Usher's Married ??! | Same Face...Different Skin Color | Boondocks Season 2

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Sahar Simmons, author Briana's Neighborhood "There weren't enough images of little Black girls that were living real life scenarios," according to, Sahar Simmons, a Hampton University graduate, with a degree in Mass Communications. In the series , Simmons created a positive and lovable character, perfect for commercial usage, that focuses in on the undistorted multicultural experience from the perspective of an African American little girl. "Briana lives in a household comprised of the wisdom of three generations, together with her mother and grandmother. Her mother is a successful career woman, and her grandmother is full of common sense and sagacity," describes Simmons. Briana's background mirrors Simmon's own; a product of divorce whose attentive parents, though apart joined forces to encourage education and fierce determination...... READ MORE We Have The Same Face Different Skin I would like to introduce another writer, Dr. W. After reading her story, I have to once again ask what is wrong with society. When will we be able to look past color and see people for who they are versus how they look? This is Dr. W's Cultural Conscious... "I'm Monique, Asha's mom," I smiled. "I-I-I," she sputtered, "I thought you were one of the teachers." She stared at me like I had two heads belying her slow comprehension that I was not who she thought I was and that, who she imagined would be me, did not look like the real me at all. This woman was the mother of an Indian boy who also attended my daughter's daycare center. Our children played together every day, but we had not yet met. The look of shock on her face as she realized that I was the same Monique who sent emails to all the parents urging them to confront the staffing issues at our center, the same Dr. W. who worked in the swanky downtown office and, therefore, did not drop-off or pickup my daughter from the center, the same Monique married to the tall white guy that she had, in fact, met before, and the same Monique who was the mother of the white-skinned blonde baby named Asha--- a Hindi word that she no doubt knew to mean hope, would have been comical if I didn't see it every time I introduced myself to a parent there. Hi, I'm Mo. I am 32 years old. I am a wife and a mama. I am a chocolate-lover and Harry Potter fanatic. I am an African American. Yes, my husband is white. No, my children are not the same color as me. How I came to be one of the proportionately few, but growing number of black women married to white men is probably a story about racial assimilation, educational attainment, and social mobility; but it comes down to the day that he, a History Ph.D. working as a statistician at the Census Bureau, brought me a data file from the 1950s. This means nothing to people who don't study statistics; but I am a demographer. One of the true hallmarks of a demographer is that we will do anything for data. I mean anything. And so when he kept lingering around my desk making jokes and asking to see my lifetables, I grew fond of him; he had delivered me microdata after all. And when, at his birthday party, he asked me to go hiking one weekend, I said, "OK." After four months of dating, we moved in together. After a year, we were married in Las Vegas at a wedding chapel with fake flowers and four guests. That's the abbreviated version of an already short story. In the years leading up to that day, I had very little interest in marrying a white man. ....READ MORE

Unblended - The NeoSemantic serves a dish of cultural integration by Ruarri Rogan — The Storyteller Good wine making often comes down to getting the blend right. It's interesting how wine can often serve as an apt metaphor for life and culture - especially in regard to blending in this case. So much of America is still so racially divided - and seeing as America serves as a role model to so many countries, a more integrated America will make for a better world. One of the things that struck me on going to Atlanta in May was that its a city where the blend of race, culture and lifestyle is one of the most balanced I've seen anywhere in the world. In fact I didn't feel any tension, and from people I spoke to I got the impression that a cultural shift is underway and the east coast is leading the way. Few sites really give the impression of catering to an integrated audience and even social networks like Facebook are predominantly white. The wine world is perhaps the largest culprit and the pages of Wine Spectator portray an industry leader making no attempt to better promote integration and cultural sharing. So many problems with racial integration are structural - and the beauty of the Internet and Web 2.0 is that the structures can be taken apart and reworked into a more inclusivist system. Neosemantics have provided a platform with TheSynonym.com (info on social Events and pop culture); TheRetronym.com (editorials and current events); TheAntonym.com (admired churches and spirituality) and NeoBoogie.com (music and entrepreneurship) which fuses emergent culture with current culture, business culture, spirituality and social events. No doubt this is a movement that is much called for in the Mid-West in states like Ohio and across America in general. In the early days of Wine 2.0 tastevine wants to ensure that taste is no longer structurally divided and that people are united within a common culture. Culture thrives on diversity and the mainstream media of the past have offered only hegemony. Already with viral movements like Obama Girl who has undoubtedly contributed to Barack Obama's social network success (over 100,000 supporters on Facebook alone) we can see that NeoSemantics is at the root of a profound movement where its readership are not only concerned with culture, but are looking to make a change within the United States as a whole. Wine owes its beginnings to the Middle East . It was then appropriated by the Europeans, and afterward cuttings were taken on board ship to begin new colonies as people sought a better life than was offered on the European continent at the time. Thus wine owes its heritage to humanity rather than to any one culture. Together with Tastevine and Neosemantics, we will hopefully pay tribute to this - broadening wine's appeal, and hopefully getting the blend right this time around.

View Boondocks Season 2 A Verizon YouTube Exclusive Access to YouTube from your mobile phone is starting to become a standard feature. There are even plans for YouTube specific phones from LG and Samsung. And since YouTube launched their mobile website, m.youtube.com , you can pretty much get to Youtube from any phone on any carrier. It's great to be able to view videos from your phone, but in the midst of all the YouTube craze, Verizon has become the first carrier to allow users to upload videos to the website directly from their phones via a text message. Verizon subscribers just need to update their YouTube accounts with their mobile numbers. After that, users can post their video clips by sending a message to YTUBE (98823). There is no charge for the service besides messaging fees.

Apricot Glazed Chicken Breasts Pork Chops w/ Spinach Salad SPIKED WATERMELON SALAD Use red or yellow watermelon (or both) for this summery dessert, and pair it with the best store-bought brownies you can find. serving size Makes 8 servings. ingredients 1 8-pound watermelon, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 16 cups) 1 cup fresh lemon juice 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup vodka 6 tablespoons crème de cassis 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint Saxenburg Private Collection Pinotage, 2003 The 2003 Saxenburg Private Collection Pinotage is a testament to the ability of the varietal when made by an experienced wine maker to appeal to the US palate. Unfortunately badly made Pinotage gave most pinotage a bad name, and this was done by KWV who sent bucket loads of bad wine to the US after '94, and the varietal has struggled ever since because many wine enthusiasts are at loathe to try it. Saxenburg's offering is devoid of the negative profiles such as acetone, nail polish or bananas - and instead its just shy of being called a fruit bomb with distinct plums on the nose, coupled with vanilla pods and prunes with a wisp of smoked venison. Soft round tannins and a modest 13.5% alcohol make for an elegant finish, making this a wine that does not leave the consumer wanting. Apricot Glazed Chicken Breasts (Prep. Time – 5 minutes/Cooking Time – 13 minutes) 6 (5oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves without tendons ½ tsp. each kosher salt & freshly ground pepper 1 ½ Tbsp. Canola oil or veg. Oil 1 c. chicken broth ¾ c. apricot preserves 1 tsp. soy sauce ¼ c. sliced scallions Season chicken with salt & pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When oil is very hot, brown meat on both sides; about 2 mins. Per side, about 2 mins. Per side. Remove meat to a plate. Add broth, preserves & soy sauce to hot skillet; bring mixture to a boil. Boil 4 mins. Return chicken to to skillet; reduce heat to med-low. Simmer 7 mins., spooning sauce over meat several times; cook til meat is no longer pink in center. Transfer chicken to plates, spooning sauce over to coat. Sprinkle with scallions. Pork Chops w/ Spinach Salad (Prep. Time –10 mins. Cooking time 7 minutes) 4 (8oz.) bone-in loin pork chops, about 1-inch thick ½ tsp. each kosher salt & freshly ground pepper 3 Tbsp. Olive oil 3 c. baby spinach ½ c. Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs 1 lge. tomato, seeded, cut into 1-inch strips 1/3 c. balsamic vinaigrette dressing Make a ¼ in cut in the rounded edge of each chop opposite the bone. Place each chop between 2 sheets of plastic wrap & pound meat with a mallet until ¼ in. thick. Season chops with salt & pepper. Brush with 1 Tbsp. Of the oil, then coat with breadcrumbs. Heat 1 Tbsp. Of remaining oil in each of 2 large skillets; when oil is hot, add 2 chops to each skillet and cook 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, or until just barely pink in thickest part. In a large bowl, toss spinach & tomato with dressing until coated. Place chops on plates and top with spinach. Serves 4.

USHER IS NOW A MARRIED MAN! After just a week of calling of the wedding, Usher married his fiance, Tameka Foster, Friday in a private ceremony in Atlanta, GA. I guess with all of the media exposure, they wanted a more low-key setting, though I still feel something about this whole situation isn't right. We shall see how things play out...... READ MORE Makeover Mondays: Persia White Edition Don't get me wrong... the color choice is a step up from her usual basic black ensembles, but the fit and proportions are all wrong. With this makeover, I figured that a little color and a good fit would be perfect for her. 1. Since she is an Autumn (warm tone complexion), she'd look best in rich, golden colors. 2. Because Persia has a pear shape, her figure would look best in a boot cut, or wide legged jean paired with a cami and a trendy blazer; which will ultimately promote a balanced look. 3. Since her hips are very wide, I'd choose tops with puffed or fluted sleeves that will widen her shoulders and balance her figure. 4. Because she never really wears any color, a few key pieces in muted and rich warm colors, such as camel, beige, olive, orange, gold, dark brown, and grey would look marvelous on her and they'd really liven up her wardrobe. If your shape resembles Persia's (i.e. "the pear shape"), then some great clothing options to consider include: wide leg trousers, wide neck tops, jackets and a-line skirts. So, how would you all make over Persia ....READ MORE Above: Pocket trapeze dress, $28.88, alloy.com ; Flyaway dress, $39.50, alloy.com ; Pique Pinafore dress, $35.00, topshop.com . Above: Johnny Martin Printed Large-Pocket Dress; Johnny Martin Geometric-Print Knit Dress; Ruby Rox Printed Babydoll Dress. All $49.00, available at dillards.com Makeup for Dummies Not everyone feels about makeup the way I do. I love reading about makeup, I love learning about makeup, I love trying new makeup, I love buying new makeup. When I have the time to really put it on, I indulge like Gwen Stefani does in the video for Luxurious (I'm not referring to her Chongalicious makeover , just in terms of her reveling in its transformative power. For the record, I never have used black eye liner as lip liner). But for many of my fellow bellas - especially all-natural-and-proud-of-it afrobellas, makeup is more of a necessary evil. I have many friends who never ever wear makeup, and their reasons not to are often understandable. I've heard the complaints — It's too hot, so the damn stuff melts off your face anyway. Also, makeup can clog your pores and makes you break out. And knowing what products to use can be so confusing. Hold up, let me eliminate that last excuse from your list. I've got the easiest-to-use products in all your basic makeup categories! A flawlessly made up face begins with beautiful skin . How do you create the perfect canvas for your look? With a great foundation that can help to even out your tone. I've already admitted that I'm not a fan of most liquid foundations , but I recently tried Clinique's Perfectly Real Makeup , and I was amazed. First of all, it comes in a great range of shades for "olive dark" skin tones, and after applying, it really felt like I wasn't wearing any foundation at all. It covered my hyperpigmentation, and also, it's non-acnegenic! So that eliminates two of the standard "I don't wear makeup because" excuses. So how do you use this stuff? Sit in good light, then start with a dab at the center of the face, use your fingertips or a sponge, and blend outward and downward. If you apply upward, you'll be accenting all those tiny facial hairs . Then make sure to blend even more along the jawline and hairline. That way, you'll look like you have naturally flawless skin instead of a Kabuki mask. An even easier way to creating a flawless base is my beloved Philosophy The Supernatural . Mama Bella just bought some when she came a-visiting, and she got confused when she opened it. She took off the little puff and started reaching for a makeup brush . I had to stop her and explain - no, you apply with the puff and just touch it to your face! Literally, the least complicated application of a mineral foundation. It didn't work so great on Mama Bella's melasma, but it made the rest of her face look gorgeous. My advice to you if you're foundation shopping, is go to Sephora and ask an expert to help you get a match on your skin tone. Seriously, it will save you time and money. Regular readers might remember — I was afraid of blush for a long time. Seeing too many women wearing way too much of the rosy-cheek stuff scared me off. But blush really does make a difference, and for women who shy away from the stuff, it's the quickest way to get someone like me to notice and comment — hey, are you wearing makeup? Blush once daunted me because of it's easy-to-overdo nature, but with Boots no7 Blush Tint Cream Blush , there's no way you can come out looking like a clown. I've got the darkest shade, Rosebud, and I love it. It's a chunky, chubby crayon that easily swipes sheer color onto your cheeks. Blend with your fingers and it looks barely-there beautiful . It's gotta be the simplest blush out there right now, and it's $9.99 at Target! The most irritating issue about lipstick is, it just doesn't ever last. By the time you've had lunch, it's gone. The need for regular reapplication can be frustrating for a bella on the go. That's why my new addiction is lip stain , which is basically a thin liquid that you paint on your lips (and/or cheeks) to stain them pink, red, purple, or whatever color you can find. Mama Bella bought and loves the Lorac Sheer Wash in Sheer Emotion, which is a raspberry red. I'm obsessed with my Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain in Baby Boo, which is a bright, hot pink. And I use it on the daily. I know, I know — bright, hot pink every day? But trust when I tell you, it provides a great layering base color. I also tried Angel's Touch, which is described as a red purple but came out way too dark and gothy on me. Next, I will purchase My Sunshine, a deep, warm red only available at Sephora. Did I say purchase? I mean try it in the store first, then decide if I really need it in my life. Which I think I do. But at $22 a pop, I want to be really sure first. The thing with lip stain is, your lips remain dry after using it. I put it on before I even look at gloss, just to saturate my lips with color. Then I apply a sheer, colored gloss to give my lips that extra spladazzle. (I'm trying to get my Mo'Nique on and make up new words from time to time. Why? Because it's fun!) The hottest new lipgloss on the market has got to be that Carol's Daughter Candy Paint . Note how they're all out of stock on the Carol's Daughter website. They really ARE that slick, shiny fire. I'm currently into the Grown & Sexy , a pink with gold shimmer that's understated but effective. But you know me — I'm gonna have to get that Purple Reign . That IS my color! Last but not least — eyes. The windows to the soul, and the trickiest makeup application of all. But there's no need to fear it if you've got the right liner. It can't be too hard, or too smooshy soft. It has to glide effortlessly, but not smear. My current favorite is the Physician's Formula Talc-Free MineralWear Eye Liner Pencil . It costs $6.95, and doesn't smear, melt, or leave little wooden splinters in my eye after I've sharpened it. Plus, because it's a mineral eyeliner pencil, it works great for my friends with sensitive eyes. I use it to line the bottom of my eye, and the lid itself, and the sponge tip on the other end will help you to make a great, practically effortless, smokey eyelid. Yes, you! So you makeup newbies, no more excuses. All you need is confidence, and products that don't intimidate you. These are a good start for those who are ready to accept the "necessary evil." Fret not, you'll unleash that inner makeup diva in no time! The Bag: A Must-Have for Female Celebs! That bag she is carrying is an Hermes Birkin Bag . This particular model is said to retail at about $20,000, and is a definite MUST-HAVE for female celebs. On this week's episode of Entourage , I peeped Mrs. Ari Gold, the super-agent's wife, carrying one as she argued with Ari about getting her son into private school.... I know all of my Sex in the City lovers remember Samantha trying to drop actress, Lucy Liu's name in order to get her hands on a $4,000 Birkin...... READ MORE The Bohemian Soul I had the pleasure of interviewing Brooklyn stylist Deitra Wiche of Bohemian Soul. Bohemian Soul is a vintage-inspired line that is well-known for its crocheted pieces. She specializes in one-of-a-kind hand crochet accessories with a funky, retro edge. Her passion for color and texture are used in her vintage-inspired designs. With all the fabulousness Bohemian Soul entails, it was only right that I feature her designs right here on Spotlight On Style! Visit Bohemian Soul for the complete vintage experience. Also, view these items and more at .... READ MORE Tracee Ellis Ross has an impeccable fashion sense With a mother like Diana, it's no doubt that Tracee has been around glitz and glamour all of her life and it shows in her clothing choices. Her style is ultra-feminine -- flowing lines, puffed shoulders, and sky-high heels. My favorite aspect of Tracee's style is how she combines colors. I may not have the budget to dress like Tracee, but I'm definitely inspired. Stay tuned for a "Style Inspiration" feature on Ms. Ross. Also, who is your style icon? Whose style do you think is worthy of being featured in "The Look Book?" Be the first to comment with your answers and your pick could be featured next. .... READ MORE

Obama in Utah -BradFromUtah -8/6/2007 Having been out of the loop for a little while in the Utah for Obama group, I really had no idea what to expect Sunday. Just two weeks prior, group members were just planning a roadside event, hoping just maybe Barack Obama would stop and shake our hands on his way from the airport. Then Saturday, I check my email, and all of a sudden it's a full-fledged rally with "one hundred people expected". Once I arrived in Park City, I knew this was going to be bigger than anyone had imagined. Upwards of a THOUSAND people were there! Still somehow, I managed to score a front row, center spot. Perfect! And his public speaking skills are just as extraordinary as they've been made out to be. I've never been so mesmerized by a politician in life, as I was today. I also got my Obama sign autographed by the man himself as he was going down the line shaking hands. A totally worthwhile and enjoyable experience! Somehow I knew when I learned that Barack was coming to Utah for a fundraiser that he wouldn't forget about us "regualar people" who can't necessarily afford $500 fundraisers. If it's possible, I respect and admire him even more now than I did before....READ MORE
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BET, You Got To Do Better · Black Exploitation Television. Barely Entertaining Television. Black Embarrassment Television. Whatever you want to call it, BET's been under fire these days. The protests about Hot Ghetto Mess grew so loud, that the news of the upcoming show and the petition against it got airtime on MSNBC, CNN, CBS , and the BBC. There was a pretty interesting article in the Washington Post about Jam Donaldson, the creator of the Hot Ghetto Mess website. Donaldson herself is a polarizing figure, but she's obviously given deep thought to her goals with Hot Ghetto Mess. In part, the Washington Post article reveals that the genesis for Hot Ghetto Mess, the emotions behind that slogan, "we got to do better," came from interacting with poor people with "the victim mentality" during her work as a legal aid attorney. She gives an interesting quote from the end of the article: " Someone sent me an e-mail [and] said he loved the site and said he was from the KKK," she says. "I don't really care about that. Black people know what I'm saying is true. Everyone knows it's true. We have to get beyond that. We're stifling our growth as long as we're obsessed with what white people think." Besides, she adds: "We all need a voice to challenge ourselves. Sometimes you have to be shocking ...... READ MORE Why Aren't More Black Women Getting Promoted? Black women aspire to corporate leadership, but they don't feel that hard work and a positive outlook will pay off, finds a new League of Black Women survey. Many feel persistent stereotypes are stifling their talent and potential, and poor utilization of their skill sets and education relegates them to dead-end jobs, which leads to lower engagement and fewer meaningful connections at work. A few highlights from the survey of black women: Nearly 80 percent think racial attitudes diminish their ability to be effective leaders Only 57 percent feel they can reach their potential in spite of these barriers Only 20 percent are "very satisfied" with their overall lives, which is based on the quality of their personal and professional relationships, especially with each other, having black-female executive role models and opportunities for career development Sixty-two percent say they give more of themselves at work when they feel valued for who they are, which many feel doesn't happen often enough ...... READ MORE
FAQ: What Is NeoSemantics.com?: The NeoSemantic Online Community Newspaper Cooperative bringing you nationwide reporters, journalists, websites, and entrepreneurs working together to bring you current events, investments, editorials, pop culture, entertainment, and spiritual local news June 18, 2007 Durham , NC - E | A Consultants, LLC launched its online community newspaper, The Neo-Semantic. The gateway into the community NeoSemantics.com , is accompanied by a holistic team of component websites: TheSynonym.com , TheRetronym.com , TheAntonym.com and NeoBoogie.com . TheSynonym.com profiles top event organizers and things to do (See MyATL411.net ) while TheRetronym.com gets political with an editorial review of current events; from the Obama'08 Blog & Hillary'08 Blog to this Photo Blog . A must have for every newcomer to an area, TheAntonym.com is quite handy with its list of places to worship ( DC/Maryland Admired-Churches ). NeoBoogie.com is the perfect site for entrepreneurs and music artist looking to launch their career or advertise their products and services. ( see list of Entrepreneurs or Amanda, CEO of NeoBoogie & R&B Singer for details). Take a slide show Tour of The NeoSemantic Online Newspaper Click Here |Contact Us

More Travel Cities HERE Durham: www.MyRdu411.net | Montgomery: www.MyMonty.net | Chicago: www.MyChi411.net Oakland: www.MyOak411.net | Atlanta: www.MyAtl411.net | Nashville: wwww.MyBna411.net And More...Coming Soon.... Join The Team PIMP C For President!!! Listen To The No. 1 Reason Why Pimp C Should Have His Own Reality TV Show...Check It Out And Let B.E.T., VH-1 & MTV Know What They Are Missing: Pimp C Puts All Southern Rappers on Notice ·
NeoBoogie.com Weekly Feature 08/07/07 Boasting resounding lyrics, supreme originality and an unforgettable sound, Up-and Coming Hip Hop group Inflowential is definitely worth noting. Taking form in the spring of 2003 at NC State University, the group is composed of 2 MC's, a Bassist, and a Beatbox extraordinaire: Tab-One, Charlie Smarts, Bender, and Adid The Abstract,respectively. Ever-growing in popularity, Inflowential's shows never fail to rock the crowd and leave them craving more. Representing real Hip Hop--especially that of NC to the fullest, Inflowential has a sound like nothing they or anyone else have heard before, and cites influences such as The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village, Little Brother, and Blackstar. Producer/Artist Gavin Williams is one of Greensboro's hottest producers. Gav or Gav Beats as he is sometimes called comes with a strong gospel upbringing and musical background which sometimes can be detected when you listen to his music. He is considered a triple threat because of his ability to write songs, produce beats, and rap. He is a native of Philadelphia, Pa and began his musical bringing at the age of 9. He is the son of a music teacher and minister. Gavin's mom taught him how to play all instruments, ranging from the drums to the piano, but he credits all of his musical abilities to God. Gavin has worked with many artist, both locally and world known. Some of the artist include: Sharieefah Cooper, Kali- Fam, Young Rome, Toni Braxton,Benzino, Brandon D, ethemadassasin, Celinski, Illpo, Franchise, Tyshka, and the new and upcoming Toya. Gavin will soon be releasing a new album coming Winter 2006. All of his singles are produced and written by him. Try NeoBoogie Radio At Your Desk The NeoBoogie.com radio station feature gives listeners the opportunity to listen to their favorite unsigned artist nonstop. Instead of clicking on each song from the artist, you get to listen to all songs from an artist while taking on a different activity. And we all know that we clean and listen to the radio, chill and listen to the radio, and whatever else you can think of and listen to the radio. You have the ongoing entertainment of everyone who has a song on NeoBoogie.com. Have a listen to a radio station and listen for the artist you most enjoy. Here are some to get you started. Enjoy! stream & listen to unsigned NeoBoogie mucsic on your computer The Best of NeoBoogie "W-DVA" Amanda's Picks Tre-Ace's Top Tracks For a complete list of who is topping the charts daily, weekly, and monthly, visit NeoBoogie.com and click on the community link and charts link. - Amanda, NeoBoogie.com CEO & R&B Singer
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