably be losing some friends

as well wtf does it matter no one calls or visits me anyway except for my sistas

So I guess it wont be a loss right right!

Speaking the truth !!!!!!

Shells
(image sourced from flickr.com)

Sistas this is AMAZING!!

New Manicure Lasts for Two Weeks
I love getting manicures but since i wash my hands a lot my color never last more than a few days...i would be willing to try this to see if it can handle my daily routines..check out the article


Roni

Eye Candy#25

I happened to stumble upon this eyelicious cutie while searching my gossip sites. His name is Christian Keyes and he is a singer, actor and model...talk about a triple threat. He has been in a couple Tyler Perry movies and was labeled one of Ebony magazine's 50 most eligible bachelors in the country and looking at these pictures how he's still single is a mystery to me! Ladies don't drool too much while looking at the pictures!!GOOD LAWD!!
Thank you LAWD for blessing the Earth and our eyes with this beautiful creature that you created.

Oh My The Pecker Wins !!

Oh my so my close friend for years called me
and told me a lil story
He's confused about what he should do about his living situation
It may be a little difficult in this case
So my friend we'll call him drama because that's
all I hear from him, his life is really like a box of chocolates
So he went out of town to visit his family and left his partner
at home which he has a good understanding with
But man did she surprise his ass when he got back
She told him I know what you been doing for the last year!
I had an attitude with you because I have been listening to
your voicemail messages for over a year now !! WTF !!
I couldn't believe she was capable of listening to his messages
for a year and hold all that shit in for that long with no reaction
I know all this mans business and I'm like whoa she may be a little
crazy you better watch out for her man for real !
So now she is asking him is he still moving in with her
Now men would you now take that step moving in with this broad
or would you think she just loves you so much that all the escapades
and everything she heard over the messages wouldn't be hung over your
head once you moved in ? Since she knows you were doing your thing and
now claims to except what you bring to the table would you feel safe at night?
Could you really trust a woman that was able to be nonchalant for over a year
no reactions to your escapades until she heard one girls message that was like
Ok I have to tell him that I know what's he's been doing for the last year but she was
worried about how mad he would be and if he would stop talking to her
SHE ALREADY WORRIED ABOUT THE WRONG THING !!!
My reaction would have been yo look your not the man I thought you were and
I'm out this Beeotch Mister adios see you later and hell naw your not moving in !
Go live your life with Mary, Sue, Heather , Kelly and Susan.
I know you can't blame him because she was digging and found what she wanted and
he told her what did you expect you find what your looking for when you search for it
whether it be good or bad but I'm pretty sure you were not searching for GOOD NEWS were you???
LMAO
So now she 's hurt crying like she should have kept her mouth shut
He's out the picture enjoying MARY SUE, HEATHER etc
He could be in the picture if he choose to be because she still wants him back !
I thought coon had the power but in this case I think the pecker wins LOL

Shells

Family

Today is a day of relief
Just to love and live life to the fullest
Don't let life situations get the best of you
God only gives you things that he knows you can
conquer
Appreciate the things you do have and don't worry about
the things you don't
Easier said than done I know
But I fell victim to being negative but then I realized that won't help me out
So I look to God for a positive resolution and from here on out I've
been living life with no stress REALLY
I have my sistas and my family and friends and a roof over my head
I may not be rich but I'm rich in soul
Money is the root to all evil, Money must be used for Good !!
People kill to have money to buy materialistic things
I like to have money to eat and take care of my friends and family when they need it
It may be a little but my family can have all I got!
I had to take a step back and ponder on the things that make me happy and me
having the type of Family I have makes me happy.
Family will always come first Always

America I Am

Today I feel blessed to be an African American
It took me a couple of days to soak in the
experience at "America I Am" and how blessed I Am to Come
From such a great and fearless spiritual nationality of people
This blood that flows through my body is because of the diminished
souls that fought for my freedom .
The blueprint of the ship they displayed of my ancestors shackled from head to toe
Laying on there sides in fecal manor and urine through the middle
passage for weeks and possible months at a time
No food with a total of 294 on each level of the lower part of the boat bought Tears to My Eyes!
America would not be here today if we as a people did not create the foundation.
I will walk proudly from this day forward!! No excuses
WE COME FROM POWER POWER POWER
We should love ourselves for WHO WE ARE
Not for what we wear
What kind of Car we drive
What our bodies look like
What type of jewels you rock
How many male and females we attract
But Love ourselves from the people that believed we would prosper and continue on with their FIGHT !!!
I wonder would the people of today have that drive, determination, fearlessness, strength ,capability of
going through the abuse, humiliation, teaching themselves to read when education was un available and experienced uncontrolled killings of numerous deaths of family and friends and still be able to find the strength to continue on to make sure your next of kin would be able to
live in a world of free speech and democracy .
Think about it what would you do if you were a slave and what type of fight would you have fought so your
ancestors would live in a world of opportunity.


Shells

SistaNtheCity #4- Sasha Fierce

Surrogant Mother/ Dog Rescue/ the Dog Whisper

This past week a 6 week old pitbull puppy ended up in my care. I was thrown into the position of trying to find her a home. I already have a dog Bailey of 9 years and I was not at all prepared to take on a puppy.

I had recently went to the pound with my uncle to find him a new Dog. There were tons of PITS there, it completely broke my heart. So my life for two days became focused on finding her a home.

I had gotten kind of attached to her in that short period of time but I also knew I couldn't keep her. Then some BS went down Read "I thought you where Real" for details. To keep things positive I found her a home, (Sigh of Relief). I didn't think it would be so stressful but it all worked out for the good. She is with someone close to the family so I will be able to keep up with her.

That said, please support animal rescues.

Although they are animals they still have been blessed with the gift of life and are deserving of a lot of LOVE.

Support: Mollys Mutts and Meows, Bama Bully Rescue and your local animal Shelter.

Here are some fun Pictures of Sasha Enjoy

Get me out of the DAMN BOX!!!

Fast Asleep....ZZZZZZZZ, Behind the Scenes

Bush Don't Like Black People- "Kanye West" Here's Proof

I found this posted on facebook today and this has really thrown me off a little bit. My initial reaction was anger and then just kinda of sad. I have not been overly passionate about the BUSHomics and politics over the years. Katrina, the Economy, the WAR, Crack his wrap sheet is pretty intense.
The Cameras Rolling, this clip says a whole lot more about this Man...
It is not my place to judge so I will leave you all with this.

The Common thread we all share as human beings on this planet is that we are all ALIVE at this moment in time....WE are ALL One.. It is fascinating how a within a split second that truth is soo quickly forgotten.

Love and Light,

KG

The Greeting (Source: http://www.tolerance.kataweb.it/eng/cap_tre/uno/esempi_tre.html)

All cultures have developed specific rituals that accompany the commencement and the termination of a social relationship. Greetings vary from one culture to another, from a nod of the head to rubbing noses, from the open hand to a variety of kisses and hugs, also in accordance with the kind of relationship in force between the persons involved in the interaction.

In Western countries, the handshake is one of the most common forms of greeting, at least between adults. When we meet people, and we offer a handshake, we communicate our willingness to come into contact with them and our preparedness to start up a friendly interaction. In olden times people used to hold out an open hand to show that they were not concealing a weapon and therefore did not wish to attack the person to whom they were holding out their hand. Animals also understand signs of friendship: for example, dogs often roll over onto their backs to show that they want to be petted – an action that also tells us that we enjoy the animal’s trust as it is exposing its most vulnerable part to us.

Let’s pause for a moment to look more closely at the social significance of the handshake. The distance that separates us from the other person is slight enough to allow us to observe his or her face from close up, to smell his/her breath and even his/her body odour. Through hand contact we admit this person into our personal space – and, naturally, the other person does the same thing for us. Skin contact involves an exchange of body fluids, in the form of sweat (there are cultures in which this exchange of fluids is reinforced by the act of spitting on the hand before proffering it).

The strength of the handshake conveys to the other an indication of our own physical energy (and there are cultural rules that associate various nuances of meaning with the various kinds of handshake). The open palm of the hand, a soft and private zone of the body that we normally keep turned towards ourselves, is offered to the other almost in sign of surrender. In this way we express mutual confidence in the good intentions we harbour in the other’s regard, and it is no accident that a handshake is the way in which we generally seal a promise.

I thought you were REAL.....

You expected someone to act a certain way because you've know them for years but I guess that shit don't count I'm just keeeping it real you really have to hang with someone to actually know the real deal because the shit my homegirl went through with someone we know was some Bullshit
I hope I don't sound kinda LOONEY!!!!!!
Since I ain't mentioned no names and shit !!!
But before I sound like a mad B$^ch ill just let it ride!
People sometime should keep their mouth shut when its come to hollering I'M REAL Real in whose eyes and have you picked up a dictionary lately Because I seen your face next to SUSPECT !!
Someone that claims their real and end up being Phony than a MF!!!!! Shots to my real Niggas in Charge
A Hustla got to keep it real sometimes !!!!!
Real people apologize for their wrong doing !!!
You Got the number make that Call FOOL!!!!!
Shelly Shells
(image sourced from yahoo image search)

I'm not understanding the artist on this one....

Times Square Mural Reinforces Stereotypes of Black, Latina Women

By Jeff Mays on Mar 22nd 2010 11:33AM
Filed under: News, Race and Civil Rights

Times Square Mural Offends

I'm all for showing Black and Latina women who do not fit the traditional stereotype of being beautiful. I also support the rights of artists to be creative and interpretive. The mural at Times Square in New York City, though, misses the mark on both fronts.

Instead of showing the "non-traditional" beauty of Black, Latina and Caribbean women, I see two women on a couch who look like prostitutes. One has on hooker-type boots, with big gold doorknocker earrings and saggy breasts. The other, wearing a purple dress, is bent over and looks like she's "dropping it like it's hot" for a Lil' Wayne video. These images are anything but empowering. They represent the worst stereotypes about Black and Latina women.

"I want to recognize that these women, especially Caribbean women, dress like this and they should be respected in society the same way women with, like, briefcases or cell phones [are]," the artist Sofia Maldonado told My Fox New York.

Unfortunately, she has failed with the two images that I saw."What I want to see is something that motivates me, that makes me want to be more than what I am. When I look at these pictures, do I reaaly want to be this when I grow up?" Carmine Cologne, an engineer, told My Fox NewYork.

Other women agree. New York City Black Professionals and Phenomenal Women Group Inc. have staged a small protest and called for the head of the Times Square Alliance to remove the mural.

Another image of a young girl riding a skateboard doesn't seem as bad but the young lady depicted is fully clothed. Black and Latina women already face the stereotype that they are loud, over-sexualized beings with nothing but attitude and sharp head movements for anyone who even looks at them for too long.

Images that would have broken the stereotype are ones that I see in my Harlem neighborhood every day.

I see women dressed professionally heading to work.

I see women in medical scrubs and white jackets heading to Harlem hospital.

I see home health aides caring for our sick and elderly parents and grandparents.

I see women walking their children to school.

I see a Black woman police officer in a crisp blue uniform.

I see women entrepreneurs who own restaurants, salons and flower shops.

I see a Black woman lawyer with her own small practice.

I see a female token booth clerk.

These women are the backbone of the Black and Latino communities. With too many men shirking their responsibilities as husbands and fathers, Black and Latina women have filled the void.

These are the images I see in my diverse neighborhood. I'm not sure what Maldonado is looking at.

Why would you expect people to respect images like this?? I do not respect a prostitute or any other stereotype of a Black or Latin woman..I thought we were trying to shed these images of woman?? I understand the point about Black and Latino woman being the backbone of the communities due to the lack of responsible men but these are not the images that our children need to see or believe in..they have other options in life...I'm just saying....

You Just Never Know.....

Highlight of My Sunday!!

So yesterday I went to a NBA game with my Uncle
Man was that the shit !!
Just me and my Uncle I kind of
felt like a kid again like he
was coming to pick me up to take me to the
park and swing LOL
So Sensitive Sometimes Shells cut it out!!
My Uncle has always been a father figure to me
he just don't know that I was his little spoiled child!
Me and my girl cousins just spoiled!!!!
But wait we went to the La Clippers and Sacramento Kings Game
I thought it would be a great game but even after the first
Clippers were losing so I got to feast my eyes on something SCRUMPTIOUS!!
Luckily my cousin Westcoast Willi came and rescued me LAWD
talk bout some EYECANDY he bought to the table!!!!!!
Got the warnings already but didn't think I was going to be drooling at the mouth
A Little bit extreme a HUSTLA doesn't never drool
We went into the Skybox and was enjoying life!!
Talk about luscious lips perfect skin complexion,
Talk about invading someone's space but I don't think he minded LOL
Damn I was all in his mouth some pretty ass teeth too
Lawd Ladies don't be afraid to speak up for what you want
You never question Who You Are, Always Stay Confident Within Yourself
Be secure that whatever you want you can get !!
Hopefully I did LMAO!!

Stay Tuned !!

Shells
A great start to a beautiful weekend.

Random Thought

If love is what everyone is searching and longing for...why does it have to be so complicated?? shouldn't it be easy?? i guess that saying is true that some things are worth fighting for....but how much fighting is one willing to do?? you gotta take care of you first right?? so if fighting for the love is affecting you then what does one do?? LOVE is a four letter word but it is so complicated..but why?? do we as humans make it more complicated than what it is or should be?? LOVE has so many meanings depending on who you are, how you were raised, where you are from and what you believe in. Can one definition of love be the "universal" right definition for everyone?? Hell nah!! that's what make this little 4 letter word so unique and abstract. I don't know why this came into my mind maybe it was because of the love i saw between two people today; one being a new client..there love was no conventional but who's to say it wasn't to them..if I asked them what love meant to them what would be there definition? I know that it would have been totally different from mine..LOVE is just what I stated earlier...a four letter word that is so complicated.....



Roni
(image from oliviahousephotography from yahoo image search engine)

IT'S OVER

People just don't freaking get it
If you get the voice mail message every time you call you should know I don't want to be bothered, some old friends are exactly that for a reason !!
YOU DIG!!
In the past not in the future
Look I think you rather get the voice mail rather to hear what I have to tell you there's always a good reason people get eliminated from my life and its usually because being real is a quality you just don't practice lmao
Damn if I had a reject option button for text so I wouldn't have to read you plead and beg and interrogate me on why your all of a sudden. Non existent.
Just look at yourself and not your cover mf but your soul and spirit it's a damn book I already read and written a new chapter about
Seems like its not a great ending for you!!
But a new beginning for me
You have been exiled.
And for those of you that question am I talking about you call my phone you'll get your answer lol
Some friends and people you have to let go or your spirit won't grow !!

Shells
(image sourced from yahoo image search)

Sistas....a movie worth seeing..

Flower in the Desert: Waris Dirie and her Fight against Female Circumcision

By Claire Sulmers on Mar 18th 2010 3:45AM
Filed under: Fashion News

Ex-model Waris Dirie has emerged as a modern day female rights crusader, protesting against female circumcision and cruelty against women:
The subject is close to Dirie's heart. At the young age of 3, she was subjected to the procedure, being cut by a worn razor and sewn up with a thorn and thread in the deserts of Somalia. In an article in the Times Online, she said, "It was very disturbing and emotional...It is a barbaric crime [and] incredible it is still happening now in the 21st century."

Later, Dirie fled and found herself in London where, after being discovered by a photographer, she became an international supermodel. Her story comes to cinematic life in the film, 'Flower in the Desert' starring fellow model Liya Kebede.



Dirie, a United Nations special ambassador and recipient of numerous humanitarian awards, hopes the film will be shown all over the world as a remonstration against female circumcision.

'Flower in the Desert' or 'Fleur du Désert' debuted in France a week ago, and will be coming to a theater near you.
http://www.desertflower-movie.com/
(excerpt taken from Blackvoices on AOL)

Eye Candy#24

Today's eye candy I had no idea existed until I saw him in the movie "Brooklyn's Finest" as a rookie cop....Officer arrest me LOL!!!! Jesse Williams is Swedish and Black and has an African American Studies degree from Temple University (same BA I got HEY!!!! LOL)and was a teacher...I would love to serve detention with him after school. I guess he is famous for his Grey's Anatomy role as Dr. Jackson Avery (Michelle has probably seen him since that is one of her shows haha). He was also the love interest in Rhianna's Russian Roulette...How I have never seen this lovely creature before is a mystery to me, but I am so glad that I found him today. Ladies this boy is FINNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! With his olive tanned skin, those eyes facial hair and those freckles..he looks good!!!!.and he's educated what more can a sista hope and dream for???????.he can play doctor with this sista anytime!! GOOD LAWD!!
Thank you LAWD for blessing the Earth and our eyes with this beautiful creature that you created.

A Thousand Suns/ Global Oneness Project

A Thousand Suns tells the story of the Gamo Highlands of the African Rift Valley and the unique worldview held by the people of the region. This isolated area has remained remarkably intact both biologically and culturally. It is one of the most densely populated rural regions of Africa yet its people have been farming sustainably for 10,000 years. Shot in Ethiopia, New York and Kenya, the film explores the modern world's untenable sense of separation from and superiority over nature and how the interconnected worldview of the Gamo people is fundamental in achieving long-term sustainability, both in the region and beyond.

http://www.globalonenessproject.org/videos/athousandsuns

Enjoy,

KG

Doing the Most Good...Continued...

For two consecutive weekends, I have invested my time in helping others. Last weekend, I volunteered for RYLA a three day leadership camp. I was a group facilitator and participated in various workshops and activities that supported leadership and self awareness of high school students from various areas of Los Angeles County.

Friday, Roni and I participated in the 1 million meals drive for Haiti put together by the Salvation Army and the NuMana Organization. We helped packaged food the contents included, Soy, Vitamins and Seasoning Mix, Dried Vegetables and Rice. Yes, all in that order. .

Including Roni and I there were about 9 people on our assembly line.

(2) Scooping the contents through a funnel
(1) Held the bag
(2) Weighed the bags to ensure it weighed between 3.90-3.92 oz
(2) Sealed the bags
(2) Boxed the food

The process was seamless. There were volunteers that ensured we had enough supplies to keep the system going. I swear we went through about 500 pounds of rice.


In between scoops (it was hard to stay focused at times), I attempted to try and understand who all was responsible for bringing this unique group of people together in this random warehouse in the middle of East LA.

The Numana Organization was responsible for supplying the goods, supplies and the process for packaging the food. The Salvation Army provided the facility and the Man Power/ Volunteers.
I overheard a few of the volunteers talking about what Numana means. In Exodus chapter 16, when Moses and the Israelites had been freed and starving, looking for food, God provided for them Manna Bread and Quail . The Israelites asked Moses what this food was that came from the heavens. In response it was said, Just know that it is good for you. The Numana Organization was named symbolic of this story, Numana= “New” Manna. Another volunteer chimed in and explained, that because of logistic issues in Haiti and the difficulty of getting supplies to the people the first drop was made from the sky. What an amazing coincidence?

Thus far they have provided over 5,000,000 meals to Haiti. This drive was the first event of its kind on the Western Region thus far.

By trial and error they learned that dropping the food might not have been the best for the desperate Haitian people in the wake of such extreme devastation. All though well intended it evoked extreme chaos on the ground below. Technology provided a solution. UPS, “what can Brown do for you” provided the Salvation Army with a tracking system and database to better streamline the process and has since been implemented. The families are given a card that they can swipe that identifies who they are, how many people in their family and the last time they received food…. (The concept is dope, but kinda has a Mark of the Beast and a means of control feel to me. But Im gonna stay focused… That is a whole other topic) The Salvation Army is now able to monitor how often someone has received food and ensure families needs are getting meet and the food is rationed properly.


So how has all of this made me feel? That is a loaded question. Answer: One simple email led to a very spiritual and inspiring experience. It is just that simple. I have always been one who thought I understood the power of service and sisterhood/brotherhood. I do have Charity tattooed on my forearm. I didn’t know that three hours would take things to a whole other level.

This experience pulled on a very unselfish part of my essence that I can not ignore from this point forward.
How can I use my talents and resources to help those in need? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, food, clothing and shelter seem overwhelmingly important, in my community, in my country and around the world.

It was also very great to see organizations inspire individuals to do their greatest Good.
It has evoked a natural High and I am definitely looking forward to my next Fix…


My Greatest work is Charity…. When He/God speaks you Must Listen!


KG

"Doing the Most Good"

Kareen and I had the honor and pleasure of volunteering some of our time to help Numana and the Salvation Army during their "A Million Meals for Haiti" event. The goal for this weekend is to package a million meals that will be delivered to Haiti. We learned that this food event has been taking place since January and so far over 5 million meals have been delivered. We were assigned to a table that consisted of 5-6 other people; 4 buckets of ingredients, bags to be filled with the meals, scales to weigh each packaged meal to make sure it was the right about for 6 meal servings per bag, vacuum sealers, boxes, tape and did I mention the people to make this all happen?? I must say I had an amazing time. The 3 hours that we spent making these meals flew by...I guess that's because we were "doing the most good". The warehouse was full of people volunteering their time, bodies, smiles and strengths to make this event successful. Our table consisted of mostly Salvation Army workers, but nonetheless they were dedicated like we were. At the end of our shift we had packaged countless meals, were dusty, eyes burning, the smell of chicken and seasonings filled our noses and our bodies were aching a little, but it was all worth it. To know that we were providing Haitians with healthy and nutritious meals was worth it all!! One of the Salvation Army ministers that we had the pleasure of working with told the story of the name Numana, but I couldn't hear her, but Kareen did (she will blog about it). I had an amazing, blessed and heart opening experience that I will never forget. I will continue to make an effort to volunteer as long as I am physically able too. I am thankful for this experience and feel an obligation, but yet an honor to share it with you. If you have never volunteered or haven't done it in a while..find an organization (there are plenty out there) and do it. Here is some info about Numana if you care to volunteer with them; what a great effort and impact they are making in and for Haiti. Remember a little goes a long way!!



The Mission of Numana is to empower you to save the starving.

We do this by facilitating Packaging Events at which volunteers package four simple ingredients in to small plastic bags.

We are different because we construct our concept so the sponsor of the event gets the credit, not Numana. This event easily attracts publicity and all of the publicity will be directed towards the sponsor.

Click to View images Click to View images Click to View images Click to View images Click to View images Click to View images Click to View images Click to View images Click to View images Our meals have four different ingredients: rice, soy, freeze-dried vegetables, chicken flavoring along with 21 vitamins targeted to help the immune system.

The cost of each life-sustaining meal is only 30 cents each. Built into the cost of the meals are all the ingredients, packaging, administration, and international shipping of the food. Funding streams vary according to events.

Our Partner, Salvation Army World Services has agreed to deliver our meals - primarily to school feeding programs in the most impoverished areas of the world. The U.N.'s research has shown that the most effective way to address their Number One Millennium Development Goal (world hunger), is to implement school feeding programs. They will also use these meals in emergency relief situations as the need arises.

Eye Candy#23

Today's eye candy is making "funny the new sexy" (line they used on rollingout.com when they did an article about him). He comes from a large family and most of them are in the entertainment field. Mr. Marlon Wayans was born and raised in New York in a Jehovah Witness household. He is an actor, producer, comedian, writer and director. With so many movies, tv shows and comedy gigs under his belt you would think that he could do no more, but this brother is the epitome of one of the hardest working men in Hollywood and he's a twitter fanatic lol!! Personally I have been "eye-dicted"(a word I just made up to show my addiction to some of these eye candies LOL) since I first saw him in "Mo Money" but the "eye-diction" increased during the seasons of "The Wayans Bros". Mr. Wayans is funny, but his looks can make a sista melt; from his smile to his beautiful skin to his eyebrows (yes this sista has a thang for eyebrows I don't know why) LAWD LAWD LAWD!! He is like the perfect man: can make a sista laugh, cry and fall in love all at the same time!!!!Did yall see him in "G.I. Joe"?? OMG the screen when he has his shirt off!! A sista almost fall off her chair!! GOOD LAWD!!
Thank you LAWD for blessing the Earth and our eyes with this beautiful creature that you created.
(images sourced from rollingout.com and yahoo image search engine)

Eye Candy#22

Today's eye candy is tall, dark and handsome...sistas he looks good enough to eat!!!! He first came on the scene singing in the bus on the Coca Cola commercial..mmmmmmm.......I think that's when we all fell in love with, not only with his looks but that voice too!!!! Tyrese Gibson was born and raised in LA; Watts California that is...so you know he give that hood love that us sistas love so much!!!! Not only his he good looking, he can sing and act. My favorite movie of his is "Baby Boy" JODY JODY JODY GOOD LAWD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Signs of Making Love and Sweet Lady are my fav songs. I wish he could whisper those lyrics into my ears. This brotha makes a sista think bad thoughts just by looking at him. He makes a sista speechless for real!!!! OH LAWD did I mention his body and those tats??!!And that SMILE??!!!!! Just look at the pictures and if ya never liked chocolate before you will be an addict now LOL...GOOD LAWD!!
Thank you LAWD for blessing the Earth and our eyes with this beautiful creature that you created.
(images taken from yahoo image search engine)

Scorpion Queen-Ladies we get it in no matter the species!

The intro was enough for me.... In someways I can relate....
Scorpio: check, African Queen: check, Biological Clock is ticking: check

Apple Don't Fall Far From The Tree LOL

Ok so now I realize what people mean when they say you act just like your parents
Well I figured out the clowning sarcastic me gets that shit from my mom so the other day she came to visit me and my friend pf came over so my mom start telling this brother oh wow your nice looking nice beautiful black skin nice structure you just represent a strong black man. Broad shoulders. IDRIS TYPE My friend was blushing even under his dark choc skin you know she was on point with the shit but damn she was reading him and shit damn just like me NICE MOM DUKES !!!!! LMAO
So she was like you better than that other lil negroe I seen walking down the street mind you dude live up the street and you know we be chiefing lol laughing clowning watching football so mom dukes was like
OH HE MUST BE CONSERVATIVE he walking down the street. HE MUST BE A CONSERVAGAS type nigga LMAO oh me and p was like your mom is so CLOWNING
She was like brothas can't be a conservagas type man coming to see my daughter
So when people say Mich your too mean or straight forward sarcastic if you met my moms you would be like
SHE GOT IT FROM HER MAMAS I'm OUT !!! GOT IT HONESTLY!!!!!!

Shelles

What Is Happening To Our Children???? and our families

NEWS: SEARCH STILL UNDERWAY FOR BABY ZARA

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

It’s been three weeks since 21-year-old Shamsiddin Abdur-Raheem allegedly abducted his daughter, 3-month-old Zara, from her maternal grandmother’s apartment in East Orange, New Jersey, and threw her over the Garden State Parkway bridge into the Raritan River.

On Monday, Abdur-Raheem pleaded not guilty to a murder charge which carries a possible sentence of 30 years to life in prison. Zara still hasn’t been found.

Her mother, Venetta Benjamin, is hoping and praying for her daughter’s safe return. And she also doesn’t believe her daughter is in the Raritan River.

Benjamin’s best friend and Zara’s godmother, Marie David, recently spoke exclusively to Concrete Loop and said both she and Venetta believe that if Zara were in the river, they would have found her by now, “but at this point we can only pray for answers.”

She also commented on the investigation and search for Zara:

“This issue is not being handled with the utmost importance by authorities. I believe that because she was an African-American child, this tragedy is not being taken seriously. Many things in this incident that my best friend is trying to cope with were not handled adequately from the very beginning: there was no AMBER alert issued for the missing child at the time she went missing around 4:30pm until four hours later. She was turned away when she tried to reach out for help the prior day because it was a holiday (President’s Day).”

A website has been created for Baby Zara, and it contains the latest articles and updates on the search. Marie, Venetta and her family are all in good faith that Zara will be returned home to her family and loved ones.

Zara was reportedly last wearing a pink and green Carter’s onesie and may have been wrapped in a blue sleeping bag. If anyone has seen or heard anything regarding the abduction of Baby Zara, please contact your local police or New Jersey State Police at (732) 264-4150.(sourced from www.concreteloop.com)