Who'da Thunk It

After enduring 5 days on the Master Cleanse aka the Lemonade Diet, I decided to make the switch to vegetarianism. Eight days have passed since the conversion and I'm still going strong without a single meat craving.

I do foresee a potential problem now that I'm a vegetarian - how can I live without ever eating hot wings again? Hmm! I may have to revisit that dish from time to time. We'll see!

I am a bonafide food addict - desserts especially - and I love to share my food finds with others. I had the pleasure of turning someone on to one of my many food finds last week and they in turn passed the word along to someone else (that warmed my heart). With that being said, do yourself a favor, take a trip to your local Trader Joe's and pick up a bag of Trader Joe's Gingeroos - soft baked ginger cookies. They will change your life. Ain't that right Mark? And while your at Trader Joe's please pick up their Organic Lemonade (the refrigerated version only).

April 20

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore--and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over--like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it just explode? - Langston Hughes
------------------------------------------------------
The burden of carrying this dream is too heavy and far too much for me to bear alone*. The dream was once a source of hope, joy and inspiration. It is now a cancer that has robbed me of my quality of life.


*without God's help

Knee Jerk Reactions

"Outkast and Rosa Parks have settled their dispute. In what had been a highly contested matter concerning the use of Parks' name as a song title, the parties resolved to become partners in developing educational programs to enlighten today's youth about the role Parks played in the civil-rights movement. First up will be a tribute album, on which Outkast will perform. They're also planning a TV special and DVD" - from MTV news article

Why do I have far less respect for this civil rights icon? She's just tacky, tacky, tacky.

"House of Dereon — Beyoncé and mother Tina Knowles' fashion label — designed 60 ensemble costumes for the group and its dancers for the outing." By having Destiny's Child wearing House of Dereon on the tour, I am able to express my creativity and love of music and fashion," Beyoncé said in a statement. "Performing is not only about sharing my musical passions, but it's also about expressing my individuality." - from MTV news aticle

Gosh, it must be very stifling working for the controlling, overacheiving Knowles family! Poor Michelle and to lesser extent poor Kelly.

"BET canceled its "Nightly News," saying it instead will offer news briefs throughout the day...Robert Johnson, founder of the leading cable channel for black viewers, said the change does not represent a lessening of BET's news commitment. He said it would improve how BET offers news.

With 24-hour news networks and everyone getting news off the Internet, our audience doesn't want to wait until 11 p.m. to find out what the news is," said Debra Lee, BET president and chief operating officer" - from Yahoo news article


Is it me? Or is BET always at the tail end of the learning curve? Does anyone working for BET have vision and foresight?

MLB look into Sheffield confrontation with fan - "The confrontation came in Boston's 8-5 win over New York on Thursday night while Sheffield was fielding Jason Varitek's two-run triple in front of the 3-foot high barrier. The fan reached over the wall, and Sheffield said he was hit in the face. (Video replay showed Sheffield was clearly hit in the face)

Sheffield shoved the fan before throwing the ball back to the infield. He then moved toward the fan before a security guard got between them. The fan was ejected from the ballpark but not arrested. " - from Yahoo Sports news article

I'm sick of these rowdy ass fans instigating stuff with professional athletes. And I'm tired of analyst suggesting that athletes should not ever defend themselves

"Rapper DMX was arrested after a three-car crash involving a police cruiser on a major New York City expressway, police said on Saturday.

Police said a car driven by DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, hit another car, which then slammed into the cruiser late Friday on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. Two police officers were treated for minor injuries.

The 34-year-old hip-hop star was charged with driving with a suspended license and released, police said." - from Yahoo new article

What the hell is wrong with X?

"PHILADELPHIA - Terrell Owens finally found a topic he was tired of talking about — his desire for a new contract. Owens released a statement through a public relations firm Friday night saying he was done talking to the media about a possible contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Again I find my words being misinterpreted by the media, therefore at this time I have decided to refrain from discussing the recent series of events surrounding my contract with the Philadelphia Eagles," Owens said." - from Yahoo Sports new article

Owens is a great athlete but a pitiful and clueless man. The media has never hide it's disgust for TO yet he felt compelled share his story with the media anyway. He's now upset that his words are being misconstrued again? Hmm! Has anyone seen the clips from the Donny Deutch Show where TO breaks down crying? He might need some counseling. He's crying because the media and the public misunderstand him? This from a guy who's made it his duty to disrespect Jeff Garcia (his former quaterback) at every turn; who took a swipe at Donovan McNabb (his current quaterback) the previous week; who is stirring up problems 2 years in a row over contract issues. You're not misunderstood TO. The media and the public don't like you.


"A Boston Globe freelance writer fabricated large chunks of a story published this week, the newspaper said on Friday in the latest incident to embarrass the U.S. media.

The Globe, which is owned by The New York Times Co., said it stopped using writer Barbara Stewart because of a story that ran on Wednesday about a seal hunt off Newfoundland -- a hunt, it turns out, that had not taken place" - from Yahoo news article

Hilarious. These animal rights activist or pro animal rights activist are too much. Did y'all read about PETA and the protest they held outside of Jennifer Lopez's restaurant? Or the rally they held protesting KFC? Over the top

Do I Have To...?

Dread...Anxiety...Nausea...These aren't the feelings that normally surface when I am getting ready for an audition. I am absolutely paralyzed with disgust as I sit here reading this material. What do they expect ME to do with this stuff? This material is dry (lacking humor) and bad (poorly executed). I thought I would feel differently this morning; thought I would be able to give it the old college try but alas I just can't do it (make myself study these lines and prepare to give a killer audition).

It doesn't help that I am not enthused about the project - ladies and gentlemen, Mr. 106 & Park is getting his own sitcom *shaking head!

I guess the real issue is I feel stuck between a rock and hard place. If I don't go to this audition, I lose out on potential work. However, if I go but give a bad audition I lose credibility. AArrrrgghhhhhh!!!

Where is my red 'easy button?' Shoot, I can't find it. Did I let Kenyatta borrow it? I better call her and inquire.

Oh well, I guess I'm gon' continue to sit here with my bottom lip stuck out waiting for my manager to call me back. I'm hoping she says something motivational or inspirational that will compel me to go to this audition. However, I won't be mad at all if she says I shouldn't force myself to go.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Me and my attitude sat for 5 hours before Manager called. Sigh! As I figured, she gave me the extra motivation I needed to get the gears in motion; she appealed to my ego. I know you hate the material but don't worry Shawn, you'll be great. You are naturally funny. You're thinking too much; Go in and have a good time. If you're not right for the part, so be it. I tried to put up a little resistance. However, when she put it like that, how much could I argue?

I'll let you know how the audition went.

No You Didn't...

just call my house and tell me that you felt impressed in your spirit to share with me that it's not cool that I play that 'gay' role!!!!! Hmmmph! Good thing I was seated when you called. I wonder...when you were petitioning God on my behalf and happened upon my error did you ask God a) what role(s) I should take instead [of the 'gay' role]? and b) did you ask him for list of acceptable 'roles' for me [or any christian actor] to portray? I sure hope this isn't about you being uncomfortable with homosexuality. I mean, is it ok if I play a drug dealer; adulterer; divorced spouse; cheater; gambler; liar; murderer; thief...?

Give me a call when you get that list. Thanks!