Pic Of The Day: She's How Old?!?!?!

I kid you not, this woman was born in 1937.  I'm not so great with math, but that means she's *counting on my fingers*  75 years old!  Let me repeat that, so it can marinate and you can really understand what I just said.  She. Is. 75!  Her name is Ernestine Shepherd and she's the world's oldest competitive female bodybuilder.

And get this: She started working out at the tender age of 56.  I'm SO @&h#(&?+d&rf!dg?#er inspired!!! 

Girls Run The World & Rock The Vote!

DISCLAIMER -  I was born and raised in Florida.  Besides the weather, the beaches and Disney World, there's something else we're known for.  Politics.  It's deep rooted in the culture down there.  No matter your age, race, economic status, church affiliation...whatever!  If you reside in the Sunshine State, you're about that political life.  (And not just during a Presidential election season.)
                                       
I'm not an emotional person.  I don't anger easily.  I don't have a combative spirit.  And I'm very, very careful about picking my battles.  Which brings me to my next point...

I checked my Facebook page a few days ago.  It was late at night, but people were still online posting...and venting. Pretty common, right?  Well, something, or should I say someone caught my eye.  I'll call her "Kelly."  Kelly was frustrated and upset about the number of political posts on her timeline.  She was mad and totally "OVER IT." (Yep, she posted it in all caps).  Kelly wanted Facebook to return to that wonderful, blissful utopia that features snapshots of food, obnoxious quotes and sappy relationship updates.  Ahhhh...Facebook.  Gotta love it. :)

Any-who.  I'm always surprised to hear a person say they're not "into" politics.  Completely blown away and disappointed when I hear a woman say it.  The conversation usually goes something like this:

Friend:  I don't like politics.  I don't get it.  I don't follow it.  

Me: * blank stare *

Friend: I hate politics....blah, blah, blah.

Me:  Girl, what?  Do you know that these politicians (mostly men) are out here making decisions about our reproductive rights?  Passing laws about our health care choices...  Hellllloooo - our issues are at stake!

Listen.  Beyonce says "Girls Run The World."  And I believe it.  As women, we've made some amazing strides over the last 20 years, but we have a long way to go.  And to get there, we have to be engaged in the political process.  We shouldn't be comfortable sitting on the sidelines.  We can't afford to "get over it."  We have to get into it.  

There's no question about it, this Presidential election will be a close race.  Will female voters be a key factor? Absolutely.  Our impact is critical and yes, we will play a pivotal role on November 6th.  

To women like Donna Brazile and Maria Shriver....and me, politics isn't some dry, boring, cold place reserved for older men in nice suits.  It's the freeway to empowerment.  It's a place where our thoughts and ideas can help change lives.   
So, the next time you hear a woman diss politics, talk to her about the candidates and the issues.  Help her understand.  And politely remind her of all the women and men who made sacrifices, so that we--women could have a seat at the table.  And then grab a microphone, turn up the video below and...Rock. Out. :)

  

Pic of The Day: If This Doesn't Make You Say Awwwwww

If THIS picture doesn't make you say "Awwwwww," then I don't know what else will!  Too friggin' cute! :)

Change Is A Good Thing: Sparkle 2012

1976

Ok so, I have a confession to make.  When I heard that Hollywood was set to remake the movie Sparkle, I was soooo disappointed. Jordin Sparks as Sparkle?  Whitney Houston as Effe?  I said to myself, self (I call myself 'self'), "Why would anyone want to touch that movie.  Like, why???"  Because...the original version of Sparkle is everything. EVERYTHING. 

It's my favorite movie of all time. I fell in love with it as a kid and I've been in love with it ever since. The story. The characters. The music. They should have called it "Unforgettable" because once you see it, you'll never, ever forget it. The original movie was released in 1976. Over 35 years later, here comes the remake....

Sparkle 2012.  Two-thumbs up!  Brava!  Yeeeessss!      

The remake vs. the original - are there similarities?  Sure.  Is the remake entertaining?  Absolutely.  But, this is a very different movie.  You'll see three sisters who want to sing.  An overprotective mother.  Conflict and consequences.  But, it is....different.  And like most remakes, this version isn't a soulless carbon copy.     

The 2012 story line isn't nearly as gritty as the original.  The characters are familiar, but more flawed and endearing. The music is so freakin' dope (R. Kelly produced the soundtrack)!  And yes, the ending is predictable.  But the road to get there had twists and turns that were layered, complex and full of surprises. 

2012

And Whitney?  One word:  Awesome.  (That being said though, I was totally not prepared in any way to hear her voice.)  Her version of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow?" Jesus. You could hear a pin drop in the theater.  Beautiful.    

As I write this post, I'm having a huge slice of humble pie. Silly me.  My expectations for this film were extremely low. I mean really, does Hollywood ever get it right when it comes to remakes?  Not often.  But, I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
 
This adaptation of the original Sparkle stands on its own. It's a refreshing bright light in a world that believes that reality TV "stars" and Madea are authentic representations of my community.  It's not perfect, but it is inspirational. And it's a great reminder that change is good, if it's in the right direction.  

You Wanna Date My Daughter? Fill Out This Application First

Listen.  I understand the special bond between Dads and their baby girls.  I know it's real.  I know that no boy/man that she brings home will ever be good enough for his sweet dumplin', precious lambchop, angel-face, puddin' pop.  And I know that her Daddy is the first man she'll ever love.  Very important relationship.  I get it.  

But, has it gotten so bad out here that Dads are resorting to this?!  An "Application For Permission To Date My Daughter."  Whoa.   

I love the "Explain what 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' means to you" section.  Sweet pre-teen Jesus.  What is this world coming to?  *giggle*

Up Close & Personal With Amber Bullock

Meet Amber Bullock.  She's beautiful, talented and she captured the hearts of millions as the 2011 Season 4 winner of BET's hit show Sunday Best.  Amber's debut CD, entitled Thank You was released in late 2011 on Mathew Knowles' Music World Gospel label and entered at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart.

Her signature jazz-infused, neo-soul style is in full effect on her sophomore project, So In Love, a collection of feel-good inspirational music released in July 2012.  A St. Louis native,  Amber partnered with producer PJ Morton on So In Love and describes their union as a "match made in heaven."         

THINKPink caught up with Amber during a recent visit to Atlanta.  She was in town to tape a live recording (she killed it by the way).  Check out the interview to find out more about Amber and her "feel good" music:

Your voice is amazing!  When did you know you had a gift, that your voice was special?  Thank You!  I've been singing all of my life. I don't ever remember my voice being special really, because I grew up around so many people with special gifts. I just blended in with them. 

A lot of people may look at you and think, Amber is very beautiful, she has a great voice, she's so talented, why doesn't she sing secular music? What would you say to those people?  I come from the church.  I'm a church girl.  I'm only singing what I know to sing.  I believe that gospel music is a genre worth fighting for.  I'm blessed to join the fight to keep gospel music alive. But, gospel music shouldn't be in a box.  Gospel means good news, it doesn't mean "churchy."  I'm not trying to give churchy music.  I'm trying to give good news music.      
      
What do you want the world to hear when they listen to your music?  My new CD, So In  Love features different kinds of music.  It features go-go, hip-hop, reggae, jazz, country and pop.  When people listen to it, I want them to feel like they've been on a perfect date.  I want people to feel good.  I want to bring back 'feel good' music.  Gospel music means good news, so I want to produce good news music that makes people feel good.   

Who are your biggest musical influences? I love PJ Morton. I also love Kirk Franklin, Brandy, Kiki Sheard and J. Moss. 

I believe in speaking things into existence.  So, when you win your first Grammy Award, who will you thank first?  God.  My parents, my daughter and her father. 


Follow Amber:
Twitter: @SingAmber
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/singamber
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/singamber/

The "N" Word...More People Need It In Their Life

Ohhhhhh, you thought I was talking about the other "N" word???  Nope. No sir, no ma'am, not here.  Not with this post (Maybe later).  I'm referring to the "N" word as in....NICE.  

First things first: Let me just say this.  Being nice is not a sign of weakness. Smiling doesn't mean you're soft or your "thug" levels are slowly dissolving.  Letting someone merge into traffic doesn't mean you're a wimpy, scary driver.  Giving someone a friendly compliment doesn't mean you want to marry him/her.  Not. At. All.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  It just means you're....nice.  And there's nothing wrong with that. 

I idolized my grandma growing up.  She'd sit with me for hours and give me THE best advice.  One of the greatest things she ever told me was to 'be nice.'  And in true "keep it real" fashion, she never added a lot of ingredients to those two simple words.  She was so sweet.  She'd say, "Be nice 'cuz you never know what someone is going through."  That's it!  Simple.  

She taught me a lot, but that stayed with me. I was always a nice kid.  Polite, mannerable and easy-going.  Not much has changed.  I'm still the same.   

I pity people who are hell bent on being mean.  Typically when someone is mean and nasty, other traits like 'vindictive,' 'arrogant,' 'rude,' and 'bitter' are a part of their twisted energy too.  What a sad, sad life.  Oh well. *shrugs*

Those folks don't stop me from being nice.  No friggin way!  It's in my DNA.  It's what my grandma taught me.  And it's a comfortable place for me.  If I'm mad about something (doesn't happen often), I won't become a horrible, ugly Cruella de Vil.  I'll most likely become quiet.  Extra quiet.  And if THAT happens?  Whew. :)  D  *Nice people often add a smiley icon after saying something slightly mean*

If you're a genuinely nice person, do me a favor and continue to be that way.  I bet you're smiling as you're reading this right now.  Nice people smile often...it's so easy for us!  And for those who choose to live a different kind of life?  Hey--If that brings you joy and contentment, I guess...  Just be sure to tell "Karma" I said Hi when you run into her.  She's a beyotch!

My Pic of The Day: "Does This Outfit Make Me Look Fat?"

Hi, I'm An Egg With No Bio (Twitter Woes)

I love Twitter.  I can't live without it.  Not for the obvious reasons you think, either.  See...I'm a bonafide, unapologetic, Grade A news junkie.  With Twitter, I can connect with reputable newsmakers anytime and anywhere I want.  Whew. Yes. That's incredibly dope to me.  #nerd

I love the cadence and speed of it too.  It moves fast.  Like, Danica Patrick fast!  Fact: Twitter broke the news about Michael Jackson's death, the Hudson River plane crash and Osama bin Laden's raid & death. THAT's how fast it works.  If you don't "get" it.  I advise you to get into it.  If you're in PR and you're not on Twitter....drop the "P" and the "R" from your job description, pack your stuff, do not pass Go and kindly....leave.  Yep, I went there. *files nails* 

Anyway, I digress....  So yeah, I love Twitter. 

Here's the problem.  *sigh*  You know the small area at the top of a person's/company's Twitter profile?  The area that should have a picture/image/logo and a description listed?  Yeah, that one.  I really want people to stop leaving that section blank. STOP.   

First of all, it's 2012.  We gotta move past the default "Twitter egg with no bio" purgatory place.  I mean, who wants to connect with an egg?!  Come. On!  Having an egg as a profile picture (with no bio) is equal to someone showing up to a Democratic dinner party wearing a Mitt Romney costume.  Awwwwkward.

And Eggheads...listen.  I won't follow you.  I won't talk to you.  I won't acknowledge you.  No. No. No.  Not gonna happen!  Not until you take a sec, upload a picture and create your bio.  My tip: Don't stress about it...keep it simple. Think about your interests, prioritize (business vs. personal) and remember key words (Twitter is a search engine.)  Click here to see mine.  If you need more help, hit me up.  Remember, I'm here for you. :)

Exhibit A

Pic Of The Day: SWAGALICIOUS!

If you ever need to show someone what "swag" means *sips smoothie*.....

You Might Be a Great Publicist/PR Professional If....

Real quick: In every working field, there are people who are just... *blank stare*  *yawn*  *files nails* at what they do. There are some who are actually pretty doggone good at what they're being paid to do.  And then, there are those who are just drop-dead amazing at their craft (i.e. Beyonce, Phil Jackson, Valerie Jarrett, Shonda Rhimes, etc.)  PR is no different.

If you're looking to hire a publicist, if you're a PR newbie or if you're evaluating your commitment to the field, here are some things to seriously think about....

Obvious Signs of a Great Publicist/PR Professional: 

• Great listeners (Listen with intent to understand)
  
  
• Exceptional writers
  
  
• Strategists who will roll up their sleeves & jump head first into their bag/toolbox of tactics
  
  
• News junkies
  
  
• Highly creative (Thinks outside of the box & has fun doing it)
  
  
• Great communicators (Can hold an engaging conversation with anybody)
  
  
• Can't (and shouldn't) live without social networks
  
  
• Attention to detail is insane...On a scale of 1-10, it's about a 25
  
  
• Understand that PR is NOT a 9-5 job

 

Marilyn Was a Poet And You Didn't Even Know It!

She's my all-time favorite muse.  I think about her a lot when I'm writing.  Visit my home and you'll see scandalous pictures of her sprinkled here & there.  It’s been 50 years since her death.  Fifty years!  And people are still intrigued with....her.

A lot of women believe that being pretty and passive is enough to get you what you want.  Not Marilyn (She & I are on a first name basis.) :-)  She was Hollywood's ulitimate sex symbol, goddess, icon, misunderstood diva, comic, genius and < insert whatever you choose to call her here >.  But, listen. *peers over sunglasses*  There was so much more to her than that.

Did you know that......

• She wasn't a dumb blonde.  She was a very savvy business woman.
• Her favorite colors were beige, black, white and red.

• She owned her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions.
• She washed her face 15 times a day, due to a fear of blemishes.

• She wrote poetry, but would never show it to anyone. (Yes, poetry)
• She wore a dress size of 14. (I almost fainted when I heard about this!)

• One of her favorite novels was the notoriously complicated Ulysses by James Joyce. (She read it aloud to herself because she loved the sound of it.)
• Her first studio name was *drum roll*….Carole Lind.  (Blah.  I like Marilyn way better.)

• Her favorite singers were Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
• She had a pet horse named….Ebony.  (Awwww….sweet!)

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure.  I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times, hard to handle.  But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."   -Marilyn Monroe

My Pic of The Day: THIS is Swag!

Listen.  If this isn't inspiration, I don't know what is!  My momma calls this lady, the "Queen" and I concur.  Chaka Khan is looking amaaaaazing these days, isn't she?!  She's 60 lbs lighter, 59 years old young and on the "10 Hot-o-Meter" scale, she's a 12!  




Chaka Khan



Sing To Your Mama...She'll Love it! (Happy Mother's Day!)

I think Mother's Day should be celebrated all year long.  Moms rock on sooo many levels, don't they?  Saying thank you, I love you, you're the best, you're my world, etc...doesn't seem like it's enough.

Sooooo.  *pauses & reflects*  This year I wanted to do something different.  Something daring.  Something meaningful. I love music (so does my Mama!), so I decided to sum up how I feel about my Mama with a special song....  **Clears Throat**  

*Sings*  Loooooving youuuuuuu!  Is eeeeasy cause you're beautifuuuuul....La la la la la.  La la la la la.  La la la la la laalaalaaalaa.....doo dooooo doo dooooo  *high note*  Aaaahhhaaaaahh!!  ♥

Love you Mama! (Your check is in the mail babe) :-)   HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

My Mama. With her cute, sweet self. 

LOL! It's Mother's Day!!

 In honor of Mom's alllll over the world... This LOL is on me. (You're Welcome)  :-)

Explain This To Me Please....

This woman is being mauled by a cheetah and her husband captures it all on film.  Somebody wanna explain to me why this man didn't put the camera down and help his wife???  Doesn't come to her rescue.  Not once.  Please explain this to me....  I'm listening.  *steeple fingers*

(FYI--She's ok... She received stitches for her injuries.)

The Virgo Woman...What You Need to Know

There's something to be said about astrology. Is it always true?  I don't think so.  But, it does give us a baseline to understand each other a little better. 

It's no secret, I'm a Virgo.  Hmmmm....what does THAT mean?  It means a lot actually.  And If you're so lucky to have a Virgo woman in your life (wink), there's some basic things I think you should know:

We're perfectionists.  It's true, we pursue perfection in everything we do.  That's a good and bad thing. It can be exhausting and causes us to be a little critical at times. Give us a minute...we're working on this one.  

We're a woman for all seasons.  We can change our mindset to adjust to even the most difficult situations of life. A strong woman. A versatile woman.

We're not as reserved as we appear to be.  A lot of people think Virgo women are shy *I shrug*, but the truth is, if you take a sec to get to know us, you'll see that we're quite entertaining...and charming. :)

We find humor in almost everything.  Our sense of humor is sharp, quick and smart.    

We are completely devoted and loyal.  Ever heard of a ride-or-die chick?  That's us!    

We're independent and free thinking.  Intellectual connections are very, very important to us. 

We're genuine.  Our motives are honest.  Never malicious.  Highly ethical and idealistic.

Singer, Pink = Virgo Woman

Famous Virgo Women:

Beyonce

Amy Winehouse
Raquel Welch

Nicole Richie

Lola Falana

Cameron Diaz

Jada Pinkett Smith
Shania Twain

Mother Theresa

Sanaa Lathan

LeAnn Rhimes

Anika Noni Rose

Sophia Loren

Selma Hayek

Joan Jett

Jennifer Hudson
Brooke Burke

Lauren Bacall

Cass Elliott

Gloria Estefan

Video of The Day: Chillin'

Over seven million views on YouTube.  I'm sure he (or she) is thinking... "Stupid humans. I'm just sitting here minding my business.  What's the big deal?  Get a life." :)

10 Reasons Why I Loved New Edition (Still Do!)

1. When I was growing up, there weren't a lot of boys on TV who looked like me. New Edition   
    caught my eye and well....the rest is history.

2. Bobby Brown - Ok, so...I know Bobby has had some issues. Who hasn't??  But, back in the
    day, Bobby was an amaaaazing entertainer!  New Edition was good, but I think Bobby made
    them great!

3. My mama and I would sing New Edition songs together. We both knew the lyrics to all of
     their hits. How dope is that??

4. Ummmm....have you seen the Candy Girl video??? I soooo wanted to be in that video! :)

5. Collectively, they were great.  But, Ralph Tresvant, Bell Biv Devoe and of course, Bobby

    Brown could rip it a-la-solo. 

6. I liked watching them grow up.  We were around the same age, so it felt like I knew them.  

    Like I really knew them.

7. They always seemed like regular dudes. Very humble beginnings. I can appreciate and
    I respect a "come-up" story.

8. I'm a sucker for good choreography.  Their tight steps really put them in a league of their
    own. So much that Beyonce paid homage to them in her 'Love on Top' video.  Dope.

9. If it weren't for New Edition, there'd be no New Kids on The Block, no Backstreet Boys, no

    Boyz II Men, no 'N Sync.... I could go on & on, but I'll stop here. 

10. They've been in the entertainment business for over 30 years...and they still got it!  You
      gotta give them props for that! :)

My Pic Of The Day: Her Royal Flyness (Part II)

Michelle Obama is just so friggin...fly!  I mean she just... *sigh*.  She kills it every. single. time. *sighs, again*  #swag

Awkward Conversation of the Week.....

Me: I'm about to get real serious about my workouts.  Like-for real, for real.  Summer's coming!

Skinny Friend: Me too, girl.  

Me: What do you mean? You're like a size 6 or something, right?  

Skinny Friend: Please!  I wish.  I'm a size 8.  Total pig.  Team Chunk.  What size are you?   

Me: *sips wine....blank stare* 


*Side Note: I'm larger than a size 8 and I'm very sensitive about my weight.

My Pic Of The Day: So Cute...I Can't Stand It!

This just....slays me!  On a cuteness scale from 1-10, this is like a 13!!

Women's History Month Spotlight: Fannie Lou Hamer

March is National Women's History Month!  Time to shine the spotlight on a few of my favorite ladybugs.  One of my all-time favorite ladies in history is Fannie Lou Hamer.  It really bothers me that people don't know her.  Her story is amazing.  As my momma says...she was something else.

About Fannie Lou Hamer (1917 - 1977)

• Born in Montgomery County, Mississippi, she was the granddaughter of a slave and the youngest of 20 children.
• At age six, she began helping her parents in the cotton fields.

• By the time she was twelve, she was forced to drop out of school and work full time to help support her family.
• In 1962, she'd had enough of sharecropping. Leaving her house in Ruleville, MS she and 17 others took a bus to the courthouse in Indianola, the county seat, to register to vote.
• After being jailed and brutally beaten for trying to vote, she
  began working on welfare and voter registration programs for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

• Her most famous quote: "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."
• She became the Vice-Chair of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, attending the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in that capacity.
• Prior to her death, she was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, as an honorary member.

Most Memorable Lines from "The Help"

Real Quick:  If you haven't seen the movie 'The Help', go check it out.  I won't go into the storyline.  By now, everyone knows...  Some people loved the movie, others despised it.  Make the decision for yourself.  *Click here to read my review of 'The Help'.* 

Love it or hate it, it'll definitely make you pause, think and re-think.  Here are just a few of my favorite lines from 'The Help':    

"You is kind.  You is smart.  You is important."  -Aibileen

"Love and hate are two horns on the same goat."  -Charlotte Phelan

"Minnie don't burn no chicken."  -Minnie

"If you can love your enemy, you already have victory."  -Preacher Green

"Eat My Sh*t.  I said.....Eat. My. Sh*t."  -Minnie 

"Courage sometimes skips a generation. Thank you for bringing it back to our family."   -Charlotte Phelan

My Video of The Day: Colin Powell & Affirmative Action

I met Colin Powell years ago when he was contemplating a run for the U.S. presidency.  I was so intrigued with him.  After all these years, I still am.  One day....I'm gonna sit down and have a conversation with him.  Watch and see.  

Here's Mr. Powell from HBO's "The Black List", speaking about affirmative action. His words struck a chord with me.  I couldn't have said it better myself.....