Sunday, February 28, 2021
Saturday, February 27, 2021
🥋 #BrownBeltBound
"A BLACK BELT IS A WHITE BELT THAT NEVER QUITS"
Brown Belt Practice Test w/ Sensei Connor
Friday, February 26, 2021
Lawd, Have Mercy!
Okay, I'm done! #45's supporters were dangerously close to this already but now, they have definitely crossed that line and need to stay the hell away from me. God forgive them because they know NOT what they have done!
The Joy of Retirement
Whether planned or unexpected, it's a necessary and
well-deserved phase of life that is a blessing in many ways!
Thursday, February 25, 2021
⏳ #TBT to 1960!
I heard it was a very good year and a gallon of
milk was only $0.49! What in the world happened?
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Rest In Paradise Tony...
Farewell shout out and a heartfelt thank you for so many slow jam musical memories to long-time WDAS-FM 105.3 "Quiet Storm" host J. Anthony "Tony" Brown. He hosted his radio show for 45+ years and laid the blueprint for the QS format in Philly. No more suffering, no more worries, and job well done. Sending up prayers of comfort and healing for his family.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Black History & Lives Matter
In addition to the countless number of unarmed Black men and women who continue to be unjustifiably murdered by police because of the bogus phone calls about them being "suspicious", etc. from racist members of our society, some of them are just plain "misunderstood" by police and society—which is exactly what happened in the case of Elijah McClain during the summer of 2019. For the many families of Black boys and men who are "different", the fear of police encounters is a double threat and that is especially near and dear to my heart. Say his name. Elijah McClain. Black history is American history all day, every day!
Monday, February 22, 2021
A Nation Mourns
Watching our President, First Lady, Vice President, and First Gentleman celebrate and remember the half-million+ lives lost to COVID-19 since the pandemic began last year. Sending up prayers of comfort and healing for all of our families and friends who lost someone special...
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Life's Simple Pleasures
We decided to take a break from cooking tonight. The hubby got a pizza and it's been a while since I've had a really good Philly steak sandwich. I'm looking forward to this and it's made just the way I like it... extra fried onions, green peppers, mushrooms, ketchup, spicy mustard, and NO cheese! I'm also Doin' the Dew to wash it down, so I'm all set. Excuse me now!
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Friday, February 19, 2021
Meme of the Day
Ted and his family left that state of Texas during a state-wide crisis of no electricity, heat, and water after a recent snow storm and takes off for Cancun, MX to warm-up! Are you serious? What about his constituents?
Photo of the Day
I just heard on the news that Ted and his wife made offers to some of their neighbors to go with them to Cancun, but I guess they decided to stay in TX. He also forgot about the family dog, which was left at the house in the cold. Ironically, the dog's name is "Snowflake" and a neighbor took this picture. Awww... poor thing. Just SMH...
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
First Amendment Misunderstood
This is Tim Boyd, Ex-Mayor of Colorado City, TX...
When are U.S. citizens who want to scream the loudest about "freedom of speech" going to learn that they DON'T have freedom from the consequences of their speech. My heart and prayers go out to the citizens of Colorado City, TX who had to read Tim Boyd's initial rant about them, the power outages, and frigid temperatures they are suffering through because of the recent snow storm. No one should have to be subjected to words like this while going through a state of emergency, and whether he was a citizen or ex-mayor when he wrote it is totally irrelevant to me.
2 controversial social media posts by Tim Boyd...
I don't even live in Colorado City and I'm furious. I also have a problem with people who feel as though they can say anything they want to you but when you answer them back (which they don't expect, most of the time), they can't handle it. The man's first sentence was, "Let me hurt some feelings while I have a minute!" Again, Tim... you DON'T have freedom from the consequences of what you wrote. And, if you want to talk about how people are raised... most of us are taught to "think before we speak" and that's what you should have done!
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
COVID-19: Black Doctors Consortium
24-Hour Vaccination Clinic @ Temple University's Liacouras Center on Friday, February 19th, 12:00pm-Saturday, February 20th, 12:00pm. Must be in "Phase 1b" Group and live within the hardest hit zip codes in Philadelphia. Call 484-270-6200 or visit the website for more information.
Black History Matters All Day, Every Day
Hazel Dorothy Scott (June 11, 1920 – October 2, 1981) was a jazz and classical pianist, singer, actor, and civil rights activist. Born in Port of Spain (Trinidad), she moved to NYC with her mother when she was 4 years old. She was a child musical prodigy, receiving scholarships to study at the Juilliard School when she was 8 years old. In her teens, she performed in a jazz band and on the radio. She became a prominent jazz singer throughout the 1930s and 1940s. In 1950, she was the first Black American to host her own TV show, The Hazel Scott Show. She was one of the first Afro Caribbean women to garner respectable roles in major Hollywood pictures.
Hazel was committed to civil rights, particularly in Hollywood, and used her influence to improve the representation of Black Americans in film. She refused to take roles that cast her as a "singing maid." When she began performing in films, she insisted on having final cut privileges when it came to her appearance. In addition, she required control over her own wardrobe so that she could wear her own clothing if she felt that the studio's choices were unacceptable. She also refused to perform in segregated venues when she was on tour. She was once escorted from the city of Austin, TX by Texas Rangers because she refused to perform when she discovered that Black and White patrons were seated in separate areas. She told Time Magazine, "Why would anyone come to hear me, a Negro, and refuse to sit beside someone just like me?" In 1949, she brought a suit against the owners of a Pasco, WA restaurant when a waitress refused to serve her and a traveling companion because "they were Negroes." Hazel's victory helped Black Americans challenge racial discrimination in Spokane, as well as inspiring civil rights organizations "to pressure the Washington state legislature to enact the Public Accommodations Act" in 1953.
Hazel's career in America faltered after she testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1950 during the McCarthy era. She subsequently moved to Paris in 1957 and began performing in Europe. In 1963, she marched with a number of other African American expatriates, including James Baldwin, to the U.S. Embassy in Paris to demonstrate support of the upcoming March on Washington. She returned to the U.S. in 1967. By this time, the Civil Rights Movement had led to federal legislation ending racial segregation and enforcing the protection of voting rights for all citizens in addition to other social advances. She continued to play occasionally in nightclubs, while also appearing in daytime television. She made her TV acting debut in 1973 on the ABC daytime soap opera, One Life to Live.
In 1945, Hazel married Baptist minister and U.S. Congressman Adam Clayton Powell. They had one child, Adam Clayton Powell III, but divorced in 1960 after a separation. On October 2, 1981, she died of cancer at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. She was 61 years old and survived by her son Adam Clayton Powell III. She was buried at Flushing Cemetery in Queens, NY, near other musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Johnny Hodges. Singer and songwriter Alicia Keys cited Hazel as the inspiration for her performance at the 61st Grammy Awards. She said, "I've been thinking about people who inspire me. Shout out to Hazel Scott. I've always wanted to play two pianos!" Perhaps, she was referring to Hazel's incredible and memorable performance on two grand pianos (one black, one white) in the 1943 film "The Heat's On."
Footnote: If they ever decide to do a movie about Hazel's life, I think Jill Scott aka "Jilly From Philly" would be an excellent choice!
Monday, February 15, 2021
Black History Matters All Day, Every Day
Bill Russell reminds the world that he belongs in the GOAT conversation. And, yes... he is still alive and well with the 11 NBA championship rings he won. Much more respect is due because the man literally has more rings than fingers. How quickly some people forget or choose not to remember. Click on the image or text link underneath to read the article.
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Photo of the Day
My grandson and youngest granddaughter on their
devices and playing Minecraft together. Mom took the pic!
Black History Matters All Day, Every Day
The Black church is and always has been the backbone of the African American community, and an essential part of our day-to-day life. God has brought us from a mighty long way, but there is still much work to be done. Our faith as a people has never wavered and we continue to believe, no matter what the circumstance or situation, that we can do any and all things through Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!
Friday, February 12, 2021
⏳ #FBF Playground Memories
This is one of my favorite pics of the first two grand slams and their friends at the playground on June 2, 2012. My grandson (6) and oldest granddaughter (3) are down in front, but my youngest granddaughter was just under 2 months old so she is not in the pic. My daughter took this one and to this day, I can't imagine how she got all of the kids to line-up on the sliding board and sit still long enough to get such a great pic, but she did it!
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
COVID-19: Reopening Philly Schools
In public protest, thousands of teachers are
pushing back against reopening schools, as they should!
pushing back against reopening schools, as they should!
Monday, February 8, 2021
Quote of the Day
This is a very timely quote because so many Americans
don't seem to know what the truth is anymore. Just SMH...
Sunday, February 7, 2021
⏰ Quality Time w/ The Grands
Well, it's been K'Nex Roller Coaster City over here this weekend. My grandson built his latest Web Weaver RC Friday evening, and he rebuilt his Electric Inferno RC after returning from karate class Saturday morning. My youngest granddaughter showed an interest in working on the second RC with him, so he taught her the concept of using K'Nex—proving once again that girls can do ANYTHING boys can. YGG!
In the meantime, my oldest granddaughter enjoyed herself binge watching one of her favorite shows on Netflix. Then, Pop-Pop treated everyone to Pepperoni & Sausage Pizzas, and I topped it off with some ice cream afterward. The grands are spending some time with us so my daughter can celebrate her birthday!
Saturday, February 6, 2021
My Daughter Was Born Today!
Happy Birthday to my daughter! You had my back in so many ways over the last couple of years and it made the bond between us stronger. You have been a beautiful daughter and granddaughther in every sense of the word, but even more so through some very difficult times. I am so proud of the woman you have become and Pumpkin Pie would be too. I love you to the moon and back and God loves you even more. May He continue to keep His blessings, grace, and mercy flowing your way each and every day. Enjoy your very special day!
Friday, February 5, 2021
📣 Yo, Philly! We Have An ID Card!
The PHL City ID provides a secure and affordable photo identification card for anyone living in Philadelphia, age 13 and older. You can get them from the City ID Team @ City Hall-Room 167, but by appointment only!
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Blessing For The Day
"Sunday and Thursday feel like they are worlds apart but the truth is, learning how to carry the serene calm and peace of Sunday into the remaining days of the week is a challenge we should all embark upon. Once we succeed in that, we will realize every day is special."
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
👩🏾🍳 The Snowed-In Chef Lunch Special
I rarely post pics of food, but I was quite proud of this creation I made today. I added a packet of StarKist Lemon Pepper Tuna Creations to a can of Progresso Manhatten Clam Chowder Soup and it's actually very good. But, the hubby was cracking up because I had to get up on the step ladder to take a decent pic of the soup. He doesn't eat seafood of any kind and doesn't know what he is missing!
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Groundhog Day
The verdict is in and what a bummer... but, maybe not because God has the final word on the subject. Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow and predicts 6 more weeks of winter!
Monday, February 1, 2021
Black History Matters
The achievements of Black Americans have contributed to the greatness of this nation and those accomplishments didn't occur over the course of one month. It makes no sense that America is only willing to honor our history in February, then ignore it eleven months of the year.