Black Men in the age of President Obama

This weekend, CNN, HLN, and ESSENCE Magazine will take an unprecedented look at President Obama's impact on black men one year after his historic election.  This special report will be hosted by Richelle Carey and Don Lemon and will air as follows:
CNN
Saturday, October 31 at 10PM ET
Sunday, November 1 at 7PM ET
HLN
Monday, November 2 THROUGH
Friday, November 6 at 4PM ET
Will you watch?  Leave your thoughts in the comments section!

ESSENCE Empowerment Conference

If you're in the Chicago area this weekend, check out the 2009 ESSENCE Empowerment Conference.  This powerful one-day event is filled with seminars to help us:

*Transform our finances
*Transition to a new career
*Launch, nuture, and grow a business
*Network effectively; and
*Create personal brands

Guest speakers include Mellody Hobson (President, Ariel Investments and Financial Contributor, ABC's Good Morning America), Cheryle Robinson Jackson (U.S. Senate Candidate, IL), and Marshawn Evans, Esq. (Innovation Expert, ME Unlimited LLC).  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.essence.com/packages/empowerment/

MONICA IS STILL STANDING

Monica fans the wait is over! She is back and ready to release her fifth studio album in December.  Last night, a song called 'Everything to Me' leaked on the internet and it proves that Monica is indeed Still Standing...listen to the snippet below and let me know what you think in the comments section.
zSHARE - Everything to me.mp3

I WANT TO CALGONACISE

So, I'm sitting at my desk silently chanting my workday mantra "Divakeepittogetheryoureallyneedthisjob....Divakeepittogetheryoureallyneedthisjob" when I receive an email from Lady Chitra with a link to the fabulous shoe pictured above.  Now I know you divas are probably thinking "What the blankblank kinda shoe is that and why is Nika saying this big boat shoe is fabulous?"  (I know what you're thinking because I can feel it in my blogger veins.) Well, ladies take a closer look because the shoe is a BATHTUB!!!  Yes ma'am, its a divatub and I want one.  Call me crazy, but I want to luxuriate in the big shoe!  I want to fill the shoe with Calgon and Calgonacise...I want to make the bath & the body work in a shoe.  Divas, I know its a bit much... its waaaay over the top and then over that top, but I don't care.  I think its fabulous!  So,  If anyone asks"What does Nika want for Xmas?", you know what to say.  She wants a big shoe!

These fabulous bathtubs are created by Italian designer Massimiliano Della Monaca...to learn more about the designer and to see more of his amazing designs, visit http://www.mdmworld.eu/

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET TIP #1

Hey beauties!  Today, I want to share with you a "recipe" for making brush cleanser.  Now, I looooove MAC Cosmetics, but some things I can no longer justify purchasing.  Shelling out $12 for brush cleanser is ridiculous, especially when I can make 12 bottles of the same product for $freeninetynine at home!  Yes, I took an empty MAC bottle and refilled it with homemade product.  (Broke diva trick #1: refill your old MAC bottle with homemade product...remember, the goal is to NOT look broke, LOL!) 
So, let's get started, here's what you'll need:

Alcohol (1/4 cup)
Distilled or filtered water (1 cup)
Moisturizing shampoo (1 Tbsp)
Leave-in conditioner (1 Tbsp)
Pink food coloring (1 drop optional)...however, you MUST add this if you want it to actually look like MAC's product.  You cannot fool people with clear cleanser...you'll look cheap and this defeats the purpose!!

Divas (and Divos), simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and pour into an empty MAC bottle!  Simple, right??  Try it out tonight and thank me tomorrow.

Chris Brown on the Angie Martinez Show tomorrow!

Chris Brown will conduct his first radio interview since "Chrianna-Gate" tomorrow on The Angie Martinez Show!  The Angie Martinez Show airs from 3-7P EST on New York's Hot 97...will you listen?  Let me know in the comments section below.

MUSIC AND LAUGHTER

Join Erykah Badu and Rickey Smiley for a night of music and laughs on October 25, 2009 at the Atlanta Civic Center.  For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E004307A8377F47?artistid=781503&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202

TIME TO DELIVER

After several months of negotiations, the health reform debate is about to move to the full Congress for the first time!  On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, Organizing for America volunteers will gather at "Time to Deliver" call parties across the country.  OFA's goal is to place 100,000 calls to Congress in a single day.  President Obama will be joining a call party and then speaking live via a webcast to discuss the fight for reform.  To find a call party in your area or to host a party, visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/oct20hostattend/

"I PLAYED WITH MY TOYS AND TOOK A NAP"

WHY??? WHY?  Why in the Hail Hail the Queen did these crazy a*^ weather folk pretend that their six year old son was flying over Colorado in a life-size jiffy corn bag??  WHY?  Why did nervous Americans watch in horror as a gigantic jheri curl bag soared through the friendly Ft. Collins skies?  WHY? WHY Mr. and Mrs. Heene?  Huh?  Speak a little louder...America is listening now.  Isn't that what you wanted?  You wanted our attention, right?  Well, you got it.  So, go ahead.  Tell us.  Tell us what was soooo important that you had to disrupt our DVR recordings of the Young & the Restless with breaking news of your baby boy flying in a Reynolds oven bag.  We're listening...go ahead, tell us. 

Yep, that's what I thought.  You have nothing to say!!!  After alllll of that you have nothing to say.  You thought it would be cool to have the entire nation watch an empty balloon take off from your raggedy backyard.  Well, guess what Heene family?  The joke is on you!  Now, the whole world knows that you are crazy people.  AND, now your innocent son is known as balloon boy.  So the haha is on you!  You should sleep well tonight knowing that all of your neighbors want you to leave town and they no longer want their kids to hang out with your little falcons.  Yep, you should pat yourselves on the back!  Just think, the next time an innocent child really floats away in his dad's homemade crap machine...no one will care.  No one will track the take off or film the landing..nope, everyone will think of the wacko Heene family. 

Congratulations...you look real stupid right now!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI6UONWCq7A

Stop the foolishness!!...please parents, you're embarrassing your kids!

MATCH YOUR NAILS TO YOUR EMAILS

Starting next month, Dell will add 26 classic OPI nail polish shades to the color and artwork offerings available as options in the Dell Design Studio.  You heard right...you can now color coordinate your nails with your laptop!! How freakin fierce is that?  What?  Are you kidding me?  See, there's fabulous...and then there is FABULOUS DAHLING.  And this news is FABULOUS DAHLING!!!  Dell just pulled out the diva card and slapped it on Apple's forehead, LOL.  Two snaps to the marketing team at Dell because...DUDE that's fab!  According to OPI Executive Vice President & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, "Beautiful nails are the ultimate accessory to any look.  And now, with Dell laptops that coordinate with OPI Nail Lacquers, you can match your nails to your emails!"

...I LOVE IT!  What do you think?..let me know in the comments section below.

10th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference

On October 16-17, 2009, the Rainbow Push Coalition will hold its 10th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  The two day conference will include seminars on the sports and entertainment business, women and wealth, debt management, and youth empowerment.  There will also be a session on the housing foreclosure crisis.  And, its free! Yep, the conference is FREE to the public.  For more information about this event and to register, visit http://www.rainbowpushatlanta.org/.

YOU ARE A TRUE BEAUTY!

There are soooo many things wrong with this image that I don't even know where to begin...Are you kidding me Mr.FashionDesigner?  Are you serious?  Did you really just make this model's head larger than her waist?  You didn't, right?  You wouldn't suggest that I blow up my head and shrink my waist, would you? Oh, you would?...Oh, you did?...Say what now?  Oh, you ARE serious...wooooow!

Well, here's one for you...How do you suggest that I achieve a 6 inch waist?  I have no problem giving you "big ole headed girl"...but THAT waist, yeah I need help with that!  So, where should I begin?  Sign me up!  I wanna be fierce, fashionable, and en vogue...so whatddaya want me to do Mr.FashionDesigner?  I'm young, impressionable, and I just want to look like the girl in the picture.  So, how do I do it...what's the secret?  I promise I won't tell...I pinky swear! 

(*whispering*...ok readers, be very quiet because i pinky swore that i wouldn't share the following information with anyone...silencio por favor [shout out to Senora Pratt, lol])

Yes, I'm still here Mr.FashionDesigner and I'm ready to learn your secret method of achieving a toddler's waist! ........uh huh.......ok.....got it.....ok....uh huh.....ok....what, this method also corrects acne!!...AND, it will make my nose perfect!!!....get outta here...so, basically I can create a NEW me who looks nothing like the real me?....wow!  Gee, thanks...Ok..smooches...buh-bye!

Are you guys ready for the SECRET?  Brace yourselves...are you sure you're ready?  The secret is to LIE!!!  Its all a lie, folks!  No magic pills, no special diets, no bootcamp workouts... nothing, nadda!  It's all a LIE!  The photos in the magazines are PHOTOSHOPPED!  Even the "beautiful" models can't achieve the images that they sell to us...it's a lie!  So, divas (and divos...how you doin?) stop killing yourselves to mirror the distorted images that you see in the fashion magazines.  Stop starving/bingeing/purging yourselves to lose weight!  STOP IT!  Stop obsessing over the invisible hook in your nose...STOP IT!  Stop staring at your acne scars from 8th grade...because no one notices them but YOU!  STOP IT!  Stop staring at your NORMAL body fat wishing it would go away...STOP IT!  Stop trying to change the truth into a lie.  The truth is YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL...YOU ARE FIERCE...YOU ARE PERFECT!  Repeat after me...I AM BEAUTIFUL, I AM FIERCE, I AM PERFECT!  Face it ladybug, you are a TRUE BEAUTY; because, EVERYTHING else is a LIE!!   

MAGIC, MIRTH, AND MISCHIEF

Ladies, its here...MAGIC, MIRTH, AND MISCHIEF!  MAC's annual holiday collection is now available online and at select MAC counters and stores. (The official launch date is October 15th.)  This collection features mineralize eyeshadow duos, mineralize blushes, dazzleglasses, lipsticks, lipglasses, nail lacquers, creamsheen glasses, and lip pencils.  Seriously, MAC?  The only thing missing from this collection is...nothing, LOL!  MAC didn't hold back on this collection at all; they went to work and delivered (insert finger snap here)!  Here's a sneak peek of the collection...like it? love it? hate it?  Let me know in the comments section.

Lipsticks ($14.00 U.S.)

• Pervette Soft bright pink with violet opalescent shimmer (Glaze) (Permanent)
• Utter Fun Fuchsia cherry pink (Limited Edition)
• Surprise Me Mid-tone peach (Limited Edition)
• Total Wow! Blue pink berry (Limited Edition)

Dazzleglasses ($18.00 U.S.)

• She-Zam Sheer silver with silver and red pearl (Limited Edition)
• Jingle Jangle Sheer yellow peach (Limited Edition)
• Phiff! Yellow pink with red and sapphire pearl (Limited Edition)

Cremesheen Glasses ($18.00 U.S.)

• Ever So Rich Sheer lilac (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Partial to Pink Light creamy yellow pink with light gold pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Boy Bait Light neutral beige with pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Softsparkle Eye Pencils ($14.50 U.S.)

• Iris Accents Pale violet with silver pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Nightsky True black with silver pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
  

 

Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos ($19.50 U.S.)

• Devil-May-Care Base: Rich light violet, Crescent: Silver (Limited Edition)
• Under Your Spell Base: Light yellow peach pink, Crescent: Rich copper (Limited Edition)
• Mayhem Base: Dirty brown gold, Crescent: Silver (Limited Edition)
• Midnight Madness Base: Dirty grey brown, Crescent: Gold (Limited Edition)
• It’s A Miracle Base: Deep blue burgundy, Crescent: Gold (Limited Edition)
• Blue Sorcery Base: Bright Turquoise, Crescent: Silver (Limited Edition) 

Mineralize Blush ($21.00 U.S.)

• Su Perdu Pernatural Mid-tone coral (Limited Edition)
• Conjure Up Dirty, mid-tone plum (Limited Edition)

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S.)

• $$$ Yes Metallic silver foil (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Lucky Number Metallic blue pink (Limited Edition)

SISTERS OF TODAY & TOMORROW YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Rainbow Push will partner with Sisters of Today & Tomorrow (SOT) to host a youth leadership summit on Saturday, October 17th, at the Hyatt Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.  Scheduled panelists include entertainment attorney Phaedra Parks, SOT's Carla Morrison, and several business students from Clark Atlanta University.  SOT is a nonprofit organization created to raise the consciousness of women and children through innovative programs that focus on self esteem, education, health & fitness, and career/entrepreneurship.  In addition to the youth summit, SOT also sponsors an after school program, mentoring program, and the Brothers of Tomorrow Conference.  For more information about SOT and to learn how to attend the youth summit, visit http://www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org/. 

BLACK GIRLS ROCK!

The 4th Annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! awards will take place on Saturday, October 17th, at Times Center in New York City.  The awards ceremony will be co-hosted by acclaimed actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross.  The show will highlight and honor the outstanding accomplishments by women of color in fashion, entertainment, media, business, and public service.  This year's honorees include Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Naomi Campbell, Iyanla Vanzant, Raven-Symone', Janelle Monae, and Dr. Sonia Sanchez.  Other invited guests include, DJ Spinderella, Anthony Hamilton, and Bryan-Michael Cox.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, Inc. is a mentoring outreach program targeting "at risk" teenage girls of color.  Founded by famed DJ Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! combats the psychological effects of the negative images of black women depicted in the media and strives to make a difference in the lives of young women by raising awareness, counseling, and mentoring.  For more information about the organization and to purchase tickets to the event, visit www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/Awards09.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. JOSEPH E. LOWERY!

On Sunday, October 11th (THAT'S TONIGHT!!!), the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights will host a star-studded evening of entertainment to celebrate the 88th birthday of Dr. Joseph E. Lowery.  The theme for the night is "A Mile in his Shoes"  and will be hosted by actors Samuel L. Jackson and Alfre Woodard.  Legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin is scheduled to perform along with appearances by Jasmine Guy, Nicole Ari Parker, Boris Kodjoe, Tyler Perry, Savion Glover, and others.  Tickets for Lowery's birthday celebration may be purchased at the Institute’s Web site, and all proceeds from the event will benefit the Institute, which provides tools and resources to address national and international criminal justice and human rights issues.  For more information about Dr. Lowery and to purchase tickets to the event, visit www. loweryinstitute.org.

BOW WOW ENCOURAGES YOUTH TO TAKE A STAND

After the beating death of Chicago teen Derrion Albert, rapper Bow Wow released a video encouraging youth and other hip hop artists to take a stand against violence.  The rapper also stressed the importance of education and urged young people to believe that with hard work their dreams can come true.  For more on the story and to watch the video, click on the link below. 

*UPDATE* We All Need To Use Our Voices - Derrion Albert RIP

Source: Global Grind

...I'M AN ARTIST AND I'M SENSITIVE ABOUT MY ISH

Today, I was inspired by a fellow blogger, Lori, to share some of my creative works with you.  Feel free to share your works with me in the comments section.

Omnia Vincit Amor
My all is yours
Through you I am me
My faith hopes and dreams are in you
With you I am free.

Give me more, mi amor
I'll give it all to you
I want for nothing but your happiness
Your life is my truth.

Everything is beautiful
C'est la vie, when I'm with you
I'll never leave you
You never leave me
Perfect love our rhythmic groove.

I can only love me…when I love you
For without you, there is no me
I'm obsessed, you are so flawless
My heart I place at your feet...



Untitled
I am so through
So through
I am sick and tired
Tired and through
I am done
Finished
Packing my shit
I'm through
Done
No longer confused
I know what I need to do
It is so over
Been there…done that…hated it
Hated It…
I am so through
So through
Sick and tired
Tired and through
Finished
Done
No longer confused
It is so over
Grabbing my keys
Relax
Breathe
Preparing to leave
Relax
Breathe
Walking away
Relax
Breathe
You are free.

OCTOBER BEAUTY OBSESSIONS

Hello, my name is Nika and I am a product junkie. If there is a cream for it, I’ll buy it! If the packaging is pretty, I have to have it! If Beyonce’ uses it, I NEED it!  Like Ike Turner, Nika is addicted to that narcotic, just kidding, but I do loves me a good cosmetic.  Yeah, I'm a goofball, LOL.  Without further ado,  I present my October Beauty Obsessions:

1. Style Black: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

What MAC says: A highly effective, dual-purpose, foaming and exfoliating scrub blending natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals from the islands of Vanuatu. Adds moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. Good for absorbing skin’s natural oils. May be used on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water.

Nika says: O-M-G! I love this stuff…its magic in a bottle. If you are searching for the perfect exfoliator, THIS IS IT! (R.I.P. Michael...I couldn't resist, lol)  After one use, my skin felt smoother.  Can't wait to see how my skin improves after multiple uses...Ladies, this one is limited edition, so get to MAC before it's gone!

2. Essie Matte

What Essie says: essie® matte about you

What Nika says: Matte nails were all over the runways at NY Fashion Week 2009.  Now, I'm more than a few coins short from purchasing any of the looks from the shows, so only my nails will be en vogue this fall, LOL.  Hey, its a recession!  Essie Matte will definitely be in heavy rotation.  I can't wait to put my hands ups and sing...Uh Uh Oh...Put A Ring On It!

3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

What Urban Decay Says: This miracle eyeshadow primer is unmatched by any other in the beauty industry! The genie in this bottle fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing. Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application. It dries down almost instantly (and invisibly), creating smooth lids that are super powered eyeshadow magnets.

What Nika Says:  This is every eyeshadow lover's best friend!!!  I cannot say enough about UDPP...it has changed my eyeshadow-loving life.  One stroke of the magic wand and presto...the perfect shadow base.  No creasing, streaking, or disappearing shadows.  Ladies, get into this!

Do you have an October Beauty Obsession?  Please share your holy grail products in the comments section :o)

ATL Housewife's fiance' killed in brawl outside ATL nightclub

Atlanta Housewife Kandi Burress is coping with the tragic killing of her fiance', Ashley "A.J." Jewell.  Allegedly, Jewell was involved in a brawl outside of a popular Atlanta strip club.  Atlanta police confirmed that Jewell received a severe head injury during a fight at the Body Tap Club.  Jewell was taken to Piedmont Hospital where he later died.  Police have not determined what caused the brawl, but an investigation is under way. 

UPDATE: An arrest has been made in the beating death of AJ Jewell.  According to the AJC, Atlanta homicide detectives arrested Frederick Richardson.  Richardson also sustained injuries in the fight and is currently at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta but will be jailed once released  by his doctor.  He will be charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Kandi Burress reached out to her fans via twitter, she writes "“im just in one of those moods where i dont wanna talk, i dont wanna b held & told its gonna b ok. i just wanna cry myself 2 sleep, alone,”

My prayers go out to Kandi and AJ's family and friends.

ANOTHER TEEN CRITICALLY BEATEN IN CHICAGO

Today, the Chicago Tribune reported that a 14 year old boy was severly beaten in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.  The boy underwent surgery for a fractured skull and is in critical condition but expected to live.  According to a witness, the boy was chased by a group of teens who struck him in the head with a pipe before punching and kicking him.  No one is in custody but officers believe the beating was gang related, Police Supt. Jody Weis said.  This brutal attack comes one week after the beating death of Chicago teen Derrion Albert.  Many Chicago parents fear that their child may be next; others are taking action.  Several local churches patrol the streets before and after school making sure that students get to and from school safely.

This month, the city of Chicago announced a $30 million project aimed at more than 1000 students identified as high risk to become victims of gun violence.  The proposed project will provide the students with full-time mentors and part-time jobs.  The project will also provide more security guards to assist students forced to travel through gang territorities on their way to school.

Is Chicago's proposed plan enough to keep our children safe? What are your thoughts; how can we stop the violence?

Rappers Ludacris and T.I. challenge Atlantans to raise $100K to assist flood victims

Rapper Ludacris, joined by mega-producer Bryan Michael Cox, stopped by the Ryan Cameron show today at V-103 to challenge Atlanta rappers/ballers/socialites to donate money to support the victims of the recent Atlanta floods.  Ludacris, T.I., former MTV VJ LaLa Vasquez, Jermaine Dupri and Diddy all personally pledged to contribute $10K.  Ludacris read a letter written by T.I. encouraging residents to join forces to help rebuild Atlanta.  Several rappers, athletes, and actresses, including Gabrielle Union, joined the show via voicemails, twits, and emails to contribute to the relief fund and to encourage all Atlantans to participate in the recovery process. 
For more information about the Ludacris/TI flood relief efforts and to donate money, visit http://www.theludacrisfoundation.org/

Southwest Community Festival October 2-4, 2009

The 19th Annual Southwest Community Festival hosted by Another Way Out, Inc. will take place this weekend, October 2-4, 2009, at the Cascade Driving Range.  This FREE event will include live musical performances, carnival, car show, and merchandise vendors.
Another Way Out (AWO), Inc. is a nonprofit Mentoring and After School Tutorial Program designed to prepare Atlanta’s youth between the ages of 8-18 years to become successful and productive citizens. The organization serves young people in Southwest Atlanta by placing at-risk youth with community leaders, business professionals and honorable individuals willing to dedicate their time and talents to our next generation of leaders. Founded by local business man and philanthropist, Samuel Tompkins, AWO is touted as one of the most successful youth-serving organizations in the metro-Atlanta area.  To learn more about the organization or to become a mentor, visit www.awoinc.com.