Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Remembering Mrs. Coretta Scott King



A Lady Of Class And Dignity.....
1927-2006


As I was getting ready for work this morning, the news reported that Mrs. Coretta Scott King had passed away last night in her sleep at the age of 78. Mrs. King never really recovered from the stroke she sustained last fall. And throughout the news report, all I kept thinking was how elegant and dignified this lady had been during the worst moments of her life. Although I had not been born at the time when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, I can remember the picture of his widow sitting stoicly holding their young daughter at his funeral. I can remember her holding her head high. She put on a brave face to show the world that she may have been down, but not out.

Although people usually think of her husband when the civil rights movement is mentioned, people need to also know that Mrs. King was a civil rights activist in her own right. Mrs. King didn't sit quietly in a corner as a widow and the matriarch of her family. She stayed quite active in human rights and equality initiatives. She gave speeches, traveled, and met international dignitaries to continue her husband's work. She lived a wonderful life, and I am so glad that she graced with her presence. Now Mrs. King's work is done. Soror/Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Rest in Peace.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Dreamgirls Takes To The Big Screen...



Beyonce' Tries Her Hand At Acting Again...

While surfing the net, I came across some production pictures (courtesy of the Beyonce World website) of the "Dreamgirls" project that is being adapted to the silver screen movie format. The original "Dreamgirls" producton was loosely based on the 1960's girl group, "The Supremes", which included Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson. Typically, in situations like these, one of the ladies wishes to be "The Breakout Star" and have the other two be the backup singers way, way, way, back in the background. I suppose the producers and directors chose Beyonce' to star in this movie, because of her experience in dealing with the break up of a girl group. She says that she's really excited about this movie, and that this will be the first time she'll have the opportunity to really "act" in a movie, although she has appeared in others.

I've been keenly interested in this movie project, because I really wonder whether the cast can really pull it off. Some things should really never ever be remade, and long ago I thought "Dreamgirls" was one of them. The original "Dreamgirls" project appeared in 1982 as a Broadway show starring Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Loretta Devine just to name a few. If you've ever heard Jennifer Holliday sing the "I'm Not Going" song, you know why I'm just a bit skeptical about any remakes. Jennifer, the vocal powerhouse, absolutely blows that song away, and to date, no one has ever been able to sing like her or sing the song better than she can. And I mean no one!!! So all that I'm saying is that the Broadway show is a tough act to follow. And to top this off, the cast of the original "Dreamgirls" won several Tony awards that lets you know how dazzling they were. This whole scenario puts a whole lot of pressure on the new project that also stars Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson. I just bet the movie studio execs are banking on this movie to be a huge success, but we'll have to wait and see. Dreamworks has set up an Official Dreamgirls Movie Website to provide updates leading up to the movie's premiere projected to happen by the end of this year. If I don't go to see this movie for any other reason, I'll go to see Jamie Foxx. *wink*

Former Destiny's Child Member Prepares To Release Album...



LeToya Luckett Reappears...

I guess Letoya Luckett, formerly of Destiny's Child, has let bygones be bygones with Beyonce', since the Destiny's Childs group's big fiasco went down. As some may recall, LeToya and LaTavia Roberson left the girl group for reasons that differ depending on whom you speak to. LeToya and LaTavia stated that they had a problem with the management (Matthew Knowles and Beyonce's pop) of the group, while the new Destiny's Child members stayed mum about it. Then there were reports that LeToya and LaTavia were kicked out of the group for speaking up. LeToya and LaTavia ended filing court cases against the group and the management, but later things were quietly settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money. Then the new group added Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, but Farrah soon jetted just before the really big money started to roll in. (Side Note: I wonder is she somewhere kicking herself.)

Sure Destiny's Child existed for a while before the first break up, but for some reason after all of the musical chairs and personnel changes in the group, it seems that things sort of took off for the latest transformation of Destiny's Child. The new group went multiplatinum and many more opportunities (solo recording careers; acting in movies, tv, and broadway, and creation of a fashion house) popped up for its members (mostly Beyonce') . LeToya and LaTavia tried to pair themselves off with a couple of other girls in Atlanta, GA to form the group, "Anjel," but the production fell through and they were back to square one. They gave it the good ole college try and things still didn't work out.

But anywho, LeToya has moved on. It appears that she's taken her settlement money and opened a new boutique in the Houston, TX area called "Lady Elle." I recently read in a magazine that LeToya has seen and spoken to Kelly and Beyonce' since the split, and things between them seem to be okay. It's good to see that everyone is acting mature about the whole thing. In fact, LeToya's store is selling clothes from Beyonce's and Beyonce's Mother's (Tina) company named the "House of Dereon." LeToya has had pleasant things to say about the new Destiny's Child and Beyonce. No more grudges. I think that's a healthy mindset for LeToya to have before releasing her first solo CD, because she really doesn't need the media pitting her work against Beyonce's, although they may do that anyway. LeToya's self-titled album is set to be released sometime this spring. I haven't heard any of LeToya's music, but I just hope that she can be successful also. Why not?


Kanye West's Controversial Magazine Cover...



Publicity Stunt Or Not?

Kanye West's name is in the news again. This morning I heard on the radio that Kanye is appearing on the cover of a magazine as Jesus. As a Christian, I frankly don't care for the cover. It seems to me that Kanye wants to be a spokesman for something or someone, but sometimes he has trouble in knowing what to say or how to deliver it. From his onset, I haven't really known what he's all about one way or the other. But it's hard to tell with stars, because it could all be part of an elaborate publicity stunt. When Kanye came out with the "Jesus Walks" song, I never took it for a gospel song, while some churches and people in the Baltimore-Washington metro area fully embraced it. I just thought it was another rap from a rapper. Nothing more...Nothing less...I never had anything against him; I just never saw him as a gospel singer or rapper.

Fastforward to last fall when he made remarks about the topmop and the topmop's response to the Katrina disaster. I don't know Kanye personally, but I agreed with his statement about the bad treatment of some people. He just stated what a lot of people were thinking. The images of black people suffering for days on end at the Superdome were mindboggling and very disappointing when help could have been provided. So, Kanye spoke his peace. The mainstream powers that be in the music industry quickly silenced Kanye from making anymore statements about that. In fact, a week or so later he appeared on another star telethon show, and he explicitly stated that he wouldn't be making any comments about the Katrina disaster. Hmm. Kanye could have made a more powerful statement if he had stuck to what he said initially and not backed down even if he had to sacrifice his recording career. But I still wonder what the music label told him.

Kanye has since resumed his public speaking. I haven't gotten a chance to read the magazine article yet, but the folks on the radio said that Kanye took the picture posing as Jesus to make a statement that mainstream America wants people to do great things but not to say that they are great. The radio personalities are saying that Kanye said something to that effect. I repeat that I don't know the man, but I think he better get a lasso out of his superhero bag and capture his ego. *lol* But seriously, I just hope one day Kanye will learn that great people don't have to go around tooting their horns, because their greatness shines through. For it's usually some of the most humble people who do the greatest and most profound things.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Weighing In With Star Jones Reynolds



What's The Big Deal About Her W.eight Loss?

I'm just getting caught up on my blog. I really meant to post this last week after watching her appear on Larry King's show, but I got bogged down with work and completing my grad school application. But I'm back on the blog scene.

What's up with Star and her tremendous w.eight loss? Lately, she's been going on tv shows to promote her new book, "Shine." She admits that she use to weigh about 300 lbs, but now is a size 10. Star has been guarding the story behind her w.eight loss like it is some type of top secret stuff. She leaves nothing else as a secret (everything about her sweet man). So why this? I don't see what the big deal is. It's apparent that she took off a ton of weight. Or maybe all of this part of her promotional tactic to sell her new book. Who knows one way or the other? But I will accept the notion that it is the business of celebrities to do what they want with their bodies. (Note: My sister informed me that I was using the term "celebrity" quite loosely with regard to Star Jones....Hmmm....Patti Labelle sings...Denzel Washington acts...And Debbie Allen sings, acts, and dances. So, I was asked what Star does? And I suppose she's a daytime tv talk show host on "The View." *weak smile*)

She says that she won't give specifics, but a couple of weeks ago she appeared on the cover of "People Magazine" or another celebrity magazine with a big ole caption above her picture stating "How She Lost The Weight!!!" So is she going to talk about it or not. Nope. She says that she doesn't want to be the poster child for w.eight loss. And she says she doesn't want another person to try what she tried, because it may not work for that person or the person might experience something tragic. She said something to that effect. Sometimes what people "aren't" saying is what they "really" are saying if that makes any sense to you. Hmm... Eating healthy foods, controlling food portions, and exercising regularly sound like elements of a healthy w.eight loss program. But Star probably had that stomach stapling procedure performed, which is fine, because that might be the appropriate treatment for some folks. If so, all she had to do is add a disclaimer encouraging people to consult a physician before making any decisions. She missed an excellent opportunity to explain how w.eight loss helps to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, pain in joints, etc. Oh well.

I like NBC's "The Today Show" weatherman Al Roker's approach better. He was upfront with everything. In fact, he let the cameras be present for most of his surgery. He never told people to get the surgery or not to get it. And he was honest in admitting that everything wasn't sunshine and lollipops (err... and granola) as a result of his surgery. He explained that he wished that he could have done it on his own through diet and exercise. And for that, I have a lot of respect for Al in the way that he went about things. Star could learn something from Al. It's the way people go about things. I believe some of the jabs directed to Star by J. Anthony Brown from the Tom Joyner Morning Show can be a bit over the top. But she just gives folks way too much material to work with which makes her an easy target.

About Star's new advice book==> Girl please?! What sage words of wisdom does she have for us? What can she tell us? How to find a husband? *sideways glance* I'm not going to touch that. *rolling eyes*

On to the next topic==>



Flav's Chic Show on VH1

Can someone tell me what this show is about? Last week while I was on the phone, I was channel surfing and I came across this show. I don't make it a habit to watch stuff like this, but I wanted to find out what the point of this show was all about. Is this show a joke or are the contestants for real? On other reality shows, people usually win something for making fools out of themselves. Folks usually win money, prizes, recording contracts, modeling contracts, exposure to talent scouts, etc. So what do the women on Flav's show get for hanging out with the heavily metalliced grilled one? A set of mini grills? A new kitchen clock necklace? *shrug*

**Side Note: I purposely misspelled w.eight loss to keep folks from placing advertisements in my comments section for free. This ain't no billboard. Shux...

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Happy New Year 2006!!!...



Wishing You Peace, Happiness, & Prosperity In 2006!!!

Every year, I usually talk to family and friends to discuss New Year's resolutions. Some told me that they don't make resolutions, because things won't change and it's just a waste of time, while others develop a lengthy resolution list. I'm one of those who develops a list. What can I say? I'm an optimist. I always love beginnings, because they represent opportunities to develop and grow. It represents a time for self-reflection and a time to dream of life's possibilities. Maybe this year, I might get the promotion I deserved years ago. Or maybe grad school will pull me away in an altogether new direction. The Lord may have Mr. Right to stroll my way. I may get a chance to do some traveling and finally visit the museums like I said that I would do last year (but didn't).

As for New Year's Resolutions, here are mine. :

1. I want/need to get closer to God.

2. I want to spend more time with my friends and family. Last year, I'm ashamed to say that I worked most of the year and only visited my family around Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I only got to call some friends who live far away may be once or twice last year. I put all of my eggs in the work basket, and an elephant hoof came down on that basket and smashed it to smitherines as I still didn't get promoted. I learned that you can work yourself into the ground, and folks at work still won't appreciate it. Instead, it would be wiser to put more time and energy into friends and family. A lesson well learned.

3. I don't want to be afraid to dream. I'm famous (among friends and family) for coming up with fantastic dreams and goals. I tell ya that I dream in technicolor. But somewhere down the line the doubt seeps in constantly nagging me about how am I supposed to fit part-time grad school studies into a full-time work schedule. Instead I should just do it. I've got to follow through. I need to walk by faith.

4. I want to work on eating right and exercising. A few years ago, I was serious about it. I used to plan what I ate and put off phone calls and anything else until I finished my time on my bike. But lately, I come home late from work and can barely figure out what to cook. And the only exercise I get is walking up 5 flights of steps at work. I'm not sure that's a real workout. If I could only get home from work earlier, I could get back on track.

5. I want to continue to discover ways to save and invest money to ensure a bright future.

6. I want to cook more this year. Last year was a wash with the fast food and microwavable garbage. Currently, I have a taste for a dish of sweet corn, tomatoes, green peppers, and minced onions (not alot of onions) or perhaps a bowl of warm rice pudding sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon. That's the kind of food that you can't find in the frozen section of the grocery store.

7. I suppose that I should get out more this year. My schedule usually involves traveling from work to home or home to work. So, I guess I better start taking folks up on their invitations for dates, dinner parties, etc.

8. I should try to have fun more. I guess watching old reruns of "The Golden Girls" or "Living Single" can't be considered as fun and exciting. Oh well.

As the Queen of Procrastination, I truly hope to accomplish all of my goals.

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Speaking of the New Year, I found the following interesting 2006 calendars and placed them in a collage format. Enjoy! ==>