That's My Theory

Today's Theory - Tomorrow's Fact: Yaw Geez

2011-10-11T18:40:00.001-04:00

As you may recall, if not scroll down a little bit, I introduced you to Yaw Geez. We finally sat down for an interview a few weeks ago and here it is. Enjoy.

YAW GEEZ INTERVIEW by MsTheory2U

Watt to buy: The truth about blow dryers [Guest post for ShayStar.com]

2011-09-28T14:30:00.001-04:00

Over the course of several weeks, I noticed it was taking longer and longer to blow-dry my hair. Realizing that the dryer was going on three years old and slowly creeping towards its final fate - to sit in a landfill somewhere in America, I set out to purchase a new one.

The hunt began at the local box retail store where the dryers ranged in price from $9.99 to 39.99. Ionic this, cool shot that … it was all so overwhelming. A closer look at the boxes led to a startling conclusion, each and every dryer on the shelf was 1875 watts. This had to be some type of conspiracy. I am no science buff, but I do know that the wattage refers to how much power the drier pushes out; therefore the wattage refers to how hot the drier will get. They are ripping people off on a daily basis. The $10 dryer does the same job as the $40 dryer.

I went home pissed off and began doing my research and found that dryers range in wattage from 1000-5000. The blow dryer industry is very tricky with their marketing and will name a 1000-watt dryer the “Turbo 3000” - 3000 has nothing to do with the machine’s performance. You have to pay attention to the wattage - that is all that matters.

Armed with my new knowledge, I headed to a professional hair supply store and found a plethora of choices. The drier in my price range was the Conair Silver Bird Pro, which is 2000 watts and was on sale for $29.99 normally $49.99 - so I scored. The moral of the story is don’t be fooled by the hype, do your research before you shop for anything.

Here is to hair blowing in the wind,

Theory

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How to survive sunburn: A guide for brown girls of all shades

2011-07-24T23:40:00.002-04:00

Working on my sunburn ... I mean tan.

For 28 years, I too believed the myth that “Black people don’t get sun burn.”

After spending countless hours on South Beach last Memorial Day weekend, my entire chest, neck and face were completely burned. It looked like I got into a fight with my blush, and the blush won - it was not a good look.

It was not until the next morning that the full extent of my so -called “trying to get as brown as I possibly could” was realized. My skin was on fire.

Here’s what got me through it:

PAIN RELIVER: Chose your favorite brand. Tylenol, Advil, Excedrin – whatever you prefer.

ALOE VERA SOMETHING: The aloe not only cools on contact, but it also has natural healing properties. I chose a spray for the simple fact that it’s not messy. A gel probably works best, but the spray goes on quicker and doesn’t require washing your hands. Lazy, I know …

SUNBLOCK SPF 50: If you plan to go back out into the sun, you must understand that you will continue to bake. If you want to have any chance of enjoying the rest of your trip, lather up in it and apply it religiously throughout the day.

MOSTURIZER: Carry the lotion with you. Your skin will start to peel, you will feel like a snake – it is disgusting. It’s hard to forgive yourself for this – which is why will do better next time.

The tan was worth it.

My Theory on who you should be listening to.

2011-07-07T19:03:00.005-04:00

It’s been way too long since I’ve made a post about music, especially after the twitter fiasco -if you’ve been with me from the beginning you know what I am talking about. If not -we NEVER speak of the twitter fiasco in detail.

Moving on … I was inspired this weekend after I was asked about what’s on my iPod. This person is as critical as I am, so when he loved what I showed him – I felt obligated to make my choices public. You may, or may not have heard of these artists – but now that you know better, you can do better.

Yaw Geez – About a year ago my girlfriend, Rose, told me about a concert that her friend Yaw was having and suggested that I cover it for the site. Being the critical individual I am, I declined. One of my biggest fears is that awkward moment when you realize that your friends friend’s music sucks – and those are always the ones that have a nerve to ask you what you think. Long story short … I was recently inspired to check out his album, Entry Level. Ladies and Gentleman, I am honestly extremely disappointed that it took me an entire year to enjoy the album. Pure dopeness.

Songs that should be on the radio: 9 to 5er’s and Computer Love.

Mike Baker the Bike Maker – Dude is as cool as his flow is. Was happy to meet him and his love at the A Tribe Called Quest documentary screening during Tribeca. I breathed a sigh of relief, as I heard the first bars on Refreshing – track one on his project, Body of Work. Not to mention homey is from the Golden State, you how we do on the left coast.

My favorite track? The Coast is Clear – his latest single.

You can thank me later,
Theory

Stand Up, Speak Out

2011-07-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

This was not easy to get out. It actually took me two months to edit this piece. I hope it helps someone.

Mr. Fabulosity, André D. Singleton

2011-07-06T19:49:00.000-04:00

Andre D. Singleton is known internationally for his big-bright smile, his infectious laugh, and his ability to “bring it” on the dance floor as a member of the band, Boogieman. Andre is not only a survivor, but an inspiration to all he encounters.

Mr. Fabulosity, himself, sat down with Brandice Taylor-Davis of WNSR - New School Radio for a candid interview about his time at Eugene Lang College, his brush with death, and his motto for life.

I first introduced you to Mr. Fabulosity when he brought me back to reality last year. Clearly, I have been slacking on my pimping - because I have no good reason for not sharing it here as well.

Recently, Andre appeared on Episode 5 of the hit VH-1 Show, Basketball Wives.

Find André on twitter: @Brohogany

Andre D. Singleton Interview by MsTheory2U

BEYONCÉ :: YEAR OF 4

2011-07-05T17:48:00.002-04:00

I tried to tell y'all I was not anti-Beyoncé - I just wasn't feeling her last project, I am Sasha Fierce. That's My Theory and I am entitled to it - dammit.

This short documentary is life changing and it kinda makes me proud to be a fan. Watch and tell us what you think. Check back soon for the album review.

Girl, you've got some soft skin . . .

2011-06-28T15:24:00.003-04:00

Lately, I've gotten several compliments on my skin and decided that I’m willing to give up a secret or two to help my fellow beauty addict.

BODY

I've made it my business to stop using all those cutesy soaps/body washes that dry your skin out. About two years ago, I fell in love with Lush solid soaps and haven’t stopped using them since. They are all natural and because they are super concentrated a $10 chunk usually lasts me 2-3 months.

To moisturize, I have found that the lotion from my childhood works the best, St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin - during the winter (or for a hot date) I mix it with body butter from Bath and Body Works for extra softness.

I constantly experiment with exfoliators. Currently, I am using St. Ives Mineral Therapy body scrub - I found at a discount store and I will be going back to pick up more. It not only exfoliates, but cleanses and moisturizes all in one swoop. I use it 1-2 times weekly.

FACE

One day it occurred to me that I could no longer wash my face with only water and expect it to stay looking vibrant and healthy. It took several combinations, but I have gotten my facial care down to a science. Here are a few things that work for me.

I constantly change my facial soap and moisturizer. In my bathroom, I have at least 4 kinds of soap and three moisturizers in my medicine cabinet. Your skin is a living, breathing organ that reacts to the environment around it, so it’s necessary to give it what it needs.

Fresh Farmacy

To fight acne I use Fresh Farmacy from Lush as well as Clinique liquid facial soap. As soon as my face starts feeling dry I use good ole Oil of Olay bar soap. For an every day cleanser I use Ocean Salt Cleanser by Lush.

Clearly, I am a Lush addict and my toner is also a product of this company – the Tea Tree Water Toner is my best friend and strongest defense against pimples.

As you may have guessed, I am in love with Lush moisturizer and there are two that I LIVE for – Gorgeous (light, smells amazing, and quite refreshing) and Vanishing Cream (controls oil, helps with scaring, helps with acne). My third moisturizer I got from Sustainable NYC, I use this one in the winter to help restore moisture.

HAIR

Now, it gets really tricky with my hair. I use SEVERAL products as I do for my face – but this list is twice as long because I also use different products when I want to wear it natural (curly) or straight. But heck, it’s the summer, and I am on my natural kick most days, so let’s stick to the products I am using the most now.

Hask Henna 'n' Placenta plus Olive Oil

To get my locks clean, I switch between Aphogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair and Trichomania (another Lush product). In my opinion, you could probably get away with using cheap shampoo, but you can not skimp with the conditioner. I use the Balancing Moisturizer and the 2-Minute Keratin Reconstructor by Aphogee as well as Jungle by Lush.

Because I wash my hair so much, I make it my business to deep condition at least 2-3 times a week and I rotate between Garnier’s 3 Minute Undo, Lush’s H'SUAN WEN HUA, and MoroccanOil’s Restorative Conditioner (not so easy on the pockets).

To style I alternate between the leave in conditioner by Aphogee and Hask Henna 'n' Placenta plus Olive Oil – both are amazing. To keep the frizz away, I use MoroccanOil’s Intense Curl Crème with a splash of their oil treatment. When I want to be certain it stays the way it looks all day – I give it a few sprays of Aphogee’s hair spritz and a dab of Cantu shea butter clear conditioning gel - extra hold.

I am always trying new combinations and products. Tell us what works best for you, or what you think of my suggestions.

HERE IS TO BEING HEALTY AND BEAUTIFUL.

Cheers,

Theory

Can I kick it? Yes, you can. A Tribe Called Quest Documentary.

2011-05-31T14:56:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was doing a piece on the A Tribe Called Quest documentary. Totally forgot about posting the story here, as it has been posted on WNSR - New School Radio for some time now.

Click HERE to hear the story. Enjoy.

I would link to the movie page, yet somewhere between my research and now - it has been replaced with some corporate bullish. Instead, here is the trailer.

More art from Erykah.

2011-05-29T15:51:00.003-04:00

Pure artistic expression at its finest.

Shout out to Bubble Mami -- for always staying up on that new-new and sharing it so an old head like myself can keep up with the program.

Enjoy.

OUT MY MIND JUST IN TIME from Creative Control on Vimeo.

No one said being sexy is easy.

2011-05-24T07:26:00.000-04:00

After a few weeks, the DVD's got old and I starting finding every excuse in the book not to work out - a major set back. I had to do something about it, especially when I noticed that all the extra attention I get on the street because of the excessive mass trailing behind me.

Realizing that summer is looming, I had to do something to keep my bikini body from slipping away. The first thing I did was go bathing suit shopping. I bought a cute little cut-out number - a size smaller than I wear. Second, I started a regimen at a gym. The Wendy Williams Show has been getting me through cardio and I've been putting mind over matter during strength training. I knew I was out of shape, but you never realize how much until you start working out. My inner thigh area has never hurt so much.

Although I had a set back, I am not giving up. Reaching my goal is a must. I do not have a specific weight loss goal, I just want to look AMAZING in my clothes and to be healthy for the rest of my life.

Yesterday, as I was complaining to one of the trainers at the gym about the commitment it will take to fit into that bathing suit and he said something that I will keep in my mind as my calves and lungs burn, "No one said being sexy is easy."

Do you have a weight-loss story? Share it with us. Send your submission to thatsmytheory@gmail.com.

-Theory

Let's catch up.

2011-04-16T05:20:00.006-04:00

Dear Reader,

School is really kicking my butt this semester, but not really in a bad way. I am being challenged on new levels and I have been learning so much. In addition to homework a college student like has to hustle and I'm employed on campus and just started as a hostess/bar back/waitress. A dude at the restaurant called me a job whore today, and I replied "Damn right." There are goals I am trying to accomplish that require cash money $$$.

Here are a few things I have been working on for school:

I have also been working on projects for New School Radio (which I will share with you soon) and I completed my application for University Student Senate today. Boy, am i going to have my hands full.

Recently, I attended an amazing event for Triple Fat Goose and will be posting on that soon. I've started treating myself to pedicures and brunch on Sundays, I'm loosing the workout battle (but I will not loose the war - dammit) and I'm learning that I can do without eight hours of sleep because MAC makeup is wonderful.

Bear with me a little longer y'all. Life is getting really serious over here and I am enjoying every minute of it.

-Theory

P.S. Miles Kohrman is awesome and will be an amazing Editor-in-Chief for The New School Free Press. Congratulations.

Delusions

2011-04-13T00:40:00.000-04:00

being delusional.

the end.

10 Things Every Woman should know about Men

2011-03-16T14:00:00.004-04:00

In light of a few recent events in my own life, I sat down and compiled a list of things that I am going to remind myself of frequently. I figured it may help a few other people too . . .

1. Trust him as far as you can throw him.

"You can be with your man 23 hours a day, and you never know what he is doing with that last hour." - Deshawn, 31

2. A cheater is the worst type of liar. They lie out of pure and unadulterated selfishness.

3. If someone says, "Your gonna believe whatever you want anyway," chances are they are lying.

4. Sex is like crack to some men. They will have it by any means necessary. You are just a casualty, a conquest.

5. It's not necessarily that he doesn't care about you . . . he just cares about himself more.

6. Actions speak louder than words. He knows you are emotional and feeds on that. He purposely says things to appeal to your emotions to keep you from using your common sense in the situation.

7. No man EVER just wants to be your friend. I don't care how cool he is, or how long you have known him. If he is doing favors for you . . . chances are, he has a hidden motive.

8. You can't be friends with your ex. Just doesn't work. Feelings linger, they will always try to get back with you or hook up with you at some point. It gets awkward.

9. Listen to what his friends and family say about him - they know him way better than you do. They know the real him.
"The best way to get to know someone is by talking to the people that know them. If they don't have anything to say, that is also telling." -Aidan, 22

10. If a guy has a ton of girl "friends" he's a player.

"Guys don't have girl 'friends'." -Arnaldo, 21

Now work it out . . . West side work it out . . .

2011-03-14T23:43:00.000-04:00


Can't wear this with "back fat." Not a good look.

In my quest towards a healthy, sexy body . . . yesterday I purchased two DVD's to work out at home. Gym memberships that offer classes in NYC are not in my budget, so this is the next best thing. The Bollywood Dance Workout with Hemalayaa is easy to follow along with and makes it easy to forget that you are working out. I thought core fusion yoga would be a peaceful and relaxing way to work out - boy was I in for a surprise. It is really, really intense - a great abdomen workout.

I have also started taking the stairs (when I'm not wearing heels) walking to farther subway stops and getting off a stop early. This sudden activity is taking a toll on me and tonight I discovered that Epsom salt is my new best friend. Not only does it relax your muscles, but it is really great for cleaning out your pores.

Sadly, I have to admit - I cheated on my diet restriction . . . twice. I could not resist the call from the Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Avacado Sandwich from Zeitzeff. *Drools* My next step is cutting out the sugar. Over the last few days, I have realized that I have a serious problem. I can work out all I want to . . . but if I continue consuming this amount of sugar I will only be sabotaging my weight loss.

I encourage you to join me on my way to a sexy, healthy body. My goal is to wear something backless, what is yours? Share your goals and tips with me. Lets get fly together!

Peace,
Theory

Antwone Fisher: Survivor, Writer, Director

2011-03-03T15:43:00.003-05:00


Photo by Jesaca Lin

If you had never heard of Antwone Fisher before meeting him, you would be completely clueless of his tragic past. Without knowing his background, it would be impossible to guess that this man standing before you was a victim of childhood abuse and one point was apart of the homeless population in Cleveland, OH. At his book release party in New York City this April, his confidence filled the room and his sense of humor easily won the crowd over as he signed copies of his latest book. It would be remise of me not mention his charming good looks.

Making a narrow escape from the streets, Fisher joined the Navy - which he says, “changed his life.” Becoming a member of the military was one of the best things that happened to him, “It’s a life changing thing to be able to sleep indoors.” As an emancipated minor, he was able to join the service at the age of 17. It was when he joined the Navy that he realized that he was lacking essential skills like tying a tie budgeting money, which should have been taught to him throughout childhood.

Now at the age of 51, Fisher is an accomplished screenwriter (Antwone Fisher - 2002, My Summer Friend - 2010) and just released his second book, “A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie, and Other Lessons for Succeeding in Life.” This book serves as a manual for boys, men, single mothers and single women. All the lessons offered in this book come from Fishers own life experiences, like not being able to tie a windsor knot - which was an essential part of his Navy uniform. Offering advice on a wide variety of subjects from reinventing yourself to proper grooming and organization. “ Inventing and reinventing yourself is one of the purest and most essential acts of control you can perform,” Fisher wrote in his book. “ When you feel that you are valuable, you understand that like gold, you can be melted down and cast into a new form - one of greater value, one that reveals a different facet of your essential self.”


Photo by Jesaca Lin

While reading the book, I found myself taking notes on several keys to life that Fisher offers. He shares invaluable tips for success like finding a mentor, watching the company you keep, and trusting yourself, “Trusting your gut is important. It can save you from doing something foolish or dangerous, but even more important, it helps you find your value as a person.” I have been recommending this book to all my friends - especially because it has received praise from the former President, Bill Clinton.

Aside from this novel, Fisher is writing a proposal for a future book, “Being a Girl Dad.” Which will be based on his own personal experiences with his two daughters Indigo, 12, and Azure, 8. Fisher, who has been married to his wife LaNette for 15 years, shared a story about Indigo - who suddenly had a change in behavior. Fisher noticed that Indigo suddenly began getting dressed with her door shut, he thought nothing of it until one day the 12-year-old girl ran past him from the bathroom to her bedroom, holding her arms over her chest. He knew puberty had hit, “My wife was so excited to be able to take her to get her first bra, right - so I took her,” he said. “It’s getting to the point where I am going to be left out of a lot of stuff if I don’t participate.”

Staying busy, Fisher also released a film this year - My Summer Friend, which includes Annie Abbott, Mykelti Williamson, and Bill Cobb in starring roles. In his directorial debut, My Summer Friend won the Audience Award for the Best Short Film at the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival. Fisher also shared that he just finished writing the screen play for the sequel to Training Day. In addition, he is also working on a film titled, On American Soil.

Photo by Jesaca Lin

Antwone Fisher is a force to be reckoned with, in his lifetime he will become a household name, and he is well underway. I asked Fisher what advice he would offer to young people following their dreams and he offered the following, “Never give up,” he said. “Always do your best on your way to it,” he continued. “Sometimes you have a dream to do something - sometimes you are around someone who an make your dream come true, but if your not doing a good job at what your doing they may not take you serious.” Who would have ever thought that this kid from Cleveland, that nobody wanted, would make such an impact on the world.

For the full transcribed interview, please click HERE.

The Legendary Faith Ringgold

2011-03-03T15:15:00.003-05:00


Myself, Aminah Robinson, Faith Ringgold, Michele Wallace, Barbara Wallace, Dorian Bergen

Growing up on Edgecombe Avenue in the 1930‘s, during the peak of the Harlem Renaissance, Faith Ringgold was determined to spend her life as an artist. She was influenced by her neighbors which included legends like former Supreme Court Justice - Thurgood Marshall, Composer/Performer - Duke Ellington, and Writer - Langston Hughes. “I got a chance to meet all these people. Thurgood Marshall lived right up the street. So, you got a chance to see what you could be,” Ringgold said in a piece called Memories of Sugar Hill in January 2010.

    The child prodigy spent most of her childhood in doors due to sever asthma. “Not being able to go to school, I missed more days than most - getting shots, spending time in the hospital,” she said. Ringgold never attended kindergarten or the first grade because of her illness. When she was finally well enough to attend school, she skipped both grades, “They never understood how I could keep up. My mother used to get my textbooks from Barnes and Nobel, they were text book dealers back then,” she said. “My older brother and sister loved teaching me.” It was during these early years that she began painting with the encouragement of her family.

    During the 1950s the City College of New York had a “very political student body.” This is where Ringgold became politically active and began her involvement with the Civil Rights movement, she graduated with her MA in 1959. This time in her life became an important part of her work - it is reflected in pieces like “The American People Series” and “The Flag is Bleeding”.

    After several failed attempts to have her work shown at galleries and museums, Ringgold began fighting for equal representation of black artists. “When I realized in the ‘60s that no matter how hard I worked for Civil Rights, if I didn’t understand problems as an artist, as a woman - I wasn’t going to get anywhere,” said Ringgold. “I was told to say outside while the men talked,” she continued. “I opened the door and they got to sit down and talk.” The sexism became frustrating, “I’ve opened no door for black women, just men,” she said. “I became a feminist. I’m not just black, I am a black woman.”

    Finally, in 1967 Ringgold landed her first one-person-show at the Spectrum Gallery in New York City. As her career continued she began to work with mixed media. By the late 1980s, she began to gain notoriety for her now famous for painting images and writing stories on quilts - which she admitted had been made out of “economic necessity” to avoid the high costs of shipping traditional framed paintings.

    The quilts also served another purpose, they gave Ringgold the opportunity to gain her voice as a writer. For years she struggled to find a publisher. Eventually she decided to “self-publish” by painting her stories on quilts, using the boarder as a space to write the story. It was not until she created the “Tar Beach” series of quilts, that she was finally approached by a publisher. The the book, “Tar Beach”, earned the The New York Times Best Children’s Book Award, a Caldecott Honor for best illustrated children’s book of 1991, and The Coretta Scott King Award for best illustrated book by an African American. Her determination and ingenuity paid off, she has now published more than 15 books including: We Flew Over the Bridge: The Memoirs of Faith Ringgold, Cassie’s Word Quilt, and My Dream of Martin Luther King.

    Ringgold has been such an inspiration throughout her life that a school has been built in her honor in Hayward, California. Currently, she is involved with The Sugar Hill Project’s development of the Faith Ringgold Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling as well as the Leadership Academy for Girls - both in New York City. Some of her most famous pieces are a part of the permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Guggenheim Museum - a true testament to determination, hard work, and will power.

    At the age of 79, she currently resides in Edgewood, New Jersey with her second husband, Burdette Ringgold. She continues to work on her art and with the non-profit she established in 2002 - The Anyone Can Fly Foundation, which promotes the work of little known black artists. She works very closely with her daughters, Michele and Barbara Wallace (from her first marriage), on most of her current projects.

Despite the adversity in her life, Faith Ringgold continues to persevere in the face of opposition and that is exactly what she advised me to do. “Go for it and be aware of who you are as a black woman in America,” she said. “Stand up and assert yourself, all you have to do is start.”

Does my butt look big in this? Why yes it does.

2011-03-03T11:00:00.003-05:00

Me: I think I have been gaining weight . . .
Him: Yeah, I did notice that your butt is getting bigger! (grinning from ear to ear)

I have been very frustrated with my body lately. Suddenly, I can't fit into my favorite pair of pants. How did this sneak up on me? I need to do something about this, yesterday.

When I think back on my diet from this time last year, I can't help but notice how things have changed. I hardly ever ate out and I cooked at home almost everyday. Sometimes even preparing enough food for a few days. Right now, I can't even tell you the last time I went grocery shopping. I need to get it together. After living with a roommate that let her cat on the counter and stove, cooking was rarely and option.

I saw this woman last night with a backless dress . . . her back was flawless. Last night, I put on my jacket because I got sick of sucking in my stomach and holding my Beyonce/Sachika Twins pose. That my friends, is a damn shame. I am going to do something about this.

Starting today, I am taking the stairs. It will be hard to say no . . . but for the next 30 days I am giving up beef and bacon. I am holding back the tears, but I have got to face the facts. I do not have the same chemical makeup I did at 18. I do have to exercise to keep my girlish figure.

Here is to vegetables and chicken . . . and a sexy, healthy body.

Internship Day 2

2011-02-11T23:40:00.004-05:00

Today was an interesting day. I probably walked at least five miles going from office to office delivering show reminders. If I can help it, I am staying in the office tomorrow.

Seeing how everything is coming together for the Twins is really inspiring - they do everything with excellence.

5 days until the show . . . I am starting to learn the benefits of coffee and I'm ready to keep working.

Internship Day 1

2011-02-11T02:47:00.003-05:00

If you keep up with me, you know that today I started my internship with the New York Fashion Week Internship Placement Program. I am amazed that I am still awake after this long day.

Despite not being able to sleep the night before, I arrived early at the Sachika Show room in Manhattan. After a quick tour of the collection (which is fancy, bright, and covet-able), Mecca put me to work immediately. I can't tell you how much I learned by observation today. One of the days highlights was watching and listening to the twins, To-Tam and To-Nya, give a magazine interview - they are on their ish. After wrapping up the day at Sachika, Kenneth Kyrell and I headed uptown to finally meet our NYFWIPP cohorts.

AfroBella, Huny and Marie Denee

We all met for dinner and a discussion with renowned Fashion/Lifestyle Bloggers AfroBella, Huny, and The Curvy Fashionista - Marie Denee. It was such an enriching conversation and left me contemplating how I would and how quickly I could implement all the advice they gave. Let me add that I thought the night was going to be a bust after we walked for over 20 blocks to get to dinner - I have to say it was worth the walk.

It's not too late to head on over to www.TheUnemployedEditor.com to make a donation to help cover the expenses of the eight interns who are here to get one step closer to making their dreams come true.

See it here 1st: Marsha Ambrosius video for "Far Away"

2011-01-05T16:52:00.003-05:00

Check out the second single, "Far Away" from Marsha Ambrosius's upcoming album "Late nights, Early Mornings."

She is sending such a powerful message and it made me want to cry.

When I moved to Waterbury in the 8th grade I was bullied. Considering the things I went through, it's a wonder I survived. For years I struggled with issues because of the way I was treated. I know how shitty I felt because of my treatment, and I cannot imagine the torment one must face when dealing with being bullied because of your sexuality.

I love the video and I appreciate her standing up and speaking out. What's your theory?

Marsha live at SOB's last year.

New Year's Eve 2011 - Sistah you've been on my mind.

2011-01-01T22:20:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful that I have been spared another day. I am thankful that I have made it almost 24 hours into 2011.

For about two weeks now, my sister and I had been making plans to spend new years eve in Times Square. We fantasized about our upcoming evening daily on the phone and planned out details for her six hour drive to the city. Despite our intention on spending the holiday out and about in New York City we watched the Bravo NYE special, counted down the new year, died laughing at "Tardy for the Party" and fell asleep by 1am. A FAR CRY FROM OUR ORIGINAL PLAN.

This morning I woke up with no regrets. There is no better way that I would have rather spent my first moments of 2011. I was safe at home with my family. My sister and I may have our ups and downs, but I realize that no one else loves me like she does and I am so thankful for her.

Happy 2011. The best for you and your family throughout this year and always.

Video Vixen for a day - Wish You Ill Video Shoot

2010-12-31T15:32:00.001-05:00

About two months ago Shay Star announced on twitter that they were looking for young ladies to participate in a video shoot. I went back and forth with myself for a few minutes and decided to submit my info. A few weeks later I was invited to the shoot.

When I found out who the artist was I did my research. I'm telling you now, if the dude was whack I would not be making this post. I must admit after hearing his name I was a little skeptical - CR da Show. Anyway, it turns out this boy can really SANG, so it's no wonder he is signed to Nappy Boy records. His latest mixtape is called Mars and you can download it here.

So anyway, I've been on plenty of sets before - but never as "talent." I would have to say that when you are there as an observer things go by a lot more quickly. It felt like we spent most of the day waiting for our scene.

I was amazed at how all the girls got along and shared make-up and tips. For the most part, it was all love. It was such an amazing time, I mean what girl does not want to dress up and get her make-up done to sit around and be filmed being pretty? HELLO?

I have to give a huge shout-out to the director Scenario - I love the video, to Kathy at KL PR Group, to Kayren of KD Couture, to BWest, and to Ms. Sharon - CR's mother (who I hear can SANG as well).

CHECK OUT THE FINAL CUT:

Behind the scene by BWest:

Day #2

2010-12-30T19:36:00.000-05:00

Today has been one hell of a day. Tired from moving, but keeping with my challenge I must post today.

Here are a few things I've been thinking about today:

Most everyone is talking about the RazB/Chris Brown twitter fight. Too much DRAMA. They both need to sit down somewhere.

Rihanna's new album is changing my life and I just added Ne-yo's Libra Scale to the mix.

I will post CR Da Show's video for "Wish You Ill" which debuts in 30 min. I am super excited to see how it turned out. I had to throw out my brand new MAC gloss after that shoot, I hope it was worth it.

2010 Reflections

2010-12-29T17:54:00.002-05:00

I decided that I would be a complete loser if I let the year end without making a post after this hiatus. As some of you may know, last year around this time I was preparing my life to return to college and relocate to NYC. After donating all of my furniture and most of my childhood memories, I packed up and never looked back.

2010 was an interesting year for me. I learned lessons about my temper, relationships, and ultimately how what I do right now in this instant could come to bite me in the ass. I'm not talking about major things either. Even something as simple as getting an attitude with someone or making assumptions about things could really make a difference, negative or positive. Let's keep it real though, sometimes people do need to see that you-aren't-going-to-pull-that-on-me side - 'Who you finna try? I bet it ain't me, I bet it ain't me."

This year has pushed me to the limit as far as school, developing relationships, maintaining relationships, being an adult, dealing with my feelings, stepping outside of my comfort zone and letting things/people go. Every trial and lesson that I learned in 2010 was get me into a place to fulfill my dreams and my destiny.

Robin Roberts and I

One important lesson that I learned this year is that everything, and I mean everything is relative. I have been thinking about this since my conversation with comedian Eddie Griffin this summer. I appreciate that and I am not sure he realized at all what an impact he made on me. During our brief convo he challenged me as a journalist and gave me a quote that I can't shake, "Truth is relative as love is relative." I'm not sure if he made that up or not, but he caused the wheels to start spinning in my head.

2010 also taught me the real power of the law of attraction and the power of positive thinking. In 2009 I was imagining what it would be like to tell Robin Roberts, host of Good Morning America, that she changed my life - in 2010 I did it. In August 2009 it was only a dream for me to be a student in NYC and a little more than a year later I am getting ready to start the second semester of my Junior year in 2011. It is never to late to change your mind to do what you want to do. Life is too short to be unhappy. I did not want to settle for working in retail for the rest of my life, so I made the decision and the sacrifices to ensure that would not happen.

After reading a post from my friend Sam (in which she ragged on New Year's Resolutions) I couldn't help but agree with her arguments. If there are changes that you want to make, why wait until a particular day - MAKE THE CHANGE NOW. Why wait until tomorrow to improve yourself - which is why I had to make this post.

I could not let another day go by where I felt bad about not posting. There wasn't really anything stopping me from doing it - yes, I had homework and tests but I spent more time worried about irrelevant things that have nothing to do with securing my future. So, I am putting my money where my mouth is and challenging myself to post everyday for the next 30 days. Let's see how this goes.