Carm how about this for Annie

I had to do some creative photoshopping as she originally had a big ole stogey in her mouth. I took some artistic license I suppose with the mouth and the hair getting a swirl smudge thing going on one side but hey i think it looks kinda cool what do you think?

Here's what she looked like originally, [yes its that same artist you found for me] I love her stuff weeeeeeee

mama rocked the hotpants

So this is my mama in her late 40s, if i'm not mistaken. Look at all the leg she is showing ;-) my daddy took the picture. We kids were watching tv while the grownups talked.....

Oye My Jewish Uncle Dave

Now if I could tell you what he was saying to me at my communion you would bust a gut! He cracked some very inappropriate jokes that I inappropriately laughed at.......

He's my favorite Uncle n not just because he spoiled my brother n me with new bikes at christmas and gave us 10 dollar allowances every week [it was 2 dollars for a long time then inflation an all] 

My fondest memory was the day of my wedding [to a man 11 years older than me n not the father of the baby nestled in my womb at the time.] During the wedding my mother and my aunt had each sat on one side of him so he would not stand up to contest the marriage. Damn!!!

What they didn't know was he had two plane tickets to Jamaica in his coat pocket and at the reception he said to me "Say the word kiddo and we'll blow this popsicle stand. I was sorely tempted but too afraid.  Yea this man would have risked the wrath of my mama n the law to make sure I was happy!

Love you Unca Dave ;-)

Why I dont wear pink or peach

And don't get me started on the hair or the twelve pounds of makeup, but on another note aint my hubster handsome hmmmmmm?

This was taken the day of my brothers uh, um, Wedding from hell back in 94. okay that's enough quit looking omg that hair sighhhh

Janet Jackson on the BET awards this evening

An obviously grief stricken Janet jackson took to the stage tonight to thank the fans for their support. there is a video clip on my diva's place page for those interested in hearing what she said. The entire show changed gears to salute and honor Michael that makes me feel good. 

Michael

I used to dream of saving him when the world turned suddenly mean, Wacko jacko, boy in the bubble, keeper of a time machine.

To a desert island, we then stole away and there I heard all his troubles and helped them melt away.

We talked of how things used to be before they'd gone to far, before the tabloid fodder began to tarnish up his star. I gently reassured him that this kind of thing can't last they'll see the error of their ways and you will see at last....Away from all the madness I prayed heartaches would cease and he would come to know again the precious thing called peace. 

But I was only dreaming there was nothing I could say, he suffered most in silence as the world made him it's prey. Right now though there is heartache in some strange and mournful way I hope he's found that peace he's sought when taken home today! 

Diva's Place Cover Index

On Da Cover

Dread Revolution

Cover & overview

Three slaves get formal burial

Want to feel uplifted

Serenity

Oscar nominees mo'nique and mariah

Things that make you go awwwwww

Did u miss me?

Silly me, went to check out that privacy option, thought I cancelled it, once I discovered you could not block specifc sections[ Its all or none], but oops, discovered differently when I  went looking around the site and realized I was nowhere to be found. Oh, oh, said I, Darn page didn't save the update.....Well I'm Back Baby!!!!

Tonight Show Sidekick Ed McMahon Dies

Jeff Vespa/Getty Images

Ed McMahon was a first-rate second banana.

McMahon, Johnny Carson's devoted friend and Tonight Show straight man who defined what it meant to be a late-night TV wingman, died Tuesday morning just after midnight, his publicist, Howard Bragman, confirms to E! News. The 86-year-old was surrounded by his wife and loved ones as he took his final breaths at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

HOW TRUE IT IS

 HOW TRUE IT IS 
 
Another year has passed 
And we're all a little older.
 
Last summer felt hotter 
And winter seems much colder.
 
I rack my brain for happy thoughts, 
To put down on my pad, 
 
But lots of things, That come to mind
Just make me kind of sad.
 
There was a time not long ago 
When life was quite a blast.
 
Now I fully understand
About 'Living in the Past'. 
 
We used to go to friends homes,
Baseball games and lunches.
 
Now we go to therapy, to hospitals,
And after-funeral brunches.
 
We used to have hangovers,
From parties that were gay.   
 
Now we suffer body aches 
And sleep the night away. 
 
We used to go out dining, 
And couldn't get our fill. 
 
Now we ask for doggie bags, 
Come home and take a pill.
 
We used to travel often
To places near and far. 
 
Now we get backaches
From riding in the car. 
 
We used to go out shopping
For new clothing at the Mall 
 

But, now we never bother...
All the sizes are too small. 
 
That, my friend is how life is, 
And now my tale is told. 
 
..

Mending Fences" Starring Angie Dickinson

Diva note: Angie's back!!!

18 May 2009 12:07 AM, PDT | From icelebz.com | See recent iCelebz news

Acclaimed actresses Angie Dickinson and Laura Leighton are set to headline the world premier of the Hallmark Channel Original movie "Mending Fences". Three-time Emmy nominee and two-time Golden Globe winner Dickinson ("Pay It Forward") and Golden Globe nominee Leighton ("Melrose Place") star as a mother daughter duo living in a 

rural community rife with big town problems.

Leighton plays Kelly Faraday, a television reporter who moves back to her hometown with her teenage daughter Kamilla (Shanley Caswell, "Zoey 101"). Believing she has escaped from the urban flurry, Kelly returns home to find the town in the middle of a heated land crisis.

Kelly, her mother Ruth Hanson (Dickinson) and her ex-boyfriend Walt (David Lee Smith, "CSI: Miami") work in unison to halt casino developments which pose a threat to the town's water supply. The water rights battle and the ensuing struggle with defiant citizens serve as a backdrop for the core storyline centering around Kelley's personal re-

discovery of her small town roots.

The Hallmark Channel had to perform a little schedule mending by pushing back the movie's premier from the intended airdate of 

July 4. The program is now timetabled for 

Saturday, July 18.

vintage photo of 

A young  Angie Dickinson 

vavavavoom eh?

ssssssssssssssssss

Steam heat she's got sssssssss

Steam Heat

Honey

So I looked out side my front door last Weds and there sat this little box. I scooped it up ran inside and tore it open with relish, [well not real relish enthusiasm]. Low n behold my 'GNO Honey' Nay that was an error. I should say rather  my Sistah Hood Bookclub Secret Life of Bees Honey had arrived. Oh joy, oh bliss, said I plunking bread into the toaster. I waited impatiently for it to pop up then slathered it with peanut butter and a healthy top coat of Honey mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Oh yea it so hit the spot, deliciously decadent flavor, but oh so good for you [in moderation].

So why did it take me a week to tell you about it? Well I don't know, maybe because Mugsy tried to steal it and hold it for ransom! No, not buying that? Well

<---here's the proof.............

Gotta love PNN swag that tastes this good!

little Raggedy Lennie

psssssst motherofmany?

He woke me up and said honey I need a costume for work today [about hmmmm 4 halloweens ago]. So I said well okay fine groggily. I hopped out of bed and this was the result. If I gotta sleep on the couch tonight  it will have been worth it. The things we do to family huh?

If

If only for a moment

You were standing here

What tales I would tell you

What stories you would hear

I would fill you in on details

Things you missed while far away

I'd hold you close and kiss your cheek

Then stare at you all day

If only for a moment

You were standing next to me

I think I would feel whole again

Or at least not so empty

If instead of just your picture 

I could talk to you indepth

tell you that you are my heart

My soul my deepest breath

I would tell you that I love you

Think about you everyday

My darling boy

Although you're gone

I do it anyway

Dread Evolution

Kellogg Canada's Apple Jacks

1960s

For Kellogg Company, the 1960s were marked by a wide range of new product introductions. There were five new cereals: Kellogg's Froot Loops®, Kellogg's Apple Jacks®, Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats®, Kellogg's Bran Buds® andKellogg's Product 19®, as well as Kellogg's Pop-Tarts® toaster pastries andKellogg's® Croutettes™ croutons. Kellogg's Product 19® was the first 100-percent fortified cereal created for consumers. Kellogg also enjoyed extensive global expansion, opening facilities in South America, Canada, Scandinavia, Europe and Asia. Kellogg even went into outer space, as part of the Apollo 11 space crew's breakfast during their historic mission to the moon in 1969. A growing interest in nutrition led to the expansion of the company's already broad consumer nutrition information programs.

update.............in 2000 there was an attempt 5to bring them back

Kellogg Canada's Apple Jacks breakfast cereal has been marketed for children by children.

Kellogg Canada is certain that kids will like their relaunched breakfast cereal Apple Jacks, because kids themselves have relaunched it. The innovative idea means a group of would-be teenage executives are responsible for marketing the product -- which was dropped in the late 1980s when youngsters lost interest in the cereal -- and the firm believes youth is on its side.

Kellogg Canada's marketing vice-president Mark Childs says he was happy to relinquish creative responsibility to the teens, and quite content to be upstaged during the initial press launch,[I was unwilling to pay to read th rest of this article ;-)

Diva note: It looks like the relaunch failed as a visit to the Canada branch of Kelloggs doesn't list any Apple Jacks sighh

Michael & Me

Back in 1976 when I was sweet sixteen and in the 3rd year of dancing on a local tv show called Boogie the Jackson Five came to sing their hit Enjoy Yourself  [having big name groups of the day come to our show was nothing new, but this was every girls crush [well one of several for some] and he was there on the show dancing n singing mere feet away.... sigh

It seemed the performance was over in a flash and yet it lives in my memory, but not half as much as the memory of the Michael I came to know later  that night, at the Disco [wrap party]. He and his brothers hung out and had a real good time flirting with girls and enjoying themselves yes Michael too...

The Michael, I met was shy but willing to talk and quick with a smile, he was into so many things and talked about animals and music and well you name it. 

Back then he was just a guy having some fun with his brothers and not a few girls here and there [no I was not one of them}. 

I still remember that Michael with the most fondness. Though I've rejoiced in all his successes over the years it saddened me, watching how time and fame along with things we knew of and things we may never know, began to take their toll.

So today I will remember him as I knew him, when joy and the innocence of  not knowing how bad this world can be still shone from his eyes! 

Farrah Fawcett, First Among Angels, Has Died

The 1970s did not lack for sex symbols. That, the ubiquitous Farrah Fawcett poster made sure of.

Fawcett, the feather-haired founding member of TV's Charlie's Angels and pin-up icon whose second act was marked by bids to showcase her acting chops and whose third act was marred by on- and off-screen problems, died today in a Los Angeles hospital Thursday morning, some two-and-a-half years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She was 62.

Family and close friends were said to have gathered at St. John's Heath Center in recent days as her condition deteriorated.

In an interview to air Friday on 20/20, Ryan O'Neal said he'd proposed to the ailing Fawcett, and that she'd accepted. The Love Story actor was certain the longtime unmarrieds would—finally—tie the knot.

"We will, as soon as she can say yes," O'Neal said. "Maybe we can just nod her head."

Fawcett, who in recent months had stopped receiving cancer treatment, talked frankly about her battle in Farrah's Story, a raw, camcorder-shot documentary that aired in May on NBC.

"I know that everyone will die eventually, but I do not want to die of this disease," Fawcett said in the film.

"I want to stay alive."

Diva Note: Farrah was always a class act and the kindest and gentlest of people Her heart was so big she tried to fit everyone inside. She will be sorely missed. I am praying she truly does have her wings [beautiful full white wings to soar!

‘Life is Hot in Cracktown’ Trailer

Another Racist Attack: What’s with the GOP?

Diva note: this is the email that caused such a stir last week

June 18th, 2009

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

June 18, 2009 – The racist and offensive behavior of members of the GOP is now becoming a daily occurrence and it makes you wonder if this is what they deem the priority; it clearly isn’t the plight of the faltering economy, job loss, and rising health care costs.

This is the e-mail distributed by GOP staffers.

The target now is President Obama.  Sherri Goforth, an executive assistant to Tennessee State Republican Caucus Chairwoman Diane Black, e-mailed a picture of all the U.S. presidents, except Obama, on a poster captioned “Historical Keepsake Photo.”  

Rather than a photo of Obama, the last space was entirely black except for two white eyes. 

While some folks are calling for Goforth to be fired – it appears she is only going to receive a verbal reprimand and note in her file.  Her actions aren’t that serious to her superiors and they undoubtedly feel it’s an acceptable insult to the commander in chief.     

Mike Turner, Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chairman, described the e-mail apparently distributed to Republican legislative staffers as “racist humor.” 

“It’s irresponsible. It’s despicable to have that type of racist humor coming out of their (Republican) caucus,” he told reporters.

Goforth’s boss said she placed a written reprimand in Goforth’s personnel file and told her she could be fired if something similar occurs in the future.  Can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.

“Obviously this communication was done without my knowledge,” Black declared. “It absolutely does not reflect my beliefs.”  Well, that makes me feel a whole lot better, but it’s okay if your staff does it?

Above is a copy of the poster as it appeared on the blog, newscoma.com, which reproduced it from an e-mailed photo.

Late Thursday I was able to get a response from Leroy Coleman, the director of media affairs at the Republican National Committee, he told me: “That type of behavior is inexcusable and isn’t refective of  this party’s beliefs.”

A&E's The Cleaner

It is perhaps my favorite new drama series on Television and tonight the much anticipated [especially by moi] second season premieres Amen!

The Cleaner Starring Benjamin Bratt is based on the actual real life experiences of former addict turned activist against drugs and alcohol abuse, Warren Boyd. 

Premieres Tonight On A&E Watch it, you will be so glad that you did! 

More Info: Inspired by the true story of real life "extreme interventionist" Warren Boyd, who also co-executive produces the series, "The Cleaner" stars Bratt as William Banks, a recovering addict who must balance his unwavering dedication to helping others get clean with an increasingly rocky personal life and the ghosts of his addictions. Banks and his teammates Akani Cuesta (Park) and Arnie Swenton (Powell) employ an unconventional - and often by any means necessary - approach to getting addicts and those who surround them to realize they've reached rock-bottom and help them begin the process of recovery. With every success and failure, William wrestles with his commitment to his work and his love for his wife Melissa (Price-Francis) and their children through an unusual relationship with God.

Whoopi Goldberg guest stars in the series premiere, "Hello America," as William's (Bratt) former sponsor who resurfaces when an addict he is called to help is one she currently sponsors. The addict (Gary Cole), a former friend and fellow program member, happens to be a high-profile national news anchor who is a spokesperson for recovery and is struggling with his sobriety in the face of his wife's (Jayne Brook) battle with cancer. William juggles the case while moving back in with his wife Melissa (Price-Francis) to create a facade of happiness while her parents (Mariette Hartley and Barry Newman) are in town. [Diva Note: Whoops guest starring role has now turned into a recurring role on the show way to go Whoopi!!!]

Oscar nominees: Mo’Nique and Mariah?

Oscar nominees: Mo'Nique and Mariah?

Published by Clay Cane on Friday, May 15, 2009 at 12:00 am.

Want to feel uplifted?

Want to feel uplifted? Want to feel good? Then come on over to Diva's place and have a listen to some musicians who are trying to change the world through music. 

Peace Through Music

Playing For Change........

Then check out http://www.playingforchange.com/ to 

Or  http://www.playingforchange.org/ to learn how you can get involved in this wonderful musical movement for peace!

Diva

Shout it out loud Black Gay & Proud pt2

Felicia "Snoop" Pearson

Felicia "Snoop" Pearson is an actress, author and rapper, known for her role on the HBO series "The Wire" as a character named after herself.

Rahsaan Patterson

Named after 60's jazz saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Rahsaan Patterson's singing and songwriting style are reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, while his voice has also drawn comparisons to Chaka Khan. His credits include Brandy's platinum Top 5 smash "Baby", and Tevin Campbell's hit "Back to the World".

Me'shell Ndegocello

The daughter of a devotedly religious mother and a strict military father, Me'shell Ndegocello is a singer, songwriter, rapper, bassist, and multi-instrumentalist. The music press has hailed her as a redeemer of soul music. Her music incorporates funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, R&B, rock and jazz. She has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards.

Mlange Lavonne

Lavonne, who is an outspoken lesbian hip-hop artist, uses her mic to talk about important issues, especially within the LGBT community. In the video for "Gay Bash," the out MC calls out those who hated her friend Kevin enough to kill him, when they didn't even know him.

Maurice Jamal

Maurice Jamal is a director-writer-producer, who is the creative mind behind the landmark Logo Network film "The Ski Trip" and the award-winning family comedy drama "Dirty Laundry." His first break was on the feature film "Spider-Man," and in a short period he developed a lengthy and impressive list of credits, most notably the Comedy Central smash hit "Chappelle's Show" - both in front and behind the camera.

E. Lynn Harris

Harris is an openly gay author, most known for his depictions of African-American men on the down low or in the closet. Harris was initially unable to land a book deal with a reputable publishing house for his first work, "Invisible Life," so he self-published it through a vanity publisher and sold copies from his car trunk. Since then, five of his novels have achieved New York Times bestseller status.

James Earl Hardy

James Earl Hardy is best known as the author of the B-Boy Blues series that includes: B-Boy Blues, 2ND Time Around and If Only for One Nite. The series is credited with launching the Afrocentric, gay, hip-hop love genre. Hardy also has written for Essence, Newsweek, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, The Advocate and Source.

Angela Davis

Angela Davis, an American socialist organizer and professor once associated with the Black Panther Party, first achieved nationwide notoriety when she was linked to the murder of Judge Harold Haley during an attempted prison break. She was a fugitive but was eventually captured, arrested, tried; she was then acquitted in one of the most famous trials in recent history. She is now a professor of history at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Wilson Cruz

Actor Wilson Cruz came out at the age of 19 and then went to Hollywood to try to start an acting career. He was successful, and has starred in a number of stage, TV and film productions.

Jasmyne Cannick

Award-winning journalist, Jasmyne Cannick is known for addressing the issues that others can't or simply won't. She is a critic and commentator based in Los Angeles who addresses the intersection of race, class, religion and gender in the African-American community as played out in today's pop culture and politics. She was selected as one of ESSENCE magazine's 25 Women Shaping the World.

Kevin Aviance

New York female impersonator designer and dance musician Kevin Aviance is popular in the New York City gay scene.

John Amaechi

John Amaechi became the first NBA player to come out of the closet. Amaechi came out after he left the league.

Shout it out loud Black Gay & Proud

Anthony Woods

Hanifah Walidah

Walidah is a hip-hop artist, playwright, actor, music video maker, and filmmaker. She is a part of the renowned Brooklyn Funk Essentials.

Lawrence Webb

Webb is the first openly gay African American elected in the state of Virginia. Lawrence was elected to the Falls Church City Council in 2008 after his first run for political office.

Sheryl Swoopes

Sheryl Denise Swoopes was the first player to be signed in the WNBA when it was created. She has won three Olympic gold medals and is a three-time WNBA most valuable player. Frequently referred to as the "female Michael Jordan," Swoopes is famous for her offensive and defensive skills. In 2005, she averaged 18.6 points, 4.3 assists, 2.65 steals, and she shot 85 percent from the free-throw line while averaging 37.1 minutes playing time per game.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes used her anger and disappointment in California's Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage there, as an opportunity to come out. "I am proud to be gay!" Wanda declared at a gay rally in Las Vegas last year. She also announced to the world that she's married to a woman. This year, she became the first African American and the first "out" lesbian to get the role as featured entertainer for the 2009 White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Jass Stewart

In 2005, Jass Stewart ran a highly touted campaign for mayor of Brockton, Mass. As a first-time candidate, he earned 44 percent of the vote and increased voter turnout by 19 percent. In addition to being one of the youngest executives in the history of Blackside (producers of the public television series Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years), Stewart also taught classes at Boston University.

Doug Spearman

Spearman's career as an actor includes work on such TV shows as "Star Trek Voyager," "The Drew Carey Show," "The Hughleys," "Charmed,"and "Girlfriends." Spearman recently co-starred on the LOGO hit show Noah's Arc, in which he played Chance Counter, an out black gay college professor.

Sabrina Sojourner

Sojourner is the first open lesbian to be elected to the United States Congress. Having been elected by a whopping 83 percent of the vote, Sabrina represented the District of Columbia in the U.S. House of Representatives, where in her non-voting position she lobbied not only for Statehood for the District of Columbia, but impacted other legislators on a whole spectrum of issues. She served from 1997-1999.