Hate. So, on Facebook, there's a group praying for President Obama's demise. I won't put the name or link cos I don't want to give them the satisfaction of having others join. What I want to know is, why all the hate? I can't believe people, who say they believe in God, would spread such awful malice. They can't be serving the Ultimate God...or they refuse to see that He's not happy with this type of behavior. Even Jesus, who was wrongfully accused and sentenced to a death He didn't deserve wasn't so hateful. He had a chance to seek revenge on those who hated Him, but He didn't do it. And before you say because He was God's Son, think about the fact that He was human, too.
Let me tell you, I didn't agree with some of the things President Bush did, but I would've NEVER wished anything like death - or any type of harm - on him. What kind of message are these people sending to lost souls who may be on the fence about whether or not they should join the family of God? I mean, really, people? REALLY? It's okay to disagree with what our president does and the choices he makes, but it's not okay to spread hate. I'm just shocked at how some people are handling this president's election...well, maybe not shocked. I kinda figured people would act like they didn't have any sense, but still. Here's a something to think about: he's president, whether you like it or not. GET OVER IT! Move on with your life. Don't like what he's doing? I've got an idea: run for president yourself! Don't want to? Then stop whining about him being pres. This country...no, this world, doesn't need anymore hate. We've got enough of that, thankyouverymuch. We need people who are going to spread love and do what they can to make positive changes in this world. People like the FB group are really just part of the problem. Ask yourself this: are you part of the problem or are you thinking of a solution?
*Breathe* Now, that I got that off my chest...
Premios Billboard 2010. I can not believe I forgot about this! I was so looking forward to watching the Latin Billboard awards, but I completely got my wires crossed! For whatever reason, I thought it would be next Thursday instead of last night. *sigh* I wonder if they do repeats...
Books. I so can not wait til I'm an author, waiting on the release of my book. One thing I'm definitely planning to do as far as marketing is concerned is get a book trailer made. They're kinda like movie trailers, but of course, they're for books. Just like movie trailers, they get the potential audience excited about the coming attraction. Here's the book trailer for Jessica Brody's, The Karma Club, a book I'm looking forward to reading.
Random Thoughts
Random Thoughts Thursday
Call me naive, but I can't understand why politicians can't set aside self for one moment and agree on what's best for this country. They're so busy arguing about "Republicans this" and "Democrats that" that they're forgetting about what's more important than they're inflated egos...THE PEOPLE! I'm so tired of hearing each party go back and forth about who did what. At times, they sound like the little kids I teach, tattling on each other. I really wanna tell them, "Get over yourselves and start focusing on what this country needs!" I'll tell you what we don't need: a bunch of bickering peeps (doesn't matter what color, age, or race) who's main focus is to push their own personal agenda forward.
I am SO glad I do not put my trust in politicians. I am a supporter of President Obama, but my trust is not in him. I do not count on him to help me in my daily living. Yes, he's the leader of our country - whether you like it or not - but I don't trust him to make my life here on earth livable. My trust is in God and God alone! He is the one who sustains me day-by-day. He is the one who keeps me, in spite of our tumultuous economy. It is God who will lead me to my promised land. Not President Obama...not Democrats...not Republicans...but God.
Random Thoughts Thursday
Mayor Goodman/Obama. Ok, so am I the only one who is perturbed at Las Vegas' Mayor Goodman's reaction? I mean, come on! Obama's statement: "You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices. It's time your government did the same." I'm sorry, but I don't see anything wrong with that statement. Is it just me?? I don't see him saying anything negative about Vegas. I can sum up his statement in one word: budget. If I'm trying to save $ for college, will going to Vegas and blowing it really be a smart thing to do? Doesn't Mayor Goodman know that people come to Vegas from all parts of the country - the world - so they can experience the casinos and flashing lights? Does he not know that people do, in fact, go to Vegas to blow a bunch of cash? I can't see people going to Vegas and not spending a dime...not experiencing the casinos. If you have, well, good for you. But I'll probably be right in saying most people don't. They go and they spend. They gamble and they spend some more. So why in the h*ll is Obama's statement so bad? Why did it warrant Mayor Goodman's statement that Obama's a "slow learner"? Looks to me like Goodman's the slow learner here. smh
Blog Awards.
I've received my very first blog award: a Silver Lining Blog Award (for blogs that always help others in some way or focus on the good things in life and uplift others), thanks to my friend, Karen Strong over at Musings of a Novelista. I kinda feel like Betty did last night on Ugly Betty when she won a Blobby award for her blog, lol! So, according to the rules, after thanking Karen (thanks SO much), I can answer the following quiz (no more than two words) and pass the award on to 5 blogs I feel deserve the Silver Lining Award.
Now for the 5 blogs that always help others in some way or focus on the good things in life and uplift others: hmm...
Random Thoughts Thursday
HAITI. Wow! My heart and prayers go out to the survivors and anyone else affected by Tuesday's earthquake. I can't even imagine. The country was already poverty ridden and now this. It warms my heart when I see people coming together to help. Unfortunately, I'm not financially able to help, but I am spiritually able. I'm glad I serve a God who answers prayers and comforts His people in times of trouble.
RUSH LIMBAUGH/PAT ROBERTSON. I get upset every time I think about what these two have said about the Haiti crisis. I mean, really, Mr. Robertson? I wonder if he said America deserved it when 9/11 happened. I mean, this country, as a whole, is slowly trying to erase God and the name of Jesus out of daily life. We as a country are straying far from God and His principles. Does that mean we deserved 9/11? My problem with this is more the judgemental tone that underlines it. We as Christians are not called to judge others. We're not called to point fingers at people who may not believe like we do. We are called to be the salt of the earth...to show the world God's goodness and love. We are called to be compassionate...not judgemental.
And Rush Limbaugh...smh. Barack Obama is the President of the United States. Get over it! Why he continues to hate on the pres is beyond me. Why would Obama use Haiti's crisis to increase his approval rating among "light-skinned and dark-skinned blacks"? He already had an overwhelmingly amount of blacks, light or dark, who approved of him. What sense does that statement make, Mr. Limbaugh? None! I wonder if he said President Bush used the tsunami of Indonesia to increase his approval rating of Asian Americans.
UGLY BETTY. Wasn't last night's episode just sad and happy at the same time? I loved it. And I absolutely LOVE Hilda and Bobby's relationship. I hope Adam Rodriguez gets to stay on Ugly Betty for a long time.
NEW BUSINESS. So, I found that business ownership runs deep in my siblings and my veins on both sides of the family. My mom's grandparents owned several businesses before she was born. My dad's mom owned a nightclub that started off as a small idea. My parents are business owners, too. No wonder my brother, sister, and I are working to realize our dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. It's like we had to!
So, I'm turning my passion to profits. One of my passions is children and teens. I believe they are the reason God put me on this earth. I've already mentioned AYM Enrichment, my sister and my enrichment venture, of which we're working to get our own building. Another passion is writing, which explains why I'm an aspiring author of children and teen books. Yet another passion of mine is baking. I LOVE to bake. It's actually a stress reliever for me. Put me in the kitchen to bake cookies, cakes, and pies, and my worries go away. Enter GaGa's Goodies, my sister and my other business venture. GaGa was the name my mom and her siblings gave my great grandmother, who died 7 months before I was born. I share my love of baking (and my middle name) with her. Although I've never met her, I feel closest to her when I'm in the kitchen. It was the GaGa's angel that saved me when I was a baby...a story for another time. I decided on GaGa's Goodies because most of the recipes we have come from our grandmothers (GaGa, my mom's mother, and my dad's mother). I'm excited about this. I'm excited about my new career choices!
Random Thoughts Thursday Part 1
I've spent most of the day outside enjoying Houston's beautiful, breezy fall weather. Now, I'm paying for it cos my allergies have gone haywire. Ugh! Anyway, my thoughts for the week:
ABDC. NOOOO! My top groups went home Sunday! BOOOOO! It's bad enough this season isn't as good as the previous ones, but now, one of the best groups is now gone. *sigh* So, here's my pick for the remaining three: 3rd place, Afroborike (really, they shouldn't be here over Rhythm City, but whatever); 2nd place, Massive Monkeys; and 1st place: We Are Heroes. I guess we'll see. I'm so disappointed...
VMAs. This year's show was very interesting to say the least. To me, the best parts were the MJ tribute, Beyonce's performance, and Jay Z's performance with Alicia Keys (minus Lil Mama...wth was she doing on the stage). Lady GaGa was mildly disturbing all night from exiting the limo with Kermit as her date (Publicity stunt, I know...I refuse to think she's really that cookoo) to her choice in outfits (What was up with that red number?).
And let's not forget about Kanye taking the mike from Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech and declaring that Beyonce's vid was the best of the year.
While I agree that Beyonce's vid was better - I mean, I LOVED Taylor Swift's vid, but it wasn't better than B's - I don't agree with what Kanye did. Poor Taylor. At least winning her first VMA will be memorable. And what Beyonce did at the end was classy. Say what you want about Mrs. HOV, it was really big of her to give Taylor Swift a chance to finish her acceptance speech on her (B's) time.
And the hoopla about President Obama calling Kanye a jack***...#1, the convo was supposed to be off the record, so it shouldn't have been tweeted (but from what I read, they say it was a misunderstanding). #2, The pres only told the truth. Sunday night, Kanye West did, in fact, behave like a jack***. I know he's since apologized, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he went too far. President Obama only said what other peeps were feeling.
Jay-Z. Made history with his 11th album, Blueprint 3, which pushed him past Elvis Presley as the solo act with the most top albums. Jay Z + Hip Hop = Pure Awesomeness! I guess you can tell I'm a MAJOR fan of Jay!!!
Random Thoughts Thursday Part 1
ABDC. Ok, I'm all for diversity, but why in the h@## is Vogue Evolution still on ABDC? Am I the only one NOT crazy about them? They've had some pretty good moves at times, but they weren't dynamic. I mean, Artistry in Motion was better and they're no longer there. And We Are Heroes was in the bottom 2 last week. WTH? Next week, either VE or Afroborike should be going home. This season PALES in comparison to the other ABDC seasons. I'm still waiting for them to wow me. Anyway, my vote goes to Rhythm City - with We Are Heroes (or maybe Massive Monkeys) being 2nd place.
Movies. What's with the remakes of old movies? Do we not have writers with enough creativity to come up with some ORIGINAL movies? I mean, come on! Karate Kid, Wizard of Oz, Halloween 2...the list goes on. They're even remaking The Last Dragon! A classic (yet cheesy) movie. The Last Dragon is one of my favorite movies. And just who will they get to play the main character, Bruce Leroy (yeah, the name's cheesy, I know)? Who's fine enough? Who's athletic enough (in martial arts)? Who has the cheesiness/innocence that Bruce Leroy had? Not even Will Smith (a very talented and good looking actor) can play BL in my eyes. Personally, I think they should've left The Last Dragon alone, but who am I. I'd go see the movie just out of curiosity, in hopes that they would not mess up a classic. I'd be SO upset if they do...unless Taimak (man who played Bruce Leroy) is in the remake, too. Then I'd love the movie no matter how sucky it may be.
And here's Taimak now. See why I wouldn't mind seeing him in the movie?
Speaking of remakes. I am looking forward to seeing Fame. It's just that I LOVED the TV show...the few times I watched it when I was younger. Remember, I wanted to be a dancer when I was a little girl, so I loved any show with dancers (Solid Gold & Fame being the top). And speaking of movies with dancing...I was hoping Bring It On: Fight to the Finish would be at Redbox. I know, they shoulda stopped at the first Bring It On...& this movie may suck, but I wanna see it (remember I like dancing movies...which, they are cheerleaders, but they dance too). Redbox is the only way to guarantee that I won't be so upset with wasting my money. It costs $1 to rent from Redbox.
And, I went to see District 9 this past weekend. Didn't like it much. It took too long to get to the point. By the time it got to the action, I was ready to go. And the fact that the aliens looked like giant cockroaches messed it up for me. I HATE cockroaches!
The First Lady's New Do. OMG, who cares whether or not she cut hair? Obviously, they've run out of newsworthy stories (don't see how that happens, though). Get a life! And she didn't cut it, her hair is pinned. *sigh* She's still elegant and classy as usual.
Duggars 19th Child. WTH? 19 kids? More power to them, I guess. I, on the other hand, only want 2...3 if I must. 19 kids...smh.
Random Thoughts Thursday
America's Best Dance Crew. Yay! Another dance reality show that I'm addicted to! Although this season hasn't proven to be as good as the previous seasons, I'm determined to see it through. Now, it's only been on for two weeks, so, maybe it's too early to judge. A salsa/hip hop group, a group of gay men & a transgender, groups with "thick" women, group of country hip hoppers...this season definitely has the diversity it was looking for.
I don't agree with who went home, though. The first week, Fr3sh ended up going home, but they were better than the other 2 groups who did battle with them (Beat Ya Feet Kings and Southern Movement). The ONLY reason why they went home, IMO, is because they didn't break it during the battle. Last Sunday, the groups did dances from Beyonce songs. The group that went home was Artistry in Motion. I think they had one of the harder tasks, but they did well with what they were given. All the members had to hold on to the chain throughout most of the routine...and they did it, while still dancing well. The group they did battle with, Afroborike, the salsa/hip hop group, had an easier task. They performed to Beyonce & Shakira's Beautiful Liar. Their task? The belly dance routine in the video. Come on! While I love salsa, I think they should've went home. Which group(s) do I like? I think I'd choose Rhythm City or We Are Heroes. Guess we'll see...
Dancing With The Stars. Seriously? Tom Delay? Shouldn't he like, be in jail or something? And where is the eye candy for women?
Michelle Obama's Shorts. So, I've heard little rumblings about our First Lady wearing shorts to a family trip to the Grand Canyon. WTH! Do we have nothing else newsworthy that we have to report (and whine) about the fact that she's showing her (awesome) legs? I swear, this country (that I LOVE so much)...My reaction to her wearing shorts? SO WHAT?!! So she's showing a little leg. Arizona is probably hot as hell right now. What do you expect her to wear, pants? This is just another reason why I love and admire Michelle Obama. She's not worried about y'all and your reaction to what she's wearing. She's fist-pounded her hubby, worn sleeveless dresses, and, now, she's wearing shorts. From the looks of it, what she has on is still tasteful. To anyone whining about what she's wearing (Oh, the scandal! She's showing skin!) I say: IT'S THE SUMMER PEOPLE! GET A LIFE! Now, if this 'outrage' is fake and just journalists attempt to report news, I say to those journalists: GET A LIFE!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Random Thoughts Thursday
President Obama's Inauguration. Words that describe Tuesday: awesome, cool, inspiring...the list goes on. It was a historical moment and I'm glad I'm alive to witness it. Did I think America would really elect it's first African American president in my lifetime? Well, I'd hoped and prayed, but always had doubt.
Inspirational Sunday
*NOTE: Every Sunday, on my Myspace blog, I post what I call the Inspiration of the Week (IOW). I take a quote I like and write my own words of inspiration for it. For today's post, I'm using this week's IOW.
Barack Obama
Rae’s Thought: On January 20th, Barack Obama will be sworn in as America’s 44th president. Five days after what would’ve been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 80th Birthday, America will officially receive her 1st black president. President Obama saw that this wonderful country was in major need of a change. Instead of sitting back and complaining, he got up and did something about it. Instead of waiting for someone else to make a change, he decided he was going to make the change. Unfortunately, many people are leaving America’s “makeover” to Obama or anyone else in leadership. The truth is it’s not only up to Barack Obama to make things better…it’s up to all of us. You want to know who’s responsible for America’s change? Look in the mirror. You are.
What I love about Obama’s story is that, in spite of encountering resistance, he kept going. He pressed on even when times got rough. His unwavering determination has paid off. Not everyone likes change. Once you’ve decided to go for it, you may experience trouble. In fact, there isn’t a maybe about it: you will experience trouble. We can take inspiration from our 44th president and others who are fighting in spite of opposition. Keep going. Think about it: if MLK and other civil rights leaders gave up, what state would our country be in? If Jesus decided the pain was too great to bear, what state would the children of God be in? They kept going and so should we.
Random Thoughts Thursday
Presidential Inauguration. I would’ve liked to have been able to attend this. To be able to say I was there when history was made as America’s first black pres – I know he’s biracial, but in most people eyes, when they look at Barack Obama, they see a black man – is sworn in. That would’ve been so awesome, but, alas, it was not meant to be. I really hope and pray he is the change America really needs. I’m not naïve enough to believe that he’ll be able to turn this country around in 4 years nor do I believe that he is our savior. My trust is in God and God alone. I prayed (as I’m sure many people did) that God would put the right man in office…whether it was the man I voted for or not. I think I’ve said this before, but I absolutely love how much of a family man he is. I like seeing pics & reading stories of his and First Lady, Michelle’s, relationship, and the relationship between him and his daughters. Personally, I think they’d make a cool First family. So, I’m looking forward to seeing what Obama has to offer this country in the next 4 (maybe 8) years.
I’ve crossed off: (a) Wear shorts in public – not as bad as I thought; and (b) Spend a whole day doing absolutely nothing (take a me-day) – I’ve actually taken more than one of these and I absolutely love it!
Ones that will be crossed off: (a) Become Dr. Rae Weakly, EdD – hopefully by the end of this year; (b) Learn Spanish - be able to hold conversation with native speakers & my sister – still learning, but getting better; (c) Travel to other countries/cities/states - Puerto Rico – in December; (d) Learn to Salsa – I go dancing with my sister & take classes; (e) Get 3rd tattoo – I think by my 33rd b-day; (f) Comfortably wear a swimsuit without cover – working on that; (g) Participate in a walkathon – I’ll be doing this in October, hopefully; (h) Buy first house – will be moving in home by March 1st…leasing w/option to buy…will buy by the end of this year.
I may have more. When we go to Puerto Rico in December, depending on how much dinero we have, we'll jet ski, para sail...all that kind of stuff. We may even stay at a hotel on the beach. So, I'm making progress. Ten ain't so bad, right?
Random Thoughts Thursday...on Saturday
I know I'm 2 days late; couldn't be helped; didn't have computer access, hence, my Random Thoughts post on Saturday. Oh the day when I'll be able to afford my own laptop (soon, I'm hoping...like for Christmas, maybe)! Anyway, on to my thoughts - which, really, I haven't thought much about anything but work and my dissertation. Here are the few extra thoughts I've had:
Obama 'Haters'. Oh how I wish people would stop 'hatin' on Obama. For those who don't know, a hater is A person that simply cannot be happy for another person's success. So rather than be happy they make a point of exposing a flaw in that person (urbandictionary.com). Newsflash: HE WON! He's gonna be our 44th president. The people of America have spoken. Sheesh! Leave the man alone. People need to focus on how to make America even better rather than how to stop the next pres from being pres. I guess I can look at this from a positive angle: All this opposition will only make PRESIDENT Obama and his family stronger & Lord knows this country needs someone strong....
December. YAY, IT'S DECEMBER!!!! December is my favorite month. I LOVE this time of year. It's awesome...it's fun...it's beautiful...it's magical. The decorations, the caroling, the giving...I love it all. And it's Jesus' birthday (the celebrated day, at least). It's the best. I'm like a big kid during this time.
I remember when I was younger, we used to go caroling in the neighborhoods (before people started getting all freaked out about the whole religion thing). I loved doing it, and I miss it. My sis and I were just talking about how & where we can sing carols without offending people. Our neighborhood has a mixture of religions. On one corner, we have a Muslim mosque. Across the street from that, a 7th Day Adventist church is being built. Our church (Christian...Baptist) is next to the Adventist church and next to ours is another Baptist church. That doesn't include the 2 Baptist churches right around the corner, the other Muslim mosque down the street, and the Jehovah's Witness church about 2 minutes away. I'm not sure we can go caroling without offending anyone. And you can't carol without songs like Silent Night, Joy to the World, and O Holy Night...all talking about Jesus. Maybe we can carol at a children's hospital - spread a little Christmas cheer. I don't know. All I do know is THIS IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR! Happy holidays to EVERYONE.
Random Thoughts Thursday
Barack Obama's Historical Win. My feelings in one word? YAY! For those who doubted that America would ever vote an African American man into office, this election has clearly knocked that doubt out the park. He didn't just win...he won by a landslide. It's so amazing that I'm living to see this day. I mean, this is big! Like put-it-in-the-history-books big! And inspiring. I know Obama ran into naysayers: "A black president? Ain't happening!" But he kept on. He had his race and inexperience going against him, but he kept going. I'll be sending prayers up to heaven for him and his fam. And the fact that people who'd never voted before came out in droves...amazing! This election was just an awesome thing to watch. Yes, I cried when it was announced that Obama was our new President-elect. I thought of all the pioneers who fought hard and died for a time like this. My grandmother, who died last year, would've LOVED this. Martin Luther King would've LOVED this. They all would've LOVED this. I pray that Obama does what he said he'd do. I know it'll probably take more than 4 years to bring America out of the whole, but I look forward to the change that Obama may bring! And may I say, I think Michelle Obama will make an exceptional first lady.
Nebraska Safe Haven Law. Since this law came into play, more than half of the children left at the hospitals have been teens. I know some teens can be a handful, and some parents are probably at their wits end. I don't know. Abandonment? I can't even think of the words to say.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081113/ap_on_re_us/safe_haven;_ylt=AlTU_xYhzLMnA4Cdxf4ij6txieAA.
Dancing With The Stars. Last 2 standing? Brooke and Warren. I love watching Warren dance!
Latin Grammys. Waaaaaaaaaaaa! I wanted to be at the Latin Grammys! It's here in Houston and I couldn't go. *SIGH* And we'd heard where the stars will hang out, but we couldn't remember where...not that we would've been able to afford to go. Being broke sucks!
Random Thoughts Thursday
Jennifer Hudson's Tragedy. My heart goes out to Jennifer Hudson and her family. To lose her mother, brother, and nephew... I can't imagine losing my mom, brother, and nephew individually, but at the same time? And to hope that her nephew's alive, only to find the body. It's so sad. They are definitely in my prayers.
Plot to Kill Obama. It seems that the FBI has foiled the plot of two young skinheads to kill 88 blacks (decapitate 14 of them) including Barack Obama. My thoughts? #1: There's more where that came from. While Obama is making history, he's also making a lot of racist people angry by getting this far. Those of us who are prayer warriors will have to keep Obama and his family - and this country - in our prayers...it'll only get worse (the plots) if and when he becomes pres; #2: I've never understood the white supremacist thought of protecting their country...keeping it pure. I mean, really? 'Cause the last time I checked, it ain't their country to claim. Their ancestors, just like most Americans, came to this country from somewhere else. The only difference is, their ancestors came on their own. They weren't here first - the Native Americans had this country first. Is it really the skinheads' country to keep pure?
Dancing With The Stars. I missed this week's DWTS, but I heard that Cloris Leachman was voted off. Finally. I mean, the fact that this 80-something year-old woman was on DWTS dancing was amazing, don't get me wrong. She moved pretty good for her age. BUT she shouldn't have made it this long (at least not longer than Toni Braxton). Who's next? I say Susan Lucci. My final four are Brooke (who'll probably win), Warren, Cody, and Lance.
Family Ties. So, anyone can see how close my family is. Growing up, some friends didn't understand how I could tell my parents everything. Other friends became constant fixtures in the Weakly household to experience that closeness. People used to call us the Huxtables from the Cosby Show, which we took as a compliment, although, clearly, we didn't have the Huxtable money. I wouldn't trade in my childhood, nor my family, for all the money in the world. My mom and sis are 2 of my best friends. The original Weakly kids are grown (I'm 32, my brother is 28, and my sister is 26), but we have others who've become part of the fam and is experiencing the love. I'm blessed to be a Weakly. God's placed me in an awesome family.
Random Thoughts Thursday
In a moment of pure brilliance, I decided that Thursdays will be the days I post my 'random thoughts' blog. Why? Alliteration. Thoughts. Thursday. I know. Brilliant. Way to play on words, Rae.
Vibe Magazine held a 'Best Rapper Alive' contest for its November issue (http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2008/10/the_best_rapper_alive_is/). The winner was Eminem. I will say Eminem is definitely in my top 5, but the best? I know this is a matter of opinion. Personally, I think Jay Z (who came in 2nd place) is the best, but, whatever. My problem with the contest came more with some of the other nominees. To me - and this is my opinion, which I'm entitled to - some of the rappers named shouldn't have even been on the list. Soulja Boy? Flo Rida? I mean, having Soulja Boy on the list with the likes of Jay Z and Eminem would be like...let's see...having a 'best basketball player alive' contest and having some junior high/middle school players on the same list as NBA players. Some of these 'rappers' aren't even in the same league.
The Cheryl Burke Weight Gain Issue
Apparently, Cheryl Burke, a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars, has gained some weight since last season (http://omg.yahoo.com/news/dancing-cast-defend-cheryl-burke-over-weight-criticisms/14164;_ylt=AoBZxP6lBGrQFQjiiDorqKvWn414) This is Cheryl last year: 
Barack and Michelle Obama
I noticed something last night at the end of last night's debate. When the wives were on stage, there was a difference in body language between the couples. While the audience was clapping, the McCains stood apart. Every once in a while, Cindy would reach over and touch John. The Obamas, on the other hand, stood close together. Barack had an arm around Michelle and she had an arm around him. Every once in a while, they'd whisper something to each other. I've been observing them throughout his campaign and, I must say, I love what I see. There's nothing like seeing a couple show so much love and admiration for each other. I see that in my own parents who have been married for 31 years and together for even longer. My parents are high school sweethearts. I love seeing them hold hands. Every morning, they call each other (Daddy works at home, but Mama doesn't) to say 'I love you' and 'Have a good day'. I LOVE that! When I get married, I want that myself. And I love the way Barack protects his family. Earlier in the campaign, when people tried to get on Michelle, he immediately squashed it, basically saying, 'You can talk about me, but leave my wife and daughters alone.' My dad's like that. He's protective of his whole family, but he's more protective of his girls (Mama, my sis, Meechie, and I). All the males in the family (extended family as well) know not to mess with the Weakly women. Growing up, my brother was not allowed to hit my sis or I. If a male were to disrespect Daddy's girls... well, let's just say the guilty one wouldn't be happy. So, yeah, my future husband (whoever he may be) will have a lot to live up to. Anyway, on youtube, there's a wonderful vid of Michelle and Barack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPYMaF2vAmg.
2008 Presidential Campaign
I missed the presidential debate last night - I chose to go to church to help my pastor celebrate his 21st preaching anniverary and receive some good preaching instead. I already know who I'm voting for, anyway. The other candidate is only showing me that I'm making a good choice. I'm disappointed in those who are choosing not to vote just because the candidate they want isn't a contender for the presidency. What does that say about our country?
Really, I'm ready for the election to come and go so we can vote our next pres in. I'm ready for a change. Am I the only one?
