Blushblog

I'm There!

It's almost that time! Time for the Democratic National Convention and it's going on close to me, in Charlotte. I'll be volunteering with the Press Division. I'm uber excited. Needless to say, let me go ahead and apologize to TJ Holmes wife right now, just in case I meet him. They might send me home. Ok, in reality, I'll probably clam up and have a Ace Ventura smile on my face like i did when I met Jamal Lewis.

Stand by folks, i'll let you know how everything goes!

The Iowa Debate

Ok, my intent was to pass on my in depth feelings about the Iowa debate.  I just can't.  Man that debate wore me out.  I'll just give my general feelings on it. 

Ron Paul-I think that he did a good job.  In general, I like Ron Paul.  I'm not a fan of him being President.  But I feel like we can actually sit down and have a drink together.  We can walk away agreeing to disagree without getting our buzz blown.

Mitt Romney- I really think that he's going to come out on top.  But he wont do it by betting people 10 G's on whether he expressed something in his book.  Who bets $10,000 off the cuff. That's the first amount that pops in your head under pressure?  Best thing he said "I've never been poor. But I grew up with a dad who was poor."  It was honest.  I can appreciate that.  He didn't try to lie about his wealth in order to relate to the general public.  Either it's there or it's not.

Newt Gingrich-Oh Newt.  Newt came out better than I thought he would.  They were going after him all night.  I'm definitely not a big fan of his.  But the best comeback of the night.  "We had four allegations, do I get four responses?"  In response to Mitt Romney boasting that he spent his life in the private sector, Newt replied "The only reason you didn’t become a career politician is you lost to Teddy Kennedy in 1994."  He should've just dropped the mic and walked off the stage with that one.  That was the comeback of all comebacks.  You can't become a career politician if you lose.  You've got to find something else to do.  That was great.

Rick Perry-Who?

Rick Santorum-Eh.  Most memorable that I can recall is him agreeing that Michelle Bachman is a consistent conservative.  He agreed that she's been fighting President Obama, but she's been fighting and losing.  He's been winning.

Michelle Bachman-I have 5 words for her.  "You're a mean girl Michelle."  And not even really mean as in she'll snatch your lollipop out of your mouth. She has the mean girl mentality.  Like if you like someone she doesn't like, she's going to stop talking to you in gym.  She spoke about some of her opponents agreeing with President Obama, and noted that she wont agree with Obama.  She said the nominee has to be willing to not agree with Barack Obama issues.  She almost gave me the feeling that she'd say no, just for the sake of saying no.  Like "oh you think it's raining outside, well if you think it is, then it absolutely can't be."  The kicker was at the end of the debate, George Stephanopoulos asked a great question.  The question was "tell us the one thing you’ve learned from someone else, one of your challengers, on stage."  What do you think she did?  She gave kudos to Herman Cain.  She gave props to his speaking style. Ummm was he on stage?  His speaking style?  I feel like it's dangerous to have someone who can't respect or take in someone elses ideas.  You may not agree on EVERYTHING.  But have to agree on somethings.  I don't feel like she debated, I felt like she used the debate as a full on campaign speech.  There's a difference.  I should've just walked out of the room when she said "You can take it to the bank."

0_0 ...I just got an image in my head of Reese Witherspoon in the film Election.  I loved that movie. I might have to download it soon...

Anyway, how was your weekend?  Decorations up?  Gifts Wrapped?  What'd you think of the debate?

If you missed it you can see the video and read a full transcript here.

31 Days of Service - LIFT

                                             (Image courtesy of www.liftcommunities.org)                                             

Over the last couple of months, media outlets and community representatives have reported the increasing employment gap between white Americans and minority Americans.  The recession has impacted minority communities so much that immediate action is required.  As our government continues to battle over the best way to combat troubling unemployment percentages, grassroots efforts are being forged to assist communities and individuals in need.  For those of us fortunate enough to be employed, it is imperative we join these efforts to ensure our communities are as economically and politically empowered as possible.

In Washington, DC, Lift-DC is a non-profit organization that seeks "to combat poverty and expand opportunity for all people in Washington, DC."  With the assistance of volunteers from local universities and through partnerships with other area organizations and agencies, Lift-DC works one-on-one with its clients to help them attain employment, locate housing, and obtain childcare, healthcare, and legal services. Volunteers also assist clients achieve the computer skills necessary to be competitive for jobs.

Lift-DC is in need of volunteers and monetary contributions to reach and assist as many citizens in need as possible.  Lift-DC's annual benefit event is being held on November 17, 2011 at Long View Gallery. The organization is seeking individual and corporate sponsorships for the benefit. Sponsorships and tickets may be purchased through Raël Nelson-James or online at http://liftdc.eventbrite.com. If you have further questions, please feel free to contract Raël Nelson-James at 202-289-1151 or RNJames@liftcommunities.org.

Lift is also present and active in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia.  Please volunteer and/or donate in your area.  A healthy community raises productive citizens.  

Tell us how you are helping your community.

My Congressional Black Caucus Weekend

Hey Blushing Ladies

Where did Thursday come from?  I am super exhausted. I’m still recovering from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference in Washington DC and a super busy week at work.

It was such a wonderful and inspiring week. My only complaint is that I had to figure out which panel to attend.  One great panel will be from 12-3p and another from 2:30-5p.  So much wonderful information in one place.  Here are some of my favorite highlights from the conference. If I wrote a review on everything, you’d be here forever, so I’ll just highlight a few things.

 

I was part of the Emerging Leaders group and this allowed me to meet many bright, smart, and driven people from many different areas and industries. 

One of my favorite Emerging Leaders events was held Thursday.  This was the Instant Apprentice Power Lunch.  I love this lunch because you get to pick an “Emerging Leader” from an available list outside.  Let me tell you, they have someone from every industry you can think of.  Sports, Marketing, PR, Science, Education.  Got a passion?  They’ve got you covered.  So once you find someone in the industry that reflects your passion, you grab a pre-packaged lunch (now this, I could’ve skipped.  The sandwiches are never that great, but oh well)  and you sit down with your leader.  That person then tells you how they got to this point in their career and what drove them. Then you get to ask whatever your heart desires.  You are at the table with about 7 others so it’s an intimate setting.  I enjoy not only the leader, but the thoughts of the others at my table.  You never know what you’ll learn from someone else.

I sat with Melissa Dawn Johnson.  She was fabulous.  She’s a dynamic speaker with a great story. She's written a book called Brand Me.  She told us about how she stepped out of a successful career to follow her passion and it's paid off.  She also helped to answer a question that's been burning in my head, but I haven't had the right person to ask.  If you would like to change careers, but are in your 30's (out of intern age), how do you intern?  Guess what, you shadow someone.  The difference between interning and shadowing?  Age and college credit.  So if you have been wanting to change careers and have been wondering the same thing, do it!.

One great piece of information that i'll take away from our meeting, don't only look to become the right mentee.  Make sure that you pair up with the right mentor.

One con to this lunch…Well, now, they say that there is never a stupid question.  And there aren’t. I guess.  But there are inappropriate places to ask them.  We had a woman at our table that chose to use our time to ask about stalkers on facebook and delve into Ms. Johnsons salary information.  Specific salary information.  Who does that?  But I guess if that’s what drives her….But either way, it was a great lunch.  Ms Johnson is now a part of my vision board.  I hope to meet up with her again in the future, whether it be through business or an internship, you never know.

Now most of my friends know that I’m not a big Iyanla Vanzant fan.  I love that she’s successful and doing her own thing. I just don’t appreciate the over exaggeration and all the animation.  You can say what you have to say in a regular tone.  Just calm it down.  Anyway, she headed up a panel at the conference called “Not for Sistas Only” with Representative Gwen Moore. The session it’self was pretty good and I can usually feel the info that Ms Vanzant gives out.  But the delivery.  Welllll.  Do what you do Ms Vanzant.  It’s just not for me. 

I left that session to go to my 2^nd favorite session of the conference (the lunch being my first).  IMPACT hosted a Roundtable with Young Elected Officials and Policy Professionals.  There were several wonderful people on the panel.  There was Biz Scott, Jamal Simmons, Karen Richardson, Melvin Carter, Anton Gunn, Tishaura O. Jones, Maisha Leek, and Cornel Belcher. Whew.  That was a lot of people.  But Dynamic. Fabulous.  Energetic.  Thoughtful.  Inspiring.  Did I say Fabulous?  And I must say, that Jamal isn’t too hard on the eyes.  They spoke about what drove them to their perspective positions within government.  It made me think about the fact that I am not making money off of what I love.  I am making money off of what I fell into.  That needs to change.

Some of my favorite quotes and thoughts from this panel:

“You can have the best idea.  If you can’t communicate it, it never gets out”-Jamal Simmons
“A leaders job is to build power through others.”-Anton Gunn
In speaking of where to use your power politically.  “Things that affect you are in city hall.”-Melvin Carter
“Never be too good to do anything.” Karen Richardson

There is one thing that I heard throughout a few sessions and that’s “Opportunity meets Preparation.”  You need to always be prepared so that when a great opportunity presents itself, you’ll be ready. 

And I have to say this.  David Johns was the moderatorof aforementioned Roundtable.  Let me tell you why he was a great moderator, when it was question and answer time, if you didn’t have a question, you might as well just sit in your seat.  A lot of people used question and answer time in various sessions to become sub-panelist.  They gave you their life story, their cause, and almost seemed to be in campaign or recruitment mode.  This made the sessions way too long and we couldn’t hear the thoughts of the people that we came there to see.  So kudos to you Mr. Johns. 

I don’t even think that I have to tell you about the Presidents speech because, whether you loved it or hated it, I’m sure that you’ve heard it.  If not, take a listen.  Oh and by the way, I loved it.
 

Like I said before, I couldn’t possibly highlight everything, so if you missed it and want to see what was going on, you can search for #41stALC, #alc2011, and @YGB2011 in twitter.  If you didn't make it this year, come next year and bring a friend.  You'll love it. 

Blushing Ladies, did you go to the conference this year?  What did you think?

 

When will they learn

In the information age, nothing is private anymore.  Everything gets out.  In the past few years we've seen naked pictures of Rihanna, NBA Players in their underwear, and text between stars and their mistresses'.  At this point, nothing is sacred anymore.  Especially if a politician sends it.

In the past few days we've seen this twice.  An email that was initiated by Todd Palin, Sarah Palins' husband, seemed to suggest that she may be gearing up for a presidential run in 2012.  I didn't see how this suggested a run initially, but I guess I get it now.  Everyone talked about how mean the email was and how much more of a force ol' Todd is than originally thought.  I just read it as Todd being upset about how senate candidate Joe Miller doubted his woman. 

This email was a reply to Todd thinking that Miller was not supportive enough when asked if the Mrs. is qualified to be president.  Miller's reply is on the top.

 

I don't see what all of the hub-bubs about.  I'm sure that an email by any of my loved ones would have contained waaay more expletives if they thought that I was wronged.  And my reply at being wrongfully accused would have been much worse than holy-cow.  Since the leak, Todd has said that he received some bad information.  So, his bad.  He didn't mean it.  I wonder if she is elected, will she leave in the middle of the Presidency if she decides that she wants to do something else.  Just sayin.

The next Politico Leakage comes from good ole' NC and GOP rep Larry Brown.  He sent an email to over 60 republicans in response to Equality NC naming House Speaker Joe Hackney their Legislative Leadership awardee.  Hackney supported the 2009 anti bullying law and has blocked Republicans attempts to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would prohibit gay marriage.

Brown sent his co-horts an email that read:

"I hope all the queers are thrilled to see him. I am sure there will be a couple legislative fruitloops there in the audience."

Equality NC was none too happy to hear about this email.  And what makes it worse, Brown hasn't even owned up to the fact that his words were derogatory.  So Equality NC decided to take the high road and help him out. 

From now until Monday, October 11th at 5pm, each donation that you make to Equality NC in Rep. Brown's name will come with a box of fruit loops that will be delivered to his office with the donors personal message.  

You can send a donation by clicking here.

Looks like they are getting the bully back....when will they learn. 

Our wonderful first couple!

You know what?  Our first lady is fly.  I came across this picture of her.  She looks GOOOWD!  Hat's off to you Michelle!  And you too Mr. President!

A New Spin on the State of the Union

I enjoyed the State of the Union address this week.  I always wish that I could be a fly on the wall for all of the background action.  The good stuff always happens behind the scenes.  But thanks to CNN, we get to see some of it. 

Who knew that this State of the Union address included California rep Barbara Lee being a "Mean Girl" bully, the Joint Chiefs of Staff giving their "Da Hell If" face, accidental porn on the internet, and our own first lady, Michelle Obama, giving her elegant and regal version of "sit yall behinds down." 

Take a look, and Happy Friday

*If you're receiving this via the email distro, click here to see the video. Trust me, you won't regret it.  Oh and it's safe for work.

~Rae

My little laugh for the day

I came across this entry on Slate.com a few weeks ago and had been meaning to post it ever since.  Slate is one of my favorite political gab-sites.  Below is their take on what President Obama's facebook page would look like.  This was right after the "You Lie" shouting incident.  They update it ever so often.  You can see the latest one here.

Below is one of my favorites.  Particularly VP Joe Biden and Michael Jordan.

	Congress is back. Barack Obama Looking forward to having a constructive dialogue with all of you about the vital issues facing this nation. Mitch McConnell Same to you, socialist! John Boehner Yeah, can't wait to bankrupt hardworking Americans.
	Barack Obama posted a video: Health Care Speech. Joe Wilson You lie! Nancy Pelosi flagged this as offensive.
	150 million people joined the group Joe Wilson Is a Douchenozzle.
	150 million people joined the group Joe Wilson Is an American Hero.
	Rahm Emanuel sent Joe Wilson a gift: Brown paper bag. Rahm Emanuel Look inside.
	Charles Boustany posted a note: Republican response to Obama. David Axelrod OK, cue Cougar Town.
	CNN posted a video: Joe Wilson: I Am Very Sorry for What I Said.
	Joe Wilson wrote on Barack Obama's Wall: I Apologize, Mr. President.
	Joe Wilson posted a photo: Nancy Pelosi Not good enough.
	The House of Representatives created the event Joe Wilson Public Spanking. Michael Duvall likes this.
	Joe Wilson just raised $1.1 million.
	Rob Miller just raised $1.5 million.
	CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News just raised $800 million.
	Joseph C. Wilson changed his profile name to Not That Joe Wilson.
	MTV sent Taylor Swift a gift: Video Music Award. Kanye West Taylor, congratulations on winning your award. You deserve it.. Taylor Swift Why thanks, Kanye. How kind of you.. Facebook advertisement paid for by Kanye West.
	Terry Moran Obama called Kanye West a "jackass." Now THAT'S presidential. Robert Gibbs Oh please, no, don't show Obama as a relatable human being.
	TMZ posted a clip: AUDIO: Barack Obama Calling Kanye West a "Jackass." Robert Gibbs Again? No, this is a disaster. Please stop.
	CNN posted a video: EXCLUSIVE: Barack Obama Calls Kanye West "Jackass." Robert Gibbs Do you want it in 3-D? Because we can do that.
	Jimmy Carter Joe Wilson is a racist.
	Jimmy Carter I must say, Kanye's interruption was awfully inappropriate.
	Jimmy Carter The Vampire Diaries really is a terrific program. Rahm Emanuel I'm sorry, that's my limit. STFU.
Michael Jordan 5 People I love: Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan, and Michael Jordan
	America is remembering. Joe Biden Knock, knock. Robert Gibbs Not a good time, Joe.
	CNN posted an article: "Coast Guard Fires on Suspicious Boat in Potomac." Robert Gibbs That was a training exercise. Dick Cheney Training my sack. They took my sea bass!
	Glenn Beck created the event 9/12 Project March on Washington. Michael Steele Sounds fun. What day is it?
	Rush Limbaugh posted a video: Black Kids Beating Up White Kid on a Bus. Rush Limbaugh This is what happens in Obama's America. Sean Hannity Yeah. Since when do people of different races fight over bus seats?
	Glenn Beck Obama has more czars than Communist Russia! Newt Gingrich Well, technically the czars held power in imperialist Russia. Glenn Beck This is why you don't have a TV show.
	Max Baucus posted a note: America's Healthy Future Act. Joe Biden This bill is pretty good, and I'ma let you present it, but Beyoncé has ONE OF THE BEST HEALTH CARE PROPOSALS OF ALL TIME!!! Robert Gibbs OK, who showed Joe the Internet?
	Politico posted an article: "Rick Santorum Pondering 2012 Bid."
	Rick Santorum joined the cause Fix My Google Search.

Get Em Hillary

I'vealways liked Hillary.  Even when I was team Obama and she was runningagainst him.  As with any politician, I don't agree with everythingthat she does, but I know that she's a strong political force.

I'venever seen her as a quiet woman.  Somehow, I don't think that Billquietly crept back into the bed next to her after the whole Monicathing.  And not just because he cheated, but because he exposed her tothe nation like that.  I think that he's still washing dishes andpolishing her toe nails every night to make up for it.

With allthat being said, I can't believe that I hadn't commented on the belowfootage.  I feel like after she said, "He's not secretary of state, Iam," she said "bitches" under her breath before she shifted in herseat. 

I'm sure that both she and Condi have to deal withmisogynistic butt holes when they visit various countries, so I wasproud to see her stand up for herself. 

Turns out, in the end,the translator, translated wrong.  The questioner didn't ask aboutPresident Clinton, they were asking about President Obama (I still don't know if I believe that one.  Obama doesn't sound like Clinton).  But it'sgood for ol' Hill to let them know who they're dealing with every oncein a while.

Go Hillary!

The Inauguration Day recap

What a historic day January 20, 2009 was!  It was the day the first African American President was sworn in and bigger than all of that, it was a day that I had my first fan encounter!  That's right folks, I am now famous, but I will fill you in on that piece later. 

Inaugural Day

HOLY PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!  I mean people were everywhere all the time people.  Since we had partied ourselves silly the night before we overslept a bit  and didn't head to the metro until 8 in the morning.  Our original plan was to be there by 6.  oops liquor won that morning.  When we got to the exit for the metro there were cars parked along the highway, and more that were being towed.  There was a sign that said no more parking at the station.  we were like uh oh, but gave it a try anyways.  There just wasn't anymore FREE parking.  We got parked and headed to the metro feeling like we just missed a huge bullet...but nope when we reached the station there was a line wrapped around the thing.  it was craziness.  We stood in that line for an hour and a half.  it was freezing.  Even with my layers of clothes, I had on leggings, socks, jeans, 2 t-shirts and a sweater and my big down coat with the fur hood and a hat I was frigid.  I WAS READY.  Now remember the smart trip cards we put the money on for today?  They came in handy once we got to the front of the line.  only those with cards could go forward but we weren't charged anything so D.C. still got my money!  Another piece of joy encountered.  Yes!  The normally 18 minute train ride took 45 minutes.  It was excruciating.  Especially because we knew how long the ride really should take.  Once we were downtown there was a mass exodus to ONE street with a gazillion people on it.  They were all shapes, sizes, nationalities, ages, racial backgrounds, etc.  it was like a true melting pot in the middle of the city. 
Now Tee and I head to where our ticket area is while Cuz went to find his own spot.  We got to our designated area and it was at a stand still.  I started to panic, finally we found out that some non ticket folks had busted down a barricade and filled the silver area...which meant no silver ticket holders could fit (Later we found out Cuz was all up in the barricade break down).  WHAT??????????  Tee and I make a mad dash to another entry way.  There was no way we were going to miss this.  Every street we try to cut down is blocked.  AHHHH!!!  We are booking it.  In the middle of our walk I took her hand and we said a prayer.  I needed something to calm me down.  But not to worry blushing ladies we got to an entrance and got to see the whole thing via a jumbotron amongst the people.  Below are the lists of my highlights:

• No one acted like a fool with the stop pushing me, why you so close to me business.
• It wasn't as cold as I was expecting (maybe cause of the layers or the 30 minute speed walk)
• being able to share the experience with a friend. 
• the crowd booing when Bush came out. 
• Our group of people starting to sing "na na na na heyyyyyyyy goodbye" after the boos. 
• Seeing Michelle hear us and mouth a wow.  Awesome. 
• It was an indescribable experience.  Emotion came over Tee and I almost immediately once we made it to our piece of the mall.  I think the panic of potentially not seeing it made us a little more breakable.  When I saw Barack on the screen before he walked out on the stage....I started crying and hugging Tee.  it sounds lame as I type it but it didn't feel like it yesterday.  There are really no words to detail how it felt to see an African American first family.  Never thought I would see it. 
• the camaraderie of the crowd, when the swearing in began people were reaching over to people they didn't know and were giving each other high fives.  Great times. 

Now for the worst moments: 

• D.C. should not be allowed to have large functions.  They really suck at it.  There were only 2 ways out to one metro station.  For those of us from out of town we didn't know where to go.  So I called Sheena to come to her place to watch the parade.  She lived a short 10 minute walk from where we were (on a normal day).  One hour and half later we reached her place.  Did we get lost?  No.  Did we stop to see something?  NO.  D.C had closed every road we needed and had no direction on where we could go.  We spent that whole 90 minutes walking in the FREEZING COLD aimlessly on a roundabout unlabled detour that took us 15 blocks out of our way.  I now say D.C. stands for dumb city (no offense DCers). 
• Sound system-Yeah I get that there were millions of folks out there, it was outdoors, the reflection pool was there but in this day and age there should be a way to have speakers with the jumbotrons so we could hear everything clearly.  Instead I had to read the speech on the screen which caused our area to have delayed reactions. 
• Cops-they were there but from all over.  No one knew anything cause they were a cop from Virginia or Michigan.  GRRRR. 
• People in groups of four or more who walk linked together through hoards of people.  You are messing up the rotation with the 6th grade crap.  KEEP IT MOVING. 
• Slow walkers should stay to the right.  They should not be in the middle or the left.  They should stay to the right, just like cars.  If they are not on the right I should be allowed to trip them from behind like we used to do as kids. 

Funniest moments: 

• Cuz tripping up the escalator at the Metro...HILARIOUS. 
• When I asked Tee for her hand for our prayer she looked at me and said "why are your hands cold?" 
• People with picket signs against the homos and baby killers.
• One lone gay man with a rainbow scarf next to the religious tyrants.
• Same gay man yelling "Hey Reverend look at me...Homo alert homo alert" as he swung his rainbow scarf above his head like a helicopter. 
• Getting to Sheena's house and her mother being ready with hot tea with a little Captain in it.  Thanks Mom!  
• Me seeing Spike Lee and wife and not being able to realize it was Spike Lee until Tee said that was Spike Lee.  I just thought they looked familiar.  LOL.

Now to the evening...
We were supposed to go to a dinner, but we could not move by the time dinner time rolled around plus my feet were throbbing like CRAZY.  So we skipped the dinner, took a nap to get ready for the post Inaugural ball/after party which was hosted by Jeffrey Wright with DJ MC Lyte.  Again it was a very classy affair.  everyone looked so nice dressed up, including us.    There were performances by Buddy Guy, the band from the Cadillac records movie, and Jackson Brown.  Even MC Lyte did a little I rock the party.  Here's why this party was dope...open bar, passed vittles, it was in an art gallery with nothing but different Barack paintings that were phenomenal, and celebrities just hanging with everyone.  Here were the sightings:  Jeffrey Wright (I introduced myself to him since he is friends with my Uncle.  At first he was about to play me but once I said who I was he was all kisses and hugs), Hill Harper (I swear he looked at me like he recognized me from Sunday), Tatiana Ali (she is very very pretty...she had nude stockings on with an open toe shoe but still pretty), Kevin Eubanks from the tonight show (Guess what?  He's SHORTTTTTTTTTT.), Alonzo Mourning and his wife (they are now my favorite couple, they looked fantastic all weekend and they partied like what), and Me (so I am standing at a table praying my feet don't need to be amputated after the day's events when a woman comes up to me and says I really think I know you from somewhere.  What do you do?  I tell her my job that pays the bills, she says no that's not it.  I add I also do Comedy.  She says "Oh my god, that's it!  I saw you perform in NYC and you are hilarious!  I love you!").  Folks that's my first fan approaching.  WOW!  We didn't get home until 5 am and we crashed as soon as we hit the door but it was so WORTH IT.  I am sure there are things missing but if you have questions don't be afraid to ask. 
Blushing Ladies Speak:  Did you enjoy the guest blogging from GPeezy?  Should she go to the All-Star weekend in Phoenix and blog about that to?