R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Men, Women, & the Shop

Men, Women, & the Barbershop--a great combination.

Today, I vibed with barbers at my stylist's new salon in Atlanta. It was a typical barbershop-type visit but its been so long since I visited a salon that had male stylist/barbers that I forgot how much fun people have with those conversations! You know what conversations Im speaking of...issues between Men and Women in relationships, commitment/marriage, prenuptial agreements, celebrity marriages, etc.

Anyway, apparently the entire shop is passing around Steve Harvey's book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." And for some odd reason, I could not help but ask this brother if I can take of picture of him while he reads. He had a lot of deep things to say and of course you know I put in my two cents. But I was listening too.

And for the first time in a long time, I think brothers are paying attention...well some of them.

Happy for Kelly!

Kelly Rowland is free!

Free from Columbia Records and Matthew Knowles.

I'm not sure what this means for her career, but I'm all about fresh starts.

I actually like this song & video.

I'm happy for you Kelly! You are finally "Doing you!" :-)

Wacky Oprah?

Apparently, last week's Newsweek's cover story entitled, "Crazy Talk: Oprah, Wacky Cures & You" prompted the talk show Queen to respond. As you may recall from the news stories, the weekly magazine challenged the advice given by some of Oprah's guest and tried to hold her responsible for their medical advice. Now I'm sure the show broadcasts some sort of disclaimer during the viewing, but the magazine decided to make the discussions a matter of national news.

Accordingly to Yahoo! News, the article praises Winfrey's health and fitness experts Dr. Mehmet Oz and trainer Bob Green, it's particularly critical of such celebrity guests as Suzanne Somers and Jenny McCarthy, who advocated taking 60 daily supplements and avoiding vaccinations out of fear that they cause autism, respectively.

Here is Oprah's response: "For 23 years, my show has presented thousands of topics that reflect the human experience, including doctors' medical advice and personal health stories that have prompted conversations between our audience members and their health care providers," Winfrey said in a statement. "I trust the viewers, and I know that they are smart and discerning enough to seek out medical opinions to determine what may be best for them."

Why do they want to bother the Queen? Are there not more important things to talk about? This just seemed completely random!

The Ecstatic!

Just a little clip from Black Dante.

I cannot wait to raid iTunes on Tuesday for Black Dante aka Mos Def's new album. I heard the previews and so far I'm in love with "Priority." The whole album promises to be solid. Can't wait....

Another Phenomenal Woman...

Here is an update on one of my favorite actresses Phylicia Rashad. She play a leading role in "August: Osage County" at the Music Box Theater. Apparently, Mrs. Rashad plays a mother to a white family AND she is a drug abuser. This is definitely something a little different, but I'm sure she will be incredible.

Was she not the DIVA Mom in The Cosby Show? Here is my FAVORITE "Clair Huxtable" Scene: "The Wrethched"

The Princess and the Frog

The New York Times recently published an article about the upcoming Disney Film, The Princess and the Frog. Apparently the discussions over the Afrocentricity of this Disney character have already began. We all knew that it would be a matter of time before Disney created a Black Princess, and we also knew the uproar and debate it would cause. This situation is no different than Pocahontas.

Some of the main problems people mention include skin tone, the fact that the Prince is a Frog, and the setting being in New Orleans. We all know that colorism is a problem in African American neighborhoods. I think that no matter what shade the princess turned out to be, someone would find fault with it. If she had darker skin, perhaps people would think they were making the Princess look like the infamous "pickaninny" carcicatures. If she had more fair skin, others would talk about the media's preference for portraying African Americans in lighter skin. This can go on...not to mention the sexist themes throughout all of the Disney films.

At the end of the day, Disney will never be able to please everyone. I look forward to taking my sister to see The Princess and the Frog. This movie is another "teachable moment" for families to have with their children. Its a discussion parents have the option to lead; but for me, its a discussion that will be required.