It's been like 2 weeks...

It's been about 2 weeks since I last blogged, and for that I am truly apologetic. Between preparing my children for the upcoming school year, as well as myself, starting a new job, and my anniversary, I've been too busy to even open a computer. However, that is no excuse. I promise to attempt to be more diligent in my handling of the blog. PLEASE forgive me...
~ Future

So, on to the news:

We recently commemorated the 1 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. It's really sad that President Bush was so slow to react to the situation but yet now wants to be down there smiling for pictures. He pretends like he's so interested in helping rebuild N.O., but he's not. He could care less about the people of color down there who lost their lives, livelihoods, homes, schools, everything... Hopefully, this and 9/11 will serve to shed some light on just what can happen when power in this country is shifted to an ignorant bigot who focuses only on his beliefs and wants rather than the needs of an entire people.

Foxy Brown is back in the legal system. She's been accused of stealing a couple of $400 belts. I would think Ms. Inga would have learned her lesson by now after beating the crap out of some manicurists..."And that's all I have to say about thaayat." (LOL)

And, Danity Kane has been battling it out with heavyweights Christina Aguilera and Outkast for the top spot on next week's national album chart. Get the rest of the story here.

IN LGBT NEWS...

And, on Aug. 17, 2006, the Pension Protection Act took a huge step in the protection of LGBT relationships and partners by allowing pensions/ retirement plans to be transfered over to a domestic partner or other "non-spouse" beneficiary if the person dies. At least it's a step in the right direction, even though many LGBT opponents will probably say that it's for the benefit of children or older couples who never marry. But, at least we can now benefit from it as well...

Get the rest of the story at the HRC... Click Here.

BROWN DIAMOND SPOTLIGHT:

Senator Barak Obama and his grandmother

Senator Barak Obama known for his strong views, political savvy, and being a man of the people recently travelled to his family's ancestral village Nyangoma Kogelo, Nyanza province in western Kenya. He began his journey by taking a voluntary HIV test to encourage HIV prevention and help alleviate the stigma behind HIV/ AIDS testing. Obama,, whose grandmother still lives in the village, was received by the thousands of people with a joyous reception. His visit to the region has been highly anticipated. Children from the Senator Barak Obama primary school performed dances to celebrate his arrival. Senator Obama is only the 5th African American to serve in the US Senate and has vowed to make Africa a top priority in American foreign policy.


Please take time out to be committed to the education of our young people. We need to all make a conscious effort to ensure that young people are educated in school as well as out.


Video of the DAY!

Nas- I Can

Nas - I Can


Provided by VideoCodes4U.com

"I want dark babies..."

Flavor of Love 2: Wire is busted

This chick said she wants dark babies. WTF is that about!?! I know the writers for the show had her say that specifically for shock value, because no one can be that stupid.

Brown Diamond Spotlight...

Mystery 9/11 rescuer surfaces after nearly 5 years. During the September 11th terrorist attacks, then 27 year old, Marine Sgt. Jason Thomas assisted in saving the lives of two police officers buried in the rubble at Ground Zero. And, guess what folks, no one asked him or called him. He heard about the attacks and ran to the rescue. And, then, he came back for two weeks to assist in the search and rescue effort. Afterward, he left the scene to try and put the situation behind him. He asked for no kudos or acclaim. He did it because he felt it was his duty to help. We need more men like him. No one expected him to be a man of color, but he was. Most people think we are incapable of such selflessness. Even the producer of the movie, World Trade Center, assumed and apologized for casting his part as a Caucasian man. We need more men like this. But, why couldn't this hero have been depicted as a person of color, Black, Hispanic, or otherwise? Why did it have to be a White man? I'm just wondering.
Get the rest of the story here.

In a disturbing turn of events, Patricia Todd, the woman who is on the road to becoming the first openly gay member of the Alabama legislature, will have her win challenged by her opponent, Gaynell Hendricks, who is Black. According to Hendricks' attorney said the case will center on claims that "Todd tried to keep voters from knowing about a $25,000 donation to her campaign from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund." While the allegations are that she was trying to mislead voters, many people are saying that the true issue is if a White woman should representing a predominantly Black district, where Blacks couldn't even vote 2 generations ago. I personally feel like we all have been oppressed. Why should one oppressed group be prejudice or bias against another group, just because of the perception of having it slightly easier in life. We all have it hard for some reason or another. I only hope that if Todd ran a clean race, then she will be vindicated.
Get the rest of the story here .

In other news...

Christine Quinn, New York City's most visible gay official, has come under fire after she proposed last week that the city's more than 250 nightclubs be required to install security cameras at their entrances and exits. Many of her gay constituents are upset due to the fact that they feel this would be an invasion of privacy and pose a threat to those who are not out of the closet. While I don't particularly like the idea, I think it does have its pros and cons, including deterring criminals, because only stupid criminals put their faces on camera. I think she's damned if she does, and damned if she doesn't. And, what these gay leaders need to realize is that while she is gay, she represents more than just the gay residents and visitors of NYC.
Get the rest of the story here.

And,

In Los Angeles, the nation's first LGBT specialization within a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program. First being offered this fall, example courses include, "LGBT History and Mythology" and "Issues for Gender Variant Clients." "The program is devoted to bringing LGBT-affirmative theory and practice to students of psychology who want to strengthen their LGBT identities and in working towards social justice wish to help further gay and lesbian empowerment, dignity, self-esteem, and healing in their gay and lesbian clientele," Douglas Sadownick, the specialization's director, said.

I am really excited about this. It's about time. We have specialties for EVERY thing else. You can pursue a speciality in fecal matter, and they will have every possible course related to it. I hope many other educational institutions across the country follow suit.
Get the rest of the story here.

ANTM Season begins September 20th. Get the scoop at Crunk & Disorderly.

And, is it me or do the 2 chicks on the right in the second row from the top look like twins or sisters or something. Two times, two times, two times the ugly... But, I'll still be tuning in.

And, supposedly, Alicia Keys made her boyfriend Kerry wait 1 year before they had sex. Oohhh... Like I believe that. And, if it's true, it's only because she was still bumping fuzzies with her ex GIRLfriend. j/k. I still love you A. Keys, even if I do think you go both ways.
Get the story here.

Alicia also attended the national AIDS conference in Toronto a few days ago. Lovin' it. This is the side of Ms. Keys that I like to see. I could give to hoots about her "sex" life or lack there of.

And, a random pic of Michelle, looking like Ms. Celie... Sisstaahh, you been on my mind... j/k. She was singing with the kids after the Sky's last home game.

Spike Lee has a documentary about Hurrican Katrina called When the Levees Broke which will air on HBO in 2 parts on Aug. 21 & 22. Get the story here.

Rich has the recap on Project Runway. Get it here.

My pick for video of the day:

Corinne Bailey Rae~ Just like a Star

LIKE A STAR (by Corinne Bailey Rae)

FREE MUSIC VIDEOS for your profile!
Over 40,000 music videos to choose from at VideoCodeZone!

"Go big or go home people"~ Future

WSOP

In non-Brown Diamond news...

Former Hollywood talent agent, Jamie Gold, bluffed his way to a World Series of Poker win and $12 million against Paul Wasicka, a 25 year old bartender, in the final hand of the 4-day tournament. He was somehow able to convince his opponent that he had a weaker hand then he actually had and his opponent, biting the bluff, went all in. Gold was the champion player out of 8,773 players in the tournament. His opponent, Wasicka, only picked up the game two and a half years ago. WTF?!?

WHO are these people? I watch poker REGULARLY and have never seen these two... But, whatever... Get the rest of the story here.

Making the Band 3 - Season 3 Finale

I wasn't originally feeling Diddy's picks for the band, but Dawn, Aundrea, and D Woods have grown on me... AYO Diddy! Make em' a trio!

Legendary hip hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, have reunited to to headline the first leg of the 2nd Annual 2K Sports Bounce Tour in 15 cities. It will mark the first tour for the group in over 5 years. Get the rest of the story here.

So, supposedly, Diddy is now the richest man in hip hop. According to the Panache Report, Diddy is sitting on $346 million. And, he complains about having to pay his child support? You showstoppin' aren't you Diddy? And, everyone's least favorite half of Bigga comes a close second with $340 million. Check out the rest of the list below. ~ Thanks to SOHH.com.

3. Russell Simmons, $325 Million
4. Damon Dash, $200 Million
5. Neptunes, $155 Million
6 Dr. Dre, $150 Million
7. Ice Cube, $145 Million
8. Eminem, $110 Million
9. 50 Cent, $100 Million
10. (Tie)Nelly, $60 Million
10. (Tie) Jermaine Dupri, $60 Million



Get the new leaked collabo with Nas & Kelis here. It's fire.


In other news...

"The Vermont Supreme Court ruled Aug. 4 that Vermont courts, not courts in Virginia, have exclusive jurisdiction in a two-state custody dispute involving a lesbian couple and their four-year-old daughter..." Get the rest of the story here.

I'll have to keep my eye on that. I would love to see how it all plays out, since ol' girl that took the child and bounced to VA is saying she is no longer a lesbian. Hmmm.

There's an article in the Seattle Times which describes the feeling of acceptance felt by the lesbian community at Seattle Storm games. One woman states, "I just know that at KeyArena I can completely let my guard down, and I think so many other couples are like that with their kids. It's great for the kids to see other rainbow families." I for one applaud Seattle and the Storm for providing such an atmosphere where people of the LGBT can go with their children and have everyone feel a sense of normalcy, sans the stares and whispers. I get some of the same vibe at the Chicago Sky games. All differences in lifestyle, color, religion, or whatever, go right out the window when you walk into the Pavilion. I hope this trend carries over to other venues. If not for the adults who are homosexual, then for the children who have no say in the matter. Do it for the kids!


Two new movies to check out this weekend...

Go see em'. See you there.

And, I'd like to spotlight an up and coming brown diamond...

Her name is Tyhesia. She's a 24 year old hairstylist in Paterson, NJ. And, the chick knows her way around a head. She's been doing this for over 10 years. Check more of her styles out here.


And, finally, my video of the day is:

Jill Scott- Cross My Mind

Jill Scott - Cross My Mind


Provided by VideoCodes4U.com

So, this morning the terrorism threat level was raised to RED, the highest security threat level, for any flights coming from Britain and to ORANGE, just one step below that, for all other U.S. domestic flights. The reason behind this was that a terrorist plot to bomb U.S.-bound planes was foiled and 21 suspects were arrested. Police described the planned attack as "mass murder on an unimaginable scale." This is the first time that the terror threat has been raised to the highest level, which is resulting in increased precautionary measures at airports around the country. Because of this, the U.S. government has also banned ALL liquids and gels from flights, including toothpaste, makeup, and suntan lotion. However, baby formula and medicines are exempt from the ban. Flights from London to the U.S. have been cancelled, and increased security is resulting in extreme delays. So, for all my flying birdies, please take all additional precautions, leave your lotion at home, and get there EARLY... Get the rest of the story here.

In Hip Hop news...

Jay-Z and U.N Secretary-General Kofi Annan

Jay-Z announced yesterday in a press conference at the United Nations that he plans to travel to various regions of the world that are affected by the world water crisis and will document this journey in an MTV special set to air Nov. 24. He stated, "Every 15 seconds a child dies from not having access to clean water." During this tour, he'll be meeting with children who are among more than 1 billion people who don't have access tp safe drinking water. Get the story here.

Cassie performed 106 & Park recently, and needless to say, she did not tear it up. I love her first single. It's got a great beat, really catchy... But, unfortuntately, ol' girl just can't blow... uh, I mean sing. She's a pretty girl who can really... move? But, she should stick to lip synching. Be a model..."stand there and look pretty."

**Cassie ft.Young Joc - Me & U (Live At 106 & Park) **

And, my spotlight on the BROWN DIAMOND of the moment is:

MC Lyte

Hip Hop legend MC Lyte recently signed on to attend the second annual Hip Hop Leadership Camp to be held in Los Angeles, CA. To be held on the campus of UCLA from Aug. 10-13th, the 4-day camp targets at-risk youth. "This camp is more than just a series of classes," said HHLC Founder Karen Levy. “The personal interaction and application of the skills acquired in the program gives them the chance to experience their potential as future leaders by using their love of hip-hop and entertainment as a learning tool.” Other industry professionals scheduled to attend include: Sticky Fingaz, Chino XL, Sway, DJ Skee, among a host of others. Students who maintain a 2.5 GPA, and graduate high school are guaranteed an internship in the entertainment field of their choice... Get the rest at All Hip Hop.

I am so happy to see the hip hop community reaching out to the youth. I applaud all of the industry people who choose to get involved and provide positivity to the lives of children, especially at-risk children. I hope they bring this camp to a local area and get other celebrities involved. I'm lovin' it!

In LGBT news...

Kathy Webb, D-Arkansas Jolie Justus, D-Missouri

Jolie Justus, a Democratic candidate in Missouri, is set to become the first openly gay state senator. The lesbian candidate won the Democrative primary for Missouri's 10th district state senate seat. Because the district is heavily Democratic, it virtually ensures that she will become the first out senator this November. Last month, LGBT activist Patricia Todd won her Democratic primary for the Alabama House of Representatives. She will be automatically installed in November, because there is no Republican challenger. Al McAffery won his primary for the Oklahoma House of Representatives recently. His district includes downtown Oklahoma City. He will also be autmotacially installed due to a lack of a Republican challenger. And, Kathy Webb will serve as the first out lesbian in the House of Representatives after winning her seat in Arkansas.

So that's how they do it in the sticks. And, I thought they were all a$$-backward over there. LOL. I guess you never know. I would have expected this to come from NY, or NJ, or Cali... But, instead, it's the deep south and the midwest doing big things. Maybe the rest of the country should take notice and take some notes. Rainbows are doing big things. And, it's about time.

Get the rest of the story here.

Since The Descent has been out for nearly a week, I thought I'd just share my thoughts on the movie. It sucked. Period. I wouldn't waste my money for those of you considering cracking open the piggy-banks this weekend. However, others may feel differently... Check out Rich's review at Four Four... here.

And, finally, there is a play which is returning to the Bay area called "7 Sides of Sadie" which chronicles the life and complexities of one woman. If you are in the Bay area, you should check it out. Get details... here.

And, my choice for video of a day... a bit of a throwback...

Lauryn Hill- Sweetest Thing

Lauryn Hill - Sweetest Thing


Provided by VideoCodes4U.com

You better stop interruptin my prayer...


Now I try not to watch Flavor of Love, but I just can't help to watch this nonsense. I know it is like 3 days old, but what was this chick thinking? Just another "reality" show stereotyping people of color and benefiting from making us look ridiculous. Stop the madness.

Dlisted has the full recap. Get it here.

CHICAGO SKY!!!

Ok... So, yesterday I went to the final home game of the Chicago Sky. For all who do not know, that is the newest WNBA expansion team. Chicago lost to Connecticut with a score of 85-59. And, as their inaugural season comes to a close, their record stands at 4-27, with 3 away games left to go. So, needless to say, they will not be making a playoff run. However, because I LOVE basketball and I love the Sky, I have decided to post a few pics and firsts to Congratulate my new home team on their season.

First game, first win...... 5/20/06 vs. Charlotte, 83-82
First Basket....................Stacey Dales
First All Star..................Candice Dupree

And, my pick for best player...

Candice Dupree

All star weekend...

My pick for Rookie of the Year!


Seimone Augustus

And, of course, player of the year is none other than...



Diana Taurasi

Ok... With my love of the GAME out of the way...


In other "sports" news...

Ex OSU football star Maurice Clarett has been arrested yet again after a highway chase ended with police using Mace on the former running back and finding 4 loaded guns in the back of his SUV... You may remember back in January when Mr. Clarett was arrested for allegedly robbing two people of a cell phone at gunpoint. He is currently awaiting trial on those charges.

All I have to say is that this ish is getting old, QUICK!
Get the rest of the story... here

Alicia Keys and Common are set to star in a new movie called "Smokin Aces" which will be released sometime next year. From watching the trailer, it seems to be action-packed, if you like that sort of thing. Check out the trailer here.

In other news...

"Sen. Joe Lieberman lost Connecticut's Democratic primary to anti-Iraq war upstart Ned Lamont in a squeaker last night - but vowed to stay in the race until November as an independent candidate."~ NY Post (Read more here)

Ha ha... It's about time.


An article in today's NY Times details how the information we unintentionally provide when utilizing search engines such as Google or AOL, is saved for marketing purposes. Yet, everytime we type in a search, it becomes easier and easier to determine the identity of the user, even though these companies utilize a "random" numbering system to keep the user anonymous. I don't know about you guys, but that's kinda freaky. The story goes on to detail how one woman's identity and location was discovered just by the searches she typed in... (Read the article here)

A 14-year old boy was critically shot in the Cabrini-Green projects area of Chicago for allegedly pulling a BB gun resembling a 9mm hand gun on police. Allegedly the boy had just robbed someone who reported to a nearby police officer. When the boy was confronted, that is when it is alleged that the boy pulled the BB gun on the officer. The officer shot 4 times. This is exactly what is wrong with our society today. Police officers are trained to shoot to kill and now a boy is fighting for his life. While I don't condone what the boy allegedly did, police should try to take a more calculated approach when dealing with children. I won't say that the boy's skin color had anything to do with it. I will say, however, that had this been certain other areas of Chicago, things may have been handled a little differently. And, from what I've read, the people of the Cabrini-Green projects aren't taking this one sitting down... Get the rest of the story here.

And finally, on a more positive note...

Yesterday, WorldPride held its first gay multi-faith conference...

"Participants of all religions converged in Jerusalem for the conference titled Reclaiming Our Faith and Our Heritage to discuss issues of homophobia and bigotry.Representatives of different faiths explored the ways in which religious texts and holy scripts call for the respect of all human beings and their right to live in dignity. The convocation aimed to send the message that LGBT rights are anchored within the religious teachings of the three religions formed in Jerusalem..." ~ Pink News

Finally, a step in the right direction. Can't we all just get along?

Get the rest of the story here.

The Video of the day is:

India Arie- "I am NOT my Hair"

India Arie - I Am Not My Hair


Provided by VideoCodes4U.com

So... I'm all for helping the youth and raising men to be strong, respectful, and independent... But, who in the hot, holy hell would let their son use Uncle Luke as somebody's role model. Inquiring minds want to know. He done went and started himself a football camp for kids.


Get the full story here. ~ AllHipHop.com

Noah's Arc on Logo has been picked up for a 2nd season. The season premier is tomorrow, Aug. 9, 2006. It's like Queer As Folk for men of color. I know I'll be tuning in... The 1st season DVD is also available now. Check it out!

"Logo explores the daily lives of Noah, Alex, Ricky, and Chance, four African-American gay men in Los Angeles, through their relationships with their friends and lovers. Noah believes he's finally found love in his new boyfriend, Wade, but soon realizes that he, along with his best friends, must still endure the everyday drama that comes with living in LA. From new boyfriends to strained friendships to career changes, these men persevere and live their lives with grace and wit."~ Logo

On a more positive note... Afeni Shakur is heading to South Africa to meet with Nelson Mandela.

"Afeni Shakur, mother of slain rap legend Tupac Shakur, will journey to South Africa to meet with the country’s former president Nelson Mandela.
The former Black Panther Party section leader hopes to establish a relationship between the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Foundation during her visit, which takes place Sept. 10-18. "more ~ AllHipHop.com

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A proposed bill to require that textbooks in Californina schools detail the history and achievements of gays and lesbians in America has been abandoned... LA Times

Enough said as far as I'm concerned.

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And today in the Chicago Sun Times, an 11-year-old girl was killed by a stray bullet while playing video games in her North Chicago basement... Chicago Sun Times

When are we going to learn? This has happened too many times to count in the last year. And, the police don't seem to be doing much to prevent it. We all need to push harder for these government officials to keep our children safe. They aren't even safe in their own homes anymore...

***PLEASE... Let's all read something new today. I prefer poetry personally, but I don't care if you read a magazine while sitting on the toilet. Like Nike Says, "Just Do It".***

Video of the day!

Corinne Bailey Rae- "Put Your Records On"

Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On


Provided by VideoCodes4U.com

First Blog... Keeping it Simple...

Because this is my first day on my new blog. I would just like to give some background about me, before I get down to the nitty gritty. I'm a junior at Northern Illinois University. I play basketball and major in English and Spanish.

The name of this site is the complete culmination of who I am and who my people are:

"Diamond” derives from the ancient Greek adamas (αδάμας; “invincible”).

"A Diamond is the hardest material known to man and are specifically renowned as a mineral with superlative physical qualities — they make excellent abrasives because they can be scratched only by other diamonds. Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa..." ~ Wikipedia

The color brown is produced by mixing complementary colors, such as red and green, orange and blue, or yellow and purple. Different qualities of brown can be produced by mixing different complements; naturally, a brown produced by mixing yellow and purple will be lighter than one produced by mixing blue and orange. Brown can therefore be an extremely versatile color in art, as different qualities of brown can be produced to harmonize with different color schemes. Additionally, some perceive that all the various skin colors of humans are different shades of brown.
~ Wikipedia

When you combine these two things, you have something rare and unique. Yet, it's also strong, pure, and of the Earth. It is a creation which while is near perfection, comes in many shades, shapes, and sizes... What other thing could be more perfect than a...

"BROWN DIAMOND"

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Now on with my the blogging...

I love the L Word. And, I hate the fact that I have to wait an entire year in order to see the new season. However, I love when I can get the new updates about what is going to happen in the next season so...

JANINA GAVANKAR



"JANINA GAVANKAR joins THE L WORD as Papi, a smokin hot Latino who challenges Shane (Katherine Moennig). Unlike Shane, Papi is competitive, gregarious, loud, bossy and boastful. She canoodles with everyone and competes with Shane."


I'm loving it!

MARLEE MATLIN

"Oscar®-winner Marlee Matlin will become a regular on Showtime's successful long-running series "The L Word." She will portray a fiery artist who catches the attention of Jennifer Beals' character Bette Porter. The L Word's season 4 premieres on Showtime early 2007."

You might best remember Ms. Matlin as the first actress in Hollywood with a hearing impairment to win an Oscar. And, I like her... just not for Bette...

And...

"WHO & WHAT: Showtime’s hit dramatic series THE L WORD, which recently added Oscar® winner Marlee Matlin to its cast welcomes yet another acclaimed actress to the fold for its 4th season -- Cybill Shepherd ("Moonlighting," "Cybill," "The Last Picture Show,""The Heartbreak Kid," "Texasville," "Taxi Driver," "At Long Last Love"). Ms. Shepherd will portray a married woman with two grown children who suddenly begins questioning her sexuality. She will appear in 11 episodes, starring as an Executive Vice Chancellor of the fictional California University and boss to Jennifer Beals’ character Bette Porter. THE L WORD will premieres in January 2007."

WTF is that about?!? Who wants to see old and crusty Moonlighting Cybill Shepherd? Not I said the cat. LOL

Let's just hope that this turns out better than Moira did...

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Ok... And... Video of the day...

Justin Timberlake... "I'm Bringing Sexy Back"

Justin Timberlake - SexyBack