THE POWER OF THE CONDOM!

PLAY IT SMART! PLAY IT SAFE! WRAP IT UP!

MISS NOT SO INDEPENDENT

This had to be said because I was beginning to become very irritated by the amount of misrepresentation and ill-claiming being done…

Ladies, a REAL independent woman lives her independent lifestyle MODESTLY. Claiming to be an independent woman, talking about how independent you are, and how you “buy your own things”, and “make your own money”, and “got your own house”, and then expecting the man to spend on you, kinda defeats the purpose and your self-image of independence. You cannot claim independence and then go off the mentality that “a Man is SUPPOSED to pay for this and that.” Now, I’m not saying that women should spend on Men if they claim the title of independence. Not the case at all. What I am saying is if you claim it, live it. Do Not spend with the intention on seeing if he will stop you and pay. That is not being independent. That is called testing. Do Not bring up, especially during an argument, the fact that he is suppose to be the man yet you paid for this or you paid for that. That is not claiming independent activities you may have taken. That is you trying to put him down. Your independence then becomes less of him acknowledging it and more of you “rubbing it in his face.” Being modestly independent allows him to be more willing to spend on you, because then it doesn’t become a matter of necessity, but more of a matter of support. He will be more willing to spend on you cause he wants to, and not cause you make him feel like he has to. I know for a fact that someone/people are going to disagree with me, but I feel that there are a number of ladies running around claiming the title of “Miss Independent” just because they heard it in a song and the description of the woman might be similar to them or the life they may live, but being independent is not an Image. It is a LifeStyle. You don’t wear it. You LIVE it…

SUBMISSION BY: Rodney Kyles Jr

Vagabond Matinee

This is the first video webisode in a series entitled Vagabond Matinee for the up and coming brand Vagabond Tales, out of Chicago. Chronicling the life of Rodney Kyles Jr. AKA The Vagabond, he and his friends take you through a day in his life. You can also view this video on the brands site www.thevagabondtales.com

Rodney Kyles Jr.
773.531.5387
Vagabond Tales Clothing
@VagabondTalesCo
www.thevagabondtales.com

FEATURED POET: CeCe

Dangerous Minds

in the mind of a destructive beast,
i follow my heart but take the lead.
improving my strength, and subtracting the weak.
with every great gain,its a loss i sacrifice.
my ambitions drive me all through the brightest days and the darkest nights,
whats the point of stepping into the ring if your not willing to continuously fight ?
sometimes you have to take risks, right ?
sometimes im wrong,but those are called mistakes,
ima lover not a fighter,but i give and dont take.
i fight for the things i love,but i always keep safe;
im dangerous and a problem to success.
i eat it alive but not everyone sees this beautiful heart on my chest.
never said im perfect,but im one of the best.
as i sleep my head shall rest,to destroy my passions until its none left.
then i will inhale the glory of triumph, and have empowered theft.
but such a beautiful sin that rises from the ashes of failure within,
such a gorgeous smile but yet a evil grin, in this devils game its you give yoru all or you give nothing.
at least i can say it all started with something.
no need on fronting,my work speaks for itself...
hating is a non profit organization so haters dont catch the sickness and watch ya health.
i dont wanna be rich i js wanna posses wealth.
i move careful yet so blind to the naked eye, my stealth is bonded within my shadow that hides.
if it wasnt for this new life of mine,i wouldve been a suicide bomb in time.
ticking slowly away till the day i see no more light....
i was willing to step in the ring,and till this day continue to fight <3>

-CECE

"Age has *NO* limit to success"

Model - Host - Actress
& more!
-DTLR Promotional Model

-Safe in the Streetz TV Host

http://itscece.com

http://twitter.com/cece_newnew

http://myspace.com/karamelmamii

http://safeinthestreetz.org

http://facebook.com/pages/iCECE/197135022115
http://youtube.com/whocecenewnew
http://youtube.com/safeinstreetz

THE THIRD VIEW

"...Story of my Life", says My Heart (o_O)

A WOMAN with AMBITION

A strong woman is a woman who is willing to put herself in the face of an obstacle and take a challenge that an average woman would not take. These are the women who get further in life than others will. These are the type of women who are capable of even raising an entire family on their own with no husband, so having one would only make her an extraordinary mother. The world we live in now days has slowly began to switch roles, where as those who were expected to be the strong, the Men, are now putting themselves in situations of weakness, giving the women then opportunity to excel. Regardless, this is no challenge to an Ambitious Woman.

When it comes to choosing a woman, there is nothing like an ambitious one. These are the women who strive for success. The ones who do not take the easy way up and will do whatever must be done to make it far with the intention of never losing their dignity and self-respect. These are the women who gain much more acknowledgement from those who appreciate what she has done and where she is, rather than how long it took her to get there and the image she has. This is the kind of woman every man needs by their side. Their drive for success possesses a stream of motivation. The fact that they are self accomplished makes them less needy materially, allowing buying things for them to be more rewarding than a must or a hassle. This also allows much more room for emotional satisfaction and spiritual connection. These are also the kind of women who will ride for their mates. The kind that would do what they whatever it takes to make sure that their partner life comfortably. She is the type of woman, if financially capable, that would rather her partner not work and travel around with her as she brings in the money. All she asks for in return is their support.

Unfortunately, these ambitious women are the same ones who become targeted by the non-ambitious men of the new generation, otherwise known as the "Scumbags." These are

the ones who will pretend to be there for her while she is excelling. Taking advantage of everything she has accomplished, and using her hard earned money to create their own image. That is not called support. It is called "Leeching." You are sucking whatever wealth she has obtained in an effort to create your own image. Therefore you are a "Sucker." An ambitious woman should be there as inspiration and support for whatever you have planned for your life and/or future. Now if you're telling me that you can not support someone who loves and cares for you so much that they would prefer you not working just to be around them, then an ambitious woman is not for you, and you wasted your time reading this post...Thank you.

FEATURED POET: Sha'neka Morris

"I wrote this June 24,2010, my way of expressing my feelings about a relationship on what should've been our anniversary.."

Weather Blues

Today was a very sentimental day for me
Decided to take a walk on the beach
Though my friends wanted to come to comfort me
Alone is what I needed to be
Sitting bare foot in the sand with
Two champagne glasses and a bottle of wine
thought it would be appropriate for this one occasion
made a toast to what I thought would have been forever
But how selfish of me to feel so dreary
When this beautiful sunset lies right in front of me
Shades of yellow and red reflecting from the sun
Touches the water as the waves become calm..still..at peace
If only love were that simple for me
If only the warmth of the sun's touch could heal the cuts & bruise of this broken heart
So that finally i could be at ease
I just wish that I could be in between the space where the sky & ocean kiss
Know what it feels like to be in that never ending embrace
I am constantly movin towards that on going line
In what feels like a slow motion pace
Never been able to get close enough in arms length
I wana pull that space apart look behind it just to see if
there is something deeper more profound beyond the horizon
My curiousity wont let me rest until I know if its real or not
Searching for that one thing that would make it all better
So I drink until I can block out all the images of us together
So that your face becomes a blurr
So that I dont feel the need to wana replace
That space where you once were
And I have worn myself out..
Reflecting on the mistakes I've made
Retracing the tracks trying to find that loop hole of where it all went wrong
Tormenting myself with the notion that I
was just your way of getting over her..
And although that maybe false.. I am certain it holds some truth
For you to easily turn and walk away without the slightest glance back
to see if there is something worth holding on to
Your words...Your actions.. cut me too deep
And the only conclusion anyone can come up with.. "It wasn't meant to be"
But in the back of my mind all I can phantom is "How much I guna miss him"
Even buried my past in hopes that I started something special
Planted a seed to watch it grow into something I know has potential
Surrounded with a garden full of beauty
But one seed.. doesn't want to grow into anything more
It shocks me ... I never seen a flower afraid to blossom in the sunlight
Feelings drifted away like the changing of the seasons, a love so hot just ended so cold
The line where land & sky meet be come more out of reach
I use the horizon as a metaphor for LOVE because..
The Closer I seem to go towards it..The further it drifts away from me...

Sha'neka Morris

@Da_OriqNeka

CHANCES and RELATIONSHIPS

NOTE TO READER: I KNOW you might disagree with this post, but this has been lingering around in my head all day so I felt that it needed to be said. Hopefully while you are reading this, you can put your own beliefs and/or personal experiences to the side and try to take in and understand where I'm coming from:

Second Chances in a relationship...My opinion?

There is no such thing as a second chance in a relationship. With that said, I feel that it is safe to say that there is also no such thing as continuous chances in a relationship. The reason I feel so is this: In order for there to be a "second chance", the same conditions of the previous settings must be met, including feelings and emotional strength that existed before the now corrupted bond of the two mates. In order for that to be possible, the damage(s) done to one's emotions must be undone in a way that the feeling(s) and memory(s) of being hurt becomes nonexistent...which is Impossible. Emotions cannot be fixed or replaced. They can only be tended and catered to.

The word "Chance" is associated with the word "opportunity: due to a favorable combination of circumstances." The direct definition of "chance" is given as "the unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause." Therefore, the only real time a chance is being taken is in the very beginning of the relationship, where there is unpredictability. You are given an opportunity to make something happen out of uncertainty. There are no assigned causes. That is a chance. For one to mess up and ask for a second chance is literally and theoretically impossible due to the fact that they are already aware of most of the do's and don'ts. There are conditions also placed, terms which must be met, and things must be done to correct the previous wrongs. Ones there are certainties, it no longer considered a chance. It is now considered as an Opportunity, A retry, A redo. These things allow for certainties and conditions. Chance does not.

With that said, I will conclude by saying that in a relationship, there is only one Chance, the beginning. For one to allow someone to correct a mistake is to allow them to maintain in your life. But to say you are giving them a second chance is false because you are consciously or subconsciously expected them to repeat their actions. The idea of what happened will also cloud your mind and cause you to regress more than you previously did, which would make it a whole new ground. Chances are risks. Giving someone an opportunity to reattempt what they messed up on or to allow one back is less of a risk and more of a test. You have an expected right result and an expected wrong result. A pass will lead to rebuilding and continuation. A fail will lead to termination. These are what is known as certainties, not uncertainties, and therefore not a chance. The only true Chance is the first occurrence...

There...I Said it.

LEBRON AND THE HEAT!

Lebron James, over his years in the NBA, has easily became a beloved and very well respected player. I for one consider him to be one of my favorite basketball players. Unfortunately, As great as he is, he has not been able to obtain a Championship title with his placed team. This leaves you to question: is it the team or the player? Which I why I am happy that the free agency period resulted in the way that it did.

Lebron has chosen, finally, to sign to the Miami Heat. This means by fall, he will be playing along side Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, two other NBA All-Stars. Now what does this mean for Lebron? Well one thing's for sure, it will no longer be just about Lebron. It will be about the team, or in this case the "Trio." With other leading scoring playing with him, there should be no reason not to win a Championship. All three players are outstanding, and each bring their own assets to the team, from being able to play multiple positions to being able to share the ball. Another things is that this will rattle the teams on the East and also the West, causing them to work harder and prepare themselves to play against Miami, which will make 2011 NBA season a must watch.

Now there are many saying that Lebron made the wrong decision and took the easy way out, but I strongly disagree. For one, Lebron came into the league stating that his main goal was to win championships, which apparently hasn't been happening with the Cavaliers. For him to choose to go to the Kicks would cause him to rebuild another team from scratch. He definitely not guaranteed a ring with the Knicks any time soon. For him to go to Chicago and play with the Bulls would be like attempting to take over the legacy of Jordan, but still wouldn't guarantee him a ring. Going to the Nets would only benefit him financially, which would mean that

he's straying away from his main objective. So why not Miami? I mean, even Jordan needed a strong team along side him to get his 6 rings. Kobe himself couldn't have won those 5 rings if not for the team he has. Why is it wrong if Lebron does it?

I honestly feel this was the best decision he could've made, and I hope that it works out in his favor. Lebron, Wade, and Bosh, three All-Star players playing on the same team. Basketball season is about to get a whole lot more interesting now. Lets see how this decision turns out.

FEATURED POET: Louisa Appiah

MOTHERLESS CHILD

My mother used to abuse me,

Not the physical abuse to cause bruises on my skin

But the emotional abuse to bruise my heart and scar my mind.

Her words were wrapped around strong emotions

Like barbed wire on a bat

When she spat feeling out of hate and disdain

The invisible thorns tore away the flesh over my heart

Spewing out hatred as blood as the pain played games in my mind

Maybe the morning sun was different in the afternoon

Because surely my mother couldn’t love my brother any more than she loved me

And even through the physical pain he cause her, she loved every single ounce of him.

So, for many years, after that first slap of words,

The sting died away from my heart

Floated away and I in turn turned to the next bastard who smiled and gave me butterflies

But I wish you showed me affection and not affliction.

So, I found solace in IT.

That black or brown long machine with a head and a tail

And in it I found great pleasure

Residing with it, I found love

Addicted to it, I rocked with it.

Finally after that day,

I felt empty

Snapping my fingers and tapping my shoes, I resorted,

“there is no place like home, and there is not love like a mother’s.

But no one showed me the love so I gave it to them

Allowing them to add fuel to that burning fire

Ashes to ashes

Dust to dust

You died in my heart,

Outlined my name in your ash,

Hoping we will be close.

So I sit in my solace,

I find my addiction leading to confliction

And in my confusion, I am a motherless child.

Because she lost me at “you don’t love me”

And then she stopped paying attention.

Louisa Appiah

@louweezy21 http://www.facebook.com/louisaa2

SUBMISSION BY: Maureen G. Parker

"THIS IS MY AUDITION VIDEO FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE MY OWN SHOW ON OPRAHS NETWORK. PLEASE PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO AND VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU CAN."

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=7128&promo_id=1

LET'S HELP MAKE HER DREAM A REALITY! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

SUBMISSION BY: Trevon Dyson

"I wrote this a while back and posted it on my blog. I really really love it. When I forget or lose sight of my heart, I go back to this. I get a lot of likes on my blog for it so I thought I'd share with your blog readers!"

My Kinda Love

I woke up this morning and asked myself, “what’s my kinda love?” Sounds like a crazy question to ask but really, I had to remind myself what it is that I want. I’ve been loving someone for awhile now so when I thought about the love they give me…I saw just how non existent it really is. So I was moved to write…it’s the only thing besides music that keeps me sane.

(My kinda love first and foremost knows the LORD; because he who findeth a wife findeth a GOOD thing.)

My kinda love is the love that thinks of me as much as I think of you…the kind where my friends get tired of me mentioning you because I’m thinking of you so much that my mouth vomits your name uncontrollably.

It’s the kind that makes me want you all to myself causing me to be a little jealous. Not because I am insecure but because I want you near all the time. The kinda love that daydreams from time to time about how my name sounds with your last name…the kind that stares at my phone anticipating your next call or txt…trying so hard not to seem like a maniac.

It’s the kind of love that sits bedside to watch me sleep and then takes me in their arms to keep from the cool air that nightfall brings. The kind that smiles at the thought of what we share. My kinda love is the kind that will meet me in my dreams and slow dance with me to our heart song and whisper to me that they are indeed grateful that I was I created in God’s image. It’s the kind that is there when I wake; ready, willing, and able to make sure that I know just how much I’m loved and supported…that helps me get through the day.

My kinda love is the kind where we close our eyes and imagine the embrace of our hearts even when we aren’t near each other…the kind where if I lie on your chest, the rhythm our hearts cadence synchronize. It’s the kinda love that makes me wish I had a 1,000 tongues so that I can tell you time and time again how much I love you and 7 bodies to show just how true my love to you is. It’s the kinda love that will write you a million letters and document each day so that if your memory ever begins to fade, you’ll be reminded of how much I love and care for you.

It’s the kinda love that feels like the cool breeze of a palm trees’ sway or the cool breeze that kisses your cheek on a sticky summers’ day. The kind that feels like walking on the beach by the waters edge…feeling the sand and water between your toes. It feel like raindrops of heaven or the pitter-patter of a feather against your stomach. The kind that will dry my tears, not trigger them. Its the kinda love that gives me an escape from a world that can eat you like its prey.

My kinda love is a love that can weather any storm, pass any test, and doctor any pain. My kinda love will hold me when I’m afraid, walk beside me in support, allow me to take the spotlight when needed… It’s the kind of love that feels like the melodic sounds of an alto sax. My kinda love won’t let anything or anyone shake our foundation. It doesn’t give up and doesn’t give in. It stands beside me and grows with me and assures me that I am not in it alone. Sure there will be days where we may need to exert a little more energy but my kinda love will be willing to do so.

I have been broken but it is ok. Everyone plays a part in your story for some reason or the other. A good friend of mine reminded me that my future is far brighter than my past and my next will be greater than my last. I haven’t found that kind of love yet but I know and believe in my heart that it is indeed in store. Until that day, I will continue to stay grounded. I will try not to let others see the pain of my heart of my face…because I never know who is falling for my smile! ;)

PS - Whoever is my kinda love, I LOVE you soooooo much already!!!!!

Trevon Dyson @noFUHreal
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

http://randomlovemusik.tumblr.com

MY RESPECT TO CHRIST BROWN, AND R.I.P. MJ

LETTER TO THE LADIES

DEAR FEMALS,

Grow your own hair!...(Jumps under table and takes cover). Lol I’m just playing. Let me get serious now…

Dear Women,

• No one can put you anywhere but yourself. Choose your own roads and walk you own paths. Be Independent...Don’t wait for any man to appreciate you. Appreciate yourself for who you are and let your inner Beauty Shine...Kissing and telling only makes other females curious to what you have. Keep your business to yourself...Sometimes Its best to stop, sit down, and ask yourself: “Why Am I Really Here?”, “What am I really doing?”, and “Am I Truly Happy?”...Keeping a guy you do not like around you because he gives you attention and cares is Unfair to him, and just plain WRONG!

  Sometimes, it is best to follow your intuitions. Better than neglecting them and regretting it later...Being in a hopeful relationship is like being in a doubtful friendship. It will never work...Tattoos on a Guy might be nice to look at and might be found as sexy, but they are removable. A great heart in a guy is forever Permanent...There are women all over the world, but NONE of them are like you. You are Unique in your own ways. Be yourself...Do not depend on him to always carry a Condom. Figure out his size and carry some with you too. Better safe than sorry.

  "Love" is represented by the color Red, NOT BLACK AND BLUE!!...If the butterflies become endangered or extinct in your stomach, it means there is a problem...Be careful which females you call friends. Some of them are only there for their own benefit...Being Beautiful and Sexy is a good look. Being Strong and Independent is an even Better look...Sometimes I wish I could jump in your bodies and make decisions for you guys, because the decisions you make sometimes, it’s like…DAMN! (o_O)..Just because a guy is attractive and single, does not make him a "Player." Don’t be so quick to judge...Being gullible is not the Wave. I’m going to need you guys to wake up and Smell the BS. (o_O)

  
  

  Sincerely yours,

  
  
  Me =)
  
  
  
  
  PS: I normally don’t right letters I had to do this one. I wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn't for you. Thank You. =)

IT WAS MEAN'T TO BE

I AM A MAN OF GREAT INTEGRITY, BUT I SEEM TO HAVE FOUND MYSELF CAUGHT IN A PEDIGREE. FOR YOU SEE, I AM SEEING THIS GIRL NAMED FANTASY, BUT I'M FALLING FOR THIS WOMAN NAMED REALITY. I KNOW ITS WRONG AND SAD, BUT I CAN'T HELP IT. SHES BAD!

FEATURED POET: Malandra H.

Troubled Mind

A troubled mind
A troubled soul
A troubled heart with a piercing hole.
The dagger hits me deep
My troubled soul can’t sleep.
I lost my love
No hands, no glove.
Troubled mind
A troubled mind, leave my past so far behind
The last cut, deep cut; pull the knife from my heart
How is one’s love so close but yet a million miles apart?
A troubled mind,
What else can one’s heart find?
The agony, the fear, your heart my mind cannot bare
The love we once shared no longer exists
As well as the moments we shared on the lips.
The comfort I felt with your arms around me
Your arms were not the place I was destined to be.
Troubled mind is Y-O-U
Cheers to our dismantled, shattered and dangerous love
I bid it a fair adieu.

Malandra H.

@Ammauhiiva

http://www.peaceloveanddance.tumblr.com

Contact: peaceloveanddanc3@gmail.com

FEATURED POET: Juanita Funtanares

EMOTIONS ARE THE THE LESS OF ME

There is something that's been depressing me...

lately its been stressin me...

And Im surprised Im not weak...

The sole of my shoes want to speak..

I kept the corrupt thoughts timid and meek..

Id rather melt in my thoughts than drink..

Or rehearse my plans over the bathroom sink..

Or drive around all day and think..

I swear no one knows...or atleast the world doesn't...

I get a billion thoughts a day..

well, not really, just a dozen..

The little time I have to think, I put it all away...

Work is not the time or place to rehearse a "Life Stories" play..

I'd like to tell my boss...

I'd like to tell my friend..

I'd like to tell my neighbor..

Or even my bestfriend..

Some things should just be private...

Just between us two..

My marriage isn't easy..

And my body's changing too..

What are these but things to worry me?

Where am I? why rush or hurry me?

and dig my thoughts..

They're deep, so bury me..

Im not ashamed of these questions or concerns...

Or lessons that I've never learned..

All I know is that Im in love with my way of thinking..

Im too strong to let my thoughts run free,,

There's no telling what they'll think of me..

There's so many people I wanna be..

These are just thoughts...

Emotions are emotions...

And I am me!

Juanita Funtanares

@JFantanares

http://nitafuntanares.blogspot.com/

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

But You Say He/She's Just A Friend

The Quest for "Mr./Mrs. Right!" One of man's most difficult challenges due to one's feel of not just finding a mate, cause in that case we could just grab the nearest person and begin the mating process, but one finding a mate they feel compelled and passionate towards. These days, everyone has some type of idea of the type of person they would like to spend their lives with, so they go through the trial and error phase, the dating scene, until they meet this fantasy person. What they don't seem to realize is that they probably already met them and have been around them their whole lives. The one most suitable to be "Mr./Mrs. Right" is most likely someone you pushed into the friend zone. These are the people who are: there for you when you need them, always makes you smile, listens to you when you speak, ready to fight for you no matter the situation, hate to see you cry, always giving you good advice, willing to drop their last buck for you, and tells you the truth wether to want to hear it or not. These are the ones who keep it real and ride with you till the end. The ones who come to your weddings and sit in the crowd, tempted to jump up and speak against your marriage, but are so much more worried about your happiness and the continuation of your friendship that they tuck their pride away and continue to hide their feelings for you. Everyone has someone like this in their lives. You might not know who they are exactly, or you might even have an idea but have chosen to ignore it due to the idea that "it might ruin your friendship" but here's the thing, a relationship can easily go both ways depending on how dedicated one is in it. A good friendship will last a lifetime, even if both parties were previously involved. But back to what I was saying, the ones who actually care about us are the ones we tend to Push into the infamous "friend zone." You can't walk around and claim that "all guys are dogs" and "all men lie and cheat" or "all girls lie" and "girls are sneaky and conniving" because I can guarantee that you have at least one guy or girl friend who does not fit into any of those categories. My question to you is, as good as they have been to you and as loving, caring, and supportive as they have been in your life, how come you've never looked at them more than just a friend?...Hmmm

ONLY IN BROOKLYN

FEATURED POET: Matthew "Preach" McDowell

Love Nightly Thoughts

You Ever Wonder What Tommorrow Holds
Is There A Fight For My Soul?
Probably So
So I Proudly Go
Harder And Harder
To Better My Situations
With Many Stipulations
But I'm Bout To Fuckin Loose It
Send Me On A Vacation
Cause I Can't Take The Lies
Can't Take The Hate
When You Look Into My Eyes
Love Is Alive
So Don't Be Surprised
Cause Love Can Survive
In A World That Has Died

Matthew "Preach" McDowell

@PreachGold

http://www.facebook.com/PreachGold

http://preachgold.tumblr.com/