Stop the Presses!

This just in. Tomorrow, July 23, hip hop artist Nas is allegedly supposed to personally hand deliver a signed petition to Fox News at 2pm Eastern time. This according to politico Michael Calderone. According to Calderone, Nas wants the talking heads at Fox News to "stop its racist smears against the Obamas and other Black Americans." I can't say that I'm a fan of Nas, nor am I a fan of his music, but I must say I'm impressed with his move to take a stand. I guess time will tell what happens. Unfortunately that time is 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.... and unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with the gift of patience.

Reclaiming the Dream

Soledad O'Brien's in-depth look at being black in America. She teamed up with CNN and Essence to discuss controversial matters in the black community, with a panelist of the most influential and outspoken black experts. Such experts: Rev. T.D. Jakes; journalist, Ed Gordon and Professor Cornell West are just a few.

The Hit List

We knew it was coming and the day is finally here. The 600 Starbucks stores that are closing around the nation. Luckily my fave Starbucks spot that's less than 10 minutes away didn't get the ax, though the Texas stores were hit pretty hard. Is your store one of the locations to go? Here's the official closing list.

In Hard Times

Usually when the president interrupts my program for a special press conference I either change the channel or turn the TV off. But, considering the economic times we're in, I needed to hear just what our "commander in chief" had to say. His response to all the major lenders going under, gas prices skyrocketing, homeowners forced to foreclose on their home and Americans having to alter their lifestyle just to stay alive, his only response: "We're in hard times." Really??? Why can't he just come out and call it what it really is. We're in a recession, damnit! Stop sugar-coating it, talking your way around it just to put us (the American people) at ease. Every time I listen to this man speak, not only do I cringe and get a pain in my stomach, I have to admit that I'm always amazed at how out of touch he is with the real world. Sure, I understand that he is the President of the United States, but he could really give a rat's a$$ about us-- I'll say it again, us-- the American public. No, George Bush just doesn't care about black people, George Bush doesn't care about any of us no matter what the hue of our skin, the religion we worship or ethnic group we belong. The man just doesn't care. He talked around every question every reporter asked and I don't believe he properly answered any one question. His excuse as to why we're in the predicament we're in: "it took some time to get in this situation... and it's going to take some time to get out of it." Hmmn... imagine that. So, what does "W" plan to do to get us out of this situation? Well, he has ordered congress to lift the ban on offshore drilling so that we will not have to rely on the Saudis and Chavez for our oil. Perhaps, just maybe gas prices will attempt to trickle down. What else is he planning to do? Um... nothing. Out of the one hour and thirty minutes (give or take), I did not hear any other resolution to our failing economy. He basically said, America, you're on your own. At least he complimented us and said that we are smart enough "... to know how to balance our checkbooks." Why thank you Mr. President. So, basically we will carry on just as we've been doing: filling our tanks half full, because we can't afford to fill our cars up anymore, turn our A/C off when we leave the house for a significant amount of time, drive less, and conserve. Well blow me down, because I did not need "W" to tell me something that I already know. Having said all that, W said that he's optimistic that the economy will turn around. Well, since I can't afford to take a vacation, or fill my tank up, or send my child to college (OK... I don't have a kid, but I empathize for those who do), the only thing I can afford to do is be optimistic.

'A Dream Deferred'

Was it so wrong for me to have just the slightest of an inkling of hope that America could be under the administration of the democratic party for the next four years? Was it wrong to finally believe that, yes, we could finally have our first black president? So much for that dream... it's festering like a sore and oozing down the drain. I won't go as far to blame the July 21st New Yorker cover, but I won't dismiss the fact that thanks to cartoonist Barry Blitt, a lot of misinformed American people are only going to see the cover and think, "I was right about Obama. He's a card-carrying, Bin-Laden loving Muslim." And what in the world is that image of Michelle all about. Is she supposed to be the "angry black women" that so many demure white women believe her to be? Again, misinformed America will not bother to read the 18-page article and they will not get the satiric message the cover is trying to convey. That's right, the editors of the New Yorker are saying that the cover is purely satire (what this country is based on). Funny, I thought this country is based on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Well, I for one totally know what satire is, and as I recall, satire is supposed to be funny and make one think. Well, I'm not laughing and I think this is the most offensive piece of garbage I've laid my eyes on all month. But, it is only the middle of July and there's still a little more than three months left until election day. My guess is it only gets worse from here on out. I wonder which editor at the New Yorker is also a paid member of John McCain's campaign. Because whether or not the New Yorker is a magazine that is predominantly read by liberals, you can best believe now more right wingers will be picking up a copy at their local newsstand now. (Shaking my head in utter disgust!) But, still, the naive little girl in me still believes that a change will come... someday. It may not be today, tomorrow, or hell November 4th... but someday. Without hope, we've got nothing... So, keep hope alive!

'God Don't Like Ugly...'

... 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you,' 'Don't burn bridges...' Need I go on? I'm sure Grey's Anatomy co-star, or should I say ex co-star, Katherine Heigl would rather I not. Talk about somone whose head has gotten way too big for her body. Fans of the hit ABC drama series will recall the new bride recently pulled herself out of the running for this year's Emmy award race for best-supporting actress in a television drama. Her reason, because she didn't think the writers wrote good material for her character, Izzie Stevens last season. Can you say ungrateful Bi-otch?!!

According to a source, Grey's creator and executive producer, Shonda Rhimes, is P-O'd! And, she wants to kill Izzie's character. That's right, graveyard dead. Other speculation is that Heigl wants out of her contract to pursue other big screen possibilities because some consider her Hollywood's new "It Girl." I'm sighing as I write this. Every one's entitled to their own opinion, right?

So, I guess we'll find out if Izzie will see the "on-screen" light come October. She used to be my favorite character on the show, now I just want the bi%&@ gone. But, hey, that 's just me.

Vintage Revival

What goes around always comes around. In this case I'm not talking about karma, I'm talking about fashion.

If you're ever in California in the Sherman Oaks area, check out Revival Vintage. You may be familiar with the store's owner. For all you "Different Strokes" fans, you probably remember Arnold's arch-nemesis, Lisa Hayes. Well, little miss Lisa's real name is Nicole "Nikki" Swasey and she's pretty much left show biz and traded in her SAG card for an entrepreneur title. Some of her clients and biggest fans are writer and creator of CW's "The Game" and "Girlfriends," Mara Brock Akil; the star of "The Game," Tia Mowry; "Access Hollywood's," Shaun Robinson; and Ananda Lewis.

Revival Vintage

13940 Ventura Boulevard

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Store Inquiries: 818 783 8400

Photos courtesy: www.stealstyle.blogspot.com