T.I. recently released a video for his new song “Yeah Ya Know” from his second motion picture Takers, in theatres August 20th. The video was released 2 weeks ago, so in the entertainment world, I’m late with this posting. BUT the eye candy looked so good, I felt that it was wasn’t too late to share the video! 
Takers features Tip “T.I.” Harris, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez, Michael Ealy, Hayden Christensen, Matt Dillon and Chris Brown (glad to see he wasn’t banned from making movies).
I’m definitely going to check this movie out in August. Ladies, who’s joining me!?!?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ssvgccObJg
Animal Confussion
Burnished Flowers
Rockstar Layer Chain
Wallpaper
To view all pieces, check out www.violetbloomuniqueaccessories.com. If you’re in the DC area, you can also visit the ladies behind VBUA at The Funky Flea Market located at 6th & Neal Street NE Washington, DC 20002. M – F 9am to 5pm by appointment only, Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 3pm.
Out of the goodness of my heart, I gave my number to a guy one Friday night while out and about in the U street corridor of DC. We’ll call him Iverson.* Now I wasn’t interested, but I don’t feel bad giving my number because most of the time guys don’t call you back. I honestly didn’t think anything of it.
Maybe I should’ve thought about giving out my number. Iverson texted me Saturday to see what I was doing; I told him my plans (watching the basketball game) and since they didn’t include him I thought that was the end of the conversation for the night. WRONG. I received more text messages inquiring where I was watching the basketball game. That text was followed by a voicemail and another text message that suggested maybe he could come over and watch the game with me. Now why would you do that?! I don’t know you!
And of course, I heard from Iverson again on Sunday. This time, he was asking for my last name and email address so he could find me on Facebook. I sat in my room thinking; I just met this dude less than 72 hours ago. Why is he so pressed?! To avoid giving away all my personal info and having someone follow my every move on Facebook, I asked for his last name instead. No I didn’t find him on Facebook.
Against my better judgment I returned Iverson’s call a few days later. That phone conversation turned from general talk to the “so why don’t you have a boyfriend?” conversation and I felt like I was back in college. How old are we again? I felt like I was being interrogated. Dude, I know you’re interested, but relax!
Now I know I should be grateful that someone showed interest. At the same time, there isn’t any need to be that overzealous considering we just met. We all want to show that we’re interested in someone, but you shouldn’t come off as really pressed. To me, if you come off too eager too quickly, I’m going to think you’re crazy!
Guys, here’s some advice; if you’re really interested in a female and you get her number, wait a day or two to contact her. When you do, don’t proceed to interrogate her to try and learn her entire life story in one conversation. Please don’t spend your time trying to tell her your entire life story either. CALL HER and ask her if she’d like to go out on a date. And contrary to people’s belief, dates do not need to be something over the top and expensive. Believe me, I’m trying to save money so I can make some moves in the future too (I hope you all are saving!). Go out to eat, play pool, go to the Zoo or a museum downtown DC (they are free). From there, you can proceed to have face to face conversations and hopefully you’ll be around long enough to get to know her.
But please don’t blow up her phone for 72 hours after meeting her. I’m just saying…
*Name has been changed
I had never heard of Krave Magazine until I came across this jaw dropping picture of Washington Redskins Wide Receiver Devin Thomas. YUM!!! After 5 years, Krave remains the only fashion, lifestyle and entertainment magazine for men of color. This issue is available July 24th. To preorder, click here.
In the meantime, ladies, are you ready for some football?!?!
This past Saturday, June 5th I participated in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure. Last year I walked in the race, but this year I challenged myself to run the 5k. And I DID IT!!!! I made the commitment that I would run those 3.1 miles to raise money in the fight against breast cancer. My team, The Rules of Behavior, raised $624 with the help of friends and family.
It’s a great feeling to know that I made a small impact for a great cause. Some may feel that if they don’t see immediate results from volunteering, they may not be making a difference. Well I’m here to set the record straight; every second spent on a volunteer project makes an impact, whether it’s immediate or in the long term. Breast cancer is a battle women (and men) are fighting everyday, so any dollar amount raised for research, support for those currently diagnosed, etc helps. While I personally don’t see where the $624 that I raised is going, I know that it’s being used to help someone currently diagnosed and I know it’s being used for research.
Volunteering not only helps your community but it’s therapeutic to your soul. I was very anxious and nervous leading up to the race. I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to finish the 3.1 miles without stopping to walk. But I remained focused because I had not only made the commitment to myself but I had committed to survivors, families effected, those currently going through the battle and those that lost the battle that I was going to run, not walk, for them. When the race was over, I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement!
Last month I volunteered with Hands On DC to clean up the DC area schools. Since then, the group I volunteered with has made the commitment to do a service project at least once a month. We aren’t doing this for us because believe me, I’m sure everyone wouldn’t mind NOT waking up at 8am on a Saturday to do community service. We’re doing it because it’s important to give back to our community. That’s the only way our communities will improve. I’ve said it before; the world would be a much better place if everyone was passionate about giving back to their community and helping each other.
So if you currently aren’t into volunteering, I challenge you to participate in at least one community service activity this year. Not only will you feel good, you’ll change the lives of those you are helping and you’ll meet wonderful people. If you’re not sure where to volunteer, think about what you like to do. If you love styling and fashion, volunteer with Dress for Success. If you’re a people person and love being around others, try a local soup kitchen like So Others May Eat (S.O.M.E.). There are a number of places that are always in need of a volunteer. Find one that best fits you and your interest and get started!! I promise, you’ll walk away from the experience feeling like a totally different person and you’ll be inspired to want to make a change.
I went to Alero on U street the other night and while I was sitting at the bar waiting for my homegirl, an older man walked up to me and starting talking. Now I was in a good mood that night so I wasn’t going to be rude; I have no problem having a conversation with someone. The older guy asked if I had a boyfriend, and I lied and said yes. Most men would’ve walked away after that, but not this one. He even told me if we ever went out for drinks and I got tipsy, I could stay at his place around the corner!! WHAT??!!
And this isn’t the first time I’ve been approached by an older guy. The metro is a great place for bus drivers and business men to approach you and give you their number. To be clear, older doesn’t mean 30 years old. We’re talking about 40+. I like to call them “old enough to be my dad or an uncle.” GROSS!
Now according to the Clutch Magazine article The Politics of Dating Older Men, today’s Black 20-something female digs older men. Well I DON’T!!! What am I going to have in common with someone who was born when Motown was running the music industry? While he wants to two step I’m still trying to drop it low.
I don’t know what it is about older men chasing us 20-something year old women; well yea I do, they want some arm candy and think 20-something women are seeking older, more mature men. While mature and level headed is nice, do I really look like I want to date a 45 year old man? Seriously…I’m not the one!
Where are the male 20 something year olds? I know there are some good looking, mature, intelligent men closer to my age! Why can’t I seek their attention? Well the better question to ask is, why can’t I seem to find 20 something year olds I’m attracted to? I get attention from men of my generation, but I’m still seeking that mutual attraction.
They say “age is just a number.” I’ll agree with that statement in terms of mentality. If you’re an older man but feel young, that’s great, but that doesn’t mean all of us 20 something year olds want to talk to you because you think you can keep up! Jay-Z said 30’s is the new 20, not 40, 50, and 60.
What about you? Would you date a guy 15+years your senior?
Five years ago, Reggie Black was studying abroad in South Africa. While overseas, he also worked for an urban store. While working at the urban store, Black realized hat last thing he wanted to do was work anyone except himself. From that realization, BLACK Collection was born.
BLACK Collection was born in 2005 in Washington, DC by Reggie Black and Dylan Chase. The BLACK Collection is a small line; Black calls it exclusive. “BLACK Collection is for the “Individual” that has unique style; uses fashion as their method of personal expression and will not tolerate resembling others.”
The line currently features 11 pieces, made up of track jackets, tees and intimates. The collection pieces are simple. As Black says, “Less is best.” The clothing is unisex, so all pieces can be worn by both men and women.
Midriff Tee
Shield Jacket
INDIVIDUAL: Summer Edition
BC Vee
BLACK Tee
While the line enters its 5th year, it hasn’t moved as fast as Black would like, but that isn’t discouraging him. “It’s a beautiful struggle,” he says. “I stay humble and continue to work. I always try to produce better pieces than what I’ve done in the past.”
What does the future hold for the BLACK Collection? Black does plan to expand outside of tees and track jackets. And as long as he continues to stay humble, grind, and network, the BLACK Collection has a great future ahead!
To check out the entire BLACK Collection, visit www.blkcollection.com. You can also follow the collection and Reggie Black on twitter @BLACKCollection & @iamreggieblack
I was catching up on my Google Reader this morning and came across this post on Clutch Magazine. You’ll be just as shocked as I was when I saw the video of the 3 year old covered in fake tattoos cursing up a storm! Those are the only words you can understand coming out of his mouth. Why do people still think it’s cute to be a “thug?” It’s not cute and by having a child look like Lil Wayne cursing up a storm sends him the wrong message!!!
Clearly, everyone isn’t cut out to be a parent.
From Clutch Magazine:
Teaching a child how to curse is never funny. A young African American child is seen in this video talking on a phone dishing a series of lewd profanities. The child is covered in faux tattoos similar to rapper Lil Wayne, his hair is even styled like the Young Money front man’s dreads. Even more disturbing is near the closing of the video, we hear snickering from who are likely the adults who put the child up to this.
Toddlers cursing and smoking, what’s next?
Warning: Strong profanities used.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKr-aLbQN_M&feature=player_embedded
Now that it’s officially summer (according to the 80 & 90 degree temperatures), there are a lot more tourist on the metro. And when I had planned to write this post, it was directed at them, but now that I think about it, those who are from the DMV could benefit from this post as well.
Let’s talk about the rules of the metro! It’s so frustrating riding the metro with people who don’t know the proper protocol. So for those of you who are new to the metro system and for those of you who need to be reminded, here are the rules of the metro to follow:
1. Stand Right, Walk Left: If you are on the escalator and you’re too lazy to walk down, PLEASE MOVE TO THE RIGHT! The left side of the escalator is for those who are moving with sense of purpose or the crazy people that run for the train even though another train is coming in less than 2 minutes. So please, if you don’t fit into those two categories, move to the right!
2. Wait for those on the train to exit, and then you may enter: It’s so annoying when someone tries to enter the train and people are still exiting. Don’t you know you’re holding those who are exiting up?? That delays those of us behind you trying to enter because you were too impatient to wait! Are you afraid while you’re trying to enter the train doors will close on you??
3. Talk quietly or not at all on your cell phone: After working 9 hours at work, the last thing I want to do is sit on the red line and here you scream on your cell phone to your friend, spouse, etc, that you’re at the Fort Totten station and you should be at Forest Glen in 10 mins. No one cares!! Send a text or learn to use inside voices. We learned those when we were in elementary school, so now it’s time to put all of that learning to use.
4. Headphones are essential: This rule applies mostly to the rambunctious teenagers on the train, but I have no doubt there is an adult or two who just don’t know what it means to have headphones. I have my own playlist on my iPod which means I don’t want to hear yours at 7:30am in the morning or after a long day.
These are the top 4 metro rules that needed to be reinforced. What are some other rules of the metro I’m missing?
