High Tech and High Heels

Video: Tracee Ellis Ross Has Style, and So Does Her New Character

2011-10-01T15:03:00.004-04:00

Going Digital

2011-09-09T20:39:00.000-04:00

I have been buying Music CDs since they came into existence. I remember when I had to finally give up my cassettes and get a CD Player and try to repurchase every album that I had on CD, it was expensive. Well here I am again, standing at that same threshold. But this time it is deciding if I am ready to go completely digital with my music collection.

In recent years, I have been buying MP3s via amazon.com, but understand I still have a gazillion of CDs. Yep, I was a member of the BMG music club, and I was a really good customer. So right now, I am sitting on my patio with a truckload of CDs ripping them to my PC in an honest attempt to go digital. This is not as expensive as going from Albums to CDs, but it sure is time consuming. I have been sitting out here for a few hours, and I have not even put a dent in these piles.

I really wish they had a machine that I could drop all of these CDs into, and digital music would come out. You know, like those machines at the bank that you put all of your change in to.

So, I know what I will be doing this weekend. Hope yours is great!

Tablet Blues

2011-08-25T13:04:00.001-04:00

With all of the hoopla about the $99.00 HP Touchpad, I realized that overall; I am just not a tablet fan. This could be considered another installment of my “woes of an early adopter” saga, but really I just don’t get it.

I owned a first generation Kindle, and was soooooooooo excited about the possibilities but overall, I wasn’t thrilled with the digital reader experience. I decided to sit back and wait on some other alternatives, and boy did they come running. I have friends with different readers, but other than the thrill of instant access, I haven’t been swayed to buy another one.

Thus comes the tablet...

I started looking into Tablet PCs, and when the Xoom was announce at CES 2011 back in January, it instantly moved to the top of my wish list. As soon as they became available I purchased on (via Verizon) with a 5 GB data plan. Overall, I like the performance of the Xoom, but most of the features/apps that I use were already available on my Droid.

Now don’t get it twisted, it is sexy as hell, but I still much rather be on my desktop rocking my two humongous monitors. Also, to me it is very heavy (aka not real girly). But since I “had” to have one, I am please with my choice. And… after searching high and low, I finally found the cutest Xoom cover by Tuff-Luv (it was the third case I purchased, but I love this one!)

So overall, I am waiting for the tablet phenomenal to grow on me. I finally broke down and loaded a game, Angry Birds, and I must admit I do like it (but don’t tell anyone!)

Of course, had I been able to snatch up one of those $99.00 HPs I would have done so, in a New York minute! It is much like a shoe sale, you just can’t walk away empty handed.

Stiletto Press Publishing

2011-08-06T13:03:00.004-04:00

This past year, this digital girl took on another venture (I am convinced I must have Jamaican roots, because I need more than one job!) In addition to working a full time job at NASA, completing my Masters Degree, and running a web design company, I entered the world of publishing.

Last year, with the encouragement of many of my author friends, I started "Stiletto Press Publishing, LLC." I have always loved books, I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't. My love for books was also my inspiration for starting PageTurner.net, a web design and marketing company for literary clients. While I was in graduate school, I also found out that I loved publishing (thanks Professor Anne!) I have always been good at layout and design, but when I added the love of words to the mix, this seemed like a natural progression.

Stiletto Press's first release was "Southern Comfort" by Cynnamon Foster (aka Nina Foxx), published in October 2010. It is a steamy, sexy, story, and the first in a series of a new genre we have titled "erotic espionage." We are happy to announce that our first title was recently nominated for the best erotica category for the African American Literary Awards Show, which will be held in NYC in September of this year. This is quite an accomplishment for a small press, and a debut release!

(Please vote for it for Best Erotica at: http://www.literaryawardshow.com/voting.html.)

I did the cover design using Adobe Illustrator (thanks Professor Stuart) and Adobe Photoshop. I did the inside text formatting using Adobe InDesign, which is also what I used for both the ePub and Kindle formatting. I was able to use all the "prepress" knowledge I gain in Professor Henry's publishing class, and I must say that notebook she made us keep really came in handy.

Stiletto Press recently signed author and poet Van G. Garrett, and his new book (working title -The Unbuckling Days of Stacy Adams) along with the sequel to "Southern Comfort" (Eastern Spice) will be released this Fall/Winter.

If you get a chance, please go vote for Southern Comfort #5 Erotica.

Well, that's all for now (getting ready to go watch Cowboys and Aliens!)

End of an Era.... Wheel Stop

2011-07-23T09:34:00.000-04:00

Well, the fat lady has sung. After more than 30 years, the Space Shuttle Program is over. Although we have known for several years this day was coming, it is still very surreal. I have dedicated 27 years of my career to the Space Shuttle Program, and it has allowed me to do some wonderful things.

I met my husband at NASA, as well as some great friends. It is so sad to see so many of my friends and coworkers leave, but most have landed on their feet and are doing great things.

On Monday, when I go to work it will not be business as usual. It will be the beginning of Transition and Retirement of the Shuttle, as we work to closeout the contract. No more last minute frenzy trying to get things fixed, waived, or signed so we could make a launch schedule. Boy am I going to miss that!

My NASA Career

Although the majority of my career has been in Multimedia Space Flight Training, I have worn many hats at NASA. I started as a programmer in the Flight Software Department, then a Systems Analyst in the Payload Manifesting area, next I was a Payload Development Engineer, on to Lead Instructional Design Specialist for Space Flight Training, and now a Configuration Management Analyst. So yes, I am a rocket scientist :-)

Here are a few pictures from the last two decades. Now in the words of my mother, "it is time to move on."

Congratulations to my Alma mater! BTW of Memphis TN!!!

2011-05-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

Way to Go Warriors!!!!

Vice President Joe Biden called Principal Alisha Kiner of Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis Tennessee to tell her that her school had won the 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge! President Obama will travel to Memphis on Monday, May 16^th to deliver the commencement for the class of 2011.

Jerry Lawson, creator of cartridge-based video game consoles, dies at 70

2011-04-14T10:20:00.002-04:00

By Christopher Trout (Engadget)

Gerald "Jerry" Lawson, the man who invented the video game cartridge, died Saturday morning of a heart attack at a Mountain View, California hospital at the age of 70. His brainchild, the Fairchild Channel F Video Game System, more commonly referred to as the Channel F, came out just one year before Atari's cartridge-based console, the VCS, opening the floodgates of modern gaming. His earliest foray into consumer electronics began early on, but it wasn't until he joined Fairchild in 1970 that he really made his mark on the tech industry. During that time, he became the only black member of the infamous Homebrew Computer Club that counted Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak as members. He was honored at this year's GDC for his monumental contribution to modern gaming.

Enjoying My New Xoom!

2011-03-12T10:29:00.002-05:00

I have had my Xoom for about a week now, and I am finally getting the hang of it. The hardest part so far is this darn touch screen. I guess I am a keyboard person. Overall I think I like it a lot, however accessories have been hard to find. To be continued...

Velocity Micro Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet T301 Comparison

2011-02-27T13:34:00.002-05:00

Android - Honeycomb

2011-01-08T18:08:00.000-05:00

Hot Dog! I want one of these!!! CES 2011: Motorola Xoom

2011-01-08T12:55:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T07:34:00.000-05:00

This high-tech girl has been off the blog for a little while! But I am happy to share that it was for a great reason!!! I graduated with a Masters in Digital Media Studies from the University of Houston - Clear Lake on December 18th!

So, I am back on the blog after a well-deserved break.

What did Santa bring me for Christmas? While there were no new tech toys for me, but I did get a fabulous pair of shoes and a purse from Nine West.

I did however purchase tech-toys for my family! Got my hubby a new Phillips Blu-ray player and my first born a HP Pocket Drive.

I also got my fabulous mother a refurbished Dell Laptop from Overstock.com. (Can't wait to see her use it :-)

I am getting my 2011 Wish List together by checking out the newest tech at this year's CES. I somehow see a tablet PC in my not to distant future.

The holidays were quiet, and the New Year looks bright! I wish each of you a very healthy and happy New Year. Live Long and Prosper!

See you on the blog!

Google TV

2010-11-08T08:37:00.002-05:00

The Dell Streak

2010-10-01T06:08:00.001-04:00

“Getting to Know You” Shoe edition!

2010-09-03T18:38:00.001-04:00

We always are getting those "Getting to Know You" questionnaires, but none of them deal with life’s important issues, like shoes. Therefore, I made up my own!

So whether you are a Bargainista or a Fashionista, this is the "Getting to Know You Shoe edition!"

The first pair of shoes you remember wearing? Snow boots in Chicago Winter (they were hard to take off.)
The first pair of shoes you purchase with your own money? A pair of black and white, Chuck Taylor Converse when I was in Jr. High. I had them in the layaway for months.
Your favorite pair of childhood shoes? Black Patent Leather Easter Shoes
Your favorite pair of shoes that someone else wore when you were a child? My mom’s oldest sister always looked like she stepped out of a magazine. She had shoes covered in the same fabric as her outfits.
Your all-time favorite pair of shoes ? A pair of Royal Blue and Peacock Color trimmed Platforms, that I bought at Goldsmiths. I was about 6 feet tall when I wore them. Another lengthy layaway.
Espadrilles or Stilettos? Stilettos of course!
Sling Backs or Pumps? Man, I like them both. But Pumps if I have to choose.
Flats or Heels? Heels.
Athletic Shoes or Flip Flops? Flip Flops.
Favorite Type of Shoe? A Red Stiletto
Your least Favorite Type of Shoe? Clogs. I always have hated them.
The most you’ve ever spent on a pair of shoes? Around $200, I had a weak moment. ‘Cause y’all know I am a bargain girl.
The least you’ve ever spent of a pair of shoes? One dollar – resale store.
The sexist pair of shoes you ever owned? A pair of red snake skin stilettos from the Wild Pair. I still have them in my closet (they are about 20 years old!)
The ugliest pair of shoes you ever owned? Penny Loafers. Why?
Finish this sentence: If the shoe fits…buy it in every color.
Your favorite shoe quote: “I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes” Oprah Winfrey
Your most comfortable shoes – My white Fit Flops
Your favorite store – It used to be Shoe Cents, but they closed. Now, it is DSW Warehouse.
Your favorite shoe memory – Making a pair of Fur covered boots when I was in the twelve grade. I got so many compliments, because they were totally mod!

WATCH by Hugo and Nebula award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer

2010-07-28T00:38:00.000-04:00

Robert Sawyer is one of my favorite authors. This book-video is about his newest novel: www:WATCH, which I highly recommend.

Austin MoodleMoot Conference

2010-07-26T09:55:00.000-04:00

I just found out about this upcoming conference in Austin. Tomorrow is the last day to register.

The Austin, Texas MoodleMoot conference will be held August 2-3, and you can still enjoy the incredibly low registration cost of only $150. This event promises to be one of the best Moodle conferences ever organized. There are over 48 breakout sessions planned on educational technology, strategy, and all things Moodle.The Moot is being held at the Austin North Marriott; make your reservations for the event and lodging today!

Keynote Speakers

Martin Dougiamas, Creator and Lead Developer of Moodle will discuss "The Future of Moodle."
Dr. Richard Clark, Professor of Educational Psychology and Technology in the Rossier School of Education at USC will present "The Failure of Constructivism and Evidence for the Success of Fully Guided Instruction: Evidence Supporting the Best Design and Delivery Strategies for Virtual Learning."
John E. Mullen, Vice President and General Manager of Educational Business at Dell, Inc will discuss "The Changing Role of Educational Technology Hardware in the 21st Century."

Using Moodle: Teaching with the Popular Open Source Course Management System

Moodle 1.9 E-Learning Course Development: A complete guide to successful learning using Moodle

Moodle Teaching Techniques: Creative Ways to Use Moodle for Constructing Online Learning Solutions

New Music by Kem

2010-07-15T10:27:00.001-04:00

Goodbye TiVo, Hello Roku

2010-06-12T08:51:00.007-04:00

Ater a wonderful five-year relationship, I finally had to bid my TiVo farewell. Honestly, no other DVR compares to the wonderful user interface that TiVo offers, but in order to keep up with my HD TV and my Wireless N network, I was forced to upgrade to a new TiVo Box or cancel. So I made the call.

Those TiVo folks are good. They talked me into trying a HD box, and gave me a pretty sweet deal. The problem was that I had to use a cable card in order to get HD. OMG, the nightmare begins...

I went to Comcast (or Comcrap as my friend Reid calls it) and picked up a cable card. Easy enough, I am a technically savvy girl, piece of cake. Problem 1 - the slot on the TiVo for the card was MELTED (WTF?) No one said anything to me about this being a refurb! I made another call, I was told that the "inside" was all new, it was just a refurbished box...right. So they mailed me another box, and I had to mail them the defected box back.

A few days later I received my new box (well new by their standards, not mine) and the slot was intact. So I went through the setup again, and got to the place where I inserted the cable card. At this time, you have to call Comcast and they have to send a signal to your box. Nothing. Well, I was on the phone with Comcast for well over an hour - turn it off, unplug it, turn it back on, try it again... you know the drill. After about an hour-and-a-half, I had enough. I requested they send out a technician.

I took off work to meet the tech, nice enough guy. But after about THREE-HOURS he couldn't get the cable card to work. I was only getting the over-the-air stations, no of the premium channels. Oh yeah, he didn't have any cable cards. He told me he would come back the next day AFTER FIVE (because I did not want to take off work again) and bring another cable card to try. Well that didn't happen.

Comcast sent out a tech during the day, so I was not there. I had to call AGAIN and set up another appointment. Obviously the new techs either do not read the history, or there is nothing for them to read, because he did not bring a cable card with him. He had to leave and go get one. The new card worked a little better. I was able to get HD channels... but NOTHING ELSE.   After another 3 hours, I said forget it.

I honestly think their cable cards are a bunch of crap! Even the tech told me he had NEVER seen one work. My friend Belinda had the exact same problem. Now she is stuck with a TiVo box (with a lifetime subscription) that she can only use to stream Netfilx, etc.   Luckily for me, I had a grace period to send mine back.

Again, those TiVo folks are good. They turned on the charm and offered me the moon. But by this time, I was so pissed with Comcast, I just did not feel like the frustration again. So, I cancelled my subscription (sniff, sniff.)

What to do, What to do? I reviewed my recording habits. Most of the shows I record are either now on Hulu or on Comcast OnDemad (or Xfinity). The only show that I can't get is Oprah. So now I record Oprah on my Windows Media Center. Works Great. But... I did like the ability to stream Netflix on the Television, so I ordered a Roku HD-XR Player from Amazon.com.

Problem solved. Now I can stream Netflix, Amazon on Demand, and Pandora to my home theater system. Boy oh boy, if they add Hulu, I will be in hog heaven! (Although I recently read that Hulu is about to start charging, bummer.)

I would be interested in hearing from you if anyone (in the Houston area) has been able to get their HD Tivo to play well with Comcast.   TiVo is a fantastic product, and I am really going to miss it. But life goes on, and I am officially now in my post Tivo era.

Danke Schoen!

2010-05-31T09:59:00.004-04:00

I just got back from a wonderful fun week on the Carnival Conquest. It was really great to take a break from the rat race, and become a princess (if only for one week). This was our fourth time on the Conquest, so we were very familiar with the ship's layout, and had visited each of the ports several times. This was our 17th cruise (11th with Carnival - Yeah Platinum Baby) it is a fun ship.

We visited Montego Bay (and Ocho Rios) Jamaica, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, and my favorite port Cozumel, Mexico. It was hot...really hot, everywhere we docked.

My only disappointment was the Captain's Celebration (formally known as the Captain's Cocktail Party.") It was very dull and boring compared to what I am accustomed to, and I think Carnival should go back to the way it was - free cocktails and music. There was no music (how in the hell can you have a celebration without music) and they no longer serve free cocktails. Now you get a dollar discount (whoopee) off of your drinks.

We enjoyed all of the platinum perks (Priority Embarking, Debarking, & Tendering, Free Slot Tournament, Free Laundry Service, Galley Tour, and special gifts and treats in our cabin on most nights.) And since they still do have a free cocktail hour for Past Guest, I finally stopped pouting about the Captain's Party

Carnival continues to be our favorite cruise line (we've cruise Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL and Disney). We are considering doing the the Alaskan Cruise next year, because everyone has told us it is great.

Cruise Tech

If you have every been on a cruise and tried to use the Internet, you know that the Internet at sea sucks. It is too expensive, and it is slow as the dickens. I really think that the cruise line should go back to a flat rate, which Carnival did have back in 2000. Cell phone service is now available at sea, but again very costly. So for the most part, I had my Droid on 'Airplane Mode", and kept in touch with my family via e-mail. I took my netbook with me, and loaded a few movies to watch, but I really only checked my email once a day.

Cruise Reads

I spent most of the day reading magazines (Ubuntu User, Real Simple, and House Beautiful), and I check out a book titled "Beggars in Spain" by Nancy Kress from the ship's library and really enjoyed the read.

So why Danke Schoen? Well, the ship had something called "Carnival Radio", and I swear they must have played Danke Schoen by Wayne Newton a thousand times when I was on the Lido Deck.

So Carnival, Danke Schoen from us to you for a fantastic cruise, we can't wait until next year when we do it all again!

Temps Go High Tech!

2010-05-08T12:52:00.003-04:00

I love the Temptations (or Tempting-temp-top-tations as we used to say back in the day!) They have a new CD (or album :-) entitled "Still Here." The CD features original Temptation Otis Williams, and some of the other Temps that have been around for quite some time. Check it out, Temps on YouTube!

Gone On Then Temptations With Yo' Bad Self!!!!!

A Digital Love Affair

2010-04-17T16:32:00.007-04:00

I have have had my Droid for two weeks, and I must admit. I am in LOVE. Yes, I realize that it is not normal behavior for a girl to fall in love with an electronic device, but I really can't help it, it has changed my life. OK, I realize that needs explaining, so here goes. My CD player died in my car over a year ago, and honestly Houston doesn't have the greatest variety of radio stations. I love smooth and urban jazz, and those choices are not available to me. My husband has a newer car so he has XM radio, but poor me I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

In steps my Droid, which gives me BOTH Pandora Radio and Slacker Personal Radio (I know, who comes up with these domain names?) But both of these allow me to have GREAT radio in my car (much better than my husband's FM by the way.) Other than the radio, which alone made the purchase worthwhile, are my other apps! I love having my G-mail, Google Talk, and Google Voice on my phone. Then there is the Key Ring App (OMG!) that allows me to scan in all of those tiny little store discount thingys. Last by not lease are my StarTrek Apps. I have every Star Trek Ringtone known to man... make that woman, and I even have a Phaser AND a Tricorder, TAKE THAT!!! Oh yeah, and it is a decent phone too.

Now on the Shoe Front, my good friend and Soror Nina has release Episode 1 of "She's Got IsShoes" on her web site.

Here it is for your enjoyment:

Texas Linux Festival

2010-04-11T09:27:00.059-04:00

I am in beautiful Austin, TX where yesterday I attended the first Texas Linux Festival. Overall, it was a great experience, and I think they did a great job especially since this was their first event. The registration process was a little slow, but other than that it was well organized and well worth the trip.

The first keynote speaker was Joe "Zonker" Brockmeier, whose talk compared the Linux community with Music; it was very funny and very informative. It was titled "A Musical Guide to the Future of Linux: Reprise". Although he spoke on many topics, one that stood out in my mind in particular was that the Linux community need to diversify, and looking around the auditorium it was easy to see why. The room was dominated by white males of different ages. There were a few women, and a few people of color, but not a lot of diversity. He challenged the community to change this, and being a woman of color I accepted that challenge and will do my part to bring more diversity to the fold.

After the keynote, there were three breakout sessions each hour. Decisions, decisions what to choose? Since I was with my Open Source Mentor, Belinda, I just followed her; the first session we attended was "Documentation Needs? How FLOSS Manuals Can Help" by Janet Swisher and Anne Gentle. Great information on how to use Open Source to create manuals and books for Open Source Projects.

The next session I attended was "Open Source from the Trenches: How to Get Involved as be Successful" presented by Chris Aniszczyk. Chris talked about mentoring projects for college students, branding yourself for the job you want, not the job you have; and how to be paid in the Open Source Community. He was an excellent speaker, and gave some useful information that I will post later.

The last session I attended before lunch was "The One Woman Web Team" (hmm, sounds familiar) presented by Katherine Druckman. Katherine is the webmaster (I refuse to use the term webmistres!) for Linux Journal. She spoke on the multiple rolls of a one-person web team (oh I know it well) and she was right on point on all topics. She said that her content management system of choice was "Drupal", and gave us a few suggestions on best hosting practices. I was really excited about this because I want to migrate many of my web sites to OpenSource Content Management Systems. So she gave me enough information to be dangerous :-)

Next was our quest for lunch. Let me start by saying:

I did not have on sensible shoes!!!

(no high-tech/high-heels girl ever would).

So by now my dogs were starting to bark. We are staying at a wonderful hotel named the "Habitat Suites" which is about a mile from the conference. So Belinda and I walked to the conference facility from the hotel. Of course the floor at the center is concrete, and I visited each vendor's booth several times so I could get all of my geek bounty (CDs, Tee Shirts, Pens, Buttons, you know the drill.) Now, we had to WALK to find a place to eat. Lord have mercy! We found a Quiznos not to far away, and ate there. Belinda got sandwiches to take back for some of the guys working the conference, I waited for her then we went back to the hotel for a short break. Oh boy, more walking...

Off with the heels (which were really low heels for me) and on with my new FitFlops
Off with the jacket, and on with a tee shirt
Put the hair in a ponytail

... Now I looked more like a respectable geek. None of this Fashionista stuff, lol!

The first afternoon session I attended was "Five Important Topics in the Intersection of Open Sources Software and Education," presented by Max Spevack. He spoke on how we can start introducing the concept of Open Source in our schools and universities. He emphasized how we should change the idea of "Learn First (college) then Do (work)" to "Learn While Doing". He said that this way when students get out of college they would have real experience. He also gave some examples of how some high school students had make valuable contributions to some Fedora projects.

The next session I attended was "With Software as a Service Is Only the Network Luddite Free?" presented by Bradley Kuhn, a very zealous man. He talked a lot about cloud computed, and legal issues in the free and open source realm. He also make some distinctions between "free" and "open" and the audience too seemed very passionate about this. I thought his talk was interesting, although he was a little anti-twitter/anti-FaceBook for the community. He also told us about Identica, which is an Open Source Mircoblogging alternative to Twitter, and this morning I did sign up to try it out.

I skipped the next session, and walked around talking to the vendors. I meet some very interesting people and enjoyed the "networking" (which is opposite of Not working I learned today).

The last session I attended was also my favorite. It was "A Year NTEU (in to) Ubuntu and the Open Source Community" presented by Amber Graner. Amber talked about her first year as an NTEU (non-technical end user) using Ubuntu and Open Source, and I must tell you this girl should run for some type of office, because if you weren't convinced to try Ubuntu before, you certainly would be afterward. Her enthusiasm was very contagious, and I really enjoyed meeting her and her presentation. (Hey Amber, I joined the Ubuntu Women's Group this morning!)

I skipped the final keynote to help breakdown booths and clean up. Overall, it was a great conference, and I look forward to attending (and helping) next year.

Well, it is time to gather my grip to take a trip, back to Houston.

Woes of an Early Adopter

2010-04-04T12:29:00.001-04:00

In the area of gadgets and technology, I consider myself an Early Adopter, and in some cases even an innovator. Thus was the case when I purchase the Helio phone (Prior to that I had a SideKick). I am one of those people who don't like fingerprints on their screen, so the thought of an iPhone really gave me the creeps. I like the Helio because it had a keypad, a query keyboard, and navigation buttons... none of that touchy-feely crap! Overall, the Helio was a good phone, and an excellent texting device. I could retrieve both my POP mail and my Gmail, but the web surfing left something to be desired.

Well, just as my luck goes Helio did not make it, they were bought out my Virgin Mobile. It was an easy transition, because my phone still worked and it was very transparent. Well a few weeks ago, I got a letter in the mail telling me that Virgin Mobile was being bought out by Sprint. Here we go again! Well in this case, I would not be able to use my phone, AND I would have to sign a new contract with Sprint, WTF? So, my journey for a new phone began.

My son has a T-mobile G1 that he has been very please with, so I wanted to look at the G1 and also the Droid. My son's phone was the first version of the G1 so he has a query keyboard, unfortunately for me, the new G1 no longer has that feature. I opted for the Droid, which is a Verizon phone. I love the keypad, but there is a lot of touchy-feely crap that I have to get used to, and yes the fingerprints are about to send me up a wall.

Yesterday was the release of the highly anticipated iPad, did I get one... NO! I had enough touchy-feely for one day. I am going to wait and let the innovators work all of the kinks out, and jump in with the other early adopters when the next edition comes out.

Back on the Blog...

2010-03-27T08:59:00.002-04:00

This year has been full of ups and downs. But I am ready to get back on the blog!

Tech Talk

I got a new HP Pavilion Elite HPE-170t PC, fully loaded! So far, I really love it. Also, my Dell 20 inch monitor zapped out during the Christmas Holidays, so I replaced it with another Dell monitor that Best Buy had on sale for $99, the day after Christmas. Since my new PC allows for dual moniters, I also ordered a 23 inch LG monitor from Overstock.com. I love this setup.

I installed Ubuntu on my older HP Pavilion m7100y PC. It works like a charm. I really am enjoying being able to test my web site designs on both multiple browsers and operating systems. I guess I will eventually add a Mac to my aresnal for testing purposes, but for now I am happy with what I have.

Movie Reviews

I have seen quite a few movies this years, but so far "Avatar" is still my favorite. I am waiting on the release of Clash of the Titans, I plan to see it in 3-D when it opens. I loved the orginal movie, I hope the remake lives up to the hype.

I did enjoy "The Princess and the Frog", very cute movie, and it is destined to become a Disney Classic.

Good Reads

My copy of Stephen King's "Under the Dome" has been sitting on my night stand since Christmas! I really do plan to read it, but lately I have been reading books on HTML, Adobe Captivate, and CSS Style Sheets. I havent't even listened to a book on tape for quite sometime. I am looking forward to a weekend when I have nothing to do but read a good book. I can't wait!

Well I told ya! Geaux Saints!!!!

2010-02-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

Saints win Super Bowl with 31-17 Victory

Geaux Sanits!!!!! Who Dat?

2010-02-07T09:41:00.002-05:00

Remix Who Dat?

Old School (Original Who Dat?)

Open Your Hearts

2010-01-23T08:31:00.003-05:00

Donate Now! https://hopeforhaitinow.org/Default.asp

Wyclef and his band's performance was not only patriotic but moved hearts across the world. A tribute to all the people of his country, friends lost, Fan Fan and rapper Jimmy O . Through song and dance he sends a message of hope "Earthquake we seen the earth shake but the soul of the haitian people it will never break!"

Donate Now: 1-877-99-HAITI in US/Canada, or go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Patricia McClure
Date: Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 8:06 PM
Subject:
To:

To all my friends please continue to forward this so that we can pray together for the people in Haiti . We here are truly blessed!!!!! Share the love and blessings. There are so many small everyday occurances we have to be thankful for we normally do not think of.

Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU, because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were. Because this morning my home was still standing, because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be taken out from underneath a pile of concrete, because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water, because this morning I was able to turn on the light, because this morning I was able to take a shower, because this morning I was not planning a funeral, but most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti.

Lord I cry out to you, the one that makes the impossible, possible, the one that turns darkness into light, I cry out that you give those mothers strength, that you give them peace that surpasses all understanding, that you may open the streets so that help can come, that you may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye. For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, give them courage to continue to go on! Protect the children and shield them with your power.

I pray all this in the name of Jesus!!!

Kippy Brown to coach Seahawks receivers

2010-01-16T21:41:00.001-05:00

Seattle Times

Danny O'Neil

Add Kippy Brown to the list of coaches reported to be heading to Seattle. Brown served as Tennessee's wide receivers coach and passing-game coordinator in 2009 under Lane Kiffin. He served as the Volunteers interim head coach for less than a week, bridging those days between Kiffin's return to USC and the Volunteers hiring Derek Dooley from Louisiana Tech.

While Brown is coming from college, but he has 17 years of coaching experience in the NFL.

Brown most recently coached with the Detroit Lions from 2006 to 2008. He also served as head coach in the XFL, running the Memphis Maniax in 2001.

Brown joins an offensive coaching staff that will include Jeremy Bates as coordinator, Alex Gibbs in charge of the offensive line. Jedd Fisch is also expected to be part of the staff though there has been no official word on his addition.

We Want Kippy Brown!!!!

2010-01-15T12:13:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:16:00.005-05:00

Well, I barely made it to midnight last night, but I was able to witness 2010 roll in! (Hubby on the other hand had to be awakened :-) We spent the evening listening to some old school music on Lala.com. It was a lot of fun (I plan to write about LaLa in my tech talk soon.)

However, (speaking of tech) here is what Santa brought me this year. I guess I was not naughty!

Yep, I got an UltraHD Flip video camera. It is really nice. Very small and compact, but takes good video. Well, at least good enough for home movies and stuff like that.

I love it, you know I am a digital girl, living in a digital world!

The First Ten Years...

2009-12-31T21:46:00.003-05:00

It does not feel like it has been ten years since we welcomed in the new millennium. I find it ironic, that I can remember exactly how I spent New Year’s Eve 1999, but I do not remember what I did last year! This decade has had some memorable moments for me. We hosted the first AABCS Cruise in Octobter 2000, and I met some fabulous people who have become a part of my extended family. My son graduated from high school in 2000 and graduated from college in 2004. My father-in-law passed away in 2006, and so did two of my very good friends. I hosted my little sister's wedding at my house in 2007. My husband became very ill in a 2008, and thanks be to God and some good folks at M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center he is doing great now.

The year 2009 was bittersweet for me. Excited and anticipating the inauguration of President Barack Obama, my father passed away one week before this historic event. Although, I was sad that my father did not live to see our country’s first African American President, I was overjoyed that the hopes and dreams of my father and ancestors were achieved on that significant day.

So, what will I remember about this year? Overall, it was an interesting year. I started graduate school at UHCL in January, and I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Phi) in May. My goddaughter graduated from high school in June, and the same weekend my hot water heater busted in my attic and really jacked up my house! On the bright side, I finally got the hardwood floors I have always wanted. We said farewell to Michael Jackson, Farah Faucet, Ted Kennedy, Walter Cronkite, and Patrick Swayze. In addition, my family circle said goodbye to a one of our village mothers, Mrs. Ollie Maeon Wilson.

I guess the older we get the more we appreciate the life we have been given. I am thankful for all of the many blessings, family, and friends that I have. If you have taken the time to read this blog, I am also thankful for you.

I wish you many blessings in the upcoming year. I know that 2010 will be phenomenal!

Live Long and Prosper.

Coming in May 2010

2009-12-31T20:02:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas! (Marian, Paulette, Wanda, Maggie, and Pam)

2009-12-30T16:45:00.003-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Pam and Ruffus

2009-12-15T14:12:00.002-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Avatar Trailer

2009-12-13T08:54:00.000-05:00

10 RULES FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER AT MY HOUSE

2009-11-18T10:23:00.002-05:00

This is an "oldie but goodie" that has been circulating the internet. But it is still funny! I have seen different variations, but this one is my favorite.

10 RULES FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER AT MY HOUSE

Dear friends and family –

Just wanted to share a few "house rules" with you to make sure that all goes well and flows smoothly for Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year. Strict adherence to the below will make sure the authorities will not have to be summoned.

Don't come to my house asking a whole bunch of questions about the food: "Who made the potato salad? Is it egg in there? Are the greens fresh? Is the meat in the greens turkey or pork? Who made the macaroni and cheese? What kind of pie is that? Who made it?" Ask me JUUUST ONE MO' question and you'll get slapped to sleep until Thanksgiving is over!
If you can't walk, need assistance to walk or you are missing all or part of any of your limbs, sit yo' narrow crippled behind down until someone can make your plate for you. Thanksgiving is not the time for you to show how "independent you is!" Just sit right there and nibble on those damn pecans and walnuts to hold you over until we get you a plate!
If you have kids under the age of twelve, proceed with them immediately down the stairs to the table in the basement. I'm not gonna let those half wild hyena's of yours tear up my house this year! Anybody born after 1995 and is caught upstairs - they gone have to clip the toenails on Aunt LuLu's monkey foot this year. They will not be allowed upstairs until it's time for Uncle Ray Ray's lying behind (sorry Uncle Ray Ray – but you know you be tellin’ some whoppers!) to start telling family stories about their mommas and daddies.
We only blessing the food with ONE prayer this year - JUST ONE! We really don't care that you are thankful that you are a 33 year old grandmother and your "baby gurl" just gave birth to a healthy baby; or that your baby daddy just got out of jail. Note that should you volunteer to bless the meal - we have set a 60 second time limit on the prayer this year. If you are still talking after that point, know that you do so at the risk of something hard popping you in the mouth and swelling up your lip for 'bout 20-25 minutes.
ake all the food you want - but you best to eat ALL the food you take! Anybody caught wasting this expensive a** food is gonna get a GOOD cussin' out!
This ain’t a Sonic Drive through - it's BYOT - bring your OWN Tupperware if you want to fix a plate to go! Don't let me catch you trying to smuggle out food in my good Tupperware - knowing good and dang well you ain't gone bring it back! As a matter of fact - if you dare to bring your trifling self over here empty-handed - don't even let me catch you trying to make a plate PERIOD or it's gone be some probLEMS up in this camp.
If you didn’t bring it in wit’ cha - don't even think about trying to take it OUT wit’ cha! Note that all purses and body cavities are subject to search (and if warranted - seizure!) upon entering and/or exiting the premises.
Our house is not a drop-in day care facility. All of you parents with "nomadic" tendencies - and you KNOW who you are, you and your child(ren) will be attached with identical monitoring bracelets that will activate a continuous shrill alarm should you become separated more than 100 yards from each other for more than 60 seconds.
Our house is also NOT a Motel 6 so you best to make your hotel 'rrangements prior to your arrival into town. At 11:00pm - we turning out ALL lights and laying it down for the night. We will provide two courtesy notices beginning at 10:45pm by politely flicking the lights on and off. If you don't receive mail at this address - let that serve as your notice to start packing it up. You ain't gotta go home - but er um uhhhhh....you know the rest!
We are no longer providing alibi's or cover stories for family members. If you are not supposed to be here - or not 'sposed to be here with who you here with - you are on your own as we will not lie to your significant other for you; nor to your P.O. or employer.

Love ya and can't wait to see
y’all for Thanksgiving - mmmmmwah!

Denzel's Back! in The Book of Eli

2009-11-13T13:14:00.002-05:00

Guess What I am going to see this weekend?

2009-10-28T08:30:00.003-04:00

Stargate Universe

2009-10-01T21:39:00.002-04:00

There are two perfect science fiction movies - The Matrix and Stargate. These are the two movies, that I can watch over and over again. So needless to say, I am a big Stargate fan. Stargate the movie, Stargate SG1, Stargate Atlantis, and now Stargate Universe!!! Debuts tomorrow night, I can't wait!

She's Back....

2009-09-17T10:00:00.003-04:00

The exclusive premiere of Whitney's brand new video "Million Dollar Bill." Amazing!

(Scroll down to the bottom of the page to turn the music off so you can hear the video.)

The Trouble With Twitter

2009-07-11T09:06:00.001-04:00

I came across this cartoon about Twitter yesterday. I think it is hilarious!

We Will Miss You MJ

2009-06-30T08:33:00.008-04:00

I have many fond memories of the Jackson 5. My childhood room had J-5 pictures on every wall, my mother took me to see the Jackson 5 in Memphis at the Mid-South coliseum and when they were signing autographs at Southland Mall, she stood in the long lines with me just so I could see Jermaine.

You see, I had planned to marry Jermaine until that damn Hazel Gordy stole him from me! So, Michael would have been my brother-in-law. That was just the beginning of a lifetime of admiration I had for Michael Jackson.

I was 9-months pregnant the week that “Thriller” was released. The album came out on a Tuesday, and I gave birth on that Thursday. No, I didn’t name my baby MJ, but my child’s first outing after we left the hospital was to pick up my album that I had pre-ordered (there had been a waiting list). My baby would wake up out of a deep sleep anytime a MJ song played. Although he couldn’t say Michael, he began calling him “Me-me.”

I would later get a sense of Déjà vu in 1988, when I stood in the long lines at Houston’s Bay Brook mall to get my son a ticket to see MJ. It was a show of a lifetime; I am so happy I had the chance to go and share that memory with my son.

I will miss Michael. I owned every album, and when technology changed, I replaced all my albums with CDs. I love his music, his spirit, and his compassion. May angels surround him; I know there is a party going on in heaven now!

Michael Jackson Facts

Most Successful Concert Series - Guinness Book Of World Records
Michael Jackson sold out for seven nights at Wembley Stadium, London, England in the summer of 1988. A total of 504,000 people saw Michael perform July 14-16, 22-23, and August 26-27, 1988.

Biggest Selling Album Of All Time - Guinness Book Of World Records
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Album is the biggest selling album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Thriller is also the biggest selling U.S album with sales of 25 million copies.

80's Most #1 Hits
By The End of the 1980's Michael Jackson had more #1 hits than any other artist for the decade.

Michael Awards
Michael has more awards than any other artist.

Entertainer Of The Decade
With the #1 (Thriller) and #2 (Bad) ranked albums in the world Michael was the 1980's Entertainer Of The Decade.

Most Grammy Awards - Guinness Book Of World Records
Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy Awards in 1984, more than any other artist in one year.

Largest Contracts - Guiness Book Of World Records
$890 million (Sony Music) Contract, with prospective earnings of $1 billion.

Greatest Audience - Guiness Book Of World Records
The highest-ever viewership was 133.4 million viewers watching the NBC transmission of Super Bowl XXVII on June 31, 1993. Michael was spotlighted during the half-time peformance.

Highest-Paid Commercial Spokesperson - Guiness Book Of World Records
Pepsi Cola paid Michael Jackson $12 million to do 4 TV commercials.

Bad Tour - Guinness Book Of World Records
Michael Jackson's world tour brought in a record gross revenue of over $124 million during September 1987-December 1988.

100 Million Records
Michael has sold over 100 million singles and albums outside of the U.S.

Billboard Charts
Michael Jackson is the first person in the 37 year history of the chart to enter at # 1, with his single "You Are Not Alone". Michael broke his previous redord held by his single "Earth Song" which debuted at #5.

Biggest Selling Video
Michael Jackson's "The Making Of Thriller" is the biggest selling video to be released by an artist.

Billboard "Hot 100" Singles Chart
Most #1 Hits by Male Artist (13)

#1 Debuts
Michael's "Bad", "Dangerous", and "HIStory" albums all debuted at #1.

Consecutive #1 Singles
Jackson 5 were the first group to ever have four consecutive #1 singles.

#1 On Charts
In 1983 Michael became the first artist to simultaneously hold the number one spots on Billboard's rock albums and rock singles charts, as well as the R&B albums and singles charts.

First Video
Michael Jackson was the first black artist to have a video aired on MTV.

When It Rains...

2009-06-08T12:46:00.002-04:00

... it definitely pours! First hurricane Ike, then micro-burst storms, and now a ruptured water heater! Water here, water there, water-water everywhere. Oh well, thank God for insurance (all types - homeowners, flood, and windstorm).

Go Rockets!

2009-05-17T12:28:00.004-04:00

What happen to April (and how did it get to be May?)

2009-05-12T09:41:00.008-04:00

OMG, April just past me by. Perhaps it is because April is tax month, and I really would just like to forget it. So, let me catch up on life in the month of a Literary-Shoe Goddess-Technophile.

Last Thursday, I went to the sneak peak of the new StarTrek Movie!!! It was excellent. I went with some of my favorite Trekkies /Techies so I was in good company. It is a must see for old and new StarTrek fans alike.

The Shoe Life

My girlfriend Nina has filmed a pilot for a new TV show called She’s got IsShoes. Nina is truly a shoe diva, and the show promises to be a lot of fun, check out the preview sizzle real at http://www.ninafoxx.com/interview.htm

In January my friend Nina and I joined Kim Kardashian’s ShoeDazzle.com. Much like the old “Book of the Month” Clubs, ShoeDazzle sends you a pair of shoes each month (and why didn’t we think of this?) for the reasonable price of $39.00. Since I joined, several ladies at my office have also joined; I wish they had a referral program. So far, I have received 5 pairs. I sent one pair back, sold one pair, and kept 3. The shoes are very attractive, but not so comfortable. I will give it a few more months to see how it goes.

Tech Talk

Last month I got two new gadgets! A beautiful new PINK Acer Netbook and a Verizon USB broadband modem, so people I am mobile! The net book is so cute, it fits in my purse, but I definitely have to wear readers to see the little screen. Here are the specs:

• Acer Aspire One AOA150-1672 8.9-Inch Netbook
• 1 GB RAM
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• XP Home
• 6 Cell Battery

I decided to load the Ubuntu open source operating system on my old Dell Inspiron 700m laptop, and I am very impressed. I am playing around with it now, and I will have a review later.

Page-Turners

Now that the semester is over, I have a little time for fun reading. In the past few months, in addition to digital media textbooks, I managed to read the first two Twilight books by Stephanie Myers. I really liked the first one, but the second one… not so much. I wasn’t sucked in enough to venture on to the last two books in the series. On another note, I really enjoyed her novel The Host, it was excellent.

Right now I am reading WWW:Wake by one of my favorite authors Robert J. Sawyer. I read some sample preview chapters back in March and couldn’t wait for the book to be released; so far I am not disappointed.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;map name="&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"&amp;amp;gt;boxmap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;-p8Map3Map" id="&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"&amp;amp;gt;boxmap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;-p8Map3Map"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;area shape="&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"&amp;amp;gt;rect&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"&amp;amp;gt;coords&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="14, 200, 103, 207" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"&amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;area &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"&amp;amp;gt;coords&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="0,0,10000,10000" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"&amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/thegoodbookclubt" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;/map&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"&amp;amp;gt;img&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"&amp;amp;gt;src&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"&amp;amp;gt;usemap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="#&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"&amp;amp;gt;boxmap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;-p8Map3Map" alt="Shop at Amazon.com" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Also, I am listening to two audio books on my iPod, Digital Fortress by Dan Brown and Inspired By The Bible Experience: New Testament which features the voice talent of more than 200 African-American actors, musicians and religious leaders. Notable personalities include Blair Underwood, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;map name="&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54"&amp;amp;gt;boxmap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;-p8Map3Map" id="&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55"&amp;amp;gt;boxmap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;-p8Map3Map"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;area shape="&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59"&amp;amp;gt;rect&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60"&amp;amp;gt;coords&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="14, 200, 103, 207" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61"&amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;area &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65"&amp;amp;gt;coords&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="0,0,10000,10000" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66"&amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/thegoodbookclubt" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;/map&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71"&amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73"&amp;amp;gt;img&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74"&amp;amp;gt;src&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" &amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75"&amp;amp;gt;usemap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="#&amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76"&amp;amp;gt;boxmap&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;-p8Map3Map" alt="Shop at Amazon.com" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Digital Media Studies

My first semester in the Digital Media Studies graduate program at UHCL is finally over (whew!); and I must say it was quite enjoyable. I met some really interested people and I really enjoyed the dialogue. I am looking forward to my summer classes.

Also, I was inducted into the University of Houston Clear Lake Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi) on Friday, May 1, 2009. The pinning ceremony was held at the UHCL campus. Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, UHCL Dean of Students, was the keynote speaker for the event. The Society is an organization that helps people discover and achieve their goals.

A Pleasant Surprise

2009-04-08T09:54:00.001-04:00

I am going to start by saying I am NOT an American Idol Fan. I probably have never watched an entire episode since it has been on the air (yeah, I know I am a rarity.) However, last night as I was flipping through the channels and complaining about there being absolutely NOTHING I liked on TV (even HGTV which is my favorite) I heard this angelic voice which made me stop in my tracks! It was American Idol and it was Adam Lambert singing "Mad World". I later found out it was their annual “Year of their Birth” show (who knew there was such a thing?) Adam was born in 1982 (which was a most excellent year to be born, as my son was also born that year.) "Mad World" was originally recorded by British band Tears for Fears. I really enjoyed this performance, I hope you do to.

Playing for Change

2009-03-03T19:56:00.003-05:00

Today my sister-in-law Hattie sent me a link to view a video on YouTube. I not only enjoyed the video, I really love the concept, I think you will too.

http://playingforchange.com

Tech Talk: Great Article about Future e-book Readers

2009-03-03T15:27:00.003-05:00

Page-perfect Touchscreen e-Reader will Revolutionize Mobile Computing

by J.E. Robertson from:

http://www.casavaria.com/hotspring/2009/03/345/page-perfect-touchscreen-e-reader-will-revolutionize-mobile-computing/

3 March 2009 :: by J.E. Robertson

The Amazon Kindle is a nice device, and it handles its job well, but it is just a very clumsy start to what will be a technological convergence few in mainstream media (and publishing) are anticipating, though it may not be far off. The page-perfect, for lack of a better term, e-reading device will make portable electronic reading easier and more comfortable than ever, packing huge amounts of data, as well as wireless downloading and even browsing capability, into an ultrathin tablet touchscreen.

The device may, after one or two initial iterations, come to have the computing power of today’s less expensive laptop computers, and will capitalize on the great discoveries in user-interface technology that have emerged from the introduction of the iPhone into the mainstream consumer market.

Whether it will belong to Apple, or be the next generation of the Amazon Kindle, or whether an as-yet-unknown pioneer in consumer electronics will pull it off, e-paper technology is certainly advanced enough to make it possible, and it’s just a matter of time until someone figures out the best way to market such a product, building on the success of the Kindle, the iPhone, the inexpensive streamlined netbook, and ever more available flat-rate unlimited mobile web services.

What is happening right now in the investigation of e-paper technology, at MIT especially, is promising in the extreme, warranting enthusiasm about great leaps in speed and ease of use, as computing circuitry advances to make the tactile e-paper device more like a fully-functional touchscreen.

What looks and feels a lot like paper and will produce ultra-sharp black-and-white text displays, will also be able to produce high-quality color and a mutable graphic-user-interface that allows for typing, searching, scrolling and all sorts of more agile file-search and manipulation. One-touch downloading and nearly full-sized qwerty-keyboard interaction will make the page-perfect tablet into a replacement for today’s netbooks.

Such a device may even use state of the art plastics and be flexible, so it can be used like a laptop when the user desires and like a tablet when more comfortable for reading. The art of the page-perfect reader will be in its ability to make the experience of reading electronic text more natural and more comfortable for the end-user, mimicking better the experience of reading a magazine or newspaper than today’s smaller-screen, reformatted reading devices.

Molecular or chemical computing advances must also be considered, as their impact on the power of ultra-thin devices cannot be overstated. The ability to pack as much computing power as today’s laptops have into a space literally millions of times smaller, with circuitry operating at the molecular level and with circuits that can process not just 16 or 32 commands simultaneously, but 1024 or 2048 or more, means far higher speeds and far less space needed.

The potential for creating impact-resistant or flex-resistant panels that display text and images with the fidelity of paper, is also advancing. What some saw as pure science fiction in the movie Minority Report, newspapers that adapt and update spontaneously, based on environment, time, and the service’s own updating schedule, will likely be one phase in the convergence of the web, news content and personal reading devices.

It will not happen tomorrow, but such levels of connected browsing and communication are possible, and will be available, possibly within a decade. Engineers of reading devices, mobile phones, and even publication networks, should take into account these many coming advances in order to best shape their projects and offerings to the desire consumers have for maximum potential portability, maximum natural feel while reading, and maximum available information, at the lowest possible cost.

UHCL - Digital Media Studies

2009-02-28T08:57:00.002-05:00

I have tried to explain my program of studies to many of my friends, and they look at me with this blank/confused look. Here is a short video about the program. To find out more go to:

http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/HSH/HOME/PROGRAMS/DMS_Splash/DMS

Stealing Lincoln's Body Reanimates 'Asymmetric' President

2009-02-21T22:47:00.001-05:00

My son just told me about this great documentary about Lincoln, and there is a great digital media aspect, read the article in WIRED: http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2009/02/abraham-lincoln.html

Awww......ain't she cute!!

2009-02-20T08:54:00.004-05:00

... and she is smart too!

I never pass up the opportunity to brag on my babies! Here is one of my goddaughters Kohl, with television personality Larry King. Kohl, is pictured with her classmates, who are all graduate students at University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. (Kohl is on the left-end)

Shame on the New York Post!

2009-02-19T16:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, the day after President Obama signed his stimulus bill into law, the NY Post ran a cartoon depicting the bill's "author" as a dead monkey, covered in blood after being shot by police. You can see the image by clicking on the link below.

Please join me and other ColorOfChange.org members in demanding that the Post apologize publicly and fire the editor who allowed this cartoon to go to print:

http://www.colorofchange.org/nypost/?id=2049-693549
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mr. Carlucci,

How sad that your newspaper desires publicity so much, you are willing to stoop so low. I was personally offended by the racist cartoon published by your newspaper; Not only as an African American Women, but as an American. We are finally to a place in history, where we are seeing a positive change in our country. More than 50 years after the old Jim Crow South, your newspapers chose to take a giant step backwards. You should be ashamed. You have not only insulted our president, but you have disgraced your friends, family, employees, and viewers.

I pray that you will somehow be enlightened and realize all the people whom you have insulted; I pray that by the grace of God you become bigger person and make a public apology. May God forgive you for your moral transgressions, and may God help me to forgive you as well.

Sincerely,

P. Walker Williams, League City, TX.

Tech Talk: The Kindle 2

2009-02-10T10:43:00.000-05:00

I have had my Kindle (version 1) since October 2008, and I really have enjoyed it. Amazon release a new version this week, and while it looks impressive, there are not enough new bells and whisles to make me upgrade. But if you have been eyeing this baby, now is the time to buy. Take a look at this CNET.com Review:

Tech Talk: Trevor Baylis Eco Media MP3 Player

2009-02-07T15:10:00.003-05:00

If you live in hurricane country like I do, you may want to consider buying one on these babies! The Eco Media Player gives you the freedom to listen to your favourite music, watch dazzling movie clips, tune in to FM radio stations and thumb through photo albums; all without the need for external power or expensive and environmentally harmful batteries. How cool is that! It is a little pricey at $199.00, but It seems like a really neat device. One minute of winding the eco-power dynamo provides up to 40 minutes play time.

The Hens' Inaugural Luncheon

2009-01-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

Faith versus Hope

2009-01-23T12:38:00.007-05:00

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1)

This week I witnessed something that I honestly never thought I would see in my lifetime, an African American become president of the United States. Surely I hoped for it, I dreamed about it and I prayed on it. But, what I lacked was faith. That was until Barack Obama.

Of course, I supported him from the onset. He was intelligent, articulate, charismatic, and wholesome, he had something special, something I had not ever seen in a president, and something that reminded me a lot of Martin Luther King – the ability to bring people together.

I was born in Chicago in the fifties and I grew up in Memphis in the sixties/seventies. My mother was very active in the Civil Rights Movement, and she always had me in tow. I marched with Dr. King in Memphis, heard him speak at Mason Temple. Although, I really didn’t understand everything that was going on, I knew he was special. I could see it in my mother’s eyes, I could hear it in his voice, and I could feel it in my heart. We had great hope for the future and in Dr. King’s dream. Regrettably his dream was differed, and we would have to wait 30 years to see it come into fruition.

"But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land."
- Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 1968)

In 1976 when I was finally eligible to vote in a presidential election, I voted for Jimmy Carter. It was a proud day for me. I later went on to vote for Carter again, Mondale, Clinton and Gore.

After the Florida fiasco in 2000, when my fellow Texan George W. Bush, won the election, I lost my faith not only in the system, but in also in our country. I was thinking here we are in a new millennium, and my people are still being treated with disrespect and discrimination. I thought that my country was surely better than this, it not only made me sad but it hurt. It hurt me to my heart

2004 would be the first time my son would be eligible to vote in a presidential election, and I was just as exited that day as I was on his first day of school. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t let me take pictures, but it was a great day neither the less. I was so proud of him, and he was so excited. He, my husband, and I cast our votes for Kerry. We were all disappointed when George W. won again. I was especially disappointed because this was my son’s first experience. I didn’t want him to give up on the system. Our youth came out in record numbers that year. I could sense the beginning of change.

I was watching Oprah one day and she had Senator Barack Obama on her show. We all remembered him form the 2004 Democratic Convention. That was the first time I realized that he might truly consider running for president. I, like Oprah, hoped he did. I argued with many people, most black folks, during the beginning. A common thread of conversation was "You know this country is not ready for a Black President." Well, I beg to differ, and as my mother would say "Pam, you know you will argue with God." And that is when I realized, I had F-A-I-T-H! I had Faith, not just hope, that this man, Barack Obama, was an instrument of change. He was more that qualified, and he was what our country needed – right now.

My family (mother, husband, and son) are ALL proud supports of Barack Obama (cousins, friends, co-workers too.) While we chanted "Yes, we Can" and "Fired Up and Ready to go" we witnessed our country change. It wasn’t just Black people supporting Obama; it was people of all races, ages, religions, nationalities, and even folks in other countries.

Through the primaries, the caucus (which I hope I NEVER have to do again), the democratic convention, the election, and finally the inauguration, I have been proud.

I have been Proud of my ancestors, proud of my family, and proud of my country.

I now have not only hope but faith for our future.

What a wonderful time to be alive! God Bless President Obama and God Bless America!

THIS IS OUR MOMENT!!!

2009-01-20T09:27:00.004-05:00

Father God, I want to thank you for this day! Thank you for letting me, my husband, my mother, and my son live to see Dr. King's dream come into fruition. May the pride of our ancestors adorn President Obama, and may your angels protect him and his family. Amen, Amen, Amen.

Mallory Walker (May 22, 1926 - January 12, 2009)

2009-01-13T09:47:00.013-05:00

We will miss you Daddy.

Daddy, Kameron, and I (1986)

Imagine all of the marvelous things a person can witness in 83 years. Yesterday, my father passed away. He lived a long, healthy, and honest life. He was a good man. This past year his health began to fail, and as a very active senior citizen, I think it was a little more than he could take. I would like to thank his dear friend Ms. Catherine Smith, for all the years of devoted friendship, we love you Cathy, and Daddy did too. I would also like to thank Nurse Karen Drain at Robbins Senior Center. She was my Daddy's angel on earth. Daddy was the last surviving child of John and Cora Walker. I guess, there is a big celebration going on in heaven now, as they welcome their last child home. See you on the other side Daddy.

My Dad and Mama (Marian) - Back in the Day

Me and My Parents (1980)

One in a Million

2009-01-10T10:53:00.016-05:00

In December 2008, the Presidential Inaugural Committee selected a small printing company in Brooklyn, NY to print one million gold-and-black engraved invitations. I was so excited yesterday, when I went to my mailbox and I had received one of the invitations.!!!

Had I known what it was, I would have probably opened the envelope a little neater, instead of ripping it open, hey but I still plan to frame it and add it to the Obama Shrine that is building in my office (you know, newspaper articles, magazine covers, tee-shirts, and hats :-)

Precise Continental, a small printing press, won the bid because it's a union company that uses recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The paper is from Wisconsin and is called Classic Crest. The inaugural seal at the top is in gold, and the invite’s body text is a script blend of Shelley Allegro and Kuenstler typeface, with the black ink provided by a Chicago outfit. Not too shabby!

Our family was very proud to support President Elect Barack Obama in this election, and I am equally as proud of this commemorative invitation that I received. I am truely "one in a million!"

Here is a link about the printing company: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6551943

Here is another link: http://thepaperplanet.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-inaugural-invitations-on-fsc.html

2008, the year of CHANGE

2008-12-31T18:10:00.004-05:00

My oh my, 2008 was a memorable year, full of ups and downs. I had some great times, some trying times, and of course some sad times.

We lost some greats this year, Bernie Mac, Issac Hayes, Harvey Korman, Sean LaVert, Ivan Dixon, and Eartha Kitt. Some of these greats lived a full rich life, whereas others seemed to die way before their time. Each of these greats touch my life in a special way. I was honored to work with Issac Hayes as his "living ad" in 1972 and 1973. I presented him his platinum Shaft album and had my picture in both Ebony and Jet, something I will remember forever! I also danced for him on the airport runway in Memphis, when he returned home from winning the Academy Award for best score - SHAFT. Havey Korman and Bernie Mac made me laugh, Ivan Dixon and Earth Kitt made me proud, and Sean LaVert made me dance. You will all be missed.

I had some personal trials this year with my husband's illness, but I am here to testify that God is Good, and he brought us through one of the darkest times of my life... into the light.

But OH MY GOODNESS ... November 4, 2008! This was one of the happiest days of my life, right up there with becoming a mom :-) Barack Obama elected president of the United States... in my lifetime. As I told you before, God is Good!

I wish you and yours a safe, properious, and happy new year. May the Lord bless you abundantly.

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer… on ENDEAVOUR!

2008-12-11T10:56:00.008-05:00

Even though it snowed last night, Santa hasn’t changed his schedule….but the space shuttle Endeavour flew by NASA JSC today between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. while mounted on a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft. We all were in the parking lot cheering it on! Go Endeavour!!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2008-12-11T09:59:00.005-05:00

Texas Snow! (December 10th) These photos were taken in my front yard.

We don't see this often in Houston!!!!

Pam's Favorite Things

2008-11-21T17:19:00.011-05:00

With Christmas right around the corner, many are you are searching for the latest and greatest must have gadget. In the tradition of my favorite Christmas Show "Oprah's Favorite Things," I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite things. The prices of my favorite things range from one buck to about $800.00, because I am practical like that. And of course, just like Oprah, I have one for each of you – just look under your seat (just kidding!)

Amazon Kindle

Being a bonafide technophile, I had been eying the Kindle for quite sometime. I was so afraid that as soon as I purchased it, they were going to come out with a new one, making my obsolete right from the start. However, when Oprah showcased the Kindle on her show and offered a $50.00-off coupon, I had to get it. I love it! I have books, audio books, and music on mine. It is a cool toy and if you are a gadget person, you are going to love it!

Western Digital HD Media Player

I was reading the Sunday paper, and saw this for $99.00. I really want to have a centralize location for all of my digital media, and this seemed like a good way to get me started. I already had an HP media server and a HP portable media drive, so I purchased this in an effort to get the party started. So far, so good – it doesn't steam media, but I really didn't want that anyway. It works great, has a fantastic user interface, and was reasonably prices.

HP Pavilion DV7-1130US 17-Inch Laptop

This is my 4th (and biggest) laptop. I still have my tiny Dell, which is perfect for travel but I wanted something somewhat portable, with a larger display. This machine isn't exactly portable, it is huge. It is also my first round with Windows Vista. Overall, it is a nice machine, not a powerhouse, but perfect for what I need. It was quite inexpensive compared to my Dell, which I still have along with my desktop for the heavy duty code slinging! Here are the specs:

17.0-inch Diagonal WXGA plus High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display, 1440 x 900 resolution

2.00 Ghz AMD Turion X2 RM-70 Dual-Core Mobile Processor with 1MB L2 Cache

4096MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm),

250GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA),

ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics RS780M with up to 1918MB total graphics memory

LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support

Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, dims in inches: 15.59 (W) x 11.22" (D) x 1.31 (min H) in approx., 7.57 lbs

Coffee – As any self-respected geek, I like BOLD coffee, none of that whippy stuff for me. I have two favorites, one to brew at home, and another to have while I am out.

At Home: New Orleans Blend Coffee with Chicory from Community Coffee

Out: Starbucks Africa Kitamu Coffee

Bath and Body Works Winter Candle by Slatkin & Co.

This is one of my favorite fragrances! I love the candle, the scented oil, and the plug-ins. But it is only offered during the holiday – so stock up now!

Tony Chachere's The Original Creole Seasoning

It is a well know fact that EVERYTHING taste better with a little Tony Chachere's on it. Nuff' Said!

Louisiana Original Hot Sauce

If you know me, you know I love spicy food, and I LOVE hot sauce. I do experiment with different kinds. But my all time favorite is Louisiana Original.

Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Aluminum Foil

If you come to my house there are several things that I always have on hand. I have zip lock bags, wax paper, and all kinds of aluminum foil. But the Reynolds Non-Stick is my favorite.

And last, but not least ... WINE!!!!

Red Wine - Beaujolais Nouveau

White Wine - Robert Mondavi Pinot Grigio

" When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice" -- Proverbs 29:2

2008-11-05T14:56:00.005-05:00

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

—President-elect Barack Obama, November 4, 2008, Acceptance Speech

There are no words strong enough, wise enough, or elegant enough, to describe how I fell at this moment, or how I felt when it was announced that Barack Obama was going to be our next president.

Of course, I voted for him. I also caucused for him. And I truly believe in him. I wanted him to win with every fiber of my being, but there was always that little doubt in my mind, as to if this could happen in my lifetime.

I prayed for this moment, and I am so thankful that God allowed me the opportunity to be a part of this process. I have come along way from being a young girl in Memphis, TN whose mother brought her along to march with Dr. King during the Sanitation Workers strike in Memphis.

I have lived to see some wondrous and marvelous things in my life. But nothing compares to how I feel right now in this moment in time. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. In the words of my grandmother "We have come a mighty long ways", let us all support our president, encourage our president, but most importantly pray for our president; for he is going to need us in the days to come.

May the pride of our ancestors adorn him during his presidency, and may the Lord our God, hold him tight and guide his path.

Reflections from Stefanie - Brooklyn, NY

2008-11-05T13:00:00.002-05:00

Let me start of by saying that God is beyond good. His hand was all over this and I believe he will continue to be all over it. I have gone through a slew of emotions over the last couple of days and especially in the last 24 hours.

My journey began when I voted for Obama in the primary's. It was a fairly quick process, but as soon as I left the polling booth, I was filled with emotion. I said to myself, I just voted for a Black man. The journey continued with donations to the campaign. No matter what my struggle was financially, I believed in the change to come and I knew that even my little pennies would help.

I prayed, I prayed, we all prayed. I kept myself informed and informed others. It has been a journey. I have lost sleep, had weird dreams and put on some pounds from emotional eating. But I am not complaining- it was so worth it.

Last nite I was with a group of friends from church and among them was a core group who never missed a debate and/or speech. We were flipping and watching. At 10:58, we said, the West coast polls should be closing. So we soon gathered around the television. At approximately 11:02, Charlie Gibson removed his glasses and said some words about the West coast polls ( I couldn't tell you what he said) and then we saw President Elect Barack Obama on the screen! We screamed, we cried, we acted downright foolish. I called my mother, then my father and I couldn't hear anything. I called my relatives in Chicago and the calls dropped when they finally went through. I called my brother in San Francisco , who was jumping up and down. I called my brother in Switzerland and woke him up out of his sleep! Then we settled in to hear both McCain and Obama's speeches. The tears just flowed.

We left my friend's house @ 12:45. Once outside, you could hear the masses. We got in our car and went the find them. There were people everywhere- screaming in the streets, honking horns and just greeting each other by saying OBAMA!

Today, I am exhausted but happy as a pig in mud. I have bought up as many periodicals that I can find and will be searching for more. We have a special service tonite at church. We will be sending the praises up and saying prayers for our new president. We are going to have a sho nuff praise party!

I am still processing it all- God is amazing!

Relections....

2008-11-05T09:30:00.004-05:00

Relections from Jasmine Clifton

At 6 a.m. I went to stand in line to vote. I have voted in previous elections but I was never this excited to be a part of the process. When it was my turn to cast my vote I literally had chills as I saw Obama’s name on the ballot. It was more than surreal, more than pride that I felt at that moment. As I left the polling station I felt overjoyed and ecstatic with eagerness for the results. All through out the day I was impatiently waiting for the results.

At about 9:45 p.m. last night when the numbers were 207 Obama and 135 McCain I could feel my heart in my chest as if I could barely breathe. As I watched the CNN live broadcast and it was declared that Obama took California and he was the projected winner of the election all the emotions that I had felt throughout the day could only be translated into one action….I cried.

I cried not out of sadness like most people use the emotion for but out of pure elation.

I cried because my voice had been heard.

I cried because my Mother did not live to see this day but I am sure she is looking down with pure delight.

I cried because we said “yes we can” and we did.

I then proceeded to Ajc.com to see people’s reactions to the news as I watched CNN at the same time. I can tell you there were mixed reviews. Some people are happy, some are not so happy. There are also people who have decided to call names and say horrible things. I n this day and age where it is evident that racism is alive and well I take Obama’s win as a sign that people are trying to look beyond the color of a person’s skin and to judge then on character. I know there are still small minded people but we need to move on as one people and work together in order for anything to happen positively for our country. People are afraid of change but change is happening this is not a Black or White thing this is a American thing. I refused to let bitter and wicked comments bring a storm cloud on the happiness that I felt.

As I waited for Barack to speak I saw grown men crying as I had been doing the whole time. No words had to be said it was written all over our faces. As Barack spoke I could feel in my heart that everything was going to be okay. I look forward to the future and I pray that Barack can lead this country out of the dark tunnel that it is in to the other side where the sun is shining oh so very brightly. Nothing will happen overnight but we are headed in a better direction I believe that whole heartedly.

Jasmine Clifton

Reflections from Kim Wilson Bond

The day started out like no other. I was the first in line to vote for my 44th President. President Elect Barack Obama. I took my chair, my coffee, my paper and some work. I arrived at 6:00 am CST. The polls opened in Memphis at 7:00 am. I had to be first. I wore my Obama T-shirt under my black suit as promised. My Obama button was in my pocket. As I pushed the button, I could not hold back the tears. At first in they were inward tears, then smile tears, as I walked back to my car. The tears were streams of patience, time, life's, hardships, promises and now possibilities that are here.

I visited the official party here at the Peabody. Stayed for about an hour. Really I was not going to attend. God has placed a new wonderful friend in my live. That moved here from Chicago. So I couldn't say no to a "new" friend. We saw the winning numbers at my friend Earnestine Hunt Dorse (Judge). We were with a house full of elected officials so it was a great watch party (Judge Mabaline, State Sen. Reginald Tate, Council Members, Judges, etc.).

It was a serious and fun filled environment with news junkies like myself. The group hand held prayer was led by a young lady that I had met at the Black MBA meeting. Her prayer came from such a young and positive heart. there was not a dry eye in the house. We let our out of town guest speak fabulous is all I can say.

Mama was in heaven when I arrived home. The first time in a long time. I sleep with peace and did not have a back ache when I awoke.

HALLELUJAH!!!!

Kim Wilson Bond, Memphis, TN

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear!

2008-11-05T08:51:00.006-05:00

Good Morning my Peeps!

And I mean G-O-O-D Morning!!!! I know y'all are tired from being up all night :-) We are a part of history in the making, what a glorious night it was. We did it y'all, we stepped out on faith and made a difference.

I will always remember what I was doing the night of November 4th 2008. Kameron (who works at a 24-hr news TV station) texted me first, his text simply said "They called it." Immediately following CNN made the prediction and the phone rang it was Jetola. We were both doing what Oprah calls "the ugly cry". (Ruffus thought I had lost it by that time.) Then the phone started to blow-up... my mom, Shelley, Jan and Wanda were on the early shift. Followed by the late shift party people - Kameron in NYC and Eddgra "Left in Alabama" who both got me out of bed :-)

If I didn't get to talk to you last night, I still want to share this moment in time with you, my friends, sister-friends, and family. We have prayed together over these past several months, and I know we as a people will be stronger for it. Thanks for being with me on this journey. Together let's keep our new president "prayed up" and be ready, willing, and able to stand in the gap if needed. I know that our ancestors are proud.

I love you, and I pray for God's Abundant Blessings upon each of you. HALLELUJAH, the highest praise!

In the words of Maya Angelo, we rise, we rise, we rise!

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Don't You Just Love Our President Elect...

2008-11-04T23:38:00.004-05:00

--------------- Original Message Follows ------------------
From: info@barackobama.com (Barack Obama)
Date: 11/4/2008 10:33 PM (Central Standard Time)
To: pwsquare@pageturner.net (Pamela Williams)

Subject: How this happened

Pamela --

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.
But I want to be very clear about one thing...
All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,
Barack

WE DID IT!!!!!! 10:12 PM (CST)

2008-11-04T23:11:00.005-05:00

Praise God from whom ALL Blessings Flow. Thank you Lord for letting me live to see this day. I am sitting here crying tears of joy. My friend Jetola was the first to call me, and we cried together. Then a I got a text from my son, a call from my sisters Wanda and Jan, and then of course I called my Mama. My Mama, the woman who took me with her to march with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis. What a blessing that my mother, my son, and I were all a part of this process, all a part of this historical day.

I am humbled before God, who word I stood on throughout this entire process.

BARACK OBAMA, president elect. Oh what a marvelous night. This is what Dr. King saw from that mountain top.

To be continued....

9:26 PM - 207 and Counting.... (CST)

2008-11-04T22:24:00.006-05:00

Well, it is going to be a long night, I am in it for the long haul. Right now, it is predicted that Obama has 207 electorial votes. The magic number is 270, so we are in the final stretch. I have waited my whole life to get to this moment. I have stood on the backs of some strong people, who paved the way for us to get here. I know that they are all looking down at us, smiling... watching us RISE.

To Be Continued...

Barack the Vote in NYC

2008-11-04T13:36:00.004-05:00

Here a a couple of pictures from my friend Stefanie in NYC!!!! You Go Girl!!!!!

Today is Our Day! Go Vote

2008-11-04T08:21:00.004-05:00

Please pray with me:

Heavenly Father, we come to you today to say thank you. Thank you for all of the gifts you have bestowed upon us and to thank you for this day. Lord, we are so proud to be alive on this historical day. This is the day that our ancestors dreamed about. This is the future our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents prayed that we would see, and for this I want to say thank you Lord.

We also come to you today to ask for your blessings. Please bless the Obama family. Regardless of the outcome of today’s election, they have brought about change. We have seen something that we never thought we would see in our lifetime – a glimpse of hope. Lord put a hedge of protection around that family, as we know that there are those who would want to cause them harm. Lord we pray for their strength and courage during the next few turbulent days. Lord bless Barack Obama, hold him tight in your arms. Lord give him wisdom, and let him look to you for courage and protection.

We ask that you bless our country, and that all of the hate and ugliness that arose from this election be finally put to rest. We know that Obama is a good man, and we have faith in him, and we have put all of our faith in you and we are standing on your word.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. (John 5:14)

These and all blessings we ask in your son Jesus’ name.

Amen, Amen, Amen.

And Still I Rise...

2008-11-03T22:45:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the day, tomorrow we choose our next president. I have already cast my vote, now I am waiting on it to be counted.

In my lifetime, I lived to see a person of color be a the candidate of a major political party, my party, for president of the United States. I am both thankful and proud that I had the opportunity to vote for Senator Obama.

We have seen some real ugly things, and heard some real hurtful words during this election, and during it all, the words from Maya Angelo's poem "And Still I Rise" kept echoing in my mind. With all of the dirt and mud tossed at Senator Obama, he managed to just dust it off, and he continued to rise, just like in the poem -

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow I pray that we rise.

And Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

The Obama Song (World of Friends): Bridges for Obama

2008-11-03T08:33:00.000-05:00

Source: http://blip.tv/file/1338283

Last Day For Early Voting!

2008-10-31T08:41:00.006-04:00

"Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18 )

Today is the last day for early voting in Texas. If you haven't done so, vote early. I think it will be a lot easier (and a lot less mess) if you do. I voted this past Wednesday, no lines at all. My son Kam flew in last week to vote, in his words he wanted to be the first person in our family to vote for a Black man for President. We gladly gave him that honor, but we all quickly followed suite.

If you are a friend of mine, most likely you have voted already, because that is "how we roll"! However, just in case you are in an area that doesn't have early voting, I know that you will do the right thing on Tuesday. But what we have to do is encourage some of our lazy friends, relatives, and co-workers to vote. We need, and are ready for CHANGE!

We have some challenging and stressful days ahead, this election has been one of historical significance. Please continue to pray for Barack Obama, he is going to need both our prayers and support in the days ahead.

If you feel so inclined, please join me as I fast and pray during the lunch hour on Tuesday for our country, our people, and for our next president. Stay strong and go vote!

My Story

2008-10-15T16:32:00.003-04:00

I have been off the blog for a while. In addition to dodging hurricanes, I have been a caregiver for my life partner. For those of you who don't know, my husband has been ill for almost a year now. We went to eleven doctors before we found out what was wrong. It was cancer, and I was scared.

Family and friends lifted us up in prayer, and through the grace of God, we made it through this most difficult time. For those of you who are faced with this battle, I am here to testify that God is faithful, and he hears and answers your prayers.

For the past three years I have been a fundraiser for Divas For A Cure, an organization whose sole purpose is to raise funds to fight and prevent cancer. DFAC donates all monies raised to M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Hospital in Houston, TX. Unlike other well-know charities like Susan B. Komen and American Cancer Society, DFAC has no overhead. What this means is you know exactly where you donation is going.

In 2006, DFAC donated $25,000.00 to M.D. Anderson, and in 2007 we donated $50,000.00. The 2008 fundraiser is still in progress, so far we have raised $30,000.00, but we still need help from people like you.

M.D. Anderson has been a great resource for many of my friends who are in the fight of their lives. My friends Margie Pelonero and Alma Alfred are both cancer survivors and both were treated at M.D. Anderson. As I mentioned earlier, this year cancer struck home. My husband was diagnosed with Kidney cancer and there was no question in my mind where he would be going for treatment - M.D. Anderson.

Now, I have a personal testimony for everyone. The people at M.D. Anderson treated us with compassion and professionalism. And by the grace of God, I am proud to let you know that my husband is better, back at work, and on the road to recovery.

But there are many still in the fight. Recently, my friend and co-worker Patti Cauthen was diagnosed with breast cancer. For her, the fight has just begun. I solicit your prayers for Patti and if you want to personally help find a cure for this disease please consider making a donation to Divas For A Cure. Your donation is 100% tax deductable, and you will know exactly where your money is going.

You can make a difference in someone's life.

Here's the Link! http://divasforacure.blogspot.com

Proud Godmother

2008-08-27T08:49:00.005-04:00

Many of you may remember my goddaughter Kohl, who while a junior in high school wrote a poem "Your Perception, My Reality" for her school's literary magazine. The poem was about her personal feelings about prejudice. While her creative writing teacher praised the poem, and wanted her to submit it for publication, the faculty sponsor, backed by the principal, would not allow Kohl's poem to be published.

Needless to say, I was pissed! I don't want any one messing with any of my babies!!! At that time, I started a web site for Kohl, where many of you posted your positive comments and she received many accolades from extinguished authors in the African American community. She received world wide recognition for her poem and writing skills including media attention that resulted in the poem being published in many venues.

Since then, Kohl went on to graduate from high school with honors, and has since graduated from Hampton University.

I am proud to share with you that Kohl has been accepted to the Clinton School of Public Service, where she is one of 30 students selected to pursue a masters degree in public service. The Clinton School is a branch of the University of Arkansas.

I am always excited to see our young people do well as they reach for the stars. I am very proud of her, and so happy to share her good news with you.

Here is a little more about Kohl and the Clinton School:

Kohl Fallin - A native of Huntsville, Ala., Fallin graduated from Hampton University with a degree in Public Relations and Political Science. For the past year, she has served as a staff assistant to Congressman John P. Sarbanes of the U.S. House of Representatives, acting as a constituent services specialist, among other duties. She has also worked with Congressman Bud Cramer of Alabama’s 5th district and been a legal service intern with the Washington, D.C. firm of Friend, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson. She received the Martin Luther King Jr. Profiles in Courage Award from the Huntsville Madison County Democratic Women in 2004.

http://www.clintonschool.uasys.edu/news-events/detail.aspx?id=421

Divas For A Cure 2008

2008-06-24T16:46:00.004-04:00

For the 3rd consecutive year I am proud to be a fundraiser and supporter for Divas For A Cure! Last year, we were able to raise $50,000.00 which was donated to M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston, TX .

This year the goal is $100,000.00. Won’t you please help?

Please be a part of history in the making! Donate now to support this worthwhile cause. Every little bit helps; no amount is too small or too large.

Thanks So Much!

Pamela Walker Williams
Official Blogger for Divas For A Cure

Tech Talk: My New Gadget (and a couple of cool sites)

2008-06-09T13:16:00.003-04:00

I recently had an ergonomic assessment. This is where they tell you everything that you are doing wrong in your work space, lol! Surprisingly, I got good grades. I was told that I had excellent posture (thanks Mama) and that the fact I like my keyboard in my lap turned out to also be a good thing. But what I did get out of the assessment was a semi-ergonomic key board and an Evoluent mouse. (http://www.evoluent.com/vm3.html).

Well, now I have the coolest mouse at NASA! I feel very “space-age, thank-you-very-much! Yeah, yeah it helps your wrist, yada, yada, yada.. but most important it looks good!

www.evoluent.com

Check out these Music Web Site -

Pandora: http://www.pandora.com

Last year one of my friends, Gloria Armstrong, introduced me to Pandora.com. This has got to be one of the coolest websites ever! What Pandora does is lets you create your own radio station(s). You select either your favorite genres or artist, and like magic you have your own radio station… and it is free!

imeen: http://www.imeem.com/

I am not really that big on social networks. I set up MySpace when it first started, and lost my userid and password, and never found them… oh well. I have never even seen a face book site, and I am still not sure about Linkin. However, I do like blogging basically because I have a record of really cool things I have done, or really cool things I have seen.

imeen is a really cool site and although it is also a social network, I just think the tools it provides are fantastic. It allows users to discover interact and express themselves
with media, including music, video and photos, and form connections based on shared tastes and interests. But what I like about it most is that it allows you to create online playlist. I am not an expert yet, but so far, I really like what I have seen.

In My Lifetime…

2008-06-04T15:10:00.012-04:00

Where there is no vision, the people perish -- Proverbs 29:18

Today is a historic day.

Today we have a vision.

Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic nomination.

This was a tough fight to the finish and historical in many aspects. On one side we had Sen. Clinton a woman, and Sen. Obama a Black man; and on the other side (the dark side … he he he) we have Sen. McClain and old man.

In my lifetime, I saw Martin Luther King killed in my hometown.

My mother was insistent that we participate in every march, demonstration or boycott, that went on in Memphis, TN. If there was a march going on, Marian, Pam and Terry were there. It was no different when Dr. King came to town. She would put us (and any one else who would fit) into the car, and drive us to Mason Temple, where we would be able to hear him speak not realizing it would be my last time. (April 1968)

In my lifetime, I saw a man walk on the moon.

I remember staying up all night long, watching the TV in complete awe. I remember my mother asking me “are you going to stay up all night?” to which I replied, "yes ma’am." (July 1969)

In my lifetime, I saw the birth of the World Wide Web.

In 1982, I was taking a Basic Programming Language class at Houston Baptist University, and my professor made mention that in the not too distant future everyone would have computers in their homes. Needless to say, I thought he was crazy. Soon afterwards I purchased a Commodore 64, which was soon followed by my first PC that had a whopping 640K of memory and a 1 MB hard drive. Now, my home is networked with a computer in every room. I guess he was right, huh?

In my lifetime, I saw Barrack Obama become the Democratic Candidate for president of the United States of America.

Who would have thought that this little black girl, born in Chicago, reared in Memphis, would grow up to work for NASA and would continue to be a part of history making change. I have lived to see some marvelous and wondrous things. (June 2008)

But now, I look forward to this November when…

· Jane and Mama Sally’s great-great granddaughter
· Rome, Flora, Dan, Hannah, Jake, and Eliza’s great-granddaughter
· Edgar, Almetta, John and Cora’s granddaughter
· Mallory and Marian’s daughter,
· Ruffus’s wife and Kameron's mother…

... Pamela, will share in a historical moment and cast her vote for Barrack Obama as president of the United States of America.

" When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice" -- Proverbs 29:2

Chill Music

Girl’s Trip 2008

2008-06-03T16:10:00.014-04:00

"Friendships multiply joys, and divide griefs." --Henry George Bohn

Girl’s Trip 2008 is officially over, and I am worn out to prove it! This past weekend 12 phenomenal women convened in San Antonio, Texas for a weekend of fun, food, and most importantly friendship.

Girl’s Trip 2008 Participants

Anita (Atlanta)
Camille (Kansas City)
Dallas (Tampa,)
Debra (Houston)
Deon (Detroit)
Donsia (Greenbay)
Eddgra (Huntsville)
Keath (Atlanta)
Kim (Memphis)
Marshalle (Tampa)
Pam (Houston)
Paula (Houston)

Day One: Thursday, May 29th

I arrived in San Antonio early Thursday morning and was picked up by my good friend Nina and her lovely daughters. Nina was gracious enough to host a cocktail party that evening for our group, so she and I had a fun day plan with the preparation. Also, that day was her daughter’s Sydney’s birthday, so Nina, Sydney, Kai, and I went to TGI Friday’s to eat lunch and of course have the waiters sing an embarrassing birthday son to Sydney, LOL!

Nina then took me to the hotel (which is fabulous) to check in. Our group stayed at the fabulous Westin La Cantera Resort (http://www.westinlacantera.com/). The resort has magnificent views and fabulous beds!

Each room had a beautiful floral arrangement that was sent to us by Paula’s husband Ron. We also had a scented candle for the room, and we each had a gift bag full of goodies that included a beautiful cashmere scarf from Afghanistan. That was a pleasant surprise and the beginning of what was to be a wonderful trip.

After I checked in the hotel, I returned to Nina’s house to start cooking!

The “No Men, Amen” Menu

White Cranberry Martinis
White and Red Wines
Jalapeño Cheese Ball and Cajun Fire Crackers
Memphis Spaghetti Casserole
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Cuban Style Broccoli and Squash
Garlic Bread
Jack Daniels Cake

Cocktails and Conversations with Best-selling author Nina Foxx -

At 7 o’clock that evening the other 11 lovely ladies traveled to Nina’s house for “Cocktails and Conversations to discuss her latest book “No Girl Needs Husband Seven Days a Week.” (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061335274/thegoodbookclubt)

Paula was this year’s organizer and she welcomed everyone to San Antonio and thanked Nina for hosting us. Each lady was given a hand painted martini glass that had a charm with her name on it. We drank cocktails, ate dinner and then of course discussed Nina’s book. The book discussion was stimulating and thought provoking. It was a wonderful evening and a good time was had by all.

Hey…. but night was not over! We left Nina’s house and went to the midnight debut showing of “Sex in the City” at San Antonio’s Palladium Theater (http://www.santikos.com/palladium.html) For those of you who know me well, you know that 10 PM is my official bedtime. But in the spirit of sisterhood, I hung in there, and we all laughed through the movie! Of course in the car ride back was where everyone gave their official movie review and commentary on the lives of “Carrie and Big”, LOL!

Day Two – Friday, May 30th

Thank God we were able to sleep in, because I am definitely not used to staying up until 4:00 AM!!!

Our first stop for the day was La Margarita Restaurant and Oyster Bar (http://www.lamargarita.com/) , located in El Mercado a.k.a. Market Square. La Margarita is well-known for being the first American restaurant to serve sizzling fajitas. It is also famous for its margaritas, of which we tested quite a few! The manager even gave us a free round of our choice of margarita or a shot of tequila.

After a wonderful meal (and drinks) we decided to split up into two groups. This was some of the ladies first trip to San Antonio, and it would not have been complete without a trip to the Alamo! So, group one went to Alamo Plaza, while group two headed to San Marcos for the outlet mall shopping experience. We agreed to all meet in San Marcos in a couple of hours.

And shop they did! Much like the energizer bunny, they kept going and going and going! It was two darn hot for me. I opted for a nice spot in the shade while the marathon and well seasoned shoppers did there thing.

Eventually, everyone got tired… except for Paula, Camille, and Dallas who I am sure turned off the lights at the mall.

We all met back up at the beautiful River Walk. We drove around looking for a place to park, and poor Marshall was completely confused as to whereabouts of the river. We explained to here that it was at ground level, but below. Her look was priceless. Then she asked “how do you see down there?” We all cracked up!!!! Someone said there are lights, LOL! Well we finally parked, and made our way down to the River Walk, where I think Marshall enjoyed it most of all.

Our group took the boat ride/tour upon arrival, and eventually the marathon shopping group joined us and several of them took the tour as well. We finally made our way to Pesca on the River http://www.watermarkhotel.com/restaurant/ where we enjoyed our fellowship, a fabulous meal, and lots and lots of laughs.

Day Three – Saturday, May 31st

By now, my body just doesn’t know what the hell is going on! I stayed up past 3:00 AM two nights in a row. Completely zombie-fied my roommate Eddgra and I decided to order room service and eat breakfast in bed! We watched the heated Democratic National Committee rules panel's decision, and I listed to Eddgra fuss at Kohl for opting to get her hair done (which turned out fabulous by the way) in lieu of being present at the DNC. Eddgra and my commentaries were much more colorful that any that aired on TV.

This day was a free day. Many of the ladies had spa treatments, and some lay out by the pool. I was honored to be able to participate in Syndey’s (Nina’s daughter) Rites of Passage Celebration, which took place at another great San Antonio restaurant name Silo Elevated Cuisine - 1604 http://www.siloelevatedcuisine.com/ . Nina picked me up, and I was also happy to see her sister Lynda, her niece Brandi, along with the honoree. The luncheon was great, and I am thankful that I was able to participate in this wonderful time in her life.

I came back to the hotel, changed and searched for all my sisters. They were everywhere! I finally caught up with Keath and Eddgra at the poolside hotel, and we chatted and enjoyed a glass of VERY expensive wine.

After a short break, we all ventured to the hospitality suite for our final night of fun. We had cocktails, Italian Food (from Bravos), and games!!! We played Glamour Pot luck, which involved each of us bring 10 items (new or slightly used) to exchange in a fight to the finish. We also were given “pole dance” lessons, and learned all of Beyonce’s moves.

But most importantly we shared. We shared some of our innermost thoughts, struggles, and triumphs. We ended in prayer for everyone’s safe journey home, lots of hugs and lots of kisses.

Day Four – Sunday, June 1st

I had an early flight so I caught a taxi with Marshall and Dallas back to the airport. However, the remaining members of our happy crew headed over to another friend, Tracey’s home for a lovely brunch. I could tell by the pictures that they had a great time.

To my sisters:

Anita – I admire your freedom. You have more self-confidence than anyone I have every met.

Camille – You have always been a class act! How lucky are all your patients to have a physician as caring (and yes as crazy) as you!

Dallas - What a beautiful lady you are! I enjoyed meeting you and look forward to seeing you again (however it will not be at an outlet mall because you would wear me out!)

Debra – A lady of such grace. Thanks for sharing the words that the spirit told you to share with us. You were a true blessing.

Deon – You will always be my sister, I am thankful God put you in my life as a lifetime friend. Your family is my family, and vice-versa. Love you much!

Donsia – The disco queen, who knows all the latest moves! Congratulations on making partner continue to make us proud as you pave the way to justice.

Eddgra – Girl you know you crazy! I guess that’s why I love you so much. Whenever we are together it is as if no time has past. You are forever my sister-friend.

Keath – I have known you longer than I have known any of these ladies (since you were in the 4th grade) but it took this trip for me to know Keath the women. You are definitely your mother’s daughter, and I always admired your mom.

Kim - My little sister whose smile can light up a room. Your excitement is contagious, you are a true gem.

Marshalle – Who would think someone as beautiful as you could be such a nut! You are so much fun to be around, and I feel as if I have known you all my life. Thanks for your friendship.

Paula – Last but not least… Thank you for organizing this wonderful trip! You are another little sister. Be carful as you journey back to Afghanistan. Know that we all are praying for you while you are there.

Ladies you are my sisters. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you until we meet again.

Tech Talk – The Helio Ocean

2008-05-05T10:42:00.002-04:00

I finally got myself a new cell phone to replace my T-mobile Sidekick II. I now am the proud owner of a new Helio Ocean Smart Phone. I really loved my Sidekick, so I really wanted to replace it with one of the newer ones. However, my son has the new one and he hates it, armed with that knowledge, I began my search for a “mo-better” device, lol!

I really like the iPhone (my friend Nina has one) but, I don’t like the touch screen, I am a push-button type of girl. I am a big Cnet.com fan, so I turned to them for reviews of several different smart phones. CNET gave the Ocean – 8.3 out of 10, which is an excellent review.

Pros: This phone does everything I need. First it is a good phone, second it is very easy to text, send and receive e-mail; and last the web feature is great. In addition to being able to use the Helio mail, you can use your POP mail, or multiple other providers (Yahoo, EarthLink, Windows Live, and Gmail). For those who are into MySpace and YouTube, these features are integrated very seamlessly into the interface.

There is an expansion slot where you can add 2 GB of memory, which you will need if you plan to play music and videos via your phone. The device came with a nice set of headphones, and the music actually sounded pretty good when listening through them. There is some free software available via the Helio web site that will allow you to add drivers to you PC so that it will recognize the device as a hard drive.

Cons: It is large, but not as large as the Sidekick, so I am use to that. I don’t like the QWERTY keypad as well as I liked the one of the Sidekick (the buttons are a little closer together) but I think I will eventually get use to it. It is not a great camera (neither, was the Sidekick) but it does do Video, which my Sidekick did not.

We got the family plan (Ruffus has a Helio Fin now ) and the price was about the same as we paid at T-mobile.

So far, so good… I will keep you updated on how I like the phone in the long term.

Be Blessed

2008-04-23T09:08:00.003-04:00

Bishop Paul S. Morton - Be Blessed

Be Blessed my brother, Be blessed my sister, be blessed wherever this life leads you, let me encourage you, let me speak life to you, You can depend on God to see you through, You can depend on me to pray for you

-You might be hurting, you might be crying, you might be worrying and frustrated to, let me encourage you let me speak life to you you can can depend on God to see you through, you can depend on me to pray for you

-Pray im gonna keep on prayin, Pray im gonna keep on prayin for you, Pray im gonna keep on prayin, Pray im gonna keep on prayin for you you can depend on God to see you thru, you can depend on me to pray for you

Bridge: I see you in the future. and you look better, I see you walking in favor and prosperity too, let me encourage you, let me speak life to you, you can depend on God to see you through, you can depend on me to pray for you

-I pray for you, you pray for me, and watch God change things, Repeat 1x

-I pray for you, you pray for me and watch God change things Repeat 6x

What’s on my Night Stand/iPod

2008-04-21T10:30:00.004-04:00

It’s been awhile since I last reviewed the books that I have either been reading or listening, or in some cases both. Here is a quick recap:

Book: Duma Key: A Novel

ISBN: 1416552510
Author: Stephen King
Rating: 5 Stilettos
Review: He’s back! Yes the Stephen King that was worth the long wait in line at the book stores just to get a first edition hardback copy is alive and well. I was kind of worried about my old pal Stephen because his last couple of books were both duds. I listened to the audio version of Duma Key in my car, and I couldn’t wait to get it the car each day to continue the story. He was a really good listen.

Listen to Stephen King talk about Duma Key

Book: The 4-Hour Work Week

ISBN: 0307353133
Author: Timothy Ferriss
Rating: 4 Stilettos
Review: I first listened to this book on audio, and thought it was interesting enough to purchase a hardcopy of the book. You have to take the advise with a grain of salt, but there really were some great resources given, that I needed to see in print (or else I would have to keep rewinding so I could write everything down.)

Book: Magic Street

ISBN: 0345416902
Author: Orson Scott Card
Rating: 1 old beat up tennis shoe
Review: I purchased this book when it was first released back in 2005. Being an Orson Scott Card fan, I couldn’t wait to read his new book. I found it really interesting that this book took place in an African American neighborhood. Why the book had a few interesting parts, it wasn’t enough to keep my interest so I put the book down (for a couple of years.) I subscribe to http://www.audible.com/ , and as a legacy member I get two audio book downloads each month. One month I was having a hard time finding two books, so I said what the hell, let me try Magic Street on audio. I normally can listen to anything while driving. The results were the same. I got a little further, but decided it really was worth my time. This was disappointing to me, because I loved all of the books in the Ender series. I guess this was Mr. Card’s “experimental” writing. As my friend Trisha says he needs to continue to “write what you know.”

Book: The New Earth

ISBN: 0452289963
Author: Eckhart Tolle
Rating: Barefoot (Unrated)
Review: This is still a work in progress. I purchased this book in paperback and downloaded the audio version from http://www.audible.com/. The original plan was my friend Wanda and I were going to go through the Oprah on-line class. Well, life happened. I got through the first chapter/class and my husband became ill. All of my energies focused on his healing so I got off-track. Well, he is doing better now, and my plan is to pick up where I left off. Luckily, Oprah has the classes available for download, so I will still be able to go through the classes as I read through the book.

Total Recall 2070

2008-04-19T20:23:00.004-04:00

Somehow or another there actually was a sci-fi television series that slipped by me. Total Recall 2070 is very loosely based on two works by the author Philip K. Dick: his short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale," which was adapted into the film Total Recall, and his novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which was adapted into the film Blade Runner,

There are 22 episodes on hulu.com, if you are a sci-fi fan, you should check it out!

We Can Change The World

2008-04-16T08:33:00.003-04:00

Yes We Can...

2008-04-16T08:29:00.002-04:00

Tech Talk – Great Sites for TV Junkies

2008-03-28T20:54:00.002-04:00

I am a self-confessed television junkie, I always have been. I love watching TV. I am great at multitasking, meaning the TV can be on while I read, work on my PC, or clean my house. I would even sleep with it on if my husband would let me. I love my Tivo (the real thing), we also have one of those crappy Comcast DVRs, and I have a Windows Media Center TV. So, I am always prepared to watch my favorite shows on one of multiple devices.

Both the Tivo and Windows media center can concert TV shows or movies for me to watch on my iPod. Technology is good.

Every once in a while Technology gets better. I was really thrilled when the major networks start streaming some of their TV shows online. This made catching up on shows I had missed during the season quite convenient. But it has gotten better.

Enter Internet TV- Online Video on Demand, first came Joost (www.joost.com); next Veoh (www.veoh.com); and now there is Hulu(www.hulu.com). All provide high quality online television programming, and get this… THEY ARE ALL FREE! (and you know I love a bargain).

I found the Joost interface quite intrusive, so eventually I removed it from my PC. But I really like the Veoh interface (and it will play Hulu programs). Both Hulu and Veoh will allow you to watch shows from their web sites. However, some full length movies on Veoh require you view them through their player (which is quite nice.)

If you have tried Veoh or Hulu, be sure to check them out. If you know of some other cool high quality Video on Demand Sites, please post a comment on my blog (pwsquare.blogspot.com).

Congratulations Alex!

2008-03-11T12:43:00.006-04:00

I just want to share the fantastic news that one of my former dance students, Alexandra Lewis, just won Miss Lafayette!!!! She will compete for Miss Louisiana in November. Alex was a student at my dance studio Hip Bones In Motion, and also she was also a Bay Area Baptist Church Praise Dancer!

Alex is the daughter of Raymond and Pat (my friend, AKA Soror, & book club member) Lewis!!!

I love to share the news our youth doing great things!!! GO ALEX!!! We are so proud of your !!!!!

News Story: http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=7995921

I Caucused Therefore I am…

2008-03-05T09:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was an historical day in history for me. God granted me the opportunity to vote for a Black Man in the Democratic Primary for President of the United States of America. HALLELUJAH! Yes, I realized that there have been many black people who have been in this race before, paving the way for Barack Obama. But this time was different. I saw people of all races, creeds, and colors coming together to support a black man with a message of CHANGE!

I live in Texas, and as you probably saw on TV the last day of voting and caucus was a nightmare. Clearly, these people were not prepared for the turn out. Thousands of people came out to make their voice heard. I pray that eventfully they will count all of the votes and we will get an accurate count. Although Hillary was declared the winner, I really don’t understand how since people were still in line at 12:45 AM waiting to get in to caucus.

My precinct wasn’t quite as bad, although I did stand in line two hours before I was allowed to enter the caucus. The line was a rainbow, and although people were supporting different candidates, everyone was peaceful, laughing, and enjoying comradely that I never knew was possible in the Clear Lake Area of Texas.

My girlfriends were all in full force to represent! Wanda had Seabrook; Mary had Friendswood (and is now a delegate!); Yoni had Galveston; and Shelly and I had League City!!!!

My friend Yoni e-mailed me a poem by an unknown author this morning that sums it up well…

TODAY, I Cried

Today, I cried ...I voted for a black man and, I cried.

I cried for my father and my grandfather and all grandfathers before him.

I cried for my uncles, my four brothers, my seventeen nephews,

my two sons, my six grandsons and one great-grand son.

I cried for the blacks I have loved and those that have loved me.

I cried for the millions of little black boys (not forgetting the girls)

over the centuries that did not, in their wildest dreams,

imagine...that they could run for Office.

I cried for their despair...

I cried for all the men and boys incarcerated that lost hope in themselves and took the low road.

I cried, I cried and I cried…..

I know that this was 'just the primary.

But whatever the end result may be,

today I voted in the United States of America for a black man, and ... I cried.

If I should die before the presidential election it will be OK,

Because today I voted. I voted for a black man and I cried.

Author Unknown

What’s On My iPod - Upstate: A Novel by Kalisha Buckhanon

2008-02-14T16:04:00.002-05:00

Buckhanon. One of our sponsors L. Peggy Hicks of Tricom Publicity donated the books to the children for them to read and discuss. I must admit, I wasn’t excited about reading it as I am not a big fan of Urban Fiction so I ordered the audio version so I could at least take part in the discussion. Well, I missed that meeting and never took the time to read or listen to the book. But this past week, I noticed that the book was on my iPod so I decided to listen to it, and I am glad I did.

It is a love story, between Antonio and Natasha, and it grabs you right from the start! The narrators Chadwick Boseman and Heather Simms are outstanding, and this book is a rare audio find! Now I hate I missed the discussion, because I know that this was a treat for our teens.

There is some very strong language and sexual content; however with parental consent I think it is an excellent book for teens. It is a real story that tells it like it is. I highly recommend it.

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Movie Bliss

2008-02-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

So far I have seen several of the films that are nominated for this year’s academy awards, (2 of which are nominated for best picture.) Here is a quick review of the movies that I have seen so far.

Atonement - this movie has been nominated for 7 academy awards including best picture and honestly I just don’t get it. I think the acting was good, Saoirse Ronan did a great job in her role and I can understand her nomination for best supporting actress (which really should be best actress) but the story was about as boring as they come (my two cents). I don’t even remember the music, so that is how good the score was to me. Over all I give the move 3 stilettos.

Juno – I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I found the movie to be quite entertaining. It tackled a serious subject, teen pregnancy, in a sensitive manner while still having moments of humor. It is nominated for 4 academy awards (Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role ,Achievement in Directing, Best Motion Picture of the Year, and Original Screenplay) Ellen Page did a great job in her leading role, I give this movie 5 stilettos.

American Gangster – was nominated for two academy awards (Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and Achievement in Art Direction). Where I love any movie that stars Denzel Washington, I still hate to see him play a “bad guy.” I enjoyed this movie as much as I can enjoy seeing a life of crime and violence. And I am glad to see actress Ruby Dee get her much overdue acknowledgment, for her role in this movie. I love you Ms. Ruby, and I give this movie 5 stilettos.

The Bourne Ultimatum – If you know me you know that this is my kind of movie! Action, More Action, and Even More Action!!! The movie is nominated for three academy awards (Achievement in Film Editing, Achievement in Sound Editing, and Achievement in Sound Mixing.) I really have no idea what the criteria for judging is in any of these categories, I can just say I enjoyed the film, and I hope they win something!

3:10 to Yuma – Talking about surprises, I really was surprised when I liked this movie! I normally “don’t do” westerns, but in a effort of world peace (watching a movie with my husband) ... I said "uncle." However, I really enjoyed this move (my husband on the other hand went to sleep.) It was nominated for two academy awards (Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) and Achievement in Sound Mixing.) Again, I don’t remember the score (it ain’t no Shaft), but I did enjoy the movie.

Ratatouille – I hate mice, rats and most rodents. But this movie managed to make them tolerable (but not adorable like Alvin and the Chipmunks.) It is a cute movie for kids with some sprinklings of adult humor. It was nominated for 5 academy awards (Best Animated Feature Film of the Year, Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, and Original Screenplay.)

Transformers – I know you are thinking to yourself, she will watch any damn thing (my husband mumbles that to himself all the time.) Well, my son was a big Transformers fan in the mid 80’s (he even dressed up like one for Halloween one year.) So once it came to video, I said “what the hell.” It kept me entertained , although the premise t it was kind of silly. It was nominated for three academy awards (Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, Achievement in Visual Effects)

I plan to try to knock-out a few more nominated films before the show which airs soon. I don’t want to be totally out-of-the-loop like I was last night watching the Grammy awards - I just didn’t have a clue about most of those songs. Hey now …. that’s another blog.

Tech Talk: Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

2008-01-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

After February 17, 2009, all TV stations must cease analog broadcasting and transition to exclusively broadcasting in a digital format, also known at DTV.

If you subscribe to cable or satellite, your access to broadcast channels should not change. However, if you currently rely on over-the-air signals via an analog television and an antenna ("rabbit ears"), you will need to act to continue to receive television.

You must either:

Purchase a low-cost converter box to use with your existing analog television
Purchase a digital television that can receive DTV signals
Subscribe to cable or satellite

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program), as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. Starting January 1, 2008, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes.

To Get Coupons - go to: https://www.dtv2009.gov/

You Got to Love the French...

2008-01-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

I have a few friends who are quite the wine connoisseurs. I won't mention any names (Wanda, Nina, Pat, Belinda, and Deon) but wouldn't we love one of these cool USB devices? (Click the Arrow to Start.)

Happy New Year and Tech Talk...

2008-01-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

I truly believe there is nothing like a cheap DVD player.

Cheap DVD Players will play any darn thing, unlike those fancy models. I had an APEX that I wore completely out, I loved it because there was no limit to what it was willing to play, lol! Well after a little searching, I finally found a pretty good replacement.

I purchased a "Philips DVP3960 Multiformat 1080i Upscaling DVD Player with DivX, MP3, Windows Media Support" from Amazon.com, and I really like it. It is not high def or blue ray, but it has a great picture and will play all type of movie formats.

I created a data DVD that has 6 DivX Movies on it, and I was able to navigate the folders to play the selected movies. So far, I am really pleased. I paid $69.99 for it, but I had some Amazon.com money (much like Monopoly Money), so it ended up costing me about $15.00 bucks.

This week Circuit City has a similar model on sale for $39.00.

Philips DVD/DivX Player - Model #: PHL DVP3140

Besides DivX, this DVD player also plays DVD, DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG and SVCD formatshttp://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-DVD-DivX-Player-DVP3140-37/sem/rpsm/oid/174777/catOid/-12872/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

So if you are looking for a inexpensive 'play-any-damn-thing' type of DVD player you might want to check this one out!

Breaking Tradition

2007-12-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a Christmas-aholic!

There is no greater thrill for me that to find the perfect Chocolate Santa or Christmas ornament. Not just during the holiday season, oh no, for me the hunt begins the day after Christmas and continues throughout the year. So last year after Christmas, when I announced that I would be skipping Christmas this year, my family and friends gave a sly chuckle and said "um-hum, sure you will."

Well, here we are deep into December, and I have stuck to my guns. Instead of hosting my family for Christmas this year, I opted for Thanksgiving. While this holiday still involves the great cooking of the mighty feast, it doesn’t include the decorating and the mad rush for buying gifts.

There have been three major perks to my decision to "Skip Christmas" this year;
NO Decorating, NO Shopping, and No Cooking!

No Decorating…

There is no Christmas tree in my house. There… I said it.

I feel like this is a part of some twelve-step program. Not a tree, not a wreath, no lights, not a Santa. (OK, I am lying there are a few Santas, but they all are 2007 Santas.) None of the Santas that reside in the attic or closets were allowed to come out, lol!

No Shopping…

I purchased a lot of things during the after Christmas sale last year. Also, throughout the year if I say something fabulous that I wanted to put up for the holiday I got it. However, after Halloween, I made it a point to purchase all of my gifts online, especially for those gifts that needed to be shipped. No shopping malls… No Post Office, wow, I could learn to live with this.

No Cooking…

As I mentioned my mom visited me during Thanksgiving so I had the opportunity to share the kitchen with her, and eat some of her delightfully delicious dressing. I have had a LOT of dressing in my life, but no one comes close to my moms. I have some in my freezer so when everyone else is eating their holiday leftovers, I will break out mine from Thanksgiving.

Since my son "the big time New York Media Mogul" has to work both Christmas and New Year’s it wasn’t too hard for me to opt to go on a cruise. I can handle being queen for a day (well, in this case 5 days) and having people wait on me hand and foot!

While cruising (and thinking of you, of course) I will be reading some good books; listening to some great holiday music classics; and dancing the night away with my handsome hubby.

I am so thankful that I was blessed to live another year and have wonderful family and friends in my life, and I look forward to the blessings that await me in 2008. I wish each of you good health, a safe and happy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year!

Happy Holidays!!!

2007-12-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to be jolly! Check out our holiday message:

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9626785100

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. - Aesop

2007-11-02T09:59:00.000-04:00

The holiday season is fast approaching and our family is "Skipping Christmas" this year! Not the spirit or the meaning of Christmas, but the all of the hustle and bustle associated with the season.

We welcome a card from you, but respectfully request that in lieu of buying us a gift please do a random act of kindness for someone. This won’t cost you a dime, and I guarantee it will make you feel good. Here are a few ides....

Say Hello

Visit a friend

Let another go first

Forgive mistakes

Share a smile

Open a door

Lend a hand

Be tolerant

Offer a hug

Do an act of kindness everyday

Divas For A Cure

2007-07-23T21:29:00.000-04:00

Greetings!
I am very happy to support Divas For a Cure for the second year in a row. I am also excited about being their personal "Blogger" for the event. I hope that you decide to donate to this wonderful charity.

To find out where the divas are each day go to the official Blog at: http://www.divasforacure.blogspot.com/

To find out more about the organization to to: http://www.divasforacure.org