Boris Kodjoe's Next Movie: "All about Us"

In a recent interview with Kam Williams, Boris Kodjoe talks about his life, new movie ("All about Us")--a romantic dramedy about a Hollywood couple who decide to settle down in Mississippi after shooting a movie there, rather than return to L.A., and upcoming jobs. Here's a little snippet of the interview:

KW: What interested you in doing All about Us?

BK: First and foremost was the script, because I rarely, to that point, got a chance to consider playing a role like that, a regular family guy who is basically trying to balance his career goals with his obligations to his family. It's a very heartwarming story with some really interesting, fleshed-out characters. And when I had a meeting with the director, Christine Swanson, and her husband, Michael, I admired their passion for what they were doing. I think it's always a blessing to get to work with people who have that fire about what they're doing.

KW: What was it like filming All about Us on location in Mississippi?

BK: It was great. I encountered tremendous heat and lovely people.

KW: The script was semi-autobiographical. So, it must have been interesting to be acting out the filmmakers' life story.

BK: Yeah, it was interesting. I talked with Michael about the character, and about his path and his journey. And it was fun to sort of associate certain things that he went through with things that I've been through in my life. For instance, I had a young daughter, too, so there were many parallels that I could draw on. It was funny, because we were different people, yet all young fathers obviously go through some of the same stuff, and have some of the same concerns and anxieties. So, the process was really cool to me.

KW: What's up next for you?

BK: I'm shooting a movie right now with Bruce Willis called The Surrogates.

Check out the movie clip:





Good to see Boris doing his thang!!!

what's going on tonight?

A few standouts for Thursday night partiers:

*The Ocala, Fla.-based rockers from Stereoside perform at SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, free for military. 706-568-3316.

*Belloo's, 900 Front Ave., hosts musician Greg Barrett. Show starts at 10 p.m. and cover is $5. 706-494-1584.

*Local singer/songwriter Heath Jackson and his band take the stage at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Doors open at 8 p.m. No cover.

*There's an open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway. Music starts at 8 p.m. No cover. 706-494-6659.

*After 5, 3709 Gentian Blvd., also has an open mike night. It starts at 9:15 p.m. No cover. 706-507-0024.

Fountain City's open mike is for partiers of all ages. All other events are 21 and older.

think this over

Once, while fighting with a significant other, I listened to a friend's advice and took a weekend off to "do some thinking."

It sounded great -- I'd get to know myself, decide what I wanted out of life and love and maybe even find the meaning of life in the process. Hot.

Except when I sat down on the couch to take on the task at hand, I didn't really know what to do. Yes, I had the freedom to devote hours to thinking about my feelings, but I really wanted was to forget that I had ever fought with my bf in the first place and just make out instead.

Which is why I'm a little leery of articles like this one, devoted to different experts' strategies for finding time to think.

Recently, I wrote about this book that tells the story of a guy who travels around the world discovering which factors make people in different countries happy. He learns that in Thailand, a prevalent phrase is "mai pen lai," which means "never mind - just drop it and get on with life."

The author concludes that at least in part, that phrase contributes to the country's happiness.

Meditation. Spiritual health. Personal wellness.

Are these buzzwords, or genuine indicators of happiness?

what's going on tonight?

A few standouts for Wednesday night partiers:

*Feeling adventurous? The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway, hosts a pole dancing contest that will award $100 to the winner. DJ Kenny Wayne provides dance music. No cover, doors open at 9 p.m.

*Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive, has Latin Night featuring DJ Raul Esteras. Cover is $5, free before 9 p.m. Call 706-358-7128.

*Looking to expand your nightlife horizons? Try Phenix City's L&M Sports Bar, 501 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, South. A Wednesday night happy hour promotion lets you score free hot wings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. There are also discounts on beer. Call 706-573-9618.
All events are open to partiers 21 and older.

YourBlackCelebrities: Psychology, Math, Society & Media Determine Who Is Beautiful

By Chiderah A. Monde

Why is it that both Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry are widely considered beautiful women, no matter what race you are, no matter what gender?

With a constantly changing world, comes a constantly changing perception of beauty. Over the years society has changed its description of what is considered the physically “ideal” or “perfect” woman. No longer does the blond bombshell grace the covers of every magazine, nor does the deathly skinny frame or pale skin.

The 21st century demanded a change, for it’s “ideal” woman, and now she has curves, dark hair, and most importantly- darker skin.

Society’s perfect woman is not necessarily Black, although everyone agrees that Beyonce, Halle Berry, Alicia Keys and Janet Jackson top a lot of lists. But darker skin is definitely in- whether it is tanned white women, foreign femmes, or mixed beauties, women like Jessica Alba, Angelina Jolie, Aishwarya Rai, Adrianna Lima and Jessica Biel have taken the place of the blond bombshell era.

There’s no question about curves being in demand too. Beyonce is the epitome of the ideal curves for a Black woman, so is Alicia Keys, and quite frankly- so is Kim Kardashian. Men agree that body and curves are sexier, and women feel more comfortable with their bodies being similar shapes to celebrity women.

The interesting thing about the changing perception of beauty is how we can all agree that these women and physical features are considered acceptable. Psychologists argue that an individual’s perception of what is considered attractive is dependent on the person’s parents. That is, we base what is beautiful on what our mothers look like, what our fathers think, and what they both teach us to be beautiful. On the other scholarly hand, some consider attraction to be dependent on symmetry. That is, anything that is symmetrical is aesthetically pleasing. Once something seems out of line, out of sync, or asymmetrical, it is not attractive.

I don’t know how I feel about all of that.

Whether it’s psychology or symmetry that determines what is beautiful, it is all amplified by society and by media. Everything we buy, wear, eat and do is reflection of what some part of society has suggested we should. And “should” is an iffy word…

Nevertheless, we might be moving in an optimistic direction. If curves, dark hair and dark skin is currently in, society is setting an example for accepting a variety of body types. With things like Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty and Maxim’s 2008 Hot 100, the days of having only one perfect woman are long gone.

shackin' up

Congratulations, cohabitants. You're no longer living in sin.

At least these research findings, some of which suggest that couples who cohabitate are less likely to divorce. An excerpt:

"The nature of cohabitation has changed," says Jay Teachman, a sociology professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham. "Cohabitators 20 years ago were the rule breakers, the rebels, the risk takers — the folks who were perhaps not as interested in marriage, and using cohabitation as an alternative to marriage."

"Twenty or 25 years ago, if you were cohabiting and then married them, the marriage was more likely to dissolve and end in divorce," he says. "Today, that's not the case. You can cohabit with your spouse and not experience increased risk of divorce. We're making these finer distinctions that we didn't make before."

I've never been married, or lived with a significant other. I understand the arguments in favor of cohabitation prior to marriage, but part of me is leery about the setup as well.

At times, I think people move in together too early in the relationship, so they're taking each other for granted before they've even left the getting-to-know-you phase. Also, it sometimes bothers me when people say they need to live with a partner to see if he/she is a messy person or has quirks like leaving hair in the shower drain.

Doesn't that kind of trivialize romance a bit? I mean, despite its possible benefits, I think a surge in cohabitation reinforces the idea that your best mate is absolutely perfect and has no flaws. Sometimes, I think cohabitation serves as an unnecessary screening process that divides partners based on trivial things (like cleanliness) when they're really compatible on a deeper, more important value-based level.

Thoughts?

don't be 'that guy'

Happy Hump Day!

Check out this list of 8 people who will ruin your party. Among the entries:

*Person who insists on cleaning up your party while it's still going on

*Guy who gets wasted in the first hour

*Person who only knows you

*Girl who starts crying

*Person who just got dumped by their girlfriend/boyfriend

*Creepy dude who tries to bang chicks at the very end of the party

*Couple who brings their baby

*The politics guy

An excellent collection overall, and I was a little bummed that any additions I brainstormed (ie: the music snob) were already named in the readers' comments. One overlooked party annoyance I would like to point out, however, is the post-party complainer.

You know, the guy who looks like he's having a great time and then bitches about something like the party's temperature, music or food selection for months after the fact.

Which kind of party guest annoys you most?

ME Favorites: Louboutin's Shoe Heaven

Dear Shoe Heaven,

Should I die today and can only bring one pair of shoes with ME into the pearly gates, please oh please let it be Louboutin. These silver shoes will be a nice complement to my angelic wings and all of my charges will be impressed by the stylish silver crystals. I know this request may not be proper protocol but if I have to live eternity in heaven I DEMAND to be fashionable.

Love--
~ME

P.S. Please tell Saint Laurent that these shoes grant ME VIP access to Shoe Heaven. A girl with shoes this stylish shouldn't have to wait in line with the commoners!

what's going on tonight?

SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, hosts a Tuesday night show worth checking out:

New York City-based Fixer and Miami Beach, Fla.-based Jacobs Ladder perform. Music starts around 10 p.m. It's open to partiers 21 and older.

Call 706-568-3316.

food analogies!

As a sophomore at an all-girls Catholic high school, I walked into my morality class one morning to find the following phrase written on the blackboard:

"Sex is like frosting."

It wasn't the first time I'd heard it -- the analogy, brainstormed by morality teacher Patty O'Brien, was virtually a legend at our school. You heard sly references to it from the first day you stepped foot on campus until the day you graduated.

What did it mean? That just as you use spoonfuls of frosting to cover up a cake's flaws, sex is used to cover up the underlying problems in a relationship.

Naturally, the lesson was supposed to contribute to our pro-abstinence education. But it really just resulted in people making a whole bunch of obscene sounds whenever there was birthday cake involved.

Oh well. At least I'm blogging about the experience 10 years later, so I guess Mrs. O'Brien wasn't that crazy after all.

he's not worthy

Happy Monday!

In romance, women love men who embrace self-deprecating humor, this article notes. Thankfully, the piece ends with the following disclaimer:

The report, 'Dissing Oneself: The Sexual Attractiveness of Self-Dep-Humour', which will be published next month in the Journal of Evolutionary Psychology, also warns that the technique should not be attempted by those who are already unpopular.

It could make 'low-status individuals' appear 'more pathetic' than they did before.

Word.

Any guy willing to make fun of himself automatically gets high points in my book, but it's a hard thing to do without looking like you're begging for social validation.

And being a position where you have to always validate your significant other's worth can be just plain draining.

Have you ever dated anyone with exceptionally low self-esteem? While building him/her up, did you feel like Mother Teresa, or an underpaid therapist?

ME Favorites: Paying Tribute to YSL

YSL has done it again with the release of the Tribute handbag. Complete with all of the attributes of a classic handbag, the Tribute also has a touch of uptown sensibility. I am so heart broken that I missed the YSL sale a couple of weeks back on RueLaLa. This bag was featured in purple which will be a huge color for fall. With that said, I love it so much that I may be willing to pay full retail. First, let ME check with my landlord and see if she'll be ok not receiving my rent next month....

YourBlackCelebrities: Wendy Williams Meets Her Online Prototype

Who is the queen of all media? Well, that would be Oprah. But the queen of radio would be Wendy Williams, and the queen of Internet Celebrity Gossip would be Lady Drama. Her work with AllHipHop.com, YourBlackWorld.com and TheSource.com has black people talking all over America.


Lady Drama (AKA Ebony Garris) appeared with Wendy Williams on her new show this week. The Queen of Urban Radio made comments about how fabulous Ebony looked, as Lady Drama is the Queen of online media.

Click here to watch the video.

what's going on this weekend?

Something cool: Single Sundays start this weekend at Spices Caribbean Restaurant & Bar. It's an ongoing weekend event geared toward local singles. Networking, games and speed dating are 6-9 p.m. No cover. The restaurant's at 4022 University Ave.

Here's the rest of your weekend lineup:

FRIDAY

*Spy for Hire, Military Junior, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Peggy Jenkins and The Bizness, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Zero 2 60, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Bud Light Cruise Party with Q107 and DJ Kenny Wayne, 8 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free).

*Claiborne & Friends, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Wicked Dixie, 8:30 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Pipers Down, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*DJ Booty, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, free. 706-358-7128.

SATURDAY

*Malis Malis, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*The Drownout, Misfortune 500, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Zero 2 60, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*DJ Kenny Wayne, 8 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free).

*Claiborne & Friends, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Wicked Dixie, 8:30 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

*Pipers Down, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Dance party with DJ Booty, Aqua Nightclub, $5 (free before 9 p.m.). 706-358-7128.

music of your heart?

Can't woo women with cooking? Join a rock band.

This article explains the science behind why women are so hung up on musicians. An excerpt:

There could be another explanation for this weird affliction, according to John Manning of University of Central Lancashire. He thinks musical ability is an advertisement of male health and fertility, and that's why great musicians are so sexy.

It has been suggested, says Manning, that high testosterone exposure during gestation promotes the development of parts of the right side of the brain where musical ability resides. Manning has also produced evidence to suggest that exposure to high foetal testosterone levels leads to men who are, on average, healthier and more athletic than others, and have a higher sperm count.

In short, he says, men who make lots of good music make lots of sperm.

So there you go. Struggling artists, not so struggling sperm count.

something for cowards

Cheers to taking passive aggressiveness to new highs!

Here's an article about Slydial, a new service that lets you go directly to a person's voice mail and bypass the traditional ringing process.

Obviously, it's a victory for anyone who likes to dump a fling passively.

A similar option was part of our college phone system. I loved it, and used the service many times to tell professors when I'd be out of class. Or to tell the editors of our school paper that my articles would be late.

All of which were acceptable uses. An unacceptable use? Before one of our vacation periods, I had the brilliant idea to use the service to go directly to a crush's voice mail and tell him how much I liked him. You know, in case my plane crashed and we never saw each other or something.

I remember I just sat there by the phone -- soberly, as embarrassing as it sounds -- drafting the message and thinking how happy he'd be to hear it. Fortunately, the gods intervened and I didn't follow through with the plan.

Basically I hate anything related to relationships and phone calls. I've never been dumped in person, it's always been on the phone -- color me psychologically damaged -- and those memories of holding the phone and just bawling are some of the worst ever.

Would I have felt better or worse had it just been a voice message? I don't know.

Thoughts?

ME Favorites: Dress to Impress

I've always been drawn to dresses with strong graphic prints and a unique flair. This Milly strapless dress is the perfect frock which could easily transition from the nightclub to a wedding reception. I really love the black patent belt and I'd probably add a pair of black patent pumps to complete the look. For finishing touches, I'd add a cute clutch is a bold color like fuchsia and several rhinestone bangles for a touch of sparkle.

cooking up romance

The new ladies' men? Gastrosexuals.

They're guys who woo women by cooking, this article notes.

Yes, the word mades me a little uncomfortable, too. It reminds me of something we affectionately call "the sound" -- definitely NOT a way to woo women.

Verbage aside, I guess I agree with the concept. An exerpt:

The report 'Emergence of the Gastrosexual' cites the popularity of superstar chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver as a factor in making cooking a macho pursuit.

According to the study by food company PurAsia 48 percent of people say being able to cook makes a person more attractive to them and 23 percent of 18-34 year old men say they cook to potentially seduce a partner.

Cooking to impress the opposite sex: foreplay or scare tactic?

awww...

This list of the 25 most romantic gestures in film made me gag, then embrace my hormonal comforts by crawling under my desk and bawling with a box of chocolate.

Jealous?

Anyway, my favorite item on the list is the end scene from "When Harry Met Sally." But despite my frequent despise for certain chick flicks, I like other romantic movie moments, too. Plenty of parts from the "Sex and the City" flick. Oh, and some parts from "Forrest Gump." Random, I know.

Girls sometimes say that those scenes are overrated, that they don't need grand romantic gestures to be happy in a relationship. They're lying. And sadly, in real life, the kind of gestures you see in movies generally come from the creepy stalker guys. Like the one who years ago made me a heart-shaped pizza.

Totally romance movie-worthy if he wasn't 15 years my senior. Not to mention the fact that we'd never really talked before.

Sometimes the gestures guys think are movie-caliber just come off as really cliche. Once, I was completely flattered by the way a date gave me flowers -- until he followed it up with, "It's something that always worked with my ex-girlfriend."

I think the romantic movie scenes that appeal most to women are the ones that involve a guy giving some extended monologue expressing his feelings -- a scene most unlikely to take place in real life.

And even when it does, you're not guaranteed a happy ending.

Thoughts?

what's going on tonight?

Hey everyone! Here's your Thursday night lineup:

*Local singer/songwriter Heath Jackson and his band perform a free show at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Jackson cites influences like John Mayer and Howie Day. Bar opens at 8 p.m. No cover.

*The Atlanta-based rockers from Blacksmithz take the stage at SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, free for military. 706-568-3316.

*Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway, hosts local rock act Pipers Down. Show starts at 10 p.m. No cover. 706-322-3460.

*There's a free open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway. Music starts at 8 p.m. 706-494-6659.

*Musician Greg Barrett performs at Belloo's, 900 Front Ave. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5. 706-494-1584.

Fountain City's open mike is open to partiers of all ages. All other events are 21 and older.

Obama Introducing Kanye On Stage?

(From NME.com)

Barack Obama will introduce Kanye West onstage at Lollapalooza Festival(August 1-3) in an attempt to appeal to hip-hop fans, according to reports in the US media.

The Democratic Presidential Candidate, who has talked openly about aiming to use hip-hop to connect with his electorate, is expected to make a brief stage appearance at the festival in his home town of Chicago alongside the rapper-producer.

Speaking on US TV show 'What's In It For Us', Obama explained: "I've met with [b]Kanye [West]. And I've talked to other artists about how potentially to bridge that gap. I think the potential for them to deliver a message of extraordinary power that gets people thinking (is massive)."

The move comes after an announcement that Kanye West is going to perform at an event at the Democratic Conventionin Denver (August 25-28), alongsideWyclef Jean and N.E.R.D.

Sources close to the candidate have told reporters, that Obama has left a slot open in his schedule for the appearance at the festival in Grant Park, less than a mile from the national campaign headquarters.

pole dancing tonight!

Put on those stripper shoes, ladies.

The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway, enters the Wednesday nightlife lineup by hosting a sexy pole dancing contest with a $100 prize. There's also dance music from DJ Kenny Wayne. No cover. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Partiers can also opt for Latin Night at Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive. It features music from DJ Raul Esteras. There's no cover before 9 p.m., after that it's $5. Call 706-358-7128.

Both events are open to guests 21 and older.

working hard, hardly working

Just when you've finally embraced the merits of your cubicle life, the Houston Press publishes this article about the life of door-to-door sales kids.

An excerpt:

Without knowing they're talking to reporters, the agents walk over and ask for rolling papers. When asked what they're doing in town, the agents explain their job and how much they love it. It's a blast, they say. You lie all day to sell subscriptions, and you unwind afterward with some smoke. You tell the customers that you live a few streets over, that you go to the local school and play on the soccer team, that you just sold subscriptions to their neighbor, and the idiots buy it because by now you've got it down to a science.

This does wonders to explain the kids who knocked on my door trying to sell me used baseball cards at 9 a.m. last Friday.

What's the most sketchy door-to-door pitch you've received?

my favorite superficial things

Is it bad that my favorite part of the day so far has been finding this trailer for Season 4 of "The Hills?"

The day's second-place contender:

My impressive performance on this relatively difficult "90210" trivia quiz.

You know you're in for a good day when you're having flashbacks of Kelly Taylor's turbulent battle with a cocaine addiction.

Happy Hump Day!

ME Favorites: Recycle. Reuse. Repeat.

In California where living green is practically shoved down your throat, I've finally found reusable grocery bags that will allow ME to shop in style. These bags are super sturdy, have long handles so you can throw them over your shoulder and also double as tote. What's even better is that I can do my part to save Mother Earth without sacrificing my individuality.

Sanaa Lathan & Nia Long's Next Gig: The Cleveland Show

Sanaa Lathan & Nia Long are contributing their voice talents to The Cleveland Show (a spin-off of Family Guy).

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long have joined the voice cast of FOX's "Family Guy" spinoff "The Cleveland Show", which centers on Cleveland Brown. Lathan will voice a single mother and love interest for Cleveland, and Long gives voice to her rebellious teen daughter, Roberta.

This role will be Nia's first voice-over role. The show is schedule to premiere early next year.

Congrats ladies!!

pic courtesy of Essence cover party

Will & Jada's Open Relationship Might Be A Good Idea for Black Couples

By Chiderah A. Monde

Will Smith and Jada’s confession about their open marriage last year during an interview is still a hot topic. Since then people have been able to really think about what open marriage has meant for the Pinkett-Smith union, and what it could mean for black couples everywhere.

Black people continue to look up to Will and Jada as the pillar of black love. They represent the ideal successful black couple: complete with two gorgeous people in love, wealth, happiness and beautiful children to top it off.

It could all be so simple as to accredit their successful marriage to the agreement they have with each other, allowing them to be able to sleep with whomever they want as long as they inform each other of those happenings. Could it be that in this day an age, [open relationships + open communication] is the only formula that equals a successful relationship?

Let’s consider the possibilities.

The most important part of having an open marriage is that the idea eliminates the number one reason why people break up in this country- cheating. Open relationships require as much trust as one can possibly put in a person. Trusting them not to lie, trusting them not to hide things, and trusting them to remain faithful. It sounds like all of the basic necessities of a regular relationship are present.

Black couples that last are growing more and more rare. The current statistics claim that just about 45% of educated successful black women do not get married, and just as many get divorced. Those numbers are scary. At the same time interracial dating is becoming more popular, and more black men get involved with white, Asian, Latina and mixed women. For those situations where black women feel threatened about their husbands cheating, perhaps an open marriage could save them from this trouble, and save marriages from their demises.
Also, having an open relationship facilitates a key component of successful relationships- communication. Many marriage therapists focus mainly on the type of communication between husband and wife when couples come in to try and save marriages. People find that their spouses aren’t telling them things, especially when it comes to how they feel.

I don’t know, open relationships sound like a great idea. However, there must be dire disadvantages.

I asked some of my friends around campus, and got similar opinions about open relationships and open marriages. Most men agreed that they would love a woman who was gorgeous and successful, and who would allow them to sleep with other women. They said they would rather not know whom their wives are sleeping with, but if the trust between them is there, there shouldn’t be a problem. Most men could see themselves always coming back to their “80% women” regardless of who they slept with, since those outside relationships would be solely based on physical attraction. Will Smith said the same thing.

Most women that I talked to said that the situation is rather unrealistic. They all agreed that problems in the long run would be inevitable. They could see their men preferring the outside sex to their own, which would lead to wanting to leave, or more arguments about how drastically their sex lives have changed. It comes as no surprise to me that the women thought more about potential problems than the benefits of open relationships.

How about what an open relationship would mean for the black family?

When you take it outside the bedroom, it seems that an open marriage is not such a good idea. How do you explain to your kids “mommy and daddy spend nights with aunties and uncles”?

For Will and Jada, this conversation has to be had, considering their lives are public and their kids are sure to hear about it sooner or later.

Then there’s the problem of STDs and/or AIDS. Let’s be realistic, no sex is exempt from possibly introducing transmitted diseases- celebrity sex or not. Couples have to be twice as careful about using protection and being checked regularly for diseases, and extremely aware of the sexual history of the people they decide to sleep with. Maybe open relationships are not such a good idea…there’s all the extra background checking and detective work one must do just to have sex.

As far as religion goes- open marriages completely contradict morals established in the black church. Isn’t that considered adultery? But then again…so is cheating, and people still do it. God might not like this idea either. Accepting open marriage and open relationships in the black church would require review and revision of morals established by the church. As crazy as it sounds, open marriage is the “less immoral” way to commit adultery.

It may just be that having a Will and Jada kind of relationship can only work for Will and Jada.

Black couples that aren’t celebrities may not be as prepared to deal with problems such as children from outside relationships, STDs or AIDS, and paying for child support if children were to result from their extramarital affairs. Jada considers Will’s oldest son to be one of her own, even though he is a result of one of Will’s previous relationships. Jada has the patience, the money, and the time to take care of children that are not her own- most women do not.

I am not knocking the strategy though, I think some people would do well in these kinds of relationships, but it definitely isn’t for everybody. Just like marriage isn’t for everybody. It depends on the people involved and their personalities.

mmm...creamy

The newest substance to hit your favorite shot glass? Frosting.

This article describes bakeries' willingness to offer frosting shots in part to attract late-night guests. There's no alcohol involved, but some owners think the mere connotation that comes with taking shots might be enough to attract 20- and 30-somethings.

An excerpt:

At Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, Ga., owner Cheryl Day has piped 75-cent frosting sides for her Friday night “cupcake happy hour” for the past three years. At a happy hour in February, she sold about 100 shots. She thought using a bar conceit would draw locals as well as college students.

“We tried to think of what we could do, why would people come in the evening? They tend to come during the day and could go somewhere else and have a cocktail,” Day says. “I think it's the connotation of 'It's a shot' and 'What in the world is it?' People are just curious.”

Sound silly? Months ago, I put a can of E-Z Cheese on my desk and co-workers came by and squirted it into their mouths daily. The same results happened after a brief appearance by some Cool Whip.

Last week, a waitress brought a tiny cup of mayonnaise to accompany one of our lunch entrees. I was plagued by a sick desire to watch someone drink it. That didn't happen.

I'm really one for sweets, but I'd be more than willing to drink one of these shot glass-friendly liquids:

*Blue cheese dressing

*A-1 sauce

*Spinach dip

*Salsa

*Tartar sauce

Which non-alcoholic substance would you most want to drink as a shot?

what's going on tonight?

Hey everyone! Here's your Tuesday night lineup. I'm pretty swamped today, but I'll try to post something else a little later on.

*The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, hosts the local rockers from Forced Entry. Show starts at 8 p.m. No cover. Call 706-507-3418.

*Local band Boneheadz takes the stage at new nightlife venue H20, 6499 Veterans Parkway. The free show is 7-11 p.m. Call 706-327-9700.

*For country music fans, Aqua Nightclub hosts Two-Steppin’ Tuesday. Dance lessons at 7:30 p.m., country dancing starts at 8 p.m. Happy hour prices until 9 p.m. No cover. The bar's at 1812 Midtown Drive. Call 706-358-7128.

All events are open to partiers 21 and older.

Omarosa: The Jerk Who Challenged Wendy Williams

Omarosa, the woman who does all she can to get attention, recently appeared on the Wendy Williams TV show. Omarosa is a lot like New York, from "I Love New York", just a little cuter on the outside, but far uglier on the inside. She sold out another brother on The Apprentice, and seems to think that she is destined for stardom.

As this woman works overtime to keep her 15 minutes of fame on the move, she will slowly find that all the social hoeing, hating, hooking and manipulating she is doing to get ahead is not going to serve her well in this life. I am sure that her love and her men are just as shallow and fake as her smile and her breasts. In fact, she probably can't keep a man anyway.

Omarosa, going head to head with Wendy Williams is cute, but the truth is that whatever you have inside of you that keeps you unhappy needs to be dealt with. You're an ugly human being.

Pierce Brosnan The Most Popular Icon Gay

LA - Who the famous man was above 50 years old that was crowned by gay became the most popular icon? He is Pierce Brosnan, that his acting could be seen and was enjoyed by us in the wide screen the Motherland cinemas through the Mamma Mia film! (2008)

In the measure of opinion that was held by www.gay-parship.co.uk, the special date agency for the circle gay through the internet, the former actor James Bond this received the voice 33 percent. Under it, Bruce Willis pocketed the voice 25 percent, Richard Gere 14 percent, Harrison Ford in the fourth place, and Mel Gibson in the fifth place.

In the meantime, the actress Helen Mirren, the film star The Queen, was chosen by lesbians to the most popular icon, also with the age limitation on 50 years. Mirren received the voice 32 percent, overcame Susan Sarandon and the friend played Brosnan in Mamma Mia! , Meryl Streep, that was in order received the voice 28 percent and 25 percent. Other actresses who also entered the list five big was Goldie Hawn and Dolly Parton.(imdb.com/kompas.com)

Hayek and Henri Pinault Choses To Apart

The presence of a female baby, last September 2007, became the symbol on the love between the bloody actress Mexican Salma Hayek and the millionaire from France Francois-Henri Pinault.
But apparently, the love currently ends. Hayek and Henri Pinault chose to be apart. The spokesperson both of them announced that their relations currently end. "We were very sad to announce that Salma Hayek's engagement and Francois-Henri Pinault had finally been cancelled," say Hayek's spokesman as being quoted usatoday.com, on Friday.
Unfortunately, she reluctantly detailed more far about this separation reason. "Won't there is farther comment," said hayek. If visited behind, signs that their marriage not would to the bridal dais in fact could be sent by that Desperado's film star.
When being asked by several reporters last April related the plan when being spread out by her marriage, distinctly Hayek answered like this: "will I marry? maybe. Several people indeed felt needed the commitment. For us was enough by spreading out the party!" said Hayek's at that time.
Hayek and Henri Pinault the first time meet at Venice on May 2006. A year had both of them relationship was blessed with a daughter named Valentina Paloma, that was born in a hospital in Los Angeles, in September 2007.
(source : kompas.com)

shake it

Happy Monday!

Here's an article about a triumphant return of the hula hoop. Apparently, there are now hula hoop dance classes. And adult hula hoopers on YouTube. (Note: Girl on aforementioned link is pretty hot. And clothed.)

Anyway, the hula hoop kids in elementary school always kind of annoyed me. Especially the ones who would walk around with the hula hoops circling around their necks. Or the ones who would do arm hula hooping. Posers.

Which childhood activity were you worst at? Which one do you wish was socially appropriate for adults?

ME Favorites: Marie Antoinette

Although I'm not a fan of the Marie Antoinette movie, I fell in love with all of the wonderful costumes. Kirsten Dunst makes living in luxury look effortless as she is transported around in horse drawn carriages wearing lovely flowing Victorian gowns. Winner of the 2006 Academy Award for Best Costume, Marie Antoinette has proven to be one of my favorite visual inspirations. Even though Halloween is many months away, I think I just found my costume.

The Lady Behind The Drama: Our Own Lady Drama On The Wendy Williams Show Tuesday!

Anybody that reads YourBlackWorld has probably stopped by the gossip section to read up on the lives of celebrities. It is a guilty pleasure for some people, but for Ebony Garris, it is a regular day at work.

Garris is the writer of YourBlackGossip, and under the name Lady Drama, she keeps us all informed about what is going on with our favorite Hollywood hipsters. But this talented talker is not just the writer for YBG, Garris keeps the gossip coming in to AllHipHop.com as a rumor-assistant, and she also writes columns for Hood and Urban Magazines.


Lady Drama always had a love for gossiping. Growing up she looked up to and regularly listened to Wendy Williams, while harnessing her talent for writing. Garris has been a gossip professional for three years, but has been a writer for six, and continues to flourish at both. The name Lady Drama just came to her one night, and from then on her career as gossip diva extraordinaire set its own path to success.


So does Lady Drama, queen of gossip at YBW, read gossip sites too? Yep! She admits being well acquainted with sites like TMZ.com, Bossip.com and Concreteloop.com. She’s not a huge fan of MediaTakeOut.com, and when asked why she explained that the site is not very honest. Lady Drama takes pride in her work, saying, “I say how I feel and I’m very honest about it…[MediaTakeOut.com] likes to bring celebrities down…that’s not what I do.”

How does one find the material to create a gossip site? Lady Drama tells about how at first a gossip guru must do a lot of research. Googling names and looking up court dates are only two of the tactics that kept her busy collecting material. But as success of the site grew, Lady Drama fans began sending in their tips, sightings and rumors.

The regular Gossip Girl admits that the best thing about her job is being able to know everybody else’s business while they know nothing about her! She laughs, “Everybody gossips, why not get paid for it!” Although Lady Drama keeps current and informed 24/7 with the lives involved in the world of entertainment, she thinks of the name as her alter ego. Ebony Garris is calm and cool, and Lady Drama is always in tune with Hollywood and the latest buzz.

Our own Lady Drama has tons of plans for the future, including an appearance on the Wendy Williams Show this Tuesday. On July 22nd, if you’re in the New York, Dallas, Detroit or Los Angeles areas, tune into Fox 5 at 10am to catch Lady Drama introduce the show! The opportunity to meet her idol came when she got a call from the producers of the show a couple days after requesting audience tickets.

In addition to that, Garris is currently working on a book that she would like to have out by next summer! As she is finishing up her book, print publication is also her focus. In the future, she plans to do more magazines, columns, newspapers and websites. Garris would like for Lady Drama to continue to succeed and become well known, and with the way she’s going now, that is sure to happen soon!

Black First Lady: Michelle Obama's Greatest Media Hits

A full ranging video that pays homage to the wit, intelligence, lucidity and perspicacity of Michelle Obama:

what's going on this weekend?

Don't forget that the "America's Next Top Model" casting call begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Zoo City USA, 2301 Airport Thruway. Get the full details here.

And your music lineup:

FRIDAY

*Java Monkey, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Jaded Soul, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Goldy Locks, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11 p.m., baropens at 8 p.m.).

*Boneheadz, 9 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

*Peggy Jenkins and The Bizness, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Crowfield, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Grayhill Conspiracy, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*DJ Booty, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, free. 706-358-7128.

SATURDAY

*Classic Addict, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Pipers Down, 9:30 p.m. Mediterranean Cafe, free. 706-320-9111.

*Java Monkey, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Front Porch Pickers, 9 p.m. Saloon & Oyster Bar, free. 706-568-8400.

*Rise Phoenix Rise, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (bar opens at 8 p.m.).

*Jaded Soul, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*The Lasting, Traces David, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Local music spotlight with Jason Connally (7 p.m.), dance party with DJ Booty (9 p.m.), Aqua Nightclub, $5 (free before 9 p.m.). 706-358-7128.

it's just ink?

Like the pic? It comes from this compilation of misspelled tattoos.

I don't have any body art, but I went through a phase during one college summer when I desperately wanted one. I went through a vast array of Northern California tattoo shops looking for not only the lowest price, but also the lowest fear quotient.

Amid my travels, I entered one San Francisco tattoo shop with a wall covered in popular Asian symbol tattoos. You know, things that mean "love," "beauty," "energy." Except this place had a disclaimer next to the symbols, noting: "Not responsible for symbol translations."

Hahaha.

Something else that makes me skeptical of the whole tattoo thing is the summer I spent working at the snack shack at a California lake. All day I'd see swimmers with massive body regions covered in things like Looney Tunes tattoos. Things that must have seemed like good ideas before the natural progression of time made them interrupted by body hair. And cellulite.

However, I'm still fully prepared to get a tramp stamp if the newspaper industry folds and I have to resort to stripping.

Read my co-worker Sandra's account of getting a tattoo in Japan here.

divine intervention

The key to solving the Catholic church's problems? Therapy via films like "Buttwoman."

At least that's the belief of porn star Belladonna -- that's a Wikipedia link there, I swear -- who has volunteered to give 300 of her films to the Catholic church in Australia. She hopes they'll be distributed to priests.

Here's an excerpt from this article:

The Pope has indicated he might apologise to victims of sexual abuse and that is a positive thing to do," the heavily tattooed Belladonna said today.

"But unless he follows up with some practical advice that addresses the sexual needs and desires of clergy, the problem will simply continue.

"Church clergy are at a crisis because they get no real street-level sex education but are expected to ply the streets to deliver their spiritual message."

And one more thing:

She also has offered to donate some of her own time to help set up a "meaningful set of exercises for priests to help them deal with sexual tension and stress".

Catholicism, anyone?

Happy 2nd Anniversary to ME!

Can you believe it's been two years already? Boy does time fly! I remember when I first started this blog and look at what it's grown into now! AMAZING! Each year, I like to re-visit last year's goal to see what progress I've made so here it goes:

1. Get my blog ranked 7 on Google (well guys I'm still a 4 but I can't complain)
2. Add some contributing writers (I'm still looking. Contact ME if you're interested)
3. Exchange links with more established blogs (still working on this one. There's just not enough hours in the day!)
4. Become a blogger for hire (I accomplished this one! YIPPEE! I start my new position today!)
5. Get some press (i.e. I'd love a write up in a mainstream fashion publication) for my blog (still working on this one as well)

This year I'd like to:

1. Give my blog a face lift (complete with new web design and URL. Know of any affordable web designers?)
2. Start my own blogtalk radio show (any ideas on show content?)
3. Renew my love for fashion styling (I was a fashion stylist for awhile & worked for a ton of fashion shows, mags and honestly got burnt out. I miss it a great deal and want to slowly re-introduce myself to it.)
4. Create more opportunities for dialogue (i.e. blogtalk radio) with my readers (do you have any ideas?)

Please join ME as I celebrate this great milestone and welcome the many blessings to come.

P.S.
Thank you so much for believing in my talent and making Margarite Elaine a daily stop on your destination of life. Without you, I'd simply be talking to myself :) so thanks for lending a kind ear.

Cupcake photo courtesy of Johanna Bohoy

what's going on tonight?

Here are some standout options for Thursday night partiers:

*Atlanta-based party band Java Monkey performs at Belloo's, 900 Front Ave. Cover is $5 and show starts at 10 p.m. 706-494-1584.

*There's an open mike night at Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway. The music starts at 8 p.m. No cover. 706-494-6659.

*The local rockers from Thousand Watt Halo take the stage at Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, free for military. 706-568-3316.

*The local rockers from Spent perform at the Saloon & Oyster Bar, 6005 Macon Road. Show starts at 9 p.m. No cover. 706-568-8400.

*Hydrovibe, a female-fronted rock act from Los Angeles, takes the stage at The Roadhouse, 1047 Broadway. Opening act is From Ruin. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $5.

*The local Southern rockers from Whisky Bent perform at Scruffy Murphy's, 1037 Broadway. Show starts at 10 p.m. No cover. 706-322-3460.

*Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive, hosts its weekly poker game beginning at 7 p.m. Players are accepted until around 8 p.m. No buy-in. 706-358-7128.

Fountain City's open mike is open to all ages. All other events are 21 and older.

holler for a dollar?

Hey everybody!

This week's column is about dating during a recession -- namely, whether faltering finances make it any more tempting for women to accept a series of free meals. From guys they might not even care about.

Recently, I found a column in the newest issue of Elle Magazine defending the practice commonly known as "gold digging." The author's premise? Women have become so obsessed with appearing independent and skirting the gold-digger stigma that they've overcompensated by dating guys who pay for absolutely nothing. You know, the struggling artist types.

And me? I've definitely dated guys who refused to pay for things even once our relationship got serious. In many of those relationships, I justified things by saying it's just money. Or it's just dinner. But a refusal to even offer to pay generally reflects a carelessness that in most cases will ultimately extend to far more serious aspects of the relationship.

Then again, I've also dated guys who paid for EVERYTHING in order to compensate for qualities they lacked emotionally.

I guess it all goes back to finding some kind of relationship balance that's a worthwhile investment financially and beyond.

Hahaha. Good luck, right?

what's going on tonight?

Happy Hump Day!

Don't forget about Latin Night at Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive. It features DJ Raul Esteras and there's no cover before 9 p.m. After that, it's $5. Call 706-358-7128.

Also, just learned about a pretty cool Wednesday night promotion at L&M Sports Bar, the hot spot I mentioned would be featured as this week's bar profile. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, you can score free hot wings, plus discounts on beer. You'll be able to snag a beer for about $1.50-$2.

L&M Sports Bar is at 501 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, South, in Phenix City. It's a little hard to find -- OK, maybe just for me -- so here's a map. Call 706-573-9618.

Both hot spots are open to partiers 21 and older.

how many licks?

This article about ice pops made of beer -- aka: hopsicles -- made me brainstorm some summer-specific alcohol concoctions.

The other day, I was just talking about the possibility of alcoholic snow cones. Turns out there's a whole set of Web sites with recipes on that very topic. I found some of my favorite ideas here, although the one that includes Tabasco sounds a little disgusting. And here's a recipe for an alcoholic drink that's actually called the Snow-Cone.

Still looking for summer-friendly alcohol ideas? Try soaking fruit, specifically watermelon, in vodka. Mmm. I got that idea about a year ago from this excellent food blog.

And if you're obsessed with hopsicles, try making some with raspberry-flavored Framboise Lambic Ale, available locally at Boo's package store, 5524 Whitesville Road in Columbus. You won't be disappointed.

Believe ME: Harley-Davidson's Fortune

It looks like the whole biker chic look is gaining momentum and who better to get in on this trend than Harley Davidson. These shoes are heavy on the sex appeal and easy on the pocketbook. At only $64, I can afford to buy these and a trip to Vegas.

What do you think?

what's going on tonight?

What a Tuesday night lineup! Check out these offerings tonight:

The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, hosts the LaGrange-based rockers from party band The Grayhill Conspiracy. Show starts at 8 p.m. Call 706-507-3418.

Two Massachusetts-based rock acts take the stage at Soho Bar and Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Partiers can catch Hollywood Lies and Easton Legacy beginning around 10:30 p.m. Call 706-568-3316.

New to the Tuesday night lineup, Aqua Nightclub hosts country music night. Learn the latest couple and line dances beginning at 7:30 p.m. The country tunes begin at 8 p.m. and last all night. Happy hour prices until 9 p.m. The club's at 1812 Midtown Drive. Call 706-358-7128.

All events are open to partiers 21 and older.

good noodle

Fast women, not so fast food.

Playboy.com now features "The Girls of Olive Garden." So don't worry, minimum-wage earning teenagers. Put up with the crappy hours, crying babies and creepy co-workers long enough and one day you, too, will be given the opportunity to pose nude online.

Which chain eatery do you think the magazine should profile next?

Speaking of Playboy, click here to vote in its competition for hottest Web blogger. I'm not among the candidates. Sigh. Not enough chain-restaurant experience, I guess.

Dayana Mendoza (Miss Venezuela) Was Crowned Miss Universe 2008

Miss Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2008 on Monday in a contest marked by the spectacle of Miss USA falling down during the evening gown competition for the second year in a row.
The new Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza, was once kidnapped in her homeland and says the experience taught her to remain poised under pressure.
Tension got under the skin of Miss USA, Crystle Stewart of Texas, who tripped on the train of her bejeweled evening gown as she made her entrance.

During the 2007 Miss Universe contest in Mexico City, Miss USA Rachel Smith also tumbled during the evening gown competition and became an unintended star on YouTube, where the video was shown over and over again.

At a news conference after this year's event, a beaming Mendoza said she wasn't yet sure where her upcoming year of whirlwind appearances would take her. But after a quick stop in New York, she wants to see her family again, enjoy some of her mom's home cooking and give everyone hugs.
"When I go back to Venezuela I will jump on my family and they will jump on me," said Mendoza.

In the meantime, Mendoza said, she is simply looking forward to taking off her high-heeled shoes and massaging her feet.
She declined to discuss her kidnapping, which occurred a year and a half ago, but took advantage of the occasion to call for global peace.
"I want to raise my voice and tell the world that violence is not the answer," she said.

Mendoza, 22, is a 5-foot, 10-inch (178-centimeter), green-eyed beauty who enjoys learning languages and photography. She appeared at the news conference in the flowing yellow dress and dangling turquoise earrings that she wore during the evening gown competition in which Stewart took her spill.

Stewart, 26, is a motivational speaker and former track and field star who is working on a book called "Waiting to Win." The Houston native plans to open a character-development school for
young children and has worked with students with autism in the Texas schools.

During a weekend interview with the Associated Press, Stewart said she felt very confident going into the show and couldn't imagine experiencing the same calamity as her predecessor.

"All I can offer to the world and to America is to do my best," Stewart said. "Nerves don't play a part in this."
The final five contestants included four from Latin America: Miss Mexico, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Colombia and Miss Venezuela. Rounding out the final five was Miss Russia. Miss Colombia finished second behind Mendoza.

Miss Thailand won the prize for best national costume and Miss El Salvador was chosen by her peers as Miss Congeniality.
The NBC show was hosted by talk show star Jerry Springer and Spice Girl Melanie Brown and broadcast live to hundreds of millions of viewers in 170 countries.
The tuxedoed Springer made a grand entrance on a motorbike - the vehicle of choice in Vietnam, where the streets are teeming with millions of the speeding two-wheelers.
Eighty contestants gathered in the seaside city of Nha Trang, Vietnam, vying to succeed previous Miss Universe Riyo Mori of Japan.

Sporting yellow, green and orange bikinis, the 15 semifinalists strutted across the stage during the swimsuit competition to the sounds of Lady Gaga, who belted out the pulsating "Just Dance" in a platinum blond wig. Miss Vietnam, Lam Thuy Nguyen, was greeted with a roar from the Vietnamese audience.

The final 10 then competed in the evening gown event.

They performed in front of a panel of judges that included international fashion experts and Donald Trump Jr., whose father, the real estate magnate and TV star, co-owns the pageant with NBC.

This year's contestants spanned a wide range of experiences and aspirations.

Miss Albania was a professional basketball player. Miss Argentina says she has paranormal experiences. Miss Antigua & Barbuda is fascinated by snakes. Miss Angola was in a plane crash
while trying to escape a conflict during her country's civil war. (www.thejakartapost.com)

Angelina Jolie Gave Birth To Twins on Saturday Night

Angelina Jolie gave birth to twins on Saturday night, a baby boy Knox Leon, and a girl, Vivienne Marcheline. Jolie’s partner, Brad Pitt, remained by her bedside at the hospital in southern France when she delivered the twins by Caesarean section.
According to the doctor delivering the twins the birth had been moved forward “for medical reasons” but did not elaborate.
Jolie and Pitt had one biological child together, Shiloh Nouvel, and three adopted children before Saturday evening. Their adopted children are Cambodian born Maddox and Vietnamese born Pax and one daughter, Ethiopian born Zahara.
Vivienne Marcheline was named after Jolie’s mother who passed away from cancer last year. (news.finditt.com)
The Jolie-Pitts Welcome a Son & Daughter

The Problem In Hollywood: Black Actresses Now Replaceable?

A movie that came out last month featured well known Estonian actress Mena Suvari as the lead character. The movie “Stuck” tells the story of a woman named Brandi who hits a homeless man with her car late one night, and is later is charged with his murder. The movie is based on the true story of a black woman named Chante Mallard who was convicted for the crime in 2001.

Suvari even has cornrows in the movie, giving her the look of being African-American even though they claim she portrays a “white trash” sort of character. Although she is a great actress- I do like some of her other work- I wonder why they couldn’t cast a black actress to play the role accurately, instead of distorting the character into what Suvari will be playing?

Black actresses are constantly competing for the same roles, and now with white actresses being able to look more “ethnic”, their chances of getting roles are diminishing. Jezebel.com features an article about the Suvari movie, and explores the unfortunate possibility of Black actresses becoming even more overlooked.

Ever since they have been allowed to act in movies, Black women have only been given roles as “mammies”- playing nannies to white children, cooks, and housekeepers, or “jezebels”- the seductive love interest, prostitute, or neighborhood man-stealer in every movie.

Nowadays, those two roles have been only a little bit broadened. Black women play secretaries and assistants (Wanda Sykes, Loretta Divine), or the typical Black family women in Tyler Perry-type Black movies (Angela Basset, Gabrielle Union, Nia Long, Kimberly Elise, etc). Often times Black women will be given the shot at action movies (Jada Pinkett-Smith, Halle Berry, Sanaa Lathan, Keri Washington, Gabrielle Union) but those only come after huge recognition and success of previous movies, or after suggestions of who would look good next to the successful Black men that star in them (Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx).

It comes as no surprise that Black actresses are unhappy. In Essence’s December 2007 issue, there’s an article interview with Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union and Nia Long about this topic. Union said, “I could make a living doing Black urban romantic comedies for the rest of my life…. But am I growing as an artist?” The personal accomplishment is not there for most of these ladies. They are not being paid fairly, and their years and years of acting is not reflected in their recognition.

Gabrielle Union also raised an interesting point in saying, “… they’ll complain on the blogs that we don’t have enough black stars. Well, you rip us to shreds every two seconds from our nose to the weave to the clothes to the shoes to the ashy ankles.”

Instead of supporting the few talented ladies that we have, the black community often resorts to criticism of how they are portrayed. Do we forget that the make-up and hair artists for these movies are white? The directors are white, the camera men are white, the lighting crew, publicists, clothing designers, casting directors, and everybody else that works on a movie….usually white. How can we expect them to completely and accurately reflect Black life?

Black culture in Hollywood only comes through what we see on the screen, and read in the pages. As an aspiring actress, I wonder what place in the line of Black actresses I will eventually get to with conditions like these. All of these ladies, especially my favorite actress Sanaa Lathan, have reason to complain about their roles. We as the Black audience and general public have to take notice, and be upset enough to try to change things and steer us in a direction where Black actresses are not overlooked and chosen second to somewhat “ethnic” looking white women.

the monday moan

Happy Monday!

I had a great weekend, highlighted by Bark in the Park at Saturday night's Columbus Catfish game. The night was memorable not only because of my dog's insatiable desire for cheap draft beer, but also because of the two blog super fans I met during the fifth inning. Hi guys!

Anyway, this article is about a British spy service that's specifically recruiting women.

Now it doesn't at all mention the natural female inclination toward spying in the dating world, but I'd imagine it's an element that doesn't hurt. Believe me, I know how to work a Google search like the best of them.

In fact, spying in the relationship world has become even more advanced lately, thanks to these Bond-inspired devices.

To what expect, if any, do you expect your significant other to trace your footsteps in a relationship? Is his/her tendency to thumb through your text message inbox cute or creepy?

i meant to do that

For the second year in a row, a Miss USA candidate fell during the evening wear portion of the competition.

Miss USA Crystle Stewart, pictured above, took a serious digger just seconds after entering the stage in her formal gown. Her recovery strategy? Getting up quickly, throwing her arms up in the air and clapping.

Get the full story, as well as video of the fall, here. And click here to see what she said in the incident's aftermath. (Four-letter words not included.)

Consider the pageant cursed. Last year, Miss USA Rachel Smith did the same thing. See that video here.

What does this say about American women in heels?

Monday Madness!

It's just another manic Monday! I didn't have time to work on my post today but I promise to be up and rolling come Wednesday. In the meantime, entertain yourself in my archives.

Please forgive ME.

Paris Bennett Pregnant

Paris Bennett, granddaughter of Ann Nesby & season 5 American Idol contestant, is expecting a baby. The 19-year old's daughter is due in October.

According to Blackvoices.com, Paris' mother, Jamecia Bennett is elated:

"This makes five generations," an overjoyed Jamecia stated. "I'm proud of how she did it. I was 16 when I got pregnant."

Paris' mother was mum on who the child's father is. "He chooses not to be in the public eye," she offered. "I respect that." She also wouldn't divulge what he does for a living. "I can't tell," she said.

Paris, who goes by the nickname Princess P, is also engaged to the unidentified baby's daddy.

"She has a ring," said Jamecia, who's hopeful that she'll be planning a wedding for daughter.

Okay, I understand being happy about the upcoming arrival, but it's amazing that her mother isn't thinking of how her 19-year old has (or had) this bright future ahead of her. Pregnancy appears to be the trend with young Hollywood now-a-days.

However, we wish Princess P all the best with the new princess on her way!

what's going on this weekend?

I hope you'll spend Friday and/or Saturday relaxing in the spent posture of a sated lion.

Like that phrase? I got it from "Gentlemen Behaving Badly," a new romance novel Brog put on my desk this morning. Which means it's probably time to start up the "read and reap" feature on this blog again.

Anyway, here's your weekend lineup. I'll be at the Catfish game Saturday with that crazy little bitch Bailey Michelle (my dog). Good times. I'm also going to try to hit up a new Phenix City hot spot, The L&M Lounge. Apparently, it's at 501 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, South, but don't trust that address entirely since I got it from the minutes of a city council meeting.

In other party news...

FRIDAY

*Peggy Jenkins and The Bizness, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Human Nature, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*The Relics, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*BJ Holland, 9 p.m. Fountain City Coffee, free. 706-494-6659.

*Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Splendid Chaos, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (bar opens at 8 p.m.).

*Bulletproof Marshmallows, One Atom 12, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*DJ Booty, 9 p.m. Aqua Nightclub, free. 706-358-7128.

SATURDAY

*FourWayFree, 9:30 p.m. The Loft, $5. 706-596-8141.

*Human Nature, 8 p.m. Daileys, $5. 706-320-3353.

*Silver Tongued Devil, 10 p.m. The Roadhouse, $5 (ladies free until 11p.m., bar opens at 8 p.m.).

*The Relics, 10 p.m. Belloo's, $5. 706-494-1584.

*Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. Scruffy Murphy's, $5. 706-322-3460.

*Sixth anniversary celebration featuring music by Forced Entry, 10 p.m. SoHo Bar & Grill, $5. 706-568-3316.

*The Drive, 9 p.m. Mickey's Pub, free. 706-569-6777.

*Mojo:Saint, 10 p.m. Broad Street Blues, $5. 334-297-3200.

*Pipers Down, 9:30 p.m. Mediterranean Cafe, free. 706-320-9111.

*Local music spotlight with Jason Connally (7 p.m.), dance party with DJ Booty (9 p.m.), Aqua Nightclub, $5 (free before 9 p.m.). 706-358-7128.

free things!

Happy Friday!

If the previous post about edible insects didn't get your stomach growling, here are some free things to put in your belly today.

It's free Slurpee day at 7-Eleven. Read more here. Is there even a 7-Eleven in Columbus? Not so sure about that one. I tried finding a list using this store locator, but it pretty much just pulled up a blank map.

The next free treat takes a little more work. Today, Chick-fil-A restaurants will give a free meal to anyone dressed as a cow. But it has to be a head-to-toe effort. Wear just a cow T-shirt or accessory and you'll get a free entree. See the full story here.

Need some extra time to get all this stuff? See these rules for calling in sick to work. My favorite: "Don't use 'feminine problems' as an excuse — especially if you're not a woman."

Celebrity Sighting: Liv Tyler

Liv looks haute as she attended Givenchy's couture fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. She breathes new life into the age old polka-dot trend with a Givenchy dress and Roger Vivier sandals. Love Liv's look? Click here for more info.

things i eat

So this week I was assigned a pre-story for the Insectival, an insect festival that happens annually at Oxbow Meadows. Among the event's biggest draws? Edible insects. So for research purposes, I decided to fulfill my voracious appetite by eating some creepy cooked critters. Here's what happened. All photos come from the very talented Joe Paull.

OK, at first glance you might think this pic is something my dog Bailey would leave in my backyard. And in 99 percent of cases, you'd be right. This time, however, you're looking at a chocolate-covered cricket. Jill Carroll, coordinator of public outreach for Oxbow Meadows, appropriately described it as tasting like a Kit Kat bar. She was right. Probably the least daunting of all the offerings. Take note, boys. I want a heart-shaped box of these for Valentine's Day.

You've seen this one before: a lollipop with an insect larva inside. Again, pretty harmless. Even if you follow through and actually eat the worm.

A slightly more advanced take on the lollipop, this one has a cricket inside. It's crunchy.

OK, now things get a little more scary. I got two packages of insect larvae, in two separate flavors: cheddar and barbecue. The biggest drawback here is the crunchiness factor. They're heavily seasoned, so you don't really have to worry about a bad taste. It's just the feeling that you're chewing FOREVER.

Again, here are the larvae in their original packaging. Each pack (about 30 larvae) nets 9 calories. Good and good FOR you.

And now the least mouth-watering selection of the bunch: bacon/cheddar flavored crickets. These are the hardest to eat because there's more of a conscious realization that you're putting a whole bug inside your mouth. The stray legs in the package don't help much, either.

The taste? Again, um, crunchy. It's kind of like you're eating hay. With a comfortable bacon/cheddar accent.

So yes, I really ate all this stuff. And no, I won't be making out soon.