Tryna Make A Dollar Out of Fifteen Cents

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The worst thing than having no money, is having money and losing it.
"Tell It Like It Is-Ludacris




The 80-million dollar man is broke? According to GQ magazine former NFL star and reality TV star Terrell "T.O." Owens is struggling financially. T.O admits that he is penniless, has no friends, and is fighting child support battles.



According to T.O. he still has some good years left in him and he wants to continue playing professional football. Personally I believe he still has the ability but he has gotten older and that's probably what the team owners and coaches are looking at. Also he has pissed people off in the past with his temper and outspoken comments. I don't see anything wrong with being honest but when  you're an African-American male, that is also a professional athlete salt will be thrown at you.

T.O. hasn't played for an NFL team since 2010 the Cincinnati Bengals.



What Happened with Mo and Kita? Owens fell out with reality show co-stars and closest friends Monique Jackson and Kita Williams, after his reality show finished shooting. Owens claims to have discovered that both women were in secret talks to get their own reality show without cluing him in on the wheeling and dealing. 

"They said they were planning to make me an executive producer, but if we were business partners, don’t you think I would have known about it, he told GQ."



Then Again.... Brutha's gonna work it out I hope things change. T.O. is a college educated man and T.O. has landed a gig as a player and part owner of the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League, which is based in Allen, Texas. While it isn’t the fame and fortune that he is used to, it’s still a paycheck, so things may in fact be looking up for Owens after all.

I think T.O. could become an NFL or College football coach, personal trainer, or Sports Caster c'mon man think about it.

Kelly Rowland - Keep It Between Us (Official Music Video)

In Your Face B*****ches

"Courgae has no Color."


Red Tails,” the George Lucas film that tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, enjoyed a robust debut weekend, claiming the #2 spot by bringing in more than $19 million at the box office, according to the Hollywood Reporter and other industry reports.



Personally I really want to go see the film I knew Hollywood wasn't going to support this film. Some people were suprised that George Lucas couldn't gain support from Hollywood to help him finance this film.  People actually thought that just because he did Star Wars "Hollywood" was actually going to get on board. How naive do you have to be?  I knew they weren't going to support this and some critics are already giving the film bad reviews. Let's call it what is "racism."



Most people don't even know African-Americans have fought every war in the history of the United States yet we give films like Pearl Harbor and Flags of Our Fathers recognition.



Brief History Lesson: The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African-American pilots that fought in World War II. They were the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the US Army Air Corps.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the United States although they were still subject to Jim Crow laws.



The Tuskegee Airmen were subject to racial discrimination, both within and outside the army. Despite these adversities, they trained and flew with distinction. Primarily made up of African-Americans, there were also five Tuskegee Airmen that were of Haitian descent.


Combat Records
The Tuskegee Airmen compiled the following combat records:

• 261 aircraft destroyed
• 148 aircraft damaged
• 15,533 sorties
• 311 missions
• 66 KIA
• 95 Distinguished Flying Crosses awarded
• 450 Pilots sent overseas

One guy that saw the movie and enjoyed it said. "History repeats itself. In 1941, top U.S. military leaders doubted that squadrons of African American Fighter Pilots could ever succeed. In 2011 (70 years later), top studio executives doubted that a film about squadrons of African American Fighter Pilots could ever succeed. In both cases, then & now the results were the same – Bam!! “How you like that Mr. Hitler?!!” How you like that 20th Century Fox?!!"
I hope this movie continues to do well and I really hope I get a chance to see it.

Oh Etta....At Last

I heard church bells ring
I heard a choir singing
I saw my love walk down the aisle
on her finger he placed a ring
Oooh oh

I saw them holding hands
She was standing there with my man
I heard them promise
Til death do us part
Each word
Was a painIn my heart

All I could do was cry
All I could do was cry
I was losing the man that I love
and all I could do was cry

All I Could Do Was Cry Etta James

Mama Peaches and The Matriarch of R&B is what she has been called. Etta James was most known for songs such as "At Last" and "All I Could Do Was Cry" I was well aware of her music thanks to my grandparents I learned more about her life from watching the 2008 biopic film Cadillac Records ( I actually think Beyonce' did a good job in that movie) anyway I was sad to hear that Etta James had passed on. But the woman was truly suffering her health had declined and at least now she is at peace.

Why We Loved Her?
This woman was a survivor she endured many adversities in her life drug addiction to heroin and abandonment issues from her father. No matter what when it came to her music Etta James gave us her all she had guts she was fierce.


What She Accomplished?  She was a versatile artist very true to her craft and bridged the gap between genres such as R&B and Rock n Roll. She won 6 Grammys, won 16 Blues Music Awards, and was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and 2008, was named by Rolling Stone magazine number 22 on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and ranked 62 as one of their 100 Greatest Artists of all time.



Then Again Was She Unsung?......"Thanksgiving Day in November will be my silver anniversary: 25 years since I cut my first record and I haven't become a superstar yet. It took Janis Joplin two years." Etta James Rock Pages Interview 1978, According to some music journalists she was one of the most overlooked artists until 1990s.

Clarification: FYI she actually met Beyonce' and praised her for during a good job portraying Etta in the biopic film Cadillac Records although later she made negative comments about her. Etta's son Donto revealed that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and that attributed to her comments about Beyonce.' Although Etta James was very sad that she wasn't invited to the 2009 Inaugural Ball for President Obama she wanted to perform "At Last." She said she could have done better. And I agree, as much as I love Beyonce' you can't fuck with the original. But that is what the Obamas wanted. Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver eulogy at her funeral on Saturday.

Rest in Peace Etta
Sunrise January 25, 1938-Sunset January 20, 2012

I'm Back

What's good people? I apologize for  not making any recent post life as a college student is demanding. I have some topics that deserve some much needed attention. I hope all is well with my readers once again thanks for reading. I check the pageview numbers.

Isn't She Lovely......Happy Birthday

Four years ago the world witnessed a historic moment in American history when Barack Hussein Obama Jr. became the nation's first African-American president. I was also very impressed and inspired by his wife First Lady Michelle Obama. As a woman I have so much respect for her as an African-American woman my respect for her is very, very, very deep. Seeing her on television brought tears of joy to my eyes because this is someone I can look up to a woman that has my skin color is in the White House.

Michelle Obama is a fashion icon as well as a role model an advocate for poverty awareness and healthy eating.




Mrs. Obama has made her own accomlishments in the world and continues to carry herself in a dignified manner.  She recived her Bachelor of Arts and majored in Sociology and African-American Studies. During her time at Princeton she challenged the teaching style of French becuase she felt as though it could be more conversational.  One of her graduation requirements was to write a thesis; she wrote a thesis called "Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community." She graduated from Princeton in 1988 magnum cum laude.



While at Princeton, she got involved with the Third World Center (now known as the Carl A. Fields Center), an academic and cultural group that supported minority students, running their day care center which also included after school tutoring.



She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. At Harvard she participated in demonstrations advocating the hiring of professors who were members of minorities and worked for the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, assisting low-income tenants with housing cases.

She was an associate at the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley Austin, where she first met her future husband. At the firm, she worked on marketing and intellectual property. She continues to hold her law license, but as she no longer needs it for her work, it has been on a voluntary inactive status since 1993.

Happy Birthday First Lady Obama :)

The World's Greatest

"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was."

Muhammad Ali Happy 70th birthday to Louisville's Finest "The Champ"

As a Louisville, Ky  native I am proud to say Happy Birthday to Muhammad Ali born and raised as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.




Boxing Record
Total Fights 61
Wins 56
Wins by KO 37
Losses 5
Draws 0
Contests 0
Gold Medal in 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome



 Papa Don't Take No Mess.....  Ali was publicly vilified for refusing to participate in the Vietnam War . Based on religious beliefs and opposition to the war Ali said these famous words " I have no quarrel with them Viet Cong....No Viet Cong ever called me nigger."




Ali would eventually be arrested and found guilty on draft evasion charges; he was stripped of his boxing title, and his boxing license was suspended. He was not imprisoned, but did not fight again for nearly four years while his appeal worked its way up to the  U.S. Supreme Court, where it was eventually very successful. 



Ali  joined the Nation of Islam in 1964 although he later converted to Sunni Islam, and has recently been practicing Sufi Islam. Ali is also the first and only boxer to hold three-time line World Heavyweight Title.


I love you Champ :)

Heaven Was Missing An Angel

It's been too long and I'm lost without you
What am I gonna do
Said I've been needin you (Said I'm needin you)
Wantin you
Wonderin if you're the same and
Who's been with you
Is your heart still mine (Is your heart still mine)
I wanna cry sometimes
I miss you

"I Miss You" Aaliyah



As I have said many times before I'm a 90's baby I'm very proud to be born and raised in that decade and its culture. Aaliyah was someone I did not know personally but when she passed me and my friends were deeply sad. Even though she only released three studio albums, her music was and still is apart of my life and from what we saw and heard about her via television and magazine people said she was very humble and sweet person. Today would've been her 33rd birthday. An incredible talent that left impact on the lives of her fans and the people that knew her personally.

We miss you
Aaliyah Dana Haughton
Sunrise January 16, 1979- Sunset August 25th, 2001

I've Seen the Promise Land

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sunrise January 15, 1929- Sunset April 4, 1968



I want to apologize for comparing Dr. King with Malcolm X last year in a previous post. Because both of them had the same goal vastly different approaches due to their different life experinces. Anyway lets celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and all of the people that were down for the fight before, during, and after the Civil Rights Movement.

PSA

PSA (Public Service Announcement)......... Hear Ye,  Hear,Ye

‎2009 every female was a barbie. 2010 every female was a bad bitch. 2011 every female was a boss. 2012 can every female please be a lady? #Team Classy and Sassy



I saw this in my Twitter news feed and I re tweeted it and posted this on Facebook. Ladies please know you self-worth. Although Lil Kim was actually the first female rapper to call herself a "Barbie" not Nicki and I have nothing against Lil Kim I just wanted clarify. A real man can and will appreciate Diamonds and Pearls instead of rhinestones.

Their Back......

Tonight Season 5 of The Game premieres on BET I hope it goes to back to the basics and is more of a comedy because I hate how all the characters changed for the worst not the better. I will turn in tonight to see what happens.

Aint That Some S***t.....

Hold up, Hold up, Hold up (Kanye West voice)

So recently a Catholic Bishop is resigning from his job because he has broken his vowel of celibacy for fathering teenage sons and having a wife.

Who is this man? What's the gist of this story? Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala, 60 has resigned under the code of canon law that lets bishops step down earlier than the normal retirement age of 75 if they're sick or for some other reason that makes them unfit for office.



In a letter to the faithful, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez said Zavala had told him in December that he had two children who lived with their mother in a different state.



Zavala subsequently submitted his resignation to the pope.

The archdiocese asked for prayers for those involved as it revealed it has offered spiritual and financial aid to help the children with college costs, Gomez said in the letter posted on the blog of the Catholic News Service.

The archdiocese has reached out to the mother and children to provide spiritual care as well as funding to assist the children with college costs.
The family's identity is not known to the public.


With all of the scandals that deal with Catholic priests molesting children you would think people would happy to know that this man has kids and is married to a woman. Wrong... some people are actually pissed he broke this vowel of celibacy. I don't even think he did anything wrong. Man is not supposed to walk earth alone, be fruitful and multiply. Does this ring any bells.

Apparently Roman Catholic priests are required to be celibate, though Eastern rite priests can be married and married Anglican priests who convert can become Catholic priests.

The celibacy requirement is often blamed for discouraging many men who would otherwise consider the priesthood. He is the latest Catholic Church official who was found to have had a secret family.

I think it is stupid that priests are not allowed to be married or have children. I could understand being celibate prior to marriage but doing that for a lifetime is stupid to me.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082261/Gabino-Zavala-Catholic-bishop-resigns-admitting-fathered-2-teenagers.html#ixzz1j5Ynz7an

The Wait is Over... It's A Girl

Okay the wait is finally over Beyonce' has finally delivered her baby its not a drill this time this is the real deal. She has always said that she would have her first child when she turned 30 and I guess she was right. Jay-Z is becoming a father for the second time he has a son from a previous relationship although this is his first child with wife Beyonce'. The couple welcomed a baby girl named Blue Ivy Carter. Two days after the birth of his daughter Jay-Z has released a song called "Glory" referring to miscarriage and his daughters cries as she is being born.

Okay so I know you are all wondering what's the meaning behind the name? Well here it is.
The obvious, Jay-Z's franchise albums have been called the Blueprint. Blue consists of 4 letters which can be linked to Beyonce's love for the number four, and a tribute to her husband.

As far as the color blue, it's considered the coolest color of the spectrum. Ancient Egyptians used blue to represent the heavens. Blue also symbolizes the Virgin Mary. The color represents inspiration, sincerity and spirituality.

Next, let's break down the middle name, Ivy. Beyonce has gone on record saying how important the number "4" is to her. She told Billboard Magazine, "We all have special numbers in our lives, and 4 is that for me. It's the day I was born. My mother's birthday, and a lot of my friends' birthdays, are on the fourth; April 4 is my wedding date."

With the number being so special to her, it makes sense that she would incorporate her favorite number into her child's name.
Ivy contains the roman numeral IV as it's first two letters, which we all know is the number 4. Also Beyonce' was born on September 4th and Jay-Z was born on December 4th. The name itself Ivy comes from the plant which symbolizes eternity. Greek and Roman societies admired the ivy plant for its hardiness and longevity. They believed the plant aided fertility.


After reading that I hope that explains the name I actually like the name now that I know all of this. Congrats having children is a great thing and provides your life with more purpose.

Bump Like This

Sending all my love to Kelly Rowland who has  had a superb year in 2011 from the successful and best selling album of her career "Here I Am" with songs like "Motivation," "Lay It on Me" and being featured on hits like "Boo Thang with Verse Simmonds" and "Favor" with Lonny Bereal.

Kelly Rowland has been named one of the honorees at third annual Essence Black Women in Music Awards, she has been nominated for a Grammy, and is the new face of Diddy's Sean John fragrance for women called "Empress." I really hate the fact that people have always compared Kelly and Beyonce' because they are talented in their own right. I also feel as though Kelly has moved to the beat of her own drum and every artist has a time to shine and this is hers.  Kelly has always been beautiful and the older she gets, she looks better, just evolves. Much love to Kelly I wish much love and success.

Just Fine

Actor, Rapper, Entrepreneur, Radio Talk Show Host, and husband of  Mariah Carey aka Nick Cannon has been released from the hospital after suffering mild kidney failure. Nick's wife Mariah spread the word about his condition and asked fans to pray for her husband. I admit at first their relationship seemed random but I am happy for Nick and Mariah I hope they stay married they beautiful family.

Nick I am glad that you are in good spirits.

Food for Thought

Recently I have been dealing some changes in my life and for the most part they have been positive. Blessings can be wonderful. I just wanted to provide some quotes and words of inspirations for each person that takes the time to read this blog.

Quote 1: "Believe.... the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Anonymous

Quote 2: "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy

Quote 3: " Let's have a toast to my enemies and to my haters, you bastards give me energy, the fuel to succeed to be a better me and that the life I lead." Ryan Leslie lyrics from "Good Girl"

These words keep me going and I hope these words can inspire you.
Peace and Love,
Toni La Nae

New Year, New Me, New You......Cheers To That

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
It's your girl Toni La Nae. I hope you  had a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever holidays you celebrate; and I hope you also had a wonderful New Year. I will be back on my blog post grind. I will try to send out more post in  a more timely manner I apologize I have been very busy during my hiatus. Welcome to the New Year.


New Year, New Me, New You