The 50th Anniversary of the Greensboro Sit-In!!

Today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Greensboro Sit-In. On February 1, 1960 four A&T students walked downtown to the Woolworth’s lunch counter to sit down at the Whites Only counter. The actions of these four young men will forever be apart of the Civil Rights Movement. Each year the A&T FOUR reunite on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University.

Check the story below:


In one remarkable day, four college freshmen changed the course of American history. On February 1, 1960, Ezell Blair, Jr. (now Jibreel Khazan), David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil—later dubbed the Greensboro Four—began a sit-in at a Woolworth's lunch counter in a small city in North Carolina. The act of simply sitting down to order food in a restaurant that refused service to anyone but whites is now widely regarded as one of the pivotal moments in the American Civil Rights Movement. Offering an unusually intimate portrait of four men whose moral courage at ages 17 and 18 not only changed public accommodation laws in North Carolina but also served as a blueprint for non-violent protests throughout the 1960s, FEBRUARY ONE: The Story of the Greensboro Four reveals how these idealistic college students became friends and inspired one another to stage the sit-in, and how the burden of history has impacted their lives ever since.

Despite hard-fought gains in the fight for racial equality, segregation was still firmly entrenched in 1960 America. Black citizens were still treated as second-class citizens. The brutal 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till—an event that first made Greensboro Four members aware of the violent consequences of racism—served as a call for change. Recent advances in Civil Rights included the 1954 Brown vs. the Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court decision, the 1955–56 Montgomery bus boycott and the 1957 desegregation of Little Rock High School in Arkansas. But by 1960, the movement had hit a lull.

On February 1, dressed in their Sunday best, the four men sat down at the lunch counter. Frank McCain remembers that he knew then this would be the high point of his life: "I felt clean... I had gained my manhood by that simple act." The four were refused service. When they did not leave, the store manager closed the lunch counter. In the days that followed, more students from local colleges joined them. The Civil Rights Movement was the first major social movement to be covered by television news, so word of the events in Greensboro spread across the nation like a prairie fire. Within just a few days, students were sitting in at lunch counters in 54 cities around the South.

Via PBS

For the complete of the story feel free to click the link below!!

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/februaryone/film.html

I am proud to be an AGGIE!!! AGGIE PRIDE!!!!

Also if you are in the DMV click the link below to find out about activities during Black History Month sponsored by WPGC

WPGC - Feb 1st - 24th - Join the Student Sit-Ins, East Wing, National Museum of American History

Posted using ShareThis

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

My Open Letter to Mayor Fenty

Dear Mayor Fenty,

As a DC resident, I feel that it is absolutely necessary to voice my concerns about the lack of attention (in my opinion) that was given to the snow accumulation on January 30, 2010. I was absolutely appalled by the conditions of the roads on Saturday afternoon (not morning). The winter weather that we received was not enough to send DC residents into a frenzy (we’ve seen worst). However, it did seem like the ball was dropped. At around 2pm I set out on a journey from SE, DC to NE, DC. To be more exact Alabama Ave., SE to Sargent Road, NE. The first sign of trouble came when I entered Suitland Parkway, only to slip and slide on the roads (thank the Lord no cars were around). Traffic in the opposite direction was at a stand still due to an accident. There were numerous cars stranded and disabled along the roadway. I made the assumption that the streets closer in and main arteries would be cleared, so I kept on toward my destination. As I entered 295 heading north my assumption was wrong. The highway was not cleared and there was an accident blocking the right lane to take the ramp to 395. Still I trekked on through the snow and slush. I had to make a stop on 8th St. SE where the roads were slightly cleared. I could see signs that a truck had been through the area, but on the opposite side of the road. SMH!!

Now some would say that I’m overreacting. If that is the case, then let’s just say that the snow plows and salt trucks did their jobs today, but Mother Nature worked against their efforts. Now I would be able to agree if I did not see about 5 trucks (plows and salt trucks) ride by me doing absolutely nothing. If my memory serves me right I saw no evidence of pre-treated streets the night before the snow fell. So who I should blame for the conditions of the streets? Was there no plan of action set in place? Maybe there wasn’t a plan because Tony Perkins and Sue Palka (weather people) stated that it would be a light dusting, but chances we could have some accumulation. There should have been a plan given the fact that we don’t listen/trust the weather people considering that they have been proven wrong countless times before. As late as 10pm last night Sue Palka said we would get 1-3inches unless the SNOW BAND moved up! (I guess the snow band moved up and gave us about 4inches instead). The fact of the matter is that people still have to report to jobs as scheduled. Some people do not have the liberty to call out or leave work if there is no coverage. Why does there commute have to be difficult? To make a long story short, the last straw was drawn today. Now I am not one to complain, however when I feel strongly about a subject I will express my opinion and views. I feel that a piss poor job was done concerning the plan of action put into place for the snow. Mr. Mayor maybe the snow was the least of your concerns being that your only concern is diversifying the city. You are too busy moving the lower class out and rebuilding condos that no one can afford. Gentrification at its best, while alienating life long residents. Well with all that work who has time to create a line of communication between your office and the Department of Public Works and/or Transportation (or whoever the hell is responsible for taking care of the streets in this weather).

Mayor Fenty under your leadership we have seen some good times and some bad. In my case the bad does outweigh the good. So just know I will not be voting to re-elect you (not that I voted for you in the first place). When Christmas comes back around I look forward to receiving a Christmas card from our NEW Mayor and his/her family. So long ticket stealing, egotistical, and self centered Mayor! Some thought Barry was bad (minus the crack), but in my book you take the cake.

Signed,
A Washingtonian that wants to be Fenty Free

P.S. Let’s see how long it takes to fill these POT HOLES…

Angry (Check) Black (Check) Woman (Check)

Yea...I said it..this is the post of an "Angry Black Woman" I decided to go ahead and put that out there..before you guys..now to the point of this post:


"Don't talk about it anymore"
"It's not going to last"
"He still likes you"
"He NEVER really cared"

This is the BULL you, me and every other woman around the world has at some point heard. So what do you do? First, you sit around "in your feelings" questioning WHY? Why again am I the one experiencing the emotional rollercoaster known as "dating." You try not to think about it, but that only makes you think about it MORE! You try to get out and get your mind off of it, only to come home to MORE stories about him and the new girl (dont forget to say congrats.) How are you feeling now? A little sad, or maybe hurt..wait no..are you mad yet?

But then you get to the real insanity of the situation...because you see no matter what emotion you are feeling, you still need MORE information. I'm talking about all of the intimate details that you for some reason torment yourself with...for what?! Is it changing anything? Do you feel better now? Oh no...now you are more mad...wait..have you started feeling crazy yet? There is only one thing you know for sure at this point, and that is this situation did not have to go down the way it did.

So lets get to the real root of the problem. It's the one word that we are all capable of doing, but for some reason SELDOM do. Are you ready for this? It's called telling the TRUTH! When you are true to yourself you are in turn truthful with other people. Which eliminates MOST "dating situations." We have to stop worrying about hurting peoples feelings by telling the truth, because in the end you hurt a person more with your HALF TRUTHS. You know the deal when you don't really say yes...but then you don't really say no. Which leaves one party with ALL the confusion and resentment. It's time for us to GROW UP AND KEEP IT REAL!

Now lets get to the CLASSIC "I want to be your friend" spill...really? So what you are telling me is that after you have proven youself to be dishonest, coniving and hey lets face it a PUNK you want to be my FRIEND? Boy I tell you, with friends like that who would really need enemies? How could I trust you? How would this work? I would call you my "friend" knowing that everything that comes out of your mouth is a lie? Lets cut the crap, and get to the point...STOP TRYING TO ACT LIKE YOU WANT TO BE MY FRIEND! You don't!! If there is one thing I am sure of in the midst of all this confusion it's that you are NOT my friend! You just dont want to look like the "bad guy"..well my brutha if the shoe fits...WEAR IT!

Lastly, fellas I need answers. Answers that unfortunately are not in Uncle Steve's book "Act like a Lady, Think like a Man." WHY after all of the madness do you feel the need to maintain any form of contact? You act like you want to be left alone..but when we do just that, you do EVERYTHING you can to try to keep some communication going? Arent you involved? Why are you wasting the time and energy? WHATS THE POINT?

In Hill Harper's book "The Conversation" he urges us to start TALKING. It's time to be OPEN AND HONEST about things. I'm not talking about text messages, twitter messages, or facebook messages...I am talking about the "old school" ONE-ON-ONE human interaction that lacks in the dating world these days. Please...lets all take the first step and start BEING HONEST...cut the games (wishful thinking on my part because some of you are sitting there thinking of the next lie you are going to tell!)

Rev Run says "Don't build walls, build bridges" this is easier said than done when you are hurt, but I am going to do everything in my power to do just that. I mean after all...they are "just feelings"...right?

But one last thing..in an attempt to get on the same page for ONCE, keep your friendship! I'm not quite sure where you would fit in my circle anyways. Nas said it best "Chicks with dicks dont belong in your click"


Signing Off,

Mad for now, but I WILL laugh later!


Who knew Ashanti would have such an appropriate song for this...check it!

Vision Boards on Deck for 2010!!

One of the new projects for 2010 are VISION BOARDS!! Vision boards follow the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction basically states that the thoughts and ideas you have will manifest into reality. Vision Boards can be defined as a collage of pictures (magazine clippings, photos, etc) that illustrates the goals and dreams you want to attract into your life. I caught a segment on OPRAH a while back about people who created vision boards and the effect it had on their lives. I started the process by buying a poster board and collecting some pictures. Over time I forgot all about the mini project and pushed it aside. A couple of days ago, Nellie stated that she planned to create a vision board. I instantly became excited informing her of my plans to create a board as well. I am a firm believer of trying almost anything once. So with that said I will start and complete my board (pictures will follow) before the summer arrives. We often have to think outside of the box to get results. Well this is definitely where I think outside the box; considering I despise Arts & Crafts (except painting). So this may be a bit of a challenge, but I’m ready for war (with the glue and pics). If anyone has a vision board or decides to create one send pictures please!!

Below is a link to a blog that gives specific instructions on creating Vision Boards:
http://christinekane.com/blog/how-to-make-a-vision-board/

P.S. People who are tech savvy and too advanced to use the basic supplies (poster, glue, and pics) can get software and use computer programs to create vision boards. Boards can be used as screen savers and backgrounds.

Intervention

via WSSH

Intervention is a show on A&E that gives the audience an in depth look into addiction. I like this show is because it shows real life addiction/addicts and the unsuspecting interventions that take place. Intervention (the show) does not discriminate on the addictions/disorders (substance abuse, eating disorders, etc) it chronicles or the addicts (women, men, socioeconomic status, background, etc.) for that matter.

Last night, the show chronicled the addiction of Robbie Pardlo, former member of the group City High (What would you do...). It was a good episode. However, it was truly sad how Robbie's life has spiraled since being out of the spotlight. Robbie is dealing with resentment towards former group members Claudette (former girlfriend) and Ryan, who got married. So Scandalous!!! The video above is just a clip. Check out the full episode if you can.

SAY WHAT?!?!

via Youtube

Look what I have found....After completing the post on Double Standards with One-Night stands, I came across this song by former 3LW and Cheetah Girl member Kiely Willams. Now Ms. Williams is singing about sex with a stranger after blacking out and how it was SPECTACULAR (the name of the song). One part that caught my attention is when she said, "I hope he used a rubber" *side eye* Hopefully this doesn't make the cut for the album because its a hot mess!! Also, the wrong message to be sending to the young girls around the world.

Here are the lyrics just in case your ears couldn't stand to listen to the Foolery!

Lyrics:
Verse:
Last night I was drunk
I don’t remember much
But What I do constant pictures
That’s how goine I was
but he was tall and he was buying
So I gae him a trying
Said he was like a stallion
And the man wansn’t lying

Chorus:
Last I remember I was face down
A$$ up, clothes off, broke off, dozed off
Even though I’m not sure of his name
He could get it again if he wanted
Cause the sex was spectacular
The sex was spectacular (yeaaah)
The sex was spectacular
The sex was spectacular

Verse:
So it was the morning after
I couldn’t get home faster
Doing the walk of shame
In the same clothes from yesterday
I think he pulled a track out
When he was blowing my back out
What was I drinking
I can’t believe I blacked out

Verse:
You can say what you want but
You can call me a slut but
What he did to me last night felt so good
I must have been on drugs
I hope he used a rubber
Or Imma be in trouble
Promise I don’t remember
Except for ___________

Give it to me, Give it to me
Ooh baby what a ride ride
Oh ride ride
So smooth like it beats
I like the heat
Ooh baby what a night night
right right

via Bossip

Damn Shame!!

Young Black Male + Soda Bottle = Beat Down...Really?!?!

via Hip Hop Wired

Sad story out of Pittsburgh about a young male who was beaten by the police.

Click the link below to read the full story.

http://tinyurl.com/yell9o4


via Hip Hop Wired

I Don’t Get Down On The First Night!!

About a week ago, someone asked what were my thoughts on the Double Standard that exists when a woman sleeps with a man on the first night. Often times, women are viewed as sluts (jump offs, hoes, etc.) while men are viewed as players or just simply as men being men. Men are often expected to have sex with numerous women in order to prove their manhood. Women on the other hand are expected to limit the number of sexual partners in order not to be categorized as a slut. In order to find out what men really think (and some females) I have asked men in different circles to answer questions on the topic. So lets see what they had to say (come on Ladies we are dying to read these responses)

How long do you wait to have sex after meeting someone?

It depends on how I'm pursuing a female to determine how long I'll wait to have sex with her. If I see her as a potential girlfriend, I wouldn't be the first to break the ice on the subject. I would allow the female to bring it up. That would mean she is comfortable enough to talk about sex and possibly even ready to take it there. On the other hand, if I was just looking for a casual sex partner I would bring up the subject when I saw fit and wouldn't care about waiting because somewhere she would know what it is from the jump. -Mr. H

Depends on what both parties are looking for. If you both come to the consensus that it is sex and nothing more, or you see it not going anywhere beyond physical attraction then hell, stop wasting time and get it in and out the way. If you're trying develop something more, then I feel you should learn to understand/love a person mentally and emotionally because we all know sex makes everything complicated if you aren't on the same page...and yes men do catch feelings. LOL -Mr. R

As far as moving towards sex that is pretty immediate at this age. I'm not 16, so its not uncharted territory. We (me and the women I deal with) are all adults. Sex when done safely and responsible doesn't have to be a huge deal. I want to have sex and how long we wait will depend on her mostly and how much work I am willing to do to get it (sex). If it is a girl I met at a bar and it was sex appeal that caught my attention, then I want sex sooner. If it is a cute girl that had great conversation, I am more willing to wait. I say that because what I saw in her is more than just the exterior, but I will still want sex either way. –Mr. B

If you sleep with a female on the first night/date, what is your perception/thoughts in the morning?

I have had sex with a number of females on the 2nd or 3rd date, but never the 1st night. Also, I would still talk to the female after we had sex. I believe there is a difference between a one-night stand and getting it in quick. A one-night stand often times is a 100% careless decision and chances are you have never saw this person before and never intend to see them again. To me that's when the hoe and roller terms can be thrown around. Although a female can be considered easy if she gives it up quick, I believe it all depends on the dude. –Mr. H

It all depends on the circumstances...if I meet you ANYWHERE and I smash (sex) without knowing anything about you then you're a jump [off] period. Ladies these rules apply to Men as well. Say we meet and we just enjoy each other’s company and we hit it off, if we are feeling each other mentally and emotionally and somewhat physically (physical plays a role but its the least important when dealing with mental stability). We as humans are sexual creatures and all it may take is the right look, the right touch, and in my case the right smell and it is a wrap. I've been in situations where I've been caught up in the moment and had some amazing sex based on the mental and emotional entanglement. –Mr. R

Do you consider her a slut or easy?

I wouldn't consider her a slut or easy, but the reality is just men like sex, women like sex. The difference between a woman who likes sex and a slut is you never hear about the woman who likes sex because she handles her business and keeps it moving. More than likely whoever she is having sex with at the time is the only person she is sexing. Sluts are jumping the hell off!!! You hear about it and you know who, when, where, and how somebody hit. She probably smashed a few of the homies 9 times out of 10. – Mr. R

I think most women are promiscuous more so than a lot of guys these days. Slutty behavior to me is very much relative. To me what differentiates a slut from other girls is who knows whom. If that girl slept with multiple dudes in the same circle she will be classified as a slut. Even if another girl has slept with many more men, but did it elsewhere and no one knew. It is all perception!! – Mr. B

Could you consider or have a future with a female that you had sex with on the first night?

I can’t say it can’t happen, but I never have pursued a relationship with somebody like that especially since we haven't had any stimulation. If all we ever talked or texted about was what we was going to do to each other then HELL NO –Mr. R

Why does a double standard exist between men and women in reference to the topic of sleeping with someone on the first night?

There isn’t a double standard because the rule applies both ways. –Mr. R

I believe the double standard is there because women are supposed to be thought of as ladies, and through time ladies are not supposed to be easy or promiscuous. For men it is a sign of them being "macho" so to speak... In my experiences I believe if you don't tell all of you business whether male or female no one knows who you sleep with. Both male and female whores are the ones whose business is in the street. I would say keep quiet and do u! But keep it clean!! –Mr. H

What the females say about the topic:

Women that engage in sexual relations with a male on the first date are always seen as sluts, hoes, tramps, etc. On the flip side the men are seen by their peers as being "manly"...being a man...men are not seen in the same light in fact their friends usually "dap" them up and glorify their negative behavior. Society usually blames the women because society believes that women have control over the situation. I do agree with that, but the males contribute to the act as well. They respond to the advances made instead of rejecting it or simply ignoring the behavior. Personally, I think that both men and women who engage in sex on the first date should both be looked at in a negative way. –Ms. C

A female should not be considered a slut because she had sex with a male on the first date. Maybe that was the basis of the relationship. She probably just wanted to have a sexual relationship. I do believe that there should be a waiting period before a sexual relationship is pursued. –Ms. S

I have boys and I would not want them to marry or be involved with any girl that sleeps with them on the first date because if she gives it up to them on the first date how many other men did she give it up to? That means a greater chance of my boys catching some damn STD!!!! And the same goes for the males! –Ms. C

Very interesting responses, but it seems like the males are on the same page. A gentleman by the name Mr. P stated to me this week that the females hold the power! (Power of the P) so if they are classified as sluts it is because of their own actions. At the end of the day, most people (adults) have the mental capacity to make rational decisions in different situations. Ultimately, everyone has to live with the decisions they make (so make good ones). Ms. C stated that she feels that some women express themselves through sex (promiscuity) due to early sexual interactions, molestation and abuse, and/or no father figures. That is an important point and often a factor with women who end up using sex to fill voids within their lives. We all should be mindful to have SAFE SEX (relationships or one-night stands). We also should not judge others. However, in my book I don’t discriminate so if she is a slut so is the male. One thing I agree with is people should keep their personal relations to themselves and then no one would have anything to discuss.

Was 2009 the year of Side Line Hoes aka Home Wreckers?!

For many people 2010 seems to be a year that holds so much promise and change. For the sake of marriages I hope 2010 exceeds expectations because 2009 was the year of the Home Wreckers (Jump-offs, Sidepieces, or whatever you like to call them). They were definitely in full effect, with mistresses capitalizing on their fifteen minutes of fame. Most of the women had no shame in their games. Selling their stories to the highest bidder at the drop of a dime. We have all seen the stories and reports about Tiger Woods and his many mistresses. Kim Zolciak (Real Housewives of Atlanta) getting engaged to a married man?!?! (Where they do that at?) We also witnessed the aftermath of the tragic events that transpired between Steve McNair and his mistress, which ended with a murder-suicide. Will 2010 be any different? Will more married men be exposed? Families destroyed? Or will both men and women decide to take their marital vows seriously and honor them? (At this rate, I will be single forever! SMH)

The latest story about a mistress is a scandal juicy enough for a daytime soap opera. A woman by the name of YaVaughnie Wilkins has been the mistress of Charles Phillips, an executive at Oracle, for over eight (8) years. Mr. Phillips is also an adviser to President Obama. I guess it is true what they say; there is nothing like a woman scorned. Ms. Wilkins has taken revenge into her own hands and exposed the relationship between her and Mr. Phillips who is still legally married. According to the Boston Herald, Ms. Wilkins took out billboards in New York City, Atlanta, and San Francisco. The billboards included pictures of the couple in happier times. There was also a link to a website dedicated to the couple chronicling their 8 year relationship. All the trips (vacays), kissy face pictures, and messages that Mr. Phillips sent Ms. Wilkins over the years. She took it upon herself to put Mr. Phillips on blast for whatever indiscretions he has committed. Now it seems as if there is a twist to this story, even though it is still unfolding. Ms. Wilkins is claiming that Mr. Phillips portrayed himself as being divorced. Ms. Wilkins even claims that she was introduced to others as Mr. Philips’ girlfriend. If Mr. Phillips deceived Ms. Wilkins is she a victim or still considered a home wrecker? In these instances (when we don’t know the whole story) do we still blame the female? Should both parties be held responsible? If both parties were aware of spouses, children, and etc., yet still decided to continue with the relationship then both parties should be held responsible. Point Blank Period. (Again, this is just my opinion).

When did it become cool to be second best? Brandy said, “Almost doesn’t count”!! All these years I thought it didn’t count. Maybe second best is not bad until s%#$ hits the fan! My favorite motto is “I don’t like to be embarrassed”, but damn it seems like embarrassment and scandal is very popular these days. Some people have no morals or respect for themselves and this behavior will continue as long as it is allowed. Mistresses and cheating men don’t discriminate. Scandal is rampant in the work place, churches, professional sports, entertainment industry, (from what I hear groupies and check chasers have no limits) and even in the suburbs and the hood. I will never forget a very important person telling me about a pastor whose mistress should up at church and during the offering and walked around the church placed a sonogram picture on the First Lady’s lap! *take me now* Just an example that shows that there are no boundaries in this game called love, people will do whatever under the guise of emotions. When the s*&% hits the fan no one is safe. So beware of those you trust with your ♥’s . If the relationship is not working just be truthful and don’t substitute for another. The grass is not greener on the other side. (It may just look that way).


Sources Boston Herald, Gawker

Don't Step on my J's!!!

Does anyone remember waking up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning, trekking down to the nearest shoe store all for a new pair of Jordans? When you finally reached the store the line would be wrapped around the building, but you didn’t care because you were not leaving until you made that purchase. You knew buying the Jordans would make you fresh for school on Monday and who didn’t want to be fresh. You were the envy of everyone who lucked out or were not able to afford the Jordans.

Jordan has a long legacy, both the Man and the Brand. I don’t think I have to explain the significance or history of Michael Jordan or the Jordan Brand. If you don’t know I guess you have been under a rock for the past 20 or so years. (Google it) Even as children we are conditioned to know that Jordans are the elite tennis shoes in the shoe industry. Jordans are Jordans there is no in between. I do know if the new Jordans came out it would be a crime to be caught in anything other than the J’s. People have spent money on Jordans that they didn’t have to spend. Money to pay bills or maybe even rent money. The last time I stood in line for Jordans I was in Greensboro, NC. It was mass hysteria, but I had to have them. Then I had the audacity to buy two pairs (one for the BF). Now I’m a city girl and not easily intimidated, but I had to ask myself so when is it going to end? Most of the males in line were very respectful and nice (country thing) considering I was the only female in line. I guess they figured I was not a threat, because I need a children’s shoe. Standing outside in the cold waiting on a store to open…I wasn't naive though (don’t get it twisted I had my trusty stun gun if someone got out of pocket ;-)). Then I had an epiphany, what if people, most importantly the young people put the same love, admiration, and passion that they have for Jordans into something more productive. When I say productive I mean Community Service, Education, Employment, or anything that can make a person a productive citizen. Society has become so materialistic. I can’t lie I’m a slave and victim all wrapped into one. I like nice things, and I want the things I like. Is it ever okay to stand in line for hours for a pair of shoes, but damn near impossible to stand in lines in order to vote!!! Our priorities have to change.

I also feel as though Jordan holds some responsibility for the actions that take place over these shoes. Now I’m sure that Jordan gives back just as much or not more the next person (celebrity), but did it ever occur to him that maybe he could lower the prices of the shoes in order to accommodate the consumers. I think this is only fair seeing that the Jordan Brand is re-releasing shoes that have been released throughout the years. Most pairs retail at 100+ dollars (when they cost nothing to make). Why buy shoes again that I brought ten years ago? I have decided to stay away from Jordans, but I am a work in progress with Nike. I love a good pair of tennis shoes (fly ones), and Nike (tennis shoes) was my first love (such a tomboy)!! I think it is important to teach our children that you don’t have to follow the trend. In some instances people buy Jordans just because they are Jordans when truthfully they are ugly as hell. They were ugly when you brought and they will be ugly when you wear them. (I’m just saying lol)

Jordan has created an empire independent of Nike. I respect the Hustle who wouldn’t! Recently, in an interview with Jay Leno, Jordan stated that he has about 1500 pairs of shoes, which is not surprising but interesting. At times I feel like he has lost touch. I say this because I have heard different stories (rumors) about Jordan not even stopping to sign autographs for children. If that is true, that is sad!! (C’mon Son!!!) Why wouldn't you show love to those that support you? To each its own i guess, but can we all say SALVATION ARMY (donate to people in need)!! You only have two feet (once again I'm just saying LOL)

Check the video below>>> Jay Leno Interview




via Worldstarhiphop

Check the video below>>>Chamillionaire discussing being carried by MJ



via Youtube

Looking for THATTHING? WALE seems to know all about it!!

Last night I tuned into the Monique Show to support DMV’s own WALE! He had me cracking up discussing THATTHING with Monique! Over the past few days he has made several references to THATTHING on Twitter and the affects it can have on someone. He’s even in the Honey Magazine taking about THATTHING. I honestly don’t know if THATTHING is Sex, Love, a mix, or in between (use your imagination). It does seem like WALE is very knowledgeable and passionate about this subject.

From the examples WALE gave, if you get THATTHING you may never be the same!!

By the way, WALE's ATTENTION DEFICIT is a good album and in stores now! Go out and support!!!

CNN's Anderson Cooper Saving Haitian Boy from Looters!

via WorldStarHipHop.com


I ♥ CNN's Anderson Cooper. The video above shows a heroic act in Haiti. Anderson is seen in the video rescuing a young boy from Looters. ****Warning**** The video contains images that may be disturbing.

If you are able to donate to help the people in Haiti please do so. If you are not able to donate, PRAYER does not cost anything and it Works!!

Bad Boys, Bad Boys Whatcha Gonna Do….

We have seen it all before…dude goes pro (or gets a record deal), dude gets dough, and dude makes an airhead decision that lands him in a pot of boiling water. T.I., Gucci Mane, Shyne, Stallsworth, Vick, and Burress are just a few that have paid greatly for their decisions and actions over the years. In the past few weeks Mr. Gilbert Arenas also known as Agent Zero has gone from DC’s hero to a real zero in a blink of an eye. Gilbert Arenas seemed like the savior that the Wizards needed in order to compete with the top teams in the NBA. After being injured for what seemed like an eternity, Arenas finally returned only to be at the center of controversy. The now infamous incident occurred between Arenas and a teammate, Jarvaris Crittenton, in the locker room when Arenas and Crittenton allegedly pulled guns on each other over money. Arenas stated it was a prank gone wrong (C’mon Son!! LOL). Arenas has been suspended from the NBA indefinitely and charged with a felony (Carrying a Pistol outside a Home or Business), he will be sentenced in March. Over the past few weeks the story has changed and some of the Wizards have sung like birds, but that is neither here or there!

I’m trying to understand, where did Arenas and so many others go wrong? Are we dealing with people who have been “bad boys” all their lives? Do they give a flying &$%# about the law and consequences? Or does the money and status make people think they are invincible and the law no longer applies to them? People make mistakes as we all know, but a mistake that will cost you millions is a HUGE mistake. What examples are they setting for the young males who want to follow in their footsteps? (The questions are debatable) In most instances, males in the limelight are the only male figure that these young men have to look up to. I know it is sad, but we all know that the African American community is lacking positive males. Athletes and entertainers are role models whether they willfully accept the duty or not. Maybe one day the “bad boys” will answer some questions in order to justify their actions. I do not judge because that is not my job! However, I encourage everyone to be mindful of his or her actions, because someone is always watching. Whether it is our children, siblings, or little Raynisha and Taquan down the block, someone is always watching!

In order to take the pressure of entertainers and athletes we need more regular-ass people (as Lil Duval would say) to volunteer and mentor. (I’m going to do my part and start mentoring a child). Shine your light (a positive bright light) wherever you can. Be proud of what you have accomplished and encourage others that all things are possible. When you say you can be anything you want children should know that means not just entertainers and athletes. That also means doctors, lawyers, and even the President of the United States (Yes We Can)!!!

So I’m going to cut this post short in order to take my regular ass to sleep for work tomorrow. I’m a change agent attempting to make a difference in my community one person at a time. Trying to prevent incidents before people end up like Agent Zero. Let's all be sure to Think before we Act!! Be a Leader and guide our children to make the right decisions. Good Night people!!

TEA IS INSTANT WISDOM ~ JUST ADD WATER! - Astrid Aluada

SEX AND THE CITY

Let’s talk about being single and living in the City. Sometimes I wish it was just as fabulous as the show SEX and THE CITY, but clearly it is far from it. Actually I’m new to the single crowd. The dating game has definitely changed, the climate and the times. Getting started this late in the game is sure to have plenty factors that may decide the outcome. The factors include, but are not limited to commitment phobia having mofos, fresh out of the long-term relationship mofos, previously married mofos, the game playing mofos (grow up already), and baby mama drama that some tend to have even if the child is damn near grown. It also seems like all the good ones are playing house with the less educated, 3 kids with one on the way hood rats. Maybe I exaggerated a little, but in most cases the female has nothing to bring to the table. Yet, the male is willing to play house. One would think that a professional respectable male would like to find a mate that was equivalent to them. NO one is trying to play the JOAN CLEAVER role, but we are WIFE material. Most females I know (friends, Line Sisters, classmates, etc.) are educated working professionals on the scene but the pickings are very slim. Someone once said, “you meet your husband in college”. Well with that said, I guess I missed out. Coming back to the CITY after college was a challenge. I often tell people try not to look for LOVE and it will come (so Field of Dreams). Will it? Or is the legwork necessary. Do females have to do work on their end hoping that a suitable male is doing the necessary work on his end to find LOVE? I know we have to do the research (Google is a hell of a tool!!) My LS made sure to remind me that V-Day will be a day of pampering for the LADIES ONLY!! Will this continue as a yearly tradition? Or with each year will another one of us disappears, being whisked off by Mr. Wonderful? I don’t know…only time will tell. But for now I’m enjoying the single life wishing it would play out like a Movie! Less Work, More Play!!!

Advice to the Ladies…. as my man Steve Harvey would say Think like a Man, Act like a Lady!!! If you have a good starting line up in the game you only substitute if there is a real reason to do so. Don’t bench key players because you think the Franchise player can handle the pressure alone. Don’t make substitutions and put Fisher on the bench because you think Kobe can handle the pressure. Kobe cannot pass to himself!! I know, I know Kobe is the Franchise but leave all options open until the championship is won and you’ve got the ring…*Hint, Hint*

Welcome to THE DAILY CUP OF TEA!

Alert! Alert Alert!!! Welcome!! I am Ms. Tea. I am new to the BLOG world, but decided to give it a try. This blog will be a view of the world through the eyes of Ms. Tea. Through the trials, tribulations, and experiences of my life as well as others. I will touch on topics, which I would like to discuss and engage my audience. Feel free to post comments. Thanks for tuning in...Now back to your regularly scheduled programming! Tea is instant wisdom – just add water! ~ Astrid Alauda