WHM: News Women - A Tribute

News Women - A Tribute

By Patricia Britt

Cheers to all the trendsetters who make us think, and aspire to be better.

Barbara Walters,  Ann Curry, Carole Simpson, and so many more.

2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Quotes:

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." Ann Bradstreet

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier." - Roy Disney

"He who knows others, is learned. He who knows himself, is wise."  - Lao Tzu

 

Yani - Enchantment

Let The Music Play

By Patricia Britt 

The first radio was invented in 1895 by Guglielmo Marconi. The first turntable was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison.

The problem with small electronics across the board in the $100.00, $50.00, $25.00 price points is the cd’s break down easily, and the warranty is usually up in 30 – 90 days. Then you have to scrape up the money, and go buy another one over & over, if music turns you on.

While you’re trying to figure out if you can salvage your relatively new purchase, your arm sometimes has to become an antenna while a song you like is playing, then move onto the next clear radio station hoping they play the music you like, so you can relax in music’s purpose.

If that doesn’t work and the warranty isn’t up, then you have to make a trip across town wasting time. Then you come back home and open your new technology, and pray it’s better than the one before.

Usually a $100 or less music system purchased at a big box store is never gonna work right. The alarm might not even work right. Then you’re late for the everyday gig, or big fun you planned.

So the best thing to do is save $200.00 and shop online. It can’t be any worse in some cases, and might be the best bet for your money so you don't end up with a bunch of useless gadgets...

Music keeps hands, and hearts busy.

When your music isn’t right it feels like going through a static ordeal.

2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink



Song:

Donald Byrd ~ Places & Spaces

Jon Luc Ponty ~ Mirage

WHM : Girl Talk: A Woman's Guide to Contentment

Girl Talk : A Girls Guide to Contentment
By Patricia Britt

Ladies sometimes it’s good to be alone, but not obsessively so. Take advantage of your time to plan for the next day, each day. Without a plan you’re just spinning your wheels.

Work Time: Be 15 minutes early if not a ½ hour early, organize your desk, and your assignments. If you multi task, make sets, then decide what order you’re going to tackle them in. Your first priority is whatever the boss requests, or expects by noon, or quitting time. 

Go the extra mile, but stay within union guidelines. Ladies You Gotta Do What’s right for you. If you lose your job the shopping sprees are over, school is suspended, and that business you wanted to start, is on hold indefinitely. www.gfclearnfree.org  Then select all topics. Register at www.manpower.com and update your application annually. 

Always review the Sunday paper, spend 15 minutes on Monster & Career Builder, and any other site relevant to your field. But limit your tech time to two hours unless someone’s stressing you. Then spend every weekend on the computer. Please utilize your 457k / 401k plan, and know how to access it within two weeks, if there’s ever a problem.

There are no guarantees with jobs, the company could downsize, or you could be a source of envy (Put EEOC.GOV on speed dial up to 90 days maximum to contact them, if not less time when you have a promotion, or let go issue.). If you've asked for performance evaluation when you're going above and beyond the call of duty and your boss has postponed giving you one for two years be sure to make a note of it.

Changing your wardrobe is easy if need be, but keeping your spirit intact is the crucial part holding onto a good job.

Love Quest : Quality time is underrated: When you’re with your guy, make the most of it. If you know he’s predictably a ½ hour late, use that time for make-up fine tuning, setting the stage of the room with your music, tea lights, candles, your sent, and home sent, read a verse or two, check the oven, or whatever is worth your time, in the time you’re waiting so your smile will still be there when he shows up.

Progress towards marriage with a man is dependent on your attitude of gratitude, your credit statement, your tcb tendencies, your subtle hints he lucked up when he met you, and he can stay lucky if he shows it, because actions speak louder than words. Always have other interests that entertain, and mystify you. Kindness, and consideration isn’t a weakness, so share it as long as the relationship is worthwhile. Appreciate the little things.

If he doesn’t give you cards, candy, a single rose or travel to a concert, the botanical gardens, or materialize a sweet surprise, it might be a momentary fling.

If he says I would have taken you to the concert, but you phone was busy, or the term I would have if is common place it's probably time to look for someone new, because that emotional battery.

On the other hand if he gets tickets to the concert, and calls you immediately after it's set so you can check your schedule, you probably have a keeper.

Pay attention to his lyrics, and volume when you’re together. If you’re not studying for your class, or job responsibilities, because you’re spinning in circles thinking about why he didn’t … If you’re always on call, and making plans isn’t acceptable to him. Take it in stride, and shake it off, and walk away with style, and your ego intact.

You’re the only one who knows how you feel, take limited advice, establish strategies, goals, games, gifts that touch his heart. Play a video game here, and there, and see what develops. Keep in mind his job might be tough, while yours is easy. Sportscenter is a girls best friend!

Love lessons are usually solidified in the decade of your 20’s. Just because you’re easy going, doesn’t mean you’re easy to disappoint. The more you read, the more you have to input through preparation of your heart’s flow (Books : Love 2.0, Deepak Chopra The Path to Love: Spiritual Strategies for Healing, Manology, Act Like a Lady / Think Like A Man, Straight Talk / No Chaser, http://www.5lovelanguages.com, Bible : Corinthians ) .

And if you’re a child of trauma and quiet time isn’t treasured, take a break, and keep looking. Take a cruise while you’re working. Happiness is in the heart, mind, and soul. There’s nothing wrong with soaring in peace & harmony the 1^st, or second time around. Love is the picture you paint.

Home: If you’re just starting out with a new apartment, get some Corel unbreakable dishes so you won’t have to worry about replacement too soon. The dollar store has every possible utensil you could ever use. If you want some durable stylish silverware you can buy individual pieces to get a set at World Market. Tfal is solid cookwear. As I recall other knick knacks I’ll update this page.

Keep some paper plates, plastic utensils, and aluminum foil on hand to save time when you might miss breakfast for the job.

You should always have these items available Yogurt, oranges, apples, raisins, carrots, eggs, grits, oatmeal, butter, olive oil, sea salt, and apply pepper generously.

Exercise: Rollerskating (2 pairs of footies), Biking (don’t overwork your knees), Weights (every other day), and Trampolines (20 minutes marching) are the most effective weight loss strategies I know about, if that’s your goal.

Books: Bible, Kahlil Gibran, Maya Angelou Wouldn’t Take Nothin for my Journey. Favorite online sites www.wikipedia.org, www.imdb.com

Seek perfection, but no that no one is perfect. By all means pray & believe in your possibilities, and everything else will take care of itself eventually.

2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Songs:

Angela Winbush ~ Angel
Cherish the Day ~ Sade
Basia ~ New Day
Mariah Carey ~ Vision of Love
Aretha Franklin ~ Day Dreaming
Chaka Khan ~ This is my Night
Mary J. Blige ~ I Try
Jill Scott ~ Golden

James Ingram w/Quincy Jones ~ One Hundred Ways
James Ingram ~ Yah Mo Be There
Billy Joel ~ An Innocent Man

Kem ~ I Can't Stop Loving You
Luther Vandross ~ Never Too Much
Marion Meadows ~ Whisper 
Jazz Masters ~ Inner Changes
Steve Winwood ~ Higher Love

Quote : Live & Let Live ~ Time is of the essence.

More Songs: Patrice Rushen "Haven't You Heard & Forget Me Nots"

          Katrina & the Waves ~ Walking on Sunshine

          Fergie ~ Glamorous 

          Howard Hewett ~ Say Amen

          Isleys ~ Summer Breeze

           Earth Wind & Fire ~ Can't Hide Love

           Average White Band ~ A Love of Your Own

           Tank ~ You're My Star

            LTD - Love Ballad

            KEM - It's You

             John Legend - All of Me
             
             Enrique Iglesias - Hero

One Prerequisite Break Up Song ~ Jagged Edge Falling Out of Heaven
    

WHM: Oprah Winfrey : A Portrait of Style

A Portrait of Style

By Patricia Britt

Oprah has elevated millions of people in her quest for perfection of her own soul, and journalistic excellence as we’ve come on the adventure with her. Oprah is a woman with options. She did not get a nomination this time around for the epic movie, “Lee Daniels The Butler,” also starring Forest Whitaker, but she senses she’ll always have another chance to be acknowledged in her acting sphere having received a nomination for Sophia in The Color Purple in 1985 for an emotive start.

She’s the Dean Emeritus of a South African school, studio CEO, and network CEO. She’s a cover girl with geometric style, television & movie producer, magazine publisher, web host, teacher, spiritualist, humanitarian, philanthropist, visionary, television interviewer (Christopher, Peabody,  Emmys, Image Awards ), knowledge seeker, free spirit, and I think she likes Martini’s, and tropical getaways. With all those titles she must get tired sometimes? She’s been missed in network television, although things are looking up in daytime tv.

Oprah’s achievements are numerous. She brought a series of experts into our lives, and changed the world from her consistent, precise, universal, cosmopolitan point of view by implementing the “Love Brand.” Oprah is a woman for all seasons. A man’s woman, and a woman’s woman. She’s an evolved soul sister, and she’s a leader that allows anyone to “lean-in,” to find entertainment, or a solution.

With the the Angel Network, Morehouse Men (http://www.morehouse.edu/oprah), and other initiatives she changed America by making life a little easier, and safer. She’s our all American self made “sweetie pie” with exotic animals to keep her company in her worldwide travels, and various estates, reinforced by romance, that’s probably her source of strength, and contentment.

What more could a girl see for herself, beyond asking questions outside the box to leap to the next stratosphere, whether it be visual, or material? Time will tell, because dreams are attainable with this lady. "Oprah's even got app's.” What else is in the works?

If you want to view clips of your favorite stars, work on your skin, metabolism, meditation, or your outlook on life go see the new content & videos on any topic that peaks your interest @ www.oprah.com on a work break, or spend all day exploring with the coach of a century.

My Oprah Motto Lesson: Live your best life with confidence, play your hand close to the vest, and never give up, particularly on yourself, play fair, reshuffle the deck when needed, deal another hand, and keep your eyes beyond the horizon looking for new avenues to explore, because the sky is the limit with faith.

Quote: Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Live it with an attitude of gratitude.

Oprah’s Theme Songs:

Stevie Wonder  “Sunny One So True I love You”

Maysa  “Good Morning Sunrise"
DTrain & Paul Hardcastle   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW714kbfvw8

2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

www.teavana.com

Drink with purpose & support others.

2014 Movie Reviews

2014 Movies Reviews

by Patricia Britt

The Single Moms Club

The Single Moms Club was a good movie, with good interaction, about women pulling together. Terry Crews was adorable, unstoppable, and maybe he will host the Oscars one day. Nia Long was earthy. Amy Smart was something else, and the whole cast was worth seeing.

Everything can't be uplifting, but this movie was a winner, and one of Tyler Perry's best vehicles to date!

Beyond The Lights - Good love story, tension, goals, realization, change of plans. 4 stars.
The lead actor in the historical drama  Belle was the star with attitude, gentleness, and a compelling performance.

More updates in months to come...

2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Ojays ~ Darlin' Darlin' Baby   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zX938Fp3F8

Late Night TV Wars: Gentlemen Please Stand Up

Late Night Wars: Gentlemen Please Stand Up

By Patricia Britt 

My love affair with Brian Williams is the news of the day. He’s a man among men. He’s a man’s man. He’s a snazzy dresser, a comical mess, yet no nonsense. He’s a commentator on the human condition, a political reporter, a women’s rights advocate, he’s a dog lover, and keeps a cane nearby!  I can’t help but wonder what role his mentorship has meant to Lester Holt an accomplished newsman who holds his own on NBC weekends. These guys are the Harry Connick’s of news with their fancy suits, pocket squares, and always on time attitude.

I’m a bit in question with Arsenio, at the moment? His first time around on late night I loved him, and rarely missed him. On his last night of his first go round, he said he was the most hated man in show business. I didn’t understand why he said that, because I loved him, and his guests. It was pre Twitter, but the snail mail must have consisted of tremendous insults.

This time around I feel insulted as a woman. I’ve tried to be a fan, because I loved Arsenio so much back in the day. But today he’s sometimes hard to watch, with the harsh language toward women in his opening, and in the bits throughout the show. Please listen to me, can anyone just give the stripper pole a break? I  know he has a son he’s raising, and it makes me wonder what the young man’s dating pool is going to be, if Arsenio just throws his hat in, with all the other reality tv coarseness confusing young girls about what a good guy should be, who want to watch an attractive funny man in a suit, that was hilarious in Coming To America. True, he’s a rich man that doesn’t have to answer to anyone, but so is George Lopez. I loved him too, so I cringed, and took it for a while. He’s back with a new twist, and we’ll soon see what’s in store for this installment.

In all likelihood Brian Williams, funny guy that he is, will probably appear on Arsenio at some point, since he’s been challenged for omitting the show from late night clips on the news. Everyone wants to be cool, and support a guy who I know his preacher’s spirit is better than what he’s playing into, for the raw public, and perhaps the loud public in social media, grinding the squeaky wheel, and leaving the baby boomers behind won’t always be the driving force for comedians. Maybe we'll see the President at the studio in black music month to sing a verse.

It's nice to see Tavis Smiley (www.tavistalks.com) week days on PBS for a change of scene from the intense hum drum echo chamber that seems to have a "gent conspiracy” in the wood works. I heard Apollo of the Real Housewives got in a fist fight on Bravo! Good God, Lord have mercy on the women, advocates, flirts, and trailblazers! Arsenio are you the new love in the late night leader of the pack sweepstakes with the NASA guy, the football kicker, the Olympian, Son of God promo,  Prince, and the talented Misty Copeland? Are you the best example of a man for women to drool over, and guys to follow, or are you mad at someone? I am. Single ladies, and marriages are in yours hands living for a thought provoking joke.   

I see you MAN, and I wish you joy, luck, and longevity. Have a lucky month, and a lucky year my dear. The ratings chase territory equals criticism, competition, achievement, and controversy.  Do what you gotta do to be a true blue you. The stage is yours sir.

Dave Letterman had Gladys Knight on recently for the first time in 30 years proudly introducing her with a touch of brimstone. Who knows what the late show wars will bring in 2014?

2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink


Quotes: When you think about quitting, think about why you started.  Hindsight is 20/20.

Songs in the Key of Life:

Lou Rawls ~ Lady Love     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-CwWMXpsX0

Maceo Parker - Pass the Peas    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJmIN8RNBUg


REV. March 2014 The marvelous men of TGT (Tyreese Gibson, Tank, Genuine) graced the stage last night for a handsome thrill for the ladies. The web site is a must see www.tgtlife.com

Arsenio was cancelled this summer because he neglected his core audience, women who wanted to see a black man change his ways, and make it through being a comic stereotype insulting the very women who strained to support him while he continued to insult them. So sad.

WHM : Misty Copeland American Ballet Theatre

Over the next few years, things at ABT just got better. I became a soloist with the company—the first black dancer to do so in more than two decades. And in 2012 I landed my biggest role yet, headlining in Firebird. I remember walking out of rehearsal in jeans and sandals to get my hair done for the premiere. When I turned onto the sidewalk, I saw it: a huge billboard on the front of the Metropolitan Opera House with my picture on it. I was in profile, wearing a red leotard, with my chest and back arched so you could see my full, feminine breasts and my round butt. It was everything that people don't expect in a ballerina. I stood completely still for five minutes, just crying. It was beauty. It was power. It was a woman. It was me.

Excerpt about body struggles of a ballerina from : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/03/14/stretching-beauty-ballerina-misty-copeland-on-her-body-struggles

To learn more about Misty Copeland see also ~ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misty_Copeland

The power of dance is moving. The power of Misty Copeland (American Ballet Theatre Soloist) is in her strong silent sensuality, showing young girls you can make your dreams come true if you work hard, and don't give up.

Author : Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina. www.mistycopeland.com

2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Women's History Month ~ Ruby Dee

by Patricia Britt

Ruby Dee's light still burns bright as one of the greatest American actresses. Blessed with the love of a good man for many decades, Ossie Davis.

Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis were products of the American Negro Theater. A Raisin in the Son also starring Sidney Poitier, and Louis Gossett, Jr. is an American classic of family turmoil, pride, and being victimized by a life changing con game that is her best known work.

Copyright 2014 Zimation Arts & Letters Ink



ossieandruby.com

Ruby Dee June 11, 2014

Women's History Month ~ Jada Pinkett-Smith #ChimeIN

by Patricia Britt

Wasn't Jada Pinkett-Smith stunning at the Oscars. What a great comedic, and dramatic actress. She's working to stem the tide of exploitation, human trafficking. She produces television shows (Queen Latifah), and movies with her husband (After Earth, Karate Kid, Annie, Hawthorne). She's a wife, mother, and child with a rock band (Wicked Wisdom), and incredible style. Check her out on facebook, and at the Oscars.

www.jadapinkettsmith.com

2014 Copyright by Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

Jada Pinkett Smith

Liked · 13 hours ago 

I believe girls and women everywhere deserve to be protected and given equal opportunity. Like if you agree and #chimein.

Today is International Women's Day, and I just want to remind every woman that when we join forces, empower one another and work together we have the ability to accomplish great things including eradicating human trafficking. No matter the color of our skin, the language we speak or our economic status, every woman should share a sense of responsibility for ourselves as well as for one another. Let’s continue to learn to improve relations amongst one another so that we may be a formidable force in creating equality and justice for ourselves and every living being on this planet.

International Women's Day

2014 Academy Awards : Oscar's Grace

by Pat Britt

Sunday was another golden night for decades of dreams to materialize...

With the timeless blue of the sky seen here, and now, and then by slaves, abolitionists, and free men across the ocean with majestic views above to contemplatively escape everyday cruelty giving into the awesome twinkling stars, just 12 hours away every single laborious day.

The English director, Steve McQueen delivered his thank you's with eloquence, discipline, and appreciation for a well earned statue for Best Picture for 12 Years a Slave. He acknowledged MLK, his family, and business associates. "Last word. Everyone deserves not to just survive, but to live. I thank everyone who had to endure slavery, and the 21 million people who still have to endure slavery today."

Matthew McConaughey's noted incredible performances in his category, and enchanted the worldwide audience with wisdom about life using phenomenal words uttered by a thespian hero, and father connecting with his family as he chases the love he holds with God in the plan, winning Best Actor for Dallas Buyers Club. Many more nominations are surely on the way. Alright now!

Cate Blanchett won best actress for Blue Jasmine, Lupita Nyong'o won Best Actress in a Supporting Role 12 Years a Slave, Jared Leto won Best Actor in a Supporting Role Dallas Buyers Club, and John Ridley Screenplay 12 Years a Slave all exemplifying the spirit of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts in their acceptance speeches.

It was nice to see Sidney Poitier ( Actor / Author http://www.imdb/name/nm0001627/bio ) command the stage with the adoration of his peers attained from his innovative career.

The dazzling metallic, and Grecian gowns were gorgeous. Jennifer Lawrence stood out, saving her gorgeous red gown for the Oscars through awards season.

All of the musical selections were great. The song “Happy” from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack by Pharrell Williams launched the Oscars, followed by powerhouse emotive performances of Bette Midler Wind Beneath My Wings www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9ZMDPf9hZw, a U2 tribute to Nelson Mandella, Pink moved the audience with a tribute to Judy Garland with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

ABC network hosted the Oscars, and Ellen did a good job of hosting the Academy Awards by keeping the show moving. If you missed anything. It's DVD time!

www.oscars.com

Oscar.go.com

www.ew.com

2014 Copyright Zimation Arts & Letters Ink

The mystic sky, and water near unforbiding foliage. A dream within grasp!

Lupita Nyong'o

      Oprah's a happy beauty with broad shoulders, ready to mentor Lupita Nyon'go the moment she's asked. Lady O missed a nomination for the sweeping epic Lee Daniels the Butler in 2014, perhaps she'll charm the membership next year with a more perplexing intense role of a lifetime, as the creative force of the love brand on her web platform  gets a little wet, and wilder by the minute ~ www.oprah.com