The LAND of JENA by Emotions

Current mood: imaginative



Black power prevailed over the system
On September 20, 2007
The system is still in control
Having the power of death tolls
Constantly showing no concern
JENA was a black pride festival
CD vendors on foot
The smell of black and mild
Incensed dread locks wearing
Moistened by sweat buckets and tears
As we marched
The streets of JENA
That seemed deserted by Freedom
Black covered the racist town
I'm sure covered on an average day
The quiet smell of bloodshed by the KKK
But today cities united
Bringing the souls of warriors with
Black faces, limbs and shirts
Reading justice messages
In the eyes of the generation which
Counts no reparations
But today we did not "crank that soulja boy"
We cranked up the dream of Martin Luther King
Covered up our bling
And were proud to be
Black
"No Justice!No Peace!"

NEFLIM SOUNDS - BREATHE FIRE

I’ve been waiting to write this for a long time…Share

by Walt Charles

One of my married friends mentioned the other day that women should not look for men, but men should look for women. I thought about it for three seconds. Could this be one of the reasons women are single?

Besides the fact that I totally disagree with the antiquated notion that women need to be ‘found’ by men, I think there is a deeper issue here - there are two types of women. There are women that would rather be found and those that do not mind being the seeker.

Either way, I have a solution for both types of women. I call this, “Walt’s top 4 ways to find (or be found by) a man”

- Online.
Here’s what I love about online dating. Most of the hard stuff is already done for you. Since you have already completed some type of personality assessment, you should be left with determining if you’re physically attracted to the person. It costs money, but I think that it’s worth the cost and the time.
- Buy season tickets to a sporting event.
Imagine how many guys you can meet if you and a girlfriend buy season tickets to the NY Knicks, or even a minor league sports team like Trenton Thunder (baseball) or a college team. Here are some factors you may not know: 51% of males with a post-secondary education attend professional sport events. Of all age groups, 30-40 year-olds have the highest rate of spectatorship.
- Church.
But not the church you attend regularly. I would suggest visiting a church with a friend that knows a lot of people at that church. That way, should anyone be interest, they’ll just ask your friend. The trick is to be seen with that person and to visit the church at least twice.
- Work.
Don’t be fooled. Here is a dirty little secret. 58% of employees say they have been involved in an office romance. It’s so easy to determine if someone has potential when you see him every day. Look around. Mr. Right is probably in the cubicle/office next to you. If you don’t work directly with him, I’m sure there are many people that can dish the dirt!

If you don’t plan on going out alone, here’s one other piece of advice. Limit your group activities to one girlfriend. Large packs of really attractive women tend to be intimidating.

Collector's item

It’s complicated

by Nola Darling

So when I first saw this as a relationship status possibility I thought it was a joke. I mean really, most of us have been in “complicated” situations before but we KNEW what the issue/s were that made it complicated. Complicated for some maybe the lack of verbal commitment while dating, even when you have spent time with their family or seem to spend every free moment with the person without truly being officially “girlfriend” or “boyfriend”. Complicated could be you are dating someone you don’t really like while waiting out someone else’s complicated to crack, or maybe you feel stuck with baby mama/baby daddy, or husband/wife but not willing to leave, or feel it’s ok to step out as long as you come home, in love with a married woman, complicated can be dating three men refusing to chose just one? …. Ohhh, the possibilities of the “it’s complicated” scenarios... but my overall issue is just calling it whatever it is what it is!

Regardless the situation one thing’s for sure you know whether or not if you’re single (defined as NOT married), married (I dos and LEGAL DOCUMENT, not you’ve been living together for 7 years and we got kids and/or shared bills), divorced, or separated. Our lives are not suppose to “complicated” what we do is complicate it. How can you live an abundant life if you are living complicated? So commitment in doing your part in building a stronger Black Family is to COMMUNICATE more effectively with your partner on the status of your relationship. NO “it’s complicated” by 2010, you got a year; step it up and define it, you are worthy of having the peace of living less complicated!

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY?

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY?

My Weekly Comedy Corner...enjoy. Comment if you dig!
by Tyler Dirton

Who remembers putting cups in the cupboard upside down to keep the roaches out?

What the fuck is that bitch MIA talkin about on Paper Planes? (Pirates, Skulls, and Bones??)

When is Plies gonna come out and admit that he is Kirk Franklin w/ a grill?

Where are all of the baby pigeons?

Why did you used to have friends that smelled like their house? You know that gentle mix of arms, cheetos, earring backs, and hotdog water?

Who still wears valour suits?

What was the nigga that invented male thongs thinking? "Yea and that part right there goes directly in your ass...yea, dat part right dere!"

When are black people gonna stop paying for shit that costs more than $5 with all change?

Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? And where does this bitch get all this money for travel in this economy?

Why was JJ from Goodtimes living in poverty, but decided to take up such an expensive hobby as painting? Probably could've used some of that money to buy shit that mattered, like food, and turtlenecks.

OAKLAND BART POLICE OFFICER KILLS YOUNG MAN


Oscar J. Grant III, 22, was shot in the back and killed by 27-year-old Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer Johannes Mehserle early on New Year’s Day.

John L. Burris, long-time civil rights attorney who is representing Grant’s family, called the death “the worst I’ve ever seen in a shooting case” and said that it “cries out for criminal prosecution.” The family filed a $25-million wrongful death claim against the agency Tuesday.

Graphic video of Grant’s death shows Mehserle shooting the unarmed Grant in the back as he lay face down while other officers restrained him.

Just a day later, a police officer in Bellaire, Texas, shot Robert Tolan, the 23-year-old son of World Series Champion Bobby Tolan outside of their home.

Two young, black, unarmed men shot by those who are supposed to serve and protect.

2009 TO BE YEAR OF TOTAL DECLINE

Food Dehydrator (this stuff works)

serious biz folks. if U can cop it. Go on & get that. click the title above or Peep it here http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/movie/index.html

Shadetree History Lesson: A Dedication to Ruby Bridges

In Spring 1960, Ruby Bridges was one of several African-American kindergarteners in New Orleans to take a test to determine which children would be the first to attend integrated schools. Six students were chosen; of these six, two decided to stay in their original schools, three were assigned to McDonogh Elementary school, and only Bridges was assigned to William Frantz. Her father initially was reluctant, but her mother felt strongly that the move was needed not only to give her own daughter a better education, but to "take this step forward ... for all African-American children."

The court-ordered first day of integrated schools in New Orleans, November 14, 1960, was commemorated by Norman Rockwell in the painting The Problem We All Live With. As Bridges describes it, "Driving up I could see the crowd, but living in New Orleans, I actually thought it was Mardi Gras. There was a large crowd of people outside of the school. They were throwing things and shouting, and that sort of goes on in New Orleans at Mardi Gras." Former marshal Charles Burks later recalled, "She showed a lot of courage. She never cried. She didn't whimper. She just marched along like a little soldier, and we're all very proud of her."

As soon as Bridges got into the school, white parents went in and brought their own children out; all but one of the white teachers also refused to teach while a black child was enrolled. Only Barbara Henry, from Boston, Massachusetts, was willing to teach Bridges, and for over a year Mrs. Henry taught her alone, "as if she were teaching a whole class." That first day, Bridges and her adult companions spent the entire day in the principal's office; the chaos of the school prevented their moving to the classroom until the second day. Every morning, as Bridges walked to school, one woman would threaten to poison her, because of this, the marshals overseeing her only allowed Ruby to eat food that she brought from home. Another woman at the school put a black baby doll in a wooden coffin and protested with it outside the school, a sight that Bridges Hall has said "scared me more than the nasty things people screamed at us." At her mother's suggestion, Bridges began to pray on the way to school, which she found provided "protection" from the comments yelled at her on the daily walks.

Child psychiatrist Robert Coles volunteered to provide counseling to Bridges during her first year at Frantz. He met with her weekly in the Bridges home, later writing a children's book, The Story of Ruby Bridges, to acquaint other children with Bridges' story.

The Bridges family suffered for their decision to send her to William Frantz Elementary: her father lost his job, and her grandparents, who were sharecroppers in Mississippi, were turned off their land. She has noted that many others in the community both black and white showed support in a variety of ways. Some white families continued to send their children to Frantz despite the protests, a neighbor provided her father with a new job, and local people babysat, watched the house as protectors, and walked behind the federal marshals' car on the trips to school.

Jumping Jacks Fail!

Politics as usual

Burris Is Blocked From Taking Illinois Senate Seat

WASHINGTON — Roland W. Burris, the would-be junior senator from Illinois, arrived at the Capitol on Tuesday morning for the start of the 111th Congress and was greeted like a celebrity, even though he remains a private citizen, at least for the moment.

The latest on the presidential transition and other political news from Washington and around the nation. Join the discussion.

Mr. Burris, who shortly before his arrival had insisted he was “certainly not looking for drama,” found himself caught up in a comedy of sorts. Looking unsettled and with rain glistening on his topcoat, he entered the building to encounter a mob of reporters and photographers.

Capitol police officers tried to clear a path for Mr. Burris. “You can’t keep a regular citizen from walking into the Capitol,” one officer shouted.

Somehow, Citizen Burris made his way to the office of Nancy Erickson, the secretary of the Senate, to whom he presented his credentials, only to have her reject them. Afterward, the aspiring legislator stood in the rain outside and declared, “Members of the media, my name is Roland Burris, the junior senator from the State of Illinois.”

Erica Hall reviews:

Original Bill's Taco House
4.5 star ratingbased on 3 reviews
Category: Mexican [Edit]

Neighborhood: South East LA
219 E Martin Luther King Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90189

(323) 233-1587

So what that they have usually a "C" rating? This place is awesome. That chili gravy and fried hamburger taco, is a true taco with soul. Bill's is greasy heart stopping deliciousness. I wish I had about 3 right now, make sure to get the hot sauce on the side to add to your taco's

Man Law Monday's

by TYLER DIRTON
Okay it is Tuesday, but we couldn't wait to release our newest branch on the Shadetree .

So here it goes


No man can get excited about America's Best Dance Crew

No man can order a Diet Soda unless he has a condition that prohibits him from taking in large amounts of Sugar

No man can discuss his feelings for how another man handled a situation (ex: Ay Dog, you shouldnt even be talkin to ol' girl after how she hurt you)

No man can know the names of any Soap Opera character

No man can watch a porn that shows the guys face more than 55% of the time

No man can wash his nuts after sex with one foot resting on the tub

No man can tell a girl to "kiss him through the phone"

No man can try out for Making the Band 5

We Live, We Pen

by Dasan Ahanu

It’s amazing to think about how much attention poets pay to their surroundings. Receptors glued to life hoping to find that next inspiration. Given a responsibility to take life’s beautiful moments and also make them eloquent. Poets do this with moments that are as strikingly gorgeous as they are gruesome. It’s both a gift and a curse, as Jay-Z would say. Writers have laid this blueprint since ink first touched the page. Now I to am a watcher (that was for the Jay fans) hoping that what I see and what I write is both vivid and descriptive. It is an inherent responsibility to be accountable to the life that shapes and binds us.

This sense of social responsibility guides many African American poets today. A blessing and a burden that follows the tradition of the Griot, captures the passion of the Harlem Renaissance, and thrives with the intensity of the Black Arts Movement (BAM). It can be tough to dedicating yourself to a life of artistry that offers not even the illusion of grandeur. There are no Maybach dreams, no mansions, no iced out quills. Only the opportunity to say what needs to be said, possibly earn enough to pay the bills, and plant seeds of wisdom in minds desperate for growth. We sometimes take the power of words for granted and often do the same with our favorite wordsmiths. It isn’t until something occurs that shows us the need for a rebellious voice do we recognize how important these urban contemporary soothsayers are.

Rudyard Kipling, poet and novelist once said, “If you can keep your wits about you while all others are losing theirs, and blaming you…The world will be yours and everything in it, what's more, you'll be a man, my son.” Patriarchal overtone aside, this quote speaks volumes about the state of poets today. As poets, we are often chastised for our commentary, but necessary for those very same words. We saw it with the Black Mountain Poets of North Carolina and the Beats of New York and California. Literary dissidents who chose to set aside traditional method for a greater expression. The energy of Allen Ginsberg and Gary Snyder is also found in Gwendolyn Brooks and Amiri Baraka. Both Brooks and Baraka were proponents of the BAM and writers who gave the page our communities, echoing the struggles being faced at home and globally. We find our legacy of purpose there. We find the muse for our penmanship there.

Of course I know this sounds more like sentimental rambling than rational argument. That is until you find yourself where I was one morning. I was at the Post Office sending off copies of my album to be reviewed (shameless plug). In front of me was an African American man, mid to late thirties, in a sharp business suit. He went up to the counter and asked for a large quantity of American Flag stamps. Now I know I shouldn’t have been in his business, but I am poet and I couldn’t help but overhear the transaction. If I hadn’t this piece would have never come to fruition. Now the postal worker behind the counter told him that she only had enough Ella Fitzgerald stamps. Special editions left over from Black History Month. She did not have enough of the American Flag stamps. He seemed to think hard about this while I stood there wondering why it would be such and issue. She asked him if he wanted the Ella stamps and he said no. Seeing his dismay she proceeded to look for more flag stamps until she gathered the amount he needed.

That sat with me for a while. What made him turn those down? Was it personal or business? When you realize that Ella was one of the foremost jazz vocalists of hers or anyone’s time and a contributor to the canon of music known as the Great American Songbook, why wouldn’t you want an Ella stamp? Then I thought about the possibility of what it might say to whomever he was mailing his correspondence. Would it carry a message contrary to what this man wanted to convey? Was this a conscious or unconscious decision he made that day. Now you may think I am taking something simple and blowing it out of proportion, but I ask you to think about it for just a second. Am I? Or am I recognizing the circumstances that lead to the words we pen on paper and fashion the impact our observations have?

Robert Hayden, the once Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress gave a speech where he said that black poets should be looked at as poets first if that is what we are. He wanted his work to have a human impact outside of the confines of race, ethnicity, and politics. It is a wonderful notion except for the fact that this world will not let me outside the confines of race, ethnicity, and politics. Trapped in this cell of modern society, my only recourse is to tunnel my way to freedom with this Bic pen and guide other hearts and minds past these media influenced walls. We must celebrate our poets. Encourage their unrelenting passion for chronicling harsh realities. Support their undying loyalty to illuminating our accomplishments and obstacles. Let’s take this time to appreciate the wordsmiths that give voice to your spirits. Articulate rebels who pen passion and will wisdom. Matter of fact, play some Ella, read your favorite poem, and let’s imagine what it would be like to be truly free.

Dasan Ahanu is an activist, poet, writer, songwriter, and performance artist lving in Durham, NC. He is an artist in residence at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham and St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh.

Exclusive: MacWorld Leak (new laptop with No keys)

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Billionaire’s Bacon

We recently declared bacon to be our editor's pick for top trendy ingredient of 2008. To honor the new titleholder, I thought I'd pay homage to my favorite ingredient by making a dish that highlights its pure essence.

When Sugar staffer MandyWH first sent me this recipe, I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. It reminded me of the bacon at my favorite brunch spot in the world! The bacon is chewy, crispy, caramelized, and lick-your-fingers delicious. It would be a delightful appetizer at a football watching party. To make your own priceless billionaire's bacon, read more.


Ingredients

1 lb. bacon
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

Directions

Separate strips of bacon and blot dry with paper towels. Put sugar into a wide dish. Coat both sides of bacon in sugar, firmly pressing sugar into each strip. Lay bacon out on sheet pans as coated (some sugar will fall off).
Cook bacon in a preheated 425° oven, turning once, until browned and lacquered, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled sheet pan to let cool. Break slices into thirds.
Serves 8 to 10 as an appetizer


Erica Hall's Delicious Pick of The Week

Why you're a single woman...Reason #19Share

by
Walt Charles

As part of my New Year's Resolutions for 2009, I have decided to be more honest to my friends. So this one is dedicated to my single 30-something friends who have found themselves without a man when they are really looking.

Here's one reason why you're single.

Same guy. Different name.

Of course, this is not aimed at bashing women. I would like to encourage you to pick someone new for 2009. If that guy has not asked you to marry him or, even worse, you're still wishing he would ask you to be his girlfriend - dump him in 2009! Don't even tell him. Just stop calling. Stop. Right now. Do it.

Then...pick someone new!

The easiest way to do this is to pick someone that does not quite match up on paper. You know what I mean - that guy in the office who is not quite that tall? Or the guy who may have eaten one-too-many cheeseburgers? Or the international exchange student who does not speak that much English? That guy. Most of these guys are one chromosome short of your perfect mate. Why not?

If you try, I promise you that you will learn something about yourself. You will soon realize that most people are really nice, and that you can live without some of the superficial requirements you have developed over years of bad decision-making. You will realize that great relationships are not hinged on his weight, his six-pack, his job or his teeth. Great relationships are based on everything but the physical.

French Cognac Makers Get A Boost From Rap Music

by Eleanor Beardsley

Morning Edition, January 2, 2009 · Cognac used to have a reputation as an old man's drink, but the French brandy is enjoying a revival.

For the last several years Cognac sales have skyrocketed, in part due to its growing popularity among young African Americans. Cognac makers export all over the world, but the U.S. is the most important overseas market for the famous French brandy.

Producers with centuries-old traditions in the Cognac region of France are developing hip new product lines — and recruiting rap stars to promote them.

A shift began in 2001, when rap artist Busta Rhymes came out with his hit song, "Pass the Courvoisier."

Reputed to have been the cognac of Napoleon, every Courvoisier bottle bears his image. But even an emperor's stamp of approval couldn't help Courvoisier's marketing problem a few years ago. Cognac was seen as an old fashioned drink for old fashioned people.

The song changed all that, according to Courvoisier's marketing manager, Jennifer Szersnovicz.

"Well, it was huge for the brand," she says. "Because it went on all the big hit lists. And the truth of the matter is that it really showed us what the importance of what having that particular status in the African-American market was all about."

Humble Advice for The New Year - - 2009

I saw this on several websites and emails so I figured I would share with the Under The Shadetree faithful.


Go through your cell phone, caller id, calendar, and email addresses and discard all the people and events that mean you no good or don't benefit your life!

*Stop making excuses about your life and make changes! Keep your opinion to yourself! We all know what others should do, but what about you?

*If you are involved w/ a person, job, or circumstance that is doing more harm than good, do yourself a favor - LET IT GO!

*Take care of your kids and devote a weekend or two when you spend "quality" time with them. Who cares if you miss out on an event! You can party anytime!

*If you are not saved....get saved!!!!!

*Get your debt in order! Eventually you'll want a nice home and car in your name!

*Stop spreading senseless rumors and try to get your own life in order!

*Listen more! Talk Less!

*Give without worrying about it!

*Tell him no for once!

*Tell people you love them before your hear about some great tragedy in the world or lose a close friend!

*Speak clearly and not ignorantly! Anyone can be a fool.

*If you are married, stop cheating. If you're guilty of this, ask God to forgive you and don't do it again! Remember the Ten Commandments.

*Stop being someone's mistress; especially if you are aware that you are!!!!

*If you are between the ages of 22-35 please start listening to more than Hip-Hop!

*SAY NO TO DRUGS!!!!!

*Stop waiting on Tax Season and Save Now!

*Eat what you need and not just because you can!

*See how long you can go without checking your cell phone when it's not ringing.

*Be more positive and stop being a grouch!

*STOP HATIN! If you don't like my style, DO YOU!

*Start telling your children that when you're having a "grownfolks"conversation, they need to go play. (Remember back when)

*Appreciate everyone. WHY do we put each other down for the most ridiculous things?!?

*Men and women! Cry more! It's therapeutic.

*Stop tripping about not being where you want to be! What have you been doing to get there?!?

*If you aren't in relationship, it's not the end of the world! Self love is waaaaay more valuable!

*Keep your opinion to yourself! We all know what others should do, but what about you?

*If God delivers you from a messy relationship, friend or situation, why do you keep PULLING THEM BACK? Let it go!

*FORGIVE! FORGIVE! FORGIVE! All of us have been forgiven for some lowlife things! So open your heart! Remember - God forgave you.

*Men, stop trying to be so hard when it comes to relationships. Let that guard down before you lose the one that's meant for you!

*Speak up for yourself!

*Learn a new hobby! Broaden your mind.

*If you're single, start going on more dates with different types of people. Don't just stick to the same type of woman or man!

*Stop forwarding all the text messages you receive; everyone doesn't have unlimited text messages!!!

*Live today like it's your last day, love like God taught us, and laugh like you've never laughed before!

*Lastly, if it's only 5 minutes a day have a little talk with Jesus! Let Him know you want to be better today than you were yesterday and watch Him turn things around for you!

*"God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

Go into 2009 with more gratitude than attitude......it will keep you healthier!!

No matter what the situation, always SMILE and count your blessings!

POLITICS: WEEKLY ADDRESS / OBAMA’S NEW TEAM

In this week’s weekly address, President-elect Barack Obama lays out the challenges that face us in the new year, and his plan for taking them on.

“We need an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that not only creates jobs in the short-term but spurs economic growth and competitiveness in the long-term,” he says. “And this plan must be designed in a new way—we can’t just fall into the old Washington habit of throwing money at the problem. We must make strategic investments that will serve as a down payment on our long-term economic future. We must demand vigorous oversight and strict accountability for achieving results. And we must restore fiscal responsibility and make the tough choices so that as the economy recovers, the deficit starts to come down. That is how we will achieve the number one goal of my plan—which is to create three million new jobs, more than eighty percent of them in the private sector.”