MARCH HOT PIECE OF THE MONTH. I wanted to post the most gratuitious pic of him as possible because it's in such contrast to his personality. He seems like a dork that happens to be good looking. Or at least he pretends that he doesn't know he's hot. I was planning to post him at March's hot piece because that's when the latest season of Dancing With the Starts premiered, and this tall drink of water made it to #2. He definitely kept me watching every week. If my husband had a blog, he'd certainly post pics of his favorite professional ballroom dancers, Edyta (Jason's partner) and Cheryl. Anyway! Jason is a teddy bear with the cutest soft brown eyes. Perhaps if he applied some of that tenacity to football, the Dolphins might win a game or two. Speaking of the Dolphins, has anyone heard how their hater-coach is refusing to let Jason practice because he could train with the team early on because if DWTS? He says Jason is all about achieving Hollywood success now, and his priorities are all out of wack. He's probably salty because he didn't make it on DWTS. Jason Taylor wants to be the next Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This will happen naturally, why stand in the way?

HI AGAIN!!! Ok, so I've totally fallen off. Now that my infant is a toddler wanna-be, my days are spent chasing her from room to room or outside of the home all together. That's right, I'm blaming Laila. She's always plotting on the next set of shananigans to get into. It's a busy life, it tell you! Enough of these excuses though... my readers have missed me. Both of of them have said so. I will not let you down, there's much to discuss! Although it is June, we still have March, April and May hot pieces to post. Not to mention Obama finally clinching the Democratic Presidential Nomination (yay!). Also there are a few books I'd like to discuss. Yes, I read (occasionally)! I saw a few good movies too. Stay tuned....

SAY WHAAAA?? Ok sorry folks, it's been a while. My husband changed jobs so we had to turn in the "work from home laptop" that job gave us, so I have no computer during the day. I need one of my own, I know, but until then, my time on the computer is limited! ANYWAY, I just wanted to blog about incorrect song lyrics today. Leave it to my husband to totally invent song lyrics and insist they are correct. Case in point, everyone knows Is This Love by Bob Marley right? The end of the first verse goes "We'll share the same room, and Jah will provide the bread... is this love, is this love is this love is this love that I'm feeling". In Russ's world, it's "We'll share the same room, and jump rope by the bay... this this love, etc. Equally as puzzling, a friend of mine couldn't decipher Michael Jackson's famous line in Gotta Be Starting Something "Mama say Mama sah Mamacusa". She recently revealed she thought he was saying "I was saved by the sound of Michael's songs". My cousin thought he was saying "Imma say it one more time, I'm not gon' stop" while my other friend always thought (until last week actually) that it was "Mama said Imma sell a Moccasin". That one doesn't even make any sense.

FEBRUARY HOT PIECE OF THE MONTH Hold on to your Fish n' Chips - this month's hotness is Prince Harry of Britain. I've surprised myself this choice, I've never been one to care much about the British royal family, but I can't deny that Harry's bad-assness is slightly intriguing. He's also riding a new wave of popularity now that The Drudge Report has exposed that Prince Harry has secretly been fighting in Afghanistan for the past few months. Some privileged youth scant to Ibiza to blow their fortune and exploit their "fame", others deploy to the desert to fight on the front lines for their country. That's sort of impressive, right?

YOUR MONDAY MORNING GIGGLE.

NO SLEEP 'TIL OHIO! Senator Obama is CLEANING UP! He's now swept the Potomac (or Chesapeake, whatever they're calling it) primaries, and he just waxed Senator Clinton in Wisconsin and Hawaii. Hawaii was expected as it's Sen Obama's home state, but Wisconsin is something to boast as it has a 90% Caucasian population and mostly working class (under 50K annually) population. These groups were formerly squarely in Hillary's corner. Senator Obama captured 63% of the white male vote, and 50% of the working class vote. Here's the best: he also racked up 48% of the female vote. That's Senator Clinton's bread and butter there. I listen to the pundits speak of him being the clear front-runner, and how it will take miracles for Sen Clinton to catch up, but I can't allow myself to believe his nomination to inevitable. I'm not even superstitious, I'm just taking it one day at a time. One thing that we've learned in this primary race is that anything can (and did) happen. I also want to take this time to shout out my Dad who says he was inspired by my work on Senator Obama's campaign and signed up to be a district Captain for the campaign up in Cleveland, OH. He lives in the #4 region on the map above, in Cuyahoga County (NE Ohio/Cleveland). His job shouldn't be too hard, seeing as though that's where all the Black people live. There and Cincinnati. Still, I'm so proud of him! Ohio should be interesting. A week ago Sen Clinton showed a 21% lead over Sen Obama in the polls, but OH has a similar demographic as Wisconsin; many working class white. Since Sen Obama has been chipping away at Sen Clinton's voter base, perhaps he can make inroads in Ohio as well. Add to that, Ohio has a lot more people of color than WI. I do feel he may have a better chance in Texas where the major cities are filled with Blacks - Dallas, Houston, San Antonio. Even if he doesn't win theses states, chances are, he'll win the the previously named districts which have the most delegates. I'm bracing myself for the negative ads the Clinton machine will produce in the next weeks. The Clinton campaign doesn't have the budget to air them nationwide, so at least we won't be burdened with them here in MD, but trusty MSNBC always airs the attack ads during their broadcasts. It'll be interesting to see just how nasty it gets. Sen Clinton has no choice but to go negative, she's going to have to do something, anything to slow Sen Obama's momentum. They just better leave Michelle alone. She's not the one!!!

TWO OF MY FAVORITE GUYS: TIM GUNN, A GUEST ON CONAN LAST NIGHT: Tim Gunn breaks down his guidelines for flattering attire for your body type, and his take on President Bush and Hillary Clinton's fashion sense.

BARACKIN' THE VOTE IN MARYLAND. So I joined Barack Obama's campaign. Before the Chesapeake primaries last Tuesday, my local Obama '08 organization met up to distribute campaign information, knock on doors etc. Can I just say, his campaign is extremely organized. I signed up as a volunteer at 10pm one evening and at 10am the next morning, I received a call from a local organizer. His website is thorough too - a member of his campaign can pick a state, and resident listings are available to call to spread the message of change. I'm calling my home state of Ohio, which is holding its primaries on March 4th. Polls are showing Hillary leading by 21% in Ohio, and it's one of the largest states of the union (I think they've got 15o delegates or so). I'm extremely impressed by the succinct efficiency of his campaign, it's money management and it's over all strategies. It's also important to note that he's done all of this my taking small donations by regular people like us (I mean, for the most part. We all know he as Oprah and Spielberg backing him - which doesn't hurt!) and he refuses to take money from lobbyists and special interest groups. That way he doesn't owe them anything. Who wants another puppet president? Not me!! This is a grassroots movement like never before. I look at this campaign as a microcosm of what his presidential administration would be like. Stellar! He obviously surrounds himself with the right people, which is a skill in and of itself. Hillary (whom I respect) is actually losing senior campaign advisors and running out of money. I do like her, but that's not the kind of organization I'd like to see in the white house. Anyway, I attended Senator Obama's rally in College Park, MD last week. That day, I drove my husband to work (45 minutes in the opposite direction) then schleped my 6 month old with me to the University of Maryland's Comcast Center (where the rally was held) but not before sitting in traffic for an hour, then looking for a parking space for another 40 minutes - all in 15 degree weather. But hey, I was a woman on a mission. The arena was packed, and you could feel the energy in the air. I was moved, Laila was stoked, and everyone was super excited. People were even crying. And I completely understand that, it's really is quite a phenomenon. I never thought in my lifetime we could actually have an African-American presidential nominee. With Laila bouncing on my lap, taking in all of the excitement of the rally, I thought to myself wow - my daughter's first president of memory could someone the same color as her. Amazing. My husband who is a fan of the TV series, The Wire, would have been glad to see Big G (who plays Slim Charles on the show, and DC heads will know he's also the lead vocalist of the super-popular go-go group, the Backyard Band) endorsing Senator Obama. He was one of many who took the stage to vocalize their support. Once the Senator came out the place erupted. People of all walks of life were in attendance; college students, olders folks, kids, blacks, whites, Hispanics sporting signs "Si Se Puente" which means 'Yes we Can!' the current campaign slogan. There were even republicans, or as they are also known "Obamacans". It's clear that people are truly embracing this message of change, and loving the idea of unification. Senator Obama is the candidate that brings people together - something so badly needed after such a polarizing administration! He tailored his message to address the majority of this crowd which were University of MD students. One point of interest: as tuition rates are at an all time high, he promises that when he's president, he will extend $4,000 towards tuition for every college student, every year. But the students must give back by volunteering, community organizing, joining the peace corp - whatever they can do to give back to their country as their country has given to them, and by doing so, together we can move forward. Ok, don't get me to quoting. It was something like that but of course much more oratorically stunning. Above is a picture from my seat. He's filling arenas this size daily. The momentum is undeniable. He swept DC, MD and VA (and got 55% of this white male vote in VA no less. Holy cow!!) This is major! Get on board people, join the movement! www.barackobama.com

THIS IS HOW OUR RESUMES USED TO LOOK. (click on it to read it) We can never forget where we came from. Slavery and Jim Crow is treated as a dirty little secret in American history. As I watch the presidential primaries, in their respective speeches candidates continuously mention the "strong principles our country was founded upon", which is why the United States has become the world superpower that it is. And then I think of the above. NEVER ever, ever forget your history. No, we can't live in the past, it is important to learn from our history and move forward. But please remember this is the reason why there hasn't been and still isn't a level playing field. Slavery wasn't that long ago, really. Get out there and VOTE.

SOCRATES, CONFUCIUS, DIDDY... A CONTRIBUTING THOUGHT FROM MY COUSIN, MIA-LEN: Did you happen to catch Making the Band 4 last night? You may not be aware, but I am in love with Diddy. And here's why: first of all, I had a lot of good years during Bad Boys' golden age. Something about his artists and producers during that time - -I really vibed with it. I believe he and I have a similar point of view -- musically speaking. That's number one. Plus, say whatever you want about his skills as an artist -- not exactly his forte -- but one thing is certain -- that man works very hard. He's a hustler, and I can appreciate that about him. And he usually has something very motivational to say during his little interview rants. Like last season, he would always say "when you're sleeping, just remember there's always someone else up working, plotting to take your spot." Damn, that's so true. So anyway, last night the sage wisdom of Diddy actually led me to quite the epiphany. Diddy declared: "You know, BITCHASSEDNESS has been a real problem in our community. We can't have no bitchassedness here. There will be no bitchassedness at Bad Boy." What a statement. I mean really, can't we attribute so many of our peoples' issue to this phenomenon? Seriously, why do we continue to vote the same people into office for consecutive terms of rising crime (though contained in the areas inside the beltway) and failing schools? Why are there so many beautiful, brilliant, yet single Black women? If Obama loses, what will be the likely cause? Did you answer bitchassedness to all of the above? I did. Therein lies my life's mission. To shut down bitchassedness everywhere I go. This has been your motivational thought for the day. Carry on!

SARAH SILVERMAN LEAVES JIMMY KIMMEL ON NATIONAL TV.

HOT PIECE OF THE MONTH. The votes are in! January's hot piece of the month, is no other than T. Russell Green III. Who is this mystery man you ask? Well this hottie is a Senior I.T. consultant/Real-Estate Visionary/Options Trader/Property Manager - amongst many other things. This Aquarian enjoys reading, traveling, movies, video games and poker. The Washington DC native is this month's hot piece because, well - he's hot, and also because his unyielding entrepreneurial spirit and his genuine charm and likebility are an awesome combination. And ok, he's also my husband. But the votes clearly speak for themselves. And by votes, I mean myself because I'm the only voter. Nevertheless, congrats to Russ on this achievement milestone. Happy New Year indeed!

OBAMA for 2008. Check It officially endorses Illinois Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. Never before has the Presidential race been so exciting! Well, aside from the obvious - an African-American AND a woman are running for President, but also this is the first time in almost 50 years that neither an incumbent President or Vice President is in contention. What do I like about Obama? My biggest concerns are domestic issues - particularly education and healthcare. Obama's record as a state Senator shows that he was the biggest supporter and an actual trailblazer for early childhood education. He helped create the Early Childhood Council in the state of Illinios. He also plans to double the budget for afterschool programs (which is key because too many of our youth get into trouble afterschool!) His civil rights and urban community organization experience is evident in the causes he supports. I think we can rest assured that he's going to champion causes that directly effect African-Americans. But it doesn't end there. His healthcare plan outlines coverage for every American regardless of income. If you already have healthcare, this will mean less expensive premiums. If not, not only will you be covered, but you won't be turned away due to a pre-existing condition or a chronic illness. I know that the other canidates promise similar legistlation, but I especially like that Obama focuses on preventitive programs which are key since we're faced with completely avoidable epidemics such as obesity and various STD's. For more about Sen. Obama's plans, voting record and bio, click here. So far he's won the Iowa caucas and he just totally blew the competition away in the South Carolina primaries. Here's wishing him the best in these last campaign days before Super Tuesday!!

CLUBBING FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE CHILDBIRTH. Laila is a babbling six month old who is now sitting up on her own, eating pureed veggies and even throwing mini-tantrums. She's the absolute love of my life, and while I'd rather spend most nights hanging out with her - this past weekend I hung up my mommy sweats and danced the night away in my brown leather wedges in a Baltimore club. My friend turned 28 this weekend, and another came down from NYC to celebrate, so a gang of us made the most of the occasion by 'warming up' in a bar first, then dancing the night away in a downtown club. The Chikee of old came back in full force. My entourage occupied the dance floor the entire time - I don't think any of us sat down once. A nice kick-start to my desperately needed (and yet implemented) work-out program. Come to think of it, this might be my first club experience as a married woman. A few things occurred to me since I was last on the club scene. 1- Nothing much as changed. At all. Of course there's the inevitable door politics that ensues if the price or dress code isn't favorable. First there's the appeal to the doorman for a break, quickly followed by the whipping out of trendy luxury communication device, formally knows as a phone (essential for intense and rapid texting to an inside contact, of course). Women are still coming across as desperate (i.e. dressed in their skivies, while it was quite literally 20 degrees outside) and the obligatory storming of the dance floor by a group of trannies. Ladies were granted free admission at this club... I wonder if they had to pay? 2 - The pressure was off. We girls enjoy dancing alone or with each other, usually in a circle. But eventually, Random Dude will appear behind one of us for a dance. Random Dude almost never politely walks away after a song or two. He wants to dance through the entire Reggae set and beyond. The longer he stays, the more we ponder his approach to get the digits. Will it be a drink offering? The 3rd degree? And why am I too nice to walk away? I was rather content just dancing with my girlfriends. All of those feelings were moot for me last night. Mainly because my husband was there to serve as a spirited dance partner all night. Random Dudes did approach my friends though, and I could just see the wariness build as these guys stuck around for consecutive sets. 3- I actually had a great time. I must say this surprised me the most. I didn't know how starved I was for a completely adult evening out with my friends. I must have danced liked this would be the last time. Actually I kind of felt it might be. Who knows when I'll make it the club again. My friends are so spread out geographically, or tied to their offspring as I am. In a way, I don't want to engage in nights like this too regularly. I feel it might spoil the fun of it being a treasured, well-deserved night to cut loose amongst friends. Well, that - and I just don't find going to the club to be all that interesting. This was my attitude even when I was single. To me, the funnest part was getting all dolled up with my friends, and deciding which cocktail to consume (if I drank anything at all). I mean, let's be honest - we all know the music rotations by heart. It's only a matter of time before we hear the Jamaican "Chi-Chi Man" song which is met with same exuberance each & every time we hear it (Although it's no longer a hidden fact that this song is horrendously offensive as it rallies for the violent & indiscriminate persecution of gay males, yet it gets us running to the dance floor every single time. Even gay males). When all's said and done though, I much prefer a comfortable evening sipping hot chocolate in a bookstore with Laila in tow, or staying home and entertaining our friends. Still, there's nothing wrong with marathon booty shaking when the spirit hits. Live it up!

THE ATTACK ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Yes, I know it isn't until February, but this is on my mind today! Some people believe that in order to end racism, we have to stop underscoring our differences. I recently read a quote from Morgan Freeman who publicaly denounces Black History month during an interview on 60 Minutes. "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." He said the only way to end racism is to stop talking about it, and he noted that there is no "white history month." In accordance with Morgan's quote, indeed there's been an onslaught of critics (most of them non-Black) who believe that observing Black History month is no longer necessary. That it's outlived it's need. I do believe that we've made major strides in the right direction in terms of racial awareness in this country - certainly since Black History Week's inception. But I just don't see the point in taking away something that is very positive, prideful and interesting! If there are some who don't want to acknowledge it then don't. You do have a choice. Just like the people who work on Martin Luther King Day even though it's a government holiday. There's no mandate that all citizens must wear dashikis and sing Negro Spirituals twice a day. Do the slave documentaries that get regular spin on PBS annoy people that much? Maybe it's the McDonald's commercials with the choirs humming behind the narration. I don't know. I asked my husband if he thought the United States should still observe Black History Month and his answer was quite simple, "Yes, because everyone else has a month" i.e. Hispanic Heritage Month (June) and Asian Heritage Month (September). Although those were probably incepted because of the existence of BHM. Should we discard all of these special observances? For who, and for what? What annoys me the most in all of this is that American schools are still so poorly educated about Black History. Morgan is correct, it is American History - but it's a part of American History that is often swept under the rug in many school districts (mainly non-black ones, which means most). It's astonishing how kids (even Black kids) don't know much about slavery, reconstruction or Jim Crow. That is so, so very dangerous! There kids are growing up and joining the working world. Actually, they have grown up and joined the working world - they are managers, lawyers and yes, teachers now! When I was producing as the Discovery Channel (yes, the Discovery Channel) there were writers who didn't know much about the Black experience in this country. In fact I was in a conversation with mulitple co-workers about ancestry and they wondered why I couldn't tell them where exactly my ancestors came from. This is Slavery 101 people. The Irish guy in my department (like, actually born and raised in Dublin) had to break it down to them for me. I tried to elaborate myself, but they just couldn't grasp. "Surely you know what country your people came from, I'm German". I can't take on the task of teaching African American Diapsora for 6 clueless white Americans. This is why we need Black History Month. And not just for non-blacks, but for everyone. I went to Howard with Black kids who knew nothing of Sojourner Truth and Nat Turner being educated in their various school districs across the country. My own husband who grew up in the nation's capital says slavery was summed up in 1 paragraph in his 9th grade history book. That's all he got. This is not a game people!

Tim Gunn is NEVER wrong.

Now that I'm a stay-at-home mom, I'm certainly watching my share of TV. The best show of all is Project Runway. Tim Gunn is the man, and I agree with everything he says. Thought this little clip was worth posting because I honestly find his advice to be helpful, and I'm such a huge fan. Cheers!