I Blog On Tumblr, too.

I found another really cool blog site > tumblr.
Don't worry, I won't neglect this blog; however tumblr let's me audio record blogs (which I think is pretty cool). So check it out! >> MiaBonics Tumblr Page

P.S. - I'm going to start posting audio blogs about relevant topics as well and as soon as funds permit it, I'll transfer on over to Skype and U-Stream (although I don't think the world is ready for my style of talk shows, lol).

Ciao!

Exposing Oprah - Don't Drink The Kool-Aid

So today was participating in a U-Stream discussion with some friends and somebody mentioned Oprah. I haven't been a huge fan of Oprah and I was shocked to see how many people were uninformed about Oprah.

A couple of years ago on her show, Oprah had a panel of people talking about religion and she said, "there was more than one way to Heaven" … in other words Jesus is not the only way. Out of all those people in the audience, only one woman stood up to Oprah and told her that there is ONLY ONE way and that is through Jesus – and Oprah backs out of the discussion.

Oprah is now a part of this movement called "A New Earth/Age" with a guy named Eckhart Tolle that says that Jesus did not come here to die for us and that there is no such thing as sin; therefore, we do not need a savior. In 2008 Oprah began teaching a year-long course on her XM station called "A Course in Miracles." Not only that but there are also current "New Age" web courses in which individuals can sign up to learn about the teachings in Tolle's book "A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose." They have approximately 25+ million followers and they attend mass trances (instead of church service) in which they meditate with one another.

A friend of mines said it quite plainly – Oprah is leading souls to hell. Oprah and her follies are pushing this message that God is whoever we want Him to be and that is not true – the reality is that God does exist but we have continued to push Him away. Oprah is literally deceiving millions of people. Have you been deceived?

If there was another way to God, then why did Jesus have to die on the cross? The Bible clearly says that we fall short of God’s glory and we continue to break God’s law and because of that there was a price to be paid. Jesus was wounded for OUR transgressions, bruised for OUR iniquities … He paid the cost for OUR sins. The reality is that there is no other way, and that the only way to God is through Jesus. I'm no holy roller, but Jesus CLEARLY said in Matthew 24:10-11: "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people." I'm sorry but I'm not going to sugarcoat this – anybody who claims to be a Christian and speaks any other gospel that is not of God … they are speaking the gospel of the enemy. I don't care if Oprah is your favorite talk show host, I don't care about all the good things she has done – she is connected to these godless people who have put a stronghold on her mind. I know people make jokes about Oprah selling out to the White audience, but I see it on a deeper level – she has sold her soul for a few dollars more to spread this message.

All I can say is that I am thankful that I had grandparents and parents who kept me in the church and raised me to know that God is REAL and the Bible is REAL. If you don't know the Word, if you don't know Jesus…YOU WILL BE FOOLED. These New Age folks are bringing in new ministers and leaders and if you don't have the spirit of discernment and you can't look at them and see that they are telling you something wrong because you don't know what the Bible says for yourself you are going to be fooled. I know I'm probably rambling right now but I just had to get this off my chest and share this conversation with ya'll. Here is a clip that exposes Oprah's church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA

September 11

Like everyone else, I can remember exactly what I was doing on that fateful day. Like everyone else my first initial reactions was shock and my thoughts were clouded by fear. But once I regained my sense of intelligence, the attacks and the government's response left me with more questions than answers. I urge people to stop mourning and simply remembering the dead. Seek justice. Seek answers. Even today as some of the classified documents from the Bush Administration are now being declassified -- one has to pause and see that the events of September 11th, as Rev. J. Wright said, as the chickens coming home to roost. It's just a damn shame that 3,000 innocent people had to lose their lives in the line of fire.

For years our government has found it necessary to create a situation in which war would result in order to take control of a said country and its resources. We have also deemed it necessary to go into countries where the elections were otherwise fair (i.e. Nicaragua's general elections 1984) and fund insurgency groups to stage a coup d'état (look up the story of Patrice Lumumba - first legally elected Prime Minister of the Republic of the Congo).

We send men and women overseas to fight a war against terrorism but American, particular African-Americans and Native Americans have suffered terrorism at the hands of various groups and government policies for decades.

History 101:
- Andrew Jackson expelled Native Americans from their lands with the Indian Removal Act of 1830
- Ku Klux Klan (born out of the members of the defeated Confederate army), unchallenged, terrorized the African-American community from the start of the Reconstruction period well into the 21st century
- Charles Whitman, a former Marine, decides to do some target practice at the University of Texas
- The FBI/J. Edgar Hoover sponsor a little something called COINTELPRO to infiltrate and destroy numerous people who threaten and challenged the government in regards to its treatment of people of color
- Motivated by Waco & Ruby Ridge - Timothy McVeigh destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building (I'm not saying his actions were lamentable or justifiable, in a way I understand his need to seek vengeance -- but not at the cost of other people's lives)

This list could go on and on but my point is simple - terrorist attacks on our country have been perpetrated for years by American citizens, not some foreign cell or group of religious maniacs.

I know some of my friends who will argue with me tooth & nail about 9/11 begin a terrorist attack but won't admit that what happen in New Orleans in August 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was terrorism American-style.

I could type for days & days - but this type of conversation is better with a group of people. So feel free to hit me up.

As I do every September 11th, I leave you all with a link to read a poem by Emanuel Ortiz entitled "A Moment of Silence" >> http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/Peace/silence.html

Tamia's Yummy Almond Vanilla Granolas!

So I was bored and hungry. Bad combination. I had told myself that I was going to cut back on junk foods so what's a girl to do?! Then -- *idea* -- I decided to make granola bars. It's so easy, a caveman could do it. Just gather your ingredients...



follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. You have two options > you can buy the oats already toasted, spread them in a baking dish and heat them in the oven



> or can you toast your own - mix 2 cups of oats, 3/4 cup wheat germ, 3/4 sunflower seeds, 1 cup peanuts (crushed) oast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes so that they don’t get burned



3. Meanwhile, prepare a seperate baking dish (about 11 x 13 inches) for your granola by lining it with waxed paper lightly sprayed with a nonstick spray. Set aside.

4. Put 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 4 tablespoons of butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 2 pinches of salt into a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.


*before*


*after*

5. Take your toasted grains/oats out the oven, mix everything together in a large bowl (the grains, the liquid “glue,” and if you desire dried fruit -- about 8oz). Oh, and turn off your oven, because you’re finished with it now.

6.After you've mixed it well, dump your granola mixture into your prepared baking dish.



7.Spread out the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula. Now fold over the sides of the waxed paper or add a sheet on top, and PRESS HARD all over the granola. Basically what you want to do is compact it together so that your bars won’t fall apart when you cut them.

8. Let sit for 2-3hrs until completely cooled.



9. *3hrs later* Unwrap your granola, put it on a cookie sheet and cut however you like!



Of course, you can mix up the recipe. I plan to add flax seeds and more honey next time to make them stickier -- but you can make your granola however you want -- nutless, fruitless, crunchy, sticky, etc. Ooooh the possibilities! lol.



Let me know if you decide to make some -- tell me how they come out! :-)

Police Accountability & Trust: Changing the Perception of Police in African-American Communities

That justice is a blind goddess
Is a thing to which we black are wise
Her bandages hides two festering sores
That once perhaps were eyes

Langston Hughes, Justice, 1923


Today's blog focuses on a discussion not new to public administrators or the criminal justice system – police accountability. Even after the civil rights movement there have been a number of incidents that have lead people to question whether the police are really there to serve and protect. I have continuously stressed that once police departments begin to hold their own accountable, especially in cases of criminal liability, trust can be restored and better community relations can be fostered.

I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with the shooting of Oscar Grant III, but this is the story: According to NBC’s news affiliate in Oakland, on New Year’s day Bay Area Transit police responded to a call regarding a brief melee. Oakland resident Oscar Grant III was pointed out as one of the individuals involved in the incident and was handcuffed by the officers while they sorted out the situation. From this point on there are different accounts of what happened (from Officer Mehserle version of events and the eyewitnesses on the train) but one thing is clear – while Grant was lying faced down, Officer Johannes Mehserle shot him in the back. After the incident Alameda County (Oakland) Deputy District Attorney John Creighton announced that the state would be charging Mehserle with first degree murder along with several other felony charges and if found guilty he would spend the rest of his natural life in prison. For some this case demonstrates that everyone, even those charged with upholding the law will have to take responsibility for their actions when they break the law; however, having seen the verdict in the Sean Bell case, many African-Americans are not so quick to proclaim that justice will be served.

In the African-American community there has also been an air of social cynicism - the great divide between Blacks and the police can be traced back to the Reconstruction period and since that time African-Americans have faced bias and prejudice treatment from public officials in various capacities. The current interest in police accountability as it relates to the African-American community was initiating addressed on a smaller scale during the civil rights movement. The late 1960s gave rise to the black power movement which sought to "challenge the traditional relationship between public bureaucracy and its citizen-clients." During this time period, specifically in the summer of 1967 a number of riots broke out across the country. It was then that a report was released in 1968 - Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, more commonly called the Kerner Commission Report. In this report it was concluded that the continuation of segregate policies and poverty, which was created by "white society," created a destructive and tense "black society" – the riots was just an explosion of a pressure cooker whose lid had been kept on too long. They also listed three major grievances: (1) police practice (first level of intensity), (2) ineffectiveness of the political structure and grievance mechanism, and (3) discriminatory administration of justice.

In order for police to utilize their discretion to do their job efficiently and effectively there has to be cooperation from the public, in turn, the public has to feel like the police are a legitimate part of their community that they can trust – accountability measures that work can satisfy both sides of this equation. While most police departments have internal affairs acting as the keeper of justice many feel like this creates a situation where the fox is guarding the hen house. And that is simply not going to work because "for discipline to be meaningful, it must be real."

As a public administrator, regardless of the capacity, whether it’s a city manager or emergency dispatcher, the success of our work depends heavily on the trust bestowed on us from the public. In the African-American community, that trust has been eroded because there is a sense that police officers are not held accountable for their actions – especially when the officer’s misconduct is committed against them. The need for accountability is not unique to law enforcement nor is it a new area of study. However, in terms of perceptions that African-Americans have about the social institutions in this country – the lack of redress and justice carried, in regards to their complaints of police misconduct, puts a damper on the police ability to do their jobs because of the feeling that they cannot be trusted. Once law enforcement agencies begin to hold their employees accountable for their actions, the police department can be seen as legitimate, trust can be restored, and a positive relationship with the community can be fostered. What I believe criminal justice administrators and law enforcement employees will find is that when the citizens that you serve are confident in what you do the less you have to worry about grievances and civil disorders – show the community that you take them seriously and that you value their feedback.

do you KNOW your history?

Lords of the Revolution...

First - special shout owt to my LS K-Slim who put me on to this showing cause I had not heard about it, and I'm usually up on stuff like this -- I'm slipping, lol. :-)

Today I watched a documentary on VH1 called "Lords of the Revolution" which talked about the Black Panther Party and the Black Power Movement. I was already familiar with the history of the party and the movement because I wrote an extensive research paper about it when I was in the 10th grade and in the 11th grade.

*Sidebar -- it was through this research project that I learned about COINTELPRO and it is the basis of why I will NEVER work for the FBI (as a lot of people have been suggesting me to apply since they are hiring); paycheck or not, there are just some things I am unwilling to sell my soul for -- but I digress...*

Studying the Black Panther Party and the Black Power Movement is probably what inspired me more than anything to be the type of person I am when it comes to race relations, politics, and social equality. Even with President Obama in office, I feel like we still need that fire, that energy that people like Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge & Kathleen Cleaver, Fred Hampton, Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and countless other revolutionaries had. You have to understand that there are still people in America who never wanted to see us out of slavery and now that we are through with that phase, there are some people who will do whatever they have to, to keep us under their will and whim -- even if that means killing some of us. If you look at the "downfall" of the Black Panther Party it was orchestrated by the FBI under the rule of the homo-fascist J. Edgar Hoover -- everything from the "beef" between the Black Panther Party & the US Organization to Huey's drug use and Eldridge's alignment with the right-wing -- it was all fueled by the aggressive, racist, and unconstitutional tactics of our federal government. And you wonder why folks say "off the pigs!" or "f-- the police!" ?

This past semester in my Administration of Justice course at GSU, my final project was focused on Police Accountability and Trust -- the gist of my argument was that until law enforcement -- be it local, state, regional, federal -- take responsibility and hold their officers accountable, the African-American community will NOT trust them. If we cannot trust you, then you are going to have a hell of a hard job trying to do your job because no one is going to cooperate with you. When we hear stories about African-Americans being harassed or brutally attacked by the cops, most of us get our hopes up thinking that there is going to be some great knight that will ride in and save the day. But the reality is that most of these cops are handled by internal affairs and when it does make it to court - they are found not-guilty (remember the Sean Bell case?).

I bring all of this up because recently a rapper in Florida was sentenced to two-years for writing a "cop killer" song (http://www.bvblackspin.com/2009/08/10/rapper-cop-killing-song/?icid=main|htmlws-bv|dl3|link2|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bvblackspin.com%2F2009%2F08%2F10%2Frapper-cop-killing-song%2F). It baffles me because we have people making songs about killing people everyday and yet a man makes a song about an experience he had with two cops harassing him and he gets jail time? Slim Shady talked about killing is mom (and seeing that he was hooked on drugs, it's very possible that he would have done it) -- but he didn't go to jail. Not even concerning what the song is about but what happened to free speech.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Man ... what do ya'll think about all of this?

You think you know a guy...

So I'm bored and I wanted to type another one. No you don't have to do one too. Please don't whine & gripe about me typing something that might be seemingly irrelevant to you, just shut up & read it. :-)

Anyway -- facts about moi:

1. I learned how to drive on the NASCAR race track of the DMV (I-495) so excuse me if I get road rage over people who don't know how to merge, drive in the correct lane (get out my left lane if you doing the speed limit), or people who do not use their blinker.

2. I have anger-management problems. It's more of a secret cause I've learned how to control it -- but when I do get mad...oh boy.

3. I'm overly organized and overly neat. Ask any of my friends, linesisters, roommates -- I clean ALL the time and everything has its place. Messy rooms do something to my nerves. I have all sorts of planners and journals filled up with "to-do" lists.

4. I have alcoholics on both sides of my family -- this probably explains my tolerance level.

5. I am not an outdoor/adventure type of person -- the wild, the woods, mountains, etc. etc. is NOT for me. The closest thing to outdoors activity that I have done was the Luray Caverns in VA. LeaderShape was a BIG adjustment for me because it was out in the woods ... in a cabin. Man that was the HARDEST week of my life.

6. I think the DC area has the best men on this side of the Mississippi. All of my past boyfriends were from some part of the DMV -- except one and he was from the Bronx. I don't attract southern men -- am I not docile enough? Just kidding.

7. I'm generally nice. Where people get this misconception that I'm mean baffles me. Maybe it's my facial expressions -- I'm usually mugging apparently.

8. I like to sleep. REALLY sleep. I'll wake up -- look around and go right back to sleep. So if you want me to do something with you -- it's in your best interest to ask me the day before so I can set my alarm otherwise I'm going to hibernate.

9. I love to read! I am currently reading two books (for pleasure) - "Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism" by James W. Loewen & "Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet A. Washington

10. I HATE reptiles. I'm struggling to understand why the hell would you want to own something that carries Salmonella. That's right -- in case you didn't know -- ALL reptiles carry Salmonella. It's nothing contagious to them but its lethal in humans. Besides reptiles are some god-ugly creatures. *shivers*

11. I love tattoos. I plan to be tatted up pretty soon! I'll probably get five more.

12. I love makeup - specifically eye shadows, eyeliners, mascara, lip stuff (gloss, glass, color). I'm starting to try out concealers and foundation ... it's not that bad, you just gotta match your complexion and apply lightly.

13. I don't see myself getting married because I'm much too bossy and stubborn -- but who knows.

14. I've been celibate since December 2006. It has been a self-examination journey. Do I struggle with it -- sure. But all and all it's worth it. Jill Scott wrote a poem called "Nothing is for Nothing" and in it she says:

"A prostitute/Selling my soul for emotionally gain/Struggling not to be the third generation of lonely women in my family/Struggling to gain/But gaining nothing but confusion, frustration, illusion, and emptiness/Cause there was no love/Just empty condom wrappers on the floors to discarded like me" ...

I think while some women claim they "love" sex -- they are just doing it because it happens to be what the men they are dealing with values about them. As for me, the "old" me is dead & gone ... the me that I am now is ...

"The me who must have love and give it/The me who brings more to the table than good look and a wet hole/The me that is confident and intelligent and filled to the brim with respect for me"

Damn ... I said I wasn't going to get deep on this one. Oh well...

15. I LOVE THE REDSKINS! Where the hell did all these fake Steeler fans come from? Oh yeah, the same place all the fake ass Giants fans came from. Go sit down somewhere.

15. I love ice cream but I'm lactose intolerant like a mfker! Lordy.

16. I love organic food/drinks.

17. I love men with dreads. Oh la la ...

18. I have an extra sensitive nose -- so if you're funky -- STAY BACK! I will hurt your feelings.

19. Martin was the best damn show on television for years. Next to The Wire (minus wack ass Season 2 about the Docks) of course

20. Jelly Belly Jelly Beans are a God-sent!

What Really Grinds My Gears...

So me and my jump off ... I mean ... my friend Nika (lol!) decided instead of writing randoms or what we like why not tell people what is just God-awfully annoying, irritating, nerve racking, etc. etc. So without further ado, you know what really grinds my gears...

1. When people won't pop that zit on their forehead.

2. When people don't properly blend their makeup. Why is the green eyeshadow just sitting there with no type of relationship with the gold you applied below it ... get a blending brush people!

3. People who get on the bus in the morning and KNOW they did not take a shower or even bother to brush their teeth -- but have the indignation to be TALKING and moving all kinda ways -- shut up and keep still Funk Bot!

4. All these men folk who want a "Michelle Obama" but got the potential of Tyrone Biggums. Get it together.

5. Females who get the weave but won't get a perm. Boo -- you don't have naturally straight hair, so stop trying to blend in the Yaki Straight/Wavy No. 5 when you're nappy like me.

6. Men -- just because Pharell, Lil Wayne, or any other Pop artist rocks Skinny Jeans or "Manty-Hose" does NOT mean you get a pass to do so as well. Especially when you are well-endowed or plump -- just stop, for the sake of humanity -- JUST STOP!

7. People who walk up and down the street/pedestrian and talk EXTRA loud. Don't nobody care that Ray and em got in a fight or that you need a fill-in. Shut the hell UP.

8. People who create this whole new personality on Facebook, Myspace & Twitter. Gigabyte Gangstas, faux e-Celebrities, and Megapixel Thieves are not things you should wish to be remembered as.

9. People who can't be themselves period. The clothes, the money, the friends, the Letters should NOT make the person -- the person should MAKE them.

10. Grills. Pearly Whites are so much more visually pleasing.

11. Nightgown T-shirts -- "make ya mama proud and take that thing two sizes down"

12. Folk over 21+ who still say stuff like "Men ain't shit" or "These females ain't shit" -- grow the hell up.

13. Sentences that start off with "Don't tell nobody I told you" ... because following it, is generally some rumor and hearsay.

14. Holier than thou Christians -- you know them folks who will tell you everything that is wrong with your life but their own house is on fire.

15. Dudes that always talk about "stacks on deck" but stay at they mama's house and don't even have a job...

16. Folks who are constantly talking bout "SWAG"...swagg-tastic, swaggerific, etc. I mean, damn, y'all really know how to beat a dead horse.

17. Folks that call YOUR phone and the first thing outta their mouth is "who dis?"...ummm, you called ME, right?

18. People who constantly stare but say nothing. Get the nerve to say something.

A Video Dedicated To My Sorors

Since I've started my internship in the sticks, 75% of the time - I am without internet or cable. So with a hell of a lot of time on my hands, I created this little photo-video blog. Enjoy!

An Attitude of Gratitude

“I just thank God first for everything. Sometimes I pray when I really feel I need God to help me with something. God is my homeboy. Jesus is my homeboy.” – Queen Latifah

Most of us were raised, to say “thank you” when someone gave us something. Besides being good manners, it has a spiritual connotation. Gratitude can transform an overwhelming storm of disappointments, delays, interruptions, losses, and conflicts into a calm sky of possibility and serenity. Gratitude can make all things right. Gratitude is a key of wisdom into the mysteries of the past, a beacon of understanding into the confusion of the present, a perfect map for the trip into the future. Gratitude will make us be thankful for all of our blessings. When we ask why should we be grateful, just look around at all the good things our lives contain and know that any of the terrible roadblocks cannot block your goals when you are grateful.

D.C. HIV/AIDS & The Black Population

Good Afternoon - I come to bring you news that some of you already knew, but just needed confirmation: D.C. HIV/AIDS rates is higher than some countries in West Africa. I repeat -- the HIV/AIDS rate in D.C. is up to par with countries like Kenya and Uganda.

So what does that mean? It means that 2,984 residents per every 100,000 over the age of 12 -- or 15,120 -- according to the 2008 epidemiology report by the District's HIV/AIDS office are infected.

I'm in the process of reading a book by Harriett Washington, entitled "Medical Apartheid:The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" which addresses a wide range variety of gruesome tales regarding the treatment of blacks in various medical experiments. In the 1980s, for instance, virtually no African Americans were used in trials of the HIV inhibitor AZT. When the drug came into widespread use in 1991, the Food and Drug Administration had scant research on blacks and erroneously reported that it was not effective for black patients. If more blacks had been included in the original studies, Washington wonders, "would the number of HIV-infected African Americans be lower today?"

There is a belief within the African-American, that AIDS, like Crack-Cocaine, was intentionally distributed to destroy the community, and considering the forced sterilization of black women (what civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hammer plaintively called her “Mississippi appendectomy”), and the "Tuskegee Experiment" -- the urban myth is not hard to believe.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it is completely our government's fault that the HIV/AIDS rates are increasing -- but I do believe that there needs to be some accountability on their part -- especially in D.C. because before the new director came into office, the city government in D.C. placed little emphasis on the need for research and treatment.

When it boils down to individuals, it pisses me off that people do NOT wear condoms. It is 2009 -- they have condoms to meet everyone's needs, from latex-free, ribbed, thin, flavored, etc. etc., so you have NO excuse as to why you do NOT wrap it up! The report found that the highest transmission between men to men and I don't know if there is a perception that if you have anal sex you can't get infected -- but I would have to assume that's the case because many heterosexual individuals believe that as well. Now the limitation to the study is that it does not address or "classify" those married men who label themselves as "heterosexual" but are having sex outside of marriage with other men. So now you are faced with an increased rate of women getting infected by their husbands. We cannot continuously blame the white man for our ignorant behavior and lifestyle choices.

What can we do?

First - Get tested and know your status. I don't care if you're married, only had sex with that one person for years -- I don't give a shit -- get TESTED people and know your status. I'm negative, what are you?

Second - Use protection EVERY single time. I have had to cuss out so many men that I was dealing with because they wanted to raw-dog -- um hell naw. "I mean, you the only girl I'm dealing with" -- ladies and gentlemen if you ever meet anyone who wants you to take chances with your life, run like hell. I don't care how long you two have been dating -- safe sex is always the best sex. Not only are you protecting yourself from diseases, you are helping to decrease your chances of getting that "I'm late" text.

Third - Educate! Remember those little NBC commercials ... "the more you know"? Well I'm an advocate of educating the masses and share knowledge, so hopefully you've learned something new.

I Love Being Black...

I was cleaning out some my listings on You Tube -- and I came across my FAVORITE clip. Check it out:

The Blowguard

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Colon Cleanse & Healthy Vaginas

*Disclaimer -- this note may be graphic to some of you, but hell I figure if you can talk about sex all day, you should be able to talk about healthy colons too.*

It's been quite sometime since I've wrote a blog/note and since I'm on this whole growing spiritually, mentally, intellectually, and physically -- I thought I share my thoughts with you all.

Me and a good friend of mines were talking about natural treatments and whatnot and the topic of colon cleanses and enemas came up. Now I have to address this because I am a little alarmed to know that some people go a week or so without having a bowel movement. What the crap!?

Now there are many definitions of what a normal bowel movement is -- some people go once every day or three times a day -- however lacking a bowel movement AT LEAST once a week is not a good sign. There is no rule for frequency of bowel movements, but the general range is from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. Less than 3 movements a week may indicate constipation, and more than 3 watery stools a day could indicate diarrhea.

In females we have to be even more alert and cautious because lack of bowel movement and unchecked colons result in build up toxins that disrupt the natural flora balance in the colon as well as the vagina. (Basically -- you're lack of #2's is probably why you are walking around smelling like a plate of microwaved sardines.)

I know some of you are thinking "O.M.G. -- what can I do to promote a healthy colon" -- and I have a answer just for you -- a colon cleanse. Trust me, it's not as disgusting as it sounds -- it will probably just look disgusting in your porcelain.

First you cleanse your colon with herbal dietary fiber to clean out all the toxic plaque and debris accumulated over the years (I have a site with photos of this, but it is not for those with weak stomachs). You also have to continue to keep the colon clean with the continued use of fiber (Psyllium husks is the world's best forms of fiber for human consumption, and you can get it anywhere).

While cleansing the colon, you need to replenish the good bacteria that protects healthy flora balance, and cleanse the liver with herbal extracts like silymarin.

Finally, with the use of detoxifying herbs, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, you detoxify heavy metals, like lead and mercury, and other toxins from the body.

Recently, I started using Dr. Natura's Colonix Program which is the BEST colon cleansing program on the market. It is a fiber-based colon cleanser and some people, including my good friend, lost 15lbs in one month using it. The thing that you may not like about the program is the high price. It may be a bit much for some people, but if you're looking for quality, then Colonix is for you. 3 months of cleansing will heal almost anyone. The pictures on the site truly are disgusting, but we need to realize that our colons are filled with toxins as a result of a lifetime of poor diet, and lifestyle. These toxins eventually circulate back to our bloodstream leading to toxic diseases (this includes acne, candida, arthritis).

To compliment this program I also drink Wu-Yi Cleansing Tea (available at GNC) in the morning. Along with this program and my new exercise regime, my personal goal is to drop 80lbs by my 24th birthday (December 9, 2009). I know it sounds like a lot -- but with my last chest pain scare I have to get my health on track, ya dig?

I do not use enemas because I personally do not have a problem in terms of having a bowel movements, but enemas are also good for those of you who do engage in anal sex because it clears the anal cavity. Of course you should also include safe sex practices (i.e. -- you can switch from the vagina to anal with the same condom, but do not go from the butt back into the vagina -- this spreads bacteria into the vagina).

Hopefully you've learned something new -- I'll be back with more notes on how to take care of yourself in 2009. Peace!

Much Ado About Nothing: Rick Warren

Disclaimer: For those of you who know me, you know that usually my opinions probably do not line up with yours – I still love you. Seriously, please do not take this post the wrong way. And feel free to comment! We can have an educated discussion without being hateful, hurtful, or just plain rude.

For a while I've paid little attention to the entire debacle about Rick Warren for good reasons – it's really not one of the most important things that we need to be worried about (i.e. housing crisis, lack of jobs for recent college graduates, urban gentrification, etc.). But I watched the 20/20 interview with Rick Warren a couple of weeks ago and he seems like an okay guy to me. After doing a little research on the arguments against Rick Warren, here’s what I've came up with…

I respect Obama for selecting Rick Warren to give the invocation because he is showing his willingness to work with individuals who might not necessarily agree with him – that's the kind of president we need. We've witness for eight years what can happen when you line up with folks who are nothing but afraid of you or think like you (i.e. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Gonzales, Yoo). Warren represents a section of America who simply do not believe that homosexuality is right and rightfully so, they are entitled to feel that way. Obama is reaching out to evangelicals and other conservatives who actually wanted Mike Huckabee or John McCain to be president, he is demonstrating that he is a man of courage and not afraid to make difficult decisions even when his liberal colleagues rank against him.

Do I agree with everything Warren says? No. Does he make valid points? Yes.

Just like with Abortion and the Death Penalty, I do not agree with homosexuality. I wouldn't have an abortion myself, but I wouldn't chastise anyone who does. I don't agree with the Death Penalty because it's nothing but a "legalized" form of murder. And I don't agree with homosexuality, but I have countless friends who are gay and I love them just the same.

I don't live anyone else life but my own, and I'm human just like you, so who am I to act "holier than thou" and judge anyone's life choices. I don't have to necessarily accept it, but I can be tolerant to it and respect you as a person. I don't have to agree with what you do in order to be friends with you (this is probably where people get the definition of tolerance mixed up with acceptance – they are two entirely different concepts). From what I've read, Warren seems tolerant of gays (kind of a "love the sinner but hate the sin" situation) but as far as accepting a marriage union between them, he's against it.

The arguments against Warren is founded on his staunch opposition to gay marriage but wait a minute maybe some of you are forgetting that neither Obama nor Biden support gay marriage. Matter of fact BOTH of them have stated numerous times that marriage is between a man and a woman. They believe that gays should be entitled the same rights (i.e. adopting, health care, etc.) but both men stopped short of agreeing to gay marriage.

I've recently heard that Rick Warren will be speaking at Ebenezer Baptist for MLK Day and many gay coalitions are opposed to it. From what I understand, Obama addressed the congregation last year and spoke about homophobia in the black community: "we have scorned our gay brothers and sisters instead of embracing them." And with Rick Warren speaking this year, some feel that this is a back step for the black community. I disagree.

Once again this is a case of tolerance vs. acceptance. Just because someone disagrees with your sexual orientation doesn't necessarily make them homophobic. My father doesn't agree with interracial marriage, does that mean he's racist? No, of course not. Dr. King preached about racial equality and tolerance. He didn’t say that people had to "like" and frolicking through the gardens with African-Americans, but simply that African-Americans should be granted the same basic rights as a citizen of this country regardless of their race. If you want to use MLK message in this context, it would be a message of tolerance to gays in the community – but like most southern preachers – I don't necessarily think MLK would "accept" homosexuality. But that's just my opinion.

I know individuals are still hanging on to hope that America will genuinely honor diversity but I think we still have a long way to go. As for Rick Warren – let the man invocate the name of Jesus. If ask me Obama should have picked Rev. Wright (yeah, I said it).

"We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye. We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards (9/11). America's chickens are coming home to roost." – Rev. Jeremiah Wright (truth straight from the pulpit if I ever heard it)

Jah Bless.

Embracing Change & Getting Things Done...

“I have changed over the years because I have struggled to understand and change the world. People who question change cannot really be trying to do this. How can you be in the world and your ideas over the years remain the same?” – Amiri Baraka

As we enter and welcome a new year, I felt that it was appropriate to write about change. Everything must change. It’s the only constant in our life. Sometimes facing the inevitable change, you listen to the small voice inside you, your intuition, which is plugged into the wavelength of God. Like most folks, change can take you by surprise and is not usually welcomed. However, if you embrace the arrival of change, you can always ride it out and grow through the temporary challenge of it, unafraid and resourceful. As the noted poet Baraka says, change can transform your life in thought and deed. Open your heart to change and let it seep into your being deeper and deeper for a true overhaul. The old things feel comfortable to us like a favorite jacket. But it may be time to give it up. Change can be stressful, yet the transition to the new and fresh can be very rewarding and positive.

As the year progresses do not procrastinate and fall victim to laziness. If something needs to get done, just do it! Everyone has an excuse for putting things off. Life happens. Events such as gossiping with friends, shopping, or watching one of your “stories” in the afternoon can prevent you from doing something necessary or crucial. It’s not the achievement of a task or project that could make you laugh or fill you with pride, but the process of doing it, going into action, that can make your day worthwhile. As the elders used to say, “Don’t put off something until tomorrow that you could do today.” In a life, when the work gets done, achievements and accomplishments mount up and the value of your time on earth only gets better and better.

I've learned that getting things done is really not that complicated, it takes the simple will inside you to basically just get up and do it. It may be something small but it's a contribution, if you see a piece of trash in the middle of your room on the floor, you can choose to pick it up, or leave it where it is, but the same changing power you have over that piece of trash, in the little environment that is your room, is the same power you have over the massive environment we call this world. You can choose to make a plan, come up with steps to reach that plan, and watch your plan unfold, or you can stay a crumpled up piece of trash in the center of a room.

Marcus Garvey once said: "I repeat that God created you masters of your own destiny. I trust that you will so live today as to realize that you are masters of your own destiny, masters of your fate; if there is anything you want in this world, it is for you to strike out with confidence and faith in self and reach for it, because God has created it for your happiness wheresoever you may find it in nature. Nature is bountiful, nature is resourceful and nature is willing to obey the command of man, man is the sovereign lord, man who is supposed to hold dominion and take possession of this great world of ours." Welcome 2009 with open arms and make it your mission to achieve your goals, dreams, and the impossible.

Jah Bless.