Evolving, or Remaining in the Background?

Hey Bloggers,

So the NCAA Basketball tournaments have ended, with Duke defeating the underdog, Butler. Throughout this whole college basketball season, I've come to realize something I honestly never paid much attention to. Women are clearly not as appealing, when it comes to sports, as men are.

What fascinated me is, during the college basketball season, all that was talked about were the men divisions. The social media networks went rampant when a favored team lost, or an underdog did the inevitable. Throughout it all, the magnifying glass remained on the men, as though the women weren't competing for the same exact recognition, or championship.

I know I shouldn't be as baffled, because it's definitely something that has been reoccuring since the beginning of the sport's world. But I guess I had just become naive enough to think we had evolved as a non-sexist culture. I very well might be taking it all out of context. But I can guarantee, that their are women on those college basketball teams that are in absolute favor of my stance on this subject.

Just my thoughts.

Signing off,

Regina

Epiphany

Morning Bloggers,

I've come to the realization that everything, indeed, does happen for a reason. In a world full of doubt, uncertainty and questioning, nothing truly happens without purpose. It's unfortunate that the negative has to occur in order for us to appreciate the positive it brings, but I guess that's the journey called life.

Sometimes I feel that some lessons shouldn't be taught to certain people. But when I truly think about it, God makes no mistakes. At the young age of 22, approaching 23, I'm grateful that I've been reseptive to such an understanding as soon as I have.

I would hate to go through life in regret, wondering why me. When the reality is...why not me? Life is meant to be lived. One cannot say they've lived if they haven't learned, experience, cried, and grown. Everyday I'm thankful that I'm blessed with another day to witness atleast ONE of those aspects of life.

Just my thoughts...

Signing off,

Regina

Our Reflection, as Women, In the Limelight of the Media

Morning bloggers,

As the days go on and everyday I constantly turn on the television, I've noticed and have become very bothered, by a few things that have come to my attention. Women are becoming more and more of a negative image in the media. Emerging in everything, from daytime tv shows, reality shows, to, yes, even the news. Daily, we are protrayed in the negative lime light of the media.

Lately, I've seen so many women being suspects in crimes of murder against their own children; as Nancy Grace often covers the details on her MSNBC show. Reality shows are constantly becoming eager to please an audience that sees no limit to disrespect when it comes to women. Though, in some cases, as Nancy Grace speaks of weekly, that spotlight is needed when it comes to the lives of others. But when it gets to the point where the respect of us as women goes downhill because of how others choose to act for entertainment, it becomes a huge problem.

Women already have the challenge of competing with men for respect, honesty, being seen as more than sexual and unintelligent objects. But when you place everything BUT on our screens daily, the barrier becomes THAT much harder to break through.

I just think there should be a line drawn with what women will and will not do for entertainment. Many of us need to think clearly about how far a dollar will take us and how much further working for that dollar will push us back.

Signing off,

Regina

Redefining Your Definition of Poetry

Evening Blogger's,

In my last post, I shared with you a video that was created to brand myself and my views on poetry. Via twitter (Gias_Essence), I surprisingly got a lot of feedback. A lot of you appreciated the creativity of the video and my way of seeing poetry in many different forms of entertainment. When explaining the concept of it all, they seemed to be enlightened that poetry was seen as something other than the norm.

With the thought of poetry, most people often think words that rhyme and bring thoughts together by stanzas. When the reality of it is, poetry is so much more. It's dance, music, even love. It's all these things, that are normally categorized as something else. But what it boils down to is, its all one in the same, if you look deeper.

In my video, I defined poetry between the pictures and video clips. For those of you who couldn't clearly hear my definition, I leave you with this...

"Poetry is an imaginative awareness of experience expressed through meaning, sound, and rhythmic language choices as so to evoke an emotional response." Think about it....

Signing off,

Regina

Branding One's Self...

Hello Bloggers,

Well, in the last post, I shared with you all my love for poetry and an excellent place in NYC that has everything a poet looks for. But today, I'll share with you an assignment that was given in my advertising class, that's not only fitting, but most likely of some interest to those of you who read my posts. For more of an understanding of the video...here's the followed steps of the assignment...

We were each told to choose a talent that we have, that only we can do; thats uncomparable to others. With that talent, we were to make a video branding ourselves creatively. We could use anything: our camera phones, digital cameras, even the school's studio, as long as it looked professional. But on it, we had to promote ourselves and our brand, then end with a mission statement. I was a little apprehensive and put off by the assignment, because I couldn't figure out what I could possibly brand. After speaking with my Professor, we came to the conclusion that poetry would be the excellent way to go.

I went through several options in my head, from creating cards like Hallmark, to doing skits. I literally went crazy, because I had ideas but couldn't figure out what to do with them. Not only did I not have my digital camera, but I also had absolutely NO knowledge about video editing or recording PERIOD! But after a few heads came together, ideas were thrown at me and I settled down and thought it through, at the very last minute...this is the outcome...

If you're unsure about what the video was actually trying to put across...I plan on starting a publishing company that helps to redefine what poetry is. It's more than the known "cat in the hat" and fingers snapping. Poetry is everything from music to spoken word, and yes, even dance. That's the point I was trying to make. And that's what I think I accomplished. Hope you enjoyed!

Signing off,

Regina

Poetic Flow

OK, so I'm known to a few as the "Poetic One". On a few occasions I've made it my duty to attend a few poetry cafes to call home and let others in on. Well, ladies and gents, here I am again, sharing the location of my new escape...

Well, when I first started my search, I had a picture painted in my mind of what I was looking for. Simply put, I was looking for my "Love Jones." Want the visual image...here's a clip from one of my favorite movies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvZeErcrxp8

Based in Chicago, it was a film about the chemistry of man & woman who shared an interests in the arts and the language of poetry, with the common denominator being love. That's what I was chasing. The smokey room, the spoken word, the finger snaps, the live band, the natural hair, I wanted it ALL... Though I still have yet to find it, I'm excited that I've found one VERY close.

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is located on the Lower East Side of NYC http://www.nuyorican.org/. Filled with poetry slams, music, hip-hop, theater and other events, this place has kept me coming back whenever possible. Though it may not be as big as the "dream" poetry spot, the amount of talent that confines that place, overshadows the lack of space.

My personal favorite days to attend and seemingly everyone else's (based on the long lines that form outside) are Wednesdays & Fridays; open-mic & poetry slam. The entry prices are $7 & $10 for those days, and getting there an hour before being let in, is a MUST, if you don't prefer standing up for hours at a time. But even then, a seat is not guaranteed. Like I said, the talent is well worth it. Just don't get excited when you see the bar. They only serve beer, wine & Smirnoff's and they are all pricey.

Otherwise, the passion for the artistry that is poetry, the light hearted comedy, and the grown and sexy vibe of the place, is what I fall in love with every time. So if you're ever looking for somewhere to hear spoken word, from religion to love, go to Nuyorican. You won't be disappointed. And tell them I sent you...;-)

Signing off,

Regina

Grieving For Shaniya...

It seems to be becoming an epidemic of parental heartbreak. Every time you turn on the news, another child has gone missing. Now yet again, another family has been forced to deal with a life taken too soon.

For the past week, the media has filled the news channels with a 5-year-old missing girl, Shaniya Davis, in Fayetteville, N.C. After her mother's, Antoinette Nicole Davis, frantic, yet suspicious, 911 call on the morning of November 3, 2009, the whereabouts of Shaniya has been a big question mark. Up until Monday afternoon, November 16, 2009, when searchers found the child's body, approximately 30 miles from where she was reported missing, near deer carcasses. When word reached the family, Shaniya's father was seen visibly heartbroken and shattered by the news of his little girl, gone.

Now, with evidence being gathered, and questions being asked, Antoinette Nicole Davis has been placed into custody and charged with human trafficking and felony child abuse. She has also been accused of selling her daughter, Shaniya, into sexual slavery. After being captured on a hotel camera with the girl, a man by the name of Mario Andrette McNeill, has also been charged, with kidnapping. He is said to be the ex-boyfriend of Antoinette's sister.

Still with all the charges being brought against these two individuals, no one has yet to be charged with the death of Shaniya Davis. But, with the investigation still in progress and more and more questions arising, investigators are optimistic. All the while, pleading with parents to watch after their children and those to watch after children with suspicious parent

The young are constantly dying, and leaving the old to grieve.

Signing off,
Regina

NEW YORK CHAMPIONS...

If you didn't watch last nights baseball game, you are not apart of the millions that did & enjoyed every second of it! Baseball fans or not, game 6 of the Yankees & Phillies game, was one to keep your eyes glued to. Not only did the New York Yankees beat the Phillies, winning 7-3, but they took home their 27th championship! The most to ever be received by any team in the history of sports. NOW THAT'S BIG!

After losing game 5, many people, including me, thought that game was lost on purpose; simply so they could come to win it in NYC. I still believe just that, or maybe they didn't bring their "A" game that night. However, they couldn't have won in a better place. Though, I would've LOVED for them to win in Philly, just to see the looks on the Philly fans' faces, that's just me :-).

Along with an amazing game played last night, filled with a packed stadium, the MVP was announced. Some thought it should've been Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod), but others felt that who received the award, was exactly who deserved it, Hideki Matsui. I agree. Tying a World Series record with six RBIs, his season was phenomenal!

With their new manager, Joe Girardi, wearing uniform number 27, it seems this win was destined, after not winning a championship for 10 years. What an amazing way to christen the new $1.5 billion stadium! Congratulations to the New York Yankees and to the fans who will be enjoying the parade on Friday! Sad I couldn't be there, but I will be watching.

Signing off,
Regina

The Honorable...

On Monday evening, my school was graced with the presence of one of the most provocative, public influentials of our generation. Though, I'm 3 days late with my entry, I just had to let you guys in on how the words this man spoke affected me.

Dr. Cornel West is a man well deserving of all that he has accomplished and every bit of praise he has received. His way with words and reaching the public, no matter the race, gender, or age, is unbelievable. I even found myself crying at one point. Yes! It was THAT deep! He touched on the standing of the African-American communities, love & faith. With almost every word he spoke, my pen touched the paper, because I didn't want to miss one sentence that was possibly meant to reach me.

Some have said that he's a man whose passion is falsified just for the money. But, I strongly disagree. A man who takes the time out to encourage, pray for and break down barriers that have enclosed so many, can't be one whose strictly after money. I saw his passion on that stage, as well as his deep sincerity when answering the questions so many wanted answers to, after his lecture. I hung on to every that escaped his tongue. Here are some words spoken by Dr. Cornel West, that I feel are words to live by...

"Never confuse success with greatness. Success has to do with prosperity, not integrity."

"Anybody whose never cried, has never loved deeply. Anyone whose never loved, has never lived."

"Have the courage to think critically with your mind, but don't be so sophisticated that you can't cry."

"Love and injustice are inseperable."

And with that said...

Signing off,

Regina

World Series

So, Sunday night was spectacular! For all my baseball fans, or sports fans period, you know why. The profound, New York Yankees, put a closing to the 7 game series against the Los Angeles A's, on their home turf. After leading the series 3-2, they slammed the final nail in the coffin, winning game 6! With new management and an amazing defensive team with heart and drive, Alex Rodriguez should be proud to say that his first time to the World Series was with these group of men. With the performance he put on throughout the season to help them get there, he surely deserves it.

The first game is tomorrow night, with performances by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind". Is anyone as excited as I am? I'll be in front of my television @8pm SHARP! So...until next time...

Signing off,

Regina

First Post

This is my first post. Be on the look-out for many more to come...

Signing off,
Regina