Local News (10/19/09-11/1/09)

11/02/2009
Local, News
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Queens Girl Wants to Dance; Her School Wants Her to Study, October 28, 2009, NYDN

*Oct 22 - 00:05*

Kelly Sinisgalli, a Queens girl in the 4th grade, lost her spot in her school’s dance program because her school said her test scores weren’t high enough; and she’s none too happy about it. According to the article, “Kelly Sinisgalli, 9, scored at the top level on last year’s state math exam, but was at grade level in reading, which the school said required attention.” So they took her out of dance and required her to take a test prep class. Kelly and her parents are outraged. Now, I, have to say that I’m kind of on the side of the school with this one, although I can see it both ways. On one hand, she a nine-year-old girl, so do you really want to deprive her of pursuing her artistic passion for test prep? But then again, since when is “average” or “on grade level” good enough? Have we stopped expecting more of our children and ourselves? I’m all about kids being kids, but we also have to encourage high academic standards. I am a little wary of a “test prep” class- is she getting the help she needs to improve her reading, or is she being taught how to take a test? Both sides need to re-examine themselves a little bit here, says me.

Siblings Make Beautiful Music Together, October 27, 2009, NYDN

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The DeBerry family, who lives in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, has a family full of bright children- five to be exact. And they are all musically talented. “Brian, 12, plays the cello, and his sisters, Meghan, 16, Priya, 14, Taylor, 10, and Morgan, 9, are aspiring violin virtuosos. Although the mother and father, Sherr and Sean, are out of work and going through hard times, they find comfort in (and are committed to) supporting their childrens’ musical talent. Now, I’m all about supporting the dreams of your children (who are, after all, our future), but not paying a bill so you can buy one of them a $1,000 violin…be serious.

Little Girl’s Letter Inspires Others, October 24, 2009, NYDN

*Oct 17 - 00:05* *Oct 17 - 00:05*

Bianca Perez, a 6-year-old girl from Staten Island,wrote a letter to Sasha and Malia Obama asking them to help her family. Her mother was murdered in front of her two years ago and her father fell on difficult times. She wanted the first daughters to ask their father to help her father. From the mouths of babes. Well, her letter inspired readers who wanted to help the family.

National News (10/19/09-11/1/09)

11/02/2009
National, News
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Man Runs Over “Westernized” Daughter, October 30, 2009, NYDN

Over in Arizona, an Iraqi immigrant allegedly ran his 20-year-old daughter, Noor  Faleh Almaleki, down with his car “because she was becoming ‘too Westernized.'” He was arrested when his plane  arrived in Atlanta. smh…

Teens Ticketed for Rapping at McDonald’s Window, October, 30, 2009 NYDN

Four teens in Utah drove up to a Mickey D’s drive-through there and rapped their order. According to the article, “the teens said they were imitating a popular video on YouTube. They rapped their order, which begins with, “I need a double cheeseburger and hold the lettuce …” once quickly before repeating it more slowly.” They were given a ticket for disordely conduct, although they dispute that they ever held up the line.  Ok, the ticket-issuing was dumb, bu the youtube video was hilarious! If you haven’t seen it…here it is-

“Balloon Boy” is a Hoax, October 29, 2009, NYDN

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard about the “balloon boy” controversy. If not, here goes- a 6-year-old Colorado boy named Falcon Heene captivated the nation when his parents called 911 to report that he trapped in a floating hot air balloon. Well, turns out, after a two-hour search, he wasn’t in balloon after all; he was in the attic hiding/sleeping. Police now believe the parents set up the entire incident to try to get a reality show. Now, I saw the Heene family on Wife Swap, but this is truly shameful. If you want more, google it…ican’t.

FBI Bust Saves Children From Sexual Exploitation, Arrests Predators, October 27, 2009, NYDN

According to the article, “FBI officials say they have rescued 52 children in a series of raids around the United States aimed at under-age prostitution.” sexual expoitation. Let us remember that there is no such thing as under-age prostitution or child prostitutes. Children too young to consent to sex, cannot be prostitutes; they are victims. Good job on the raids. Keep it up.

Missing Black Women in North Carolina Get No Media Attention, October 21, 2009, Newsweek

Well surprise, freakin’ surprise. So, according to the article, “Ten women have been found slain or have been declared missing in Rocky Mount, N.C. in recent years. But the rest of the country hasn’t heard about a possible serial killer stalking the young women in this Southern town of 60,000.” People are starting to question why. Perhaps because “they were all African-American, many were poor, and some had criminal histories including drug abuse and prostitution.” There’s also a multimedia piece on unsolved serial killings in LA. Check it out.

Global News 10/19/2009-11/1/2009

11/02/2009
Global, News
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Student Deported w/o Her Degree, October 31, 2009, CNN.com

Berlanty Azzam says she was blindfolded, handcuffed and sent back to Gaza by Israeli forces.

Berlanty Azzam is a 21-year-old college senior studying business at Bethlehem University in Jerusalem. She went to Ramallah (the capital of the West Bank) for a job intervew but on her way back, was stopped at a checkpoint guarded by the Israeli Army. She was being deported from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip for illegally staying in the West Bank longer than her permit allowed. Now, she can’t go back and finish her studies and earn her degree. Check out the article for more details.

Dutch Girl Won’t Be Flying Solo Anytime Soon, October 30, 2009, CNN.com

Lauren Dekker, 14, wanted to fly around the world by herself. And when a Dutch court found out that her parents weren’t going to stop her, they put her under the care of the state. On Friday, the court decided that she wasn’t experienced enough to sail solo. Maybe next year, chica.

President of Chile Leaves HER Mark, October 28, 2009, The New York Times (NYT)

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Michelle Bachelet became president of Chile in 2006, making her the first woman to do so. It was a big deal, especially because Chile is a conservative country and she didn’t have a famous husband backing her. Early in her presidency, there were lots of demonstrations and she wasn’t a popular president. But her work, especially her handling of the economy during the recent crisis, helped increase her popularity. With only five months left in office, the 58-year-old single mother of three, is expected to go down in history as one of Chile’s most popular presidents.

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Trying to Stop Rapid Spread of H.I.V. in Russia, October 28, 2009, NYT /Associated Press (AP)

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H.I.V. is spreading is Russia. According to The Times, “the number of Russians infected with H.I.V. has doubled in the past eight years.” So AIDS experts want the country to try new tactics to fight the disease. Russia favors an “abstinence-based strategy,” while experts are encouraging them to try things like needle exchange programs, methadone clinics (for heroin addicts), and free condoms. Some in Russia are wary of some of these programs because they don’t want to seem to “endorse” risky behavior. I say, you better do whatever works.

Tight Jeans Banned in Indonesia, October 28, 2009, The New York Times

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So…apparently, some Muslim women in Indonesia (who live in a certain district of the Aceh Province) will no longer be allowed to rock tight jeans, courtesy of a dress code that goes into effect January 1. Why? “Wearing tight jeans exposes their bodies, which is strictly banned under Islam,” said one man quoted in the story. The law will be enforced by the Shariah police (police who enfore Islamic law). What will happen to the clothes? They will be shredded and the woman will have to wear government-issued skirts. Men are also forbidden from wearting shorts. (map of Indonesia that also explains more info. about religion in diff. parts of the country)

Death Penalty for Adulterers in Indonesia? October 27, 2009, NYT

So, in more Indonesian law news, adulterers can be stoned to death. Now, in addition to giving public canings for gambling, prostitution and affairs as punishment, the Shariah police will be enforcing religious morality more harshly than ever before. Not everyone agrees with these harsh laws or measures, but the country is clearly cracking down…literally.

Making a Better Dominican Baseball Player, October 24, 2009, NYT

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There are lots of famous Dominican baseball players- Sammy Sosa, Manny Ramirez, A-Rod (although he was born in Washington Heights, not the DR).  And in the Dominican Republic, many are working to make sure that tradition continues, to the point of giving teenage boys injections, vitamins and painkillers to try to make them better players in hopes of getting them to play Major League Baseball (and to get more $ for the agent/trainer/coach). According to the article, “Dominican-born players make up about 17 percent of major league and minor league rosters in the United States and Latin America, but about 38 percent of the players who tested positive for steroids and other banned substances since 2005.”

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Rural Wives “Sold” in India? October 23, 2009, CNN.com

So there’s an article on CNN.com reporting on the hardships of farming familes in rural parts of India, specifically that because of the severe drought and the bad economy, the farmers are in debt and desperate for money. According to the article, “to survive the bad years, some farmers say they turn to the “Paisawalla” — Hindi for the rich man who lends money. Farmers say the loans from these unofficial lenders usually come with very high interest.” And paying it back somes means selling whatever they have- including thier wives…say what now?!

It’s Fall, Y’all!

11/01/2009
It's Me Again
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And there are certain things that I just LOVE about the fall! (Clearly, I’ve been meaning to write this for a month, now, but there is no time like the present.)

Candy Corn

If you’ve ever eaten any (and how could you not have), this needs no further explanation.

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Pumpkin Seeds

Not the kind in the bag you buy at the store, but the kind you bake, from an actual pumpkin. We did this one year in home ec. and I LOVED it! Yummy!

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Pumpkins

Carved or not, I just like the look of them.

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The Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Movie!

Fall Leaves

Now that I don’t have to rake any, they are just SO pretty! And, let’s face it, New York needs every bit of natural color it can get. The wearing of the blacks and greys all-year-round-but-especially-in-the-winter-time gets a little dreary.

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Hayrides

In theory…and yes, I have been on one. Sitting in a truck filled with hay isn’t as comfy or as fun as it seems. Still, I like it.

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Fresh Air

No explanation needed. Not that the air in NYC is any “fresher” in the fall, but the brisk fall air makes it circulate more and seem a little fresher.

Patterned Tights w/ Funky Prints

Either you get it, or you don’t. It’s just a personality thing.

printed_tights_make_a_bold_statemenKnee High Socks

So cute!

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Leg Warmers

So toasty!

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Sitting in front of a roaring fire

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in my mind, as I have no fireplace here in NYC. But someone near me does and I love that wood-burning smell, even if I’m huddled in front of a heater…or two

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Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows

Although I do enjoy this year ’round.

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Lentil Soup

Although I do enjoy this year ’round, as well. I wish I knew how to make it for myself. Yummy!

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Warm Blankets

If you can’t tell, I’m cold-natured, so I LOVE any and everything warm- especially blankets.

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SETTING BACK THE CLOCK!!!

I know, it happens when you’re sleeping so do you really FEEL any difference when the clocks fall back? Probably not, but I’d like to think that I do. Besides, when it springs forward an hour, I KNOW I feel that…

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Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour tonight chicas!

And tell me, what are you fall favs?

Happy Halloween, Homegirls!

10/31/2009
Events
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And all that good ish…now, clearly, I am not anywhere tricking nor treating, as per usual. When I was younger, we never really went trick-or-treating, cetainly  not around the neighborhood, although I do recall the alternative- collecting candy by going from store to store at a mall once or twice with my mom. I had a few costumes that I remember- big bird (you know, the ones with the mask and the plastic cape), a ghost (a last resort costume I was embarassed to wear b/c I was too old, but had to because I really couldn’t find anything else) and a disasterous attempt to make my own “oreo” costume when I was in elementary school (I thought I could wear all white for the cream filling and stuff two garbage bags w/ newspaper  and attach them to myself). The irony of that escaped me then, I chuckle about it now; ah….the innocence of youth. See, back then, I wasn’t dressing for Halloween to go trick-or-treating, but because we had Halloween parades and little parties at school and you had to have a costume- any costume- to participate. That was many moons ago.

I never realized how “big” Halloween was, especially among adults, until I moved to NY. I had only been living in Brooklyn for a month when I got caught up (literally) in the Halloween Day Parade in the Village. I was leaving a late class, headed to the W4 subway station when I met a crowd of costumed  fools celebrating. I fought my way against the grain only to find that the subway was closed…so I walked around aimlessly  until I found an open station and then had to figure out how to get back to Brooklyn (on the “C,” no less) from where I was…that was a fun night…(I have since learned that value of knowing multiple ways and subway lines to get me home…you should, too, if you don’t already).

I’m not into scary movies and I’m trying to cut back on all the sweets (although I cannot lie, I used to be a sucker for the pumpkin Halloween candy and I, admitedly, ate a whole bag of candy corn earlier this month) but in the New York Halloween spirit,  I got to thinking about what I would be for Halloween if I were so inclined to celebrate. And I remembered there were two (or three) people I wanted to be as a youth-

Rainbow Brite

I mean, seriously, how FUN does she look? I loved drawing and coloring in rainbows as a kid, plus I had the book, the sheets, OH! how I wanted to be a member of her multi-hued posse.

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Rainbow Brite and Starlite

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Rainbow Brite and Crew

Penny, from Inspector Gadget
Why you ask? Because she was super smart and had that interactive computer-book and watch I LOVED! Man, I wanted one of those books so badly! Admittedly, I (unsuccessfully) tried to make one of out cardboard (hanging my head in shame). She was SO on point! I didn’t even know then that the girl Cree Summer did her voice, that’s just all the more reason to love her!
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THE book

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The watch

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Penny

Harriet the Spy
If you’ve never read the book, allow me to recommend it to you. When I read about this girl detective’s journaling and spying on her family, classmates, and neighbors…the sense of adventure…the insight, the honesty…the composition notebook…the spying…the glasses…the red sweater…the chucks…AH! how I loved it! I wanted to BE that girl… And yes, I did buy and re-read the book earlier this year…still rocks! Imagine that…I wanted to be an “investigator” way before CSI and Law & Order. As I journalist, I kind of am…So, here’s to you, Harriet!
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Did I mention Harriet was a HG, too? She grew up on the Upper East Side…I STILL have a thing for composition books to.this.day. In the book, when Harriet gets into trouble for some of the things she’s written down about people she knows, her nanny, Ole Golly,  gives her this advice in a letter:
“Naturally, you put down the truth in your notebooks. What would be the point if you didn’t? And naturally those notebooks should not be read by anyone else, but if they are, then Harriet, you are doing to have to do two things, and you don’t like either of them:

1) You have to apologize
2) You have to lie.

Otherwise you are going to lose a friend.”
And later-
“Remember that writing is to put love in the world, not to use against your friends. But to yourself you must always tell the truth.”
Good ish…although I’d say that writing is to put truth in the world. Either way, I’m all about both- truth and love. Halloween is often considered a children’s holiday or a childish holiday, but we can learn a lot from children. As they say, “and a little child shall lead them.”
P.S. Be super safe…

NY1 Anchor Accused of Assaulting his Wife

10/31/2009
Domestic Violence, Issues, Local, News
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So, ladies, as I’m sure you all know, we don’t play “woman beating” around these parts. So imagine my surprise when NY1 political anchor Dominic Carter is accused of assaulting this wife earlier this week! I thought to myself…oh hells no! And I actually watched that show, several times….Dominic…say it ain’t so.

 

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Dominic Carter

 

*Oct 29 - 00:05*

Carter, after appearing in court

So here’s the deal, Carter’s wife Marilyn  accused him of punching, choking and kicking her. She later recanted those allegations, but, according to the NY Post, ” cops were called to the Carters’ Rockland County house four times in the last two years for domestic disputes, police records show. The most violent incident — in which Carter, 46, was arrested for assault — occurred Oct. 22, 2008.”

Carter, whose work contract expires in a month, has been suspended from his job as an anchor (right before the Nov. 3 Mayoral race) as it was also suggested that he tried to use his position as an influential news anchor to convince a judge to “bury” the charge. You lost one, Dom.

If these allegations are true, shame on you.

Rockstar Teyana, Indeed

10/31/2009
pop culture
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So, a couple of days ago, Teyana Taylor, an 18-year old Harlem Homegirl, did a very interesting interview with radio personality Egypt. Now, I know what some of you are thinking, who is Teyana Taylor?

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Well, some of you may know her from her “My Super Sweet 16” episode on MTV, or her “Google Me” song/video;

You may recognize her from her unique look- decidedly b-girlish w/colorful clothes and sneakers and big hair,

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or even her constant presence on some blogs (she got a lot of flack for taking up for her friend Chris Brown following his battering of then-girlfriend Rhianna). Others, who know who she is, may still be wondering, what exactly does she do or why is she famous? Well, I’m a big fan of encouraging people to define themselves. So, according to her myspace page, aptly named “rockstarteyana,”  she’s a “singer/songwriter/stylist/rapper/dancer.” Get it.

Back to the point. She did an interview with Egpyt that shed a lot of light onto her personality. Here are a few highlights: she’s a “fat girl” at heart, she’s a virgin (in ALL senses of the word) AND proud of it, she teaches Bible study at a local church in Harlem, she has a lip gloss line coming out called “Dope Lips,” she describes her music as “poprock,” and she has a big crush on Shia LeBouf. She also discusses her relationship with Chris Brown, blog rumors about her, and what’s up next for her (songwriting- she has her own publishing company-, more modeling and magazine covers). I like.

While, I was a little taken aback by her staunch support of friend Chris Brown, (she said, “I don’t condone what he did. It’s never right to hit a woman. But I’m gonna be by his side anyway.” ) while acknowledging his wrongdoing, (Can friends hold each other accountable and still remain friends? idk) there is a lot to be gleamed from this interview, particularly on the virginity tip-

Egypt: “Wait Wait Wait…your still a virgin?? I’m really happy to hear that.

Teyana: Yes. The one thing people can never say is that I’m a hoe. I have a purity ring. The only time you get in trouble is if you attempt to do something. If your laying up on a boy then something is going to happen. So I just keep my legs closed until I am ready for that. I can’t have a boyfriend because the only thing they want to do is have sex. I don’t want no fingers up there, no penis, nothing!!! Uh uh (shaking her head no).”

Check out the entire interview here.

 

Girl Gang-Raped at High School Dance; People Participate, Some Watch and Yet No One Helps

10/30/2009
National, News, Staying Safe
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So, I’ve been holding off on posting this because I didn’t know quite what to say…I STILL don’t, but here goes. Apparently, last Saturday, a 15-year-old girl was gang raped by a group of guys animals for two and a half hours on the campus of Richmond High School in the Bay Area in California, while a homecoming dance was going on inside. There was plenty of security inside, along with parents and school officials, to make sure that there was no violence, at the dance, but none outside. The girl left the dance and was going to meet her father to go home when a male “friend” asked her to walk with him to another (secluded) part of the campus. There, they met a group of people who had been drinking. She was then robbed, beaten and brutally raped. And if that was not horrible enough, “As many as 10 people were involved in the assault in a dimly lighted back alley at the school, police have said, while another 10 people watched without calling 911 to report it.” Some put that number as high as 20. Some of the “bystanders” stopped to participate in the rape, and even recorded the brutal rape on their cell phones. WHAT?!

The girl was finally found, not because someone saw what was going on and called the police, but because “someone in the area who had overheard people at the assault scene talking about the incident,” called it in, according to police. How heartless can you be? Oh, and good luck prosecuting the “bystanders” though, as “A 1999 California law makes it illegal not to report a witnessed crime against a child, but the law applies only to cases in which the child is 14 or younger.” I am beyond disgusted.

According to the article, “three juveniles and two adults are in custody in the rape on Saturday, said the Richmond police spokesman, Lt. Mark Gagan. The three juveniles will be charged as adults, he said.” Police believe she knew at least one of her attackers. What is this world coming to? When our girls can’t even depend on decent people to help protect them? I mean, it’s sad that it has come to this, but we expect criminals to behave like animals. But we expect more of “decent” people, regular citizens, we have to, in order to believe that others will protect us when we can’t protect ourselves. Not necessarily get involved (because many won’t), but at least, call the police. I guess, “decent” people and criminals have one thing in common- you certainly can’t tell by just looking.

Gabby Sidibe is Beyond Precious, She’s Confident & Proud

10/27/2009
Beauty, Harlem, Magazines, movies, pop culture, Self-Esteem
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So…you all have heard about the upcoming movie Precious, right? It’s based on the book Push by Sapphire. Have any of you read it? If not…wow. I read it back in the day when I was probably far too young (I snuck and read a lot of books with very mature content back in day, though- tee hee)  but I remember it and recently went home and found my original hardcover copy (ok. it was on my bookshelf, so ‘found’ is an exaggeration, but still). I’m thinking of re-reading it before the movie premieres on November 6, but it’s one of those books that troubles you to your soul- like Beloved by Toni Morrison…sometimes, you can only stand to read it once, anything else is kind of traumatic. To get a better idea of what I’m talking about, check out the trailer:

Riiight. Want a little more? Here’s a summary of the film from a recent New York Times Magazine cover story– “Graphic as the film is, it is less so than “Push,” the 1996 novel on which it is based. Written by an African-American poet and writer known as Sapphire, “Push” relied on intentionally misspelled, broken and slangy English to convey Precious’s sense of despair and rage. The novel mixes poems by Precious with sexually extreme scenes, like those in which she is forced to perform oral sex on her mother. It is almost relentlessly bleak: when Precious discovers she is H.I.V.-positive, she is certain of her imminent death. Daniels’s movie, by contrast, offers a greater sense of possibility. He doesn’t ignore her disease, hardships or struggles, but he also liberates her from them. Precious is a stand-in for anyone — black, white, male, female — who has ever been devalued or underestimated.”

Now, the movie is a definite must see…but I want to focus, for a moment on the title character, newcomer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, a Brooklyn-born, Harlem raised homegirl who is getting.it.IN. And not just in the film. Looking at Gabby, I’m sure you assume something about her, if you’re honest. She’s dark-skinned and overweight, either of which is not generally considered desirable in our community (and you can define “our” any way you choose); the combination of both, definitely not. But don’t get your girl wrong, she’s not the shy, quiet, keep my head down and try to hide inside myself, invisible to boys chick that some may mistake her for. On the contrary, she, unlike many young girls clearly knows her worth and has self-confidence like no other. Don’t believe me? Check her out in the New York Magazine story.

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“They try to paint the picture that I was this downtrodden, ugly girl who was unpopular in school and in life, and then I got this role and now I’m awesome,” says the actress. “But the truth is that I’ve been awesome, and then I got this role.”

‘Daniels, who saw hundreds of audition tapes from across the country (350-pound actresses don’t grow on trees), was blown away by Sidibe. “She is unequivocally comfortable in her body, in a very bizarre way. Either she’s in a state of denial or she’s so elevated that she’s on another level,” he says. “I had no doubt in my mind that she had four or five boyfriends, easily.”

“I learned to love myself, because I sleep with myself every night and I wake up with myself every morning, and if I don’t like myself, there’s no reason to even live the life. I love the way I look. I’m fine with it. And if my body changes, I’ll be fine with that.”

“And, of course, Gabourey Sidibe is more likely to bitch-slap a boy than the reverse. Is she still juggling four or five boyfriends? “Yes, but I don’t want to get serious enough to call them boyfriends,” she says. “This one guy, I’ve deleted his number. I would text him at 7 p.m., and he’d be like, ‘I’m at BBQ’s.’ But the thing is, you don’t go to BBQ’s with your boys, you go with a girl. Then he’d call me at eleven. I’m like, ‘Why don’t you call me at six when you’re ready to go to BBQ’s?’ ” Her voice quickens with a touch of rage. “Don’t, don’t, don’t! I’m not a regular girl. I just got off a plane from France. You need to check yourself.”

WHAT?! How can you not LOVE this chick?! Want some more? Well, you can check girlie out on the COVER (say word!) of The New York Times Magazine.

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Now THAT’S really a bIg deal. The story’s kind of long, but here’s a (relevant) little taste.

“Unlike Precious, Sidibe is well spoken and cheerful. “I’m not her,” Sidibe said emphatically. “But, when I was 14 or 15, I saw myself in a different way. Back then, I envied a life that I’d made up in my mind. I broke free of that unhappiness and I decided to change — I was going to be happy with myself. No matter what I look like, no matter what people think.”

May we all be so lucky…so support her on November 6th, y’all! I know I will be.