[UPDATE] Cute and Inexpensive Valentines Day Gifts for Him & Her

Valentines Day is just two weeks away! & Yes I am one of the many that enjoy this "conspiracy" holiday. I say conspiracy because some people believe V-Day is just another way for companies to get you to spend all your money. While that may very well be true, who said Valentines Day has to be expensive? Most people around my age are in school and/or working jobs that do not allow us to splurge on our significant other like we would want. Valentines Day should be every day for true lovers but something about this day just wants you to do something a little extra, whether big or small.  Some of us do have expensive taste but let's be real..regardless if your significant other is a new interest or someone you have been committed to for years, anything thoughtful will be appreciated. 

Ladies, Valentines Day is not just for us; so here are some inexpensive gift ideas your man may enjoy, followed by some cute gifts fellas may want to pick up for their lady. :-) 

Gifts for Him
**Enitan Bereola's book "The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book For The Urban Sophisticated"  (Not as a hint: if he is a true gentleman he will not upset; he will actually enjoy the book :-) ) $25-$35

-Favorite album or DVD $10-$20 

-Skull Candy Headphones $20+ (prices vary)
-Best Guy gift card $20+ (What guy wouldn't like this?)

-Shot Glass Checkers Set $21.95

-Personalized Wallet $27.70
-Cologne $25+ ( I think this is so cliche but my sister insists) 

-Gym bag w/ gym goodies (towel, water bottle, etc) $30

-Watch Case $39.99

-Old Fashion Gas Pump Liquor Dispenser $39.95

-Edible Arrangements $10-$45 (yes, they are THAT tasty)

If you still can't think of anything, remember, woman always know what their man NEEDS. ;-) Socks? draws? Its like that sometimes.

Gifts for Her
- Gift card to favorite store $20+ 

-Symbolic Jewelry $10-$30

-Nice picture frame with photo of the 2 of you $15-$25

-Witty Cook book $15(Not as a hint..if she really wants to learn to cook she won't be offended :)) 

- Candles $15

-Romantic novel $20
-Perfume $25+

- Creative wine glasses $24.95

-Edible Arrangements $10-$45

If you still are unsure of what to get her, the classic flowers and candy should still make her smile. ;-)

Kansas Speaker Mike O'Neal Asks House GOP To Pray For Obama's Death

Kansas House Speaker Mike O'Neal is catching hell for sending out an email to friends and colleagues asking them to pray for the death of President Obama. He even used biblical scriptures to support his request. Here are the details from the Huffington Post.


WASHINGTON--A Kansas Republican leader under fire for sending an email invoking a bible verse to suggest that Democratic President Barack Obama's "days be few in number" apologized on Thursday but said that he would not resign.

Critics said the email forwarded by Speaker of the State House Mike O'Neal, that was later published by the Lawrence Journal-World newspaper, called for Obama's death.

"The forward contained a single verse and was only intended as election commentary regarding the president's days in office. I have apologized, and I am sincerely sorry," O'Neal said in an email.

O'Neal's email sent to friends and colleagues cited part of Psalm 109:8 which in some interpretations reads: 'Let his days be few; and let another take his office.'

The following verse reads, "May his children be orphans and his wife a widow."

Two pastors delivered a petition signed by 30,000 people demanding that the speaker resign. O'Neal issued an apology, but his communications director said the speaker would not be resigning.

"He is using sacred scripture to flippantly suggest people should be praying for the death of the president," said Michael Sherrard, a spokesman for Faithful America, an online interfaith community based in Washington that organized the petition.

Now, I don't agree with Obama on all his policies but this is out right foolish. If this is truly how Mike O'Neal feels about Obama then he has that right to feel the way he does. However, the fact he holds such a high position in government gives him more responsibility and it was very irresponsible of him to express those ideas to others in an email. Those kind of thoughts are not ones you express to the public. Not only is it irresponsible but it is full of hate. As a Christian I am embarrassed he used scriptures to back up his  request.  Even if you do not support Obama, to wish death on the man is having no respect for life. As Christians we should pray that Obama gains wisdom and knowledge...

Wishing death on a president is nothing new; in 2006 a movie called Death of a President was made about the assassination of George Bush.

Mark Wahlberg Apologizes for 9/11 Comments

Mark Wahlberg apologized last Wednesday for saying that events may have turned out differently if he had been on one of the planes that crashed on 9/11. 
Maybe the tough guy roles Mark Wahlberg so often portrays in films are starting to get to his head? Or maybe Wahlberg's bad boy past is why he made these remarks? For whatever reason, he received much backlash from critics and one victim's widow. 


"If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn't have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, 'OK, we're going to land somewhere safely, don't worry,'" the actor said in an interview with Men's Journal magazine that was released one day earlier.

"The Fighter" star, 44, was scheduled to be on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and made the comments in that context, but after media outlets reported that a widow of one 9/11 victim called his comments "disrespectful," the actor issued a formal apology.

"To speculate about such a situation is ridiculous to begin with, and to suggest I would have done anything differently than the passengers on that plane was irresponsible. I deeply apologize to the families of the victims that my answer came off as insensitive, it was certainly not my intention," Wahlberg said in a statement.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who started his career in music as rapper Marky Mark, transitioned into film and is currently promoting "Contraband," a high-octane action movie in which he plays a former smuggler forced to protect his brother-in-law.

-Reuters

Joe Paterno's Health in Serious Condition

Joe Paterno, Division I's all time winningest coach, has experienced more complications with his lung cancer treatment and is in serious condition.

As most people know, Paterno was fired by Penn State in November  after the surfacing of former assistant Jerry Sandusky's alleged sexual abuse of children. Just nine days after his release, Paterno revealed his cancer diagnosis.

"His doctors have now characterized his status as serious. His family will have no comment on the situation and asks that their privacy be respected during this difficult time," said a family spokesman.

Paterno has no doubt left his mark on college football. He won two national championships and held a division I record of 409 games over 46 seasons. 

Yes, the sexual abuse scandal did affect his legacy, but the man was many things to many people. We all don't know the situation or his exact role in Jerry Sandusky's case. Some say Paterno's current situation is apart of "fate" or "karma" which I feel isn't our right to make that call. Maybe he would be in worst condition had he stayed at Penn State, maybe his release was the best, who knows. What I do know is that his family is in a state of sadness. Regardless of your personal feelings towards Paterno, his football legacy will go down as one of the best and his on the field accomplishments can not be taken from him.

Georgia Mother Arrested For Allowing Her 10 Year Old Son To Get Tatted

The title says enough right? Enough for you to shake your head is disbelief. I mean, where is the common sense? I understand the reason behind the young boy wanting to get a tattoo. However, I feel it would have been best for the mother to wait until her son got a little older before making such a permanent decision. But, you can't tell someone what to do with their child...unless its against the law. Here are the details from abcnews.com

A Georgia mother who was arrested for allowing her 10-year-old to get a tattoo said she had no idea it was illegal for him to get one, even with her consent.

When Chuntera Napier’s son Gaquan Napier asked her if he could get a memorial tattoo for his 12-year-old brother Malik who died after being hit by a car, Napier was touched by the request.

“My son came to me and said, ‘Mom, I want to get a tattoo with Malik on it, rest in peace,’” she told ABC News’ Atlanta affiliate WSBTV. “It made me feel good to know that he wanted his brother on him.”

When Gaquan Napier was asked why he wanted the tattoo, he said, “Because it represents my brother.”

“What do I say to a child who wants to remember his brother? It’s not like he was asking me, ‘Can I get Sponge Bob?” Napier said. “He asked me [for] something that’s in remembrance of his brother. How can I say no?”

Gaquan got a tattoo on his right arm of his brother’s name and his former basketball jersey number. Napier also has memorial tattoos for her son on her right arm.

When someone at his school noticed the tattoo and contacted authorities, Napier was arrested on Tuesday and charged with misdemeanor cruelty and being a party to a crime, according to WSBTV. Napier bonded out of jail on Wednesday but is shocked that her consent was not enough for her son to get a tattoo.

“I always thought that if a parent gave consent, then it was fine,” she said. “How can somebody else say that it’s not okay? He’s my child, and I have the right to say what I want for my child. I can’t go tell anybody else what I want for their child.”

A Georgia law from 2010 states, “It shall be unlawful for any person to tattoo the body of any person under the age of 18, except a physician or osteopath.”

Police say that Napier has refused to cooperate in naming the tattoo artist who could also be prosecuted for violating the law.

Acworth Chief of Police Michael Wilkie told ABCNews.com in an emailed statement that the tattoo appeared “to be the work of an amateur” and said one police theory is that when Napier took the child to get a memorial tattoo similar to her own, she discovered it was illegal and took him somewhere where it could be done “illegally like a ‘jail house’ tattoo.”

“Unfortunately, the mother has elected not to cooperate with the police any further in this investigation,” Wilkie said. “The tragedy of this is that the child’s tattoos are some sort of memorial to a sibling who was lost in a car accident a few years ago. I understand from the investigators that there are several memorial to the deceased child in the apartment where they live. It may be that professional or religious counseling for their/her grief would be more  helpful than anything.”

Celebrity Black Men DO Love Black Women

I see so many posts on entertainment and gossip sites that focus too much on interracial relationships (black men who only date white women) and the whole topic is getting old. There ARE Black men who see the beauty in black women. And even if black men can't see the beauty there are plenty other men who do! I don't know the reasons why some black celebrities and athletes decide to date women of another color. It very well may be self hatred but there is just as much of a chance that they just happen to fall in love with someone outside their race. I'm not one to knock interracial relationships because without them I would not exist (my mother is half black and half Japanese). The only thing I do not respect is when someone dates outside their race for the wrong reasons. Some people do it because they hate themselves, which prompts them to talk down about their own people. Let me set the reminder that if you are a Black man and put down black women because of stereotypes or because you had bad experiences, know that you are bad-mouthing your mother, sister, auntie, and even your own DAUGTHER. (Yes, the rule still applies, your mixed children ARE black).  

I was  raised to love my skin and love my culture. My parents are examples of "black love" and so are my sister and her husband. I could care less about the men who do not love black women. I'd rather show love and appreciate for the ones that do whether black, white, brown, tan, whatever. I am fully aware of the stereotypes the media has put on black women and I am also fully aware of what (some) black men have to say about black women. While we fight to challenge the stereotypes let me say that black men have No right to categorize anyone. Until all men have dated every single black woman on the face of the earth they have no right to clump us all. If they want to categorize black women then we can do the same and say all black men are dead beat dads, lazy, dogs, drug dealers,etc but is that true? NO. But that is another topic. 

Here are some of the many high profile BLACK men who date and/or are married to BLACK women. They also happen to be some of my favorite..coincidence? ha!

1. Denzel Washington & wife

2. Will Smith & Jada

3. Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker

4. Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union

5. Lebron James & fiance

6. Doug & Jackie Christie

7. Rick Fox & Vanessa Williams (divorced)

8. Deion & Pilar Sanders (divorced)

9. T.I. & Tiny

10. Common & Serena (no longer together) 

11. Chris Paul & wife

12. Omar Epps & Sanaa Lathan (no longer together)

13. Michael Vick & wife

14. Producer Timbaland & wife

15. Stephen Curry & wife

16. & last but not least..Jay Z & Beyonce

Khloe Kardashian Odom Speaks On Fertility Treatment Speculation

Khloe Kardashian took to Twitter to address speculation about her using fertility treatment. If you watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians and/or Khloe and Lamar you have witnessed the pressure Khloe is under to have babies.

From @KhloeKardashian Twitter : 

Because there seems to be much speculation, here is my statement... I am not at this time in my life considering any type of (Part 1)

...fertility treatments. If and when I do, I will shout it from the rooftops but for now its in Gods hands.

Khloe is actually my favorite Kardashian because of her honesty. She addresses the speculation very well and with maturity. However, her whole life is not our business, especially something as serious and sensitive as conceiving children. I understand she wanted to nip the speculation in the bud but not everything is meant for the public. Some things are meant to stay between her and Lamar. Many crazy fans and media have gotten so wrapped up in the Kardashians' life that they think we should know every move this family makes. The Kardashians are REAL people with real issues and struggles. Give them a break!

SMH: Man Apologizes for Dr. MLK Strip Club Flyer

What was this man thinking??! The ignorance speaks for itself.


via Bossip.com

Jeffrey Darnell Paul is the name of the man that designed the flyer. He owns South Side Graphix. 

“What was I thinking? Promotion,” Paul told NBC Miami. “It was proposed to me like a birthday bash for Martin Luther King, I put a flyer together without thinking about the effects it would have.”

Paul said he received phone calls from people all over the country concerning the flyer and said he didn’t intend to be controversial.

“I wasn’t trying to disrespect anybody,” he said. “It was just supposed to be a promotional thing, it wasn’t about disgracing Martin Luther King, it wasn’t about that.”

“This is the owner’s first time seeing it,” manager Jermaine Robinson told the news network. “So we don’t condone this. This is Martin Luther King. We respect what he did. Today is the day for us to honor him.”

Despite the criticism, he told the news outlet that he takes full blame for the mistake.

“I apologize about it, I’m taking full responsibility,” he said. “I wish it could have gone down a different way but I’m learning from it and trust me, I’m not going down that route again.”

Video: Tim Tebow Inspired "John 3:16" Ad Debut During Broncos-Patriots Playoff Game

Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos' playoff run may be in trouble as they go into halftime trailing the New England Patriots 35-7. Despite a possible loss, Tebow will still be the talk of the season. The impact he has in sports and the discussion he has created socially is too obvious to ignore. The Tebow inspired "John 3:16" ad by Focus on the Family  posted below debuted tonight during the game. An ad similar to this one was suppose to air during last year's Superbowl but was rejected by FOX. Maybe CBS really understood the message of the commerical or they simply fell into Tebow-mania. Whether you believe in the scripture or not, it is quite a story how one man's faith and walk with Christ has caught the eye of every media outlet and football fan in America. EXPECT there to be controversy tomorrow morning about this ad; messages with substantial meaning behind them are frowned upon amongst certain groups. Sad right? 

Ladies, Here Are 7 Habits We Should Steal From Men

While catching up on the latest entertainment gossip I came across this article Bossip.com recommended. "7 Habits Women Should Steal From Men" by Madamenoire.com. The tips are pretty general yet are beneficial; it really is just about maintaing your individuality when in a relationship. Men make sure they aren't on a "ball and chain" while dating so ladies, why not do the same? Some women tend to lose themselves when they are in love, which usually ends up harming the relationship more than helping it. Do you agree or disagree with these habits?

1. Ignore Your Phone

How often do you hear a woman complain that her man hasn’t called or texted her back for hours? Just walk through a bar and you’ll hear it a few times. But, fact is, women are more attached to their phones than men are. Men are better at being in the moment—at being in work mode all day, to the point where they don’t even check their phone on their lunch break, or at enjoying a four hour concert so much, that they don’t want to connect to the outside world. And that’s a good thing. Enjoy the moment. Stop checking your phone. Time will pass much quicker and you won’t even realize it took him four hours to get back to you.

2. Don't Worry About The Future 

When it comes to relationships, don’t worry too much about where things are going. You’ll only stress yourself out because men just don’t worry as much about it as women do. So, you can either fight a constantly uphill battle of trying to drop hints about making your relationships “official”, or even about marriage, or you can sit back and enjoy the ride, like he is. Look—relationships that are meant to go somewhere, go somewhere. So don’t push it.

3. Prioritize Friend Time

Man time is very important to men. They make a point of having at least one day a week when they go do something with just the guys. Women are more okay with bringing their man around to what should have been “girl time”, and sometimes they neglect to have girl time at all because they get caught up in their relationship. But it’s good for you and your relationship if you completely separate yourself from your guy sometimes.

4. Stick With Your Hobbies

Same idea as prioritizing friend time, but more than just taking you away from your man for a while, sticking with your hobbies and your passions lets you remain the woman that he fell for. And, it helps you maintain a sense of individuality, as it is way too easy to suddenly wonder “who the hell am I?!” when you’ve been part of a couple for a long time.

5.Ask At The Last Minute

It drives women nuts when guys do this—when he just texts at 7 asking “want to get dinner at 7:30?” Well, it drives us nuts if that is the only way he ever asks us out and he never actually plans. But, there is something to be said for spontaneity. If you want to see your guy right now, then ask him right now. Don’t feel like it’s too late, or fear you’ll feel rejected if he can’t. If he can’t, he’s just busy—that’s all. If he can, great—you don’t have to wait until your next official date.

6. Don't Try To Impress Their Friends

Women often get upset with their man for not trying hard enough around her friends. And the truth is—that’s for a good reason. Women are a tougher crowd. A woman knows that her friends will notice if her boyfriend didn’t put any effort in to talk to them. But, when your guy takes you along to man time, his friends aren’t watching you with the same eagle eye. They would rather you were relaxed and maybe even quiet than clearly trying hard to make a good impression.

7. Have More Sex 

Try to say “I’m not in the mood” less. Yes, you might be exhausted, but you know from experience that all it takes is that brief moment of pushing yourself through the exhaustion to suddenly be totally into getting it on. And sex is good for you and your relationship. It relieves stress, boosts confidence, and makes you and your man feel closer.

Video: George Lucas:"Hollywood Refused to Support Red Tails Because of ALL BLACK Cast"

Star Wars Creator George Lucas says Hollywood refused to back his new movie Red Tails (Video: Red Tails Official Movie Trailer) because of the ALL Black cast. In the video below Lucas explains that this film is one of the first black action movies ever made. He goes on to say that this movie was very expensive to create and even Tyler Perry movies are lower budget and go to a smaller distributor. Basically what is being is said is that if all black cast movies aren't the stereotypical shucking, jiving, and being loud Hollywood wants no part in it. I can't say that I am surprised black movies and black actors are being treated this way. This issue in Hollywood goes all the way back to the roles of the "Mammy". However, this is a historical movie on the success of black pilots during World War II-- its a slap in the face telling the Black community our history is not important. Watch the video below to see Lucas himself explain WHY Hollywood would not pick up his movie. Regardless, thank you GEORGE LUCAS for getting this movie out..it was much needed!

Jay Z Writes Letter to Blue Ivy;Stops Using The Word 'B-tch'

When Jay-Z became a father to a baby girl him and his wife Beyonce named Blue Ivy, he decided to stop using the B word. I applaud him for the change in his vocabulary since his words influence so many young people.However , the love and respect he had for his own mother or WIFE wasn't enough to prompt this change? I guess its different when now your own daughter, who will one day be a WOMAN, is referred to as the Bword.Check out Jay-Z's letter to his daughter Blue Ivy.

Before I got in the game, made a change, and got rich,
I didn’t think hard about using the word B—-.
I rapped, I flipped it, I sold it, I lived it
now with my daughter in this world
I curse those that give it.
I never realized while on the fast track 
that I’d give riddance to the word bitch, to leave her innocence in tact.
No man will degrade her, or call her out her name
the women won’t despise her and call her the same.
I know it’s gonna miss me
cuz we been together like Nike Airs and crisp tees
when we all used to hang out front
singing 99 problems but a lady ain’t one.
Excuse me miss, can I be your mister
cuz I can tell the difference from a little girl and a sister,
She never grew up, her father left her alone
I promise not to talk like we used to
until Kingdom Come.
I’m so focused on your future,
The degradation has passed
I wish you wealth, health, and insight
forever young you may pass.
Blue Ivy Carter, my angel.

Video: Michelle Obama Is Tired Of Being Called An Angry Black Woman

I was unaware that America has made Michelle Obama out to be an "angry black woman". From some of her statements about America I have gotten the idea that she may be bitter towards our country but does that make her a Tyler Perry character? I do understand the stereotype of black women in this country; I have been labeled "angry" when really I am just passionate about my views and values. If you are a black woman and are passionate or strong in your beliefs you came come off as ANGRY. Sometimes it is our personal responsibility to look at how we communicate with others who may not understand us. In the black culture being direct is the norm; in other cultures it can be seen as negative. Calling a black woman angry is one of the ultimate No No's..the word angry is not one you throw around loosely. When it's a majority white media doing the labeling and they may not understand the black culture or how black women are, passion can be twisted into anger. I don't know Michelle Obama and I can't speak up on how she is behind closed doors in the White House. She may very well be angry but this is something we as Black women had to do deal with for awhile now so I don't understand why she is just now speaking up on it? I find it to be insignificant and not worth her time to address. She has made some questionable statements in the past few years and ONE ignorant statement that raises eyebrows can get you labeled when you are in the public eye. Look at Rick Santorum, he is now a "racist" for his statement about blacks and welfare. 

'The Game' Season 5 Premiere

What do you all think of last night's episodes of The Game?

I've gotten over the fact the new seasons will never be on the same level as when The Game was on the CW so I won't complain about the obvious.
The first episode was everywhere; it started where last season ended: Melanie's abortion, Malik's drugged up girlfriend, Jason's love issues, etc. We learn who the father of Melanie's aborted baby was (after Derwin invited him to his son's birthday party). I'm sure most fans swore it was Dr. Mchottie ...Trey Wiggs?! Whaaaat??! It was actually surprising Melanie came out with the truth so fast after letting Derwin believe what he wanted to. Malik had to do deal with his drug overdose girlfriend. It looks like the drama of him with another woman got to her bad. This actually showed Malik's caring side rather than the self absorbed quarterback. Jason deals with his out of control daughter and the black woman. Jason's daughter, "Britt Brat", doesnt date black guys and we learn in a conversation with new love interest Chardonnay (played by Brandy Norwood) his negative history with black women. Found it a little ironic he would get upset that his daughter does not date black boys but yet her mother is white? Janae and Melanie are now in a good place or so it appeared that way at D.J.'s (Derwin Jr.) birthday party. We all forgot Derwin invited Trey Wiggs to his son's birthday party and there was a big surprise at the end of the episode. I have a feeling that 2 piece, no biscuit Derwin hit Trey with was apart of a daydream we'll see in the next episode. If not, expect more drama between Derwin and Trey. EXPECT MORE DRAMA FOR EVERYONE.

I noticed the writing was a lot better for this season. The writers tried to bring back more comedy with Jason Pitts,Tasha Mack, and Tee Tee because last season had way too much soap opera. I was hoping the show would include more football and team interaction but I guess that was left back in Season 3. It was obvious that Tia Mowry still had a little bit of the baby weight. I think she looked good for someone who just gave birth 6 weeks prior to the start of shooting the new season. Singer Brandy Norwood is now apart of the cast. It looked like her acting abilities faded away a little; its been a minute since she's been on the scene.

Just as last season, the first episode was full of drama but I still feel it is poorly put together. This season looks a bit better than last so I'm hoping it steps up as the episodes go on. Regardless I will be watching because I have been a fan of The Game since CW.

Video: Red Tails Official Movie Trailer

Is anyone else as excited as I am for the movie Red Tails to come out in theaters January 20th? I mentioned the movie to a few people and they had no clue what I was talking about! I thought I would post the movie trailer so people can get as hyped as I am about this! I love that this movie is based on true events. It's even better than this movie is Black history; the first all Black aerial combat unit to serve in World War II. The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrance Howard, Bryan Cranston, Brandon T. Jackson, Nate Parker & more. It is very important that we understand the vital role Blacks have in our country's military past and present. Thank You (Director) Anthony Hemingway! I was getting a tad bit restless with the Tyler Perry type movies. 

My Secret Pole Dance Experience

For the past couple years I've been interested in taking pole dancing classes because I heard it was a great workout and last night I finally had my chance to swirl around the pole.
My friend heard of a dance studio in Culver City that has a $5 first time pole dancing class (among other things) so of course I took the opportunity. I went and had a blast! It was not what I expected; I did stereotype a little and expected for the studio to be very stipper-ish..you know painted black with neon lights everywhere.
However Secret Dance Studio is very classy, well decorated , and very clean! When you walk in you can see the 8 poles they have and instantly become excited. They have a couple rooms for different classes they offer. There is also a locker room/changing room and a separate restroom. Every room is dimly lit, clean and decorated very nicely. They even offered water, wine , and Sangria in the office. The dance instructor we had for the night, who is also the owner, was very kind and had a lot of energy. She was all about connecting with your inner sexy. She played music, Miguel to be exact, to help sexy up the mood.
The warm up was about 30 minutes and it was very sexual and fun floor exercises. I did laugh at myself trying to be sexy but boy did I get a workout! My abs were burning just from the warm up. What was cool about each warm up exercise was that when they were all combined it turned into a routine that one could possibly do for their significant other or just for practice.
The pole dancing was a bit challenging. I'm not the most flexible person in the world so the only one I could actually do was the "Firefighter". We learned two other dances with the pole; one called the "Sun Wheel" and the other "The Firefly". The instructor made sure we kept the sexy thing going by suggesting us to whip our hair and pop that booty. Again, this is where I laughed..a lot.
I don't know if other pole dancing studios are as interesting but the class I took with Secret Pole Dance studio was so awesome I signed up for 2 more classes. If you want to try pole dancing for yourself or want more information about the other classes they offer check their website for more information. They have 2 locations in the Los Angeles area. The owner told us they have a diverse staff and that each instructor is different when it comes to their style of teaching and music. You can sign up, check out the classes and the openings all online! www.secretpoledancestudio.com 

Say It Ain't So! Michael Jordan Ignores The [Black] Community

During Christmas with the family my dad mentioned what him and one of his gym buddy's discussed one morning while working out. My dad's gym buddy, who is a former NFL player, said that Michael Jordan has not done much, if anything at all, to help the black community.

Before you get all upset, first understand I am a Michael Jordan fan just like most people of my generation. I have his Chicago Bulls jersey and use to try to imitate his game winning jumper against the Utah Jazz in the 1998 finals. Second, know that I am the first person to say that you can't tell anyone what they should be doing with their money.
So although it pains me to say this, I have to agree with my dad's friend on this one. Michael Jordan is one of the greatest athletes of all time, yet his influence doesn't extend beyond the basketball court. As much influence as he has over young people, specifically young blacks, you would think he would be doing all that he can to help the minds of the future. His significance to the world could be used to help bring about change.

From what I know of the legend, the only thing he's given back on a consistent basis are his expensive shoes that people will camp out for, fight for, and even MURDER others for. In that sense he is actually doing more harm than good to our young people. 

Some Black leaders are so quick to call out other prominent Blacks for not doing anything to better the circumstances but why does MJ get a pass? He fell to the background when he retired and we only catch a glimpse of him in Hanes' commercials and TMZ reports.

If there are any instances where Jordan has spoken up about issues or made a real effort to create change please let me know. I know there is the Jordan Capital Classic game and other such things for athletes but what has MJ done for others that hasn't put money back into his pockets, something he's willing to give his time to.

I know his biggest fans will disagree but if you sit down and think about what Michael Jordan has done for the community his resume isn't very long. Maybe he never thought his legacy would be this great but like the ole saying goes "with great power comes great responsibility."

Black Women Were Beautiful and Successful LONG BEFORE Michelle Obama

I've had an issue with this for years and I'm now taking the time to address it to my public.

Since Barack Obama became President of the United States back in 2008, many prominent black women have put his wife & first lady, Michelle Obama on a pedestal.  Some black women praise her so much I get the idea that they think Black women weren't of any importance until she came along.
Yes, she is the first-first lady of color and has accomplished a lot in her life. However, what really is the big deal about her? Where was all this love when Condaleeza Rice was around? hmmm. It's a bit ridiculous to me that there are grown middle aged women who are in awe of Michelle Obama like she is a rare species; as if Black women weren't beautiful and successful before her.
If she wasn't the first lady would we really even care about her? I don't want to take away from her personal achievements because the issue is not her, it is our own people who look down at our race.
When you look in the mirror do you not see a beautiful, respectful woman? If so, there is no reason to idolize another human being who puts her pants suit on one leg at a time like the rest of us.
What has her actions done for the country, for our community that will have a lasting impact? Besides her recent attempt to eliminate childhood obesity in the country, I'm not exactly sure why she is the example and the epitome of a successful black woman.
Maybe it's the generation I was born into or maybe it was how I was raised but growing up I had many wonderful examples of classy, successful Black women.
When it comes to uplifting our community and our culture I feel that sometimes it is our own people who  fail to see the beauty in it. I think women of color who put Michelle Obama on such a high level are ones who cannot see the beauty within themselves as a [black] woman; their worth is put into a woman they don't even know.
My parents raised me to understand that I can accomplish anything I set my heart on so having a Black President and first lady of color is something that I thought was the norm. We are a creative, intelligent people who are capable of any and everything. If you lack the understanding of the richness and intelligence that is the Black woman google: Sojourner Truth, Madame C.J. Walker, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, Mae C. Jemison, Condaleeza Rice, and look at YOURSELF and realize what you represent and what you are about.