Awesome Collage

Amazing.  Click collage for artist's website (It's for sale!)

Read More

Good Stuff: PaperMate Apex Pen

I feel silly blogging about this, but I have a serious notebook addiction which, of course comes along with pens!  So, when I find a pen that rivals my Dr. Grip, I must share.  Behold, the Papermate Apex (1.6 B).  This pen is awesome!  I prefer thicker lines when I write and I don't put much pressure on my pens, so I'm pretty picky.  I also use a variety of paper and require a pen that works with most (if not all) paper stock. Check it out:

Read More

Not Cool

I'm pretty sure this would give me a heart attack.

Read More

"The minute I sat in front of a canvas, I was happy. Because it was a world, and I could do as I liked in it."   
-Alice Neel, artist

Read More

Weird Dreams: Civil Liberties and Greek Food?

I dream pretty much every night - always have. Last night's dream was pretty bizarre. I had to give a speech on civil liberties to a group of teenagers. Of all people, I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I would be the one to give a lecture on civil liberties. Further, I only found out the day of about the speech, so I was in panic mode trying to throw something together and alternately praying for something major to cause the cancellation of the program. Sure enough a tidal wave/major flood occurred. Problem solved.

The other part of the dream focused on food (not unusual for me; although my food dreams are generally limited to cookies and other sweets) - specifically, I tasted a Greek dish that consisted of ground beef and phyllo dough then spent the rest of the dream looking for more of the stuff. Only, I couldn't remember the name of it and thus never found more! VERY frustrating

Read More

Quick and Dirty Digital Collage (Today's Creative Exercise)

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

Read More

Hilarious

Read More

Classic on Repeat

because I'm in a 90s alternative rock band mood this morning:

Read More

Vintage James Baldwin

via Africa is a Country

Read More

So Smooth

Read More

"I Thank God for Ordinary Tuesdays."

Read More

I Can't Wait!

Read More

Inspiration: At Any Age

Often we think that if we haven't accomplished certain goals by a certain age or point in life, it's never going to happen (Sometimes, others make that assumption on your behalf).  Some people even give up altogether.  The thought has definitely crossed my mind more often than I care to admit.  These videos are reminders that there are no limits.

Read More

Work in Progress

"Pink Ribbon"

Read More

"City Livin'" Uncut

A few folks have asked to see the full "City Livin'" piece.
So here you go:

Read More

Read More

I Don't Know

I wound up discussing Amel Larrieux with friends today, so I thought I would post one of my favorite songs featuring the songbird, "I Don't Know" by Soulive.

Read More

"Untitled"

Read More

My latest

I think it might need a little extra something, but this is it for now...

Read More

Black Beauty

The way these women and girls feel about their natural hair is just plain sad.  (I'm also saddened by use of the "n word").  They all described their natural hair as:  horrible, less feminine, less sexy, not nice, disgusting and the worst one:

 "Later I will try to marry a white guy. That way, my daughter will have cool hair for sure."

I'm all for experimentation and if their decisions to sport straight 'dos and weaves and/or extensions were based solely on the need for a change sometimes - I would take no issue with that. What bothers me is that all (except perhaps one person) seemed to choose their hairstyles with self-hate being their primary motivation.

Having seen this mentality to varying degrees in my lifetime, obviously I'm not surprised;  yet that doesn't diminish my sense of outrage - especially since these ladies are definitely each an extreme case.  I feel like someone needs to sit them down and bombard them with positive images of Black beauty (all types) while forcing them to repeat the following mantra, "Black is beautiful. I am beautiful. Black is beautiful. I am beautiful."  For God's sake, have some pride!

That reminds me:  On one of my occasional trips to the hairdresser for a press and trim last weekend, an Asian girl came in asking for a relaxer (she had curly/wavy hair). I shook my head violently at her and her boyfriend while wondering whether she was like an old friend with the same type of hair who was half Japanese and half Chinese. Immediately, I figured a few things:

#1 - Her hair was gorgeous the way it was and it was only "unmanageable" because she had never learned how to take care of it (just like the women in the aforementioned article)

#2 - Her hair would most definitely fall out if she puts a drop of relaxer near it

#3 - Our ideas of "beauty" are so subjective

The women mentioned in the "What's up with Black Hair?" article would probably kill for her hair, yet she couldn't stand it.  My hairdresser told her that she could put a mild relaxer in her hair but advised against it.  Holding my hair up as an example, she pointed out that mine was far more difficult to straighten (especially since I don't do so on a regular basis) yet she could get it straight with pressing.  The girl responded,

"But that's only temporary, right?  I want it permanent."

So, she took a card and will likely return to get her luscious locks fried.

I guess we all have our issues.

Read the rest at Vice Magazine: POP VOX - WHAT’S UP WITH BLACK HAIR? - Viceland Today

Read More

Ouch!

Read More

Weekend Music

I've been listening to a lot of Afrobeat and Latin Jazz lately. Both keep me moving during the workday (the ambient/electronic stuff put me dangerously close to nodding off a few times).

Here's one of my faves. Enjoy and have a good weekend:

Read More

Say Word

A colleague had this edict attached to her outgoing messages and it really spoke to me today.  When I worry about loved ones, I am very guilty of neglecting my own health and I've been warned about this repeatedly.  Guess this was the reminder I needed today as I sat considering skipping a meal to sit somewhere and fret.

"I Promise to Take Care of Me.

For myself and the people that love me.

I promise to take care of my health.

When I am in good health,

I am a strong woman.

When I am strong I can help myself and the people around me.

I deserve to put myself and my health before anything else.

I will spread this message to all of the women in my life who

need to take care of themselves.

This is my promise."

Read More

Read More

I'm intrigued by this.

Read More

I'm not a clean eater yet, but I try to eat organic as often as possible and I'm working on increasing raw foods. I have phased out a lot of "fake" foods (processed, man-made junk) lately, but it's still a struggle. Although I think longevity is, to an extent, beyond our control, I do believe the raw diet Mr. LaPallo subscribes to helps A LOT. Think about it. The person who taught him to eat this way was his father - a physician who likely saw a lot of sick people.

Further, when I do behave and get a steady diet of raw fruits and vegetables, I can really see a difference in my skin and hair (this usually takes a few consecutive days to a week). It gives you a glow, and skin problems clear up. I have a friend who strictly adheres to her 5-a-Day rule and has FLAWLESS skin. I'm fascinated whenever I see her. You would think she's wearing foundation, but nope, it's all her (I have to get my fruit in with smoothies because I'm lousy at the 5-a-day rule). When a close family member of mine recently added more raw fruits and veggies and drastically cut back on refined sugars and processed food, it wasn't long before she was mistaken for someone literally half her age. If it has that effect on your skin, imagine what's happening inside. I think we really underestimate the value of proper nutrition.

Read More

Parlez Vous Francais?

I don't, but I'm digging this song anyway. Lyrics anyone? please? (The only word I've caught so far is "bedroom" LOL)

Trop Fresh Monsieur Nov from skwal on Vimeo.

Read More

Awesome Collage!

Awesome Collage Art!

via Fly

Read More

My Hipster Doggie

Read More

I had a chance to visit one of my favorite markets today - The Takoma Park Co-op.  I love supporting independent grocers who sell organic food - especially when their foods are produced by local vendors and farmers.  If you live in the DC Metro area, I highly recommend paying them a visit.

The Co-op

My lunch - made locally in Columbia, MD and DELISH if I must say so.

My favorite pasta (made locally in Silver Spring, MD).  I have a family member who doesn't like a lot of veggies, so LaPasta ravioli is a great way to sneak it in.  Again, I love that they're local, but their pastas are also TASTY (trust me, I've tried many other organic and veggie-filled pastas that don't measure up).

Read More

BP Spills Coffee

Read More

I love this song.  Enjoy your weekend:

Read More

On Fear

"FEAR means Forfeit Everything And Run"

Other Cool "Fear" Mnemonics

False Evidence Appearing Real

Forfeit Everything And Relinquish

Future Events Appearing Real

Face Everything And Recover

Read More

Hilarious

An amusing way to address a very real issue. ENJOY!

Read More

via kenn bivins

Read More

I Write Like...

I write like
Anne Rice

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

AND

I write like
Cory Doctorow

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Interesting. I analyzed a couple of paragraphs from two different stories. Try it!

Read More

Today I felt like listening to some classics, esp Minnie Riperton, and I stumbled upon this interview with her from 1979 - shortly before her passing.  Janet Jackson could so play Minnie.  As one commenter on YouTube mentioned, their demeanor (and looks, if you ask me) are very similar.  

Anyway, this interview is funny - especially the story about the lion.  I was only about 2 years old in '79 so this is the first I've heard about the lion attack.  Nevertheless, what really struck me about the attack (other than how calm Riperton was about it) was that the first one on the scene was her husband.  I mean, how many women can honestly say that their man would fight a lion for them? Shoot, how many people can say their spouse (or even a family member or friend) would do the same thing? Let's be real. I do have one friend who literally put herself in harm's way (bullets whizzing past her head) to save another friend. That's love.

Read More

Pimp Your Desk

I have this theory that, if you aren't already doing something for a living that excites you, you should make your workplace as interesting as possible (within reason) - especially if it's a humdrum deal. Case en point, even my Kleenex boxes must be a work of art.  I refuse to buy the boring fugly boxes and prop them up on my desk. So, in the spirit of, um, productivity, I bought these office supplies last night:

Dead Fred

Morbid? Maybe. Cathartic? Absolutely!  I mean, why squeeze a stress ball when you could stab something!  Sorry Fred, you will bear the brunt of workplace frustrations from now on. Better you than an actual person.  I can't wait!

"Dead Fred may look a little on the stiff side, but he’s willing to bend over backwards to help you out."

The Butt Station

I've wanted this little gem for a while. Plain tape dispensers never really did it for me.  Besides, it's best to keep things interesting (and take up less space on my desk).  Yippeee!

Speaking of creative tape dispensers.  Here are some I wouldn't mind having. Seriously, your desk does not have to be a boring space/place. The possibilities are endless.

Read More

"Dear Diary"

Read More

Distractions

Nothing like a random web quiz to boost your self-esteem!

Your result for The Commonly Confused Words Test...

English Genius

You scored 100% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 100% Advanced,  and 87% Expert!

You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!

Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it!


For the complete Answer Key, visit my blog: http://shortredhead78.blogspot.com/.

Take The Commonly Confused Words Test at OkCupid

Read More

Hey Monie!

I so miss this show.  I'm launching a one-woman campaign to bring it back!

Read More

Currently Reading

Though it is a humorous book, Death by PowerPoint actually offers some pretty sound advice. Some of my faves:

"Even in the face of emotional tirades, panic attacks, and utter rage, a wise and serene employee will retain his or her own sense of calm, recognizing that another person's meltdown is merely something to be scientifically observed, not something in which to participate."

"...there are tormented souls who thrive on drama, and it is your duty to protect yourself from such chaotic drivel. Do not participate. Always remember:

- The world will not end if this doesn't go as planned.
- Calm resolve is the antidote to hysteria.
- My most extreme emotions are reserved for my LIFE, not my job..."

"Unless you're performing brain surgery of launching the space shuttle, chances are your work does not have life or death consequences...

- Resist being pulled into the drama that surrounds you.
- Remind yourself that no one's life is at stake.
- Look out the window to remind yourself that there is life outside of your office..."

There are plenty more tidbits of wisdom in this little book. Pick it up if you need a laugh (or some solid advice on how to deal in a difficult or less than ideal workplace.) Or you could just remind yourself that at least you have a job in this economy. *shrug*  Whatever works

Read More

Randomness: Text from last night

Me:  Nicki Minaj raps like she has Tourettes.

Him:  Yeah; But have you seen her in tights?

Me:  Shut up

Have a good one ya'll.

Read More

A Crying Shame

P.J. Hahn, director of Coastal Zone Management for Plaquemines Parish is my hero. In response to the blatant lie by BP's CEO that the impact of the oil spill would be "minimal," Mr. Hahn said,

"You tell that son-of-a-bitch to get on a plane and come down here and take a look at what we've got in our backyard."  (In the broadcast I saw, this was not censored). 

I yelled "Tell 'em why you're mad P.J.!" at the television and pumped my fist in the air. Finally, someone who refused to hold their tongue about this devastating crisis.

The oil spill is a damn mess and I am beyond sad about it.  It's all I can do to keep from crying these days.  At least P.J. Hahn called BP on their bulls*** long before anyone else did so publicly. Now, we need a solution that actually WORKS before we have nothing left.

(photo via yahoo)

(This aired in mid-May, but it took me a while to find the video online; start at the 1:32 mark)

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Read More

Cool Blog

Read More

Morning Music

Read More

Long Weekend!!!

I love this track.
Have a good weekend.

Read More

Thought-Provoking Film: Colour of Beauty

Read More

I've Got a Feeling

On a serious note:  This morning, I was mulling over some troubles and an old Gospel Song, "I've Got a Feeling [Everything's Gonna be Alright]", popped into my head.  I felt comforted for a few minutes by what I hope was a sign from God.

On a lighter note: I remembered this hilarious Martin episode starring David Alan Grier (he's so underrated) as the crooked Rev. Leon Lonnie Love, performing his rendition of "I've Got a Feeling".  Awful, I know, but it made me laugh and I needed that.

(Check the 00:36 - 1:04 mark.)

Read More

Secrets and Lies

I bought this book this weekend and now I'm addicted (okay, I was already addicted to the blog to begin with).  Now I want the entire series!

Read More

Nothin' on You

On an artistic level, I love the message of this song and the paper cut-out look of the video (collage love!).




On another note, while I appreciate the effort at diversity, I noticed some things. *sigh*  He tried.
Here is a vid that does an excellent job of representing diverse Black beauty (thanks Bluffer's Guide!) and that's all I have to say about that.

Read More

Brown Rice Family

Read More

"I may never see tomorrow, but this moment is my own

It's mine to use or cast aside; the choice is mine alone

I have just this precious moment in the sunlight of today

Where the dawning of tomorrow meets the dusk of yesterday."

-- Author Unknown

Read More

Fun With PhotoShop

+

Read More

Awww!

(Click the heart)

Read More

This is hot

Read More

"Window Seat" will never die!

Booty Meat By J. Anthony Brown from Film Captive Prods/Sylvia Jackso on Vimeo.

Read More

Fun With PhotoShop

I made these two a while ago using PhotoShop and random images I found on the web.  As you can see, I was feeling a certain way at the time.

Read More

Closer

I LOVE this Corinne Bailey Rae song. It's so Minnie Rippertonesque:

Read More

Medicine for Melancholy

Yet another reason I need Netflix:
I'm back on my indie film kick and Medicine for Melancholy looks like just what the doctor ordered. Apparently this film made the festival rounds last year, but this is the first I've heard of it (via Flummoxed Bird). Can't wait to check it out.

(click image to view trailer)









Director's Commentary:

Read More

Creepy Kitty

"I am Puss.....in Boots!"

The Standing Cat @ Yahoo! Video

Read More

Random

Um, why the hell does my Census form use the term "Negro" ?!?   

Read More

Nudity is NSFW

So Erykah Badu decided to strip down and stroll butterball naked in public for her latest video.  Now people are up in arms (despite the fact that she wouldn't be the first to do so).

My thoughts?:  Well, that's one way to make a shocking yet affordable video. big deal

*shrug*

There are more important things to worry about and nudity isn't that big of a deal to me (although I do find it annoying when my family members walk around half naked in the house - go figure).  Maybe I've been desensitized, or maybe this is just the type of stunt I would expect from dear Erykah. We all know she can be out there.  Many artists embrace nudity so why is this such a shock? Perhaps it's all too "hottentot venus"-ish for some folks. I mean no one seemed to care when Alanis Morissette bared it all for the entirety of her "Thank You" video. Then again, that was likely a closed set with extras who were warned. But wait, Matt and Kim did the same thing and this is the first I've even heard of their nudity stunt.

I think people will get over it. I say kudos to her for being comfortable enough to bare it all after three kids. Further, if I had an a** like hers, I can't promise you I'd keep my clothes on either. God knew what He was doing when he skipped me in that department. LOL

Here's what she had to say about it (she's killing me with the telepathic comment though, she would have been better off saying, "you act like the kids have never seen a t***y before!").

Her video inspiration:

Read More

Ode to: Oyin Handmade Products

As you can see from some of the photos I've posted here at M&C, I wear my hair natural and generally try to use as few synthetic chemicals on my hair and skin as possible. To that end, I've tried quite a few "natural" hair and skin care products in the 13 years since I stopped wearing a relaxer, which has led to a lot of money spent and plenty of disappointment when products either did not work out, changed as they became more popular (I won't name any names), or didn't quite fit my criteria of "natural".

Of course you can't always blame the product. You have to study your hair, learn your texture/hair type and understand what it needs before you find the perfect product. If you're washing your hair the wrong way or neglect to get a regular trim or grease your scalp (if that's what your hair type needs), even the best product will only do so much. Having said that, I've worn my hair this way long enough to know how to take care of it and when a product is just not all that it claims to be; and today I proclaim that I've finally, found "the one" in Oyin Handmade products.

I don't know what it is about Oyin - perhaps that it's made with love (aww), the clever product titles, or that it is very much a mom & pop operation where everything is mixed by hand - but since I began using their products, my hair has grown like a weed. Since I stopped relaxing my hair, I've always gotten questions about what products I use, but not nearly as often as I have since I became an Oyin believer. Not only does my hair love their products, they're affordable, and made by an adorable (and entertaining) husband and wife team and their friends. As if the wonderful products weren't enough, they had to go and make their site entertaining as well with their comical and informative podcasts. Check them out, and, most importantly, try their products.  There are plenty of reasonably priced and generous sample sizes to get you started.

My Personal Faves:

juices and berries - nourishing herbal leave-in:

The fact that I'm endorsing this product says a lot because I generally avoid liquid-based leave-in conditioners altogether. I've just never had luck with them; but juices and berries has made me a believer.  My hair sops this stuff up like gravy.

shine & define - gentle styling serum

keeps your hair in place w/o the hard helmet or crusting effect. LOVE this stuff

afterbath - blended body oil

another product I generally steer away from - body oils; however I make an exception for "afterbath". Being a bit of a mixtress myself, I actually blend "afterbath" with all natural organic sugar and use it as a body scrub to make my skin glow.

funkbutter - natural cream deodorant

an all natural deodorant that actually works.  If you have uber sensitive skin like me, stick with the unscented version.

Read More

Funny Stuff

I saw the cutest invitation this week:

Read More

Love This Song

Rene cosy - Scrabble Found at abmp3 search engine

Read More

Nubian Heritage

One of my favorite soaps was recently featured in GQ!

If you have dry skin (like me), you should try Nubian Heritage bar soaps. My personal favorite is Honey & Black Seed.

Read More

Commuting

Nice vid; but I don't miss commuting much at all.

Read More

Since I first heard this tune as models sashayed down the catwalk in Korto Momolu's collection (Season 5 of Project Runway), I couldn't get it out of my head - nor could I find it. Sure I came across cryptic leads here and there, but the actual song was nowhere to be found. On one message board, there was mention of a joshua and a song called "binti". Being the stubborn person that I am, I continued to search every once in a while and I finally found it!

Binti makes you move for sure, but the message is serious (corporate welfare, world epidemics, et al). Honestly though, isn't this what many of us do over the weekend, party to forget it all (whatever "it" may be)? Literally, we dance our troubles away - if only for a little while.

Check the song and lyrics below. (purchase here)

"Binti"

Woke up this morning with my

mind stayed on freedom

and it doesn't matter

what the people they say

woke up this morning with my

mind stayed on freedom

and it, it doesn't matter

what the people they sayin' about me

Go run and tell your mother

your sister friend and brother

my tears are dried and gone

my heart is turned to stone and

I'm gonna dance these troubles away

(repeat)

Halliburton, Enron, Caterpillar, Acxiom, Blackwater

pulling guns

trigger happy

killing sons

Politicians, them got

so much money for war

Hungry babies dying

All over the world

Epidemic HIV

Rising price of gasoline

when you're poor, you suffer

Feel the heat of summer

Then you freeze in winter

Come lets dance these troubles away

(repeat)

I'm gonna dance these troubles away

(repeat)

more on .joshua.

Read More

Who's That Girl?

Tolula Adeyemi

Read More

Random Rant

*sigh*

I usually don't share my complaints here at M&C (every once in a while) - especially about insignificant things. I usually reserve my rants (there are many) for another blog, share with friends, or keep them bottled up inside, but there's a itty bitty pet peeve I must get off my chest this morning:  radio personalities who know nothing (historically speaking) about the music and/or entertainment industry. Case en pointe:

One morning, a few years back, one D.C. area radio personality stumbled over the name of John Leguizamo as if she'd never even heard his name before. Given her age and length of service in the entertainment industry, I found this unacceptable; but I gave her a pass since John Leguizamo is an actor - not a musician/singer/rapper - and her audience is largely interested in Black entertainers (which Leguizamo is not), so she technically did not have to know much about him (even though she WAS reporting on general entertainment news).

There have been other offenses since but a particular incident from this morning's drive has really stuck in my craw.

I'm listening to another D.C. area morning show (I don't listen to the radio often these days) and, in the course of announcing celebrity gossip, a radio personality announced the impending divorce of Malinda Williams and D-Nice. Again, if you don't work in the entertainment industry, I don't expect you to know this couple, but if you're reporting entertainment news, I figure you should probably know a little something about the folks you're reporting on. So, imagine my shock when none of the announcers in the studio seemed to know who D-Nice was - beyond his current vocation as a deejay and photographer. They had no clue!  Age is no excuse. If you're in the entertainment industry, KNOW ENTERTAINMENT.  Further, if you're in the music industry, KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT MUSIC - especially your genre/format!  Or at least Google stalk people and act like you know. Stop being lazy and do some research. Better yet, know music inside and out - even if it was before your time. Sheesh

To that D.C. area morning show (you know who you are), I present to you, D-Nice; and please get your ish together:

Read More

Black History on Ice

Surya Bonaly



Debi Thomas

Read More

Respect

I stumbled upon this site a while ago and immediately heard my father, in the back of my mind, going on about how men and boys dressed well in his day. In his words, they were "clean" - not like young men today with their pants sagging, wearing sneakers/tennis shoes all the time, etc.  He loooved to harp on this especially when I was a teenager (I don't know why because the sagging pants were never attractive to me).  I'm sure the young men of Street Etiquette would be a breath of fresh air to my father's generation. They are to me (even though I will never be a fan of skinny jeans on men either). I have nothing against sweatpants and jeans or athletic wear at all, but it doesn't hurt for a man to look dapper sometimes.  Further, how long can a man dress like a boy?  Better yet, is there such a thing as dressing like a man or boy?  Thoughts?

Sewn From The Soul from Alejandro on Vimeo.


GENESIS OF STYLE: MIKE from TONE on Vimeo.

Read More