Workplace Confrontation

I felt the need to express my feeling regarding problems in the workplace. I am constantly having problems with other women at my job for many reasons unknown. Well today a fellow co-worker who I almost never have spoken a solid word to felt the need to cleanse her soul. I heard she's a very religious person.. what does that mean? Does that mean she loves everyone and treats them how she want to be treated,No? She's a hypocrite if you ask me and most people don't practice what they preach. As for this co-worker, she came to my desk today and place a card on my desk. She walked away and I continued to do my work, I then opened the envelope thinking it was something job related. Well to my surprise it was a card that read thanks for your kindness and generosity with $10 enclosed and a hand written note saying lunch was on her. Now I started to put the money in my purse and cheerfully acknowledging victory.. since I never went upside her head. But then I started to ponder what were her true intentions for this unexpected gesture. Oh snap she was trying to insult me I said to myself. I proceeded to walk to her desk and politely placed the card back on her desk with no explanation whatsoever.... Damn I wish she was at her desk, but if she was then I might not have a job. Here are a few ways to overcome problems: There's a technique that many managers use to avoid confrontation or to calm down a situation is called the ESP process. ESP stands for empathy, sympathy and priority. Understanding, agreeing and working out a way to deal with the problem should help to avoid confrontation. Many people can’t distinguish between criticism of their specific performance and general disapproval or dislike of them as a person

So lets try to learn how to deal with confrontation in the workplace together, here's a website I found with some good info on dealing with problems in the workplace. Click here.

What's In....French Braids

I unfortunately have tried numerous times to French Braid with no luck. I can cornrow like a African women but for some reason this French braiding is not working. I have seen more and more celebrities wearing braids from Mary Kate/ Ashley Olsen, Eve, Ashlee Simpson, Fergie, Tracee Reese. No longer are these braids considered taboo, as if you are a member of a religious cult. You can try to update the look by doing asymmetrical French braids, or French braids that are on the side, rather than in the center—or by really messing up the braid so that it looks sexy and chic. However you braid will depend on your own style and preference. With these 90 degree days in the city you might want to opt for a humidity fighting solution- the braid since curls never win in the heat. Here are a few sights I found helpful with my quest to become a master braider:

Dreamweaver website- Click here

How to French Braid - Click here or even try here

Neon Nail Colors

As I am walking the streets of D.C., I noticed the lack of the usual French manicure look on females these days. The city has opted for a more variety of colors during these hot and steamy days. I too have fallen victim to this trend of bright hues and colorful designs. Whether you polish your own nails or prefer to have them professionally done there are by far plenty of options to choose from, so show your creativity and brighten your horizon or at least your nail color selections. Here are a few of my favorites: Essie, Hot Topic or The Cosmetic Superstore

Representing: Bad Girls 101

Now here's my first edition of "The Bad Girls". I will be doing a weekly synopsis of the most voted Bad Girl so get in your vote by emailing me at realtalkrealissues@yahoo.com.

Naomi Campbell (click to view profile)

By her early 20s, the Jamaican-Chinese, British born Naomi Campbell had already conquered the fashion world. After only a few years in the modeling business, she quickly began breaking new ground: the first black model to appear on the covers of Time magazine, as well as the French and British Vogue.

I picked Naomi for the simple fact that no matter what she goes through in her personal life she always on point with her fashion choices. She may be difficult to handle at time with a bad temper but her negatives never outweigh her positive attribute to the Fashion Industry. Here's to you hun!

Rick Ross is the Boss... Literally!

Here's one of the photoshopped pictures that have been circulating on the internet and it's quite amusing. Hopefully this won't be the end of a promising career and Ross can bounce back from the embarrassment cause from the damaging correctional officer picture. It didn't help that he denied ever being a C.O.... But my question is, "Is it that bad to have an honest career now adays?" Click here to see more pics or Click here to read more on this story.

Respect My Vote!

I am constantly stressing to all those who will listen, Vote.... Instead of always complaining about the problems become apart of the solution. This year's election is not only historic but very important to the way of life for all Americans. At an event here in D.C. featuring T.I., Young Berg, D.C native Wale, Maino, Dawn from Danity Kane, DJ Green Lantern and many others. The campaign slogan, "Respect My Vote!" and t-shirts were unveiled at the 9:30 Club. The campaign will gather key influential figures in the entertainment and athletic community to raise awareness to the importance of voting. Are you registered?

Is Casual Sex O.K.

If you choose to indulge in an uncommitted sexual relationship, you should be completely clear with the men you date that you are thoroughly uninterested in any kind of commitment. In other words, do not lead them on or take advantage of their feelings. For many people, both women and men, sex signals at least the potential for emotional involvement. So you need to stress that you don’t want any attachment. If he's on the same page, or even relieved he get to sleep with you, no strings attached, that’s cool. Otherwise, there might be the assumption for a potential future. So you please inform them that you are not seeking a future at all, but merely having fun playing the field, and that you consider sex with them enjoyable, but by no means want to have a relationship. Some people are not able to have sex without some emotional attachment. You might, for example, find that casual sex is empty and unsatisfying, and you might as well masturbate. There is certainly nothing wrong with that when it comes to satisfying sexual needs. Or you might find yourself developing stronger feelings than you thought, but you have a situation that is purely short-term. So be honest with yourself about whether this is really the situation for you. Some women find that separating their feelings from the act will protect them in the long run. But finds it harder to re-attached themselves if the relationship unexpectedly progress. She may also have the urge to connect emotionally but unable to find the sexual connection.

If you find that you are in fact looking for something deeper, or it presents itself unexpectedly, I urge you to be open to that.

Pic of the Day

Here's a nice promo picture for Amerie, a DC native, for her yet untitled upcoming album. The picture is so hawt with this retro feel to it, I love it!

Bad Names

No not curse words but official children names. What is it about naming a child that would cause so much drama in the world. And why is it that people would have the audacity to give their kids a reason to be teased in school. There's already enough stress on our kids now with peer pressure, bullying, sexual identity, etc... Why on earth would to do this people. Well apparently a judge in New Zealand has had enough of this mess. Read this article and next time think twice about what you plan on naming your child especially when we really don't have custody of our own children... the state does.

Before and After- Omarion

Look what we have here!!!!!

Someone finally seen a barber and well personally I don't like the cut. It makes him look old and creates what I call a foot-ball neck, you know them footballers be looking like they benchpress weights on their necks. What do you think?

The Obamas- Yes We Can

Here's the latest issue of People Magazine, on stands Aug 4th, with my favorite family at the moment. Who said the black community is filled with broken homes. The media is quick to broadcast the problems facing black americans but rarely do you see the positives within our community. Contrary to your belief we aren't all crackhead, dope dealer, teenage mothers, uneducated, violent and lastly Ghetto!!! We will overcome racism one day and show the world we too can make it.

Source

If you cant beat em Join em Rick!!!

I tried not to indulge myself into the mayhem that’s circulating throughout the media and various Internet outlets regarding Rick Ross. I am a fan of Ross and really love his recent album that is plays on repeat in my car. What I find strange about this whole incident is the need to lie about it. Is it so bad to hold an honest job in the black community or even worst the ultimate betrayal… to be associated the police. An ultimate career breaker or worst a death sentence when to be discovered as one of them. After reviewing the picture I do believe it’s Ross and really don’t care. The game nowadays is nothing but a big fat ole lie anyways.. So why is one lie accepted when another one is denounced? But in the end it’s all lies, Right! So where did all this investigation come from, a close source of mine in Miami spoke on tension arising after the production of a DVD featuring Ross surfaced. Well, clips of Ross discussing personal information regarding another Dade County rappers family member didn’t sit well with others around town. That’s when some people schemed on exposing Ross for who he really was… A Fake. He was never really a street dude just knew people in a circle of friends. Click here to read what the Smoking Gun came up with regarding the Boss

Speaking of Miami rappers here’s Plies new video featuring Jaime Fox and The Dream, "Please Excuse My Hands". I love me some Plies with his country swag and all!!!

Jason Taylor may be our Savior... Go Skins

"I am very excited to be a Washington Redskin right now," Taylor said Monday. "It has been a whirlwind the last 24 hours."

RIP - Estelle Getty

Who is Estelle (Sophia) Getty? Well she was my favorite on The Golden Girls and today she passed away. I am a huge fan and watched the show on numerous occasion.

SEX OFFENDER NEXT DOOR

As I was listening to the new Lil Wayne CD, might I add is hot, he talks about sex offenders in his song called Misunderstood. How a sex offender might live right next to you and how the police notifies residents, some times, that a registered sex offender lives in their area. Well I decided to browse the Registry(like Doc from Back to the Future would say, Great Scotts, lol) and to my surprise saw several people who I've come in contact with previously. Just to keep you up to date with those around your neighborhoods take a moment to browse your area. And knowing is half the battle! Click here

IPHONE Disaster

Why is it that an overpriced phone can't seem to hold it's end of the bargain. Some fanatics waited in line for hours only to be unable to activate their new phones. Some stores had lines out the door with customers trying to activate their new toys. Then they were told to take their phones home to connect to their computers which is suppose to be the last step in the activation process only to be shocked that the ITunes software was experiencing problems. Even for those customers with the 1st generation phones who were to receive the update for the new software found troubles with their phones once they downloaded the updates.... It's a bunch of pissy people out here, I would normally say you get what you pay for but in this case are customers paying $500 plus for a continual headache.

Yes We Can Barack

We must look past the hate and realize no matter what we do racism will never go away.. it may lie dormant but when the stakes are this high... Racism will show it's ugly face where you least expect it. The hating is in full effect and will only get worse the closer this historic election between Democratic Nominee Barack Obama and GOP Nominee John McCain. So many people are hating the fact that a black man has infiltrated this white man dominated society. In my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined a black man..... A Black Man.... coming even remotely close to being the President of the United States. It's history in the making and I'm proud to have witnessed this event that could prove to all black people but especially black men that nothing is impossible if you believe. Yes you Can!!!!!

USHER RAYMOND V

Can we say adorable! Baby Usher shows us those big cheeks in the new issue of Essence Magazine. In the magazine Daddy Usher discusses his marriage, being a new dad and the struggles he faced with his dad. Go cop the issue, real interesting!

RAP IT UP:Solange,Keri,Teyana

Here is the new Rap It Up cover with my new favorite upcoming superstars, in my opinion. I love Kerri Wilson the energy she displays is very refreshing. And Solange has definitely risen from the shadows of her big sister, Bey. As for Teyana well the fashion sense speaks for itself and she's definitely an inspiration to teens all around the globe. Keep your eye out for this duo right here.

Jennifer Hudson

Here is the cover for Jennifer Hudson's self titled debut album.... looking a little suspicious might I add. I love me some Jennifer Hudson and I'm always backing an underdog but this right here is just plain ridiculous. I know that's her head but the body has definitely been altered... but most importantly her album is finally coming out.... CONGRATS!!!

FORECLOSED: Don't Put Me Out

With the economy in shambles it hard to find any relief but even harder when you can no longer afford the home you've worked so hard to buy. And on the daily Americans are finding that the place they normally call home, well it ain't home anymore... well theirs at least. In Prince George's County, Md African Americans are accusing some lending companies of bad lending practices. The NAACP has compiled evidence which proves that when credit, income and other qualifications were equal, many African Americans received less favorable loan terms than similar-situated borrowers. The Prince George's County branch of the NAACP is urging homeowners who think they have been victims of mortgage discrimination to contact the organization to become part of a federal lawsuit against lenders and banks.

Anyone who might have been victimized should contact the branch office at 301-883-4941 or the national general counsel at 410-580-5777

American Dream Shattered

As we all are aware of our country is in a state of unrest. People are losing their jobs, minds, and most importantly their shelter. With gas prices at an all time high and food prices steady increasing, America as we no it is no long where you want to turn for that "American Dream". Personally I blame this administration and all those associated with it for not doing more to help their own, we have been taken for a ride people. And the bus stops here, no more will we continue to let this happen, if you don't believe that we can make a change just say these three words with me...... YES WE CAN! With the upcoming election you must express the outrage that you feel and make a difference. Help America to finally get back on it's feet....VOTE! Believe me it won't be easy and it may not help now... but if we work together and build a united front the possibilities are endless.

Help make a difference and not just complain... Do something about it! MAKE IT HAPPEN

iPHONE Fanatics

If you're cheap like me and can't see yourself paying for an expensive phone that just can't seem to get it together.. well hopefully you'll be happy to hear that the New iPhone 3G just may actually live up to all the hype. What is it about technology and why do they believe we need all these damn features when we just really want to make a call. Well this Friday, Apple's launching a second-generation iPhone, called the iPhone 3G, which is suppose to address all of the problems plaguing the new phone, while keeping the look and feel of the first model’s hardware and software. The updated phone is said to have new features and those people with the older model will receive a free upgrade. So what do you think.. Is it worth it?

Read more about the new iPhone 3G here....

IS METROSEXUALITY THE END OF SEXUALITY?

This topic has been coming up quite frequently lately as the invasion of the DL brothers intensify with the black community. What is a Metrosexual…Well it’s generally applied to heterosexual men with a strong concern for their appearance, or whose lifestyles display attributes stereotypically seen among gay men. I personally believe that metrosexuals are two snaps away from being gay. I think I’m still stick in the mindset that men shouldn’t know more about fashion culture unless they have some kind of gay tendency. I just can’t see a straight man shaving him under arms, tweezing his eyebrows, and grooming his private area and most of all wearing jeans tighter than the woman in his company. Lets first get to words origin:
Mark Simpson, a British and outspokenly gay social "commentarist," first published the term in a 1994 article called "Here Come The Mirror Men," which ran in Britain's Independent. The concept was developed thanks to Simpson's book on masculine identity in a media-driven world, called Male Impersonators: Men Performing Masculinity. In a recent interview, Simpson goes on: "Commercially... it makes perfect sense to maintain that metrosexuals are all straight -- after all, advertising is trying to persuade as many men as possible to relax their sphincter muscles, cooing in their ear that there's nothing gay about being fucked by corporate consumerism. Which, ironically, is true."

So what should you look out for, well try to inform yourself about your mans behavior:

"The typical metrosexual is a young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis – because that's where all the best shops, clubs, gyms and hairdressers are. He might be officially gay, straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object and pleasure as his sexual preference. Particular professions, such as modeling, waiting tables, media, pop music and, nowadays, sport, seem to attract them but, truth be told, like male vanity products and HIV, they're pretty much everywhere.


The newly popular media and marketing buzzword seems to mean different things to different people, but in general, a metrosexual:

• Is a modern, usually single man in touch with himself and his feminine side
• Grooms and buffs his head and body, which he drapes in fashionable clothing both at work or before hitting an evening hotspot
• Has discretionary income to stay up to date with the latest hairstyles, the newest threads, and the right shaped shoes
• Confuses some guys when it comes to his sexuality
• Makes these same guys jealous of his success with the ladies -- for many metros, to interact with women is to flirt
• Impresses the women who enjoy his company with the details that make the man
• Enjoys reading men's magazines...

Here are a few Metrosexuals in the public eye:

Prince (Of Course), Kanye West, Eddie Murphy, Usher, Lloyd, Omarion, Jamie Fox, Neyo, Tyler Perry, Jay Z, Andre 3000, John Legend, P. Diddy, Chris Brown, Russell Simmons, David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Ryan Seacrest, Tom Cruise, Ashton Kutcher, Bobby Valentino

Embryo Research

Do you believe something is going on!

Why is it that scientists are so intrigued with creating the perfect human. We are humans and humans make mistakes. I don't believe this "Perfect" person would even really become a reality to our generation. And we are constantly wondering why all of these things keep occuring in this world. Why are we in such a devestating era is puzzling to me and I find it so mysterious. Here's an article I just came upon that peeked my attention.

Favorite Sexual Positions

Well as the title really speaks for itself I found it very interesting that us humans put names on almost every aspect of life. Some of the sexual position names are quite hilarious and until acutally reading up on these names I've come to find how uninformed I have been for years. Truthfully, I never really cared about names just the act itself.. Well I was always told if you learn something the greatest give you could give was passing the knowledge. So here are a few pictures and names of some positions... Enjoy and feel free to try the ones you never heard of! Click on the picture to see the slideshow