Wanda Sykes Is Out and Proud

From Popeater...... Nov. 16) --

Comedian Wanda Sykes is openly gay, but was content to keep discussions of her sexual orientation private - until Proposition 8 passed in California. Sykes surprised organizers of a Las Vegas rally for gay rights with an unscheduled appearance on Saturday, and told the crowd, "You know, I don't really talk about my sexual orientation... I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life. Everybody that knows me personally they know I'm gay. But that's the way people should be able to live their lives." She explained that the passage of Prop 8 felt like an attack on her lifestyle. "Now, I gotta get in their face," she said. "I'm proud to be a woman. I'm proud to be a black woman, and I'm proud to be gay."

The proposition to adopt a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage - overturning the earlier state Supreme Court decision giving gay couples the right to wed - passed with approval by 52% of California voters. Not surprisingly, a number of gay and straight celebrities are airing their disappointment.

Uh....who didn't know this already? lol....

“It's a lot easier being black than gay. At least if you're black you don't have to tell your parents.”

Tears of a Clown - My Chef Jeff Experience

Okay, so WHY was I sitting in my living room absolutely BOO-HOO-ing over The Chef Jeff Project on The Food Network the other night?  I have been watching this show since its beginning and have had a mixed bag of emotions run through me each time I watch it.  From my admiration of Shante; for calming down a potentially explosive situation involving Adam in the first episode; to the love I feel for Maria with each accomplishment she makes; back to my disgust as I watched Shante be dishonest about the damage to her car and filing a police report.  I might have even gotten a little misty eyed a few times, but I never shed a tear.....

Until the last Sunday night.

When the Chef takes the young'uns home to meet his family and everyone gets a chance to speak....

The first sign of distress comes as Chef Jeff breaks down in tears thanking his mama for never giving up on him (my chest started heaving right about here...) and then Adam breaking down and crying and thanking him for changing his life.... at that point I began sobbing uncontrollably...tears running down my face....lol....it was absolutely ridiculous.

My mom called, she was watching and now was an absolute mess as well.

Tonight is the finale episode and I am totally amped up for it.  I am rooting for them all but I have special places in my heart for Maria, Adam & Alonzo....my mom and I both agree that the jury's still out on Miss Shante......she's a curvy girl tho' so I kinda gotta root for her (lol).

The Chef Jeff Project airs on The Food Network Sundays at 10:00pm (TWC channel 50)

"The first and most important step toward success is the feeling that we can succeed."

Commerce Bank is now TD Bank.....I wonder....

You know family, I was thinking....now that Commerce Bank is TD Bank, do you think those old blue & red free Commerce pens will be considered collectors items now?

Hmmmmm.

“Remember when $25, 000 was a success? Now it is a garbage collector.”

Jennifer Hudson in the new Gap Holiday ads!

Hey Family!

Check out the preview of Jennifer Hudson's new holiday ad for The Gap.


She shot these ads back in July before the tragic murders of her family.

All the best girl......we're rooting for you!

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."

Curvy Girls in Print!

Congratulations to Plus Models Ashia & Shanta (IPM Models) & Miss Jordan Tesfay! Who all appear in the November 2008 issue of Essence Magazine.

You can find them all on page 58 in the "Perfect Fit" edit.

Congrats to Plus Model Veronica (Goddess) who's featured in Dr. Ian Smith's (Celebrity Fit Club) 50 Million Pound Challenge ad campaign! You GO Girl!!

And to Anansa Johnson who appears on the back inside cover in The Curvation ad.
And one last congratulatory shout out to former curvy girl Star Jones who (retouching aside...lol) look fabulous in the photo accompanying her in her "Starting Over" interview 0n page 155.See ya'll? Curvy girls ARE influencing the world!!!!

Mad props to Curvy Chicks Queen Latifah,

Journalist Gwen Ifill

Political Strategist Donna Brazile

Multimedia Journalist Farai Chideya

and Radio Host Bev Smith

For all topping Essence Magazine's 25 Most Influential African Americans list!

Continued Success Ladies!

"Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make yourself a happier and more productive person."