The Lady (Bug)of the Household

Today Is My Grandson's 6th Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Happy Birthday!
Grammy loves you very much.

A MUST-SEE MOVIE: "RED TAILS"

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Make it your business to send Hollywood a message loud and clear this weekend. Please take the time to go and see "RED TAILS", if at all possible. Let's spread the word as the countdown begins to the first showing @ a th...eater near you tomorrow. Be counted among those who give their support opening weekend, when it matters the most. Let's pack the house so we can be proud of those box office receipts come Monday morning. Nothing but #1 will do this time! See you @ the movies!

Update 01/21/12--I went to see this movie last night w/ my hubby and daughter. We thought the film was excellent! As of this writing, the box office receipts are in for Friday and "Red Tails" is currently #2 ($6 million) behind "Underworld 4" ($9.4 million). People, we still have the rest of today and tomorrow to support this film so it will take the #1 spot. Let's do this, y'all... it's important!

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I was 9 years old when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was taken from us, but I was also old enough to remember and know that it was a day I would never forget. We cannot thank you enough for your personal sacrifice, which allowed all of us to have a better tomorrow. For that reason, you are a permanent part of this blog on my left sidebar every single day! There is still much work that needs to be done, but right now we pause to honor your birthday and pay tribute to your memory and the legacy you left behind.

YouTube Family Video

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Turn your speakers on!

NEW SHOW ON TV ONE: "FIND OUR MISSING"

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

S. Epatha Merkerson

On Wednesday, January 18, 2012, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson (Law & Order) will host "Find Our Missing" a 10-episode, docu-drama created by TV One to bring attention to the large number of Black Americans who have gone missing and are ignored by mainstream media.

"Find Our Missing" is designed to put names and faces to people of color who have disappeared without a trace. Each episode will tell the story of the missing person or persons, beginning with the day they vanished and the frantic searches by loved ones and investigators to find them. The show provides insight into these victims’ lives, their hopes and dreams, what makes them tick, and how they have touched those around them, from the people who know them best.

The episodes will chronicle the investigations into their disappearances and why the search for them so far has only turned up dead ends. Each episode delves into the mystery surrounding one or two disappearances, and will call viewers to action, providing them with contact information for the specific police and local FBI offices handling the cases, if they have any information about the missing.

The premiere episode features stories of two people who vanished in 2009. Spread to word to family and friends that you know, and especially those who may be experiencing the nightmare of not knowing the whereabouts of a missing loved one. Time is of the essence when someone goes missing and we want our love ones found too!

Update 01/18/12--I just finished watching the premiere and pray that the persons featured in both cases are found. I actually remember the case of 5 year old Hassani Campbell from 2009. I did a blog post about it and followed the news on the internet for about a year. I was excited to learn that his case would be featured tonight and hoped there would be some update. I think it's very interesting that his aunt and her former fiance had nothing to contribute to tonight's episode. I, too, never believed the fiance's account of what happened the day Hassani disappeared. Ironically, the only person close to the boy who was willing to appear in the episode was his maternal grandmother. SMH...

**********************************************************************

And, while you're waiting for the premiere of "Find Our Missing", check out this website already in existence for more information regarding missing Black Americans. You can also like Black & Missing But Not Forgotten on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and visit on Tumblr. Please spread the word about this resource too!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Now, we're counting down the days to 2013!

"Watch Night"

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Emancipation: "Waiting For The Hour"
(click on image for larger view)

The following information was actually written as an essay by Charyn D. Sutton, The Onyx Group, in December 2000 and revised in August 2004. The essay appears here in its entirey...

If you grew up in a black community in the United States, you have probably heard of "Watch Night" Services, the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins anywhere from 7:00pm-10:00pm and ends at 12:00 midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve destination.

Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service, made a bit more Afrocentric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the black church. And yes, there is a history of Watch Night Services in the Methodist tradition.

Still, it seemed that most white Christians did not include Watch Night Services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs. In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

However, in doing some research, I discovered there are two essential reasons for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations. Many of the Watch Night Services in black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings held on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."

On that night, Americans of African descent came together in churches, gathering places, and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863 and according to President Abraham Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People remained in churches and other gathering places, eagerly awaiting word that Emancipation had been declared. When the actual news of freedom was received later that day, there were prayers, shouts of joy, and songs of praise as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

But even before 1862 and the possibility of a Presidential Emancipation, African people had gathered on New Year's Eve on plantations across the South. That is because many owners of enslaved Africans tallied up their business accounts on the first day of each new year. Human property was sold along with land, furnishings, and livestock to satisfy debts. Families and friends were separated. Often they never saw each other again in this earthly world. Thus, coming together on December 31 might be the last time for enslaved and free Africans to be together with loved ones.

Black folks in North America have gathered annually on New Year's Eve since the earliest days, praising God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for the future. Certainly, those traditional gatherings were made even more poignant by the events of 1863 which brought freedom to the slaves and the Year of Jubilee.

Many generations have passed since that time and most of us were never taught the significance of gathering on New Year's Eve. Yet, our traditions and faith still bring us together at the end of every year to celebrate once again, "how we got over."

Please pass this information on to your family and friends so that they may know the true history behind the tradition we call "Watch Night".

YouTube Family Video

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Turn your speakers on!

Reading Terminal Market officially kicked off the holiday season on Friday, November 25th with its annual Holiday Railroad featuring a 500 square foot model railroad with nearly a third of a mile of track. Now in its eighth year, the display features 17 working train lines that rumble through a multitude of miniature scenery including Center City Philadelphia, a Christmas village, and snow-covered countryside.

The railroad display has become an annual tradition that customers and their families look forward to each year. This year, the railroad was expanded by adding more trains, bridges, interactive buttons, and the inclusion of familiar Philadelphia venues within the display. The following organizations sponsored the railroad display for 2011:

* ARAMARK Tower
* Center for Architecture
* The Gallery at Market East
* Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp.
* Greyhound Bus Company
* Market Street East Improvement Association
* Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
* Parkway Corp.
* Pennsylvania Convention Center

The railroad will be open until Sunday, January 3rd, 10:00am-6:00pm (closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day) and it is located in the Piano Court of the Reading Terminal Market. Check out the video we made when we went to see it!

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from the Lady (Bug) of the Household...

May God continue to bless you and yours during the holiday season!

Some Food For Thought...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Click on image for a larger view to read.

Thanksgiving Weekend Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving Day: Dinner @ my mother's house!

Black Friday: Shopping @ the King of Prussia Mall, then off to
the movies to see Happy Feet 2! After that, more shopping @ Target!

A Day To Give Thanks...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

10 Thanksgiving Ideas from About.com

1. A Thanksgiving Story: Set aside a few moments on Thanksgiving Day to sit down and read a Thanksgiving story. You can read it alone or together with your family.

2. A Thanksgiving Poem or Prayer: Take on the family project of writing a Thanksgiving poem or prayer together.

3. A Thanksgiving Bible Verse: Ask each family member to read a favorite Bible verse before the Thanksgiving meal.

4. A Thanksgiving Memory: During Thanksgiving dinner, ask each family member to share a favorite Thanksgiving memory.

5. A Thanksgiving Communion: Plan a time of family Communion on Thanksgiving to give thanks by remembering Christ's life, death and resurrection.

6. A Thanksgiving Blessing: Invite a widow, single person, or someone who is alone to share in your family Thanksgiving meal.

7. A Thanksgiving Day Parade or Play: Put on your own Thanksgiving Day parade or "pilgrim play" with family, friends, and neighbors.

8. A Thanksgiving Offering: Prepare a Thanksgiving offering to give to a needy family or one of your favorite charities.

9. A Thanksgiving Football Game: Plan a neighborhood football game for Thanksgiving weekend.

10. A Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless: Hosted by your neighborhood church or community center.

No Doubt About It... We Owe You, Joe!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

R.I.P. Joseph William Frazier

January 12, 1944 - November 7, 2011

This morning, the life and legacy of Joe Frazier was remembered with elegance and passion in a two-hour ceremony at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. "Smokin' Joe", as he was affectionately known, died last Monday of liver cancer. He was 67 years old. Even Muhammad Ali, who was his "arch nemesus" in the boxing ring many years ago, was present and paid his final respects to the former heavyweight champion. Fellow boxers Bernard Hopkins, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson, among others, were also there.

By all accounts, Joe was a humble, reserved, and God-fearing man, according to those who knew him personally. The white casket was placed in front of the alter, draped in tapestry, and adorned by various bouquets of flowers. The heavyweight tile belt he won by defeating Ali in the 1971 "Fight of the Century" sat on top of the casket. A 100-member choir sang hymns, while the preachers urged the crowd to rise from their seats to their feet in celebration of his life.

Rev. Jesse Jackson addressed those who attended, along with other religious leaders from the Philadelphia area. In his remarks, Rev. Jackson chastised the city for not having a statue of Joe Frazier. He questioned why the city so eagerly celebrated the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa and not Joe Frazier. He went on to say... "Tell them Rocky was not a champion, but Joe Frazier was! Tell them Rocky's fist were frozen in stone, but Joe's fists were smokin'!" He incited a large cheer from the crowd as he demanded a statue of Joe to be erected in Philadelphia.

Ironically or coincidentally (whichever you choose to believe), it was reported on last Friday that Mayor Nutter said the city was "in discussion" with the family regarding a lasting memorial for our former heavyweight champion. Oh? Well, excuse me, Mayor Nutter... but, I seem to remember that it was also reported last year that the city was "in discussion" about a statue for Joe Frazier and then, it appeared the ball was eventually dropped. No more was ever reported or said about it that I can recall. What happened?

I've always admired Joe Frazier and I, too, feel that Philadelphia should be ashamed for not erecting a statue in his honor while he was still alive to see it. We truly failed him in this area and I'll be the first one to admit it. But, I really wish people, including Rev. Jesse Jackson (no disrespect intended), would stop making references to the Rocky statue in order to make this point. The two are completely unrelated and one has absolutely nothing to do with the other.

Contrary to popular opinion, the city of Philadelphia didn't erect a statue in Rocky's honor. The statue, which was a prop specifically created for and used in Rocky III, was actually given to the city as a gift after the movie was completed. By that time, three of the movies were filmed here and since that time, two more were filmed here... Rocky V and Rocky Balboa. Like it or not, the Rocky movies are a part of Philadelphia "film" history and there's nothing wrong with our city being proud of that fact or displaying the statue. The mistake is constantly comparing a (movie prop) statue to the life and legacy of a real man.

So please, let's just acknowledge that we failed to give a true champion his just-due while he was here to appreciate it and work together to fix it. I know it's a lot easier and tempting to blame a lifeless object than acknowledge a gross oversight... but, given the kind of guy Joe Frazier was, I'm sure he forgave us for our unintentional negligence before he left this side of heaven. All we need to do now is stop comparing apples and oranges, forgive ourselves, and get this statue project done... but, for no other reason than we owe it to "Smokin' Joe".

I'm proud to say that I'm old enough to remember every time Frazier and Ali fought. I've also seen every Rocky movie made to date. And, if memory serves me correctly, "Smokin' Joe" actually appeared as himself in Rocky II and was happy to do it... that's just the kind of guy he was. So, for me, all of this kind of talk is pointless. The hearts and minds in the City of Brotherly Love should be big enough to hold the legacy of the man (Frazier) and the memory of the movies (Rocky) without a problem... the important thing is knowing and understanding the difference between the two of them.

"Happy Veteran's Day" To My Favorite Vet!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

My Hubby!
And, ditto to all the other Vets out there... Enjoy your special day!

Calling all Vets & Active Duty Military Personnel!

Don't forget about the "free meal" deals going on at Applebee's today

and Golden Corral is doing the same to show their support on Monday.

Click on text links for details! Thank you for your service and God bless!

First School Photo!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

My Grandson
Kindergarten 2011-2012

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Dear God: I know you already know this, but today is my father's 76th birthday. Please tell him that I said "Happy Birthday, I still love him, and I still miss him very much". Thank you...

The Circus Is Coming To Town! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Spread the word!

Let The Educational Journey Begin...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Grammy is so proud of you!

Have a happy, safe, and wonderful school year.

A Moment of Silence, A Tragedy Remembered...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

"WE WILL NEVER FORGET"
The 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001

Downtown Manhatten in New York City, NY

A Special Day Just For Us...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Happy Grandparents Day!

This Humana video says it all and I just love it.

Why Would Anyone Do This To A 5 Year Old Child?

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Official Movie Website

Release Date: November 24, 2011
Genre: Documentary
About: Human Radiation Lab Experimentation
Narrated By: Dennis Haysbert
Directed By: Brett Leonard
Written By: Wilbert Smith (edited by Ryan Sheffer)
Produced By: Smith Leonard Productions, LLP

Awards: Directors Choice Award for socially relavent subject, International Film Festival of Nashville and currently nominated for Best Documentary at the Pan African Film Festival of Los Angeles.

Synopsis: Vertus Hardiman hid a shocking secret under a wig and beanie for over 80 years. When he was 5 years old, he was used in a radiation experiment conducted by a county hospital in Indiana during 1927. As a result, he lived his life with a hole in his head. Further, he was one of ten children used in the same radiation experiment. This secret leads two friends (Vertus and Wilbert Smith) on a journey of the heart that speaks to the great resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of terrible suffering caused by the ignorance and hatred of others. The following video clip might be upsetting for some viewers.

Various forms of human experimentation was widely used in the early to mid-twentieth century in the United States. People, especially Blacks, were constantly being used by science to serve as human guinea pigs without their knowledge or consent. In order to shine a light on what happened to Vertus and nine other children living in a small Black Indiana town, he returns to the place where the radiation experiments were conducted. Follow this amazing life-journey of an exceptional human being who in spite of a life-altering calamity allows himself to live life without bitterness.

Please help spread the word about this movie... this is a story that must be told!

Like "Hole In The Head: A Life Revealed" on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/holeinthehead

All About My Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

As of September 4, 2011 at 12:00 AM ET:

* I am 53 years old.
* I am 636 months old.
* I am 2,765 weeks old.
* I am 19,358 days old.
* I am 464,613 hours old.
* I am 27,876,817 minutes old.
* I am 1,672,609,071 seconds old.

Fun Facts & Trivia:

* My date of conception was on or about December 12, 1957.
* I was born on a Thursday under the astrological sign Virgo.
* My opposition sign is Pisces.
* My ruling planet is Mercury.
* The moon's phase on the day of my birth was waning gibbous.
* My birth flower is Aster.
* My birth tree is Weeping Willow.
* My birthstone is Sapphire.
* My lucky day is Wednesday.
* My lucky dates are the 5th, 14th, and 23rd.
* My lucky number is 5.
* My opposition number is 3.
* My Life Path number is 9.
* I'm most compatible with people with the Life Path numbers 3, 6, and 9.
* I'm least compatible with people with the Life Path numbers 4, 8, and 22.
* My age is the equivalent of a dog that is 7.43326810176125 years old.
* My fortune cookie reads: Something you lost will soon turn up.

53 Candles:

The number of candles on my birthday cake produce 53 BTUs or 13,356 calories of heat and that's only 13.3560 food calories! I can boil 6.06 ounces of water with that many candles-LOL!

Celebrities Who Share My Birthday:

Henry Ford II (1917)
Jason David Frank (1973)
Paul Harvey (1918)
Beyonce Knowles (1981)
Dan Miller (1980)
Mike Piazza (1968)
Dr. Drew Pinsky (1958)
Ione Skye (1970)
Tom Watson (1949)
Mitzi Gaynor (1930)
Damon Wayans (1960)
Richard Wright (1908)

Top Songs of 1958:

"At the Hop" by Danny & The Juniors
"It's All In the Game" by Tommy Edwards
"The Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers
"Tequila" by The Champs
"Don't" by Elvis Presley
"Volare" by Domenico
"Modugno Sugartime" by The McGuire Sisters
"He's Got the Whole World In His Hands" by Laurie London
"The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville & The Chipmunks

1958 in the United States:

* The President was Dwight Eisenhower.
* The Vice-President was Richard Nixon.
* It was not a leap year.
* The date of Ash Wednesday was February 19th.
* The date of Passover was Saturday, April 5th.
* The date of Easter was Sunday, April 6th.
* There were approximately 1,667,231 marriages and 385,144 divorces.
* A new person was born approximately every 8 seconds.
* There were approximately 4.0 million births.
* The population was approximately 150,697,361 people.
* One person died approximately every 12 seconds.
* There were approximately 1,452,000 deaths.
* Click here for more information...

"Reach For The Stars" Pre-K Bridging Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to our grandson for crossing this bridge! There will be many other bridges for you to cross, but we know that God will be with you every step of the way! We love you and we're so proud of you! - Grammy & Pop-Pop

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Official Memorial Website

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will be dedicated on Washington, DC's National Mall on August 28, 2011, which happens to also be the 48th anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech from the March on Washington in 1961. It will be located adjacent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, between the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial, and will honor Dr. King's national and international contributions to the American dream. It is a dream he spoke of in terms of democracy, freedom, hope, possibilities, and equal opportunity for all.

Although this will not be the first memorial to an African-American in Washington DC, King will be the first African-American honored with a memorial on or near the National Mall area and only the fourth non-President to be memorialized in such a way. The King Memorial will be administered by the National Park Service.

Take the YouTube virtual video tour!

Like the MLK National Memorial page on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/MLK...NationalMemorial?sk=wall

Follow the MLK National Memorial page on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/mlkmemorial

Have You Seen "The Help" Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Lady (Bug) / Grammy) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Official Movie Website

Release Date: Now Playing

Genre: Drama
Studio: DreamWorks
Directed: Tate Taylor
Screenplay: Tate Taylor
Produced By: Brunson Green, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan
Starring: Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone

About: Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” is a provocative and inspiring look at what happens when a southern town’s unspoken code of rules is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship.

Synopsis: Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, Viola Davis as Aibileen, and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance, a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed—even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Please help spread the word about this movie! If you know anyone who hasn't seen this movie yet, spread the word and tell them to go see it! We want this one to "sweep" the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards!

Like "The Help" on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/thehelpmovie

Follow "The Help" on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/helpmovie

MSN Movie News Video about "The Help"
http://youtu.be/VHie49y6Fwc