OPRAH and her 2 cents on the Chris vs. Rihanna controversy

For the record... I am NOT trying to jump on the band wagon and start talking about celebrity gossip. BUT! Domestic violence is a major issue. I have decided to not take sides with the whole Chris Brown and Rhianna situation for the fact that the facts that have been leaked are muddled, I was not there, nor do I know the dynamics of their relationship, and they both had squeaky clean reputations up until this occurred, so until more concrete facts from BOTH sides are released, I remain neutral. Besides... who am I to judge anyways, and what about all of the other women that fall victim to domestic violence? Statistics show that 1 out of every 3 women fall victim to domestic violence in relationships. WOW! Oprah has voiced her opinion and has taken a firm stand about this issue, and it has created enough buzz for me to give my 2 cents, so here goes:

Domestic violence is not ok... period! My mom always told us to live by the golden rule: "Treat others the way that you would want to be treated!" This is not only a household rule, but a playground rule, a sportsman rule, and just plain common courtesy for your fellow man (or woman for that matter.) With that being said, I do NOT condone people hitting one another out of anger. Whether it be man vs man, man vs woman, woman vs man, man vs animal, whatever! It honestly goes both ways. Yes... we all know that men are traditionally physically stronger than women, regardless of how many bras we burn or whatever the case may be. With that being said, men honestly have no business hitting women period! Now... this does not give WOMEN any right to put her hands on a man. Men produce greater amounts of testosterone than women, which is said to be linked with aggression and uncontrollable anger depending on the levels. With that being said, it must take every sane bone in a mans body to not hit a woman if she puts her hands on him. I give men credit that have to put up with the behavior of an unruly woman. I see how men get when they are about to fight one another or when they are about to get into a confrontation. It's not pretty. On the flip side, I know that some men like to cut women down and beat their women for whatever reason. Now that's just plain WEAK SAUCE, and that's all I have to say about that.

Now, back to Chris and Rhianna... I hope that this was just an isolated incident, and that this was the first and the last time that this happens. I know some sources say that Chris is abusive and that he came from an abusive background, and blah blah blah, but its all speculation and here say. I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he is no IKE and she is no TINA. I say this because a lot of people close to the couple are trying to help them work things out, and by people I mean P Diddy, parents, close friends, ect. If he was abusive in the past to her, I doubt any of those people, especially those with a reputation that their career is dependant upon, would jeopardize their reputation to try to help Chris and Rhianna reconcile their differences and make amends. But then again I could be wrong. So, there you have it. I know I gave you my 10 cents instead of two, but its all good. Keep the change ;)

Check out what OPRAH had to say:



OPRAH and TYRA tag-team:



CNN wraps it up and MORE:

Excessive Sweating 101

Ok... A number of people sweat a lot. As uncomfortable as it may be for most people, it is actually a normal function that your body uses to cool itself off. Studies haven't really drawn up any concrete figures as to what is a normal or abnormal amount of sweat to secrete in a given amount of time, but there are ways to control hyperhidrosis:

• Zinc - This mineral is great! I'm sure you have seen it in some OTC cold and flu remedies, but it is also great for your skin. Zinc is often used to treat other skin maladies because it does a great job of keeping the moisture levels of your skin balanced. Your body loses zinc when you sweat, so if you are constantly sweating it may be a good idea to take a supplement of 30 - 50 mgs, a day (this may be a high supplemental dosage for some people, so consult with a physician before taking this much!) Another option is to load up your diet with some foods that are naturally high in zinc. Grab these foods at your next visit to the grocery store: beef, shellfish, parmesan cheese, pecans, fish, eggs, pumpkin seeds, and pine nuts.
• Magnesium - Magnesium helps to maintain your nervous system, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Excessive perspiration may occur when these levels are not in line. Eat those leafy greens, black beans, and drink some soy to get more magnesium in your diet! (For more info...)
• Vitamin B Complex - My fav! This stuff is great because it aids it healthy cellular development and maintain proper metabolic functions. Also, physical and psychological stress can cause perspiraation as well, and Vitamin B can definitely help your body regulate itself properly. Oatmeal, whole grains, chicken, and bananas have lots of B vitamins, so get your grub on! (This vitamin makes you feel like you are a well oiled machine! It's great!)
• Botulinum Toxin - That's right! There is a specific type of Botox treatment that can be used to stop sweating. Not my favorite... so let's move on to the next one!
• Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate - Sounds complicated. I think it is... but you find it in some OTC antiperspirants. This is ideal for people with mild cases
• Baking Soda - Naturally soaks up moisture and may stop you from having drenched clothes, but it may not be able to mask odor, so if you are going to try to make up your own antiperspirant, you may want to consider using fragrant oils as well unless you LOVE the smell of your own BRAND. ;)
  

Year of the Gentleman!!!

When I think of Ne-Yo, I think of class, swag, sophistication, and talent. This Grammy winning singer-songwriter has swooned into the heart of millions with the release of his third album "The Year of the Gentleman." The title came from his love and interest in the Rat Pack. He tries to model the way he dresses and carries himself to that of these sensational icons, and with that he dedicated this album to these gentlemen that he has always looked up to. Ne-Yo expresses his disapproval of the sloppiness of todays current R&B artists, and hopes to show his respect for the game by presenting himself as a dignified artist.

"Years ago, if you weren't wearing the right suit or have a correct crease in your pants, you couldn't even get in the door--let alone on stage to perform." -- Ne-Yo

"For me, the sharpness of Sammy and Sinatra is the kind of style I strive for in clothes and music. Year of the Gentleman is named in honor of those guys." -- Ne-Yo

Although he looks up to these late greats, he has made quite a name for himself in the business as well. His own career as a singer has blossomed since his debut album in 2006, but he has written songs for a number of well known artists in the game, including Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and even the Grammy nominated song "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce.

His hit song Miss Independent has been a huge hit! Check out the video, and then check out what he has to say about us crazy women. He's trying to find that one woman that can stand on her own two feet with or without a man. I personally think me and Ne-Yo are soul mates. :)


Miss Independent:


Who he wants, and why he wants her to be INDEPENDENT!

A Black Bank That Needs No Bailout: OneUnited Bank

OneUnited Bank became the largest Black-owned bank in the country and the first Black-owned internet bank. What makes this bank so unique is that they promote affordable financial programs for their consumers and aim to promote urban development by proving loans for business, churches, and low-income families. Their initial goal was to take the $700 million black spending power and re-channel it into the communities to support community development. Their reputation supercedes their good deeds thus far in terms of their record earnings, and the strength of their assets. OneUnited Bank is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, and they have consecutively recieved the highest accolade from the United States Department of Treasurey for the past 2 years for their community development lending.

How can you help OneUnited make?

Visit their website and check out their different banking options. Although there may not be a branch near you, they do have internet banking solutions as well as mail options to help complete banking transactions. Each deposit, big or small, help to makes it possible for this bank to help build our communities through various loans. They may even be able to help you in the future with your patronage. Look into it, and support something positive!

Pro-Athlete Quality Skin Care With A MISSION

What a daunting task it must be for pro-athletes to maintain their bodies. The countless hours that these superstars spend conditioning, practicing, and dieting to keep themselves in top form are essential to keep them on top of their game. On top of all of this, they must always put their best face forward when addressing their fans and mingling with the media. Sometimes minutes after their victories, they are in the public eye and are at the mercy of cameras and news crews.

So what products are these pros using to keep up with their health and beauty!?

A lab and some athletes came together and developed a line of much needed products that are specially formulated for the health and beauty needs of career athletes. MISSION Skin Care has an array of products including: water/sweat resistant sun screen sticks, weather resistant lip balms, after-sun skin relief, anti-friction cream for skin and equipment contact areas, and a foot recovery gel that relieves pain, reduces swelling, and improves circulation post-activity.

Carmelo Anthony uses the Anti-Friction Cream to prevent getting blisters on his feet!!! Check out the other pros that keep a stash of products on deck!

Although these products are made for pro's, they are fairly priced, and that's not even the BEST PART!

MISSION gives back to the community! This company helps to showcase the charitable groups that are endorsed by many of their athletes and other noteable organizations, plus they also give the H2O Africa Foundation that aids in the fight against the Africa clean water crisis. Check it out!

Pay It Forward...

What a difference a random act of kindness can make in someones day! I know that it is easy to do things for people that we know, but what about for people that we don't know? As the uncertainty of the economy looms and dooms on, we need to remember that in order for us to make it through these tough times, we need to be helping one another rather than hurting each other. Therefore, I challenge everyone, for the sake of spreading peace and goodwill, to participate in one random act of kindness daily. Be creative! There may be a day when someone in need may ask you for help, or an opportunity may arise when you can actually help someone out or simply brighten someone random persons day with one simple act of kindness. I have witnessed a number of people go out of their way for someone else in various capacities, and I think that it's great! Keep it going people! Share your stories! Pay it forward! Here is what I have seen so far:

1. A lady had her dog with her, and wanted to order a drink at Starbucks, but the pooch couldn't come inside for health reasons. She was not willing to put the dog into the car while she ordered and waited for her beverage, so a customer offered to watch her dog outside until her order was finished! Random... yet much appreciated!

2. I was in a drive-thru one day, when there was a big SUV in front of me that must have ordered 5 of everything on the left side of the menu. I was in no hurry, but it was taking a very long time to get through the line. After I ordered my food and finally made it to the window to pay, the woman handed me my bag and told me to have a good night. I reminded her that I hadn't paid yet, and she told me not to worry. The lady felt bad for holding me up, so she paid for my food! How nice of her!

3. I heard on the news this weekend that a Miami banker gave out $60 million to his employees after he raked in the profits from the sale of his bank! Instead of basking in his newly claimed fortunes, he decided to distribute the money to all employees and about 72 others who were no longer with the bank as a way of saying thank you for all of their hard work and determination. When asked why he did it, he simply stated "I sure as heck don't need the money!" WOW!

Check out the article!

"Diva" Creates All-Natural Chemical-Free Relaxer!?

Dominette "Diva" Yasin has created an all natural, chemical-free, miracle elixer for those of us that have those insufferable "nappy-roots." But, that isn't even the best thing about this Diva. She runs her own hair salon in Virgina that she has had open for less than a year. Not so easy was her path in life. She is the mother of 9 kids, and was a victim of the ghetto, welfare, and a troubled and tumultuous past, and saw that her only way out was to better herself through education and perseverance. On top of her education achievements, she later created an all natural product called Diva Smooth that allows you to go without chemically straightening your hair for up to 4 weeks! WHOA! She gives detailed and specific instructions as to how to use her product based on your hair care goals and hair type. This product is said to reduce breakage and heat damage, and promote healthy and natural hair growth! Check it out, and see for yourself!

Oh yes, and did I mention that this head-strong sista also has a good head on her shoulders!? Every Monday she has a program at her salon called "Diva's Healing Hearts Through Hair," where she helps the less fortunate, namely the homeless, get hair cuts and have their hair done at no charge. She helps people feel good about themselves despite their current condition. Diva knows what it was like to be on the bottom and fight to advance in life, so she dedicates time out of her week to give back to her community, and help better the spirit of those that seem to have lost hope. Thank you DIVA for helping those in need feel good about themselves, and for giving back to your community!

~Diva Smooth~