0 WTF Files: Ecstacy may not harm your brain

What the f**k?! If you are a HuffPost troll-er like I am, you may have seen this study on the front page of the popular news website yesterday. In case you didn't, here is the article. We all know the hyperbole that HuffPost is famous for so I will not even go there, but HONESTLY speaking, can we trust the results of this study?
Studies on ecstasy had been done prior to the one mentioned in the article, but the results that were obtained were considered to be flawed because they were performed on people who belong to the "rave" culture (people who like to party). Rave-ers (is that correct? Someone help!) often go without sleep, combine the drug with alcohol and other unhealthy rave-y practices (other drugs and sex). So a group of scientists convinced NIDA to give them 1.8 million to do further studies and came up with "Ecstasy may not harm your brain".
Jigga what?! You don't say! Well then I guess this means that I can get back to rave-in'.
C'mon now! What has science become?
Any drug, prescribed correctly and not abused has been created by pharmaceutical companies to HELP people. Unlike many others, I don't think the historical roots of the pharmaceutical companies is necessarily evil. They have become more evil than the devil himself, but that is a conversation for another time. Basically, we all know that Ecstasy was not created for the sole purpose of getting people high. It was an anti depressant FIRST. But human ingenuity cannot be held down and someone who was REALLY happy with it decided to take it to a party. Fine, that is my take on it and not historically correct, but you get the point.
My main point - which I am trying to get to - is that Ecstasy, X, E, happy pill, smiley face, is in fact a harmful drug. When it is taken by revelers (the rave people) it is rarely ever taken alone and rarely taken just once. People get hooked on that shit. Alcohol isn't dangerous on its own, in fact it has been shown to have health benefits, but there are still people who are alcoholics, for whom the continued consumption of alcohol will severely shorten their lives.
Mr. Pharmaceutical company has seen how lucrative the business is, doesn't want to stop manufacturing the drug so they publish studies like these for the average American who is not curious enough to do more research.
Be warned!

So does this mean that ecstasy really is the risk-free, hangover-free, miracle drug that lets young ravers and gamers party all weekend without having to pay the price?  Says Halpern, “No.  Ecstasy consumption is dangerous:  illegally-made pills can contain harmful contaminants, there are no warning labels, there is no medical supervision, and in rare cases people are physically harmed and even die from overdosing. It is important for drug-abuse information to be accurate, and we hope our report will help upgrade public health messages.  But while we found no ominous, concerning risks to cognitive performance, that is quite different from concluding that ecstasy use is ‘risk-free’."

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0 The right to choose

When someone talks about Islam, exotic images of women clad in body concealing garments and men riding camels atop knobbly kneed camels through the dessert come to mind for most of the Western World. Islam and the Arabic culture have become one and the same in popular images and not many of us delve any deeper than that to discover the truth or examine our own feelings about it.
Since 9/11, when a few rouge jihadists hijacked planes and completed the most devastating blow to American security since Pearl Harbour, so much misinformation has been thrown at us from different angles that the water is too muddied to figure out what the truth is.
To ask someone in the Midwest, one would probably come across opinions like, "The Islamic World hates America and wants to see us destroyed" or "Muslims want to take over the World and we are all that is standing in the way" or "Muslims oppress women and don't let them go to school or work".
However, with the highly televised revolution in Egypt, suddenly people could see that there were women in the streets who were not clad in "oppressive clothing" nor were all the men riding on camels and there were no anti-American slogans on any signs. All that was seen was a group of really oppressed people who want the freedom to choose their leaders. There was no mention of the support from western corporations governments (they are one and the same) who have kept the oppressive regime in power so they can take advantage of the country's strategic positions.
The right for self determination, without the interference of governments with deep pockets, is a basic fundamental human right. Like many, who support the revolution taking place in North Africa and the Arabic peninsula, let us rally behind our fellow human beings who, for the most part, are as much jihadists as we are Mormons.

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0 Spotlight: Melinda Doolittle

(from blackchristiannews.com)

We all remember how Melinda Doolittle, the demure, petite woman with the power house voice, became a huge sensation on American Idol in 2007. Her singing brought tears to my eyes, made me jump out of my seat and clap along or brought goosebumps to my skin. It has been a while since American Idol has had the same kind of singing sensation on the show.
Even though America (wink wink) did not think her worthy of the Title of American Idol, Melinda joined the big ranks of powerful singers in the Christian gospel singing circles where she continues to dazzle with her voice and beautiful smile.
With her website she continues to communicate with fans and allows them to get to know her, the real her, quirky and fun.
Her Album, Coming Back to You, was released in 2009 and her powerful vocals can be heard in the songs. That is not her only accomplishment, she has also written a book titled Beyond Me.
Find out what Melinda is doing today.

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0 Hump Day!

Aside from the very obvious interpretation of the phrase, Happy Middle of the Week!

Now back to being serious. Wednesday features are meant to focus on our sexual health which covers many aspects since sexuality is such a wide topic including physical, mental and emotional attributes.

from cocoacure.com

Popular media has been awash with black women and statistics that continue to make us the most hypersexualized group of people that ever existed. Apparently
We can't find mates if we're educated
We are the group most affected by AIDS
We can't keep our young girls chaste
And Michelle Obama is fat.

(Ok, fine. I just added that last one because its been bugging me even though I refuse to name the person who made that comment. No ma'am, not here!)

Why do you think so much attention is suddenly being focussed on us? Have we suddenly gained importance or is there something else going on?

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0 Our Own Idol: Tiara Thomas

Watching American Idol one would think that black women fall into three categories:

1. Girl who thinks she can sing but can't
2. Girl who screams at the microphone but can't sing
3. Good but not quite as good otherwise she'd have more time on camera.

Well, I think it is time to debunk those theories. I know the general American public was a little tired of hearing black women with gorgeous gospel choir voices taking up the stage on American Idol (coz someone dun stole the title from Melinda Dolittle!) but still... no reason not to hear them.

In light of that fact, we are going to bring to you different black female artists, making their mark on YouTube, bringing much needed fresh music, light and soul to the music scene!

Introducing Tiara Thomas!

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0 Young Musician of the Day!

Happy Monday to you all!

I believe that music is something that is born in your soul. Sure it can be taught and expertise with an instrument can be carefully bred, but the little extra something that makes a few notes into a melody that makes you close your eyes in order to enjoy it is something that cannot be trained into a body.

I found a video in my inbox of a girl singing Anthony Dodson's now famous "Hide Your Kids" song. While her voice was certainly lovely it kinda left me feeling a little meh. One of the other videos that showed after it was of this young man playing his violin.

According to his YouTube Page, he learned to play the violin at 12 after watching his brother play it. His family is musically inclined so I guess it helps, but it is very nice to see this kind of talent.

I gotta say, I love videos of black children playing instruments and he does not disappoint! Press Play, see for yourself whether this is something you may actually like!

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0 The Game Recap: Episode 407

"You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello"

Welcome back to the RECAP! I'm glad y'all are here!

Episode 7 (or 8 if you consult wikipedia) starts of with Kelly trying to explain what it was like being Mrs. Pitts and she was using the whiny voice of a spoiled teenager and this face!

In walks Jason talking everyone down and a very embarrassed Brittany. Kelly learns that Jason didn't spend time with BrittBrat and just pawned her off to his parents.

He also tells Kelly she can't use his name anymore, at least not according to the divorce agreement.
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
"Well, I was going to change my name to Devereaux anyway."

Okay, who just had a Golden Girls moment just now, huh? (Peace to you Rue McClanahan)

Kelly is stunned and Jason laughs his way out. Is evil Jason back?

Let's go back to rehab, where we last saw Malik.

The session leader is trying to get someone to talk about their dirty heroin needles, when Malik bursts in to share his breakthrough.

The model calls him Mr. Interrupter which doesn't quite phase him. He just wants to know what number between 4 and 20 takes off the addict label. The session leader tells him it is not about the numbers but the reason why he takes the pills.

"I will BEAT yo azz"
"Let's examine that. Do you want to beat my ass because I resemble your father?"

Watch it doc. I'll beat your ass too!
Malik storms out of the session and Ms. Model finds him sulking in the back somewhere. She shares her jelly beans with him which seems to help.

He opens up to her and tells her his disappointment with TeeTee, Mrs. Manager, Jason and Derwin. Later on, she gives him the real dish, just like Tasha used to, by telling him that other people have to move on with their lives.

You can see the "light" turn on for him slowly and feel his discomfort as he allows that information to sink in. What a good actor!

Moved enough to go and make amends, he ends up at TeeTee's wing truck. Good hearted TeeTee. Guess who is back as well!!

"The heart wants what the heart wants!"
Hurrah! TeeTee and Malik are friends again. I guess they can never have the kitchen counselling sessions they  had when they both lived with Tasha - but hope lives eternal!

If you didn't see this coming, Malik and Model lady, then you're about as astute as a drunk man shooting at a moving target. This might actually be good.

Somewhere in the city there is a party for someone who asked that Derwin attend. Tasha is in control and making sure that they get good pictures of Derwin and Mel.

While they get drinks at the free bar (free bar?!) Kelly walks in with her crew to schmooze with some footballers. Tasha and Mel think she's there to apologize and boy-oh-boy are they mistaken!

"Hello Derwin!"

Tasha intervenes and sends Kelly on her way, but not after Kelly makes shots at Mel for having "black women problems" and at Tasha for dating a younger man.
Roll the tape back y'all!!! Black women problems? Could they possibly mean baby momma drama? Um... I don't think WE have the monopoly on that one but okay. We forgive you Kelly, only coz we know you're as lost as a bead weaving needle in an ocean of hay.

The producer of her show tells her that it is not making the cut and that he is ending it. He heads over to the stage to get bootie shots and Kelly gets in front of the cameras.

WHAT?!

Yeah, we're making this face as well! What the...? I guess we shouldn't be too surprised that this was the next level. First the hair, then the clothes and makeup, then common sense. I guess it's not such a big leap.

At first Kelly is appalled, but after hearing that her booty is the #1 hottest booty on the internet (really?) she's okay with it. Jason walks in, acknowledges her new found slutty fame, but it is not the reason why he is here.

He pulls out his iPhone and shows her pictures of BritBrat on the internet with her clothes OFF! He threatens to take Brittany away from her and Kelly tries to shape up. As she prepares for her talk with Brittany we can see she's changed her clothes...

Brit walks in and gets a talking too from her Mom but talks right back. Kelly sends her to her room and realizes that she has completely lost control of her daughter.

She turns to her best friends Tasha and Mel, who at first are a little miffed that she said nasty things to them the last time.

(Writers, this is why we enjoyed the show before. Adult people doing adult things and sometimes behaving a little badly but getting back to the real things of life. Can we get back to it? Please?)

"Oh hell no! Beat her!"
Even though we knew what Tasha was going to say, it sure sounds good when she says it and it is still funny!

They surround their friend with love and tell her what she needs to do. Awww...

She hunts Jason down and has an honest talk with him about having difficulty moving on. He teases her as usual but they have an understanding and he agrees to keep Brittany for a little while so Kelly can go and regroup.

This was a great episode. I see them coming back and getting back into the groove of things. 22 minutes is a short time to cram a lot of story into, but I believe they were successful in making us care again. I'm still a little put off by this Brittany, mostly because she reminds me of Janae. Where is the curly haired pouty kid (Erica Gluck)?

Looking forward to next week!

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0 Learning a new language

I'm learning Arabic! There is something fascinating about learning a language that can take the shape of different animals and is read in the opposite direction.

Why Arabic? I've always been somewhat linguistically talented. I always thought "surely it must be harder than this" and then complicated things. But when I've had a good teacher it has been a breeze.

Arabic is the official language of 22 countries and was widely used in Africa in the large universities that existed in pre-Colonial times. Like any other language it had developed and changed and grown.

I was watching a documentary by Henry Louis Gates Jr (Wonders of the African World) and although my education had included extensive African History, it was put together by Europeans and told from their perspective. I was fascinated by the stories that were NOT told, the great University at Timbuktu, and the literature being held in private libraries written in an older form of Arabic (which contradicts the theory that Africans were largely illiterate).

What wonders and secrets are hidden in those texts? Are they medical journals? Is there a diary that would tell us what life was like? Is there some history written there that is not yet known?

See why I have to learn Arabic? Lemme go back to learning my letters!

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0 Black History Month: He mailed himself..

from Wikipedia

The desire for freedom and self determination is very strong in every human being and very evident especially during black history month.

Click here to go to jackandjillpolitics.com for the story of Henry Box Brown.







Also, from Today in Black History

Today in Black History for February 22nd Selected Black Facts for February 22 1. 1989 - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince win the first rap Grammy for the hit single " DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince win the first rap Grammy for the hit single "Parents Just Don't Understand." 2. 1950 - Birthdday Julius Winfield( "Dr.J") Erving, 49, former basketball player, born Roosevelt, NY, Feb 22, 1950 3. 1938 - Ishmael Reed, poet, born Ishmael Reed, poet, born 4. 1911 - Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Passes Activist and social reformer Francis Ellen Watkins Harper dies in her home in Philadelphia. Harper founderd the Naiontl Convention of Colored Women in 1864 and was involved in other projects for women's rights. 5. 1911 - On this day, the "Bronze Muse" died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Frances El On this day, the "Bronze Muse" died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper wrote more than a dozen books, including 'Poems on Miscellaneous Subjects'(1854); 'Moses, a Story of the Nile'(1869);and 'Sketches of Southern Life'(1872). Harper was the most famous female poet of her day and the most... 6. 1898 - Black postmaster lynched and his wife and three Black postmaster lynched and his wife and three daughters shot and maimed for life in Lake City, S.C. 7. 1888 - Painter Horace Pippin born In West Chester, Pennsylvania, African American painter Horace Pippin was born. Pippin is considered one of the major American painters of his period. One of his more significant works, "John Brown Going to His Hanging," is owned by the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. 8. 1841 - Grafton Tyler Brown, lithographer and painter, bor Grafton Tyler Brown, lithographer and painter, born

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0 On The Radio: Tuesday Feb 22

As part of your daily Entertainment, we will bring you the day's hottest online radio shows to enjoy while you work or afterwards! Enjoy!

	Show: Josi's Inspiration Date/Time:  Feb 22, 2011 11:00 AM ESTListen: Click to listen..

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0 Trudge-by Tuesday: So What?

The threat of unemployment has many of us stuck in jobs that we dread going to and employers we loathe. How many times have we sat, backs aching in those hard office chairs not made for our ample bottom, wondering what excuse we're going to use to get out of working on Friday?

But what is the solution? Is there one? How will bills get paid?

Very valid questions, however consider this, if you walked in this morning and found a variation of "the pink slip" in your inbox, what would you turn to to supplement the ever dwindling employment benefits?

The February issue of the O Magazine had questions to gear the readers towards reaching their creative potential. You know it's inside you just waiting to get out. You've picked up a camera, a paint brush, a needle and thread... something that made your creative juices start mixing and churning. But then logic set in, you convinced yourself you were not THAT talented otherwise someone would have noticed and you wouldn't be stuck where you are. Check out this panel discussion with Vera Wang, Sara Lewis, Deborah Kenny, moderated by Gayle King..

My challenge to you today is to follow that passion. If you're not quite sure where you are being led, visit your local arts and crafts store. and see what tickles your fancy. Don't be discouraged if you don't immediately feel something calling to you. Allow yourself the chance to search.

I believe that the way to get out of the doldrums and walk towards a prosperous future lies in tapping into our creativity and turning it into a venture that will pay back.

Let your creative juices flow!

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0 Today's Radio Shows

As part of your daily Entertainment, we will bring you the day's hottest online radio shows to enjoy while you work or afterwards!

Enjoy!

	Show: Men Don't Understand Romance Date/Time:  Feb 20, 2011 5:30 PM PST Listen: Click to listen.
	Show: Why ChIlli and women like her will be single FOREVER Date/Time:  Feb 20, 2011 9:00 PM EST Listen: Click to listen.
	Show: THE BLOCK 63 "ONE DROP" of Black blood makes you Black Date/Time:  Feb 20, 2011 9:00 PM CST Listen: Click to listen
	Show: Wealthy Sistas® As Seen On Oprah Financial Expert Glinda Bridgforth Date/Time:  Feb 21, 2011 12:00 PM EST Listen: Click to listen.
	Show: The Care Giver's Tao Te Ching Date/Time:  Feb 21, 2011 3:00 PM EST Listen: Click to listen.

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0 MISSING! Phylicia Barnes

The mother of missing Phylicia Barnes is criticizing the response since the initial call for help to police in Baltimore.

Janice Sallis told CNN said pleas for help during the first 48 hours of the case were ignored, though she wouldn’t say who was to blame. She made the remarks during an interview with the network news program, which were also reported in a story in the girl’s hometown newspaper, the Charlotte Observer

Click here to read the rest of the story.

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0 Melancholy Mondays: Easing into Monday

When I was younger, Sundays, not Mondays, were the worst days of the week. We spent most of the morning in Church, rushed home for lunch, raced around getting hair done, homework completed, uniforms ironed and weekly snacks made (my mom made lots of cupcakes) in preparation for the school week.

As an adult I schedule the madness for the week so nothing takes up my weekend and yet I cannot shake that feeling of dread every time the weekend comes to a close and Monday rears its ugly head.
For those of us plagued by familial depression, this is not a good thing. I would like to suggest a few things to help ease you into Monday so that rather than being the day you dread the most, it will be a comfortable lift off to the rest of the week.

1. As you prepare for Monday, play your favourite calming music.
2. Save your Sunday evening for yourself. Take a long bath with special bubbles or prepare to watch a good chick flick or feel good movie.
3. Eat something light so your dreams will not be troubled. Opt for half a plate serving or a light salad.
4. On Friday before you rush out of work, clean up your desk, respond to email messages and take some time to read the news so you can skip the rush of traffic home.
5. Sleep for an extra 15 minutes in the morning (having done most of your preparation the day before) and end your shower with cold water.
6. Play some upbeat music to get you started
7. Don't forget a crunchy fruit (like an apple or pear) to go along with your breakfast!

Let's chase away the blues!

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0 Coming out of my scalp

So... a few years ago, after a bout with a polluted city and stress a crop of resilient white hair began to emerge from my scalp. While it seemed spread all over my head, it congregated at the front of my scalp to announce to the entire world that I was no longer a teenager (shut it!). I did something about it. L'Oreal and Clairol were staples in my hair routine. It seemed that I had to get my hair done every two weeks and the chemicals in the products started to weaken my hair.

Last week I decided to try something else.

I mixed it up, let it rest, soaked my hair in it and then rinsed it out.

The dye went EVERYWHERE and the entire process took so much time I thought I'd never be done with the hair! Anyway, it was a mild success, of course my roots are already showing and some of the hair turned a weird reddish brown, but over all I'd say I was successful.

Have you tried using black henna on your hair? How did it work out for you?

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0 Free Book Alert!!

I am a fan of good literature. Grand language and advanced vocabulary always get me drooling over and author. When a black woman can successfully combine the two, she will have my money each and every time.

From time to time you can find me trolling various black authors blogs looking for tidbits and deals on their latest work, so imagine my surprise when I found THIS!

There has not been enough coming out of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, save a poorly marketed documentary from Spike Lee, a Television Series that you need HBO for and now a novel that has received little or no attention at all.

I have not yet read the book, but cannot wait to read it so y'all can know what I think about this work. However, because I plan to do a whole slew of things before I write its review, I urge you to follow this link and download a free copy of the book for yourself. It is not very often that such riches fall into our hands. Let's not squander it!

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0 The BIG Secret

There was a time in my life when I thought health fanatics should be locked up in a cupboard until they agreed to sign a document swearing they'd SHUT UP about health issues.

It can be annoying when that one person in your group of friends always comes down on everybody about their eating habits, exercise routine, food supplements and lifestyle choices. I'm beginning to agree with them.

Aside from the recent flurry of news articles about the evil doings of Monsanto (a biotechnology company bent on World Domination...), movies like Supersize Me and information spilling out of various educational institutions about the rise in diabetes and high blood pressure in Black women, my own battle with health issues has helped turn the tide for me.

My doctor prescribed METFORMIN, an anti-diabetes medication with a plethora of side effects, told me to stay away from complex carbohydrates and sugar and sent me on my way. I ended up with hyperpigmentation in the skin on my face, water retention and weight gain even after a strict diet change. Obviously that solution was not working for me so I had to find something else, a more natural solution.

I came across a solution. CINNAMON! I happen to love cinnamon in my tea, porridge, pastries... wherever I could get it. I read many articles including this one, and found that cinnamon acts like insulin in the body. It would break down the sugars in my blood, just as long as I didn't OD on complex carbs and sweets.

I now get my cinnamon supplements from New Chapter, which critically extracts the cinnamon from the bark,  and provides it in pill form. No more metformin, no more hyperpigmentation, water retention and weight gain! My sugar levels are back to normal and all I had to do was add cinnamon to my diet. I also have it regularly in my tea and porridge!

Do some research and talk to your doctor about getting off metformin. It really isn't good for you.

Disclaimer: The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Talk to your doctor about using any supplements before getting off your medication.

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0 Black History Month

Black History Month is a wonderful time in our household. It is a celebration and we do everything we can to process our history as people of African Descent, delving into the suggested history of our ancestors from even before slavery.

It is not only during February that we choose to focus on our history, we study it all year, including recent history. One of the subjects we found most difficult was slavery itself. While it is easy to focus on the achievements of black people since the Civil Rights movement, the period before that all the way to 1833 when slavery was abolished, is very complicated.

In our research we found a website that contains the stories of some people who were slaves at the turn of the 20th Century. The language is difficult, but the stories are inspiring. Below is an excerpt from one of the stories.

Interview of Mrs. Fannie Berry, Ex-slave 861 E. Bank Street.
Feb 26 1937


Nat Turner
Back 'fore the sixties, I can 'member my mistress, Miss Sara Ann, comin' to de window an' hollerin', "De niggers is arisin'! De niggers is arisin'! De niggers is killin' all de white folks, killin' all de babies in de cradle!" It must have been Nat Turners Insurrection; which wus sometime 'fo de breakin' of de Civil War.
I wus waitin' on table in dinin' room an' dis day dey had finished eatin' early an' I wuz cleanin' off table. Don't you know I must have been a good size gal.


John Brown
Yes I 'member somethin' 'bout him too. I know my master came home an' said, dat on his way to de gallows ole John stopped an' kissed a little nigger child. "How com' I don't 'member? Don't tell me I don't cause I do. I don't care if its done bin a thousand years." I know what master said an' it is as fresh in my mind as it wuz dat day. Dis is de song I herd my master sing:

Old John Brown came to Harpers Ferry Town,

Purpose to raise an insurrection,

Old Governor Wise put the specks upon his eyes

An' showed him the happy land of Canan

Invention
My master tole us dat de niggers started the railroad, an' dat a nigger lookin' at a boilin' coffee pot on a stove one day got the idea dat he could cause it to run by putting wheels on it. Dis nigger being a blacksmith put his thoughts into action by makin' wheels an' put coffee on it, an' by some kinder means he made it run an' the idea wuz stole from him an' dey built de steamengine.


Relationship
I wuz one slave dat de poor white man had his match. See Miss Sue? Dese here ol' white men said, "what I can't do by fair means I'll do by foul." One tried to throw me, but he couldn't. We tusseled an' knocked over chairs an' when I got a grip I scratched his face all to piecesl an dar wuz no more bothering Fannie from him; but oh, honey, some slave would be beat up so, when dey resisted, an' sometimes if you'll 'belled de overseer would kill you. Us colored women had to go through a plenty, I tell you.

Click Here for more stories.

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0 Books for young readers

One of the links in our Blogroll is The Brown Bookshelf.

Making books available to our children that has the themes and personality that are integral to the African American community is difficult. At the Brown Bookshelf, various Authors and books are featured as part of a collection of books written with characters and themes that we can recognize.

Today we bring you a link directly from The Brown Bookshelf that features Author and Inspirational Speaker Joyce Carol Thomas who has written over 30 books.

Click here for more...

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0 Solemn Sundays: Forgiveness, A Biblical Perspective

Forgiveness is often tied up with feelings and that is why it becomes hard to do. Hurt and betrayal which often break relationships, challenge people at the level of feelings. Often one who has been hurt finds it easy to forgive if the person who caused the hurt comes forward and apologizes. But this does not happen as much as one would like to have it and as a result many people are walking with hurt from this and from that person who caused the hurt. Many times the one who caused the hurt does not even know but the one hurt will not forget.

The Bible calls us to forgive and does not include apology from the person who caused the hurt. For example, Matt 6:14 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matt 18:21-22, Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” When you read on in Matt. 18, Jesus tells a very important parable. You will find that because the first servant did not forgive his fellow servant, they both got stuck in the prison.

Whether people ask us for forgiveness or not, Christians are expected to forgive because they are released to enjoy the blessing of the Lord. By the way, forgiveness is a matter of faith and not feelings.


And now about God’s forgiveness. We start with 1 John 1: 8, 9. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” A careful look at the passage will reveal as St. Paul says in Rom. 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Isaiah 53:6 “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” King Solomon praying for his nation said, "When they sin against you-- for there is no one who does not sin-- and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land, far away or near; (I King 8:46) and so on. We are sinners through and through and so we can not claim to be without sin.


Because we are sinners, we are required to confess our sins. Once again, this is not a matter of feelings but of faith. We go to God on his terms and in 1 Jn. 1:9, we are given his terms – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”. One, he is faithful; meaning that he does not change. James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” So if he says he forgives he does so despite the way we feel.

Lastly, our God is just and therefore he does not change his standards. The Bible says, “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”(Heb 9:22). Our forgiveness is very costly because it took the blood of the Son of God for us to be forgiven. It is not for free as we sometimes preach. It is only free for us and not to God. Our forgiveness includes purification and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. All means all and nothing less. No categorization or degree we humans put on sins. Isn’t this great?

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0 Celebration Saturdays: The Quest for Perfect Skin

The quest for beautiful skin can be as elusive as the quest for the Holy Grail. Unlike Indiana Jones, I'm not one to go seeking solutions in hot deserts or have an unlimited cache of money set to achieve that goal alone. Sometimes I gotta eat too!

Searching the internet for products that cater specially to black skin is cumbersome, and although there are many companies and businesses out there that promise the goodness we all expect, how do we sort out the chaff from the wheat? Frankly I've given up on popular cosmetics on the shelf, but one thing I have learned from people with beautiful skin, simpler is better.

Here are a few things to remember:

1. Don't let your skin dry out. No matter what the season or the weather, excessive dryness is the quickest way to wrinkles and skin troubles. The cells of our bodies are turbid (or taut) when they are full of water. You CANNOT get water from a little bottle on the shelf! Drink LOTS of water and splash your face with water at least three times a day. Seal in the moisture with a good moisturizer (note again, they cannot ad water to your skin, just protect it from drying out) before applying your makeup.
2. Allow your skin to breathe. Our skin has lots of tiny little pores all over it. Sometimes the makeup we use clogs up the pores preventing the skin from "breathing". 
3. Remember the popular adage, you are what you eat? Vitamin E, biotin and folic acid are the skin miracle drugs. Don't believe labels of cosmetics that claim to have vitamin E in it. It cannot be absorbed by the skin. Instead INGEST these food groups. Nuts and dark leafy greens are your best bet for getting these nutrients into your body and all the way to your skin.
4. Keep your hands off your face and make sure you wash them whenever you can. We pick up germs from the most benign places. Door handles, elevator buttons, computer keyboards, shaking hands, picking up products in the store. All these germs get deposited on your skin with one touch. If you keep hand sanitizer and a hand moisturizer in your purse, you will be able to decrease what germs get to your face.
5. Finally, take some time to relax. Take a day off from your daily rigorous routine and listen to your favorite tunes, watch your favorite TV programs or have a girls day in and pamper yourselves. Stress can cause breakouts!

Enjoy your Saturday!

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0 Friday Freebie: Lactaid

The stuff that makes our bones and
teeth strong (evanswholesale.net)

Before you fall over laughing at the freebie deal for Friday, please take some time to speak to your inner sister gurl so she can remind you of the putrid scent your body seems to give off every time you have a glass of milk or something with milk in it.
According to a study conducted by reputable institutions (University of Maryland), up to 75% of the African American population is lactose intolerant. For some of us, this means stomach pain and for others the pungent smell our skin gives off. If you are like me, then increased flatulence and a very vocal stomach are the results.
We have been told by doctors that it is important to have a glass of milk. Why? So that we would have calcium and various other nutrients in our bodies. So we sit across our glass of milk of the day, pray to God that our partners will be to exhausted to notice the smell and gulp it all down.
There are multiple solutions to this problem.

• You can choose NEVER to drink milk again and either go without or find another substitute. 
• You can follow some really dubious advice.
• You could also ignore the problem and pray that your partner is loving enough to ignore it too. 
• You could also seek out the help of your local pharmacist. 

I will be that pharmacist for you today and lead you to a source, a place where you can, for a short period of time, get the help you need.

Click Here.

Happy Milk Drinking!

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0 The Game Recap: Episode 406

"Didn't You Know Who I Was?"

Welcome back me mateys!!! I guess saying that with an Irish accent is not really the way to go with this intro to a series about black people (no matter what they say about black Irish), but I figured I hadn't used it before so why not now!

Back to the show (and less of me if I can help it!).

Malik in rehab. Now you knew how this was going to go down, even with the look of remorse he tried to pander, we know he's just saving his job. He's clearly not enjoying this so he acts like a teenager whose XBox was taken away.

JERK! She looks MAD and NAKED in this picture. Must be the bootie shorts. Glad this isn't rehab for sex addicts.

The group session leader calls him out on his bad behavior. Wait, isn't this stereotyping? The soft spoken benevolent doctor of Indian heritage... I know there is a punchline in here somewhere.

Back to the real other world...

Mel is still in her high chair trying to get attention for the meeting. "Ladies, let's talk about... "
[Interrupting black woman]

Since effing when did Tasha air out all her business to these women she originally considered beneath her? Since when? Okay, I guess we all change and grow, forget how to include people (Rick Fox) into the episode without making a proud black woman make a fool of herself.

You'd think they'd get back to the meeting, and so would I, except look at Mel's face!!

Did Derwin just walk in wearing a fabulous gown, some hoop earrings and high heels? GASP! Could it be Janae? What the ....

Oh. Just Ms. Trashy Desperado coming to say something... Kelly was an airhead. But a fresh faced airhead who provided a fabulous contrast to Tasha. Now both characters are falling flat. Tasha got her man business in errbody's dranks and Kelly...

... who decides to stay for the Sunbeam meeting, has turned into this!

The Really Desperate Housewives of San Diego with Trash Roots (which is the REAL name of the Housewives franchise - just in case you didn't know).

Leaving the Sunbeams with their Hats for Hobos (really?), let's get back to Malik.

We knew he couldn't leave well enough alone. Now homegirl over here knows exactly what she's about. Wasn't her thigh all out? Now her shirt is barely clinging to her thin frame and now we know she ain't got no bra on. Malik saw it too and he's up for a little "Malik Time."

She's not havin' it, and with his weak a$$ game we ain't eithah! She takes off and SWOOP

here comes the soft spoken doctor of Indian descent to talk to Malik. He didn't get none and frustrated at the lack of anything fun around here, possibly also jitters coz he doesn't have alcohol coursing through his veins, he leaves rehab. "We'll be here for you Malik! The door is always open!"

Meanwhile, on the other side of town,

Dante's behind is making its acting debut and Cecilia is all up on that!! Until she's caught

She doesn't even seem sorry. Isn't this the person who smiled and laughed when Malik got arrested? Fire her Tasha!

This is for the Sunbeams?! Gee. Yeah Dante! You know how I do!

Huh?! Didn't see this one coming. I guess that was the reason for botching up the introduction of Rick Fox at the beginning of the episode.

So when Dante arrives we kinda get the whole "$h!t" and boy oh boy does he look mad. Calls her out for wearing her little peek-a-boo dress. You have issues Tasha!

Look here Dante. I wanted closure.
Closure my a$$, now I'm taking mine outta here!
What?! Not that gorgeous bootie! Can I pinch it one more time at least?

Dante shakes his head and leaves. He's not coming back. Poor Tasha. Poor Dante. Will they ever find love?

The Sunbeams have rented a VIP room for girls' night out. They seem to be having a little fun

holding their drinks, boring hair, boobs out, till Trashalina comes along!

I bet she pulled this one out of the trunk of costumes that she and Jason used to use! Kelly comes into the room and all the other Sunbeams leave coz they don't want to be on TV (yeah... riiiiiiiiiiight).

Mel has to tell her, point blank, that she is unwelcome at the Sunbeams events because she is no longer a Sunbeam. Sigh.

In another part of the club (or maybe a different club, we never know) Malik is back home enjoying the things he'd been deprived of.

Women, alcohol and some pills he takes from a prescription bottle.

In walk Jason and Derwin and Malik takes this opportunity to confront them for not being the kind of friends who stick by your side.

I know you're not talking about me Malik! Yeah, Malik!

He's too far gone and picks a fight with them.

He goes after Jason first, then Derwin and aims for Derwin's jaw when something happens...

Did he faint?

He passed out! Jason, who never passed up an opportunity to make some money takes a picture.

That's not cool Jason! Tell him Derwin. Tell him he's being an ass.

You're being an...

Oh SNAP! Where did that come from? Malik climbs Derwin's back.

Jason finally separates them and tells Malik he MUST go back to rehab or he can kiss his career goodbye.
Hell NO!

He runs and hides in the only place that is safe, the stall. That part was hilarious. A grown man hiding in a stall... tee hee!

Come out Malik!
NO!

Dude, I ain't got time for this nonsense. I'm going to go post that picture on the internet while you flush your career. (Pick up your face Derwin). We'll take you.

Alright.

Then in an amazing show of friendship and kindness Jason and Derwin take Malik back to rehab. This is the kind of stuff that warms the heart.

We'll see you later dude.

This episode was full of highs and lows and unexpected funny parts. I'm still upset that Tasha can't seem to find someone. I wish they'd tackle that a little more, show her background. She is one of the stronger characters on the show. I don't like that Mel has morphed into a weird version of Kelly and that Jason is just kept for punch lines.

I liked the end. A properly contrite Malik getting back to rehab with the help of good friends (Yes Derwin) and moving forward.

Let's see what happens next week!

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