This Week in the News-Happy New Year!

So, it’s a new year, but of course “This Week in the News” isn’t going anywhere!  There have been a lot of things going on with celebrities, politics, and everyone, so let’s get started!

Isn't she fabulous!?!?!

First, if you haven’t seen her in awhile, Raven-Symone’ has lost some weight and looked GREAT at the People’s Choice Awards, but she’s not feeling her new thin self. (Read more here.)  Raven stated that she felt she looked fine at her heavier weight even though others didn’t, and she wears bigger clothes now to hide her thinner physique.  As a “thick girl”, I think I can relate to Raven.  Although I would like to tone a bit, I don’t think I would look good at a size 8;  I think I would look my best at a size 12-14.  But whatever size she is, I think she’s going to look good, because she’s simply a beautiful girl.

So, it appears that Tiny got caught giving her man, T.I., a hand-job when she was visiting him in prison…do I really need to say more on this?  Probably not, so moving on…

It looks like Toni Braxton is considering posing in “Playboy”.  The singer stated she will only do partial nudity.  I guess filing for bankruptcy for the 2nd time since 1998 has Ms. Braxton on hard times and looking to make some cash to pay off her debt.  But isn’t somebody going to counsel Toni and figure out HOW she ended up with this much debt (reportedly between $10 and $50 million) and help her so she doesn’t do this again?  I mean, come on, son!  I know I’m not the best at handling finances (I can admit my shortcomings and I’m working in doing better…actually I AM doing better.), but if I have to declare bankruptcy, you can bet your last dollar that I don’t do it again.  In any event, I’m sure the spread will be hot.  And I’m trying to decide if I’ll watch her upcoming show “Braxton Family Values” on WE TV, which debuts in April. 

Mayor Gray

Next up, DC has a new mayor!!! Vince Gray was sworn in as mayor of the District of Columbia this past Sunday.  I was able to watch it on TV.  And I had an opportunity to go to the Inaugural Ball…but did I go?? No. *deep sigh*  I thought because I was under the weather and had no voice, it would be in my best interest (and the citizens of DC) that I keep with my original plans.  But I did like seeing everyone’s pictures.

Of course I didn’t mention Elizabeth Edwards leaving her husband, John, out of her will, Ted Williams’ newfound celebrity, Khloe Kardashian’s new red hair (which I love), these birds that keep dying (it’s a sign of the end!) or the case I was on this week.  (I was the alternate juror in this case and was dismissed before deliberations began.)  What do you guys think?  Does Raven look better as a “Skinny Minnie” or as a “Thick Ums”?  Should Toni really pose in “Playboy”?  Did you attend the gala for Mayor Gray (who happens to be my neighbor, and I’m mighty perturbed I’m gonna miss him at our community association meeiting tomorrow)?   Feel free to comment on the other things I mentioned or failed to mention.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

This Week in the News-I’m at a Crossroads

Which way???

I know, I know…it’s Friday, and you were expecting my typical “This Week in the News” post and salivating to hear what I had to say about the 33 miners being rescued , T.I. getting a suicidal man to step off the ledge, and Michelle Rhee resigning from her post as DC Chancellor, but today I’m going to be a little selfish.  The one thing all these people are thinking is, “What am I going to do next?”  I must admit I can relate.

For those of you that know me, you know I have my hands in a lot of pots.  I have my full-time job, my part-time job, and writing/blogging/PR (which I’m trying to parlay into a full-time job…or at least full-time income).   While I have an immense love for government, it is my hope to eventually work for myself.  And another discovery I’ve realized is that I can use my part-time gig and work that into a potential full-time gig as well.  As you can guess, I don’t know what I want to do.  Well, let me re-phrase.  I want to do it ALL, but I need to pray, fast, and do something constructive so I can figure out what it is I want to do with my life.  I need to figure out what my life’s passion is and work towards making that my occupation.  

Do you guys know your passion?  Are you doing your dream job?  If you don’t know, I challenge all of you to take some time for yourself this weekend and figure out what it is you want to do with your life.  I hope you guys have an awesome weekend!  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

P.S. If any of you know of a school in the DMV where I can get a Beauty/Make-Up Artist Certificate, let me know. 😉

Tell Us Why You Mad, Son-The Conclusion

This has been a week full of ups and downs.  Some things have happened that have made me smile while some things have pissed me off.  Some highlights of my week were that I finally sent in my dues for my 10 year reunion, I was able to connect with some old friends, and the creation of this series.  My last official assignment with the 31 Day Blogging for Branding challenge was creating a series.  I hope you all found the “Tell Us Why You Mad, Son” posts to be interesting and informative.  I did enjoy writing it.  And with it’s success, along with my “Relationship Week” series, I’m sure this won’t be the last one you see on this here blog!  So, to end out the week with some things that have made me mad.

First, who has the #1 movie in the country and gets arrested on drug possession charges??? Clifford Harris, aka T.I.  Can I just say that I am SO disappointed with him and his wife, Tameka Cottle, aka Tiny? And they have children to think about.  And what adds insult to injury is the fact that T.I. has been going to schools and speaking to children about how he’s changed his ways and from now on he’ll make better decisions.  The rumor is that Tiny is going to take the rap for her man.  Please believe I’ll be keeping my eye on this story.

Next, I’m not on Foursquare, but this week they launched an STD badge in connection with MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation.  For the new Get Yourself Tested campaign, this badge is to encourage sexual health responsibility with young people.  Now, I appreciate the awareness that is being put on getting tested.  I just really feel some type of way about an STD badge on Foursquare.  If I were to become involved with a dude, I’m not gonna say, “What does your Foursquare badge say?”  I’m going to ask him to see his papers.  But to each his own.  I’m hoping this has the predicted outcome that these organizations want.

I think we are all sick and tired of hearing about oil spills and explosions and the like.  But within the last 48 hours, an oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 80 miles off the coast of Louisiana.  I just hope this oil nonsense comes to an end…quickly.

Lastly, I’m still pissed about Mitrice Richardson.  A few weeks ago, I wrote a post regarding her disappearance and the subsequent search that led to her remains.  One week after the disovery of her body, Rev. Al Sharpton asked for a federal investigation into her death.  The sad thing is that her story has fallen off of the radar.  After last week’s article, I haven’t seen or heard anything new about Mitrice; there hasn’t even been an official report on the cause of death, if there are any suspects, or what may have happened.  But we’re still talking about Casey Anthony and Elizabeth Smart.  I truly hope that Mitrice gets justice.

What made you mad this week?  What are your thoughts on the things I’ve shared today?  I hope you all have a safe, happy holiday weekend, and we’ll chat again next week! Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

Tell Us Why You Mad, Son-The Real Review

I promise this will be the last mention of “Takers” on this blog!  But after I was able to watch the movie again (I went with my play “auntie” Madeline; read more about her here), I was able to see the movie for it was.  While I didn’t share too much about the movie in my post earlier this week, I’m ready to give you guys my true feelings about what I saw on the big screen and tell you why I’m mad. 

SPOILER ALERT!!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!!  (If you haven’t seen the movie, you definitely don’t want to read what I have to say because I’m going to give away some of the story.)

First, let’s talk about T.I.  It’s his fault, messing with those Russians, that Welles (Matt Dillon) and Hatcher (Jay Hernandez) got hot on their tail.  Leaving that daggone bracelet at their home was stupid, but I guess that could really happen to any of us.  And I’m mad he set them up and he was out for self, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.  Now, let’s talk about Chris Brown.  I thought he was extra cocky doing that “salute” to the camera after they robbed the bank; that’s why he got chased (although I think his chase scene was phenomenal)!  A follower on Twitter suggested he may have had a stunt double, which I hope wasn’t the case.  He was able to catch up with his boys and survive the shoot-out with the Russians.  And speaking of the shoot-out, was Michael Ealy not FINE when he saved the day?!?!? And then…the end for the brothers… Can I just say the way they died was WHACK?!?!?!  After all the shooting and running and scaling buildings and perservering, they went out without a bang.  That was one of the worst scenes I’ve seen in a movie.  The next thing that made me mad was Naomi.  I’ve never had to deal with a family member on drugs, but if she had kept her hind parts in rehab Gordon (Idris Elba) would have been ok.  She stole his money, got high, got arrested, then ran off.  Then when his life was in danger she was laying down in the back seat of the car.  But I fault G a little bit because I would not have put her in a hotel…that’s just me, because I would would be worried they would go out and do something stupid…

So, for every one person that didn’t like the movie, there’s about 5 people who did.  If you didn’t like the movie, tell me why?  Maybe you liked the movie, but something pissed you off or you thought something wasn’t realistic.  If so, what were they?  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

P.S. I just have to say Paul Walker was HOT when he commandeered that truck!

Southern Girl Movie Review: Takers

As promised, I went to see “Takers” this weekend, and I’m so happy I did!  It was a great movie, with some things that made me go “Hmmmmm….”  This movie had action, gun fights, police chases, and lots of eye candy.  And EVERYONE was sexy, without trying to be.  One thing I did notice is that there was only one female (Zoe Saldana) who is well-known, and even her part was small, so the men were definitely able to shine.  I do want to warn you that if you haven’t seen the movie, you may want to skip this post, because I may give away some of the plot. But if you don’t mind and are going to see it anyway, keep reading!

I met my girl Beverly in Chinatown to see the first showing yesterday.  We both wanted to see it, but didn’t want to go by ourselves, so we made a Girls’ Day of it.  The movie was well written, well directed, and well acted.  It was a little slow starting, but once the action started to take place, I was on the edge of my seat.  I loved T.I.’s “Billy Bad A$$” character, Idris Elba as the leader of the pack, Paul Walker as the 2nd in Command, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy as the brains, and Chris Brown as the cute little brother.  All of the guys held their own and did an amazing job!  Who knew Chris Brown could act?  And his chase scene with Matt Dillon and Jay Hernandez??? He was SMOKING them!  Jumping over cars and buses, scaling buildings, and running through the streets of LA.  He was unstoppable.  I’m excited to see his future acting endeavors.  Another highlight for me was Ghost’s (aka T.I.) play-by-play activity during the actual robbery.  I’m not sure who he was talking to, but Beverly and I were cracking up!  And all this to say that the way Chris and Michael (aka Jesse and Jake) died left a lot to be desired.  As Beverly said, “Cleo died better.”  But I loved how T.I.’s character turned on his crew, and let everyone know that at the end of the day, he was out for self.

“Takers” opened at #1!!!  I really enjoyed this movie and will definitely add it to my DVD collection.  Quietly, I’m going to see it again tomorrow.  🙂 I was happy to support my fellow Florida A&M Rattler Will Packer, who served as one of the producers, and Rainforest Films.  If you haven’t seen it, go…NOW!!! If you did see “Takers” this weekend, what did you think?   Would you tell your friends and family to go see it?  Is there anything about the plot that you would change?  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!