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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tie Tuesday (Patrice O'Neal)

L-O-L!  Where do I start?  Anybody who knows me KNOWS I love to laugh. So, who better to highlight than a man who makes me laugh so hard, my eyes water.  Dude is THAT funny. 

Seriously folks, if you don't know who Patrice O'Neal is... *sigh*  He's just amazing. He's one of the smartest, most talented comedians I've ever seen. His timing, delivery and overall sarcastic personality mixed with some offensive, cold-blooded honesty is a dope combination!  

Sadly, Patrice passed away in 2011 due to complications from a stroke. He'd suffered from diabetes for years, and ironically he joked about it in his routines.  That's the bad part.  The good part?  He left a legacy of amazing work that we can all can sit back and enjoy for years and years to come.  Here's one of his "clean" stories about women being horrible storytellers:  

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Hey Paula (My Open Letter To Paula Deen) *sigh*

It's 2013 and folks are still out here spewing racist hatred in these streets....  Case in point: Celebrity chef, Paula Deen. She recently admitted to using the N-word, telling racist jokes and wait for it...wait for it - wanting African American employees to dress/act like slaves for a big wedding she was planning. *sigh* Slaves at a !&@% wedding. *sighs again*  Here's my open letter to her: 

Hey Paula, 

First, let me say - I would have preferred to do this face-to-face. I want nothing more than to look into your big, beautiful, blue eyes and tell you some things.  BUT--this could get ugly.  So maybe it's best this way. No, wait.  What am I saying?  I'm a lady, so I'll always take the high road.  Claire Huxtable taught me that. No ugliness here. 

Anyway...You know, I've always admired you. I love a "come-up" story and you've got one of the best. You've overcome a lot and accomplished such great things in your life. Oprah herself even called you an inspiration to women. So did Michelle Obama. And up until about 24 hours ago, I agreed with them. 

But things have changed, Paula.  Things. Have. Changed.

Listen. I'm a black woman, OK.  So I know racism is alive and well in this country.  And I know there are no perfect people. We all make mistakes. We all mess up. We all do stupid things. I get it. However--and this is a big however, when it comes to racist remarks/behavior, things are different. 


It's hard to forgive when it comes to racism.  Not impossible.  But very, very difficult.  Why?  Real prejudice takes dedication.  It's a genuine representation of your heart.  The real deal.  You can't fake hatred. That comes from deep down in your soul, Paula. 

And it's crazy because the African American community has welcomed you into our homes for years. We've patronized your businesses, supported your family projects and helped you build your empire (Yeah, I know about Dora Charles).  And THIS is what you think of us?  Damn shame. 


To make matters worse, it's been more than a day since your comments hit the news and you haven't said a word. Your lawyer gave a weak, tired response, but you?  Nothing.  No apology.  No explanation.  No remorse.  Nada.  

Things have definitely changed, Paula....

I've decided not to support you or your brand moving forward.  Can't do it.  I really hope you've learned a valuable lesson from this.  Mainly about respect, sensitivity and tolerance.  But more importantly, I hope you can take this situation and turn it into an opportunity to teach your grandkids and others that racism, no matter what shape or form it comes in is wrong.  Plain and simple. 


-Steph 
Paula Deen



Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Tie Tuesday (Frederick Douglass)

Juneteenth is tomorrow!  It marks the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19th (in 1865) that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war was a wrap and slaves were now free - a WHOLE two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. *side eye*  News traveled really slow back then. *sigh* 

Juneteenth has always represented history and freedom, but it also represents the culture and achievements of African Americans.  Tomorrow, a statue of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) will be unveiled in the United States Capitol Visitor Center.  A formal ceremony will be held to honor this former slave turned leader of the abolitionist movement.  I SO wish I could be there!

Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people. He sought to embody three keys for success in life:
  • Believe in yourself. 
  • Take advantage of every opportunity. 
  • Use the power of written language to effect positive change for yourself and society.
 When you get a chance, take a look at some of his writings.  Ahhhmaaazing! 


 

Monday, June 17, 2013

You MIGHT Be A Tech Snob If....

Disclaimer - I may or may not be a tech snob.  Spend some time with me (about an hour will do) and you'll know the answer.... *whistles and walks away* 
  • You think the new Twitter app "Vine" is stupid, hilarious AND fantastic!

  • You feel sorry for people who are super active (& thriving - in their mind) on Facebook.

  • You judge people by their cell phone.  (If you're under the age of 50 and you have a flip phone?  *sigh* )

  • You judge people by their cell phone provider. (T-Mobile users....)

  • You defend Apple products profusely - as if you own stock in the company.

  • You own stock in Apple.

  • You'd rather drop cold, hard cash on your tech accessories than buy groceries.

  • You put serious thought into your profile name (and picture) on social networks.

  • You have little to no patience for people who refuse to embrace technology.

  • You sleep with your cell phone on your night stand - next to your bible, a bottle of Fiji water and a picture of Idris Elba your momma. 




Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Tie Tuesday (Jay-Z)

I've always loved Jay-Z, the rapper.  But Jay-Z, the business (not businessman)?  Whew!  I'm not sure about you, but he inspires the heck out of me.  He grew up in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, but today at age 43 he's reportedly worth nearly $500 million. 

With stakes in the Barclays Center, Roc Nation Sports, Budweiser Select (Co-brand director), Carol's Daughter (He knows what women like) and Rocawear (He sold it, but still has stake in the company), Jay-Z has literally gone from a street corner to a big, beautiful corner office.   

                                                              " I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man."  -Jay-Z

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Michelle Obama Was Heckled? She Handled It Just Fine...

Let me preface this post by saying that I'm a HUGE Michelle Obama supporter.  So, my comments here will be biased based on my love for her.  If I offend anyone... *sips smoothie*   

The last few years for me politically have been bittersweet.  I watched as the country elected (and re-elected) its first African American president.  A great, unforgettable moment in history, right?  Yes!  Since this post is about Michelle Obama, I won't rant about my unwavering support for President Obama.  But, just know this...I think he's pretty dope. 

Now here's the "bitter" in the bittersweet part:  The Obamas have endured more ridicule, criticism and down-right hate than any other First Family 
I've ever known.  And through it all, they've been incredibly polite - to say the least.  I've often wondered, how in the !*@% do they do it?  I'm not sure if I could be so "nice." 

Michelle Obama... Over the past 4+ years, like millions of people all over the world, I fell head over heels for her.  She's smart, beautiful and so gracious.  I could go on and on...  A breath of fresh air!  


A few days ago, Michelle Obama was heckled by a woman as she spoke at a Democratic fundraising event.  She responded quickly by basically stating her intolerance for that kind of behavior.  Michelle approached the heckler and told her that she would leave: "Listen to me or you can take the mic. You all (audience) decide. You have one choice."  

The audience of course, wanted Michelle to stay.  She stayed and finished her speech.  The heckler?  She was escorted out of the event.

Some critics have come out and said Michelle's Obama behavior was inappropriate.  What?  Ummmm yeah--No.  The heckler's behavior was inappropriate and rude.  Michelle merely exerted herself as a guest speaker and First Lady.   

       

The PR me thinks she handled this perfectly.  Her reaction was transparent and real, wrapped up in the most
respectful, unapologetic packaging ever.  She wasn't defensive.  She didn't raise her voice.  She didn't become irate.  She doesn't have to.  Why?  Because she's Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States.  Respect it.  

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Tie Tuesday (Vince Vaughn)

If you know me, you know I love to laugh.  And if you REALLY know me, you know how much I LOVE Vince Vaughn.  I mean...he's tall, handsome, smart AND funny???  What's not to love, right?   *swoons*

Anywho.  I can't remember when I first fell for him, but it's been a minute.  There are only a handful of people in Hollywood I'd die to meet and he's one of them.  I've heard that his nickname is "Mr. Sunshine."  So appropriate.  So very appropriate. :)

"The Internship," Vince's latest movie will be in theaters on Friday, June 7th.