In A Sentimental Mood

I know that for the second night in a row, I am on my whole “Soundtrack of My Life” music kick, but it’s kind of hard not to be when I come home to this sort of thoughtfulness after a long, hard day’s work.  With a steamy, sudsy tub, a chilled beverage, an array of scented candles and fragrant rose petals, and  John Coltrane in heavy rotation via the iPod, how could I not be in a sentimental mood?

Now, um, usually I don’t do this but uh…. Go head’ on and break ’em off wit a lil’ preview of the most emotionally-all-encompassing tune that I have ever heard. 

Not only is this the best song in the whole entire world and my personal favorite musical treasure of all time, but I swoon (simply for good measure) each and every time that I hear it.

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No More Stormy Weather: Lena Horne 1917 – 2010

In an era where virtual nakedness, shimmer-tards (re: shimmery leotards…circa 2009 Fergie, Beyonce, Rihanna, Ciara, J. Lo, and on and on and on), suggestive lyrics and “poppin, lockin & droppin,” are the order of the day in popular music, the loss of an entertainment pioneer comes as an especially hard blow for those of us who admire true and unique artistic expression with a touch of poise and class.

When I’d heard that the incomparable Lena Horne had passed away this past Sunday, I must admit I was more than a little sad.  Not only because the world had lost a woman who epitomized refinement and elegance in the face of an industry that refused for the longest time to acknowledge her talent and beauty simply because of the color of her skin, but because after such a rich and well-lived life, her departure has left one less trailblazer for the world’s current pop “tarts” to aspire to emulate.

I can clearly remember becoming an instant fan of Ms. Horne’s when I saw her on an old recording of Sesame Street singing a sultry bluesy “greensy” duet with Kermit the Frog.  When I was a little older, her serenade to a gushing Cliff Huxtable made me want to be a jazz singer.  Then, when I discovered “Cabin In The Sky” on Turner Classic Movies, I made up in my mind that I was going to forgo common sense, education and the wrath of my parental units to run away and become a renowned actress just like Lena.

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Lena Calhoun Horne was a legend, an icon, a fiery soul and a woman who broke barriers and silently created the “new” showbiz rules by which to play.  Recent media buzz, blogosphere chronicles, morning show highlights and radio tributes that pay homage to the diva speak to this.  Even the witty and politically astute Rachel Maddow took a break from “Right-Slaying” and dedicated a moment during her show Monday Night to extol the greatness of Lena Horne, classifying her (justly) as “irreplaceable”. 

I realize that it will be impossible for anyone to ever fill the shoes of Ms. Lena, but perhaps it’s not too late for “The Gyrators” of today to take a page from the book of Horne.

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Yo Amo “Los Suns”!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!!!

How fitting that on this day, not only would a professional team from the currently hyper-exposed state of Arizona be taking the national stage in support of a community thrust into the center of some rather complicated and problematic legislation, but would be doing so in such a bold fashion.

In a show of support for the Latino community over a controversial new state law, The Phoenix Suns are wearing jerseys emblazoned with “Los Suns” during their NBA Finals appearance tonight against the San Antonio Spurs.

Suns owner Robert Sarver explained that the organization felt that wearing the ‘Los Suns’ jerseys on Cinco de Mayo was a way for the team and the organization to honor the Latino community in Phoenix and the diversity of the National Basketball League, the state of Arizona, and the nation.  Sarver went on to criticize the Arizona law that requires state and local police to ascertain people’s immigration status if there is “reasonable suspicion,” to determine if they are in the United States illegally.

“The frustration with the federal government’s failure to deal with the issue of illegal immigration resulted in passage of a flawed state law.  However intended, the result of passing this law is that our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law are being called into question, and Arizona’s already struggling economy will suffer even further setbacks at a time when the state can ill-afford them.”

Amongst my own friends and family, this debate continues to be a hairy one so it doesn’t surprise me how intense the discussion tends to be across the nation.  With that said though, I am not afraid to say that I am opposed to this new legislation in Arizona.  Don’t get me wrong, I do not support anyone who knowingly breaks the law; whether that entails entering into this country illegally, driving with expired tags or shoplifting.  Where I think the failing for this law comes into place is the idea that a group of people (many of whom are legal citizens of the United States and are taxpaying residents of Arizona) can be subjected to profiling and harassment at the discretion of some random officer for simply being Hispanic.  Yeah, I know, the law stipulates that Arizona law enforcement can move to inquire about a person’s immigration status with regard to reasonable suspicion (real cute), but if we come out of our Midwestern heat stroke for just a moment, can we be real in admitting that “reasonable suspicion” most likely equates to “Mexican-looking” in the eyes of state and local police officers?  To me, it just seems that the law makers of Arizona have no qualms with infringing upon the rights of thousands of Americans in an effort to execute a hard-line immigration law that was never properly addressed and established in the first place!

*Steps back from pulpit*

So yes, aside from the whole attempt at “spanglish” (I would have MUCH rather seen Los Soles printed on the jerseys versus the bilingually lazy Los Suns…but that’s just me), I absolutely do admire the Phoenix Suns’ efforts at embracing the Latin community, which makes perfect sense seeing as how Hispanics and Latinos make up 41.5% of Phoenix’s population. 

Hopefully this intrepid statement and silent but poignant protest against a law that’ll directly and even indirectly affect the entire state will bring residents and law makers back to the drawing board to figure out a better way to address the problems of immigration in The Grand Canyon State.

God Hearts You!

slightlywarped.com’s Amazing Images: Natural Wonders

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.  In the case of this picture, I was rendered utterly speechless  when I saw it.  For those of you who question if there is a God or if he concerns himself with us lowly pions, I believe there is no more definitive proof than this!

Saturday Solace

It is seldom on the weekend that I wake up with a flexible or unoccupied time slot (gasp) in my schedule.  Aside from my standard weekend laundry duties, arising well past mid-morning to play my day totally by ear is an experience that I’ve not quite learned how to wrap my mind around.

 Usually, my Saturdays are filled with waking early to make breakfast, ironing uniforms, packing coolers full of snacks, loading folding chairs and tents and storing them in my truck for a full day of events.  Then it’s attending my baby girl’s tennis matches, swapping out her tennis gear for her track uniform, then toting all of the kids to the field.  Their track meets usually begin early in the morning and don’t end until mid-evening, so having the necessities (water, grapes, apples, trail mix, pretzels, roast beef sandwiches, Sun Chips, and some celebratory cookies) are essential in ensuring that not only is everyone satiated, but that my nerves and stress level remain on a dormant plane.

 This morning however, was a bit of an anomaly (in the good way).  Although forever programmed now to stir at the crack of dawn (thanks to a demanding line of work, and equally demanding children), I was granted the opportunity to lay fixed in an abnormally quite house to witness the purplish-orange hues of a beautiful daybreak, the rise and fall of my honey’s chest in slumber and to relish the tranquility that comes with simply being still.

 As someone who is always on the go, I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t love my active lifestyle, but in all honesty, I take great pleasure in embracing those few and far between “peace be still” moments as well.  I’m so grateful to have been afforded one of those moments this morning.

A Less Taxing Day: Do April 15th the RIGHT Way

Being someone who works with numbers all day and is frequently asked to configure reports, numerical trends and other financial analyses at the eleventh hour, you’d better believe that I detest procrastination and doing things at the last possible moment.  I must be honest however, and admit that I do secretly marvel at those who deliberately postpone the inevitable, only to take themselves (and everyone within their immediate vicinity) through changes and unnecessary drama.  Although foolish and nonsensical, you sort of have to respect someone who refuses to conform to the burdensome rules of The Man…well, at least until reality sets in.

Yes, I’m talking about the Tax Day Delayer.  You know the type; the ornery tax payer who resents Uncle Sam and the government for demanding their cut of the 70/30 split off the top without so much as a please or a thank you.  Because of this entitled behavior, Mr. Ornery Tax Payer passive aggressively revolts by tossing his W-2 in the kitchen junk drawer and tells anyone who will listen just what Uncle Sam can do with those taxes, only to end up racing around like a chicken with its head chopped-off on the 15th of April in an attempt to classify all his exemptions, itemize all his deductions and get his 1040 signed and postmarked before midnight.

 But as dramatic as IRS Pay Day can be, there are those who understand and sympathize with your, mine and Mr. Orney’s struggle.  In an act of what can only be described as true compassion and kindness, many-a-retailer have chosen April 15th to reward weary tax payers with various goodies and freebies.  Now, while these complimentary wares won’t totally ease the pain of you possibly having to establish a repayment plan with Uncle Sam, they should certainly help in your budget adjustment process…everyone can budget “free.”

 See the list below, and be sure to thank your local merchants for being so magnanimous and making your tax day, less taxing:

1. Receive a free taco from Taco Del Mar when you share your name, email, and zip code.
2. Get a free cup of coffee at Starbucks when you bring in your own reusable mug.
3.  Obtain a free 3-day trial VIP Membership to Chemistry.com starting at 12:01 a.m. April 15, 2010. No credit card payment is needed to get the free pass. Simply set up your profile, make a date, and share your tax stories (or something more romantically appropriate) with that new special someone.
4.  From 3pm to 7pm, Maggie Moo’s is giving away free slices of its new Ice Cream Pizza. 
5. Grab two free cupcake bites from Cinnabon from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (not applicable at airport locations).
6. Eat Fresh at Subway with a Buy One Get One Free foot-long sub of any type, as well as a free cookie.
7. Shop tax-free at Whole Foods Grocery Stores (in AL, GA, TN, SC, NC).
8. Sip on a free McCafé coffee drink at participating McDonald’s Restaurants (Baltimore, MD).
9. Get 15% off your total food tab at P.F. Chang’s.
10. Dine for $10.40 (get it???) at McCormick’s and Schmicks.
11. Order online, and get a large cheese pizza with three FREE toppings from Papa John’s when you enter “1040” in the promotion code field.
12. Get a TGIFriday’s $5 Bonus Bites card with a $15 – $25 meal purchase or a $10 Bonus Bites Card with a meal purchase over $25.

…Hey, Hey, Hey, Goodbye!

Picture it if you will…you’re told by your spouse to request a few days off from work, clear your calendar for the remainder of the week and pack a bag. No explanation, no hint as to your destination, just get ready to go.

Yep (points thumb to chest), welcome to a day in the life. My honey told me earlier in the week that he needed me to cash in my vacation time (that I’ve been meticulously accruing for three years now), pack some clothes and be ready to leave Wednesday night.

Hey buddy, what the deuce? Witness Protection? Running from some Fatal Attraction Stalker? Planning a cross-country census tour of our own? I mean, I love surprises just like the next girl, but help me to help you. The more I know about a situation, the better off we BOTH will be, don’t you think?

Well, after twisting his arm and thoroughly ruining the moment, my honey revealed that he wanted to take me away on a belated birthday excursion, but threatened that if I asked another question of him, he’d cancel every single plan and instead treat me to Double Fillet Day at Long John Silvers! Needless to say, I’ve been as quite as a church mouse (outwardly) while the gears in my head have been squealing and smoking as I try to decipher what all the 30th Birthday Getaway entails.

With that said, I thought I’d give you, The Pack faithful the heads-up that I will be out of pocket for the next 4 days, gallivanting to only God (and my honey) knows where. I’d initially planned not to blog while on vaca, but I can already feel deep in my bones that these next few days are going to be chock-full of Pack worthy material. So, although some “secret” but much needed R&R is planned for me, I very well may be keeping you guys posted!

To Be Continued…

Newest Member to The League of Extraordinary Superwomen

In a world; where Speakers of The House are disrespected, rouge Governors willfully play as pawns on a gender-biased chess board and Secretaries of State forgo La Perla and instead don Hanes shorties to “play ball” with the big boys, there is a protagonist who hears the call for representation, and answers in earnest.  Move over Hillary and Sarah, “Female Force” has a new heroine.

Oftentimes when we think of a politically reforming “Champion of Common Sense” leader-of-the-free-world, we envision at his side a strong, well spoken woman with presence, poise and an unabashed sense of diva-like style.  Enter Michelle Obama.

It’s been a year since the First Lady was introduced to the world as a feature character in the “Female Force” comic series, created by Bluewater Comics.  And while Lady O may not have had a Lasso of Truth or bullet proof bracelets in her comic book debut, she did have the type of staying power to warrant an encore.  In the sequel entitled “Female Forces: Michelle Obama, YEAR ONE”, our super woman’s story is brought up to date.  The second installment starts off with the inauguration of her husband last January and chronicles her transition into the White House .

Of Obama and her super heroine likeness, Darren Davis, President of Bluewater Comics had this to say:

“Even before the first issue on Michelle Obama, we realized we were following a dynamic, continuing portrait of history. I foresee several more chapters as she creates her own agenda and makes her own mark as a “female force.”

In the first edition, Mrs. Obama’s background and life’s story was  showcased, beginning with her childhood in Chicago’s South side, her years at Princeton, and then her husband’s election to the presidency. 

For those ardent comic readers and collectors who are looking to learn more about Michelle O. or who simply seek to own a commemorative item detailing one of the most interesting and unique First Ladies in this country’s history, book two certainly won’t disappoint.  Readers will explore her first year in the White House: her travels around the world, including her pitch for Chicago’s 2016 Summer Olympics bid and her (highly publicized) visit with the Queen of England.  The publication even highlights her new initiative to end childhood obesity.  All this, and she manages to seamlessly maintain her home-life with her beau, their young daughters and her “Bo”.  Clearly this is yet another shining example of a woman who CAN do it all. 

And Bluewater Comics certainly seems to think so.  Their reps say that the first issue of Mrs. Obama’s comic sold out a week before it even hit stores last year.  With her style, finesse and ever-increasing popularity, there is no doubt that Bluewater can expect a repeat of those super sales figures. 

Talk About GIRL POWER!

Somebody Pass Shani The White Sox Fitted Cap!!!

I almost got swung-on by my delirious honey (who was KNOCKED OUT asleep) as I cheered and screamed my congratulatory elation, but it was well worth it for the chance to witness Winter Olympic and Black History in the making.

The Pack would like to applaud Shani Davis on his 1,000 meter Speed Skating gold medal win this evening in Vancouver.  With this victory, Shani defended the title he won at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, and became the first man to win two consecutive Olympic 1,000 meter titles.

His time of one minute 8.94 seconds helped the United States to reclaim the gold medal lead (four).  Incidentally, with a “Hi (former) Hater” shout out to Chad Hedrick, who placed third in the 1,000 meters, he and Davis worked to give the USA the total medal count lead thus far in the games (12).

The Pack looks forward to continued greatness for Shani Davis on Saturday in his 1,500 meter race, and wishes the rest of the Team USA well!

~Tiff

We Are The World

I love Michael Jackson.  I love the Grammys.  From now on however, I think that I will have to love them independent of one another.  Oh, don’t you feign surprise and ask me why! Sunday Night’s tribute to MJ on the Grammys was…I think the word I am looking for is “blasé.”  I enjoyed the singular artists who made up the Tribute Squad (well, except for Usher and his “drop to the floor” shenanigans as if he’d forgotten that he was paying homage to the King of Pop as opposed to headlining the “I’m Divorced Now and Looking For All The Single Ladies” Tour), but I just felt as though there wasn’t much thought that went into the production of the tribute.  I was so certain that Michael’s 3-D or Holographic image was going to side-kick, crotch grab and moonwalk across the stage, but alas, all the Grammy Producers gave me was birds, waterfalls and the forestry from Avatar.

 It’s a good thing that artists and producers like Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones understand the art of a tribute.  Not only have they gotten together to recreate one of MJ’s mega hits, but they are doing so in an effort to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.  “We Are the World” redux has brought together famous faces and windpipes from far and wide to lend a voice to a great and worthy cause.

With the entire music world in town for the Grammys, producer extraordinaire Quincy Jones brought together an array of superstars for this special project.  Can’t you just picture it, Lil Wayne harmonizing with Barbara Streisand?  Snoop Dogg and Miley Cyrus in E flat?  Zac Brown wailing in tune with Jennifer Hudson?  I happen to like the idea of this diverse and eclectic cast; similar in many ways to the original “We Are the World” Dream Team of 1985.  Let’s just hope that the divas, egos and drama are left outside the studio door so that true genius can prevail.

 The remix will debut worldwide during the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremonies on Friday Febuary 12th and be available on iTunes thereafter.  The proceeds will benefit Haiti through the newly established We Are the World Foundation.

 With his heart for charity and love of music, I think Mike would be proud.