Unusual Pedicure

Today as I searched the news for my daily dose of world events, I came across a story about a most unusual pedicure. Now, since I have have taken several cosmetologist classes I have learned about the proper way to conduct a pedicure. For those of you foot conscious folks out there who love pedicures...there are some facts you should be aware of.

There is a such thing as Death by Pedicure. This is caused by a disease called Microbacterium fortitium. This disease lurks in spa baths in nail salons and seriously endangers your health. California has seen over 600 cases of this disease in their nail salons and spas. 2 people in SC have been affected.

If a spa tub has not been cleaned properly with EPA Hospital Grade Barocide all feet that swim there are at risk. By cleaned properly, I mean allowing the Barocide to sit in the tub full of clean water for at least 10 minutes between customers. This helps kill germs that came off the foot of the person before you. Just a thought: How many times have you seen the spa baths in soak before you put your foot in it? What happens when this is not done is the dead skin, cuticles and nails accumulate in the drain holes of the tub and cause a deadly bacteria. You put your foot in and are susceptible to the bacteria. This can cause fungus in your nail bed or worse. Please don't ever shave before you go because then your pores are standing open ready to receive all the germs of the umpteen feet before you. Herpes is most spread not sexually but in the salon. How many times has your nail tech cut you? If they don't clean that tool they pass the germs on to the next person and so on. So, just watch where you go, make sure you get clean instruments ( watch them take it out of the blue water) and make sure they properly clean your spa bath before you engage. Now onto this new pedicure,

As I was saying before I ascended my soap box, I read about a new pedicure where a salon in VA was using fish to eat away dead skin. The fish are nicknamed Dr. Fish and they feed on dead skin cells and such. Don't worry they don't have teeth, they suck. Feel better about it? Didn't think so. This salon used to house the fish in a communal pool and let up to 8 ladies at a time subject their little footsies to the nibbling fest. They discovered 2 problems with this method. 1) Those people with excessively scaly feet got all the fish, leaving others with no attention and 2) the health department didn't deem it sanitary. I agree with that. Now, they put the ladies in a personal pool full of fish and change the water after each use. I'm still not sure just how sanitary this is but it sounds much better than the community thing.

The thought of fish nippling at my feet both frightens and intrigues me. I think I would need to witness someone actually receiving this service before trying it. I know we all want to look good and all about the feet but are we going just a little far? We vain people will pay for beauty but at what cost? Have we actually come to the day where we have to stick our feet in pool of flesh eating fish to achieve the perfect pedicure? Please weigh in on this one. Would you try it?

Soror Barbie

Wow. What a day I'm having. First and foremost...Congratulations to my Sorors, the Elite and most Illustrious ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on 100 years of Sisterhood and Service to all mankind. Sorors from all over the world have descended upon Washington, DC , the birth place of Alpha Kappa Alpha, for Boule and our Centennial Celebration. I am so proud to be a member and represent these beautiful ladies. I am also proud to say that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has been honored by Mattel with an AKA Barbie! She is so beautiful and elegant, just like an Alpha Kappa Alpha Lady should be. However, you know I'm not blogging about this just to boast. Of course I have to address the haters!!

Now, that our Barbie has been revealed, there are several "black folk" who have taken issue with her appearance. Mostly non sorority members I'm sure, but nonetheless haters. Several blogs and comments have shown displeasure with the complexion of Soror Barbie. First of all its an honor to be able to say that. No other Sorority has been honored in this way. This is an accomplishment in itself and all Greeks should be proud of this. Anyhoo, because Soror Barbie is not "black" enough she is being criticized. So what... if the doll were chocolate she would represent better? Get out of here with that. African American women come in all hues. There is no one hue to represent us all. I don't believe the doll feeds into stereotypes about Alpha Kappa Alpha women only choosing other fair skinned women with long hair. I'm not fair skinned and I didn't have long hair when I joined. So what? My Sorors come in many different colors...long gone are the days of the ol"Paper Bag Test" that so many people keep eluding to.

Only "black" people not comfortable in their own skin and its complexion have such a problem. I'm proud this doll represents me and my Sorors, even though I'm not her complexion. She represents the Sorority as a whole as I do. For people to actually spend the time voicing their opinions over a doll that does not represent them anyway is ridiculous. Why not be happy that the features of the doll are true to African American women and not just the same white Barbie dipped in chocolate as previous dolls have been. The blacker the berry the sweeter the juice is not always true.

Skin complexion has always been the divide within our race. In the days of slavery, the light skinned slaves got to work in the house, drive the car, breast feed the babies, and cook the food for the master and mistress. The women were also privileged to be rapped, molested and sodomized at the whim of the good ol master with the husbands not able to protest. So, they may not have been in the fields but were enslaved nonetheless. The lighter skin still didn't exempt them from the word "Nigger" and the lynchings. Knowing this is the root of all this division,why not embrace the many colors instead of discriminating against one another because of it? Light skin is in, black is out...vice versa. Let that mess go.

Here's the tip: Get comfortable in your own skin, represent who you are and stop looking for others to represent for you. Be proud of who you are and carry yourself accordingly. You see Aunt Jemima is still a chocolate sista on top of that syrup bottle and pancake mixes. Are only dark skinned black folks supposed to cook pancakes or are we supposed to boycott this as well because the image represents the black women cooking in white kitchens?

Satirically Speaking

In the midst of all the BS news of the weekend a story has finally made its way to the airways. I guess it first got lost or bogged down within the rumblings of how much the Jolie-Pitts would be paid for the first pics of their now 2 day old twins, Knox and Vivienne or what Ms. USA was thinking when she executed a butt plant during the Evening Gown Competition at last night's Miss. Universe Pageant. While I'd admit it was shocking and I screamed when I watched it happen live, It was not as shocking as the cover of The New Yorker depicting Sen. Barack Obama as a Muslim and his wife Michelle as a terrorist. I'd heard about this cover yesterday, but it wasn't hot news yet at least not to the media.

OK, how sick or racist do you have to be to not only draw something like this, but what does that say about the powers that be actually publishing it? People! Am I the only one who sees a problem with this? I admit, I was once a fan of The New Yorker. Their satire was humorous and I clipped several comics for my scrapbooks. However, I never thought they would stoop this low. In their defense, they stated that the cover was to expose the stupidity of the Republican party and their senseless attempts to attach Sen. Obama to such extremists. However, the American public isn't going to see it that way. The cover will do the opposite, spawn more rumors among conservatives and confirm beliefs for others. All of these "so- called" journalists and their backwards ways of telling a story are actually hurting this man's campaign not helping it. Remember that cover where Sen. Obama was in the target of sniper fire? If that wasn't a subconscious idea plant I don't know what is.

I understand free speech and freedom of press but damn. Has everyone got it out for this man? Not to compare him to Jesus, but he endured similar persecution and we all know what happened to him. Jesus helped people, healed people and professed himself the son of God. Sen. Obama is trying to help people, heal the nation of its racists wounds and strive to be the next Commander in Chief. At every turn there is someone out to stop his mission, each attempt bigger and bolder than the last. Bill Clinton said he would have to kiss his ass to gain his support and even Ol' JJ wants to cut off his "nuts" for supposedly talking down to black folks. They said the same thing about Bill Cosby remember? Since when is upliftment talking down. Since when is telling the truth and expecting change being arrogant? Why are we the most watched and scrutinized race in the country and the world? Because they are afraid of the power we really possess and we currently act less than desirable, some of us. But one bad apple spoils a bunch so we are all in this stigma and stereotype together. The moment we stop turning on each other and focus our energies towards advancing ourselves we will be an unstoppable force. Hey, the niggas are organizing...get out the sheets! Oh well, I digress. In a way, I'm glad these closet racists are showing their hind parts because they are exposing themselves for who they really are. When you know who your enemies are it makes fighting easier.

I so much want to believe that racism is a thing of the past, but it simply isn't true. Everyday we are faced with new challenges in the form of laws, legislation, policemen, lower wages for the same job etc. CNN is even airing a special "Black in America". Why is this necessary if we are all getting along? Time to wake up people before we are all slaves again...this time in Corporate America instead of the Cotton Fields.

What's Next, Fly Naked?

Vacation anyone? Not so fast, better have some extra dollars at your expense if you're flying. Today's economy has totally destroyed what used to be a great way to travel from one destination to another. The safest way to travel has quickly become the most expensive as well.

Spring, 1985 I boarded a plane for the first time en route to our Nation's Capital. My aunt, little cousin and I sat anxiously aboard the Eastern Airline MD 180 plane as we look forward to rendezvousing with our other family members who started their travel via Amtrak the night before. We checked several bags, which they lost, and carried on a few items. We were serviced with beverages and peanuts during our flight. I had a great time, other than being stranded without clothes for a day at the age of eleven. I have been a fan of air travel ever since. However, the Airline Industry has changed drastically since then.

Back in the day when you flew, you were given several beverages and a full meal during your flight. Well as inflation does what it is supposed to do; inflate, the airlines cut out the "free" meals and began charging for meals. My airline of choice "Delta" offers several different deli style sandwiches and chips at nominal prices. You may however purchase your own meal from the terminal and bring it aboard. That's a good thing and a compromise to the meals for purchase option.

After 9/11 the price for flights went up for obvious reasons. Flights now employ Air Marshalls to police the airways from terrorists prompting higher flight rates to cover salaries. I don't mind this at all, but now with the rising fuel costs the airlines have taken complete leave of their senses. I understand that it costs more to operate the flights now and carrying less weight burns less fuel but recent additions have turned me off from my dreams of Soaring the wild blue yonder.

A few months ago, Airlines announced fees for checking your second bag. So forget about packing your shoes in one bag and clothes and toiletries in another or taking multiple outfits for variety. Better learn how to survive on bare minimums and get used to wearing those jeans more than once. It was bad enough they limited our liquid usage down to a few ounces forcing us to pour that much need contact lens solution and moisturizer into little plastic containers, and charging overweight people for two seats as to not inconvience others. Nnow they expect us to survive with 3 outfits and a pair of shoes by charging us $25 to check a second bag. Dang. I always take two bags and a carry on. Now I have to scale back to one bag and a carry on with a personal item ie; purse, laptop, pet etc.

Just when air travelers were getting used to the idea of either chucking up the $25 or carrying one bag, US Airways announced today that they will now charge $15 for the first checked bag! WTF. Are we expected to vacate with no luggage? And the bags have to weigh less than 40 lbs. Come on already. Just how much can you get in a carry on bag anyway? Not much and if you happen to be overweight the extra fabric to make your clothes limits you to two outfits! Just where is all this extra money supposed to come from? We are already paying the base price, the booking fee, the taxes and transaction fees, now they want us to pay to take luggage? A flight with a base price of $378 ends up being $498.00 after all the fees and two checked bags. Oops that's wrong. I forgot to add the price to check the bags on the return flight, so add another $40 to that. Am I missing the line for the free money handouts to pay these prices or did they fall and smack their heads on the runway?

Someone please tell these people that we , the American People, can't afford such as this. I guess I will have to vacation in the backyard as I blogged earlier.

Check out US Airways explanation of new fees: http://www.usairways.com/awa/Content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx

Television Trivia Answers

1. What would we do baby, Without Us? What would we do baby, Without Us? I bet we been together for a million years, And I bet we'll be together for a million more. Oh, It's like I started breathing on the night we kissed, And I can't remember what I ever did before. What would we do baby, Without Us? What would we do baby, Without Us? And there ain't no nothing we can't love each other through. What would we do baby, Without Us? Sha la la la.

2.Lawrence Hilton Jacobs. The PJ's projects were the Hilton Jacobs Projects.

3. 10 Stigwood Ave. Brooklyn NY

4. In Da House...Debbie Allen, LL Cool J and Alfonso Robiero

5. Capriti Green Apts.

6. Goodtimes, Different Strokes, and Fame

7. Michael DeLorenzo- Det. Torres.

8. Holly Robinson Pete- Show: 21 Jump Street

9. Little Shop of Horrors

10. Rags to Riches

11. BAD

12. Jennifer Lopez

13. The Jeffersons

14. Opi Taylor and Richie Cunningham

15. Don Knotts

16. In Living Color, she was a Fly Girl

17. 4 on the pilot then gained Sandra the 5th child

18. Raven Simone

19. Boxing, what's happening now

20. Mike Tyson

21. WKRP in Cinncinati

Bonus: Alex Keaton loved Money. ALF

Finish the lines:

1. White racist word

2. that box

3. Whatcha talkin

4. pow right in the kisser

5. Gartrell

6. mama

7. Hey, Hey, Hey

8. Angry.

Well, how'd you do?

Television Trivia

As a connoisseur of fine television watching I know a lot of television trivia. This is your fun element today. Many of today's famous movie actors/actress and musicians got their start on the small screen. Try to guess the answers to today's television trivia. Answers will be posted tomorrow.

1. Sing the theme song to "Family Ties"

2. What famous actor was the projects named after in the PJ's? Hint: He played Joe Jackson?

3. What was the address of the Huxtable Family?

4. This show paired a rapper, a dancer and a former Michael Jackson Impersonator.

5. What was the Apt. Complex of the Evan's Family? ( The Actual one that was shown in the show opening)? Hint: It was made famous by a bad guy covered in bee's.

6. What television shows did Janet Jackson star in?

7. One of the stars of New York Undercover was also a dancer in a Michael Jackson Video, who is he?

8. This actress married to a football star started on this show with the famous address, who is she?

9. Tisha Campbell- Martin and Tichina Arnold starred together on several projects....name the first one. Hint: a movie

10. Tisha Campbell also starred in this short lived television comedy. What is it?

11. Wesley Snipes got his start in what Michael Jackson video?

12. Who is the now famous face in the Janet Jackson, "That's the Way Love Goes" video?

13. Gary Coleman played a nephew in a guest appearance on this show? Hint: his uncle was a dry cleaner.

14. Ron Howard played which two famous characters?

15. This "Three's Company" landlord started on what show? Also, who was he?

16. Jennifer Lopez got her start on what infamous comedy show? What was she?

17. How many children did the Huxtables start with?

18. Which 400 million diva started as a Cosby Kid?

19. Martin Lawrence started his career as what? Hint: it didn't work out. He also was on another television show as a bus boy. What was it?

20. Which famous boxer did The Fresh Prince think he could beat? hint: Music

21. The famous radio station of Dr. Johnny Fever?

Bonus: Alex P. Keaton loved this________. Alien Life Form: ___________

Finish the lines:

1. Dad, Boy is a ...

2. Throw down ...

3. ... bout Willis?

4. One of these days...

5. Denise is making me a Gordon...

6. I'm gonna tell...

7. Heywood Nelson's favorite line..............

8. You won't like me when I'm ...

Gooey Ducks

As I faithful blogger, I pride myself on being able to expose my readers to new and exciting discoveries in the world. So today is no exception. Seafood/ shellfish lovers, this one's for you. I've found something that should really make you think. While watching Discovery Channel I discovered Geo Ducks pronounced Gooey Ducks and it totally blew my mind. A Geo Duck is the world's largest clam located in the Pacific Northwest. These clams burrow several feet into the ground and stay there for several years before being harvested. Geoducks grow rapidly, generally reaching 1.5 pounds in three to five years. They attain their maximum size by about 15 years, and can live at least as long as 168 years. The term Gooey Duck is of Native American Origin and means "Dig Deep".

These things are fascinating to watch but churning to the stomach. When you go to a restaurant and order clams, you think you are getting the clams that come in the cute little shells that sometimes house the pearls. This may not always be the case. The best thing to do is ask where your clam comes from before you order it. But then again, the Gooey Duck may not be half bad, just big as hell. Click on this link for more information on the Geo Duck:

http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/beachreg/2clam.htm.

O'bama, You Have A Lot To Do To Achieve This Myth Called "Unity"

Okay, I know I have been on the Political Soap Box for awhile now, but I have something really eating away at me. As I sit and type this blog, outfitted in my Obama for President Button, I’m quite upset. I got a text from a friend this morning saying that Mr. Stephen Baldwin made a comment that if Sen. Obama won the Presidency that he would leave the country. Now, I don’t know this statement to be true but if it is I can take it to mean one of two things…1) You would rather leave the country than have it run by a black man or 2) You would rather leave the country than have it run by a Democrat. My mind is telling me the statement means the first option.

Mr. Baldwin, I’m having a problem with you and your statement. I’m sure there are plenty of prejudiced, racist people in this country and world for that matter who feel the same way, but you being a “so-called” celebrity who makes his money in the movies and books should know better. But then again, I’m glad you said it (allegedly) because you exposed yourself for the true person you are. Now, if all the black people in this good Ol’ U S of A didn’t run for the border when that Racist, Money Grubbing, War Starting, Burning Bush took office than why would you feel the need to vacate the premises because a black man is now the country’s Commander in Chief? Maybe that’s it. Its not that you believe the policies he plans to implement are wrong but his skin tone is wrong. If he were 100% white I bet that would change everything wouldn’t it? Because a McCain Presidency would be a continuation of George “What the Fuck am I doing” Bush’s Presidency and he has, hands down, the worst Presidency in US History. Mr. Baldwin, I believe you are still a resident of the United States at this time.

Not only have you offended me, but I’m sure plenty of white Obama supporters as well. You have disgraced yourself and your fans, if you have any. If you haven’t noticed Mr. Baldwin, most of Obama’s Supporters are WHITE! He’s not relying on the “Black” Vote to win. You may want to rethink your statements before you make them next time and remember that us “Obama” supporters support you also.

4th of July

I'm at a cookout today and I've seen all kinds of things. It has been fun though. I'm tired, stuffed and hung over. Well not actually hung over but I did try Ciroc for the first time today. Anyhoo, today reminds me of a song...

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

Listen to my favorite version of this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOHoN-8ibsY

Can Barack Obama Actually Win?

Now that Sen. Barack Obama has won the Democratic Nomination, can he actually win. As a CNN Election Headquarters junkie, I constantly witness the personal attacks on this man. When he was in a dead heat with Ol' Hillary, the media's spin of every single aspect of his life prolonged his impending victory. They criticized his pastor, the past affiliations and even scrutinized his early campaign contributors. They picked apart his speeches, his wife's speeches and his Capitol Hill voting record. Nevertheless he persevered and captured the coveted Democratic "Top Dog" Spot. Now that's he's there the media has taken a different spin.

While he was avidly campaigning during the Primary Season, the media charged after this man, slept outside anywhere he was and gave his speeches Prime time placement. They were just fascinated by his charm, prowess and intelligence. Was it the fact that he was black and actually had an education that intrigued them. Are intelligent, degree carrying black folks a rare breed?

Now that Barack has shut the mouths of his nay sayers, the Media has taken yet another spin on his campaign. One anchor for CNN, who by the way is black, actually said, "Is Barack going to Iraq because he knows the cameras will follow him and he can look good in this campaign?" Excuse me, but I thought to win the Presidency a candidate had to campaign. So now he's dammed for campaigning. Whenever he commits a decent act he's accused of being a media hog. Of course if something happens to not compliment his perceived character, the anchors spend nights writing how damaging it is to his campaign and in turn run the "so called" damaging story every 15 mins as headline news.

I truly believe that whomever the anchors damn less will be the winner. Americans listen to higher political authorities like these Republican and Democratic Analysts, Super Delegates etc., instead of listening to their internal voices. Gas is kicking my hind parts and its getting harder and harder to feed my family. Let's not talk about the rising cost of medical attention. So why would I vote for John McCain, the Republican? The Burning Bush is a Republican and the country is the worse its ever been. Even during the 80's Recession, Gas didn't reach $5 a gallon. Both my parents were out of work and my little sister was just a few months old. Even with all that I don't remember it being this hard for us to make it. In this instance, I plan to vote for Barack Obama. Not because he's black, but because he represents Change and this country needs that like oxygen.

My advice to everyone: Look at your situation and the situations of those around you, pray and vote for the best candidate in your eyes and F&*K the media! Oh, most important. Go Vote in November!

Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe!

As a woman who is almost perfectly in tune with her body, I know there are only 2 days within the month where pregnancy is possible. I know this because A) I learned this in biology class in high school and how to count up my ovulation days and periods on the calendar and B) I feel the exact moment when my egg is dropping. I often say, “I’m laying eggs today.” So, not knowing who my baby’s daddy will be is not a concern of mine. However, determining the paternity of offspring proves problematic for some people.

Everyday, we watch these train wrecks unfold on daytime talk shows, “I’ve tested 15 men, who’s the daddy?” WTF? Are you trying to tell me that you sleep with 15 men or more within this two day period and you are not a working girl? Okay, I get that every woman may not know when she is ovulating like me. I’ve talked to 4 other woman and not one of them know when they are most fertile during the month. With this point taken, I’m still having a problem. You mean to tell me you have slept with 15 men or more during the month and you are not a working girl? How could you put your vagina on Front Street like that? Not only is that totally unsafe, but it’s stupid. A person’s self esteem has to be virtually nonexistent to allow 15 or more men to enter your being. I’m not saying you can’t have 15 partners period, but 15 in one month? Come on.

I always thought those shows were rigged and the trash that graced those stages were just really bad, paid actors. Although it upset me that some women represented themselves that way, I never in a million years thought I would be so cursed as to actually know it to be true. In speaking with my cousin she informed me of a friend of hers who had 3 children, 2 of which have no named father. What? This lady has tested close to 10 men and none of them hit the lucky bull’s-eye. She even tested all the male members of the late night party train that was run on her and no daddy. Again, I asked my infamous question, “Is she a working girl?” The answer was no. The infinite number of possibilities puzzles me. I don’t understand how you can have sex with so many men that you can’t narrow down a group of men, in which one is your child’s father. The sad thing is that the 3rd child has a blood condition and mama isn’t sure the man in the home that’s supposed to be baby’s daddy is baby’s daddy.

Has society gotten so accepting of this mismanagement of coochie that it is suddenly okay to have your children grow up unaware of their roots? I remember a time where women were scorned by the neighborhood and their parents if they passed their coochies out like Halloween candy. Remember Shug Avery? We seriously need to stop buying into this crap. Let’s turn off the ghetto fabulous talk shows and the booty bouncing videos that glorify sex with multiple partners and start raising our children properly. Taking responsibility for teaching our children, especially our young ladies, to conduct themselves like proper young ladies and gentlemen will break the perpetual cycle of wreck less sex and irresponsibility. Men, how about taking time out for your children instead of spending your days on the street corner outside the local convenience store. Tell your daughters how special they are and they won’t need to search for validation from random men. Teach your son’s responsibility and that he is to take care of his children and he won’t spend his time making random babies. Its time to take back our communities and be the unified proud race of old. I’m tired of being embarrassed by my people.

Guns A Blazin

In this country we enjoy certain liberties that have been made available to us by the US Constitution. Amendments to this glorious document granted us the right to free speech, freedom to choose religious practices, free press and the right to a peaceful assembly. Among these so-called "Civil Liberties" is the right to Bear Arms.

Now, I agree with a homeowner's right to protect his home and his family against crime. In today's time, its almost essential as the crime rate has rapidly increased due to the ever worsening economy. However, does this right entitle you to shoot random people on the street for crimes not involving you? I understand that it may be hard for you to witness a wrong, but is it morally, constitutionally, or legally right for you to take matters in your own hands?

Mr. Joe Horn of Pasedena, TX took it upon himself to shoot two burgulars escaping from his neighbors house with some of their possessions. He called 911 and explained to authorities what was happening and proceeded to tell them he was going to stop it. Against the warnings of the 911 dispatch, Mr. Horn exited his home, shot gun in tow and fatally wounded the two suspects. Yesterday, in court, Mr. Horn got off. Not one charge filed. The suspects were found to be two illegal immigrants.

I have a real problem with this because I can't help but think that If I had pulled the trigger and killed two white men robbing my black neighbor's home, I would have been convicted and sentenced to jail time in excess of 25 years. Especially if the police instructed me to not leave my home. Now, this guy not only ignores the police, he kills two people! I know the men had no right to burgularize this home, but damn. Did they deserve to be shot in the back?

Has this country gone so array that certain people can be so brazen and kill people with no consequences? Or is there an elite club to which people like me are not invited? One thing is for sure: Criminals, it does not pay to committ a crime these days. Ordinary citizens are just as desperate as you are and stop at nothing, including killing yo ass, to protect themselves and people around them.

Criminals: Take heed and get a job, and don't rely on the possessions of others; we will shoot yo ass!

911 Call : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7jqLie6-Y0 -