Apartment & Car Tips: Parents, Girlfriends, Boyfriends, Sons & Daughters

By Patricia Britt

21^St Practicalities for Home:

Everyone should know a little something about practical matters.

The best gift you can get anyone on a budget in a new apartment are Corelle unbreakable dishes. Look on line before you select a pattern from a department store so you’ll know what you have to choose from.

They run around $40.00, and will last years without routine replacement, until you can get those designer dishes.

Tip 2: World Market has the steadiest most durable silver wear you can buy one at a time until you have a set that won’t easily tarnish that you’ll have to replace.

21St  Practicalities for Cars:

Tip 1 : On the Road : have the tech at Jiffy Lube check you round filter in the front of the car for dirt. Have the tech show you how to take it out and what to look for then you can go to automotive store, and replace it yourself next time. If Jiffy Lube will service everything (inflate the tires etc.) for $20.00 get it all done there, and be pampered. Needless to say regular oil changes will make your car last longer.

Tip 2 : On the Road : Most gas stations carry a small bottle a little smaller than a water bottle that’s essentially water. You poor it in your gas tank, and it evaporates the water from your gas tank so your car will start on the first try in the Winter months.

Some modern cars don’t need this product, and it could mess up your ignition so be sure to check at the automotive supply store first if your make, and model needs it.

Check back for the product name.

Tip 3 : Invest in locking gas cap.

Tip 4 : Put a nickel, or a quarter in the tread of your tire. If the Nickel fits in the tread, and is even with the top of the tread your tires are ok for winter snow weather. Google a Nickel, or Qaurter on Google to determine which measurement to use.

If you can see the coin sticking over the tread groove double check with a professional if you need new, or used tires to make it through the winter without skidding.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Years girls…

Zimation Arts & Letters : 21^St Practicalities for Home & Car

21st Century Art Education : Parents / Tweens : Creative Series

by Patricia Britt

Art is an infinite gift for a talented child in the choir, band, sports, who can build any Lego project in minutes, etc, or a quiet child that you see something special in their crayon pictures, or sketches then here’s some see art suggestions below. 

From the time I picked up a pencil I became an artist many years ago, and am still one to this day no matter how sporadic my drawing interludes are. Right now it’s been a few years between serious 2-6 hour sessions to complete a good work. Although my work is mediocre, I always like it, because I always capture the eyes, which are the window to the soul, and reinforces my talent. I’m working up to a session soon, I can feel it in my limbs as I organize my supplies to relaunch the best hobby in the world.

Supply Requirements :

1. Strathmore Drawing Pad ( medium weight) 2. metal pencil 3. Old fashioned pencil hb8 or your preference from an art store 4. A tissue, or Kleenex for shading if you’re drawing a human, or a flower 5. a flat gray gum eraser to lightly eraser tiny, or large amounts of mistakes.

Art Supply Source: Hobby Lobby Art Supply : Book : Animation 1 Learn to animate cartoons step by step ~ book by Preston Blair

This book has a double ISBN #

isbn13:978-0-929261-51-5
Isbn – 10:0929261-51-5

www.walterfoster.com  is the distributor If I could buy every child in thru k12 in, or out of school an art program this book is the equivalent, because it has the silly fundamentals of art in goofy characters. It runs about $10.00.

Say you have a child who’s good at art takes two or three classes, and hones their talent on their own with the supplies above. Then where do they go with it? Are there classes in the neighborhood or at a safe distance from home? Do you, or the child have an Ipad to collect images for a drawing source? Does the family subscribe to  magazines like the Avon catalog, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, GQ, Car magazines, and even People so the child can practice on portraits the child finds interesting to draw, and not give up, because it’s just an average tiny gumpy picture with a nerdy pose, or are the guy models saying I can conquer the world, and the girls are saying come closer to see my heart, just not to close with their eyes, if portraits are your preference.

With portraits you should use both types of pencils until you get a feel which one suits you best.

If architecture is your specialty potential stick with mechanical pencils.

Beyond sketching I’m at a loss for the techniques of art, but this can get you started.

The best item to begin with is a good animation book carried by Hobby Lobby.

Once you have these supplies you can started on your own. To get back to the initial question where does the child, teen, adult go from here? You draw the same character 100 times until you’re satisfied that it looks like the original in all aspects, but feel free to move to a different character if you’re having difficulty, because the goal is to master the entire book. That can take a month, a year, or 10 years. But once you have the elements of animation portraits are easy.

Art Instruction Studios is one avenue for testing after you’ve mastered the book, although for most people there is a fee, they may have scholarships.

Your goal with art can be leisurely for yourself, or you can improve as your goal to be a graphic artists learning computer software, or fine artists using oil paints.

To draw for yourself is an easy therapeutic way to loosen up, and feel like you’ve achieved something.
Sometimes the Lord gives us a multitude of gifts to develop that gives us personal satisfaction, and possibly a career. Explore art, and see what happens. 

http://www.artinstructionschools.edu/enrollment/scholarships  Perhaps this my help your budding artist.

Merry Christmas families…

Zimation Arts & Letters 21st Century Education ~ Creative Series

2013 TV Critique : Mini Series The Bible

21^st Century Television Critique & Comment

By Patricia Britt

The mini series The Bible is pretty close to what I’ve grown up with, and studied in various bibles. The bible is definitely worth watching again to pick up the nuances, and apply it to your reading material if you have a more traditional bible where you need clarification, and reinforcement of the principles outlined as a Christian since it was a well acted drama , and not the Bible itself.

The Bible was produced by Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel), and her husband Mark Burnett producer of a couple wild wild west shows like Survivor, and Celebrity Apprentice that don't exactly follow Christlike behavior.

December 25^th is the holiest day for Christians, noting the day one man, named Jesus Christ changed, at the very least how we measure time thru his example of love for humanity, healing,  spiritual freedom to worship God when he walked the Earth 2,000 years ago. The purity of the bible, and the faith is the description of how Jesus lived his life in an example anyone can aspire to whether you choose to believe (John 11:26), or not.

Zimation Arts & Letters : 21^St Century Television Critique

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Random Thoughts : CNN Anchor Commercials

Random Thoughts : CNN Anchor Commercials

by Patricia Britt

The world has come a long way towards fairness with many global initiatives to care for the poor, and promote self sustaining systems in agriculture, and technology as seen on CNN, MSNBC, cable, broadcast networks, newspapers, and the Internet.

In November it was nice to see Van Jones, Christiane Amanpour, Michaela Pereira, and Frederika Whitfield added to the “This is CNN” ad promotional, since Whitfield’s thoughtful common sense approach, and pleasant spirit is the core of the weekend news.

I wonder if Isha Sesay, Joe Johns, Ed Lavandera, Jessica Yellen, Susan Hendrix, or Dan Lothian will be privileged to travel to Mandela’s transition in South Africa to be a part of the all encompassing coverage on a courageous man. If not, maybe someday one of them might host a special on green technology, technological gadgets, or schools as part of the CNN team of correspondents who represent progressive diversity as role models in the newsroom.

2013 Zimation Arts & Letters

Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela : Grace to be continued : An African Journey

Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela has passed from this life to the next. He was a distinguished man valued for his intellect, charisma, and vision for the greater good. He made a difference by never giving up the quest for dignity, and learning about humanity to always grow individually to teach his captors, his country, the world, and his family the grace of an unconquered spirit thru his evolving example of what it is to be a leader by advancing all people.

He was a husband, father, grandfather, boxer, attorney, statesman, and Madiba to his countless admirers.

http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1993/mandela-bio.html

Books: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, Mandela’s Way by Richard Stengal

Movies about his life : 2009 Invictus, 2013 Mandela (Idris Elba)

http://news.yahoo.com/mandela-39-jailer-praises-anti-apartheid-icon-195533813.html

Madiba Nelson Mandela :Grace To Be Continued: An African Journey by Patricia Britt

“I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb.” Nelson Mandela

In the seventies there was a television series called “Born Free” about a white African family among black countrymen revolving around the preservation of wild life. Born Free was a staple in our household. I never realized the importance of that show until now, in that the very title of the show must have been a statement about Apartheid? Mandela’s spirit was born free, and he sought freedom for black South Africa thru the ANC, because of the brutality he’d witnessed beyond the aristocratic security he could have enjoyed with less conflict. He later realized working with whites in reconciliation instead of retaliation was his life’s path always seeing himself as a child of God entitled to freedom of choice equal to any man communicated thru letters over the course of many years.

As a black American throughout my life I have witnessed unexpected acts of kindness, and injustice. Maybe last year I was in a store, and planned to get two items which were stamps, and a lottery ticket. I purchased my stamps, saw a long line, and realized I forgot to purchase my million dollar ticket, after I completed my first transaction, I told the clerk I’ll get back in line, because I forgot to mention the ticket initially. The twenty something year old very seriously said, “This is America, tell me what you’d like.” And it struck me as so sweet, and respectful that she felt so strongly about common courtesy, and justice, and of course it strengthened my reservoir of hope for American unity, and understanding as kindness, and political progress always does.

We’ve all experienced numerous acts of simple consideration from sharp young store clerks educating us about the latest technological gadgets when we’re seeking to make a purchase whether we, or they are black, white, or otherwise even if we’re only window shopping, and it warms our heart, and lets us know a willing spirit of cooperation is alive, and well even in the face of incidents of tragic violence committed against young black men by racist with harsh thoughts, and / or preconceived notions. There’s a lot of cool kids that make up America, and the rest of the world whose opinions matter, and contribute to good vibes.

On a much deeper level Mandela must have internalized both the cruelty, and humanity of the guards (Christo Brand – Afrikaner translater) that held his physical fate in their hands on a daily basis for nearly 30 years, knowing that if he even spoke with a degree of pride their resentment might cost his life, because human good, and evil can be quick, and irreversible as he certainly knew. Yet he was determined to overcome the overt evil that imprisoned his people’s path with the belief that through reason in his own circumstances, he could eventually achieve freedom employing silence, gaining knowledge, attaining wisdom, and communication with his captors to materialize a victory, and find a way out of no way.

World musicians were on par with the apartheid struggle translating that injustice anywhere is not something good people will tolerate, without speaking out in time. Students of the world, and Politian’s withdrew financial support to show support, and bring about change.

Hollywood, and probably the African, and European equivalent have made numerous movies about the love of Africa (Mississippi Masala, Out of Africa, Coming To America, Amistad, 12 Years a Slave, The African Queen, Cry Freedom, Blood Diamonds, The Hotel Rwanda, and so on …) its native people, decendents, and the lush land in addition to internal conflict, and stereotypes. Mandela took all his experiences in stride, and cast a spell on South Africa, and the world applying his education, and way with words to compose, and establish a democratic constitution. He maintained an attitude of setting endless goals, perhaps stemming from an athletic spirit of sportsmanship from his youth to achieve thru team leadership, with some clerks, poets, and musicians along the way to elevate his soul.

His grace will be continued through all the lives he touched even if it was just his smile across the tv screen. His eyes were damaged working in the lime mines in captivity, and he still read, and increased his knowledge after his release. He stood strong for the unifying themes of equality, civil rights, and justice for a rainbow nation as the first black president in a predominantly black land, rich in priceless minerals.

Through his transition his countrymen have cried, sang, danced, and prayed in triumph for the impact he made in their daily existence.

2013 Zimation Arts & Letters

November 2013 Hollywood Holiday Movie reviews:

All of these movies are worth seeing for the acting ability, and heart throbs guiding the situations that unfold, depending on your mood on any given day. Don’t let’em get away without seeing them.

Black Nativity:

You could say the big city streets depicted are the avenue of sorrow when families fall apart. The message of this movie was giving family a second chance for the sake of children, and eveyone by extension. When we support unique works like this perhaps we can pick up helpful tips for our nuclear family, distant relatives, neighbors, or possibly an acquaintance, or friend across country to rebuild our village besides being rapped up in the plot. You may say oh no not another black movie with conflict, however, this story has some applicable twists presented within a musical genre with incredible performances, and powerhouse singing of Jennifer Hudson the epitome of strength in the face of preventable tragedy with a little more love, the always soul stirring Mary J. Blige, and several notable unknown singers / actors showed the reason for the season in Jesus birth story told through tangent songs. The the warmth of Angela Bassett (Strange Days), Forest Whitacker (Butler), and the emotional core of the family, newcomer Jacob Latimore as he looks for answers about his existence makes a compelling film.

It’s worth the investment to see a rare theatrical portrayal based on the works of the Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes with Tyrese Gibson as the subtle wild card in the equation, in addition to some noteworthy scenes in a rocking church.

12 Years a Slave:

Superb acting that conveyed ever present envy, pain, danger, and contemplation of freedom, and release from bondage with an exceptional cast. 12 Years a slave is important, because it clearly illustrates the residual problems with black love in the sheer pain and torture men women and children had to see and endure. Could you imagine losing your nuclear family by deceit, then nurturing your slave woman to the extent you were capable of and have to witness her never ending tears at losing her own children knowing kindness, or avoidance is all you could do while still trapped in the predicament of the threat to your own uppity life, and falling prey to severe physical cruelty more times than not. This struck me as the truest comprehendable depiction I’ve ever seen, with world historian and Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates (PBS : Many Rivers to Cross companion DVD & text book $34.95 each – History of the African in the Americas) as story consultant, bringing to the life the true story of Solomon Northrup. Director Steve McQueen.

Best Man Holiday:

Best Man Holiday was a witty tale of affluence, and complex relationships with joy, and a touch of sorrow, followed by triumph, and the possibilities of love, and friendship acted superbly by the ensemble cast including heart throb Morris Chestnut’s intensity, Eddie Cibrian’s cool breeze, Nia Long’s I’m there for you girl, Sanah Latham’s this is love, and some more great heartfelt scenes, and flirtatious innuendo.

Thor : The Dark World

Handsome lead, veteran sci fi actress, love develops thru sweeping special effects in epic lands, and you know the bad guys are defeated for the moment in this sequel that’s great for teens preteens, moms, and dads. The kids will love the big screen.

Gravity:

Gravity is about survival against the odds in the journey from earth to space to earth again. It’s about teamwork, self sacrifice, discipline, and determination that shows you why humanity will continue to explore the cosmos through the will to survive. George Clooney was the heart, and Sandra Bullock starred as the embodiment of the American spirit. If you liked Prometheus with Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron you’ll want to contemplate this.

2013 Zimation Arts & Letters 

Random Thoughts : CNN, the N Word, Sandy Hook & Thanksgiving programming?

Random Thoughts : CNN, the N Word, Sandy Hook & Thanksgiving programming?

As a black middle aged American I don’t really care to hear about a celebrity saying the N word in passing every day, 100x a day in a gotcha moment on video, unless it involves a blatant law suit. The N word is covered so much on CNN that I’m positive it builds a resentment by white ethnicities towards young black people, in addition to CNN’s reputation, because the corporation appears somewhat psychotic about its use, particularly when it’s not balanced throughout the year with clear intellectual trailblazers like Ken Chenault in an interview about the economy for instance. Some viewers certainly must resent the word police, living in fear CNN is going to get them if they slip up at Starbucks if they express their bias openly stewing in an internalized psychic lapse of judgment for an under breath moment, because they’ve been banned from saying the word when there is a preponderance of the historically hateful word the NAACP tried to bury in 2007 without the earned loyal support of a small loud percentage of youth that insist on throwing  ugly words around.

There’s so much to say about the no no words, that most civil rights trailblazers, or honorable people don’t want to hear it at all, especially on cable news in a 24/7 cycle. I would venture to say most blacks don't appreciate its usage, but have to live with listening to it, because the ones who say it on the street emulate what they hear on tv news, and particularly in recordings by those who think it's cute to claim exclusive rights to stupid words. Some athletes black, and non black, and others of different walks of life use it with the excuse it's acceptable, because it's in the public domain. Hearing the fascination with creepy words so much in the media sometimes seems as if the usage is masked in honor, for the fun of it.

Two other bad words are Peckerwood, and Honky (Rolling Stones / Honky Tonk Woman ), but why is it you never hear these insults on the news? Is it because the “black culture” CNN is so fond of saying embraces the N word, but somehow they’re on an exceptionally higher verbal standard toward their fellowman when it comes to using terms like Peckerwood, and Honky that it’s seldom if ever recorded for a mass audience in a spoken word format, or in a plethora of movies? I don’t recall seeing any movies with the term Peckerwood, or Honky since Richard Prior's hey day, when the majority of ethnic origins thought he was funny to a degree, especially once he began his golden movie career without hateful words, that made him rich. I've never been one to search out disrespect in what I view. Bill Cosby could make you laugh over the simplest things as he walked a fine line to gain acceptance, and change the world. Could it be Hollywood has an unwritten code not to insult the origins of the network executives that green light senseless projects? Why is red neck a common acceptable description white guys (Blake Shelton / Boys Round Here) on a zillion talk shows, but Peckerwood, and Honky is rarely if ever heard………….?

There are many things CNN should explore with respect to dialog, and programming from a psychotic perspective, such as why in God’s name would CNN air a documentary on President Kennedy’s assassination on Thanksgiving Day when this special has been on at least 10 times in the last two weeks? Yet CNN continues to question why society is becoming sicker while they glorify the bad guy practically weekly in numerous documentaries. It might be nice to have someone like Dick Van Dyke on to discuss a career of uplift, and triumph so young people can add two and two on what it takes to be a good guy and succeed rather than giving us a slugger like Mike Tyson to talk about vicious social media trends, and celebrate our holiday with? If American information providers appreciated the wisdom of the old in society perhaps another Sandy Hook might not be a daily fear CNN feels it necessary to warn against while it perpetuates violence in its documentaries, and guest selections.

CNN programmers might want to consider that Thanksgiving is a symbolic holiday of people coming together, and sharing culture in the spirit of love, even if it was shortly thereafter that Indians, and Mexican land was stolen from coast to coast as documented by historical maps of this hemisphere. At least initially an element of people were willing to sit around the fire and swap good stories of building the land together in an easy fall breeze. Thoughtless programming robs spirits of wow that was cool, versus what was that.

This is the beginning of my writing career. Is it acceptable for me to ask why these reference word differences, and pyschic lapses are ok to question, and present ad-nauseam, particularly in the holiday season? If I click my heels 3x can we get Larry King's & captain planet's (Ted Turner) wise hearts back at CNN in some capacity? To me there's nothing compelling, or funny about violence on tv, particularly when the first 5 minutes of certain CSI episodes are traumatic reminders of tragedy for anyone who's ever experienced loss personally, to name just one franchise. But since it appears that any insult any comedian says is acceptable, and the more gruesome the better for certain producers with the authority to put anything on the movie screen, or tv is worth a greedy try in an effort to appeal to who knows what in the audience, and or their own twisted satisfaction confusing, and depressing the young we have to rely on for progress. Shall we look at any word from a position of humour, regardless of how callous? Anything goes is a fact of life on the big screen, and small screen with endless dna tests, etc. When and how do we turn it around, or at least have some positive consistency to balance the negative assault on the senses?

I wonder if Gabrielle Giffords, Nancy Pelosi, John Boehner, and others in politics think it’s entertaining that if they want to take a few glimpses away from Mary J. Blige Christmas music, food, and comradery to see what’s happening in the news on a given HOLIDAY away from the festivities, do they really want to see another documentary on President Kennedy’s final day? Where's the sensitivity on a day of fellowship? 

On Tuesday Piers Morgan had another timely discussion on what elements contribute to villains in our society. The one key element that was overlooked in CNN's corporate citizenship is "itself" with the constant result of glorification of violence thru its overexposure tendencies that makes viewing over several hours somewhat like a video game.


People have always been attracted to creative themes of good versus evil as presented in the movie masterpiece the Matrix. If you're a believer in good you saw that ultimately love, and good will always triumph over evil. Just as in the Godfather some see family above all else in the realm of treachery, deceit, and control where anything goes to build a financial network. My first inklings that motion pictures were losing something was the year the movie "Juice" came out. It was a cold movie with no redemptive themes. All anyone searching for reasons for destructive behavior have to look to is how horror pictures have changed from decade to decade. If you want you can wait for a creepy picture at the movies, or just stay home, and watch 5 movies a day on envy, violence, or nonsense that's dispensed exponentially on cable you can.

The big picture is a spoon full of sugar is needed to counter decades of ever multiplying cruelty on screen, and in the news for shock value, while on another level in actuality hearts still reach out to hearts in climatic catastrophes shared on the news. When news anchors use curse words as if it's cute with non consequential stories it sends more mixed messages to youth generally in the process of trying to determine what's right, and what's wrong, or in daytime tv with the kid in the barred crib looks on while mommy is entertained. How do we figure out what the real state of humanity is, beyond researching donations to charity to evaluate the good factor beyond the heroes we might personally know from experience?

I wonder what Christmas viewing will hold? CNN is part of AOL Time Warner - surely they produce some questionable tv shows while it critiques all other media challengers? CNN itself has a responsibility to educate beyond reaction for ratings that have been steadily diminishing, because it's still a direct voice in a sea of confusion our youth have to sort thru.

Copyright 2013 Zimation Arts & Letters by Patricia Britt

Random Thoughts: Midwest Commercial Radio Music Hmmmmmmmmmmm

Random Thoughts: Midwest Commercial Radio Music Hmmmmmmmm

This is the first of many music related articles I will write through 2014. Lets go on a mini journey, and Listen to the Temptations Ball of Confusion, Jagged Edges Lets Get Married, Jill Scotts Golden, & Des’ree Stronger, Walking on Sunshine yea, and don’t it feel good, and ask yourself do these songs make you feel good, thoughtful, and hopeful about the future. Then ask yourself do dj’s of all ethnicities play these songs in their rotation to strengthen societies spirit, or are they playing something that brings you down if you’re not fortunate enough to subscribe to SIRIUS music radio, or cable’s Music Choice, and are subjected to the broken hearted selections of DJ with no regard for universal unity.

This Temptations song is about social change, and contemplation. The chorus says, and the band played on, because the composer could never imagine a world without a proliferation of musicians even though he saw the unity of a multitude of souls.

Well the band doesn’t seem to be playing on if you listen to commercial radio you hear blaring songs by Queen, but you don’t hear soulful love songs by Ashford & Simpson, Soul Searching classics by Average White Band, Teena Marie’s voice of the century whaling for loving, it’s as if the sweet raps of Minnie Ripperton never existed. Why are black universal souls omitted from commercial radio airplay.

Lets get married…have the executives of Clear Channel or whatever conglomerate is in vogue now looked at the marriage statistics in America, because that’s where we all live without love sweet love if we can’t afford to pay for an IPOD device, or subscribe to paid music programming.

Can we elect politicians that will put music back in the schools, and give creative kids an avenue for creation. I don’t know if the Ohio Players were high school educated musicians? I believe Lionel Richie & the Commodores were, Orrick Ewing (facebook, or google pbs to listen) grammy nominated guitarist is the product of a high school band based in Lansing, and has a new single called Swag on the 9 Mile Label in Detroit Michigan.

If you have a facebook acquaintance sending love to the world with a voice, and especially with an instrument - cranking out a music dream with style post their name, CD title hear, link, and maybe we can make some beautiful music together in this space, because we need to keep it going, before its gone.

If you listen to commercial radio you might think Prince was the only black guy who ever picked up a guitar because he owns his own company. Thank God. Santana, George Benson, Isley Jasper Isley, and Prince are some of the greatest guitarist who’ve disappeared from the commercial airwaves. What happened? What’s happening? Were they too handsome for envious record spinners to immortalize.  I can dream on with the best musicologist out there, but executives don’t seem to care if they short circuit a child’s heart when their parent’s are driving them to school with the radio off when they could be bonding, because they don’t know what’s going to come out of the cracker jack box?

The omissions above indicate a terribly sick picture, unless you want to make Eminem a billionaire, because Jonta Austin makes your girlfriend melt, so you don’t want to hear any of this cool guys tips on how to keep a woman. Listening is the source of learning.

God bless all the innovative dj’s the public forgets to thank when a spirit building melody is played….. let’s hope that band plays on, and on … and roars in unity shining bright like a diamond, because what’s song without instruments spawned in our schools from resourceful school administrators.

And sometimes you need to hear a variety of logical spirit love songs by a vocalist like Usher to fit your mood. If you listen to hard rock, or rap all day take ten minutes to hear a heart that can teach you something. Not only do girls want to have fun they want to be your angel (Angela Winbush / Anita Baker / Stacey Latisaw) and run to you. And I must say Kenny Edmunds & Toni Braxton’s breakup song is hot, and right on God’s time. The silver shadow they cast is smoooooooooooooooove. Do it baby, because the sincerity in Raheem DeVaughn Ridiculous will get you a couple dates, if you’re willing to be schooled.

And the band played on – maybe – maybe not?

Copyright Zimation Arts & Poetry Ink 2013  - by PM Britt

Random Thoughts : Whitney Houston Forever

Random Thoughts : Whitney Houston Forever

Whitney Houston rung bells around the world with her sweet spirit even through the times she was pushed to the edge of being a lady by vicious paparazzi seeking an ugly picture of a beautiful woman, or mean spirited envious media personalities. And through it all she made her mother Cissy Houston, and her aunt Dion Warwick proud of the uniting force, and impact as one of a select few voices of the century she still exhibits on the world today versus the toxic pettiness she was continuously exposed to.

Wendy Williams doesn’t possess the spirit of a Silver Shadow (Atlantic Star), just google her & Whitney Houston’s interviews on YouTube. She tells her audience how far she’s come, but her shadow isn’t silver like Whitney Houston’s was, and will always be from the love she vibrated into the universal fabric of life, because her birth was a loving gift from God to the world through her touching voice. Since Wendy Williams doesn’t mind stalking entertainment icons for decades with her microphone platform, and throwing shade at my favorite people in the world I “felt” it was time to throw a little shade her way, hopefully I won’t encounter a computer virus as I launch my occasional Internet amateur writing career centered on spirited people versus the envious attitudes of media currently on the air, just as Whitney Williams has launched her career on the Kardashians, Whitney Houston, The Jersey Shore, and women with children are Wendy's favorite topics to network about.

This is the first installment of the Wendy Williams series. Stay tuned for updates. “How you doin?”  Fan out world. As Barry White would say playing your game baby … And make no mistake mean tv is a game, and Dracula comes on in prime time. What a juicy show.

Ladies the bulk of Wendy Williams lessons are about Fair Weather Friends (Isley Jasper Isley) frenimies whatever you want to call them, because she is one, she understands mean girls and lacks all the lessons you need. You can only learn so much from mean girls without sacrificing your values, or being led astray. Take it all with a grain of salt in small doses if you’re a leader, and not a pawn (see youtube Wendy Williams and Whitney Houston interview). Remember the stars officials sites if you want to see the latest on what they might actually be doing.

Ladies take some time to study men like Tavis Smiley and Charlie Rose on PBS to get a better idea of manhood than the tactics Williams works out with her team.

It’s ok to get your close up and woo woo with that sparkling disco ball, maybe it’ll lead to a gig with a cute outfit, and hairstyle being in New York a center of entertainment? Who knows what it's going to take when you reach for that spotlight?  Every day girls soaking up the toxicity, think, and keep a spare throwaway cell phone for those drive bys Williams says to check out, so you can eject quickly always with your best friend in earshot, and eye range on your Shirley Temple when you go dance.

Wendy Williams mud-slinging spirit, and Whitney Houston’s graceful essence never met, although the Jersey girls were in the same room once according to Williams. Silly thought, I’m just wondering if Whitney listened to Williams talk about any of her trailblazing entertainment co-worker lamb friends on the radio before they ended up in the same vicinity for a hot minute? Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I remember Williams claiming she received a letter from Oprah that she proceeded to read in 2012, or 2013 then Oprah had to proclaim on a standard entertainment show that in essence she never gave Williams the time of day. Some may feel the need to be there or be square with Williams television show, but always consider the source…in the arena of thoughtless cruelty.

Another silly thought : A date night with a new man must have been a maze of ecstatic joy, and and the fear of tell all pain when the initial gent turns into the town cryer for Whitney, but we'll never know, because she's not around to tell us… if she was the victim of tell alls in the following scenario....I went on a date with the most beautiful sexy woman in the world in a turtleneck in my house ….That’s the kind of thing to make a super lady super selective, lonely, and one of the best teachers in the universe through the power of her voice intonations on a multitude of songs selected for the power of their message….

How many broken hearts did she leave in men who dreamed of meeting her someday? Finally I guess more money more worries, more soul, more heart, more sweetness to be an eternal memory with life everlasting.

I really wish Whitney could have done a duet with Raheem DeVaughn, and so many more.

The profitability of tearing artists down that Williams relishes in was not her creation, but it seems to be her imprint on the earth. Even Barbra Streisand had to step away from a small hard core inappropriate-unappreciative vocal audience segment by selecting performances in her own time thankfully choosing to protect her heart from the envy masqueraders.

I’m thankful that Whitney Houston walked this earth, and passed this way with the greatest love of all for every woman. Blessings, love, soul inspiration, & purity always ~ Peace Out Goddess.

2013 copyright Zimation Arts & Letters by Patricia Britt

Random Thoughts : Throwing Shade the New Catch Phrase

Words are a source of love, or hate. Much more on catch words in the year to come, so in the mean time go with it girls, throw shade if appropriate. We’re all the word police as some of us see various word origins, and degrees of usage.  I heard Cosmopolitan Cynthia Bailey use the catch phrase throwing shade, but I question its usage by some. Cynthia Baileys heart seems good, because she spoke up for Portia portraying the glamorous Dorothy Dandridge at a party event. Let’s hope class is in fact always forever with the potential of a modeling empire at stake with young girls entrusted to her care.

Doubtless to say throwing shade to some people is equivalent to off the chain as a new cool saying, while throwing shade could be deeper by others, used for instigation, and delineation in its initiation, but lets take the power, and define it here.

My definition for the purposes of the 2010 decade is :

A) A simple dis i.e you’re throwing shade please get out of my face as you move out of the vicinity of any ratchet behavior.

b) Criticizing another woman on the sly to impress another woman, or to get a man with insinuative words, because one feels threatened (not good enough) by the competition on an even playing field.

C. Black women’s hues are from cream to cocoa so let’s not go there even if the phrase throwing shade might have started there. Hopefully it start in a place of separation.

D. Throwing shade may also be used as shorthand for friends to watch each other’s back. i.e. she’s throwing shade – lets bounce to the party she wasn’t invited to.

E. White women have already adopted it, therefore it will be around,  so lets take the Jada Pinkett – Smith movie scene where she says to the mesmerized little boy admiring her “you’re in my light” to indicate - give me some space & go away - as my acceptable definitions of the new catch phrase.

Speaking of light has anyone noticed how spiritual Jada is on her Facebook page. What is Jada saying with all this usable wisdom that lifts spirits, or provokes thought : I can teach you life lessons about family, and fame. I love my man. You can try to take him, but I don’t think you will, and if you do both of you are going to lose your mind, because I’m going to make a naked video, and the Fresh Prince knows he’ll never get to touch this again. And she knows he can’t live without the philosophy of love.

Jada has overcome odds and she knows her worth as a woman and a guiding force for women, and her children. You can’t mess with a woman with true love, from an honorable man with vision, and not get burned, because they’re a hot couple, and that’s why everyone wants to be between the sheets.

From her space in life it’s clear she knows how to get from point a to point b, and has the intelligence to fall in love when her man who fills a movie trailer with roses to show what she means to him. That’s a smart woman to accept love. Just like Vivica Fox is a cool woman to have told that story so the vultures know what they have to deal with to try to get close to that man’s heart when it’s already given. And when a man vs a boy’s heart is taken he’s going to keep his vision intact.

If you love birds make a movie on the French Riviera call me. I know I just skipped a pebble through space but someone was bound to do it this month, or next. Happy Thanksgiving for the acting intensity, plausibility, and realms you all have let us see on the screen so far. I’ll see you on academy night this decade as actors, or producers. The Patti Labelle story would be a great one to produce, while wicked wisdom might inhabit the Stormy Weather of Lena Horne: The lady & her music.

Peace Out & God Bless Limelight Lovers.

2013 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters by PM Britt

Random Thoughts : Sister Love & Parental Love

Random Thoughts: Human Love letter to PARENTS : 

I’m a childless diamond in the rough seeking a writing career by trial and error. I might write an article or a sentence on how to improve America. So parents if you’re having problems with your kids, or you’re exceptionally proud of your kids take an hour a week to just dance with them and listen to music on one of the many Music Choice stations on your cable tv network, and see if it makes a difference. My theory is that it will be great, and good exercise. Try it, and see if you all like it. In this day, and age it sure couldn’t hurt.

But do stop if your knees start popping, you can’t be late for work with an ice pack!

Random Thoughts: Human Love letter to KIDS: You might pick up some smooth moves?

Peace Out & God Bless,

Copyright 2013 Arts & Letters Patricia Britt

Random Thoughts : Sister Love letter to girls : 

If you have a man be glad, if you have gray hair dye research before you try something on your hair to change it, so it stays healthy. It's traumatic to lose your original shade if you love it, but it could be worth of try. Read all directions carefully. Please do a strand test.

Young girls be careful with dyes, because you’ll be stuck with it for at least 6 weeks. Think about whether you want to go blonde, brown, or black carefully before those holiday parties, and that job interview comes up, because if you get the job you can let the hair salon do it, if you wait a little longer.

And whatever you do, or don’t do play some music like I’m too sexy for my …. Before you go out on that date. If you don’t think you’re special who will?

Consider the source : No love right now, but it’s on the way.

2013 Zimation Arts & Letters by Patricia Britt

Poem * Love

Love, what is it to you? Is it the easiest, and most essential element, or the most difficult elusive mutual state of existence to grasp? Isn't it true love makes the world go round, and makes living, working, and striving so much better! So let love rule and see where love takes you.with loving vibes around you...

Love Is All That Matters

by Patricia Britt

Love is all that matters,

When love makes your heart soar.

Love makes your heart race,

to keep pace.

Love is the utmost high

that can make you fly & touch the sky.

Soaring hearts together as one,

are very mello.

Souls united make everything right.

When love is right every night is bright.

When love is found you wanna stay around.

Mighty love strengthens the soul at any age, 
it sets the stage, 

for your heart to expand!

Copyright 2010 - Rev. 2013

Here are some sites on love for you to explore:

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Love

Love is the emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. In philosophical context, love is a virtue representing all of human's kindness, compassion, and affection.

• www.answers.com/topic/love
• www.love.com

• www.lovecalculator.com

• www.wikihow.com/Love

   

• en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Love

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. ~ eden ahbez

• dictionary.reference.com/browse/love 

–noun 1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

21st Century Education Considerations

21st Century Education Considerations
By Patricia Britt 

Most people who make it in the world study for a lifetime to gain the knowledge to apply themselves to make a difference in their own life attaining a home, the ultimate American dream, or helping countless others by carving their own path in pursuit of their goals, because leaders know he who has the gold makes the rules, but the playground can be leveled through knowledge. Learn the rules so you can improve them.

www.quickstudy.com Some school bookstores carry laminated notes on a variety of topics that give students the answers they need to memorize. Wouldn’t it be something if students nationwide had these from in k-12 education? I think so, especially in math, because higher level math is based on equations, and if you miss a day of class you might miss an entire concept you need to build on the next step. I’m not an educator, but in math if nothing else our kids need to know how to build on one thing to get to the next level while assisting teachers reinforce essential knowledge.

Just saying try checking out the Internet with every possible teaching tool you could ever need (www.livescience.com , www.wikipedia.org,  www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary,   www.britannica.com,   www.kahnacademy.org (reading, writing, arithmetic),  www.amnh.org/our-research/hayden-planetarium (check it out and learn something new),    mkaku.org (future possibilities) , www.whitehouse.gov (jobs & green technology initiatives) www.youtube.com/jazzradio, Search beautiful amazing nature and quotes on facebook, bing, google, and yahoo...

Study to be approved. Each one teach one to strengthen character, and set goals for the long run.

Copyright 2013 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink : Poetry Concepts

2014 Love Education Update
Microsoft virtual academy is something to do to build a career in your spare time. Make it a viral share.

http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com

https://learn.code.org/hoc/1

Race Relations in the 21st Century

by Patricia Britt

Most people know that we’re all an ethnic mixture since the time we appeared on earth, and began our journey across the globe. It is my theory that to expect the best of each other leads to personal contentment, especially when you think of how many of us have blended families of many races.

I would venture to say that most people don’t walk around thinking about what color they are, or who their descendents were at every second of every day. Most of us only become conscious of ethinicity, or race if you will, when it’s pointed out either verbally, or through actions. And when it’s a negative comment, or action it can really hurt.

Usually for ethnic people, it makes us sad for the most part when our race is noted to separate us, or set us apart from the mainstream. Not because we’re ashamed of our origins, because most people are proud of their ethnic heritage whatever the gumbo mixture is, whether one is pale, or chocalate, with, or without an accent.

Think about all the inventions in the world. Everyone invented something, and maybe if we taught our children more about achievements in every avenue, we’d all be happier people? Whenever I read something new about another race in an achievement biography in a book, or on wikipedia I say wow, that’s awesome! And it becomes a part of my soul.

In the 21^st century many more of us have a variety of friendships from different backgrounds. The most important thing to know about other people is you can learn something from everyone. Learning about history, will either stifle your mindset, or set you free to be a blessing. I try to comprehend other races through music consciously, and subconsciously. After all people make the world go round... 

Stop, look, listen to your heart, and hear the best of everyone's best...

Copyright 2013 ~ Zimation Arts & Letters : Poetry Concepts

See Justin Bieber Please

Dr. ML King ~ NAN: Realize the Dream

National Action Network : Realize the Dream Review 

by Patricia Britt

The National Action Network's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his immortal "I Have a Dream Speech" allowed the world to once again be enveloped in history. The march was a chance to learn the effectiveness of gaining concern, and respect through faith, dignity, and discipline.

Many of us as a people have reached the aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's dream in that most of us aren't just screamed at with vicious names, and intent as we interact with people to conduct our lives each day any more. The most notable signs of progress in America are the multitude of black business people, politicians, the President of the United States being the most notable.

The stream of speakers reminded us of a cruel history, significant achievements, civil rights action steps, and references to continue to move forward towards greater equality as a universal goal. Yet the road before all of us regardless of ethnicity, who believe in economic equality remains to be seen, and paved so more of us can attain a happy sense of Democratic contentment thru our current work contributions, or what's to come as succeeding students graduate, and search for employment. Dr. King was a scholar who studied a variety of topics expressed in his speeches from faith, spirituality, fairness, science, economics, and more. To think like Dr. King is what it's going to take for our youth to prepare themselves, instead of investing the majority of their time in worrying about how to avoid the pitfalls of cruelty from each other, or those averse to a live, and let live philosophy. All youth need the safety that comes with respecting each other so they can be at ease as they wake up each day for a new challenge to be a better person for themselves, and all they encounter with a song in their heart to elevate their soul...

Dr. King thought beyond his own existence. I'm sure he would have been in awe of the phenomenon of technology, and would have advocated that youth take advantage of social networking sites to share inspirational quotes to build each other up by studying all the Internet has to offer (www.quotegarden.com),  in addition to current civil rights leadership by searching www.nationalactionnetwork.net Reverend Al Sharpton,  Marc Morial ( http://nul.iamempowered.com/who-we-are/executive-leadership/executive-staff/marc-h-morial - View the annual State of Black America report & Jobs Reuild America campaign), Wade Henderson (www.civilrights.org), www.taylorbranch.com, Congressman John Lewis, Reverend Joseph Lowery (www.sclcnational.org), Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. (www.rpc.org), Ambassador Andrew Young, Professor Julian Bond, Eric Holder, Mayor Cory Booker, and Tony Bennett say in word, and song. The Jazz soundtrack for the march was great easy listening music, that once again brought us all together to motivate thought on how to generate a loving atmosphere.

The only thing the march was missing were innovative business people noting mega job expansion theories, and the trajectory of business employment goals to work towards in the 21st century with climate change in mind. Dr. King's message of love has spanned the globe, and that's why we come together to remember his vision time after time. Dr. King will always be a hero as an authority who lived up to his calling.
 

To embark on an easier future is to comprehend possibilities for advancement. The flow of beloved chance is predicated on when opportunity meets preparedness being absorbed from what we read, whether it's an instruction manual, or a text book that puts you in the driver's seat. Dr. King's pen in his many speeches brought down barriers to housing, public accommodations, voting, and so much more was effected by this man. The symphony of men of his era working together to change hearts for the better is evident in the way we greet each other, even though attaining a perfect world is a never ending goal.

Review the King Philosophy   http://www.thekingcenter.org

Reverend Bernice King, Martin Luther King III ~

Read Dr. King's Nobel winning speech at:
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-facts.html

www.thurgoodmarshallfund.net

Zimation Arts & Letters Ink : Poetry Concepts

Copyright 2013

The Kardashians Trendsetters of Style

The Kardashians Trendsetters of Style

By Patricia Britt

The Kardashian’s pleasant style in an age of mean makes me glad they’re in the spotlight, because they wear it well. Sure they get catty, and snarly with each other on the show at times, just as they can be sappy, corny, and incredibly sweet in their love as a family. That family deserves academy awards for showing young women how to make quick getaways, when people aren’t right for such tips alone. Some people say they haven’t done anything to be famous, some people just adore them, because they’re beautiful people I believe inside, and out that love all people in the ethnic rainbow. From what I’ve seen they’re playing their cards to win.

Hey Khloe their might be an unattached Inglesius out there somewhere waiting for you to come his way in your own good time. And I bet Kanye brings Kim a pink rose every time some random girl sneaks into his chance photoshoots for who knows what purpose. So I’m sure he lets Kim know your mine, all mine, regardless of what anyone prints. The love, and adventures those girls have on the show is what half of the women in America would like to do i.e going on luxurious trips, to restaurants, shopping, and dental visits. Gee Whiz! Their American spirit is classic and deserves acknowledgement, if not praise.

As rich famous people I’m sure they’re inundated with shout outs, and letters from all kinds of people, asking all kinds of things ranging from I’ve been profiled, because I’m of Arabian descent what should I do, then you have guys of every ethnicity writing to each one of them saying you’re the most beautiful woman on earth, how can I possibly meet you, to teenage girls writing letters asking would a sheer shimmer lime green shirt go with a turquoise twirl skirt. As a matter of course the Kardashians receive  envy letters, tweets, and posts on every social media site on the Internet? I believe they have a great responsibility, and live up to it while trying to have a life in the public eye, even if they chose to continue being in the spotlight with all the pressure that comes with it for so many years. Mom is smart, and so is that guy, and those girls, because what better marketing avenue for Dash clothing stores is there, than wearing their own clothes, and international designer’s clothes in ½ hour segments of endless style for so many across the world to see. Viewers of their programming get to escape whatever personal circumstance might be surrounding them, and see the clothes we’d like to wear, or would wear if we were traditional fashionista size. For the most part the Kardashians aren’t cursing every other sentence, which is a relief for their audience in this day, and age. Therefore the Kardashian audience is free to dream of having the clothes, cars, and homes and laugh with grumpy dad Jenner, while he discerns who’s hearts in the right place when it comes to his daughters?

Even though Kim Kardashian has yet to become a major movie star like Elizabeth Taylor in her opportune Hollywood youth, and is better known for her business acumen, humanitarian work, and now a mother who evidently skipped the casting couch to be a leading lady in these times of unchecked lust, and envy. Kim Kardashian is the Lena Horne for Arabian Americans in our modern era. As a surrogate mom  it hurts me to see women like Kim Kardashian, her sisters, Meaghan Fox, the Janet Jackson’s of the world, and most pretty girls in the spotlight envied with cruel comments. I feel even though they’re rich and famous they certainly have feelings about random chatter even if they ignore it 6 days, out of 7, because it only takes a few words to touch someone’s heart positively, or adversely. Although they know criticism comes with the territory in the universe of entertainment.

I’m willing to bet Alicia Keys, and Beyonce changed their hair to spend more time with those sweet babies. Katie Couric with all your accomplishments as a woman, and mom, I hope you see this open post and realize just because someone seems easy to dismiss, doesn’t mean they are, especially when, and if you don’t send an adorable baby gift to a new mother who could buy a Faberge Egg for her child if she wanted to, after she’s just gone through 9 months of labor. I thank Katie for the slip up, because if a seasoned journalist means no offense, I might have a chance at a career, and making mistakes, yet still be a great trailblazer, with a great history, and a great future at making a difference, if I search for new contemplative roads that make you go hmmmmmmm.

In addition young Rob Karashian is just about as cute as Chris Cuomo. The Kardashian’s are the American melting pot in action, and in my estimation they live their lives like it’s golden every day. But in the mean time the world will always be fascinated, and find things to say about beautiful girls. I love those girls, and declare August international brunettes special glow month for all girls of every hue to lean in, and take note.

Envy has always been a human trait, just as admiration of spirit is. Harsh sentiments repeated over, and over must have led to the loss of Whitney Houston. Mariah Carey epitomizes sensuality in the media glare, and lives a fairy tale life with her family every day, regardless of criticism. It’s a miracle Elizabeth Taylor broke the glass ceiling, and had the career she did attaining one million dollars for her role as Cleopatra in a man’s world. Lena Horne, and Dorothy Dandridge burst through the accepted standards of glamour with mirrors in hand, and earned a place in history. Beverly Johnson, Iman, Meg Ryan, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Welch, Dihanne Carroll, Chris Jenner, Reta Moreno, Selma Hayek, Cicely Tyson, Jane Fonda, Della Reese, Michelle Obama, Ann Wintour, Barbara Walters, Ruby Dee, Julia Roberts, Sheryl Sandberg, and Oprah are our golden girls who’ve taken their industries by storm. And Janelle Monet’s on the way, walking a tight rope. God bless all women who maintain their respective platforms, and develop work out videos to help us get healthier…… go girls go!

Copyright 2013 Zimation Arts & Letters : Poetry Concepts

October 2013: Kris Jenner's 20 year marriage might have come to an end? 20 years is a great track record for love, however long it lasted, whether you fell hook, line, and sinker. 

2013 Kim & Kanye are blessed with Northwest

2014 Khloe & Lamar break up for now.
2014 Kendall Jenner models for Vogue.
2014 Kim & Kanye get engaged, Kim gets Vogue Cover.
2014 May - Kim & Kanye just married.

2015 Caitlin presented to the world aka Bruce Jenner
2015 Dash Dolls on the way - The Kardashian empire grows by leaps, and bounds

Klymaxx ~  The Men All Paused

Sheila E. ~ Glamorous Life

See also WHM: Girl Talk ~ A Woman's Guide to Contentment