Friday Entertainment Report - The News We Want To See...

Nicole and Boris Have Good News...

The mainstream media (Entertainment Tonight, E!, People Magazine, etc.) acts like only two couples in the world are having babies and like nobody else ever had a baby before. Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year, you are aware that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have been looking forward to their new bundles of joy. I have to admit that the story about Angelina and Brad are bit more interesting, because they don't run after the media. The media runs after them. Their mysterious lives keep the media in a state of suspense. *yawn*

But Tom Cruise is way beyond his 15 minutes of fame. In the past year, he's hopped like a bunny rabbit on Oprah's couch, criticized Brooke Shields for taking medication to treat her postpartum blues, orchestrated a full-fledged media stunt *oops* I meant to say relationship with Katie Holmes, put a bun in Katie's oven, touted the fact that he bought an ultrasound machine for their home so that they could monitor their baby's every move (exposure to multiple sessions of ultrasound waves can't be healthy), converted Katie to his religion, proclaimed that Katie better shut her beak (silent birth) during labor and delivery, named their daughter a name that they seem to not understand the meaning of, and so on and so forth. What a whirlwind year? I wish them the best and hope that the child has a normal childhood, but enough already!!!

Last week while surfing the net, I found out on the Celebrity Baby Blog that Nicole Ari Parker, formley of Showtime's "Soul Food" series, and her husband, Boris Kodjoe, an actor in his own right, are expecting another child this fall. The couple is pictured above with their adorable daughter Sophie Tei Naaki Lee. Much love and blessings to the Kodjoe family.


Angela Bassett and Husband Courtney Also Announce Good News...



2 + 2 = 4...

Now that you all know that I can add, I can report that Angela Bassett and her husband, Courtney Vance, know how to multiply. About a month or so ago, I found out that Angela and Courtney became the proud parents of twins (a boy and girl) via surrogacy. I have to admit that when I first heard that Angela and Courtney became new parents, I almost didn't believe it. First off, Angela is in her mid to late 40's and I don't recall seeing her in maternity clothes last year. But when they revealed that they went the surrogate parent route, things became more believable. Some women are having babies in their 40's, but I don't know if it's medically safe. Nevertheless, we all wish Angela and Courtney and their bundles of joy the very best.


Akeelah And The Bee...



Keke Palmer Makes Her Big Screen Movie Debut...

Speaking of Angela Bassett, she's staring in a movie that opens today along with Laurence Fishburne and newcomer Keke Palmer. Keep an eye out for Keke. I heard that she was just signed to a record deal with Atlantic Records.

Every now and then a movie comes along that you can take your whole family to without having to endure a whole lot of cursing, violence, adult action *raised eyebrow*, and other inappropriate material for young audiences. I don't see many movies at the local theater, however, I might just see this one, because of it's positive story. The movie is about an eleven-year old who aspires to win the National Spelling Bee. It brings back old memories of me competing in a spelling bee back in junior high. To this day, I still love words and their prefixes, suffixes, and derivatives. That's why I keep a dictionary on my desk at work. I can always be found flipping pages back and forth while learning new words everyday. What a nerd? I'm not a nerd; I'm inquisitive.


People Magazine Names List Of Most Beautiful People...



Beyonce' and Terrence Howard Made The List...

I'm a big fan of Beyonce' and Terrence and love their work, but I just want to know why People magazine's list is always so predictable? Well, dang. Can anyone else get some shine? There happens to be other beautiful people out here like Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, LL Cool J, Vanessa Williams (from Soul Food), Morris Chestnut, Boris Kodjoe, Denzel Washington, Rosa Blasi ("The Division"/Lifetime TV), Mark Consuelos ("Missing"/Lifetime TV), Ziyi Zhang (Memoirs of a Geisha), Ken Wantanabe (Memoirs of a Geisha), etc.


Rosie O'Donnell Joins The Ladies At "The View"...



Why Did The Show Add Her? That's All I'm Asking...

I haven't heard anything official yet, but I've seen reports that ABC's "The View" is going to add Rosie O'Donnell to the show to replace Meredith Vieira who will replace Katie Couric who left NBC's "Today Show" to become the CBS Evening News anchor. I have a question. Why??? Are "The View's" producers trying to add fireworks to the show. Star Jones Reynolds and Joy are bickering enough from time to time, but within acceptable bounds. But now they're going to bring on Rosie. Why?

It wasn't but a month ago that Rosie was getting on Star's case about not revealing how she lost a ton of weight. Normally, I crack on Star for fun and not for meaness. But who is Rosie, a person of wide girth herself, to rag on Star? Plus, I can remember when Rosie called Whitney Houston out at the Grammys or some other big time music awards show. Rosie cracked a joke about Whitney's recreational/pharmaceutical problem. And like a true lady that she is *insert giggle*, Whitney shot Rosie the bird in full view of the tv camera. That's right. When Rosie or her dear friends such as Madonna are going through trials and tribulations, Rosie always asks the media to give them privacy and respect. Rosie seems to never respect or provide privacy to the family members and friends of other fallen or troubled stars. Did Rosie ever think that her words may have hurt Bobbi Christina, Whitney and Bobby's daughter? Respect for some and not for others. Hmm. I wished that I could offer more kind words to Rosie instead of a verbal knuckle sandwich. Oh well. Sometimes, we fall short of the glory. *hee hee*

Well, it's lunch time for me. It's time to bounce. Have a great weekend!!!... ;-)

Tragedy Touches Ashanti And Her Family...

Drunk Driver Kills Ashanti's Cousin in South Africa...

Yesterday, I saw news reports that a drunken, unlicensed teenager, who had stolen his mother's car, killed Quinshae Snead, 20, Ashanti Douglas' cousin. Snead was on her way back to the Ashanti's hotel to pick up a few forgotten things such as jewelry and clothes for Ashanti, who was preparing to perform for a Saturday night concert with Lauryn Hill, Regina Belle, and other local artists in South Africa. The excessive speed mixed with the drinking caused the teenager to rear-end the car Ashanti's cousin was riding in with Ashanti's body guard, who was driving the other car. The rear-ended car rolled over, throwing Snead and the bodyguard from the car into the path of oncoming traffic. The driver of Snead's car was injured and expected to make a full recovery. The drunk teenage driver was injured also.

As of today, I've read reports that Ashanti and her family are preparing to bring Snead's body home to the U.S. for burial. I haven't seen any official statements from Ashanti yet, but a promoter for the concert said that Ashanti and her family are traumatized and devastated by their loss. The promoter's comments can be quite understandable, since the Douglas family has been described to be very close. In fact, I recall reading in one of the articles that Snead lived with Ashanti. For more information, please see the following: ==> Tragedy Touches Ashanti's Family.

No matter how many times folks have been told not to drink and drive, accidents like this one continue to happen. Because of Saturday's accident, lives will be changed forever. Let's keep Ashanti and her family in our prayers.

Static: Don't Start None. Won't Be None. Hay!!!....

Motto: Home Sweet Home...

My Motto: I Take A Lot Of Trash At Work, But I Don't Take It At Home...

Intro: Hello, Good People. I hope everyone is doing well. I've been checking out your blogs in the middle of my crazy days between meetings, but didn't get a chance to reply. (Side Note: Shellyp: Congrats, Miss Lady, for your and your husband's blessing, *RPM*: Congrats on a new chapter of your life; I have so much respect for you in the way that you determined that it was time for you to move onto another job, SP: Don't let those crazy folks at your job get you down, Dee: Smile, things are going to get bettter and better for you and your family, PrincessDominique: Keep churning out those interesting blog entries; are you in the process of writing a new book?, Everybody else: I haven't forgotten about you. I feel like I'm at the Grammys trying to remember to mention everyone in my shoutouts. *hee hee*) All I can say is thank you for helping me make it through the day at work. I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but it's just not going to be done on a regular basis for a while, because of my job situation. I'm still in the process of trying to get a promotion so I barely have any free time. At lunch, I'm still working many times. And when I get home, I'm too tired to string two lucid sentences together. However, I decided to blog a little bit before I go to work.

Now check this out. A few weeks ago, I noticed that the neighbor who lives across from me was getting a new refrigerator on a Sunday. But I didn't pay much attention to the situation. I went about my way. But the next day on Monday, why was an old refrigerator pushed up beside my front door? Mondays are a little tough on me, because every single week I have to come to terms with the fact that I have to go to work. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful to have a job. I just get tired of the mindless bullcrap and crazy people I have to deal with.

Before proceeding on, I must provide you with a little background information. About a year and a half to two years ago, I purchased my first place. I got tired of paying rent that was equal to or more than what folks were paying for mortgages in the area. Homes in the Baltimore-Washington Metro area can be very expensive. So, I was very thoughtful in making my home purchase decision. I took my accountant's advice and decided to purchase a small place in a planned community, because the neighborhood strives to keep up its home values. But with that comes the home owners' association. And part of this kind of set up doesn't allow appliances to be discarded improperly.

Being Plain Proactive: When I first noticed the refrigerator, I was thinking what nerve my neighbor had to push her old, leaking fridge beside my door. Why didn't she push it beside hers? The condo association president lives very near me. And I could totally understand the neighbors or the condo association president seeing the fridge and thinking it was mine. So, at the risk of hurting my easy to hurt back (via my do-myself-mentality: towing huge suitcases at the airport; assembling bookcases and an exercise bike; moving boxes, etc.), I pushed the refrigerator back over beside my neighbor's door. And to make sure no one reported me, I called the management office for the condo to inform them that it wasn't mine. Afterall, residents can be fined for such violations. I stated to the management company that I wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble; I just wanted it to be documented that the fridge wasn't mine. Could you imagine me getting fined for something that I didn't do? Chile please!!!.... (Side Note: If anyone hears or sees, Tiff (Proactiff), tell her I side hi and we miss her blog.)

Neighbor Trying To Pull Someone Up...Namely Me: As I said before, this incident happened some weeks ago. When I made the phone call to the management company, the representative told me to call her if the fridge had not been hauled away in the next day. The next day or two it was gone. So, I didn't think anymore of the situation. But no...I get a little knock at the door. This was the first time I've seen/talked/met my neighbor since I moved there. Of course, I didn't open the door and opted to talk through the door and look out the peep hole. What? Come on now. I don't allow people to case out my place. Shuxxx....Where were we? Oh, yeah. Yesterday, my neighbor came over to discuss the incident with me. Evidently, the management company charged her $200 to haul away her old fridge and she wasn't happy about her little bill. And I guess she wanted someone to take responsibility for this bill. Good folks, when it comes to money, I don't play. What can I say? I come from a long line of folks you can't mess with when it comes to money. It's been said that my Great Granddaddy handled a difficult situation dealing with his land purchases decades ago during the jim crow days. Years ago, I witnessed my Grandmother getting someone told about not paying a bill on time when she used to sell products similar to Amway products to supplement her maid's job. So, let's just say this thing is genetic. I ain't getting off no cash when it ain't my fault.

I hate starting a sentence with the word, "being." But being the person that I am, I put a whole lot of thought into my decisions no matter how big or small. I just didn't call the management company for kicks or to embarrass my neighbor. I'm just tired of being done wrong and done in. I've seen the consequences of me staying silent in many situations over the years. So my conclusion was that if I had not called, then most likely I would have been the one to have to bear the burden of proving that the fridge wasn't mine. I've had appliances replaced in my place since I've been living here. However, I always made sure the delivery person hauled away the old appliance at $10 a piece (and not $200). I just factored the removal fee into the total purchase price of getting the new appliance.

The Half-Apology: As my neighbor told me about the $200 charge, she told me that she was trying to apologize. I accepted. Then she followed up with, "We should be more neighborly in the future." Next time, leave a letter or a note on my door instead of calling the managment company." "Say What?", was my response that I was thinking. But I told her being neighborly means not rolling old refrigerators beside a neighbor's door. Had she left the fridge beside her door, I most likely would have let the situation go on for a while. But no, I felt that she intentionally and deliberately had the delivery folks to push the old leaky one near me to keep herself out of trouble. People need to learn how to apologize or just don't do it all, because conditional statements placed with an apology nullifies it. What's the point? Either you're sorry or you're not. Move on. I sincerely apologized to a motorist some years ago, because it was my fault that I wasn't driving carefully one winter morning. I thought the street was wet, but it was actually black ice. I slid down a hill and hit a truck. His bumper fell off. I apologized sincerely, provided my insurance information, and followed-up with a call to see if he was feeling okay later that day. I paid much more than $200 to fix his car and mine, but I was simply grateful that he wasn't hurt. Thank God. Afterall, I was wrong and caused him to have to take off work to get his truck fixed. Getting back to my neighbor, I bet she wanted me to apologize to her and help pay that $200. Didn't happen. So, in the words of James Brown, "Static: Don't Start None. Won't Be None. Hay!!!..."

Alrighty, I have to get rolling. Take care. And have a good day. *Smile*

Friday Entertainment Report

Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons Split...

It seems like divorce is in the air these days. There was Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. There was Babyface and Tracey Edmonds, and a host of other couples who chose to end their marriages. I guess the question should be who isn't divorced in Hollywood and the entertainment field? Now there's new news. The latest news report states that Russell and Kimora have decided to split after seven years of marriage, but will remain friends while raising their two daughters. It was just last week when Kimora was in Maryland promoting her new book, "Fabulosity." And the DJs mentioned something about Russell being in the area a few weeks before. And then they mentioned that it seems like Russell and Kimora keep turning up at the same places for entrepreneurial projects, political conferences, and product promotions, but at different times and dates. If you sort of read between the lines, it sounds like they had been separated for a while to be separately traveling to the same places. Or maybe I'm reading too much into that radio interview.

I have to honestly admit that I found Russell and Kimora to be a somewhat unlikely pairing from the beginning just the way Kimora towered over Russell, but who am I to judge? Before this incident a local radio show showed them no mercy by calling them Miss Piggy and Kermit. Good grief. Folks can be so mean. I guess sometimes it's better to not be famous for the sake of the criticism that famous folks receive. Nevertheless, I still think it's a bit sad that they are splitting, especially for their two young daughters. The adults may move on and eventually find happiness again with another mate, but when it comes to the children, I always wonder how they will cope with this new situation.

Let me clairfy before I go on. I'm not trying to say whether a couple's decision to divorce is right or wrong for them, because I'm not in the position to say. But I just keep remembering what friends and cousins have told me how they felt when their parents divorced. And the kind of pain that they speak of seems like it will last for a lifetime.

Naomi Campbell

Good people, what in the world is wrong with Naomi Campbell? I know that Naomi is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But folks, she has a history of going off on people. I think some years ago she beat up her personal assistant. Now they are saying that she threw a phone at a housekeeper, because Naomi thought the housekeeper had stolen from her. It seems like Naomi just can't keep herself from reaching out and punching/hitting someone. If she keeps this up, she'll end up in jail fighting the sho-nuff, hardened, Big Bertha felons, which ain't no joke. I also heard something about Busta Rhymes going upside someone's head too, but I think his weapon of choice was a champagne bottle. I guess they were Kung Fu Fighting. Remember that song?

Whitney Houston

I don't know if this is totally true or not, but radio stations have been reporting that a news correspondent from F.ox News, the N.ational Inquirer of news, is saying that Whitney Houston is flat broke, that her daughter she had with hubby Bobby Brown is now living with relatives, because Whitney is so strung out on crack, and that Whitney was thrown out of a townhouse she was sharing with 1980's singer Cherrelle. Another report said that Whitney was toothless. Folks just got crazy and carried away with the news reporting. Perhaps, two out of the five news reports are true. What can we say? In the words of Whitney, "Crack is wack." Let's just hope and pray that Whitney can get her life together for the sake of her daughter, Bobbi Christina. A success story would be nice to hear.

Star Jones Reynolds

Star just can't seem to stay out of the gossip circles. Earlier this year, she refused to discuss the specifics related to her weight loss, while promoting her book. I guess that's her right to discuss some things and not others. *shrug* Then about a week or two ago, reports surfaced that she experienced some post operative problems following a breast lift surgery. One of the tabloids went so far as to say that she was near death, which she strongly disputes. I didn't buy that embarrassing tabloid; I just made sure that I read it while waiting to have my groceries rung up at the store. I can't let folks coming to my place find trashy tabloids strewn about. *hee hee* Back to the story. It was also reported that Al, her husband, also was rushed to the hospital on the same day for bumping his head at the gym. He's such the Diva Deev. But Star was in California, while Al was in New York that day. It seems like a hubby should have been by a wife's side for surgery, since surgery is serious if there are any complications. But oh well, what do I know? I wonder what will be next in the Star Jones media/gossip saga.

Enough of this entertainment babble. Everyone have an enjoyable weekend!!! ;-)

What's Your Outlook On Life???...

"Under The Boardwalk" By The Drifters

Oh when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire-proof
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be...

(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be *making love*
Under the board-walk, board-walk! ...

Intro: In case you haven't noticed, I have a reoccurring beach or water theme going on in my blog. In some kind of way, I feel connected to water. I'm not about to go off into some deep explanation, because it's not that serious. But what I will say is that I've never lived in a landlocked state, and that the water scenes somehow relax me and allow me to meditate on deep matters. So, today's blog picture of a boardwalk viewfinder is so fitting. It reminds me of the piers around the Virginia Beach,VA, Norfolk, VA, and Northeastern North Carolina areas when I was a kid.

Getting The Picture: The above picture speaks to me in a way that lets me know that my life is getting further and further away from the things that I want and desire. I'm getting swept away. I'm being taken away with the tide. I rarely reveal many specific things about myself on my blog on purpose, however, I felt like I could share this part of myself with you in a vague way. Well, isn't that special? *lol* But getting back to my earlier thought, I feel like my job and the pressure that it mounts on me is taking me into a direction that I don't want to go towards. It's not bad or evil. I just don't prefer it. Let me explain.

Previous Assumptions: When I first started working for Uncle Leroy's gubment agency some years ago, I felt like I wanted to come out here and save the world after finishing college. I had lofty goals and felt like nothing could stop me. But, friends, there's a price to pay for success. Things are never what they seem to be. I use to think that all I had to do was work hard and treat everybody well, and things would all work out just fine. I wish. The last so many years has just been an unending struggle involving mounting work, complicated assignments, backstabbing co-workers, minimal advancement, etc. And the job is requiring more sacrifice from me. The more involved I become with my work, I feel like my job is like a wave or tide about to take me away from everything that I've ever wanted. The folks at my job want my time, energy, thoughts, dreams, desires, and goals. Simply put, I can't give them all of that. The best parts of me belong to me. Besides, I work this job to pay my bills, but it is not fulfilling my purpose in life at all. I thought that I could handle things the way they were/are. I know that I'm thankful for my job and know that I happen to work with some hardworking and intelligent people I admire despite the other folks. Buying new things like cars, clothes, and property are nice, but once again I had to ask the question, "Was I fulfilling my purpose?" Umm, no.

The Life And Times Of A Workhorse: It doesn't help that I work in a very competitive work atmosphere where all of us geek/nerd analysts are striving hard to get the hot projects and hold on to the ones that we have. I thought hardwork would bring on the promotions, but that didn't happen for me. For years, I huddled over my cluttered desk surrounded by my trusty dictionary, thesaurus, and English books as I drafted policy materials, reports, and letters. It's like school all over again. But this time around the grade letter "A" doesn't always go to the workhorses like me. Other less competent people seem to rise to the top. They confer with me to get background information before they stroll down the hall to attend a meeting with the big dogs. It reminds me of the cheaters from the old school days. They don't bother to study, but they don't have any shame in craning their necks over your shoulder to look at the answers. I'm totally baffled why they are continually rewarded for their mediocrity. But perhaps, I really just don't belong here.

Realizations: A few years ago, I came to terms with the fact that I'm not really making a direct impact on the people I thought I would be helping. My job does more indirect things in such a way that I am unable to determine whether there is any impact for the greater good. There I go again with the vagueness, but I have to for good reason. However, as I tread the choppy and shark-filled waters of my office, I have a strong feeling that I belong in the Education field. Specifically, I want to be an educational researcher. *lol* Okay, I didn't razzle and dazzle you all with my dreams, but it's a geek's paradise. I don't want to do research for the sake of doing it. I want to ultimately help disadvantaged kids get the kind of education that will help them to compete in today's world. In order to make it, kids are going to have know how to articulate themselves and to solve complex equations so that they can take on the world more on their terms instead of having orders barked out to them. Oops. Was I talking about me? But what I mean is that I want the next generation to have more opportunities. The whole career transition thingy is really a pain. I just hope that I didn't find out these factoids too late to make a difference. But I'm taking steps to redirect my path in the way that I intended it to go. I'll keep you all posted on what's happening once there are some firm developments.

------------------------------------

Update: Blog friends, thank you so much for the advice that you all offered me concerning my disgruntled and jealous co-worker. My family and friends totally agree with you all. But it's too bad that I haven't been able to make time in my busy day to put my co-worker in her place. My new detail position has me so busy. I even have meetings during lunch, which I hate but grin through. My co-worker is still making catty comments. Apparently, she can't help herself. But I think it was mean of her to get smart with me when I simply asked her how our other co-worker, who was in the hospital last week, was doing. She proceeded to bite my head off and tell me that I know more than she does and that folks don't tell her anything. During mid-performance (yes, she was about to go into overdrive), I got up from my desk and walked away, leaving her smacking her jaws in the aisle by herself. Lord, please provide me the strength to behave in the right way and administer the right amount of firmness with that woman. My co-worker just won't be happy until someone tells her off. But I just hope that things won't come to that. :-}

The Office Chronicles

Fresh Off The Press From The
"Well Ain't That A Blip" Office Files....


INTRO: This morning I just want to vent a little bit. So please bear with me. For some time I've put off blogging about my job and my promotion (lack there of) situation, because I simply didn't want to think about it. If I want to have a good day, I just shove certain thoughts under the rug and keep it moving.

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITY: But today, I have chosen to speak about the office, because I've been permitted to peform a detail position in another office. After going through the line of protocol and discussing my disappointment in not getting a grade promotion after performing the work of a senior analyst for years, my supervisor and her bosses allowed me time away on a detail. For those of you who don't work for Uncle Leroy's gubment, a detail is a temporary job in another office. My job position itself is still permanent; I still belong to the old office. It's like my office loaning me and my work out to another office. And sometimes detail positions lead to permanent positions in the office the person is doing the detail. I haven't put any pressure and unrealistic expectations on myself. All I want to do is a great job, and then whatever happens happens. But I'll pray and hope for the best.

THE CATCH: Well friends, things can never ever be that easy. There's always got to be some mess. Just last week, my supervisor told me that today I would be allowed to start work in the new area. All that I would have to do is finish two letters, then I would be free to go do my thing. Yeah right. Two women are supposed to take over my work while I'm gone. Yup, two people will do the job of one workhorse (me). But the older lady co-worker is making all kinds of smart remarks, which is really starting to annoy me. She's getting to be a real pest. I have a lot of reading and learning to do with the new work area, and she's not making things any better by trying to give her work to me. I don't have time for it. It's a shame that people can't be happy for you when something good comes your way.

THE REAL DEAL: Let me give you a brief background about her. She came to my division about a year or so ago. She worked on other projects. But late last year, she started working on my project, because my office needed a backup for me. I thought my co-workers and I were cool until a meeting last December. My office and another office met to iron out some details of a new process. I simply made the recommendation that the analysts (the older lady and myself) should be responsible for pushing out the instructions and work, and not the supervisors, who manage several divisions and travel domestically and internationally for meetings. Instead of taking the time to listen to what the workhorse (me) had to say, the older lady co-worker turned her back to me and dismissed what I said in front of everybody. I had a "Oh No, She Didn't" moment, but I remained quiet. If you can't trust folks on your team, it's time to move on to another job. Now, my words have come full circle in that the new work process is severely behind, because the supervisors didn't manage and push the work out. I really wished that I cared, but I don't. Folks didn't listen, so now they need to deal with the ramifications and implications of their nifty ideas. Cuz, I iz through.

A TRUE PAIN IN THE YOU KNOW WHERE: Now that it is time for me to start work with the new office, the older lady is showing her true colors. Last Friday, I held a transitional meeting to provide background information about my project to the people taking over. But the older lady kept making comments like => "I'm going to keep sending you emails about the project." "You're not going to get out of this work." "You really need to attend next Monday's meeting as part of your transition." "You need to help us get this work done." "All this work will be waiting for you when you come back 4 months from now." "From time to time, we will be keeping you abreast of the project." "Look for the emails." "Who has this or that, because someone said that our office is unresponsive?" "So, are you coming to the meeting?" "We're going to keep you in the loop." Last week I had 1,000 emails in my work account, which I pared down to 890. Now I'm receiving emails from the new and old office (several from the older co-worker just today). I need to get familiar with the delete button. *shrug* Friends and family can't understand why I haven't put my co-worker in her place yet. I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt, but this is really stretching it. And that's the honest to goodness truth. I don't owe my co-worker any explanations as she is not my boss. It's none of her business if I choose to apply for another job, go to grad school, or anything else. Furthermore, it's every man (person) for himself when it comes to decisions involving advancement. Besides, what would I look like staying back and supporting everybody else, while I go another year without a promotion? That just doesn't make good sense. Whatever dude! The older lady is just a co-worker bummed out about having to take on my workload. In the past, when other co-workers were promoted or moved to another division, I wished them well and didn't bother them as they moved along. I took on their workload and kept it moving without all of the moaning and complaining and catty comments.

Trying To Keep Cool: Last time I checked I noticed that I got one paycheck, so why in the world would I try to do two jobs? I may be a lot of things, but I ain't crazy. I did all that I could to bite my tongue last week and today. I really hate confrontations, but if that woman comes to me complaining and making jabs about me getting an opportunity in another office, I might have to give Ms. Lady a piece of my mind in a nice way. I hope that it won't come to this though. I really don't want to hurt her feelings. At the same time I want her to realize that she is capable of doing this work and to not feel overwhelmed, because she has more experience and education than I do. I'm trying to deal with this situation the best way I know, but if you all have any suggestions, please do tell. <:-}

Oprah On The Hot Seat...

Ms. Winfrey, Silence Can Be Golden...

I'm a little behind in my posting, and meant to blog about this last week when all of this mess was taking place. As some of you may know, Oprah has a list of books she recommends. The short and skinny of this set up is that after announcing her picks, her audience and target consumer population go out and buy the books, which propels some unknown authors to fame. Some of the authors were already notable figures in the literary world, while others are brand new. For the new ones, they can catch the jackpot if she loves them. When Oprah speaks, many people listen.

Before I get to discussing this here thang that went down recently, please know that I'm not an Oprah fan or hater. I view Oprah's talk show as a buffet bar. I choose what I like from her show, and simply discard the rest. This means that I like her shows about fashion, celebrities, and home decor. But I switch the channel when she discusses spiritual and relationship issues, since I'm not on the same page with her about those things. To each her own, right?

Back to the issue at hand...Last year, Oprah chose the "A Million Little Pieces" book by James Frey. This book was supposed to be a memoir detailing the experiences that Frey endured while struggling with his substance abuse problems. Oprah fell in love with the book. In fact, she gave some gifts to Frey's mother on her "Favorite Things" show. But then, the "Smoking.Gun" website found out that Frey had embellished a few things. (Side Note: FOLKS CLAIM THAT WE LIE, WHILE THEY EMBELLISH...FREY'S BUTT LIED!!!) Then Frey appeared on the Larry King Live show to set things straight. He claimed that he made up somethings to make himself appear to be badder and tougher than he really was. Perhaps, he did this for the sake of sensationalism. Shux, I don't care; I didn't buy the book. But while I was running my mouth on the phone, I was also channel surfing when I came upon the Larry King show. And lo and behold, good ole Oprah called in to take up for Frey quite strongly. She had his back. She basically said that although the facts were embellished (lies), the book still helped others who had similar struggles to Frey. Well, Hello America, the Golden Voice has spoken. *extreme sarcasm*

A week or so later, a columnist from the Washington.Post echoed the same thing I and other folks had been saying. Suddenly, is what's right wrong and what's wrong right? We couldn't really understand why Oprah felt compelled to call into the Larry King show. She didn't take up for Kirk Franklin (his skinmagazine addiction), Toni Braxton (past bankruptcy with Arista Records), and some other folks. So what makes Frey any different. I could have understood her putting out a short statement to say that the show was unaware of Frey's lies. But no, she went to bat for this guy. And because of all of this hoopla, Frey's books are still selling well.

Then the next week she did a total 180 Degree turn. She invited Frey to be on her show. Initially, he probably thought that she was going to roll out the red carpet for him, and mollycoddle him some more. Not. He was like a deer in the headlights. She lit him up like a Christmas tree, and all he could do was sit there and look straightforward. Oprah had the home court advantage and controlled all parameters of communication, since the doggone thang was unfolding on her show. If she didn't like the way the show came out, all she had to do was edit or totally can the show. It's beyond me why Frey didn't just walk off the show that was in progress. Oprah was telling him that he duped her and the nation. I was wondering whether this show was devoted to her ego or to her product brand (her show) as business and tv analysts have indicated. Although Oprah apologized, I don't think she took enough responsibility for her own missteps. She needs to realize that she picked Frey's book and not the reverse. Even after she found out that he lied, she powerfully came to his aid. But now she's changed her mind and is furious with him? If she just stayed mum, things would have blown over. So now if Frey harms himself in some kind of way behind experiencing her wrath on her show, will Oprah come out and do another show to twist this thang some more? When does it end?

Then the news/spin tv shows went to work on Oprah like it was nobody's business. They held panel discussions with about four or five folks to talk down about the woman. Some made it sound sort of personal. But what I actually realized is that some of the panelists and tv bigmouths may never admit it, but some of them are probably thinking that no woman of color should have a billion dollars and the empire that she has. So those folks had no shortage of backhanded comments directed towards Oprah. Was I starting to feel sorry for her? Perhaps, I don't know. But there is one thing that I do know. Silence can be golden!

Remembering Mrs. Coretta Scott King

A Lady Of Class And Dignity.....
1927-2006


As I was getting ready for work this morning, the news reported that Mrs. Coretta Scott King had passed away last night in her sleep at the age of 78. Mrs. King never really recovered from the stroke she sustained last fall. And throughout the news report, all I kept thinking was how elegant and dignified this lady had been during the worst moments of her life. Although I had not been born at the time when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, I can remember the picture of his widow sitting stoicly holding their young daughter at his funeral. I can remember her holding her head high. She put on a brave face to show the world that she may have been down, but not out.

Although people usually think of her husband when the civil rights movement is mentioned, people need to also know that Mrs. King was a civil rights activist in her own right. Mrs. King didn't sit quietly in a corner as a widow and the matriarch of her family. She stayed quite active in human rights and equality initiatives. She gave speeches, traveled, and met international dignitaries to continue her husband's work. She lived a wonderful life, and I am so glad that she graced with her presence. Now Mrs. King's work is done. Soror/Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Rest in Peace.

Dreamgirls Takes To The Big Screen...

Beyonce' Tries Her Hand At Acting Again...

While surfing the net, I came across some production pictures (courtesy of the Beyonce World website) of the "Dreamgirls" project that is being adapted to the silver screen movie format. The original "Dreamgirls" producton was loosely based on the 1960's girl group, "The Supremes", which included Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson. Typically, in situations like these, one of the ladies wishes to be "The Breakout Star" and have the other two be the backup singers way, way, way, back in the background. I suppose the producers and directors chose Beyonce' to star in this movie, because of her experience in dealing with the break up of a girl group. She says that she's really excited about this movie, and that this will be the first time she'll have the opportunity to really "act" in a movie, although she has appeared in others.

I've been keenly interested in this movie project, because I really wonder whether the cast can really pull it off. Some things should really never ever be remade, and long ago I thought "Dreamgirls" was one of them. The original "Dreamgirls" project appeared in 1982 as a Broadway show starring Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Loretta Devine just to name a few. If you've ever heard Jennifer Holliday sing the "I'm Not Going" song, you know why I'm just a bit skeptical about any remakes. Jennifer, the vocal powerhouse, absolutely blows that song away, and to date, no one has ever been able to sing like her or sing the song better than she can. And I mean no one!!! So all that I'm saying is that the Broadway show is a tough act to follow. And to top this off, the cast of the original "Dreamgirls" won several Tony awards that lets you know how dazzling they were. This whole scenario puts a whole lot of pressure on the new project that also stars Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson. I just bet the movie studio execs are banking on this movie to be a huge success, but we'll have to wait and see. Dreamworks has set up an Official Dreamgirls Movie Website to provide updates leading up to the movie's premiere projected to happen by the end of this year. If I don't go to see this movie for any other reason, I'll go to see Jamie Foxx. *wink*

Former Destiny's Child Member Prepares To Release Album...



LeToya Luckett Reappears...

I guess Letoya Luckett, formerly of Destiny's Child, has let bygones be bygones with Beyonce', since the Destiny's Childs group's big fiasco went down. As some may recall, LeToya and LaTavia Roberson left the girl group for reasons that differ depending on whom you speak to. LeToya and LaTavia stated that they had a problem with the management (Matthew Knowles and Beyonce's pop) of the group, while the new Destiny's Child members stayed mum about it. Then there were reports that LeToya and LaTavia were kicked out of the group for speaking up. LeToya and LaTavia ended filing court cases against the group and the management, but later things were quietly settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money. Then the new group added Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, but Farrah soon jetted just before the really big money started to roll in. (Side Note: I wonder is she somewhere kicking herself.)

Sure Destiny's Child existed for a while before the first break up, but for some reason after all of the musical chairs and personnel changes in the group, it seems that things sort of took off for the latest transformation of Destiny's Child. The new group went multiplatinum and many more opportunities (solo recording careers; acting in movies, tv, and broadway, and creation of a fashion house) popped up for its members (mostly Beyonce') . LeToya and LaTavia tried to pair themselves off with a couple of other girls in Atlanta, GA to form the group, "Anjel," but the production fell through and they were back to square one. They gave it the good ole college try and things still didn't work out.

But anywho, LeToya has moved on. It appears that she's taken her settlement money and opened a new boutique in the Houston, TX area called "Lady Elle." I recently read in a magazine that LeToya has seen and spoken to Kelly and Beyonce' since the split, and things between them seem to be okay. It's good to see that everyone is acting mature about the whole thing. In fact, LeToya's store is selling clothes from Beyonce's and Beyonce's Mother's (Tina) company named the "House of Dereon." LeToya has had pleasant things to say about the new Destiny's Child and Beyonce. No more grudges. I think that's a healthy mindset for LeToya to have before releasing her first solo CD, because she really doesn't need the media pitting her work against Beyonce's, although they may do that anyway. LeToya's self-titled album is set to be released sometime this spring. I haven't heard any of LeToya's music, but I just hope that she can be successful also. Why not?


Kanye West's Controversial Magazine Cover...



Publicity Stunt Or Not?

Kanye West's name is in the news again. This morning I heard on the radio that Kanye is appearing on the cover of a magazine as Jesus. As a Christian, I frankly don't care for the cover. It seems to me that Kanye wants to be a spokesman for something or someone, but sometimes he has trouble in knowing what to say or how to deliver it. From his onset, I haven't really known what he's all about one way or the other. But it's hard to tell with stars, because it could all be part of an elaborate publicity stunt. When Kanye came out with the "Jesus Walks" song, I never took it for a gospel song, while some churches and people in the Baltimore-Washington metro area fully embraced it. I just thought it was another rap from a rapper. Nothing more...Nothing less...I never had anything against him; I just never saw him as a gospel singer or rapper.

Fastforward to last fall when he made remarks about the topmop and the topmop's response to the Katrina disaster. I don't know Kanye personally, but I agreed with his statement about the bad treatment of some people. He just stated what a lot of people were thinking. The images of black people suffering for days on end at the Superdome were mindboggling and very disappointing when help could have been provided. So, Kanye spoke his peace. The mainstream powers that be in the music industry quickly silenced Kanye from making anymore statements about that. In fact, a week or so later he appeared on another star telethon show, and he explicitly stated that he wouldn't be making any comments about the Katrina disaster. Hmm. Kanye could have made a more powerful statement if he had stuck to what he said initially and not backed down even if he had to sacrifice his recording career. But I still wonder what the music label told him.

Kanye has since resumed his public speaking. I haven't gotten a chance to read the magazine article yet, but the folks on the radio said that Kanye took the picture posing as Jesus to make a statement that mainstream America wants people to do great things but not to say that they are great. The radio personalities are saying that Kanye said something to that effect. I repeat that I don't know the man, but I think he better get a lasso out of his superhero bag and capture his ego. *lol* But seriously, I just hope one day Kanye will learn that great people don't have to go around tooting their horns, because their greatness shines through. For it's usually some of the most humble people who do the greatest and most profound things.

Weighing In With Star Jones Reynolds

What's The Big Deal About Her W.eight Loss?

I'm just getting caught up on my blog. I really meant to post this last week after watching her appear on Larry King's show, but I got bogged down with work and completing my grad school application. But I'm back on the blog scene.

What's up with Star and her tremendous w.eight loss? Lately, she's been going on tv shows to promote her new book, "Shine." She admits that she use to weigh about 300 lbs, but now is a size 10. Star has been guarding the story behind her w.eight loss like it is some type of top secret stuff. She leaves nothing else as a secret (everything about her sweet man). So why this? I don't see what the big deal is. It's apparent that she took off a ton of weight. Or maybe all of this part of her promotional tactic to sell her new book. Who knows one way or the other? But I will accept the notion that it is the business of celebrities to do what they want with their bodies. (Note: My sister informed me that I was using the term "celebrity" quite loosely with regard to Star Jones....Hmmm....Patti Labelle sings...Denzel Washington acts...And Debbie Allen sings, acts, and dances. So, I was asked what Star does? And I suppose she's a daytime tv talk show host on "The View." *weak smile*)

She says that she won't give specifics, but a couple of weeks ago she appeared on the cover of "People Magazine" or another celebrity magazine with a big ole caption above her picture stating "How She Lost The Weight!!!" So is she going to talk about it or not. Nope. She says that she doesn't want to be the poster child for w.eight loss. And she says she doesn't want another person to try what she tried, because it may not work for that person or the person might experience something tragic. She said something to that effect. Sometimes what people "aren't" saying is what they "really" are saying if that makes any sense to you. Hmm... Eating healthy foods, controlling food portions, and exercising regularly sound like elements of a healthy w.eight loss program. But Star probably had that stomach stapling procedure performed, which is fine, because that might be the appropriate treatment for some folks. If so, all she had to do is add a disclaimer encouraging people to consult a physician before making any decisions. She missed an excellent opportunity to explain how w.eight loss helps to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, pain in joints, etc. Oh well.

I like NBC's "The Today Show" weatherman Al Roker's approach better. He was upfront with everything. In fact, he let the cameras be present for most of his surgery. He never told people to get the surgery or not to get it. And he was honest in admitting that everything wasn't sunshine and lollipops (err... and granola) as a result of his surgery. He explained that he wished that he could have done it on his own through diet and exercise. And for that, I have a lot of respect for Al in the way that he went about things. Star could learn something from Al. It's the way people go about things. I believe some of the jabs directed to Star by J. Anthony Brown from the Tom Joyner Morning Show can be a bit over the top. But she just gives folks way too much material to work with which makes her an easy target.

About Star's new advice book==> Girl please?! What sage words of wisdom does she have for us? What can she tell us? How to find a husband? *sideways glance* I'm not going to touch that. *rolling eyes*

On to the next topic==>



Flav's Chic Show on VH1

Can someone tell me what this show is about? Last week while I was on the phone, I was channel surfing and I came across this show. I don't make it a habit to watch stuff like this, but I wanted to find out what the point of this show was all about. Is this show a joke or are the contestants for real? On other reality shows, people usually win something for making fools out of themselves. Folks usually win money, prizes, recording contracts, modeling contracts, exposure to talent scouts, etc. So what do the women on Flav's show get for hanging out with the heavily metalliced grilled one? A set of mini grills? A new kitchen clock necklace? *shrug*

**Side Note: I purposely misspelled w.eight loss to keep folks from placing advertisements in my comments section for free. This ain't no billboard. Shux...

Happy New Year 2006!!!...

Wishing You Peace, Happiness, & Prosperity In 2006!!!

Every year, I usually talk to family and friends to discuss New Year's resolutions. Some told me that they don't make resolutions, because things won't change and it's just a waste of time, while others develop a lengthy resolution list. I'm one of those who develops a list. What can I say? I'm an optimist. I always love beginnings, because they represent opportunities to develop and grow. It represents a time for self-reflection and a time to dream of life's possibilities. Maybe this year, I might get the promotion I deserved years ago. Or maybe grad school will pull me away in an altogether new direction. The Lord may have Mr. Right to stroll my way. I may get a chance to do some traveling and finally visit the museums like I said that I would do last year (but didn't).

As for New Year's Resolutions, here are mine. :

1. I want/need to get closer to God.

2. I want to spend more time with my friends and family. Last year, I'm ashamed to say that I worked most of the year and only visited my family around Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I only got to call some friends who live far away may be once or twice last year. I put all of my eggs in the work basket, and an elephant hoof came down on that basket and smashed it to smitherines as I still didn't get promoted. I learned that you can work yourself into the ground, and folks at work still won't appreciate it. Instead, it would be wiser to put more time and energy into friends and family. A lesson well learned.

3. I don't want to be afraid to dream. I'm famous (among friends and family) for coming up with fantastic dreams and goals. I tell ya that I dream in technicolor. But somewhere down the line the doubt seeps in constantly nagging me about how am I supposed to fit part-time grad school studies into a full-time work schedule. Instead I should just do it. I've got to follow through. I need to walk by faith.

4. I want to work on eating right and exercising. A few years ago, I was serious about it. I used to plan what I ate and put off phone calls and anything else until I finished my time on my bike. But lately, I come home late from work and can barely figure out what to cook. And the only exercise I get is walking up 5 flights of steps at work. I'm not sure that's a real workout. If I could only get home from work earlier, I could get back on track.

5. I want to continue to discover ways to save and invest money to ensure a bright future.

6. I want to cook more this year. Last year was a wash with the fast food and microwavable garbage. Currently, I have a taste for a dish of sweet corn, tomatoes, green peppers, and minced onions (not alot of onions) or perhaps a bowl of warm rice pudding sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon. That's the kind of food that you can't find in the frozen section of the grocery store.

7. I suppose that I should get out more this year. My schedule usually involves traveling from work to home or home to work. So, I guess I better start taking folks up on their invitations for dates, dinner parties, etc.

8. I should try to have fun more. I guess watching old reruns of "The Golden Girls" or "Living Single" can't be considered as fun and exciting. Oh well.

As the Queen of Procrastination, I truly hope to accomplish all of my goals.

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Speaking of the New Year, I found the following interesting 2006 calendars and placed them in a collage format. Enjoy! ==>

Season's Greetings

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is this day, in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
- Luke: 2:10, 11

To all that grace my blog, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!...And to those who don't celebrate Christmas, I wish you peace and happiness also.

Ladies...Ladies: What's Up With Your Makeup?

Does Your MakeUp Make You Look Like You Work For A Circus???!!!

Can we openly and honestly chat for a minute about makeup do's and dont's? I'm a girly girl who loves the color pink (and green), going to the salon, doing some shopping, buying cute shoes, and buying makeup. But, girl, believe me, I've seen some mistakes, which have lead some women to look like sideshow or circus clowns. Or perhaps, they could have applied to teach at the highly esteemed Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in Sarasota, Florida.

I know that makeup application can be tricky. What works for one lady may not work for another. There are different skin complexions and facial features such as lips and high cheek bones to consider. I had to pass down my tips to friends and family who don't wear much makeup. I've been having fun shopping for makeup at department stores and drugs stores since college. I've spent time experimenting with what works and what doesn't. But I will say is that I don't think everyone has to wear it, because it is a woman's personal decision to wear cosmetics or not. Family and friends have approached me about helping them, because they were either trying to prepare to take some nice pictures at a photography studio or were preparing for a ball, a prom, or a wedding day. They had no inkling on what to do. They didn't know the makeup brands, what shade to wear,or the differences in foundation. Just nothing. So, I put together the following tips. Please feel free to add some yourself:

Makeup Tips:

1) My #1 tip is that everyone really doesn't need makeup. Makeup is used to accentuate one's features. But no one should be made to feel like she has to wear it, especially if she doesn't want to. But if she does, I hope that she will use it responsibly and sparingly. Folks with beautiful complexions, please don't mess up your skin with a palette of circus clown colors. Some folks can get away with just wearing a little powder to cut down the shine and maybe a little bit of lip stick or lip gloss.

2) Please don't let department store makeup clerks or Mary Kay ladies con you into buying the whole makeup and cosmetics line. That stuff can get really expensive buying those whole packages, which may consist of: foundation, pressed powder, compact powder, blush, mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, lipstick, lip gloss, eye cream, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, facial mask, etc., and on and on till the break of dawn. Some of that stuff such as the mascara, eyeliner, cleansers and moisturizers can be purchased at a discount store for far less.

3) Experiment way before you have a social engagement to determine what works for you and what doesn't. Also determine which stores or venues (Mary Kay, Avon, etc.) are the best for you to purchase items according to availability. For example, some stores like W.almart and T.arget have some of the best prices, but once the inventory gets low, sometimes they don't reorder for a while. Department stores are better at staying stocked up, but be sure you want to pay those prices. Side Note: I love MAC's lipstick.

4) Don't try to look like somebody else. Folks are forever trying to look like Halle Berry or Janet Jackson or Beyonce'. But folks are unique. We can never really look like anybody else. So, why don't we just focus on accentuating our own features?

5) Don't be afraid to consult a cosmetics professional for more complicated things (waxing eyebrows and mustaches...arching eyebrows...dyeing eyebrows, etc.). Have you seen some ladies who purposely shave or tweeze their eyebrows and then try to draw it back? Or have you seen other ladies' eyebrows that look like McDonald's golden arches or Joan Crawford's eyebrows? I know my limits. I can do some things on my own, but I leave my eyebrows alone. Fortunately, my eyebrows don't need much work, but if I needed help, I would have someone else shape them for me. But if you can do it well, go on with your bad self.

6) Blend, blend, blend. I love Patti Labelle's music. She one of my most favorite stars. And I think she's a really nice and gracious person. I had the chance to meet her some years ago at a book signing. She was nothing but humble and stayed late to make sure she signed everybody's books. But one time, one of her makeup artists needed to be ashamed of himself. He needed to be play slapped and punched. At another event, the makeup artist had Patti looking like a french clown, because he made her face look 10 times lighter than the rest of her body. She was wearing an off the shoulder dress, so it looked sort of strange to see her face one color, and her neck and hands another color. I just hope that she'll stick to another makeup artist the next time.

7) Try to take excellent care of your skin. Don't sleep in your makeup; be sure to wash it off thoroughly everyday. Wash your face with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type (sensitive, dry, oily, or normal). And follow-up with an astringent that's not harsh to the skin to wipe away the makeup that the soap didn't get. Then follow-up with a great moisturizer. And be sure to take a rest from the makeup sometimes. I have fun wearing makeup to work, but I don't wear it at home or on the weekends. The pores got to breathe.

8) For sanitary reasons, never ever apply makeup directly to your skin at the cosmetics counter at the store where everybody else has touched and used it. Can you imagine trying on lipstick that everybody else has used on their lips? Many department stores have samples or simply hold up the color beside your skin without putting it on your skin.

9) Find out the proper techniques. I've seen a couple of ladies look burgundy, because they applied blush all over their faces as if it was foundation.

10) Makeup doesn't have to be so dramatic. A little can go a long way. Actresses on broadway need dramatic makeup so that people seated far away in the theater can see them. And clowns wear dramatic makeup to look silly.

11) I will say this again. Determine what works for you. Learn to love yourself so that no matter whether you choose to wear makeup or not, you're satisfied with just being you.

Thanksgiving Day Revisited: No Time For Beginner's Cooking Lessons...

A Recap Of Thanksgiving...And A Public Service Announcement Concerning Cooking...

I sure hope that everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday spent with family and friends. Mine was nice. My family doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving in the same manner as history dictated with the pilgrims and the Indians, only to have the pilgrams later take the Indian's land. Rather we use this day to give thanks to the Lord. Let me run down everything that happened. A week before traveling to NC, I planned to bake a double layer coconut cake as part as my contribution to the Thanksgiving dinner. Well, folks things didn't work that way. I caught a nasty cold the day before Thanksgiving. I had that scratchy feeling in the back of my throat that let me know that a cold was on its way. Bummer dude!!! But I charged forward on Thanksgiving morning. I managed to straighten up my place before making the 4 1/2 hour (really 5 hours...ole lead foot) trip home. I got home in just enough time before I lost my taste buds, because of the cold. I'll just say this though. Nothing, I say, nothing beats a home cooked meal. Mom threw down in the kitchen. I knew that she would. That's why I skipped breakfast and lunch. Plus, it was nice to spend time with my parents and sibblings. But I tell you what. To make up for the missed cake, I'll bake it around Christmas. Maybe I'll bake a pecan pie too.

Warning Ticket: Here's A Public Service Announcement For Non-Cooking Folks Who Try To Break Bad And Try To Cook A Thanksgiving Meal!!!!

I'll tell you what precipitated this warning. The other day I called friends to see how their Thanksgiving holiday went. Most told me that they had a great time. The food was great. And the time spent with family was priceless and memorable. That's so sweet. But then a friend of mine told me about his holiday. He said that he spent it with family like everyone else. However, he told me that the person who proudly designated herself as the Thanksgiving Chef made a terrible mistake, which indicated to me that she was a newcomer to the world of the kitchen. The cook didn't know any better to remove the liver and gibblet bag from inside the cavity of the turkey and to wash the turkey thoroughly. *Gross-O-Rama X 10* My friend said that the cook was nice, yet very embarrassed. But his family overlooked that mishap and still enjoyed the company of the family. They grinned and bared the mishap by just shifting the turkey around their plates without eating it. I'm glad that everything else went well.

But, really, why of all days do new learners try to learn how to cook on the Super Bowl of Dinners? Thanksgiving is no ordinary dinner. The best spread of food is supposed to be laid out. And dinner guests don't feel like hearing why the dinner rolls look like charcoal or why the turkey still looks raw and gamey. People wish to partake in a delicious meal. And they want seconds, thirds, and a doggie bag so that they may enjoy a late night snack at their homes. So stop playing around, Chef newbies. Stop the madness, I say!

All cooking rookies don't lose faith though. It would be wise for the rookies to practice cooking Sunday dinner throughout the year. Or at least practice cooking period. Cooking doesn't have to be scary for you or your dinner guests. Cooking can be quite fun. I try to have mercy on some non-cooking folks, because they weren't raised to cook like myself. However, I will say that there is a wealth of information out here on how to prepare food properly. Last week, the rookies could have consulted a basic cookbook, called the Butterball turkey hotline, searched the internet for recipes, watched the Food Network, or simply called a longtime cook who wouldn't have minded passing down a few time-tested recipes and techniques. I only say this, because year after year I always hear of at least one person who doesn't know to clean out the turkey's cavity. For that matter, it applies to all meats, such as cornish hens and chickens. I can only wonder how many times possible harmful bacteria multiplied in an uncleaned bird. Trust me. I'm not trying to gross anybody out. I just want people to realize that food safety and cleaniness play a large role in preparing a delicious meal. Besides, no cook wants to hear about his dinner guests getting sick behind his food. Don't give up. Just practice and practice until you get good at cooking. ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving...

Everyone Have A Safe And Great Holiday!!!

As we all prepare to travel or stay home to give thanks to the Lord, I just wanted to type this brief blog entry a little early to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!!!

Attention: Jury Duty Identity Theft Scam...

Beware of the Newest Identity Theft Scheme

Scam artists are getting so ridiculous these days. Unfortunately, they think of everything. This morning as I was getting ready for work, I heard about a new scam. It involves jury duty. Many of us are law abidding citizens and take our responsibilities seriously. So, if someone claiming to work for a municipal court calls, most people expect for the call to be legitimate. In this day of caller ID, most folks don't expect to receive a bold phone call from a crook.

Well, that wasn't the case for a lady I heard about on the news. Someone called her house asking for her and her husband's SSN and other personal information in order to mail her jury duty summons to them. Unfortunately, the scam artist caught her off-guard and she provided that person with the information. After not receiving the summons after a certain amount of time, she called the court. An court official revealed to her that they never called her and wouldn't ask for personal identification information over the phone. She then realized that she had been duped. No telling who has her and her husband's information. And there's telling what they will do with the information. It's just so disturbing that crooks actually have the nerve to call people with the intent to commit fraudulent acts. Crooks have no right to anything, but to be locked up in jail. So beware of this new scam. Let friends and family also know to never reveal personal information to someone calling them on the phone. Instead, offer to call the court yourself or to show up at the court to inquire about your phone call. For more information, read on here. ==> Jury Duty Identity Theft Scam

The Definition of an Old Maid...

Single Ladies, Is this How You Define Yourself?

Old Maid n (ca. 1530) 1: Spinster; an unmarried woman and esp. one past the common age for marrying; a woman who seems unlikely to marry. 2: a prim, fussy person. 3: a simple card game in which cards are matched in pairs and the player holding the unmatched card at the end loses.


Well, well, well, who would have known that we were going to play real life musical chairs as adults? I remember playing the game in school and at birthday parties as a kid. You remember? When the music is playing you walk around a cirlce of chairs, but when the music stops, everyone scrambles for a chair. Then one person will be left without a chair. Hmmm. It seems like the real life card game of Old Maid works the same way. The music has stopped, and some of us are left without a husband. WHERE'S MY CHAIR? WHERE'S MY HUSBAND? That's what society has brainwashed us to think.

Now that the holiday season is about to roll around, watch and see how many folks ask you why you are still single and never have been married or never have been engaged for that matter. Be prepared for the inquisition/interrogation. Folks will demand answers from you, especially if you plan to spend your holidays in your hometown where you no longer live. That's the case for me. I hail from a few places (via college campus to college campus during my childhood), however, the place I consider my hometown happens to be a gossipy little town in North Carolina. Nobody, DO YOU HEAR ME???, nobody is nosier than old ladies (old bats) from the south. They are professional athletes. They train year-round. In fact, they're prepared to swim deep and long into your personal business as if it was an Olympic pool. So be prepared for the professionals.

My family and close family are excluded from the lynch mob (inquisition/interrogation board). They already know why I have "chosen" not to marry yet. I'm not against the idea of marriage, I just haven't met the one. I happen to think that love is a beautiful thing. So, we don't engage in long, tiresome conversations about my prospects. I've already told them when God sends me the right one, I'll let them know when to call the bakery. (side note: I love cake!!!) They are satisfied with my answer. But the Inquisition/Interrogation League of Noses will be in full swing during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. They will first ask things like they are so innocent when they can see that a ring isn't on your finger. Then they will ask why a pretty girl like you hasn't been snatched up. Then they'll ask, perhaps, whether you are too independent with your little college degree, car, home, and hoity toity job. Then they'll say how sad it is that you haven't birthed any children, and basically how your whole existence is such a waste pretty similar to a crumpled up piece of paper, which has no future other than ending up in a dumpster.

Well, next week I'll be ready for the Society Noses. Here's an announcement. ==> I ain't no punk, or wimp, or chump!!! I know how to handle the nosey society ladies. *hee hee* It's just a matter of conservational manipulation. There's a way to get the upper hand. Watch me:
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Scene: **Zee At The Grocery Store Minding Her Business**

Mrs. Old Hag: Well, Hello, Aziza. I see that you're here from Maryland. Oh. I saw your new car. It's looks like you're doing well.

Zee: Hello, Mrs. Old Hag. Yes, I'm here for the holidays. I just thought I'd pick up a couple of things at the store to bake a pecan pie and a coconut cake.

Mrs. Old Hag: Umm. Aziza, how's your love life? Have you been keeping company with a young man? Aren't you concerned about nature's clock? You young gals act like you all don't need a man. You all are just too independent. Perhaps, you should have waited to buy your first place after you married. What can a man do for you now, since you got everything? If you go to grad school, you surely won't find a man. Too much education could scare the prospects away. You really should have married a nice fellow from your college classes in the past. My son and and daughter-in-law have a beautiful home. They have a couple of kids and are doing really, really well. My son is looking at becoming partner at his firm. *brag* *brag* *brag* *blah blah* *blah blah* *blah blah* *blubber* *gum smacking* *gibberish*

Zee: *Instead of frowning, Zee smiles.* I'm doing well...I'm fine.... *Zee selectively ignores questions.*

Zee: Oh, by the way, how is your other son doing? *Zee knows that Mrs. Old Hag's 30-Something year old, non-working, lazy son lives with her and plays computer games all daylong* -- *See how I turned that conversation around? *Hmph*

Mrs. Old Hag: *Clears Her Throat And Looks Away.* Umm. Son of Hag is doing well. Well, Aziza, it was nice seeing you. Take care. And tell your family that I said Hello.

Zee: Will Do. Happy Thanksgiving!!!! *Zee Cops A Meow Mix Chessy Cat Smile*

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Now don't get me wrong. All folks aren't like old hags. There are a few other well meaning folks. There are some nice old ladies with nice, intelligent, handsome, employed, unmarried, straight, God-fearing sons. If they ask me if I'm not married, they may be asking to get me in contact with their sons. That's cool. I might even enjoy that.

Aside from all of this, single sisters shouldn't feel bad about their marital status (or the lack there of). There's nothing to be ashamed of. Therefore, there is no reason to stay home during the holidays trying to hide from the world. Please don't sit around reminiscing about failed relationships and missed opportunities. Get that hair done, dress up, and enjoy yourself at the holiday parties. Don't worry about finding a husband, because God is in control and knows what we need. Besides how can you meet Mr. Right, if you don't get out? That's what some folks told me. *wink*

Tech Tuesday: Your S.ony/B.MG Music CDs

Here's something that you might want to read about. Last week, a co-worker and friend of mine forwarded an article to me about S.ony/BMG's music CDs. Apparently, in an effort to prevent people from illegally mass producing and selling the work of S.ony/C.olumbia artists, the company didn't tell music buyers that their CDs placed possibly harmful software on their computers that would open them up to hackers. S.ony didn't actually apologize for not telling customers that they held their computer's in harms way, but provided instructions on how to remove the software from their computers. They only took action after computer security experts got on their case. If you are concerned about this issue, please read on for more specifics==> S.ony/B.MG CDs and Unmentioned Software

When I read this article, I thought about how many S.ony/C.olumbia CDs that I bought this year. Just a few, but enough to do damage to my computer. Two in particular led to me to think that this happened to me. I usually buy most of my music in the middle of my workday at lunch time. Music is what keeps me calm at work and does a great job of focusing me on the task at hand. Once I remember trying to play a CD, but I was prevented from doing so. I was thinking, "Hmm. Did I just purchase a defective CD or was the computer set up (firewalls) at my job the reason for the CD not playing?" I took it home later that day, but I first had to go through some steps, before it would let me play it. I went ahead with S.ony/B.MG's instructions, because they claimed that the CD had some bonus hidden tracks and videos. I wonder could this possibly be what the articles are talking about. I guess I'll have to think twice before buying certain CDs.

Reporting From Cubicle Office 8-4

Co-Worker Workplace Violations...Drats!!!


I fully understand that I must work for for a living. As adults, that's just our lot in life. Fine. But why should the working experience be made so miserable by a few annoying, busybody co-workers? Let me hurry up and type this post, before one of them runs up on me during my break time. The violations are as following:

Personal Space Violators:

I don't know whether this has anything to do with the new perfume I've been wearing or what. But at least 3 co-workers have been violating my personal space, which annoys me to the highest degree. When I can see up their nose, and smell their breath, I think that's just too close up. I just can't understand why they feel they need to get up on me like that. And no matter how much I step back from them, they step forward to me....Touchy Feely Folks (TFFs) also fall into this category. They just can't hold a conversation unless they are touching or rubbing up on you. Enough already with the police pat downs and frisks. STOP IT!!!!!!*Adding HR & EEO Numbers To the Speed Dialing List*

Office Busybodies:

Office Busybodies are those co-workers who listen to your telephone calls, peak over your shoulder to see what is on your computer screen, ask you what time you came to work, inquire whether you were away from the office on a particular day, keep track of your lunchtime (and what you ate), ask you how much money you make, try to find out what kind of car you drive, ask you where you live, ask how much you pay for your rent/mortgage, ask about your personal life (boyfriend), poke around your cubicle when you walk away, and so on and so forth. I kid you not. Everything that I've listed has happened in my office.

Overly Competitive Co-Workers:

I know that many of us are striving to provide excellent work, however, is it really necessary for some to step on the heads of others to elevate themselves? A few weeks ago, a co-worker of mine took a project from me without telling me, because I sided with our attorneys. He didn't give me the courtesy of asking me whether I would mind trading projects with him. I very well would have given it to him. I started to fire off an email to him telling him how I didn't appreciate his lowdown, insincere tactics . But I decided against the email, and let it slide. Nevertheless, what's done is done. I keep reminding myself that I can't and shouldn't fight every battle that finds its way to me. Besides, I need to concentrate on determining how I will fit my new graduate school classes into my schedule.

Non-Handwashers:

Didn't we learn how to wash our hands as little kids? Apparently, some folks missed that all so important lesson from the looks of things in my office. There have been times when I have witnessed some female co-workers walk straight from the ladies' room stall out of the restroom altogether without putting any water and soap on their hands. Ladies aren't the only ones. Some male friends have told me that other men pee and go as well. And guess what? These are the same folks who just love having pot luck parties at work. They are forever bringing food to work. One old chick had the nerve to bring in strawberries that she dipped in chocolate. Now you know good and well that I didn't partake any of that. Besides, I didn't feel like testing my gag reflex. Shux, who are these people? *Good Grief*

Romantic Date Hunters/Stalkers:

These are the absolute worst. My motto at work is ==> Don't Bother Me!!! I'm really not mean at all by default. I was raised in the South. So, I will engage in light conversation to be polite.

A few years ago, an old (50-something year old) Puerto Rican co-worker couldn't seem to leave me the heck alone. I have to admit that to be nice I speak to all of the people who have cubicles near mine. The conversation usually relates to news, the weather, and other non-specific type of crap. However, Mr. D took things differently. Since I really have a hard time coming into work early, I end up spending late evenings in the office. He did too. But I would be working and minding my own business. When everybody else on the early schedule would leave, he would come to my office and chat about everything under the sun. He insisted that we Blacks and Hispanics should stick together. Many times, I would have to sneak away from the office before he made his way to me. He demanded that we spoke everyday.

Then one day lo and behold he struck the wrong chord with MISS ZEE. He let me know that he regularly listened to my phone calls, and other co-workers told me that they noticed him watching me. And another time, he tried to fill me out by asking what he could do to become appealing to the women, and whether he was too old for me. I ignored him, and went about my way. Besides, I don't get down with the elderly. But he got more forceful and annoying. While I was in the cafeteria waiting for my food, he came up behind me in line and said that he missed our conversations in front of the cafeteria lady serving the food. You should have seen the look on her face. Mr. D made things sound like we had a little something going on. Not! I didn't dignify him and walked off. Things never got better. He still stares, but I ended up moving my office to another cubicle to get away from him. Why can't folks just take the hint, and blast off? Hit the road, Jack!

I think that I've covered the most common violators in my office, and sincerely hope that you don't have to endure this kind of mess at your job. Hmm. Maybe I need to find a new office.

Does Mr. Biggs Have An Appointment With The Big House???

And Could the Caped Crusader's Musical Sidekick, R. Kelly, Join Him In The Big House Playing The Role of Robin?

Oh my. Say it ain't so. The ever-young, so-called ladies' man, dapper dan is in big, big trouble. The news wires have reported that 64-year old Ronald Isley aka Mr. Biggs has been recently convicted on multiple counts of tax evasion. It appears that Mr. Biggs didn't pay his taxes from 1997-2002 on his performance fees. The court also claims that he put property and a yacht in the names of his former wife and corporations, while also collecting royalty money due to his deceased brother's estate. I really don't understand why so many celebrities fall victim to their taxes, because although they have attorneys and accountants, they themselves the stars will have to serve time in jail for not taking personal responsibility. Mr. Biggs may give the impression of an old, old pimp in the music industry, but can he really hang in the confines of jail? He could face 26 years in the slammer. *Oh Snap* For more specifics, read the following: Mr. Biggs' Taxing Problem

With Martha Stewart just finishing her time, Lil' Kim currently doing her time, and the court estimating Ron Isley's, it appears that they may not be alone. Last week, it was reported that R. Kelly's legal case (involving illegal videotape dealings with underage girls) will continue and will not be thrown out as requested by his lawyers. For more information, read the following: R.Kelly's Not Off The Hook