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

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

Continuing...

Hey there folks! Have you ever had the feeling that something is about to happen? Not necessarily something bad, but something? Well, that’s how I’m feeling and whenever it happens, I’ll share it.

Let’s go…

Politics

The saga continues with Mitt Romney’s refusal to release his tax records. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has not budged from his original statement that a source revealed to him that Romney had not paid taxes for 10 yrs. Now Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) is calling for an apology from Sen. Reid. He argues the Senate floor is not the place for campaigning for President Obama. If there is nothing to hide, why is there such a resistance? Is it simply a matter of his privacy or do you feel the American people have a right to know? Does it matter that candidates before him have released more than the 2yrs he has released?

On a more important note, the latest from the Republican Party’s “by any means necessary” attitude of winning in November, some are imposing new, strict Voter ID laws that, no surprise targets minorities. These laws in my opinion are set up to discourage, frustrate, and inevitably turn away voters come Election Day. Rev. Al Sharpton is vigorously speaking out against these laws as he travels during his “Voter Engagement Tour.” You can read Rev. Sharpton’s blog recently posted about the subject here. Know your rights people – and educate each other!

Bookshelf

Continuing with our Top 50 titles from/by African Americans, today’s title is “Assata: An Autobiography” by Assata Shakur. The step-aunt of Tupac Shakur, Assata Shakur is notably considered a prominent figure of the social and political injustice of the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 1979 she escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey and sought political asylum in Cuba, where she currently resides. Numerous efforts have been made to extradite her, which all failed.

This is definitely next on my list to read. And to my digital readers, great news…Barnes & Noble has the NOOK Book version available! Also check out “Eyes of the Rainbow,” a documentary based on her life. A free version is available for download on the website dedicated to her freedom: http://www.handsoffassata.net and it’s also currently available on YouTube.

Happy Reading/Viewing! Let me know what you think about it…I’ll share my insights when I’m done reading!

Olympics

With the final days of the games fast approaching, Let’s talk Basketball! The Women’s team are competing against Australia in the semifinals for a game that promises to be a nail-biter. The US Women have dominated the courts since the first tip-off much like the Men’s team. The Women’s Gold Medal game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 11 at 4 P.M. ET, with the Men’s Gold Medal game scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 12^th at 10 A.M. ET Who’s bringing the wings!?

USA has regained the lead in the Medals won from China. Let’s go! Here’s the Medals count top 5: US-82 (34 Gold); China-77 (36 Gold): Russia-54 (11 Gold); Great Britain-51 (24 Gold); Germany-34. Go TeamUSA!

Wrap up…

There is a gem of a theater hidden in Bridgeport, CT called The Bijou Theater (275 Fairfield Ave). Their website boasts the theater is “…a multi–functional venue with integrity and an open minded philosophy.” My own testimonial is that it is a cool, posh location to catch the latest in Independent Films, live music from various genres, and comedic acts for the whole family. Stop by and see for yourself!

‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.”  ~Author unknown, sometimes attributed to M. Grundler

Something New

I’m going to try this new format of blogging I noticed somewhere else. I thought it was inviting and figured it would help motivate me to stay current with entries and gain some followers (we’ll see!)

Local:

After yet another shooting resulting in the death of another youth, Bridgeport’s City Council has passed a youth curfew. According to CTPost.com, the ordinance effects youth under the age of 18. You can read about here. I don’t know, when I was a teenager (and it’s not that long ago!) there was no way I was allowed to be out at all hours of the night. My curfew was my fear of what would happen if I didn’t make it home by the time I was told. My mother didn’t even like me sitting on our front porch too late! My prayers are with the families of those teenagers that were shot, and for the ones that pulled the triggers.

Let The Games Begin!

The 2012 Olympics have kicked off with a BANG! How many of you watched the Opening Ceremony? On the grand scale of things, it was phenomenal! With over 7 thousand volunteers used for the performance, great British contributions were highlighted throughout extravaganza. The video is available online here, along with replays of the events. I think the Beijing opening was better…just my own little opinion (watch both and tell me what you think!)

I’ll try to keep up with the medals count over the next few days. In the top 5 as of now: US-17; China-17; Japan-11; Italy-8; France-7 I’m keeping my eye on the Men’s/Women’s basketball (of course!)  Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix), Lolo Jones (@lolojones), and Usain Bolt (@usainbolt) I’ll share more from Track & Field before they’re televised this weekend

National:

I will not use this a another platform to loop the repeatedly looped…I do want to officially offer my prayers for the Colorado victims, express my disgust at how such a tragedy could happen so casually, and voice my utmost repulsion at how some people are still trying to defend the right to bear arms of mass destruction that can be purchased with the ease of ordering them online. That’s it for me. How do you feel about the constant coverage? Are you for it? (not to minimize the tragedy by any means)

Wrap up…

Okay, this is the first of what I hope will be many. I welcome and encourage comments…I want to hear from you! I also want to stress that this is a ‘DRAMA-FREE ZONE” If you feel the need to demoralize, insult, or anything remotely close…I’m giving you a personal invitation to post it elsewhere (we’ll wait…)

Okay, I’m looking for to this – let’s have some fun!

On A High:

““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16 NIV)

Analysis: Spike Lee Should Know Better

Worth sharing...and I sincerely hope he has learned from this mistake. (What we don't need)
Analysis: Spike Lee Should Know Better

Take Responsibility - Part 2 ©

I challenge you to let go of your past and accept the task of living in the now. Take back your power over your life. I encourage you to use the resources you’ve burned up re-living past hurts, failures and situations, and channel a high-quality atmosphere into your present life. No one else should be given the role of commander over your being except for the One that gave it to you to begin with.

Stop blaming others for your mistakes and show some accountability for your actions. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to move forward. As long as you allow your past to take up space in your present, your future will be that much harder to grasp. Stop waiting for that person who hurt you three years ago to apologize for something they haven’t even acknowledged doing. Move on.

Consider where you are now. Seriously think about your direction. Are you making progress or running in place? What has happened is done, what matters is now. What you do with your Now will determine your Next. When we make a commitment to do what is in line with God’s purpose, He will bless it.

Commit to your life.

God’s generosity is granted to each and every one of us.

Take Responsibility ©

There is no better time than the present. How many times have you heard that statement? A more significant question is how many times have you considered its meaning? Usually, this phrase is related to opportunity but I’m applying it to life, which is an opportunity within itself when you think about it.

So many are waiting for someone or something to come along and save them, fix them, or help them be the person they think they need to be. News Flash: You are answerable for your life, not some mystery partner with a magic wand that’s going to appear and wave happiness in your direction. God’s generosity is given on a daily, individual basis. Your happiness is a part of that and it is yours to keep or give away. Stop waiting and start Being.

It’s time to tap into the Source that was promised at our creation. Start living your life and stop waiting for it to happen; life is happening now.

Life is the landscape of your existence. How you cultivate it is your gift back to God and the Universe.