Dr. Martin Luther 'the' King

Earl G. Graves Sr., Founder & Publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, issued the following statement regarding the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

In his unforgettable I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.’ On April 4, 1968—the very next day—King’s words proved heartbreakingly prophetic when he was felled by an assassin’s bullet.

Dr. King never witnessed the progress that African Americans and the nation would make as a result of his faith and sacrifice—from the signing of the Civil Rights Act by President Lyndon Johnson to Sen. Barack Obama’s historic presidential run. But as certain as King may have been about his own fate, he was even more convinced that the rest of his prophetic vision—justice, fairness, and equality for all Americans—would someday come to pass.

Today, someday seems closer than ever. Yes, America continues to be plagued by many of the ills King opposed, including racism; hatred; violence; economic inequality; and a costly, senseless war. However, we now take for granted accomplishments we previously only dared to hope for. Blacks are astronauts, world-class surgeons, Wall Street financiers, state governors, and CEOs of multinational companies. Hope for the future, belief in our limitless potential, and a sense of our collective destiny as Americans have all made a comeback—stirred up by the tidal wave of political engagement inspired by Obama. In fact, thanks to the historic presidential campaigns of Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, for the first time in the nation’s history we can tell our children—all of our children—that they can dare to be anything, even the President, and really believe it in our own hearts.

Given all that he sacrificed, we now recognize that King’s push for the ultimate triumph of justice, righteousness, and equality was not in vain.

ALSO...This weekend on a very special edition of Our World with Black Enterprise, we spend the entire half-hour remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy. Among those Civil Right leaders who remember Dr. King on the 40th commemoration of his assassination are Andrew Young, John Lewis, Dorothy Height, Jesse Jackson, Earl G. Graves Sr., Rev. Samuel Kyles and Clarence Jones.

To catch this episode, tune into TVOne at 1PM (New York viewers) on Sunday or for more listings, visit: http://ourworld.blackenterprise.com

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Few More Rivers to Cross. . .

I don't engage in political talk often. It’s like playing Monopoly- the conversation will NEVER end and no one ever really wins. . However, I can't help but engage myself in the banter surrounding this historical election race that we have currently found ourselves in. . . . ahhh. .there's that word again: race.

Race
1 : the act of running
2 a: a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock
b: a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics
from Merriam-Webster online.

Ironically, we are witness to a race (act of running for office) in which two candidates are attempting to use race (a class or kind of people unified by shared interests) to divide and conquer. What should have been an inspiring walk into history has become a race about race. . .

Case in point:

"I got up and the question was asked, 'Why do you think Barack Obama is in the place he is today" as the party's delegate front-runner? I said in large measure, because he is black. I said, Let me also say in 1984 -- and if I have said it once, I have said it 20, 60, 100 times -- in 1984, if my name was Gerard Ferraro instead of Geraldine Ferraro, I would never have been the nominee for vice president."
In her first interview with Daily Breeze, published late last week, Ferraro said, "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman, he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

That's called propaganda folks, and team Clinton is full of it. I mean honestly, what does any of this have to do with the state of economy? War in Iraq? Healthcare? Exactly. .

I am having a hard time believing that Senator Clinton thought a simple brush off on her behalf was going to cut it, especially after her people called for the head of Obama's former foriegn policy advisor for a benign off-the-record comment (which may have had some truth to it. . ). The audacity of Ms. Farraro is simply beyond me; I can't understand how she, not only emphatically made her point and defended it, but resigned only such that she might "speak for myself and you (Clinton) continue to speak for yourself about what is at stake in this campaign. . The Obama campaign is attacking me to hurt you (Clinton). I won't let that happen." Not a lick of remorse in that statement. I can only imagine that Shirley Chisholm is rolling around in her grave. . .
Obama's retort, on the other hand, was simply classic: “Let me put it this way. . if you were to get a handbook on what's the path to the Presidency, I don't think that the handbook would start by saying, be an African-American named Barack Obama. I don't think that would be generally be considered an advantage. . . .Anybody who is aware of our history understands that there are some barriers to knock down, the same way there are barriers if a woman is running. . ."
Address. Explain. Move on. . .
(Quote courtesy of Today Show: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23589533#23589533)

Unfortunately, we've got six weeks until the next major primary in Pennsylvania. Great. Six weeks of party-dividing, border-line offensive, strategically defensive political jargon. But at least we have Spitzer to thank for diverting the media for the meantime. . and for allowing for a blind, African-American man to take the Governor's seat for the first time in New York.

. . there's another river we just crossed :)

N

We're Forgetting About AIDS

As I waited for the bus today, another bus passed across the street with a giant Kenneth Cole Ad which read" We're ForGetiing AIDS. And all I could do was shake my head and think how true it is. I am recently single again and so have been discussing these issues more with my girlfriends and I have been utterly surprised and baffled by their attitudes about sex.

Case in point: One of my girlfriends is extremely intelligent, went to a good university, law school, works for one of the top law firms. She is on top of everything- wouldn't dream of paying a bill late, has substantial savings, just all around has her stuff together. She recently found out that someone that she has a casual sexual relationship with has had 75 sexual partners in his life!!! They don't use protection. This is the same woman who wouldn't drink after me if all we had was one canteen and we'd been walking across the Sahara desert for ten days.

But, this is not an isolated case. Out of all the single friends I've discussed this with, not one of them practices safe sex even most of the time. I understand that sometimes things happen and mistakes are made, but none of them even really seems concerned about it or tries to make it a regular practice. And they all have justifications. "He's a doctor- I know he doesn't have anything." (Honey, do you really think you are the ONLY person he's having unprotected sex with?) or "I'm on birth control." (Please, a baby is not the worst thing that could happen to you!) Or "He doesn't like to use them." (If he doesn't like to use them with you then he doesn't like to use them with anybody.) Or the ever popular "He didn't have a condom." (Hmmm, make him go to Duane Reade and get some or better yet, carry your own.") Most of my friends wouldn't dream of carrying their own condoms because they'll "look like a slut." In general, I tend to carry one even if I have absolutely no plans of using it. I think it's just a good habit. And if you insist on seeming innocent and pure, wait until it's clear that he doesn't have one to present your own. But really, if it gets that far and he wasn't planning on using anything, I would have to rethink this person as a potential partner.

As the World Votes...

So by now, a good number of us have voted. We thought long and hard about who we wanted to win the chair. But did you really? Did you think about it that hard? Or did you just go with the Black man, the White woman, the religous right, or the most PC choice? Are you able to answer key and crucial questions about the person you voted for? Hmmmmm.

Some one sent the YouTube video to me. I checked it out and thought it was interesting. The kid in this video actually did me proud. He knows key information about the candidate he chose to support and is able to back up the poster he so proudly displays. Can you do the same? Or is the election not that important to you?

For some, it still isn't. People (young and old) STILL don't vote. I don't understand why. Because your 1 vote doesn't count? Because you don't have time? It's too far? You never looked to see actually where you are supposed to vote?

I moved and didn't submit my new mailing address. Therefore, I had to go over a river and through some hoods to get to my voting block. And you can bet your Iraqian inked finger I got there. But, hey, that's just me and my one vote.



Be Seen at the Top!

~B.Lee

Kanye's Flahsing Lights Video

Have you seen this already? I believe this is a partial. Is it just me... because I don't get it. But then again, it is Kanye. I am interested to see where the rest of it goes.




~B

Going Polar

In ones professional and personal fiscal journey, there are many stages of success and newfound levels of achievement that they encounter. Many of these stages can be furtive and clothed in levels of grey because they are not instantly evident. They are the subtle results of discipline, focused effort, foresight, and positioning. Unless you are one of the lucky few that came up very suddenly, success plays out as a journey where cosmetic improvements and an upgraded change of scenery occur naturally and without abrupt modifications to your livelihood. You might notice that you have a taste for top shelf liquor recently or that your cube TV might have metamorphosized into a nice plasma. These occurrences happen when you come-up but you are not going to gut your apartment and then order all new furniture and accoutrements all of the sudden. Success is time consuming. But the question I ask of you today is, when in one’s success journey, does their recently former way of life get played out and not good enough for them anymore? When does the luster of a 5 star hotel suite become customary or even passé to a sports figurehead? When does a model, or a straight 10 become obsolete and interchangeable to an entertainer? And when (even for the moderately successful brother or sister out there) does waiting an extra minute and a half for your valet car exasperate you when you could have been wearing that red vest in the not so distant past. I call that increasing lack of empathy for those on a lower tier and mounting shallowness regarding your good fortune “going polar”. I only use that term for the abusers of their own privilege. Im not saying go hang on the block you used to in high school so you can prove that your keepin in real, im saying just don’t cuss out your intern cause he brought back 2% milk in your latte when you told him skim. Always keep your considerate mind and wits about you as you transcend up that slippery slope called success. Because if you slip you will be kept company by the ones that you shitted on when you were on the other side of the velvet rope. Peace

I hate to break this to you, but. . .

. . these are some inevitable truths that 2008 has already presented us:

a) Britney really has lost it, poor thing. .
b) Race is still an issue on the Presidential campaign trail.
c) There hasn’t been a real “dynasty” in major league sports since the 90s.
d) The dollar in your pocket isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on outside of the U.S.
e) The Writers Strike is not letting up anytime soon.

While I’d love to dialogue about all of these revelations, let’s be honest, by the time it’s all said and done, you’re probably gonna miss the last two new episodes of your favorite show. . . .and given the circumstances, you might not want to waste that precious time.

If you haven’t been keeping up with the ever-present Writer’s Strike, here’s a brief re-cap of the situation:

The Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, West are labor unions which represent film, radio, and television writers. The two unions, are striking against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over the WGA contract as it pertains to “DVD residuals; jurisdiction over animation and reality program writers; and, perhaps most importantly, compensation for "new media"-- content written for (or distributed through) emerging digital technology such as the Internet.” (cited: from “2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike”: http://www.wikipedia.org/). In other words, David is standing up to Goliath and we’re all suffering the consequences.

Basically, the writers want to negoiate a new contract to ensure that they are being fairly compensated (residuals) for all forms of new media in which their work is broadcast (TiVo, online streaming, iTunes, etc.) and for reprints/re-runs of their work (DVDs, etc.).

With no end in sight, the real question becomes how will you fill your time? For those of you who, like me are cable-babies and are already experiencing withdrawal symptoms, I would like to offer some tips in order to fill the estimated 3.5 hours daily you used to spend watching TV:

1) Start from the beginning and watch the re-runs of your favorite shows or rent/buy DVDs. -Reminisce on how it all began. . . .

2) DVR your shows now and don’t watch them
-Kind of like spreading the jam a little thinner on the sandwich, make ‘em last as long as possible. (then if you were smart, cancel your cable until the strike is over- ain’t nothing on anyway. . .)

3) Find a friend -There’s probably one or two that you haven’t heard from in a while.

4) Watch more YouTube
-People never cease to amaze me at the things they put out for the public to see.

5) Read a book
-I know this foreign for most of you who haven’t picked up a book since college, but give it a try.

6) If you’re single, go on more dates. If you’re not, compromise and refer to bullet #2.

7) Have a house party.

8) Give into “reality TV”
– American Idol, FOL3, Celebrity Apprentice, ANTM (season 10 –please make it stop!), Project Runway, Top Chef, Deal or No Deal, etc.

9) Succeed in actually fulfilling your New Year’s Resolution.

10) Keep reading The Collective. We promise to education and entertain!

More than just getting your mind right...

On Tuesday (Jan 8th), friend to the family and mentor Terrie M. Williams released her most revealing work Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting. This book serves as a wake up call to the Black Community, especially those dealing with pain and depression. The book came as a result of the enormous out-cry of help/relief/need from her 2005 article in Essence Magazine in which Terrie shared a very private and sensitive chronicle of the years she spent masking her depression and putting on her game-face. Terrie is a trained social worker and founder of The Stay Strong Foundation, so one would think that she would know how to deal with depression. This goes to show you that EVERYONE can be affected.

All too often, we ignore the signs of depression by saying, “Oh, she is just crazy.” “You just need to give it over to the Lord.” “Stop acting out!” Instead of looking at the underlining cause of many problems, we simply brush it under the rug and categorize our strife and something else.

This book gives a voice to the disease. Through her personal accounts, those of everyday people and even personal stories given by celebrities, Terrie shows that depression is prevalent in the Black community. She offers hope and proves real talk for when there is nowhere to go but up.

For more information on Black Pain, visit http://www.thestaystrongfoundation.org/ or email at twms@terriewilliams.com








Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned. . . .

First off all, that’s a great song by Ms. Keys and if you haven’t copped it yet, do it!

I’ve been a bit MIA, I know. My bad; life called and she needed me to handle some grown woman things, but I’m back now- re-adjusted and more in my element. I know that it’s probably all the seasons cheer, but I can’t help but be a little reflective during this time of year. So before we finish the holiday parties and get dressed to the nines for the New Year, take a moment to think about how you spent last 365 days. . . .


Before you get too sentimental, lets take a quick re-cap of my “Top Ten Best’s of 2007”!
(Why a Best-only list? Because it was a good year!)

Best Comeback: Boston Celtics
Behind the talent and leadership of forward Kevin Garnett, forward Paul Pierce and guard Ray Allen, the Boston Celtics are poised to take their place as leaders of the wish-washy Eastern Conference. This is truly an amazing feat from a team that won a total of twenty four games last season.
Runner Up: Whitney Houston (Divorce-handled; rehab-done; album- working on it. She’s definitely back!)

Best Trainwreck: The Spears Clan
This award would have gone to Britney alone, but Jamie Lynn decided to jump on the boat. The whole Spears clan gave us one sorry mishap after another, making Bobby and Whitney look like the Brady Bunch. But you know you watched every pathetic minute of it.
Runner Up: Michael Vick (You already know this story. . .)

Best Excuses to Run INTO the Law (Tie): OJ Simpson and Robert Kelly. These two just don’t get it. Laying low should be among their top goals of 2008. Stealing your own memorabilia through force is a sure way to alert the authorities. Especially if you’ve been previously accused of murder and wrote a book about what would have happened if you did it. Especially so if you’re name is Orenthal James Simpson. And R. Kelly, who allegedly had a sexual relationship with his former publicist’s teenage daughter, has no excuse for this behavior. It's honestly any wonder this man has yet to serve any time. . .
Runner-Up: Akon

Best Guilty Pleasure: Soulja Boy
DeAndre Ramone Way, better known as Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, has taken the world by storm with his dance craze. This seventeen –year old from Batesville, Mississippi had the whole world crankin it, from ballet schools to grandmas. Now if only he could make a song about voting and we’d be set
Runner Up: Tiffany Pollard aka New York

Best Un-Sung Hero: T-Pain
Okay, follow my reasoning here: think back to the chart-topping hits of 2007. Bet you can’t come across more than three before you come across the whining serenading of one Faheem Najm (T-Pain). Bartender (w. Akon), Imma Flirt (remix), Shawty (Plies), Kiss Kiss (Chris Brown), I’m So Hood (remix), Good Life (Kanye West), Low (Flo Rida), and my personal favorite Buy U A Drank- have all featured T-Pain; that’s why he’s 2007’s Un-Sung Hero.
Runner Up: Ne-yo

Best Reason to Stay In House: Andrew Speaker. While carrying an extensively drug-resistant strain of Tuberculosis, he boarded a trans-Atlantic flight and then gave a “I didn’t’ know I was contagious” as his best excuse. We didn’t know whether to arrest him or quarantine him first, but we surely didn’t want to run into him.
Runner Up: August 8th New York City Transit Stoppage. Yup a little bit of rain shut it down.

Best Reason to Watch Sports: Super Bowl XLI
Lovie Smith, Head Coach of the Chicago Bears
Tony Dungy, Head Coach of Indianapolis Colts
For the first time in the history of the National Football League, not one, but two Black coaches were featured in this prestigious event. No matter what the outcome, we still won.
Runner Up: Barry Bonds home-run chase (whatever, I’m stil not co-signing this)

Best Reason to Watch Cable: I Love New York Season II
New York was in the *$%&#$&%(@$$% house! You know you couldn’t help yourself. We all tuned in, if anything to see if Sister Patterson’s hairline finally grew back in.
Runner Up: Anything else on VH1 (since when did this channel get good?)

Best Reason NOT To Watch Cable: BET
I don’t care what Debra Lee and them have to say, BET programming has never been worse.
Runner Up: MTV (Tila Tequila- ‘nuff said)

Best Couple: Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Clifford “T.I.” Harris
I’m a hater so Beyonce and Jay were not going to make this list. But for real, Tiny and T.I. were made for each other and their love has withstood its share of trials: a stillborn child, various trials, break-up, pregnancy, and TI’s latest run in with the Feds. And yet they are still hanging in there-gotta appreciate black love.
Runner Up: Nas and Kelis


Without getting too melodramatic, I’d like to leave you with some parting words from ’07, so that you can get your mind right in time for the New Year:

Life is not instant soup; it’s that home-cooked stew your grandmama used to make, you’ve got to add a couple things and ‘em simmer. . . . .

N

Holiday Jitters

Are you tired of the holidays yet? Are you beginning to worry about what you are going to get so-and-so? Are you bored at work?

No, no and kinda for me.

This morning on the CBS 2 Early Show, Senior Editor Nancy Miller of Wired Magazine (one of my fav mags!) talked about random Christmas time to-dos. One such to-do is the great online marketing agent created by Office Max called ‘Elf Yourself’. You go to the website, upload your picture and your face is superimposed onto the body of an elf. You can upload your voice to personalize it even more. The little critter can dance too. It’s neat. This is a cute way to kill some time while on the job, plus you can send the little critter as a joyous link to family and friends. Apparently, over 65 million have done so already. Miller estimated 8 elves are being created every second. Yeah, I couldn’t get fully develop my elf so I will have to try later. Go to http://www.elfyourself.com/.

Another time buster, Simponize yourself at http://www.simponizeme.com/. Courtesy of Burger King.

GIFT IDEAS FOR...

Hot Mamma:

Lotions & Potions. I always like scents and flavors. I don't have a signature scent and hate to smell like other people. I will avoid certain scents if I know they are popular or if I must have it, I'll mix it with something else to create my own thing. Some flavors I like are Satsuma Body Butter - The Body Shop; Paradise Found and Lavendar Souffle - Origins; Mimosa Hair Honey... OH, and SweetHoneyDip-ChocolateBrownSugah Body Butter (lawd you could eat it!)- Carol's Daughter; Love Spell Body Splash - Victoria's Secret; and Fort Greene Body Butter - Eva Handmade Beauty. See, I like a variety of things.

Pajamas. Don’t front. A good pair of PJs is always nice. Especially if they are breathable cotton with a high thread count.

Notecards. A woman should always have a good set of stationary to send Thank You notes, Thinking of You notes, or Secret Lover notes. An added touch is to add her name or initials to the notecards. Visit Kate’s Paperie or Papyrus for a large selection of classy styles. {Pictured upper left: Beaded Chrysanthemum – Keepsake from Papyrus}

The Dapper Dude:

Pocket Square. Look into Bobby Joseph. His online store has fly shit that includes sweaters and weird, cute little hand-crafted bears.

Pocketwatch. Classic and simple.

Accessory box. Not a jewelry box (even though it really is the same thing). Something he can keep his watches in (yes, they do sell separate watch boxes, I know), cufflinks, tie pins, etc. Help him get organized. {Pictured right: men's accessories box from Red Envelope}

Party hostess-with the mostess:

Cupcakes or cookies! If you can cook, food is always great. Or just buy the item. A three-tier stand stacked with mini cupcakes and or cookies. Cupcakes and cookies can be decorated in such a pretty manner that even if they are nasty, they look great. You can even make celebrity gingerbread cookies as seen on Chow.com. {Pictured left}

• Flowers and a pitcher. Once the flowers die, they can reuse the vase. Check out Crate & Barrel for nice, inexpensive vases.


• Fruit. Edible Arrangements does a great job of jazzing up your basic fruit platter.

Barware. Hey, this could work for guys and dolls alike. I like the D.D. Bullet Cocktail Shaker by Potterybarn. {Pictured right}

Pet people (I am one!):

Dog bowl. Fill the dog bowl with a couple of dog toys, snacks, and various generic treats. You don’t know if the pet has allergies, so play it safe with the generic treats.

Nice leash, collar or accessories. Avoid clothes. Especially if you don’t know the size. {Pictured left: Holiday Pet Antlers from Trixie & Peanut}

Pet Spa. Treat their pet to luxury grooming. It is a really cute idea.

If all else fails, a giftcard is always good!


Until next time…
Be Seen at the Top!

The Real HU?

The Big Apple Classic went down Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The games were Virginia Union vs. Bowie State and Hampton vs. Howard. I got there late and the PR people had wrapped up for the evening. Therefore, they didn’t have the credentials and didn’t know who had what information (does so-and-so have this or does she have that?) The media seats were assigned, but no one told us (SLAM mag Senior Editor and myself) where to go so we just sat wherever – later to find our real seats.

I tell you, the first game was a blur. The boys playing looked like grown-ass men. They were all tatted up, full beards, some even looking like they owed child support. The VA Union team’s coach was just screaming. I’m like ‘For what?’ We sat next to their bench so we heard all the antics. The team looked frazzled. I don’t even think Union had a personal trainer. At one point in the game, the athletes had to massage each other! Lol

So the game I really came to see was Hampton vs. Howard. Hampton Institute University holds a special place in my heart. My family has a looong standing history with Hampton. My grandfather helped to build one of the dorms while a student at the Institute (his father, Charles Wesley Murrell, Sr. - was the head master of Hampton Normal School for freed Black slaves and Native Americans. There are archive letters between he and my great-grandmother while she was living in Cuba (before she came the States)); numerous cousins attended; and my Mom was Ms. Hampton 1974-1975 (she was the first Ms. Hampton to be in Ebony magazine – the first time they did that campaign).

When the announcer called ‘The Real HU’ game, the crowd went WILD. Our true media seats ended up being directly in front of the Hampton crowd. They were quite entertaining. All you could hear was, “H.I.U. I love, I love, I love my H.I.U!” An administrator told us they brought 5 bus loads of kids. They were so proud to be there – drinking beer, painted faces, singing songs. The Howard side got ready and did their thing. Their band was on point and the cheerleaders were much better organized. Even the Bison mascots had it together. They brought two the male and female. Hampton’s mascot is a Pirate, however, I don’t understand why and HBCU had a White, blue-eyed Pirate.

Hampton’s starting line-up was:
#1 – Matthew Pilgrim, Forward, 6’8, 225lbs.
#3 – Rashad West, Guard, 6’1, 175
#13 – Jordan Brooks, Guard, 5’9 (Um, he was more like 5’4) 165lbs.
#21 – Mike Freeman, Forward, 6’8, 220lbs.
#31 – Donte Harrison, Forward/Center, 6’9, 220lbs.

Howard’s starting line-up:
#00 Curtis White, Guard, 6’4, 195lbs.
#1 – Kandi Mukole, Forward, 6’8, 215lbs.
(the Hampton crowd had a field day with his name telling him that his Momma knew he would be sweet, that’s why she named him Kandi. I just knew someone breakout singing Cameo)
#5 – Adam Walker, Forward, 6’8, 190lbs.
#10 – Randy Hampton, Forward, 6’5, 190lbs.
#33 – Eugene Myatt, Center, 6’5, 210lbs.

Myatt scored the first point of the game which was a 3pt for Howard. Hampton screamed ‘Hey, you, #54 you suck!” So Paul Kirkpatrick, Center, 6’9, 220lbs came back with a gentle slam dunk. Hampton couldn’t get it together from the right wing. They couldn’t shoot worth a damn from the sides. But when it came to antagonizing the opposing team, the sideline had the players back. It was amusing. The crowd told Howard to miss and they did. At one point, Howard’s #15 – Kyle Riley, Guard, 6’3, 180lbs. got faked out by someone and fell. It was quite embarrassing. As he layed on his back, everyone in MSG said “Ooooo”. It wasn’t expected and happened so fast. I can’t even tell you who broke the kid’s ankles.

By ½ time the score was 28-13 Hampton. Sad. I didn’t think Howard would make 30pts. I mean even in NBA Live, if you’re down by 21pts start over. Well this was read life and Hampton kept on… like a big brother teaching his lil bro a lesson.

As you can probably tell, most of my excitement came from the sideline commentary. Hampton shouted at their own coach to put them in the game so the players could rest and not waste their time. They yelled at #33 Eugene Myatt saying “Eugene, I know you must be mad. You should tell your coach that you hate him. Tel him that you don’t want to play anymore. Tell him that you want to go home and read a book.” One kid said, “This is the worst blow-out I’ve seen in the last 20yrs and I’m only 18!” Hilarious. Lmao.

Howard’s sideline was quiet. I mean what could they say. They were getting whooped. The cheerleaders kept a goodface – uh, well, they should. It got to the point where Hampton cheered when Howard finally made 30pts off a foul and they sighed “Aw” when the kid missed his second freethrow.

The game ended with Hampton singing “Hooooward. H.U. We whooped that ass. Whooped that ass” while doing the soul clap. Score 65-31 Hampton.

If anything, it was entertaining.


Until next time…

Be Seen at the Top!

Inside Man

Hmm, if you know me, then you know that I’m not really a sneaker head. More of a f-me pump chick (you know the killer high spike sexy shoes – Hey, hey. My toes are decent. I was a dancer and track star so they aren’t perfect) ANYWAYS, I came across Jordan’s newest creation… no, not the Jordan 23’s. They are on a media embargo until Dec 31st at 11:59pm. I’m talking about The Spiz’ikes. Yes, the man Spike Lee (no relation… I don’t think) has been working with Nike for years. For some, this isn't new news, but the release of the latest editions are. The concept is that Nike has taken bits and pieces from all the shoes Spike inspired and jam-packed them into one:

Air Jordan 3 - sole, midsole, and “Spike”/elephant print
Air Jordan 4 - “wings” on the sides of the shoes that hold lace loops

Air Jordan 5 - main silhouette of the shoes as well as netting on the side

Air Jordan 6 - tongue of shoes and lace locks

Air Jordan 9 - back tab

Originally called the Frankenstein, this shoe wasn’t expected to be successful. After seeing some of the colors, I don’t blame them. I personally don’t like the female variation. {pictured above right}

The first round of colorways were white/red/green and then black/red/green. They were also only released on the East Coast as per Mr. Lee’s request. Proving to be a winner, Nike then released the shoes in “True Blue” which is red/white/blue (found for $175 on Nicekicks.com) and “Fire Red” white/cement grey-black/red (found for $295 on Nicekicks.com)

Last week, The O.G. (white and cement grey) dropped. It is available at Nike House of Hoops on 125th for $175, but I’m sure you can find it online. Well, you better jump on them. You know how you sneakerheads do.

Here are other variations of the sneaker:

Kings County

Do the Right Thing {pictured right}

Photo credits: Sneakerfreaker.com; Nicekicks.com; and me!

Until next time…
Be Seen at the Top!

Friends & Family Day... no, not shopping

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. For some, this is the best holiday of them all: Macy's parade ( on TV or in real life) good eats… ham, turkey of course - fried, baked, burnt, not quite cooked – cranberry sauce, squash, yams, stuffing/dressing, mac-n-cheese, soup, potatoes – mashed, sweet, garlic, salad - greens/cabbage, everything else and you can’t forget the sweets – pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, coconut custard pie (resorting to your childhood and licking the bowl)… massive email texts with variations on ‘HAPPY THANKSGIVING” “Happy Day when the pilgrims stole the land of the true Americans” (I had like 30+ texts. So many that my Treo froze telling me I didn’t have enough memory so I had to delete texts and reboot); arguments about family (damn sister-in-laws, bad ass kids, pets, Auntie’s nasty food and why did she bring it, who is helping clean up, who the hell is farting), politics (Hilary’s butchness classic Uncle Frank statement:“how can she control a country if she can’t control her man” vs. Barack’s lack of experience); pissin’ contests comparing years of service in the ARMY/Marines/Air Force/whatever; arguments over damn Mexicans (They’re taking our jobs. Well are they really?) and yada-yada-yada.

It is always great when family and friends come together. Sometimes you may think it’s a drag, but in the end, you realize that it might be only once a year that you get to be baggered about who you are dating, that you get to see your little cousin Jason who really isn’t so little anymore, that you get that home cooked meal and don’t feel guilty about eating 3rds or 4ths, that you feel the love and warmth of true family and friends.

I couldn’t spend this holiday with my family, so one of my girlfriends (B. Rocks!!!) invited me down to spend it with she and her family. I’ve hungout with them plenty of times so I knew I would have a blast. A Rocks family favorite is tip-cup, but we didn’t play it. Okay, basically tip-cup is a relay race in which you have x amount of people on one side of the table vs. x amount of people on the other side. At the sound of the buzzer (or just say “GO!”) the first person swallows down about ¼ of their drink of choice. After they drink it down, they slam down the cup to prove it’s empty and place it on the edge of the table. This is where the tipping comes into play. They must successfully flip their cup over – landing on the brim – before the next teammate can go. The anchor for each team has about ½ a cup to drink and must successfully tip their cup. The first team to successfully tip all their cups wins that round. Each person must be an anchor. LOL. Good times and a quick way to get wasted. I struggle at this game. The kids usually beat me. Hey, I’m a light-weight. Yes, they play, but not with booze. Since I’m an adult, I must play with booze.

Here is a crazy little video I took on my Treo - quality isn't the greatest, but I wanted to capture the moment :-) The Rocks and I were sitting around trying to calm down the rambunctious kids. Uncle Michael broke out the mini guitar and began singing ‘Puff the Magic Dragon.’ From there we sang other kid-friendly songs, laughed, drank and ate pie.

Peace, peace familia!!

Be Seen at the Top!

The Collective Spotlights...

Now the weather outside isn't quite frightful but I'm sure inside is still delightful. As you get your holiday grub on, don't forget that you might be packing on a few unwanted pounds. Here is a great workout clothing line for men, Pushing Weight. They are relaunch just in time for the holidays. So instead of getting your Secret Santa a whack ass tie or something, get him something he can use.

PUSHING WEIGHT
Website: www.pushingweight.com
Email: cs@pushingweight.com

PUSHING WEIGHT is a men’s lifestyle clothing brand designed to inspire, enrich and support the lives of fitness minded individuals. The PUSHING WEIGHT man is not defined by his past, rather he chooses to define himself by who and what he can and will be. He is multifaceted and not afraid to break the mold.

The PUSHING WEIGHT man is concerned with his appearance and trains to be the best he can be. He understands the benefits of fitness and the satisfaction of accomplishment. He is self-motivated and competes against his harshest critic--himself. He seeks knowledge to develop and refine his workout regimen. He is focused, determined and driven. He knows that how he looks on the outside not only reflects his physical well being but, also his emotional and spiritual essence.

PUSHING WEIGHT recognizes his devotion and his efforts and supports it with a lifestyle brand that embraces and encourages it.

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Forbidden Fruit?

So last night I had a heated discussion with this guy who I thought had potential. Now I should have known it wouldn’t go anywhere because the kid really only communicated through text and emails. Weird. Anyway, the discuss started with hanging out (because we hadn’t even started dating) and then escalated to him telling me “Sad to say, but I don’t think my wife will be Black or American”. Scerrrrr. What? First where did that come from? Second, why cut out an entire race and nation of folks?

That got me to thinking. So are all the women in America screwed up? Especially all the Black American women? Are we the forbidden fruit? I mean, many people have discussed this topic on various occasions, but I don’t get it. I know that I am an awesome Black women (yeah, I must admit – lol). I am bilingual (could be tri but my Portuguese is really shaky, oh so is my Sign-language), I’m well traveled and would love to see more of the World (really want to do the Amazing Race), socialable, love to dine at Turkish/Thai/African/Indian etc restaurants, can flip between the football/basketball game and America’s Next Top Model, articulate, well versed in the cultural realm, I can get dirty (Dad had me working on cars with him when I learned how to walk, he made me a great fisherman, and cut 3 acres of grass in the hot VA sun - yes, I was able to use a riding lawnmower for the majority of it - Daddy isn't THAT gangsta) and I can clean up and hob-knob with the bourgeoisie… I’ve been told I’m a guy’s girl. I know I’m a great catch b/c I have a heart of gold and uber supportive to my man (Give me a 'M'! Give me an 'A'! Give me a 'N'!... yeah, I'm his cheerleader) - when I have one. :-D

While I know this about me, I know I don’t represent the 100’s and 1000’s of Black women and Americans out there. But why cut out an entire set of women? Shoot, I know I’m not perfect. I know that I have can have an attitude and I’m moody, but I make a mean baked chicken and my mac-n-cheese are to die for. OH, can’t forget about my potato salad! Lawd. (Yes, I will cook for my man). Everyone has flaws no matter what race or where you live.

I asked some of my girlfriends if I had the right to be offended by his statement. (if you know me they are MULTICULTURAL – lol) And the White ones referenced his age and my BFF Irish chica said “Hell yeah. He’s a douchebag”. The ones of color just laughed it off and said he was a hot mess. I'm sure he is a great guy and this post isn't really about him. It is about the fact that quite a few men are not interested in dating the women next door. The woman you grew up with or who may better understand where you are coming from. It's like they are looking for something out there and not even looking in their own backyard. I've heard it before - some of my boys have said it - that they don't date Black women. Hmmm. To each his own. People are going to love whomever they are going to love. I just don't get cutting out an entire section of people. I mean, what's so wrong with us?

Like I've said before, I'm well traveled (I've lived abroad for a couple brief stints) and I understand the culture shock one gets when coming back to the States. You realize how spoiled we are, how much we have, how good we have it. You reflect on your life as compared to those you just left. I know what it's like to stay in a $7 (American dollars) hotel and have to take a cold shower while praying that the big ass spider in the corner doesn't decide to join you (Yes, peoples. I keeps it real - lol). I appreciate life and all cultures. I can't speak for all Americans and all Black American women. Perhaps because of the way I was raised. I have a rich cultural background.

So, I wouldn't say that all American women are bad and unmarriable. Ha! Now when I was laying on the emergency room table in Spain hooked up to IV's because I drank out the wrong fountain, perhaps the Doctor was saying 'Stupid American' but hey, I was living life and I'd do it again. Well, I'd choose a different fountain to drink out of.

Well, I’m going to reference one of my brother's – the quote master – many quotes, “Never apologize for being yourself.” This is so true.

Until next time…

Be Seen At the Top!

Hookup: Puma Friends & Family

Who doesn't love a hookup? Click on image to enlarge, then print it out. Enjoy...

Anotha Hova Remix

We receive blasts and press releases regarding lots of different subjects. Here is one that covers video director Scenario's remixing of Jay Z's Blue Magic:

After last weeks unveiling of the new G-Unit video, "Feels so Good"... Scenario is back again with a new remix video to Blue Magic with Ravenel Records very own Nina B ( Remember Her??). After doing a remix video with Nina B last month for 50 Cent's I Get Money, which has over 50,000 hits, Scenario decided to Have Nina B, this remix as well. Scenario has worked with other artist before, but no one gets the response that Nina B. gets when she puts out a video. Jay Z's album is out in stores. The Blue Magic remix has been released on the net.

My thoughts... Perhaps it is the size of the small screen, perhaps it's my computer speakers, but the video didn't move me. Kudos to the director Scenario on working with Hova, but the self-promotion (adding his email in the video) was a funny. Hopefully that's just the YouTube version.

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

The Birth of Hip-Toc

So one day you find yourself at the ironing board at 7:00 in the morning. You notice the fully charged light on your cellphone while you stride across the apartment to make a selection out of your seamlessly juxtaposed R&B and rap collection. Your latte selection is etched into your mind and your signature is as pertinent a form of commerce as those Jackson’s in your money clip. If you find yourself in this crisp button-up psychographic, then you are a pioneer of Hip-Toc. You are a dual master of hip-hop bravado and office policy, as refined and polished as the face of your wristwatch that tic-tocks without leniency during your daily conquests. A fluent speaker of proper English and the slang that nurtured you, you are the puller of the first cab with a female counterpart and won’t accept anything less than the third cab when you hail solo.

This aspect of urban maturity took a quarter-century to refine, with many nation-influencing cultivations on its belt notch to date. However, Hip-Toc was incepted in the 90’s when the credo was to “get money” and to “not be a hater.” A percentage of folks took heed to the new message and forged a $5 billion plus sector out of hip-hop, making it a global force that commercial corporations acknowledged and suburban mannerism gravitated towards. But its real unearthing wasn’t until Jay-Z called forth the “Grown and Sexy,” and legitimized the mind-set of a more harmonized and professional Hip-Toc aspirant. Now the ingenuity and swagger of the streets have many anxious buyers waiting to receive the commodities of the cultivated hip-hop contender.

I posed the question of “what do you think Hip-Toc is?” to music executive Eric. He stated that “Any smart person changes with the times. Some of the most influential people in hip-hop dress in suits and ties everyday, but they can tell you more about hip-hop than the random brotha on the corner. If you’re an entertainment lawyer and I’m an artist, I don’t want my lawyer to dress the same as me. I want him to know about the music I make and I want him to appreciate it and know it and that makes him real. That’s hip-hop. As far as Hip-Toc. It comes to a matter of being a product of a culture. Someone in the age bracket of their early thirties would have grown up in the forefront of when this culture was just starting and booming, whereas someone else has something to learn. They still have a lot to learn about what it is that their admiring and the whole culture they are a part of.”

I consulted Roger, a physician in D.C. and a great example of a Hip-Toc prototype. He said “We owe the culture. We owe the youth, and they need to see these images of hip-hop that are the engineers, that are the dentists, that are the lawyers, the reverends, that are the doctors, the entrepreneurs. We owe our culture a complete view of ourselves and not to limit ourselves to merely a thug image.” He asserts after asking the question of whether the pioneers of hip-hop would want us to quote “keep it real” or “keep it gangsta” that “when you talk about the pioneers of hip-hop, you assume that I’m not one of them. I came up through hip-hop just like the next man came up through hip-hop. I can’t quote verbatim the lyrics of Rakim or LL, but I chose that when my pen hits the pad to write science equations, that when my pen hits the pad to write prescriptions or diagnoses’, but its all hip-hop. As far as the terms keepin it gully or keepin it gangsta, those are just metaphors. I keep it gully and keep it gangsta by the fact that I’m the only Black man in my residency. That’s keepin it gangsta.”

Hip-Toc is the evolution of the hip-hop aficionado. It is the message to the hip-hop enthusiasts that don’t necessarily want to be the artist, but instead live the culture through its many identities and personas. It is the mindframe of the brothers and sisters who can walk into any situation and have at least two options of action, they can either handle it like gentlemen, or they can get into some gangsta shit, all handled accordingly and with technique and bravado. Peace

Love is patient...

I just had a moment the other day. (sigh)

There have been previous posts regarding relationships and women and blah, blah, blah. I feel this song goes both ways. I would sing it to my man of interest and hopefully vice-versa. Well, if there was such. This is a bangin song, so I had to share... You know it, so go ahead and sing along.





Be Seen at the Top!

~Bettina

Indie Trunk Show...

WEAR IT’S AT! THE FALL EDITION is an indie designer trunk show hosted by Tinalee Media & Events, Inc. This exclusive shopping event features our favorite rising-star fashion designers such as unisex label Beeing, uber stylish wovens by Harshita Designs, unique jewelry from Vintage Whimseys and more! While you're there enjoy: complimentary cocktails, great music, and beauty services.

*Must be 21 years or older to enjoy complimentary cocktails. While supplies last.

Featured designers include:
Beeing
Corrente Handbags
Harshita Designs
Myth Boutique
Teya Jewelry
Vuedis
Wye:Wovens

WHEN: Nov. 17 (2-6pm)

WHERE: 500 Fifth Ave., 4th Fl (btwn 35 & 36th St) - NYC

COST: $10 advance / $15 at the door

**Purchase your tickets today!

Click HERE

For more information, contact Tinalee Media & Events at: Contact@tinaleemedia.com or (347) 621-1336