I'm back...

What's good family? Thanks for the love while I was gone. I had a wonderful time in Nashville, Tennessee. Special thanks to summer m. for posting that message for me. As usual, I waited until the very last moment to pack and take care of things, so I didn't get a chance to post something myself.

When I got home and read her post about an Arrested Development quiz, I thought to myself, just like a substitute teacher, always trying to make folks work!!! No worries, I know y'all are some serious heads...y'all got that Tennessee joint covered!

But anyway...I went to Nashville to attend a Christian education conference for United Methodist pastors, deacons, christian education directors, Sunday school teachers, lay members and volunteers. And it could not have been held in a better place than Nashville, Tennessee, right in the heart of the Bible Belt!

In case you aren't familiar with the Bible Belt, check it out:
Although exact boundaries do not exist, it (the Bible Belt) is generally considered to cover much of the area stretching from Texas north to Kansas, east to Virginia, and south to northern Florida. (absoluteastrononmy.com)

The conference was amazing! Close to 800 United Methodists from around the world attended the conference, which was held at one of the largest United Methodist Churches in the area. I mean this church was so huge...it reminded me of a college campus and the membership is close to 6,000 people. That's considerably larger than my undergrad, weighing in at less than 900 students!

The conference was so well organized, I know black folks couldn't have been in charge of the planning or arrangements! I ain't hating on my peoples, but seriously, we wasn't running that! I've never seen anything so massive not have one visible glitch! They held it down forreal! I mean the workshops were insightful, full of great resources and well worth the trip down south. I had an all around good old christian time!

It was definitely an experience I'll never forget, especially considering the numerous reservations I had about going. For starters, I knew that the conference would be predominantly white, which, if I haven't said it before, let me say it now...white people scare me most of the time. And by scared I don't mean punk out of a fight, I mean, trouble and/or worry; and I will qualify that even further by saying, white people that I don't know scare me! Mutliple that by 800 people! Now you see what I mean?

Interestingly, I've spent the vast majority of my education at predominantly white insitutions, so one would think that I wouldn't feel this way, but it is precisely because of the experiences I've had in these environments that I do feel this way!

As I suspected, of the close to 800 people in attendance, about 30 of us were black, and I'm sure we all met each other. And let me add, Chitown represented something fierce in that place! I met at least 6 other black Chicagoans there!

Secondly, I had reservations about attending because I would be taking part in a "christian" gathering (e.g. outside of church service) and this scares me just as much as white folks! I'm sure you might be thinking that's highly problematic, but guess what...welcome to my life! I'm sure many of you reading and who have been reading over the past year, had no idea that I'm a christian. Obviously, I'm to blame for that, the content on this site from day to day, is rather unchristian-like, but I have some definite views of myself and my faith that I'm sure would make most devout christians shake there head and my pastor cringe! But I'm human and I find it most difficult to turn a blind eye to the goings on of the world around me!

Third, I was concerned that considering the targeted audience for the conference, which I am apart of as a volunteer, there would be noone there in my age group! Was I right? Absolutely! Well sort of; Jesus looked out for a sista. One of the black women from Chicago was 27 and seriously cool. It was nice to have another young black woman to sit next to and snicker at folks with. Oops, I mean chit chat with! :-) We were 2 of at least 5 other young twentysomethings in attendance, as I far as I could tell!

Fourth, as much as I have always loved me some southern hospitality in my extensive travels throughout the south, the very thought of that region conjures up some rather unsettling history with many unpleasant images. Now I know I wasn't alive during that era, and even if I were, I would not have been in this country, the thoughts are still there. Take a look at my pic...my ass can't pass for anything other than black!

Lastly, I had a few reservations about attending this conference because I just knew that there wouldn't be any black men there. Now, I know that sounds a bit trifling, but read me out. I'm 25, very single and would like to be very not single with some children in the near future. The clock is ticking and every moment is precious. I need to be doing all I can to seal the deal on my future! :-) Was I right about black male attendance? Of course; I think I met about 6 black men at the event and 3 were hotel/church shuttle employees! Not much opportunity there!

So, you put all of those factors together and maybe you can understand why I was a bit apprehensive. However, I worked through those issues and managed to have incredible experience. I recommend any and all United Methodists out there to attend the next one in 2009!

P.S. What is the deal with praise dancers?

There was worship services each of the four days of the conference. On the third night, a black woman preacher and former missionary presented an inspiring and thought-provoking sermon on peace! Her sermon was preceded by some praise dancers. Now, I don't know if y'all are familiar with praise dancing or not; it seems to be a rather recent phenomenon as far as I can tell. Well, this particular group of primary girls (5 of them) got up and did there little dance as best they could, however some of there moves were a bit questionable. The smallest one, who happened to be positioned in the center started the set as if she was jukin' to some Detroit booty music or twirkin' to some Miami crunk, but either way, it seemed a bit inappropriate. I kept thinking, is it me or what's the deal with this? I am seeing praise dancers appear more and more!

Can someone hip me to the historical root of this as apart of a church service?

Take me to Another Place....Take me to Another Land

Greetings all,

Ya girl, Nahmix is in the great state of Tennessee for the rest of the week.

So in the meantime, go dust off your Arrested Development album, and memorize all the lyrics.

There will be a quiz.

Have a great week.

Name this famous tit or write about your own

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Rack: Women Write about Their Breasts

From Venus de Milo's chiseled cleavage to Janet Jackson's notorious SuperBowl wardrobe malfunction, women's breasts have long served as catalysts for cultural criticism, wonder, and infatuation. In a nation where a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes and teenage girls receive breast augmentations as graduation gifts from their parents, it is impossible not to wonder -- How do women truly feel about their breasts?

Rack: Women Write about Their Breasts will aim to explore this question by going right to the source and sharing the stories of women who have had extraordinary and ordinary experiences with their bust-lines. In order to complete this unique anthology, the editor is seeking well-crafted personal essays on a wide range of breast-related experiences and issues.

Each unique non-fiction piece in this anthology should shed its own light on the moving, confusing, and often hilarious experience of having breasts; diverse and unique perspectives are encouraged.

Submissions should be strong, developed, first-person accounts that don't tell your breasts entire life story, but instead highlight a specific moment, experience, or process that made a significant impact on your life.

Thematically, essays should address the question -- In a world of plastic surgery, piercing, and porn stars, how do we, as women, learn to love, lose, and eventually accept our breasts?

Some likely topics include:

-Getting nipples pierced/other breast-related body modification

-Accounts of breast implants (I love them, I hate them, implant-related illnesses, etc.)

-Experiences of modern-day moms (pumping, breast-feeding, what your mother never told you but you were forced to learn on your own)

-Experiences with mastectomy

-Growing up flat-chested, with uneven breasts, or with weird nipples

-Binding breasts for gender purposes

-Transitioning from a breast-friendly culture to American culture

-Breasts and sex work

-Shopping for a first bra

Editor: Abby Schwartz lives in San Diego, where she is a regular columnist for the Gay & Lesbian Times and the host of Siren Open Mic for Women, a popular monthly performance series. She comes from a long line of busty Jewish women, and proudly sports a 36-D.

Deadline: November 1, 2005
Length: 3,000-5,000 words
Format: Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and paginated.

Please include your address, phone number, email address, and a short bio on the last page. Essays will not be returned.

Submitting: Mail the essay to:
Abby Schwartz
P.O. Box 620720
San Diego, CA 92162-0720

Payment: Copy of anthology upon publication.
Reply: Replies will be conducted via email, unless a SASE is enclosed and noted as preferred.

If my life were a movie...

My life is rated R.
What is your life rated?

but I'm not quite sure why?!?!

Thanks miss jessi!

Great $15 concert....homewrecker

So, thanx to summer m. for once again hippin' me to some hot shit; in this case, the music of Canadian artist, Esthero!!! In spite of Ms. Esthero's diva-like behavior on Saturday night in having us wait forever for her ass to perform, the concert was definitely well worth it!

I'm still a newbie to her catalog, so I can't give you her setlist, but if you haven't seen her perform....do so ASAP! I promise you won't be disappointed! Her sound is a bit reminiscent of Pink (first album) with definite rock and hip hop influences.


Suprisingly, one of the main highlights of the concert was her opening act, Toya Alexis. Some of you might be familiar with her as one of the top ten finalists on Canadian Idol 2003. Ms. Toya Alexis not only opened the show, but she got the crowd hyped. Her vocals were just incredible and her stage presence was superb! The sista could definitely sang!!!!

Her debut album, S.O.B. Story drops on August 2nd, so check it out!
FMI: here.


P.S. Thanks Ms. Esthero for fucking my friend's boyfriend after the concert. They're definitely over!!!

Another Concert Gripe: Wyclef Jean

So, on Monday night I drove up to Ravinia (Highland Park, IL) to see Haitian hip hopper, Wyclef Jean in concert. Although I'm not a huge Wyclef fan, (I maintain that Masquerade is his BEST album) I was still psyched about going to the concert, mostly because I've been quite bored with myself lately. It also helped that one of the directors at the theater where I work, previously worked as a director at Ravinia; so needless to say...a sistah got a hook up.

Ravinia is a huge park known for its summer/fall concert series. They bring a range of artists from old folk groups to classic soul and select hip hop artists here and there. Aretha Franklin is a regular. Each year she sells out the park as if it's still the late 60's. Concert goers come from all over the city and burbs to picnic on the lawn and enjoy the music.

All seemed well with the evening. Strangely, a gospel choir opened for Wyclef. I didn't catch their name, but they rocked some classic gospel songs and did a brief and decent tribute to Luther Vandross. I thought the night was going to be perfect until Wyclef brought himself on stage for what would be a lackluster hour and half performance. I mean seriously...can y'all say a brotha was doing too much and nothing at all?!?!

That's right...Clef wasn't on his game. It wasn't bad, but let's just say, had I actually paid the $15 cost for the lawn seat...I would have been a tad bit shitty!

As a serious concertgoer, I consider myself to be a good judge of live performances. I like innovation and I don't require much for a performance to be worth the money. However, in order for me to even begin to consider a concert to be worth the money, it must consist of mostly the artist's OWN music!!! If not, then why the hell am I there??

In case you are a bit stunned...so am I!! I couldn't believe that 2/3 of Wyclef's performance was of other people's music. He sang parts of three songs from The Score, Ready or Not, Fu-Gee-La and No Woman No Cry. He sang a little bit of 911 from Ecleftic and parts of Gone Till November and Guantanamera from Carnival. Now y'all know I was already salty since I said above that Masquerade was his best album. I guess it's his least favorite, but shit, not even one song?? He managed to sing a part of some other song from The Preacher's Son for a total of maybe 8?!?! The remaining one hour was devoted to singing old school soul, dancehall and some other classic stuff. However, if I wanted to see Elephant Man meets Earth, Wind and Fire, I would have just stayed home and made a damn mix tape.

The energy of the crowd fluctuated between medium and high most of the night. He tried hard to pump the crowd up by bringing folks on stage to sing and dance and by repeatedly shouting out all the Haitians and other West Indians and Caribbean folks in the place, but it just wasn't enough. Overall, I was glad to get out and do something outdoors and music related, but I wasn't really impressed with Wyclef's performance.

Soul Vegetarian Restaurant - CHICAGO

July 8, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tim Hadac, 312-747-9805

South Side Health Food Restaurants Shut By City Health Department Hundreds of Pounds of Tofu, Gallons of Soy Milk Discarded

Two health-food restaurants on the South Side were ordered closed today for practices that could jeopardize the public health.

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors shut down Soul Vegetarian Restaurant, 205 E. 75th Street, after finding a walk-in cooler failing to reach the 40 degrees or colder required by law, over 1,000 pounds of food at unsafe temperatures (including tofu and vegetable salads), no soap and hand towels at the food handlers' hand washing sink, mouse feces in a storage area, an outside area strewn with trash, and a kitchen in need of detailed cleaning.

Eternity Juice Bar & Deli, 201 E. 75th Street, was ordered closed when Health Department inspectors found a walk-in cooler failing to reach 40 degrees, 24 gallons of soy milk stored at an unsafe temperature (54 degrees), waste water backing up in a three-compartment sink, and an outside area strewn with trash.

Both establishments will remain closed until they have been cleaned up and brought back into compliance with the city's health regulations, according to CDPH Acting Commissioner William Paul, M.D.

The inspection at Eternity was triggered by a citizen who called 311 to complain about employees handling soiled paper money and not washing their hands before they made smoothies. No such practice was observed today. The inspection at Soul Vegetarian was a routine, unannounced inspection.

The enforcement actions were the 162nd and 163rd times in 2005 that Health Department inspectors have shut a food establishment for violations of the Chicago Health Code. In addition to being closed down, representatives of both establishments will have to explain their failures at administrative hearings next month and pay fines that could reach $2,000.

Chicagoans who believe that a restaurant or food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to dial 311 and report it.

In my humble opinion...

bike-riders should NOT be allowed on the streets with cars!

And here's why...

Four London Blasts Kill 40, Injure 300

By JANE WARDELL, Associated Press Writer (Yahoo News)

Four blasts rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday, sending bloodied victims fleeing after what a shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair called "barbaric" terrorist attacks. At least 40 people were killed and more than 350 wounded.

Two U.S. law enforcement officials said at least 40 people were killed. In London, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Piddick said at least 33 people killed in the subway system alone. He confirmed there were other deaths on the bus but gave no figures. London hospital officials contacted by The Associated Press reported more than 350 wounded.

Blair said the "terrorist attacks" were clearly designed to coincide with the G-8 summit opening in Gleneagles, Scotland. They also came a day after London won the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. A group calling itself "The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe" claimed responsibility.

The explosions hit three subway stations and a double-decker bus in rapid succession between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. local time. Implementing an emergency plan, authorities immediately shut down the subway and bus lines that log 8.4 million passenger trips every weekday. It brought the city's transportation system to a halt.

"It was chaos," said Gary Lewis, 32, who was evacuated from a subway train at King's Cross station. "The one haunting image was someone whose face was totally black and pouring with blood."

Blair, flanked by fellow G-8 leaders, including President Bush, said: "We shall prevail and they shall not."

Continue article here

Old School Perfection

So, a few weeks ago fecundmellow blogged about songs she never gets sick of hearing. Somewhat similiarly, I've been working on a list of old school songs that I think are absolutely perfect. By perfect, I mean, lyrics, music, melody and the way the artist sings the song.

A perfect song gets your attention from the very beginning and grabs hold of your emotions immediately. The perfect song has the power to make you laugh, make you smile, make you cry, and always compels you to sing as loudly as possible (or maybe thats just me)! You may not be in love or having a good day, but the music would have you believing that you just found that one and that everything is alright with life! There use to be a time where the music told real stories, but now, music just ain't what it used to be.

So, in no particular order, here's my list...

1. Inside My Love – Minnie Ripperton
Two people, just meeting, barely touching each other
Two spirits, greeting, tryna carry further
You are one, and I am another
We should be, one inside each other

2. Lovely Day – Bill Withers
When I wake up in the morning love
and the sun light hurts my eyes
And something without warning love bears heavy on my mind.
Then I look at you and the world's alright with me
Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be -
A lovely day - lovely day

3. Zoom – The Commodores
Whoa, I like to greet the sun each mornin'
And walk amongst the stars at night
I'd like to know the taste of honey in my life
In my life

4. You are My Starship – Norman Connors
You are my light, I have to go on
Have me anyway you want to
Just take care and love me
Til my tension's gone

Cause you are my starship
Come take me up tonight
And don't be late

5. Voyage to Atlantis – The Isley Brothers
Can I go on my way without you
Whoa...how can I know
If I go on my way without you
Whoa...where would I go

Set sail with me
Misty lady, set my spirit free
New love to find
And though I leave another behind

I'll always (Come back to you)

6. Yes I'm Ready - Barbara Mason
I don't even know how to love you
Just the way you want me to
But I'm ready [ready] to learn (to learn)
Yes, I'm ready [ready] to learn (to learn)
To fall in love, to fall in love, to fall in love with you

7. Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin
Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But your love was the key to my peace of mind

Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman

8. Neither One of Us - Gladys Knight
It's sad to think we're not gonna make it
And it's gotten to the point
Where we just can't fake it
For some ungodly reason
We just won't let it be

I guess neither one of us
Neither one of us wants to be the first to say good-bye

9. Daydreaming – Aretha Franklin
Daydreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
Daydreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
Daydreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
Daydreamin' and I'm thinkin' of you
Look at my love blowing away
He's the kind of guy that would say
"Hey, baby let's get away
Let's go some place, huh"
Well I don't care
He's the kind of guy that you give your everything
You trust your heart, share all of your love
Till death do you part

10. You’re All I Need to Get By– Tammy Terrell & Marvin Gaye
You're all I need to get by.
Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see,
you were my destiny. With my arms open wide,
I threw away my pride
I'll sacrifice for you
Dedicate my life for you

I will go where you lead
Always there in time of need
And when I lose my will
You'll be there to push me up the hill
There's no, no looking back for us
We got love sure 'nough, that's enough
You're all, You're All I need to get by.

11. Feel Like Making Love – Roberta Flack
Strollin’ in the park, watching winter turn to spring
Walkin’ in the dark, seein’ lovers do their thing, mmm

That’s the time I feel like making love to you.
That’s the time I feel like making dreams come true.

In a restaurant, holdin’ hands by candlelight.
When you’re touchin’ me, wanting you with all my might.

12. Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder
Music is a world within itself
With a language we all understand
With an equal opportunity
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands
But just because a record has a groove
Don’t make it in the groove
But you can tell right away at letter a
When the people start to move

They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people

13. Strawberry Letter 23 - Shuggie Otis/Brothers Johnson
Hello, my love
I heard a kiss from you
Red magic satin playing near, too
All through the morning rain I gaze
The sun doesn't shine
Rainbows and waterfalls runnin' through my mind

In the garden, I see
West purple shower bells and tea
Orange birds and river cousins
Dressed in green

14. Sara Smile – Hall & Oates
Baby hair with a woman's eyes
I can feel you're watching in the night
All alone with me and we're waiting for the sunlight

When I feel cold, you warm me
And when I feel I can't go on, you come and hold me

It's you... And me forever
Sara Smile
Won't you smile a while for me
Sara

15. Yearning for your Love - The Gap Band
The time has come for us to stop messin’ around
‘Cause don’t you know that I like havin’ you around
In my life
Oh, baby

So many times I want to hold you, oh, so near
I want to say I love you softly in your ear

Oh, baby
Don’t keep running

My heart is yearning for your love
‘Cause my heart is yearning for your love

R.I.P. Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross, R&B crooner deluxe, dead at 54

By Nekesa Mumbi Moody
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK – Grammy award winner Luther Vandross, whose deep, lush voice on such hits as "Here and Now" and "Any Love" sold more than 25 million albums while providing the romantic backdrop for millions of couples worldwide, died Friday. He was 54.
Vandross died at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, N.J., said hospital spokesman Rob Cavanaugh. He did not release the cause of death but said in a statement that Vandross "never really recovered from" a stroke two years ago.

Since the stroke in his Manhattan home on April 16, 2003, the R&B crooner stopped making public appearances – but amazingly managed to continue his recording career. In 2004, he captured four Grammys as a sentimental favorite, including best song for the bittersweet "Dance With My Father."

Vandross, who was still in a wheelchair at the time, delivered a videotaped thank you.

"Remember, when I say goodbye it's never for long," said a weak-looking Vandross. "Because" – he broke into his familiar hit – "I believe in the power of love."

Vandross also battled weight problems for years while suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

He was arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeer of his generation. He made women swoon with his silky yet forceful tenor, which he often revved up like a motor engine before reaching his beautiful crescendos.

Jeff O'Conner, Vandross' publicist, called his death "a huge loss in the R&B industry. He was a close friend of mine and right now it's shocking."

O'Conner said he received condolence calls Friday from music luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

Singer Roberta Flack, on tour in Japan, said she was mourning the loss of her friend of more than 20 years.

"He was a musician who couldn't help but give you all he had," she said by telephone. "He was the kind of guy who was born to do what he did musically and let the world know about it. He was not born to keep it smothered in the chest."

Vandross was a four-time Grammy winner in the best male R&B performance category, taking home the trophy in 1990 for the single "Here and Now," in 1991 for his album "Power of Love," in 1996 for the track "Your Secret Love" and a last time for "Dance With My Father."

The album, with its single of the same name, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts while Vandross remained hospitalized from his stroke. It was the first time a Vandross album had topped the charts in its first week of release.

In 2005, he was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for a duet with Beyonce on "The Closer I Get To You."

Vandross' sound was so unusual few tried to copy it; even fewer could.

"I'm proud of that – it's one of the things that I'm most proud of," he told The Associated Press in a 2001 interview. "I was never compared to anyone in terms of sound."

Vandross' style harkened back to a more genteel era of crooning. While many of his contemporaries and successors belted out tunes that were sexually charged and explicit, Vandross preferred soft pillow talk and songs that spoke to heartfelt emotions.

"I'm more into poetry and metaphor, and I would much rather imply something rather than to blatantly state it," he said. "You blatantly state stuff sometimes when you can't think of a a poetic way to say it."

A career in music seemed predestined for the New York native; both his parents were singers, and his sister, Patricia, was part of a 1950s group called the Crests.

But he happily toiled in the musical background for years before he would have his first hit. He wrote songs for projects as varied as a David Bowie album ("Fascination") and the Broadway musical "The Wiz" ("Everybody Rejoice (Brand New Day)"), sang backup for acts such as Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand, and even became a leading commercial jingle singer.

Vandross credited Flack for prodding him to move into the spotlight after listening to one of his future hits, "Never Too Much."

"She started crying," he recalled. "She said, 'No, you're getting too comfortable (in the background). ... I'm going to introduce you to some people and get your career started.'"

Vandross' first big hit came as the lead vocalist for the group Change, with their 1980 hit, "The Glow of Love." That led to a recording contract with Epic Records, and in 1981, he made his solo recording debut with the disc "Never Too Much." The album, which contained his aching rendition of "A House is Not a Home," became an instant classic.

Over the years, Vandross would emerge as the leading romantic singer of his generation, racking up one platinum album after another and charting several R&B hits, such as "Superstar," "Give Me The Reason" and "Love Won't Let Me Wait."

Yet, while Vandross was a household name in the black community, he was frustrated by his failure to become a mainstream pop star. Indeed, it took Vandross until 1990 to score his first top 10 hit – the wedding staple "Here & Now."

"I just wanted more success. I didn't want to suddenly start wearing blond wigs to appeal to anyone," he told the AP.

"This is the same voice that sang Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, NBC 'proud as a peacock,' ... America, the world, has heard the voice, so there's no reason that that music shouldn't have gone the complete distance, I mean, to number one."

Another frustration for Vandross was his lifelong battle with obesity. Health problems ran in his family, and Vandross struggled for years to control his waistline. When he first became a star, he was a hefty size; a few years later, he was almost skinny. His weight fluctuated so much that rumors swirled that he had more serious health problems than the hypertension and diabetes caused by his large frame.

Vandross' two sisters and a brother died before him. The lifelong bachelor never had any children, but doted on his nieces and nephews. The entertainer said his busy lifestyle made marriage difficult; besides, it wasn't what he wanted.

Associated Press Writer Sam Dolnick contributed to this story.