A Fool's Code

Sometimes watching the news is more than a little depressing. Sometimes it makes you question the sea of humanity that surrounds you. To have a short synopsis of the people that you live around is often times too much for your brain to comprehend. You see these people that share your city and feel a sense of sadness. Sadness that their conscience allows them to do some of the most unthinkable deeds.

All of the newscasts that I watched for the past 24 hours led with the death of Arianna Gibson. You know what she was doing when she died? She was sleeping on her grandmother's couch. At 6 in the morning a young criminal- some low life thug- climbed the stairs of her grandmother's house, stood on her porch and fired into the front windows of her house. He struck two teenagers and fatally shot Arianna in the chest. She was supposed to start school today. She was 6 years old.
The story goes on. Faces come across the screen shouting of injustice around the city, begging for someone- anyone- to come forward, pinpoint the shooter, tell what they know. References are made to the 13 year old who was playing basketball on a school playground four days ago when he was shot and killed in a driveby. Another young, unintended victim of the ghetto lifestyle.

The neighbors seem cold on tv, even though I know first hand that is not the case. Mothers are begging, crying on tv for their children. Asking over and over again for the neighborhood to stop this code of silence and tell the police what they know. It never happens. Why is that? How could anyone know the identity of a person who killed a sleeping six year old and not say SOMEthing? How do people think that there is honor in letting a coward roam the streets, enabling them to do this again, to make parents weep for their children- again; to make our community miss out on the potential of another dead young person- again?

Momma Mox always used to tell me "if you don't stand up for something, you'll fall for anything." We need to stand up for our children; our neighborhoods. We need to stand up for the safety of our elders, our blocks. You do no one any favors by remaining silent. You don't ensure your own safety or the safety of your family. The only thing that being quiet does is make sure- without question- that violence will happen again in your neighborhood, that once again a life will end too soon, that the tears of another mother will flow in the streets of Chicago.
RIP in those affected by street violence in Chicago, may all your families find solace.

Soulful... Monday?

Just a taste... Happy Monday

First Giveaway!!

Here is the deal- I love to read. Seriously, when I was younger I preferred a good book to playing outside with my friends. Hmmm, not much has changed. I have always been adventurous enough… but I love to have words transport me to a mini vacation occasionally. Books are superb. No matter if you enjoy sci-fi, mysteries, romance, crime dramas or kid books- reading is truly fundamental.

Lately, I have been getting a ton of emails (hotblackandbitter@gmail.com) asking what I am reading this summer. So, I have decided to give away what I just finished reading!! One of my majors in college was History—in fact, it was my first major. First majors are kind of like first loves… you may not always be together, but you are always linked. My concentration was 20th century American history…. Specifically how the Civil Rights Movement was shaped and how it continues to shape today’s America. With that in mind, you can see why The Help was a book I was interested in reading. The book takes place in the 60s, in the South and is about women coming together and making a change in their community… I was sold. The movie comes out on August 10, so just in time I want to give away a copy of this book!! It is a great, easy read. I have to admit, the book was hard to put down.

How do you win?? In order to get in the running for a copy of the book The Help, 1. go to the Hot, Black and Bitter facebook page (www.facebook.com/hotblackandbitter) and LIKE it. 2. Leave a comment on either the blog (http://www.hotblackandbitter.com/) OR the facebook page, telling me what kind of blog entry is your favorite. Do you like the music of Soulful Saturday? Fed Up Fridays? Wordless Wednesday? Let me know!! Your comment will count as one entry in the giveaway. We’re taking entries from NOON, August 2, 2011 to NOON, August 4, 2011 (all times are CST). The winner will be announced & the book will be mailed to the winner on August 5. Simple, huh? :)

Did I Miss Something?

Did someone hit a switch that made it ok to get knocked up by married men? Did I miss it? I must have because it seems like everyone is jumping at the chance to be the conductor of the hoe train!! With yesterdays “revelation” that Fantasia Barrino is pregnant by a married no name, I am really questioning the non-reaction. I mean, can I get a shout out for sisterhood? I can I get a “OMG”? Can I get some of y’all NOT defending them? What if that was your husband? WTF!?!

Can you help who you fall for? Not really. In no way is that permission to commit adultery, or play the role of a home wrecker. That is just to say, you never really know who you will meet and find that you cannot do without. Your Prince (or Princess) Charming might be someone that you never expected to be interested in, never expected the feelings to get so deep so quickly. I get that. I’ll even go out on a limb and say that there are many of us who have been attracted to someone we had NO business being attracted to because of our relationship status—or theirs. But to take it a whole ‘nother step and bring a child into the world… into your mess, that it simply ridiculous and absolutely preventable.

I don’t care what Alicia Keyes, Fantasia, that chick that had a baby with Mel Gibson, and the mother of all homewreckers… Angelina Jolie have to say. Bringing children into a messed up situation is completely irresponsible. I mean, clearly, there is a lack of impulse control if you can’t even wait until the papers are signed to get knocked up… why would you want a child in that? Why would you want a child to be in a situation that the “grow ups” can’t even fix properly? And you know what is really killing me? All these women on the online boards that are like: “who are you to call Fantasia a home wrecker?” “Who are you to judge?” “Why is everybody dogging her… she was blessed with a baby” Um, I called her a home wrecker and I meant it. And I am dogging her because she is having her “blessing” with someone who stood up in front of God and all his family and friends and took vows with someone that is NOT Fantasia AND he is STILL married to his WIFE, who is NOT Fantasia. Not to even mention the whole: if he did it to her, what makes you think he won't do it to you?? If the marriage is over, ok—I’m not saying they can’t date during his divorce process-- although that would not be my preference. I’m not even going to be naive and say that they can’t have (safe) sex during that process, but having a kid is completely different. Why? Wives always want a husband back. There is always that familiarity. You stand the chance of really getting your feelings hurt… and now she is going to add a child onto that. There is always the possibility that you will be the dirty little secret, and he will never leave her. Now you have a kid… What now?

I don’t care if I am over here all alone shaking my head at this madness. Having a kid with someone who you KNOW is married to someone else is unacceptable… and puts you on the same level of all of Tiger Woods’ whores. Aren’t you glad to be included in that group? Yuck.

Wordless Wednesday - Feel the HEAT!

The Debt Ceiling and the Ceiling of my Patience

This entry has been edited (for language) many times. My parents have taken to reading this blog (yay!!) so I am really trying to cut down on the unnecessary “f” bombs, while leaving in the totally necessary ones… harder than one might think! LOL Seriously, my blogs about politics tend to be slightly inflammatory. Slightly. :) Now that we are all on the same page…


Here we are exactly two weeks away from the possible demise of the credit rating of one of the most powerful nations in the world and everyone seems to be more concerned with Casey Anthony, Rupert Murdoch and every other celebrity that happens to be pushing out a kid. Um, ok- I’m going to say this as politely as I can so that my fellow Americans don’t get too upset: it is this type of thinking that allows other countries to “one up” us on a regular basis. EVERYone should be calling their Congressperson. EVERYone should be weighing in on the fact that the Republicans have come out and said that they want to cut entitlements- benefits that our grandparents have EARNED by working for 45+ years of their lives. EVERYone should be weighing in on the fact that the Democrats are saying that there will HAVE to be higher taxes to pay down our deficit. EVERYone should be shouting that the Tea Party is somehow putting together a plan. (OMG- I cannot even imagine what the hell that is going to look like). Or that interest rates are going to be exponentially higher; the middle class is on the verge of disappearing; the poor will get poorer; crime will go up, or, I don’t know…. This may be the ONE thing that our economy cannot bounce back from?!

Many times I call for outrage and today is no different. This is not happening to someone else, in another country, far, far away. This is happening to us. We elect people to go to Washington D.C., who are supposed to have our needs and wants in mind, yet Congress is arguing like a bunch of buffoons about something that will have the least impact on them. Let’s look at some numbers. John Boehner, who I hate to say is from my home state (honestly, I gagged a little when I typed that- PLEASE do not think that all Ohioans are THAT close minded) makes $223,500 a year. Well, that is what he makes as speaker of the House, there is no telling what he makes on the side- slimy bastard. Both Majority and Minority Leaders of both the House and Senate make $193,400 and each regular member of Congress makes $174,000. (Do a little math and their salaries ALONE equal $94,261,100.) They also get cost of living increases, health insurance and benefits. Hmmm. They represent the people but make so much more than the people they represent. Would it be ok to balance the budget that they are all complaining about by giving them the average wage that is earned in their respective state? The median family income in Cook County is just under $54,000. Cook County is the second most populous county in the COUNTRY. Think about that. Dick Durbin, how about this: in the interest if the country I’m going to have to take away your benefits and give you a salary of $54,000. Fair? What do you think Senator Durbin would say? I doubt he would go for it.

The people who are supposed to be working in our best interest make more than three times the MEDIAN family income (legally- some politicians are on the take). During the last edit of this entry the total cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan surpassed $1,223,117,120,950. And these assholes are arguing about getting rid of Medicaid benefits? Could it be that they are so willing to get rid of the benefits for our elderly because no matter what their health care (and that of their families) are covered? Could it be that the Republicans are so willing to take the American people’s entitlements because their’s are guaranteed? Could it be that the Democrats are so willing to dangle those benefits in front of the Republicans because they can go to doctor and WE pay for it? They can go to the hospital and it won’t bankrupt them or their families? Nancy Pelosi can argue until she turns blue… whoever revives her will get paid by the benefits that are bestowed to her by the American people. Barack can auction off some portion of Medicaid, or WIC, or whatever he is willing to give up because his family’s care is guaranteed. John Boehner can say no to higher taxes on the wealthy because his ass IS wealthy. How about we cut their salaries in half? How about we end both wars? We have the potential to save almost $2Trillion right there. I vote yes on that.

It is sickening that Congress people forget WHO they work for… and that we ALLOW them to forget. We should be beating down their doors and lighting their phones UP… or in a caravan, on our way to Washington D.C. to show our faces. Because if these debt talks aren’t productive, guess what? That job that you have won’t be worth shit in the long run. Dollars won’t stretch; they will break, along with the American economy and the American Dream.

Soulful Saturday - Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson. From the cute, think chick of the control days to her wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl, there is little that you can say about her musical talent. It is undeniable. It has been said that she is one of the hardest working professionals in the business and it shows when she is on tour. My family went to see her during the Rhythm Nation tour (totally dating myself) and she was AMAZING. Clearly, since I still remember!! From the key earring to the red hair from the Velvet Rope album (yeah- she did it before Rhianna and it looked better), Janet has been setting the standards and trends since the mid 80s. Welcome to my walk down memory lane.

What Have You Done For Me Lately?




Let's Wait A While



I Get Lonely (Remix w BlackStreet)
* My personal favorite...



Control



Miss You Much



Anytime, Any Place

Soulful Saturday - Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne is in Chicago with Dave Matthews and his traveling Caravan... or whatever the hell the proper name of the tour is. I am only mildly interested in seeing DMB, though I REALLY want to see Ray. My need stops at being outside in the summer heat with a bunch of hippies. I mean, to each his own, but I will pass until I can see him for less than $100. :) Either way, this Soulful Saturday is dedicated to Ray and his beautiful voice. To listen to him sing immediately brings to mind names like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Van Morrison. When I say simply amazing, that is exactly what I mean. None of this auto tune nonsense, just some pure folky, bluesy music. I love him (although the beard-- has to go. Totally dislike guys looking like Wolfman Jack in my presence). Other than the beard, I would take 100 Rays and replace all the crap that is on the radio today. I dare you to listen to him and NOT like at least one of these songs. I dare you not to LOVE him.

Trouble


* Yep, you recognize this song from that commercial with the dog. LOVE.


To Love Somebody


* Remake of a Janis Joplin song. O...M...G!!!



Shelter



Let It Be Me


* Added to the downloads... you should do the same!!



You Are the Best Thing


* Seriously, if you ever get this song from me, know that it is REAL.




You're Welcome! ;)

Shock and Awe

I have been watching the results of the Casey Anthony trial and I have a bombshell of my own. To all of you outraged people who find it necessary to be the part of the ongoing side show: please stop pretending because you DO NOT care. Stop it with the protests and the appearances on talk shows (Nancy Grace, I’m looking at you!!)… and for God’s sake, stop it with the comments about hell and damnation for a chick that killed her child because by next week you will be on to the next newer, hotter thing and YOU will have forgotten about that sweet face that is making the rounds on the tv stations .

Oh, I can hear it now: “How dare she type that I don’t care…. I care!” No, you don’t. You know how I know? Because other than the other two notorious “mothers” that killed their children (Susan Smith and Andrea Yates) who else can you name? Do ANY of these names ring a bell: Patricia Blackmon, Kenisha Berry, Debra Milke, Dora Durenrostro, Caro Socorro, Susan Eubanks, Robin Row, Darlie Routier, or Teresa Lewis? How about grandmother Caroline Young? Or even Frances Newton, who was executed 6 years ago? Do you know who they are? Women who killed their children (Young killed her grandchildren). My sophomore year in college Kenisha Berry wrapped her four day old baby in duct tape and put his little body in a trash bag until he died. What about Julie Schnecker? Do you know who she is? THIS year- 2011- she killed her children. She said that she did it because they were mouthy. So, for being “mouthy” she shot her 13 year old son twice in the head as she drove him home from soccer practice. When she got home she shot her 16 year old daughter in the head AND in the face as she did her homework. Where were you in January when that happened?

Did you know that three to five children A DAY are killed by their parents? More than 200 women kill their children in the United States EVERY year. Where is your outrage? Let’s not even think about baby killers for the moment, what about the people who do not take care of their children? What about the kids in foster care, waiting to be adopted? Where the hell are all the outraged US citizens when it comes to fighting for the care of those children? You know where they are? Overseas, adopting babies from other nations. You don’t care. You could not possibly because each year more and more children are abused, given up on, left to raise themselves and there is no outrage. There is no crying in the streets for them. There are no protests outside courthouses when abusive parents get them back , when our educational system fails them- repeatedly or when they enter the system or when they need a HOME LIFE where they can thrive. There are no talk shows for them (and NO you cannot include Maury- that is just trash hour). There are very FEW of you that are waiting in line to adopt a baby in this country, who may not look like you and let’s not even begin a conversation about the dwindling reproductive rights that women have in this country- which seems to be trickling away every day and no one says anything about it… until a child suffers and then everyone is like “I didn’t see that coming” or “how could a mother do that to her child?”. You don’t care. I mean really- you just don’t want to see the consequences of your non-caring and trust me, no one does! That is why some of us are being so sanctimonious now.

You’re sympathetic to the Anthony family. So am I. It is hard to look at the pictures of Caylee Anthony and not be sad that a young child was taken from this Earth so early in her life- no matter who did it. It is very difficult to not pass judgment on a person who seems to not care enough when her child goes missing. It is extremely hard not to make assumptions about the jurors involved in this case who came back with those not guilty verdicts, right? Of course it is. This case has been sensationalized- so much so that actual fist fights broke out between people waiting to get a seat in the courtroom. The media played on our need to see some justice for that pretty little doe-eyed girl in the pictures. And we fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Do any of us want to see dead children in the street? No, I would argue that the majority of us do not. However, if we REALLY cared about the children of this nation and the plight that some of them are going through, our entire country would be different. So, take the week. Write all over the internet about how Casey Anthony is the devil and how you cannot believe how the justice system ignored Caylee. How Caylee has been forgotten, how our children need to be cherished. Then go back to your lives, where you are too busy to volunteer. You can’t make time to mentor or to check up on people. You just shake your head at the bad ass kids in the neighborhood, instead of correcting them and showing them a better way. In that week, that seven day grace period anywhere from 21-35 children will die at the hands of their parents.

Show me that you care. Show THEM that you care.

Soulful Saturday - Dru Hill

90s music at its finest! :) Sisqo and I have the same tattoo around our belly button, which says way more about him than me! :) And everyone in the group has a S curl, but their voices are fab! All kidding aside, I think I have a thing for boy bands or something.

In My Bed



We're Not Making Love No More



I Should Be



5 Steps



Tell Me

The Price You Pay For Dirty Politics - Fed Up Friday

The downfall of Illinois governors seem to be all over the news today, as well they should be. Monday, former governor Blago was found guilty of trying to sell the Senate seat that used to belong to Barack Obama. In fact, he was found guilty of 17 felony counts. You know what that means? He is about to do some serious time in prison. He has a wife and two daughters. Let me be frank, I absolutely think that he deserves time in prison- no leniency. No time served, no deal. I know I said he has a family. I know that they are having money problems; I know that he has daughters he will not be able to watch grow up. I get it. And just like I know that, he knew that. I have absolutely no sympathy for Blago at all. Please keep up as my Republican tendencies start to show! :)

Does it suck that his kids will grow up without a dad? Hell yes, but that is the price you pay for being a scumbag. Does it suck that his wife Patty will have to figure out how to get out of her financial woes, without his help (though he definitely helped her get into this mess), yes, it does... But that is the price you pay for marrying a scumbag. How about how shitty it HAD to be for Former First Lady of Illinois Lura Lynn Ryan to know that she would probably die while her husband was in jail for the stupid crap he pulled while playing Governor of Illinois? (He was released so that he could be by her bedside as she dies this week... but could not go to her private funeral because he is now back in jail.) I am SO tired of these crooks- politicians or not- striking up deals and getting light sentencing after wheeling and dealing their way into fortunes, while innocent, law abiding, high ass tax- paying citizens (like me) struggle to stay afloat.

If I wanted to be a criminal mastermind I could. Let me just say, I would be SO great at it too- because, unlike most criminals, I am not stupid. That easy money, fast talking lifestyle is not for me, thankfully. I would rather be able to look myself in the face, look my parents in the face and know that I got what I EARNED, not what I could weasel away from people. Ugh, some people make me sick.

It Gets Better- Chicago

Now, I am NO Chicago cubs fan... but this is awesome- even for them (a little league team.) :) Seriously- the message needs to be heard, no matter who is telling it...
It gets better!!!

Just For Laughs - Knocked Up (Not safe for work)

Soulful Saturday - Justin Timberlake

ATTENTION: I do NOT care if you laugh or not... Justin Timberlake is SO hot. I'm talking about Justin AFTER he chopped off those frosted curls. Oh yea... he can get it... TOTALLY. He can sing, dance and hit some high notes. In short, I *might* love him. I *might* have every solo record... I *might* stalk him on Twitter-- a little. Whatevs. I'm serious. With his rhythm, those moves and songs about girls that have "a little more ass" I'm gonna need Justin to say he loves Black women and then pick me out of a crowd. (Then I wake up and finish this post. LOL)
A good ol' boy from Memphis, Justin broke onto the scene as a member of the Mickey Mouse Club with his ex (crazy Britney) and a few other notables. He is funny as all get out - hello, have you seen the SNL episodes? And he can SING... Yep... I *love* him. He is officially a husband!! :)

Senorita



Gone (actually N*Sync, but so what..)



Like I Love You



Cry Me A River



What Goes Around
...Life lesson some have yet to learn...




EXTRA: Carryout Timbaland ft. Justin

Happy Pride Weekend, Chicago!!

Just For Laughs - Not Safe for Work!!

Happy Monday!! :)

A Father's Day Plea

Happy Father's Day!! Previously, on Father's Day, I have posted my ode to dad, happy posts... this is not one of them. Well, not entirely. This morning, I involved myself in a controversial facebook conversation. Not controversial to me, per se, but clearly for the guys involved, the following is a touchy subject.Who knew that Father's Day was a touchy subject? Not me, because I have a great dad and I tell him so all the time.

Ok- so my friend posted a status calling out a couple of her friends that are upset (to say the least) because single mothers- and others- are getting accolades on Father's Day. Their contention? It is Father's Day and therefore all accolades should be to fathers and fathers only. Hmmm- I disagree and I said as much (shocker). There were several jabs taken, race was brought into the conversation (not be me) and an air of defensiveness sprang into being. So let me put my opinions in writing, so that there is no question as to what I feel on the subject.

The first thing: no one is going to tell me shit. If I want to tell my sister, who is a single mother, happy Father's Day... because she (with the help of my parents) do the job of two parents because her child's father is a low life, I'll do that and you'll like it. I'm not asking for permission to say what I want, and if you don't like it then that is too damn bad. Secondly: would it be nice if every person that became a parent treated it as a privilege denied to many and a job of the utmost importance? Yes. Does that happen all the time? Hell no. So let's lay out some facts, they help people take off the blinders sometimes. 1- in generations past there used to a stigma of shame for BOTH parties involved when there was a child born out of wedlock. Women used to be sent away to have the baby and men used to be forced into marriage. 2- people were a little more chaste in the past, or at least a lot less vocal of their conquests. In a time where lives are made and broken on social networking sites, your secrets are soon revealed to everyone you know. 3- as much as some people would like to argue, the fact remains that there are thousands upon thousands of children growing up without knowledge of one of their parents (possible both parents). Grandparents, aunts, uncles and non family members are raising a new generation of children and for those heroics, they deserve whatever I can give them- father's day or not.

I am not saying that there should be a feeling of shame if an unplanned pregnancy pops up. I mean, when these practices of forcing families to be together and sending off unwed mothers to bare children in foreign lands was taking place society had more than a few ridiculous customs that were also in practice (um, slavery, women not working outside of the home, women only being able to be teachers- if they were granted an education at all, not recognizing domestic partnerships, etc). What I am saying is this: if the dynamic has changed and you will skip from bed to bed, or leave a woman unmarried and in a financially precarious position as she is taking care of YOUR child, then you don't deserve for anyone to greet you with cheers and happiness on Father's Day, least of all ME. I'm not saying die a virgin if you have never been married, but the trend of having several women serve as mothers to your offspring - and not giving the mothers or the children any love, help, time - has GOT to stop. If you do have several "baby mamas" (hate that term), then maybe you should learn how to use protection or better yet, spend some time getting yourself under control. Either way, guess who won't be getting a Happy Father's Day from me? I don't care if you "smashed" this weekend... even if your facebook status screams it. But, if in 9 months you have a baby because of that activity, shouldn't you be the first in line to be responsible? You were the first to let us all know you got laid-- now be the example of what a man should do to that child you created. AND IF YOU REFUSE OR CANNOT BE A FATHER AND SOMEONE ELSE DOES YOUR JOB, then fuck you- I'm telling them Happy Father's Day. Fuck your little itty bitty feelings. Where are you the rest of the year? Guess what? That child needs to eat every day, not just when you can send some extra money. They grow fast & need new clothes, not just when you can get it together long enough to send something. The mother of your children wasn't a whore when you were clamoring about getting in her pants, and even if she was... guess what? She is NOW the mother of your child and should be treated better than a prostitute. How about this: NO court should have to MAKE you take care of your children. WTF. You want to be mad because I tell someone of the opposite gender Happy Father's Day? Um, seems to me that there are bigger problems to be discussed.

Some chick told me that I should not attack men who aren't "the fathers that they hope to be for a number of reasons." What in the hell are you talking about? Being the father that they hope to be? They should have thought about that before they started having children. Once the baby is here, you cease having time to think about, or make up excuses as to why you aren't the father that you hope to be. BECOME HIM. And we, as women, need to STOP giving excuses as to why fathers are not doing what they need to do. Screw that. That is your kid you are flaking out on. That child is half you-- you should NOT feel comfortable walking away from him/her. You SHOULD feel bad if you are not giving your baby 100%. All day and every day I will correct ANYONE that is not doing right by a child. Know why? Because kids can NOT do for themselves. They didn't ask to be born and parents are responsible for getting them to where they need to be. Being the parent you hope to be? That shit is laughable and you should be ashamed of yourself that you even said that in a public forum. If you give people excuses, they will run with them... and not being active in a child's life is NOT something that there is an excuse for- EVER.

Make no mistake- this post is directed at both sexes. Some mothers fall into the category of being no good and thinking only of themselves, just like some fathers do. Here is my point from all my angry rants- here and on facebook: parents take several different shapes. They can be moms and dads, just moms, just dad, cousins, uncles, aunties, grandmas, granddads, foster parents, adoptive parents, birth parents, friends, mentors, ANYTHING. You know what makes a parent? Caring for and guiding a child into maturity; molding them into being a great, productive human being. There is NO gender to that. There is no one person that HAS to do that. There is no right family makeup. There isn't. What we need to be worried about is that there are children out here that have NO ONE to show them the right way... we should not be concerned that there are people working hard for children and getting verbal high fives on father's day, mother's day, flag day, memorial day or any other day. Get over yourself, if you spent half as much time actually doing something with your kids as you did trying to tell me that single mother's shouldn't get a shout out on Father's Day, we would all be in a better position. Punk.

So on this day, I am once again praising my dad. Even though we have not always agreed & had our moments of bitterness... he has always given me and my siblings 100% of what he had. He was there at track meets, plays, graduations. He helped with homework and checked in with teachers and YES, he was available for lectures that you didn't want to hear, and whoopings that we absolutely deserved. He didn't just say "hey kids, I love you." He showed us every day by being an example, going to work and taking care of our family... and trust me when I tell you, some of y'all need to get like him.

Soulful Saturday - Toni Braxton

Soulful Saturdays have been heavy on the male artists lately, so I've decided to switch it up a bit. So this week's feature is the Queen of all break up songs- Toni Braxton. She has more than break up songs... kinda. But, I have this very vivid memory of my freshman year in college (1996)living in the all girls dorm. The girl directly across the hall played Un-break My Heart for HOURS on repeat after her boyfriend broke up with her. Wow... and that is how TB got the distinction (from me) as the Queen of break up songs.
Truthfully she has an awesome voice and seems so down to Earth on Twitter. I haven't seen her on tv (Braxton Family Values, Dancing with the Stars, etc) so I am not sure how she comes across, but musically- she comes across as a woman who has been through whatever you are going through... and I love it! :)

He Wasn't Man Enough
Anthem for all. Love, love, love it!!



Another Sad Love Song
This video had scored of women headed to the shop to get their hair cut off. Can't lie- I totally had a Toni Braxton hairdo in high school!!



Just Be A Man About It
O_o I have wanted to say this to more than a few exes. SMH. When will they learn? "You don't got to lie to me..."
Favorite lyrics: "Where the hell do you get off, telling me your mama said I'm not what you need? Tell your mama since she knows it all, that's where you need to be." ;)



I Don't Want To



Un Break my Heart
Who could forget 1) Tyson (Oh dear Lord, that man is too fine!!) and 2) that white dress?? This video has eye candy for men AND women!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Trey Songz - You're Welcome!

Just For Laughs

Who doesn't need a laugh on Monday morning? :)

This never gets old...




Haaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! The golden rule!