Worth a Click

You know how much I love an inspiring story about bellas making their way in the world…

Meet Window Snyder, head afrobella in charge of security at Mozilla Firefox. Her Kenyan-born mother, Wayua Muasa, taught her to program the early computer programming language Basic, when she was five years old. When I was five, I was all about Smurfs and Fraggle Rock. Go figure.

I love that Window is doing great work for my internet browser of choice, and knocking down doors within her field. That’s my kinda lady. (Thanks to Nichelle, by way of Talking Stuff for that one!)

Did your high school have a debate team? Mine did not, but I’ve always been fascinated by the art form — it’s a world that I simply don’t understand, where speed speaking and conviction are necessary tools for victory. HBO is screening an incredible array of documentaries every Monday this summer, and last week’s screening, Resolved, gave amazing insight to the stories of two debate teams — Matt and Sam from a rich Texas burb, versus Richard and Louis, two inner-city debaters from Long Beach, California with crazy skills. This documentary made me laugh, cry, and admire the discipline debate requires from its contestants. All of the debaters were great, but Richard and Louis are especially amazing to watch. I sincerely hope they take the opportunities they’ve been given, and go far in life.

I haven’t yet watched this week’s doc, Hard Times at Douglass High: A No Child Left Behind Report Card, which I know will just break my heart. The series continues through August, and I’m already setting my DVR for The Black List, which includes insightful interviews with Toni Morrison, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Thelma Golden, among others.

Even if you don’t have premium cable, you too can get an excellent documentary fix this week when CNN’s Black in America hits the screen. Soledad O’Brien’s six-hour television event promises to examine the issues, successes and struggles of black men, women and families.

I’m definitely looking forward to that. It premieres in a month — Monday July 23rd and Tuesday July 24th at 9pmET/PT.

I find it kind of interesting that there’s this recent uptick in multifaceted documentaries about African American life, and such a dismal lack of diversity on television sitcoms and dramas. Click here to read an interesting piece about the lack of black people on TV for the upcoming schedule of new network programs, and what the NAACP is trying to do about it. I find it extremely disconcerting that Cleveland Brown is being described as “television’s great black hope for the 2008-09 season,” and I agree with Racialicious– my WTF-o-meter went wayyyyy off when I heard that news and saw the photo of the cast. But maybe that’s just because deep down, I’m a South Park fan.

I say, meh. What say you, bellas and fellas?

Goodnight, George Carlin

Wow. 2008 is shaping up to be a terrible year for celebrity deaths. The last thing I expected when I turned on the news this morning, was to learn that legendary comedian George Carlin was dead.

Carlin, age 71, succumbed to heart failure on Sunday evening.

Angry, biting, but always funny — the man who hosted the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975 was the consummate counterculture touring comedian. It’s one of my regrets that I never saw him perform live, although his 14 HBO comedy specials took his profane performances into homes throughout the US and around the world — including my own in Trinidad, where our family always enjoyed his work. I admired his dazzling wordplay, his outspoken opinions, and his take-no-prisoners, tell it like it is attitude to life (although he would probably take umbrage with my no-cursing policy… the man who dared to utter the seven words you can’t say on television didn’t take kindly to censorship of any form).

There’s a surfeit of stellar George Carlin clips on YouTube to enjoy, so click here for a great mix of his classic and more recent material.

George Carlin wasn’t known for holding any kind of religious belief — he was actually pretty anti-religion, so his attitude towards death was as curmudgeonly as you might expect… but as he said, he didn’t believe in an “up there,” where people could smile down on living people. Wherever he winds up — if there is in fact an afterlife — I hope Mr. Carlin can relax and take a harp lesson.

Makeup Inspiration — Missy Does Her Best Best

It’s no secret around here — Missy Elliott has been one of my beauty inspirations for a while now. The magic of Billy B made her features come alive in the earliest videos from Supa Dupa Fly. I loved Missy then — as a full figured girl looking for media affirmation that she too could be considered beautiful and desirable, Missy was a breath of fresh, much needed air. She came out swingin’, clad in an inflated garbage bag, rocking finger waves and fierce makeup. I’ve been an unabashed stan ever since.

Having said that, I’m a little sad to admit that I’m with Soulbounce on this one — Best Best isn’t going to stand among my favorite Missy tracks, not by a long shot. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll bump this in my car on the way home from work, but it doesn’t have that replay factor. But her makeup on the cover of the new single is gorgeous. Like I did with the Chrisette Michele makeup inspiration post, I’m going to try to guess what she used to get the look, and also suggest ways you can get the look for less. Will Missy stop by the blog to set me straight on what she did or didn’t use, like Chrisette did? That would be awesome. Only time will tell, bellas…

Missy’s a MAC kinda gal with a Viva Glam ad under her belt — so I’m going to assume quite a bit of her look can be attributed to MAC. Let’s start with those eyes. She’s got bold kohl liner around her eyes, and that shadow is all kinds of blended gorgeousness. Looks almost like either Goldmine — one of my favorite shades of shadow — or maybe it could be Old Gold pigment on the lid itself. The touch of deep purple in the crease could be Graphology — a black/grey that’s got a slight hint of purple, making for a gorgeous smokey eye. The upper lid has a whisper of almost-fuschia, blended into a champagne colored highlight at the brow bone. But who’s noticing all those tints and tones? Those stunning lashes stand out more than anything.

MAC makes lashes, of course. But on a recent trip to Sephora, I was blown away by the insane selection of classical and extravagant lashes by Make Up For Ever. Shu Uemura is also known for making fabulous lashes, and a layer of their False Eyelashes 600 would give that thick, dark, eyelash drama. But of course, if Billy B did indeed do this makeup, the lashes could well be purchased at a party or costume store, and cost like $2.50 instead of $20.

There’s a lovely, shimmery effect on Missy’s skin around her nose and under her eyes, that almost calls to mind that MAC Fafi shimmer (which has completely disappeared from their website). Another product that could create a similarly stunning, glowing effect is Saude Pele Radiance Booster by Christopher Drummond Beauty. It’s a truly unique and amazing product — I use it on my cheeks as a highlighter, and it truly does make me glow like nobody’s business. Look out for a bigger review of this stuff to come.

Let’s talk lips — Missy’s lips are clearly outlined, but not with a darker lip liner on the bottom lip. It’s possible that her makeup artist has gotten wise to my latest beauty find — BeneFit’s D’Finer D’Liner invisible lip liner, which really keeps lipstick from feathering. I can’t figure out which lippie she’s sporting there — it’s a deep fuschia that could be venetian lusterglass, but it might also be one of those hot slimshine lipsticks. To recreate a similar look on myself, I’d just reach for my beloved Vincent Longo lip stain in Baby Boo, and layer with super cheap Milani glossy tubes — I have a hot pink shade that isn’t on their website, but you can find it at your neighborhood drugstore.

I’d love to interview Missy’s makeup people and find out exactly what she’s using, but it’s fun to try figuring it out on my own for starters. For a fitting Throwback Thursday, here’s one of my fave Missy joints of all time — Take Away, an ode for the late, great Aaliyah. Oh, how I love this song.

What did you bellas think of Best Best? Do you have a favorite Missy video?

Why Not Gwen?

Today a public wake for Tim Russert will be held in Washington DC, yesterday his son Luke made an utterly remarkable appearance on the Today show, sharing memories of his dad along with Matt Lauer. I could NOT have been as thoughtful and together under the circumstances. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Russert family in their time of loss.

As a great man passes, the grief now turns into questions. How can NBC fill such enormous shoes, particularly at this significant time? In suggesting possible Meet the Press hosts, Gawker’s list includes such suggestions as Andrea Mitchell, Katie Couric, Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough, and Keith Olbermann. The person who takes that seat every Sunday morning needs to be a calm, collected, experienced interviewer, a journalist who is unafraid to steer a conversation into uncomfortable territory. And I think they also need to hire someone who isn’t blatantly partisan, which eliminates some of the aforementioned. Tom Brokaw will likely take the helm for a while, and I think Brian Williams makes a likely, excellent choice… but what about Gwen Ifill? I’m a longtime admirer of hers, particularly as the host of PBS’s Washington Week.

Ifill’s first love was print journalism, but Russert helped her transition into the world of television, as she recalls in this touching tribute, “Farewell to a Standup Brother,” featured on The Root (love that site, BTW).

“There is quite a line of people who, at various times, have taken credit for my career. I usually let them do it, even if I remember events quite differently. But Tim deserves the credit. He not only talked me into switching to TV against my first instincts, but — five years later — he engineered a way for me to leave NBC when I was offered the chance to become the first African American to host a weekly public affairs program, Washington Week, over on PBS. He not only talked NBC executives into getting me out of my contract, but he also looked me in the eye and told me this was something I absolutely, positively had to do.”

Gwen also remembered her experiences with Russert on NPR with Farai Chideya and Michele Norris yesterday, in an interview that illuminated Russert’s role in mentoring several black journalists of note. In that vein, I think appointing Gwen Ifill as a moderator of Meet the Press would not only be a historic and significant decision by NBC, but I think it would make Russert tremendously pleased. At the end of that interview, Chideya invites the two esteemed journalists to consider how the election will be covered now, in light of Russert’s passing. Ifill expresses concern for the future of journalism — the industry truly is in terrifying times. There were significant layoffs at the daily in my own city just yesterday, so it’s hitting me all quite close to home.

“I think that it’s possible that Tim - I don’t think he’ll be replaced — but somebody will step in and we will ask the right questions. This campaign is too consequential, there are too many important issues to get to, for the questions not to be asked. They will be asked, but not quite in the same way.”

Too true. As someone who enjoys Ifill’s interview style — like Salon describes, she truly does exhibit “an external sense of cool and serenity, while underneath lie serious smarts, smooth execution and a healthy dose of skepticism” — I think she’d be a great choice. At any rate, I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of Gwen Ifill on NBC in the days to come, because as she said, this election is too significant. She can certainly be relied upon to ask the right questions, to bring a fresh perspective to this history in the making.

For this past Sunday’s Meet the Press, Gwen Ifill sat in a semicircle before that familiar table, alongside many Meet the Press regulars — Mike Barnicle, Maria Shriver, Doris Kearns Goodwin, James Carville and Mary Matalin (for some truly touching photos from the episode, click here. That one of Carville and Matalin made me weep too).

What are your thoughts, bellas? Is there any particular journalist who you’d like to see as the next host of the longest-running television show in worldwide broadcasting history?

RIP, Mr. Russert

The news that the great Tim Russert passed away so abruptly, hit me surprisingly hard today. I’m an admitted and unabashed national news junkie, and right now, this feels like my uncle has passed or something. I can’t imagine Sunday, or good grief, watching the upcoming election coverage — without him.

Tim Russert was a rare breed. He was a truly diligent journalist who was brave enough to ask the tough questions. He almost always hit his mark. This is a huge loss for his family, for NBC news, for journalism, for America. It’s heartbreaking that he won’t get to moderate these upcoming debates, and see whoever wins this important and historic election.

Andrea Mitchell just interviewed Russert’s physician, Michael Newman, about the cause of his death — sudden coronary thrombosis, despite Russert’s best efforts to exercise, maintain control over his high blood pressure. He struggled with his weight, and to find time to take care of himself. “He’d always say “Tomorrow. I’m going to start tomorrow, doc,” his doctor said, before admitting there was no indication of this coming at all. Russert passed a stress test in April, and just this morning, worked out on his treadmill. Heartbreaking, and scary. A wake up call for myself and so many of us who say to ourselves, tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.

Click here to watch an hour-long interview that Charlie Rose did in 2001, to commemorate a decade of Russert hosting Meet the Press. Warning, the audio’s out of sync and pretty loud. And yeah, the interview clocks in at 57 minutes long. But it’s a charming, interesting exchange between two energetic, engaged peers. For a newshound, it’s fascinating stuff.

Rest in Peace, Tim Russert. Sundays won’t be the same without you.

** On November 11, 2007, Tim Russert hosted Senator Barack Obama on Meet the Press, and it was memorable and lengthy. Click here for part one of that interview. Click here for Politico.com’s list of memorable Russert moments.

Finally - My Latest Beauty Secrets

I get tagged quite often, and I am a turrible knucklehead about responding in kind. I don’t mean to be a jerk, I just get super busy and overwhelmed and before I know it, a month has gone by, then two, then three… and then ah forget it. But not this time! My friend in cocktails, Christina of E Beauty Daily, tagged me about a month ago in the perfect kind of meme for a product addicted bella like yours truly. Without further ado, here are my freshest beauty faves — quite a few of which are products I haven’t had a chance to review yet!

My Beauty Secrets:

My Foundation: I was stuck on Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation for a while there.. then I wandered into Sephora with Mama Bella. A very friendly saleslady made us out for the ripe targets we were, and proceeded to give me an unrequested makeover using Benefit’s Play Sticks (my shade? Teeter Totter). I had to buy it. And Mama Bella bought TWO! The reviews over at Makeup Alley are mixed, but this cream stick foundation works great for me as a spot concealer. I blend with my fingers (or a wedge sponge), dust with the aforementioned Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation and I’m GTG.

My Mascara: Oh boy. Or as my mom sometimes says, boysie kapoizie. I have an array of mascaras to choose from, and I switch it up on the regular… but my current favorite for day is Lash Blast, but for evening drama… I’m really digging Prescriptives Plush False Eyelashes mascara of late. It gives you that bold, thick, lash drama without any mess.

My Blush: I am currently obsessed with NARS Orgasm, and like Chrisette Michele, I prefer to use two shades — so Orgasm and b.l.a.c minerals’ toasty. Just a teeny bit really gives my cheeks a delicious glow.

My Eye Shadow: No pigment stands out better on my skin than MAC. I can’t deny it. When I use shadow, I invariably return to MAC. But I do love Urban Decay’s range of colors, and you know what — Make Up For Ever makes a fine Star Powder that I adore as well.

Continue reading »

Accept No Substitute

In April I gave a shout out to the chic and elegant Estelle, and I shared my favorite cut from her album Shine — her cover of No Substitute Love by reggae legend Half Pint.

Via my favorite music blog Soulbounce, I learned that it’s her third single off the album. AND there’s a new video, which is just summery eye candy with a hat tip to George Michael’s Faith. Celeb pals like Kelly Rowland and, Amanda Diva, and Christian Siriano stop by for fun cameos. Estelle is ferosh in her super bold eye makeup and hot pink dress, and she throws traditional makeup rules to the wind by going with a bold eye AND a bold lip.

I hope this song gets her increased airplay — I do tend to hear American Boy bubbling out of the speakers at trendy boutiques, but I am not hearing a ton of radio play for Estelle here in Miami, sad to say. Are you, in your neck of the woods? Let me know — I’m looking for some good online radio stations to stream during the work day.

If you like Estelle’s sassy version, you might love the original by Half Pint. Here it is, for your Monday listening pleasure!

Did you like that? Then you’ll definitely love his greatest hits album, titled — what else? — Half Pint. Every track is a winner, IMO.

Let’s get through this Monday madness, bellas — peace be with you as your work week begins.

Throwback Thursday — So Long, Bo

I meant to post this as soon as I heard, but time slipped through my fingers. Now finally, I just want to say rest in peace to Bo Diddley. He was a rock n’ roll rhythm pioneer, a gunslinger, and not just A man, but THE man.

Bo Diddley was one of the first male musicians to include women in his band. He played with Lady Bo (who really deserves a lengthy post of her own), and then he played alongside The Duchess. A bad bella who was known to rock a mean second square guitar while wearing a skin tight gold lame catsuit on stage. Here’s Bo in his prime, performing Hey, Bo Diddley and Bo Diddley, with The Duchess and The Bo-ettes, from 1966’s The Big TNT Show movie.

Fun fact — did you know that Bo Diddley wrote Love Is Strange, most famously sung by Mickey & Sylvia? You’ll probably recognize that song from key scenes in Dirty Dancing and Casino. Great soundtrack song.

You will be missed, Bo Diddley. Hope you and The Duchess are rockin’ in Heaven.

How Did This Moment Make You Feel?

Happy? Proud? Hopeful? Or the opposite? Last night I felt immeasurable pride and warmth at the news, and I thought his speech was electrifying.

But still, I realize there are those who would disagree in the harshest terms. Take for example, the woman I saw on CNN’s Headline News this morning, a self-described Democrat who proudly said she’d rather vote for McCain than see Obama in the White House. A little smirk played around her lips as she said, “I just don’t think America is ready for a black president.”

Where I saw love and support between a fine, upstanding couple, there are those who read between lines and find racist undertones — peep these Newsweek comments, where a reader says “Did you see the little fist bump between them (on national TV mind you) right before his speech last night? NO BHO on my ticket, I’ll vote for the rat that admits he’s a rat.”

FYI, it’s called a dap. Or a pound. It’s even got its own Wikipedia definition. It isn’t a subversive gesture, or a “‘Hezbollah’ style fist-jabbing”, as Human Events described the greeting (hat tip to Slate by way of PostBourgie for that tidbit of knowledge). For additional analysis on Barack and Michelle’s “fist bump,” read this interesting article on Know The Ledge.

In case you missed the moment last night, here’s a video. LOVING that color on Michelle, BTW. Gracias to Stereohyped for the photo.

How did you feel about last night? How do you feel about the journey to November? Happy? Proud? Hopeful? Or the opposite?

Oh Hi, Chrisette!

I love getting comments from all you beautiful bellas out there, but there’s something that’s just so super exciting about getting a comment from someone you’ve actually written about!!

Case in point, the gorgeous and glowing Chrisette Michele, who dropped by this blog to leave a comment on the Makeup Inspiration post. And guess what? I guessed right on some of her makeup!

She says:

“Hello my loves! It’s Chrisette Michele just writing you all to thank you again for your love and support. i actually did my own makeup and hair this day… i cant believe how right on you guys are because it is indeed nars orgasm on my cheeks but the darker blush color is MAC’s own Ambering Rose…I’d like to thank my wonderful makeup artist friend JJ for teaching me all the tricks i have under my sleeve. i also styled my own hair with an FHI flat iron and i got the edges with a wee chi iron u can purchase at ricky’s in nyc or order online. Mizani products are great on my hair for shining out the lil lovely kinks
i love you all afro bella’s.
cant wait to talk again.
ttyl!!!
miss michele

oh and ps!!!! keith campbell of brooklyn new york gave my my new cut. i hope you all like it! i sure do. he’s reasonably priced and has a great spirit.
okay toodles!”

YAY!!!! It’s not the first time Chrisette’s stopped by to leave a comment, but I did really jump for joy when I read this last one. Thought I’d share it with all of you, along with one of my favorite Chrisette Michele songs, Be OK. I love this video because it shows the range of her bubbly, fun personality.

Thanks for stopping by, Chrisette! You’ve got fans over here!