How Dare You?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard of and come across certain stories that make me wonder, “What the heck were you thinking?!”  One of them is the story of Desmond Hatchett, a 33 year old Knoxville man that has fathered 30 (yes, you read correctly THIRTY) children with 11 different women.  Mr. Hatchett has asked the state of Tennessee to assist him in his child support payments because he can’t afford it anymore.  I not only blame him, I fault these women.  When I ventured into internet dating, a man messaged me that had 7 children.  I quickly deleted his message without responding and never looked back.  (Crazy thing, he also messaged my sorority sister (in a completely different state than me), too, but that’s a post for a different day.)  What made woman number 6 or 7 (let alone 10 and 11) think, “Oh, he’s a catch, he’s cute-let me go ahead and sleep with him”?  I swear, people are stupid.  I tell my friends this, but I’ll share this with you all, too.  People, America, my SGITC readers-think about the person you’re about to sleep with.  Could you see yourself having a child with this person?  Could you imagine this person being in your life forever?  If not, keep it in your pants!!!!  I honestly feel sorry for these children.  This has to be the most disgusting thing I’ve seen in a long, long time. 

For my fellow “Basketball Wives”  viewers, how many of you all wanted to slap Kesha last week?  Yes, Tami was wrong and WAY out of order, but why was Kesha acting like a punk?  UGH!!! I was so disgusted watching that whole episode.  And now Tracey Edmonds (ex-Mrs. Babyface) and Shaunie want to put this mess on the big screen??? #icant  Who is going to pay to watch these chicks in a movie theater?  Not I.  I feel like these reality shows have gotten out of hand.  And to show how these little girls are looking up to these reality stars…I have started watching “Tanisha Gets Married”. (Don’t judge me.)  Tanisha was a cast member on “The Bad Girls Club” and has gone on to host the BGC reunions and other shows on Oxygen.  During last week’s episode, a little girl went up to Tanisha to get her autograph and told her, “When I grow up, I want to be on ‘The Bad Girls Club’.”  Tanisha quicky corrected the girl and say, “No, you don’t!”  Let this be a lesson to all little girls and young ladies in the world-even the women who are ignorant, crazy, and deranged on these shows want you to strive for more. 

UPDATE: Can I also add that I’m quite perturbed that Tia Mowry AND Pooch Hall are leaving “The Game”???  So, I guess this means the show will have it’s last season next year.  It’s been real. 

I’m not a lawyer (even though I had hopes of being one until I turned 23), but I don’t care what anybody says, George Zimmerman needs to stand trial.  If he had stayed in his car, Trayvon Martin might be alive today.  The media needs to let authorities do their job.  But I will say this will be tried in the case of public opinion before it gets to a courtroom.  And I know he has a family and other loved ones, but if your brother, son, husband, or whatever did something wrong, you need to let him know he was wrong-end of story. 

That’s all I have for today.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

Related articles

• ‘Basketball Wives’ Tami Admits Bullying Wasn’t Her Best Moment (celebs.gather.com)
• ‘Basketball Wives’ Kesha Addresses Tami’s Bullying (celebs.gather.com)
• Tanisha Gets Married, Natalie Nunn and Flo DON’T get along, TONIGHT! (starjoos.wordpress.com)
• Man With 30 Children Begs Court For Help With Child Support Payments [VIDEO] (therussparrmorningshow.com)

Newsworthy Updates from the Southern Girl

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted.  And it’s been even longer since I’ve done a “This Week in the News” post.  I got a request to post one (thanks, Southern Cousin!), so this is what we have.  Some things are not that new, but they’re new to you !

First, 24 year old Howard University sophomore Alonzo Guyton was shot and killed on October 26 in apparent robbery attempt.  Applause to Prince George’s County officers for identifying a suspect.  DC resident William Knight, who is only 20 years old, has been arrested for his murder.  Also, Alexis Simpson,  a 19 year Bowie State University student, was indicted last month for the stabbing death of her roommate, 18 year old Dominique Frazier.  The trial is set for March 26, 2012.  Reportedly, the roommates were having issues from the beginning, and room change requests were submitted to the Housing Department.  It will be interesting to see what comes out during the trial.  It is just unfortunate that the lives of two young women will never be the same.

Second, I haven’t mentioned Mitrice Richardson lately on the blog.  But she and her family are still in my thoughts and prayers.  This article, written by Mike Kessler, takes an amazing look at her case.  Just know it’s not over, and I hope the truth surrounding her death comes out soon.

Next, this Penn State sex abuse scandal.  Here’s what I’ll say:  Sandusky, if guilty of child abuse, needs to rot under the jail.  And if his phone interview with Bob Costas is indicative of anything, I think he’s guilty. And if anyone, parent, teacher, coach, whomever, knew of the abuse, they deserve to rot, too.  Listening to a portion of his interview, I don’t know what would make him think horseplaying with a child in a shower (let alone being in the shower with a student in the first place) would be ok.  Should the football team go on to finish their season?  Absolutely.  I agree with Elizabeth Hasselbeck (surprise, surpise)-the students should not have to suffer for the actions of their coaches.

Herman Cain, Herman Cain.  I really wanted to (attempt to) like you and think you would be a formidable GOP candidate and opponent to Obama.  But alas, you disappoint me.  First, the allegations of sexual harassment, now you have no knowledge of the President’s stance on Libya.  And for that matter, you probaby don’t even have a grasp on the facts.  I’m done with you, sir; good day!

And on the girl I love to watch on tv, Kim Kardashian.  All I can say is, “Shame on you!”  First of all, correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t there a potential for the NBA lockout this summer?  So she knew Kris didn’t have any income coming in.  Next, I don’t care what she says, she got married for publicity and to try to one up her sisters.  Khloe’s wedding wasn’t half as elaborate and over the top as Kim’s.  (Not that that has any bearing on the length of her marriage.) 

On the upside, I have been named the Outreach Co-Chair for First Book-DC, which provides books to students in the city and to lower the illiteracy rates.  Our official launch event is November 30, so be on the lookout for the event info!  Yes, I’m still job hunting.  Oh, and there’s some other good news, but I won’t go into details because I don’t want to jinx it.   Enjoy your day, and until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

Related articles

• Mitrice Richardson Death: Settlement Reached? (theroot.com)
• Here’s Video Of The Bizarre Bob Costas-Jerry Sandusky Interview (businessinsider.com)

Does Anything Surprise You Anymore?

When you put your life on display, don’t be surprised when people comment on it.  The girl we all love to hate, Kim Kardashian, has decided after 72 days of marriage, that she no longer wants to be married to Kris Humphries.  (Might I add it was a little tacky…or maybe just weird…that E! showed their wedding special not once but TWICE yesterday. *SMH*)  I think America, quite possibly the world, was stunned to hear this news.  I’m sure that people thought they would last at least a year.  But less than 3 months…that’s harsh.  Can I also add that E! Entertainment Television has plans to premier “Kim and Kourtney take New York” later this month, which will focus on the newlyweds.  I really feel bad for the Hump, who apparently wants to stay married and make his marriage work.  He really seems like someone who got caught up in the Kardashian web.  And from watching the special (heck, watching the entire Kardashian series), it seemed as if Kim was more caught up with the idea of having a wedding than having a husband.   Long story short, I wish them all the best. 

Leading GOP Presidential candidate Herman Cain seems to continue to surprise Americans…or maybe just me.  I can say a few people were surprised to find out Herman Cain is a graduate of Morehouse College, a premier collegiate institution for African-American men.  People were shocked that Cain has done as well as he had in various national polls.  But what surprises people are the allegations of sexual harassment.  (This is very reminiscent of another Black conservative who came to national attention a few years back.)  But what is MOST surprising is that these allegations have not seem to hurt or hinder Cain’s momentum.  Time will tell just want is in store for this man.

Some more surprising news (which did not overshadow the Kardashian-Humphries news) was the announcement by Jessica Simpson is that she is in fact pregnant!  In the past, Simpson has always addressed weight gain allegations; this time she let it ride and for good reason.  She announced on Monday that is expecting with fiancee’ Eric Johnson. 

What recent news has come out that has surprised you or caused your mouth to drop open in awe?  What do you think the future holds for Kim and Herman?  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

Related articles

• Herman Cain Denies Sexual Harassment Report (perezhilton.com)
• Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries Divorcing, After Just 72 Days of Wedded Bliss (newsfeed.time.com)

“The Heart Specialist” Interview Part 2

A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with actor Brian White.  And just calling him an actor does not do him justice; this man is a youth activist, former lacrosse player, and a licensed stock broker.  It was an absolute pleasure to speak with him about the film “The Heart Specialist” and what he has upcoming. 

Brian was initially drawn to the role based on those who were already cast, Wood Harris and Zoe Saldana.  He also appreciated the script because it showed Black people in a role where you don’t often see us-his character, Dr. Ray Howard, is a Harvard educated doctor, and Harris’ and Saldana’s characters have a unique partnership.  In regards to that storyline, White stated, “You don’t get to see the relationship that Wood and Zoe’s characters’ have-a healthy friendship, a respectful friendship. A lot of love there, but you don’t see any sex.  There’s no raw sex.  It’s very classy-a mutually platonic relationship. They’re leading by example, and that’s what Ray sees.   And that’s what people need to see, especially a lot of African-American youngsters.  And that’s one of the messages we wanted to put out there-how to do things the right way.”   Ray lost the love of his life through his womanizing ways but still wanted to hold on to a piece of their relationship.  But through  the tutelage of Dr. Z, Ray was able to grow up.  Through the meataphors of the medical profession, Ray learned how to love. 

Education and the next generation of African-Americans are some of the essential elements important to Brian.   He feels that our community is lacking in parental involvement and in educating our young.  On his recent UNCF tour, he was able to visit Cass Tech High in Detroit, MI.  After talking with the principal, Brian learned that students’ performance is not soley based on funds; it’s based on parent involvement; White stated, “It’s based on how many parents help their kids with homework at night; it’s based on how many parents are involved in the day-to-day, moment-to-moment activities of their kids. It’s how many parents are calling the teachers and principals telling them ‘Don’t take it easy on my kids. Give ‘em the business-we’ll give ‘em the business at home. We’ll tag team them.  They won’t have a chance but to focus.’  Those parents in Detroit do that.  The parents where I grew up in Boston do that.  The parents in Colorado, in Denver, do that.  They’re kicking their kids’ butts, and that’s why schools succeed.  That’s why I’m focusing my energy on our community and encouraging my peers and parents [to become involved].  We can’t say, ’It’s them’ anymore.  We have a Black president.  We have a leading candidate on the Republican side who’s Black.  The playing field is fairly level and that’s how we take advantage of the opportunities that are available to us.  And if I can use entertainment for anything, it’s to get information out to people to empower them.  Complaints go away and information and elevation happens.” 

Brian has TONS of things upcoming!  His latest movie, “Politics of Love”, co-starring Mallika Sherawat, Ruby Dee, and Loretta Devine, premiered in the US, Asia, and Europe.  In February 2012, “Good Deeds” will be released.  And “The Cabin in the Woods” makes its U.S. debut in April of next year.  He also wrote a book, Black Carpenter, the ”young person’s guidebook to essential tools for life”, which is currently available on its website at www.blackcarpenter.org and www.amazon.com.  And don’t forget that “The Heart Specialist” is currently out on DVD. 

To stay in touch with Brian, you can find him on Twitter at @ActorBrianWhite, on the web at www.brianwhiteonline.com, and to see his tour schedule, visit the Black Carpenter website.  I want to thank Brian for allowing me to interview him.  He has such a warm spirit and genuinely cares about people and leaving this world a better place than when he found it.  He not only talks about empowering others-he’s doing something about it.  For those of you in DC this weekend for Howard’s homecoming, you may see Brian out and about…and your favorite Southerner!   Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

The Realness of Tia and Tamera

In a world where reality television is king and black women arguing and fighting each other doesn’t cause anyone to bat an eye, it was SO refreshing see twins Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housley with their own reality show on the Style Network.  “Tia and Tamera” was my Monday night guilty pleasure.  We’ve always loved these twins since “Sister, Sister” and have watched them grow up, from Tia’s currently starring role on “The Game” and Tamera’s run on Lifetime Network’s “Strong Medicine”. 

Not only did these sisters have each other to lean on, but they also had friends and their mates.  I SO fell in love with Cory Hardrict (Tia’s husband) after last night’s episode.  He was so supportive during Tia’s pregnancy and was definitely the calm one.  He also was so excited to see his son and encouraged his wife every step of the way.  When Tamera and her husband, Adam, were faced with racism from “fans”, Adam told Tamera, “That’s their issue; not ours”, it showed that he loved her no matter what. 

Now, just like all sisters, Tia and Tamera did have their disagreements.  Especially when it came to Tamera’s wedding.  I totally felt that Tia was being selfish.  And I’ve never been pregnant, but I felt like that was Tia’s excuse for EVERYTHING!!!  And I thought she was wrong when she didn’t want Andrea, Tamera’s friend, to be the Maid of Honor.  But all things worked out in the end, and that is what’s important.

I’ve always enjoyed the Mowry sisters and was excited to see them get their own show.  And I’ve even more excited that “Tia and Tamera” was picked up for a second season.  Hopefully, we won’t have to wait that long!  To Tia and Tamera, on behalf of Black women in this country who truly value what’s important, family, friends, and sisterhood, thank you for showing the world that not all of us are celebrity hungry, coattail-riding, angry, bitter women.  Until next time, I’m just as Southern girl…in the city!

Related articles

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• Tia and Tamera Mowry Talk Season Finale, Babies, and a Sister, Sister Reunion (omg.yahoo.com)