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

Hump Day - The middle of a work week; used in the context of climbing a proverbial hill to get through a tough week. I look at Wednesday as a virtual sliding board, to which I get to slide down into the weekend!

Let’s do it…!!

Sparkle vs. Sparkle

As a fan of originality, I’m not always on board for remakes, covers, etc. The latest being the remake of the film “Sparkle” The original was released in 1976 and starred Lonette McKee as sultry ‘Sister’ (how many of you started calling your big sister “Sister” after seeing this!?) Irene Cara gave a convincing performance as the innocent “Sparkle” and Dwan Smith gave a griping portrayal of the ‘other sister’ as Delores. Now considered a cult classic, who can forget the tragic scene of Sister succumbing to her pimp of a boyfriend Satin when he felt she didn’t thank him for the fur coat? Or the heartbreaking task of Sparkle getting Sister’s ‘fix’ because, “Sister can’t fly on only one wing.” And the soundtrack produced by the musical genius Curtis Mayfield that included the queen herself Aretha Franklin singing “Something He Can Feel” (later covered by En Vogue) and “Hooked On Your Love” just to name a couple. There was, and still is a little heat about the actual movie score not being released. Maybe somebody will (I’m going to see if I can pull the songs from my DVD – I’ll keep you posted!)

Now we have the remake of this classic coming out Friday. The biggest buzz of course, it is sadly, Whitney Houston’s last piece of work as the trio’s mother, ‘Emma’ (Effie in the original). Starring as ‘Sparkle’ is Jordin Sparks (was that done on purpose??) Mike Epps as ‘Satin’ (really???) Derek Luke as ‘Stix’ (remember Phillip Michael Thomas – pre Miami Vice!) Carmen Ejogo as ‘Sister’ and Tika Sumpter as ‘Delores’ I haven’t heard anything about the substance of the film other than we’re going to be blown away by our dearly missed Whitney’s rendition of “His Eye is On The Sparrow”  The soundtrack is receiving some lackluster reviews. Comparing it to the Mayfield original is just unfair, but that’s what happens when you try to re-create greatness! Let’s talk about it next week after it opens…I’m curious to know what you think about it!

Pop Some Popcorn!



"Black Mama, White Mama"



I’m going to give you two movie titles from the Blaxploitation list today (and maybe going forward) number 48 “Black Mama, White Mama” released in 1972 and starring the vivacious Pam Grier (she got top billing even in the title!) She plays a prostitute sentenced to a women’s prison on some remote third-world island. Chained to another woman (yes, she’s the White Mama!) they escape and thus begins the adventure! Brace yourself for the campy cat fights!



"Hell Up In Harlem"

Number 47 is “Hell Up In Harlem” with the football star-turned movie actor, Fred Williamson, Gloria Hendry, Julius Harris, and Margaret Avery (Shug!!). Williamson returns in this sequel to “Black Caesar” (later on the list) and delivers the goods in this action packed flick – complete with corny one-liners and the hippest threads on the screen. (I told you I was bringing ‘Hip’ back!) Enjoy!

Something to Think About…

Take a moment today to enjoy the day. If you’re working, and your surroundings accommodates (and weather), eat your lunch outside. Take 10 minutes and just muse on the goodness of the day. Clear out the negative and navigate some positivity to flow into your spirit. I dare you to allow yourself to have a peaceful moment today.

‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done.”” ~Author Unknown