Swine Flu - Be Informed no pork for me.

HOUSTON – A 23-month-old toddler in Texas became the first confirmed swine flu death outside of Mexico as authorities around the world struggled to contain a growing global health menace that has also swept Germany onto the roster of afflicted nations. Officials say the death was in Houston.

I work in a hospital that is buzzing about this 'Swine Flu'. Yesterday, there were signs going up about ,a different strain of Flu Warning', and people were wearing masks all over the hospital. I wasn't really worried at first, but since they said a baby passed not only in Texas, but Houston of all places I'm joining ranks with those engrossed in this hysteria. No mask, but I am not talking to anyone other than by phone, I am not going to chit chat with the nurse's and staff on my floors, and definitely not going to the cafeteria. I wished that I had parked at the hospital, but now I have to take a train/trolley ride with God-only-knows-who at the end of the day. I just got over being sick, urgh! I read the CDC Swine Flu page and was mortified that I could catch a flu that came from a nasty pig. I understand that the handlers can catch it, but the fact that their sickness be passed from person-to-person is all the validation I need to not eat pork anymore. I have been teetering back and forth with this notion for several years now, even giving up pork for roughly 2 years across 04-05. I'm not even going to miss the ribs, sausage and bacon. But of all that I won't miss, I am surely giving up relationships with - what I would consider - swine. It makes me think of Mark 5 when Jesus meets the man named Legion on the shore and cast his demons into pigs and then drowned them in the sea. I'm not on any Muslim tip, just putting out there that there is a call to answer, and I feel humbled that I can even hear the call. Thank you Lord. CDC Swine Flu Facts: Philip Defranco on Swine Flu:

Reality Bites: For the Love of Ray J

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines reality as: a real event, entity, or state of affairs. One would assume that's what we get when we plop down on our couches to watch our favorite reality television program. As it turns out, we haven't seen that type of realism since the first two seasons of The Real World. Season 3 was when it all changed. Once Puck became a household name for being America's least favorite roommate, the gloves were off. The "reality" in reality television became an afterthought. Now every reality show cast members knew they could become a overnight celebrity just by slapping another cast member or spitting in someone's face. Before you knew it the average person could become a star. They would have a interviews on Leno, The Today Show, Regis and Kelly, and not to mention all the water cooler talk at offices around America. Soon every wannabe/has been actor or actress was trying to stretch their 15 minutes of fame by humiliating themselves on TV in hope of resuscitating their career. It is true that MTV started the unhealthy trend of brainless reality TV…………… but VH1 has somehow kicked it up a notch. If this was the Old Testament a VH1 reality show family tree would look like this: The Surreal Life begat Strange Love: and Strange Love begat Flavor of Love: and Flavor of Love begat Charm School and I Love New York: and I Love New York begat A Real Chance at Love: and Flavor of Love and I Love New York begat I Love Money. How crazy is that? I'm sure I may have missed a few shows in between. So what did VH1 have in store for us next? You guessed it! For the Love of Ray J. I have to admit that this show ranked 137th on my list of possible shows VH1 would give us next. Ray J wasn't on anybody's radar. I'm not sure he even qualifies as a celebrity. What is Ray J famous for? 1) being Brandy's little brother 2) two "hit" songs: Wait a Minute and One Wish. 3) a sex tape with Kim Kardashian. Millions of people downloaded video of his James Westfall and Doctor Kenneth Noisewater. What's even funnier is if you check out his IMDB page he has a directors credit for his sex tape. I wish I was making this up. I'm surprised Reggie Bush hasn't smashed his face in yet. So in hindsight, Ray J fits the mold perfectly. He's a falling star who is desperately trying to hold onto any sort of fame he can get. His sex tape obviously didn't get him enough press. The next logical step was his very own reality TV show. I decided to start watching For the Love of Ray J to see if anything about this show would be different. I must say that this show is high comedy! I don't know what's funnier how serious Ray J pretends to be or the ridiculous women that have been casted for the show. The show opens with a terrible concert performance from Ray J. All the girls are forced to act like they love his music or risk being kicked off the show. I love reality TV. 14 girls in the house but only 12 beds. One of the girls acts surprised that there are "eliminations" on the first night. Really? You haven't seen ANY of the past 45 reality dating shows when this happens? I find that hard to believe but I'll take her word for it. All the girls gather to meet for dinner with Ray J. If you've ever been in a room full of women, you know they inevitably start sizing each other up like they're in a UFC fight. The women talk openly about seeing Ray J's sex tape. Before I can throw up in my mouth, Ray J appears in a white fur coat looking like an extra in American Pimp. Someone should tell him they are taping in Los Angeles not Boston. Ray J does another non original idea and gives all the girls nicknames. Could they be a little more creative. We are about a year away from voting online to choose nicknames for all of the cast members. The average IQ of the women on the show as to be 39. Most of these girls aren't smarter than my iPod. I pray that it's all an act and this can't be real. Our public school systems can't be this bad. What's dinner is over, Ray J looks to spend time with the girls. Each girl wants to put their best foot forward before the shows first elimination. Ray J asked the girls to show him something. Chardonnay promptly does the splits and bounces off the ground like a stripper. This move instantly does three things: 1) makes her automatically my favorite cast member 2) tells everyone she's not going home the first night and 3) makes every other girl on the show hate her. The look on the other contestants faces was priceless. They looked like their team just lost the game at the last second. The reality fan face is one of the funnier TV faces (along with the "I can't believe you bid $1 over me on the Price is Right Face") Most of the women had look that was a mix between "Oh my God I can't believe she did that" and "Damn I was saving that for episode 5". Eliminations come and it's time to kick off two contestants. I love how Ray J acts like it's such a tough decision. You just met these women an hour ago, I'm sure making your decision is not that hard. Of course he kicks off the women who seemed a little too wholesome for the show. He is 5'2" so he may have just eliminated all of the tall girls. The jury is still out on that. The show ends just about as predictable as it started. Unfortunately there are no real surprises on For the Love of Ray J. What's my problem with this show? It's just like every other reality show we've seen. Yet somehow the levels of ridiculousness seem to go up with every new reality show. Does Ray J really need a show to meet women? I don't think so. Find some average guy with marginal features and set him up on a dating show. These C+ celebrities try to pimp their new CD, clothing line, or even some other facet of their life that most people don't care about. My major issue with this type of show is that it is a parody of another show. Why have we not seen anything new? The only difference between Brandy's little brother and Flavor Flav is that he hands out champagne instead of oversized clock necklaces. Nothing is ever better than the original. Let's hope the folks at VH1 figure this out soon. source

Nicole Murphy's Calabasas Crib I wasn't sure this Nicole Murphy chick was, but I am now sure that she is a Bad Bich. She has mad taste, and appears very classy each and every time that I lay eyes on her. Check out pics of her Calabasas Crib below. source

Update: 12 Year-old charged with Capital Murder, Houston Texas Boy’s family blames 7-year-old in baby's death April 23, 2009, 8:59PM The family of a 12-year-old charged with capital murder in the death of an 11-month-old baby denied the boy’s guilt Thursday and blamed instead the baby boy’s 7-year-old brother and a family conspiracy orchestrated by their grandmother. At a noon news conference outside the Harris County juvenile courthouse, the 12-year-old’s mother, aunt, attorney, family spokesman and friends stood together to declare that the boy, whom the Chronicle is not naming because he is a juvenile, was being framed by the family tasked with babysitting him. The boy’s mother, Tawanna Scott, said she was working while the baby’s mother, Shemika Brown, watched Scott’s son, along with her own baby and three sons, ages 4, 5 and 7, at her southeast Houston home on March 12. Ronald Ray, the 12-year-old’s attorney, said the baby’s 7-year-old brother threw the child down the interior stairs of the family’s townhouse or over a second-floor railing. The infant died two days later at Texas Children’s Hospital. He said one of the 12-year-old’s aunts heard the baby’s brothers say the 7-year-old did it, but were hushed and admonished by the baby’s grandmother. He said the aunt heard the grandmother tell the boys to stick together and blame the 12-year-old. CPS defers to HPD Ray said he did not know the aunt’s name or the name of the baby’s grandmother. Child Protective Services spokeswoman Estella Olguin deferred to the Houston Police Department and the district attorney’s office regarding the claims. “You would probably have to ask the police or the DA’s office what kind of evidence they had to arrest him, but obviously they had enough to make an arrest,” she said. Earlier this week, she said the children all said the 12-year-old threw the baby onto the floor. Olguin noted Thursday that investigators consider the severity of injuries to determine who could have been capable of causing them. “You consult with the medical examiner’s office and consider what’s possible and start ruling things out,” she said. Ray said the family called the press conference to answer questions about inconsistencies reported to authorities, including Scott’s involvement. Mother’s story changed The 31-year-old mother has said she arrived at the duplex after the baby was injured. Brown first told investigators she was home cooking when she heard the baby cry. However, according to CPS, she told investigators she and Scott had gone out to get something to eat, leaving at least five children alone at the duplex. Scott denied the claim. Brown could not be reached for comment Thursday. “We will investigate all relevant evidence in this case, determine its credibility and take the appropriate action,” Harris County District Attorney’s spokesman Donna Hawkins said. Scott said she had visited her 12-year-old son in a Harris County juvenile detention facility and encouraged him to stay upbeat. Asked what she told him, Scott said: “Be strong. Hold on. Keep your head up and read your Bible.” source My take: Since the mother of the deceased baby hasn't said a word - The mother of the 12 year old can come out and say whatever (change her story all willy nilly), shame. A commenter on the Chron.com webpage said that he needed a flow chart and an eraser to follow this story. My sentiment as well. I do know that when they went to interview the kids, they family was not allowed to see the children until CPS investigators had thier opportunity. The children were in corroboration saying the 12 year old beat that baby, and that mothers were not home at the time of the incedent , and were not home when they came home from school. My co-worker (who thankfully doesn't follow this blog) had been sharing with me that the mother of the deceased baby was never at home with her children, and left them constantly. She had been battling with this situation for as long as I have known her. She wanted to Call CPS but really wanted the mother to change her ways and begin taking better care of the children. She would take food for them all of the time, but whenever she would arrive to the house there were always so many children that hadn't eaten. Obviously the mother does some drug or drugs because sending your kids to school hungry and smelling pissy is a tell-tell sign of neglect. From what I heard she was out meeting guys, getting her hair and nails done, hanging out with friends, and just generally galavanding. She has received no punishment so far, and has not seen her children to help them greive. She should be sterilized, then handled by some real women. P.S. I was not sure about keeping up with this story on this story on my blog, but after some thought I realized that is MY BLOG and I can blog about whatever, whenever. I do try to share things that interest me though.

Like a scene straight out of his latest Madea flick, Tyler Perry accused stalker is currently being held in custody and has been denied bond. Dawne Wilson was busted outside Perry’s Atlanta studio on Wednesday, according to local media reports. Unfortunately for the House of Payne mastermind, this is not the first time Wilson has made an uninvited visit. After what he claims has been a year of obsessive behavior, Perry was granted a restraining order against the woman, barring her from coming near him, his home and his businesses. So her reemergence last week was definitely a no-no. Wilson has been charged with aggravated stalking and is expected in court on April 30. Perry is currently filming his next Madea movie, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, and developing Why Did I Get Married Too, a sequel to the 2007 hit. source My Take: I think that Tyler Perry doesn't needs a relationship. I know a few a-sexual people who seem happy and content by themselves. Realistically, because I believe myself an expert in this particular item...................some men with a noticeable amount of femininity are still sexy. Not in heels or make-up, not trannies or sissies, but good looking, self aware, romantic men that happen to adore fashion. lol. In all seriousness, I find a man more attractive when he can come out of the macho and be more sensitive or fashionable. It's hard for me to draw the line, because I am an extremist. So it's before women's clothes or shoes, commenting about how another man is handsome, make-up and holding S's too long. But well after silk bathrobes, enjoying your wife's lotions and soaps, and making sure your nails and toenails look straight. So where is the line drawn definitively? feel free to comment anonymously.

Fantasia & her Mother - He's Done Enough They May Rail at this Life by Thomas Moore They may rail at this life -- from the hour I began it I found it a life full of kindness and bliss; And, until they can show me some happier planet, More social and bright, I'll content me with this. As long as the world has such lips and such eyes As before me this moment enraptured I see, They may say what they will of their orbs in the skies, But this earth is the planet for you, love, and me. In Mercury's star, where each moment can bring them New sunshine and wit from the fountain on high, Though the nymphs may have livelier poets to sing them, They've none, even there, more enamour'd than I. And, as long as this harp can be waken'd to love, And that eye its divine inspiration shall be, They may talk as they will of their Edens above, But this earth is the planet for you, love, and me. In that star of the west, by whose shadowy splendour, At twilight so often we've roam'd through the dew, There are maidens, perhaps, who have bosoms as tender, And look, in their twilights, as lovely as you. But though they were even more bright than the queen Of that Isle they inhabit in heaven's blue sea, As I never those fair young celestials have seen, Why -- this earth is the planet for you, love, and me. As for those chilly orbs on the verge of creation, Where sunshine and smiles must be equally rare, Did they want a supply of cold hearts for that station, Heaven knows we have plenty on earth we could spare, Oh! think what a world we should have of it here, If the haters of peace, of affection and glee, Were to fly up to Saturn's comfortless sphere, And leave earth to such spirits as you, love, and me. Are you content?

Couples poledancing? Chick's boyfriend works the pole better than she does. What do you think of a dude pole dancing?

Trey Songz I don't care that the word 'swagger' is played, becuase what word better summarizes a man's sick confidence, intellect, and physical awareness? Trey Songz is a masterpeice; Cool, confident, smart, not easily swayed, and deffinatley swaggerlistlically sexy. Check a new interview via globalgrind.com Yeah, yeah.....he's got it goin' on....brother still needs to put on a few pounds. source

Tweet's Baby SheNice Tweet was just the hottest thang just a few years ago, and a lil' birdie said she was working on a new album only a few weeks back (I'm hovering around Limewire for that beautiful day). Antywayz.....your girl has a girl(named Shenice Tashawna)that is putting the finishing touches on her album as we speak, and I love her. Check her and all of her videos: Chick is live.

Glory to God in the Highest! My son Alan was baptized this past Easter Sunday by my father Pastor Rev. David Charleston of Immanuel Church in Prairie View Texas. Pray for him grace, becuase as we know with Christ the temptations of this world only increase. I hooked up a little video and it turned out pretty good - if I must say so. Please enjoy, and feel free to comment.

Randoms Jill Scott is showing off her baby bump Am Obama throwback....

Psalm 139: 1-14 1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

We cannot see God, but he can see us. The psalmist did not desire to go from the Lord. Whither can I go? In the most distant corners of the world, in heaven, or in hell, I cannot go out of thy reach. No veil can hide us from God; not the thickest darkness. No disguise can save any person or action from being seen in the true light by him. Secret haunts of sin are as open before God as the most open villanies. On the other hand, the believer cannot be removed from the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty Friend. Should the persecutor take his life, his soul will the sooner ascend to heaven. The grave cannot separate his body from the love of his Saviour, who will raise it a glorious body. No outward circumstances can separate him from his Lord. While in the path of duty, he may be happy in any situation, by the exercise of faith, hope, and prayer.

The Entire Mike Tyson Documentary feel free to comment.

Song of the Day Johnnie Taylor has my ears today. Come to Daddy. Click to listen or download

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Review As a young girl growing up in the African nation of Botswana, Precious Ramotswe was encouraged by her father to follow her dreams, no matter what. Now in her mid-30s, Precious is doing just that — by opening her country's first and only female-owned detective agency for the benefit of those who need help the most. This show is sophisticated, realistic, not-so-muchsexy, but funny. It moves at the speed of real life - and very believable. I'm a little spent with crime scene, court tv, reality dramas so this is right on time for me. I love all of HBO and Showtime Series (i.e., Dexter, Rome, Weeds). From this premier, I enjoy the gentleman who asks Jill to marry (Lucian Msamati who playes the mechanic Mr. Matekoni), I enjoyed the Barber (played by Desmond Dube), and I especially love Annika Noni Rose - she is so broadway. There was some negative talk about Jill and Annika's parts should have been played by Africans, and that the show moves too slow, but I loved it. And aren't we all africans in essence? I might have a new favorite, Look out Zane! I would suggest not to over analyze but rather simply to enjoy it. I always loved the music of Jill Scott but here her acting is well at par. Can't wait to see the other character developments, more from the costume designer Jo Katsaras, and more views of the African landscape. The 7-episode series is based on the book, appropriately named, by Alexander McCall Smith. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series tells the story of the delightfully cunning and enormously engaging Precious Ramotswe, who is drawn to her profession to "help people with problems in their lives." Immediately upon setting up shop in a small storefront in Gaborone, she is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. But the case that tugs at her heart, and lands her in danger, is a missing eleven-year-old boy, who may have been snatched by witchdoctors. The Premier gets an 'A' from V.