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)

Last Week in the News

I first must make a retraction and an apology.  It appears that Will and Jada are NOT separating!  Can I mention that I am extremely happy that the break-up rumors were false.  So, I officially take back the news from last week when I mentioned that the Smiths were breaking up and apologize to them and their families.  Pressing on…

Well, it’s officially! Beyonce is PREGGERS!!!! I’m SO excited!  No, I’m not a big fan (yet) of “4″, but it is growing on me, just like her belly is about grow over the next few months! (I know, corny joke.)  I am truly happy for Beyonce and Hov, but I wonder why she decided to make the big “announcement” on the VMAs.  Thank goodness I’m on Twitter; that’s how I heard the big news. 

Well, I survived TWO natural disasters in one week.  Hurricane Irene didn’t do that much damage in the DC area, thank God, but I was without power for almost 24 hours.  Millions of people are without power in the NE, so we must pray for them and hope their lives are restored quickly!

People are buzzing about Lil Wayne’s video for “How to Love”.  Yes, Weezy made a poignant and touching video to show what happens when we abuse our children, especially our daughters, and expose them to unhealthy relationships and situations, then he showed the flip side of what happens when you take care of your children and show them true love.  But a lot of people are up in arms because does one video negate all of the bad things that Wayne has done in the past?  I have to say no. 

So, that’s all I’ve got for you today.  Oh, on the job front, I had a great interview last week; just waiting for the follow-up call or e-mail.  So keep me in your prayers!  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

*If you missed Beyonce’s performance on the VMAs, check it out at www.mtv.com!

Related articles

• Beyoncé Announces Pregnancy at MTV VMAs! (eonline.com)

My Rant for the Day

First things first- Can I say that I am beyond SHOCKED that news has surfaced Will and Jada have separated????  Yes, I know that I don’t know them, but let’s be real.  We hold celebrities to certain statuses in our lives, especially when it comes to relationships. weight, looks, money, etc.  And it seemed that the Smiths had it together-a beautiful family, talented kids, businesses, both were currently working.  I know more than a few of us thought that Will and Jada were the epitome of Black Love, right up there with Ossie and Ruby, Angela and Courtney, Bill and Camille, the list goes on.  I know it’s NOT going to happen, but we should leave the Smiths alone during this very personal matter. 

Next up, I saw “The Help” last Sunday.  While I appreciate my girls inviting me out and having a bang-up Sunday night, I really don’t know my thoughts on the movie.  I had no desire to see the film, but I didn’t have any plans (and they changed the time they were going just for me), so I decided to go.  “The Help” was an enjoyable film, but I don’t know if I liked it.  Honestly, I have to see it again before I can do a real Southern Girl Review.

I bought Beyonce’s “4″ about a week after it came out.  I am probably once of the biggest Bey Stans there is, but I don’t think I’m a fan.  As I told a friend, I’m not a Ballad Beyonce fan (think “Listen”); I like more up-tempo, dance hits (think “Single Ladies”).  And since her newest album is more ballads, I wasn’t feeling it.  I have been listening to it more with the intent to give the album an honest listening to and determination in my opinion.  As of today, the jury’s still out. 

So, that’s my rant for the day.  No rhyme or reason, no logic.  Just my thoughts on some things that are going on in pop culture.  And for those of you who know how I feel about the Kardashians, I purposefully did not discuss Kim and Kris’ nuptials this weekend.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern Girl…in the city!

What Kind of F*ckery is This?

Image by NRK P3 via Flickr

On Saturday, July 23, I was taking a break at work around 12:30 pm.  I took a quick peek on Twitter to see that people were sharing the news that Amy Winehouse had been found dead in her London flat.  I was saddened and surprised, but not shocked.  To say it was inevitable may be cruel, but it’s an accurate statement.  I went back and told my co-workers that she had died.  As an ode to her, they wanted to sing “Rehab”; I told them “no; that’s highly inappropriate.” 

Amy Winehouse was poised to become this generation’s Teena Marie-a soulful white girl who had a unique sound.  Sadly, her career didn’t have the chance to flourish like Marie’s, but she will never be forgotten.  As my auntie Madeline pointed out to me, it’s ironic that she, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix all died at the age of 27.  I’ve lived longer than all three of these artists.  Another ironic thing about Amy’s death is that she died within weeks of Betty Ford, the biggest proponent of battling addiction.  I mentioned Amy in a WBW post earlier this year.  I guess we’ll never know what greatness she and ?uestlove would have made in the studio. 

Today’s post title is my favorite Winehouse lyric from the track “Me and Mr. Jones”; heck, it might be my favorite song lyric ever.  And it explains how I’m sure a lot of people are feeling about her death right now.  I hope at least one person who’s battling addiction learns something from this and is able to get clean.  I hope Amy is resting in peace.  And I’m sure Mrs. Ford is getting in that a–.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

Related articles

• M.I.A. Releases ’27,’ In Honor Of Amy Winehouse, Those Who Died At 27 (huffingtonpost.com)
• Celebrities React To Amy Winehouse’s Death On Twitter (hellobeautiful.com)