It' official. Wiz Hell has begun. This afternoon, I was subjected to a flurry of phone calls from DIT, her grandmother, my girlfriends, and parents of other students. Everyone is trying to get on the same page for next week. I think most of the details have been worked out, but I still have the weekend for the unknown. I'm so glad I decided to take time off from work next week.
Don't worry, I'll at least drop a few lines to update ya'll on the musical, and you know I will have plenty to talk about after the primary returns come in Tuesday night.
Until then, enjoy Stephanie Mills singing one of my favorite songs of all time: Home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrvQrYi7mGU
Geffen records has removed the embedded code, so you'll have to go to YouTube's website to it. If you have the time, it's so worth it- not the cheesy videography and lipsync, but the great song.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Movie season is coming!
I love, love, love movies. And late spring, early summer is my favorite time of the year because usually once a week, from May-August, a movie that I am interested in seeing will be released. And then again from the end of October to December when they release all the holiday movies. Yay me!!!
So here is a line up of movies I want to see in 2008!
1. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns- March 21. (Yes, I know, cheesy. What can I say?)
2. X-Men Origins: Wolverine- May 1
3. Sex In the City- May 30
4. The Happening (M. Night Shymalan)- June 13
5. Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D- July 11 (Brendan Frasier ya'll!)
6. The Dark Knight- July 18
7. The Mummy 3- August 1 (Brendan again)
8. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince- November 21
9. Jurassic Park 4- TBA
10. Confessions of a Shopaholic- TBA (If you have not read this book, do so in the coming months. Funny as hell!)
These are the things I think about on long rides from Columbia to Charleston after a day of training. Sigh
So here is a line up of movies I want to see in 2008!
1. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns- March 21. (Yes, I know, cheesy. What can I say?)
2. X-Men Origins: Wolverine- May 1
3. Sex In the City- May 30
4. The Happening (M. Night Shymalan)- June 13
5. Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D- July 11 (Brendan Frasier ya'll!)
6. The Dark Knight- July 18
7. The Mummy 3- August 1 (Brendan again)
8. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince- November 21
9. Jurassic Park 4- TBA
10. Confessions of a Shopaholic- TBA (If you have not read this book, do so in the coming months. Funny as hell!)
These are the things I think about on long rides from Columbia to Charleston after a day of training. Sigh
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Fear and Loathing in Ohio
Ok, so Mr. Lover Lover and I watched the debates last night. He kept shushing me when Barack was speaking and I would make comments. He didn't seem to mind so much when it was Hillary that I was talking over. Anywho, the debate served as our entertainment for the night.
My impressions:
-Hillary is running scared. She can't seem to get her footing right now.
-Barack is getting more polished, more in control by the day. He is looking less like an upstart to Hillary and her pals and more like the guy who is going to steamroll his way into the White House.
I read a great op-ed piece on www.nytimes.com this morning by Maureen Dowd. She writes:
The fact that Obama is exceptionally easy in his skin has made Hillary almost jump out of hers. She can’t turn on her own charm and wit because she can’t get beyond what she sees as the deep injustice of Obama not waiting his turn. Her sunshine-colored jackets on the trail hardly disguise the fact that she’s pea-green with envy.
After saying she found her “voice” in New Hampshire, she has turned into Sybil. We’ve had Experienced Hillary, Soft Hillary, Hard Hillary, Misty Hillary, Sarcastic Hillary, Joined-at-the-Hip-to-Bill Hillary, Her-Own-Person-Who-Just-Happens-to-Be-Married-to-a-Former-President Hillary, It’s-My-Turn Hillary, Cuddly Hillary, Let’s-Get-Down-in-the-Dirt-and-Fight-Like-Dogs Hillary.
Just as in the White House, when her cascading images and hairstyles became dizzying and unsettling, suggesting that the first lady woke up every day struggling to create a persona, now she seems to think there is a political solution to her problem. If she can only change this or that about her persona, or tear down this or that about Obama’s. But the whirlwind of changes and charges gets wearing.
By threatening to throw the kitchen sink at Obama, the Clinton campaign simply confirmed the fact that they might be going down the drain.
Read the piece in it's entirety. Quite entertaining.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/opinion/27dowd.html?ex=1361854800&en=e52cc0a1a83d5aed&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Happy Hump Day
My impressions:
-Hillary is running scared. She can't seem to get her footing right now.
-Barack is getting more polished, more in control by the day. He is looking less like an upstart to Hillary and her pals and more like the guy who is going to steamroll his way into the White House.
I read a great op-ed piece on www.nytimes.com this morning by Maureen Dowd. She writes:
The fact that Obama is exceptionally easy in his skin has made Hillary almost jump out of hers. She can’t turn on her own charm and wit because she can’t get beyond what she sees as the deep injustice of Obama not waiting his turn. Her sunshine-colored jackets on the trail hardly disguise the fact that she’s pea-green with envy.
After saying she found her “voice” in New Hampshire, she has turned into Sybil. We’ve had Experienced Hillary, Soft Hillary, Hard Hillary, Misty Hillary, Sarcastic Hillary, Joined-at-the-Hip-to-Bill Hillary, Her-Own-Person-Who-Just-Happens-to-Be-Married-to-a-Former-President Hillary, It’s-My-Turn Hillary, Cuddly Hillary, Let’s-Get-Down-in-the-Dirt-and-Fight-Like-Dogs Hillary.
Just as in the White House, when her cascading images and hairstyles became dizzying and unsettling, suggesting that the first lady woke up every day struggling to create a persona, now she seems to think there is a political solution to her problem. If she can only change this or that about her persona, or tear down this or that about Obama’s. But the whirlwind of changes and charges gets wearing.
By threatening to throw the kitchen sink at Obama, the Clinton campaign simply confirmed the fact that they might be going down the drain.
Read the piece in it's entirety. Quite entertaining.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/opinion/27dowd.html?ex=1361854800&en=e52cc0a1a83d5aed&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Happy Hump Day
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Rainy Day Musings
I love rainy days, especially in the winter. I am grateful when they fall on the weekend. Then I have an excuse for staying in my pj's all day and not leaving the house. I love to sit in my comfy chair and read, nap, then read some more. So right now, I'm staring out of my office window (which has a magnificent view of the parking garage) and wishing that I were home. But enough about me, let's talk about stuff I found while surfing the net today.
US News and World Report has an article on Obama and race. I saw the cover while I was standing in line at Barnes and Noble waiting to pay for a copy of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Franke. DIT has to read it for school. So when I got back to the office, I went online to read the article. ( I sure as hell wasn't going to pay five bucks for something that I could get for free.) Anywho, read the article when you get a chance:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/02/15/-does-obamas-winning-streak-prove-that-race-doesnt-matter.html
I'm pretty sure you'll find it as interesting as I did. To sum it up, the fact that Barack is distancing himself from the "old guard" in African American leadership and aligning with younger, snappier politicians such as Deval Patrick and Cory Booker seems to be upsetting to some. I say it's time for the old folks to move out of the way and let the young folks lead. The knowledge and expertise of the old guard can be best used in an advisory/counselor relationship. Some of the best advice I've ever gotten (personally and professionally) have been from women who have been where I am and moved on. When are people going to realize that the people with the "real power" are often behind the scenes? Everyone wants to be the Front Man, but few want to do the real moving and shaking behind the scenes. Anyone who thinks that the President calls all the shots without advice, counsel, or pressure from others is sadly mistaken. Also, I find it interesting that the writer of the article feels that Obama downplays his mother's influence in his life. I have never gotten that impression from him. As a matter of fact, he stated on Oprah years ago, that after he wrote his book Dreams Of My Father, he realized that he should have probably chosen another title because it is misleading in terms of the role his mother had in his life. Anyway, read the article for yourself and tell me what you think. All I know, is no matter what, he will not be able to escape the fact that he checks the box for Black on his census form. So let's talk about something else, already.
While perusing the net today, I read an article on folks being pissed off because of the Starbucks new "Skinny" drink campaign. Give me a break. I don't care what they call it- 90 calories in a tall vanilla latte? Zero fat? I'm in. Shit, make mine a double.
For all the techies out there, Blu Ray won out over HD-DVDs last week. Yeah, Toshiba lost that big time. This is one time where I actually decided to wait it out. We've known for over a year now that it was going to be a death match similar to Beta vs. VHS. My stepdad bought the Beta and my mom the VHS. I'm just saying. Now, I can put my Blu Ray dvd player on my purchase list.
If you are ever interested in how the rest of the world views politics in America, go check out www.bbc.com. I just love it over there. But of course, I'm an African American who is a Anglophile (lover of most things British- don't get it twisted). I'll have to give ya'll the low down on that some time. I can just relate to the Brits and their stiff upper lips, just do it in the name of the Queen and country mentality. Hey, everyone's got something. That just happens to be mine. I mean really, this is the country that gave us Chick Lit. I ain't mad at 'em.
And last but not least, they are starting to talk about the "impending" recession. Enough already. Call it what it is. We are in a recession NOW. There is no recession boogey man waiting to jump out at us at any given moment. George W. opened the door and let him in a long time ago. But those checks in May are going to make everything alright. I know he keeps telling himself that whenever he hears the word "recession".
OK, so I'm in a cynical mood today. I should have gone home to my sofa and listened to the rain on my skylights. Now that is some great me time.
US News and World Report has an article on Obama and race. I saw the cover while I was standing in line at Barnes and Noble waiting to pay for a copy of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Franke. DIT has to read it for school. So when I got back to the office, I went online to read the article. ( I sure as hell wasn't going to pay five bucks for something that I could get for free.) Anywho, read the article when you get a chance:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/02/15/-does-obamas-winning-streak-prove-that-race-doesnt-matter.html
I'm pretty sure you'll find it as interesting as I did. To sum it up, the fact that Barack is distancing himself from the "old guard" in African American leadership and aligning with younger, snappier politicians such as Deval Patrick and Cory Booker seems to be upsetting to some. I say it's time for the old folks to move out of the way and let the young folks lead. The knowledge and expertise of the old guard can be best used in an advisory/counselor relationship. Some of the best advice I've ever gotten (personally and professionally) have been from women who have been where I am and moved on. When are people going to realize that the people with the "real power" are often behind the scenes? Everyone wants to be the Front Man, but few want to do the real moving and shaking behind the scenes. Anyone who thinks that the President calls all the shots without advice, counsel, or pressure from others is sadly mistaken. Also, I find it interesting that the writer of the article feels that Obama downplays his mother's influence in his life. I have never gotten that impression from him. As a matter of fact, he stated on Oprah years ago, that after he wrote his book Dreams Of My Father, he realized that he should have probably chosen another title because it is misleading in terms of the role his mother had in his life. Anyway, read the article for yourself and tell me what you think. All I know, is no matter what, he will not be able to escape the fact that he checks the box for Black on his census form. So let's talk about something else, already.
While perusing the net today, I read an article on folks being pissed off because of the Starbucks new "Skinny" drink campaign. Give me a break. I don't care what they call it- 90 calories in a tall vanilla latte? Zero fat? I'm in. Shit, make mine a double.
For all the techies out there, Blu Ray won out over HD-DVDs last week. Yeah, Toshiba lost that big time. This is one time where I actually decided to wait it out. We've known for over a year now that it was going to be a death match similar to Beta vs. VHS. My stepdad bought the Beta and my mom the VHS. I'm just saying. Now, I can put my Blu Ray dvd player on my purchase list.
If you are ever interested in how the rest of the world views politics in America, go check out www.bbc.com. I just love it over there. But of course, I'm an African American who is a Anglophile (lover of most things British- don't get it twisted). I'll have to give ya'll the low down on that some time. I can just relate to the Brits and their stiff upper lips, just do it in the name of the Queen and country mentality. Hey, everyone's got something. That just happens to be mine. I mean really, this is the country that gave us Chick Lit. I ain't mad at 'em.
And last but not least, they are starting to talk about the "impending" recession. Enough already. Call it what it is. We are in a recession NOW. There is no recession boogey man waiting to jump out at us at any given moment. George W. opened the door and let him in a long time ago. But those checks in May are going to make everything alright. I know he keeps telling himself that whenever he hears the word "recession".
OK, so I'm in a cynical mood today. I should have gone home to my sofa and listened to the rain on my skylights. Now that is some great me time.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Meet me in the club...It's going down.
OK ya'll. My words just won't do this justice. Check it out for yourselves.
And this is what Obama had to say.
She's is pissed, and he is cool, calm, and collected. My spidey-sense is picking up on lots of anxiety in the Clinton camp.
I just crack myself up. Thank God for the Internet. This has been the most fun I've ever had during an election year.
And this is what Obama had to say.
She's is pissed, and he is cool, calm, and collected. My spidey-sense is picking up on lots of anxiety in the Clinton camp.
I just crack myself up. Thank God for the Internet. This has been the most fun I've ever had during an election year.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Happy Birthday to Me!!
Actually, my birthday was yesterday. But thanks to The Man, The Kid, and The Girlfriends, I was pretty busy.
Now usually, I'm pretty hyped about my birthday, but my mind has been elsewhere, and I was pretty blah about it this year. The people in my life refused to let me wallow, and I ended up having a really great day.
Of course, I'm just getting to the news (haven't watched television or been near the computer since Thursday, so I've been out of the loop):
~Barack and Hillary are going at it again. Short-lived truce, I see. She looked mad as hell on the 6:00 news, so I'll have to surf the net to see why her panties are in a wad. Barack looked cool as a cucumber. That must mean they can't pin it on his camp. LOL
~Ralph Nader is running for president. Again. It's about as interesting as the last time he ran.
~Five people were arrested in Charleston this weekend after a high speed chase and a mobile meth lab was discovered. Yep, these assholes were using a PT Cruiser as a meth lab. Now, I want to know how the hell can you fit five people in a PT Cruiser and still have room to cook the meth? Oh yeah, and why in the hell would anyone want to be driving around cooking meth in a car? The cooking process is very volatile. That shit could explode at any time. Stupidity to no end. (FYI-I know this stuff about meth because of my profession!!! LOL)
Hit me up and let me know how you usually celebrate your birthdays. I need some new ideas for next year.
Now usually, I'm pretty hyped about my birthday, but my mind has been elsewhere, and I was pretty blah about it this year. The people in my life refused to let me wallow, and I ended up having a really great day.
Of course, I'm just getting to the news (haven't watched television or been near the computer since Thursday, so I've been out of the loop):
~Barack and Hillary are going at it again. Short-lived truce, I see. She looked mad as hell on the 6:00 news, so I'll have to surf the net to see why her panties are in a wad. Barack looked cool as a cucumber. That must mean they can't pin it on his camp. LOL
~Ralph Nader is running for president. Again. It's about as interesting as the last time he ran.
~Five people were arrested in Charleston this weekend after a high speed chase and a mobile meth lab was discovered. Yep, these assholes were using a PT Cruiser as a meth lab. Now, I want to know how the hell can you fit five people in a PT Cruiser and still have room to cook the meth? Oh yeah, and why in the hell would anyone want to be driving around cooking meth in a car? The cooking process is very volatile. That shit could explode at any time. Stupidity to no end. (FYI-I know this stuff about meth because of my profession!!! LOL)
Hit me up and let me know how you usually celebrate your birthdays. I need some new ideas for next year.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Housekeeping Stuff
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Southern Diva
Southern Diva
In The News
I have been gone way too long. My kid got sick, I got sick, and life got hectic (as usual). But that is not going to stop me from weighing in on a few things. I have so much I want to blog about, I don't know where to start, so today is going to be a sort of roll call on the issues.
First up, Michelle Obama. The press does not want to go there, ya'll. I think that the majority of black folks ( and lots of white folks and other minorities as well) fully understood where Michelle Obama was coming from. I am not proud of the educational and economic disparities in this country. I am not proud of the racism, sexism, and ageism of this country. I am not proud of being in Iraq and decimating a country. I am not proud that George W. sent folks to die on a wild goose chase. (How is it that a man on dialysis is able to remain hidden from a country with technology so advanced that it sounds like science fiction to those of us over the age of 12? I mean really, if Google can show me a very clear satellite picture of my house, I know the goverment has even better toys. I'm just saying.) I am not proud of the fact that Clarence Thomas sits on the bench. I mean, really ya'll I could just go on and on and on. But I know, and all of America know's exactly what Michelle Obama meant by that statement. Cindy "Barbie Doll" McCain needs to return to her Arm Candy status- keep her mouth shut and smile pretty for the cameras.
And speaking of Obamas, how about that Barack? Who in the hell is doing the advising over at the Clinton camp? There is no way I would have told that woman that she didn't need to campaign in smaller states- let Obama have those votes, we'll take Ohio and Texas. This is a RACE for the democratic presidential nomination in a time where America has shown that ANYTHING can happen. I find this oversight to be a real sign of what the Clinton camp thinks about black folks and middle class Americans- we don't need their votes. We can win this without them. Obama, on the other hand, says, I do need your votes. You are important to this process. Your opinion does make a difference. Sounds like the white males in Wisconsin, the homies in Hawaii, and the Mid-Atlantic folks on the East coast were listening. I bet lots of Texans and Buckeyes are as well. I can't wait to see that show down.
And on to Bush's economic recovery plan. Too little, too late. A check in May is not going stop or slow down this recession. I'm just saying. Folks need jobs and better interest rates now. Now, if Bush had spent the last 7 years planning for growth, instead of starting a war on false pretenses, paving the way for Cheney to hook his boyz up for life with government contracts, and basically giving America the finger because he could, we wouldn't need his recovery band aid on this gushing wound that is our economy. Surely I can't be the only one who thinks like this.
And a big HALLELUJIAH to the end of the writer's strike. Of course, that means that I get like 4-6 new episodes per show just in time for the summer hiatus. But, what's a woman to do. Guess that means I'll have to keep blogging.
Please, please, please holla at me. I've missed ya'll so.
First up, Michelle Obama. The press does not want to go there, ya'll. I think that the majority of black folks ( and lots of white folks and other minorities as well) fully understood where Michelle Obama was coming from. I am not proud of the educational and economic disparities in this country. I am not proud of the racism, sexism, and ageism of this country. I am not proud of being in Iraq and decimating a country. I am not proud that George W. sent folks to die on a wild goose chase. (How is it that a man on dialysis is able to remain hidden from a country with technology so advanced that it sounds like science fiction to those of us over the age of 12? I mean really, if Google can show me a very clear satellite picture of my house, I know the goverment has even better toys. I'm just saying.) I am not proud of the fact that Clarence Thomas sits on the bench. I mean, really ya'll I could just go on and on and on. But I know, and all of America know's exactly what Michelle Obama meant by that statement. Cindy "Barbie Doll" McCain needs to return to her Arm Candy status- keep her mouth shut and smile pretty for the cameras.
And speaking of Obamas, how about that Barack? Who in the hell is doing the advising over at the Clinton camp? There is no way I would have told that woman that she didn't need to campaign in smaller states- let Obama have those votes, we'll take Ohio and Texas. This is a RACE for the democratic presidential nomination in a time where America has shown that ANYTHING can happen. I find this oversight to be a real sign of what the Clinton camp thinks about black folks and middle class Americans- we don't need their votes. We can win this without them. Obama, on the other hand, says, I do need your votes. You are important to this process. Your opinion does make a difference. Sounds like the white males in Wisconsin, the homies in Hawaii, and the Mid-Atlantic folks on the East coast were listening. I bet lots of Texans and Buckeyes are as well. I can't wait to see that show down.
And on to Bush's economic recovery plan. Too little, too late. A check in May is not going stop or slow down this recession. I'm just saying. Folks need jobs and better interest rates now. Now, if Bush had spent the last 7 years planning for growth, instead of starting a war on false pretenses, paving the way for Cheney to hook his boyz up for life with government contracts, and basically giving America the finger because he could, we wouldn't need his recovery band aid on this gushing wound that is our economy. Surely I can't be the only one who thinks like this.
And a big HALLELUJIAH to the end of the writer's strike. Of course, that means that I get like 4-6 new episodes per show just in time for the summer hiatus. But, what's a woman to do. Guess that means I'll have to keep blogging.
Please, please, please holla at me. I've missed ya'll so.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
APOOO Day!!
Hola Peeps! Please, please, please check out my post at APOOO.org today. Yas Coleman has been doing some great things with African American authors this month, and she included me in the bunch (Yay me!!!).
Check it out all of the posts. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.apooo.org/AuthorsLounge/limelight.cfm
Check it out all of the posts. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.apooo.org/AuthorsLounge/limelight.cfm
Monday, February 11, 2008
The End of The Writer's Strike
It appears that it's finally over. I've been reflective about the current state of television since the word started coming down about the stike at the end of last week. Here are just a few of my thoughts:
~Why is it that there are no dramas with predominantly African American casts?
~Why is it African Americans are still being shown as lower middle class? Was the success of The Cosby Show all we are alloted?
~I want my ensemble girlfriend drama- not just a half hour comedy. Which leads me to ask, why are there no African Americans as girlfriends in the Lipstick Jungle and Cashmere Mafia (two new shows centered around the friendships of strong, successful women)?
~Why is it that some of the best multi-cultural programming in television is done by Disney and Nickelodeon?
~Shonda Rhimes (creator, writer, executive producer for Grey's Anatomy and it's spin off, Private Practice, also the writer on several movies, including The Princess Diaries 2) is moving and shaking, but will other African American females be able to follow in her footsteps? Is she blazing a path, or is the grass just bent, destined to return to it's original state?
These are the things I ask myself after being home all day with a sick kid.
While I am happy that the stike is ending, I'm wondering what it will take to see more of folks like me and my friends on tv. Our lives are certainly entertaining enough, and not one of us is from the 'hood (not that there is anything wrong with that). We are more than videos, reality shows, and half hour comedies. Aside from Lincoln Park, we haven't had a good drama since Soul Food ended on Showtime. And notice that we never made it off of cable on to network tv?
Enough of me waxing philosophical. I've got to get my ass writing so that it can be brought to television as a series.
Holla!!!
Side note: Barack Obama kicked ass this weekend. Don't let me down tomorrow Virginia, Maryland, and Chocolate City. That would be a damn shame!
~Why is it that there are no dramas with predominantly African American casts?
~Why is it African Americans are still being shown as lower middle class? Was the success of The Cosby Show all we are alloted?
~I want my ensemble girlfriend drama- not just a half hour comedy. Which leads me to ask, why are there no African Americans as girlfriends in the Lipstick Jungle and Cashmere Mafia (two new shows centered around the friendships of strong, successful women)?
~Why is it that some of the best multi-cultural programming in television is done by Disney and Nickelodeon?
~Shonda Rhimes (creator, writer, executive producer for Grey's Anatomy and it's spin off, Private Practice, also the writer on several movies, including The Princess Diaries 2) is moving and shaking, but will other African American females be able to follow in her footsteps? Is she blazing a path, or is the grass just bent, destined to return to it's original state?
These are the things I ask myself after being home all day with a sick kid.
While I am happy that the stike is ending, I'm wondering what it will take to see more of folks like me and my friends on tv. Our lives are certainly entertaining enough, and not one of us is from the 'hood (not that there is anything wrong with that). We are more than videos, reality shows, and half hour comedies. Aside from Lincoln Park, we haven't had a good drama since Soul Food ended on Showtime. And notice that we never made it off of cable on to network tv?
Enough of me waxing philosophical. I've got to get my ass writing so that it can be brought to television as a series.
Holla!!!
Side note: Barack Obama kicked ass this weekend. Don't let me down tomorrow Virginia, Maryland, and Chocolate City. That would be a damn shame!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Oops
Hey guys,
I wrote a post on Feb 1 that I thought was lost in computer land. I just posted it, but it's under that date. Check it out when you get a chance. It's entitled Mother Doesn't Know Best.
Happy Weekend.
I wrote a post on Feb 1 that I thought was lost in computer land. I just posted it, but it's under that date. Check it out when you get a chance. It's entitled Mother Doesn't Know Best.
Happy Weekend.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Gadget Hos
This post started at 4:00 am this morning. Sometimes you just get what you get.
I did indeed wake up at 4 this morning. I did indeed have thoughts of blogging racing through my head while I tried to shut down and go back to sleep. In the midst of this struggle, I began reflecting on the fact that I like gadgets. So much so, that you could probably call me a gadget ho. I don't know why it popped in my head, but it did. What can you do?
Now, under normal circumstances, calling me a ho of any order would be grounds for a good cussing, but just for today, I accept the term. Hell, I'll even patent it.
Gadgets are my thing. Cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, PDAs, flash drives, I love it all.
Apple is my favorite company on the planet right now. They brought us the iPod, the iPhone, and the iTouch.( The latter two not being products that I currently own, but most assuredly covet.) They have that damn thin ass laptop that I am pining for. Every time I see that commercial where the pull the laptop out of a manila envelope I get excited. What's a 1500.00 price tag when you can sport that baby?
But then I think about the Sony Vaio and how cute and little it is, and how it's such a mini-laptop and how I could totally rock that at the local Starbucks or Atlanta Bread Company while I sit in a booth drinking a vanilla latte.
And thanks to the Gadget Gods for developing the Crackberry! Pure genius! I can talk on the phone, take pictures, have my calendar, address book, and to do list at my fingertips, email my mom without breaking stride, and then go check out my favorite internet websites. Happy Happy Joy Joy! I am like so serious. I was pretty peeved with the powers that be at the J-O-B because they won't sanction one. Something about all the upgrades our secure server would need, blah, blah blah. I stopped listenining after The Boss kept telling me no. Instead I have to carry my work laptop and cell phone where ever I go. Just that little device, and all would be right with the world. OK, well, they did concede and offer to buy me an HP PDA with WiFi and Bluetooth, but it's just not the same. No qwerty keyboard to make it look all cute. But now that I think about it, I think I'll go ahead and place that order. A gadget's a gadget, what the hell.
And now, the latest is these external drives for your computer- they've gotten smaller and smaller (as well as cheaper and cheaper). You know I'll be heading to Best Buy this weekend to check them out.
For some women, it's shoes (I have that problem too- mainly hot ass cowboy boots, especially those w/ stiletto heels. Can you so Lucchese or Charlie 1 Horse?), clothes, or handbags. As far as I'm concerned, you can never have enough gadgets.
What's your vice? I know ya'll have some.
I did indeed wake up at 4 this morning. I did indeed have thoughts of blogging racing through my head while I tried to shut down and go back to sleep. In the midst of this struggle, I began reflecting on the fact that I like gadgets. So much so, that you could probably call me a gadget ho. I don't know why it popped in my head, but it did. What can you do?
Now, under normal circumstances, calling me a ho of any order would be grounds for a good cussing, but just for today, I accept the term. Hell, I'll even patent it.
Gadgets are my thing. Cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, PDAs, flash drives, I love it all.
Apple is my favorite company on the planet right now. They brought us the iPod, the iPhone, and the iTouch.( The latter two not being products that I currently own, but most assuredly covet.) They have that damn thin ass laptop that I am pining for. Every time I see that commercial where the pull the laptop out of a manila envelope I get excited. What's a 1500.00 price tag when you can sport that baby?
But then I think about the Sony Vaio and how cute and little it is, and how it's such a mini-laptop and how I could totally rock that at the local Starbucks or Atlanta Bread Company while I sit in a booth drinking a vanilla latte.
And thanks to the Gadget Gods for developing the Crackberry! Pure genius! I can talk on the phone, take pictures, have my calendar, address book, and to do list at my fingertips, email my mom without breaking stride, and then go check out my favorite internet websites. Happy Happy Joy Joy! I am like so serious. I was pretty peeved with the powers that be at the J-O-B because they won't sanction one. Something about all the upgrades our secure server would need, blah, blah blah. I stopped listenining after The Boss kept telling me no. Instead I have to carry my work laptop and cell phone where ever I go. Just that little device, and all would be right with the world. OK, well, they did concede and offer to buy me an HP PDA with WiFi and Bluetooth, but it's just not the same. No qwerty keyboard to make it look all cute. But now that I think about it, I think I'll go ahead and place that order. A gadget's a gadget, what the hell.
And now, the latest is these external drives for your computer- they've gotten smaller and smaller (as well as cheaper and cheaper). You know I'll be heading to Best Buy this weekend to check them out.
For some women, it's shoes (I have that problem too- mainly hot ass cowboy boots, especially those w/ stiletto heels. Can you so Lucchese or Charlie 1 Horse?), clothes, or handbags. As far as I'm concerned, you can never have enough gadgets.
What's your vice? I know ya'll have some.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Check Out These Stats
In case you wanted to see the delegate numbers for yourself:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/delegate_counts.html
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/delegate_counts.html
Marathoning Into The White House
As mentioned previously on this blog, I am a fledgling runner. I started running shortly before my 40th birthday. It was on my Things to Do Before I Die list.
As I learned more and more about running as a sport, I've come to appreciate folks who have the fortitude to do it. Me personally, I'm a big baby. When my shins start hurting, I don't run for a couple of weeks to give them time to heal (like right now). I have let the weather stop me (temps too high, too low, too wet, too windy). Dedicated runners stick it out and get their runs in despite the conditions that may hinder them. Now some of us may call this crazy, while others will call this determination.
The runners who fascinate me the most are the marathoners. These guys train for and run 26.2 miles. Some for money, but most because it is a personal challenge that they set for themselves. As a newbie struggling to run a 5K (3.1 miles) I am in awe. The characteristics I most admire are:
*preparation. Ain't no way in hell anyone is going to run 26.2 miles without training.
* the ability to start with the end in mind. You have to have already wrapped your mind around 26.2 miles before you take the first step.
* the ability to endure the long distance- thanks to preparation.
*continous personal assessment during the race to determine if you need to slow up, speed up, or pull up and go home.
*respect for the other folks on the course, but you know that you have your own goal to meet, and you are not going to let anything get in your way.
Last night demonstrated that this race for the democratic nomination ain't over by a long shot. Obama has shown that he has come prepared for the long haul, has his eyes on the prize, is continually assessing and reassessing his strengths and weaknesses, and maintains respect for his opponent without letting that stop him from pressing on.
With the Virginia, Maryland, and DC primaries coming up on the 12th, I think he is going to pull ahead ya'll. Hillary's push was big for Super Tuesday, but Obama remains on her heels. He has plenty of support and money to get him through.
Back in the day, the front runner for the democrats would be clearly evident by now, and the primaries would simply be a formality. Get ready for the new world order, 'cause it ain't over 'til the Fat Lady sings. Looks like it's going down to the wire. This is how it goes when citizens wake up and step up. I am so excited about this election year!
As I learned more and more about running as a sport, I've come to appreciate folks who have the fortitude to do it. Me personally, I'm a big baby. When my shins start hurting, I don't run for a couple of weeks to give them time to heal (like right now). I have let the weather stop me (temps too high, too low, too wet, too windy). Dedicated runners stick it out and get their runs in despite the conditions that may hinder them. Now some of us may call this crazy, while others will call this determination.
The runners who fascinate me the most are the marathoners. These guys train for and run 26.2 miles. Some for money, but most because it is a personal challenge that they set for themselves. As a newbie struggling to run a 5K (3.1 miles) I am in awe. The characteristics I most admire are:
*preparation. Ain't no way in hell anyone is going to run 26.2 miles without training.
* the ability to start with the end in mind. You have to have already wrapped your mind around 26.2 miles before you take the first step.
* the ability to endure the long distance- thanks to preparation.
*continous personal assessment during the race to determine if you need to slow up, speed up, or pull up and go home.
*respect for the other folks on the course, but you know that you have your own goal to meet, and you are not going to let anything get in your way.
Last night demonstrated that this race for the democratic nomination ain't over by a long shot. Obama has shown that he has come prepared for the long haul, has his eyes on the prize, is continually assessing and reassessing his strengths and weaknesses, and maintains respect for his opponent without letting that stop him from pressing on.
With the Virginia, Maryland, and DC primaries coming up on the 12th, I think he is going to pull ahead ya'll. Hillary's push was big for Super Tuesday, but Obama remains on her heels. He has plenty of support and money to get him through.
Back in the day, the front runner for the democrats would be clearly evident by now, and the primaries would simply be a formality. Get ready for the new world order, 'cause it ain't over 'til the Fat Lady sings. Looks like it's going down to the wire. This is how it goes when citizens wake up and step up. I am so excited about this election year!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Tuesday
I am so excited right now. ABC has great coverage going on. Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, I am checking them all out. And I'm having a blast! Text messages, phone calls- the folks in South Carolina are just as excited as we were a couple of weeks ago.
Just a couple of things to note about today:
1. Tavis Smiley is still trying to disguise hate as his love for black people. Come on, it's been a couple of weeks since I called him out.
2. Out of the five networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW) ABC is the only one with coverage of the primary results. They are treating it like a real superbowl.
I feel like that kid in the DisneyWorld commercial- "I'm too excited to sleep". I can't wait to see how this plays out. Whew- it's gonna be close.
Just a couple of things to note about today:
1. Tavis Smiley is still trying to disguise hate as his love for black people. Come on, it's been a couple of weeks since I called him out.
2. Out of the five networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW) ABC is the only one with coverage of the primary results. They are treating it like a real superbowl.
I feel like that kid in the DisneyWorld commercial- "I'm too excited to sleep". I can't wait to see how this plays out. Whew- it's gonna be close.
Monday, February 4, 2008
When Will It End???
Please, ya'll. Can someone please tell me when the writer's strike will end? I have been patient, I have been understanding, and I have been supportive, but this shit is getting old.
When are Bailey and the crew at Seattle Grace Hospital returning?
What is going on with those quirky docs on Private Practice?
Can someone tell me why is it the most we saw of Warwick Brown this season was when he was being set up for the murder of a stripper, and had to get himself out of hot water? And let's face it, he would have been under the jail in real life.
How come Jack Bauer isn't here to save the day and deal with those freakin' studio heads?
I am hearing rumors that the strike may end this week. Please, please, please, let it be so. Just in time for the summer hiatus. I ain't mad writers, but ya'll all need to get on the stick. We need some good programming here. Have you seen the promos for Deion Sanders? He has his own reality show. How about Snoop Dogg's show? I mean, really, a house full of little yappy dogs and no one picks up the dog shit? Are you kidding me?
I need some real shows with some real writing soon or I am going to lose my mind.
Oh yeah- I was supposed to be doing more reading and writing.
What shows are you guys missing?
When are Bailey and the crew at Seattle Grace Hospital returning?
What is going on with those quirky docs on Private Practice?
Can someone tell me why is it the most we saw of Warwick Brown this season was when he was being set up for the murder of a stripper, and had to get himself out of hot water? And let's face it, he would have been under the jail in real life.
How come Jack Bauer isn't here to save the day and deal with those freakin' studio heads?
I am hearing rumors that the strike may end this week. Please, please, please, let it be so. Just in time for the summer hiatus. I ain't mad writers, but ya'll all need to get on the stick. We need some good programming here. Have you seen the promos for Deion Sanders? He has his own reality show. How about Snoop Dogg's show? I mean, really, a house full of little yappy dogs and no one picks up the dog shit? Are you kidding me?
I need some real shows with some real writing soon or I am going to lose my mind.
Oh yeah- I was supposed to be doing more reading and writing.
What shows are you guys missing?
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Hmmmm.
I found this op-ed this morning. Check it out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/opinion/02herbert.html?ex=1359694800&en=3e7ed4d3b59ecf43&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/opinion/02herbert.html?ex=1359694800&en=3e7ed4d3b59ecf43&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Friday, February 1, 2008
Mother Didn't Know Best
As a parent, you have hopes and dreams for your child from the moment they take their first breath. The thing is, kids develop their own ideas for where their life is going. If you are lucky, the two will line up, or at least your child will want to do something that you can live with.
On the day my Diva in Training was born, I declared in my heart and mind that Doctor DivaGirl had entered the world. I knew the minute I laid eyes on her that she would do something great. My baby was going to discover something or cure something or define some new law of nature or something.
And then real life threw cold water all in my face.
When DIT was in the first grade, she came home in tears because she wanted to be Mary Kate AND Ashley Olsen, and one of her friends told her she couldn't because she wasn't twins. She was pissed at me because I didn't have two of her. (Now to me, this is a blessing, but to her at the time, it was a serious curse).
By the time she was nine, she came home after career day and declared that she was not interested in college and was going to be an actress. That's right- an actress. Now, she is the product of two geeks who believe that education and hard work will take you far in life, so it was hard for me to hear that my child wasn't interested in a "noble" profession. I mean, let's face it, showbiz is a biyatch. I didn't want my child to have any part of that.
So, as the dutiful parent, I began to explain to her how difficult life will be without a degree or two or three behind her name. How actors struggle for years and some never get beyond community theater or commercials. How she may end up waitressing while she waits for that big break. All to no avail. I even reminded her that my job is to get her to the age of 18, and that I was no longer fiscally responsible for her after that. The Bank of Mommy would be closed (unless she was in college, of course). No dice. She wasn't feeling it.
I may have left out one key piece of info- my kid is a documented gifted child. Don't get it twisted, it just means that if she's not interested in it, she says to hell with it. If she likes a subject, she immerses herself in it until the next more interesting thing comes along.
She auditioned for and got accepted into the middle school of the arts. I thought this would be a good thing. Except sixth grade was hell, and I thought I was going to have to kill her. Grades dropped, and puberty blew in like a hurricane in our house. It was not pretty. Yas can attest to the phone calls made to talk me off the ledge. The one saving grace during this time was her theater arts class. She loved it. And during the 6th grade plays I sat through, she was awesome. I saw a happy, confident child doing her thing.
I should not have been surprised. She learned her monologue for her audition for the school of the arts on the drive to the audition that Saturday morning. She had six weeks to learn it, and barely glanced at it, even with prodding from me. To this day, I still don't know how she learned it because I lectured all the way to the school about putting in the work to get what you want. Uh, she nailed the monologue, and a few weeks later she got notice that she was in. I was left wondering how she did that.
At the end of last year, DIT auditioned for musical theater (only open to rising 7th and 8th graders). She got in. The first six weeks of this school year, the kids in musical theater auditioned for various roles in the upcoming production of The Wiz (yes, I was shocked that this predominantly white school selected The Wiz as this year's musical. Last year it was Suessical). DIT practiced, practiced, practiced. I had never seen her put so much work into getting a part. That is not her style. She's a seat of her pants kind of girl. All the hard work paid off, and she got the role of Dorothy. It was a proud moment, to say the least.
As we get closer to the performance dates (March 5th-8th) I've been thinking about the journey that led to this. I could have taken a hard stance and tried to make DIT conform to my desires. To be honest, I went along with it because I thought she would grow out of it. She tires so easily of things, I thought this would be just another fad tossed by the wayside. Instead I encouraged her and watched her grow. I've watched her work hard to get the part, and in the last few weeks, I've watched her work her ass off to learn lines, songs, and dances. She drags home, exhausted from school all day, rehearsing for two and a half hours, and she still has to face homework and chores. And she does it all without complaint. Most importantly, she is happy.
No matter what happens from here on out, I couldn't be more proud. My child is willing to work for what she wants in life. And she is already following her passion. If she plays her cards right, she will live her life with few regrets doing what she loves. And that truly makes me happy.
On the day my Diva in Training was born, I declared in my heart and mind that Doctor DivaGirl had entered the world. I knew the minute I laid eyes on her that she would do something great. My baby was going to discover something or cure something or define some new law of nature or something.
And then real life threw cold water all in my face.
When DIT was in the first grade, she came home in tears because she wanted to be Mary Kate AND Ashley Olsen, and one of her friends told her she couldn't because she wasn't twins. She was pissed at me because I didn't have two of her. (Now to me, this is a blessing, but to her at the time, it was a serious curse).
By the time she was nine, she came home after career day and declared that she was not interested in college and was going to be an actress. That's right- an actress. Now, she is the product of two geeks who believe that education and hard work will take you far in life, so it was hard for me to hear that my child wasn't interested in a "noble" profession. I mean, let's face it, showbiz is a biyatch. I didn't want my child to have any part of that.
So, as the dutiful parent, I began to explain to her how difficult life will be without a degree or two or three behind her name. How actors struggle for years and some never get beyond community theater or commercials. How she may end up waitressing while she waits for that big break. All to no avail. I even reminded her that my job is to get her to the age of 18, and that I was no longer fiscally responsible for her after that. The Bank of Mommy would be closed (unless she was in college, of course). No dice. She wasn't feeling it.
I may have left out one key piece of info- my kid is a documented gifted child. Don't get it twisted, it just means that if she's not interested in it, she says to hell with it. If she likes a subject, she immerses herself in it until the next more interesting thing comes along.
She auditioned for and got accepted into the middle school of the arts. I thought this would be a good thing. Except sixth grade was hell, and I thought I was going to have to kill her. Grades dropped, and puberty blew in like a hurricane in our house. It was not pretty. Yas can attest to the phone calls made to talk me off the ledge. The one saving grace during this time was her theater arts class. She loved it. And during the 6th grade plays I sat through, she was awesome. I saw a happy, confident child doing her thing.
I should not have been surprised. She learned her monologue for her audition for the school of the arts on the drive to the audition that Saturday morning. She had six weeks to learn it, and barely glanced at it, even with prodding from me. To this day, I still don't know how she learned it because I lectured all the way to the school about putting in the work to get what you want. Uh, she nailed the monologue, and a few weeks later she got notice that she was in. I was left wondering how she did that.
At the end of last year, DIT auditioned for musical theater (only open to rising 7th and 8th graders). She got in. The first six weeks of this school year, the kids in musical theater auditioned for various roles in the upcoming production of The Wiz (yes, I was shocked that this predominantly white school selected The Wiz as this year's musical. Last year it was Suessical). DIT practiced, practiced, practiced. I had never seen her put so much work into getting a part. That is not her style. She's a seat of her pants kind of girl. All the hard work paid off, and she got the role of Dorothy. It was a proud moment, to say the least.
As we get closer to the performance dates (March 5th-8th) I've been thinking about the journey that led to this. I could have taken a hard stance and tried to make DIT conform to my desires. To be honest, I went along with it because I thought she would grow out of it. She tires so easily of things, I thought this would be just another fad tossed by the wayside. Instead I encouraged her and watched her grow. I've watched her work hard to get the part, and in the last few weeks, I've watched her work her ass off to learn lines, songs, and dances. She drags home, exhausted from school all day, rehearsing for two and a half hours, and she still has to face homework and chores. And she does it all without complaint. Most importantly, she is happy.
No matter what happens from here on out, I couldn't be more proud. My child is willing to work for what she wants in life. And she is already following her passion. If she plays her cards right, she will live her life with few regrets doing what she loves. And that truly makes me happy.
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