Happy Tuesday everybody! I’m feeling surprisingly well this morning. I went into ‘Cleaning-Mode’ last night. I’m talking Ninja-style…rearranging furniture and everything! Much more to do…pray for me!

Let’s go…!!

Mixed Nuts…

With Election Day fast approaching, things are starting to take shape. Both Party’s have set the date and locations for their respected conventions; Republicans in Florida and Democrats in North Carolina. The fact that both will be held in Southern states shatters the long-standing trend that those states are ‘Red.’ With President Obama winning the Southern states in 2008 says a lot about the power of the minority vote. Which leads me to Ohio (and Pennsylvania) and their elimination (and/or modification) of early voting, which ironically effects minority voters. In what is an obvious attempt to suppress these votes, Republican leaders are doing whatever they can to block people from pulling the Democratic lever in the voting booth. It’s sad and pathetic and I pray the people of both states rally together, just as they did 4 years ago and make it happen…Again!

Anyone that has been hurt on the job knows there’s nothing more frustrating than having to fight for your right. A group of men in Columbia have gone to the extreme (in my opinion). The group of about six ex-employees of General Motors has sewn their mouths shut to convey a hunger strike against the company. Yes, they have stitched, with needle and thread, their mouths shut! Their protest against GM is they were wrongfully fired and demand to be compensated for injuries they’ve suffered on the job and want to be re-hired. Their strike started August 1^st and continues as the leader stated they are prepared to die. Ummm…yea, I’m gonna leave that one alone. You can read the article here. (Warning: there’s a picture!)

Today marks the return of a veteran to the Rap game. Busta Rhymes has released his 9^th album, “Year of the Dragon” today. As the ever constant trendsetter, he is releasing it on Google Play – for FREE! Now, I don’t consider myself a Hip-Hop Junkie, but I did (and still do when I hear one) fancy a track or two of Busta. Read his brief interview here and be sure to get his latest. There are explicit and edited versions to choose from!

Bookshelf

Next on the of Top 50 titles from/by African Americans is “Coffee Will Make You Black” by April Sinclair.
I read this book when it first came out in 1995. I remember thinking “Yes! Another Black female author that can tell a story!” Set in the late 1960’s, it’s a coming of age story with a Black twist. A young girl bumping along life as a teenager complete with all the “firsts” a young girl experiences, all while learning who she is…and that is Beautiful. Enjoy!

Something to Think About…

The old saying “You are what you eat” has been proven to be true. What about what you see? Have you ever thought about the things you take in and how it affects your outlook, your mood, or character? Just as we have to be mindful of what we put into our mouths, we also need to be mindful of what we put into our minds….

 ‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“Philosophy is nothing but common sense in a dress suit.”  ~Author Unknown

We’ve been blessed with another Monday, aren’t you glad!? This weekend I had the opportunity to rest and spend time with some very dear friends. There’s nothing like being greeted with hugs and kisses from people who are genuinely happy to see you.

Here we go…!!

From The Headlines…

“Mitt Romney 2011 Tax Return To Be Released By October 15” - Yes, you’ve read that correctly, and No it’s not the returns he’s been badgered about. What will be released weeks before the election are his 2011 tax returns. I know, I know, we thought he did that already didn’t we? What he actually released was his 2010 tax information, along with an estimate of his 2011 return. (Hmmm…anyone else see the discrepancy here??) Also to note, his running mate has released the Romney-standard 2 years of his tax returns. And before you ask, no Romney still isn’t releasing more than the 2 years.

“Coming to a Theater Near You: J. Lo in 3D!” - This is just asking for it! Justin and Katy did great with their concert movies. Maybe I’ve missed something, but I don’t recall hearing about a mob of people trying to get the latest J. Lo album, concert ticket, or anything for that matter! Stay in your lane Jennifer! (The one that doesn’t exist!)

“Woman Sues for Billions Because Parking Meters Make Her Sick” - A woman in Santa Monica, CA is suing the city because she claims the newly installed parking meters have caused ear infections and neck pains. She’s asking for $1.7 million for each month the meters have been installed – good luck with that!

“Sparkle Didn’t Shine” – The movie came in 5^th on the Box Office list, making $12 million in its release weekend. I’m guessing they were hoping with it being the final movie of Whitney Houston, the theaters would have been packed with her fans. I’m personally waiting for the crowds to die down…maybe this weekend!

Bookshelf

Next on the of Top 50 titles from/by African Americans is “Breath, Eyes, Memory” by Adwidge Danticat. This fresh Haitian writer has the power to pull you into a story. This story tells of a young girl that is transported from her home in Haiti to her mother, a woman she barely remembers in New York. Secrets, truths, and heartache lace this riviting story from beginning to end. Enjoy! Available on Barnes & Noble in paperback and NOOK Book!

Something to Think About…

How do you define success? Is it making a lot of money? Perhaps it’s reaching a career or academic goal? Whatever your definition, how does it define you? (Hmmm….)

 ‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.”  ~Lily Tomlin

Hey Everybody! There’s something magical in the air – it could be the cinnamon-sugar I put in my coffee but it feels nice. I want to thank you all for reading my blog. Although I share them on Facebook and Twitter, I may forget so please take a moment to sign on as a member – this way you’re notified as soon as I post.….Okay!?

Let’s do it…!!

Politics…

If I had the time, I would write a political blog. Lucky for you, I don’t have the time (nor the patience) but there are plenty out there for you to weed through. I’ll keep mine to a brief appearance here and there. So, Romney has chosen his VP, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) (ooooh – ahhhh!) As with anything relating to politics (or anything else for that matter) there are those who are totally on board, and those that are completely against it. Because Romney has yet to make his views clear, the choice of his running mate is still causing confusion – sort of. It has been argued by more than a few that Mitt Romney is the GOP’s puppet. Some say this choice of Ryan as his running mate is more proof. Some predict Ryan will out-shine Romney during the campaign because he’s smart, thinks for himself and he understands policies. Romney on the other hand is still afraid to speak to the press or answer questions directly regarding. What has been interestingly highlighted is how Paul Ryan has fallen in sync with Romney with the bob and weave tactic of NOT answering questions directly about budget plans and certain views the American people are concerned with. The both skirt around questions that force him to come clean on any one topic (sounds familiar??) What is also at the forefront is their budget ideas seem to collide. Previously Romney promised to keep/improve Medicare while Ryan’s previous budget plan wipes it out. True to form, they’re both tight-lipped on their joint budget plans – The Mystery Budget (sounds like a new Reality Show!) The Democrats (and their supporters) seem to have rolled up their sleeves in anticipation for the fight ahead. Let the games begin!     

Real Quick

Pennsylvania needs to be ashamed of themselves, along with the Republican Party members that supported the outrageous ruling yesterday in favor of the Voter ID laws. The meticulous hurdles the people of PA must jump over in order to exercise their RIGHT to vote is disgusting and appalling. Republicans have stooped to an all new low in order to win this election. This should ignite the fire within us all to get out and VOTE this November! More on this as it develops…

Pop Some Popcorn!



"Blackenstein"

Two more movies from the Blaxploitation Top 50 list number 46 “Blackenstein” (I’m still getting over the title!) Yes, it is based on the other “stein” and was released in 1973, a year after the more popular “Blacula” (I see you all shaking your heads in pity…I am too). This film starred Joe De Sue and Ivory Stone in the title roles. I tried to imagine the filming process for this one, what would have been Mr. De Sue’s motivation in those gripping screens in all that makeup? (I’m cracking up!) If nothing else, this should give you a good old-fashioned laugh!



Theatrical Poster

Number 45 is with Rudy Ray Moore returns in the 1976 hit “The Human Tornado” a sequel to his first movie of the same “Dolomite” (later on the list). In this film, Moore (Dolomite) must deal with a local sheriff that’s out to get him, head to California to rescue ‘Queen Bee’ played by Lady Reed and recapture her…uhh “establishment” (figure it out!) all while keeping his unabated cool. I’ve never seen or heard any of Dolomite’s material, but I’ve been told it’s pretty racy. So, chances are I will pass on this one, but knock yourselves out!

Something to Think About…

If you’re given the opportunity to be kind today (which you will be given many!), take it! Your smile, thoughtful gesture, or helping hand just may be the catalyst to someone’s sanity. You never know…you may be on the receiving end one day.

 ‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.” ~Author Unknown