Clip from her legendary concert at Ceasar's Palace following the release of "The Boss". This song, along with The Boss, and Ain't No Mountain High Enough was produced by the awesome duo Ashford & Simpson.
Read Smoke!
My latest book, "Smoke: poems of love, longing and ecstasy" is available for purchase on Amazon in e-book and paperback. Click book for link.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fly Alert: Diane von Furstenburg "Natasha" Skirt
I think this is sooo Mary Tyler Moore! This a-line skirt is universally flattering and the rows of double buttons are a cute nod to the sixties. Pair with a pair of updated spectator pump like this one from Gucci and a simple black top for a knock out outfit. Purchase here for $325. Actually, these Gucci pumps deserve a pic. They're fabolah as well.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
SPOTLIGHT: Keith Olbermann, Republicans Hi-Jacked 9/11
This "Special Comment" by Keith Olbermann aired on MSNBC on the eve of the 9/11 Anniversary, condemned the Republican Party for using the event as a tactic for political control. Fear Mongering would be the appropriate term. Anyways, this commenary is incredibly poignant and well-argued.... it is certainly worth your watch.
-Ike
Monique Lhullier, Spring Collection, New York Fashion Week, 2008
Monique Lhullier is synonomous with the modern bridal gown, but her latest showing in Bryant Park demonstrated that she is also well positioned to be a tremendous force in evening and day wear. Her Spring Collection, which she described as a "tropical island get-away" was safe, but nothing short of fantastic. Sandy haired (I would have liked to see Jourdan or Chanel) models walked the runway in vibrant Mediterranean pastel hues, sultry chiffon and tulle, and scintillating details such as gold embellishment that are trademark Monique. Monique, under 30, is definitely one to watch, and not just if your planning a wedding. Enjoy the selected pics.
Ciara Poses Nude for Vibe...At what cost?
Ciara poses in the buff for the latest issue of Vibe Magazine. My thoughts: a gimmick to promote her latest project. Let's call a spade a spade. I hate to dismiss a public figure for posing in the nude, but I do question it.
One of the primary challenges that young Black women face is body consciousness, that is the manner in which we, as Black American women, conceptualize our bodies while growing up in a society that has historically sexualized us. When media images implicitly places value on the Black woman's sexuality, sensuality... her "vixenhood"... how do we develop a sense of respect for the divine gift that God gave us? When a notable star, an icon for young Black women, takes it all off for the sake promotion, it adds to this conflict.
Do some research on HIV/AIDS statistics. Black women between the ages of 15-24, the age group most influenced by media outlets like Vibe and the likes of Ciara, are contracting the disease at the fastest rate in this country, and primarily as a result of unprotected heterosexual intercourse. This means that there is a grave number of Black young women who don't feel strongly enough about their bodies to negotiate condom use and to not give themselves liberally to men who probably do not deserve them. We can not isolate the prevalence of promiscuity and unprotected sexual activity amongst young Black women from the culture. I'm not being holier than though, or puritanical, but seriously ladies... let's look at the picture. It's bleak.
Black women of all socioeconomic echelons are waging a battle for their sexual health and losing. We can no longer afford to be irresponsible about the mass messages that we dissiminate . Ciara's display treats the nude black body as a commodity. And let's face it, she is doing this to sell albums, sell magazines, and increase her star power. Her body, in this sense, is a commodity. Look at the second spread... it's not even 'artistic'. It's blatant, parted-lips, XXL, King-Style, sexual nudity intended to tittilate and suggest. When someone of her star power conducts herself in this manner, it says to her vulnerable fans that the exhibition of the body at whim is normal. It is okay. It is cool. It implies the sexuality is a viable path to notoriety and success. And as young women yearn to be popular and feel good about themselves, and many will model themselves after their cultural icons in doing so, it is no wonder that you can go to a Myspace or a Facebook page and see a half dressed young woman screaming for attention. It is no wonder that for many young ladies of color, their greatest aspiration is to dance half naked in a rap video for a paltry sum. And it is now wonder that there are countless Black women who would give of themselves and not even think twice about protection.
Please, let us as Black women and especially Black women in the public eye be sensitive to the plight of our young females for self-respect and sexual health. Let's be responsible. We owe at least that much to ourselves.
-Ike
Still, No Justice for Sean Bell
Al Sharpton will appear before a New York court today on allegations of disorderly conduct and obstruction of road ways during protests that followed the Sean Bell verdict. Fathom the irony. Sean Bell was fatally shot 50 times in Queens, New York back in 2006, by a gang of New York cops. It was the eve of his wedding. This incident sparked national controversy over the continuity of police brutality inthe urban streets of America. All of murderers were acquitted of their charges.
-Ike
Monday, September 8, 2008
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