A new year, same ol' bullshit, I think NOT!!

Consider this not a new year’s resolution post, but the declaration of a COLORED GIRL WHO HAS CONSIDERED EXILE BECAUSE MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN HER LIFE ARE FUCKIN' INSANE!

You know...it’s really quite simple, 2005 WILL BE A NEW YEAR FOR ME! Gone is the old me that aims to please, that half-heartedly agrees to shit just to keep the peace, that fails to speak up for myself when it really counts, that grins and bares it because I don’t want to seem offensive or ungrateful, that puts other people’s satisfaction ahead of my own, that allows some people to walk on me in the name of friendship, that puts up with other people's nonsense in the name of being NICE! WELL, NO MORE!

I’m entering 2005 with a BANG!! Not only will I not take any shit from anyone anymore, I’m moving on and forward with a clearer head, a lighter body and a stronger heart!

So with that said, I declare that I am taking 2005 by STORM.

I do solemnly swear TO:

1. Rid my inner circle of toxic and otherwise unhealthy people. I’ll be damned if I am gonna play the passive aggressive nonsense game with so called friends anymore. That shit is old, tiring and a waste of my fuckin time. I am sick of the double talk, the lack of support, the frequent catty behavior and the inconsiderateness. Real friendship and meaningful adult relationships are two way streets...PERIOD!

2. Save money even more aggressively than I did in 2004! Since starting my current job in September, I’ve been very diligent about saving money. I am proud of myself for my efforts and accomplishments this year and even a bit surprised. But truth be told, I am sick of renting an apartment and I think that this time next year, I could very well be in position to finally stop!

3. Finally tell certain family members to STOP buying me clothes! Right after I return a few items that I've received over the past few months, I intend to let it be known, gift certificates and cash only! If I get one more outfit befitting a 44, 54 or 64 year old woman…I’m gonna scream! I am 24 years old and despite my mature features, I do prefer to dress my age! I am so sick of the damn moo moo looking blouses, unshapely crew neck cotton shirts, with the sagging armpits and the too big “sack of shit in the ass” looking pants they insist on buying! Damn, I’m a plump sistah, NOT A MORBIDLY OBESE ONE!!! If they would dare to look, instead of acting like my few extra pounds warrants a potato sack and a brown paper bag, I actually have a waistline, not much in the ass department but nice boobs, a decent shape and some sense of style!

4. Lose 20lbs IMMEDIATELY!! While living in Sacramento last year, I started on a serious weight loss journey! Several things had occurred during my year in Sactown that put me on this path. First, I had a revelation, well actually, I had several revelations, but the first one said to me, "Bitch, you will never have Beyonce nor Sarah Jessica Parker's body, so get the fuck over it already!" I have to say that this one revelation alone really opened my eyes for numerous reasons. (1) When people think of weight loss regardless of what size they are, they always imagine their weight, size and appearance as the extreme opposite of their current weight and size. For example, the size 14+ woman imagines being a size 2 or 4, insteading of realizing that a size 8 or 10, might be just right. Unfortunately, I was consumed by these same images! (2) At the time, I hadn't allowed myself to realize that I have too much boobs and not enough ass to have Yonce's body and my frame alone is too large for SJP's size zero. So there! (3) Until then, I never actually imagined a realistic goal weight or size. So now that I know and understand these things, I really have no desire to look like anyone but me, just a bit leaner!

5. Spend more time pampering and rejuvenating myself.
I’m launching a full fledge beauty regiment. I mean everything from my hair right down to my feet, which are currently in desperate need of a pedicure. I already have a regular facial routine, but now it's time to push it to the next level. Aveda Institute, here I come and in addition to wanting a facial, I need these eye brows trimmed and shaped regularly! When I lived in LA, I didn't miss a pedicure or eye brow appointment. Not only am I going to reincorporate these things back into my life and budget, but I'm finally gonna find a permanent loctician. I've been bitching about my uncontrollable hair for months now. Its growing like a weed and I just don’t have the kind of time or energy to do it myself like I use to.

So there you have it!!! This colored girl is starting over fresh, or better yet picking back up fresh and claiming 2005 as my mine!

Talk to y'all next year!!!

-M

Attention All You Def Poets...

It's official! HBO Def Poetry will be picked up for it's 5th season. That's right! They are now taking submissions for poets to be featured on this up coming season. Taping will start in the early part of 2005. This will cost you NOTHING! But here are the requirements:

1. Submissions must be made in VHS format (VHS tape).

2. There must be 3 poems and each poem can not exceed the time limit of 3 minutes. This applies for group submissions also.

3. One tape per artist unless you are part of a group.

4. Please include all contact information either written on the tape or within your performance.

*Please, NO MORE THAN ONE ARTIST PER TAPE! You will not be considered if there is more than 1 artist on any tape unless it is a group submission. Most of all your submission DOES NOT GUARANTEE you a spot on the show. Moreover, anyone submitting their tape more than one time will not be considered. Please DO NOT SEND MULTIPLE VERSIONS of your submission. If you are selected, you will be contacted by the Executive Talent Coordinator of the show.

Mail submissions to:

Wordstock, Inc.
127 North MacQuesten Parkway
Mt. Vernon, N.Y. 10550
Attn: Def Poetry submission

Deadline for all submissions is FRIDAY, JANUARY 14th, 2005 at the close of business, 5pm.

Def Poetry won a Peabody Award and a Tony Award for "Def Poetry Jam On Broadway" and many other honors. Check out some of these sites...

http://www.peabody.uga.edu/archives/search.asp

http://www.mudumultimedia.com

http://www.tonyawards.com

Update: GOOD NEWS!..sorry so late!

PRESS RELEASE (excerpts)

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM FOUNDER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ARTHUR MITCHELL ANNOUNCE REOPENING OF DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM SCHOOL

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Founder and Artistic Director Arthur Mitchell announced that DTH will re-open its school Saturday, December 4, after a six-week closure.

A special fund-raising campaign yielded over $1.6 million from government, foundation, corporate and individual sources and have provided the resources required to re-open the School which closed its doors on October 16.

The Dance Theater of Harlem would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU, and that this is JUST THE BEGINNING ...we STILL NEED YOUR SUPPORT. Please consider donating to Dance Theatre of Harlem, safely and securely, right here!

SAVE DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

or mail your contribution to:

The Dance Theater of Harlem
466 W. 152 St.
New York, NY 10031

Complete Press Release Here

R.I.P. Briscoe...

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actor Jerry Orbach, longtime star of the "Law & Order" television series, died from prostate cancer on Wednesday, his manager told a local New York City radio station. He was 69.

Orbach, who earned a reputation as the quintessential New Yorker through his work in films such as "Prince of the City" and "Crimes and Misdemeanors," was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this month.

Orbach starred for 12 seasons in the original "Law & Order" television series as Detective Lennie Briscoe and was set to star in a new spinoff from the successful franchise later this year.

His manager, Robert Malcolm, told New York radio station 1010 WINS that the actor had died.

Orbach, a lanky actor with a deep voice and a slicked mop of black hair, first made his name on Broadway, winning a Tony for "Promises, Promises." He was also in the original cast of "Chicago" and "42nd Street."

Ghana anyone?

The Daughters of Serwaa Women’s Institute

Extends a personal invitation to sojourn with them to Ghana, West Africa

August 1 – 15, 2005

$3,300.00
(Includes round trip airfare, accommodations, all transportation, breakfast each day, experienced guides and coordinators)

Tentative Itinerary
Major Cities: Accra, Kumasi, and Elmina; Cultural Centers, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah”s Memorial, Bead Centers, Woodcarvers Village, Traditional Akom Service, Elmina slave dungeon, Beautiful Beaches, Elegant Dining and Dancing, African Markets, Rest, Relaxation and more!

Payment Plan Available:
$300 non-refundable deposit required ASAP
Payable to: Daughters of Serwaa Women’s Institute
Balance of $3,000 payable on or before June 1, 2005
Reserve Early ~ Space Limited

For Further Info Contact:
Nana Yaa Densua 301 731-6030
yaadensua@hotmail.com or
Yaa Oforiwaa 703 913-1935
yoforiwaa@mfa.gwu.edu

Reminder: ALL SISTA ARTISTS & WOMEN IN HIP-HOP

A community book is being put together to recognize the sistas that deserve recognition as the artists they are in art and Hip-Hop. The book will be called “Letters to a Young Woman in Hip-Hop.” We’re asking sistas to write letters to our younger sistas so they come up feeling validated on a real tip.

If you’re considering submitting a piece, you can write about the following topics(these are not final titles to the chapters, just ideas): “My first Hip-Hop Show,” “When I Fell In Love With Hip-Hop,” “On the Mic,” “Sistas Spinnin’ Records,” Beat-boxing,” “On The Dance Floor Without High Heels,” “Love The Word/Words of Wisdom,” “Ladies Armed With Cans.”

We are accepting letters in all formats from phrases to short essays. Please keep all letters less than two pages. We are also accepting art submissions.

Deadline: Jan 15th, 2005

Please do NOT send in original copies of work because we will not be able to return the submission.

Please e-mail work to onion@cara-seattle.org or mail copies of work to:

CARA
Att: Onion
801 23rd Ave. S.
Suite G-1
Seattle, WA 98144

Holiday in Los Angeles...

I feel like its been forever since I've been on here. Aside from not having had much to say, I've been pretty damn tired! Tired of what, I'm not quite sure, but tired nonetheless!

I'm in LA visiting family and friends and having a damn good time! I haven't done much other than hang out with four of my girls Jocelyn, Rebecca, Terilyn and Aquyla at the house, play games and watch tv, but I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'm suppose to have drinks with my other girl Maya but I'm officially BROKE, so I don't know if thats going to happen!

More than anything, I'm just soaking up this warm weather and dreading going back home to the Chicago cold. I don't know if I can handle it after being here for three days, but I'll be home on the 27th. Unfortunately, I go back to work on the 28th. I tell you this 9-5 shit ain't easy at all. I need to hurry up and finish school, so I can figure out something else to do!!

Happy Holidays!

-M

Yeah, yeah, yeah

I don't know why people act surprised by things...hell reality tv is total crap either way it goes, even the shit I watch...American Idol and America's Next Top Model. We know damn well Yaya should have won, but anyways!!!!

Black Wharton grad doesn't survive `The Apprentice's' racial minefield
By: Bonnie Newman Davis, BlackAmericaWeb.com
December 10, 2004

Last night's episode of "The Apprentice" was similar to the finale of last season's show during which an intelligent, well-educated black male failed to convince Donald Trump that he was the best choice to run a Trump company.

Last season's loser was the immensely photogenic and suave Kwame Jackson, a Harvard business school graduate. Jackson wasn't selected because he failed to confront a black female "employee," the infamous Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth.

Last night's loser was boyishly cute Kevin Allen, a Wharton School of Business graduate who ditched law school for a chance to compete on Trump's popular reality show.

Like Jackson, Allen survived a series of cat fights [mostly among women contestants], backstabbing and racially coded language. One recent episode featured Allen perspiring profusely during a presentation. A female colleague later described his demeanor as "threatening." Last night he was deemed "too aggressive."

So many inherent obstacles for these black males beg the question: Does a brother ever stand a chance of winning a permanent seat at one of Trump's board room tables?

That's probably a question that only Trump himself can answer. But Eric Deggans, a St. Petersburg Times columnist and writer, isn't surprised by Allen's loss.

"Those same qualities that allowed Kevin to make it this far, a bland, unchallenging generic quality that doesn't offend or discomfort his white teammates, is the same quality that ensures he won't be picked as the winner," Deggans told BlackAmericaWeb.com in an interview hours before last night's show.

Deggans, in saying that Allen "wasn't distinctive enough to make an impression," echoes some of the business executives Trump trotted out to evaluate remaining contestants. The executives lauded Allen for his education but wondered where all his self-imposed grooming was headed. Allen, who owns a software firm with his brother, according to one Web site, wasn't able to [or allowed to depending
on how you view it] explain his career objectives.

Deggans added that the next week's show will answer the question of whether Trump seeks another winner "who is a faint echo of himself * arrogant, self-entitled white male. Remaining contestants are Kelly Perdew, a former military man, and Jennifer Massey, a leggy blonde lawyer who takes no prisoners.

Joseph Watson, president and owner of StrategicHire, an executive search firm in Reston, Va., is perhaps surprised by last night's outcome because he'd expected Allen to do well during the interview session with other corporate executives.

Allen's ability to communicate his broad range of skills and overcome the "soft bigotry of low expectations," should have been key selling techniques, said Watson, whose book, "Diversity Without the Excuses," will be released next spring.

Despite Allen's loss, Watson offers advice to him and others climbing the corporate ladder.

"Always remember that the goal of the client is to exclude you, not include you," he said. "That client is going to be talking to four other people and so the first thing they're looking to find is something to exclude people.

Candidates forget that and misunderstand a good conversation for progress."

While overall "Apprentice" ratings have been down from last season and the contestants not nearly as exciting [Who can top Omarosa?], Watson predicts the show filled with "crass commercialism and obvious sexism," will return.

"It's all about the money," he said, pointing out the numerous commercial and retail product placements on the show.

Which is perhaps why the show's theme song is the O'Jays' thumping "For the Love of Money." [Ever notice the show's version of the song skips the lyrics "Money is the root of all evil?"]

To Rob and Safire...funny shit!!!

I had to make post of the this exchange between Rob and Safire. They are responses to my post What Are Men Like?

ROB'S FIRST RESPONSE

Yes = No
No = Yes
Maybe = No
I'm sorry = You'll be sorry
We need = I want
It's your decision = My correct decision should be obvious by now
Do what you want = You'll pay for this later
We need to talk = I need to complain
Sure go ahead = I don't want you to
I'm not upset = Of course I'm upset, you moron
You're so manly = You need a shave and you sweat a lot
Be romantic, turn out the lights = I have flabby thighs
This kitchen is so inconvenient = I want a new house
I want new curtains = and carpeting, and furniture, and wallpaper
I heard a noise = I noticed you were almost asleep
Do you love me? = I'm going to ask for something expensive
How much do you love me? = I did something today you're going to hate
I'll be ready in a minute = Kick off your shoes and find a good game on TV
You have to learn to communicate = Just agree with me

(I'm sure the ass-kicking will commence soon for this comment :)

SAFIRE'S RESPONSE

Hi = Will you fuck me?
Hey = Will you fuck me?
Could you come here for a minute = Will you fuck me?
What's your name? = Will you fuck me?
I'm in customer service = I work at McDonald's.
I'm in security = I'm a security guard...at Walgreens.
I'm going to school = I don't have a degree yet.
I'm doing a favor for my mother = I can't afford to get my own place.
Let me give you my cell phone number = I don't want you calling my Mama's house late at night.
Let me give you my card = Maybe you'll fuck me after you see what I do for a living.
I'm just saving up to buy my Benz = I drive a 1989 Escort.
Let's go to your house = We can't go to my house.
Let me call you back = I don't feel like talking to your ass right now.
Let me think about it = Let me see if I can borrow the money to make it happen, 'cause you know my broke ass ain't got it.
We can go next week = I get paid next week.
Let's just stay here and chill = I don't have the money to take you to the show.
You don't want to see that = I don't have the money to take you to the show.
I just want to lay up with my baby tonight = I don't have the money to take you to the show.
I want to see you = I want to fuck you.
I miss you = I want to fuck you.
I love you = I want to fuck you.
I want to marry you = I want to fuck you.
I want you to have my baby = I don't want you to fuck anybody else.
Do you love me? = Have you gotten tired of my broke ass yet?
I don't do that shit all the time = I'll be hiding my liquor/weed/porn intake from your bossy ass from now on.
It's going to be just guys = There might be some hoes there that I want to get on.
That's just my girl = I used to fuck her.
We used to work together = I used to fuck her.
We went to school together = I used to fuck her.
She used to date my boy = I used to want to fuck her.
I'm tired = I can't get it up.
I just want to sleep = I can't get it up.
I'm tired of you questioning me = It's getting hard to come up with excuses and lies for your nosy ass.
I can't believe you said that = How the fuck did you know that? Damn!
I don't know = I'm not admitting a damn thing.
It's whatever you want = Please just leave me the hell alone.
I just want you to be happy = I just want you to keep fucking me.

Oh, and I also have another little item to add to Maegen's list:

Men are like...the government...You always end up paying for the shit that they do wrong.

ROB'S FOLLOW-UP

Some translations (what women say, and what it really means):

Fine: This is the word we use at the end of any argument that we feel we are right about but need to shut you up. NEVER use fine to describe how a woman looks. This will cause you to have one of those arguments.

Five minutes: This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so it's an even trade.

Nothing: This means something and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with the word "Fine".

Go Ahead (with raised eyebrows): This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine".

Go Ahead (normal eyebrows): This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care". You will get a raised eyebrow "Go ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

Loud Sigh: This is not actually a word, but is still often a verbal statement very misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

Soft Sighs: Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" are one of the few things that you can actually understand. She is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay content.

Oh: This word followed by any statement is trouble. Example; "Oh, let me get that". Or, "Oh, I talked to so and so about what you were doing last night." If she says "Oh" before a statement, RUN, do not walk, to the nearest exit. She will tell you that she is "Fine" when she is done tossing your clothes out the window, but do not expect her to talk to you for at least 2 days.

Oh (as the lead to a sentence): Usually signifies that you are caught in a lie. Do not try to lie more to get out of it, or you will get a raised eyebrows "Go ahead" followed by acts so unspeakable that we can't bring ourselves to write about them.

That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can say. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you retributions for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and used in conjunction with a raised eyebrow "Go ahead". At some point in the near future when she has plotted and planned, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

Please Do: This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance to tell the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay".

Thanks: A woman is thanking you. Do not faint; just say you're welcome.

Thanks a lot: This is much different from "Thanks". A woman will say, "Thanks a lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have hurt her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh". Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh", as she will only tell you "Nothing".

(I'll grant you that yours were funnier, though...)

47th year of Grammy BS...

So, I just wanted to echo the sentiments of fellow bloggers about the Grammys, W-T-F? It's not that I'm in disbelief at the nominations, especially the grossly overwhelming nominations for Kanye West and Usher, but I am more mad that this is just how shit goes with these "award" shows. We know this and in 47 years of this tradition, I suspect we've known this to be some massive bullshit for a very long time now.

In thinking about how or why an Usher and/or Kanye West are so praised and rewarded in the industry for their mediocre talent, I'm forced to think about the scene in Brown Sugar when Dre stormed in on Simon, furious that he had signed Ren and Ten, the Hip Hop Dalmations. Simon told Dre..."if you wanna keep it real, take it over to Rawkas, at Millenium, we keep it profitable. I needs an artist that can get me that MTV ROTATION." Usher and Kanye West have that heavy rotation and more....the hearts, mind and support of the CD buying consumer.

Now I can honestly admit, I buy a lot of music and sometimes I buy shit that I end up not liking or just because of the hype. I own both Usher and Kanye's highly nominated albums. Usher's album I ended up not liking and Kanye, I bought because of all of the hype...and thats truly all it is...HYPE!!

In any case, take a look for yourself:
Grammy Nominations

P.S. What pisses me off even more than these Grammy nominations,is Kanye West's Gospel Album of the Year nomination from the Stellar Awards because of the song Jesus Walks. Now ain't that some real Bullshit for you?

What are men like?

My sister sent this email to me. It tickles the shit out of me and you'd understand why if you knew my sister. For those of you that know me, image my character and personality times conservative (not politically) to the 10th power. This is so unlike my sister to even forward something like this!!

1.Men are like ........Laxatives ...... They irritate the shit out of you.

2.Men are like ........ Bananas ...... The older they get, the less firm they are.

3.Men are like ........ Weather ..... Nothing can be done to change them..

4.Men are like ........ Blenders ..... You need One, but you're not quite sure why.

5.Men are like ....... Chocolate Bars .... Sweet, smooth, &they usually head right for your hips.

6.Men are like ....... Commercials ...... You can't believe a word they say.

7.Men are like ........ Department Stores ..... Their clothes are always 1/2 off.

8.Men are like ........ Government Bonds ..... They take soooooooo long to mature.

9.Men are like ....... Mascara ...... They usually run at the first sign of emotion.

10.Men are like ....... Popcorn . ..... They satisfy you, but only for a little while.

11.Men are like . ... Snowstorms .... You never know when they're coming,
how many inches you'll get or how long it will last.

12.Men are like ........ Lava Lamps ..... Fun to look at, but not very bright.

13.Men are like ........ Parking Spots ....... All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.

An Act of Kindness

Landlord offers Rosa Parks apartment rent-free and I say thanks for allowing her to live out the rest of her days in dignity.

Checkout And Still I Rise

Thanks Abeni for the update!

-M

When I say Boogieman, y'all say....

Music

MD: Boogieman

F: Music

MD: Boogieman

F: Music

So I enjoyed yet another wonderful concert with the Mighty Mos Def! Usually I'd give a full review of the experience, but today I'm still rather tired and a bit hung over from all of the festivities. Do however check out Safire's blog for details. You all should have seen me at my office holiday party this afternoon. You want to talk about out of it...I looked a zombie in a cute outfit and heels. But ah well, I had a damn good time with Summer and the diva Safire. Thanks ladies for an incredibly fun night! We shall do this again soon!!!

P.S. Sorry Safire you missed the last part of the show, you sure did miss out beyotch!! Ha ha! Thats for calling Black on Both Sides boring and wack, as well as for laughing at my burning nose, you too Summer! Take that...Hi-ya!

-M

It's OFFICIAL...

Fantasia Barrino is Fantabulous!! Debuting at #2 on the Billboard R&B Charts, Free Yourself is a hit, selling over 230,000 copies in its first week!! Fantasia's album came in second to Destiny Fulfilled by Destiny's Child which knocked Emimem's Encore to the #3 position.

I just picked up the album on Saturday and I can't stop playing it. I love it so much, I even took it to work with me. Go Tasia!!!

-M

Cabrini Green Rally

On Friday, December 10th, the Coalition to Protect Public Housing along with
the Amnesty International USA Midwest Regional Office will be hosting a rally
and prayer vigil at Cabrini-Green. This rally will focus on housing as a human
right, and falls on International Human Rights Day.

The rally will be held Friday, December 10th, at 11:00AM. The location is on
the blacktop behind 929 North Hudson (right off of Chicago St., very near the
Chicago Brown Line stop).

The United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948 and
ratified by the United States, states: "Everyone has the right to a standard
of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family,
including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social
services." As Chicago's public housing continues to be torn down with very few
replacement units built, public housing residents are experiencing violations
of their human rights. We are gathering to "Bring Human Rights Home", and to
bring to the forefront the harm being done to individuals and families.

This event is open to the public, and we would love to have as many people as
possible. If you know others who are interested or work at agencies that might
want to participate, please let them know about the event.

This action is being sponsored by Americans for Democratic Action, Chicago
Coalition for the Homeless, Community Renewal Society, Jewish Council on Urban
Affairs, and the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law.

So sad...

NEW YORK (AP) - ``Law & Order'' actor Jerry Orbach has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his manager said.

``We expect he'll be fine. He's been playing golf, shooting his episodes and doing real well,'' manager Robert Malcolm told the New York Daily News for Thursday editions.

Orbach starred for 12 seasons in the original ``Law & Order'' series, but left to head the spin-off ``Law & Order: Trial by Jury,'' set to debut next year.

So far, Orbach's illness has not disrupted production of the new show in any way, producer Dick Wolf said.

``We expect him to make a full and swift recovery, and while he is receiving treatment, we will work around his schedule,'' Wolf told the News.

Orbach began playing Detective Lennie Briscoe in 1992, the original show's third season.

Born in the Bronx, he was in the original cast of the off-off-Broadway hit ``The Fantasticks'' and has appeared in such films as ``Dirty Dancing,'' ``Prince of the City'' and ``Crimes and Misdemeanors.''

On the Net: Law & Order

As a huge fan of Law & Order, since its very first season in 1989, it saddens me to hear this news! Jerry Orbach's character Lenny Briscoe was one of my favorites. I was disappointed when he left the show at the end of last season, but excited that he would be returning to head up the new installation of the series, Law & Order: Trial By Jury!!! I hope all goes well with his treatment.