Tyler Perry

This Week in the News

Happy Good Friday!  Some of you have a 3 day weekend (lucky!), while the rest of us have to work.  At least today will be a short day for me. 

First, sad to say that the body of 16 year old North Carolina teen Phylicia Barnes was found in a Baltimore river last night.  Investigators are working diligently to find out what happened to the student and to see if there is any connection between her and a male whose body was found a few miles from hers in the same river.  My prayers go out to her family.

On a different note, who doesn’t love a good cupcake?  (I know I do!)  Well, so does have of the DMV area.  So much so that the line at Georgetown Cupcake in Bethesda Row is blocking the entrances and patios of neighboring businesses, which does not make owners happy.  Currently, the owners of Georgetown Cupcake are thinking of solutions to their problem. 

Today is Earth Day.  Make sure you do something to recycle and protect the Earth.  For more about Earth Day and to see what activities are happening in your area, go here.

And what I knew would probably be inevitable one day-Tyler Perry telling Spike Lee to “go straight to h*ll!”  Yes, we all know that Perry and Lee have never really gotten along.  I’m a fan of both filmmakers.  Both filmmakers also do some things that I don’t enjoy.  But I have a feeling there is a little jealousy on Spike’s part.  Tyler has been able to be more successful that Spike, even during the days of “Do the Right Thing”, “School Daze”, and “Malcolm X”.  It’s never a good thing when there’s dissension amongst people in the same field, but as it has been pointed out before, W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington didn’t alwways get along, either. 

That’s all I have for you today, folks.  What did I miss?  What’s going on in your world’s?  Enjoy your weekend, have a wonderful Good Friday, and a Happy Easter!  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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Southern Girl Movie Review-For Colored Girls

Happy Monday!  I know you guys missed me!!!  Honestly, last week was not a good week for me, so I had to take a step back and re-evaluate some things.  This weekend I had some time for reflection, fun, fellowship,and worship, so I am rejuvenated, revived, and ready for the week! 

Like most black women in the US, I saw “For Colored Girls” this weekend.  Before I saw the movie, I had decided I wasn’t going to do a review.   Like most people, I had low expectations for this film.  Even though I had never read the play or seen the production, I just knew Tyler Perry was gonna mess this up.  I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised.  This movie is PHENOMENAL!!!  I went with one of my linesisters, and after the movie was over, we just sat in our seats as the credits rolled because we were shocked, amazed, and had heavy hearts.  (And it didn’t help that they played my favorite Nina Simone song “Four Women“.)   I’m not a cryer at movies, but with this thing right here-I was crying like a baby.   For a movie to evoke this type of emotion is truly nothing short of extraordinary.  We all know Mr. Perry can give you laughs and giggles, but with this movie he gives you the complete opposite-sadness, pain, anger. 

Now, there were some people’s performances of which I wasn’t too fond.  Fellow Rattler Anika Noni Rose, got on my nerves at the beginning of this movie.  I know I have a sunny disposition, but she took the cake.  But to balance how she was by the end of the middle of the movie, I get it.  And Janet kinda got on my nerves, although my linesister loved her.   Tessa Thompson is going to be someone to watch, and I was thoroughly impressed with the performances of Thandie Newton and Michael Ealy.  Everytime Michael Ealy came on the screen the words sung by Nicki Minaj “I’m a mutha-f—– MONSTER!!!” rang through my head. 

My final thoughts on the movie?  I think everyone played their part and played it well.  The casting for the film was spot on. (Really, could you imagine Mariah Carey doing a better job than Thandie Newton??? I think not.)   Michael bulked up considerably, Kerry Washington lost weight, and Omari Hardwick aka Carl was TOO fine to look at, even though his character left a lot to be desired…I give the movie a 95 out of 100. 

If you have not seen this movie, you need to go.  I only have one friend who didn’t like it (and yes, she’s seen the production).  Now I need to go find this book.  Kudos to Mr. Perry.  I smell an Oscar #realtalk.  If you saw the movie, what did you think?  Like it, love it?  Should Tyler have left it alone?   Or did he prove once and for that if he puts his mind to it he can give us something great? 

*For your viewing and listening pleasure, “Four Women” performed by Nina Simone. *

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This Week in the News- I Cannot Believe It!

This week has been full of up and downs, tragedies and triumphs, and I’m going to dicuss some of them today.  My 101st post (in my mind) was going to be my encouragement to you all to go out and vote on Tuesday.  But I’ll save that for next week.  Not saying it’s not important (because it is), but that’s not what I want to talk about today. 

First, congratulations must go out to Mr. and Mrs. Nick Cannon.  If you haven’t heard, they’re expecting!!! YAY!   I love babies!  I trust and hope Mariah has a wonderful pregnancy with no complications and that they have a beautiful, happy, and healthy baby. 

Next up, kudos go out to Officer Feris Jones of NYPD.  If you haven’t heard, Officer Jones stopped a would-be robber when she was getting her hair done last Saturday.  She was able to disarm the robber and shot the door handle, which momentarily stopped the man from escaping.  Police were able to track down the the assailant, so he is off the streets.  I would like to say “Thank you” to Officer Jones.  No, I don’t know her and no, I don’t live in NY, but for her to stop this robber without any casualties is amazing.  You always hear these stories and someone ends up dying.  Justice will be served and no one had to lose his or her life.  And Officer Jones will be promoted on Tuesday!

I don’t know how I missed this last week (probably because I don’t really follow this person), but Jawn Murray, an entertainment reporter, came under fire when he stated via Twitter, “All those militant-nappy-headed #AngryBlackWomen who didn’t think @tylerperry was worthy of doing #ForColoredGirls can #KickRocks!” If you think that was bad, his follow-up comment takes it a step further- “So a few militant-nappy-headed #AngryBlackWomen are mad I used ‘nappy-headed’ earlier. Do me a favor = Get a LIFE & Get a PERM! How’s that?”  Really….REALLY!?!?!  To be honest, I’m not sure if I should be offended by his statement.  I mean, I am a black woman who is natural and have 2nd guessed Tyler Perry doing “For Colored Girls”…but I would question just about anybody doing that.  He has a lot of hostility; I wonder why.  He did issue an apology, but the damage is done. 

Next, here is the most recent news regarding Mitrice Richardson.  Come to find out, her remains were moved without the consent of the correct person from the coroner’s office.  Like her family, I hope that LASD rules her death as a homicide.  Her killer needs to be found and quick.

Are you happy for Mariah and Nick?  Will you be congratulating Officer Jones on Tuesday?  And how you do feel about Jawn Murray’s comments and the new developments surrounding Mitrice’s disappearance?  Enjoy your weekend! Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

(As I’m writing this, one of my co-workers asked a good question-What happened to Eddie Long???)

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This Week in the News

First, let me say that I have lost 6 pounds, and I wasn’t even trying! YAY, me!!!  Ok, a lot has been going on this week, so let’s get started!

I know you guys have heard about these stupid educators (yes, I called them stupid) in NYC that were fired for flirting with their students on Facebook.  If not, go here to read the story.  I know these teachers have to have some type of common sense to be an educator.   One teacher was stupid enough to send flowers, candy, and whatnot to a student.  But I also wonder where are the parents?  Maybe they are the reason the teachers got found out.  I personally think any type of social media and teachers/students don’t mix.  It’s a slippery slope when engaging students in the personal lives of their teachers. 

Earlier this week, movie producer/writer/actor/director Tyler Perry confessed to Oprah that he was molested as a child by a total of FOUR people! Three men and one woman.  I applaud Mr. Perry for sharing his story.  I hope this encourages men and women to tell, tell, tell when someone is abusing them!  In my post last month, “What We Won’t Talk About-Abuse“, I made mention that in the African-American community we don’t talk about abuse.  The only way to break the cycle is to tell until someone believes us.  And children, and adults who tell what happened to them as children, should not feel ashamed or dirty for telling their story.  Awareness brings attention and stops abuse.  Parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, all of us need to pay attention to the signs of the children in our lives and let them it’s ok to tell.  And we need to do all we can to get these predators off the streets.

This week, I’m sick of hearing about relationships.  I admit, I did post the “Black Marriage Negotiations” video earlier this week, but now, I’m tired.  I’m tired of seeing article titles like “How to Ease the Pain of Romantic Rejection” and “Non-Negotiables You Should Maintain When Looking for a Mate”.  I’m also tired of hearing about Monica’s engagement (so soon after her break-up this summer, might I add) and  “Girl Next Door” Kendra and Hank calling it quits.  I’m tired. So I will be taking a boy hiatus this weekend and hanging out with my “auntie” Madeline for a much needed girls day out tomorrow!  If you happen to see me in the DMV this weekend, feel free to say “Hey!”

My Jaguars looked a hot mess during Monday Night Football.  Hopefully, they’ve got their act together and we’ll be 4-3 after Sunday’s game.  I am kinda sad that Beyonce is not preggers.  😦 I even updated my FB status after I saw the first report saying she was.  (Quietly, I think she is, but John Q. Public will never know.)  Oh, and I purposefully did not mention anything about crazy Virginia Thomas calling Anita Hill asking for an apology.  What is WRONG with people?!?!?  In any event, enjoy your weekend folks.  Feel free to comment on the news I shared or the news that’s important to you.   Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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This Week in the News

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!?!?  I know I am.  And it looks like the New Orleans Saints are, too, after their win last night against the Minnesota Vikings.  This Sunday, I will be travelling to Capital City Brewing Company to watch my Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Denver Broncos.  And one of my favorite guys is coming to watch the game with me!   Hopefully, the Jags can pull a W this week and have a great season.

I was so hyped about being able to vote early in DC, and procrastinator that I am, I have still not voted.  So I will be out with the masses on Tuesday casting my vote in the DC primaries.  And to add insult to injury, I STILL don’t know who’s getting my vote.  I can say that Vincent Gray is calling for an FBI and Metro Police Investigation into claims that a “Re-Elect Fenty” worker promised 4 district residents jobs if they voted for the Mayor.  Mayor Fenty denies these claims and  is asking that the focus be on the issues.  It’s going to be interesting to see how this turns out. 

Willow Smith being grown

If you didn’t know, Willow Smith, the 9 year old daughter of Will and Jada, has been signed to Roc Nation, the record label owned by Jay-Z.  While I admit her song “Whip My Hair” is catchy, I feel that it’s a little too grown for someone so young.  And her look is too much.  I feel like she’s a little outrageous for a child.  And Jay-Z had the nerve to call her the “next Michael Jackson“. Ummm, we’ll see, but I doubt it.  There’s only one MJ.

I hope the movie is as good as the book

There is a release date for Tyler Perry‘s new film “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Isn’t Enuf”.  The film is set to be released November 5 and has some heavy Hollywood hitters-Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Divine, Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Anika Noni Rose, my personal fave Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson, Michael Ealy, Khalil Kain, and Richard Lawson.  While I wasn’t so geeked about Tyler doing the movie I hope these stars are able to create a masterpiece on the big screen.  I’ll probably read the book before the movie comes out…

So what’s going on in your world?  Who are you pulling for during Week 1?  And even though Governor Schwarzenegger signed “Chelsea’s Law”, I still haven’t heard anything new about Mitrice Richardson; yes, I will continue to bring her name up so we don’t forget about her or other African-Americans who go missing and no one seems to be doing anything to find them. (I purposefully did not discuss the pastor-I use that term loosely-in Gainesville, FL who has expressed an interest in burning the Qu’ran tomorrow to “commemorate” the 9/11 attacks.   If he wants to recognize that day burning someone’s Holy book is NOT the way to do it.) Have a great weekend, and until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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