Soulfull of Thoughts

Literary Tweets: African-American Authors On Twitter

2009-05-21T23:45:00.005-04:00

On February 21, 2009, approximately three months ago today, I made the leap into the social micro-blogging site known as Twitter (for those of you that don't have a clue about Twitter, please watch this). My desire to connect with other writers was one of the first reasons why I joined Twitter and it was ~~also because I'm nosey as hell~~ during this short amount of time that I found out that it wasn't very easy to locate some of my favorite black authors. Therefore, I'd like to offer other 'tweeples' the opportunity to save their precious time as I've complied a nice list of some great writers. Now there are various reasons why these authors tweet; some authors only promote their latest project(s) while others enjoy conversing with their tweeples. Either way, whether you're a fan, a nosey lurker, or an aspiring writer like myself, these authors are tweeting away for the world to see - Aren't you curious to read what they're writing outside their books?

Aliya S. King

Ashley Antoinette

Bernice L. McFadden

Connie Briscoe

Danyel Smith

Dashawn Taylor

Donna Hill

Eric J. Dickey

Hill Harper

Iyanla Vanzant

Janine A. Morris

Jimi Izrael

Karen Q. Miller

Karrine Steffans

Kevin Liles

Kim Osorio

K'wan Foye

Linda Dominique

Lolita Files

Mary B. Morrison

Meta Smith

Miasha Coleman

Nelson George

Nikki Nicole

Nikki Turner

Omar Tyree

Reverend Run Simmons

Russell Simmons

S.B. Redd

Shay Raw

Shelia M. Gross

Smokey Fontaine

T. Styles

Tavis Smiley

Tiphani Montgomery

ToureX

Victoria Christopher Murray

Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant

Zane

Know of any other African-American authors on twitter? Naturally, this list can be updated, so take a moment to tell me about them in the comments. Meanwhile, I'll be over here, doing what I do best...

African-American authors twitter

Monday's Motivation: Just Be Thankful For What You Got..

2009-04-27T05:45:00.005-04:00

Dear Diary,
It's 4:15AM and I can't sleep. Hubby is snoring quite loudly, but I don't even care. Yesterday afternoon, while I was at home putting clean sheets on my sons' beds, hubby was laying on the roof of someone's car. He was riding with the fellas, on their way to get a bite to eat, when a car made an illegal u-turn right in front of his bike. In a matter of seconds, he had to decide between swerving to the right and risk hitting his riding buddy or ride head-on into the driver side door of this car; he took the latter. His bike smashed into the door, while his body went flying into the air, finding rest on the hood of the car.

Back at home, I'm going through spacesavers trying to determine what toys to donate to charity, when I get a call. It's hubby. As soon as I answer, I hear a wailing siren...

"Where are you?" I asked nervously.
"Now calm down...,but ah, I'm in an ambulance..I was in an accident, but I'M O-KAY, so don't panic..."

Ya'll know, I panicked right? I couldn't slide my clothes on or take the rollers out of my hair fast enough (sidebar: I had just attempted to curl my locs, so imagine me running around the house with bright red flexi-rods falling outta my hair). As I'm getting the kids together, I hear loud banging on the door. I flew down the stairs. It was one of his riding buddies telling me how they tried to reach me on the cell, but they had no luck. It was real. He was really hurt. I mean, I knew that when he called, but it still felt surreal. I started crying even more, which made his riding buddy resort to throw up his hands and say 'calm down, calm down, he's just fine, just get your things together and meet us at the hospital'. Okay, Okay, I can do this...

In the end, I managed to drop the kids off at grandma's and drive to the hospital without hurting myself or others. And it turns out Hubby was fine, with all his limbs in tact, though he's back and legs are definitely bruised and sore. All in all, things could be so much worse and as the sun comes up this morning, I'm wrestling between anger (for not wanting him to have a motorcycle in the first place) and happiness (for having a second chance with the love of my life). It's 6:00 now and the I'm still listening to the sounds of his snoring, although this time around, his rumbles are like sweet, sweet music to my ears. I am so very thankful for what I got.

Monday's Motivation: Outta Time

2009-03-30T23:36:00.004-04:00

As I'm typing this, it's 11:36PM, and I'm pissed. Time got away so fast and Monday disappeared too quick. Ain't that some shit. Still I need to voice my ambitions for this week and speak on what's motivating me. Funny how the past can spin back around to today and present itself like a present. So if the future's a mystery and the past is history, then this post is outta time and sequence. Excuse me blogosphere if this post makes no sense, but my breakthrough is long overdue.

Watch Part 1 of Jill Scott's The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

2009-03-24T21:35:00.002-04:00

Check out this clip of amazing Jill Scott (who’s preggers) in her new HBO mini-series, the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, which hit big with 5.2 million viewers in its BBC premiere Tuesday. The 2-hour HBO premiere is Sunday, March 29th at 8 PM EST. Man, I already got the DVR set for this joint!

jillscott

Sunday Evening Reflections: Never Would've Made It

2009-03-22T22:22:00.008-04:00

Dear Diary,
I've seriously got a case of ADD. It's 10:35pm and I haven't wrote not one iota of something worthwhile in the newest novel. Instead I got caught up in updating the background photo on my twitter page which took crazy amounts of time. Just sad! And I tell you, no one is more disappointed in me than me. So where does an ADD-having-ice-cream-all-day-eating-tweeting-addict writer such as myself go for rejuvenation? Well, up under hubby's arm, of course, crying the "blank page staring back at me" blues, while feeding him questions like: You think I'm a good writer, right? How come I can't focus? Why can't I think of anything good to write? Shame on technology for putting me in a trance! What's for dinner? Etc, etc, etc. My hubby answers my usual run of the mill questions with words of encouragement, much love, support and ~~turn the damn computer off~~. He soothes my crybaby writing antics and sends me happily back upstairs ~~to waste more time on twitter~~. That man gets me. He understands my crazy tendencies and passions so much that he doesn't kick me too hard in the butt for getting off track. And I need that. My men are my support system and when strong and resilient is no longer the motto, all of them are right there with six shoulders for me to lean on. It's like hubby loves my heart back together, my boys reaffirm why I keep on keeping on, and the Lord above is always there to carry me through my mess. Without all of them, I know I wouldn't be able to make it thru!

Sincerly,
Soulfull

motivation

Monday's Motivation: Still Smiling

2009-03-16T21:01:00.008-04:00

Dear Diary,
Today marks the beginning of the end. No longer can I say that I don't have the drive nor the ambition to go after what I truly want. I finally finished revising the novel and now, the plan is set in motion. I can rest easy. You know, take a load off... So why the hell am I not running up and smacking somebody's mama from sheer excitement? One word... Drama. Okay, wait, two words - mo' drama. I'm up against crazy stressful odds that have me digging deep holes into my soul and planting new ways of thinking. So instead of watching TV after putting the boys to bed, I'm sowing seeds of writing, reading, and tweeting (okay, no side-eye, twitter counts). Tending to my craft allows me to trade today's drama for tomorrow's peace. It's these thoughts of a peaceful future, chock-full of all my dreams becoming reality, that helps keep the tears at bay and a smile in play. And speaking of smiles, my blogging bud, Free, tagged me today. The request? Tell the world 5 things you wanna do before you die and 5 things you're glad to have done already. Wow, Free. Sista, this is exactly the type of motivation I was in need of. So, here goes nothing..

5 Things I Wanna Do Before Dying

1. Be able to buy back the homes that my maternal and paternal grandparents lived in.
2. Visit every single state in the U.S.
3. Publish at least 5 books.
4. Create a legacy of love, tight family bonds, a strong sense of manhood, and even stronger appreciation for women in my two sons.
5. Forgive and seek forgiveness from all the foul shit that may have happened up until my death.

5 Things I'm Glad I've Already Done

1. Secured my family's future, so they will be straight should something happen to me.
2. Spent time with my mother and father together, laughing and talking about their childhood and dating stories. (Still trippin' over the story about my mom's fighting another chick over my father-FUNNY!)
3. Bought a timeshare in Orlando, FL, so I can pass down to my sons the family tradition of yearly vacations.
4. Started recording all of my Dad's old LPs into mp3s.
5. Even through the worst of it all, I kept a smile on my face.

Well, those are my five on five... What's yours?

Sincerely,
Soulfull

What this song is saying to me:

Gotta keep proving I'm great
I'm so sick of it all
Gotta keep a smile on my face
Even if I slip and I fall
Gotta have a mask for the pain
If you wanna master the game
I was only after the props
Really I was never after the fame
I was never after the range
Now I'm like a rat in a race
Always trying to catch up the chase
Feeling like I'm trapped in a maze
Never let 'em see me when I'm down
Never let 'em see me with a frown
Even when the game beat me to the ground
I get up and go another round

motivation keep smiling

An Unconventional Chick

2009-02-27T08:10:00.007-05:00

Dear Diary,
I'm not normal. Now I've got pretty normal things and pretty normal surroundings, but deep inside of me, I'm finding many layers within that are leading me to one simple fact - I'm unconventional.

un·con·ven·tion·al
Pronunciation:
\-ˈvench-nəl, -ˈven(t)-shə-nəl\
Function:
adjective
: not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary

That is all. Happy Friday!

unconventional

Got My Money & My Weight On My Mind...

2009-02-25T09:18:00.005-05:00

Dear Diary,
I got some serious explaining to do. Bank of America called last night wondering when I was going to make a payment on my business card. $854 minimum payment? Ha, you know I didn't pick up that phone, right? Shoot, shit is tight right now and businesses everywhere are suffering, including mine, so try me some time next month. I've been discussing with hubby that it just might be time to step back and reevaluate the focus of our LLC. Unfortunately, that might mean that www.soulfulsynergy.com will be shut down. No love lost though. I mean, I gotta be real with myself. We haven't invested much time into updating in such a very long time and economically, it probably makes better sense to just move everything over to the blogosphere anyway. There are no major fees associated with blogging clients so that's a valid option. Hmmmm? Decisions, decisions, decisions. In other world news, thanks to this amazingly faithful blogger, the topic on my mind has also been weight. Since giving birth to DJ and JD, my behind went from an even 100 pounds to 130 pounds. I know, I know, that's not really a HUGE weight gain, but when you're 4'11 like me, all that weight is hitting two areas - my pooch and my boobs. I'm comfortable with my body though, as evident by this picture over here, but I know I would look way better if I shed just 10 pounds. So, I woke up this morning, jumped on the scale, and waited - 132.2 pounds. DAMN! Where did the 2.2 pounds come from!?! I've been quite successfully with maintaining 130 pounds, but now, I'm inching up! What could be the root cause? Starbucks? Frozen dinners? Cookies? Candy? Martinis? Man, with so many vices, a sista gotta come down quick or my ass is gonna start sagging even more! In the end, it's funny how both my weight and my money are weighing heavily on my mind. :sigh:

Sincerely,
Soulfull

diets economy

I'm Still Writing, Even If It's Not THAT Kind Of Writing...

2009-02-24T09:50:00.007-05:00

Dear Diary,
Please, please, please tell me there's a cure for snoring... I love my man so very much, but I haven't really had a good night's sleep in a minute. Well, I guess, not having adequate rest shouldn't be blamed entirely on him. I mean, it probably doesn't help that I stay up writing/listening to music/tweeting/FB'ing until the wee hours of the morning, so the 4-5 hours of sleep a night just ain't cuttin it. I probably get one hour of sleep for every fourth of my life - being the wife, being the mom, being the businesswoman, and being the writer. All of them needing just as much attention as the next, if not MORE on the mom and wife side. But hey, I'm doing the very best I can while pursing my dreams. In other world news, I braided my locs the other night, so my head is still aching a bit! You know, it's quite funny the reactions I've received at work. I suppose corporate America STILL isn't as open-minded as I thought. O f'ing well. I'm not taking this ish out until I feel like it ~~or until brain matter starts to ooze out my follicles.. Wait, ewww, that was gross... LOL!~~ Anyhow, I had a major epiphany yesterday afternoon... I was sitting at my desk, depressed over not really having achieved my life's purpose, when I had that 'A-HA' moment....(drumroll) I get PAID to write. Well, not the creative-movie-making-type of writing that I love, but the technical-program-analyst-kind that allows me to keep the lights on at the house and gas in the ride. And let's not forget the countless emails, shoot that ish counts too, dangnabit!

Sincerely,
Soulfull

locs

I'd Like To Thank The Academy for.. A BUNCH OF B.S.!

2009-02-23T10:07:00.008-05:00

Dear Diary,
Last night was so interesting. Guess what I did? Come on, guess! Well, last night, I watched the Oscars with a few old/new friends: Questlove, Butta, Saul, HumanityCritic, HealerAvalaura, just to name a few. Now I know that shit sounds weird, but I'm telling you, it happened and I had a good 'ole time cracking up at all of them - Thanks to my new found fave social networking site, TWITTER! Yea, I know, I'm a lamer (as my friend Charlie, calls me), but hot piss, I'm a techie! I just can't help it!! I love all things shiny and metal, and all those things that come at me through the computer screen. Man, is it possible to have a Facebook addiction along with a side of Twit? I think so because damn it, I'm suffering... But back to the Oscars - WHAT A MESS! I should've known this wasn't the year for Taraji or Viola. Why? Because they were in the same f'ing category. That right there is a DEATH SENTENCE for African-Americans in film. You know the Academy ain't trying to have us get too excited so they lump us all in at one time. Yet, they have no probs having us perform... HMMM??? Shouts out to Queen Latifah though, she did her thing! Missed Beyonce's performance, but I'm sure it will be on Youtube soon. You know maybe, I'm just being a cynic, but do 'we' only get to win an Oscar every ten years or so? It sure feels like we do, but anyhow, it should be no surprise that editing the book went out the window with the Oscars on the boob-tube. All things considered, I'm still ahead of the game, so I'll definitely be making an appearance in front of the manuscript tonight!

Sincerely,
Soulfull

oscars

It Might Be Time To Switch It Up A Bit

2009-02-21T12:38:00.005-05:00

Dear Diary,
This blog is sucks. I had such good intentions when I first started this joint three years... Wait a cotton-picking minute?! It's been three years already!? Yup, such good intentions from the jump, but now, I can't seem to muster up the right words to write here. I guess I need to change my approach and go back to the basics - a journal. But is a blog any different from a journal? I'm not quite sure, but whew, I already feel joy rising up in my soul. If there's ONE thing I need right now is a chance to just get my thoughts down, to just express all the craziness I've been going through and not really care about the expectations. So what's been going on in my life thus far? Well, my dumb ass got into a car accident with the new ride and hot damn if it didn't happen in them crazy ass DC streets! I hate driving in DC sometimes and that particular morning explains why - folks just ain't got no fricking sense! Luckily, all the damage was only on the passenger side of the vehicle... But enough about that crap, the car is fixed so I'm not sweating it anymore. So in other world news, I'm working my behind off to get this book edited and in the hands of another editor for a second rewrite. I'm really excited about that and though this isn't the final stop towards publishing, I'm still SO F'ING excited! Everything is on the up and up... Oh yeah, thanks to a good friend of mine, I finally joined the Twitter revolution over here, so I'm curious to learn what that's all about... Well, I'm out... for now at least. Oh yeah, one more thing, what's up with this mess? I mean, this dude can't be serious...

Sincerely,
Soulfull

Seven Days And Counting....

2008-10-28T21:59:00.003-04:00

Check out this video DJ John Blaze did for Obama... Man, I can't WAIT to vote....

election obama john blaze swaggerlikeus

Monday's Motivation: Recognizing The Birth Day

2008-10-27T09:06:00.005-04:00

Morning world. Not feeling so good today. Like a crazy person, I stayed up extremely late (say 2AM) catching up on my new FAVORITE TV SERIES - TRUE BLOOD! OMG, that show is so slick. But it's quite a coincidence that I would start today off having cramps. Geez, what I way to start the week. At any rate, since I've dragged my ass to work, I suppose I've got to find a way to get this day going - FAST! I need 4:30 to come NOW! I need to get back home and wish my little baby boy HAPPY BIRTHDAY. He turned 4 years old today (MY GOODNESS, WHERE DID THE TIME GO!?) and it's so exciting to see him growing up and becoming mommy's big boy. Yesterday, we took the kids to Chucks (that's Chuck E Cheese for short) and they had a blast. Today, we'll do the cake and ice cream thing all over again and let Little JD finally have has presents.

You know, it's weird how today links up so many things. I mean, four years ago, I was giving birth to my second son and four years later, I'm celebrating his life while in the mist of my womanly menstrual pain. And as I approach NaNoWriMo, I potentially will be on the cusp of another milestone - the birth of my next novel, Officer Down. Yes, indeed, it's a happy birth day, in more ways than one...

The Birth - RZA

What this song is saying to me:

Yeah, you knowwhatimean?
Cuz yo, this right here
Is called knowledge of self
When you apply that to yourself, you know yourself
You understand, yo, it's gonna get your third eye opened
You can see things for what they are, and not what they appear to be....

birth growth renewal rza self-discovery

I Can't Let This Happen....

2008-10-23T07:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I went home early with a serious mind-blowing headache and this morning, the pain is still there. I believe this pain comes from one simple source - my day job. Lately, in my quest to be superwoman, I've allowed this job to consume way too much of my identity and time. It's almost like I've got to remember not to take on too much shit or get involved in the shit of others. Either way, I'm going to have a good day today because I've got to remember what I really want to do in life....

headaches

Monday's Motivation: Just Live Your Life!

2008-10-20T19:38:00.006-04:00

Evening world. Monday's come and gone and I'm right back in the place I started from - my bed. I suppose big, creative thoughts seem to live here, right on my pillow and soon I'm going to lay my head and relax, but until then, a bit of motivation is needed to tackle writing an outline for my NaNoWriMo book. That's where T.I.'s new song with Rihanna comes in. Now there's some things I can't resist and that's a high energy song and this joint fits the bill, annoying intro and all.

What this song is saying to me:

What you need to do is be thankful for the life that you got.
You know what I'm sayin'.
Stop lookin' at what you ain't got
and start bein' thankful for what you do got.

Download: T.I. - Live Your Life featuring Rihanna (via The Vibe Source)

live your life
motivation

Call Me Crazy, But I'm Going In...

2008-10-18T19:01:00.002-04:00

Evening world. Judging from the icon to my right, you probably already guessed what I'm about to do. Yup, next month is National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWrimo, for short) and I'm getting back into the swing of things. Yeah, I know I have a 50,000+ novel that I still haven't finished editing, but what better way to recharge my batteries than to dive into writing another book? You know, I really think it's the pressure that attracts me and with being out of school, it's only logical that I take this turn on the road towards being a published author. All I gotta do is stay focused, which is so much easier to say than do...

nanowrimo

More Photos from Janet's Concert At the Verizon Center

2008-10-18T10:02:00.002-04:00

Janet Jackson - Rock Witchu Tour 2008 012
Originally uploaded by Soulfull.

Morning World! It's SATURDAY! YESSS! Well, the technical difficulties are over, ya'll! I've finally uploaded to Flickr, so be sure to come on through and check out the flicks from Janet's Oct. 15th tour date in Washington, DC. Despite the rumors, Janet was in FULL EFFECT and great shape! Peace!

She's Backkk! Janet Hits The Verizon Center to Rock Witchu!

2008-10-16T08:18:00.005-04:00

MORNING WORLD! Lawd have mercy, ya'll! Last night, I found myself front row to the second stage, dancing and singing along to Janet, or Ms. Jackson if ya nasty! Home girl blew the roof off that joint, rocking classics from as way back as 1982's Young Love off her self-titled LP to most recent jams as So Much Betta off of Discipline. My o my, it was really cool to be that close to such a musical legend. Now granted the show didn't start until about 8:45 or so, but shoot, better late than NEVER. LOL! Now had she canceled/rescheduled this tour date as she's done so many others, I definitely could see myself wanting to kick her ass, like a few of the folks that were with me last night. Before the show, folks were chatting it up with their complaints about having to spend more money to come to the DC show or complaining about how screwed up it was for her to have canceled/rescheduled those other shows, but guess what folks, artists are people too and just like you, they call in sick too! But that dag-on damn LL Cool J didn't show up ya'll!! WTF!? I mean, did I miss something?? I'm like what does he have to do other than make crazy Old Spice commercials or hawk clothes through Sears?!? GEEZ! Oh yeah, there was quite a stir when shorty b-bop, Jermaine Dupri, came through the arena to grab a seat and watch the show. Man, folks were having a fit, taking photos and what not. At any rate, the time off must have done Janet good because her entertainment switch was ON as soon as she finally hit the stage to one of her classics, Pleasure Principle. Shoot, I can't remember exactly every song that she did because I got in "the zone" and lost my mind dancing/singing and all those true fans know EXACTLY what that's like - LOL! Now, there were many true fans in attendance last night, but naturally there were SOME folks who thought they were standing up watching TV or something - standing around, looking indifferent. Geez, got on my fucking NERVES! I mean, don't watch me because I make no apologies for wanting to have a good damn time. Besides, who comes to a concert to just look cute!? NOT I! I gets D-O-W-N! LOL! Anyway, my absolute FAVORITE part of the show was watching Janet "torture" this dude she hand-picked from the audience and boy o boy, his facial expressions were TOO FUNNY! But enough of me, check all the videos from last night and from other tour dates. I'm working to get my photos posted on Flickr soon, so look for those later. Peace!

Pleasure Principle (Verizon Center, Washington, DC - Opening Act)

Discipline (Verizon Center, Washington, DC - Janet tortures a lucky man from the audience)

Rhythm Nation (Verizon Center, Washington, DC - she worked the hell outta this joint!)

So Much Betta (from the Vancover show)

So Excited (from the L.A. show)

Escapade/Love Will Never Do (from the Vancouver show)

Again (from the Vancouver show - classic joint!)

Anytime, Anyplace (from the Oakland show - this song is so so damn mellow)

Funny How Time Flies (from the San Diego show - this is MY SONG!! OMG, I almost LOST IT on this one!!!)

Alright (from the Vancouver show)

All For You (from the L.A. show)

The 1982 Medley of Janet's classics (from the Vancouver show)

Black Cat (from the Vancouver show)

Runaway (from the L.A. show - this was the closing act)

janet jackson Rock Witchu tour verizon center

Sunday Morning Reflections: It's Only Love That Gets You Through...

2008-10-05T17:12:00.004-04:00

Evening world. Yesterday, I went to this flea market out in Baltimore, MD where I happened to find quite a deal on Kimora Lee Simmons's book Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It (You can preview it here). Now, I'm a sucka for self-help books, so getting this book, brand new, for just $5 bucks was a steal. So today, I thumbing through the chapters, when I found Kimora's Grand Aspiration Theory, or G.A.T, which simply means that individuals generally follow this pattern when aspiring to achieve something:

1. High aspirations breeds frustration.
2. Frustration breeds motivation.
3. Motivation pushes you into action - whether you take tiny baby steps or huge strides.
4. Action breeds confidence: you start to feel in control.
5. Confidence is cumulative: Once you start acquiring it, you get more and more of it.
6. Soon enough, you prove yourself that you're a star who can surmount any obstacle and achieve whatever you decide you want to achieve with your life. You're on a roll!

So as I'm digesting this concept, I continue thumbing through the rest of the book, when I realize - you know what, I already have what I need to be fabulous - the love of my entire family and friends. I mean, don't get me wrong, Kimora's book is a good starting point for the young 20ish girl, who's coming into her own, but when you're 29, married with kids and been in the work force for 14+ years, it's hard to see the value in learning that "being average is safe, comfortable, and totally boring". So I closed the book, stuck it on the shelf with all the others, and got back in the bed to relish in the simple fact that - girl, you already fabulously rich, even with nothing.

sunday morning reflections motivation sade

Biden Debates, While Palin Smiles And Dances Around The Questions

2008-10-03T09:03:00.009-04:00

The Headline Reads: Palin eases the hurt in McCain-land

Boy o boy, yesterday's debate was such a song and dance of sorts, except the only one dancing to their own beat was Palin. I really wanted to jump through the television screen every time she decided that she wanted to talk about something else or turn the conversation back around towards her own agenda. I mean, in all that she spoke about, I still didn't really hear concrete points for the republicans plan of action?! But hey, to be fair, Biden wasn't exactly the winner by a landslide either. My only issue with him was that he really has to work on making his points more concisely, yet I'd have to say, he really had me when he started in on Palin's "Maverick" strategy...

So true, Biden, and speaking of truths, Palin really needs to stop acting like being a "Washington outsider" is some sort of prize. Now, I can appreciate someone who doesn't conform to the status qou, but that doesn't mean you get to come to the table with less than the desirable credentials...

Going up against Democratic running mate Joe Biden, the Alaska governor offered reassurance to Republicans and conservatives unnerved by her lack of national experience and her faltering conduct in two recent TV network interviews.

She winked and smiled and shrugged through a litany of grievances against Obama on taxes, the war in Iraq and energy. She jotted down notes, glancing at them from behind her lectern as she checked off the points of her replies. And she made a case to the middle class, offering a populist answer to the cause of the current housing crisis.

"Darn right it was the predator lenders, who tried to talk Americans into thinking that it was smart to buy a $300,000 house if we could only afford a $100,000 house," she said.

Whoa, what an answer, Palin?! Like duh, but what is your party's plan to fix this mess!?! Shoot, she really had me cracking up when she referred to middle America as the Hockey Moms and Joe Six Packs - WTF! Gosh, she's just a little bit too... too... too programmed for my taste. It's almost like in her attempts to be a "regular Joe", she forgets that she's vying for the second most important job in our government. *Sigh*

If anyone missed it, you can watch the full debate below... Peace!

biden and palin debate

A File From The Crazy Photos Department - NFSW

2008-10-03T08:56:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday, ya'll!!! So Halloween is on its' way and naturally, October's the time that I start to receive all kinds of foolery in my email box. Check out this crazy photo of someone dressing up in a RETIRED HOOTERS GIRL costume - HUH-LARIOUS!

hooters girls crazy photos

Chaos and Confusion

2008-10-02T09:02:00.002-04:00

Morning world! So I'm sitting here in my office thinking about what it is I want to accomplish by blogging again?? Or maybe should I say, what is holding me back from wanting to blog the way I truly want to??? I don't know, but I'm starting to think that the only way this blog can be helpful to me is if I made it a private blog. But then, I think, well shit, what's the point in that, when I've shared so much of myself online as it is..... Hmmm, I don't know, but I suppose, I'll get it all this chaos and confusion together soon. Speaking of chaos, Palin set to hit the stage tonight against Biden, and truthfully, I really can't wait to see this! I mean, Palin, is so fricking annoying with that damn voice of hers, but combined with her delivery and all them coordinated hand movements, I swear, she's so orchestrated, it's ridiculous. Well, that's enough crazy rambling from me now.. Peace.

The Cleansing Begins...

2008-10-01T08:55:00.003-04:00

Good morning world. Today's the first day of October 2008 and this is the first step to getting back into the blogging world. Ain't making no promises, but I'm gonna be committed about this thing and make it a point to write at least once a day, even if its about nothing at all. Because for real, I'm losing my writing voice, at least I think, and the ills of the world are holding my hands behind my back, preventing me from getting these fingers back onto "the keys". So what's going on in my world today? Well, as I mentioned in my last post, I just paid off my car (9/5/08) and would you believe that bitch went and died on me (9/18/08)!!?!?! WTF! You see, it just never fails as soon as you pay a damn car off, it always dies on you. Luckily though, a sisters credit was on point due to the fact that hubby and I are looking to purchase another home (but with the current state of the housing market in our area, I don't know if we're gonna make that leap yet), so I went over to Carmax and purchased Black Beauty...

With 36K miles and a 5yr/96K warranty, she's $111 bucks less of a car note than what I was paying before, she lowered my auto insurance by about $30 bucks and you know, I'm just really hoping she won't die on me no time soon and so far so good. I mean, as expected, she can eat up some gas, but I don't really drive that much anyway. So we'll see how it goes... I really want to get personalized plates that read something like creative, but considering where I'm trying to go, I doubt that would be a good idea. Hmmm, what else is going on? A lot of stuff is going on at "the day job", but considering this is an open forum, I doubt I can divulge into all that drama. But you know, since being a way from the "blog world", I've built up a little apprehension about sharing my life and views on things, but I'm hoping that will subside soon. What I do know is this - this blog and all my blogs still have the same agenda - to be a place of release and creative expression for me as I continue towards living this life. Well, that's it for now.. I'll be back on the scene later. Peace.

gmc envoy denali xl

I'm Gonna Ease Back Into This Thing....

2008-09-11T16:37:00.000-04:00

Blogging. Just exactly what does that mean for me now? I've been away from this spot for the last eight months and during that time - much has changed. Well not that much really. I've had my braces removed, paid off two car notes, saw my second son off to pre-k (now I'm really feeling old) and managed to graduate from Kaplan with a BS degree (I just love to say "BS degree") in Business Mgmt with that mind blogging concentration in E-Commerce. But beyond that, I'm still flawed. Still having those anxiety attacks and still trying to publish a book... The saga continues...

Deborah Tang; BET Executive, Journalists' Mentor, Passes

2008-01-09T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Headline Reads: Deborah Tang; BET Executive, Journalists' Mentor (WaPo)

Deborah Tang; BET Executive, Journalists' Mentor

By Yvonne Shinhoster Lamb
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 9, 2008; B07

Deborah Tang, 60, who created news, public affairs, sports and gospel programming for Black Entertainment Television and mentored numerous broadcast journalists, died of cancer Dec. 25 at her home in Washington.

During her 14-year tenure at BET, in which she became a vice president, Ms. Tang produced "BET News," the first national black cable news show, and "Lead Story," a roundtable program featuring prominent national journalists. She also played a key role in shaping the network's presence at the Democratic and Republican national conventions in 1988, 1992 and 1996.

She originated "For Black Men Only," a male-oriented discussion show, and in 1997 launched a daily talk show with host Tavis Smiley, "BET Talk." She organized several BET town hall meetings, including one on revitalizing cities with then-Vice President Al Gore. Her popular "Teen Summit" show was honored by industry organizations and the NAACP.

Under Ms. Tang, BET broadcast an exclusive interview with O.J. Simpson after he was acquitted in 1995 of double murder, a move that she said brought the network to the attention of a much wider audience.

"Mainstream America didn't know we were here until O.J. Simpson," she told Emerge magazine.

Ms. Tang, a meticulous business manager and savvy news producer, recognized the importance of providing news as well as presenting balanced portrayals of blacks on BET.

"The majority doesn't see us as doctors and lawyers who work hard every day. We have to make sure that America sees the other side," she told Emerge.

Much of Ms. Tang's work escaped the criticism that BET has received in recent years for its suggestive music videos and other programming that critics have said demeans African Americans. She was hired by BET owner Robert L. Johnson in 1986 as executive producer of news and public affairs. She left the company in 2000.

"She strove for excellence in all she did," said a longtime friend, Edna Lee Moffitt, "and the quality was recognized in the industry."

Among those who benefited from Ms. Tang's drive to make news a critical part of the cable channel were talk-show hosts Smiley and Cheryl Martin and news anchor Ed Gordon.

Gordon, who conducted BET's interview with Simpson and later joined MSNBC, credited Ms. Tang with his career. "When you think of the kingmakers in this business, Deborah has to be on the short list for black talent. She saw the talent in us and put us in positions we're in," Gordon told Richard Prince, who writes Journal-isms, an online media column. Gordon hosts a syndicated show for Black Enterprise magazine.

Ms. Tang was interested in mentoring people who worked with her and spent a lot of time with young people who operated the cameras and worked in other parts of the business, Moffitt said. After leaving BET, she continued to mentor young people and volunteered at the Anthony Bowen YMCA in the District.

Deborah Canada Tang was born in Chicago and attended Chicago State University. She worked in community poverty programs and in sales and marketing positions in her home town before becoming a producer for the "Charlie Rose" show at a Dallas TV station in 1978. She moved with the show when it began production at WRC, the NBC affiliate in Washington, in 1980.

From 1982 to 1986, she held producing positions at three Washington area TV stations, including WJLA (Channel 7), where she received an Emmy for a one-hour special called "The KKK in Washington."

She was inducted into the hall of fame of the National Association of Minorities in Communications in 1996. She received two NAACP Image Awards, one for a "BET News" special on former commerce secretary Ron Brown and the other for the "It Takes A Village" program of "Teen Summit."

Her marriage to Roger Tang ended in divorce.

In recent years, she traveled, read mystery books and was active in the Moles, a women's social group.

Survivors include a sister, Marie Canada of Washington; three brothers, Edward Canada, Stephen Canada and Barrett Canada, all of Chicago; and a longtime companion, Lewis Hutchinson of Washington.

Deborah Tang BET