30 years in the making

It has been thirty years in the making, a drama that is long lasting. No,this isn't a classic film from Martin Scorsese or an unknown epic novel. It's the story of our society, cultures & community. It's the history of AIDS & HIV in it's thirty year anniversary this year of 2011. Since being first reported in June 1981 by the U.S. Center for Disease Control, this disease still grips a world with it's silent power. Yet we have come very far for how we look at AIDS/HIV from just six letters. As a world we have been able to bring awareness starting from our small town communities to Uganda.



We have been able to educate one another with eliminating stigmas along the way. People from community leaders to celebrities have done the most to bring awareness to everyone they come in contact to. Yet, has it really got better since then?  Well, there is no question that we have got much better at many things when it comes to spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS. There is no question that people know the risks of unprotected sex & knowing their partners. I keep feeling like many people have learned to live with HIV/AIDS being apart of our community, shaping our society but I feel like there is a gap somewhere.



Today in the U.S. there are nearly 700,00 people living with HIV, almost 500,000 people living with AIDS.
Sadly African Americans make up about 50% of HIV infections. It doesn't help more than half of the schools in our country have no sexual education what so ever. I do notice that BET has always kept the conversation on their networks but what about everyone else? If many people were into educating the seed to follow, we will be in a much better place. We can still get there but it will take the conversation to keep going & fresh in everyone's mind. Not just when a  major anniversary comes up.

Here's to love for those of many that continue to fight the good fight!

Sheryl Lee Ralph   Best known for her work as the original Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, Mrs. Ralph is a star in her own right. Mrs. Ralph started the benefit event for AIDS/HIV named Divas Simply Singing! Benefits go to The Black Aids Institute & Project Angel Food. Now that's a diva that knows how to give back! http://www.sherylleeralph.com/index.php

Gay Men's Health Crisis IN the beginning of the epidemic there were some brave souls early on. In 1981, six men united against the epidemic then known as the "gay cancer". The six raised money for friends & the community & started the Gay Men's Health Crisis. Still going strong today 30 years later. Just recently Lisa Lampenelli raised $50,000 for the organization in response to a hate rally in Kansas.
http://www.gmhc.org/

Cascade Aids Project Started in 1983, Cascade Aids is the oldest & largest HIV services, housing, education & advocacy in Oregon & Southwest Washington. Always staying ahead of the game when it comes to awareness in the community. http://www.cascadeaids.org/index.php

There are many more that give their efforts across the globe. See how you can help in your area & anywhere! 30 years from now, I hope we are celebrating the day we cured HIV/Aids. It all starts with hope.

Keep A Child Alive http://keepachildalive.org/?gclid=CK7M8uyNk6kCFaYZQgodiWrmpQ

Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppcw/std-testing-planned-parenthood-31310.htm

Black Aids Institute  http://www.blackaids.org/

The First Openly gay Rabbi is ordained

Well this was some refreshing news to hear on a Sunday afternoon. The Conservative movement has ordained their first openly gay rabbi on May 19th. Ceremonies took place at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.


Rachel Isaacs, began her rabbi training at the Reform movement's Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion. She switched her training to the Conservative seminary after it began admitting openly gay students in 2007. 


There have been other gay & lesbian rabbi's ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary, but they have kept their identity under wraps. Unlike Rachel, many are still worried about the Jewish community as a whole & worried about expulsion. Rachel is the first to be out & proud with it!

Civil Unions Are Here! (Well in Illinois)

Illinois takes a very progressive step towards civil rights allowing civil unions to begin this week. Starting on Wednesday, gay couples will be eligible to apply for civil union licenses. Civil union ceremonies can be held one day after the union is approved.

This is a great change for Illinois to have this opportunity, this also a good step towards marriage equality. Civil unions will allow many couples to claim one another on their insurance as well as inherit the partner's property. Governor Pat Quinn signed the historic civil union legislative in January.

Illinois joins other states on recognizing civil unions between same sex couples. This allows the state to recognize the relationships without having to defend the marriage acts from other states. Churches have a major influence on many bills that come into effect, including this one.

The Catholic Diocese of Rockford Illinois, announced that it would end it's state funded adoption & foster care program. Rather than comply with the new law,this will not require the church to place children with gay couples. This is unfortunate, given the fact that there are too many children out there in need of a home.

This law of course is helpful in making the strong case of marriage equality. Illinois can soon join other states in legalizing gay marriage. States where gay marriage is legal: Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, & Massachusetts. There are a few that recognize same sex marriage from other states: New York, Rhode Island, & Maryland.

For more statistics on gay couples & marriage visit http://www.gaylawreport.com/gay-marriage-facts-statistics/

A prom fit for a King & a Queen

Sanford High School in southern Maine has crowned a new prom queen & king & made history by doing so.
For the first time ever, a gay couple was crowned prom king & queen. Christian Nelson & his boyfriend Caleb Jett decided to run for the crowns to break down stereotypes in high school & help open very much needed healthy discussions on GLBT teens.

That is very brave of them to go for it & win! I'm happy to see that our young generation do care about taking a stand on rights in our community. This also says alot for kids in the school who voted for them. Really showing a progressive step towards tolerance & gay rights.

I like feel good stories like this. : )

Ooh! Did That Just Pop?! Vol. 7

Some week it was, I kept losing track on who was going to rehab. T.V. was beyond addicting this week, I got so behind on my homework. I really need to start coldturkey & not watch anything for a week, but I don't think my body is strong enough for that. So instead I get caught up in stories like these.

It was a busy week for some celebs trying to get clean, even if it means going public with it as well. With our girl Whitney back in rehab, Oscar De La Hoya checked in this past week as well. Yes, the golden boy has checked into rehab on Tuesday the 24th. The boxing champ was supposedly addicted to drinking & cocaine. What a shame. It saddens me when athletes go to a low like this. He should know the risks invovled but also that he is on a different platform than most celebrities. Oscar isn't just some celebrity, he is an iconic figure in the boxing world & a role model to many. I hope he gets the chance to get his stuff together.

Also checking into rehab this week is our friend Amy Winehouse. While many seem to not be surprised by this, I am. I was under the impression that she was getting her self together. After that very public breakup with her ex & her father taking over total control of her well being. I thought she was on the good road to recovery. It is reported that her father convinced her to check in before she goes on tour this summer. Amy is scheduled to go on tour this summer before the release of her much anticipated follow up album to Back To Black. Good luck Amy!

For those that have always been looking past & over Ms. Kelly Rowland, shame on you. Ms. Rowland has always been compared to her friend Beyonce but Kelly has been standing on her own for quite some time. Kelly has just snatched the No.1 spot on the R&B/Hip Hop charts for her hit Motivation feat. Lil' Wayne. I like this song because it has a nice groove to hit & the lyrics are perfect on Kelly's & Wayne's verses. The video is really hot as well. Kelly's album is dropping her album this summer. Kelly also has a new job as a judge on the TV series X Factor U.K. Version. Go ahead Ms. Rowland! Check out her sexy video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1XozsBN5Z4

Well, as I mentioned in the previous posts, Mariah was in some hot water for supposedly drinking beer while breastfeeding. This let to a tip from an anonymous source to the Child Protective Services of Los Angeles. As of yesterday, the claim was dropped & after a small investigation, CPS found the children to be in a very safe environment. Seems like Mariah & Nick needs to be careful with the company they keep around them. Looks like someone was trying to get a quick buck. Good to know the kids are safe.

I'm very excited for the new Mary J. Blige album. I've always been a huge Mary J. Blige fan & she will be releasing her tenth studio album this fall titled My Life Too, The Journey Continues on September 20th. This album should be hot! Mary's lead off single Someone To Love Me feat. Lil' Wayne if fire! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOGTb9yDsR0 .

Mary is also working on several projects with the biopic of Nina Simone titled Nina, & also a best of both worlds album with Lil' Kim. Mary always seems to stay on top of the game, showing the young ones how it's done.

Another unfortunate incident

A Transwoman was beaten yesterday in Fredricksburg,VA in front of a 7-11 store. The woman was beaten by four men as she was leaving the store.

The victim who did not want to be identified, said she was leaving the store when a car pulled up in front of the store & backed her against the wall. She was punched, kicked & even beaten with a metal broomstick, as she had no where to go, backed against the wall.

A  female neighbor came over to cover the victim's body during the attack & protect her from the blows.

The four attackers fled the scene, but a witness got a glimpse of the liscense plate which led to the arrest of two teenage boys. Two others are still at large.

The 32year old victim said she was mocked about her transgendered status during the attack & even was knocked out at one point. She suffered bruises to the face & mouth as well as her whole body.

This kind of incident always takes me back. This is truly unfortunate but I'm glad they at least caught two of the hoodlums. This is the third attack on a transgendered individual in two months. Not okay.

I really hope these individuals will be charged with a hate crime.

Ooh! Did That Just Pop?! *Movie Edition*

If you're a movie freak like myself, then you must get pretty excited when the summer rolls around. There are always great films to run out to the theater to see. From huge epic summer films to the small documentary creepers. I'm sure everyone will be happy to know that this year is much better than last years lineup.

First out of the box is X-Men:First Class. I have been waiting for this one for a while. Especially after the dissappointing Wolverine flick that came out in 2009. Before mutants were known to the world, there are young individuals discovering their powers for the first time. Following young professors, Charles Xavier & Erick Lehnsherr, before they were Professor X & Magneto. This film has a far much better storyline than Wolverine & true X-Men fans should not be dissappointed. Other characters making their young debut are: Emma Frost, Beast, Azazel, Mystique, Havok, & Angel Salvadore. The film opens June 3rd. Check out the trailer here: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810159061/trailer

Another film caught my eye by accident. Going deep into the roots of American Gospel, Rejoice & Shout is bound to have people clapping throughout the film. Tracing the history of the beginning of gospel & the singers who helped bring this genre to the nation's eyes. With commentary from Mavis Staples & Smokey Robinson, the talk about the civil rights era to present. If you're a gospel fan or not, this film is definitely worth seeing http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810150596/trailer

Super 8 is a film directed by J.J. Abrams opening June 10th. This film starts off in the summer of 1979, with a group of friends that are making a super 8 movie in a small Ohio town. When suddenly they witness a horriffic train accident that soon changes their lives forever. With J.J. as the director & Steven Speilberg as the producer, I'm sure the film delivers all the way. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810159189/trailer

There's always some comedy that creeps in & there's no way of telling if they're good until your friend sees it first.The film Bad Teacher is about a teacher who is wrong on all levels. Cameron Diaz plays a teacher that drinks in class, smokes weed, & is very foul mouthed around the kids. She is looking for a man with money to take care of all her needs. She must win over a new substitute teacher played by Justin Timberlake, to really take her out of the teaching biz for good. In my opinion, Cameron Diaz hasn't been very funny since There's Something About Mary, Jason Segal is in it & that's enough for me. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810150690/trailer

For all you Hip Hop fans, you should definitely be thrilled to check out Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest. This is one of my most favorite hip hop acts of all time & they debut in the year I was born. Fabulous 1985! One of the most innovative hip hop artists of all time as well, this documentary goes behind the scence in their travels across the globe. Plus also going in deep on how A Tribe Call Quest was formed & still kickin' it. I'm definitely checking this one out when it comes to theaters July 8th. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfwfre_a-tribe-called-quest-documentary-trailer_music


Those are a few of my picks I would really love to see this summer. I'm pretty sure there are more but I haven't done my trailer shopping yet.

If you would like to find out what's coming soon al the way out to 2013! Check out http://www.comingsoon.net/movies.php

Ooh! Did That Just Pop?! Vol. 6

There is always something juicy that catches my ear. Yes, I'm talking about the crazy pop world & the insane celebrities that live in it. I'ts not like I waste my whole day following such news, but it sure does do me good!! The last time I left you kids, was the week ending. Sorry for the delay, a brotha had some sleep to catch up on. Now that I'm back on it, here we go........

Kim Kardashian is finally engaged! Not that I'm excited but I'm tired of hearing her complain about not being married. She announced her engagement to NBA player Kris Humphries. The two have been dating for a while. Kim was already showing off her 20.5 carat ring! What?! Where do you get such a ring? I guess Kim can. The question is who paid for the ring? Kris only makes $3.2 million a year coming off the bench for the New Jersey Nets & the ring costs $2 million. Ummmm, I would hope he is not spending a year's salary for a ring?! I bet Kim bought it though. The Kardashians made $65 million last year alone. Well congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Kardashian.

Well, Hines Ward won Dancing With The Stars last night. Yay! I'm happy for Hines, he worked his ass off the whole season & always had good scores from the judges. He beat out Kirstie Alley, who came in a respectable 2nd place. I knew she wouldn't win it all but she sure did go through a transformation during the show. She lost alot of weight during the taping of the show & looks great. I guess DWTS paid off better than Jenny Craig?

If you haven't heard by now Jersey Shore fans, Ronnie & The Situation got into a fist fight! Yup, the two reportedly got into a fight on the last day of taping the show. Supposedly the fight started because of an arguement between Sammy & Ronnie. I've been tired of meathead Ronnie for a while. Actually both of them are annoying as hell. I just can't to see the fight on the upcoming season.

Dawn Richard from Danity Kane is finally dropping her solo project. It's about time. She  was always one of my favorite Danity Kane members & she deserves to get her shine on! Dawn has already released a mix tape A Tell Tale Heart. Dawn will be releasing her studio album on Bad Boy records & expected to hit later this year.

Well folks, Sarah Palin will be coming to a theater near you! Yes, you heard it right. If you are not already tired of this moose hunting chick, you will be able to check her out in a movie theater soon! Sarah Palin has been working on a documentary about, what else......her life. Boring! Based on her narration from her book Going Rogue, Sarah will speak about growing up in Alaska & her life as a politician. Although, the film will not be talking about her very famous interview with Katie Couric. Is she crazy? That is what made her famous! The film is titled The Undefeated.Wait a minute? Didn't she lose the presidential election & gave up her seat as Govenor of Alaska? In my book that would mean she is down 0-2.

In sad news, Christopher Meloni is leaving Law & Order SVU. Noooooo! Say it aint so! My guilty pleasure during the week is watching him interrrogate individuals every episode, in hoping that his shirt will just rip open when he is very angry. Okay, I love this show. It is sad to hear he will not be returning this fall on the hit NBC show. Ratings haven't been the best in the past few seasons for SVU, but watching Elliot Stabler has been worth my time! Goodbye Chris, & thanks for the memories!

Let's Talk About Sex....

The minute I put the title of this new post in, I immediately thought about Salt N' Pepa's song "Let's Talk About Sex" . Why don't we talk about sex?

Yesterday I attended a great workshop yesterday hosted by the World Cafe in North Portland at the Center for Intercultural Organizing. It was such a great diverse group of folks ready to talk about sex! Now this wasn't some Dr. Ruth seminar, it was a workshop created to discuss healthy sexual relationships, family communication, social factors that affect our health, & healthy sexual discussions. There were people of all colors that attended & all age groups as well. Gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual or even celibate. As I glanced across the room, I thought to myself "why do we need a workshop to talk about sex?"

Sex is all over the media, everywhere you turn. On t.v., radio, internet, movies, it just keeps going & going. Although, our youth & many other individuals are so disconnected from the reality of sex & what it actually means to have a healthy sexual relationship.

Some of the parents admitted to not knowing how to approach their kids about sex. Especially in today's world, with kids having the opportunity to find what they need with the help of a click of a mouse. I'll admit, I didn't want to talk to my Dad either about the subject. He basically told me to wrap it up when I was involved in sexual intercourse & the conversation lasted about 5 minutes. Very awkward!

It wasn't until I stumbled upon the world of masturbation that allowed me to explore more but not without some risks involved. No one taught or told me about it, it just happened. I remember watching the movie "Serial Mom" directed by John Waters, there was a scene when one of her victims was masturbating right before she walks in & kills him. I suddenly found out how it was done. Although, I made mistake of using Dove dishwashing soap, not realizing how much it would burn soooo much afterwards. Well, it was too late to talk about it now. I would save myself the embarrassment & wait until the swelling went down.

For some of you that was probably t.m.i. (too much info) but that's what I had to go through. I'm pretty sure it can be much easier for youth today.

Unfortunately, teen pregnancy is at an alarming rate & girls are having periods at ages 10 or 11. Maybe even earlier! Yet many schools do not have sexual education for the students. WTF? A poll conducted by NPR a few years ago by Harvards Kennedy School of Government found that only 7% of Americans believe that sex ed should be taught in schools. Approximately 750,000 teen pregnancies occur each year, 82% were unintended. If many of these girls received the education they deserve, I'm pretty sure many pregancies could have been prevented.

Many people don't even think about what a healthy sexual relationship means. Most figure, as long as they are having sex with their partner on a regular basis then it is healthy. Not even close. It starts knowing yourself, & having a healthy relationship with yourself first before finding someone else to help you feel good.

Now I'm not saying go rush out & buy Dove dishwashing liquid as soon as possible but get to know yourself & the world around you before you start shopping for the next partner to help you feel good.

It was a such a great discussion  yesterday at the workshop. I really hope people get more comfortable talking about sex than shying away from it or putting it on the taboo table. I'll keep preaching it, it all starts with discussion people.

For more info on American Teens & Sex visit http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/FB-Teen-Sex-Ed.html

Lisa Lampanelli vs. Westboro Church

I'm a huge fan of Lisa Lampanelli, her stand up comedy is supposed to offend everyone in attendance, including The Westboro Church. Lisa had a show she was doing in Topeka, where the church's headquaters are.

For those of you not familiar with this disgusting church, let me give you a quick insight. Westboro church is an independent Baptist church known for their extreme stance against homosexuality. This church is not affiliated with any known Baptist conventions or associations. The group travels nationally to picket gay victims of murder, jewish community & even military personnel. Basically they just promote hate everywhere they go.

With Lisa having a show in Topeka,Kansas it was only a matter of time they would show up where she was performing. The Queen of Mean was not about to let them steal her show! Lisa decided to turn the rally of hate into a rally of  cause for gay rights. Lisa pledged to donate $1,000 for every hateful member of Westboro attending the rally. After her announcement, an additional 24 members showed up to join the already 20 members picketing. Thanks to the members, Lisa raised a nice $44,000 for the Gay Men's Health Crisis, the oldest HIV/AIDS care provider in the U.S. . Lisa declared victory & led a large group of fans into cheer " We're Queer/We're Here!

Lisa Lampenelli later told TMZ, " It's going to be hilarious to write out the checks to GMHC & have them send thank you notes to The Westboro for their generous contributions. I'd love to see their inbred faces when they open those thank you notes! Hopefully their jaws will drop so fast that their three remaining teeth & cromagnon foreheads will plummett to the floor."

Nice one Lisa, & that is why I love your crazy ass. I will consider that one a win by knockout.

It costs big money using homophobic slurs

This past weekend during the Chicago Bulls-Miami Heat game 3, Joakim Noah let his emotions get to him.
Being frustrated with picking up his second foul, Noah was sent to the bench. A fan said some disrespectful things to him & he responded with a gay slur. I'm pretty sure the word was faggot.

Since the response from Noah was televised, he will most likely be fined. Noah was quickly to apologize after the game , once he realized what he had said. Noah stated he has absolutely nothing against the gay community & he is an open minded person.

Yeah, it seems like he definitely let his emotions the best of him that game & the angry fan got what he wanted. All of the players are miked & there are microphones everywhere in the arena, so it's impossible to get away with anything.

I was surprised by some people's reactions, wondering what's the big deal? Well, there are many kids that look uo to players in the NBA, so that's a big deal! NBA has to start sending a message somehow. Why not start with the players?

Atlanta to Winnipeg

It is all but official that the Thrashers will be moving from Atlanta to Winnipeg. The Thrashers organization is pretending that there is still a lot of negotiating left to do and potential to stay in Atlanta. Don't believe the hype, they are gone. Most hockey fans I know and the local media do not have an opinion, or seem to care, about this move. I believe that every hockey fan should care about this. Whether your opinion is positive or negative it does not matter. The reason being that the whole league will be affected by a team moving from the southeastern United States to western Canada.

I happen to think of this move in the negative. Not because of the fans in Atlanta losing "their" team. Who cares about them? If you do not go to games you will lose your team, that's the business end of sports. My two main reasons for being against the move are the effect on USA Hockey, and the loss of hockey jobs in America.

I consider myself a general hockey fan, more so than a Penguins fan. With that being the case I have a passion for USA hockey and its continued growth. The connection between the Atlanta Thrashers and USA hockey may be a little blurry, but its there. In the past 20 years the NHL has expanded from a couple warm climate teams to about ten. So in the last three years we have seen a lot of kids from California and Florida being taken in the draft. Including Beau Bennet the Pittsburgh Penguins 2010 1st round selection. Without an NHL team in Atlanta, less kids will begin playing ice hockey in Atlanta. Who knows the talent we could be missing out on? I understand Atlanta is far from a hockey hot bed, but they also have never had a winning team. Winning makes it easy for teams and fan bases to grow. They always had talented young players like Heatley, Kovalchuk, Hossa, and now Byfuglien. They just were one of the worst managed teams in the league that never got the proper players to play alongside their all-stars. I wonder how this situation would be different if they ever made one deep playoff run. Maybe we would have seen a first round pick from Georgia in 15 years.

On a more personal point of view this move takes away NHL jobs in the United States. As a person always looking for work in the sport industry, more specifically in hockey, it upsets me that a whole franchise worth of jobs just got shipped north of the border. I had friends that previously and currently worked for the Thrashers and now they're out of jobs. This may just seem like me complaining, but it is a real issue across the entire country. Not just in the sports industry, but during this recession every industry has been affected similarly.

Even if you do not care about USA hockey or the job market there is a big issue that will shake the entire NHL. Undoubtedly the Thrasher franchise will have to move to the Western Conference. With that move a Western Conference team will have to become and Eastern Conference team. That team will most likely be the Detroit Red Wings or Columbus Blue Jackets. When that happens the divisions must realign. There is no telling how the league will choose to setup the divisions after the move. That is why every NHL fan should be interested in this situation. Every team will be affected, including your favorite team. However, do not expect any divisional changes until the season after the move. That is just too much change too fast.

Ooh! Did that just Pop?! (Week in Review)

I'm constantly looking for juicy news when it comes to pop culture & I'm always happy to share. It could be that I'm just nosy as hell too! Either way the juicy stuff just keeps on coming. This past week did not disappoint at all!

The Michael Jackson's estate has dealt with so much since the death of our king in June 2009. Besides the current trial with Dr. Conrad Murray, there was a new lawsuit brought against the estate just yesterday. A lady claims that Michael Jackson gave her herpes in 1979 & is suing for $10 million! What?! This chick has lost her damn mind! Shellie Smith claims that the two had sex in 1979 & soon after she had sores on her body from the sexual transmitted disease. Give me break, why did she not say anything until now? I'm pretty sure her suit will be laughed at & thrown out. I'll keep you posted on this one.

R&B songtress Faith Evans is filing for divorce from her husband of 13 years. The singer has filed, stating they have been seperated since 2005. The singer has asked the courts of joint legal custody & to withdraw the option of spousal support. That would be tricky, given the fact that she filed in Los Angeles. I feel bad for the children involved because divorce is not easy on anyone. Good to hear that the couple do get along, they just don't want to be together. Good for them.

Charlie's Angels is coming back this fall & they have a new trio with a sexy black angel as well. Say what?!
Yes, 27 year old Nigeria-American actress Annie Ilonzeh will be joining the cast this fall as they embark on their sexy ass-kicking journey working for Charlie. I'm excited to see this show, some people were quick to shoot it down but I think it will deliver if they stay away from the corny story lines.

Beyonce premiered her new video for "Run the World-Girls" video this past week. The video has received over 5 million hits in less than 48 hours. That's my girl! People were quick to comment on how they didn't like the song & the video but they still went & viewed it! I'll fight somebody to the dirt for Beyonce. I like the song but I'm anxious to hear the album as a whole when it comes out on June 28th. Haters, sit down. Beyonce will be honored at this year's Billboard awards with First Lady Michelle Obama & Lady Gaga presenting her the award. Congrats B!

Remember JaRule? How can anyone forget? Well he has been in hiding for a while since that infamous beef with 50 cent a few years ago. The rapper has been out & about this year, promising a comeback(he is going to need Ashanti for that one!). The rapper has been doing small concerts & appearances this year under the radar. JaRule has a new album coming out June 8th named "Pain is Love 2", the day before he goes to prison. Yup! JaRule is going to prison in June to serve a two-year sentence (ouch!). The rapper was charged weapons charges following a 2007 incident. JaRule plans a new callabo with Ashanti & a world tour when he is released. Well, see ya in 2013 JaRule. What a shame.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Alica Key's "Songs in A Minor" album. Damn, I feel old. Alicia will be releasing a special edition of the album. That was probably my favorite album of Ms. Keys. I was only a sophmore in High School & was hooked. I played that cd out, along with my lil' sis Tiara!

In 2001, there was also Ashanti's debut album, Jennifer Lopez's "J.Lo" album & my girls Destiny's Child's "Survivor" album. Damn, time flies by. I used to listen to Destiny Child's "Survivor" album before every track meet!

Grant Hill Taking a Stand on Discrimination

Why is it everytime we have something positive in our community, people need to shoot it down with their ignorance?

Grant Hill's public service announcement aired during the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game & got mixed reactions. The public service announcement is for the "Think Before You Speak" campaign, to help stop the discriminination with the use of words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D_XLCmY0D8 . People don't think that words can be very powerful, especially when they are used in a hurtful way. Not just kids in school but adults have it bad as well.

In Hill's PSA, he asked people to stop using the word "gay" to mean "dumb or stupid". Many people say it without thinking twice & the damage it causes. I have been called that word too many times in my life to let it affect me anymore, but there are people out there who hear it everyday like it's their first name. Come on folks! We need to get it together!It is on the same level when we hear people outside of the black community use the word "nigger". It has the same damage altogether, but people don't think about that.

Immediately after Grant Hill's PSA, people took to Hill's twitter feed with many anti-gay postings. Some even went as far as calling Hill a "fag" & "Uncle Tom". Hill responded to the tweets, reminded people on the reason why we need the PSA's in the first place. Good for Hill.

People in the black community should already know how much discrimination hurts & to also use the term "Uncle Tom" is just plain ignorant. The only way we can help eliminate such hatred is through much needed discussion & education.

I'm very happy the NBA is airing the PSA's during the playoffs. Hopefully they do it every game. We watch NBA games too!! They should extend the campaign all year long, not just during the playoffs but also during the offseason.

For more info on the Think B4 You Speak campaign visit http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/

Portland Black Pride is almost here!

Portland Black Pride is definitely right around the corner! The 2011 festivities will be the same weekend as Portland Pride celebration & also the Juneteenth anniversary as well. I am really excited for this year's celebration, it gives the opportunity for our community to connect as well as give more of an insight on the Black GLBT community.

This year, there are many events for the youth & adults having the opportunity to celebrate who they are. Sponsored by Portland Black PFLAG chapter, we encourage all queers of color to attend. Portland Black Pride will also have a presence at the Pride Celebration on the waterfront as well. For more information please visit
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002272189968 .

Here is the schedule of events the weekend of June 15-June 19:

http://insidesourcemedia.com/pflag/PBP-ad-2.pdf

We definitely do not want people to feel as if they should choose between Portland Pride & Portland Black Pride, so please feel free to stop by our booth on the waterfront to show support!

Kick off party will be June 15th at Local Lounge.

Let's represent & show up!!!

Sing, Rage

Just a quick word on Pascal-Hopkins, which takes place tomorrow. I feel a deep and abiding guilt for not writing a piece deserving of the event.

Because every time Bernard Hopkins fights now it is an event. The Last Angry Man. And he’ll tell you as much.

It’s not just that Hopkins is 46. It’s who he is, with the righteous indignation of the abused and ill treated. Is part of his self-construct fiction? Likely, but I’ve never met a man who does not build a life of lies. Leave me my false definitions and watch me carry on.

Bernard has built a career on rage and will and discipline. We all know his criminal past and a life of triumph and redemption, but just look at the man’s career.

He took it by force, one fight at a time. Without flash, but refinement and a seriousness of purpose. “Upon this rock I will stand. And no man shall move me!”

Defiance. A sacred vow.

And Bernard has held distant the very forces of time, by sheer orneriness and guile. They’ve tried to bury him but he won’t have it.

Most don’t find him fun to watch, but to me he’s moving in his desires. Because though the body fails the spirit never wavers. You always know it’s serious with Bernard, he wants it, and if there’s the capacity in that body and mind he’ll give it to you.

He took it by force last December. Despite being knocked down twice, his first legitimate ones in decades he stood up and took it from Pascal. It showed a deeper virtue beyond blood and bone.

“Mine is a will to overcoming, and you’re not the man to take it from me,” said Bernard, as he trudged stiffly forward and pushed through.

They stole it from him, of course. I wasn’t in the least surprised. An elderly black man getting his pocket picked under the bright lights is a matter of course.

But still, it hurt. Bernard Hopkins is a great fighter, one of the greatest who has ever lived, and they never gave him one break. I’m talking about a man who has been in exactly six close (and some not-so-close) fights in his legendary career.

The judges gave him four losses and two draws. Can you recall a great fighter who never got a break. Fight after fight, year after year? And the guy isn’t even from Africa!

He’ll lose soon. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe the next fight. He has never been beat up, but he will be. These things rarely end well.

But I do hope it’s not tomorrow. I hope it’s not to Pascal, a forgettable champion who doesn’t deserve to be the one to take a pick to a monument. He’s not the man for the job.

A snaggle-toothed statue will get into the ring on Saturday night, he’s creaky, but he’s bone tough. Melt down that Rocky atrocity they have in Philadelphia and mint a new one.

And then...

Sing to me O Goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus,

The man of twists and turns

Driven time and again off course,

Which put pains thousandfold upon the Achaians,

Hurled in their multitudes to the house of Hades strong souls of heroes, but gave their bodies to be the delicate feastings of dog and birds!

Bernard Hopkins UD 114-110 Jean Pascal

War X!

PS. Sorry all the comments on the previous post were lost. Hope it won’t happen again.

Ooh! Did that just Pop?! Vol. 5

This sure had been a busy week & I love it! With summer on the rise, there is plenty more to come. New albums, comebacks & falls, & the movies! Ooh wee!!


I'm not sure if any of you are still following American Idol, I kind of stopped watching the results show after Jacob Lusk went home a few weeks ago. The performances are always good but I don't think people know how to vote for the right singer. Last night Haley went home leaving Lauryn & Scotty battling it out in the finals. I don't think I'm going to watch it because I'm totally into The Voice now. I like that show much better & the competitors can sang!!!

Basketball Wives is gearing up for their third season on VH1. I'll have to admit, I'm addicted to these bitches. They all seem to be 30 something year old women who act like high school girls with alot of money & I love it! Shaunie, Jennifer, Evelyn, Royce, Tami, & Suzie are back for a third season & the drama continues! Shaunie is settling back in Miami, trying to be drama free (good luck with that!). Evelyn is now going to be a football wife, now that she is engaged to Ochocinco. Will she switch from basketball wives to football wives? I really don't like Evelyn, so I can care less. Jennifer is finally leaving her ugly ass husband Eric. Geez! It took her long enough! Tami is trying to move on from last season's blowout, which was all kinds of juicy! Royce is still there getting on my damn nerves. Oh, the guilty pleasure is back at the end of May & I can't wait.
For more info visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/basketball_wives/season_3/series.jhtml

Chaka Khan finally get her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Yesterday was the ceremony & she was in disbelief that she was being honored. I don't know why? She totally deserves it! Love me some Chaka! The 58 year old Grammy winner started out in the 60's & 70's with the group Rufus. After Rufus she had an amazing solo career with songs written by Stevie Wonder & Prince. She will be in my neck of the woods at the Spirit Mountain Casino on May 28th! Tickets are only starting at $15 dollars! Can someone give me a ride down there?! She will be touring this whole summer. For more info on the upcoming concert at Spirit Mountain visit http://spiritmountain.com/events-entertainment-concerts-oregon/




In comeback news, SWV is back!!! Yay! I'm so excited, they have always been one of my favorite R&B groups of all time. The group has just announced that they are back in the studio recording their fourth studio album in 13 years! Why so long? Well, they have always remained friends over the years & CoCo had a successful Gospel album as well. They will also be working on a reality show focusing on their beginning, the break up & getting back together. They were quickly to say it will be no drama, & the show will be used to inspire other young females getting into music biz! I heard that.

Children Of God movie opens in New York today

I wish I was in New York right now. The film Children of God opens in Manhattan today at the legendary Quad Cinema. The film has already received great reviews from Hollywood Reporter, Variety, & New York Times. 

This movie is directed by Kareem Mortimer & is originated from his 2007 short film "Float".
Children of God takes place in the Bahamas & tackles the subject of homophobia in the West Indies.

Following an interracial romance between a white boy from Nassau Falls and a buff black islander, they face all obstacles in the islands while also trying to learn from one another. Focusing on religion & being a child of God, this movie delivers all the way. Within the film the director focuses on gay love, religious hatred, the down low, & homophobia.

Unfortunately, only a few months before filming, several gay men were killed in the movie's key locations.

This a must see film obviously & I am glad that a director took on such subjects that the audience needs to see & hear. The film will expand to the west coast eventually, & I hope the film makes it's way to Portland's Fox Tower.

For more info on this film visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Children-of-God/60146471469

Boondocks Laid To Rest.....

As I mentioned in the recent post (Where Did Our Black Shows Go?), The Boondocks is in their current & last season on Adult Swim. Even though they are acutally showing episodes from previous seasons.So I guess it's official because Adult Swim announced their 2011/2012 lineup & The Boondocks was not in it. There is no word yet on why the show is not on the upcoming lineup but I really hope it is not their last season. Only three seasons? Why?

Based on the popular comic strip with the same name, The Boondocks premiered on November 6th, 2005. The Freeman kids having to move from the South Side of Chicago to the suburbs of Woodcrest, always having to adjust to the lifestyle, mixtures of cultures, & race.

Even though the show had it's share of controversy, it always seemed to get better in my opinion. From my favorite character Uncle Ruckus to the "Return of King" episode, Aaron McGruder always seems to amaze me with the show. I think the controversy just helped grow their audience over the years.

Al Shaprton protested the episode "Return Of King" becuase of Martin Luther King's use of the word nigger.

That was some funny stuff!

In the second season, the show came under heat again because of the episodes "The Hunger Strike" & "The Uncle Ruckus Reality Show" since they were very critical of BET. Well, BET did threaten to sue Sony if the episodes were to air in the U.S.. So they were originally scrapped but of course you can see them on the season 2 DVD.

From the memorable characters: Riley, Huey, A Pimp Named Slickback, Tom Dubois, Thugnificient, Gangstalicious, Granddad, of course my favorite Uncle Ruckus.

My favorite episodes: The Fundraiser, The Story of Gangstalicious, Tom,Sara & Usher, Granddad's Fight, & The Uncle Ruckus Reality Show.

Goodbye Boondocks & thanks for the memories. : (

Where Did Our Black TV Shows Go?

I was watching T.V. last night & thought to myself, it sure is bright(oops!) I mean white on T.V. ! With so many shows on television why are the major networks not interested in Black sitcoms anymore?

I am so glad I grew up in the nineties. It feels like it's been forever since I was really into seeing positive black influences on T.V.. My Dad let us watch almost anything back then because it was the truth. Of course we all remember The Cosby Show & I used to look forward to Thursday nights becuase I felt like I was part of the family. The Cosby Show of course opened the doors for many black show at the time & it was very much needed. Also there was A Different World which was a spinoff of the The Cosby Show, allowing us to follow Denise on her way the Hillman College.

From there I would watch T.G.I.F on ABC & watch Family Matters. It was corny at times but it still had a major influence on black culture.

I remember watching Fresh Prince of Bel-Air every week as well. Giving a different insight to other black families out there. Yes they were fictional but it didn't depict them in a bad snobby way either.

There was a time when FOX actually didn't suck! They had what I like to call black Thursdays. On Thursdays they would have Martin, Living Single, & New York Undercover. Our Dad let us watch them all before heading to bed for school in the morning. Martin Lawrence was a genius with Martin & gave people just good pure comedy. Before there was Sex & The City, there was In Living Color starring Queen Latifah, following four successful black women living the single life in New York. Come to think of it, Sex & The City  is exactly like In Living Color! They're just white!

I watched damn there every episode of In Living Color. There was no topic off limits when it came to the hilarious sketches they would do every Saturday night. I believe SNL didn't have anything on In Living Color.

As I scanned the channels last night, I started reminiscing about the good ol' days. When t.v. had many black shows on & networks weren't scared to push the envelope. Now I'm surprised when shows have more than three black characters. I also think about the kids today, what do they have to watch & look up to?

Now everyone & their momma has a reality show. That doesn't count. Yes it is addctive & I love watching NeNe Leakes cuss people out but it isn't the same. CW cleaned house on all of their black shows, Girlfriends & Everybody Hates Chris.

BET  is trying to bring the love back but it doesn't feel right. They have The Game & Let's Stay Together but the don't hold up as well in my opinion. I thought TV One would do more but they only have reality shows as well & Tatyana Ali's show Love That Girl.

There still The Boondocks on Adult Swim & supposedly the third season was their last season on t.v.. Damn.
What happened to black shows? Will they ever make a comeback?

What did creepy Ronald McDonald ever do to anyone?

McDonald's is always catching heat for it's menu & influence on American culture. People should know by now, when you walk in McDonald's, you're not going in for a veggie shake. There are risks involved!

Although, on Wednesday, a group called Corporate Accountability Interntaional placed ads in newspapers across the U.S., including The Chicago Tribune. They were asking the company to stop marketing to children & retire Ronald McDonald.

Now wait a minute, I'm not a huge fan of McDonalds but when I'm lazy or stoned out of my mind, I'll hop in there & get a burger or two. I pay for it later or sometimes very soon! How can they just target McDonalds? What about Burger King, Wendy's, or Jack in the Crack?

Don't get me wrong, Ronald creeped the hell out of me when I was a kid & still does! Ronald was never appealing to me as a kid & the more he smiled, the more I wanted to hide under a bed. Ronald has been the face of McDonalds since 1963 and a huge influence in their marketing campaign to children. They cannot &  will not retire Ronald. What about the Ronald McDonald House of Charities? The house has been around for 36 years improving the lives of children & families all over the world.

Corporate Accountability International needs to get real. There are other fish to fry & McDonalds is more like a shark. They won't be changing anything soon. If you want to change kids diet, don't take them to McDonalds! It starts in the homes & if people continue to take their kids to McDonalds, then let them. Unfortunately those kids will have to deal with the fact that their parents are just too lazy to cook or take them somewhere else.

Ronald McDonald is still creepy though!

Ooh! Did That Just Pop?! Vol.4

This sure has been a busy week! Every time I turn around there is something to talk about. I don't really care if no one else is obssesed with it as much as I am. The juicy stuff just keeps coming at me, from Project Runway's Allstar season to a Hip Hop X Factor!

I mentioned earlier this week that America's Next Top Model is getting ready to start filming their All-Star season with past model runner ups. Well Project Runway is also gearing up for an All Star Season as well! I'm more excited for the Project Runway All-Star season than ANTM. Heidi Klum has yet to announce which past designers she will bring back but there have been so many great designers from past seasons, she has alot to choose from. A few years ago Project Runway did an All Star challenge but this will be much better obviously, especially if they bring back the designers that brings all the drama! I'm pretty sure they will. I have my favorites I will like to see back:

Wendy Pepper (Season 1)
Santino Rice (Season 2)
Jillian Lewis (Season 4)
Korto Momolu (Season 5)
Mondo Guerra (Season 8) * He should have won!!!
Anthony Williams (Season 5)
Carol Hanna (Season 6) *She should have won too!
Kenly Collins (Season 5) * I couldn't stand her ass but she can design very well!

The All Star season should start production very soon! Keep you posted!

Jamie Fox sure does have his hands tied these days in many projects. His latest project will be bringing back Showtime at The Apollo! I grew up on Showtime at The Apollo & love me some KiKi Shepard! Jamie will be executive producer & it will air on BET. This is refreshing since there are so many singing competitions out there but no talent competition like Apollo! The pilot should air this fall. I can't  wait to boo someone off the stage from home on my couch!

Next month will mark TuPac's 40th birthday. It feels like yesterday when he left us but his music has lived on strong since his untimely death in 1996. For a third year, comedian Mike Epps will join TuPac's mother Afeni Shakur in celebrating his life in a concert dedicated to him. It will be held in Atlanta on his birthday on June 16th. Performers include: Erykah Badu, Too $hort, Bun B, 8 Ball & MJG, plus more. R.I.P. Pac.

Beyonce's new album 4 will drop on June 28th & you kow I'm excited. If there was any female to turn me out it will be Beyonce! That's my girl & she can do no wrong in my world. Her new album will be very personal & she has said she really had to dig deep into her R&B roots on this one, from Michael Jackson to Lauryn Hill. Fans can expect a very personal & different album from I Am....

I can't wait & I hope she performs at the BET awards this year!

Snoop Dogg wants to start a show but not another reality show. He wants to start a Hip Hop X Factor to search for the next big MC. I will definitely tune in for this one. He is currently pitching this idea to networks to get it off the ground. Snoop can get some major Hip Hop influences to join him in this show & it will deliver if they stay away from auto tuners & fake MC's. I hope the females turn out for this show as well. Keep you posted on this one!