For All the GYRL's ("Gifted & Gorgeous, Youthful, Resourceful, Ladies.") & Guys!

For You.

Friday, February 27, 2009

RANDOM SURVEY QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What's WORSE an Answered Drunk Dial or Unanswered Sober Text???




ANSWERED DRUNK DIAL
I mean we've all been there haven't we? Had one, two, maybe three too many, commiserating with the homies (or yourself), then here comes your long-lost friend Drunk Dial tellin' you the BEST thing to do at THIS moment in time, in THIS moment of weakness, would be calling your former flame. Brilliant Idea Right!?! Ugggggh!!!!!! I can see it now, all "Can I come over? I misssss you soooo much right now" (add hiccups or wavering inebriated inflection at will), and your paramore either has pity or not, but at least they answered...

Stark Contrast





UNANSWERED SOBER TEXT

I mean SERIOUSLY!?! How insulting. In the age of Twitter, Crackberries, iPhones, DROIDS, Metro PCS, and all in all super jacked up instant communication, nothing could be a bigger brush-off! Hey - I never said I wasn't sensitive.

Where Do You Weigh in Luvies???


When You Wished You Hadn't,
~B!~

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

MY OLD SKOOL JOINT OF THE DAY

GARFIELD!

"How Quaint."

Shanon Says...

DON'T TAKE THE BLUE PILL:

February 16th, 2009 by Astologer Shannon Day



It’s funny this Uranus Saturnalian aspect rolling about this past week. Coupled with the Full Moon in Leo last Monday, it was quite intense! It seems the media forecast is forever divulging the great fears mired in our psyches. Questions of stability, unknown future, the transient qualities of life, lack of prosperity, and, of course, recession…

This roller coaster reaches beyond what is real to the deep reaches of our unconscious. At this very minute, I am sitting in front of a roaring fire, it’s Monday morning, 10AM, Presidents Day. In this time when known constraints and institutions (Saturn) are being waylaid by new constructs and future needs (Uranus), we are met with the tether on a tiger. Again I look to the warm flames to soften my heart and reach to the primal source of peace. This is certainly a year to be gentle with ourselves and others.

It is the Chinese Year of the Ox. Hard working, moving forward, slow and steady wins the race. However, how about we remove ourselves out of that “race”. The psychic landscape of negativity and rat race mentality is ever present with the darkened outlook of our times. It affects everyone. Recession is such that it pulls the “little guys” out of the game and creates a speculative market. Everyone is afraid of “losing” and integrity begins to waver in the face of self preservation. Don’t take the “blue” pill. Known to us is the power of thought, self talk, and awareness.

Be aware of what seemingly “is”, but also be aware that there IS much speculation. I am likened to think of such wonderful films as The Lord of The Rings trilogy or Star Wars. Why did these films have such far reaching power? It is the old adage’ of Good versus Evil. This war lives in each and every one of us daily. The power of thought and belief. Do we go to the dark side? Do we take the blue pill versus the red, or do we follow our own hearts and instincts despite the popular poles and media transgressions? I believe Hope is the medicine for our times, the gentleness of daily miracles, the sweetness of moments, and the beauty of creative expression will bring us through.

I savor the opportunity to be present weekly with all of you in SkyVibe. These times allow me an opportunity to regard the bounty in my life, and see how I can improve. Let us take no prisoners, and take no sides. Be a pirate for pleasure and grace, and raise the flag of Hope for Inner Peace.

CLICK HERE FOR SKYVIBE'S WEEKLY VIDEO HOROSCOPE IN YOUR SIGN

Monday, February 23, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

And to All the Lovely 'Lil Fish Out There...


PISCES February 18 - March 20

The Ocean-Dweller Brings Clarity
By Emily Trinkaus
The Sun's entry into Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, signifies the beginning of the end. It's time to complete what you started last spring, so you can start a new cycle at the Spring Equinox next month. This is a time to dream, rest, heal, let go and surrender to something greater than your individual self.

Pisces is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions. Spirit and matter, bliss and suffering, paradise and prison are some of the co-existing paradoxes inherent in this sign. The boundary between waking life and the world of dreams dissolves, and you confront the illusory nature of reality. Find out where you're being called to dissolve, let go, complete a cycle and surrender by looking up your zodiac sign below.



To Find Out How Sun In Pisces Affects You Individual Sign, Click Below:
http://www.tarot.com/articles/astrology/sun-pisces-zodiac-sign

Sunday, February 22, 2009

THE OSCARS TONITE

Routing for Kate Winslet (I'm glad she's finally getting her dues- been a fan since her turn as "Ophelia" in Branaghs's Hamlet) and Heath -R.I.P., though I hear Mickey Rourke made a briiliant comeback in The Wrestler And of course course Taraji P. Henson...a long road since Baby Boy that's for sure! Surprises possibly coming from Robert Downey Jr. in Blackface, funny, but I still don't know how I feel about that, for realz; and the little movie from Mumbai that could! And oh yeah, MIA is up for another award, best song for the Slumdog Millionare soundtrack - seriously, from the home life to the public sphere this GYRL has put in some major work over the past year. Wolverine Hosts. Where's the popcorn!?!




www.oscars.com

SOY & INFERTILITY: Medical Brief I Promised

***This effect the GYRLS and guys (soy lowers testosterone levels in men)***

SPECIAL REPORT - BREEDING DISCONTENT: SOY AND INFERTILITY

By Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN

Herbalists, midwives and witches have long known that certain plants and herbs have a contraceptive effect. 1 Scientists first recognized that plants contained such substances in 1926. Interest picked up in the mid 1940s when sheep were diagnosed with “Clover Disease.” The cause was three plant estrogens in clover, a plant closely related to soy. In female sheep, eating clover causes endometrial damage and cervical mucus changes associated with an inability to conceive. The problems are not unique to sheep; fertility problems from plant estrogen exposure have also been reported in birds, cows, mice, cats, and dogs as well as humans.2-14 Scientists have identified estrogenic activity in more than 300 plants,15 but only one commonly appears in the food supply – soy.

FAST TRACK TO EXTINCTION
The best known case concerns the cheetahs at the Cincinnati Zoo. In the 1980s Kenneth D. R. Setchell, Ph.D., discovered one reason the big cats were not reproducing. The female cheetahs were suffering from liver disease and reproductive failure caused by the high concentrations of genistein and daidzein found in the soy-protein portion of their feed. As Setchell put it, “Cheetahs have always been difficult to breed in captivity, but the additional insult of a diet rich in estrogens may well be one of the major factors in the decline of fertility in cheetahs kept in North American Zoos.”16 The soy estrogens in the cheetah feed not only disrupted hormonal activity but damaged the endometrium, making normal implantation and nourishment of a newly fertilized egg difficult. In contrast, cheetahs fed whole carcasses of beef, chicken and other animals at the DeWildt Research Centre in South Africa showed no signs of liver damage and had no problems breeding.17 At both the Fourth and Fifth International Symposia on the Role of Soy in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Setchell and other industry faithful reassured attendees that this is a cheetah problem and not a human problem. Cheetahs are particularly susceptible to damage because they lack key liver enzymes needed to adequately deactivate estrogenic compounds. While this makes soy especially unsuitable for felines, Setchell’s research provides ample evidence that soy estrogens are risky for animals of any species, including human animals. In the cheetah study, for example, he compares phytoestrogens with DES, a potent and dangerous estrogen with a chemical structure very similar to genistein, which has been withdrawn from agricultural use in the west. He writes:

“Despite concerns over the deleterious effect of diethylstilbestrol and other anabolic agents contaminating meats consumed by humans, it is apparent that the contribution of naturally occurring plant estrogens to the diet is rarely considered. This is surprising particularly as the level of phytoestrogens in foods is substantially higher than estrogen levels in animal tissues. Interestingly, it has been claimed that soy may be as beneficial as diethylstilbestrol as a growth promoter in animals.”18

CAT OUT OF THE BAG
Although the soy industry did its best to race the cheetah study to extinction, researchers over the past 25 years have steadily turned up evidence of soy’s probable role in today’s epidemic of infertility, menstrual problems and other reproductive disorders. A team of researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm working with Setchell, for example, concluded a study in the Journal of Endocrinology with the words:

“These findings have raised concerns about human exposures to phytoestrogens. The widespread use of soya beans as a protein food source makes it important to determine possible physiological effects of equol in man. The ‘contraceptive’ effect in animals suggests to us that it may be of interest to investigate the dietary habits and urinary excretion of equol in women with unexplained infertility or disorders of the menstrual cycle.”19

Similarly, Setchell once proposed that women with menstrual cycle disorders and fertility problems should look at their consumption of soy “in view of the various reproductive disorders in animals that have been associated with the ingestion of a variety of phytoestrogens.” 20 The soy industry has not publicized these recommendations. Instead, it has boldly promoted the adverse effects as beneficial as the key to breast cancer prevention no less. An example of such a positive spin applied to alarming study results appears in a 1994 article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.21 Aedin Cassidy completed an in-depth study of six women of childbearing age who were given 60 grams of textured vegetable protein per day (containing 45 mg total isoflavones) for 30 days. Compared to controls, the soy feeding resulted in “significant biological effects,” including menstrual cycles lengthened by an average of two and a half days, an average 33 percent reduction of mid cycle levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and an average 53 percent reduction of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). One woman saw her LH and FSH levels reduced to a mere 17 percent and 32 percent respectively of normal levels. LH and FSH are gonadotropins; they stimulate the gonads – in males the testes and in females, the ovaries. They are not necessary for life, but are essential for reproduction. Although none of the women in this short-term study stopped ovulating, the effects of the isoflavones continued for three months after they ceased eating the soy. These findings clearly show that soy food consumption can disrupt a woman’s cycle and jeopardize her fertility. However, the study’s authors chose to deemphasize this finding in favor of speculation that the longer menstrual cycles experienced by the soy-fed women could result in lower lifetime levels of estrogen. This, in turn, was harnessed to the unproven theory that reduction in lifetime estrogen levels is the key to reducing breast cancer risk. They also suggested that soy isoflavones could be used prophylactically to prevent breast cancer in a manner similar to the liver damaging drug Tamoxifen. The conclusion that made the 6 o’clock news – still widely cited by the media– is that soy reduces breast cancer risk.

SAME BUT DIFFERENT
A look at the first version of the Cassidy study provides a lesson in the ways that the soy industry co-ops scientific research. The earlier study was Aedin Cassidy’s 1991 PhD dissertation from Cambridge University in England. The latter, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, won her worldwide recognition, kudos from the soy industry and a job at Unilever. Although the data is the same, Cassidy’s dissertation includes a lengthy discussion of the ways that soy isoflavones contribute to reproductive disorders and infertility. She states clearly that her findings with human subjects were consistent with the “pathological changes” observed in animals, including the infertile sheep afflicted with clover disease and links her own findings to earlier human studies showing increased incidences of menstrual irregularities among vegetarian women. Her summary directly addresses the issue of impaired fertility.

“The results of the present study provide evidence to show that the feeding of 60g of soya protein per day to six premenopausal women over a single menstrual cycle resulted in significant biological effects. The plant oestrogens present in soya protein interfered with the mechanism responsible for ovulation . . .”22

Other researchers have also reported soy-induced perturbances in menstrual cycles2 and some have directly stated that “isoflavones influence not only estrogen receptor related functions but the hypothalamo-hypophysis-gonadal axis.”24

SHOOTING BLANKS
Soy phytoestrogens also affect the fertility, the testosterone levels and probably the sex drive of men. Scientists first linked phytoestrogens with lowered sperm count and other reproductive problems in the 1940s when clover disease was diagnosed in sheep. Normal males became infertile, while castrated males -- known as wethers experienced teat enlargement and nipple discharge.31,32 Sperm production of rodents, primates and humans is similar and known to be disrupted by estrogens that either interact directly with the testes or that modulate plasma gonadotrophin or sex hormone concentrations.33 Compared to rodents, humans produce relatively low numbers of sperm, so even small effects may impair fertility.34 As it happens, the changes in sperm quality and quantity over the past 60 years loom large. In 1992 Danish researchers reported that sperm counts had dropped 50 percent worldwide between 1930 and 1990. The study was widely criticized, but a reanalysis
confirmed the results. Other studies followed with reports that sperm counts have been going down at the rate of two percent per year since the 1970s. Sperm quality has also suffered. 35-40 The most probable cause is a combined assault by the environmental chemicals in pesticides and plastics along with the dietary phytoestrogens from soy.41 Although men produce sperm throughout their lives, serious damage is most likely to be done during the first trimester of pregnancy, infancy and early childhood. Adults who care about their sperm might want to be cautious about soy consumption, however. Researchers at King’s College in England who studied mouse sperm treated with the estrogens found in paint, beer and tofu found clear evidence that these natural and environmental estrogens all affected the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. All three estrogens initially made the sperm friskier – a
process known as capacitation – but then the sperm petered out before they could find an egg to penetrate.42

THE LOW DOWN ON TESTOSTERONE
Researchers have also report lowered testosterone and higher estrogen levels in males who consume foods rich in soy estrogens.43,44 Scientists have even induced “testosterone deprivation” in animals simply by feeding them isoflavone-rich diets.45,46 Just as soy industry spokespeople promote hormonal changes indicative of infertility as beneficial tools in the war against breast cancer, so they tout testosterone lowering as protective against prostate cancer and atherosclerosis.47Although the possibility that soy foods or supplements could prevent these deadly conditions makes headlines, few men hear that the downside is demasculinization. This is not just a macho thing, for testosterone is an important hormone with roles in growth, repair, red blood cell formation, sex drive and immune function.48 Low levels of testosterone have also been linked to low thyroid, another unwanted and common side-effect of soy consumption.49 Recently scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill completed a study for the National Cancer Institute in which the soy-eating men experienced “nipple discharge, breast enlargement and slight decreases in testosterone.” The good news, according to lead researcher Dr. Steven Zeisel, was that nothing “serious” was found even though they administered doses up to 30 times what one might get from “normal foods.” To reassure men, he stated: “I don’t think there are a lot of estrogenic worries. Your testicles will not shrink and you won’t have massive breast enlargement.”50 As Anthony Colpo commented in www.theomnivore.com, “Gee, it’s such a relief to know that men won’t experience ‘massive’ breast enlargement from copious soy consumption. See, nothing to worry about fellas; you won’t end up looking like Anna-Nicole Smith up top, just a more modestly-proportioned Heather Locklear instead! As an added bonus, the testosterone reductions you experience won’t be reflected by a visible decrease in the size of your family jewels, so even the tightest pants will fail to reveal your declining testosterone status! As for nipple discharge, c’mon what’s a little lactation between friends?”51

STOPPING THE STORK
Might plants high in phytoestrogens such as soy, flax and alfalfa have value as contraceptive drugs? The World Health Organization once thought so. In the early 1970's, it funded a $5 million study through the University of Chicago and sent researchers out in the field in search of all-natural contraceptives. The idea was to find a safe and effective alternative to the high-dose birth control pills of that era. Researchers visited dozens of native cultures to discover which herbs and plants were being used to prevent pregnancy, examined hundreds of plants and analyzed their phytochemicals. Although they found many contraceptive plants -- soy, flax and red clover among them -- they ultimately abandoned the project. Not because “natural” methods didn’t work, but because the side effects were similar to -- and just as serious -- as those of the birth control pill.52

Breeding Discontent is a special report condensed from The Whole Soy Story by Kaayla T. Daniel,
PhD, CCN (New Trends, 2005). For more in-depth information and references, see Chapter 29 of The
Whole Soy Story.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SOY

I just read this article, but have been aware of this info for quite a while, it's a good summation of the ills of soy.

***Also, I don't think it is touched upon in this article, but note that the isoflavones in soy mimics estrogen in women, so can throw your system out of wack ladies. There are even findings that soy has contraceptive properties(I'll post that brief when I get my hands on it)***

Spilling The Beans: The Trouble with Soy
By Lorette C. Luzajic


It never crossed my mind that soy - a favourite health food - might be toxic and dangerous. It wasn't the first time. Bottled water, margarine, and gluten grains all come to mind. But soy? The wonder bean?

I was faithful to the plant. I'd been a vegetarian for five years and though I now enjoy the multitude of benefits and gourmand delight that meat and seafood offer, I trusted in plants. Soy was something I'd celebrated, along with everyone else in Vancouver, in my hippie years. Later, even the men in my life enjoyed my "I Can't Believe it's Not Meat" stir fries. After moving back into the omnivore's diet that nature gave me, I still loved miso soup for breakfast and made an effort to regularly enjoy soy proteins.

Who didn't? Even Dad's got soymilk in the fridge- it's great for preventing prostate cancer, right? Even people who never got used to the taste- or shall I admit tastelessness- of soy added it in hopes of reaping the benefits of those amazing nutrients. Isoflavones, genisteins, lectins, saponins, and phytoestrogens- don't these wonderful names signal a whole host of cancer fighting, heart disease preventing, cholesterol-lowering miracles?

What if I said that those fancy words are actually toxins and the soya bean is naturally loaded with all of them? What if I told you that big business soy ran campaigns like Soy 2000 to convince us that these antinutrients were beneficial? What if I told you that soy is not a complete protein, is not widely used in Asia, and is incredibly dangerous for human consumption? What if I told you that the Food and Drug Administration lists soy as a poisonous plant?

The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped gland in the throat. The rate of thyroid problems in North America is epidemic, especially among women. It's so common to have a thyroid disorder that it's easy to forget that's not the natural state of being. Because the thyroid regulates the entire endocrine system, the metabolism, and more, it's a very important body part. The most common disorder is hypothyroidism. This means the thyroid does not produce very much thyroid hormone, and the resulting quagmire of ailments is distressing to say the least - exhaustion, overweight, depression, hair that is dry, falls out, or won't grow, brittle nails, anxiety, skin disorders, feeling too hot or too cold all the time, menstrual problems, metabolic disorders, recurring infections, immune system fall-out, and a whole lot of other fun stuff. Untreated thyroid problems, or a thyroid that responds poorly to lifestyle change and medication, are gateways for a whole host of Hellish things from fibromyalgia to cancer.

When I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism many years ago, it was something of a relief, despite the fact I was not thrilled to have a chronic and serious gland problem. But even less thrilling was the depression that had always hovered around me- I'm a cheerful, festive sort of person, and the unshakeable melancholy didn't seem like me. Worse still was the unexplainable weight gain and the exhaustion and picking up every last cold and flu and Bell's Palsy, a lovely thing that damages the facial nerves and has given me the lopsided features some find sexy, and my 'sneer'. Finding a reason for this slew of complaints that forced me take medical leave from work gave me hope for a vibrant future, or at least one I could make the best of.

The doctor suggested a few ways to support my health in addition to simply popping pills. I was mildly surprised that I was told to avoid soy foods. I learned the word 'goitrogen,' read a bit about thyroid-suppressing foods. I stopped eating all soy foods but didn't make a big deal- I also learned that peanuts, broccoli, and cabbage all have thyroid suppressing properties. Those were good healthy plants, too, just something to avoid the way fibromyalgia patients should avoid nightshade plants or celiacs should avoid wheat. Nothing more.

One day, my godchildren's mother was over, and she asked if I thought soymilk was safe for the kids. Safe? Never thought about it. The vegan girl in the circle said enthusiastically, "yes, of course," without question, which bothered me straight off the bat. Soymilk is way modern and loaded with sugar. For those reasons alone, I would have to say I wasn't sure. Julie borrowed a couple of my nutrition books. I had no idea whether soy was bad for everyone's thyroid or just mine, so I said I'd look it up.

I put on my Nancy Drew outfit and began some nutritional detective work. A clue here and there, some secret passages, a couple of bad guys named phytates and lectins later, I realized I was in the middle of a big ol' can of worms and the only way out was through, down the rabbit hole.

It all starts out rather confusingly- after all, hadn't everyone's favourite health dude Dr. Earl Mindell dubbed the nutrition phenomenon, "The Soy Miracle"? Sure enough, Mindell's Soy Miracle assures me (innocently enough, as the year is 1995, before the mother load of research gets unearthed) that soy is a good food for me. In fact, he writes about how beneficial it is to my thyroid. "Soy may somehow stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormone," he writes. This is immediately suspect, as the thyroid-lowering connection is well known, well established, and not controversial. A few pages extol the virtues of the perfect protein and cancer fighting wonder food. The rest shows a bunch of groovy recipes like the Tempeh Reuben sandwich.

Sounds tempting - but it sure doesn't take long in my new detective hat to see some suspicious handshaking. The good doctor thanks the United Soybean Board and Soy Foods Association of America straight off the bat for their help. Hmmmm...

Go figure- looks like many of us forgot the obvious adage Mom told us: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Think about this: who told you that Asians eat a lot of soy, that they have for thousands of years, that they eat it instead of animal protein, and that soy is why they are so healthy? Soy is monk food, and what could be kinder or healthier than a monk's vegetarian diet?

So who said all this? Your Asian family or friends? Not mine. And here's something shocking: none of it is true.

It was one of the biggest industries in the world, soygriculture, who told you this. I thought it, too, but then I realized I don't really know a lot of Asian families intimately enough to know their customs. The ones I do know cook a great deal of pork, delicious vegetables and rice.

Bur Dr. Mindell says, "In many parts of Asia, soy foods are a dietary staple." But simply looking beyond the Soy Board's claims into history and anthropology, it doesn't take long at all to find out that in fact, the Chinese eat massive amounts of eggs and pork, and very little soy.

Mindell touts how Japan enjoys the longest life span, lower rates of colon, lung, breast and prostate cancer. "Judge for yourself," he says. And we did. We were presented with seemingly obvious information, but advertising is what it was. Because the truth is much different, and lower Asian cancer rates just might be from the lack of un-food in Asian diets and the masses of seafood they consume. The Japanese eat a few TABLESPOONS of soy a day as a condiment.

Monk food? Clean protein? The roots of soy are much more humble. Soybeans were used as crop fertilizer and livestock feed. Knowing soy could be harmful raw, the resourceful Asians made an art out of fermenting techniques to make them digestible. Hence, miso and tempeh, the most edible forms of soy, are important arts in Asian history. What about the nice monks? Moby's sarcasm may not be far off- does the high estrogen content in soy messes with testosterone, making monastic life a little easier on the celibate?

Still, what's the big deal? So it's not Asia's star dish. It's still the picture perfect glow of rosy health, right? A complete protein, low in fat, fighting off cancers and osteoporosis, lowering cholesterol, non-allergenic, brain-building, green, low carbon footprint, and yummy, too - right?

Not so fast. Concerned consumers in both the carnivore gourmands and the garden of Vegan groups are starting to suspect the reality might be more like this: gas, bloating, infant starvation, moobs, a whole host of thyroid problems, coronary disease, anaphylactic shock, Alzheimer's, serious endocrine disorders, a range of menstrual abnormalities and 'female problems,' cancer, low or nonexistent libido, puberty before age ten, hair loss and more. Could it really be? Aren't all of these things among the endless problems soy was going to prevent?

Hundreds of doctors and scientists and consumer advocates worldwide are now expressing concern and caution over soy. But one has devoted her research in recent years to the alarming topic.

"In the mid 1990s I started noticing a lot of articles with headlines like the 'joy of soy' or 'soy of cooking' and was entranced by the claims that soy was good for personal health and also the planet," Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel says. "The reality was another story. I was seeing a lot of sick vegetarians and other health conscious people who ate a lot of soy and seemed to be suffering greatly from it. That aroused my curiosity and I began researching the subject."

She is not a messenger for the dairy industry - she is a citizen and scientist concerned with faulty propaganda and real food. She exposed the soy industry's endless dirty secrets in her book The Whole Soy Story: the Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food.

While the vast sea of information online and in journals is confusing, jargon-riddled and often pits the debate as a vegetarian/meat-eater's one, Dr. Daniel's book is clear, organized, factual, meticulously documented, and explains all the hard words. Though Daniel, as a nutritionist, obviously sees wisdom in our natural hunter/gatherer diet, it's clear that soy is dangerous for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, and that we must all find alternative foods.

If only the problem were one little toxin. But it takes Daniel nearly 400 pages to cover all the info, plus 44 pages of study references, so that we can verify the sources for ourselves. "It was read for accuracy prior to publication by leading MDs, scientists and toxicologists. And my conclusions have certainly been validated by the recent warnings issued by the Israelis, French and Germans," Dr. Daniel says. This is solid science, but thankfully Daniel is also an engaging writer. "The studies come from a wide variety of sources - universities, clinics, FDA's Laboratory for Toxicological Research, USDA scientists, etc," she explains. "Many of the most damning studies were funded by the soy industry itself."

Here's a brief overview of Daniel's findings:

soy oil was the first and primary profit centre for soy, and soy was largely responsible for the spread of hydrogenated or trans fats

most soy is genetically modified

soy farming is wreaking greater devastation on forests, cottage industries, and family farms than the cattle industry. (If you mistakenly thought soy was a bunch of hippie farmers, like I did, Dr. Daniel tells it like it is: "Let's name names. Monsanto, Dupont, Archer Daniels Midland, Solae . . . Nearly all the old hippie companies have been bought up by the big boys. For example, White Wave is owned by Dean Foods. Some of America's largest food companies now manufacture soy foods or use soy ingredients heavily in their products. Think Kraft, Kellogg, ConAgra, General Mills, Heinz, Unilever Best Foods and Dean Foods.")

soy is a major allergen, and because it is used as filler in hundreds of products including meats and 'vegetable oil,' people with allergies may be at risk

soy contains goitrogens, which damage the thyroid

soy contains lectins, which cause red blood cells to lump together and may trigger abnormal immunity responses

soy contains oligosaccarides, sugars that cause bloating and gas

soy contains oxalates, which prevent calcium absorption, cause painful kidney stones and vulvodynia, a vaginal disorder

many plant foods contain phytates and phytic acid, naturally occurring 'pesticides' to keep plants from being eaten while growing. phytates impair mineral absorption, and in fact, remove many minerals already in the body, including iron, zinc, and calcium. phytates in many foods are alleviated by cooking - soy's phytate levels are high and stubborn.

isoflavones, lauded as natural estrogens, are serious endocrine disruptors, lowering testosterone, causing menstrual disorders, and cancer cell proliferation

protease inhibitors interfere with digestive enzymes, saponins may lower good cholesterol and damage intestine

that all of these plant chemicals can have benefits, and do exist in other foods, to varying levels of edibility: that soaking grains and fermenting beans are ancient food prep traditions

soymilk is far from a natural food: it is filled with rancid fats and high in sugar

soy cheeses are largely made with hydrogenated oils (safety level of hydrogenated products? ZERO)

some health problems that may be associated with soy foods are: bladder, prostate, colorectal, thyroid and breast cancer; precancerous lesions; heart disease; type 2 diabetes; malnutrition; stunted growth; flatulence; pancreatic problems; low libido: early puberty; anemia; zinc deficiency; osteoporosis; intestinal damage; mal-absorption and leaky gut syndrome; kidney stones; allergies; infant death; immune system disruption; thyroid disease - and the list goes on.
This isn't the first time we've been concerned. Before the massive health movement of the late 80s and early 90s, all sorts of articles came out about soy safety. But hardly anyone liked the stuff anyhow, and vegetarians had yet to think of it as a food group. Soy decided to get a makeover, and save itself from the financial fallout that was nigh - when it's dirty toxic margarine secrets would inevitably leak out.

"By 1985, there was a considerable body of research from U.S. Government and university laboratories and British government institutions warning of the health dangers of soy foods, particularly to high-risk consumers such as infants and vegetarian women," says Dianne Gregg, writer of The Hidden Dangers of Soy, and survivor of soy-related illness that nearly killed her.

"These were published in scientific journals. In response, in 1985 the soy processing industry in the U.S. held a number of conferences and devised a program, 'Soy 2000,' the intent of which was to aggressively promote soy as a health food when they already knew it contained biologically active levels of toxins. This involved heavy political lobbying of Congress and Federal regulators, a vast advertising program, planting favorable articles in popular and academic media, obtaining huge Federal farming subsidies, and sponsorship of meetings by the U.S Department of Agriculture. The aim of Soy 2000 was to promote to the consumers that soy was a proven health food with no adverse effects. Their claim was that millions of Asians have been consuming soy in large quantities for thousands of years and are all remarkably healthy as a result. American consumers were expected to believe this, and most of us did!"

Soy's first incarnation in North American consumption was also a health food imposter. After millenniums of wisdom where humans used butter or lard or olive oil, good enough for the Bible and good enough for the world, suddenly margarine was "heart healthy" and "cholesterol-lowering." But lately, studies started talking about how heart disease INCREASED from this new artificial fat, hydrogenated margarine, which our body cannot recognize. OF course it did. This was not a real food.

Sound familiar? It is. Those who perceive of soy as innocent and concerned for your health may be surprised at how big a player soy was in the hydrogenation revolution. Most hydrogenated oil was soy. Now, even junk makers like chips and fast food have pulled these artificial fats out of their products. Hydrogenated oils are liquid plastic and they are poisonous. Most governments place safe consumption levels at ZERO.

Clearly soy, which still defends hydrogenation, did not then have our best health interests in mind, just profit. When the tide turned, they turned up the noise on how healthy soy is, and it became a health food, its history in margarine conveniently blotted from public consciousness.

While the health dangers are considerably ominous, not everyone is in immediate danger of death. But Dianne Gregg came within inches of her life.

Gregg had never been a vegetarian, but slim, health-conscious, and staring menopause head-on, she decided to take charge of her health and began eating soy. "I started to include soy protein drinks for breakfast, and protein bars as a snack. For eight years I was constantly nauseous, bloated, and gaining weight each year. I knew something was wrong but the doctors said it was normal and to accept that I was getting older. In April 2003, I had a soy veggie burger for dinner and that is what did me in. This was the first time I had one. The next morning I was rushed to the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack ? but I went into anaphylactic shock."

"After four days in the intensive care unit, the doctors diagnosed food poisoning, but I didn't agree. By now I weighed 150lbs. That was more than I weighed in my ninth month of pregnancy!"

Dianne went home, and didn't eat much of anything for a while. When she recovered from her mystery illness, she started her day again with her soy health drink. She began having palpitations and other symptoms. Linking the reaction to the soy, she began her internet research, and found that in addition to very common and possibly deadly allergies, soy is implicated in hundreds of deadly or chronic diseases. Other consumers may not be linking their health problems with their health food. So Gregg wrote her book, The Hidden Dangers of Soy (www.hiddensoy.com).

"My intention was not to bash the soy industry but to make the public aware of what the Western version of soy contains, and that if they are not feeling like themselves, or are developing health issues, to try and eliminate soy and see if they don't feel better. In my book, I have testimonials from others with real horror stories that never attributed it to soy products."

Part of the 'hidden danger' is what's hidden. Gregg says that soy is hiding in everything from meat to chocolate to oil, so people hoping to avoid it don't usually do a good job. "The number of processed and manufactured foods that contain soy ingredients today is astounding. It can be hard to find foods that don't contain soy flour, soy oil, lecithin (extracted from soy oil and used as an emulsifier in high-fat products), soy protein isolates and concentrates, textured vegetable protein (TVP), hydrolyzed vegetable protein (usually made from soy) or unidentified vegetable oils. Most of what is labeled 'vegetable oil' in the U.S. is actually soy oil, as are most margarines. Soy oil is the most widely used oil in the U.S., accounting for more than 75 percent of our total vegetable fats and oil intake. It's found in margarine, shortenings, frozen dinners, canned tuna, mayonnaise, breads, cookies, crackers, canned soup, breakfast cereals, and fast foods to name a few."

Gregg says many women keep eating soy in hope of the benefits, and end up with hypothyroidism. While contributors to the thyroid epidemic may include hormonal birth control products, fluoride content in water, stress, and sugar, soy's strength as an endocrine disruptor should not be underestimated. Especially with soy hidden throughout many foods - you can't eat uncooked broccoli, another goitrogenic food, in high quantities by mistake, for example ? even those who choose not to eat soy may be eating a lot of soy!

Another person who is very concerned about thyroid health is Mary J. Shomon, a patient advocate and best-selling author, whose many books on thyroid and autoimmune diseases I have read and enjoyed, notably Living Well With Hypothyroidism. Shomon is not an anti-soy crusader by any stretch. Her research and advocacy is concerned only with the thyroid. She has no vested interest in vegetarian/omnivore battles, soy business practices, or anything else that remotely relates to my story, except as it may or may not affect the thyroid.

It has been a well-documented fact for decades that soy foods lower thyroid hormone (Drs Doerge and Chang, FDA, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, for starters, and more from 50 years of diverse sources). But the Soyfoods Association of North America is not very concerned about my health. They cheerfully tell me, "Like other plant foods that contain goitrogens, soy can be part of a healthy diet." (Cooking broccoli or peanuts destroys their lower levels of goitrogens, but cooking soy does little to remove them.) They tell me that soy does not cause thyroid problems in healthy people (though even small amounts of the food in a daily diet have been shown to slow a normal thyroid.) They tell me to get enough iodine, which is fair enough, and to take my medicine in between meals so that the soy won't affect the absorption.

Shomon says, "I think that you need to consider the messenger. The soy industry has a vested interest in promoting soy, and downplaying any potential negatives. Again, some soy can have a place in a healthy diet, but stick with the fermented forms you find in Asian foods, like tempeh, tofu, miso, and use it, like the Asians do, more as a condiment." She says, " if over-consumed, especially in its processed, isoflavone-heavy forms, it can have detrimental effects on thyroid health. Soy is a goitrogen, a food that has the ability to slow down the thyroid gland. In some people, over-consumption of soy can trigger a thyroid condition -- or aggravate an existing one."

For the record, I contacted the Soyfoods Association of North America by telephone and email to ask about these claims and to ensure fair storytelling as a journalist whose only vested interest is the truth, not profit or ideology. No representative from any of the soy boards returned my contact.

By far one of the most thorough, informative and wide-ranging info portals on soy danger is Soy Online Services, in New Zealand. Associated with Dick and Valerie James, the content-heavy site shows no agenda but to help people dismantle the confusing array of information. No membership, no fees, no hidden agenda- just the facts, ma'am. Dick James has been correcting misinformation for years, writing letters to governments and health providers on his own time and own dime. His formidable efforts to spread his truth are honourable- Dick has never taken a dime for this time, or for Soy Online Services.

For the Jameses, it all began when his prized parrots began getting sick and dying after switching to miracle-soy-based-bird-food, he decided to get to the bottom of the issue and found astounding horrors surrounding soy foods. A dear young friend also died somewhat mysteriously, and that's how they started researching soy. They launched a legal investigation to get to the bottom of the bird-food issue, as well as the human health implications, and so began Soy Online Services.

Dick James is a man who has generously given his time and energy to educating people about their health. He says it's a "fallacy is to think that vegetarianism equates to soy consumption. It does not." Vegetarians used to eat a wider spectrum of food. Because of marketing and industrial politics, soy is everywhere, even in bird food.

The internet is abuzz with theories hoping to defame the cozy circle of soy opponents, many whom, like the James', are affiliated with the Weston Price Foundation (www.westonaprice.org.) Dr. Kaayla Daniel serves on the board of directors. The foundation follows the nutrition research of Dr. Weston Price, a dentist who wandered the globe studying the diets of diverse people. The foundation heavily encourages traditional diets based on animal foods and vegetables. Their agenda doesn't scare me away: I have a deep respect for the Weston Price research, and these people work hard to advocate safe, humane farming practices, chemical-free food, and old fashioned methods of fermentation and soaking. The diet may sound funny to those used to boxes and cans, but any student of world cuisine or of history and anthropology can tell these are hardly off the wall. Dr. Daniel says, "The Weston Price Foundation is supported by membership dues and private donations and receives no funding from the beef or dairy industries. We recommend an omnivorous diet that includes free-range eggs, grass-fed meat and raw dairy products from happy, pastured cows, but such products do not come from factory farming operations or corporate agribusiness. We support small farmers, humane treatment of animals, sustainable and organic agriculture and the consumer's right to obtain fresh healthy foods directly from local farmers."

The good sense of sustainable and humane farming and traditional food preparation get lost in the extravagant propaganda. "It's all about money. Soybeans were first heavily grown here for the soy oil? the one used most often in margarines and shortenings. But once processors took the oil out of the soybean, they had a lot of soy protein left over. The question was whether they should take it to the landfill and pay to dump it or turn it into another profit centre. Soy protein would make an excellent fertilizer, but unfortunately the chemical fertilizer companies had that market cornered. It is used as a primary ingredient in animal foods, but there are limits on how much they can safely feed to animals... It was initially hard to sell people on the idea of eating soy because it was perceived as either a poverty food or a hippie food. Then marketing experts changed the image of soy to an upscale 'health food.'

And that dear readers, is why all of us think this toxic waste, not healthy enough for animal feed, is a wonder food.

Not everyone is as concerned about phytic acid or lectins as Daniel, James, Gregg and myself. Dino Sarma is a passionate vegan chef with a degree in biology. Though vegetarianism was not historically synonymous with soy-eating, it is now, and Sarma's cookbook, The Alternative Vegan, was the only one I could source that was vegetarian and soy-free.

"Most vegans in the USA and Europe don't really bother with actual vegetables," Sarma laments. "Alternative Vegan is so named because it provides an alternative to your typical vegan cookbook, where it seems like soy and other meat/dairy analogues are so pervasive that non-vegans often feel that you can't eat a vegan diet without them."

Sarma's lively cookbook is teeming with inspiration from India- stuff he learned from mom. He has a flair for international cuisine, and likes to be able to recognize how his food started out. He recalls fondly the markets in Chennai, where people, vegetarian or not, ate a variety of produce. "I can remember the boisterous shouting of the vendors?the sheer amount of colours and smells that surrounded me. I also remember the stunning variety. Spinach did not mean a selection of one or two types of leaves?more like ten or fifteen, each season. ..Squashes and gourds abounded. Jackfruit, lychee, mango, papaya, guava, grapes?the long bananas, the short skinny ones?." Sounds like paradise to me, too.

Most of his recipes are meals simply put together from the produce aisle. He likes to keep things cheap, and he likes to avoid weird ingredients you can't pronounce. There were already more than enough soy cookbooks flooding the market. And while Sarma is not impressed by pricey, flavourless soy 'meats,' he didn't avoid soy because he finds it unhealthy. "Most of my readers aren't really all that concerned about soy, and just like simple, tasty, healthy food," he says. He doesn't worry about getting enough soy for protein. "All food contains proteins in varying amounts," he says. "Get enough calories, and your protein will take care of itself? Eat a varied diet, including lots of whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat berries, millet, quinoa, amaranth,) dark green leafy vegetables (mustard greens, kale, collard greens, radish greens, wild spinach), fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and some beans, nuts, and legumes to round out your meals." I highly recommend Sarma's book to anybody: vegetables are not just for vegetarians!

As a science major, he's heard the words phytates and saponins before. "If I were to get scared of everything with saponins, I'd also be avoiding yucca, tomato, grapes," he says. Phytates, lectins, these are "commonly found in animal feeds." As for saponins: "Again, the high levels of saponins is found in the feed for dogs, but hasn't been really linked to human food."

Sarma believes in living compassionately and says going vegan is one of the best things he ever did for himself and the world, but that he doesn't ever see a reason "to be a jerk about it." He likes to educate people through colourful produce and joyful eating. And while he does not cook with soy in The Alternative Vegan, he says he has yet to see study against soy that convinces him. When I ask him what he believes, he says, "I don't like to use the word 'believe' when it comes to scientific data. Upon examination of the sources of the soy scare, I sincerely question the motives, the research methods, the data collection methods, the statistical analyses?and the funding organizations."

Amen. Exactly. And after I did, you can be sure I will enjoy wonderful vegetables of every kind, but I will never touch anything- not chocolate, not tuna fish, not salad dressing- that contains unfermented soy, ever again- and as for fermented, I love my tamari on sushi, but that's about all I'll risk.

After the margarine debacle, soygriculture just got lucky. Other food issues like mercury in fish or pesticide-riddled oranges were their own issues, not a spiritual war between two opposing camps. Soy just happened to be there, pumping its health-makeover propaganda just as the vegetarian-meat debate revved up. That debate won't ever be resolved, because people all over the world eat all kinds of different weird things, from insects to blubber to nothing but olives. The vegan versus omnivore question has nothing to do with soy, which is bad for both groups.

But the soy market saw a perfect opportunity to pit big business against two groups that consisted of citizens with a similar concern- what to safely put in our mouths. Soy conveniently became an emotional, spiritual issue: saying soy is bad is the same as saying 'you shouldn't be a vegetarian.' But it isn't. It's just saying soy is bad for you, same as soda or sugar are bad for you. Except that soy might be worse!

If you only read one thing on the topic, make sure it's Dr. Kaayla Daniel's expose. "It's sad that so many people feel that all information must be financially motivated. The truth is that neither I nor New Trends Publishing has ever accepted any funds from the beef or dairy industries or from any government agency."

Meanwhile, Big Soy is happily pocketing everyone's money while they defend one of the most deceptive businesses of all time. Dr. Daniel says many- meat eaters and vegans- have read her work. " I think they owe it to themselves and certainly to their children to educate themselves. Many who have taken that step have come back to me with thanks."

Original Link:
http://www.gremolata.com/Articles/213-Spilling-The-Beans-The-Trouble-with-Soy.aspx

Here are also two links to books on soy, that I've yet to read, yet seem interesting:
http://www.hiddensoy.com/

http://www.wholesoystory.com/

Saturday, February 21, 2009

THE POWER OF MENTORING!!!

w/ Kevin Powell, your favorite (Brooklynite) community activist, politician, writer, (former) angry Black man from the FIRST(NYC holdin' it down) season of The Real World:



Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City's Bigs United Group presents

The Power of Mentoring

Kevin Powell (author of Black Male Handbook)
Herbert Williams (Director, Operations, Verizon Telecom Partners Solutions)
Graham Weatherspoon (Director, Public Relations, 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care)

DATE: Monday, February 23, 2009
TIME: 7- 9:00 pm (cash bar, doors open at 6pm)
LOCATION: Galapagos Art Space (16 Main Street in DUMBO near Brooklyn Bridge Park) Brooklyn, NY
DIRECTIONS: Please call 718-222-8500 or visit www.galapagosartspace.com



"Each One, Teach One!"

And If You Do Still have a TV, Cable, and a Sense of Humor...

Comedy Central Presents the Urban Legend Stand-Up Weekend

It started last night...I know, sooo not up on game, but there are still a lot of good shows left this weekend (I blogged about Aisha Tyler earlier in the week). And yeah, so I guess obviously Urban means Black, and we all know it is Black History Month, so that must that mean the jokes are on us? ... Too early in the morning for deep metaphor:

Red Grant "HAVE FUN TODAY!!!"

WE TOLD YOU THE REVOLUTION WOULD NOT BE TELEVISED.

So I'm always game for a good conspiracy theory. What do You think Luvies? I'm just putting it out there. Do the research, make up your own mind. I'm not a big fan on T.V. anyway, I actually don't even own one personally, and the recent Feb. 17th digital conversion, that was pushed back to June 12, 2009(curious huh..maybe too many people are catching on...or maybe not), doesn't make me want to get one either...

WHAT IF???



Government Explanation


"We Urge you to become educated consumers..."about your televison? So many more things to become educated about, but the government is really concerned if you have a crystalline channel; this from the same government that doesn't care if you have cost efficient health care??? Highly questionable intentions/motives, if you ask me...

To Repeat - The Digital Broadcasting Transition was Pushed Back to June 12th

Digital TV conversion delayed until June 12th
By Ryan Kim, Chronicle Staff Writer
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/04/BU5L15N8V6.DTL

BROADCAST LAW BLOG
http://www.broadcastlawblog.com/archives/digital-television-more-evidence-that-a-digital-television-conversion-delay-may-be-on-its-way-but-there-is-opposition.html

THE ONION - "America's Finest News Source" Take On the Delay:
http://www.theonion.com/content/amvo/digital_tv_conversion_delayed

Ohhhhhhh It's UNBEWEAVEABLE!

As my friend told me about this breaking news over breakfast the other morning, I just kept hearing EMF over and over again in my head. This news is definitely as UNBELIEVEABLE as it is UNBEWEAVEABLE!



A Miracle Indeed!!! And I am Happy for the Young Lady's Life remaining in tact, but come on 'yall, I know I'm NOT the only one who was crying tears lmao at the idea of a weave saving someone's life. Shoot - She got superkryptochronalite weave! I need some of that...I must say I have never felt more vindicated as a Black woman who wears weaves from time to time...all the horse hair jokes are eatin' it right now lol. BULLETPROOF HAIR - Whoulda thunk it, fly and functional!




AFRICANO BOI's Take On the Story:


I may NEVER stop wearing weaves now...

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

TONITE: Don't 4get Luvies!

REFRESH NYC @ Webster Hall

Webster Hall
125 East 11th Street
New York, NY 10003
Phone : 212-353-1600
(but I'm pret-ty sure you gotta buy tickets in advanced, going.com

THURSDAY: The Thunda from Down Unda!

No NOT Australia, Miami Foo's!

DANCECLASS PRESENTS DJ CONTRA

The Studio @ Webster Hall
125 E. 11th Street btwn 3rd & 4th Ave.
Entry: 19+
Men: $10
Ladies: FREE ALL NITE LONG!!!

AISHA TYLER IS LIT & THE SHHHHH...

Though this clip is super old, I think this is a very good luck for all the GYRL's out in Hollywood, and on television.

I remember when I saw Aisha Tyler in that Twista video for Slow Jamz, she'd been grindin' in the Industry for some time, but I never quite knew what her deal was...model, actress, comedienne, friend to hip-hoppers? But this clip has, to me, cemented her status as one of the most brilliant Renaissance women currently in the Game. Such a shame the real talent is always slept on...but that's a whole 'nother conspiracy theory blog. LALALAND!!!!!!!!!




Hopefully They're waking Up:


"My first one-hour special airs on Comedy Central on February 21st and will be available on DVD on February 24th, 2009. In it, you’ll see a really different, crazier, edgier, more fun side—a side of me that people don’t know. I think people want to be scandalized. I think they want irreverence in their comedy, to say “I can’t believe she said that!”

When I found myself in a TV lull during 2008’s writer’s strike, I was able to turn my attention back to stand-up comedy, which I’ve been doing for more than 15 years. I taped one of my shows at the Improv in Tempe, AZ, and pitched it to Comedy Central, who liked it and bought it. It’s the first thing my company produced, so it was really, really exciting. And it was wonderful to have that kind of control over a project that was really my passion, my baby. We taped at the Fillmore in San Francisco, and to be up on that stage, knowing that acts like the Rolling Stones and Janis Joplin have been there, is pretty awesome."

OMG!!!! I FORGOT MY MYSPACE PASSWORD!

For a brief moment. From online communities, to e-mailing, bill-paying (I see you Salliemae), and blogging...a GYRL is defintiely feeling the MULTIMEDIA OVERLOAD!

YOWZA!

Monday, February 16, 2009

This Just In..."Fashion Week Tightens Belt" - Is Nothing SacRed!?!

I guess not when your bottom line is at risk of well, going into the red.


Jason Wu Fall 09

Though it officially rev'd up it's engine over the weekend, (Merecedes-Benz) Fashion Week is currently at full throttle, and if the following article found on the homepage of msn.com is an indicator, the future of the Big Tent may hang in the balance - God I hope they are wrong! That would be a sad day indeed to loose the spectacle that is Bryant Park during Fashion Week.


Jason Wu Fall 09


Jason Wu Fall 09


Jason Wu Fall 09

Rethinking the Runway: Why spending $150,000 on a 15-minute fashion show is so last season.

By Kristin Larson


Hervé Leger Fall 09

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/fashion-week/article.aspx?cp-documentid=17763846

We Can Still Dream

Fairytales Collection - Jason Wu Fall 09
(The Man Behind Michelle's Inauguration Gown - Whom We Just Adore.)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Kittens. Inspired by...Kittens!

This just made my nite. This little gyrl is a riot! I hope my future lil' ones are this perceptive and cool.

Favs include:
"Magic."
"I am a secret agent."
"I'm her mom." "No she's not..."
"Bowowchicabowowchicabowow."
"I'm bored." "Aren't You?"

CONGRATULATIONS MAYA!



On a lighter note...
It's just great, when great things happen to great people. I just found out it's a


M.I.A. says:

HAPPY VALENTINES!


SUNDAY NITE I CAME HOME FROM THE GRAMMY'S STILL IN THE MOOD TO PARTY , I COUDA EASILY GONE OUT BUT I WENT HOME INSEAD , LUCKY I DID!! COZ MY EARLY STAGE LABOUR KICKED IN AROUND 2 AM .


MY BABY WAS BORN WEDNESDAY , HE IS HEALTHY , FINE , BEAUTIFUL AND THE MOST AMZING THING EVER ON THIS PLANET, OF COURSE IM HIS MUM!!!


ME AND BABY ARE PUTTING OUR TOUR DATES FOR 2010 TOGETHER AND MAKING MIX TAPES AND FIGURING OUT A WAY TO BREAK OUT OF THE HOSPITAL !


HOPEFULLY THE WORLD IS BEEN TICKING ALONG AND I AINT MISSED MUCH!


C U SOON ,



AND MY BABY BOY SAYZ HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Original:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=2225872&blogID=470722549

JANUARY's PSA : "NIGGA YOU GAY" - REDUX

So I hate to harp on a subject, but whatever, it's my blog, i.e, my forum for my voice, so shit, you're gonna read about it again, and again and again as long as I feel there are people out there who haven't heard the message. The topic on my mind, especially after a recent night out on the town with some of my favorite GYRL's and guy, and hot on the heels of all this Valentine's Day/Relationship talk, is Brothas On the Downlow. I mean, you hear about it ALL the time, it's in the media, etc., so call me naïve, but I am REALLY JUST BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND HOW PREVALENT THIS PHENOMENON TRULY IS IN MODERN DATING. I have nothing against gay men, in fact homosexuality, or fully disclosed bisexuality is not the issue at all. A gay, or bisexual man, is a gay, or bisexual man; I know where we stand. However, I, as straight, single woman don't know where I stand with A Brotha On the Downlow . This is so because he does not identify himself as being gay, or bisexual. And Brothas, I'm not trying to make you categorize or label yourself, I understand we have moved into an Age where all sorts of people want to do away with all sorts of labels, and that's cool, be free, but in expressing your new found freedom, please do just that!?! EXPRESS and COMMUNICATE your varied types of sexual behavior to your partners, meaning FULL DISCLOSURE. Ya' know, I consider myself a pretty cool, liberal chic, but I must say I DO HAVE SOMETHING AGAINST men who are not upfront with their partners, witholding important information about their sexual conduct either way; men with women, men with men; and ladies PLEASE DON'T GET IT TWISTED, know that there are men out there running game on, and confusing the hell out of our gay Brothas too, leading them on when they know they have gyrlfriends at home! Men reading this, whether you call yourself gay or bisexual is, in all actuality, irrelevant, that's just a title. The behavior is the issue, and I may be the first to say it, though I highly doubt it, FULL DISCLOSURE ABOUT YOUR SEXUAL HABITS TO YOUR PARTNER is really THE ONLY RIGHT CHOICE to make if you swing both ways. STI's and HIV/AIDS don't care what name you give yourself, believe that. It's a brave new world of dating Luvies!!! Make sure you are aware and up on game! I'm gonna go post some funny videos now, but ladies and gentlemen, please watch your back(door) and BE CAREFUL!!!

~B-RAE LOVES YOU ALL~
COMEDIAN MONIQUE ON "THE DOWNLOW"


COMEDIEN RED GRANT AND HIS TAKE ON "THE DOWNLOW"

Saturday, February 14, 2009

V for VICTORY - We made it thru another Valentine's Day!

So, first off let me just say getting a taxi in this City on Valentine's Day is absolutely ridiculous! I was standing on the corner so long I felt like a lady of the night!!! N-E-Way, I hit up that single's texting crush party I wrote to you all about, and it was pretty neat. I won't say there were any deep connections formed, but it was definitely fun too get out and connect, digitally, but most importantly kinesthetically , with some actual real people. The next one will be in March (the BEST month!), the "Not Another Spring Fling" so keep posted. Boy, I'm glad I made it through Valentine's Day in one piece!

~B-RAE Out~

p.s. - Shouts to Jevaun, Danielle, and Rich - the Man, for hooking up my cell phone!

TWO COOL EVENTS GOIN' DOWN 4 V-DAY!

How about a Secret Crush Party thrown by cupidslab to kick the evening off:




Then later on, my GYRL Rosemary is curating an art show, Lovesick, which features a Homemade Kissing Booth where you could possibly score some cool points with that new crush :


Sorry the Beautiful Flyer is Cut Off, I GOTTA Figure Out How to Fit to Screen - the addy:
38 Howard Street (off Broadway) - 5th Floor
New York , New York 10013

Here's Wishing You Tons of V-Day Fun!!!
~B~

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY LUVIES!

So, there is some strange bloody history to the holiday I once read about, involves a pope and soldiers going to war and their left behind loves I think, wait, why don't I just stop being lazy and look it up on wikipedia, un momento por favor:

"...The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers('Because everyone knows Love makes you a pussy' B-RAE not Wiki). The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In an embellishment to The Golden Legend, on the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved,[14] as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed,[15] or both. It was a note that read "From your Valentine."

If your're interested in the full history, read on at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day


So that's a little history lesson, fast forward to 2009 and the holiday has lost all valor, as most holidays, and has become a corporate cash cow. However, I am not a total cynic, buy flowers and expensive dinners, eat chocolate, make love, go nuts people! But if you are a bit angsty due to the date, read the following article:

"Hate Valentine's Day? Here's Help!"

No matter if you're happily paired up or just fine flying solo, Valentine's Day hype can be a source of angst. Here are tips on how to avoid being irate on February 14th.

Nina Malkin
http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articlematch.aspx?cp-documentid=16947046>1=32023



R U REALLY THAT INTO HIM???

"10 Signs You're Just Not That Into Him"

By Brittany Burke

Sometimes, whether you want to believe it or not, the love is gone. Here, women tell us how and when they knew the romantic jig was up.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/staticslideshowglamour.aspx?cp-documentid=17488598

Friday, February 13, 2009

A Rose Is Still a Rose...

(Even if the Card has Someone Else's Name on It lol)

Happy Early Valentine's Day 2 Me... & All of You Luvies!

I just wanted to wish everyone, especially the single ladies (YOU ARE APPRECIATED) a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY : )

I think the Universe just sent me Roses!!!

A little serendipitous mix up of address, and the most beautiful bouquet just ended up on my desk. At first I was all booooo and "hate hate hate" why didn't anyone send meeeeeee (whiny voice, whiny voice) flowers, but then my higher self was like...OBVIOUSLY someone DID if you are looking at these Beauties! How 'bout that one? I know, getting kinda deep on you, but follow me...

My Beautiful single mother, rest her soul, NEVER EVER let one Valentine's Day go by without getting me a box of chocolates, a stuffed heart, flowers, or some trinket; simply reassuring me of how Loved I was, and of my worth as a young Lady, and that has always stayed with me.


So, I really think the address mix-up was mom's way of saying "Hey You! I STILL Love You!!!"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY INDEED : )

XOXO,
B-RAE

p.s. - Happy Valentine's Day Mommy!





Tuesday, February 10, 2009

HOT HOT HOT V-DAY/PRE-FASHION WEEK PARTAYS!!!

Here are some joints I co-sign to get your Corporate Love Day and Fashion Week (I know, it's a bit crazed their already thinkin' Fall again, but that's the way the Fashion flows!) off to a good start Luvies!

TUESDAY 2/10/09
LADIES LOTTO LOVER'S ROCK SADIE HAWKIN'S STYLE PARTY @ APT

http://ladieslotto.blogspot.com/2009/02/lovers-rock-definition.html


WEDNESDAY 2/11/09
PARTY PROMOTER/ DJ / PERFORMER EXTRAORDINAIRE
ROXY COTTONTAIL, HELLZ BELLZ, & KARMALOOP PRESENT...

SOME BUNNY LOVES YOU: A Sadie Hawkins Formal Affair in Celebration of the 1st Ever Roxy Cottontail/HELLZ BELLZ:
mixtape/t-shirt collabo @ SOUTHSIDE (a new spot)

(MORE GYRL ASK GUY FUN...but I must admit I'm more of a traditionalist womp womp)
http://www.oxycottontail.com
COTTONTAILS UNITE!

SATURDAY "OFFICIAL GOOD LUVIN' DAY" 2/14/09
SOUNDS LIKE BROOKLYN w/ JASMINE SOLANO, NINJASONIK, & JAPANTHER @ BAM for FREE!!!
http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=492

and here's a lil' something special for all the lover's out there -
IS IT LOVE OR LUST, THE ANSWER LIES IN THE FACE : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24036082/

THE PARTY ROLLS ON NEXT WEEK

WEDNESDAY 2/17/09
AND MORE JASMINE SOLANO (& FRIENDS) - THIS GYRL IS THE TRUTH, BIG THINGS FROM HER IN '09!

http://www.jasminesolano.com

A LOT TO DIGEST, SO GET TO MUNCHIN' LUVIES!

~I'm going to sleep~

Monday, February 9, 2009

OH NO!!!!!! WHY YOU GO AND HIT RHI-RHI CHRIS!?!


Whether a fan or not, I think we can all agree, such a PYT! All the GYRL's are sending you Blessings, and Well-Wishes for a Speedy Recovery Rhianna!!!

DOMESTIC ABUSE IS NOT, REPEAT, NOT COOL, OR ACCEPTABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES...IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO (AS FAR AS ALL HEARSAY) YALL'

So I just started this blog, and do not in any way, shape, or form want to get into the habit of blogging about celebrities, this ain't that kinda party, or blog yall', check out Perez if that's what 'cha lookin' fo'! That being said, there are moments in our collective pop culture that have a greater impact than we may want to acknowledge, and I'm afraid this occurrence between Rhianna and Chris Brown is one of those moments. I must admit, I was truly saddened to hear this news - two, young Black powerhouses in the Industry! Whether or not their relationship was/is? destined to last, you NEVER want to hear about situations like this...I mean domestic abuse!?! Yuck!!! Not to make light of the situation, but partner assault is so early 1990's - I actually thought that went out with burning down your boyfriend's mansion. And there's a lot of hearsay as to what really happened between the two; what I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt is that IT IS NEVER OKAY TO HIT A WOMAN, even if she did give you herpes.(which is not confirmed, and is probably just a vicious rumor). "You, young Chris Brown, should've asked some serrrrious questions before you went lickin' and stickin' mister...you feel me?" (Okay I'm done giving imaginary advice) One GYRLfriend of my mine has an interesting theory that a certain young woman beater's evil green eye was cast upon his beautious ladylove during all the Grammy festivities and hoopla...I mean the bank pulled from chewing gum doesn't quite compare with cosmetics, but again, all specualtion. When something like this happens to someone in the public eye (no pun intended WHATSOEVER), it just makes you think how you would deal with the same situation. All I got to say is "I wish a n**** would!"... Nah, nah, j/k (kinda sorta), this is SUPER SERIOUS,and I am quite disheartened by it, and hope both parties can amicably resolve this, and that Chris Brown, who, we allegedly hear, comes from an abusive background, gets the help he needs while he is still young before this wrecks him any more than it already has. DON'T BEAT YOUR WOMAN!!!

~B-RAE OUT~

RARRRR! LUNAR ECLIPSE IN LEO



The first lunar eclipse of 2009 takes place, today February 9. A lunar eclipse always occurs during a full Moon, when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. Eclipses also come in pairs, and this eclipse follows the solar eclipse of January 25-26.

We tend to be more emotionally expressive during a full Moon, and this time around, that bright orb in the night sky is no exception! Meaningful change is upon us. This eclipse in Leo emphasizes emotional reactions, and psychic sensitivity, spiritual instincts and emotional connectedness will all be heightened during this period. There will be feelings of freedom as blockages melt away. Let go of beliefs that don't correspond with your current reality and you'll be able to see the present in a new light. You're free to redefine your personality and your image. A new hairdo or new clothes would do you a world of good!

A old phase ends and a new one begins. Whatever part of your life is not in sync with your true life's purpose will be the most affected.


Sunday, February 8, 2009

The 51st Annual Gramophone Award Show (aka Grammy's for those not up on game...)





So I'm at my home away from home, and the Grammy's just ended, and what can I say? YES, I DID tune in, but really only to see my favorite pregnant rapper of the moment - M.I.A., in all her preggo splendor!


(Last Fall's DIESEL PARTY/SHOWCASE)

Nine months to the day, with a special emergency cart on standby at the Staples center, just in case all her on-stage grooving caused a fetal stir.



AWESOME!!! That was defintely THE highlight of the night for me of the pseudo-unpredictable homogenic industry created (like ALL awards shows - NOW you are starting to understand the broad range of nominees, in order to make it seem like they are up on the cutting edge, yet the ALWAYS predictable winners, i.e. Coldplay, whom I do like...I'm just sayin') awards show. I was also unpleasantly taken aback to find out that Miley Cirus and Taylor Swift are BFF's, thus Swift invited Cirus along for the ride to butcher her song - I mean really Miley? Can't you fake a better country vibrato than that???; Stevie Wonder is the long lost Jonas Brother (I need to do the background research, but being that only like 3 major record labels remain, I am almost CERTAIN, they are on the same label or sister subsidiary, which would explain the random ass collabo); and Blink 182 is back together to save the Rock! Yes!!! Urrrr, maybe not... Tom did NOT look like he was feelin' the love. Oh! And how could I forget, Jennifer Hudson's moving performance (Truly Glad You are Back Jen - WE LOVE YOU!!!); Kayne's always expected, now cliche deviation from script; and the fact that all the nominees for Record of the Year were Britons? I can't even hate on that one, because they all are MADD talented. Besides, I DO Luv me some Adele - I get tears in my eyes every time I here "Chasing Pavements,"

not to be confused with fellow British soul singer Estelle, who was also in the house, and whom we also HEART:





Perhaps the major label American music scene was lacking this year, but come on, not one American nominee...something's Arthur Treacher's fishy here. I say they are trying to Europeanize us All! (WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN??? http://www.floppingaces.net/2008/10/26/obamas-socialization-europeanizing-of-america/) But whateva guv'na, I won't get my pretty panties in a bunch just yet, and maybe not ever - it is just the Grammy's...

Friday, February 6, 2009

Spring Preview?




Hello Luvies!

So I know Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this past Monday, but with this weekend's weather predicted to be in the, and I NEVER in a million years thought these words would be coming out of my mouth, mild 50's, can't this GYRL hope the predictions are wrong???

Monday, February 2, 2009

I Saw My Shadow 2day!!!

Hey Luvies!

So I'm just getting back from the Lykke Li show @ Webster Hall.





PHOTOS COURTESY YARDENA SCHWARTZ, THANK-YOU GYRL!


As a matter of fact, it's probably just wrapping up, but for those of you who are hip to game, I had to be out, we works nights...not a night worker tho'. But boy oh boy what I did see! That woman has STAGE PRESENCE in spades, definitely one of my favorite artists of of the moment. Just something about Sweden, (what's up Lydi!) because her opening act, Wildbirds & Peace Drums, was dope too. The lead singer's voice reminded me a lot of Feist, very pure and ethereal, and powerful too. This duo is just the vocalist w/ minor synths, and drums, imagine how strong her pipes have to be holding her own, bare juxtaposed against a sick drummer? A great way to kick off the week.

Shouts to the GYRLS: Yardena, Mawuse, Paloma, AnnaMaria, & of course, of course Roxy!

Peace
- B!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

WHOOPEE! MERCURY GOES DIRECT 2DAY!

The Planet Mercury begins turning direct today, or yesterday depending on which astrologer you ask, after a 3 week retrograde period that began on January 11, 2009.




For further explanation of Mercury Retrograde, read this old post of mine:

MERCURY WENT RETROGRADE YESTERDAY (1/11/2009)
Category: Life

Hey Luvies!
Our good ole friend' Mercury went retrograde yesterday, the first of 4(there are usually 3 in a calender year) Mercury retrograde periods this marvelous year of 2009. It lasts until Feb.1st. Some people and astrologers think this is a horrible period of time, as Mercury rules communication and quick trips, and all types of delays in communication and travel are to be expected, but those are just the superficial effects. I believe that if you just prepare yourself for these minor irritations, i.e., back up your files, cell phone numbers, double check addresses and postage on mail, that these next 3 weeks can be SUPER beneficial. Beneficial because, Mercury retrograde causes us, if we are wise to stop in our tracks, and look back as well. Instead of getting impatient and trying to forge ahead with our plans, we can take this time to be more introspective, looking inside ourselves and checking that we are really going in the right direction/are on the right path for us, and go over those plans more thoroughly before pressing on to implement them. JUST BE EASY Then, when Mercury begins to go direct again on Feb. 1st, it will be ALL SYSTEMS GO!!! for you and your plans, plus you will feel more rejuvenated. Take me for example, I was gonna go look at apartments this last week, but with the looming Merc. Ret. I decided to JUST BE STILL (as we start feeling the effects of the Mercury Retrograde a few days before and after the actual dates it starts and ends) for now, and pick up strong for a Feb. move. It's not in your best interest to make long term plans during a Mercury Retrograde, or sign ANY type of contracts, ESPECIALLY a LEASE, as Mercury, like the quicksilver it is also known as, has a capricious property, so things probably won't last if agreed upon during this time. I mean, there was this really big room in an apartment in Bedstuy that I was interested in, and the 3 Sistas that lived there seemed dope over the phone...but I could imagine all the problems that could've unfolded if that lease would have been signed during a Mercury Retrogade period. Now, I can take these next 3 weeks to perform a REALLY thorough apartment search instead just being impatient, and wanting to move quickly because my bum landlord 'upped the rent. Also, JUST EXPECT travel delays or mix-ups, I recommend traveling light, maybe only carry on luggage...listen up people, like myself, going down to D.C. for the INAUGURATION Also, be light on the relationships too, it's not an ideal time for starting a super heavy romatic relationship. Just have fun., and relax!!! Wishing you all the best for the next 3 weeks and always


Mercury -- the Messenger God in mythology and the ruler of transportation and communication turns retrograde in Aquarius on January 11. This is the first of the four Mercury retrogrades happening in 2009 and lasts till January 31 or February 1 (depending upon your time zone), when he halts and begins his return to direct motion through the zodiac
Mercury is the planet that rules all forms of communication and any time a planet turns retrograde it is time to review. So, when Mercury turns around and goes back through territory it's already traversed, it is time for you, too, to travel back. Don't try to institute plans for the future. Instead see if you can lay the groundwork to provide a secure foundation. Mercury's current placement in Aquarius makes this a wonderful time to break away from old habits and ideas. Mercury will move back into Capricorn on January 21 in its retrograde motion creating disruptions or breakdowns in communications and administrative details. Since this sign also signifies ambitions, it might see us trying to push through own agendas and gain status or rise in life. Jupiter, the Sun, and Mars will also all cross Mercury as he moves along his backwards path, and those days could prove to be significant.
Mercury conjuncts Jupiter on January 19 -- this might be a time for reflections, and old friends can come back into our lives. On January 20, Inauguration Day in the United States, the Sun will conjunct Mercury in the first degrees of Aquarius. The new President is sure to have some very important messages for us on how he is going to clean up the mess left for him from the past and with Aquarius involved, he may have some new and unique ideas. Retrograde Mercury conjuncts Mars in Capricorn on January 27, and Venus will be sending them some positive energy at the same time. The Solar eclipse of January 26 formed by the Sun and Moon will definitely make us ready for some changes.

-Courtesy of www.astrology.com



General Daily Horoscope for everyone:

The retrograde period of messenger Mercury began on January 11 and as it ends today our plans can take us in brand new directions. Certain areas of our lives were put on hold; now we get to move ahead again. Even though it's the weekend, our minds may already be ramping up for the future. We should try to process any excess anger as the Moon squares warrior Mars midday and then we can mellow out once the Moon enters placid Taurus at 5:08 pm EST


Here's a really good webpage dedicated to the Mercury Retrograde periods of 2009:
http://www.crystalinks.com/retrogrades.html

HERE'S WISHING YOU ALL SYSTEMS GO LUVIES!!!