Sunday, March 25, 2012

From Emmett to Trayvon..... The Lost Boys



"If I had a son he would look Like Trayvon." President Barack Obama

Micheal Vick was convicted and inprisoned for killing some dogs while Trayvon Martin's killer was not arrested and walked away a free a man. Emmett Till was killed in 1955 by a group of men that did not get charged until 2004. Now in 2012 Trayvon Martin another Black boy has lost his life and his killer walks free. What we saw in the 1950's, 60's 70's was just a prequel Black people are angry again don't think we won't rise up when the time comes.

The Sad Truth....What Really Happened?



Disclaimer: This information was taken strictly from an article on Fox News.com. As much as I dislike Fox News they did well on reporting this tragic event. I left a link that you click on to read more. As we mourn the loss of Ms. Whitney Houston I want people to please be aware the drug addiction is a serious illness and millions of people are struggling to fight those demons.



The results are in we now have information on what caused legendary singer Whitney Houston's death. This information is for fans that wanted some form of closure I'm sure her family now has that closure as well.



Whitney Houston's autopsy report was released last Thursday the L.A. coroner’s office that examined her body listed drowning and “effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use,” as the official causes of death.

Atherosclerotic heart disease is a condition in which plaque hardens in the arteries and narrows them, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body and can lead to serious problems including heart attack, stroke and death.
Heart disease can be brought on by a number of factors—including poor diet, infrequent exercise or alcohol abuse—cocaine can exacerbate the condition. Therefore When a person engages in cocaine use on top of suffering from advanced atherosclerotic heart disease, the impact on the heart can be devastating. Cocaine use increases heart rate, blood pressure and causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing the supply of blood to the heart.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/23/whitney-houstons-death-what-is-atherosclerotic-heart-disease/#ixzz1qEHNgXJB

The autopsy report


One of the main risk factors for death during drug usage is that the plaques that build up in the arteries can rupture. Cocaine usage specifically can cause enough stress to lead to a rupture and result in a heart attack.



However, because Houston’s death was attributed to drowning rather than a heart attack,  Dr. Phil Ragno and Dr. Nicholas  Kardaras both said it was unlikely she experienced one.
“She probably suffered a heart rhythm that left her disabled and debilitated, which caused her to become submerged and drown,” Ragno said.


Kardaras added that while the coroner said the other drugs in her system—Xanax, Flexeril and Benadryl—did not contribute to Houston’s death, he had trouble seeing how they could be completely discounted.

“Those substances are sedatives,” Kardaras said. “They all have a drowsy effect. I would say it’s more likely to slip under the water and lose consciousness from those other medications…Basically, the conclusion was, she had a heart episode based on her heart condition that led her to slip underwater, and I’m saying we can’t be sure of that.




“Heart attacks due to build up in the arteries are a long chronic condition, and you don’t lose consciousness unless you have a heart attack—but that’s not what the coroner’s saying happened.”

Toni's Thoughts: In my personal opinion it seems as though she suffered until she passed I mean like her body was in a state she could not come out of. I'm baffled by these details I knew drugs would have a hand in it but some things are just not adding up. Like I said once before this is just closure for the fans that wanted to know including me. We love you and miss you Whitney.

Saluting The Queen of Soul



R-E-S-P-E-C-T ( Respect) find out what it means to me!
Classic lyrics from the one and only Aretha Franklin




Happy birthday to the Queen of Soul who has given us so much wonderful music over the years we love you. She turned 70 today!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Aren't I a Woman



Disclaimer: In honor of Women's History Month I decided to post this powerful speech from Sojourner Truth activist and feminist.

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about?

That man over there says women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And arn’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed, and planted , and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And arn’t I woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man—when I could get it—and bear the lash as well! And arn’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen them most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And aren’t I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [“Intellect,” whispered someone near.] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or negro rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half-measure full? Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, because Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him….

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they are asking to do it, the men better let them.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The Big 40



Could it that sexy voice?
Is it the way he raps?
Does he stimulate your mind...
I am talking about Chicago bred rapper and actor Common.



He has dazzled us with his talent in the music world with songs like "Used to Love Her" a metaphor to hip-hop and seductive songs like "Go."



Common has been in the game since 1992 and  today he turned 40 and he still looks good. I love his voice, intellect, swagger, just everything about him. It's no surprise he has been linked to women like Erykah Badu and Serena Williams. Happy birthday love have a good one.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Seperate the Boys From the Men

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Hello world sorry I have been out of touch my life  has been on the go and rather hectic balancing college and work. But hey here I am once again thanks again for all the blog love. I am avid reader of Essence Magazine lately I have been reading the magazine online and an article caught my attention. The article is advice written by Paul Carrick Brunson.

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The Topic...... How To Tell If You're Dating A Boy or A Man

Does He Have Goals?

“The man is aiming at a goal; the boy is drifting aimlessly.” — Author Unknown


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How Responsible Is He?
Men make and keep commitment, boys don’t.
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What Does He Call You?

Boys want a “wifey”. Men want a wife.

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Can He Communicate?

A boy tells you about his day. A man will ask you about yours, and listen.


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Does He Accomplish or Destroy?

Boys consume. Men produce.

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Can You Trust Him?

You can put your trust in a man. Your trust is always lost with a boy.

Does He Know Who He Is?

Boys dress, talk, and act like everyone else. Men emulate no one.

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Does He Want to Stimulate His Mind?

Men are never afraid to ask questions. Boys think they have it all figured out.


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What Are His Beliefs?

Boys believe nothing is greater than themselves. Men believe in a higher power.

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Is He Serious About His Future?

Boys chase girls and women. Men chase family.

Does He Pick Up the Phone?

Boys send text messages. Men call.

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What Is His Purpose?

Boys exist in stagnation. Men embrace change.


Does He Have Baggage?

Boys have liabilities. Men possess assets.

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How Does He Handle the First Date?

Boys split the check. Men pay.


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How He Handles Adversity?

Boys become selfish. Men are selfless.

 What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? (FYI this advice was geared to audience of Essence Magazine primarily Black women and the dynamics of Black relationships) I thought it was interesting because a guy pointed this out.


Toni's Thoughts: I actually found this information to helpful for me personally and I think they should  do a topic on seperating a girl from a woman. Oh yes and the photos feature guys that  I find very sexy.