I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST NIGHT...

Holiday Photo Shoot @ Tes Barnett Studios in Queens

***This blog entry is not to be read by children and is intended for a mature audience & viewers.  Simply Said***

This entry is for all the Husbands & Wives, Kings & Queens, Emperors & Empresses, Ladies & Gents.  If you took off today, that's good because at least you have time to re-cooperate from all the festivities of last night.  Now if you're getting up & going to work, great you are a trooper and you can troop on with a great big smile on your face as you reminisce on all the fun you had.

Now If you did not plan how you were going to spend Luv Bug Day with that significant person and went on last minute, you either spent too much money trying to cut on time & bumping other folks reservations or you didn't spend enough & your night was kinda cheesy & she was slightly disappointed.  If she was able to see through all of your BS but still went along for the ride, it's ONLY because she loves you and really regards "for better or for worse, for richer or for poor."  If you are one of those THAT REALLY LOOK @ LUV BUG DAY AS A PAGAN HOLIDAY, BUN DAT! Then of course last night was just like any other night in your household.  So she expected nothing but the norm.

People who conceive in February are born in November - early December.  That would be me :) and others - so let's break it down.  If you didn't wear a jimmy hat & know yourself well enough - well then LADIES PLAN B ONLY WORKS WITHIN 72 HOURS OF UNPROTECTED SEX.  That being said, I won't begin to tell you how by taking PLAN B it can definitely knock you off your cycle, but you should expect that when you are swallowing high dosages of hormones & such.

LADIES - did he get it right this time?  Did you train him well enough that he finally caught on to how you like to spend Valentines? Were you surprised @ work with roses? Did you get them on the way home?  How many of you were proposed to last night?  (by the way Happy Anniversary to Elsie & Clive Ho Sang for over 10 years of wedded bliss)

I'm sorry for the emergency rooms that had an influx of patients due to erections that lasted longer than 4 hours due to Viagra and other performance enhancement drugs.  The local OB/GYN doctors will be happy for the increase of patients that they will have in a few days because of the different bacteria that will soon visit you as a result of all those special flavored liquids that probably shouldn't have been in certain places.  I don't know - you guys gotta be careful with all those things.  FYI - If you love with everything purely - everything just flows naturally.  I'm not saying don't spice up your love life - just be careful - women we are special creatures & sensitive so buyer beware when you buy certain products.  Quite personally in my opinion, I'd rather a MAN blow my hair back than - I have no idea what's on the market right now.

For the single ladies & gents I pray you did not go to bed angry or depressed.  I hope you did something sweet for yourself.  I hope you didn't drown yourself into something destructive because that will not solve the problem only mask it.  Use this time alone for self-discovery and cleanse your body anew so that you will be ready for the next relationship AT THE APPOINTED TIME.

If you are not ready to be a Dad or Mom again or for the first time I SURE HOPE YOU ENGAGED SAFELY.  Who wants the emotions of an unwanted pregnancy; and any dude that has sex with a girl raw is saying - "you know what it's aight you could be my next baby momma."  Even if he verbally doesn't say it, his actions say otherwise.  There were break ups last night, arguments last night, proposals gone bad last night; and there was lots of love last night and expressions of love in all its forms all night long.  I hope your Luv Bug Day was awesome and that you had a great day and that your special someone can repeat it.  Not just on February 14th but each time you two lay eyes on each other.  Love is what bonds this entire world.  Spreading it's energy is the best gift one can give to another.

If you want to know what I did last night - you'll have to read my next entry - and that's if I go there, or just ask me @ my party on Saturday 2/18/12 @ Upper Deck Lounge 234-04 Merrick Blvd.  It's my mix-tape CD release celebration - C U there!

Comments are welcomed, be sure to leave one!

TODAY'S BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS

"We have the material, the brains, and the ambition in our men and women to accomplish the highest results in any line of work."  Daniel Hale Williams

Simply Said Media gives a 21 Gun Salute to Dr. Daniel Hale Williams for his outstanding contribution to society and the vision he had for himself and others.  Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was born January 18, 1856, in Hollidaysburg, PA to Daniel and Sarah Williams.  Daniel's ancestors had African American, Native American and European backgrounds.  He married Alice Johnson in 1898, she died in 1924.  Dr. Daniel Hale Williams attended school at Haire's Classical Academy in 1878 and Chicago Medical College in 1883. The following lists just a few of his accomplishments:

1883: He received his M.D. from Chicago Medical College

1889: He was appointed to the Illinois State Board of Health

1893: He performed the world's first successful heart operation

1894-98: He was appointed Surgeon-in-Chief of Freedmen's Hospital in Washington DC

1895: He helped form the inter-racial Medicochirurgical Society of Washington and also helped in organizing the National Medical Association and served as its first vice-president

1913: Founding member of the American College of Surgeons

What I love most about this remarkable Dr. is that in 1891 he opened up Provident Hospital, both black & white doctors were on staff and it also had a nurses' training school.  This was the FIRST inter-racial hospital in the United States.  At this hospital Black people were treated with the utmost care & dignity.

We are a great people, we've done great things.  What kind of mark do you want to leave?  For each day that you are given, you have another opportunity to enhance your life & others.  Be proud & celebrate this month & every day of the year!

Simply Said Media acknowledges Dr. Daniel Hale Williams & every other Black person in the field of Medicine.  KUDOS!!!  You can learn more about Dr. Daniel Hale Williams by visiting your local library or just use "google" :)

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING, THE OFFICIAL COLOR OF 2012

My Birthday Celebration 12/3/11 @ Magnet w/Neice & Sister beside me.  Photo Credit: Sam Cox

I am proud of my roots & culture and my parents taught me at a very young age who was born where, from what Islands and to embrace the diversity and languages in my family.  That being said, in the words of Jay Z "All Black Everything" and in the words of the CB4 Rapper "I'm Black y'all, cause I'm black Y'all, I'm black, da black, cause I'm black y'all" YES I'M A BLACK WOMAN and quite proud.  Black History Month is designated as February, but you can celebrate it in your own way every day.  You do without even knowing it, like when you take out your ironing board to get ready each day - that credit goes to a BLACK person. (look them up the names not coming to me right now)  When you jump in your ride and obey the traffic light - credit goes to a BLACK man (his last name is Morgan)  Yeah we have a deep heritage and WE contributed so much to society in the advancement of the U.S. and beyond.

I have filed lots of interesting Black History Facts that I could share with you throughout the 29 days of Black History Month.  From Engineers, to million dollar hair dressers, to peanut butter inventors to washboard scrubbers and more.  Even in the "Laibhen" family (that being my last name which is German meaning Life/love & also to work) I found registered patents for machinery used to help the process of grains flow more quickly when the Agricultural boom was big in the U.S. and the need for slaves in the West Indies to till the ground an integral part of economic growth for the land of the free & the home of the brave.

I deemed the color black the official color of 2012 because you can't go wrong with the color BLACK.  Black is classic, we all know you can wear it with anything.  Black is a dominant color, even within race relations you have Black in you then that would be the square to check.  I would have to say that over the years that government has tried to accommodate other races outside of Black, White & Latino on their paperwork.  There is always "other" and now "Pacific Islander" or "Asian Pacific"  Sometimes I crack up at the different classifications the Gov't wants you to adhere to.  What about the bollywood specials that come into this country their skin is just as dark as the pavement outside but would hold an argument with you that they are not black - OKAY, uh I guess you're white?

My mom taught me to love myself & respect others no matter what their race, creed, religion, or economic status. Those precepts made me a more well rounded person and I definitely wasn't raised with a closed mind.

I was born & raised in Brooklyn!!! Sak Pase, Wah Gwaan? Que hora es? & what's good? Yeah I'm from the hood, you never know what language will fly out my mouth. My cultural diversity is part of my make up.  Don't be ashamed of your heritage embrace it & walk upright!  Cause I'm BLACK Y'ALL!  (lol)

 

GOOD TIMES WITH THE AMBASSADOR

DJ Roy & I @ The New Year's Eve Ball 1/1/2012. Photo Credit: Allyson Ione

As we enter the 2nd week of 2012, I wanted to touch on mistakes.  You can't change any mistakes that you may have done last week or last year.  You are suppose to learn from them.  For example, did you celebrate just a tad bit too much when you rang in the new year?  Was your head still ringing in the morning or afternoon depending on the time you actually got up?  Here's a good one, did you attempt to go to a church, mosque, synagogue you know what I mean on the first day of the new year?  Now those questions I wouldn't call mistakes, it's just the actions that may have left you quite uncomfortable as a result thereof.

How many of you gave her cab fair to go home?  How many of you decided to give him a ride home and as he was putting his keys through his door you were right along side of him?  A mistake can cost you your life in one shape or form. Physically by some fatal end or mentally,  especially if you didn't learn from the mistake your bound to repeat it.  In respects to how you celebrate EVERYTHING in moderation; that way by maintaining balance your decision process would be more transparent to you.  As you gain confidence with your choices you become more responsible and respectful towards yourself & others.

DON'T dwell on your mistakes and beat yourself over the head with out even giving yourself the opportunity to forgive, let go & find solutions.  Do reflect, then seek to change from within.  Progress is essential for sustainable growth.  In order for you to grow from your mistakes you must first identify it, examine it, and learn from it so you don't fall into it again.  

I rang in the new year in God's house by sunset, holding my son's hand @ midnight then celebrating with family @ Mangoville Ballroom in Queens.  I had a "Good Time" with my brother from another mother, DJ Roy and a host of other radio peeps and massive.  If you haven't already heard - DJ Roy & Road International are the official Ambassadors of Digicel.  That's a good look on their part & Digicel's for choosing a multiple award winning sound such as Road International.  By the way you can always catch Roy hosting "Irie Mawnings" @ 10AM on WVIP 93.5FM everyday & in the evenings on Irie Jam Radio on selected days as scheduled.

Whatever you do MAINTAIN a POSITIVE perspective it will help you steer better through your trials, mistakes and day to day living.  Till my next entry...  

HOLIDAY OVERLOAD? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FOR KING DAY?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! FROM SIMPLY SAID MEDIA

It's now January and some of you already have or will be receiving your next billing statement for your credit cards.  You may sigh in disbelief with the amount owed, vow that you won't spend beyond your means, but before coming down from the Fall holidays & end of year celebrations, we move right on into another one.  Do not let the wave of persuasion in getting you into the stores to shop and shop and shop, get the best deal syndrome lock you.  It's like an addiction of sorts.  Almost EVERY month within the calendar year has a holiday, thus giving you a reason to buy, CONSUME, consumer allow the economy to grow after all it is an election year.

Putting my sarcasm aside.  January is a special month as we honor Civil Rights Leader & Warrior of his times - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  With the new monument erected in his honor & the White House having a Black President, a trip to DC sounds like a good idea.  Here are some tips on how to celebrate King Day:

1.  Google the I have a dream speech & actually read it

2.  Google the Jim Crow laws

3.  Make a donation to a domestic violence organization

4.  Ask yourself how far have we come as a people since the Civil Rights Era

5.  Do something within your community that demonstrates or fosters equal rights & justice.

6.  Go to Washington, DC and sight see

7. Eluding to the next holiday in February, do something special for your KING on MLK Day.  Talk about your dreams, promise not to be violent to each other & treat each other as equals.

If you'd like to share how you celebrate King Day, feel free to comment below.  I sure hope the November & December Holidays brought you all Joy; and as the 2K12 Holidays roll in that you have just as much fun.  Here's to the New Year everyone!

SAVE THE DATE:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012 @ UPPERDECK  BAR & LOUNGE IN QUEENS - A NIGHT CALLED "BODY 2 BODY"  Celebrate with me as I release a new mix tape CD "Lovefest 2012" a must have for your collection.  Get your complimentary copy!  More info to be announced :)

Photo Credit: Simply Said Media/Dubbmaster Chris of Irie Jam Radio WVIP 93.5FM @ BB Kings

5 WAYS NOT TO GET PIMPED BY YOUR SO CALLED "MAN"

1.  Make sure he is gainfully employed.  Hopefully, he's making more money than you.  That would eliminate 2 through 5.  But ladies I know that always is not the case.  So do read on.

2.  When he says "can I borrow $50?"  he really needs $20 but intends to pocket the other $30 for whatever he likes (maybe the next chics' pedicure, or a habit he hasn't told you about) either way find out why he wants to borrow whatever sum of money that he is asking for.  GIVE/LOAN AT YOUR OWN RISK - some brothers feel like their kisses and sweet whatevers are payment enough.  CLEARLY state to him that it's a loan and document everything. (however big or small the loan) Yes put it all in writing it may come in handy, especially if for some reason you end up in small claims court.

3.  DO NOT I repeat DO NOT put a phone or car in your name for him!  DO NOT buy video games for him either.  Games are expensive, he's working let him buy games within his budget.  The phone and car - girl, you're just asking for your credit to be ruined.  If he asks, that should be a RED FLAG to you that what you got on your hands is a "Vulture" ready to pluck at your pockets.

4.  If everytime you guys go out and you go dutch.  RED FLAG - he's mega selfish and can barely afford for himself.  You got yourself a "Super-cheapMan"  tell him to pay the entire bill this time around.  If you start to hear excuses like "I ain't got it like that"  then you reply "You ain't got much of nothen"  Let him dwell on that statement.  If he wasn't insecure, he should be now.  Don't be nice to a guy just because you like or love him.  He has to treat you right.  Aren't you tired of saying "But I love him though"  so what - LOVE doesn't pay ya rent, mortgage or ya bills - you do.

5.  Nowadays a pimp doesn't wear a big fancy hat with feathers and platform shoes.  Some of them wear head wraps and Clarks, fitted caps & Jordans, 3 piece Armani suits and hard bottom shoes.  Don't make decisions with your emotions, make them with your brain.  Just say "NO" don't let his voice, eyes or touch swindle you out of your dough and the things you worked hard for.  You're smarter than that ladies.  Nothing is wrong with sharing, but if you find yourself giving, giving and giving and someone else is doing all the taking with no reciprocity - BOUNCE! Your being pimped by your so called "man"

Feel free to comment below, and if you've been pimped - don't feel bad, just learn from the mistake of allowing other elements blind you from the truth of what's really in front of you.

PRAYERS FOR BUJU

Well, as June 23rd approaches Buju's sentencing as well as a pending motion to seek acquittal, a motion for a new trial and for the courts to have leniency on Buju all takes place inside the Sam M. Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa, FL.  Letters from Danny Glover as well as some of his children will be put before the court on Buju's behalf for a lighter sentence.  He faces up to 15 years.

Now this is where we come in, pray, pray and keep praying.  God knows all, sees all and is just.  I pray that at this present time for him he is continually protected.  That his spiritual cup gets filled to an overflow so as to hold him when he faces days where he can't seem to hold on at all.  That his children remain strong and still do well in the absence of their Father.  I pray that his true supporters and fans where possible, can voice their concerns to the powers that be with letter writing campaigns; as well as financial support - continue to buy his music.  If you have it already, buy it for someone else his catalog is serious.  Music makes a perfect gift!

I don't know the outcome, I'll just blog about it when we all find out.  One thing I do know is that God does NOT forsake his children.  With that Buju will stay in my prayers, hopefully you too can say a quick one for the "Voice of Jamaica."

(Photo Credit: Fiona Carter)