Say What?! Hot Tea Edition

"You want the T's? Well sit your cup on the table and I'll start pouring" HOT TEA EDITION LLS

So as I was cooling, I received a text from a friend who said they had some information about neo-soul singer Bilal. Hmmm, I thought what could be the T's on Bilal. As a matter of fact, where the hell has Bilal been? Apparently he is performing at U Street Live tonight. According to the message I received the patrons aren't pleased with the performance. READ BELOW for the full Story!!

I'm not really into the "celebrity" gossip, but it's quite interesting when you witness it first-hand. My friend asked me to come and see Bilal with her tonight. I've only heard a few of his songs, but I've heard how great of an artist he was so I decided to check him out at U Street Live. On our way to the location we see about 5 cameras surrounding some condos across from the venue and we're trying to figure out what's going on and so is everyone else. Then I hear someone yell "come outside, show your face!" So you know me, I'm trying to find my way back to the car but my friend wants to know what's going on. As we are crossing the street a crowd is starting to form an the cameras aren't leaving. We notice that the line is starting to get long so we decide to get in line for the performance. My friend sees someone coming out of the building so she asked what's going on and the lady proceeds to tell her that Weiner lives there and someone tipped the media off. I guess it is safe to say we'll soon see that on the nightly news!!

Anyway back to the performance. So the line starts to move so we move up and go inside. There are supposed to be 2 shows one at 6:30 and one at 9:00. The opening act Moo-Mu gets on stage and it almost 7:30 so everyone is like "where is Bilal?" We see him walk in and the opening act continues to perform. Now 8:15 gets here and he finally gets onstage, with his shades on of course. We begin noticing that every couple of minutes he turns around and is talking to the drummer. He eventually takes his glasses off and really gets into the performance. After his 3rd song he ends abruptly and begins chatting with the drummer and the rest of the musicians. He turns back to the crowd and says "we're going to take a quick break" so everyone starts getting upset because he JUST got on stage. The whole band leaves the stage along with Bilal and it's apparent that he's under the influence of something but it's definitely not alcohol. I overhear someone behind me say that he kept messing with his nose and the first thing I thought was oh lord please don't tell me he's "on that stuff".

SMH at this mess. As my friend stated I hope he isn't "on that stuff" smh. First, Kid Cudi then Bruno Mars. Say it ain't so...

Now is it 9:45 and my friend stated the host is stalling the show. She also said someone came out and stated that the drummer had food poisoning *MAJOR SIDE-EYE* LOL The second show was suppose to start at 9:30pm. I really hope all is well. It sucks when people have paid their money for a show and it is not what they expected or the artist doesn't deliver.

Say What?!

via Youtube


So today I came across this video on THEYBF.com. It seems as if someone felt that Bishop Long should be "blessed" after allegedly having to pay millions in a settlement in a recent civil court case. A group of young men accused Bishop Long of using his authority and power to seduce them (having inappropriate relationships with young men under his leadership).

I mean really tho *in my Fabolous voice* I'm still a little hesitant about dude (Bishop Long) ever since he declared his innocence from an Ipad out of the pulpit. No I LIE!! I was hesitant when those suspect bathroom shots leaked over the net. He was FLEXXIN!!! I kid, I kid!!

Now lets get back to the video. Reports that some of his congregation left after the settlement have been floating around. In the video it seems that Bishop Long still has a lot of support from his church, but handing over stacks of money? Maybe the young lady was backed up on her tithes and brought one lump sum to church. I mean what reason would she have to hand the Pastor of a Mega church a stack of money? Other members of the congregation also bring money to the front. All I can do is SMDH. The world may never know, so I won't stress myself trying to figure this mess out.

The Letter

News that a young mother and her daughter died at the hands of someone who took an oath to "Serve and Protect" was disheartening. After discussing the story at work an article was brought to my attention by one my coworkers. The article discusses a letter that was sent to a reporter at the WASHINGTON POST by Theresa Evans. At the time the letter was written Ms. Evans feared for her life and reached out for help.

I wanted to share it on the blog because I saw it as an act of bravery. Ms. Evans revealed to the world that she was in an abusive relationship and she believed that her ex-husband would ultimately kill her. I tried to write a little paragraph to lighten the mood, but I failed at every attempt. I didn't want to be cheesy or overly happy about the situation when there is nothing funny about Domestic Violence or Death. However, I still wanted to share her story.

Please take a moment to read the article and pass it along. It may help someone who is in a similar situation. The goal is to reach out and support those in abusive relationships. The victims should not be judged or blamed. Help stop the cycle of violence.

Click the link to read the article.

Throwback

"Get Back to Rap, You T-Pain'n too Much"

While browsing WSSH, I ran across this video of Jay-Z performing Death of Autotune (D.O.A.) at Summer Jam 09. Jay-Z comes out during Jeezy's set and while performing T-Pain runs on the stage. How Rude?! Well let's just say Jay-Z is a real professional. He doesn't even acknowledge dude. Jay keeps his composure and finishes the song. Kudos!! Clearly, he should have summoned security to put T-Pain in a damn choke hold.


Check it out!



via WSSH

Can you Woo Woo Woo...or Not

While on vacation in the Dominican Republic I had an unusual encounter. One morning while eating breakfast with the ladies I spotted someone who I believed was famous. Now I wasn't 100% sure but I'm usually good with this kind of stuff. At first I could not put my finger on who this person was or what he sung. So after conferring with Krys I decided that the person in question was none other than Mr. Jeffery Osbourne. The brainstorming begun on what Mr. Osborne sung. Krys yelled out, "Can you woo woo woo". Yes!! That's it the whole table agreed. After asking for volunteers it was me who decided to ask Mr. Osbourne was he really Mr. Osbourne.

I walked over to the table where the man in question was seated with a female companion. I asked, "Excuse me sir, but are you Jeffrey Osbourne?" Mr. Osbourne stated, "No! I am not, but I am Freddie Jackson!!!" OMG I was soooo embarrassed. (I was thinking well dammit we knew you were someone famous) How the hell would have known all of that information? (LOL). I'm clearly from the "New School" when in doubt we GOOGLE. This was one time I needed GOOGLE and would have spared myself the embarrassment. Nonetheless Mr. Jackson has hits!! Can't deny those throwback jams.

Thank goodness Mr. Jackson did not hold it against me. He was very pleasant to us each time we saw him for the rest of our stay at the resort. He even took time out to pose for a pic (so my Momma and Auntie would believe me lol). I've been telling all my coworkers and family members the story. Never mind my feelings, because these people have laughed me out. I'm glad I could provide a laugh through my embarrassment. I must admit after Krys and I sung a melody of "You are My Lady" and "Jam Tonight". We chose to stick with "Can you Woo Woo Woo" as our theme song for the rest of the trip even though we were LOUD and WRONG. SMH

How Long is Too Long?

Are long relationships and engagements the norm these days? Am I the only one that is impatient around here? Then again I'm SINGLE, so maybe I don't count. However, I will state my opinion on the subject. I have been having this conversation with a couple people over the last few months. A few weeks ago (maybe a month) we all watched as Chrissy (Love & Hip Hop) proposed to Jim Jones after 7 years of dating. Then tonight when Tami (Basketball Wives) told Evelyn that she was the real "Non-Mother F'N Factor" because she was never a wife and had to wait 10 years to even prepare to walk down the aisle (MmmHmm). That scares the hell out of me. Is this what we have to look forward to? Now no one wants to rush into marriage, but damn how long is too long? 5, 10, or even 15 years of being "together", living together, and all that jazz often times without an engagement ring to show for it. THIS CAN'T BE LIFE *in my Jay-Z voice*

Now if you met your significant other in school (High School/College) you don't have to factor in those years. How many people are actually ready to get married directly out of the High School or their junior year of college? In my opinion not many would be ready to take the "Big Step".

One of my male friends has a new 18 month rule. He stated that he would know after 6 months of dating a female if she is "the one". After courting comes the engagement then marriage. He calculates that this will take approximately 18 months but that is the limit (No exceptions). Some say men know immediately, shoot even men claim they know immediately. So if there is any truth to that statement, why does it take so long for proposals? It seems as if men get comfortable. Now I don't believe in being forced or given ultimatums, but damn something has to give. The relationship should grow over time and flourish. Marriage should be a major event to look forward to and more importantly making "the one" your wife. As Jay would say, "Every Male isn't a Man". It clearly takes a Man to know what he wants and to take the steps toward a lifetime commitment.

Does a woman have to wait so long that she takes matters into her own hands? Flashback to Ms. Chrissy, I mean she proposed to this dude after 7 years, but still deals with the fact that he truly might not be ready for marriage. SMH at that situation. People need to get their priorities together. I mean I go to more baby showers than bridal showers (I ain't lying) but hey it is what it is.... I will clap for all the men who go after what they want and do it the old fashion way *clap for em* For those still waiting on that man to propose after 5+ years as Jesse would say, "Keep Hope Alive"!!!!!

RIP TURQ

Last week we lost a little friend in a freak accident. Lil Turq got stuck in some rocks (yes the rocks pictured above smh) and went on to Glory. He will be missed (and has since been replaced by a new little betta). He was a special little fish who enjoyed eating, playing, and swimming. So long little Turq!! Swim on!

MELO is a New York Knick!!!

via Web


Finally the ‘MELODRAMATICS’ are over. I’m sure it was tiring, stressful and becoming a bit annoying for him (us as well). It was duly noted that when Mr. Anthony refused to sign the 65 million dollar extension with Denver that he wanted to explore his options. Carmelo would become a free agent in the summer if he wasn’t traded by the Feb 24th deadline. It wasn’t a secret either that he wanted to be a New York Knick. Yes a Knick and not a Net! (Melo didn’t want to be a Net, sorry Jay he wasn’t rockin lol). At the end of the day, Melo got want he wanted. He did it on his own agenda and not in the same fashion as somebody else we know who took his talents to South Beach.

ESPN reported that the trade will send from the Nuggets Melo, Billups, Balkman, S. Williams, and Carter to New York for Chandler, Felton, Gallinari, and Mozgov with a complete of draft picks and some cold hard cash. Minnesota was also apart of the 3 way deal sending Cory Brewer to NY for Curry and Randolph.

The question being asked is if New York gave up too much for Melo? Damn near the whole roster if you ask me. Ask a sports expert and some would say what is too much for Amare’ and Melo together in the back court? A whole damn lot when you need a supporting cast to win. Just as the BIG 3 in Miami had skepticism, so will this move and only time will tell with Melo, Amare, and the Knicks. Some are hoping that CP3 will join them in NY. A move he would love to make as he hinted over the summer at Melo’s wedding according to sources.

As I have stated this whole time, if Melo would’ve walked at the end of the season as a free agent he wouldn’t have dragged Billups in the mix. Billups has won a championship before with the Pistons. After years of moving around the league, he finally landed back in his hometown of Denver. Now Chauncey isn’t a young cat by far so I think it would only be right for him to finish out his career playing in front of the home crowd. Just my opinion, but I’m also considerate of other people’s feelings ☹

Then there is the bandwagon fan foolery. One of my followers (on twitter), Mr. Monkeyboy06 made a good point. He said, “Why should fans be loyal, when the players and front offices are not loyal to each other”. That coming from another Melo fan and I couldn’t have said it better myself. However, just like there are Jordan fans, Kobe fans, and LeBron fans, there are also Melo fans. So since I’m a Melo fan I’ll root for Melo and the Knicks, but still root for my Nuggets in the West since they have been my team since Mr. Green (my dad) and Mr. Anthony moved to Denver in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Late last night Melo took to the net and stated, “The Concrete Jungle where dreams are made. See you at Madison Square Gardens.” Mr. Anthony seems ready for his big debut in the bright lights.

By the way, the Knicks take on the Miami Heat on Sunday at 8.

Spotlight: Mr. Tony Lewis, Jr.

On yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a private viewing of a mini documentary based on Mr. Tony Lewis, Jr. Now if you are from DC then you have heard of the infamous Tony Lewis, Sr. the Drug Kingpin from the 80's (still need help GOOGLE him). At the present time, Mr. Lewis, Sr. is serving a life sentence in federal prison. On the other hand, his son Tony Lewis, Jr., is becoming "famous" and well known in the community for different reasons.

Mr. Lewis was featured on the blog last year (click here for story) when a story was published about him in the Washington Post. At the time, I was unaware of Mr. Lewis' story, but after reading it I was inspired. I also believed that everyone should take note of how a young man overcame adversity when the odds were stacked against him. He ultimately made the choice not to follow in his father's footsteps. Tony Lewis, Jr. chose his own destiny and is creating his own footprints in the sand.

Today, Mr. Lewis works closely with the offender population in DC. He is also a member of the organization SONS OF LIFE. The organization of compromised of life long friends. Some members also have fathers serving life sentences in federal prison. As Mr. Lewis says, "He is on a mission to repair all the damage the 80's caused to the people of his beloved city". SONS OF LIFE are "putting in work" in the community by giving back. Recently, the organization sponsored and assisted with Toy and Turkey Drives during the holidays with Wale and the Board of Administration. SONS of LIFE are also participating in community events throughout the city.

We always hear about the negativity and crime in the city so let's show our support of young black men doing positive things in the community *clap for em, clap for em*

Below is the trailer for the mini Documentary that was unveiled last night. The doc is brought to you by JukeBoxDC and Sons of Life. Full doc will be available soon to the public.

National Wear Red Day 2011

Go RED for WOMEN!!

Do you know that Heart Disease is the #1 Killer among Women? Well if you didn't then now you know!!!

Bohemian Helena did not let me forget that 2.4.2011 is National Wear RED Day in order to support the mission to fight Heart Disease. So wear your RED proud!!!

Click Here for the website: Go RED for Women

Donations to GO RED for WOMEN support our efforts to fund breakthrough research and education by the American Heart Association on women and heart disease.

Boy Bullied, Hung from Fence

Bullying is a huge problem amongst our children. It is often done with discretion where the victim is dealing with the fear, humiliation, and abuse alone. It seems that now kids are displaying blatant disrespect for other people and their rights. The Internet has also become a platform to upload videos of bullying and fights. One assailant video tapes the incident where a young boy Nadin Khoury is dragged through the snow and hung on a tree and fence by his clothing. What really disturbs me is that in the middle of a housing development no one came to the young boy's rescue. This has to STOP!! Young people are committing suicide in order to escape the bullying that they endure on a daily basis.

Below is the video and story of Nadin Khoury, the young boy who was attacked while walking home from school.



via CBS

Read story here: Student Attacked, Hung from Fence


After being brave enough to talk about his ordeal on National TV Nadin Khoury was surprised by Desean Jackson and some eagles players on the VIEW.



via WSSH

Be Fruit-Able Fit Challenge

Here is a challenge that is in progress at my gym. It is a good way to kick start that "lifestyle change" in order to get BEACH BODY ready for the summer. Increasing your intake of fruits and veggies plus lots of water equals a more healthier you. If you are up for the challenge then let's get started.

Monday, January 31 (a day late, but its cool lol) marks Day One of your Baseline Week, ending on Sunday, February 6. During this week, you will simply track your daily fruit and vegetable consumption without making any changes to your diet. The purpose of this week is to become aware of how many servings you are currently eating each day.

Please use the attached Fruit and Veggie Tracker to track your daily fruit and vegetable consumption. When tracking your progress, enter the numerical value of both fruit and vegetable servings consumed for each day. Please use the attached Serving Size Guide to help you determine how many servings you have consumed. The Fruit and Veggie Tracker will automatically calculate your total servings for the week.

Starting Monday, February 7, you will aim for five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Once again, please track your progress using the Fruit and Veggie Tracker. You will receive daily educational emails with information on different fruits and vegetables, as well as tips to help you increase your fruit and vegetable consumption.

*If you are serious about the challenge, please email me at twin_sw@yahoo.com so I can forward the veggie tracker and serving size guide.

In the the words of my favorite DIVO....Let's WERK!!!!

Meet the Parents

via A&E

Reality TV just got REAL on Thursday nights with a updated version of a throwback classic. The 70's were before my time, but in 1978 a documentary by the name of Scared Straight was released. The format consisted of a group of juvenile offenders that were escorted on a “field trip” in to experience prison in order to “scare them straight”. The documentary was filmed at Rahway State Prison in New Jersey. For most of the teens it was an eye opening experience (so they said).

Since that time there has been numerous versions of Scared Straight. The latest installment is brought to you by A&E and is called BEYOND SCARED STRAIGHT. I actually like the show. It shows that living a life of crime is not glamorous once you are confined to prison. The show also highlights the effects of broken homes. Most of the teens on the first episode expressed that there were no father figures in the home. They were acting out which included using drugs, fighting, stealing, and etc. One teen named Cecilia had the opposite family situation. She resided with her father and stepmother, because her biological mother was in and out of the prison system. During the visit Cecilia came face to face with her mother. Her mother pleaded with her to change her ways before it was too late.

Last week’s episode focused on the males and was filmed at Jessup Correctional Facility. It was brought up by #oneofmyfollowers (twitter talk) that if someone (a man) was watching and his son was on the show they should be smacked (and embarrassed). Could you imagine? A man who has no relationship with his child, casually watching the show and his son is being taught a hard lesson about life by a group of strangers. It would not surprise me one bit if some of those teens never even met there fathers. The absentee role is often the “norm” in communities across the nation.

A song that relates to relationships between teens and absentee fathers is one of my favorite Jay Z songs “Meet the Parents”. The song is like an onion; you have to peel back the layers to get to the point. However, if you follow along by the end it all comes together. It highlights the plight of young love, which leads to a young teen growing up without his father. When fathers are absent some teens beat the odds while others turn to a life of crime. As we come to find out when you live a life of crime “you either end up in jail or dead ”. This song is no different. A powerful yet simple message that calls all fathers to step up and raise their kids. Fathers need to take heed before their children end up on an episode of Beyond Scared Straight or worst.

An excerpt from the song:
In “Meet the Parents” Jay raps,

See Mike at thirty-two was still on the scene
Had a son fifteen that he never saw twice
Sure he saw him as an infant, but he disowned him like
If that was my son, he would look much different.
See I'm light-skinnded and that baby there's dark
So it's momma's baby; poppa's maybe."
Mike was still crazy out there runnin the streets (fuck niggaz want?)
Had his old reliable thirty-eight gun in his reach
It's been fourteen years, him and Isis ain't speak
He runnin around like life's a peach, 'til one day
He approached this thug that had a mean mug
And it looked so familiar that he called him "Young Cuz"
Told him, get off the strip but the boy ain't budge (fuck you)
Instead he pulled out a newer thirty-eight snub
He clearly had the drop but the boy just paused (hold up)
There was somethin in this man's face he knew he seen before
It's like, lookin in the mirror seein hisself more mature
And he took it as a sign from the almighty Lord
You know what they say about he who hesitates in war
(What's that?) He who hesitates is lost
He can't explain what he saw before his picture went blank
The old man didn't think he just followed his instinct
Six shots into his kin, out of the gun
Niggaz be a father, you're killin your son
Six shots into his kin, out of the gun
Niggaz be a father, you killin your sons

Meet the Parents….

Meet the Parents available on Blueprint 2 Gift and the Curse

Moment 4 Life - Nicki Minaj ft. Drake

Nicki Minaj - New Music - More Music Videos

SN: YOU CAN CLICK THE RADIO TO THE RIGHT TO CUT THE MUSIC

Cute Video!
S/O to Ms. Chay, this is her jam!!

What thoughts do we have about the video if any?
How about Nicki's acting?

So Nicki said all these characters (Roman, Martha, etc) are in her head.... oh well I can dig it, I guess.

A Woman Scorned Part 2

\

via WSSH


Recently, I posted a video of Torrie Hart (Kevin's soon to be ex) going in on their relationship during a stand-up comedy routine. Today it is Mary Harvey vs. Steve Harvey. Now last week I saw this story on THE YBF highlighting the YouTube videos where Mary is blasting Steve. She claims that he cheated on her with his current wife and turned their son against her among other things. There was also a letter posted on the site from a Mistress detailing her relationship with Steve. Now this is way too much!! Definitely a hot story, because it has made it to TV as you can see in the vid above.


It seems that Women are "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired"-FLH *snaps two times* If there is business to be aired out the masses will find out. Oh don't you worry the Internet is the platform and it is only a few clicks away. CLICK, CLICK!!!


Check the blog and vids below for more background on the story.

Click here to get to the story posted by The YBF

Mary Harvey YouTube Vid

Mary Harvey YouTube Vid Part 2

Mary Harvey YouTube Vid Part 3

Research: Know HIStory

How many people get involved with others and find out later that the relationship was built on lies and/or half truths (more lies)? Have you ever met someone who threw on the charm and seemed so picture perfect? Then the facade crumbles and they're a damn nightmare. Last year I briefly touched on the part time detective agency that Ms. Chay and I are getting off the ground (lol) In reality there are cases to be cracked. I mean you really wouldn't believe some of the foolishness people fall for and then attempt to defend on a daily basis.

The other day I overheard my friend on the telephone. The young lady on the other end of the line wanted to know some rather important details about her significant other. My friend answered her questions, but the best advice she could have given the young lady was to use certain resources in order to obtain information. Most of the information today is "PUBLIC RECORD" as she put it. These days we use the Internet for everything. If you ask me a question and I don't know the answer the first thing I will say is "Google It". It has just become that routine. If I want to find out information that is not being offered why not do my research. So I'm going to urge you to do the same. I'm not saying be a snoop, but if someone approaches you or they are new in your life what is the harm in looking them up. In society new hires are required to have background checks? Well consider this the same type of protocol.

Ladies (and Fellas) we need to do better! If you meet someone do your research. Even if you are hesitant to believe what someone is telling you just do more research. A few important points that may stand out when doing research on someone may include, but not limited to Criminal History, News or Current Events about the person, Financial History, and etc. For most people these areas are deal breakers. While some people hang on to stories people make up as they go along. Don't be victim to liars and fakers. Know the facts before it is too late!!

Here are a few sites that you may want to utilize in the future:

DC Case Search


MD Case Search


VA Case Search


Don't Date Him Girl Website


And for those of you that are FANCY and want to pay for full reports be my guest. Better safe than sorry!!

A Woman Scorned

Via Realtalkny.net


Here is a video of Torrie Hart, wife of comedian Kevin Hart, doing a bit of stand up. Recently in the media (blogs of course) it was reported that Kevin Hart was filing for divorce. Kevin did go on TWITTER and state that he had been separated from his wife after a picture of him with another woman surfaced. I don't know how old this video is but it seems fairly new. If art imitates life then Mr. Hart was a busy man doing the marriage. Check out the video.