First let me apologize for the delay in posts – blogger’s block and an insane work schedule were working against me. Anywhoo, we’re back! Without further ado, here’s SASSY’s take on CNN’s Black in America : Black Women and Family.

Rand Family piece – I wish I could say I was surprised about the White great great grandfather and the white side of the family, but I can’t. The white and black sides of the family meeting was really kumbaya for me, but I know who this program is geared to and I know that CNN needed to ease into the issues.

Now for the meat! Black children and our education system. The statistics are soo disturbing – 50% of black students graduate in 4 years. One student every 26 seconds drops out of high school. I am happy they paired our difficulties in education with success stories – there was touching scene of a family dropping their child off at college – the fifth of six children.

“The achievement gap between black and white students is appalling.” You said Soledad.

The programed followed a school that pays students for good well in school. I understand incentivizing education, I really do, but in my day (yeah i know that sounds so old) we just did well in school because we knew it would help us in the future. Of course children who are getting paid to learn are going to do well, but shouldn’t children to well in school simply because they value their future? I wonder what happens when the program ends. Will their love for learning die or will they continue working hard to get the best grades? I guess we’ll find out in two years when the evaluation is released.

I like Roland Fryer, I think his efforts are sincere. I’ve had the opportunity to meet Mr. Fryer before and he truly believes that by incentivizing education he will prevent children from dropping out, joining gangs and other trouble black children find themselves. I guess desperate times for desperate measures.

Black people and health care – speak on it. The emergency room shouldn’t be our doctor’s office. We often wait until it is too late. We don’t have health insurance and even some of us that do don’t go to the doctor’s office as often as they should. We are more likely to die from chronic diseases than white people. I understand the trust issues we have from the Tuskegee experiments but we also need to take care of ourselves. the lack of healthy food. I can attest that living in New York City there are only certain supermarkets that sell fresh produce and if you’re looking for organic food, forget it. It’s not accessible and it’s not affordable (especially in this recession)

I really wish they would have spent some time talking about mental health but there is only so much you can showcase in 2 hours.

The black middle class, an often ignored segment in the Black population, got about two seconds of air time. whomp whomp whomp. i loved it when Dr. Julianne Malveux (president of Bennett College) said, “Most of black people have not been arrested … most of black people do not engage in pathology.” Thank you!

fatherless families - Ah a subject I truly adore, I can go on for days about families without fathers. Here’s the synopsis: single mother, two jobs, five kids. This was described as the rule rather than the exception. Nearly 70% of black children are born to single mothers, that’s a fact. The importance of two parents cannot be denied, children who grow up in stable two parent households are more likely to graduate, less likely to become teen parents, you know this story.

“If it’s between living the life I want to live and getting married… I dunno.” – Chris Turner

the Single Black Women piece – educated, financially independent, single and black, sure that sounds about right. they say black men are intimidated, uhm, i buy that… a little. women are not meeting men on their level. Dr. Malveux broke it down like this “education, economics and incarceration” – and there you have it. We are in competition with so many other women – ok that sounds about right. The stats: 45% of black women are not and have never been married. That number scares me. The solution – the something new way – may be dating outside of our race.

HIV/AIDS, i’ve been waiting for this for 2 hours. AIDS is an epidemic in our community. We account for nearly 50% of all AIDS cases in America. We’ve got to get control over this disease and quickly. We need to start having safe sex. We need to get tested. We need to start talking to our sexual partners and ask those difficult questions. AIDS is the number one killer of Black women between the ages of 18 and 24.

Violence in the black community. There was nothing new in this story, just depressing stats and images of Black men in the emergency room. It was frustrating to watch the doctor try to convince a man who is in the hospital after having been shot/beat up/whatever to join a program to better his life. The number one cause of death for black men from their teens to 30 is homicide. We gotta do better

I loved that the whole special featured one (really big) family. I’m not sure why Black men are separated from the Black family… ok i do, but that’s another post.

Oh and the spoken word intros, please stop. Those are my thoughts on the special, what are yours?

peace,
e.

Habana Outpost first opened its doors in 2005 in Manhattan (which I have not been to yet) but I have had the pleasure of enjoying the experience at the newer homely location in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. They proudly describe their cuisine as “Latin food with unique Cuban and Central Mexican accents.” However if you want to categorize it, their food is tasty and full of flavor. Word on the street is that you must try the “World Famous corn.” Just like the food, the staff and overall vibe is full of flavor. Reopening the season on May 3^rd with a block party, Habana Outpost maintains an ongoing fiesta throughout the summer with events that add to the already fun outdoor courtyard environment.

This place is more than just about food and fun. They have a strong mission that is evident all throughout the restaurant. New York’s first “eco-eatery” goes to great lengths to conserve and recycle in any way they can: with solar panels, biodegradable and compostable place settings, tables made from recyclable aluminum and recycled plastic. Not only would you be conserving the planet’s resources, but you may also learn a few things from the fun facts posted throughout the restaurant. You’ll never guess what the cups are made from (you can find the answer on your next cup of lemonade). You’ll find even more fun eco-facts on their website:

• 75% of our trash can be recycled.
• 1 billion worth of trees is thrown away each year in the U.S.
• Each year our supermarket goes through 60,5000,000 paper bags.

They also support the local market, serving Brooklyn brewed beer, hosting local vendors and displaying local art throughout the restaurant.

The man behind this neighborhood friendly hangout stretches his helping hand well beyond his restaurants. Owner Sean Meenan is active in countless efforts including ETSY.com and Positively Green magazine. In an interview on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, he explained his approach of promoting his message without judgment or force. Thanks to him, Habana Outpost shares their afterschool special message in a fun and tasty way.

Note: I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t suggest you go across the street for a piece of Cake Man Raven’s red velvet cake for dessert.

When news broke that the Sex and the City movie was a go, fans of the hit show broke into two camps: first, there were those who just couldn’t get enough of it, who lived off of, and vicariously through, Carrie Bradshaw and co.; then there was the group who thought they should just leave it where it was, that they’d been subjected to enough Carrie/Big together-apart-together again nonsense and that they shouldn’t mess with a good thing. So, naturally, now that the movie comes out, there are those who love it and those who hate it, depending on where they stood with the original show, and both for very good reasons.

I must admit, I was obsessed with the original half-hour Sunday night show. I watched it religiously, begged family members for the pink collector’s set when it came out a few years ago and eventually mastered the famous cosmopolitan (hint: only use real cranberry juice and fresh lime juice if you can). After the show ended, I went through withdrawal and would have done anything to reunite the fabulous quartet, but then I started really thinking about it. The show had ended. It was over. They had wrapped it up so neatly that there were no ambiguities, no what ifs, no questions. Each character had gotten her happily ever after in her own way, and I was content with the series the way it was, sans film adaptation. But then the potential dollar signs started adding up, and HBO did it.

So, now the question isn’t whether they should have or not, but whether they pulled it off without pissing us off. (And by us, I mean the cosmo-sipping, Manolo-coveting, sex-talking – or wannabe-sex-talking – fans.)
The short answer is yes, they did, and amazingly so. Though the plotlines seem tedious – how many Big/Carrie breakups can we stand? – and the fashion at times ridiculously unrealistic (especially with some of the gratuitous “fashion-porn” shots, as I like to call them), the movie succeeds in giving us that extra long dose of our favorite foursome without overdoing it or deviating too far from what most fans probably wanted to see. For a fan, it’s a great afternoon at the movies.

That being said, from an objective point of view – that is, from the point of view of someone not drinking the Sex and the City Kool-Aid, the movie is pretty mediocre. Men dragged by their girlfriends will cringe through it, and women who haven’t followed the show will get annoyed with the contrived characters and boring plotlines. But the saving grace is those little moments of pure Sex and the City gold sprinkled throughout the movie, placed just in the right spots to wake up the uninterested viewer from his or her stupor (and seeing as how the movie runs almost two and a half hours, it’s not difficult to see that happening), like Samantha’s gawking at her ridiculously hot neighbor or Charlotte’s prudish disapproval of the use of the word “sex” in front of her daughter, which both provide comic relief during the film.

But the movie’s real strength lies in its ability to make you care not so much about the women and their relationships with men, but about the women and their relationships with each other. We see the ending of the movie from the beginning, or at least from the introduction of each character’s romantic storyline – there are no surprises there, but the scenes between the four friends are the most moving and memorable (one between Miranda and Carrie almost brought me to tears). Though we hate to admit the cliché is true, it really is the friends that will rush across town in the middle of the night to share a pack of Oreos with you because you’re scared of the ghost in your apartment that really matter.

So, get together with some of those friends, make a round of cosmos, and head out to the theater. That the movie “gets it right” or not is immaterial; the purpose of a movie like Sex and the City is to entertain, to make you forget about your problems for a little bit and dazzle you with wit, delicious men and gorgeous shoes. It is by no means groundbreaking or surprising, but it sure is fun – and pretty. Did I mention the shoes?

Whether you’re planning a Girls’ Night Out, a date with your boo, or a night of solo bliss, let me recommend Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man, to satisfy your chocolate needs. When a friend of mine suggested that I visit this chocolate heaven, my mouth was watering before she finished describing her meal. After my own firsthand experience, it is my chocolate loving duty to share it with you.

Please be advised that there may be a wait because everyone wants some of the chocolate goodness, but it is well worth the wait, and you will have an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere. The “Look Mom! Willy Wonka does exist!” sign sums up this fantastical place perfectly. Feast your eyes on the two chocolate mixers at the entrance, a chocolate bar filled with heaps of chocolate, chocolate pipes running throughout the restaurant, and walls lined with jumbo jars of cinnamon and other sweets. Once seated, you will get to flip through a menu dedicated to chocolate with pages of unique hot chocolate blends.

Although The Bald Man also offers entrees that I hear are full of flavor, Max Brenner is the only place that justifies my regular routine of choosing my dessert before (or instead of) choosing my meal. Max Brenner’s menu offers great variety – from traditional fondues and s’mores to internationally inspired crepes to uncanny creations like the chocolate pizza. You can even find chocolate filled syringes to feed your chocolate cravings. The dishes are served with fresh fruits and sweet treats like gummy bears, and the quirky dishware (a hug mug that fits perfectly in the palms of your hands, metal straws, and vials of chocolate) only enhance the experience. Max Brenner certainly creates a gratifying atmosphere. It has been said that chocolate creates feelings similar to that of falling in love. So whether you fall in love with your boo or the chocolate itself, you will leave Max Brenner with a mushy feeling inside.

Oded Brenner (who is actually a bald man) is the man that we owe the gratitude for this chocolate heaven. Taking inspiration from some famous chocolate experts including Michelle Chaudun, and with insight from designers such as Jean Paul Gautier, Mr. Brenner had the revelation that chocolate was more than just food but something that should be appreciated through all the faculties and sensations as an all encompassing experience. After opening chocolate bars in London, Australia and Isreal, Brenner further developed the idea into Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man, which they launched in Singapore and the Philippines. In 2006, Max Brenner shared the ultimate chocolate experience with New York, opening two locations, one in Union Square and one in East Village.[1]

Sharing the passion for chocolate with each customer that enjoys this amazing chocolate experience, Max Brenner has truly made a name to remember, and many are singing its praises: The March/April 2008 issue of Hi Class Living mentions “the first restaurant entirely devoted to chocolate” and recommends the Chocolate Martini. The January/February 2008 issue of Travel + Leisure Mexico even raves en español. Many also recommend Max Brenner’s chocolate bars that can be found in the chocolate shop. Even celebrities like Orlando Bloom, find their way to enjoy the chocolate creations of the bald man. So if you have not been there yet, you should put it on your to-do list.

I love music. Sometimes I think it is in my DNA. My dad told me that when I was in my mother’s womb he would zone out with his favorite artist and put the earphones to her belly so I could hear the music. And I guess it’s been on ever since because my love for music has always been truly unconditional. Which brings me to a pertinent question that Marvin Gaye asked when he released his misunderstood classic “Here My Dear” in 1978, when did you stop loving me and when did I stop loving you? Although he wasn’t talking about music, it makes me wonder when people stopped loving music. Don’t think they’ve stopped? Turn on the radio and listen for about ten minutes and I guarantee you won’t hear any love or passion in today’s pop culture sound. There is no variety and clearly no respect of people’s differences of musical taste.

Is this all a sign of the times and the change to come? Times are changing. People’s musical tastes are changing. Is this how groups like The Moments felt when the disco era hit full swing in the latter part of the 70s? How do you manage to stay relevant without losing your artistry? When does quality matter over quantity?

Well I still care. I still care about lyrics, the music, and the overall experience. And I’ll be using this platform to share some of my favorite albums ( Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You”), albums that changed my life (Lil Kim’s “Hardcore”) , new albums that were simply dope (Amerie’s All I Have”), and artist on the verge of changing the format of the current state of sound (Vikter Duplaix). So come with me on this journey of rediscovery.

Every so often, you’ll come across an artist who isn’t afraid to push the envelope and continue to introduce a new perspective…

New Amerykah Part One (4^th World War)

Ms. Badu releases her third studio LP (excluding World Wide Underground) during a time of musical uncertainty. Records aren’t moving major units and major labels aren’t really supporting the creativity of the artist but opting instead for catchier, sure-to-win dance tracks. Enter New Amerykah, a breath of musical fresh air. This album sounds like nothing we’ve heard from Ms. Badu or on the radio (b.k.a mainstream America). The beauty of Badu’s body of work is her ability to capture universal moments in life. Take for example in WWU she captured a “feel good vibe” reminiscent of the “P Funk Mothership era”. This album battles the ideals of modern society while taking you on a journey of self evolution. This album is very now!

Tracks like “Me” and “That Hump” find Badu reflecting on the trials and tribulations of life and evoking the same passion as she did throughout Mama’s Gun. “The Cell” one of my personal favorites, is one of the only up-tempo tracks on the album. If you’re like me and enjoy Erykah’s storytelling then this song will definitely move you. “Telephone” the tribute to J. Dilla, is by far the mellowest track on the album. You can really hear Dilla’s influence throughout the track, which was inspired by a conversation with Dilla’s mom about his last days. During his final days, Dilla often had conversations with fellow deceased artist. Perhaps this can be interpreted as Dilla knew he was nearing his death. This one in particular was a conversation with the ODB about which bus to catch to heaven. It almost feels like Badu is having a conversation with Dilla. Nonetheless, this track is very reminiscent of the Mama’s Gun sound that most have come to love her for.

This may not be Erykah’s best selling album or even deemed a commercial success but one thing that this album should be noted for is Ms. Badu’s unwillingness to dumb down her artistry for instant financial gratification (i.e. ringtone sales) the only bottom dollar for her is the music. This album takes us on another voyage through Erykah’s thoughts. Some may not understand this album until years later because the album went in a more futuristic direction in terms of how the music was delivered and sounds (i.e. distorted messages in the background). I would definitely recommend adding this to the collection if you’re looking for something new and different, experiencing a self revolution, or just love Erykah’s music.

And

This

IS

K. Fresh signing off….