In case you didn’t get it, I’m referring to Madagascar 2. It came out this week end and being a fan of cartoons and Disney movies (my dad still doesn’t understand how his 26yr old can still be watching cartoons!) It was hilarious, went with a bunch of friends, made it even more interesting so go watch it if you have a chance. Feels good to escape work and studies sometimes, and not to be thinking hard all the time. King Julian and MotoMoto are to die for!
Other than that, Obama parties all over the city. It was crazy! I think people are milking it now! Anyway, great times to be in DC. It seems this blog has turned into an Obama blog, when at first, that wasn’t my intent at all. I actually started the blog while doing some research about one of my papers and wandered around the internet. And given that I refuse to express myself on Facebook and other “social” website , well, I decided to express myself here. Now that he’s my “Mr. Pdt”, well, I’ll still talk about him, but to a lesser extent. And the Master’s done in a month too. Really people, what am I going to do with myself. Just work? At least the Bball season has started. I love soccer too, but I can only watch it on weekends. That might compensate…
I was curious to see what the most recurring themes on the blog were. Apparently, I’ve talked about religion quite a lot. And of course, Africa, home, war, activism and politics. I’m starting to get known out there as a political/activist freak. I’m really not, but I like to keep on top of current issues, and I have to given my field of work and studies. So, from now on, less politics, more… (I dunno).
Just wanted to tell you to run watch Madagascar II.
First off, I want to greet Hijabee in DC. Welcome to the blog and thank you for your comment. Though I love it when people agree with me, I find it even more interesting to have different points of view. I was going ot answer with another comment, but then it got too long, so I started a post.
Now to answer your comment on the “Inside the Koran” Post, as to the mandatory use of the hijab for Muslim women, I guess we’ll just never agree on this one (and we’ll live with that, won’t we!). For me, this issue is not even a matter of should it be forced or not. There is an underlying difference between mandatory but not forced AND not mandatory but recommended.
And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear therof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and notdisplay their beauty except to their husbands,….
My interpretation of the verse you posted is obviously not the same as yours. I don’t interpret this as asking women to wear a veil. I interpret it as dress modestly so as to avoid attracting gazes and stares. And to achieve that, I don’t think the Hijab is necessary. I would go as far as saying wearing the Hijab is being zealous, but more power to anybody out there who wants to. I don’t see the Hijab as being aggressive as some have argued. Now, wearing the Burqato me is…. how do I put it in a “politically correct” way …is straight up idiotic. I don’t mean to be offensive, but that’s my view, and I think everyone is entitled to their opinion. If my daughter (when I have one) wants to wear the veil, I’ll sit down and ask her why, and let her do it if that’s really what she wants to do. It is also true that wearing the hijab can decrease the tendency of the self to focus on vanity and the physical beauty of the body, and that’s a plus.
I was talking to a colleague last time and I was pointing to the fact that some women wear the hijab, with the tightest clothes out there. I think that defeats the purpose. Of course, those are probably the ones, who given the choice would choose not to wear it. See, the danger with your interpretation of mandatory but to each woman’s discretion (versus mine of not mandatory but to each woman’s discretion) is it gives ammunition to fundamentalist and religious zealots to impose because ultimately I think imposing the Hijab and the Burqa are acts of men. That’s not a reason to completely dismiss the veil, but it doesn’t help. As a secularist, I think it’s important for all, women especially to part what came from Islam and the Quran and what came from Arabic tradition.
Now, though I think the argument of women wearing the veil has some value, because I think most of the women who wear it don’t really have a choice, I see this argument more as a weapon for the West to falsely point to Islam as being oppressive.
I think the Quran does ask of women to cover up and dress modestly, but think the veil as coming from Arab tradition rather than the Holy Book. I think men have used this hijab and burqa argument in many parts of the world to indeed oppress women. I think most women who wear the Hijab, do it because they don’t have a choice. I think some women who wear the Hijab see themselves as holier than those who don’t. I think wearing the Hijab is being zealous (after all even the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s wives did not wear the Hijab)
On the other hand, I believe it does allow for women to avoid being self centered. I believe some women who wear the Hijab do not condemn those who don’t and do it for their own personal reasons. I think the Hijab can help spiritual growth.
I don't think it is a BASIC Human Right. It IS simply a right.
So, in the end, I’m not anti Hijab. I’m against the motives behind wearing it most often and what’s been made of it. I certainly wouldn’t recommend my daughters to wear it. I’d recommend they cover up though that’s for sure, act in decent manner and be modest in all circumstances. But, like I said, if they ever, on their own decide they want to and ask for permission or blessing, I would give it to them. Now, chances are, if my daughters get my personality, they might not even ask me and just do it. Well, then fine!
I’m sure my post is going to raise some eyebrows, and some might even find it blasphemous and I assure you that is certainly not my intent.
___________________________
For those who can laugh at religion, I’d suggest watching Bill Maher’s Religulous. i saw it this Weekend (I was really trying to see “W” but it was sold out!). I am still cracking up. Bill goes to Amsterdam, North Carolina and asks questions about religion and some of the "myths" (at least that’s what he calls them) about Noah’s Arc, the trinity… The movie is doing good at the box office and of course, some asked for a general boycott. Note that it’s not a documentary… makes a big difference as you watch. And of course, if he wanted to make it a documentary, his choice of representatives would be more than questionable since he only interviewed fundamentalists. It’s more of a comedy, based on true facts and characters and full of very simple, narrow- minded people. LOVED IT!
I agree with most of Maher’sarguments in his “Real Time with Bill Maher”’s show and even on religion sometimes (he’s an atheist which isn’t a belief that there is no god, it’s not having a belief that there is a god). Sometimes he makes you cringe though and i guess he does it on purpose. Of course, I don’t agree with all he says on religion… especially when he has &^%$#$ like HER on his show distorting it all:
He called her story extraordinary and brave. If by extraordinary you mean liar, then yes, it is extraordinary! She’s a hypocrite and a phony. It’s sad that Steven and Darrel Issa are the ones with the more nuanced approach. It’s not all black and white. Of course there are some grey areas. Ultimately tolerance and moderation are the norm. But she still wants to dispute that. Muhammad (PBUH) had to become a warrior because he and the first Muslims were persecuted. And it’s certainly not true that the Quran says if you’re an infidel, you should die. There are extremists in all religions and certainly in Islam.
Let me stop here coz I’m getting all worked up over someone who’s not worth it.
Ok, this may not be the best transition (y’ know! from the earlier post I won’t mention, hint hint: right below) but hey! Il faut de tout pour faire un monde…
So no point in writing this post in english because the blog I’m about to introduce is all in french (sooorrry!). Non french speakers can still go check it out though!
So, j’ai decouvert ce blog: BinBinBlog il ya qque temps et le visite regulierement. Aucune idee quant à l’identité de l’auteur (ca n’a pas trop d’importance d’ailleurs!) . Le nom du blog et le nom de l’auteur (PetitPagne) en disent assez pour que je n’en rajoute! . Place a la séduction version sénégalaise, on est réputé pour aprés tout!
Quelques titres de posts:
Poids de l’education, choc des cultures/ Fais moi Mâle / Polygamie / La Jalousie est un TRES vilain Defaut / L’Armoire à Lingerie de la Djongué / ”Bledards” VS “Toubabs bou Gnoul”: Balle au centre / Marriages Arrangés qui n’arrangent pas tjrs au final / Le Mougn / J’fais à manger, Tu fais la vaisselle / Un Thioff avec des Oursins dans les poches / Raison VS Amour / Chutes de Reins a en tomber…
(Bon, ya aussi des post sur Senghor, Cesaire, Rose Dieng, le Senegal et autres…)
En gros, vous voyez la couleur! Decouvrez vous meme avec un espace achat as well (au cas ou!)
So, si vous avez une minute et envie de decompresser, faites y un tour! Hommes et femmes sont la bienvenue… On n’est jamais trop informé, right?
Il n’est que 11:45 but je creve la dalle! So, lunch and then back to work!
I had the hardest time getting to sleep last night. I watched this documentary on HBO called The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo by Lisa Jackson. when I finally got to sleep, I dreamed of armed men with machetes and guns! Awful!
Anyhoo, the documentary was about an hour and so and it was already pretty late. Seeing these filthy pigs, wouldn’t even want them to lay their eyes on me, let alone hands or anything else. On top of being animals, they are probably the stupidest people you’ll ever meet. At one point, Lisa interviews ex Mai-Mai soldiers (who have been known for being the most barbaric of soldiers, along with Interharmwe fighters), claiming they rape for power. Because according to their “cult” raping a women, gives you strength against the enemy. Though most claimed they would kill anybody who’d dare rape their sisters or mothers, some actually went as far as claiming that if it’s for other soldiers to get stronger, they would let it happen and not interrupt, for the greater good of the Congo. Well if that’s what it takes, then F#&k Congo. Really!
The biggest problem and the main reason all this violence is widespread is because it’s not just Congolese rebels fighting the army, the Ugandans and Rwandans are part of the fight as well. And they’re all guilty. Do you imagine these men reintegrating society? They’re animals. There’s no way they sould still be breathing, let alone given a chance to get back to normal life. If you ask me, just drop a nuclear bomb on Congo. You’d kill these animals, innocents wouldn’t live in fear, and victims would be better off than to have to live with these scars. Because they don’t just rape, they mutilate, burn, cut off body parts and make their victims eat their relatives. Who’d want to live after that? Most of the atrocities are uncomprehensible. After you get past the explanation of men living in the bushes and having “urges”, you still can’t quite grasp the need to cut open a pregnant woman’s womb to kill the baby with their bare hands after they’ve cut off the husband in pieces, all in front of the kids to watch.
Winner of the Sundance Special Jury Prize in Documentary, this extraordinary film, shot in the war zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), shatters the silence that surrounds the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Many tens of thousands of women and girls have been systematically kidnapped, raped, mutilated and tortured by soldiers from both foreign militias and the Congolese army. A survivor of gang rape herself, Emmy Award®-winning filmmaker Lisa F. Jackson travels through the DRC to understand what is happening and why.
Ways to help? Here are links to some organizations that do allievate victim’s suffering:
ON THE GROUND Women for Women International – Restoring Hope
Women for Women International helps rebuild the lives of women in war-torn regions through financial and emotional support, job skills training, rights education, access to capital, and assistance for small business development. This Crisis in the Congo page includes links to personal stories of survival, a report on the status of women in the Congo, a fact sheet on the Congo, and updates on programs run by the organization.
International Rescue Committee – The IRC in Democratic Republic of Congo
This global network of first responders, humanitarian relief workers, healthcare providers, educators, community leaders, activists, and volunteers provides access to safety, sanctuary, and sustainable change for people whose lives have been shattered by violence and oppression. The website includes links to reports on sexual violence in the Congo, descriptions of the group’s humanitarian aid programs, and video and photographic reports from the region.
Human Rights Watch – Congo
This NGO aims to protect the human rights of people around the world by supporting efforts to prevent discrimination, uphold political freedoms, investigate and expose human rights violations. The website includes links to briefings and papers on war crimes and human rights violations, as well as a multimedia presentation on the Katanga province known as the Triangle of Death. For more information, read a report entitled Triangle of Death.
Panzi Hospital, Bukavu
Under the guidance of Dr. Denis Mukwege, the General Referral Hospital of Panzi offers treatment to the victims of sexual violence from all over the Congo. The website includes background information on medical treatment, psychological care, socio-economic assistance, and daycare for children of survivors provided by the hospital.
United Nations: Mission in the Congo (MONUC)
Established by the United Nations Security Council to facilitate the implementation of the Lusaka Accord signed in 1999, MONUC is authorized by the UN to ‘protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence and contribute to the improvement of the security conditions.’ In 2007, the UN also created UN Action a joint initiative of 12 UN entities with the goal of preventing sexual violence and responding effectively to the needs of survivors. For more information, visit Stop Rape Now.
Oh My! I plead guilty! guilty as charged. I’ve stopped watching reality TV a while ago. BUT this season of the Bachelor got me glued to my TV every Monday night. Matt Grant, the British Hunk looking for love is the reason. I’m disappointed though, that in the end, he chose (who I think was) the wrong girl for him, Shayne. I mean he’s smart, funny, witty, successful and good looking and oooh..the way he dresses…, so why end up with the needy, immature, clingy pseudo actress from the cover magazines. Granted, I thought she was pretty decent, but still not good enough for him! He made it seem like he was looking for the real deal, but his decision yesterday night was the opposite of that!
Matty, what have you done?
We wish them well! There won’t ever be a better looking and funnier Bachelor, so this is the last season I watch…
Since I was tagged by eVaDiVa, I had to come up with a list of 6 random things about me. Hummm…
So randomly (Gosh, it took me 1/2 hr to come up with this…)
1. I listen to music absolutely all the time, any mood (happy, sad, melow)…first thing I do in the morning is put on some music, and that’s the last thing I do before going to sleep, something’s gotta play!
2. I like watching sports, but I don’t play any (my mom tried classical dance, let’s just say me and my pink tutu did not get along more than a month, so I played tennis for 7 years)
3. My twin brother and I were born on a Tuesday. Him at 11:59, me at 12:00, but I had to be re animated because his fat behind took too long to come out. Can you imagine I almost didnt make it!
4. I can count 6 six body parts I hate about myself…actually 7
5. I still watch cartoons religiously on sundays on the Disney Channel (Totally Spies and The Emperor’s New Groove are my favorite)
6. I suck my tongue when I’m hungry. (the ugliest thing ever, so you probably won’t catch me doing it).
There you have it. I had to post it before eVa made the list herself. Waneeeeeee!
Very interesting Op-Ed piece in this morning’s New York Times by Mark Helprin: Make Sudan an Offer it can’t Refuse. He’s basically laying out there the case for a military intervention in Darfur.
I’ve been arguing for this for a while. Unilateral, armed intervention. To those who argue this might end up being another Somalia’s ‘93 Black Hawk Down: this is Rwanda all over again. As Canadian Gen. Dallaire argued, 4000 troops could’ve effectively stopped the killing. You might not even have to bomb these people, just a serious threat of retaliation for the killings might be more than enough. What’s the worst that could happen? Too many times has Somalia been used as an excuse for not intervening elsewhere in Africa. Look at how well the Iraq war is going? That did not deter those making the case to attack Iran. NATO’s intervention in Kosovo in ‘99 was deemed illegal BUT legitimate. Could anyone argue it is not in Sudan? And would any country denounce such an intervention? (China and Russia would. But who cares! give them a piece too if you ask me!). Last week, my Intl Law professor recommended I never run for office for the sake of the World :( and reminded me I was to become a ”future Intl peace and Conflict Resolution practitioner” and should not argue FOR bombing for peace. well, I will if I think it’s necessary. Sue Me!
One of the comments from the article was that the “world cringes when the US intervenes”. False. The world cringes when the US blatantly disregards its commitment to the U.N and International Law… the rest of the world cringes when the US makes up intelligence to strong arm Congress and “the coalition of the willing” to go to war.
Humanitarian interventions are always welcome… WHEN and only when they’re just that: Humanitarian.
Okay, anybody hasn’t seen this video yet? My eyes are hurting… Some people shouldn’t be allowed to dance, let alone a president, in a public venue… Does bush dance when he goes to Paris or London…? Then again, it’s Bush, he just might! I don’t even find the video amusing, it’s so bad, it’s offensive. I mean… just watch the thing…
Yeah, he’s killing it allright!
And can Africans stop dancing around, parading for this guy? or for any official visit for that matter… I mean…okay it’s part of us and our spirit but can business be buisness and pleasure comes later…
Now the US perception is that no one else in the World like Bush except for Africa. No, we don’t. It pays to dance with a band for an official visit… and any source of income is more than welcome for a lot of people there. So can our leaders stop hiring dancers… and singers..and bands… AND GET TO WORK!
My first post was a month and a half ago. But today I got my 10,000th hit!
Finals season being in full effect, most of my time has been locked up in my room or at the library! Though I’ve followed the news (hummm…Ive followed Obama! Let me hear you say O! That’s pretty much all I had time for!), I have not have time to post much.
So. Everyone is outraged by Sudan’s verdict for the english teacher (Gillian Gibbons)who actually received a sentence of 15 days in prison for allowing children in her class to call their teddy bears Muhamed!
My people. Once again, we sound hateful, silly, reactionary and extremist in our attitudes towards “infidels”. Come on! This story is so silly, I thought it was a joke from BBC. I feel verry sorry for her. We all know aid workers and foreigners trying to help are always easy targets in those countries.
On the other hand, not to sound cruel, it almost made me laugh. Maybe, just maybe now that it’s one of their own, Human Rights abuses in Sudan will be denounced for what they are. Outreageous right! What about the millions displaced! Isn’t that outrageous as well!
Maybe I’m talking about apples and oranges here. But I couldn’t help but think: see how it feels? And she’s just one person, in jail for 15 days. Try 600, 000 dead and 4 Million internally displaced! Now, we have foreign secretaries all over the place! Humm, how unfair!
In the end, I have to agree, I feel sorry for her. She doesn’t deserve this, even if she had done it intentionally. It’s a teddy bear! The cartoon and Pope reaction, I actualy understood, but this is plain silly! What else would you expect from Sudan!
Dec 3rd
Story is over. She’s been pardonned by the President himself, freed from jail, and off to the UK as I speak. All that in less than 24 hours. End of story. Britain can go back to its civilities with the worst government in the World now that their expat is on her way back. Who cares what else happens in there! At least, she’s safe now.
Hilarious! This is the funniest DUI video I’ve ever seen. He got pulled over but insists he was drunk, but not driving! This has to be the best defense ever to drunk driving!
Aay-look! At least he knows his Legal jargon in between cussing!: “I refuse to answer any questions under the Grounds that it may incriminate me!”
And he has the nerves to ask the cop if she’s drunk!
“That conlcudes the video… now let me beat yo a$$ like a real pooolice ofcer sposed to!”
If yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too. Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can. I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. Tnkas to the phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!
One of the biggest names in America (the world) entertainment business, OPRAH, will rally for Barack in the upcoming month before the primaries. She has not only decided to back him up (which is a first since she has never backed any political candidate to date), but to also rally for him in 3 key primary states.
Even though, I’m sure in the end we all ought to make our decisions about which candidate to vote for based on our personal values and beliefs, having a power house like Oprah to boost your campaign has to be a major plus. Now, will her popularity transform into votes? Ballots will show. I wouldn’t count her out as a meaningful difference maker, as she has shown time and time again her appeal, and her followers have proven very loyal to her and the ones she supports. Since a lot of those followers are feminists, stay home mothers, that Clinton is counting on, this is probably a double blow for the Clinton campaign. They’ll survive!
So, I came accross an article on Slate.com under “Today’s blogs” tab. I was quoted and referred to as defending Chavez. Read again. That’s not getting the whole picture! Because that is certainley not what I was doing. (I am actually one of the many and growing non align partisans out there, even though Chavez takes it to a whole new level for comedic purposes) What I did was condemn the King’s outburst, which is very different from defending Chavez.
By Bidisha Banerjee, a former Slate editorial assistant.
Por que te no callas, part II: Maybe Hugo Chavez was feeling a bit touchy at the OPEC summit after what happened at the the Ibero-American summit in Chile last week. Chavez called former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar a “fascist,” and repeatedly tried to interrupt the current prime minister, prompting King Juan Carlos to say, “Why don’t you shut up?” This pronouncement made its way into a ringtone that has been downloaded by about 500,000 people.
“Buffoons should be ridiculed. But Hitler was also mocked during the 1930’s. Laughter didn’t stop him, nor will it stop Chavez and Ahmadinejad,” writes Fresh Bilge’s Alan Sullivan, a poet. On Amayel’s Notes, a Senegalese student defends Chavez: “Though I understand how Chavez can be obnoxious interrupting and louder than anyone else, but I really find it out of line to ask a fellow president to shut up (especially knowing the King of Spain is just like the Queen of England: irrelevant if no other than parading).”
My My!! As much as I agreed with the women’s top 10, I m really not sold on this one. First off, 3/4 of em are Nigerian. Iam sorry that cannot be true! Second, I dont think mixed should count (Love you Boris, but your foreign genes just make it too easy for you) even though I melt for him. Third, the last 3…nuh hun..not in my top10.
Gosh! Djoumon Hounsou has my vote for number ONE. That billboard for Calvin Klein is just YuhuuMy… Idris Elba wouldve been my number 2 and Chiwetel Ejiofor, number tres.
10. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje – Nigeria
This man is a talented actor, fluent in four languages (English, Italian, Yoruba, and Swahili), and a practicing Buddhist with a Master in Laws from the University of London. He has modeled and garnered a following with his appearance on the HBO series, OZ, and then on the series, Lost
9. Sello Maake Ka-Ncube – South Africa
Award winning Sello Maake Ka-Ncube is one of South Africa’s most esteemed actors having performed in The United States, Britain, Canada and Europe. Films in which he has appeared include A Dry White Season with Donald Sutherland, Bopha with Danny Glover, Dark City for Channel 4, A Woman of Colour with Vanessa Williams and the award winning Taxi to Soweto. Apart from his prestige film and stage work, Sello is one of South Africa’s most popular television stars from his lead role in the long running television series of Generations. He is also a highly respected director.
8.Oris Erhuero – Nigeria
Nigerian model-slash-actor who has made a huge splash on this side of the world from his campaigns for Armani, Versace, and Ferre. He started his career after getting shot in New York City. “I moved to Miami to recover and there I met a Colombian photographer called Azabra from Colombia who said to me that I should be acting. He decided to shoot me a portfolio. Next thing you know I am in London, Milan, South Africa doing covers for magazines, TV commercials and all that. It was a bizarre trip because I came from being in a coma and being in and out of the hospital to killing and destroying the cat walks.” We are certainly glad you survived. He was seen opposite Idris Elba in the movie, Sometimes in April where he starred as the brother to Elba.
7. Fally Ipupa – Congo
This young bright Usher look-alike has worked with Koffi Olomide who helped him hone his musical skills. He mixes R&B and Congolese music to generate a fever pitched response to his singing. Fans are never disappointed in his concerts which are well organized and incorporate great dancing and singing. His show in New York brought the audience to their feet, and looking at him, we understand why.This chocolate brother is so hot he might just melt (or melt us!).
6. Chiwetel Ejiofor – Nigeria
Chiwetel Ekofor has a rugged handsomeness that leaves us begging for more. A versatile actor, he has enthralled us with his singing, and with his shirt off. An award winning actor, his credits include Amistad, Dirty Pretty Things, Children of Men, and Kinky Boots. He was Alex Mpondo in the movie Red Dust and we were launched into the tortured memories of a politician. He is the prime candidate for the character of T’challa in the proposed Black Panther movies, and is in the new movie, American Gangster. How exciting! We can’t wait to see more of him.
5. Djimon Hounsou – Benin
His acting career began with bits parts in TV series and Pop Videos including Janet Jackson’s ‘Love Will Never Do Without You’, Paula Abdul’s ‘Straight Up’ and Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’. His real breakthrough came in the movie Stargate in 1994 where he starred as Horus. This opened the pipe line to other projects and ultimately in 1997 to the Oscar winning film Amistad, where he gave a phenomenal performance as Sengbe Pieh (Cinque), a tale of an African sold in slavery and fighting for justice. Djimon co-starred in Gladiator as Juba, the Numidian Gladiator. He was nominated in 2004 for an Oscar for the best supporting actor in the Film In America for his role as Mateo, an AIDS victim.
4. Lemar Obika – Nigeria
This London based crooner is a sexy R&B singer that is burning up the charts with his rich voice and silky tunes. 27 year old Lemar Obika has a new album out called The Truth About Love, that has collaborations with Mica Paris, Styles P, and a duet with Joss Stone. His debut album and second album together have sold over 1.5 million records and he doesn’t look like he is going to stop soon. He has won two Brits and three MOBOs. Definitely a brother to watch, and so very fine! We are sure to be hearing more from this talented young man.
3. Idris Elba – Sierra Leone/Ghana
Idris Elba is a great actor who has made us feel the pain and horror of the Rwandese genocide, the agony of a father, and the powerful, hypnotic, sexual charisma of a FINE brother! He can also get you to dance as he spins records in his gigs as a deejay. Watching him play Stringer Bell in the televisions series, “The Wire”, we had to overcome our guilt as we thought about how we wouldn’t mind being a drug dealer’s lady. He overcame his fear of bugs to act in the movie “The Reaper” and continues to enthrall us in his movies. Thank you Idris for being a strong African brother with talent AND brains (and so handsome).
2. Boris Kodjoe – Ghana/Germany
Boris Kodjoe played tennis professionally in Germany, modeled, and has acted in several movies. We have seen him in The Gospel, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and on the television series, Soul Food. He is unveiling a new line of clothing for the discriminating man of good taste, and has graced the cover of Ebony Magazine’s celebration of the Black Father. All this and he still has time to look good!
1. Ngo Okafor – Nigeria
Ngo Okafor is a multifaceted player. With a strong modeling career in his resume, this handsome brother also has movie and television credits, a workout video, and modeling teaching aids on his website. He is probably the most downloaded brother in the myspace universe, but looking at him, we understand why.
He is much better speaking in front of an audience and delivering his ideas than during debates where his performances have been ok versus a Hillary Clinton. I guess he’s just not confrontational, so to all his supporters who want to see him be more aggressive, Im not sure that is going to happen. He said it all, he’s not into dirty politics and I think he really set the tone for this presidential campaign. All the early candidates who came out swiniging with attacks, have had to drop out of the race. And that I think is thanx to Barack. It even took Hilary a while before she started attacking him. We are 2 months away from the primaries and we have not seen yet a negative ad. If he doesnt win the primaries, at least he’ll be praised for giving this 08 campaign a new tone, rather than cut throat attitudes we are used to. (Love Bill, but the Clintons have most definitely mastered that art)
I wont post anymore Obama videos after this… I swear!!
Soooo… I went to her concert last night at Love! You’d think Alicia Keys, Soul music, laid back, soulful, sexy… and all of that… Well… none of that!! First off, people fighting (my people!!…5 fights in a couple of hours). Second, honestly, que Dieu me pardonne, fat asses should pay 2 tickets. And why are they always rocking, jamming and dancing and just pushing around. Damn… Im not trying to be mean but you couldn’t even have a good time with your boyfriend and chill. It’s Alicia Keyz, not Busta Rhymes CHILL! And they’re the first ones to try to booty hop and “drop down almost hit the floor with it”. Well ya can’t. Be mindful of others…
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A tale of online love inspired usually cynical New Yorkers this week to help a young man find the girl of his dreams after he spotted her on a crowded subway train.
For Web designer Patrick Moberg, 21, from Brooklyn, it was love at first sight when he locked eyes with a rosy-cheeked woman while riding in Manhattan on Sunday night. She was writing in her journal.
The train was so full that he lost her in the crowd when they both got off, so he set up a Web site dedicated to finding the mystery woman — www.nygirlofmydreams.com.
He drew a picture of the girl, who was wearing blue shorts, blue tights, and a red flower in her hair, and posted his cell phone number, e-mail address and an appeal for help finding her.
It worked.
Within hours Moberg’s inbox was overflowing with e-mails and his phone ringing non-stop. He told the New York Post that he even received e-mails offering him love. “Some people said I’m not the girl but you’re so adorable, pick me instead.”
Tuesday night a friend of the woman contacted him and sent him a picture so he could confirm her identity. “Found Her! Seriously!” a notice on his Web site said.
“We’ve been put in touch with one another and we’ll see what happens.”
The mysterious subway brunette was named Thursday as Camille Hayton, an intern at magazine BlackBook from Melbourne, Australia, who also lives in Brooklyn.
“This is crazy. I can’t believe it’s happening,” Hayton, 22, told the New York Post.
But Moberg said he is now pulling the shutters on his love life, scribbling out the cell phone number on his Web site and leaving a message on his phone saying he will do no more interviews.
“In our best interest, there will be no more updates to this website,” he wrote.
“Unlike all the romantic comedies and bad pop songs, you’ll have to make up your own ending for this.”
Some New Yorkers may already, wondering if Moberg had made it sound too easy to find a needle in a haystack in this city of eight million people.
I hope it works out for them!!! What a story that would make for their kids and families…
New documentary “Darfur Now,” opens on Friday, November 9.
Darfur Now is a story of hope amid one of humanity’s darkest hours. It shows how the work of six people can make a difference in Darfur, and how our voices united can bring an end to the unspeakable horrors the people of Darfur face every day.
It follows the achievements of a Darfuri woman, a community leader in West Darfur, a UCLA graduate, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, a U.N. humanitarian aid worker, and an actor and activist (me).
What: Darfur Now, a documentary about six people making a difference in Darfur
When: Opens this Friday, November 9
Showtimes and Location:
Landmark E Street Cinema
555 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
(entrance on E Street between 10th and 11th Street)
(202) 452-7672
As you may know, a film’s opening weekend is extremely important and determines the exposure it gets. Darfur Now opens this weekend, but only in selected cities. Come watch the movie and bring your friends so we can ensure a nationwide release, help educate people about the crisis in Darfur, and empower them to help end it.
Sincerely,
Don Cheadle, Not On Our Watch
P.S. Bring a group of 15 or more people, and you’ll be invited to a conference call with me later this month! Invite your friends, classmates, congregations and others. Click here to learn more.
So, once again CNN has made it their task to make unsubtle attempts at making Obama look “not so quialifed” in the news. The title of the article is Obama’s plane gets lost in Iowa.
Sen. Barack Obama eventually made it to a campaign rally in Cedar Rapids — after a detour to Des Moines.
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — When Democrat Barack Obama’s charter plane touched down Tuesday night, aides were surprised a car wasn’t waiting to rush him to that night’s campaign events.
Someone stepped onto the tarmac and quickly realized why: They had landed at the wrong airport.
Instead of going to Cedar Rapids, the plane had touched down about 100 miles to the west in Des Moines.
Spokesman Tommy Vietor said Wednesday that the mistake on the flight from Chicago made Obama about an hour late for a rally at a community college. While waiting, the crowd took to dancing and chanting.
The presidential candidate apologized for the delay, simply explaining there had been a mix-up on the way from Chicago.
Ok… And the point of the article IS?? Like he was the pilot and landed the plane himself in DesMoines… Pfff… What’s next? he can’t cook…. therefore do not vote for him. Lame…
So…for who ever hasn’t seen the movie, you need to run to the nearest theater… The movie is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, but you don’t feel time go by. Russel Crowe plays wonders in this movie. I will not even cite Denzel as a reason to go see this movie because it would just state the obvious. He KILLED it (like we had any doubts he would). I mean, is there anything, any role the guy can’t play? I saw the movie yesterday and I’m still under the spell… Denzel in his suits… euhhh… (THEY TRIED TO KILL MY WIFE…don’t you love it when he gets angry, slamming things left and right and beating people up).
So, the movie is great, Denzel, Russell and ‘em did their thing… You still have to remember at the end of the movie that Frank Lucas was a drug dealer and a gangsta who probably set black people back a couple of years (orphans, violence, unemployment…), Denzel is sooooo good in the movie that you can’t help but feel empathy for the guy and root for Richie Roberts to fail. Here we are years later glorifying the guy. What an honor it is to have your life played by DENZEL Washington. Denzel… It’s like telling me Halle Berry will play my life in a movie. Id just die and go to heaven. (even though her acting is as good as good as Catherine Zeta Jones’s… forget that oscar!). So let’s say Halle Berry’s face and body with Meryll Streep’s skills. That’s what Denzel is… Salt nPeppa said a body like Arnold with a Denzel face…Damn that…all of Denzel… And the guy might just be THE best actor out there… Whatta man! It would’ve been more balanced, to give out a couple of statistics in the end as to the devastating effect Frank Lucas had on Harlem with his drug dealing. But hey, that’s just me. He was amongst the NY Times list of 100 people who changed New York (positively or negatively). Needless to say, he ravagged New York, and destroyed his own community.
And ooh.. I would’ve gone and picked him up at the end!! Denzel I mean… when he comes out of prison… Had he said “My Man!” one more time… I was going to melt.
Here’s the real Frank Lucas… hummm. Let’s agree that money makes the world go ’round coz HE married Miss Puerto Rico…
We should take a mouth swap and test his DNA. He might just be JayZ’s old man!! Do U see the ressemblance… Puzzling…
Check out this article ” The return of Superfly” about him (that actually is the reason the movie was made)
Ooooooooooooooooh… Barack on the Ellen Show earlier this week!! Busting moves!! Him dancing on crazy in love…Couldnt ask for more!! Who wouldnt vote for him after that?
Her being a woman is sure not enough for me to vote for her! I think she is exactly what US Politics should get away from: cold, calculated, poll driven politics. You just don’t know what she thinks because she goes by what the polls say. Love the husband, but that is not enough to get my vote. I would much rather go with someone who makes sense and has a record of making sense (i.e. Barackkkkkkkk), versus experience. (even that experience is debatable since she does not even want to release her records.)
Pay attention to the last minute!!! OOOOooohhh my, oh my!!
This happened 2 weeks before his wife filed for divorce.
It’s bad enough the guy is going through a divorce, she had the smartest idea ever, after seeing him already irritated to ask him about his marriage..I mean come on…. Of course he was going to walk out and I applaud him for that..personal matters are just that… personal, and being president of a nation does not entitle anyone to ask questions that personal. He’s not a celebrity, or an actor (who, you might argue deserve the scrutiny)… He has already been elected and should not go through that much scrutiny… I do, on the other hand, agree with personal questions to candidates…but not already elected officials… at least not for a divorce… Give the guy a break…
I say, good thing he walked out… I fear for his press secretary though..he’s gonna get it..
THE ONLY PART AMERICA KNOWS IN THE SONG IS SUPERMAN...........AND YOUUUU.
I did not write this and don't know how true it is either....thanks GA for introducing MORE ig'nant azz sh*t into American culture...
Read on to find out how messed up this is...
So here's the deal. Most dudes have been in the situation when you've been trying all night to sleep with a certain young lady. Y'all have been messing around for hours and you've tried everything from 'I'll still respect you in the morning' to 'Just let me put the head in' but she keeps shutting you down hard like a faulty car trunk. Well, according to our songwriter/rapper Soldja Boy, now's the time to give up and 'Superman Dat Hoe'!!! I'll try to keep this as clean as possible for those of you who read this at work So basically, you let her fall asleep and you commence to 'take things into your own hands', you know, make it a party for one! Hopefully you catch my drift by now. You then 'release' on her back while she's sleeping. Next, you take the sheets and cover her up with your little soldiers still on her back. What happens next is actually the funny part! Throughout the night, your liquid love will dry and wind up sticking the sheet to that lovely lady's back.. When she awakens the next morning, she'll stand up with a sheet stuck to her back like a cape! My friend, you have just Supermanned dat hoe!!! It don't get any better than that. She has a cape!! Are you kidding me?!?! Even funnier is that, Soldja Boy, who sings this song is 16!!
Here is moi! Hope you find this blog interesting enough for debate and discussion.
Amayel was my grand mother, on my father’s side (and happens to be my favorite name). I have been reading blogs and comments left and right and thought it would be exciting to put myself and my ideas out there with all of my complexities, flaws, brains and beauty. As I go through school and life in the US, I find my insights not-so-mainstream as I have been born and raised abroad, and would think that is reason enough to share them. I do not pretend to hold the truth, but hopefully, I will gain as much reading and writing for you as you will from me.
Salam.
M.
Profile…
Peace Advocate, Opinionated, Humorous, Fierce, Ambitious, Relentless, Unapologetic, a bit anti-social, left handed, caring, 1/2 conservative-1/2 liberal, positive, loyal, confident, bossy, introvert, assertive, open-minded, trustworthy, intuitive, strong-willed... and so much more... More than I could say in a few words... Find out for yourself!
Next...THE WORLD IS MY PLAYGROUND AND LIFE IS PUSHING MY WINGS...
Now Reading…
* Vie et Enseignement de Tierno Bokar: Le Sage de Bandiagara... by Amadou Hampate Ba
L'histoire de Tierno Bokar Salif Tall. "On apprend beaucoup sur sa propre ignorance quand on mesure la qualite spirituelle, l'humilite et la rigueur de la quete confiante et non violente temoigne par un musulman Tierno Bokar."
Tout compte fait, celui qui est sur la Voie, se reconcilie avec le reste.
400,000 numbers cover the The Darfur Wall. Each represents a victim of genocide in Darfur, Sudan. By donating $1 or more, you can turn a number from dark gray to brilliant white and honor one lost life.
The Darfur Wall has raised over $50,000 from donors in 30 countries. 100% of the proceeds benefit four Darfur relief organizations: Doctors Without Borders, Save Darfur, Save the Children, and the Sudan Aid Fund.
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