Charles In Charge At “Sweetie Pies”

Okay, so I find myself laughing one of those hearty, gut wrenching, eyes misting tears sort of deal while taking notes for today’s post. I watched episodes of “Sweetie Pies” on Oprah ‘s OWN after the festivities and honors sent to all the fallen on Memorial Day. Watching Sweetie Pies always makes me hungry, even after a full day of eats!  Y’all know I’m a displaced Southern girl.  I assure  you ”I had no choice in the matter”….But, family & food were two of maybe 5 good things that came out from the soils of my upbringing….Those platters of greens, fried chicken, sweet potatoes and apple pies served up at Ms. Robbie’s restaurant? All good! Moderation is key, people.

Anyhoo, and people think they know a g-mogul because, there’s always “anyhoo”…  Aside from the food and arguing between mama & son, son & fiancee’ and problems cropping up while trying to open another restaurant, I’ve witnessed what I’d call a breakout star in the makings. Can you guess? If you guessed young Charles-Ms. Robbie’s nephew? then you win and deserve to keep reading my views on Charles:)

Charles is a kid from back in the day- innocent, but, then not so much, ha! He is hilarious people… take the time he wanted to become a bartender, so he goes to a friend whose a mixologist…is that a word? Okay, y’all, dude mixes drinks and shows Charles a few tricks. Charles gets drunk from all the ‘tasting’ going on. Tearfully funny! Lucky for him, he takes a cab home… Charles doesn’t impress Ms. Robbie when he practices his newfound skills on her.

In last night’s episode, Charles wants to work at the new restaurant as anything other than, a bus boy, floor sweeper, or dishwasher. Maybe he’ll be the manager and open up around 4:30 when there’s no one to manage-ha! Ultimately he admits he doesn’t know what he wants to do and heads to the zoo, because he’s always loved animals… He’s afraid to blow into the nose of the Llama. He’s wondering who needs a degree to pick up some poop? The scene at the zoo with a clueless Charles was hysterical and great food for fodder in this post. I could write a daily column on Charles and actually enjoy doing it:)

Okay, people, loads of stuff to do before keeping it moving to my next site. What, didn’t know I’m a regular Renaissance woman? Y’all can visit if you’re brave enough) http://clara54.wordpress.com and http://authentic-woman.net …don’t forget to:

holla’

Love Addiction Reality TV

Okay, so I don’t really know what to expect from this new sries on TV One called “Love Addiction” check your local listings, but, so far and from the few episodes I’ve seen- it’s shining a spotlight on a sort of statistical ratio that favors men in how they just tend to get over on a “sistah!” And, it seems to show women in a “needy” light. Let’s talk!

One couple: young black guy has been dating an older- much older white woman & a former Vegas Showgirl who is a year older than the man’s mother becomes an issue for the mother! The woman who is getting divorced from her husband, has issues and so does the young man equaling a volatile relationship. Did I mention  the husband still pays the woman’s mortgage?…the woman houses her unemployed, but, great boy toy in this cozy lovers nest. Moms isn’t happy about this arrangement and along with a best friend of the young love stricken son, calls in a “Love Doctor”, an actual psychologist dealing in relationships.

Ater the intervention: The former Vegas girl cuts ties to her young lover, citing age differences and hightails it back home to live with her estranged husband whose got a J.O.B…

Another couple: A young woman who is suffering from the traumatic and oftentimes disfiguring skin condition caused by Lupus, is raising her sister’s five kids, while trying to maintain a committed relationship with an aspiring and broke actor. The woman seemingly loves this “user” to the point where she’s willing to pay his bills, cook, clean, wash his dirty clothers and support his deadbeat tail with her disability checks! Why is this g-mogul calling dude out?

Because he basically admitted during an intervention with the doctor that women were meant to serve him and should be appreciative of him! He came off as a male chauvinistic pig:) his friends saw him for this truth…while dude partied, and slept with other women, the woman taking care of his every need is left at home with no one to turn to for loving support of her & her illness.

Needless to say, the leech realized from the intervention just how much of a cad and user he was and ended the relationship. Love Addiction depicts the lives of women making bad choices.One very capable woman admits her fear of abandonment stemming from a father who stopped coming around when she was only 9 years old. She eventually ended a 7 month courtship with a man who wasn’t there for her emotionally, even during the time of her father’s passing- 

Love Addiction is definitely a wake up call for all of those needy women who doesn’t have their best interest at heart. Women have got to love themselves, know their self worth and not hook up with a guy, just because! Like Ms. Maya Angelou says, (and Oprah loves to reiteriate) “You know better-You do better.”

holla’

Bullying Tami Strikes Again On Basketball Wives!

Okay now since the influx of Reality TV, we have seen some bullies on the horizon. The Celebrity Apprentice introduced us to Amarosa, for goodness sake! And every gurl on Bad Gurls either bullied or got bullied. Who can forget Chrissy on Love & Hip Hop? That chick got mean and dirty with her friends when they blinked the wrong way. Just sayin’

Last night’s episode of Basketball Wives just took the cake!!!!! We know how mean spirited  & foul-mouthed Evelyn and Tami can be. We know what a disgrace they are to the more image conscious woman out there (Wendy ”how you doin” Williams) in a word. But, we still watch this train wreck!

We’ve heard it through the grapevine that some advertisments are pulling out from Basketball Wives because of the “embarrassing” direction the show is headed. Some even speculate that Shaunie is trying to distance herself from the show as well… Last night was a bust because of the obvious harrassment and bullying going on

I didn’t see a halo on Tami Roman’s head, did y’all? I mean who died and made her your guardian angel, or your highness or even GOD almighty!?!!! - That was some whacked out stuff and that chick was doing some unforgivable adult bullying! Kesha Nichols did the right thing by asking for help- surely, the other women didn’t use their influence to help her out!

Tami Roman blames her erratic behavior on needing ”anger management.” How’s that working for ya, Tami? Jamie Foxx hit it dead on when he sang, blame it on the “Alcohol.” Shaunie alluded to this being the culprit as well. I’m a g-mogul from way back and I call it like I see it. Y’all don’t have to agree with me either, this is America, people- we can agree to disagree without employing those bullying tactics- cause “we’re adults!” Tami better be glad her tail wasn’t arrested, she’d get sobered up quick and in a hurry, doncha ya know:)

Anyhoo, a few parting words?  Susie, keep your damn trap shut, gurl!

holla’ if you ain’t scared!

Vampire Diaries Finale- What Happened To Tyler?

Vampire Diaries was whacked out last night doncha know!?! I mean with Elena last seen passed out on the floor bleeding from the mouth and then finds herself in the hospital, dreaming of her cheerleading days when her parents were alive…Klaus appears to have been staked in his coffin, only Bonnie-the good witch does some sort of spell, hence, Klaus is alive and thriving in the body of Tyler?

Okay, Bonnie, what you do with Tyler Stop playin’, gurl.  Actually, Tyler’s character need a little get up and more umph to the storyline- just so much one can do with a half beast who loves a vampire girl; just sayin’. So, Elena finally made a choice between the two brothers. It was Stefan-who knew? Anyhoo, lovers offset who pretend to fall in love onset, doesn’t really do it for most viewers, although Twilight was an exception!  

Back to vamps dying, after the staking of Klaus. Hmmm, whose dead again? I think the finale of Vampire Diaries was a bit wierd- I believe Elena being given Vampire blood in the hospital makes her a she-vamp! What do you guys think? Will Elena become the she mistress of Stefan & Damon and in typical vampire style bed them both?

Bonnie, you’re such a crazed witch! You need Damon to show you a thing or two about loyalty…

holla’

Okay, so this wasn’t really about Tyler…

My G-Mogul List of Shows to Watch!

Okay, it’s Monday, another day in the life of a g-mogul! I wanted to do something a bit different today by bringing you a few new shows on the horizon that I think you should watch, along with some much talked about oldies! First off, I’m still following all the Reality stuff, except for Baseball Wives and Neicy Nash’s -Neicy Knows Best? Anyhoo, I’ll probably give it a second glance, but, for now, just cannot get over the fact some little people know and are too aware they’re being filmed- authenticity seems to elude the show…

I’ve already spilled on Beverly Johnson’s Full House- there’s loads of personality clashes, old wounds and miscommunication going on here- and yet, it’s a show that speaks to everyone, not solely mothers and daughters, but, relationships between family and friends as well… then there’s Robert!  Gotta love being in the mix of one Black Supermodel Diva, a newlywed daughter, who is a plus size model and the men in their lives- then there’s Beverly’s mom-love her! Watch…

Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network brings forth a fav: Welcome To Sweetie Pies, Robbie Montgomery is a former backup singer of Ike & Tina Turner Revue of the 1960s and is the owner of two thriving soul food restaurants somewhere in St. Louis.  She hired her son, Tim, his fiancee, a nephew and grandson to help run the family business - all hell breaks loose on this show, people! due, in part, to Tim’s temper, young folks lackluster interest,and unexpected financial concerns for Robbie about completion of work on a third restaurant. One thing for sure, at Sweetie Pies, you will get more bang for your buck!

Of course, I recommend y’all keep watching Basketball Wives. Mob Wives. Big Rich Texas ( total tackiness of Texas elite)  Joan & Melissa. Ringer (how they gonna hide the pregnancy, for real y’all?)  Housewives Of Atlanta. – That Kim spinoff, Tardy for The Wedding thing?  ( yawning about now) and then, there’s  the newest kid on the Reality Show block- Dina Eastwood (41 year old wife of 80 something actor, Clint Eastwood  “GET’EM UP RAWHIDE!”) in Mrs. Eastwood and Company. We didn’t get to see Clint in the show’s preview- probably napping:) but, there are some interesting characters and ugh! foul animals (vermin) on this show - I hate rats. just sayin’. If you can stomach the animals, recommend you give it a look see. 

 Absolutely love:

 Person of Interest-  still holding out for more of a connection between the main characters:) 

Vampire Diaries- Elena will choose Stefan, but, then, he should move on to Bonnie!

Supernatural- so glad Bobby’s back , but Cass, you gotta demand your Angel wings!

Grimm- never miss a beat for the beast to appear:)

 Scandal- Kerry Washington will put this show on the map- scandalous doings of men and women going for the gusto/jugular- women dominating men at their own game-lovely !

holla’

Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is now accepting nominations for its 3rd Annual Pritzker Fellowships, a unique nine-month professional mentoring program. The Pritzker Fellowships program is designed to fulfill Chicago Public Media’s most important goal: to discover, encourage and train the best possible representatives of a diverse new generation of public media talent. As in the past two years, Pritzker Fellowships will be awarded to twChicago Public Media is now accepting nominations for its 3rd Annual Pritzker Fellowships, a unique nine-month professional mentoring program. The Pritzker Fellowships program is designed to fulfill Chicago Public Media’s most important goal: to discover, encourage and train the best possible representatives of a diverse new generation of public media talent. As in the past two years, Pritzker Fellowships will be awarded to two candidates who aspire to become journalists, who are non-radio professionals, have not earned a degree in journalism and who show promise as radio producers, journalists and storytellers.

The Pritzker Fellows for 2011-12, LeCreshia Birts and Dulce Maria Mora, whose training ends this month, had this to say about their experience:

“I’ve been inspired by the amazing reporters, producers, and editors I’ve encountered and had the pleasure to work with at Chicago Public Media. They put their heart in their stories and they worked very hard to ensure I was able to get the most from my experience. Thanks to the Pritzker Fellowship, I’ve improved my self-confidence and pushed myself to do tasks I formerly viewed as difficult and terrifying. I am confident that I can use the skills and insight I’ve gained for years to come. And I’m excited to take what I’ve learned back into my community,” said Birts.

Added Mora: “The Pritzker Fellowship was truly a dream come true for me. I had the awesome opportunity to learn about radio production and journalism from some of the best in the business. I feel my writing and communication skills have grown incredibly, but what I most value from this experience is seeing the level of dedication and professionalism at Chicago Public Media. No matter who I was working with, everyone was always eager to share their knowledge with me. I can’t wait to share the skills I’ve learned – whether they are directly related to radio or not – and passing them on to others in my community and beyond.”

The Pritzker Fellowships offer high level mentorship and professional development focused on journalism. Based at Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ Radio studios, Pritzker Fellows gain rigorous training in public radio journalism and work alongside some of the nation’s most respected reporters, producers and editors. Instruction will include production and editorial skills, reporting and on-air experience, writing for the air and the web, and multi-media production skills. The two Pritzker Fellows will each receive a stipend of $20,000, plus full health benefits.

All candidates must be nominated for The Pritzker Fellowships by a community-based, not-for-profit organization, including but not limited to neighborhood, religious or social institutions. The program is open to a broad range of individuals, ages and backgrounds, with minority candidates especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must, demonstrate exceptional communication aptitude, not have earned a degree in journalism and not be enrolled in school during the program

More information is available at http://wbez.org/fellowships and the deadline for nominations is 5 p.m., May 18, 2012. The winners will be announced by Chicago Public Media in July. The 2012 Pritzker Fellows will start work in September.

Lamar Odom & Khloe Kardashian Ending Reality TV Show?

The news coming through the 411 grapevine is that the Odoms (Khloe & Lamar) have decided to pull the plug on their Reality TV Series. Apparently, due to Lamar’s poor performance in his trade to Dallas Mavericks, he just want to concentrate on regaining his basketballer legs- Good for you. Lamar! Anyhoo, it’s not like Khloe won’t be continuing to rake in the monies while hubby is away rebuilding his name- The Kardashians have aced a $40 million deal re-signing their Kardashian Reality Tv contracts…

And, if last night’s show was any indication, Khloe & Lamar is probably excited to get the hell out of Dallas! Not that’s there’s anything wrong with Dallas, mind you  but, it seemed the couple were so unhappy living there away from supportive friends and family.

On the issue of family? I’m a bit taken aback by how Kris Jenner is calling herself Lamar Odom’s “Manager!” Didn’t Mr. Odom have his own manager before getting married to Khloe & hooking up with the Kardashian Reality Tv Brand? If he allows Kris Jener to climb up the social ladder on his hard earned dime? I’m done:(   I mean did ya see how she used Lamar’s connections to the team to get VIP treatment from Mark Cuban, the Maverick’s owner? Just how tacky & money/status hungry can one publicity seeking rich woman become?

On friendship? Lamar, why in the world haven’t you peeped your man, Jamie? Don’t you know trolls come in friendship packages as well? It seems Khloe could see what her hubby couldn’t, Jamie is a leech and uses Lamar for a safety net and so is daddy Joe! Lamar Odom doesn’t seem like a dense man to me- so far. Allowing people to use and abuse his kindness? That’s weakness BRO!

Wow, why don’t this g-mogul say how she really feels!? Anyhoo, y’all know that’s what y’all think as well-ask Wendy Williams, why don’t ya? I’m tired now, gotta rest my mind-

holla’

News Out of Chicago- The William Balfour Trial

Today (Friday) marks the 5th day of the William Balfour trial in Chicago. William Balfour,as we all know, is accused of murdering Jennifer Hudson’s mom, brother and little nephew back in October 2008.Ms. Hudson has not missed one day of the trial, people! She bravely sat through about 30 minutes of her own testimony on Monday as she recounted times with her mom , brother and 7 year old nephew, Julian, whom she affectionately nicknamed her ”huggy bear.”

Balfour was still married to Jennifer’s sister at the time of the murders, but, the two were reportedly estranged. According to reports, Jennifer Hudson testified how no one in the Hudson family cared for William Balfour, stating they didn’t like the way Balfour treated her sister and nephew, Julian. Of course, Jennifer broke down several times in tears, recounting the events leading up to her family’s murder. After her turn on the stand, Jennifer rejoined her family in the audience.

On Wednesday, the two sisters stayed out of the courtroom as evidence of the crime scene was presented to the jurors. The pictures were horrendous and brutal recites one report …my heart goes out to the Hudson family having to relieve this terrible nightmare…

 Thrusday, an eyewitness to William Balfour’s intent to commit murder took the stand to verify how Balfour was seen with the same gun used in the Hudson’s murder two months before the crime. Seemingly, the witness states Balfour made threats against his estranged wife at least ten times…the defense is attempting to cast doubt on the case against Balfour, questioning Jennifer’s brother involvement in drugs might have played a part in the murder of her family. “Are you serious!?

For those of you reading this report and those who have suffered a loss at the hands of another ( Trayvon Martin’s family) why not send your condolences and support to The Hudson’s during this difficult time!?

holla’

NeNe Leakes To Sheree Whitfield- “I’m Your Gurl!”

So now, here’s the thing: NeNe Leakes has been getting roles on some high end shows since her appearance on Celebrity Apprentice. Glee cast her as a swim coach of all things and so her “acting career” has her “acting” like a diva- but, that’s really not a stretch for NeNe, casue she wore that persona during the first season of Housewives of Atlanta:) Anyhoo, the women seemingly have had enough of NeNe playing diva-licious behavior and are rebelling against her- could be a bit of jelly up in the mix too, if we’re speculating here.

On last night’s episode of The Real Housewives final reunion,, to put it mildly? All of the women were acting like crazy “b*tches!” and ya’ll know this g-mogul don’t ususlly curse in (print) and use that term when it refers to women (never) however, the screaming & telling secrets, placing blame and cackling about whose got money, sugar daddies, taking care of guys and so forth? Exhausting!

I was taking notes and taking inventory on how much the women had grown in a business sense. Kandi leads the pack with her line of sex toys-y’all know sex sells, but NeNe Leakes is making a name for herself in the world of celebrity-how she handles her new found fame and yes, NeNe “fortune” remains to be seen. In the world of celebrity, seasoned vets know how 15 minutes of fame gets old real fast in the fast lane of Hollywood- hmmm

Sheree’ seriously doesn’t sem to have a lot going in the business arena, although she’s still talking about her fashion & fitness line. There might be some truth to the tales that Sheree’ isn’t as monied up as she claims…Maybe Sheree should just take NeNe’s offer to help her out.

 Ok, so, it wasn’t genuine, but, NeNe has taken credit for getting Sheree’ and Kim on The Housewives of Atlantic, even though, according to NeNe, producers weren’t all that taken with Sheree’ in the beginning-referencing “boring” in their uncertainty. As of this post, Sheree Whitfield won’t be returning to The Housewives of Atlanta. Sources tell us she quit the show!

Kim is pregnant again and have an upcoming reality episode of her wedding to hubby, Troy- 26year old football player. Kim truly believes she can sang:) has a new record on the horizon-Kandi you stop that, gurl!

Marlo?  In the words of Wendy Williamns “”Nobody likes you.” “Go someplace.”

Phaedra & Cynthia ? Speechless:)

Good news for Giuliana & Bill Rancic: They’re becoming parents!

 The Movie, Think Like A Man, was number one at the box office this weekend, beating out Hunger Games…

What movie caught your fancy over the weekend?  How y’all feel about Sheree quitting The Housewives?

holla’

Chicago’s Children Memorial Hospital Gets A New Name

Back when this g-mogul was in nursing school & green to the city of Chicago, my class did a rotation in Pediatrics at Children Memorial Hospital. I was impressed by the overall massive space and colorful environment even then. Mostly, in the act of trying to learn skills as a nurse, I often became overwhelmed with grief and sorrow at the sight of such young children and babies who were sick and fighting for their lives. As a young mother, it was doubly heartbreaking to deal with- okay that’s the reality of THE importance of  health care, and hospitals needed in order to save lives.

 On Friday, Children Memorial Hospital officially became Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The philanthropists (rich people) donated $100 million dollars to the hospital which is reported to be one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country!  Several celebrities were in town for the grand occasion. Sarah Jessica Parker as guest host at the gala , Harry Connick Jr performed. Bonnie Hunt, Bears coach Love Smith and Mayor Rham Emanuel in attendance.

The sheer beauty of the interior from shots taken by news reports were incredible & massive, but, a wonderfully calm haven for children under the auspice of  recovery. ..

And for all y’all Kardashian fans, Kim and Khloe were in town as well to promote their clothing line-umhum. People had lined up for days at  Sears in Woodfield Mall to get a chance at meeting the sisters. The only catch for all of those folks wantin’ to get a hello in or photo opt? They had to present a receipt showing their recent purchase of items from the Kardashian line- just sayin’

Aside: Da Brat is out of jail and ya know she’s making a comeback. Recently, she thug-like rapper was helped to get reacquainted with her feminine side when she was; Styled By June!

Weign in: What y’all think about Bobby coming back to SuperNatural as a ghost?

holla’