Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: You Don't Know NeNe Leakes- Exclusive Interview!
Curly Nikki Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: You Don't Know NeNe Leakes- Exclusive Interview!: Arguably one of the most popular of all of the Real Housewives, this diva needs no introduction, honey. With her no nonsense attitude and ...
Thursday, October 27, 2011
"When I See People With Nappy Hair I Think They're Lower Class"
I came across this clip from the Tyra Banks show that I saw while back and, I just wanted to share with those who have not seen it already. It is sad and heart breaking to hear these little girls dislike for their physical beauty and their race. We must change the way young girls perceive themselves for the better.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Why Are So Many Young People Still Living At Home With Their Parents?
Homesick Kids and Helicopter Parents: Are Today's Young Adults Too Emotionally Dependent on Parents?
A Back to School Discussion Paper prepared for the Council on Contemporary Families
By Susan Matt, Presidential Distinguished Professor of History and Chair of the History Department, Weber State University
September 12, 2011
As colleges across the country begin the new school year, we hear a chorus of warnings about a generation of young adults unable or unwilling to "leave the nest." Phrases are bandied about: "Failure to launch"; "the Peter Pan syndrome"; "boomerang kids" who can't seem to leave home and establish an independent life. Undergirding these warnings is a fear that the younger generation is growing soft, losing the pioneer independence and rugged individualism that once built this nation.
But a glance at the past suggests it may not be the behavior of youths that has changed so much as the response by adults. Only over the past 90 years did American culture come to define young adults' continued reliance on parental guidance and their longing to return home as a sign of psychological maladjustment.
These days, in an effort to help students develop more individual self-reliance, some colleges have developed "Parting Ceremonies," designed to establish a decisive separation from their parents. At Morehouse College, the ceremony ends with the incoming freshmen marching through the campus gates, which then swing closed, shutting all parents outside. Other educational institutions have created formal "hit the road" departure rituals designed to hustle parents off campus and encourage students to start organizing their own lives. College counseling centers advise students to limit the time they spend thinking of home or talking with family and to combat unproductive feelings of homesickness by getting involved in new activities and making new friends.
Yet to the consternation of many, it is hard to break young people of their desire to "call home"-or actually return there. A recent study found that college students at Middlebury and University of Michigan were in touch with their parents an average of 13 times each week. One New York Times columnist lamented that this "alarmingly frequent" contact "significantly reduces independence." Others have described the cell phone as "the world's longest umbilical cord," inhibiting the ability of young people to stand on their own two feet.
According to social media expert Sherry Turkle, Director of MIT's Initiative on Technology and Self, many young people today grow up "with the idea that they don't have to separate from their parents," a process that 20th century psychologists saw as an essential part of maturation. "Something has become the norm that was [once] considered pathological."
A look back at the history of homesickness, however, suggests that earlier generations had just as difficult a time leaving home as do modern Americans. But in the nineteenth century, homesickness was not seen as a symptom of poor adjustment or psychological imbalance. It was considered a serious medical condition that might strike any person who was separated from home and family. According to physicians of the era, symptoms of acute homesickness, then called nostalgia, included loss of appetite, "mental dejection," "irregular action of the bowels," hysterical weeping, "throbbing of the temporal arteries," "incontinence," "cerebral derangement," and sometimes even death. Since love of home and mother were considered signs of a virtuous character, no shame was attached to being diagnosed with this potentially fatal condition. The only known cure was to send the sufferer home.
Of course, this was not always possible. For example, soldiers who went off to war could not be sent home when they came down with a bout of nostalgia. So military officials often prohibited army bands from playing "Home, Sweet Home," for fear it might touch off an epidemic of homesickness in the ranks. Despite such precautions, during the Civil War doctors diagnosed 5000 Union soldiers with serious clinical cases of nostalgia, and determined that 74 men had died from it.
Perhaps it is true that many young Americans today are too dependent on their parents. But a look back at the history of homesickness suggests that, long before e-mail and the cell phone, earlier generations also had a hard time leaving home and parents behind. Then, however, instead of blaming parents for not sufficiently preparing their children for independence, traditional American culture encouraged such interdependence between the generations.
For more information, contact Susan Matt, Presidential Distinguished Professor of History and Chair, History Department, Weber State University, 801-626-7325, smatt@weber.edu , author, Homesickness: An American History (Oxford University Press, September 2011)
A Back to School Discussion Paper prepared for the Council on Contemporary Families
By Susan Matt, Presidential Distinguished Professor of History and Chair of the History Department, Weber State University
September 12, 2011
As colleges across the country begin the new school year, we hear a chorus of warnings about a generation of young adults unable or unwilling to "leave the nest." Phrases are bandied about: "Failure to launch"; "the Peter Pan syndrome"; "boomerang kids" who can't seem to leave home and establish an independent life. Undergirding these warnings is a fear that the younger generation is growing soft, losing the pioneer independence and rugged individualism that once built this nation.
But a glance at the past suggests it may not be the behavior of youths that has changed so much as the response by adults. Only over the past 90 years did American culture come to define young adults' continued reliance on parental guidance and their longing to return home as a sign of psychological maladjustment.
These days, in an effort to help students develop more individual self-reliance, some colleges have developed "Parting Ceremonies," designed to establish a decisive separation from their parents. At Morehouse College, the ceremony ends with the incoming freshmen marching through the campus gates, which then swing closed, shutting all parents outside. Other educational institutions have created formal "hit the road" departure rituals designed to hustle parents off campus and encourage students to start organizing their own lives. College counseling centers advise students to limit the time they spend thinking of home or talking with family and to combat unproductive feelings of homesickness by getting involved in new activities and making new friends.
Yet to the consternation of many, it is hard to break young people of their desire to "call home"-or actually return there. A recent study found that college students at Middlebury and University of Michigan were in touch with their parents an average of 13 times each week. One New York Times columnist lamented that this "alarmingly frequent" contact "significantly reduces independence." Others have described the cell phone as "the world's longest umbilical cord," inhibiting the ability of young people to stand on their own two feet.
According to social media expert Sherry Turkle, Director of MIT's Initiative on Technology and Self, many young people today grow up "with the idea that they don't have to separate from their parents," a process that 20th century psychologists saw as an essential part of maturation. "Something has become the norm that was [once] considered pathological."
A look back at the history of homesickness, however, suggests that earlier generations had just as difficult a time leaving home as do modern Americans. But in the nineteenth century, homesickness was not seen as a symptom of poor adjustment or psychological imbalance. It was considered a serious medical condition that might strike any person who was separated from home and family. According to physicians of the era, symptoms of acute homesickness, then called nostalgia, included loss of appetite, "mental dejection," "irregular action of the bowels," hysterical weeping, "throbbing of the temporal arteries," "incontinence," "cerebral derangement," and sometimes even death. Since love of home and mother were considered signs of a virtuous character, no shame was attached to being diagnosed with this potentially fatal condition. The only known cure was to send the sufferer home.
Of course, this was not always possible. For example, soldiers who went off to war could not be sent home when they came down with a bout of nostalgia. So military officials often prohibited army bands from playing "Home, Sweet Home," for fear it might touch off an epidemic of homesickness in the ranks. Despite such precautions, during the Civil War doctors diagnosed 5000 Union soldiers with serious clinical cases of nostalgia, and determined that 74 men had died from it.
Perhaps it is true that many young Americans today are too dependent on their parents. But a look back at the history of homesickness suggests that, long before e-mail and the cell phone, earlier generations also had a hard time leaving home and parents behind. Then, however, instead of blaming parents for not sufficiently preparing their children for independence, traditional American culture encouraged such interdependence between the generations.
For more information, contact Susan Matt, Presidential Distinguished Professor of History and Chair, History Department, Weber State University, 801-626-7325, smatt@weber.edu , author, Homesickness: An American History (Oxford University Press, September 2011)
Friday, September 16, 2011
NaturallyCurly Pool Party Summer 2011
I went to the Naturally Curly Pool party 2011 with my niece this summer. Can you find me?
Monday, September 12, 2011
"I'm A African"
Don't even think about correcting my grammar, I said it right the first time.
I went to see a show titled The Rap Guide to Evolution by Baba Brinkman. Through the lyrics of "I'm a African" by rap group Dead Prez, Baba reminds us that we are all brothers and sisters.
Here is the original song by Dead Prez:
This show is funny, insightful and thought provoking. I was extremely impressed by Baba's way of teaching through rap, who knew that you could learn so much through this genre of music. I wish Professors would use this method of teaching through the art of rap music, I bet the # of successful people would increase in volumes.
If you are in the New York City area go check out the show you won't regret it.
I went to see a show titled The Rap Guide to Evolution by Baba Brinkman. Through the lyrics of "I'm a African" by rap group Dead Prez, Baba reminds us that we are all brothers and sisters.
Here is the original song by Dead Prez:
Baba Brinkman's version of I'm A African:
Some of the topics discussed throughout the show range from teenage pregnancy, homosexuality, the inequalities in wealth fortune as well as evolution. This show is funny, insightful and thought provoking. I was extremely impressed by Baba's way of teaching through rap, who knew that you could learn so much through this genre of music. I wish Professors would use this method of teaching through the art of rap music, I bet the # of successful people would increase in volumes.
If you are in the New York City area go check out the show you won't regret it.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Homie's 25th Birthday Celebration!
We went out to celebrate the homie's 25th birthday and had a splendid time.
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| Cake by TamAshcakes |
Good times with beautiful ladies:
Good times like this shouldn't happen only on birthdays!
A little White girl's desire to be "brown" like Beyonce
Curly Nikki Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Standard of Beauty Double Standard?: By: Dr. Phoenyx Austin
This is a great topic that was posted onto Curly Nikki's website that sparked a HUGE debate. The clip showcased a little White girl who expressed her desire of wanting to have brown skin like Beyonce. Is it a double standard? Yes, because if it was a little Black girl expressing the desire wanting to be White, people in the Black community would definitely be upset.
However, many people found this particular instance to be "cute" because the idea of a little White girl wanting to be Black is uncommon and unheard of. Many were delighted because for so many years the shoe has been on the other foot; little Black girls dealing with this complex by wanting to look more like White girls.
What people need to remember is the time frames in which we grew up, in comparison to the times that this little girl is growing up, things are a little different now. For us, all of the standards of beauty that were broadcasted all over the television and in the magazines embodied and gave praise to the features of a White person which, automatically equated to beauty.
Back then, the display of a Black woman never really had the same effect in terms of beauty because, a Black woman was most likely displayed in a negative light throughout the media. In addition, finding a decent Black doll was like searching for a needle in a haystack. These days there are more Black women displayed on the television in a more positive light, and a decent black doll is easier to find.
It is refreshing to finally see another race embracing the beauty of the Black race. I say kudos to her mother for not trying to dissuade her daughter from liking what she likes, just as long as the little girl does not grow up hating herself or her race, I do not see anything wrong with this.
This is a great topic that was posted onto Curly Nikki's website that sparked a HUGE debate. The clip showcased a little White girl who expressed her desire of wanting to have brown skin like Beyonce. Is it a double standard? Yes, because if it was a little Black girl expressing the desire wanting to be White, people in the Black community would definitely be upset.
However, many people found this particular instance to be "cute" because the idea of a little White girl wanting to be Black is uncommon and unheard of. Many were delighted because for so many years the shoe has been on the other foot; little Black girls dealing with this complex by wanting to look more like White girls.
What people need to remember is the time frames in which we grew up, in comparison to the times that this little girl is growing up, things are a little different now. For us, all of the standards of beauty that were broadcasted all over the television and in the magazines embodied and gave praise to the features of a White person which, automatically equated to beauty.
Back then, the display of a Black woman never really had the same effect in terms of beauty because, a Black woman was most likely displayed in a negative light throughout the media. In addition, finding a decent Black doll was like searching for a needle in a haystack. These days there are more Black women displayed on the television in a more positive light, and a decent black doll is easier to find.
It is refreshing to finally see another race embracing the beauty of the Black race. I say kudos to her mother for not trying to dissuade her daughter from liking what she likes, just as long as the little girl does not grow up hating herself or her race, I do not see anything wrong with this.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Beware of those Con Artists wrap it up ladies!
Con artist is what my mother calls them, the guys who trick you, make you believe that they are so into you you and only you, when really their intentions are just to add another notch under their belts.
To many people are suffering from HIV/Aids or STD's, there are these con artist out there who do not care about anyone but themselves, and they are infecting people.
Don't get me wrong there are some good guys out there who are committed to their girls but please try your best to be careful ladies. Respect your body and yourself, no one loves you more than you love yourself no matter what he tells you, please think of yourself and make sure you or your partner is wearing a condom.
Thanks to Marsha for putting this important message in her video because this is a beautiful song and its definitely some baby making music.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
She's Got You Stoned
The homie Cheralyn Nemard has launched her own jewelry line she has a very creative mind which inspired her to create many beautiful pieces. Check her line out at She's Got You Stoned. I am proud of you chica keep doing your thing.
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| The earrings I am wearing are called The Come Back they can be purchased online at She's Got You Stoned |
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| Tell her I sent you *Muah* |
I Have Good Hair Days Sometimes...
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| Twistout |
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| Flat ironed hair on a date night! |
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| Braidout on roller set hair |
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| Swept to the side on roller set hair |
Monday, August 8, 2011
God, please let there be no humidity today...
Everyday I pray and hope that the weather would be different. My hair has been extremely uncooperative for most of summer 2011, I can literally count on one hand the good hair days I've had so far this summer...no bueno.
Since the humidity frizzes up my hair, if I leave it out I end up looking like a black cotton ball, so I've been forced to wear my hair in protective styles for this beautiful season. If it wasn't my two milk maid braids Tracee Ellis Ross inspired, then it was a slicked back low bun. I recently put an end to the buns because it started breaking the middle part of my hair.I tried the wash n'go thing but I HATE the shrinkage that my hair gets at the end of the day and detangling after a wash n'go in my hair is HELL.
Since the humidity frizzes up my hair, if I leave it out I end up looking like a black cotton ball, so I've been forced to wear my hair in protective styles for this beautiful season. If it wasn't my two milk maid braids Tracee Ellis Ross inspired, then it was a slicked back low bun. I recently put an end to the buns because it started breaking the middle part of my hair.I tried the wash n'go thing but I HATE the shrinkage that my hair gets at the end of the day and detangling after a wash n'go in my hair is HELL.
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| Milk Maid braids |
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| Wash n'go infused with humidity lol |
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| Braid out with a touch of humidity again! (ignore the du rag) |
The only reason I want Summer to be over is so that I can wear my hair out without having to worry about the cotton ball look.
Besides all my hair drama, I am enjoying my summer and I will be sad to see it go but, at the same time happy and optimistic for the new season, and for the freedom to wear my hair out decently.
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| I luv these girls! |
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Married to Shea Butter having an Affair with Rose Water
I just have to shout my joy for my new found love for rose water. I've been in love with shea butter for the longest but I found rose water and I just need to say that it is a God send. My hair is extremely dehydrated and while shea butter has been a staple in my moisturizing regimen, rose water with the combination of my beloved shea has done wonders for my hair.
I first heard about rose water from YouTube's lovely Naptural85 channel whose hair is always super shiny and moisturized. I've always only dreamed of having hair as shiny as hers, I finally came across her secret and I love it.
Thank You Naptural85 for putting me on!
I first heard about rose water from YouTube's lovely Naptural85 channel whose hair is always super shiny and moisturized. I've always only dreamed of having hair as shiny as hers, I finally came across her secret and I love it.
Thank You Naptural85 for putting me on!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
"End Persuasion to look Caucasian"
Shout out to You Tube's ThaLuvlyOne1 for putting this song together.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Why Obama shouldn't have had to 'show his papers'
A friend posted this on facebook and I wanted to share...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Rihanna
My latest obsession... Ms. RiRi
I had copied her hairstyle back in 2007 or 2008 this low cut with the bangs was so cute on her, and me :-) If I find a pic with me wearing my hair in that style I'll be sure to post it.
Her music is versatile and appeals to so many different genres such as reggae, pop, and r&b; my favorite songs being Rehab, Rude Boy, Hard and Man Down.
I wasn't too crazy about this girl when she first came out, she jsut seemed awkard and talent-less to me but, I must say she has definitely proved me wrong nowadays and has completely won me over. The girl can sing and dance, she has confidence and definitely knows how to work the camera.
She has style, wicked sex appeal and a bad girl persona that the masses have come to love and appreciate. Kudos to you Rihanna keep doing your thing!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Naturalistas in Italy!
Ponte Vecchio
Roman Coliseum
We had a blast in Italy, more pics of the scenery to follow.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Hair Update
This is a long overdue update on my hair in regards to length so here it is; this first pic was taken back in August 2010 and my flat ironed hair was sitting right on my shoulders. The second picture was taken in December 2010 and as you can see, it is about an inch past my shoulder there. Now we're in January 2011 and I measured my hair, it was about 6 1/2 inches long. I am joining moptopmaven's 2011 healthy hair challenge so moving forward, I will be tracking the progress of my hair on my blog.
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| August 2010 |
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| December 2010 |
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