Daddy,
If you were still here with us in the natural, I'd be calling you to wish you a happy birthday or showing up at your door bearing gifts to help you celebrate the 68th anniversary of your birth.
Daddy, I still miss you so much, I wish I could really make myself believe that you are still with me in the spirit. I have missed you everyday for the past 22 years--every day I realize that you are not here.
I tell my kids who you were daddy, in my life and in the lives of everyone who knew you. Of course, you had an opportunity to see and hug Ali and Gregory before you died. But I have four other kids you've never seen. Na'Imah, Na'Tifah, Curtiss, and Christopher.
My kids are brilliant beyond belief daddy. They are so smart and special just like you were.
I am proud to have been your daughter. I will never forget.
Happy Birthday daddy!
Vanessa
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
"Favor Ain't Fair: RKelly Acquitted On All 14-Counts"
Okay! Okay, I admit I was as wrong as two left shoes in my prediction of RKelly's eventual relocation into one of Illinois' state correctional facilities after the jury deliberated last Friday. It was bad enough that it was Friday the 13th--a day seen as bad luck, and I'd already pictured him in the obligatory orange jumpsuit with his hair braided, of course. I'd also pictured the eventual video that he would make after his release from prison in about June 2013. You could have bought me with a nickel when he was acquitted.
He would go on to hush all of his naysayers when on Friday, June 13, 2008, Robert Sylvester Kelly was acquitted on all charges of Child Pornography stemming from a video tape that was turned over to police in 2002, depicting a man and a girl having sex. The man was believed to be RKelly and the girl was believed to be an under-aged minor.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the acquittal was due to the facts. The facts are that the prosecution obviously forgot to bring their 6-year-old case with them to court. In this event, the defense team headed by Samuel Adam, Jr., proceeded to discredit and cast doubts about the credibility of every witness that testified for the prosecution and even with the authenticity of the video tape. It was a purely "Johnny Cochran-ish" style of defense. The kind that unbelievable acquittals are made of.
Well, I personally have always thought that this kid from Chicago's Southside had the "favor of God" on his life. He's had unbelievable success in the music business despite the fact that 'bitter water runs out of the same fountain as sweet water with him'.
Let me explain. I am a fan of "I Believe I Can Fly" and "The World's Greatest"-- two songs I absolutely adore that he wrote and were both popular crossover hits. His voice is melodic and classically trained. He sings in other languages, reads music and is talented beyond belief.
How then can he use these same gifts to sing about some of the most disrespectful subjects and have them blasted on the airwaves? He is a father with daughters. Some of his material goes way beyond the scope of decency and is totally "R" rated and "X"rated music that he's written from the same pen (so to speak)as the songs that children embrace. He refers to himself as the "Pied Piper"--a mythical character who played music and led a group of children to their demise. How ironic.
Well, RKelly, the world plans and God plans too. It was reported that after each acquittal was read you said, "Thank you, Jesus." They also reported that you cried. I admonish you to be aware that "not guilty" is not the same as "innocent."
When I was a little girl my daddy warned me that unless I was interested in becoming a Supreme Court Justice, that I needed to get out of the judging bizness.
I am not judging you, but I am suggesting that perhaps this episode in your life was so that you may be humbled. You could afford the justice you received. I am certain that you prayed for favor with the jury and the judge. It seems you received both. Remember my friend, "Favor ain't fair."
He would go on to hush all of his naysayers when on Friday, June 13, 2008, Robert Sylvester Kelly was acquitted on all charges of Child Pornography stemming from a video tape that was turned over to police in 2002, depicting a man and a girl having sex. The man was believed to be RKelly and the girl was believed to be an under-aged minor.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the acquittal was due to the facts. The facts are that the prosecution obviously forgot to bring their 6-year-old case with them to court. In this event, the defense team headed by Samuel Adam, Jr., proceeded to discredit and cast doubts about the credibility of every witness that testified for the prosecution and even with the authenticity of the video tape. It was a purely "Johnny Cochran-ish" style of defense. The kind that unbelievable acquittals are made of.
Well, I personally have always thought that this kid from Chicago's Southside had the "favor of God" on his life. He's had unbelievable success in the music business despite the fact that 'bitter water runs out of the same fountain as sweet water with him'.
Let me explain. I am a fan of "I Believe I Can Fly" and "The World's Greatest"-- two songs I absolutely adore that he wrote and were both popular crossover hits. His voice is melodic and classically trained. He sings in other languages, reads music and is talented beyond belief.
How then can he use these same gifts to sing about some of the most disrespectful subjects and have them blasted on the airwaves? He is a father with daughters. Some of his material goes way beyond the scope of decency and is totally "R" rated and "X"rated music that he's written from the same pen (so to speak)as the songs that children embrace. He refers to himself as the "Pied Piper"--a mythical character who played music and led a group of children to their demise. How ironic.
Well, RKelly, the world plans and God plans too. It was reported that after each acquittal was read you said, "Thank you, Jesus." They also reported that you cried. I admonish you to be aware that "not guilty" is not the same as "innocent."
When I was a little girl my daddy warned me that unless I was interested in becoming a Supreme Court Justice, that I needed to get out of the judging bizness.
I am not judging you, but I am suggesting that perhaps this episode in your life was so that you may be humbled. You could afford the justice you received. I am certain that you prayed for favor with the jury and the judge. It seems you received both. Remember my friend, "Favor ain't fair."
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Does RKelly Really Believe he Can Fly?
Closing arguments are set to begin on Thursday, June 12, 2008 in the RKelly Child Pornography trial. On this past Tuesday, the prosecution and the defense both rested their case. RKelly explained to the judge his decision not to testify. This would be the only statement he would make throughout the entire 6-week trial.
The case is very simple (in case you've been hiding under a rock and are clueless to what this is all about). Robert Sylvester Kelly is accused of having videotaped himself having sex with and urinating on an underage girl of about age 13 years approximately 10 years ago.
Kelly and the alleged victim maintain that it is not they who are the stars of this production. The prosecution brought forth witnesses (friends,schoolmates and family of the young lady and former business associates and lovers of Kelly's) who testified that it is without a shadow of a doubt RKelly and the young lady that are depicted in the raunchy 27 minute video-tape that has been shown to the court observers and jurors.
Kelly has been charged in 14-counts of child pornography and each count carries a 4-15 year sentence. RKelly only needs to be found guilty of one count in order to be sent to prison.
Many people in Chicago believe that RKelly is guilty but will not serve any time in prison because he is RKelly. Some of the testimony in the case was extremely damaging, especially from former lovers who testified that RKelly frequently video taped sex acts between him and other ladies.
If RKelly really believes he can fly, then he needs to spread his wings and fly right out of that courtroom, because from my window on the second floor--his situation looks bleak.
The case is very simple (in case you've been hiding under a rock and are clueless to what this is all about). Robert Sylvester Kelly is accused of having videotaped himself having sex with and urinating on an underage girl of about age 13 years approximately 10 years ago.
Kelly and the alleged victim maintain that it is not they who are the stars of this production. The prosecution brought forth witnesses (friends,schoolmates and family of the young lady and former business associates and lovers of Kelly's) who testified that it is without a shadow of a doubt RKelly and the young lady that are depicted in the raunchy 27 minute video-tape that has been shown to the court observers and jurors.
Kelly has been charged in 14-counts of child pornography and each count carries a 4-15 year sentence. RKelly only needs to be found guilty of one count in order to be sent to prison.
Many people in Chicago believe that RKelly is guilty but will not serve any time in prison because he is RKelly. Some of the testimony in the case was extremely damaging, especially from former lovers who testified that RKelly frequently video taped sex acts between him and other ladies.
If RKelly really believes he can fly, then he needs to spread his wings and fly right out of that courtroom, because from my window on the second floor--his situation looks bleak.
Clinton Backs Obama for Democratic Nomination for President
Saturday, June 7, 2008 will go down in history as the day that Hillary said 'Uncle'--'Uncle Barack', that is.
After a long, hard, and often confrontational campaign for the presidential nomination of the Democratic party, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton conceded her losses and vowed to back Senator Barack Obama's campaign to the White House. According to published news reports, Senator Clinton issued the following statement to a crowd of her supporters in Washington DC, a few days after Sen. Obama secured more than enough of the delegates needed for the Democratic Nomination;
"I endorse him (Sen.Obama)and throw my full support behind him." She followed by requesting that all of her supporters should use their energy, passion and strength to help put Senator Barack Obama in the White House. About 18 million people voted for Hillary Clinton. She will go down in history as the first woman to come this close to capturing a nomination.
Now Barack Obama is on the hunt for a formidable vice-presidential running mate...
After a long, hard, and often confrontational campaign for the presidential nomination of the Democratic party, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton conceded her losses and vowed to back Senator Barack Obama's campaign to the White House. According to published news reports, Senator Clinton issued the following statement to a crowd of her supporters in Washington DC, a few days after Sen. Obama secured more than enough of the delegates needed for the Democratic Nomination;
"I endorse him (Sen.Obama)and throw my full support behind him." She followed by requesting that all of her supporters should use their energy, passion and strength to help put Senator Barack Obama in the White House. About 18 million people voted for Hillary Clinton. She will go down in history as the first woman to come this close to capturing a nomination.
Now Barack Obama is on the hunt for a formidable vice-presidential running mate...
Forbes Magazine Names Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Wood Most Powerful Celebrities
Atta girl, Oprah! Atta boy Tiger!
Today Forbes Magazine released the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrity List and who tops the list but my girl, "O" and my boy, "Tiger" for the 2nd year in a row!
It seems that money earning power wasn't the only thing taken into account, according to Matthew Miller of Forbes Magazine.
The pair were also crowned king and queen of the list because of their high profile internet presence, large number of press clippings, magazine covers, and mentions on tv and radio. In 2007 Oprah earned a mere $275 million and Woods a paltry $115 million.
Also named in the top ten were newlyweds, Beyonce Knowles and her hubby,rap mogul and entrepreneur, Shawn Carter aka JayZ. Knowles earned only $80 million in 2007 and Carter $82 million (it's obvious they didn't marry for money).
The 2008 Most Powerful Celebrity list contained 20 film actors, 20 athletes, 10 musicians, 10 talk show hosts, 10 tv actors,5 director/producers, 5 celebrity personalites, 4 authors, 4 hip-hop impesarios, 4 chefs and 3 fashion models.
For the complete list visit www.forbes.com/celebrities
Today Forbes Magazine released the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrity List and who tops the list but my girl, "O" and my boy, "Tiger" for the 2nd year in a row!
It seems that money earning power wasn't the only thing taken into account, according to Matthew Miller of Forbes Magazine.
The pair were also crowned king and queen of the list because of their high profile internet presence, large number of press clippings, magazine covers, and mentions on tv and radio. In 2007 Oprah earned a mere $275 million and Woods a paltry $115 million.
Also named in the top ten were newlyweds, Beyonce Knowles and her hubby,rap mogul and entrepreneur, Shawn Carter aka JayZ. Knowles earned only $80 million in 2007 and Carter $82 million (it's obvious they didn't marry for money).
The 2008 Most Powerful Celebrity list contained 20 film actors, 20 athletes, 10 musicians, 10 talk show hosts, 10 tv actors,5 director/producers, 5 celebrity personalites, 4 authors, 4 hip-hop impesarios, 4 chefs and 3 fashion models.
For the complete list visit www.forbes.com/celebrities
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hooray For America!
Hip Hip Hooray!
Today I am proud to be an American. Since I'm not Michelle Obama I can say that with relative certatinty that it won't come back to bite me in the butt.
I am so proud that a combination of Americans agreed that change was necessary and Barack Obama is now poised to win the Democratic nomination as the candidate for President of the U.S.
Who knew? We did!And in our lifetime even!
To God be the Glory!
The Churchlady
Today I am proud to be an American. Since I'm not Michelle Obama I can say that with relative certatinty that it won't come back to bite me in the butt.
I am so proud that a combination of Americans agreed that change was necessary and Barack Obama is now poised to win the Democratic nomination as the candidate for President of the U.S.
Who knew? We did!And in our lifetime even!
To God be the Glory!
The Churchlady
Friday, May 23, 2008
Obama Very Close to Democratic Bid
Senator Barack Obama has emerged as the clear leader in the Democratic race for the nomination and the strongest candidate to beat Republican Senator John McCain in November at the polls.
Obama was predicted to be within 60 of the 2026 delegates when the polls closed in Kentucky and Oregon on Tuesday evening. He currently has 1956 delegates including super-delegates, and Clinton currently has only 1776 delegates and super-delegates, according to the latest tally published by AP.
Undaunted by the results that had Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton winning Kentucky and choosing to instead focus on his victory in Oregon’s polling results, Senator Barack Obama returned to Iowa—the state where he began his string of victories and held a rally in Des Moines, Iowa to celebrate the results thus far. His campaign office issued the following excerpts of his Tuesday night victory speech.
“"Tonight, in the fullness of spring, with the help of those who stood up from Portland to Louisville, we have returned to Iowa with a majority of delegates elected by the American people and you have put us within reach of the Democratic nomination for president of the United States of America, The polls are closed in Kentucky and votes are being counted in Oregon, and it's clear that tonight we have reached a major milestone on this journey.”
“We have won an absolute majority of all the delegates chosen by the people in this Democratic primary process.
From the beginning, this journey wasn't about me or the other candidates. It was about a simple choice -- will we continue down the same road with the same leadership that has failed us for so long, or will we take a different path?
Too many of us have been disappointed by politics and politicians more times than you can count. We've seen promises broken and good ideas drowned in a sea of influence, point-scoring, and petty bickering that has consumed Washington. Yet, in spite of all the doubt and disappointment -- or perhaps because of it -- people have stood for change.”
“Unfortunately, our opponents in the other party continue to embrace yesterday's policies and they will continue to employ yesterday's tactics -- they will try to change the subject, and they will play on fears and divisions to distract us from what matters to you and your future. But those tactics will not work in this election.
They won't work because you won't let them.
Not this time. Not this year.
We still have work to do to in the remaining states, where we will compete for every delegate available.
But tonight, I want to thank you for everything you have done to take us this far -- farther than anyone predicted, expected, or even believed possible.
And I want to remind you that you will make all the difference in the epic challenge ahead.”
Senator Barack Obama has emerged as the clear leader in the Democratic race for the nomination and the strongest candidate to beat Republican Senator John McCain in November at the polls.
Obama was predicted to be within 60 of the 2026 delegates when the polls closed in Kentucky and Oregon on Tuesday evening. He currently has 1956 delegates including super-delegates, and Clinton currently has only 1776 delegates and super-delegates, according to the latest tally published by AP.
Undaunted by the results that had Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton winning Kentucky and choosing to instead focus on his victory in Oregon’s polling results, Senator Barack Obama returned to Iowa—the state where he began his string of victories and held a rally in Des Moines, Iowa to celebrate the results thus far. His campaign office issued the following excerpts of his Tuesday night victory speech.
“"Tonight, in the fullness of spring, with the help of those who stood up from Portland to Louisville, we have returned to Iowa with a majority of delegates elected by the American people and you have put us within reach of the Democratic nomination for president of the United States of America, The polls are closed in Kentucky and votes are being counted in Oregon, and it's clear that tonight we have reached a major milestone on this journey.”
“We have won an absolute majority of all the delegates chosen by the people in this Democratic primary process.
From the beginning, this journey wasn't about me or the other candidates. It was about a simple choice -- will we continue down the same road with the same leadership that has failed us for so long, or will we take a different path?
Too many of us have been disappointed by politics and politicians more times than you can count. We've seen promises broken and good ideas drowned in a sea of influence, point-scoring, and petty bickering that has consumed Washington. Yet, in spite of all the doubt and disappointment -- or perhaps because of it -- people have stood for change.”
“Unfortunately, our opponents in the other party continue to embrace yesterday's policies and they will continue to employ yesterday's tactics -- they will try to change the subject, and they will play on fears and divisions to distract us from what matters to you and your future. But those tactics will not work in this election.
They won't work because you won't let them.
Not this time. Not this year.
We still have work to do to in the remaining states, where we will compete for every delegate available.
But tonight, I want to thank you for everything you have done to take us this far -- farther than anyone predicted, expected, or even believed possible.
And I want to remind you that you will make all the difference in the epic challenge ahead.”
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