Movies and Books.

Precious

My daughter and I went to the see the film Precious opening weekend and I was so happy to find once we arrived at the Regal Theater, shows were sold out until the 7:50 p.m. showing. As I looked around, the lines were full of diverse audiences, all ages and races. My immediate thought was that I was so glad Oprah and Tyler Perry got behind this story.

I read the book in 1997 and purchased a copy for my mom immediately and recall writing something in the hardcover jacket like "Thank-you for being a wonderful mother and grandmother." When I read Push in 97'; I felt as though I had grown up in such a sheltered life at the time I didn't know anyone with a story as tragic as Precious Jones. I debated on whether or not my daughter should see the film due to the abhorrent physical abuse in the book. I actually suggested that she read it some months back because she is an avid reader, but she declined. Anyway, I finally decided it was an important story for her to see as the character Precious Jones is around her age.

In my opinion, Lee Daniels did an excellent job and the casting director deserves much praise by doing a phenomenal job in adapting the book to film. The writer of Push, Sapphire did an excellent job of addressing the various factors that play crucial roles in the survival or the deterioration of a child and his/her future. The film specifically addresses failures that exist in governmental/state agencies, inadequate schools, welfare system, inadequate parenting to the cruelty of peers and the indoctrination of self-loathing that defines so many young people. It's an important story that illustrates that no matter what one may face if they look inside, they too can PUSH through. When the film was over, myself, daughter, the two older women beside us and the cute couple at the end of the aisle just sat still. It was extremely HEAVY though hopeful. As we walked out my daughter asked me if I needed a HUG. I could definitely tell that it had a profound impact on her. I think it reminded all viewers of the profound impact you can have on someones life by just simply being kind and caring to your fellow human being.

I don't want to give anything away,it was a great film and I definitely recommend it.

Regarding any criticism - I'll just say that, I do wish that quality films of color with POSITIVE/HAPPY story lines would garner the same attention/backing/distribution.




Good Hair - I enjoyed the film a couple of weeks ago and didn't quite understand the number of people walking out in the middle of the film. As I thought about it later, Chris Rock did give the audience the idea that AA women are the only ones who go to extremes or pay absurd amounts for hair maintenance, which is simply not the case. I always quote, I think Richard Pryor - Make 'Em Laugh and Slip the truth in - but to Chris I'd say let it be a well-rounded, 360' truth. It's an issue that plagues all women putting more value on their external appearance than what's going on internally sometimes. I will say the film made me decide yet again not to revisit the PERM, I just recently put one in after five years but after the "soda can" experiment; I think I'll stay away from it. He showed the ostentatious Hair Show yet didn't touch on the beauty of a Sister Saturday Social at the Salon. I've had two of the hairstylist featured in the film both Jason and Derrick do my hair down through the years and unlike their EXTRA film appearances both are very talented, fun hair stylist. While in the salon, I've met and exchanged pleasantries with women from all walks of life and it's actually a very warm experience that was absent in the movie. I still say hair is nothing but an accessory and women reserve the right to wear it however they choose. If they are trying or hoping to be someone else then it most certainly deserves some examination.



Waltz with Bashir - I rented this film the other night and was unable to sleep after watching. I can't imagine that I could have sat through it had it not been done in animated form. The last minute or so left me paralyzed and overwhelmed with a sadness with the haunting images of the genocide, news footage of victims in Sabra and Shatila during the invasion of Lebanon in 1982. I recommend that anyone reading this watch and think about the devastation of war. Remember that the violence sanctioned by law helps fuel the violence that is not.




Latest Books Read



I thought Elif Shafak's did an excellent job of story-telling by creating very vivid characters and demonstrating fictionally how life can often unravel yet remain hopeful. Although the novel has very heavy themes, genocide (Armenians in Turkey,1900s),familial betrayal, abandonment,loneliness; The author is able to make it somewhat bearable by letting things slowly reveal themselves. All the characters are multi-dimensional, each with something left unsaid.

I'm not surprised that the story is a perfect example of the incredible strength of women and the weight that we must carry within society and also how the youth must live with decisions that were made before they even enter the world.

I'm so glad I picked up this book. I would definitely recommend it.

"The oppressor has no use for the past. The oppressed has nothing but the past."

The Shock Doctrine - I finally finished this book, I think I've lost the 41 members that belong to our online Book Club. It's a must read.



http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine

Weekly Address: Progress with the G-20 in Pittsburgh

Despite the President's positive summary of the G-20 Summit, I am still left with some questions regarding all nations being held accountable to meet the desired intent of improving the global economy by leveling the playing field and eventual nuclear disarmament.

Reminding myself - "Intent is half the battle" and Incremental change is better than no change.

I still believe.

I love this song!!!!!

I've been told it's been made my ringtone for friends and family - How'd they know????

Long Weekend and VMAs

Friday started off not so great, wait..rewind...that's not quite true. I awakened my daughter with a nice size goodie bag, a card that when opened played "My Girl" by the Temptations and she was all smiles therefore I was also. Off to school she went with 24 cupcakes in hand to distribute amongst friends/peers in her fav. class or at lunch and I to work. Here's where things change rather quickly. Perhaps it was the enormity of the day, daughter's b-day, remembrance of 9/11, scheduled employee appreciation social, several interviews throughout the day. Have you ever been in a situation where you are always kind to someone(s) and no matter what you do/say they just don't like you? Whenever my friends or daughter have shared such a scenario, I usually respond "Kill 'em with kindness" or "you're only responsible for your actions, so be nice and wear joy." - Let's just say for a few minutes, I forgot that very good advice this past Friday. My emotions went from being upset to actually crying. WTH???? I know. Who knows what really provoked such a reaction...but I felt terrible... That is until I left for the evening packed my car and got on the road headed further south to enjoy daughter's Birthday Weekend and Party with friends and family. My daughter was pampered for the day, she went to N'Seya Hair Salon and got dolled up, met up with friends and later enjoyed a party at Dave & Buster's. Her aunt and cousins spoiled her; they surprised both she and I with such incredible gifts. We just wanted to spend time with loved ones as she and her cousins have celebrated their b-days together since birth because they are only a month apart. The gifts were to her, like the cherry on top of a very perfect sundae. The weather was fantastic and she had a great time. We made it back home to prep for the next day and tune into the VMAs.



2009 VMAs

"The below pic was a sign that the night might go badly"



I really hate that Kanye West used such poor judgement because I personally am a fan and will remain so. He's an incredibly gifted artist - not only does he write, produce, perform, he paints, he sketches he's truly a beautiful mind. It's obvious based on this last outburst and past behavior he suffers from narcissism, that mixed with the weight of fame, unjust system that exist no matter how great you are based on melanin and now the loss of his rock, his mother. I believe in his mind, he honestly believed his friend,Beyonce was slighted. He didn't take into consideration the feelings of anyone else and showed a serious lack of respect for another artist. Not to mention that Taylor Swift is just a child. I felt more sorry than angry about his poor behavior. As they say "out of bad comes good." - I think this will remind him that everybody doesn't see the world as he does and he doesn't have the right to force his opinion on others. I hope he will emerge a better person as he's a great talent.

Beyonce was simply a class act and Taylor Swift, a very gracious young lady.

My beautiful daughter will turn 15 yrs. old tomorrow and as usual I've been running around trying to make sure the day feels extra special to her. Since September 11, 2001, I've constantly had to remind her that although the world suffered a true tragedy, the day is still a blessed day as it's the day she was born. I went to the store this evening to purchase 24 cupcakes for school. Yes, I still send cupcakes to school. Unfortunately, I never bake them (I only bake w/my daughter). I'm pretty certain, I'll be sending cupcake care packages to college someday soon.

My daughter was so excited about her 7th birthday, I can imagine she was sitting in her classroom on the Upper West Side in Manhattan awaiting the surprise mommy promised. My parents were up visiting and I was working in NJ and before setting out on that extraordinarily beautiful morning; I reminded my mom to "please pick up the cupcakes from Magnolia" to take to her school. As I crossed the GW bridge, I remember marveling on what a perfect September morning it was. When I arrived at work, everyone was glued to their computer and initially I remember thinking/discussing that someone in a private plane must've had an accident. It wasn't until my boss arrived and the second plane hit that we recognized the magnitude of it all. As I tried to call out all of the lines were busy and I was stuck in NJ. My girlfriend finally got through to tell me that she was in contact with my family, everybody was ok and they were walking home from my daughter's school. My mom had decided to skip Magnolia and go to the local PathMark. She was en route to the school when the second plane hit.

I was finally able to catch NJ Transit at midnight as all bridges/tunnels/ferry service was suspended. The next morning my beautiful little girl said "My Birthday is a Sad Day." Devastated by such tragedy, but determined that she not combine the two; I resolved that she would never have that sentiment again.

Dedication to My Beautiful Daughter - 15 and blossoming in to a young lady - Old school but still Oh! so true.

Some people never cease to amaze me RANT!!!!

Obama addresses Students



I have such a bad attitude today maybe it should be categorized as pure disgust. All the news reports about Parents in an uproar, refusing to let their children see/listen to the President of the United States and boycotting schools that are going to air today's message. C'mon People, I've been using expletives all day.

Honestly, I can recall Reagan in the 80s addressing students about "staying away from drugs" , taxes and economic freedom. Hellllllllllo!!!! I really believe it was a speech more apropos for the adults of the nation at the time. Especially since during Reagan's administration, I seem to recall a blown up *CRACK* industry, devastation of many families and an all-round break down of the American Dream. Not to mention it made me wanna put my head down and go to sleep.

President Obama is addressing students on their level, a very personal level. His speech was centered around "personal responsibility." Let's not even address the fact that he didn't address in depth the external forces that confront and lay obstacle for our children today but rather say YES! there are blocks in your way, knock them down and PUSH!!!!

According to various new sources about "40% of fourth grade students are reading below grade level." It's obvious that something is missing. Accountability doesn't only lie with teacher or parent but with the community, society in general and most importantly with the student. I, personally, remind my daughter all the time that a student's job is to "learn" and LEARNING is a verb, an action. What a disservice some parents and school officials committed today. Whether you agree or disagree with the POTUS, to teach your child not to take an opportunity to listen to our nation's Commander and Chief is to encourage a lack of respect for authority, to appear to not be committed to education and the elevation of our children as a whole. I feel sorry for any adult who participated is such Bullshit...Yep that's what I said/wrote because I don't have a better word.

My child has a supportive parent, grandparents and a village that loves and encourages her and she needed to hear:

"There is no excuse for not trying. Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you, because here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America." "Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength because it shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and that then allows you to learn something new."

Imagine the child who doesn't have a support system, who comes to school has been abused and is out trying to navigate this world on their own. The President basically let our children know this is a partnership, they have to do their part and if the people or systems put in place falter to Keep on Keeping on.

I applaud our President for caring "about our children" and raising awareness despite the HATERS!!! Ugggh!! I'm just disgusted today. I did title this entry RANT, right?


Homeless Children in U.S. Schools

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/education/06homeless.html

While so-called concerned folks are running around boycotting the President, the children are in trouble. Families are plagued with poverty and an ever widening economic gap. All of this contributes to homelessness and serious lack of access to the tools necessary for the youth to succeed in this world.

WAKE-UP People!

"While current national data are not available, the number of schoolchildren in homeless families appears to have risen by 75 percent to 100 percent in many districts over the last two years."

President Elect Barack Obama's Weekly address

"The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life. The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome. When in the thirties the wave of union organization crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society." Martin Luther King Jr.


"Every advance in this half-century-Social Security, civil rights, Medicare, aid to education, one after another-came with the support and leadership of American Labor." - Fmr. President Carter

"But I am confident that we can meet the challenges we face and leave behind something better; that we are ready to take responsibility for our future once again – as individuals and as a nation." - President Obama

"My larger hope and expectation is that next Labor Day, the economic storms we’re weathering now will have given way to brighter and more prosperous times." - President Obama

New Product Finds....

I was having trouble trying to figure out what to do with my crown aka hair... I'm often too exhausted to fix it and since we've moved our weekly/bi-weekly hair appointments no longer happen. Therefore after 5 years of being PERM free, I was debating on whether or not to return to the "creamy crack" or simply shave it all off. Both my daughter was mortified at the idea that I might get a FADE,CEASER or just be all out BALD. I debated it for weeks, but the more my teenager begged, the weaker I became. My daughter doesn't have a perm yet she likes me to press her hair at least once every 2 weeks and it is a daunting task. We usually put on a film or two, I hook up the FHI Flat Iron and part off section by section and straighten. Anyway, I continued to sit on it until finally I conceded that a PERM would be the easiest option. Natural Hair is beautiful, however it is expensive to maintain. The products are costly to maintain a beautiful natural crown. I stopped by Sally's Hair Supply and picked up a Perm-in-a-box.

Silk Elements Megasilk No Lye Relaxer Regular


I convinced myself that the fact that this box had NO-LYE and had a main ingredient of Olive Oil, it couldn't be all that bad. I actually was pleased with results for all of $5.99. I'm certain that I am not defined by my hair as I simply look at it as an accessory and when not working,you can usually find me in a hat of some sort. As of late the debate on hair as been all the news due to the upcoming release of Chris Rock's film "Good Hair". I don't even know what that term means - "all hair is good hair". I have close friends of all nationalities and every single one of them has done something to amend the appearance on their hair, PERMS to make straight hair - curly, rinses, dyes, hightlights- you name it, it's done. I'm sure, I'll enjoy Chris Rock's film as I am a true, loyal fan...but at the end of the day it's not what's on the head but what's in your head that matters...



Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner - I really like this conditioner; after using, my hair felt healthier and had a great shine to it.



LOVE!!!!LOVE!!! Ojon Daily Intensive Shine Treatment - it's great, I can't say enough. My hair shines, feels soft. I just love it.



Piperlime Shopping Website - I read about this website in a fashion mag. (can't remember which one), but I love it... I couldn't pick just one product, just check it out.


Quick Breakfast Food - Kraft Bagel-fuls - O.K., I'm not so sure how healthy these things are but they are delicious and easy. We just pop them in the oven for a few and presto... yummy breakfast. Our home favors the cinnamon and brown sugar bagel with a cream cheese filling. I think it's about 200 calories, so not too terrible.

Obama's Weekly Address

Lessons and Renewal Out of the Gulf Coast




I can't believe it's the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I can remember being glued to my television looking at the devastation and angered day by day at the lack of assistance offered to the many in need. The overwhelming emotion I felt led to an argument with my then neighbor, who said something like "President Bush did all he could to help those people, they should have left." My mind was blown by the young lady, who had very little sympathy for those who remained and were simply unable to just pack up and drive/fly out of the region. I started to become disillusioned with people in general.

However, my daughter and I started to put together care packages, we asked neighbors, I asked students to donate canned goods, toiletries, grocery cards whatever they could afford to give and they did. We packed them up and loaded several boxes on tractor trailers located in front of the Georgia Dome. When we arrived and joined the long lines of cars and people ready to do whatever they could to assist all in need. It was apparent that regardless of the government's lack of care, the people would mobilize to take care of our fellow human beings.

The 2005 displacement of hundreds of thousands of New Orleans area residents following Hurricane Katrina and the rapid privatization of public services in the city, i.e. housing, schools; sealed the inability of some to ever return to their homes. I've been overwhelmed with sadness hearing stories about the actual progress that has taken place in the Gulf Region for the disenfranchised.

It was great to hear the President's Weekly Address this morning - We'll hold you to it Mr. President:

"Government must keep it's responsibility to the people so that Americans have the opportunity to take responsibility for their own future." - President Obama