Afro-America Writer's space: Blog

Eighty and Driving

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:26:34 GMT

Cross-posted on my premier blog: http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com/

Ok, here is my gripe with the chronologically gifted: A fierce need for independence without considering those lives they put in danger with their driving skills or lack there of.

I know since I live in the premier destination for the retirement age, I would have to just deal with it or move. But I believe sometimes one need to sound off and maybe in the interim the subjects or the officials in the land could make better laws or restrictions to those impaired by the inevitable signs of aging.

I had a dentist appointment yesterday afternoon and though I arrived for my appointment fifteen minutes early, I couldn't find a parking spot. So I kept driving around the building hoping someone would leave and park in front of the office.

When my hope of scoring my prime parking space was getting delayed, I decided to park some feet at the back of the building; this will be a first on my part. After I parked and was trying to get my handbag, cell phone, I got bumped, more like rear-ended to my shock.

As I came out of my car infuriated about who could do such a thing, here lies the hunchback of Notre Dame old enough to be my Grandpa apologetic. The words ceased at first while the "Grandpa" with his Uckel-like glasses driving the big and long Cadillac said he couldn't see my car. My answer was "in this broad daylight."

Mind you, not only was this Grandpa trying to defy the law of physics by driving the wrong way (it was a one-way in and out), thus the reason for rear-ending me, this man had a partner or wife some years his junior who couldn't have said something to him that there is a car on the other side (I even left a parking space) and he was driving too close. So there it was, two blind mice driving on the streets of South Florida.

Also, for him driving the wrong way out of the parking lot, he could have caused another accident with someone trying to get into the driveway. So to all the "elders" of the land approaching and over the age of 80, in the great words of Apostle Paul: I beseech you by the mercies of God . . . to please get your vision checked and drive a compact car you can navigate. Let's be honest, your reflex is not as sharp as 20 years ago. A diminishing vision plus a big Cadillac (why is that a car of choice for Seniors?) don't a good driver make.

Folks Who Drive Me Nuts During A Storm

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:42:20 GMT

Cross-posted on my other blog: http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com

I've been living in South Florida for a while and I know the drill when it comes to the hurricane season - be prepared. And though the hurricane season is a period of five months, it doesn't mean we see storms or hurricanes during those months. I think for that reason, some folks get lax regardless of the warnings.

I don't know if these folks are tourists but how in the world do you go to the beach for surfing when that's the major place to STAY AWAY FROM. Seriously! Many of these surfers say it is the best time to catch the waves.

Then one this evening, a kite-boarder (new one on me but it is definitely white folks sports) on one of our beaches. Most government places were closing at 1pm and the news on preparation have been incessant the past 12 hours. This stupid kite-boarder with all the winds crashed from the sky. He looked to be a teenager or in his early twenties, he's going to be okay (I think), maybe with a few broken bones.

Also, you've got those who drive like crazy people. While I was doing my last-minute errands before the storm, I was already hearing the number of accidents on major highways. Some folks might say South Floridians drive like crazy people any time of the year and they have a point. I drive with a finger on the horn most times for any weirdo who encroaches my lane among other things. But when there is a storm, PLEASE slow down, you will get to where ever you're going.

The News Media Drive Me Nuts!!! I get that after Wilma (late 2005), you cannot be too prepared. These days people don't ask you where you were during "Andrew," that was too far back in the 90s but where were you during "Wilma?" And I get it the Media earned their money since many residents had to rely on their radio (no power for weeks) for ATMs, Restaurants among other available necessities .

But why should all the National programs from 7am be intercepted till 7pm. Sometimes, I feel the reporters want to show their "defining moment." Do I really need to see the effects of the wind and rain pounding on a reporter to get the severity of a storm? Once, a lady reporter was hurt by a flying object. I wondered if she got an Emmy for defying the eye of the storm that got the best of her.

Last Lecture Professor Dies

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:26:16 GMT

Crossposted on my other blog: http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com/

Last Lecture Professor Dies

How do you give somebody a proper sendoff you only knew in less than a year ago but made an indellible mark on your life? How do you give the sendoff when you knew it was only a matter of months that this person will pass? Well you try . . . This person is none other than Randy Pausch, who passed this morning from his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Randy Pausch touched the life of millions through his "last lecture" that became a hit on YouTube and brought him to the forefront of their TV screens via Oprah and Diane Sawyer. I was one of those millions. This was a man on the surface who looked like a fit and healthy man but was giving a death sentence of a diagnosis. But what struck me was how he chose to live his life afterwards - be the best husband and dad to his wife and kids and in the process gave a "last lecture" to his Carnegie Mellon class that became life lessons to many beyond that classroom.

So thanks Randy and I say RIP.

GYM Etiquette

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:07:28 GMT

Cross-posted @ http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com

One of the reasons of having a blog is getting things off my chest and one thing that is nagging me for a couple of days is manners (or lack thereof) at the gym. So as a public service I'm begging folks especially guys to learn some etiquette in a place that is supposed to be a sanctuary of sorts to work out my issues.

See, I didn't say anything about my body - that's the end result of time spent in the gym but most times I'm running things out in my mind for the day I'm about to have or at the end of the day forthe I've had so far. And some rare occasion, the gym is an escape for the type of day or week I've had. So is too much to ask folks not to give me a neck and eye rolling moment for what I just saw, smelt or felt?

So what prompted this blog posting? My workout at the gym this weekend. Let me list a few of the gym sins (of don'ts) I experienced in less than two hours this past Saturday:

Don't Be A Grisly Adams - Repeat after me guys: I WILL TAME MY HAIR FOLLICLES OR STAY COMPLETELY COVERED. OMG! How in the world in the hot South Florida can a guy wear tank top and some thigh shorts and be a Caveman or the aforementioned Grisly Adams. Please don't be an eyesore.

Here I was working out on the crosstrainer and trying to pass the goal of one hour on this equipment by reading a magazine when Grisly Adams walked by in front of me. Of course my concentration was broken. My eyes followed this guy hairy back all exposed in the flimsy body-builder type tank top and the major hair all exposed from his thighs with his shorts and I started imagining how sweat could get trapped in such in follicles. EEEWWW!

Don't Show Me What You're Packing - Ok Guys, New Rules: Unless you're Lance Armstrong, DON'T WEAR BIKER SHORTS. Seriously! And the thing with these biker shorts wearing guys in the gym, they don't really work out - they parade back and forth in the gym like a peacock. I don't care what you're working with, leave me be and in the process respect me (and the other gym rats) and wear board shorts like most guys.

Don't Undress Me With Your Eyes - Unless you're drop dead gorgeous with major sex appeal, don't gawk at me. Revise that last sentence, if you were drop dead gorgeous guy with major sex appeal, you won't need to gawk - just glance. That's the thing with guys (most of them), they have NO clue about the act of the look. You gotta slap them upside the head to get them into the present when a fine woman walks into a room.

Let me help you guys: There is a fine line between gawking and glancing. And ladies are experts on the act of glancing. When an attractive guy walks in the room, trust me, we (ladies) have noticed him in a few seconds without directing our gaze to his direction. Let's say the guy is on the east of the room, and we are on the west in a circle talking, we can tell you what shoes he's wearing, which can tell us a lot of things about him. Also, we've noticed some unique features like his ass-ets while still going on with the conversation with our present company.

So guys, find a lady to help you with the act of the look because it could be difference in being seen as a pervert or a subject of interest.

RIP Tim Russert

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:26:57 GMT

Crossposted on my other blog: http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com/

RIP Tim Russert

This is one tough post to write. In the short time I opened this blog, a reader can see I'm tough on the Media. It might be because I think some (if not many) are dumbing down the profession that holds so much accountability to its audience. But I hold a few of its members in high regard and one of those few was Tim Russert.

I can't believe he's gone. Like millions of people around the country and the world, I'm still in a state of shock that I'm not going to see Tim Russert on Meet The Press this Sunday. Not just for Sunday, the rest of the election season. This was a man who made politics fun and accessible to the everyday man. You didn't need to have an ivy-league education to understand Russert. Who can forget how he reduced the complexity of the 2000 November election to three simple words on a dry erase board: Florida, Florida, Florida!

Here I am young enough to be Russert's daughter but I never felt a generation gap in understanding him even though I pale in comparison to his intellect. I think that was the charm he brought to his viewers; a blue-collar kind of guy talking to the dignitaries of the land. And boy did he talk to them, more like grilled the truth out of them.

For my generation, his grilling but fair tactics was parodied on Saturday Night Live by the brilliant Darrell Hammond and he got the humor. He even did a fake-serious interview with fake Presidential candidate Stephen Colbert. Now that was a pundit who was in touch.

He showed how in touch he was with his best-selling book "Big Russ & Me." A story about life lessons from a father and son relationship. That book solidified his legacy of not just being one of the premiere journalists of his generation but a devoted father and son (not to talk of husband). He made many rekindle their relationships with their own fathers.

This is the second journalist I felt was taken too soon; the first was Peter Jennings. It showed how fickle life really is and to cherish every moment we're blessed with the gift. So in honor of Tim Russert's memory not just for the legacy he left for the excellence in journalism but to Dads everywhere.

On the eve of Father's Day, I would like to say Thanks Dad and MOD (My Other Dads) - I couldn't have been the fearless daughter without your guidance and my heartfelt condolence and prayers to the Russert family.

Sex And The City Movie

Sat, 31 May 2008 21:17:59 GMT

Cross-posted @ http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com

Hello Lover! You’ve been four years coming. I’ll put a brake on the puns of Sex And The City. Most SATC fans know the “hello lover” was Carrie’s greeting to some to-die-for-shoes and I, like many women was hooked. Yes SATC was a revelation to men and a revolution to their opposite sex.

Four women navigating their thirties and forties on having great careers and great or grim personal (yet public) lives. Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha became household names; at least to the female households and males who dared to ask or were secret fans. They showed men how women really talk among themselves; let me let you in on a little secret guys, it’s even worse in real life.

Through Carrie’s keystrokes, the world learned the secret lives of her dear friends and her missteps in love with Mr. Big and others. Charlotte was the forever romantic (couldn’t stand her), Miranda was the realist (could hang with her), and Samantha was the unapologetic (LOVE her).

Here’s a side note: I don’t approve Samantha’s lifestyle but I love the notion of not caring what people thought of her and giving her friends straight up advice of how not to short-change themselves. Samantha literally stole the show. Ladies watched SATC for what Carrie was going to wear but Monday morning, they talked about what Samantha said.

So for four years, women have been subjected to SATC reruns and this weekend and others to come, they will be like birds free from their cages barging into movie theatres to catch up on the lives of their fictitious girl friends.

My advice to guys: don’t try to make sense of it. Schedule your own me time or some time with your boys. You’ve been trying to do so for a while anyway. Let your girl have her four to five hours girls night out. Don’t assume anything when she’s dressed to the nines just to see a movie. This is not just a movie; it is an EVENT.

Changing Address

Sun, 25 May 2008 20:49:28 GMT

I've been saying for a few weeks the format on "Spaces" was getting on my last nerves. But since I hate being indecisive, I took the necessary action and launched another blog . . . so to all my "spaces friends," here goes the new place you can find me: http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com/

Thanks,

I Love Me Some Grey's Anatomy

Fri, 23 May 2008 21:11:36 GMT

I mentioned once I was singing the blues while the writers’ strike was going on in Hollywood. I must have read more books and magazines during those months than I ever did; and I was already an avid reader. My favorite show, Grey’s Anatomy was also on hiatus during this time and I missed my weekly diet to check in with the “Doctors” of Seattle Grace Hospital. Well the two-hour season finale was last night and it did not disappoint. (What I thought of it will be in another post but first . . .)

I was never a person who jumped on board after the rest of America caught the “Grey’s Anatomy” bug; I was fan from day one. I remember when the show started in the fall of 2005 right after “Desperate Housewives,” programming, I stuck around just to see what this hospital show was all about. As usual, I came in with a little apprehension because at that time I thought most shows on TV sucked. Also, I wondered how successful will another medical drama be since a few over the years I loved have either been cancelled or lust some luster. Shows that come to mind were Chicago’s Hope, City of Angels, and ER (after George Clooney left). So my tepidity towards the new TV show was well placed. However, the writing (the most important factor in my opinion) grabbed me the first few minutes, and the casting of the diverse actors made me an instant fan.

But I was worried if some Americans will get it and not let this great gem I have found NOT go to an early TV grave yard. Well not to worry, month after month, the audience kept building and Grey’s became a bonafide hit. Now “Grey’s” buzz words such as McDreamy, McSteamy, Va-jay-jay (to those living under a rock, let’s just say it refers to a certain female’s anatomy) have become everyday lexicon even the big O (Oprah Winfrey) who’s publicly made know for watching little or no TV, put her stamp of her “favorite” show to the point of using the buzz words (especially the va-jay-jay) on air. Well, TV comedians had fun with that one.

What makes Grey’s successful is not just the medical mumbo-jumbo; that is there in abundance to make the show authentic. However, it is the story about life and how complicated it is whether as a mother, daughter, wife, father, son, or husband and every other role one plays in this thing called life. In one episode, a viewer could go from great comedic timing with the characters of the show and grief when a lovable character (I cried my eyes out when Denny – Izzie’s love) passes away. It is where a so-called jerk (i.e. Alex) could have some redeeming qualities or for a person who made a mistake not to be defined by the misstep – I loved what the Nazi said to recurring character Dr. Montgomery not to let a man define her (great advice).

Kobe Looks Jordanesque

Fri, 23 May 2008 03:49:39 GMT

I haven’t liked Kobe Bean Bryant in over five years since he threw his then teammates under the bus. That just wasn’t a player’s move. The way I saw (and still see) it, if you get caught cheating and with an alleged rape charge over your head, face the music alone and don’t take your teammates, who were married or have significant others down with you. But I can’t deny I love his game – I can make a distinction between the player and his performance. And I must say he’s been going through an image makeover lately that I gave him an end of the season award for “finally being a great teammate.”

So there I was watching Game 1 of the Lakers Vs. Spurs series last night and I wondered for the first half what happened to the ball hugger Kobe with only two points. And why were the Lakers playing like this? Secretly, I’m pulling for the Lakers just like I was pulling for the Hornets in the last series because I DON’T want to see the Spurs in the Finals. The Spurs are great but they are BORING!!! They are like watching a carpenter (led by the Big Fundamental Tim Duncan) at his craft (my apologies to Spurs fans and carpenters). No sizzle, no larger than life personalities just the substance of playing ball. I’m all for the notion of having substance over style but doggone it; why can’t I have both? And the same theory goes for the game of basketball. I will criticize a player with all flash with no fundamentals of the game in a minute and I will find him snooze-worthy when the role is reversed.

But back to last night’s game, for over three-quarters, it was like watching paint dry when the Spurs led by 20 points. At that time, I’ve already found other programs on TV to amuse myself. I couldn’t believe the Lakers were playing like this with all the rest they got. It was as if the proverbial rest turned to rust. Then I came back in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter and I was like Whoa Kobe! And for the rest of the game, I was transfixed! This is why I agree with Dwyane Wade’s theory: the fourth quarter is winning time. I’ve seen some terrible upsets in many years of watching the game but I must say very few (not for a long time) against the Spurs. The Lakers won led by Kobe’s heroics especially one against down and dirty defensive player Bruce Bowen (I will change my tune in a minute Bruce if you come back to the Miami Heat) with about 24 seconds left. When Kobe was asked after the game why it took so long to start hitting and making shots, his response was: “I can get off at any time.” Ok that answer has such double entendre I’m not even going to touch it. Anyhoo, I must say his brand of cockiness was reminiscent of the one and only “Airness,” who had the game to back it up. I think His Airness will be proud of Kobe’s game last night.

911 Is a Joke!!!

Tue, 20 May 2008 22:48:42 GMT

Sheila Jones, 911 caller

Imagine you're in a dire help! Oh a stalker of an ex-boyfriend is at your frontdoor and you call 911 in panic several times because you know the volatility of your ex but after you hung up, the 911 operator mutters: "I don't give a s**t." Well this scenario happened to Sheila Jones of Nashville, TN and the story can be found here. Warning: The video on the site is chilling.

Barack: Lay Off My Wife!

Tue, 20 May 2008 21:25:56 GMT

I love chivalry and the very emphatic comment Barack Obama sent to the GOP in his Interview with Good Morning America to “lay off his wife” send a clear message that chivalry isn’t dead. Hallelujah! There’s hope! In case you haven’t heard, the Tennessee GOP ran an explosive video featuring Michelle Obama saying for the first time in her adult life, she was proud to be an American. Granted, the GOP took the comments out of context to the point of depicting Michelle Obama as unpatriotic.

I came against this tactic when Chelsea Clinton was being asked “stupid” questions on the campaign trails for her mother. Folks who think the families of the said candidates are fair game need to have their decency meter checked. Ok, granted, Bill Clinton is another level – so maybe there could be an exception being a former President. But don’t go after the rest of the family members to change thousands or millions of votes when they are have not being involved in the candidate’s decisions.

Here’s my message to the GOP: Please try something new! Obviously these videos are not working like they did four years ago. You have lost three key seats to the Democratic Party in Congress with all the exploitive images of Obama. Most recently in Mississippi with Travis Childers, an extremely conservative state and they could see through your ploy. Here’s a suggestion: how about you talk about the policies you’re against and for? There is a shift going on in the American political arena; maybe it’s time you jumped on board.

Dancing With The Stars - The Finale!

Tue, 20 May 2008 19:04:09 GMT

Cheryl and Christian Jason and Edyta Mark and Kristi

Well all good things must come to an end and so it was with last night's Dancing With The Stars for this season. It was what it needed to be for a finale but unlike the past three seasons, a clear winner emerged and I'm sorry to say it's not my Miami Hero - Jason Taylor; Gentlemen, make room for the lady Kristi Yamaguchi. Yes I said it! Though I voted for Jason, it was only for moral support; Kristi should win DWTS, making her only the second woman and the fourth consecutive athlete to do so.

So the "stars" had two dances- the cha-cha and the freestyle (no holds barred). You had the the sentimental favorite in Christian dancing with one good arm (the second needs surgery), the other hunk in Jason, and the sweetheart in Kristi. I loved Christian's and Cheryl Cha-Cha; Christian has solidified his Latin blood. Also, Kristi's and Mark's Cha-Cha was just phenomenal and worthy of their perfect score. Kristi finally showed she had the showmanship along with her impeccable technique. Jason and Edyta was missing something. When both Christian and Jason held Kristi in the air in their final group performance, it was symbolic to me that they were holding up the trophy - the real winner.

And what can I say about Kristi and Mark's freestyle? I would always have a soft spot for someone who uses any King of Pop's, Michael Jackson's tune. In this case, it was "Got Me Working. . ." with a synchonized moonwalk; I say give them the trophy already. Kristi left the Boys to bite the dust! Sorry, gotta call it the way I see it.

This Week in Pop-Culture

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:06:41 GMT

I decided to separate the politics from pop-culture this week because like I said in a previous week, it was an eventful week:

America’s Next Top Model Winner is “Regular Size!” - Can I get an Amen somebody? Finally, a model that looks like the average American Woman (see the picture) is crowned the winner of that little show, ANTM. But this is not sitting well with some folks calling it a “shocker” or “TV stunt” from Tyra Banks. Ok, the latter sentiment is not far-fetched when it comes to Tyra but this should have happened a long time ago. The average America woman is between a size 12 and 14 and NOT a size 0 and 2, the fashion world so readily shoves down people’s throats. This was the reason I called the model a “regular size” while other news outlets say “Plus size” or “Full size.” I guess it was time to turn a new leaf especially with the controversies of models deaths for not eating and the banning of unhealthy thin sizes from the runway in Europe (Bravo Spain for taking the lead.) I hope this is a good sign of things to come.
Vintage and New Flubs of TV Anchors: I got a kick out of the news stories featuring Vintage Bill O’Reilly (check out the dance remix of the video here). Seriously, someone must really hate O’Reilly’s guts to release this video after twenty years. Then a recent flub from iconic NY anchor Sue Simmons saying the F-bomb. Let’s just say all anchors were extremely careful this week.

Charles Barkley Owes $400K to Casino: Anyone who follows sports knows “Sir Charles” gambling habits isn’t a shock. In fact, he’s quite open about his gambling. But you never hear any reports that he is overwhelmed by the so-called addition. Chuck says he’ll pay back the money; the $400K just slipped his mind. Gosh! What kind of money are you making Chuck for $400K to slip your mind? Please pay this ASAP, no need for any criminal charges to be brought against you because the sports world will REALLY miss your unabashed brand of humor.
Once “Fastest Man in the World” Gets 46 Months: Another example of never lying to the grand jury is Tim Montgomery, once dubbed the fastest man in the world is now getting 46 months in prison. Montgomery once was linked to another fastest woman in the world, Marion Jones as her fiancée. Anyway, both these love birds doped but lied about their burgeoning muscles and check-scamming and it seems both achieved the same fate; time in prison.
HIV Positive Man Gets 35 Years for Spitting on Police: I’m quick to point out police brutality on other individuals but I’m also a “fair is fair” kind of girl when the story is reversed. That’s why I have no problem with the latest sentencing of a Dallas HIV positive 42-year old man getting 35 years for endangering a police officer by spitting in his eye and mouth . . . what do you guys think???

*P.S. Sorry for any formatting issues (Spaces sucks at times)

Recap on Politics This Week

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:36:56 GMT

It’s been a while since I did a round-up of the week’s news but this has been an eventful week to say the least. So here goes:

Sen. Hillary Clinton wins West Virginia: Congratulations Sen. Clinton but the numbers still don’t add up for the nomination. I’m all for her to complete her race all in the name of democracy but to be honest unless the Super delegates do some “smoke screen” back room techniques, the winner* should be Sen. Barack Obama.

2. President Bush sacrifices golf for the war: Of all the stupid comments (check out the video here) I’ve being subject to listen to for the last eight years from W, this one ranks up there. In an interview with Politico.com, Bush made this quote: “I don’t want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander in chief playing golf,” he said. “I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.” Ok Mr. President, let me tell you how to send the “right signal,” about the war: Put some funding into Walter Reed hospital for injured soldiers to get proper care; the same goes for the GI bill to increase benefits that are depleting. Also, treat the thousands of veterans with dignity who are going homeless when they return from war. The aforementioned signals are just a start . . .

Sen. John Edwards endorses Obama: This is really a “Johnny come lately” move. Hey Johnny, you got your jet ski? (anyone who watches Stephen Colbert knows what I’m talking about). But they say better late than never, so I ain’t mad at ya! Edwards was one of (if not) the most courted endorser. His message on poverty needed to be brought to the spotlight. I’m not saying he could be the VP., but I must say they both look good out there a couple of days ago.
Bush pulls a Hitler on Obama: I could say all kinds of things about a President who has said he wouldn’t involve himself in the 2008 election race but let me have the Democrats of the Senate have their say – What say you Madame Speaker? Nancy Pelosi: “This was beneath the dignity of the Office of the President.” And you Sen. Clinton? Clinton: “President Bush's comparison of any Democrat to Nazi appeasers is offensive and outrageous, especially in the light of his failures in foreign policy. This is the kind of statement that has no place in any presidential address.” Democratic leader Harry Reid: “irresponsible and reckless.” How about the implied attack on you Sen. Obama? Obama: “This is sad . . . a false political attack . . .” And the last word will go to you Chairman of Foreign policy – Sen. Biden: “This is Bull****, this is Malackey. This is outrageous, for the president of the United States to go to a foreign country, to sit in the Knesset ... and make this kind of ridiculous statement.” Go on Biden! Tell us how you really feel J

MLK Statue Fiasco

Wed, 14 May 2008 19:21:01 GMT

Getty Images

Here we go again with art driving folks nuts! Let me be the first to say I'm a huge proponent of the theory that all "art is subjective." As long as you're not doing something with damning images a la Golf magazine a few months ago with a picture of the "noose," it's difficult to get me all up in arms about various images because most revered art work whether from Michael Angelo or Picasso have at one time have been seen as controversial. Now the latest art controversy is of one of the greatest Americans ever produced, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts says the sculpture of MLK make him appear "too confrontational." Granted, I don't think the sculptor should have made MLK cross his arms, anyone who studies body language would tell you the crossing of the arms could evoke several messages and often, not positive ones. However, I can't imagine what this lead sculptor, Lei Yixin is going through. First, there was an outcry from the black community about the sculptor chosen for this landmark statue was not "African-American;" he's Chinese. Now after, he erects the statue, the commission is saying the image is "too confrontational" but should be more "sympathetic."

Ok, time out! As an African-American, I never had a problem with the sculptor given the commission. I felt that the commission was following the principle of MLK in part not to judge a person by the color of his/her skin but by the content of his/her character. In my opinion, let the best sculptor (regardless of race) get the commission. Now about the statue: How do you make MLK more "sympathetic" when his life's work was confronting the injustice of his time? Seriously! After 40 years of his assasination, some critics have gone against the "santa-clausification" of MLK. These critics felt that MLK was more than just the "I have a dream" speech. Isn't it ironic that the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is doing exactly what those critics bemoaned?

Again, I ask how do you make MLK's statue appear more sympathetic? Is it with him preaching against the inequality of the land on his pulpit? Or marching for the Montgomery bus boycott? Or seeing the image of a man the head of FBI, J. Edgar Hoover once called "the most dangerous man in America?" Yes he followed Gandhi's principles of "non-violence" but let's face it, MLK was no Gandhi in his demeanor. If you are going to sculpt a statue of a civil rights icon, you have to face the truth of the times. As the lead sculptor, Yixin responded to this latest controversy: "I just want to focus on King's ideals." Bravo Yixin!

Very Grateful!

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:57:47 GMT

Sometimes we look at life's little inconveniences and depending how we choose to view the situation, it could really put us in the dumps or make us see the glass half-full. That's where I found myself when my mother's day plans for all the mothers in my life was shot to the pits. It was after three in the afternoon and I was debating the best highway to take to start my travel plans. I finally decided on the Turnpike and spoke to one of my Godmothers to wish her a "happy mother's day." I told her the conversation was going to be short because I was getting close to get on the highway and I would talk to her later.

Thirty minutes later, I just paid the final toll and I was now in the city waiting at an intersection for the light to turn green when my car cut off automatically - went dead. I tried starting the car again and it won't start. This wasn't the time for this (it never is) and here I was on a busy street as South Florida was having record breaking heat. Also, I was confounded because anyone who knows me knows that I take great care of my car. In fact, I just had it serviced about six weeks ago. So I'm thinking, should I call AAA, then I remembered one of my family members (GodDad), lived about thirty blocks away from where I was stuck. I called him to tell him about the situation and where I was. Also, called another family relative (another guy) who I was supposed to be seeing later on. I'm all for equal opportunity when it comes to women but when it comes to my car; call the guys.

As I was waiting with my emergency lights on, a black guy I don't know approached my car. I guess he saw the look of shock on my face and quickly assured me he was only there to help. The stranger told me he'll park his car at the opposite gas station then come back to help me push my car out of the intersection. When he returned, another black guy (another stranger) was behind my car with his car. The first one without the car said he'll push while the other guy in his car will use his car to push my bumper. They both helped me into the safety of the gas station before my GodDad was able to get to the place. I was profoundly grateful.

So it was an inconvenience knowing I wouldn't be able to drive back home that day since it was found out something might have been wrong with my water pump and/or thermostat (never did anything with those since I got the car). I had to crash at a nearby family relative's home (the second person I called) to check out his mechanic first thing in the morning. All my plans for Sunday and Monday were now altered but you know what, the time I couldn't run everywhere made me check out some "spaces" sites and catch up on my personal business on the computer. Also, I had time to reflect about the days' events and appreciate the kindness of strangers and the un-ending support and love of family.

What's up with the NYPD?

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:21:12 GMT

Can somebody please tell me what's happening in New York specifically with the NYPD? See the above picture? That's a picture of a high-ranking officer, Chief Douglas Ziegler, head of Community Affairs Bureau. Not only that, he's married to NYPD deputy commissioner of Equal Employment Opportunity (you'll see the irony of that in a minute). Oh did you notice he's black? So what's the problem? The problem is the officer was off-duty in street clothes when he was profiled; you know, driving while black.

So Officer Ziegler was approached by two NYPD officers (who are white) while his SUV was parked. The two white officers ordered him out and did not believe the NYPD identification Ziegler showed them. Seriously? Actually, one of the officers got in a shouting match with him after the said identification. Well since this case was filed, the said officer has been stripped of his barge and gun and also placed on modified duty.

NYPD, your rep is so shot right now, it's not even funny. This is less than a decade after Amadou Dillo, a few weeks after the controversial verdict of Sean Bell, the protests on the street last week, then this latest news this week. And to think it was against your very own - let me paraphrase what a police source said; "I don't know how you cannot recognize a Police Chief with ID around his neck."

Over the Hill-ary

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:22:37 GMT

Personally, I feel Saturday Night Live has lost some of its lustre from days of old, but I must say when it comes to politics it has maintained its relevance. The embedded video shows this fact. I wanted to write about the latest Hillary Politricks with playing the race card but I'm just tired and seeing the SNL intro last night surmised everything I wanted to say. I would say this, I agree with Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, who is an avid Clinton supporter by calling Clinton latest comments "the dumbest thing she could ever have said."

Mildred Loving - Rest in Peace

Fri, 09 May 2008 21:08:37 GMT

One of the burning topics on my mind since last February when I started blogging actively was the issue of interracial relationships. However, the political scene kept me quite busy among other things. But a few days ago, I read an article of Mildred Loving’s passing and I knew I would be remiss if I didn’t write the piece before the week was over.

Mildred Loving was one half of the iconic couple who made interracial marriage legal in the seminal case of Loving vs. Virginia of 1967. Mildred was black and her husband Richard was white. They were actually married in 1958 in Washington – where interracial marriage was legal but when they returned home in Virginia, both of them arrested, jailed and banished from the state for 25 years. Well the case went all the way to the Supreme Court where justice prevailed to make it legal in ALL states regardless of race.

Mildred lost Richard in 1975 due to a car crash and she never remarried nor granted interviews even during last year’s 40^th anniversary. She never felt what she did was such a grand thing but oh I begged to differ . . . it was monumental!

Mariah Carey Weds Nick Cannon

Fri, 09 May 2008 20:02:04 GMT

Ok this is aside from what I normally blog about but I must say it is bugging me. At first, when I heard Mariah Carey married Nick Cannon, I just laughed to myself and said I would believe it when I see it. Well, my eyes finally saw it yesterday at a checkout stand, the wedding pictures in color on People magazine. Are you kidding me? I’m all for the older woman and young guy; if it makes you happy . . . (the Sheryl Crow song) but how do you get married after six weeks. Not only that, the guy (Cannon) has a big tattoo of your name all over his back. Now that’s one of the things I don’t get. I don’t care how in LOVE/LUST you might be; don’t tattoo the guy’s name on any part of your body and vice-versa. That is a permanent inscription to what can be a temporary situation.

I want to know what these two are drinking. Nick Cannon just broke off his engagement to Victoria Secret Model Selita Ebanks whom he proposed to at Madison Square Garden. Another pet peeve of mine; making way over the top proposals for something you don’t know if the answer is going to be a “yes.” Actually, I think those guys try to MAKE you say yes with such grandiose proposals – at least that’s what I’ve said to my friends. To be honest, once in a while, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine when that guy is turned down. Before I start getting comments, let me be clear; yes I’m a romantic. But I digress.

Back to these two lust birds, I’m no betting girl but looking at the history of these two serial daters in Carey and Cannon, I could almost start counting the months . . .

Barack The Vote!

Fri, 09 May 2008 19:32:45 GMT

Oh the taste of sweet revenge! Can I just say this? Barack Obama’s decisive victory in North Carolina and nail-biter but in the end an almost upset was the proudest I’ve felt for any political victory. I felt what this Senator from Illinois has had to deal with the past couple of weeks (not talking of a couple of months ago) with the whole Wright issue was just uncalled for especially when John McCain with seeking John Hagee’s endorsement is just done as a brush off. So take that all you political pundits and big ups to the American people who can actually think for themselves . . . imagine that!

Under the Weather

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:36:06 GMT

I know it's been a while since I posted anything on my blog; I've been busier than usual and a little under the weather. But I've got a lot buzzing in my mind and hope to post some things in a few days . . . peace!

Musings About A Muddled World

Fri, 02 May 2008 17:18:26 GMT

We’re living in some confusing times and I’ve got a lot to get off my chest on various issues and gosh was it a slow week (not!):

Miley Cyrus and the Vanity Fair Photo fiasco – Note to self: I will not buy the latest Vanity Fair since I have an almost six year old Goddaughter who for the past year is obsessed with everything Hannah Montana – no need to dash her fantasy of a heroine, it’s like telling a kid there’s no Santa Claus. Note to Miley’s handlers: Give due diligence to this girl’s (not woman’s) career, pay attention to perception. Note to Miley: You made a mistake, too bad it had to be so public but keep your chin up; this is all part of growing up. Also, a side note: Enjoy being a girl at the moment; you’re only 15, you will have a lot of time to be sexy (trust me). Note to all the public: leave Miley Cyrus alone!

Supreme Court Justice Scalia on 60 Minutes – Anyone caught 60 Minutes last Sunday? That is your vote at work! I will never tell a person not to vote for a candidate for President of his/her choice but please really think because such person might elect a position (Supreme Court Justice) which is for a lifetime. This guy arrogantly told folks to “get over it” on the 2000 voting debacle in Florida. Not only that, he said torture is not a “cruel” or “unusual” punishment. My request to the Justice: How about I try it (especially waterboarding) on you since it’s not such “a cruel or unusual punishment?”

NBA Playoffs – My prediction: The San Antonio Spurs will win it back-to-back for the first time and Basketball fans like me are relegated to another year of BORING playoffs.

Rev. Wright Mania – I’ve dedicated two posts to this issue this week, my plea to the media is to now concentrate on the REAL issues.

The President Public Address On the Economy – You gotta love W for his ostrich-like tendency to keep his head in the sand rather than being real. Nice green (money) tie Mr. President. The President called the economy having a “slow patch,” “a little downtown,” “not having a magic wand,” everything else so as NOT to say the “R” word. Mr. President, I spent time in business school and can I just spell it out what my textbooks, classmates, and professors would call this time: R-E-C-E-S-S-I-O-N.

Paula Abdul’s “IDOL” moment – I want to know why this particular Paula confused moment became news on all morning and evening shows for a couple of days? Paula is one-of-a-kind and thus the charm of the American Idol show? So now people are wondering if the show isn’t really “reality” but a scripted one. Those folks really need to get a life! I mean the outrage! How do you confuse reality and scripted when you could always count on Randy to say “Dawg, the song is kind of pitchy,” Paula to say “you look lovely/beautiful (forget the singing) tonight,” and Judge Dread (I mean Simon) to say “that was utterly forgettable, it was like being on a cruise ship?”

Grey’s Anatomy is Back – Boy am I glad to check in with my favorite doctors at Seattle Grace! Welcome “McDreamy” and “McSteamy” (love you) with their boyhood shenanigans and “the Nazi” who always keeps them in line.

That’s a few things to mull over about our muddled world as I head into the weekend. I’ll try to escape reality a bit and watch the “Iron Man,” maybe even catch McDreamy (I mean Patrick Dempsey) in “Made of Honor.” Make your weekend a great one!

Obama Denounces Rev. Wright - Right Move?

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:25:49 GMT

Was it the right move for Obama to denounce his former pastor, Rev. Wright? The long and short answer to that question: Obama had to do it. It was difficult for me to watch his press conference yesterday. I could see the hurt, pain, and controlled anger in Obama’s disposition that I’ve never seen in four years of being familiar with the Senator from Illinois. Just imagine if you were in a similar situation to achieve a wild dream but it will come at a cost of severing ties with someone who’s been with you during some milestones of your life? And I beg to differ with all those folks and pundits who think yesterday’s announcement was some form of political posturing. The right political move would have been to denounce Rev. Wright six weeks ago during his landmark speech in Philadelphia. But he chose to give his former pastor the benefit of the doubt to some folk’s dismay.

However, after Rev. Wright’s “performance” at the National Press Club, I knew there was absolutely no way Obama would not address a non-issue that the Mainstream Media (MSM) have made into a viable issue. Like I said in a previous post, I had no problem with Wright’s PBS interview with Bill Moyers or even the NAACP (for the most part) but I saw a caricature out there at the National Press Club as someone who was out there for only himself and everyone else, in the right Rev’s speak: be damned. I’m not sure if Wright’s actions were that of anger for his life’s work being reduced to about a three-minute virulent video or of pleasure of being back in the spotlight with lights, camera, and LIVE action. But I do know those actions weren’t done with a key trait: CLASS.

Dancing With The Stars - Two for One

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:14:17 GMT

To relieve my election 2008 headache, it’s time for something fun and do a recap of last night’s Dancing With The Stars. The couples each had to learn two dances (unlike last week’s group dance), so the intensity and stress level was definitely higher. I think I’ve described most of the styles (whether Ballroom or Latin) in my previous postings; so let’s go for the run down of what happened with the couples:

Marissa and Tony: The delight of the ballroom (not for their technique but for their charm) had to do the Tango and Rumba. They fared better in the former dance with their best scores to date and I thought their Rumba was safe. Total score: 52
Christian and Cheryl: The couple had the Viennese Waltz and the Samba. Question: Why did the band play Boys 2 Men “I’ll make love to you” on a dance like the Waltz, which is all about the lady being a princess? Anyway, the dance was nice to watch. But then the Samba happened and this is when you know you can’t plan this stuff when it’s a LIVE show. The Samba was going well and Christian rediscovered his Latin heritage when the viewer could see something just wasn’t right. Christian started breaking the hold while trying to finish the dance; you could tell the communication between him and his partner, Cheryl has been broken while she continued dancing. Then you see what’s going on; he’s hurt! That was a scary moment and they had to cut into commercial. Sorry it had to cut into their scores since the judges had to be fair. Total score: 46
Kristi and Mark: Well, you can’t stay on top ALL the time. I like Kristi and Mark but it was good to see them a bit human and let another couple take the top spot for a change. They also had to the Viennese Waltz which flowed; obviously her skating background helped and the Cha-Cha. Len didn’t like a bit of hip-hop moves thrown into the Cha-Cha – Oh Len, always the traditionalist! Total score: 54
Mario and Karina: It was a shock to many when these two were in the bottom two last week despite being in the top two based on the judges’ scores. People, you need to VOTE! So they had something to prove with the Foxtrot (not Mario’s strong point) and the Mambo (exactly Mario’s strong point). Total score: 51
Shannon and Derek: This couple also had something to prove with their low scores but I guess the fans were moved because Shannon’s tears worked. They had to do the Tango (appropriate to work their aggression out on the dance floor) and the Mambo (remember she lacked the hip action). For the latter dance, Shannon donned a false booty to have some hip action; my thought is whatever works for you Shannon. Total score: 51
Jason and Edyta: My favorite couple is BAAACK!!! Also, they had the highest scores of the night! Their excellent Quickstep (great footwork) and the powerful Paso Doble (way to use the Miami Dolphins’ colors) took them to the top. Total score: 55.

I Was Tagged!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:38:17 GMT

'Spaces" are engaged in a game of Tag and I was tagged by Styln last week and MrJsy571 this week. So here are the rules:

Link the person who tagged you.
Mention the rules in your blog.
Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
Tag 6 following blogger's by linking them.
Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged

So here goes six unspectacular quirks of mine:

I have an insane sweet tooth. I think whoever created the "Hot Now" hynoptic sign for Krispy Kreme deserve some kind of award because sometimes I didn't know when I pulled into Krispy Kreme's parking lot. The same goes for the creator of Coldstone Cremery.
My friends and family (F&F) have caught on the meaning of my code words when I don't like something like an outfit or a gift. I'll say it's "different," or "interesting," or "unique." Hey at least those codes still work on strangers or co-workers.
Another thing the my F&F have caught on to is my facial expressions. They say no matter how I try, my face betrays me. One of my lady friends told me recently that it's written all over my face when I was incredibly bored with a guy who approached me at an outing.
Don't expect me to make life-altering decisions before 10 or 11a.m; I'm not a morning person.
Some folks call me a "fashionista" but I prefer the term "stylish" and as a stylish person, my wish is to ban VPLs (Visible Panty Lines) - they drive me NUTS.
I'm a very giving person but NEVER expect me to lend you my books or CDs. It's a long story . . .

Rev. Jeremiah Wright - Helping or Hurting?

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:20:11 GMT

The main reason I didn’t blog about the Rev. Wright controversy was because I had some mixed feelings about the virulent video all over YouTube featuring the Reverend’s preaching. Also, since Sen. Barack Obama gave his landmark speech on race over a month ago centered on the so-called controversy, I felt he answered the critics and supporters questions to a great degree. Then this weekend happened and my mixed feelings returned concerning Rev. Wright. It started with watching a piece he did with PBS Bill Moyers on Friday night. I thought he answered the questions well to some extent and of course there was that wince moment for me when he said “I’m a pastor, I say what I have to say and he (meaning Obama) is a politician and he has to say what he has to say.” Huh! Oh no! I knew then I’m in for a long weekend with various pundits dissecting every nuance of the Reverend’s comments. But I didn’t know what surprise I was in for because Rev. Wright was going to make a pit stop in Detroit for an NAACP address on Sunday night then the National Press club this morning.

Here’s the deal about my mixed feelings: I’m a person of faith and yes I’m familiar with the doctrine of the Church especially the predominately black Church for almost half of my life. Also, though the controversy surrounding Wright’s message was surprising albeit NOT shocking, I understand the complexity of the black church’s message; preach a message of hope and love but call out injustice and complacency to the powers that be. The former is a feel good message though very justified; the latter is a tough pill to swallow but can’t be left unsaid.

So for the past couple of months I’ve heard the pundits try to justify Wright’s message as either right or wrong; some felt he wasn’t following the Christian’s message of love while others said “that’s because they haven’t been in a black church.” Both sets of these pundits are right: The Christian message is about love after all, God is love but I guess they also didn’t read the part that Christ said he came not to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). So there is a dichotomy to every message. Rev. Wright, a person who some folks call polarizing is the same guy that Obama was inspired by one of his messages for a title of his book, “The Audacity of Hope.”

All that being said, what do I think of the timing of Wright’s stump speeches over the weekend? I think Obama has got his work cut out for him! On one hand, I believe Wright has every right to defend his life’s work of over 30 years that was reduced to a couple of minutes of polarizing words video all over the news networks. On the other hand, I think the choosing of the some words like saying Obama is a politician and he has to say what he needs to say didn’t come across well for Obama, who claims he is a different kind of politician. As my home state Governor, Charlie Crist says concerning being called a politician; “I’ll rather be called a public servant.” See the difference?

Also, the tonality of today’s speech at the National Press Club was flippant; in other words, screw you Mainstream Media (MSM). He talked about trying to answer the questions without sounding “bombastic” but then he came across as being just that exactly; especially when it came to his Farrakhan association. I wonder if he thinks he’s doing some good by tearing down a storied campaign like Obama’s for the sake of his name? And if Wright answers to a Higher Source as he so claims then let Him fight for Wright’s integrity. But I doubt Wright is listening since his EGO, which one writer called (Egging God Out) is doing all the talking.