Top 5 // Influential Films from African American Men

There are those films that make you change your whole concept of thinking. Films that are so influential, that they become staples and forever leave an imprint on the very core of you. CS took the time to inquire a few black men on some of those said films that made an impact on their lives. The group polled ranged of a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds and careers, yet there was definitely a crossover of cinema all felt were important...

  *in no particular order*

CS Disscussion // Computer Love

Soooo, recently, I had joined a an online dating service...

Pretty lame huh? LOL. To my defense, I was honestly curious on what the big hoopla was about. You see all the eHarmony & match.com commercials, everyone been in e-love for years and marry, live happily ever after. Hell, even D-rated actress Essence Atkins met her husband on there! Really for me the driving point was realizing that almost 3 years after my divorce, I had not dated. I don't think I'm not attractive or anything, but me being a single parent of 3, full-time working and don't really get to go out and meet folks, my time is pretty limited. So I hopped on the site and did some research to see how to make it work.

Honey! I was instantly turned off by the PRICE, I ain't gonna lie. LOL! But I guess you can't put a "price" on happiness, so I bit the bullet. Next hurdle: the questionnaire. When I tell you that thang was thorough, man! I see why I haven't been dating, I didn't know I needed to ask all them questions! Finally after I press through literally 100+ questions, I get to the good stuff, them mens!!!...Or so I thought. LMAO. I could go and see and "flirt" with guys, but I wanted to see what type of guys I would attract. And just what I thought, the next day I had an inbox filled with dorks. Really, old local dorks. *le sigh*

 To make an already long story short, I only perused the site for a good 2 days. I just didn't put the necessary energy into and didn't like the fact that I felt like I was stalking folks profiles or they were preying on me. I see what the appeal of dating sites are, but it was definitely not for me. I need the physical interaction. And I especially don't want to be matched up with some database that decides what's "good" for me.

Online dating: I'll pass.

What do you all think about online dating?

Good Evening, Heartache..

*sigh* Last night, I was in a horrible mood.  It hit me like a ton of bricks, and I realized that I finally needed to release some tears; tears that I've been holding back for a long time now! 

In my pursuit of unhappiness, I started watching various YouTube videos of Jill Scott performing "Hear My Call" (which started the tears btw) to her performing "Good Morning, Heartache."  Eventually, I  ran across Lady Day to assist in the flow of my tears. 

Today, I couldn't get the jazz legend out of my mind, so I figured I'd share a few of her dopest pics with you....

The Classic: Lady Sings the Blues

I had a Billie Holiday Greatest Hits album.... will definitely need to find that for more "rainy days"

If I had a pack of cigarettes last night, I probably would have lit a few of 'em.

And finally, a smirk.. looks like she buried the pain for the day to press forward.  :-)

This wasn't intended to be a discussion post, but I'd like to know, when you realize it's that time to cry, what do you do to get the tears flowing?  

Giving Back: The GUAP Way

For any of our CS'ers in the Northern California area, please go out and support a worthy cause 21 Aug 2011 in Sacramento.

CS fav G.U.A.P. is holding their 3rd annual Back-To-School giveaway. Always a great thing to give to a child in need!

CS Discussion: For the Love of Facebook

Am I the only one in the world that doesn't take Facebook that serious? 

A little while ago, I ran across a status update (with 29 comments) that stated "Should I be mad when someone unfriends me?"  

My initial thought was "who the eff cares if someone unfriends you?"  But then, it hit me, maybe some people do actually take Facebook THAT serious... Hmmm... 

Besides that status, I find myself smh more and more at some of the things and topics I see on FB.  Some status post are becoming so detailed that I can almost tell you what a person is doing this weekend, who they're currently in love with, and weeks later, wait for the break up and drunken nights to follow.

(Don't judge me but) I didnt see The Social Network, however, I recall when Facebook was created, it was a networking tool, that at first only created for college students (waaay back when I was in college).  So, how did it become peoples personal diaries?  How did people become so addicted to this site that they become offended when a person, that they probably NEVER talk to, unfriends them? 

Currently, I have to admit, that I log into Facebook faithfully because I'm still deployed.  However, when I return home, the first thing I'm going to do (when I get to some good innanet) is purge some of those "never talk to, still living at home with your momma, hustling on the side, can't stand my hataz" friends, and then deactivate my account at least until the New Year.  When I return to the Book in January 2012, I plan on using it for its intended purpose.. say it with me.. NETWORKING!

Will people ever realize that sharing too much of your business on Facebook makes you look ummm..... (CS you can fill in the blank here).  When will people stop putting all of their hopes and joys into the number of "friends" they have on FB? 

CS, we want to know, what's your "Relationship Status" with Facebook?

~Cash

CS Discussion // The (Dark) Skin You're In

I've finally watched a video that's been floating around the net for a few weeks that was addressing the topic of dark skin. I must say, being a darker toned woman, that the ideals & stories shared by the women & men reflect direct encounters I've experienced in my life. 
"You're pretty...for a dark skinned girl" 

and
"If only you were lighter"  

were statements frequently heard. I'm sure a few of you have dealt with such derogatory declarations, or maybe even worse, for yourselves. I hated feeling so worthless & was very shy due to my color. Even now sometimes, myself or other darker hued women are still subject to this type of atrocity...

For those who have not seen the video, here it is. Please view and share your thoughts on the self-imposed caste system we've bound our people to.

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

Special Shoutout: The Anonymous Comment

Yes, we do special shout outs! 


Apparently, my last Playing Dress Up post, hit a soft spot.  I received an anonymous comment which stated: "WHAT KIND OF CHURCH DO YOU GO TO, THIS FIT IS TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE."

Disclaimer: Trust me, I'm not mad at all.  I just literally had these random thoughts from that one comment. (y'all should know that I have a bunch of randomness running through my head)  :~)


Here are my issues that came from YOUR comment:
1. The post had nothing to do with my church.  Next time, try sticking to the subject.
2. What kind of church do you go to?
3. So, did you like the outfit or not?  Lol.. Yes, I noticed you clicked Simply Bore, but was that toward my "church" or the outfit? Serious question.. I want to know.
5. How about next time we stick to constructive criticism instead of random put downs?
6. Maybe you should reconsider the church YOU attend, if any... just a suggestion.
7.  Can you please explain why this outfit is "totally inappropriate" for a church event, not a regular Sunday morning service.
8.  You brought up a completely different topic, but didn't even answer my photo shop question that I put in the post!!     
9.  If I was attending this Sweetheart's Ball at a club or something would you have liked the outfit then?
10.  Oh, and last but most definitely not least, the below picture is just for you! 

I'll be ordering this one soon!  And guess what, I promise to do a What I Wore post on it, just for Anonymous!  God bless!

For more JCLU items, click HERE.

~Cash

CS Discussion // I'll Be Moving On.. But When?

Earlier this week while browsing through one of my favorite "work" blogs because the gubment hasn't blocked it yet, I ran across a post that singer, Monica and her man friend, Shannon Brown are now engaged. Congrats to the happy couple! *side eye*

*takes deep breath* I will say, without saying, that I'm going through some major life changes right now. As stated in the Randomness At Best post, I've done a lot of growing up in the past couple of weeks. And quite frankely, I'm feeling real "Nina Moseley-never-make-the-same-mistake-twice-ish" right about now.

After reading the article on Monica, it made me think: what exactly is considered too soon when getting involved again. When will it be too soon to do whatever it is I may want to do. (LOL, yeah I'm really "beating around the bush" on this one, huh? But you can follow right?). I don't know what all went down between Monica and what his face, nor do I care, but from my point of view, it seems like she moved really fast with this Shannon guy. It seems just like yesterday she was happy and in love on her reality show, and now she's at this point.

Honestly, I can't even take the thought of jumping, so soon, into another relationship after getting out of such a long term relationship. How do you give someone so much of your life and jump, skip, hop, fall in love, so quickly after its over? (Yeah, I been watching a lot of LoveJones lately)

So, here are the questions that ran through my head:

Why so soon?
Aren't you scared that his "evils" may be worst than the last?
When do you say, "Ok, I'm ready to move on"?
Did you grow in your time alone?
Did you change your "standards" with the new guy?

Ugh... I could go on and on.. those are only a few questions, but quite frankly...(at a lost for words here) I just don't know.. I just had to get that off my chest.

Let me know what you think CS, by leaving a comment below!

Closet Freak

Top 5 Celebrity Closets I want to RAAAIIDDD!!!

(in no particular order, but.. um, yeah, that #1 spot is definitely taken!)

Whether they be fictional characters or real people.. if, I can fit their clothes or not.. I know its something in these ladies' closets I can wear dammit!

1-Carrie Bradshaw - Must I even explain! After a long week of watching Sex and the City 2, over and over, I've decided I need Patricia Fields in my life! Oh, how I hearts Mrs. Preston and her style!! The picture you see is on my computer as my desktop! Usually, before I go out and want to make a "BAM" kinda outfit, I'll skim through the pages of the SATC book for a lil inspiration!




2- Solange - Again.. must I even explain my open girl crush! *blushing* Gosh... I chose a "toned" down picture of Solo, but this girl can do no wrong in my eyes! Let's see, I'll take that scarf, that necklace.. some of your over sized shirts, and jackets.. purses.. oop, what size shoe do you wear, hun?




3. Chrisette Michelle - Now, I know I can fit some of her clothes, doggone it! Her style is so simple and classy to me, yet she knows how to stand out! I love how she always adds a lil umph to her outfits!



4. Nicki Minaj - *my chick bad* Besides her usual (or unusual) costume wear, you gotta give it to her, she always rocks a bad pair of shoes! And I'm pretty sure with that ass, we can share some jeans!






5. Erykah Badu - I would love to go through her closet for some bad accessories! I'm talking hats, sunglasses, earrings, bracelets, oh the bracelets galore, rings, and necklaces!! Maybe if I'm lucky, I can find some over sized jackets too!!

Now, don't be shy... go ahead and let us know which celebrity closets you would like to raid!!

What's in Your...

Make-Up Bag?

OMG! So, here's the background story of this super cute, hot pink make-up bag:

For the longest, I've just been throwin my make-up in my purses, like, oh well, whatevs, *in my Fabolous voice* "just throw it in the bag" type of thing! Well, I finally got fed up with myself after one of my brand new Cover Girl pallets, exploded in my purse!! Grrr...

This past weekend, out at Target, my husband pointed it out to me and guess what? It was only 97 cents! Whoop-whoop! Can you say deal? Since then, my work purse and I have been loving it!

Here's what I carried (and usually carry) in my Make-Up bag:

1. MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation (in NW 45) with brush for touch-ups here and there through out the day, if need be.

2. A hot pink, heart shaped mirror from Express. I bought my Liv one in black, she despises "pank" in her words!

3. Smokey Noir Eyeshadow Pallet from RIMMEL (which I wore that day.. I was sexy!)

(But, I'm mad that scarf line is on my forehead! And the humidity in TX does a number on my hair! Ugh!)

4. RIMMEL Glam Eyes: Lash Flirt Mascara and Eye liner. I usually use Cover Girl LashBlast, but this makes my lashes really pop!

5. Express Lemon Lush Lip Gloss. Taste good and keeps lips moist!

CS'ers, tell me what's in your make-up bag?

Top 5 // The "Get It" List: Rapper's Delight

Ladies & Gents, we all to some extent have some type of celebrity "could get the business" list. Whether yours is just that childhood star that was always that good looking heartthrob or whether you would just unleash your inner freak on a sexy mutha, there is that certain somebody that maybe, if you could, you know you would! Don't lie, yes you would!! LOL!

I decided to put a lil twist on it and do my top 5 lyricists this go 'round.

Without further ado, here are my top 5 MC's, in no particular order:

(It was soooo hard to narrow, I'm greedy!)

I'd shole nuff share my flat iron with him. The morning after...LOL!

#1. Andre 3000, with his weird ass.

I image he'd talk to me bout the conspiracy theory on Mars while slicing up fruit and wanting me to throw on scuba gear and get to some free-kay thangs! YASSSSS!! Its just something about him...he's so intriguingly sexy to me.

#2. Nelly

Chile, this Midwest thang is just eye candy for ages to me! And I loves me an accent, so that alone gets him goody points. The only thing I can say could be bad is that I think his peen game is off. IDK why. I think its just cause he was with that woolly-sideburned, sharp-toothed Ashanti. (Hatin hard on her ain't I? LOL)

*white girl screams*

#3. Common

The only light skinned that could get the Vickies up off of me. I love his deep voice, deep-for-days dimples and freckles! *sighs* To me, he seems like he would be an exquisite lover, like he knows how to appreciate a woman's body and make her feel sexy. I think if I ever met him in person, I would just die!!! Then try to kidnap him.

Talk dirty to me Mos!!!

#4. Mos Def

(Do you see the common theme of dimples here? LOL! I absolutely love em, they're my weakness.)

As for Mos, he seems like the perfect conversationalist and a bit of a flirt. But really, I think he'd mind-f*uck the heck outta me! From his music, he has a great word play and I like witty men. Plus he's funny and I always adore a man that can make me laugh.

#5. Jackie Long (yes he's dabbled in music for a hot sec, so he counts!)

Here is my newest boo thang. Damn I love a dark skinned man with a beautiful smile. Plus he has that lil raspy voice and stuff. Mmmm. But I think my boo boo may have a bit of the crazy in em. He just has that look. Oh well, as long as he stay in line, he can stay on the list. Behave Jackie!

So CS...who are your choices on your "list"? Let us know!

Hair Mission: Going Natural

If I don't share this with you CS, my patience may just run out!

This past February, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to make the change and go natural. In my decision, I started off with micros.. to thicken my hair, because I have very fine hair. Unfortunately, those micros equated to a horrible experience in which half my hair broke off! Ultimately, having to chop it all off, I decided that this would be the perfect time to make my transition.

See how excited I was!

* long sigh* Since, the cut, I'm starting to become discouraged. Completely free of all chemicals now, I encounter natural bad hair days, boredom, and I even feel like my hair is ugly at times, well lets be honest, alot of times. Luckily, and thanking God, I always get compliments everyday on my hair which bring my spirits up.

Here's where my hair is now (it may actually be about 2 inches longer now):

I've been thinking about getting some kinky twist, but, I 'm just not sure! I'll be sure to keep you updated with the goings on of my hair! Anywho, this is my cry for help!! Send all your natural hair tips, product reviews, and words of encouragement my way! Thanks in advance!





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CS Discussion: Right, Wrong or Who Cares?

When the news first broke about Swiss Beats and Alicia Keys' relationship, I didn't know how to feel about it. One reason was because rumors were circulating that he was still married to his wife, and number two, I honestly thought that Alicia was an undercover BQ...(Butch Queen). My disagreement wasn't the fact that they were together, but at times I felt that b/c it was Alicia this situation was taken lightly at times as if no one had any other responsibilities that were left unresolved.

My question is, what kind of message is she sending to all of her fans, do they look at her differently now? Is it right to think that she is a home wrecker, or should we still look at her as the same sweet Alicia Keys, and just say that they fell in love in unforeseen circumstances that could not have been stopped or handled in a different way? What message is this sending to married couples? Before these two, people were already stepping out and leaving their significant others for someone they thought was their soul mate, but now that Swiss Beats and Alicia's relationship is all over the place will this now become more of a trend then what is was before, and will people just look the other way?

What will this do to the sanctity of marriage, will people just look at it as another type of heartache that they won't want to go through? CS fam, tell me what you think? Don't hold back, as a married woman this is just something that was on my mind, I'm not judging them, I honestly wish them nothing but the best and pray that all that they have gone through has been worth it.

-Pooh