Teenage Girls Bill of Rights

Found this at the Joyful Heart Foundation site (mentioned below). Every girl should follow this code for their personal safety.

Diggin' This Site: Joyful Heart Foundation

I learned of this site when I was doing research for the Resources section of my upcoming book, K My Name Is Kendra. I decided to include the section when I reached the halfway point in writing the book. After all, how can I tell the fictional story of Kendra and dedicate it to real-world sexual abuse victims but not include information on where these survivors can go to heal?

So the Joyful Heart Foundation is one of the several organizations you'll see listed in the back of the book as well as at my site. Its President and Founder is none other than actress Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fame, who started the non-profit in 2002 with the goal of helping "survivors of sexual assault heal their minds, bodies and spirits and reclaim their lives." As I suspected before even reading the rest of her statement, she was moved to do so after beginning her role on the show. Emails and letters from real-life survivors touched her, and from this was born Joyful Heart.

Take a few moments to visit the site for yourself, or pass the link along to someone who needs the healing.

Someday: Akwaaba DC

One day, when I've finally gotten to where I want to be in my writing career, I'm going to treat myself to a stay here at Akwaaba, a gorgeous luxury inn in Washington D.C. It's one of five locations opened by author Monique Greenwood and her husband, but I have a special affinity for this particular spot because it's decorated with a literary theme. Each guest room features the books of the author or genre it is named after. I do like the Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, and Walter Mosley suites, but I think my first reservation will be for the Langston Hughes suite (pictured above). Looks absolutely stunning, doesn't it?

Someday...

The Mean Girl Never Wins...

So Bianca is out. I actually thought she'd last at least into the top three, if not the top two. Oh well.

I have to say that I believed her when she said that we haven't seen the last of her. She's determined. And a little shady. She'll be alright.

Harlem Book Fair: 10 Years

The date for next year's annual Harlem Book Fair (July 19th) was recently announced. The 2008 event is a very special one, as it is the tenth anniversary!

I say it every year, but I mean it this time: I'm going to be there! I'll have two books I'll be signing/selling: my young adult novel (K My Name Is Kendra), which I'll be releasing the first weekend of February (just in time for the 2008 African-American Read-In), and yes, finally, The Brownstone, which I'll actually be releasing the very weekend of the HBF. The Brownstone, as those who have peeped it know, is my first adult novel, and it is set in modern-day Harlem. I'm bringing the heat with this book, I promise. And I can't think of a more perfect place/time to debut it than at the HBF. The second stop, of course, will be here in D.C.

So mark your calendars for this very special celebration of urban literacy. Start planning now. I know I will be!

D.C. Is Chasing the Dream!

Just pitched an idea to myvoicedc.com to write a column called "D.C. Is Chasing the Dream!". Won't post any details just yet, but it'll be interesting to see how it all turns out.

Keep you posted...

Time to Get Black Media Involved!

I haven't been very successful in gathering the funds I need to purchase the laptop and laser printer I require to continue my work. That's not to say I don't appreciate all the notes of encouragement I receive, because I do. People are diggin' my work, and I love that. But I need this laptop. The one I'm borrowing is long overdue in being returned to its owner and it's only a short matter of time before it's taken away from me.

So I wrote Big Tigger for help today. He's someone who has his fingertip on the pulse of the community. If there's anyone who can give voice to my efforts, I believe it's him.

We'll see what happens...

Kimora Lee IS Fabulous!

I'm sitting here watching a Life in the Fab Lane mini-marathon, and I felt like I wanted to write a few lines about Kimora Lee. But as I was Googling her, I came across this post at BET.com, and I can't think of anything else that needs to be said that this blogger hasn't already said.

What A Great Feeling!

No time to spend blogging today, but I just had to post this one thought:

I went to Staples today to print a copy of the new book I'm writing. I cannot even express how great it felt to hold the nearly 150 pages of manuscript in my hands for the first time. I'm going to write another 65 pages or so, so it'll be an even greater feeling then when I add those pages to these. In the meantime, I'm rejoicing in the work I've done so far...

If I Ever Get the Chance to Perform Live I'd Sing This Song

This blog is called, My Pen, My Mic, My Vibe. I've written several posts about my work as an indie author. Several other posts give you a sense of my vibe. But I haven't really talked about my love for the mic.

I sing, you see. And depending upon the day/hour and song, I can really put it down. I've had several opportunities thrown my way that I've thrown a-way, but I won't talk about those here, because I get on my own nerves when I think about where I could be today if I hadn't punked out.

I do know that if I ever got the opportunity again to record one song of my choice, or perform one time onstage with a live band, it'd be this particular sassy, empowering song:

No More
by Kamichi Jackson

(verse one)

To define myself by whether
Or not you’re in love with me
Is to resign myself to failure
A life of insecurity

See now I don’t do confusion
Honey that just ain’t my thing
Mama taught me resolution
In my head her words still ring

(chorus )
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t want you
He ain’t the one
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t call you
He ain’t the one
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t fall for you
He ain’t the one
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t love you
He ain’t the one

(verse two)

Now I could shy away from being
All that I am meant to be
And I could change my constitution
So that you’d be pleased with me

But that wouldn’t solve the problem
‘Cause then I can’t be myself
Is it really love I’m feeling
If I must be someone else?

(chorus)

(bridge)
I’ve been scorned
By a man who thinks he is too good for me
I’ve been scorned
By a man who is blind to my brand of beauty
I’ve been scorned
By a man whose forgotten that I am a queen
I’ve been scorned
You know what, yall?
I ain’t going through it again
no more

Wish you could hear the melody and the vocal arrangements. You'd love them.

*sigh*

P.S. These lyrics have a copyright, of course (an official one, filed with the Library of Congress and all). Feel free to plagiarize them. The money I win in court from you will give me the funds I need to finally record the song in-studio with a co-producer and engineer. Seriously.

this.sista.is.fierce.

Okayplayer gave artist Muhsinah love recently. Thanks to them, I'm diggin' her sound too and will be looking to see her live here in D.C. soon, I hope. Check her out with your speakers in the on position and become a fan yourself.

Regina King: Guest Blogger on BET.com

As part of the promo for her upcoming movie "This Christmas", veteran actress Regina King is visiting BET.com daily as this week's guest blogger. Who knew little Brenda Jenkins would grow up to be such a prolific talent?

Be sure to stop by each day to view her thoughts on the industry, her current project(s), and why bootlegging really does hurt Black Hollywood.

Writers' Strike Update

This looks promising...

Project Runway

How I got into watching this particular show, I'll never know. I don't have a high interest in couture fashion (what with my most of the time just not "getting" it...and then there's the whole 'these garments were created for a size 0-2 model' thing). But I do like it. I'm down for anything that allows creative minds to run freely.

Oh, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't learn anything from Reality TV. I learned, for instance, that I'm desperately in need of a head-to-toe makeover, especially since I lost all this weight. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a 9-1-1.

Anyway, if you haven't already, check it out!

Well, We Knew It Was Coming...

She may be gone from ANTM, but she's not over. I do believe we'll see Ambreal doing other things. I don't know what the future holds for her as a runway model, but doesn't she write and/or perform poetry? Or was it singing? Whatever the specific talent, she's a creative soul. I think she'll pop up on the scene another time another place.

Meanwhile, I was almost dead-on with my ANTM Top Six Pick.

"Nikki Parker" on "Ugly Betty"

At least that's what it felt like I was watching when I tuned in Thursday night.

Mo'Nique was the guest star on this particular episode. She played the role of L'Amanda, the crazed weekend security guard who develops an unrequited crush on Professor Oglevee, er, Betty's boyfriend, Henry. It was a role that could have been played by any random actress in her first prime-time role. I have to say, I was very much disappointed.

I wanted to see Mo'Nique appear on the show in a glam role, say, as the owner of a full-figure magazine, modeling agency or advertising firm that wants to do business with Mode. I wanted to see her enter dressed fabulously, with an entourage, and being led by a sleek black panther with a diamond-studded leash around its neck. I imagined a storyline that would have allowed her to share screen time (not to mention all the narrowed-eyed sharp-tongued catfight-like dialog two primadivas can deliver in a forty-two minute episode) with the deliciously evil Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams). Now that would have been memorable, and a testament to how far (not how full-circle) Mo'Nique's career has come since The Parkers.

Note to Linda S.: Write On, Girl!

I chatted with a waitress/server named Linda this past weekend during my stay at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center in Suffolk (lovely hotel, by the way...would most definitely stay there again...I'll take Room 508 again). I was eating breakfast alone and reading a Mary Higgins Clark mystery when the young woman approached to see if I needed anything. She must've asked what I was reading. Somehow, that lead to the subject of writing (as it almost always does with me). She excitedly admitted that she'd always had a desire to write a book.

You know me.

I encouraged her to get to it. I know nothing of her writing ability, of course, because I'd only just met her. But that was neither here nor there. The point was and is that she wants to write. There are stories running through her head. Stories she wants to share. Stories that can only be told the way Linda herself can tell them.

So, Linda, here's my note to you: write on, girl! No matter what people (including/especially family) may say or do to discourage you, don't let it kill your dream. You have a book in you? Put pen to paper and let the words flow.


P.S. I told you that you'd inspire me! I went upstairs to my room and wrote all day long. Your excitement became mine, and I owe you much appreciation.

I Never Knew Him. I Wish I Had.

I only just returned an hour ago from a weekend visit to Suffolk, Virginia, where my family gathered to mourn the loss of a young man who died violently late last week at the hands of Norfolk police officers. His name was James Raheim Dennis. People called him "Gucci". He was twenty-one years old. He was my cousin. And I never even knew him.

This post is not about the way he died. Officers and witnesses both offer various differing accounts of those moments. And out of respect for my family and what will be a lengthy and emotional ongoing investigation, I won't discuss that here.

This post is, though, about the fact that I never even got to know him. I could kick myself for that! Our families were closer once; saw each other more often when most of them lived in North Carolina; knew all the kids' name. How did we get to the point where so many years could pass and some members of the family never lay eyes on each other until they're gathered to mourn a life cut short? Why was this the first time my cousin's mother and I ever met, and why were my very first words to her "I'm so sorry for your loss"?

I am ashamed of myself for that.

I'm rambling, I know. I guess the point is that families in general have to work harder to keep in touch; to get to know each other better. It's hard, I know. Distance, schedules and health issues make it challenging to keep up on each other's lives. Not to mention the fact that the number of people in my immediate and extended family could form a small third-world nation and it is legitimately difficult to get to know that many people personally. But I've already made a promise to myself that I will work harder to make sure I don't have these same regrets a month...a year...ten years from now.

One thing about large families, though: they do know how to show up and represent! This past weekend, mine drove in from Connecticut, Philadelphia, North Carolina, Atlanta, and other parts of Virginia to offer their condolences to Gucci's immediate family. Bodies everywhere, standing room only. Cars lined up and down the street. Food and good conversation overflowing. Music. Singing. Laughter. Friends new and old. Fond memories shared. The home where Gucci once lived was filled with Love, and lots of it.

I may not have met him in Life, but those who loved him have made sure no one will forget him in Death.

I know I never will...

Michael Jackson on the Cover of Ebony Magazine

This picture is, um, well, uh, so, you know, like...

Ahem.

So wow, did you see the game Sunday? Any game...?

This Week on ANTM

Well, for all of Tyra Banks' best intentions, this season's ANTM cycle has just lost its one and only plus-size model, Sarah. I did think she'd go a little bit further in the competition, but she, like almost every other model her size in cycles past, seemed to become uncomfortable in her own skin after being around the thinner models for so many weeks. Unfortunately, it led to her dismissal this week. I'm sorry to see her go, but I hope she can parlay this into a career of some sort. Nigel himself said the camera loves her. Perhaps she'll be able to get some print work somewhere.

Meanwhile, she delivered the best line of tonight's episode, in response to shady Heather-hatin' Bianca, who with fake frustration claimed to be the biggest girl in the house. Sarah gave her the dumb look and returned with something like "Are we really gonna play this game?" Ha! Love that.

Afterthought: Looking at this particular picture of Sarah, I almost wish her makeover hadn't included a haircut. Maybe just a change of color (something reddish/brown/blonde) or a blunt cut would've been nice.

Bad Form, Star!

Sometimes I just love TMZ.com. This particular time, it's because they've provided so much of the documentation that apparently went back and forth between the Full & Fabulous organization and the infamous Star Jones regarding the scheduled appearance she was supposed to make as part of the organization's 2006 Health, Beauty & Self-Esteem event. As is now well-known, Miss Jones chose to not appear because the organization failed to come up with the balance of her speaking fee of $25,000. According to the the founder of Full & Fabulous, Jones was sent a deposit of $10,000 and an additional payment of $6,000, which she claims she never received. She also apparently accepted first-class plane tickets (which cost the organization more than expected because the original flight booked for Jones and her husband wasn't acceptable and Jones' "people" re-booked the flight and, without the permission of Full & Fabulous, charged the $900 difference to the company's credit card...ewww, tacky) and a five-star hotel room reservation, both of which she reportedly utilized to promote her book and enjoy Super Bowl festivities.

Granted, based on the terms of the contract between the two parties, Jones is apparently under no legal obligation to return any of the money given her. But these young girls, who once looked up to Jones and had worked so hard to help raise the money for her appearance, didn't deserve to be caught in the crossfire of all this drama.

For someone so desperately in need of positive publicity, wouldn't it have perhaps been more prudent to make the appearance anyway, based on the partial payments and perks already received--not to mention the audience being served--then work out the details of the balance after the event, so as not to disappoint the attendees? Even if she'd chosen to toot her own horn afterwards and announce to the world that she, out of the kindness of her heart, had made the appearance despite the organization not meeting their contractual obligation, surely that would've been better than this unforgivable turn of events. No one is expecting her to have shown up for free, or even at a reduced speaking fee (though if she'd chosen to do so, again, that would've been great publicity).

*sigh*

Why wasn't this handled differently??

Having Everything You're Ever Dreamed Of

Okay, so you know my Disability check is, like, $2 a month, right? Well, maybe a little bit more than that, but not much!

Anyway, the point is that this book by Amy DuBois Barnett is one I'm willing to scrape my little pennies together for. You've already seen my personal quote about dreams...well, this book fits hand-in-hand with that philosophy. I'm interested in seeing what she has to say and how it can help me reach my own goals.

You might want to do the same!

Who Cares What Those Writers Do?

I just returned from having dinner with my mother and several of her girlfriends. As is always the case when a group of women are gathered, several different conversations were going on at once around and across the table. I asked one of the ladies, who has dabbled in writing for years now, what her thoughts were on the impending Writers Guild of America strike. Before she could offer up an opinion, my mother made a face and--in a voice dripping with disgust--said, "Who cares what those writers do?"

Exactly.

That's exactly the mindset and mentality that has brought on the Writers Guild of America West member strike, which officially begins (picket lines and all) just a few short hours from now. I'm not a television writer, so I definitely don't understand fully the Ins and Outs of it all. What I do understand of it is that since 1984--when Hollywood unions made a deal to accept a really really small percentage of home video sales because at that time it was an untested market and studios argued that production costs were high--writers have been twisted out of alot of money, which is shameful because they are, after all, responsible for the words that come out of the mouths of the actors who make these shows successful. (These days, for example, writers only get about 3 cents on a typical DVD retailing for $20.) Writers just want a little bigger piece of the pie. And why not, considering the way DVD sales have taken off since then, even becoming more profitable for studios than box office receipts. Let's not forget the countless hours of television programming streaming all day every day via the internet. Believe it or not, the writers of those shows don't get paid for that either.

So what will television be like if this strike should drag on and on? Viewers and studios may not fully appreciate the impact of it all until they ask, as my mother did just a couple of minutes after expressing her unsolicited opinion, "So what's good on television tonight?" and find nothing but repeats and--God forbid--even more Reality TV.

Congratulations, Brandin Jay!

Creativity runs in my family. My cousin, Natarsha Garcia, is the founder of a performing arts school in Atlanta, where she discovers and nurtures the talents of young future stars. One of her brightest stars is her own son, Brandin Jenkins, who is appearing in the role of Junior in the upcoming Martin Lawrence movie Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins. Everybody is in this movie: Martin, Mo'Nique, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Nicole Ari Parker, James Earl Jones. Wow. Way to kick off an acting career.

But there's even more to this kid! Brandin is also a rising singer/songwriter. Check out his work on his MySpace page. And watch for more from this talented triple-threat.

Some People Just Get Everything!

Variety is reporting that Tyra Banks has inked an exclusive deal with Warner Bros. to develop scripted shows, reality programs and direct-to-DVD projects. She also signed a series development deal with the CW and has restructured her Bankable Productions staff.

Glad to see her doing her thing, but I also have to admit that I'm just a wee bit envious! I'd love to pitch and develop some projects too. Gimme one day in the life of Tyra (minus the modeling and photo shoots, of course)...

I know, I know, I'm whining again!

Models: The Ultimate Top Model Casting T-Shirt

How many wannabe models will show up at the next ANTM castings wearing t-shirts or hoodies with this logo across the chest or back? Lots, I hope. That's why I created it!

Pick up yours today at WordCanvas.com. Logo appears on various affordably-priced products.

The Strength of Kendra

I'm putting the finishing touches on what will most likely be my most important young adult work ever. Considering the range of emotions I experienced while writing K My Name Is Kendra, I doubt I can do this again. Y'all know I suffer from bouts of depression In Real Life. Hard to take on the drama of a book character too!

Sadly, Kendra's story, though fictional, is not a new one. Statistics show that African-American girls ages 12-18 are more likely than all other youths to be victims of violent crimes against their bodies. That violence very often leads to depression, promiscuity, drug abuse, suicide and incarceration. Even more often, the cycle continues.

Our girls are in crisis and it breaks my heart to talk to girls like Kendra--real live girls--who have experienced the same atrocities against their bodies (and subsequently their spirits) that my character did in this book.

But at least there is dialog. And though it's difficult to listen to these all-too-common heartbreaking expressions, doing so is healing. Most especially when accompanied by professional help from a counselor or therapist. Without such help, this breakdown of spirit is carried into womanhood and is made perpetual.

It won't be easy, but I look forward to reaching as many at-risk girls as possible once the book is released in January.

Maybe I'll meet you.

Another FEMA Scandal

What exactly were these people thinking when they pulled this particular scam? Setting up a fake press conference to address the Southern Cali fire issues?

I'm constantly in awe of the foolishness of some people. What will be even more interesting, however, is to see which, if any, heads will roll for this insulting stunt.

Thank Goodness For Artists Like Anthony Hamilton

I was just in the car, running the streets of the suburban community in which I now live in Northern Virginia (back in the day I'd be rollin' five-deep down Jerome Avenue in the Bronx on a night like this...*sigh* I miss the ghetto sometimes), and I tried, really tried, to listen to the radio.

Two songs in, I'm reaching over to twist the knob into the OFF position because my ears are being assaulted by some R. Kelly song about a freak and her booty up in the club. Not for nothing, but isn't every other song by R. Kelly about that same thing?

I'm just asking.

Anyway, as soon as I step through the door of my mother's home, I pop in Anthony's Ain't Nobody Worryin' CD and exhale deeply, relaxing in the lyrical and vocally-relevant journey that is the music of this soulful virtuoso.

All is right again in the universe.

So They Really Do Use This Stuff In Real Life

I'm sitting here watching one of my new favorite shows: Numb3rs, starring Rob Morrow and David Krumholtz. [Not too sad that I'm home alone on a Friday night. I don't even bother dating anymore. The only men asking me out are not good for me.] I am absolutely intrigued by the application of mathematics to criminology. Okay, so once they launch into formulas and numerology, I'm lost. Still, it's impressive.

I wouldn't be me if I didn't also mention the chocolatey-goodness that is actor Alimi Ballard, who I think looks like a slightly taller and more filled-out version of Sean Patrick Thomas.

Yet another reason to tune in.

Why?

With all the shampoo, conditioner, soap in the world--and a stockpile of money to purchase any and all of it at will...

This look--out in public and even after an arrest...just why?

Diggin' This Site: Telltalepress.com

This is the perfect little gift for writers. Tell Tale Press sells colorful stationery products that actually do, well, tell a tale. Each greeting card has the beginning of a story that you can then complete as part of a writing contest. Very creative writing prompt.

I purchased my set a couple of years ago, but I've never given one away. They're too cute!

More Girl Power

The words on this t-shirt (another personal quote of mine) fit my mission of empowerment:

I walk tall...and it has nothing to do

with the height of my heels

You can pick yours up today at WordCanvas.com. And don't worry, it's available in various colors and styles (pink just shows up best here).

Plus-Size Never Looked So Pretty

That's the title of an article I found on the AOL homepage today. The subtitle was "Tips to Hide That Pesky Bit of Pudge".

Cool.

So I read the article. And I gotta say, it says absolutely nothing about how to hide what I've got going on around my waistline! Yes, I've lost lots of weight (kudos to NutriSystem, Congestive Heart Failure, Type II Diabetes and the resulting threat on my life for the part they played in my choice to drop a few LB's...yeah!), but this spare tire I'm rockin' around my waist just doesn't factor in to the whole just accessorize with a super-wide belt philosophy.

Note to Mommy: my black clothes are my best friend because they are flattering and streamlining, according to this article. Okay, so I guess I can take their advice and venture beyond that one color and add more chocolatey browns, charcoal grays and olive greens this season. And more jackets like that camel-colored suede piece I picked up at the Avenue last year. You like that one, no?

Now if only I can find one good "strategically-placed oversized clutch purse" to "chicly camouflage" my quote-unquote tummy troubles as I get back in slimdown mode.

Brandy Is Back In the Studio

Eurweb.com is reporting that singer Brandy is back in the studio. I'm so glad to hear that. She's always been one of my favorite artists, from way back in the day, and I've missed her music. Do your thing, girl...

I can't say that without also saying this: my heart goes out to all the people affected by the terrible vehicular tragedy involving Brandy, which claimed the life of a mother my own age. I feel for her family, her children especially. But I also feel for Brandy, because to live with the knowledge that you may have caused the death of someone--though an accident--is also heartwrenching.

News: Arson Suspected in the California Fires

I had a feeling they'd come to this conclusion. Wow at the damage one twisted person can do.

ANTM: The Fab Five

Is it five or six models that end up going overseas to some exotic location as the competition begins to wind down? I'll pick my Top Five now: Bianca, Heather, Lisa, Jenah and Saleisha. If it's six that travel, I'd have to add Sarah as the sixth.

As for who I think will be in the final episode? Kinda too early too tell, but I think it will be Heather, Bianca and Saleisha. Who will battle on the runway? I think it'll come down to Heather and Bianca. The winner? I can't call it yet...

Ding Dong, Ebony's Gone!

So the buzz all over the ANTM message board at cwtv.com is that many viewers think Tyra was mean to Ebony last night for throwing away the modeling opportunity given to her. And throw it away she did!

If you didn't see it, Ebony was in the bottom two, which is just where she wanted to be (and truly where she belonged). She told her fellow housemates even before stepping into panel that she wanted to go home. It came across in her interaction with Mr. Jay and in her pictures (did you peep the snarl in her closeup?). It came across from the moment she stepped into panel. And it came across when the judges were critiquing her pictures. In fact, I think she was purposely even more off-putting than usual (as if that were even possible)because she wanted to tick them off and be sent home. It backfired though, because Tyra chose her to stay over Ambreal.

And then it happened.

This is where I'm in defense of Tyra. Now, I don't remember her exact words at the moment (I'm not in a TIVO household anymore so I couldn't play it back, but I will watch the episode online later), but I do recall that Tyra did check Miss Ebony and called her a quitter. Some viewers thought that was rude. But here's the thing: I don't believe Tyra would've come that hard if Ebony hadn't been so funky all along (and let's not act like she hasn't been) and if she hadn't been so flippant in the way she announced that she just didn't want to be there anymore. Sometimes it's the way a person says something that works either for or against them. The end result probably would've been the same, but Tyra's response would most likely have been different. In fact, think back to Cycle 7 when one of the twins (I can't recall which one) expressed her doubts at being in the competition. Yes, she was sent home, but Tyra was wayyyyyyy nicer about dismissing her. You see? Tone and attitude truly make a difference.

I will say this for Ebony, though. She was woman enough to take herself out of the race before it went any further; before the opportunity was taken away from another model who really wanted to be there.

Drama.

Kindred the Family Soul

Please tell me you're down with this powerful husband/wife duo. If not, you really want to be. Listening to Aja and Fatin sing (both on their CD and onstage) is a musical experience like few others.

Visit kindredthefamilysoul.com with your speakers in the ON position.

I Want This Tee

This is not one of my tees, but I'm diggin' it deeply because I HEART ?UESTLOVE too (if you don't know who he is then shame on you), so I'm street-teaming it (unofficially).

I stood behind him once at the 930 Club in DC. Floetry was onstage and my manager had brought me in through the back door. I was right next to the speakers and a guy with a big ol' afro was standing just below the stage. His hands were dug down deep in his pockets, and he was barely moving...except for the rhythmic bounce of his head. He turned at one point, I caught his profile, and it was then that I realized I was just feet away from a musical genius.

Ah...

Diggin' This Site: Meetup.com

Great place to search for and create in-person meetups with people who share your various interests.

Need A Stylish Way to Carry Your Rhymes To and From the Studio?

This messenger bag features a line ("you bring the beat, I'll bring the flow") from "The Micness", a little diddy I co-wrote and recorded with a local producer a couple of years ago. I think it's the perfect gift for the aspiring lyricist/songwriter in your life.

Buy it online at WordCanvas.com for just $29.99.

How to Score a Get-Out-Of-General-Population-Free Card

What do you do when you begin to serve a sentence at Rikers and you quickly realize that each woman around you is ten times the hardcore thug you only thought (and wanted people to believe) you were? Befriend at least one fellow inmate, stage a scuffle in the yard, and get your poseur behind out of General Population (and into punitive segregation for as long as possible) as quickly as you can without losing face.

You can't tell me that's not what went down here. And to be honest, if I were Foxy Brown, I would've done the same thing. There's a big difference between throwing a cell phone at a complaining neighbor and trying to throw a punch at Big Wanda and her crew.

Note to Ms. Brown: Don't forget to have your manager write and send the check to that inmate's family in return for her role as Punk Inmate No. 2 in your little cellblock "play".

Is That Terrence Howard Pushing the 2007 Camry XLE V6?

I'm not sure (and the question has probably been asked and answered ten thousand times already), but is that actor Terrence Howard's voice on the new Camry commercial? It's meant to be a sexy and seductive spot, and I think the advertisers certainly accomplished what they set out to do. A beautiful African-American model/actress to appeal to the fellas, and the mellifluous tones of TH's voice to catch the attention of the ladies.

I know I'm sold!

Once Lost, Now Found: Tres Personajes

The news of the recovery of this painting by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, which was stolen twenty years ago, is all over the internet and television. Apparently, a Manhattan woman saw the piece lying in trash along a street. She says she doesn't know anything about art, but that it just didn't seem right to her that a piece like this should be discarded. It's now in the capable hands of the Sotheby's auction house (my cousin works there, btw).

The woman is being awarded a $15K finder's fee and a percentage of the sale of the artwork, which is expected to fetch up to ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

Wow.

Think Pink When It Comes to Your Dreams

I've put my personal quote ("dreams only die when you let other people kill them") on a t-shirt! It's available for sale at WordCanvas.com. Stop by there today to cop yours for just $27.00.

Also available in Lemon, White and Light Blue

What Do You Do When You Can't Sleep?

You write. That's what I'm doing right now. It's 1:30AM in the morning, and I can't sleep. I hate laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, so I'm staying up to write until I get so tired that I can no longer sit upright.

That's the luxury of being in bad health, semi-reclusive and out on Disability. No two days are alike. No two nights are alike, for that matter. Oh yes, I've got The Life (she said, her words dripping with sarcasm).

Good lord, I hate this path I'm currently walking. Some way, somehow, I have to figure out how to get off Disability and write full-time. Some way somehow...

My I.Q.

In an earlier post, I wrote about feeling dumb. I'm kind of obsessed with it at the moment, so I took one of those online I.Q. tests. My score was 127. I could swear it used to be higher.

Hm, I'll have to give some attention to this...

Another Rene Dickerson Work

Love this painting too! It's so different from what I'm used to seeing come out of Rene's studio. I'll have to ask the name of the gallery where it's hanging.

Artist Rene Dickerson

I'm both a fan and a personal friend of renowned artist Rene Dickerson and his wife, Linda. As close as we are, however, I'm never fully aware of what he's working on, of course.

So every now and then, if I can't actually get over to his home, I'll check in at his website to see what he's selling/sold. This piece above, entitled "Sarafina", made me gasp! I'm so in love with this painting. His website says it's been sold to a private collector, so I'm a little bummed about that because I would've loved to have seen it in person before it was sold (just to look...I could never actually afford to buy), especially the 23-carat gold accents that adorn her hair.

He and Linda have invited me to dinner this week. Hope he'll let me take a peek at what he's working on!

America's Next Top Model

I'm a Top Model fan. I'm not sure why, really. Well, maybe it's because I like to see people realize their dreams. Maybe it's because I like to see those who have become successful make it possible for other people to realize their own successes. Or maybe it's because I like a little drama (as long as it's not my drama). Because there is always drama on ANTM.

But this comment is not really about that, per se. There are professional bloggers who will give you a scene-by-scene commentary on the show. No, the point of this post is that I think it's time for ANTM to switch it up a bit.

I say that because, each and every cycle, there are a couple of models who are dismissed too early. A couple who should be allowed to develop a little more before they get the boot. And then there are those who should be dismissed early but aren't.

So I'm pitching an idea to the producers. [Well, not officially. But I am going to write it here and perhaps someone will stumble upon this post and pass it along to the right people.]

Next cycle, why not allow all thirteen girls to stay through the first three photo shoots? At the first panel, the judges would deliberate as usual and grade the girls on their performance (but not reveal the results to the girls or the viewing audience). Same process for the second panel, which means the models leave both times not knowing where they stand or whether they will be among the three that will be dismissed all at once at the third panel.

Ha! Now that's entertainment.

This Cape Is FIRE!

I'm diggin' this cape worn by Lucy Liu in Cashmere Mafia.

Jill Is Back in Full Effect

I have yet to cop Jill Scott's new album, but I am sooooo feeling the first single "Hate On Me"! The title most definitely says it all.

The Hidden Beach family of musicians (and this time I use that term in all seriousness) are just too awesome...