Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Going on a family vacay may not be so bad after all!


Raise your hand if you dread going on the summer vacation trip with the parents and your bratty little brother? Well, just in time for summer, hotels are recognizing that they are forgetting their teen guests! Sooooo....when your parents are planning the next vacay, suggest to them some of the following places of travel that cater to you!

The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz., recently spent $500,000 to convert a tennis lounge into an activity center, outfitted with an extra-large TV screen for interactive video games and a mini-movie theater. Club Med has been rolling out Passworld chainwide, with activities ranging from jewelry-making classes to graffiti workshops. In November, Club Med in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic opened a renovated $200,000 teenagers’ center that includes a redesigned skateboarding park. The all-inclusive Occidental Grand Xcaret, in Mexico, south of CancĂșn, offers a Fun Club, with activities like volleyball, tennis, diving and video games, including Wii, on a 110-inch TV. By night, teenagers can enjoy movies and nightly parties at a disco.

Coast, the center for teenagers at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, has a no-parents-allowed policy (except to drop off or pick up their children and pay the $45-a-day rate) and says the space is “subtly supervised” by staff members who are youthful enough to be accepted by their teenage charges. By offering unstructured activities rather than highly programmed schedules, the space allows teenagers to socialize and assert their freedom, while satisfying parents by keeping their children in a contained, supervised setting.

At Coast, you can man the D.J. booth, spinning your own beats or hit the beauty station, where make-up, nail polish and other accessories are available to experiment with.

Such centers are turning out to be a draw even for school trips. After raising more than $2,000 for a field trip, the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade classes of the Montessori School of Ojai, Calif., chose to stay at the Loews Coronado for two nights earlier this month instead of going camping, in part because of all the amenities for teenagers. After a full day of swimming in the pool, hanging out in the special lounge, blasting music, playing video games and watching movies late into the night, the group, which ranged in age from 12 to 14, still wasn’t quite satisfied.

“They told us to go to bed,” said Kylie Overmeier, 12, “and I said I want to just live it up.”

Le Parker Meridien in New York recently began projecting Wii games on a 20-foot wall in its racquetball court with surround sound; it rents the system for about $50 an hour for up to four people.

So, if your parents are ballin' why not ask them to break you off a little piece of the fun!

Kick them energy drinks to the curb!



According to a story on MSNBC, Health researchers have identified a surprising new predictor for risky behavior among teenagers and young adults: the energy drink.

Super-caffeinated energy drinks, with names like Red Bull, Monster, Full Throttle and Amp, have surged in popularity in the past decade. About a third of 12-to 24-year-olds say they regularly down energy drinks, which account for more than $3 billion in annual sales in the United States.

The trend has been the source of growing concern among health researchers and school officials. Around the country, the drinks have been linked with reports of nausea, abnormal heart rhythms and emergency room visits.

BET to host a summer camp for girls


Let's face it: kids are cruel, and being an overweight girl can be painful if teased by others.

If you are the parent/legal guardian of an overweight girl and you know she simply needs encouragement to lose weight by learning how to make healthier lifestyle choices, here’s your chance to make it happen for her! If your girl deserves to have a lot of fun this summer, enter the “BET Summer Camp for Girls” at www.ahealthybet.com, sponsored by The BET Foundation and General Mills.The “BET Summer Camp for Girls” is a national contest to promote healthy living among girls ages 10 to12. Contest Entry Ends On
Friday, June 6, 2008 6:00 PM EST

WINNERS WILL RECEIVE AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO THE BET SUMMER CAMP!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Sequel to Coldest Winter Ever to be released soon!


Author and activist, SISTER SOULJAH announced on her website that after years of "writing, thinking, traveling and creating," this year, she will release the sequel to what I consider the grandmother of urban fiction.

SOULJAH says,

"The sequel I have written will be quite a surprise I think. My readers will have to get their intellectual weight up!"

"I have worked extremely hard to bring this one to the public. I love it. I was completely dedicated to making sure I didn't cheat my million of readers from hoods, burbs, and villages around the world. I am giving you something you can feel, remember, and use in your own lives."

"All credit goes to God for gracing me with the talent and the insight. I truly believe God is the greatest author of all times."

Black cheerleaders banned from Indian cricket show


According to UK newspaper, the Daily Mail, two cheerleaders hired to entertain crowds at India's Twenty20 cricket premier league have accused organisers of racism.

Ellesha Newton and Sherinne Anderson say they were banned from performing because they had "dark skin" and told to sit out of the opening routine at the India Premier League's inaugural match in Chandigarh.

They said they were left sobbing as Team Chennai and Team Mohali took to the field and that event organisers told them only "white girls" would be allowed to perform. Ms Newton, 22, from Islington, said they had been called "n*****s" and banned from performing.

She said: "An organiser pulled us away. He said the people here don't want to see dark people. The n***** word was used and they said they only wanted beautiful white girls."

Ms Anderson, 25, from Hayes, added: "This kind of thing has never happened to us not in Europe, not here, nowhere. We are offended."

The All India Democratic Women's Association, said: "Stopping anyone performing on the basis of colour of skin is not only illegal but unconstitutional. Racism is rarely discussed in India, but African visitors and immigrants from Nepal face regular abuse.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Old School: School Daze

Probably one of the best Spike Lee movies of all time, School Daze is based in part on Spike Lee's experiences at Atlanta's Morehouse College. It is a story about fraternity and sorority members clashing with other students at a historically black college during homecoming weekend.

Throughout the film, light-skinned African American women of the Gamma Rays (a women's auxiliary to the Gamma Phi Gamma fraternity) battle it out with their Afro-headed fellow co-eds. The students at Mission College also battle with the local unemployed and uneducated people living around the campus, who resent the Mission students for taking all of the good jobs.

Best of all, it's kind of like a musical and even if you have yet to see it, you can watch Alicia Keys' new video "Teenage Love Affair" which is inspired by the movie! Musical performances are throughout, including the production "Good or Bad Hair", a fantasy dis-fest between the Wannabes and Jigaboos, and "Be Alone Tonight" performed by Campbell (as Jane Toussaint and her Royal Court) at a talent competition. The go-go anthem "Da Butt" is performed by the group E.U. during the after-party for the Gammites.

BET's Fashion Blackout to talk about black models in the fashion industry


Visit any newsagent and you'll see that almost exclusively there are scores of blonde and brunette, white women gracing the covers of Britain's biggest magazines. Whether its fashion, beauty or lifestyle titles; British magazines rarely feature women of color in their pages, which is a telltale symptom of much larger disease plaguing England's multi-cultural society. In the first ever news special for its audiences in the United Kingdom, BET reveals that people of colour in the U.K. are experiencing a "Beauty Blackout."

Premiering Monday, 26 May at 8:30 p.m., BET News correspondent Sharon Carpenter speaks with stars like Jamelia, Alesha Dixon, Nicola Hughes (Rock Rivals, Porgy and Bess) , as well as industry opinion-formers like Britain's Next Top Model judge Gerry Deveaux and other insiders; for a look at the colour-challenged fashion and glamour modeling industry from all perspectives. The special also delves into the disturbing ways in which England's beauty ideal affects average women and young girls in their everyday lives.

Carole White, co-founder of Premier Model Management admits, "We'll have a load of castings where they'll say -- 'no black girls'." Through this timely and comprehensive news show, BET brings to the forefront these important issues facing the British Black community regarding standards of beauty, the impact it has on women of colour, and the troubling reasons why "mainstream" British society has never considered black women beautiful.

The New New: Footwear goes gangsta


From the runways to the streets...gangsta heels. From the 2009 Chanel line inspired by famous designer Karl Lagerfield, these new shoes have a gun as the heel! What do you think...hate it or love it? We want to be unique but don't you think it might send off a bad message?

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Detroit City Councilwoman gets checked by an 8th grader!

I don't know if you've seen this but girlfriend was soooo unprofessional at the city council meeting. She even calls the president of the council Shrek! Some time after the incident, an 8th grade girl, Kierra Bell, grills her on what it means to have some respect and act like an adult!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Funny pics from the campaign trail



Can we say offensive? Disney's selling golden noose necklaces!


I found the following on post on BET's News for You(th) Vote site.
As a part of their Pirates of the Caribbean “Dead Man’s Chest” couture jewelry collection, Disney has created a 14k gold plated noose necklace; oh yeah…and the matching earrings. Now obviously they wouldn’t do this with any malicious intent…but you would think the advisory board or somebody would stop and think of the implications this necklace may presumably have.

What if as a part of a movie about the Holocaust, someone came out with a line of swastika necklaces? Then there’d be a problem right? A problem I would agree with.

You would think with all the focus on race and gender in politics lately, and the outbreak of noose hangings at college campuses (not to the mention what hanging a noose did in Jena, Louisiana), that Disney, an entertainment company for kids, would not inadvertently participate in the foolishness.

What do you think about the jewelry line? Should Disney have been more sensitive about the historical implications that this symbol of oppression produces? Or did they make the necklace for fun? Let me know what you think!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Girl's exercise may prevent breast cancer when they get older


It may not be important now, but having breast cancer isn't something you look forward to. So, if you can prevent it now, what not give it a try? That means, get your butt off of the couch and get outside!!! New research shows exercise during the teen years -- starting as young as age 12 -- can help protect girls from breast cancer when they're grown.

Researchers tracked nearly 65,000 nurses ages 24 to 42 who enrolled in a major health study. They answered detailed questionnaires about their physical activity dating back to age 12. Within six years of enrolling, 550 were diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause. A quarter of all breast cancer is diagnosed at these younger ages, when it's typically more aggressive.

Women who were physically active as teens and young adults were 23 percent less likely to develop premenopausal breast cancer than women who grew up sedentary, researchers report Wednesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Hey, it doesn't hurt! You'll be healthy and be be able to wear all those halters and shorts from Forever 21 at the same time!

Girl banned from prom for inappropriate dress and then arrested! (viewer discretion advised--the dress is hideous!)


Take a look at a girl from Houston who decided that this homemade wrap was suitable enough to wear to a formal prom! Ladies, FYI, your prom is a formal event that has a dress code, not a typical night at the strip club. If you do not want to abide by dress code, which includes wearing a bra and panties, don't go! And the argument she has about getting her money back is moot also because that money has already been spent on your prom! There is no money to give back!

Sometimes, it is best to leave something to the imagination. I need all of you to remember this: ALL ATTENTION IS NOT GOOD ATTENTION! You all are beautiful enough without putting all of your T&A out on a silver platter. Let the boys use their imagination! Like Tupac said, "I don't want it if it's that easy!"...don't put yourself out there!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

July '08 Italian Vogue will feature all black models


The entire July issue of Italian Vogue will feature black models exclusively. Newly discovered 17-year-old Jourdan Dunn will grace the cover.

Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani told the UK's Independent, "Nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls, and they were complaining that they are not used enough."

When asked if she thought there might be some backlash in Italy, which has had an increasing "uncomfortable" relationship with its immigrants, Sozzani was blunt: "Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don't care. I think it is not my problem if they don't like it—it's their problem."

Neal Hamil, director of Elite Model Management, called the concept "a milestone" and said he hoped the issue would have a "huge effect" on the industry.

Aaliyah graces Fader


Fader magazine is honoring Aaliyah on its June cover. The annual Icon issue highlights the life and legacy of the revolutionary songstress. My personal favorite song/video of hers is “We need a Resolution” and “Rock the Boat”. I was truly devasted when she died. No entertainer has filled the void that she left. Pick up a copy of the magazine to read what many of Aaliyah’s family, friends and industry peers have to say about the fallen star.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

L.A. Sparks draftee Candace Parker signs endorsement deals with major brands



Earlier this month, Candace Parker was the first overall pick in the WNBA draft, going to the L.A. Sparks. Now the endorsements are rolling in. Gatorade recently signed Parker to an endorsement deal, making her the only Black woman to endorse the product.
Parker has also signed an endorsement deal with adidas!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The New New: Baggy/Tight Jeans:The best of both worlds?





I am personally not feeling this but hey, I didn't like wide belts when they came out either! I guess you can say its the best of both worlds (or the end of fashion as we know it!)

Random: Church lady's wig flies off!

Okay, this is such a sidebar but this video is priceless!

New Study: Nearly 60 percent of black children can't swim!



Nearly 60 percent of African-American children cannot swim, almost twice the figure for white children, according to a first-of-its-kind survey which USA Swimming hopes will strengthen its efforts to lower minority drowning rates and draw more blacks into the sport.

Stark statistics underlie the initiative by the national governing body for swimming. Black children drown at a rate almost three times the overall rate. And less than 2 percent of USA Swimming's nearly 252,000 members who swim competitively year-round are black.The minority swimming gap has deep roots in America's racial history. For decades during the 20th century, many pools were segregated, and relatively few were built to serve black communities.

John Cruzat, USA Swimming's diversity specialist, said these inequalities were compounded by a widespread misperception — fueled by flawed academic studies — that blacks' swimming ability was compromised by an innate deficit of buoyancy.

"There are people who still give credence to these stereotypes, even in the black and Hispanic community," said Cruzat, who wants to break the cycle that passes negative attitudes about swimming from one black generation to another.

(We may not know how to swim, but we do look slammin' at the summer pool parties!!!!)

Sasha Obama raises support for dad



US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama and his two daughters Sasha (R) and Malia recently attended a family picnic during which he delivered a short speech in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ignoring the crowds who flocked to a giant picnic with Barack Obama in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, the White House hopeful's six-year-old daughter Sasha took the stand to urge them to "Vote for Daddy. It is the first time the girls have accompanied their father as he campaigns for his party's presidential nominee since the contest in Iowa back in January.

Black Teens Feel the Chill of 'Bilingual Preferred'


'Don't speak Spanish…can't get the job?'

When San Bernardino High School teens Jazanique Jackson, Ashanae Brown and Kimyen Hawkins decided they wanted to work this summer, they left nothing to chance.

They knew the rules: plan ahead; role play; be positive; adapt; relate and encourage.
So when they hit the streets to start their summer job search they were prepared for virtually every eventuality except one.

¿No habla ingles? Can't speak Spanish.
"We were shocked. We applied at places like McDonalds, Burger King and Jack in the Box. We went to shoe stores, pizza parlors and convenience stores. The workers were overwhelmingly Spanish speaking. Pretty much they always ask us, 'Do you speak Spanish?' They said we prefer bilingual," says Jazanique. And, as an American who only speaks English, her answer leaves her without the job.

"It's hard when you can't even get an interview because you don't speak Spanish," said Jazanique.
For Jazanique, Ashanae and Kimyen the job hunting experience is both frustrating and sobering. The unemployment rate among African-American teens is shockingly six times the national rate. This according to the U.S. Department of Labor translates into approximately 296,000 African-American teenagers actively seeking employment who are finding it difficult to secure a job.

To read the complete story, visit www.blackvoicenews.com/content/view/42068/4/

New Artist: Karina Pasian



I really like this new song, Sixteen At War. The lyrics really speak the truth, especially about girls growing up today. Make sure you check her out!

Rihanna Covers Elle Magazine June '08


Rihanna is all grown up for her spread in this summer's Elle Magazine cover girl! She addresses those pesky rumors about a romantic relationship with her and Jay-Z, who is married to Beyonce now! Ms. Riri says, “Well, it’s crazy that you ask me that. People know that it’s not true,” she says. “I think it’s kinda a cliche question, and people know it’s not true, so I don’t even know why it’s still addressed to this day. I get asked about it all the time and I’m like, You’re asking, but you know the answer. I don’t even like to address it anymore.”