IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY OUT!!!

It's a beautiful day outside....GET OUT & ENJOY IT!! Go to the park...Go to the city...or just go for a walk...take advantage of this wonderful weather. I know I will be out & about....so no more post until later....I don't want the day to get away from me...lol! See ya later...*wink*

QUOTE OF THE DAY

By forgiving and choosing to move on, one takes the power back to morph it into POSITIVE energy

I WALK BY FAITH...

Faith isn't something we can see, but it's something we feel. An innate rush that comes over us or that becomes a part of us. Faith is what gets you through difficult times. Faith pushes us forward when hope needs reassurance. When wishing seems useless & doubt sets in....Faith comes to the rescue. I walk by FAITH everyday & everyday I make it through. So when nothing else seems possible always have FAITH!

1 IS THE LONELIEST #!

Have you ever felt alone? or just like noone understood you? Every now & then we feel a little detached & like we're the only ones who get "us"...but that's normal. It's ok to feel that way at times. This doesn't make you weird or different it actually makes you human. Noone's perfect & sometimes we feel like people just don't get it. Just know you're not alone....

BLIZZARD 2010!!!!!

So we're SNOWED IN AGAIN!!! I don't know about everyone else but I'm tired of digging out my car!! Be Careful when traveling today...and bundle up & stay warm!!!

Happy Shoveling NYC!

THIRSTY THURSDAY SPECIAL!!!

Ingredients
1 1/4 ounces silver tequila
1-ounce triple sec
1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 ounces simple syrup or sweet-and-sour mix
3/4 cup partially frozen mango, unsweetened (prefer individual quick frozen or fresh)
Directions
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a hurricane-style glass.

SNOWSTORM # WHO KNOWS

The Tri-State Area is getting hit with yet another snowstorm...YEA I KNOW! So everyone be safe when traveling today & tomorrow. Make sure to take your time & DON'T RUSH!!! And for those of you who were released from work early....SO WHAT!! LOL!

FASHION WEEK / ISAAC MIZRAHI

Here are a few pieces from designer Isaac Mizrahi....he calls it "an Upper East Side camping trip..."sort of Field & Stream at the Carlyle". I actually love what he's doing for Fall....tell me what you think.

A FRIEND YOU HAVE IN ME....

We all have a special "friend" or "friends" who we turn to for support. Take the time out today to thank those people in your life that help you get through tough times. We often take for granted the "little things" people do for us...like lending a shoulder to cry on, or an ear when we want to vent. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a network of people who care for them. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people in my life who support me & genuinely care. Without them I would be a pretty "angry" person...lol. Just appreciate people for what they do & for who they are to you.....Don't let days go by without giving thanks. Remember tomorrow's not promised to any of us. Thanks for helping me find my way on the days I feel lost!

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
- Nelson Mandela

WAKE UP!!!!!

\

Here we are people....we've almost made it to the weekend & we're still going strong! Enjoy your thursday & Stay Blessed! I'm gonna sip my morning delight very slowly to savor the taste!! Enjoy!!

TASTE THE SOUP.....LOL!!!!

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Classic...I know you're laughing & if you're not...SOMETHING IS CLEARLY WRONG WITH YOU...I KID IKID...HAVE A GREAT DAY!

B.H.M FEATURE / AUTHOR JAMES BALDWIN

Born: August 2, 1924
New York, New York
Died: November 30, 1987
Saint-Paul-de-Vance, France
African American author and playwright


The author James Baldwin achieved international recognition for his expressions of African American life in the United States. During the 1960s he was one of the most outspoken leaders of the civil rights movement.

Early life
James Arthur Baldwin, the son of Berdis Jones Baldwin and the stepson of David Baldwin, was born in Harlem, New York City, on August 2, 1924. He was the oldest of nine children and from an early age loved to read. His father was a preacher in the Pentecostal church, and at the age of fourteen Baldwin also became a preacher. At eighteen he graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School, where he had written for a magazine put out by the school. Baldwin then realized that he wanted to write for a living.

In 1944 Baldwin met another writer named Richard Wright (1908–1960), who helped Baldwin secure a fellowship (a writing award) that provided him with enough money to devote all of his time to literature. By 1948 Baldwin had decided that he could get more writing done in a place where there was less prejudice, and he went to live and work in Europe with money from another fellowship. While overseas Baldwin completed the books Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953), Notes of a Native Son (1955), and Giovanni's Room (1956).

Spokesperson for civil rights movement
Returning to the United States after nine years overseas, Baldwin became known as the leading spokesperson among writers for the civil rights of African Americans. He gave popular lectures on the subject, and he quickly discovered that social conditions for African Americans had become even worse while he was abroad. As the 1960s began—and violence in the South increased—Baldwin grew increasingly angry. He responded with three powerful books of essays: Nobody Knows My Name (1961); The Fire Next Time (1963), in which he predicts future outbursts of black anger; and More Notes of a Native Son. These works were accompanied by Another Country (1962), his third novel. Going to Meet the Man (1965) is a group of short stories from the same period. During this time Baldwin's descriptions of Richard Avedon's photography were published under the title Nothing Personal (1964). Four years later came another novel, Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone.

In addition, the mid-1960s saw Baldwin's two published plays produced on Broadway. The Amen Corner, first staged in Washington, D.C., in 1955, was presented at New York City's Ethel Barrymore Theatre in April 1965. Similar in tone to Go Tell It on the Mountain, it describes the strong religious feeling of the Pentecostal church. Blues for Mr. Charlie, which premiered at Broadway's ANTA Theatre in April 1964, is based on the case of Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old African American from Chicago who was murdered by white people in Mississippi in 1955.

The assassinations of three of Baldwin's friends—civil rights marcher Medgar Evers (1926–1963), the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968), and the black Muslim leader Malcolm X (1925–1965)—destroyed any hopes Baldwin had that problems between the races would be solved in the United States, and he returned to France in the early 1970s. His later works of fiction include If Beale Street Could Talk (1974) and Just Above My Head (1979). Nonfiction writings of this period include: No Name in the Street (1972); The Devil Finds Work (1976), an examination of African Americans in the movie industry; and The Evidence of Things Not Seen (1985), a discussion of issues of race surrounding the child murders in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1979 and 1980. A volume of poetry, Jimmy's Blues, was issued in 1985.

Literary achievement
Baldwin's greatest achievement as a writer was his ability to address American race relations by discussing the effects of racism (unequal treatment based on race) on the mind. In his essays and fiction he considered the point of view of both the offender and the victim. He suggested that all people, not just one group of people, suffer in a racist climate. Baldwin's fiction and plays also explore the burdens society places on individuals. Two of his best-known works, the novel Go Tell It on the Mountain and the play The Amen Corner, were inspired by his years with the Pentecostal church in Harlem. In Go Tell It on the Mountain, for instance, a teenage boy struggles with a strict stepfather and experiences a religious awakening. Love in all of its forms became a key ingredient in Baldwin's writing. Later Baldwin novels deal honestly with homosexuality (sexual desire for members of the same sex) and love affairs between members of different races.

Baldwin's writing is noted for its beauty and power. His language seems purposely chosen to shock and shake the reader into a concerned state of action. His major themes are repeated: the terrible pull of love and hate between black and white Americans; the conflicts between guilt or shame and sexual freedom; the gift of sharing and extending love; and the charm of goodness versus evil. He describes the rewards of artistic achievement among the problems of modern life, including racism, industrialism (the influence of large corporations on everyday life), materialism (the pursuit of material wealth above all else), and a global power struggle. Everything that lessens or harms the human spirit is strongly attacked.

Final years
Baldwin remained overseas much of the last fifteen years of his life, but he never gave up his American citizenship. The citizens of France came to consider Baldwin one of their own, and in 1986 he was given one of the country's highest honors when he was named Commander of the Legion of Honor. He died of stomach cancer on November 30, 1987, in Saint-Paul-de-Vance, France, but he was buried in Harlem. One of his last works to see publication during his lifetime was a collection of essays called The Price of the Ticket: Collected Nonfiction, 1948–1985.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY WINKS!!!

So Today's addition to the YUM FACTOR is Mr. Eddie House our newest addition to the New York Knickerbockers...YaaaaaY!!!! And I'm super excited & can't wait to seem him play up close & personal. So take it all in ladies...and Hey House!

MORNING CUP!!!

Here's our morning picker upper!! Just a good ole' fashion cup of java. I don't know about you guys but this Wednesday finds me groggy & lethargic....it could be the dreary weather, but anywho. So here's to getting through the day!

BE ENCOURAGED TODAY!!!

Good Morning Beautiful People!! I took a little mental health break (you know folks always try to come against you, but the devil is a liar!! Amen!) But I'm back!!! Today is a day of courage! Do something you never thought you could do....Tell someone something you never had the courage to say....Just Do It! Don't wait for the perfect time (cause it'll never come) and stop making excuses! Take a chance & dig deep down & find the COURAGE! Even if it's the courage to NOT do something....maybe you just have to be strong & walk away from something today....Whatever it is know that you're strong & you can get through it....you at least have 1 person cheering you on....ME!!!

B.H.M. FEATURE/ ARTHUR ASHE

Arthur Ashe Biography



Claim to Fame: Tennis player
DOB: July 10, 1943
Date of Death: February 6, 1993
Diabetes Type: 2

Arthur Ashe was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. As a young boy Ashe was always very active in sport, including tennis, basketball and baseball. He was also an avid golfer. However, his love for tennis outweighed all the other sports. His passion and drive for the game made Ashe become a prominent African-American tennis player. Throughout his career he won 3 Grand Slam titles.

In 1963, Ashe not only received a tennis scholarship to UCLA but also was selected to the U.S. Davis Cup team. In his career at UCLA, Ashe won the NCAA individual championship and also helped his team win the NCAA championship. After graduating he went on to win the U.S. Open in 1968 and Wimbledon in 1975 when he unexpectedly defeated Jimmy Connors. Ashe went on to play for several more years but was forced to retire in 1980 due to heart complications.

Ashe was a quiet but dedicated athlete whose belief in his convictions gave him the quiet strength to become a force for change. He traveled to South Africa not only to compete, but in 1985 he protested South Africa's policy of apartheid along with his friend Nelson Mandela. He was arrested for this act. Ashe also spoke on the floor of the United Nations on World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, just months after publicly disclosing his HIV diagnosis in 1992. (In 1988 during a heart surgery, Ashe contracted HIV though a blood transfusion.) Ashe was also was part of a group whose members were arrested while protesting the George Bush Administration's treatment of Haitian refugees.

Ashe did not just take political stands. He was a role model for African-American tennis players everywhere, male and female. He helped create inner-city tennis programs for youths in Newark, Detriot, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Indianapolis. After retirement, Ashe went on to do a variety of other things - writing for Time magazine and The Washington Post; commenting for HBO and ABC Sports; founding the National Junior Tennis League; and serving as captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team.


Ashe struggled with HIV for many years, yet was a vocal advocate for AIDS awareness, until his death in February of 1993 at the age of 49. Two months before his death, he founded the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, to help address issues of inadequate health care delivery.

Today, Ashe remains the only African-American to win the men’s singles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open, and his name resides in the Tennis Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1985.

EDUCATION VS. LIFE EXPERIENCE?

So the question at hand is...How do you feel about obtaining your degree versus life experience? Most people would agree that college is NOT an option & that a bachelors is now the equivalent of a high school diploma. It can also be argued that people need to further their education to post-studies & obtain masters & doctoral degrees. But there are many people who will disagree with this theory & who feel that a degree is not needed to be successful. These are the working class majority that may not have finished their degrees but have attended college or those who entered the workforce immediately after graduating high school. People who have moved up the ladder because of their work experience & not because of the degree they hold. I'm sure that opinions will vary in both directions, but I believe it all depends on who you are & the career path you choose.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

My job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the
impossible.

HOW IMPORTANT IS GOOD SEX IN A RELATIONSHIP?

Does the SEX really matter? This question always comes up & everyone has a different opinion about it. My thoughts are yes it does matter. Sex is mental & if it's bad it leaves you with negative thoughts about your partner. You may be able to deal with it for a while but you won't be able to pacify yourself with a lackluster sex life forever. I say communication is key...talk openly & honestly with your partner & let them know what you like & what's wrong. But the real question is what do you do when the sex doesn't get better?

Is that reason enough to end a relationship? Can sex ruin a strong foundation? Or should you just tough it out & make it work? What are your thoughts?

B.H.M FEATURE / SUSAN L. TAYLOR

Susan Taylor was born in New York in 1946. In her early twenties, the young entrepreneur started Nequai Cosmetics, one of the first companies to create beauty products for African American women. Although her product line was well received in African American communities and in the Caribbean, Taylor was interested in expanding her career. She heard that Essence, a fledgling publication catering to African American women, was looking for a beauty editor. Taylor approached editor-in-chief Ed Lewis for the position and was hired in 1970.

Although Taylor had never attended college, she was a licensed cosmetologist who understood the specific needs and concerns of black women. Her monthly articles were popular with African American females who were historically undervalued and underrepresented by media companies. Taylor soon became responsible for fashion as well as beauty, and in 1981 she was promoted to editor-in-chief, a post she held until July 2000.

Under Susan's expert guidance, Essence experienced phenomenal growth. Its monthly readership soared to more than 5 million, reaching black women all over the world. Capturing the hearts of Essence readers was Susan's monthly column, "In the Spirit," which addressed themes such as family, faith, self-esteem and health. Her motivational features culminated in the popular books, In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor and Lessons In Living. She also authored a third book with her husband, Khepra Burns, Confirmations: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives. Taylor also became a popular speaker on the lecture circuit.

In March 1986, Taylor was elected vice president of Essence Communication, Inc. and became senior vice president in 1993. She was the host and executive producer of Essence, the country's first nationally syndicated African-oriented magazine television show, the Essence Awards show and the Essence Music Festival.

Although she recently stepped down from her duties as editor-in-chief, Taylor remains the chief editorial executive responsible for the overall vision, articles and images of the publication. She also maintains a high profile in the community, where she is a staunch advocate for the nation's poor. Taylor is an avid supporter of Edwin Gould Services for Children, a foster-care agency, and serves on the advisory board for Aid to Imprisoned Mothers. Many recognize her tireless work and charitable contributions. In 1988, Taylor received an honorary doctorate from the nation's first black college, Lincoln University, and a second honorary doctorate from the University of Delaware in 1993. She is a recipient of the 1992 First Person award from the New York City Mission Society.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY- IDRIS ELBA

Here's my Feel Good Friday pick for YUM FACTOR.....I just wanna call him Stringer Bell.

Hey Idris....I'm not usually a chocolate lover but suddenly I want a snickers bar.

FASHION WEEK- INTRODUCING ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Here are a few pieces from Alexander Mcqueen's collection (R.I.P) the fashion world lost an icon.

GROOVE THEORY- TELL ME

Loved GROOVE THEORY!!! Your the first one to make me feel like this....

ALL THINGS MATTER

"I've learned that people will forget what you said,people will forget what you did, but people willnever forget how you made them feel."

WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wake Up everyone!!!! Here's a Caramel macchiato to get your day started....yum yum yum with a double shot of expresso...Let's Get It!!!

WISDOM IS A POWERFUL TOOL!

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next; skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it." David Starr Jordan.

TASTY THURSDAY PICK

So for today's addition to the YUM FACTOR...I have Darren Sharper from the SuperBowl Champs "New Orleans Saints". All I have to say is ENJOY LADIES!!! YUM YUM YUM!

FASHION WEEK / INTRODUCING TRACY REESE

Here are a few contributions from designer Tracy Reese...I actually love her designs, but form your own opinion.

BRANDY / FULL MOON

Remember be bold & confident....Just Say How You Feel! You may just meet your SOULMATE this month!

LOVE STRUCK!!

In true February (Month of Love) fashion...This is for all my "Love Struck" folks out there. If you have a crush on someone... TELL THEM!! Don't wait till it's too late people...you never know! Be Bold, Be Brave, and GET IT DONE! The worse thing that can happen is they don't feel the same way, but that's the beauty of a crush....you can't have too many!!! LOL!

SO HAPPY CRUSHING EVERYONE!! CUPID'S WORKING OVERTIME THIS MONTH!!!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEAT / SAM COOKE

Mini Biography


Sam Cooke was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 22, 1931. He was one of eight children of Charles Cook Sr., who was a Baptist minister. When Sam sang as a little boy in church, everyone made note that his voice had "something special". He sang in Church and in local gospel choirs until a group called the Highway Q.C.'s asked him to sing with them at various venues. By the time Cooke reached 20, his voice was a finely honed instrument and he was noted for bringing the spirit up in church-goers.

When Sam replaced R.H. Harris, the legendary lead singer for the extremely popular gospel group called The Soul Stirrers, it was the beginning of Sam's meteoric rise. Cooke sang with the group for six years, traveling back and forth across the country and gained a wealth of knowledge regarding how black people were treated. His refusal to sing at a segregated concert led to what many have described as one of the first real efforts in civil disobedience and helped usher in the new Civil Rights Movement.

After several Gospel Albums, Sam decided it was time to crossover from gospel (And against almost everyone's wishes.) to record some soul and rhythm & blues. Because of his good looks and intonation he was an instant success. His first single released in 1957 was "You Send Me" and sold over a million copies, which made Sam an "overnight success" in the business. He was on his way to becoming the biggest voice on the radio. Record producers vied to sign him to a contract. In 1960, Cooke became the first major black artist to sign with RCA Records. Sam was not happy with the deal and when the time was right, decided to start his own publishing company (KAGS Music) to keep control over his music and his own record company (SAR/Derby) to keep control of his money.

Sam married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Campbell, in 1959 and had they had three children. Tragically, Vincent their youngest, drowned in their swimming pool at age four in June 1964.

On the night of December 11, 1964, Cooke was set up to be robbed of Christmas money he'd withdrawn earlier in the day for gifts. After the robbery, he was murdered by Motel Manager - Bertha Franklin, who'd shot and killed a man six months earlier at the same motel. That night, Sam picked up Elisa Boyer, a call-girl (known for "rolling drunks" and escaping with whatever she could when they were passed out, or knocked out.) in a bar at a restaurant. They went to a seedy motel in Watts and registered as Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cooke. After going into the room, Cooke was clubbed in the head and knocked out momentarily. Boyer grabbed his clothes and ran to the motel office to split the money with Bertha Franklin.

When Cooke came to he was disoriented, pant-less and wallet-less. He stumbled to the motel office and saw Boyer and Franklin counting his money ($2,500. in 1960 dollars was a LOT) through the window. He demanded his pants, money and wallet back. When they didn't open the door, Cooke knocked on it as hard as he could and it came off the hinges. When he got up off the floor, Mrs. Franklin shot him then instructed Boyer to run down the street and call police from a phone booth. Boyer told them a phony story about a rape and left the scene and subsequently disappeared. Sam was dead when the police arrived and since Boyer had stolen his wallet they had no idea who it was and took it as a routine justified homicide in the ghetto.

The coroner's inquest was a slam dunk ... not one pertinent question asked by an investigator, or back round check of Bertha Franklin's shooting past. They simply took her made up story for what actually happened. Sam's murder was just chalked up to just another unidentified "rapist" killed in Watts. Until the next Monday morning when a reporter found out Sam Cooke was signed in to the motel registry as himself and that one of the world's greatest talents and a true human being was dead, under shady circumstances that might never be covered by the media, since it's been 45 years.

FASHION WEEK NYC!!! INTRODUCING RACHEL ROY

So Fashion Week is going down in NYC this week & there are a ton of designers that will be premiering their lines. Here are a few of designer Rachel Roy's contributions to the fashion world. Tell me what you think!

MORNING JAVA!!!

I don't know ab0ut everyone else, but I NEED my morning java to get the day started...I wouldn't say I'm addicted but I'm definitely convinced that it helps get me started. So here's to a productive day!!! Let's Get it Started!

JUST STAY IN THE RACE

Hey everyone, before I call it a night let me leave you with these parting words...you can't win unless you're in the race. So if you want something bad enough (and it's being made accessible to you) then give it your ALL! Always remember it's not about how quickly something is done (all the time) it's about endurance & perserverance & just getting it done (remember the tortoise & the hare?). This can be applied to anything in life (finishing that degree, obtaining that dream job, buying that home, completing that task, or finally getting the love of your life) it all depends on your situation. Just don't give up! If it's for you it will be yours...and if not at least you tried. Until tomorrow...enjoy & On your mark...get set...GO!!!!!!!

SIPPING ON???

•1 1/2 ounce vodka, like Ketel One
•3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
•1 ounce blueberry juice (easily found at Trader Joes and Whole Foods)
•3/4 ounce Simple Syrup
•lime wedge, for garnish

Into a shaker with ice, add the vodka, fresh lime juice, blueberry juice, and simple syrup. Shake well and pour into a highball glass. Garnish with a lime.

Everyone deserves to relax with a refreshing beverage..I absolutely LOVE this drink...and I'm an avid Ketel One drinker...ENJOY!

Drink Responsibly...of course..lol!

WHEN LOVE ISN'T ENOUGH

So at what point do you decide love just isn't enough??? And the real question is..Who gets to decide? Do you exhaust ALL the possibilities? Or do you cut your losses & get out quickly?? February is the month of LOVE so I'll be asking all the hard questions...And this is for both the fellas & the ladies. When is a good time to WALK AWAY & MOVE ON??? I mean LOVE only gets you so far, RIGHT?? But to maintain a sound, healthy relationship aren't there other requirements?? Like Honesty, clear communication, chemistry, trust, and good ole fashion GREAT SEX!!

I may be wrong people, but if I am let me know....lol

MORE THAN LOVE- AMERIE /FEAT. F.A.B.O.L.O.U.S

Love this video!! Absolutely love Amerie...C'mon ladies just cause he's unavailable doesn't mean he's always sneaking around...LOL!

MEN ON FILM......JUST LAUGH & ENJOY

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I figured I'd lighten it up a bit. 2 snaps inna circle!!!!

POSITIVE THOUGHTS ARE POWERFUL!

A friend told me that you should only put out positive thoughts if you want positive results. So be thankful for all the blessings you're given people....and stop dwelling on the "unknown".....focus on what's at hand right now...ENJOY IT!! *WINK*

METHOD MAN / FEATUTRING M.J.B

This is CLASSIC...loves Meth & absolutely loves MARY!!! Had everybody thinking about heading to the roof with their hats down low!! LOL!

FEAR NOT

I was once told NEVER BE AFRAID to love because then you're just AFRAID TO LIVE. My advice is to take chances & don't be fearful of the outcome. You can never know what's on the other side of the door unless you open it. We are only human (obviously..lol) which means we will make mistakes & sometimes make the wrong choice....but we shouldn't be condemned for life. Love can be the most wonderful feeling that you've EVER known & then there's the downside of it being the most painful experience known to man. I've been on both sides of love & i still think everyone should experience it. The saying "You never know till you try" explains it all. So get out there & live, love, and do it while you can.

COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS RESUME TO HAITI

American Airlines will be the first commercial carrier resuming flights to Haiti beginning this friday. They suspended all service in January after the devastating earthquake, but continued to fly in medical personnel for the recovery relief efforts. Prayers go out to Haiti.

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."