I don't watch award shows. But I have heard all about the one that aired last night. I wasn't surprised at the behavior that others found so appalling. This isn't the first time that the offender has acted in such a way.

Wasn't he the same guy that got hijacked a telethon to say that "George Bush didn't care about Black people?" And speaking of that incident--why was it okay for him to disrespect a sitting POTUS, but not okay for Joe Wilson? Why weren't folks up in arms about that? It's not always about the message, but sometimes more about how the message is presented...

We really need to demand respect for ALL people. We really need to be careful who we idolize. We really need to require more of celebrities. They are out of control.

Your comments--priceless!!



I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.

This week's FOJ(Friend of Jewel) is Rasheen Peppers. You may recognize him as one of the stars of the A&E Channel's Manhunters Show. He is a deputized US Marshal and a detective with the Newark, New Jersey Police Department-what I would call a true hero. Each time I talk to him, I am impressed with his humble character and his commitment to his community.

Rasheen was born and reared in Newark. His mother married into a family of law enforcement officers when he was a toddler. His grandfather and uncles were well respected, decorated police officers. From a child, he thought law enforcement was such a brave, admirable career--"to face your fears, so that others can live fearlessly."

He and his wife have chosen to raise their family in the same community that he polices. He thinks this allows him to be held accountable. He doesn't want to become one of those officers whose careers catapult them out of the hood and then they forget where they came from.


He's received numerous accolades, but the ones that mean the most to him, come from the citizens that he protects, including an anonymous nomination for America's Most Wanted All Star 2009. Although he didn't win, the nomination and subsequent votes from all over the world warmed his heart.

In a time where law enforcement is one of the most highly criticized professions in our society, Rasheen wears his badge proudly. He says that what policing needs most is community cooperation. So many times, information is withheld from law enforcement because there is no confidence in the justice system. He does realize that sometimes citizens are wary, but encourages those who have information about crime in their communities and can't come forth, to contact him and he will get the information to the right person. He also admits that the most challenging aspect of his job is dealing with internal politics on the job. Officers have to "play the game" or risk reassignment.

It was on this day, 25 years ago, that Vanessa L Williams, resigned as Miss America. This came after she made history as the first African American to be crowned Miss America. Soon after, nude photographs of her surfaced and the nightmare began.

Now today, this would be no big deal. Beauty queen scandals are quite commonplace, usually ending with the young lady fading away into oblivion. Vanessa refused to let it happen to her. She held her head high and kept her career moving. She has become quite the entertainer, having been nominated for Grammy, Emmy, and Tony awards.

Personally, I think she is one of the most beautiful women in the world. Simply gorgeous. I admire her drive and determination and the fact that she "never let them see her sweat." She'll always be Miss America to me.

Your comments--priceless!!

Over the weekend, FOJ Tamara of Mocha Mish Mash, awarded me the Honest Scrap Award for honesty and authenticity in my blog writing.

To keep this award, there are some rules by which I (and future recipients) must abide:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.

So, here are the "ten honest things about myself":

--FOJ Cindy, gave me 2 collectible Barbie Dolls more than 10 years ago, and inspired a collection that has grown to more than 100.
--I don't drink alcohol at all--not beer, not wine, or even champagne.
--I absolutely hate cilantro.
--I am named after my mother, that makes me a Junior, kind of.
--I'm married to my best friend.
--I was born on an US military base (Walter Reed), many moons ago.
--My brothers are twins. They are 14months younger than me.
--I had a baby on Leap Year Day. (Feb 29, 1992)
--I LOVE my Blackberry, my Kindle, and my laptop. Don't ask me to choose between them.
--I am terrified of lizards, snakes, frogs, bugs, spiders, etc. etc. ETC. I am NOT afraid of humans.

Tagging 7 other FOJ:

-Beth Tea and Thee

-Erin Nuggets of Truth

-Benny For Christ, the City, and Our Culture

-Kat Katz Scratch

-Rafael twofishfive

-Tami Talking with Tami

-Sharon A Break from the Norm

You may have noticed that both my blogs have been nominated for the 2009 Black Weblog Awards. I have not been able to get contest rules for these yet, but I will post them as soon as I have them. As far as the Social Luxe Awards, thanks to everyone that has voted for me in the Most Inspiring Blog category. The links for voting are in the side column. I love you guys!


The winners of the Axe Giveaway are:

Glamorous Beauty

Sharon Ball

Beth

Blqlvr Girl

They will each receive a box of Axe Hair products and styling aids. Please email your mailing addresses to me.

Your comments--priceless!

Last year, when Slumdog Millionaire arrived in theatres, I simply wasn't drawn to it. But I decided to take another look at it after all of the Oscar buzz, and it's subsequent wins in nearly every category that it was entered. Months ago, when the DVD became available, I bought it. But I still never watched. Again, it just didn't grab my attention.

Well, yesterday I finally watched the DVD. I thought it was fair, but kept waiting for the part that would justify the hype. Next thing I know, the film was over. It was just "blah" for me--not something I would ever need to see again.

I found the story to be mediocre and somewhat unbelievable, and the acting average. I thought the flashback way of telling the story was overused. I did find the locations and the backdrop of India to be amazing. Outside of that, it was just okay for me (sounding like Randy Jackson on American Idol).

Did I miss something? Did you find it to be excellent? Is it one of your favorites? Have you even seen it? Tell me what you thought...

Your comments--priceless!!