Hello...Females aren't equipped with a penis!

Warning: Various language included, may insult some sensibilities.












This morning, I was surfing Blog Catalog and came across this delightful blog Ringtailed Squealers

It's one of those blogs that has a plethora of subjects: thoughts, rants, cartoons whatever the blogger feels like blogging.

What caught my attention was her post to spammers. I had just finished grumbling to myself about my YaHell! in-box and all the spam it's littered with. Then, low and behold, I came across her post at Ringtail voicing the same disdain.

I can almost understand [I said, ALMOST] the porn spam, they're advertising some type of service [guffaw!] however, I don't understand spammers who bulk send a penile enlargement advertisement to women and boob boosting ads to men.

Come on! if you look at my e-mail address, you can tell I'm a female. Last time I looked, I wasn't equipped with a third leg, there's no bat or balls attached any where on my body!

Yet, my YaHell! in-box is regurgitating penile enlargement ads!

I've got the spam filter set so that it sends junk mail to bulk Hades but, occasionally, an imp wanting me to grow a 10 inch appendage between my legs slips through.

What's with these people! The spammers I mean.

They can read, can't they? Well then again maybe not.

I notice that some of the porn spam subject lines has the alphabet but, they make no rhyme or reason unless, they want you to practice pronouncing x k y z.

I don't understand spam. Think about it, spam is an advertisement. An advertisement is announcing to the world your services...right?

So, how do these spammers get paid. I shudder to think that there are that many people in cyberspace who utilize these services.

There's legislation to stop spammers. ISPs want to do away with them -- spammers are costing them money and bandwidth. Then, what's the appeal?

Wikipedia states:

The California legislature found that spam cost United States organizations alone more than $13 billion in 2007, including lost productivity and the additional equipment, software, and manpower needed to combat the problem.

Spam's direct effects include the consumption of computer and network resources and the cost in human time and attention of dismissing unwanted messages. In addition, spam has costs stemming from the kinds of spam messages sent, from the ways spammers send them, and from the arms race between spammers and those who try to stop or control spam. Read More...


I just don't understand the spammer's mindset. They can't possibly be getting wealthy. If some are getting rich, there aren't that many who've found the windfall.

Look penis spammers, this is the way it is...

1. I don't or won't ever grow a penis.
2. My man is quite content with what he's got
3. If I don't have a man, I'll buy a toy and extra "C" batteries
4. If I want your services [which I don't ] I'll e-mail you
   

Okay, okay,

Thank you!






Technorati Tags: advertisement, penis, boobs,

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No, I'm NOT going to SHUT UP!

What's with people and differing views? Especially, when differing views involve politics and religion.

Is there some Magna Carta written, stating that a person can or should, only voice opinion[s] when they're absolutely, unequivocally, sure said opinion[s], won't offend someone [anyone] -- somehow, somewhere, anywhere on this plane of existence ?

Are we suppose to put a sock in it, out of fear of being called intolerant, bigoted and discriminatory? Come on!

Get a life! Hell NO! I AM NOT going to shut up.

I guess you're wondering what I'm rambling and ranting about. I made a comment at the Gorilla Sushi blog on "Why Islam is Anti-American. "

My opinion brought on the ire of the author/writer Jason. I'm sure Jason is a nice young man. Maybe a tad bit idealistic and quite disillusioned with religion. So what, he's not the first, nor will he be the last, upright-walking, talking organism that find themselves disappointed or disillusioned with the human race. Welcome to adulthood!

I wrote that I disagreed with his stance on American fears of Islam. He claims that most of us who don't like Islam are: ignorant, ill-informed, undereducated, brainwashed, bigots. I took exception to that! [who'd a thought]

In essence, my comment was: not all of us listen to or take stock in, what the media says or writes. We know the media has bias. We know most media is in some one's pocket.

My contention [to him]: stop underestimating the intelligence of the American people.

Not all of Americans get their knowledge while sitting on a couch hung between two trees watching t.v. Nor do our lips move when reading stop signs. We're cognitive beings! We know how to research and form intelligent conclusions.

What irked me most, the accusation that I was unpatriotic. Me, a disabled veteran who proudly served the United States of America -- me! Not only am I a vet, I'm an old school vet, I probably was in the Middle East before Jason was an itch in his daddy's pants. Not only do I have the inalienable right of free speech, I earned the right of free speech.

I don't know if our lack of understanding each other is generational or not. But I find that the younger generation is quicker to call people intolerant and bigoted when someone voices a dissenting view.

Hello! This is America, we're allowed to say what we believe and believe what we say. You don't have to like it however, you do have to get over it.

Just because someone says or writes something negative [in this case against Islam] doesn't mean the writer is bigoted or discriminatory.

This old schooler views bigotry and discrimination as active. Meaning, someone will physically stop you or hurt you in some manner.

Because I write that I don't like Islam and give my reasons why, doesn't mean I'm going to go out and hurt a Muslim. This doesn't mean I'm calling for Muslims to be banished from American soil. This doesn't mean, if I meet a Muslim I'll be rude and say something cruel. Muslims are people like you and me. There are good Muslims and bad.

I know about bigotry, I know what it's like not to be waited on in a restaurant. I know what it's like to be fired from a job so, someone of another race or ethnicity can have my position. So, no, I wouldn't commit these actions against someone else just because I don't like their religion.

Here is an example of Jason's and my exchange:

"What do you think happens if one of their family members decides Islam isn't for them?"

I don't know - send them to Jesus Camp? Perform an exorcism?

"Hey, what happened when someone like you decided to make fun of Muhammad in a cartoon?"

A few death threats and some temporary boycotts. Same thing that happens when people make fun of Jesus...or teach evolution. And that's not even a crime sometimes.

"free speech hindering people like you!"

If I'm hindering free speech, why am I allowing you to comment on my blog? Would I be able to come to your blog, spouting off my own propaganda and not get deleted? I wouldn't do that however, because I don't preach my views and try to push them on others without provocation.

"I've got more patriotism in my little finger"

Then why are you trash talking other religions on the internet? Don't all Americans deserve the right to practice whatever religion they want without persecution? Freedom of religion is a universal human right - whether you agree with their customs or not. I'm not saying that you don't have the right to discriminate against muslims I'm just saying that your hate-speech is counter productive to the evolution of human culture.

"don't call me a bigot because I have different views"

I'm not. I'm calling you a bigot because you're a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance. <-that's the definition of "bigot" "grant free speech to a select few" What?? I do not have the power to either grant or deny free speech. Speak all you want but just be aware that the educated, patriotic and disillusioned will always be around the corner, waiting to counteract your jibberish.And here is the rest of it. From our Internet encounter, I get the feeling this youngster has delusions of grandeur and is a legend within his own mind. Whatever! His views will change over the course of his life time. Things will change over the course of his life time, I hope he rolls with the punches.

If anything, remember this: "You must stand for something or you'll fall for anything" and that, dear friends, is a promise life won't break.

Who Smelled What...get a sense of humor!

Yesterday, I found this interesting debate going on in one of the BlogCatalog communities.

It seems that in the Go! Smell the Flowers blog[that's the name of a sub community in BlogCatalog] two of it's contributors quit because they didn't like what was being written in some of the posts by other contributors.

Go! [for short] is a multinational blog created to be uplifting and inspirational. Now, there's thorns rising from some non-rose-like flowers [flowers, that's what they call their members...I think].

It seems that some didn't find this satirical letter too funny. I guess most complaints or negative remarks were from people of the United States.

My thoughts: Where is your sense of humor, people! This is satire! Yes, it's humorous. I love satire, I love sarcasm. Satire and sarcasm are art forms not easily mastered. So, Get over it and give the Brit a hand [clap, clap, clap] it was funny, no, not gut-wrenching-roll-on-the-floor-pee-my-pants funny but, the sides of my mouth lifted towards the ceiling.

Question: Why do people take what's written in an online community to heart? Come on people! Freedom of speech isn't limited to the United States. Isn't Democracy what we Americans are always thumping our chests about? Isn't Democracy the reason why we've spread our military thin, thin like the bald spot Donald Trump hides under that horrendous rug on his head. So, what's the beef!

Laugh a little...right now, start laughing -- are you laughing...I can't h e a r you!

If you want to read more, click the link below.


Go Smell The Flowers! » Go! Reposses the US of A

A Message from John Cleese



To the citizens of the United States of America:



In light of your failure to nominate competent candidates for
President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give
notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately.



Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties
over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas, which
she does not fancy).

Your new prime minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a governor for
America without the need for further elections.



Congress and the Senate will be disbanded.



A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of
you noticed.



To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following
rules are introduced with immediate effect:



You should look up ‘revocation’ in the Oxford English Dictionary.

1. Then look up aluminium, and check the pronunciation guide. You will
be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.



2. The letter ‘U’ will be reinstated in words such as ‘favour’ and
‘neighbour.’ Likewise, you will learn to spell ‘doughnut’ without
skipping half the letters, and the suffix -ize will be replaced by the
suffix -ise.

Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable
levels. (look up ‘vocabulary’).



3. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises
such as ‘like’ and ‘you know’ is an unacceptable and inefficient form
of communication.

There is no such thing as US English. We will let Microsoft know on
your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take
account of the reinstated letter ‘u’ and the elimination of -ize. You
will re-learn your original national anthem, God Save The Queen.



4. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.



5. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns,
lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and
therapists shows that you’re not adult enough to be independent.

Guns should only be handled by adults. If you’re not adult enough to
sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then
you’re not grown up enough to handle a gun.

You can read more of this at the link posted above.

Technorati Tags: satire, sarcasm, fun, funny

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Call God Allah...NO!, NO!, NO!

Has anybody ever heard of self-preservation? What is with people who want to conform or dismantle their belief system just to make other people happy. That's a crock of crap!

I usually don't blog/write about religion but, I found this snippet on Livejournal. "A proposal by a Roman Catholic bishop in the Netherlands recommends that people of all faiths refer to God as Allah"

Researching the article I found it on fox news dot com:

Foxnews.com [August 2007] reports: that Tiny Muskens [what a name!] an outgoing bishop who is retiring in a few weeks from the southern diocese of Breda, said God doesn't care what his called.

"Allah is a very beautiful word for God. Shouldn't we all say that from now on we will name God Allah?"

Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Washington, D.C. based Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group, backs the idea as a way to help interfaith understanding.

My thoughts on the subject -- how about NO!, NO!, NO! I don't care how beautiful the phonetics sound to the ear N.O.!

I've not written or hinted on this blog, my thoughts on Islam but, there's always a first time, looks like this is it.

Religion and politics are both volatile subjects. Everyone has their own ideas of what should be the correct ideology to follow and everyone believes that their way is the right way.

I don't like Islam. No, I don't think that all Muslims are terrorists, the majority are peace loving people. I don't like one major tenant of their faith, that Jesus Christ was a mere man, a prophet like their Muhammad. That alone, doesn't set well with me, as a matter of fact, that doesn't set with me at ALL!

Now, some bishop [one who's walking out the door, mind you] wants to play nice-nice and suggest that all faiths call God Allah. This rankles me to the bone. No, that word/name won't come out of my mouth. Why, doesn't political correctness EVER work the other way?

Mr. Hooper, since you back this idea -- supposedly, to help bridge the gap of interfaith misunderstandings -- why don't you suggest that all MUSLIMS start calling Allah God.

Let's go further than that -- why don't you call for all Muslims to stop saying that Christians worship more than one God? Especially, here in western nations [the United States] where the country's majority religion is Christian.

No, we aren't going to start calling God Allah!

If you're a Muslim and live and reap the benefits of the free western world and want interfaith understanding and tolerance... well, when in Rome do what the Romans do...

You've come to our house we didn't come to yours. When you come into my actual house and sit on my furniture or walk across my carpet, my rules are supreme not yours.

Those of us in the west who are NOT Muslim and do not subscribe to Islamic ideology, DO NOT call or refer to God as Allah.



**Just give up everything you believe in and stand for, go ahead, make others happy. I absolutely HATE political correctness, I really do!**


Technorati Tags: religion, political correctness, Islam, Christianity,

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Seriously, Who CARES!

Is this a stupid title for a web site or what!








I've touched on this subject before and I'm going to grouch about it again!
WHO cares that JLo had twins! I like Jennifer Lopez -- don't get me wrong but, SO what! she popped out twins! To me that means she had double the pain that I had and will have double the pain when they get older.

Another story at this blog talks about is Brad and Angelina on vacation with their kids. Okay, so...

Again, don't get me wrong I like Brad and Angelina as a matter of fact I'm a huge fan of them both. They both have my respect for all the wonderful humanitarian work that they do. Brad is just fabulous down in New Orleans. He's doing more than the government has done! Oops, did I say that!

Although I think that it's wonderful that they adopt children, I think it would be even more wonderful if they'd spend that hard earned money and time adopting children that are in THIS country.
Yes, indeed we've got black kids, white kids, Hispanic kids etc... who need adopting right here...don't we or am I on another plain of existence!

So, what's with these celebs, always going to other countries and adopting those kids?

Even Madonna, with her nasty self, tried adopting an African child. Okay, Donna, go down to the local children's home, you'll find plenty of kids from all races and ethnicities waiting and hoping to be adopted. And please, don't just look at the cute cuddly little babies, there are some older kids who need adopting too.

Now, back to what I'm really ranting about.

This web site is called Seriously OMG! WTF! -- that's exactly what I say -- OMG! WTF! Why does this web site have as big of a following that it does? I'm not jealous, well, not really that jealous, I'm just not understanding why people are so interested in a poorly written web site. On technorati, this site has a 621 authority and the author[s] can't write worth a hill of beans.

No, I admit that my syntax isn't the greatest and I can be judgmental [guffaw] at times but, what's with all the celebrity fascination? JLo and Angelina both adopted and/or got pregnant the same way the rest of us did/do [I do envy Angelina being married to Brad] so what's with all the hype?

I'll say it again...America, get your priorities straight...would you please do that...PLEASE!

BLOG, BLOG, BLOG!

Thought for today:


I'm still on the subject of blogging, just can't get it out of my mind.

This thought: how many blogs do you author? and why?

Me, I author three blogs, I guess to satisfy my three different moods or personalities. WANDERER'S NOOK
is my poetry blog. I love poetry, I view poetry as a jig-saw puzzle. Piecing together my thoughts in similes and metaphors is a challenge. This month I'm focusing on Black-American poets in honor of Black-History month.

So far, I've only posted one Renaissance poet [Langston Hughes] on this site. I find it ashame, that the Harlem Renaissance was cut short due to WWI. So many works by gifted painters, writers, and poets were lost in the smoke.

My second blog is this one, Voice-A-Thought. When I feel like rambling on about any and everything, I come here and start typing away.

My newest blog is ADHD -- A Mother's Diary
This blog is a diary/memory blog focusing on raising a child with ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] Here I hope to add some insight and help others who have children or know of people who have children with this disorder.

I'm also focusing on Adult ADHD, my son is now grown but, terribly suffers from this brain-short circuit. ADHD can affect social and work relationships.

My first two blogs are with Blogger my third is with Wordpress since there are different blogging sites that offer different services I thought I'd try a different one for my last blog. Frankly, I'm not sure which I prefer. I'm not a blogging pro so, I chose what was easiest.

Which platform is more preferred? There's been plenty blogged about this subject. From my favorite blog, Problogger, Darren Rowse wrote: This post talks readers through some of the issues that they need to think through regarding choosing a blog platform.

• ‘Which Blog Platform Should I use?’
• ‘Should I use a free Blogger.com blog or get my own hosted blog on my own Domain? Which Blog Platform is best?’
• ‘What are the Pros and Cons of going with Typepad instead of WordPress as a blog platform?’
• ‘Should I start out on a free Blogging Platform and Upgrade later?’

These are just some of the typical questions that I get asked each day from bloggers starting out and attempting to make a decision on which blogging platform or tool they should choose. Read More

He's the pro so I listen and read every word he says. He ran a poll on his website on what platforms blogger use to blog. Wordpress.org [not to be confused with the free wordpress] was the most popular. Blogger [go blogger!] came in second. Read More

Which, blogging platform bloggers use depends on why they're blogging. Businesses tend to use the pay platforms and people like me, who want to write for babbling sake, use the free platforms.

What ever your blogging purpose is...BLOG ON!

So...What do you blog about?

My thought for today:













What is it that bloggers blog about? Bloggers blog about EVERYTHING!

Most blogs are about business or are how-to blogs and are quite useful. But, I'm wondering what drives bloggers, like me, [those of us who aren't advertising products of services] to enter the blogsphere.

In my case, I vent frustrations. I blog to take my mind off of what's going on around me. Blogging is a great stress reliever for me.

When my muse is on hiatus, I write on this blog Voice-A-Thought. I groan and moan about what's going on in the news or what I've read on a blog I've come across in cyberspace.

When I'm feeling artistic or when my muse has decided to come visit me for a while, I write poetry and post them on my poetry blog WANDERERS NOOK

I've found that many blogs are written by professional writers. Their blogs are an easy way to advertise their writing. When I come across some of their blogs, I'm reminded of how far I have to go in order to become a good or proficient writer.

There are so many types of blogs and blog lingo:

Artlog
Photoblog
sketchblog
vlog
MP3blog
podcasting
Micro-blogging

What really is amazing is that they have blog search engines. Technorati is now tracking more than 112 million blogs. Read more about blogging at Wikipedia

My favorite blogs, other than my own, are the photoblogs. Some of these photographers take such stunning pictures. It takes a good eye to capture some of these photographic moments. One of my favorite photoblogs is by Gale Rainwater [even the name is artistic] There are stunning photographs on this blog.

Also, I like the blogs that teach you how to blog or how to make money blogging. My favorite how-to blog is ProBlogger

There are so many great blogs on the net, it's hard to pick a few unless one stands out in your mind.

It doesn't matter how many readers you have reading your blog [that's for those of us who aren't advertising a product or service] even if you're the only one reading it, blog anyway. Blogging can be a catharsis and will soothe your mind.

So, instead of punching a hole in the wall, or beating someone to a pulp, blog! The most important person reading your rant is you.

Say what you mean and mean what you say!

Technorati Tags: blogging, bloggers, blogs, search engines

We in the north too, can have charm and hospitality.

This is my thought for the day.






Earlier this week, I was talking to a good friend. She told me that she's had enough of the cold uncaring hospitality from the people in our cold northern city and is planning on moving down south, where the friendliness of people is as inviting as freshed baked bread with home churned butter swimming on its top.

This thought made me think, why isn't northern hospitality as inviting as the "good 'ol South's?"

For those of you who live in the northern states, think about it, are you really that friendly to strangers? When you're walking down the street do you look a stranger in the eye and say "good morning or afternoon or evening?" Or, do you avert your gaze as not to speak? Why is that?

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Northerner and I'm guilty of not being friendly. I can be as cold as the outside on this February morning, where the snow has put all warmth in a deep, deep sleep. I'm wondering why are we like that.

Does it really hurt if I say good morning to a complete stranger I walk by on a busy street? He or she, won't jump my bones out in public so, what's the harm in bestowing a nice smile, and a nod of the head?

I did a little digging on the subject, [yes, you know I did] and I found some references on Southern hospitality. In Wikipedia: Southern hospitality -- in 1835 Jacob Abbot wrote that southern hospitality was so abundant that the local taverns were of poor quality because they weren't needed by travelers. A stranger could go up to a home and would be greeted. If he was considered to be a gentleman, he would be invited to share a meal and a stay over night. Read More... Can anyone honestly, see something like that happening in this day and age?

I understand why my friend wants to move south. In this big city where we live, if you speak to someone walking along the street, you might get jumped on. You certainly, wouldn't invite a stranger into your house for a meal or to stay over night , you might not wake up in the morning.

So, how do we, here in the north, get some of that southern charm? Well, frankly, I'm not sure how but, I do know where to start. The next time I'm walking down the street and I see a stranger, I'm going to say "good morning, have a nice day" maybe that feeling of niceness will pass on and on and... Or when you go to the store or the gas station, walk up to the clerk and smile and say good morning before they do.

And for crying-out-loud, walk around with a smile, or at least a look of contentment, your face won't break, I promise!

For anybody reading this: Good Morning! I hope you have a great day"

It's no one's fault but your own...

If you're not happy!

That's right! Don't blame it on circumstances, blame unhappiness on how you react to the circumstance.

Stuff happens and you can't stop it, so, roll with the punches or as my favorite saying says -- be like a duck in water, let it roll off your back.

I found this article on USA Today this morning, and it made me think. It's true, unhappiness depends on the how the individual rationalizes their circumstances and shouldn't be dictated by what's going on around us.

Again, my Granny was right, happiness isn't or shouldn't be defined by how deep your pockets or pocketbook is. Or, which Monet or Picasso you've got hanging on your walls. Or [God forbid, this makes my stomach turn] what Mink or Chinchilla coats you have hanging in your closets. You can be happy if you're living in a one bedroom house with a velvet painting of dogs playing poker on the wall.

Psychologists now believe that they know what makes people truly happy. In USA Today, dated 12/8/2002, a story was written about what makes people happy, truly happy. No, not these faux pas living mannequins, who walk around with botox induced smiles carving their faces but, real deep down inside happy people:

Psychologists now know what makes people happy by Marilyn Elias USA Today -- The happiest people surround themselves with family and friends, don't care about keeping up with the Joneses next door, loose themselves in daily activities, and most important, easily forgive. Read More...


The article goes on to further say that people who are most happy are the ones that spend the least time alone. My take on being alone may disagree with this thought. I personally love and crave solitude. Sure, I like being around friends and family but, when it's time to be alone, I want to be alone. I don't like my solitude invaded.

What really caught my interest, was the thought that materialism is toxic to happiness, with that, I couldn't agree more. I mean, think about it, the more material things a person has the more they want. Materialism is like a fly caught in a web, it struggles and struggles for the materialistic things until the materialism spider creeps down sucks out all the happiness.

This was a great article. I didn't agree with everything the writer mentioned but, on the whole, it's very true. Happiness comes from within not from everything going on around you.

Yes, it's great having family and friends but, I don't like having them stuck to the side of me like they have velcro arms. If you don't have as many family or friends that you'd like, get a dog or a cat or both. I've got both along with family and friends, they make life complete. That feeling of completeness is what makes me happy.


These babies make me smile!

How to survive Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday is becoming the most dreaded Sunday of the year. Sorry to all you football fans out there but, not everyone in America or the world for that matter, finds the sport of football fascinating.

What the rest of the us see when, we see a football game, is a bunch of big grown men, [I mean, big, big, BIG... gargantuan] grown men, pretending how to count -- all the while scratching, grunting and patting each other on the butt after, they've smashed some other guy's face in the ground. I mean really... is it THAT fascinating!

Well, maybe it's fascinating for the scratch and grunt club but, the rest of us...uh-- NO!

These are the best 10 ways to survive SBS [Super Bowl Sunday]

1. If you're one of those ladies or gents who doesn't have the word N-O in your vocabulary, and you're having a get together for the game, get everything done first thing in the morning. Have all the chips, dips, chicken wings, beer, bug juice, fizzy stuff -- EVERYTHING done right after you get up then you won't have to worry about it later.

Once the game starts, that's YOUR time. Learn the word NO! Tell the arm-chair quarterbacks not to ask you for anything, or call your name. Remind them that they have two hands and they can get what ever else they need.

2. Assuming you have more than one television in the house -- rent 3 movies. Rent what YOU like [if you have kids and like kid's movies rent 2 for them and 1 for you. By the time the kids second movie is over it's their bedtime and you can enjoy the last movie in peace.

3. If you're an avid reader, no time like the present to pick up the book you've been putting off. Put some ear plugs in, settle back in your favorite recliner and jump into the authors mind.

4. Get together with a bunch of non-football friends and have a card party or a book club meeting or go to bingo.

5. Get out and go to a movie, time it just when the game comes on.

6. Do your hair or give yourself a facial or give yourself a manicure or pedicure [yeah, metro-sexual men do that too]

7. Check the T.V. listings to see if there's a Murder She Wrote, Law and Order, The Closer, etc... marathon showing on another channel.

8. If you're a Church goer, go to an evening service, afterward, go to a restaurant for a snack [sit as far away from the bar as you can...they'll have the game on]

9. If you have a hobby [knitting, painting, sculpting] do it.

10. Get on the computer and go to your favorite online journal or your own website and write about how to survive Super Bowl Sunday!

Understanding Black History Month

'T Was mercy brought me from my pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God--that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye-- 'Their color is a diabolic dye.' Remember, Christians, Negroes black as Cain May be refined, and join the angelic train. --Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley





Black History Month is not just about celebrating famous Black-Americans. This is a month, set aside, to educate Blacks about their own history. I've heard some non-Blacks ask, "why must there be a Black History Month?" The answer is quite simple, because conventional history texts have historically omitted Black facts.

When growing up, the only references made about Blacks in our high school history books, were about Blacks rioting in the streets during the civil rights movement and giving no explanation as to what the movement was truly about.

There were pictures littered through history texts of, Blacks living in tenements with broken-out windows, bald yards and ripped up couches on the balconies. Or not so charming shots of Blacks living in one room shanties with an out house in the back. Finally, someone had the fore-thought to say enough is enough, "this is not the whole truth of Black history" or being black.

Not many high school history text,[to my recollection] mentioned the educated and well rounded Black-Americans. Nor did they mention that some, who were slaves were geniuses, like Phillis Wheatley -- poet and writer. Others were either born free or freed like, Benjamin Banneker -- a self-taught intellectual or Edward Alexander Bouchet -- physicist, chemist, just to name a few.


Black youths need to know that there were people of their race who found that books and education were a positive aspect of life and not something that poisoned them.

Phillis Wheatley [my favorite historical figure] was captured from the Senegal-Gambia region of Africa when seven years old. When brought to America, she was sold to the Wheatley's. Within sixteen months, after arriving in America, Phillis had learned how to read and write English. She didn't stop there, she also, studied Latin and Greek and became the first Black-American poet. Read More

Benjamin Banneker, taught himself astronomy and was able to accurately predict a solar eclipse in 1789. Read More

Edward Alexander Bouchet was the first Black-American to graduate from Yale (1874).

Benjamin Bradley developed a steam engine for a warship in the 1840s.

David Crosthwait, Jr. held numerous patents relating to heat transfer, ventilation and air conditioning.

The literary world's pages are full of accomplished Black-Americans, not missing a dotted "i" or a crossed "t" to name a few [in no particular alphabetical or chronological order]: Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Zora Neale Hurston, Gwendolyn Brooks, the list goes on.

Not only does America's Black youth need to understand and embrace Black accomplishments but, the rest of the country does too. The only way is to learn of and learn from Black history. This is why we have Black History Month. Black accomplishments aren't just on the basketball court or the football field or in the recording studio. The world is and can be the Black-American's canvass and our brains are the palettes that create beauty and contributes to mankind's betterment.

Do You Know?

Who invented the traffic light? Yes the one you stop at or run through on the street. Did you say Garret Morgan?

Who invented an important part of the light bulb? Did you say Lewis Latimer [he created the carbon filament]

Who invented an oil dripping cup for trains? Did you say Elijah McCoy? [Other inventors tried to copy McCoy's oil-dripping cup. But none of the other cups worked as well as his, so customers started asking for "the real McCoy." That's where the expression comes from.]

Who invented the ironing board? Did you say Sarah Boone? Read More: list of Black inventors