When Oprah Attacks!

James Frey cried like a bitch in an interview for Vanity Fair. Y'all remember him. He was the guy that Oprah endorsed for her book club, but then she felt opps, because his memoir was more fiction than fact.

According to James, Oprah matched his lying, by lying to him about her intentions regarding his appearance on the show. He didn't think he was going to get a tongue lashing from the all mighty Oprah. As The Great Gazoo would say on The Flintstones, "What a dumb, dumb."

I'm reminded of another time where Oprah dissed her guest. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but here's what happened. It's mad funny. She had Bette Milder on years ago, and this is how it went:

Oprah: I hear that you don't let your daughter watch television.
Bette: Yes, I feel tv is too violent and really dumbs down people.
Oprah: Speaking of television, you were recently featured in an episode of The Simpsons. Here's a clip everyone.

The clip plays a scene where the animated Bette is cleaning up along side a highway. A car passes by and a passenger throws litter out the window onto the side of the road. Bette becomes infuriated and creates a grenade, McGyver style, and throws it at the car that is speeding away. The car then explodes leaving a mushroom cloud of death.

The camera cuts back to Bette and Oprah. Bette looks like she just smelled a ripe stinky cheese, yet forces a smile onto her face.

Oprah: Oh, that was so funny.
Bette: Yes, yes it was.

Bette still looks like she smelled some stinky ass cheese, yet with less forced smile on her face.

Did You Know?

MYTH: America has "uncontrolled" and "unprecedented" immigration.

While the immigrant population is the highest it’s ever been in absolute numbers, it isn’t so when compared to the equally increasing total U.S. population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the percentage of immigrants has fluctuated within 5-15% of the U.S. population. As of 2006, immigrants are 12% of the U.S. population. (U.S. Census Bureau, "Historical Census Statistics on the Foreign-born Population of the United States: 1850-1990." February 1999, and Pew Hispanic Center, “A Statistical Portrait of the Foreign-Born Population at Mid-Decade.” October 2006)

MYTH: Today’s immigrants are different than those 100 years ago: they “refuse” to assimilate.

According to a recent United Way of Salt Lake survey, more than 80 percent of immigrants and refugees say they have formally tried to learn English. Many more say they’ve tried by speaking English to friends or by listening to English-language radio and television. (United Way of Salt Lake, June 2007)

Learning a second language can be difficult for any adult, but top barriers to English acquisition for immigrants (who often work 2 or 3 separate jobs) include lack of time, lack of child care, and difficultly of task. (United Way of Salt Lake, June 2007)

All social science data points to the fact that immigrants are assimilating as fast as previous generations of immigrants. While immigrant parents may struggle with learning a new language, 91% of second-generation Hispanics can speak English well, as can 97% of third-generation Hispanics. (Pew Hispanic Center, Nov 2007)

MYTH: Immigrants are violent criminals “overflowing” our prisons.

In 2000, 3 percent of the 45.2 million males age 18 to 39 in the United States were in federal or state prisons or local jails at the time of the census. The incarceration rate of native-born men in this age group was 5 times higher than the incarceration rate of foreign-born men. (Immigration Policy Center, Spring 2007)

Among the U.S.-born, 9.8 percent of all male high-school dropouts were in jail or prison in 2000. Only 1.3 percent of immigrant men who were high-school dropouts were incarcerated. (Immigration Policy Center, Spring 2007)

MYTH: Immigrants are a financial burden on taxpayers.

While the myth that undocumented immigrants are an economic drain is widespread, “Every empirical study of illegals’ economic impact demonstrates the opposite…; undocumenteds actually contribute more to public coffers in taxes than they cost in social services.” (Peter L. Reich, “Public Benefits for Undocumented Aliens: State Law Into the Breach Once More,” 21 N.M. L. Rev. 219, 241–42. 1991)

Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for most federally funded benefits including cash assistance, food stamps, and SSI. (Office of Human Services Policy, Department of Health and Human Services)

A study by economists Richard Vedder, Lowell Gallaway, and Stephen Moore found that states with relatively high immigration actually experience low unemployment. The economists believed that it is likely immigration opens up many job opportunities for natives. (Richard Vedder, Lowell Gallaway, and Stephen Moore, “Immigration and Unemployment: New Evidence,” Alexis de Tocqueville Institution, Arlington, VA. Mar. 1994.)

To learn more visit truthinimmigration.org

This Is Just Creepy

I have no problems saying a Father and child should not be this sexified and laid up on each other like this. Her arms is like in between his legs. There is too much skin showing, and daddy should have told her to pull up her jeans. Why is it that when they want to take a pop princess and have her grow up in people's eyes, they have to go the sex route.

I acknowledge and support that adolescence is a time when young people explore their looks and sexual stirrings, but that is not the only story. What about creating an image that shows Miley exuding a new sense of independence, and a desire to venture away from her family, in order to experience a life that considers her intelligence, humanity and curiosity.

This image feeds the fallacy to young people that "growing up" means focusing on how sexy, cool and provocative you are able to become. Such a limited message to send to teens abut this time their lives.

Daddy Cyrus needs to ease up his grip and assist his daughter in becoming an empowered individual, unless he wants a Britney/Paris/Lindsay on his hands. Hmm, her facial expressions looks like she is saying "Daddy, let go...you're hurting me."

He Got Skills

Pastry Chef James Rosselle, is one fierce cookie. He has won back to back episodes on the Food Network Challenge. He is now $20,00 richer for winning the Sweet 16 and Surprise Engagement Party challenges. The boy has skills, his flowers, while not groundbreaking, are done extremely well. Moreover, his flavor combinations are sexy.

The hilarious part about his victories is how he wins them. The judges always blast him for not interviewing the "client judges" long enough to get a sense of what they want. He spent all of two minutes interviewing the Sweet 16 girl. And, at panel they call him on that. Yet, he manages to win.

I owe this to two factors:

1. If you got the skills, create something that people will want, despite the fact they thought they didn't know they would want it. It's Marketing 101.

2. Some people can't think big, so think big for them and they will be inspired to convert to your ideas.

Add to that, he is very affable and has great sportsmanship. Hey, some good karma always helps. So James keep on doing what you're doing. Educate these white bread "client judges" about the posibilites of what can come out of the kitchen. Word of caution, the flowers rock, but don't become a one trick pony.

Deep Dark Secrets

"The Department of Veterans Affairs came under fire again Monday, this time in California federal court where it's facing a national lawsuit by veterans rights groups accusing the agency of not doing enough to stem a looming mental health crisis among veterans. As part of the lawsuit, internal e-mails raise questions as to whether top officials deliberately deceived the American public about the number of veterans attempting and committing suicide. " Click here for the full story.

Among the many things fucked up about this, is that the men and women that commit suicide are not actually counted as a casualty of the war. The 4,000 plus that is reported as having died in the war, is not the real number. And, don't forget the over 20,000 American solidiers that are maimed.

I wonder if Georgie enjoyed his slice of the Pope's cake.

People Crack Me Up: 2

Is that a concealed weapon or are you just happy to see me? The poor officer, due to the low hanging jeans, was thrown off by how far south he should go.

What Would Jesus Say?

Source of Images: Betty Bower's "The No Sin Zone Blog"

I was going to ignore the Pope's visit; however, today I find I'm not in a turn the other cheek kinda mood.

The Pope came to visit a President responsible for starting a heinous war that is killing and maiming people by the thousands. During his visit he got the red carpet treatment which included singing happy birthday to him, with a big ol' cake. I wonder if the Pope ever had a cake that big back when he was a Nazi Youth member.

Where in the bible is the chapter and verse that justifies this hypocrisy? And, where would I find justification for the vulgar display of power and wealth?

All I can remember is that Jesus tore up the marketplace because of the shady dealings and corruption taking place.

Stop Perpetrating A Fraud

Back in the day, whenever someone was being phony or straight up lying, one would say, "Stop perpetrating a fraud." It's annoying to see someone fake the funk, kiss ass, bullshit, and spin the story around. These past two weeks I've seen plenty of it with the folks running for President.

-McCain's wifey tried to sell herself as this domestic goddess. What she didn't count on was the so called "family recipes" not from Grandma, but rather the chefs at the Food Network. C'mon! One look at Mrs. Thang and you know she goes into the kitchen to see what her cook has prepared. She made sure she married at a certain class, because she knew she couldn't boil water.

-Hillary taking shots and drinking beer. Child please! I would've drank her under the table when I was 13. Watching her take those awkward sips of devil juice was painful to watch. She's the kinda drinker that leaves a bottle of beer half filled.

-Obama is throwing his controversial people to the wayside. Basically his approach is to say something along the lines of "We aint that close," "He's a friend, of a friend, of a cousin of an acquaintance."

I'm going to make factcheck.org a regular stop on my web browsing routine.

When A Good Cause Meets A Bad Idea

While reading about that Yale student that played around with artificial insemination and self-induced abortions in the name of art. I'm reminded of another stupid idea that is being carried out at my school in the name of charity.

This is the second year the SCSU Police Department along with Beta Mu Sigma fraternity will hold it's 2nd Annual Jail 'N' Bail charity event. This event is held as a fundraiser for the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut.

Basically you pay $5.00 for a "warrant" to have a friend or co-worker arrested and sent to "jail." The "arrested" individual then has to call family and friends to raise a minimum of $50.00 to bail them out. Oh! It gets better. The event will be broadcast on the University TV station and broadcasted live in the student cafeterias. Plus, everyone that fills out a warrant or goes to jail will get a free T-Shirt. Yay!

Now, this idea strikes me as asinine on many levels. Let me explain.

I feel confident in saying that most students of color, in particular, the males ones, see nothing cute about having to play out a cuffed and lock-down scenario.

Many of us Black and Brown guys have had a history of unpleasant experiences with the Po Po. It was not uncommon for me to get stopped and searched by police in my old neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, back when I was a teenager. From what I understand from the kids at the high school where I work, things have not changed much. Racial and Geographic profiling is real y’all.

I’d like for you to consider the fact that there is a disproportionate amount of Black and Brown men in prison. Moreover, our judicial system, while capable of producing wonderful examples of justice, is also prone to some fucked up shit. Think about all the innocent people that are locked up, and how money can get you a “get out of jail” card

This event belittles a major issue in this country. Over a million Americans are in prison. The incarceration of so many people is a social issue that should be of great concern for us as a country. I see nothing humorous nor fun about playing cops and robbers on a university campus.

Last year I saw two white guys getting “fake arrested” and laughing about it. One of them said all wigga-like “Yo, I’m getting put on lock down, call my peoples.” I couldn’t help but think about real people that say those same words everyday; however, their voice cracks with emotion and fear is in their eyes.

I Miss This Woman

Madeline Kahn is one of my legends. I have to say she had never disappointed me. She past away in 1999 to ovarian cancer. I miss her. And, it sucks I won't get to see anything new with her in it. What comforts me is that I have these gems to go back to from time to time.

In this scene from "Paper Moon", Madeline plays the character of Trixie Delight. She works on the daughter of a man she is trying to hustle. You see the daughter is a little hustler herself and is trying to protect her daddy. This is how you own a scene when you have to play opposite an adorable talented child.



I crushed on her in "What's Up Doc" but then became devoted after seeing her in Blazing Saddles. Here is why.



Here's a clip from "Gemini." Thank you Madeline. You was one cool and crazy white lady. BTW, Rita Moreno makes an appearance. I'll sing her praises in another post.

My Winter Soundtrack

Some of my favorite bloggers have been posting music lately. I feel inspired to do the same. Here some semi-new stuff and really old-stuff that that filled my head over the winter.

I'm glad Spring has arrived. I get rather moody in the cold winter months and tend to latch on to songs that range in emotion from pop-a-licious to full-on drama. Here are some songs that got me through the winter.

RADIOHEAD - "NUDE": Good people, I would wrap the collar of my coat around my neck and cheeks, and let the tears stream down my face, only to be frozen by the bittercold of the loveless winter air. It was perfection.


LUPE FIASCO - "SUPERSTAR": This was my audio ammo to get out of the blues. You know as I walked to school and blasted this on my iPod I would wave and touch pearls, wave and touch pearls.


DAVID BOWIE w/TRENT REZNOR - "I'M DERANGED": I live for when Bowie pleads "cruise me, cruise me."


MALCOLM MacCLAREN -"MADAM BUTTERFLY": It's operatic. Nuf said! Plus, I had to share this totally 80s video.


PETER, BJORN & JOHN - "YOUNG FOLKS": I would clean the house to this song, and periodically do the Watusi.

When Rap Got Whack

There's another side to Alicia Keys: conspiracy theorist. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter tells Blender magazine: "`Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. `Gangsta rap' didn't exist."

Well alright to Ms. Alicia Keys. I expressed the same opinion to Marcos just the other day. The way I remember it back in the day. Prior to N.W.A., it was all about LL Cool J, Erik B. & Rakim, Public Enemy, KRS-One and so on. While some of their music had that crotch-grabbing macho thing going on, the focus was on beats and lyrical skills. Then "gangsta rap" comes on and glorifies the worse elements of urban life for people of color. I can vividly recall when overnight the format on my favorite radio station in NYC changed its format to this audio poison.

Mind you I'm not trying to say this genre should have been kept off the radio. I don't believe in censorship. But, what I am objecting to is that the content was rarely uplifting or provided ideas to remedy the problems, they spoke about. I feel that gangsta rap encouraged violence, by making young Black and Brown people afraid of each other.

I also find it fucked up that any other types of rappers that were not on the gangsta rap bandwagon, where left to the wayside. Which resulted in a lack of diversity of voices in hip hop culture. This imbalance, along with other factors, created a pathology that contributed to the unraveling of communities and diminished virtues that celebrate our shared humanity.

I believe that music has the power to create positive change in the universe. Think about how important music has been used in movements, spirituality, self-exploration, celebration and intimacy. Music really does matter in the world. What a shame when it gets used to divide and conquer the masses.

Desperate Times Call For...Well, You Know

What did Wellesley College tell me about moments like this?

According to my sources, Hillary had this to say.

"You know, my dad took me out behind the cottage that my grandfather built on a little lake called Lake Winola outside of Scranton and taught be how to shoot when I was a little girl," she said.

"You know, some people now continue to teach their children and their grandchildren. It's part of culture. It's part of a way of life. People enjoy hunting and shooting because it's an important part of who they are. Not because they are bitter."

So for Mrs. Thang, GUNS ROCK! Hillary is getting her hustle on. You do, you, mama. Be sure to focus on your forehead, nose and chin when you look at yourself in the mirror while washing your face. And, don't you dare gag when the Karma bill comes in.

Don't worry good people. I'm curious about what Senator Obama has been putting out there. Stay tuned.

Thank You For Your Interest...But

In Searching for New Job, Gonzales Sees No Takers

By NEIL A. LEWIS
Published: April 13, 2008
WASHINGTON — Alberto R. Gonzales, like many others recently unemployed, has discovered how difficult it can be to find a new job. Mr. Gonzales, the former attorney general, who was forced to resign last year, has been unable to interest law firms in adding his name to their roster, Washington lawyers and his associates said in recent interviews.

Karma is a bitch! Certain people in D.C. should be shaking in their boots.

Scratch My Back

Miss Kitty recently did a post on her blog, that highlighted the ongoing shenanigans of the rich and connected. Heather Bresch the daughter of Gov. Joe Manchin, received her MBA from West Virginia University under shady circumstances. In a nutshell, Heather's privileged ass was rarely, if ever, seen in class.

This has inspired me to create a list of the expression I've seen the rich, powerful and hustlers use for their unscrupulous actions:

1. I'm not breaking the rules, just bending them a bit.
2. This process is just a formality. I'm sure you can understand the need for fast-tracking the process for me.
3. This policy is counter-intuitive; therefore, I don't feel I should have to comply to them.
4. My situation is unique and requires special accommodations. Why don't we think "outside the box."
5. I'm sure with my considerable resources, we can workout an arrangement that is mutually beneficial.
6. Your boss is Mr. So and So. I play golf with him twice a month. I'm sure he'll be happy to know you took good care of me.
7. You know I really don't like to say this. Do you know who I am? And, do you know the people I work for?

From my days of working at Time Warner and NYU, I've seen a lot. Bottom line regardless of race, creed, or class, people are prone to getting their hustle on. Where there is a will, there is a way. Right folks!?

Mind you I'm not opposed to making exceptions, but I feel they should be made for a person that really is trying their hardest to do things the right way, and have true challenges keeping them from achieving success. But, to hook up some chick that had a life filled with access to resources designed to insure her success, is bullshit. To whom much is given, much is required.

Hmm, I wonder if the Gov, Manchin has ever in one of his speeches, talked about the virtue of people working hard and pulling themselves up by their bootstraps, to achieve the American dream.

My Most Recent Food Obsessions

Lately I have had the most interesting obsessions with certain foods. No! I am not pregnant. Here is my list of things I crave, enjoy and eat far too much of:


Yes, good people, I went back to basics and have been loving my saltine crackers. I'm real old school with my snacking on them. I either put a thin layer of mayonaise on them and munch away. My older but wiser self limits me to no more than 7 per snacking frenzy. Hey, Mayo has tons of fat.

If I'm feeling festive I peel off the plastic on a slice of processed cheese, fold the cheese into fours, and have four lovely crunchy cheese sandwhiches.

And, keeping it classic, I crumble them into a little bowl of soup, or use them as a spoon to eat my thick, spicy, turkey chili with beans. HELLO!



I loves me some Chili. Que sabor! Depending on what is on sale or looks fresh in the market I use ground turkey, chicken, beef or pork, when making my Chili. If my budget allows I even combine two different types of ground meat. The key to combining meats in a chili is that one should be strong in texture and one should bring some flavor to the dish. Just remember to brown the meat and drain out the animal fat. Then add a little olive oil to introduce some healthy fat.

I use various beans from the traditional red kidney to white navy beans, and even black eye peas. I also sometimes add mixed veggies, like corn, string beans, and peas. Bottom line, when I make Chili I feel the rule should be throw everything into the pot and let them commune. Then eat it up with some saltines.



Whether frozen or fresh Broccoli is a SUPERFOOD. The health benefits of Broccoli are legendary. I love it steamed and then drizzled with olive oil, that was worked in a mortar and pestle with a roasted or poached clove of garlic, salt and pepper. I'm Puerto Rican, I loves my garlic. I then indulge the dish with a modest sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. I'm lying. The Parmesan cheese sprinkling is not that modest. The sprinkling of cheese is actually rather confident, but not arrogant.



I love the little fish known as Tilapia. The goddess smiled when she made this fish, because she knew she made it in the appropriate proportion for us to enjoy. I believe when you make fish you don't fuss with it too much. So, I wash my Tilapia filets with some lemon and water, then season with salt and pepper.

I place the filets on a foil lined tray that was lightly greased with some olive oil, and the sprinkle on top some herb seasoned breadcrumbs that were moistened with olive oil. I broil for about 15 minutes and enjoy!

My favorite herbs to use are parsely, dried orgeano and basil. On a budget, then buy that jar of Italian Seasoning herbs and you're good.

So there you have it. What I've been eating a lot of these past few days. Please note I'm not mentioning the junk food I consume while at school. But, that is another post.

Olympics At Tio Joey's House

In watching the protest of the running of the Olympic torch. I'm reminded of when I was a child and we had family functions at Tio (Uncle) Joey's house. You see no one in my family look forward to being "hosted" by Tio Joey. He was very abusive to his family and treated everyone else more or less in the same way.

When you went into his home you felt the tension and wanted to rescue his amazing and lovely wife Titi Aida, and his two kids from his clutches. Let me just say one particular holiday party ended, with Tio Joey coming to our apartment around the corner at the end of the evening, with a knife, and threatening my mother and Titi Maria. He was a real asshole. I imagine that today he's more or less the same.

So now, China gets the Olympic games. Let's keep it real. They are basically passing hosting duties among the U.N. superpowers. I look forward to when India gets to that level. I am so going to those Olympics. Now back to China. China has a long and horrendous history regarding honoring human rights. The people of Tibet have been terrorized by the Chinese government. Moreover, if you are trying to exercise your rights of free press, speech or assembly, in China, you are so fucked. Again, keeping it real. To throw the big party known as the Olympics requires lots of money. China has a fat purse.

So now the world will go to a house where they know shit aint right. It will be tense. And, they will hope that nothing goes seriously wrong. It is soooo party at Tio Joey's house. This all happened before when Russia hosted the event. Y'all remember? Right? The boycott? The U.S. didn't go. Poor President Carter, he was too Christian to be President. The integrity President Carter showed is rare in this world; and among IOC members and judges.

My advice to the folks going to China. Hey, you decided to go to the party so suck it up when you see the bullshit. Deal with it and learn from it. And to those folks, take it back to where you came from and help those lovely people in China do something about it.

P.S. The lovely Titi Aida realized that she and her children had enough of the bullshit. One day Tio Joey came home from one of his drinking binges and found that the family he terrorized, packed up and left him high and dry. You go Titi Aida. That is how you reclaim your life.

The Heat Is On

Oye! They are turning the heat up on McCain. In just this one day I've found posts highlighting:

His temper against colleagues and his wife.
Being a punk when it came to dealing with the Neocons.
His bad ideas about the economy.
And, wanting to stay in Iraq for 100 years if necessary.

I applaud his life story. It is something that I find admirable. With that said. He has no business trying to become President.

Rentboy

Junior posted an interesting post. He talked about how some woman in the world are buying time with Asian men. This was my comment to his response:

Darling Junior, it often comes down to power and what is exotic. Miss Kitty posted about women from Europe going to Africa for some Mandingo dick. People fuck.

People are powerless and want to feel powerful. Hence the many arrays of fetish play. So, the peon at work wants a person it can dominate.

On the flip-side, the asshole at work that treats people like crap, get his nuts stepped on by Mistress Bow-to-me-Pig-Man.

I'm so glad you picked Mr. Giggalo in this post. It is totally about buying what you cannot have in your real life.

Sex workers need some more respect. Sex workers can balance out the madness. Think about it. That sexually frustrated, social awkward, kinkified mind needs a release. If he or she doesn't get it, their target may be a young child that can't fight back, or drivers on the highway. Some people need to satisfy their living by cock, cunt or caliber.

The human race in America and other "civilized" countries moved away from nature in a very dangerous way. Many people loss sense of connection, time and intimacy.

Many a man and woman are fixed on the quick fix and a script. These fucked up heads want predictability in an unpredictable world.

People Crack Me Up: 1

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Oh Hell To The No

The NY Post got a sneak peek at Bobby Brown's upcoming autobiography:
"I never used cocaine until after I met Whitney. Before then, I had experimented with other drugs, but marijuana was my drug of choice," Brown writes in "Bobby Brown: The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But," out next month. "At one point in my life, I used drugs uncontrollably. I was using everything I could get my hands on, from cocaine to heroin, weed and cooked cocaine."

As far as his 15-year marriage to Houston is concerned, it "was doomed from the very beginning. Within the first year we separated, with several more to follow," Brown writes. "I think we got married for all the wrong reasons. Now, I realize Whitney had a different agenda than I did when we got married . . . I believe her agenda was to clean up her image, while mine was to be loved and have children."

Whitney, he alleges, had been under "a lot of pressure. The media was accusing her of having a bisexual relationship with her assistant, Robin Crawford. Since she was the American Sweetheart and all, that didn't go too well with her image . . . In Whitney's situation, the only solution was to get married and have kids. That would kill all speculation, whether it was true or not. In the short, I think I got caught up in the politics and ended up marrying one of the biggest stars in the world."

But Brown notes that he was no saint in their relationship, confessing in his book, "I am guilty of sleeping with other women . . . Women are always throwing themselves at you. I'm only human, so I would make the mistake and bite the hook sometimes . . . I let the testosterone take over."

I'm Naomi Campbell. Bitch!

Naomi Campbell was arrested at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 on Thursday for allegedly spitting at a police officer, Sky Newsreported. Police said a 37-year-old woman was arrested at the terminal on suspicion of assaulting police. - Source: AP News

Ms. Campbell is the only supermodel that I can see committing murder with a stiletto. I don't know if her behavior is drug or alcohol induced, but homegirl needs to chill the fuck out. She has cast herself as an easy target, for folks that would scheme to get a rise out of her and then collect some hush money.