Vince Gray

This Week in the News

It’s a gorgeous day in the District!  I may go out, explore the city, take a leisurely stroll, enjoy some ice cream…ok, who am I kidding?  I’ll probably be at work most of the day.  But a girl can dream can’t she??? And speaking of dreaming…

Hopefully this story is not true.  If you’re a fan on Facebook, then you saw me mention this-Carmelo Anthony may have a secret love child.  Yep, I was just as shocked as you when I heard it.  It appears Carmelo’s trade to the Knicks is beneficial for him in more ways than one.  Rumor has it that he has an 11 month old whose mother lives in the NY area.  You all know I don’t normally report too much gossip on this blog, but I couldn’t let this go, what with LaLa Vazquez (Carmelo’s wife) having this show that centered around their wedding and her putting out for the world to see this wonderful relationship they have.  As a couple who lived together and had a baby without being married, I thought it was a little strange that they decided to go ahead and get married. But hey, who am I to say anything?  Besides, I love when people make a lifetime commitment to one another so I was happy.  I’m sure we’ll be keeping our eyes on this one…actually, I won’t be trying that hard as it’s none of my business. 

I don’t curse too much on this blog, but what the hell is going on in this city???  How does a child in elementary school get his or her hands on cocaine??? Yep, you read correctly.  Five students at Thomson Elementary School in Northwest were sent to the hospital after ingesting cocaine.  (Read the story here.)  What is happening in our homes?  What are we teaching our children?  Some parents seem to be upset with the school, but this really isn’t the school’s lacking in any area, IMHO.  The problem lies in the home of this child, who is being charged with possession of a controlled substance,  that brought the drug to school.  And who made the decision to arrest this child?  Or am I being naive because of the age of this student?  I don’t know, something’s just not right with this picture.  Department of Children and Families needs to become involved and visit the home.

As if DC doesn’t have enough issues, the Gray Campaign is being investigated by Congress.  Former city employee Sulaimon Brown, who was a minor mayoral candidate, claims he was asked by the Gray Campaign to attack former DC Mayor Adrian Fenty on the campaign trail.  Once Gray took office, Brown was given a job with the city that paid him over $100k a year.  Upon the discovery of his shady background and run-ins with the law, Brown was terminated.  Bitter and mad, he has come out with these allegations.  All I have to say is, “If it ain’t one thing, it’s another…”

I’m not going to spend too much time on this one, but can I say I am shocked and appalled at the Department of Public Works???  DPW, which is responsible for writing and distributing tickets in DC, has racked up over $30,000 worth of parking tickets!!!  Over 90 vehicles have received tickets for various parking infractions.  Yeah, I’m over it. (And if I spoke with you about 2 weeks ago, you know why….)

What’s going on in your worlds?  I specifically didn’t talk about Libya and Japan.  It’s too much, and I’m not touching any of it.  I hope you all have a great weekend!  If you’re in the District, do like me (Idon’t think that’s correct grammar) and get out and enjoy this beautiful weather…because next week it’ll be back in the 50’s!  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl..in the city!

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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!

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Last Week in the News

The first week of November was pretty busy.  And I couldn’t just very well let it pass without saying ANYTHING…so here goes.

First, mid-term elections.  DC has a new mayor (Congrats, to Vincent Gray), my home state of South Carolina elected it’s first female governor Nikki Haley, Lil’ Wayne got out of jail, and Marques Houston FINALLY responded to these allegations of sexual abuse by former B2K member Raz B. 

I guess I’ll start with the elections.  No big surprises in the city of Washington, DC.  But of course, there’s been a shift in the power on Capitol Hill.  I certainly hope Congress and the White House can work together before the 2012 election.  If not, America can get ready for a stalemate, gridlock, and NO CHANGE coming from our government.  As I like to stay optimistic, I’ll pray that our country starts making positive changes, addresses unemployment, healthcare, and education. 

Speaking of elections, despite lies, controversy, and being the underdog, Tea Partier Nikki Haley won the governor seat of the great state of South Carolina.   It’s funny because when I was home for my high school reunion in September, I saw her commercials all over Southern Mom’s tv screen.  When I asked who the Democratic candidate was, she couldn’t tell me.   I just truly hope that this does not mean SC will start turning back to the days of old.  Black people in SC have enough to deal with, so I hope it doesn’t get worse.  “YAY” to South Carolina electing a woman governor, but “BOO” to her being part of the Tea Party. 

Finally somebody is responding to these accusations.  For the past few weeks, Raz B has been accusing (again) former B2K manager Chris Stokes and singer Marques Houston of sexual abuse and misconduct during the heydey of the boy band.  A few years back, Raz made similar accusations, but recanted.  Now, he’s making videos and going on satellite radio drumming up allegations again.  Just last week, Marques Houston was granted a restraining order against his “You Got Served” castmate.   If these allegations are true, I do hope these men are brought to justice.  I really don’t want to talk about this too much because this is such a sensitive subject.  I will say I keep these people in my prayers, especially Raz B.  He needs to be able and available to raise his son. 

Lil’ Wayne was released from jail last Thursday!  I’m sure the hip hop world is excited, especially Young Money group member Nicki Minaj.  And there’s something about that little man that one of my linesister’s and I like.  And I’m sure at his welcome home party last week he got some girl preggers and a new little Carter will greet the world in 9 months. 

 I know there was TONS of other stuff that happened last week, and I could be here all day.  But I like you guys and want to ensure I hold your attention, so I’m out.  But please feel free to share your thoughts, especially on the elections and how they affected your city/state.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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This Week in the News

Hello, world!  This has been a CRAZY week!  Reggie Bush gave back his Heisman, Ines Sainz got sexually harassed, Vince Gray won the democratic nomination for DC Mayor, and the trailer for “For Colored Girls” was released.  So, maybe crazy is not an accurate word; let’s just say it’s busy…

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are TONS of events going on this weekend in DC.  And I’m missing all of them.  Most important, my alma mater, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) will be playing Howard University this weekend.   For FAMUans, there is a hosptilaty suite tonight and the game and an after-party are happening tomorrow.   It’s also Congressional Black Caucus week.  There have been tons of events going on this week, everything from sessions to luncheons to parties.  I won’t be disappointed because I know I can attend all of the CBC events next year, and I know the Rattlers will beat up on the Bison on the football field!

On Wednesday, I was able to catch a sneak peek of the new Ben Affleck movie, “The Town”.   I must say I was thoroughly impressed.  The movie, also directed by Affleck, was very authentic and real.  Accents were so thick I could barely understand the actors.   Some people might get me, but I think this was better than “Takers”….But I urge you all to go see it when it’s released and see for yourself.

The DC/Baltimore area has seen so much tragedy over the last few weeks.  The man who held hostages and then was killed at the Discovery Channel headquarters in Silver Spring, MD, the three men who were killed early Thursday morning in a Forestville, MD crash, and the unfortunate shooting that occured at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.  A man shot and injured a doctor and killed his mother before turning the gun on himself.   For those of you that pray, please keep these families and all those affected in your prayers. 

Lastly, I can say that I believe the city of Washington, DC may be shook up after Council Chairman Vince Gray beat current mayor Adrian Fenty.  With talks to Michelle Rhee, DC Public Schools Chancellor, leaving, I’m interested to find out what things will occur in my city once, and if, Vince Gray is officially voted in as mayor in November.

I can say I think it was whack that Reggie gave back the Heisman, I’m tired of hearing about Ines whatever her name is, and I’m wondering who takes a gun into a hospital…What’s on your mind folks?  What’s going on your worlds?  Please believe I will share some highlights from my reunion weekend with you guys next week.  Enjoy yourselves and if you’re in DC, party it up for me and cheer for FAMU!  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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