Amerie's New Album "In Love & War"

By Lealeah Livingston

When Amerie’s new CD “In Love & War” was released on Nov.3, my best friend and I rushed to my nearest Target to buy it, hoping to be one of the first hundred to get it. When we got back to my house that evening, I poured us a glass of wine and popped Amerie into my laptop, ready to hear her distinct talents come through the speakers.

“Tell Me You Love Me” opened with a full blast of trumpets and percussion, accompanied by Amerie’s boastful voice demanding for someone to tell her he loves her. I can honestly say I didn’t expect for a full funk band to be playing when I hit the play button. It definitely wasn’t one of my favorites, but I did enjoy “Paint Me Over.” She sang about being accepted by her lover for who she is instead of what he was trying to change her to be. “Pretty Brown Eyes” took me back to the 90s! She remixed the song originally done by “Mint Condition” with an added bonus of featuring the all-too-sexy Trey Songz. A few other fav’s are “Why R U the One,” “Dear John” and “Different People.”

The CD has a 50/50 split between its ‘good’ and ‘ok’ songs. I was really expecting more hits from “In Love & War” since it had gotten pushed back a few times. I sensed that it would be an album where I would really have to listen to it for all the songs to grow on me. After uploading it and listening to it more often, I really started to enjoy it.

Pink Party Chicago--Breast Cancer Awareness Event

By Samantha Battle


Love Yourself First, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and cardiovascular disease in African American women, hosted its second annual Pink Party Chicago fundraiser benefiting the Breast Cancer Network of Strength – Illinois in October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Kristi Dawson is president of the organization; this year’s host was Bionce Foxx from WGCI, along with celebrity guest Monique Stateena from America’s Next Top Model cycle seven. There was also a musical guest by the name of Antonio.

“When I found out what this event was for, I was just adamant about being here and celebrating for breast cancer,” Foxx said. “Cancer awareness in general is something that people should really be informed of, particularly in the African American community, and I’m sure everybody has been touched in one way or another by this disease.”

With the theme of breast cancer, the party was filled with pink everywhere. There were pink breast cancer ribbons the guest wore, pink table cloths, and many guests wore pink outfits in honor of the event. This was an event that everyone felt close and connected to.

“I decided to come and support this because it’s a good cause, and I think [breast cancer] awareness should be spread,” Stateena said.

The success Dawson has had with her organization also inspired Stateena to form her own foundation that caters to independent children and battered women. She started it in Los Angeles and soon hopes to expand it and make it international.

Breast awareness is something that shouldn’t be considered just in the month of October; it is to be recognized year round and Dawson is making sure of it that it is.

Welcome to the November/December GMO Blog!

It's your turn to let us know what you think of the new issue of GlossMagazineOnline! Have you read the new novel by Hill Harper or have thoughts on Naughty By Nature's "comeback?" How will the recession affect your holiday shopping and are you thinking about saving for retirement yet?

Here is your chance to be heard. Share your thoughts here, in the Glossy Blog now!

Creative Writings

What are thoughts on this issue's powerful Creative Pieces: "My Other Mother" and "In Their Own Words?"

Are you or someone you know adopted?

Have you or a loved one been affected by HIV?

Please share your experiences here -- there is an anonymous option for commenting.

Global Mixx Music Conference

This year, the 5th Annual Global Mixx (GMIXX) Music Retreat held its yearly conference in Chicago Oct. 2 – 4. With its theme “Back II Basics,” the retreat honored some of the most influential music and marketing professionals in the business. GMO was there to catch the performances and panel discussions and we even got a couple interviews out of it!

Did you read about Global Mixx founder Mary Datcher? Are you inspired to start your own company or maybe attend the conference next year as an artist or music industry professional?

Enjoy a few additional images from the conference and then post your thoughts and stories of success here.

Not My Hair

GMO Staff Writer Stormi shared her personal story about her hair journey.

We know how black women are with our hair, what is your story?

Share them here!

Holiday Recipes

GMO Staff shared a recipe for "Blind Dates."

What holiday recipes do you have to share? Share them here!

Women And Finances

This month, GMO had three articles focused on finances: "Black Women and Spending: Controlling Your Pocketbook;" "Hold the Reins This Holiday Season: Control Your Own Spending;" and "Start Saving for Your Retirement."

GMO Staff even shared how they feel the "recession" will affect their holiday shopping.

What are your thoughts on spending in general and during the holidays, and have you thought about saving for retirement yet?

Twenties Girl

Have you read Sophie Kinsella’s latest novel, Twenties Girl?

Does it measure up to Confessions of a Shopaholic?

We've heard GMO Staff writer Priya's review, give us yours here!

Old School Verses New School

What did you think of the interviews with 90's hip-hop stars Naughty By Nature and with new kid Naledge of Kidz In The Hall?

Do you think Naughty By Nature can make a "comeback" and can Kidz in The Hall break the mainstream?

What about other "underground" hip-hop groups out there? Who should GMO pay attention to and possibly profile in the next issue? Let us know here.

Author Interviews: Teri Woods & Jae Pettigrew

Have you read Teri's book, Alibi or Jae's collection of poetry Through Her Eyes?

Are you interested in publishing your own novel or creative works -- or have you done so and have tips to offer other writers?

Share your thoughts here.

A “Conversation” with Hill Harper

Have you read the new book by author/scholar/actor Hill Harper: The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships?

Let's start the conversation here.

The Sept/Oct 2009 Issue of GMO is here!

This is where you, the Glossy reader, can respond to the stories in the new issue of GlossMagazineOnline.Com! Have you heard Ginuwine's New Album? Is RichGirl the next Destiny's Child? Have you gone natural or suffered from depression? What about your skin care secrets?

Go ahead, get Glossy! Let us know your thoughts.

Music Review: Jeremih

By Brittany Rodgers

Chicago's newcomer Jeremih, also known as "Mr. Birthday Sex," recently dropped his self-titled debut album on his new label, Def Jam. Mike Schultz, who has been on this journey with Jeremih, produced his entire album.

Jeremih opened his album with "That Body." It's one of the sexier songs on the album, similar to "Birthday Sex," which plays right after. "Raindrops" is also a pretty sexy song with a nice tempo.

The album shows versatility with songs like "Runway," a pop song which will work well for fashion shows. Jeremih also put his song " My Ride" on the album which was played on the radio even before his single "Birthday Sex." The song explains how a girl might not like him, but likes what she sees on his "ride," his car.

Jeremih latest single "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)," shows his cockiness in a good way about being a star, but it is also a club banger, right along with "Jumpin," whose beat is similar to the Soulja Boy song "Donk."

On the album, Jeremih shows his romantic side with "Starting All Over" and "My Sunshine." The two songs are romantic and show his vocal skills.

"Break Up to Make Up" and "Buh-Bye" are two songs dealing with relationship problems. Jeremih expresses how he can spoil his girlfriend, but he will also leave her if she doesn't act right.

The majority of the album are spin-offs of records done by other artists, like his song titled "Hatin on Me." The song is directed to Jeremih haters, similar to the song "Hi Hater" by rapper Maino.

Jeremih ends his album with an up-tempo club mix version of his hit song "Birthday Sex."

For a fresh, young newcomer, overall the album is pretty descent. Hopefully he keeps up the good work!

Welcome to the July/August 2009 GLOSSY BLOG!

Thank you for Checking out the Glossy Blog! Have comments on one of our top stories?

Love Trey Songz?

Are you a fan of Bad Girl Tiffany Davis or BET’s Ray Cunningham?

What about Celeb stylist Ursula Stephen or the lovely media divas Chundria and Nekia Nichelle?

Are you interested in how Ethnicity Model’s LaShawnna Stanley got her start or in becoming a novelist like Joy “Deja” King?

Leave Your Glossy Comments here!

The Official Cash Only Blog Post

Creative Writing

Cash Only, Chapters 1 , 2, 3, 4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 available now!

Hello GMO Family! Thank you for taking the time to read chapters one and two of my in-production novel, Cash Only. So, what do you think so far? Do you know a Tracie – an artsy type whose had her heart broken one too many times, but who hasn’t lost hope and always falls for the WRONG guy?

How about a Lynda? She’s the youngest one in your clique – the “baby.” She’s smart, a little defensive about being called the baby (among other things) and has a tendency to push just a little too hard? And we all know a Nyla. This is the mom of your crew -- the one you call to talk you off a ledge, the one who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear? She’s the strong one, but if you’re really her girl you know there’s a vulnerable side to her too – she’s growing just like you. Or maybe you know a Punisher? He’s the bad boy with a good heart. He knows his power over women and he uses it to his advantage (not maliciously of course).

There are many more colorful characters to come. What I want to know is how you feel about these central characters first – are they believable, where do you see them going and what would you change, if anything? I have a pretty strong tolerance for the truth when it comes to my writing (you don’t get through Journalism classes and red pens without building up a pretty tough skin) so let me know what’s working and what’s not. Cash Only is in infancy and I mean it when I say I want you, my Glossy family, to come with me as the novel, and myself as a novelist, grows.

-Tiffani, GMO Publisher

July/August '09 GMO Blog

Fashion & Beauty

GMO Staff Picks for Fashions We Want to Disappear!

Skinny Jeans? Hammer pants? Socks and sandals? What summer fashions do you wish would just disappear – forever?! Let us know!

Lifestyle

FAM: Things Women Shouldn’t Do While Driving

Ok ladies. We know you have something to say about Billy’s July/August "From A Man’s Perspective" column! Are women the only ones who don’t give their undivided attention to the road? I’m sure we can come up with a few things that men shouldn’t do while driving (or period!). Post Your Glossy thoughts here!

Trying to Get Your Face Back?

Addicted to Facebook and want to get your face back? Tell us about your experiences on the social networking site. Are you connecting with old and new friends or neglecting your school work, friends and hobbies?

July/August '09 GMO Blog

Lifestyle

So you’re “Acting Like a Lady” and “Thinking Like a Man?” How is that going for you?

Do you agree with Steve’s thoughts on how women should approach dating and dealing with the opposite sex? Let us know your thoughts on the book and maybe share a thought or two from your own personal experiences (come on, we’re all family!)

Health & Fitness:

Have you added “super foods” to your diet? Do you notice a change in how you feel and look? What other tips do you have for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

The article on Fibroids was very informative, as was this discussion about STDs and sexual health.

Leave your thoughts here and let us know what other health-related topics you would like to see addressed in GMO.

Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson Perform at Taste of Chicago

By Samantha Battle

Many Chicago Taste goers didn’t let the rain ruin their day when it came time for this year’s performers, Keri Hilson and Ne-Yo, to perform at the Taste of Chicago concert presented by Chicago’s 107.5 WGCI.

Everyone with tickets stood in long lines for hours with parkas, pullout chairs and umbrella’s hoping to get close to the stage. When it came time to go into the stage area, people were running as soon as they had their hand stamped to get a good seat up close to where they were performing.

Keri Hilson, dressed in a black spandex jumpsuit and her signature sunglasses, came out first with her dancers all dressed in matching colors. The crowd screamed as Keri performed her hit songs “Energy” and “Knock You Down.” She also performed other songs from her album, “A Perfect World,” which the crowd cheerfully sang along with.

With Hilson being an established songwriter also, she performed songs that she wrote for other artists such as Mary J. Blige’s “As I Am.”

Hilson closed the show with her hit single, “Turning Me On” saying, “Y'all know I couldn’t leave y'all without turning me on!”

Ne-Yo then took the stage after a 20-minute intermission dressed in khaki pants, a white shirt, a tan vest and his signature Kangol hat in white. His male dancers were dresses in similar attire and the women dancers changed multiple times during the show from black body suits and fishnet stockings to black slacks, white vests and black top hats.

Ne-Yo performed songs from all his works, going back to the first album he made. He performed songs like “Sexy Love,” “So Sick” and “Because of You.”

After performing a tribute to Michael Jackson at the BET Awards last Sunday, he also paid tribute the King of Pop in this concert performing Michael Jackson hits and imitating Jackson’s signature dance moves.

Along with performing some of his hit songs, Ne-Yo also performed songs that he has written too. He performed the hook to “Irreplaceable” that he wrote for Beyonce, Rihanna’s “Take A Bow” and Mario’s “Let Me Love You.”

Ne-Yo closed the show with his hit single “Closer” reenacting the dance moves from the “Closer” video. Before he left the stage, Ne-Yo took off his crisp white Kangol hat and through it into the crowd where one lucky fan caught it.

Trey Songz to Release Mixtape

On June 15, 2009 Trey Songz will release his original demo that landed him a deal with Atlantic Records. “Genesis” will include songs like “About the Game,” a track that was featured on the Bathing Ape website and on the Coach Carter soundtrack prior to his first album “I Gotta Make It.”

Trey Songz is known for being very personal in the sense that he allows his fans to experience certain aspects of his life that are otherwise unavailable to the general public. He will take this even further when he releases “Genesis,” which is a mixtape comprised of his original demo that struck him the deal with Atlantic records in 2004. This mixtape will be available for free download as Trey shares even more of himself with his fans. In support of “Genesis,” Trey Songz is in the works of planning a mixtape tour where he will also perform songs from his highly anticipated third album “Ready,” which will be available in stores and online on August 4, 2009.

Look out for an exclusive interview with Trey Songz in Gloss Magazine Online's July issue!!

For more information on Trey Songz, visit his website at www.treysongz.com or www.myspace.com/treysongz . Also follow him on Twitter @songzyuuup.

Music Review: Eminem "Relapse"

By Bonita Holmes

After a four-year hiatus, Eminem is back and more expressive than ever with the release of his sixth studio album "Relapse." It seems that Eminem hasn't lost his touch, making "Relapse" his fifth consecutive # 1 album selling 608,000 during the first week.

Throughout the album, Eminem revisits some very emotional periods in his life and speaks out about his drug addiction to cough syrup and prescription medicines, the death of his best friend Proof and a second attempt at marriage with his ex-wife Kimberley Scott. The title of the album itself represents Em coming face to face with his addiction and relapsing back into the hip hop world, or maybe relapsing back into depression.

In the song “My Mom,” Eminem continues to express his anguish towards his mother, blaming her for his drug addiction and emotional distress. Many of Em's songs from previous albums expressed how he felt growing up without a father and witnessing his mother abuse drugs. On the this album, Em admits in the song "Insane" that he was molested by his stepfather. On the very popular song titled “Beautiful,” Eminem raps about still being one of the best rappers despite disappearing from the entertainment world for a few years.

Many of the songs on the album have a funky hardcore beat which complement the new sound Em has adopted. He does a great job of touching on various subjects besides his personal triumphs.

Many fans and other rappers and artists wonder if this is the last album for Eminem who once again collaborated with his longtime friend, labelmate and producer Andre “Dr. Dre” Young. With "Relapse," Eminem has more than proven that despite tough times and years spent away from his passion, that he still has what it takes to make good music. You could even say that he's reclaiming his thrown.

Music Review: Ciara "Fantasy Ride"

By Brittany Rodgers

After numerous delays, Ciara has finally released her third album, “Fantasy Ride.” The road to release for this album had been a little rocky due to a variety of tracks being leaked. After so many of them were spilled onto the Internet, some songs were deleted from the album, which was a main reason why it had been pushed back so many times.

The theme of "Fantasy Ride" is based on a super-hero cartoon character/alter ego named “Super C,” also known as Ciara. Honestly, with all of the "swagger-jacking" controversy going on between Ciara and Beyonce, it wasn’t a good look for her to make an alter ego of herself, which can be comparable to Beyonce's other side Sasha.

Ciara is well-known hit songs like “Goodies,” “Like a Boy,” and “2 Step,” which defined her when her style was laid back. Now, she shows that she is more grown up and mature in her music.

“Fantasy Ride” is a mixture of romantic, pop and club songs. Producers who worked on this album were The Y’s, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and R&B singer/songwriter The Dream.

The opening of the album starts off good with “Ciara to the Stage,” which is kind of reminiscent of her song “Promise” from her previous album "Evolution." Later on throughout the song, Ciara brings out her rapping skills, making the song even better.

The next couple of tracks have featured artists. Ciara latest single “Love, Sex and Magic,” featuring Justin Timberlake, is a club banger.

Ludacris is also featured, and although they have worked together previously, “High Price” isn’t one of their best songs together. On this track, Ciara talks about buying whatever she likes, singing in a Opera tone of voice.

Some of the strongest songs on the album are “Like a Surgeon” (it kind of reminds you of “Like a Boy”) which was produced by The Dream. Another one of her hit singles is “Never Ever” featuring Young Jeezy. Towards the end of the album, “What’s your Name?” is a decent love song with a nice tempo.

A couple of the tracks on the album have a very pop sound and could be played solely in the club, like the song with Missy Elliott called “Work." It has a very techno sound but is good for dancers. Not too many songs have been played featuring Chris Brown but him collaborating on “Turntables” might help him in the pop community. In this song, Ciara tells Chris Brown to be her DJ for the night; it's strictly for the clubs.

As previously stated, The Dream also produced a couple tracks on "Fantasy Ride." He produced and is featured on “Lover’s Thing.” This song definitely has that Dream signature sound. It also sounds like his song “Rub My Back.” He also produced “Keep Dancin on Me,” which is not an attention grabber.

Two songs that have potential are “G is For Girl (A-Z),” which is almost similar to Beyonce's song “Diva.” Here Ciara goes down the alphabet telling what each letter stands for. For Ciara, ‘G’ stands for a gangsta girl. Ciara tells people to kiss her swag in her song “Pucker Up,” produced by Darkchild. Instead of saying kiss her behind, Ciara is saying pucker up your lips.

Ciara definitely introduced her album with a good song but ended it with the boring “I Don’t Remember,” in which she croons about being intoxicated and not remembering anything.

Ciara has a new album, new style and new personality now. Her last two albums were successful and showed the dancing Ciara. This album shows that Ciara has matured and that she has a different edge to her singing.

Overall “Fantasy Ride” is something new to Ciara fans and should be rated a 6.5 on a scale from 1-10.

Music Review: Chrisette Michele's "Epiphany"

By Stormi Texas

Grammy award winning R&B singer and Island Def Jam recording artist Chrisette Michele has come back with the release of her sophomore album “Epiphany.” The album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts, was produced by fellow R&B singer Ne-Yo.

This album is very different from her debut album, "I Am," as it has more of an R&B/Soul feeling versus that classic throwback overtone. Many R&B stations have been giving the first single “Epiphany” a lot of air play.

Listening to the album, it's easy to see that Chrisette has changed vocally with more slow and upbeat songs, like “Blame It On Me,” which is a mellow tune and “Playin' Our Song,” which is more of a dance hit. There are hardly any features on "Epiphany," although Ne-Yo joins her on the song “What You Do.”

Overall "Epiphany" is a really good album. She will definitely win over some new fans who may not have particularly liked the sound on her first album. Listeners will be sure to find a favorite song that they can relate to. "Epiphany" is a different and uplifting work. Chrisette may even see a couple of Grammy nominations from this album.

The Other Side of Jay-Z

By Alyce Maddocks

Recently, rapper and music mogul Jay-Z has said that Obama’s presidency will bring a fresh perspective and a new role model to our young gangsta rap loving youth. The artist stated that, “Obama represents so much hope for blacks and Latinos. The hope that he represents is bigger than any of the huge problems he could correct; when you have positive role models, you can change your life for the better. The day Obama became elected, the gangsta became less relevant.”

That seems at first glance, like an inspirational message to send America. The problem is that many people are looking at Jay-Z’s past albums and messages and finding his new inspirational outlook a load of crap. In previous situations, the rapper has promoted violence, mistreating women and the drug trade, so many are wondering where the sudden turnaround came from.

Besides promoting all the things he now seems to stand against, Jay-Z has been known to down rappers who don’t incorporate drugs, sex and hustling into their music. Artists like Common, Nas and others who are politically conscious normally don’t sell as many records as gangsta rappers like Lil’ Wayne and 50 Cent. Reportedly, this is the reason Jay hasn’t rapped about things that are above the thug life. In his song “Moment of Clarity,” Jay-Z speaks about ‘dumbing down for his audience’ to make money and how he‘d ‘rhyme like Common Sense’ but making money means appealing to the gangsta audience. Now, instead of dissing those with a different message than the mainstream, he seems to be complimenting them on their flow of truth and alternative ideals.

With all of this knowledge, do you think Jay-Z is just riding the Obama wave for attention, or does he actually want to start speaking up about more than just ho’s and all the like?

Swine Flu: Spreading Pandemic Panic in our Country

By Alyce Maddocks

Here in the USA, we’re never short on drama. The latest news is about the swine flu. There have been outbreaks all over the country: New York, California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio and Indiana, and it’s spreading every day. According to current news, it began with a Catholic school in New York, when some students spent their spring break in Mexico and brought the virus back with them.

With 68 cases confirmed in the U.S. and the number growing every day, the country is going into panic mode. Government officials began saying early this week that the country has been overreacting to the flu but even more recently, health commissioner Thomas Frieden has been quoted as saying, “It is here and it is spreading. We do not know whether it will continue to spread.” Those with confirmed cases are asked to stay at home along with their families to prevent spreading the swine flu. While there have been a little more than 150 deaths in Mexico, there has only been one death in America. An infant that was only 23-months-old died in Texas making this the first death from the swine flu in our country and also sparking more panic in people.

Do you guys think we’re overreacting to this new pandemic or maybe acting rationally to a crisis?

She Got Her Own...But She Doesn't Have a Man

By Bonita Holmes

With songs like “She Got Her Own” and “Ms. Independent” both by R&B singer Neyo, a woman who appears to not need a man for anything is the new “it” attitude. This much is true for many professional young women who are successful and more than financially stable. With being young and career-oriented, as women, we tend to get wrapped up in creating this ambitious scenario of success for ourselves, leaving no room for male companionship or marriage for that matter. Such an idea raises the question as to why so many professional, sophisticated women are single. Are we too busy for our own good? Or maybe it's that men are too intimidated with our "I got it" demeanor.

Is it worth having a high success drive with no special person to share it with? Or is a career enough to keep you warm at night?

Interracial Dating: All About Location?

By Alyce Maddocks

Love is blind. Or is it? Apparently it is anything but in the southern states that occupy our advanced, open-minded country and I have the personal experience to prove it.

I remember it like it was just yesterday: It was an oven baked, cloudy day in Atlanta when I and my then boyfriend, a sweet and attentive Caucasian guy, decided to visit the underground mall. We were incredibly excited to learn about Atlanta’s history and see all the tourist spots. Unfortunately, when we ventured into the mall, all we saw was the majority of shoppers staring at us. I noticed that we were receiving an unusual amount of attention when we stopped for ice cream in the food area.

The population of people at the mall was African Americans of various ages who were openly ogling my boyfriend and me. I checked the nearest mirror to make sure there was nothing out of the ordinary on my face and then realized why we were the friendly neighborhood freak show: I was the only African American girl accompanied by the only Caucasian person in the mall and to put the icing on the cupcake, we were holding hands and obviously having a good time together. I had no idea how to react!

Why should it be such a problem for me to be happy with someone outside of my race? Isn’t the point of dating to be with someone you enjoy spending time with no matter the color of his or her skin? Even when my boyfriend and I went grocery shopping on a daily basis in South Carolina, people would treat us differently. If they saw us together, sometimes African American men would stand in the middle of the aisle at the store and shoot us dirty looks while blocking our path. I could never understand what would make a person act so rudely to a stranger who did nothing to offend or betray them. Should I be viewed as a traitor of my race because I believe love has no color restrictions?

A close friend of mine also had an interesting experience while she and her Caucasian boyfriend were deep in the heart of North Carolina. When she and said boyfriend were out at a gas station to grab some snacks, she noticed upon their arrival that all the older, male, Caucasian patrons were staring at them with open disgust and in some cases, pure hatred. Made uncomfortable by the unhidden negative display, mumbling, and the suddenly thick, hushed air, the couple left in search of a friendlier environment, feeling no desire to let the situation escalate.

Although the South is clearly not ready for this advancement in acceptance and tolerance, it’s a completely different story in the North, and hasn’t it always been? Interracial couples are more accepted and prominent in places like New York and Chicago where no one bats an eye at a couple comprised of different colors. It seems that people are a lot more open minded and liberal in northern states. What the southern states lack in diversity, these northern states more than make up for with the melting pot of colors and personalities.

Does it still matter if people date outside their race? Is that still viewed as wrong or unnatural in these modern times?

The Rihanna/Chris Brown Effect

Okay, so I know that we are all tired of hearing about the incident between R&B singers Chris Brown and Rihanna. But recently I ran across an article in The New York Times titled, "Teenage Girls Stand by Their Man." It included the thoughts of high school girls as they commented on the Chris/RiRi situation and also the results of a survey of 200 teens conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission. The survey reported that 46 percent of teenagers said Rihanna was responsible for what happened. And 52 percent said that both bore responsibility, even knowing that Rihanna's injuries required hospital treatment.

Really?

And this was no fair fight. Chris Brown had not a scratch or a bruise and was seen later chilling at Diddy's house having some water-time fun. Unremorseful much?

Honestly I cannot say I was surprised by their reactions. Teenagers often have a slightly warped view on certain things. The article did, though, bring about quite a few questions. If these girls have this cavalier, "stand-by-your-man-no-matter-what" attitude, what are their mothers teaching (or not teaching) them about domestic violence? How many of them have experienced this in their own "relationships"? Do they really feel this way, or are they only supporting Chris Brown because he is their favorite singer?

This is a crazy situation with real people who have issues that need to be addressed. It is true that the media has taken some of its coverage out of proportion because, as one of the girls in the article said, this type of stuff happens every day. But someone--and not Oprah or Tyra!!--needs to make it known that this is just not okay.

Here's the link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/fashion/19brown.html.

What do you think?

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Get Wii Fit With Tiff

Welcome to the GMO Blog! This is Tiffani - Publisher of GMO. Thanks for stopping by to help a sister out with her Wii Fit journey. Like I promised, I will be updating my progress here weekly, starting....NOW!

March 16
Day 1: Ok, I am about to get REAL open (like Oprah on TV with no make-up on open). I am 5'3 and currently weigh 145 pounds. Yeah I said it, lol.

Today, I am setting up everything -- as I have had the program for a couple of weeks and am just now taking the plastic off the "game." (I have been boxing with Wii Sports almost nightly though - does that count?).

I want to lose 10 pounds in time for bathing suit season, which we all know is hard. When your goal is like 50 pounds, you start losing weight like immediately, but when you just want to lose a few it seems like you NEVER see the results! Am I right?!

Ok, so as soon as I stop typing, I will be participating in my first Wii Fit session with only my cat Tauffy as a witness. I will log back in and tell you all how it went. In the meantime, share with me your fitness goals (you don't have to be quite as open as I am!) and suggestions for taking off the pounds. Have you tried Wii Fit and if so, can you give me some hints on how to work the system? Ha Ha.

Ok, here goes nothing....

March 21 

Ok, so I haven't updated my progress because, well... I slacked the last couple of days. One night I was working on the budgets for next issue and the next I was on the phone, having a great convo for a very long time (TMI? LOL) and the next.... well, I didn't get around to it! BUT, today I did Wii Fitt It (my own saying, don't steal it!) for a full 30 mins! So here are my SAD but true facts: 

My BMI is 3 points higher than it should be for my weight and height to be considered "normal" - I am, alas overweight ...tears....sobs.....ok. It gets worse. 

My Wii Fit Age is .... 41. I mean I know many fierce women who are in their 4o's and DOING It, but uh...your girl is 27. That is NOT what's up. lol! 

So I set my goal to lose 6 pounds in a month -- I know I said 10 up top and I plan to still reach that, but if I lose 6 pounds on the Wii Fit in that time I will have lowered my BMI to a "normal" level and I figure, hey - baby steps - right?? 

Today's workout included Yoga (I am a BEAST at that Warrior and Sunset pose but that Tree....not so much, LOL), Step (pretty good), Hula Hoop (good) and Short Distance running (I think it was good, not sure about the system....).  

So, I PROMISE to make updates to the blog at least weekly, but I will be doing it in the "Comments" sections unless something major happens. Please share your stories with me as you try to get fit (I know we are all in similar boats as summer is looming!) and offer me words of encouragement (I mean, this system done told your girl she's fat, off balance and 40! Help! lol) 

Come On! Wii Fit It with Tiff! NOW!

The “Sophisticated” Shaun H. Mykals

What did you think of the interview with up-and-coming R&B Singer Shaun H. Mykals? Did you check out his music on his website or view the hot video for Rolla Coaster?

What about what Shaun had to say about "Real Singers"? Do you think there is a lack of these types of artists on mainstream radio? What artist or artists do you consider to be real singers?

Are you also a "digitally independent" artist, or has Shaun inspired you to become one?

Post your thoughts on these questions -- or your own -- here!

Living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

GMO Staff Writer Kenshata opened up about her personal experiences with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Did you know about this serious syndrome before reading Kenshata's interview with Dr. Jane M. Nani? What are your thoughts on this serious topic and what ideas do you have to help keep women informed about their health? 

Post your thoughts and ideas here. 

Women Speak Up: Different cheating situations all have the same affects

This article should get the Glossy Followers talking! We have all been there -- either as the cheater or the cheated. Post your thoughts on this hot topic here. 

Some Questions to Get You Started:

What is cheating, in your opinion? 

Have you ever cheated on your significant other? Why did you start cheating and could anything make you stop cheating on your partner -- or prevent you from starting? 

Have you been cheated on? How did you respond -- by busting widows like Jazmine or by just walking away?

Do you think it is possible to be faithful to one person?