My Weight / My Hair

Well, it has been officially months since I joined the gym, & I am sad to say that I missed my goal of a 20lb weight loss. I am happy to report that I have lost 18lbs, which means that I am at a think & juicy 248lbs, which is still great.

One thing that I am enjoying is being able to tuck some of my shirts in that were previously worn untucked. I started untucking when I figured that I looked 4 months pregnant which is not flattering at all. Well, I don’t think I was that bad but still, a big belly & tucking in shirt looks nasty.

So now my thoughts & energy are focused on getting down to 235lbs by June. Can I do it; will I be able to drop that bottom in 3 moths? I am certainly gonna try my best & leave the Wholefoods 2 bite brownies alone, for real this time cuz they really set me back!!!

Looking at myself in the mirror is getting a lot easier these days especially naked.
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Bygbaby vs. Sisterlocks

Today, I finally got my locks tightened & during the appointment, I thumbed through a Sistelocks magazine. While doing so I got kinda turned off by what was there & what was obviously missing, not to mention the poor photography & bad layout.

First, I was like, I really like my hair but I think there is an over-saturation of Sisterlocks adoration & I just don’t get it. It’s just hair! I think there are a lot of Sisterlock peeps that are into this “lifestyle” a little too deep. If you need proof, have a look at the yahoo LockItUp group, which I quit 4 years ago after being turned off by many of the discussions & attacks on Sisterlock alternatives.

Second, I was like, why does this company seem to not promote Brotherlocks? When I got home, I visited the poorly designed Sisterlocks website (they really need my help!!!) & found no information on Brotherlocks at all. I even looked at the cheesy gallery page filled with missing photos & bad headshots & found no Brothas up in that piece. Well maybe they were the missing photos??? Shouldn’t the company that promotes Sisterlocks actively promote Brotherlocks? I know a lot of brothas out there will not drop the kind of money that I do on their hair for locks but I’m just saying.

Sisterlock/Brotherlock readers, what are your thoughts??? Am I tripping? Am I talking about you? Call me out…

BTW, I really love my hair!!!!!!!!!

The Red Years

This week, my Brother Locks are a healthy 4 years old. Top celebrate this self-imposed holiday, I got my highlights freshened with some new color. So at the last minute I booked a standby appointment with one of Detroit’s best colorists Mary V. Henderson who works at the Meagan Mitchell Salon.

So I show up at the appointment yesterday @ 3 & talked with Mary V about look I wanted (pretty much the same that I had but kicked up one notch). We discussed my options & she showed me a few swatches & strongly recommended that I go with Paul Mitchell’s “the color” (demi-permanent (not as intense as a permanent color but better than a semi-permanent)) instead of doing a Sebastian Cellophane (semi permanent).

Now that the scary technical stuff was out of the way, 1½ hours & 65 bucks later I was a new man with a red hot locked look.

When my hair finally dried & I looked in the mirror, I was so happy with the result! Mary V truly made it happen & is so on top of the color game as far as I’m concerned.

On the salon tip - All the time I was at Meagan’s, I was laughing my ass off, as we all discussed Kwame & his janky ass to relationship drama. I do miss the barber shop/salon experience, especially for hot topical conversations that can be had nowhere else. Another cool things is that I took some Quench orders & got booked to give Quench hand/foot massages at a “Christian women's bachelorette party” (yes that is what the organizer called it).

After we talked a bit, she was like you can’t do all that cussing up in her house. I was it as long as you are paying I will shut the fuck up if you want me to, she then said “oh lawd’ I need to pray for you”.

Back on the hair tip - I think I will be getting that haircut that I have been considering lately, some time early summer. I’m not thrilled with the way my locks are growing out in the back so they need a little help to get their sexy back

- Mary introduced me to the Sebastian Potion 9 Wearable Treatment, a very nice leave in conditioner that left my locks shiny, not weighted down & smelling good. Check it out, if you need to condition on the go.
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In other news:

- My boy Obama, kicked ass this weekend & I hope that he repeats the same excitement this Tuesday during the “Chesapeake Primary”. On a related note, it looks like Billary is telling some of her staff to “kick rocks” (inside joke for those who read Sugar & Spice).

- So as most broke Negroes I know, I’m excited about the 2100 bucks I am getting from the IRS. If you have been sleeping under a rock, the US Senate approved a $170 billion tax rebate plan to slow down/stop the recessions that so many are in denial about. If you are not sure if you are getting a rebate, here is some info that should be helpful.

When the plan sounded like it was going through & we were still in the financial range of getting a rebate, we had it partially spent. We decided to take the girls on a quick trip to Chicago so that they could go to the American Girls Doll mecca. They have been begging for one of those damn dolls for the longest, so I guess this is a good reason to finally give in & get a road trip out of it. The some cash will go to back to school gear. With the 3 bucks left, maybe I will invest it (in a cone of ice cream).

Is your check already spent, are you paying bills, getting repairs, or breaking yourself off with a gift etc???

Beauty iz Black

First of all, beauty iz Black, no matter the hue, hair texture etc... Now back to the matter @ hand.

I met this 14 year old model the other day & was floored when she told me how old she was. When I entered the area where the models were getting hair & make up, he mother was blowing out her fro & she was almost in tears. I laughed inside because it reminded me of Sade when she gets her hair combed.

Being natural is not as easy & pain free as it seems.

I could not wait to show Sade the pictures of the aspiring model, so that she can know that she is not the only Black girl without chemically processed hair. Lately, Sade has been wanting to get her hair straightened or at least pressed. I had to break it to her that the only way that was going to happen, was a, over my dead body & b when she moves out of my house.

Believe it or not, I feel her but, it is important for me to let her know that her natural African gifts are the best.

The Other Woman: Freedom @ Last

So to follow up to my “The Other Woman” post, this afternoon, I had my 1st appointment with Freedom to retighten my Brotherlocks.

Well, to make this quick, my appointment was FABULOUS!!! First of all, it only took me 10 minutes to get to her house, second, it only took her 2½ to complete my entire head. When she was done tightening me up, she went through and clipped off all of my frizzies.

When she was completely done, I was fucking awe of her speed and the quality of her service. I was like, I cannot believe that I was missing out on this, I mean, she did my hair literally in half the time!

I actually like the way my locks felt afterward because they were still soft and had some movement/body. More often than not my locks were kinda stiff when “Pam the Silent” did them.

When I left and called Suite Suzy to let her now I was on my way home, she tripped out and could not believe that it was so quick and we both laughed at that.
2½ hours in her chair, I am calling “Can’t Call a Nigga Back” to cancel my future that appointment because I am sticking with Freedom.

Freedom & I really hit it off I just think that our meeting months ago in Wholefoods was just meant to be. It's strange how time, space & Karma work (if you believe in this sort of thing).

So after I got off the phone I called “Pam the Silent” to break the news about me leaving her for another woman. I got her voicemail and left a message for a call back. Fast-forward 8 hours later, “Pam the Silent” calls me back and I let her know that I was making a move to “Freedom” and told her why. I told her that while our hair relationship was on perma-hold for right now, our friendship would remain no matter what! She thanked me for that and thanked me for letting her no that I found another woman.

She said that sometimes people leave her but they never say anything, they just all of the sudden stop showing up and she never knows why and not only that sometimes if she contacts them they will not respond. I suspect that this is an issue across the hair stylist/service continuum.

Since I talked with “Pam the Silent”, I feel much better and at peace.

Fast-forward 2 hours later, I am home after a quick outing in Detroit (post coming soon) and I wash my hair to be funky fresh for the week. I get out of the shower, towel dry my locks, shake my hair a little and look in the mirror, then I say, damn my hair looks fucking good, but you already knew that (I'm really not that cocky).

Side note: Mid post, I stopped to watch the final episode of the Soprano’s and what a waste of time that was. One of the biggest shows of all time goes out without a bang, how disappointing! If you watched, what did you think?

The Other Woman

My Brotherlocks are a little over 3 years old now & I have been seeing the same consultant (Pam the Silent) since the beginning.

Over the past 3 years, Pam the Silent & I have grown quite close. She is truly a good friend, therapist & most importantly the woman that keeps me looking like me.

Since the price of gas has been slowly going up over the past few months, I have been feeling the need to cheat on Pam the Silent, which really has been bothering me as I have been actively seeking out a new woman to come into my life to keep my locks looking good.

The decision to leave Pam is boiling down to good old fashion economics. The trip to Pam’s place is 96 miles round trip + the 4-5 hours I spend in the chair watching movies & talking. Shit by the time it’s all said & done, getting my locks retightened takes a whole workday. Wait; I just did the math & it costs me $1,976.00 per year to see Pam, this includes hair cost, gas & travel time.

So last week I actively started looking for a consultant & decided to dial up a Freedom, who I met a few months ago at Wholefoods. When I met her I liked her instantly but at that time leaving Pam was not an option but I kept her number just in case. Well now that the option is open after I got off of work last Friday I ran home to get Freedom’s number to so that I could schedule an appointment.

It’s now 6:05pm & I dialing the number somewhat nervously, the phone rings & I get voicemail so I leave a message. Minutes later I go outside to get the mail & as I get back in the house I saw that I had a missed call & had a voicemail. I was like shit, I missed her!

Now it’s 6:09 & I call my voicemail & it was Freedom (I was like yes) but she has a bit of bad news. She told me that she was not taking any clients but referred me to a friend, who I will call “Can’t Call a Nigga Back”. That kinda bummed me out because when I want something, substitutes won’t do. I was like cool, what can I do but call “Can’t Call a Nigga Back”.

It’s now 6:15, I dial up “Can’t Call a Nigga Back” & get voicemail & leave a message for a call back. I just knew she was going to call me back soon but that was not the case. It took her like 2 days to get back with me, which threw up some red flags.

Bottom line; it is 6 days later & we are still playing phone tag, actually the game ended because I will not be chasing someone down if they can’t even call a Nigga back.

So after I got sick of the phone tag this afternoon, I called Freedom to let her know what jumped off & asked what it would take to get her to open up her availability to fit me in as a new client. All the time I was on the phone with her, my fingers were crossed hoping that she would say I can take you on.

Luckily, my finger crossing & hoping paid off because she decided to add me to her clientele & I have an appointment for this coming Sunday.

The cool thing about Freedom is she is only like 15 minutes away (less gas & time) & I hear she is pretty fast. When I talked to her today, she informed me that she finishes most of her clients in 4 hours or less, which was music to my ears! Lord knows I love Pam but she is not the quickest.

So now that I have a new lady in my life, I have to break the news to Pam. I think I will call her after my appointment Sunday. I think she will understand because it is getting hard on everyone one especially in Michigan. Gas prices are stopping me from doing a lot of shit I used to do all the time for business & pleasure.

Addendum:

While I was pulling this post together I happened to check my email & saw a message from someone with a familiar name but it had been a few years since we last talked so I was like what the…

So I open up the message I found it was indeed from my good friend & former hair stylist Curtis Griffin. I mentioned Curtis on my blog before in my “Hair Theme” post, which is how he found me. He did a narcisurf (when you Google yourself) & my blog came up.

In his message he called me out & said, “If you’re going to write something about me, get someone to proof read it first.” Y’all now I don’t proofread shit (read my Ghetto Disclaimer) & usually don’t care but all of the sudden I was embarrassed as hell.

After I got over my shock, I call my friend to reconnect & we picked up right where left off years ago. Curtis was my stylist for almost 8 years & saw me trough some major life changes. Not only can this brother give the “baddest” hair cut in Detroit, he is a great friend & yes a great therapist.

The timing of his contacting me was so ironic as I am going though a stylist change. I wonder what the universe is trying to tell me???????

Curtis, if you find this post, I did try to proof read but gave up half way.

About Last Night IX

A few weeks ago I purchased a few tickets for Urban Organic’s Eric Roberson concert, which was this past Thursday. I was pretty excited to see ErRo because I missed every show he did last year for one reason or another.

So the timing of this event was perfect because his new album …Left was just released & I am digging it big time. His sound is consistent & his music tells you great stories of love, life & misery etc with passion.

This concert would serve a “Keeping the romance alive” date for Suite Suzy & I (finally time together & no kids!!!). Anyway, I had the date all planned to start at the Centaur Bar for drinks & then dinner @ Twingo's (what a perfect agenda, drinks, dinner & good music all we need is a little lovin' afterward to really make it off the hook (TMI I know, but hey, I'm on a roll)).

Well, it’s now the day of the concert & I cut out of work a little early to iron my “outfit” & to do a quick spot check aKa a hoe bath. As we was preparing to leave, I got a call from my girl who asked me if I wanted to vend at the concert & you no I said hell yeah. Basically this turned the date to work but it was all good.

It’s now 730 & I am wrapping up my last French 75 (my Martini of the moment) while Suite Suzy is polishing off her Pear Martini & it’s time to get some din-din. Twenty minutes later we arrive @ Twingo's, were we enjoyed a deliciously intimate dinner. If you are in Detroit or nearby, you gotta hit this spot up. Twingo's has great service, an excellent variety of fare & the décor is very Urban Euro Chic (this is my description).

Now it’s after dinner & we are headed downtown for the event. Upon arriving at Plan B (the venue), We bumped into 2 of Detroit's finest performers & friends of mine; Tanesha C. aKa ButterSoul Fly & Penny Wells, who greeted my with a very energetic BYGBABYYYYYY!!!

Once we made it inside, we quickly got set up & waited for the party/concert to jump off.

Sad to say but this event was running on CPT (colored peoples time) like nobody’s business & by the time ErRo went on stage, it was 12 o’muthafuckin’ clock, which means that we did not get home until like after 1am. OK tell me why the tickets say that things start @ 9??? The drive home was rough as I struggled to stay awake but we made it safely & the next day @ work I was just dragging.

Over all the music was great, the crowd was chill & we made some Quench ducketts.

Below are a few snapshots from outing. The poop shot was taken in the bathroom @ Twingo's. When I walked in & saw that, I was like hell nall & I quickly ran back to the table to get my camera. On the 2nd shot, you can get a good look at my recently fired locks.

On another hair note; if you were wondering how I got that wavy lock look; well my secret is a braid out. In these pictures it was 2 days old. When I do a braid out, it usually last for a good 3 days before I redo it.

To achieve my look; I dampen my hair then massage in a little Khoret Amen Hair Oil in & plat like 8-10 braids & rubber band them at then ends. I then let my hair air dry over night or sit under the dryer (yes I do have a hooded dryer! Is you got anthang to say bout' dat?) for about an 1½ hours (it just depends on how I am feeling).

My New highlights were done by boosting a hand full of locks then I did a Black Cherry Sebastian Colourshine to get my red hot highlights.

Bees and Things and Flowers

It’s officially springtime (well all damn most), so this means that my spring bulbs are ready to awaken from their frozen slumber. I am a big perennial gardener & my favorite time of the year is spring, which is when I get to smell the sweet perfume of hyacinths surrounding my home. I also get excited about my sunny daffodils that command my full attention as they shine as bright as the afternoon sun.

Springtime also means that I need to prepare to clean out the fall & winter debris that has collected in my gardens over the past few months & this is never too fun but now that Olivia & Sade are older I recruit them to assist me and work the hell out of them.

For the last 2 years I have been lucky enough to have a family of robins make the nest along my cedar fence so I am hoping that they again return. I love looking at the brightly colored eggs & awaiting the arrival of the chicks & then enjoying them for the summer as they hang around the backyard eating grubs that try to destroy my lawn.

The spring also means that this bitch ass family of rabbits will be back out to eat my precious lilies again before they even have a chance to bud. One of these years I am going to kill cook & eat them (not really, I hate rabbit but I might kill them).

To celebrate all that I am looking forward to over the next few months, tomorrow, I am taking the day off work, getting my locks tightened & if I can still get a ticket; I will be at the Angel Bofill concert downtown Detroit.
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Bygbaby Factoid:
(WARNING: This may offend you but that’s OK)
One thing I hate I mean don’t like about spring is Easter, Oh how I dread the thought of spending money on Easter dresses for the girls, Easter basket grass all over the fucking floor for months (you can never get rid of it all). I also dread the faux fashion, childrens play & the long drawn out sermon @ church.

The Failed Business Trip

Last week Cousin Dee & I planned on attending the March Black Business Expo, which is a monthly event held the 1st Friday at the Charles H. Wright African American History Museum. Cousin Dee & I have been planning to go to the BBE for the last 8+ months & never seem to make it. The BBE is a networking & informational series for Black entrepreneurs on the rise in Detroit. So this time we made a promise to be in the house this past Friday.

Our goal was to go to the Centaur Bar for some after work cocktails to loosen us up to network with our fellow entrepreneurial peers. Actually anything that we may plan to do on Friday will start with a trip to the Centaur Bar (one of our favorite spots).

Since I got off my slave job before Cousin Dee I made a few stops in Detroit, starting with a trip to Tulani Rose to get some Khoret Amen Hair Oil, which I really just started to use. I really like the oil (obviously, since I just paid $22 for it) but there is something in it that makes me itch a little but I deal with it because I really like the smell, especially after I wash my locks.

So after my hair oil stop I made my way downtown to see my homegirl Zana @ Spectacles. While there talking shit & convincing her to come to the Centaur Bar after she closed her shop, the UPS guy came, not really a big deal right.?. Well it was a big deal because the UPS guy just handed Zana a box filled with Eric Roberson’s new CD …Left.

It was so ironic that it just came in because just Thursday night while on the Honey Soul message board, I was asking if the CD was available for download online & was let down to find out that it is not. Since it was not available, I was about to order it, but something told me to wait. So lucky me, I got a hot out of the box copy for only $10.

Side note: I am listening to …Left as I pull this post together & it is tight as hell.

After leaving Zana’s shop & as I make my way to my car, I saw a little sign that read “Nations Bean Pies” so you know I was like HELLLLLLL NALLLLLLL. I am so happy that grabbed my camera before I left the house.

Now it is 6pm & I dipped from Zana over to the Centaur Bar, perched myself & ordered my 1st Martini (a French 75) & waited for Cousin Dee & friends to show up.

After everything was said and done (6 Martinis later), Zana did show, so did my girl Gina X along with her friend who I will call The Unknown Ingénue & off course Cousin Dee, we set off 2 chicken satay plates, a plate of mini lamb chops, a plate of Thai spring roles & 4 plates of chicken falafels, (before you same damn, yall ate all of that, theses were only Tapas & not like a real person’s portions) & we never made it to the BBE event.

We all were pretty bummed that we missed the BBE event but for some reason we could not stop ordering drinks, talking shit & enjoying snacky snacks.

We made a plan to try again for April’s BBE event, but you best believe we will mos def stop @ the Centaur Bar 1st.

Here are a few shots from tonight & yes they are mostly of me but I just want to show off my new beautiful Mud Cloth Dashiki from Senegal. If you are interested in knowing more about Mud Cloth, the Smithsonian has a cool site here.

God knows how I love a good night out & a safe trip home to my family.

The Hair Theme

This morning while driving to work I was cruising along listening to music as usual when my old Hair Theme came on, “Mr. Lover Man” by Shaba Ranks. This became my hair theme the first time I walked out of the Nathan Influence Salon downtown Detroit in the Renaissance Center with my hair straighter than any white counterpart.

It’s kinda funny because as I as walking out the song was playing & it was like I was moving in slow motion through the salon with everybody staring at me like what the fuck did he get a page boy for & why is it straighter looking better than my shit (I heard the whispers) but I did not care. As I approached the door still in slow motion it opened and a gentle gust of wind blew my freshly permed hair around like I was in some type of Pantene commercial & I liked it in a strong Black man kinda way.

"Who are they to judge us simply because OUR hair is long"

When Mr. Lover Man comes on I am always taken back to that unforgettable slow motion gentle breeze moment, which brings a smile to my face. To this day I still enjoy a gentle breeze through in my hair. The man responsible for my progressive look was non other that Curtis Griffin, a hair stylist, therapist & good friend for 7 years. Curtis got me hooked on Sebastian ColourShines Reddissimo, which I still use to this day.

In 1999, I went to Curtis and we looked at each other dead in the eyes & said are you sure which I replied yes to (he could read my mind). 20 minutes later I was bald. I was happy with my decision but I did this in the winter & my head was so cold.

For weeks I would go to look into the mirror expecting to see my long hair but it was never there, I had a few nightmares which annoyed Suite Suzy & at one point a cried in my sleep (a bitch cry). It took me a while to get over the fact that I had no hair but I survived. I continued to see Curtis for my barber service until he retired from the business to get a legit 9-5.

I am not sure if I am weird because I have such a string attachment to my hair because I am a guy but…

Bygbaby Permed Hair Factoids

• I won best hairstyle male in my HS mock elections
• I was in a hair magazine in 92/93
• My dad referred to my hair as pimp hair
• I was accused of having a weave
• People asked me if I were Philippino despite my huge lips & nose (I’m not that yellow)
• People asked me if I were Samoan
  
• My hair went on a world tour before it was cut (15 countries, 60 cities)
• I saved a 6 inch swatch of hair to put into a locket for my kids (a piece of me)
  

FYI: My Brotherlocks currently have no theme.
For laughs check this out

My Hair Tie & Coffee

Recently one of my online friends (Brunsli) started making hair ties for those with locs or anyone who would be interested in wearing one. She sent me one about 3 weeks ago & I have been addicted ever since I put my 1st one on (The “Toni” in red horn).

After wearing it for a few days, I discovered how much I needed something like this & ordered 2 more “Toni’s” & a “Rita”. This is what I told Brunsli & others on one of my Yahoo groups:

"Dear Brunsli,

I got my "Toni" hair tie today & just tried it. My comment is: This is FUCKING great! Very comfortable, good color (red horn) & very easy to use. I am ready to order a few more! All I suggest you check out Brunsli offerings @ her Blog (www.brunsli.blogspot.com)."

Since Brunsli made these available she has discovered that the demand was great & she started an eBay store & a Hair Tie Blog dedicated to the exciting hair ties. Actually, I need to mention that Brunsli & her mom work on these together.

One cool thing about the Brunli’s hair ties is that they are named after famous women with locs. When I 1st rwad about the hair ties. I did not make the connection with the naming until Brunsli pointed it out. Comically, I told her that if she had one named Whoopi, I would have gotten it.

The hair ties come in a large variety with something to offer everybody (IMHO). They feature pieces made with bone, horn, jade, shell, & amber (to name a few). The hair ties serve to function to me 1) jewelry & 2) a way to tame the beast aKa your/my hair. The price point range is from 15.00 US to 62.00 US + her low shipping cost.

Brunsli has mentioned one several occasions & posts that she will not continue to make these & may turn the business over to her mother who apparently does this for a hobby. So the bottom line is, get them while they are HOT from her new eBay store. (Quick Update from SFO (San Francisco International Airport): Brunsli let me know via her Crackberry, that her hair tie inventory would be increasing soon!)

You can get more information from the Brunsli Hair Tie Blog.

“I started making hair ties because it has been really hard to find hair accessories as my locks grew. Everything I found was too small or would get caught in my locks. My inner hair toy junkie was not fulfilled." - - Brunsli

Here are some shots of me before & after my hair tie.

(side note: My coffe never looks as good as above!)

La Ballerine Noire

I heard about this story from a fellow Blogger, Brunsli recently. This story brings out so many ideas both positive & negative with my racial opinions, but I will not be going there. The one thing I have to say is that her hair looks great, very neat, & appropriate for a recital. This story was snatched from commercialappeal.com & written by Wendi C. Thomas. Commercialappeal.com happened to be the best source of information on the story. I tried to go to the Dance Works website to see the policy myself but the site is not up, what a shocker. One thing to consider is why do we as black folk always resort to racism as the cause of alleged discrimination (devil's advocate)??? And now the not so publicized (good or bad) story of Destini Berry...

The 7-year-old girl was banned from her first ballet recital because Dance Works' director, Karen Zissoff, declared her shoulder-length, straw-thin dreadlocks unsuitable for the Dec. 12 performance.

If Destini kept her locks, the only Dance Works recital Zissoff would agree to would be one Dec. 11, in which Destini would dance alone in front of her parents.

But Zissoff has apparently had a change of heart. In a letter given to Destini's mother Monday, Zissoff said the girl will be allowed to perform with her classmates Dec. 12.

This is a win for Destini and despite what some may think, a win for all who are paying attention. Destini's determination to dance led us into frank conversations about race that otherwise we would have avoided.

This was never about Destini's willingness to follow the rules, because she has observed all of Zissoff's written rules.

Zissoff, who receives government money for her non-profit program, has no written policies against locks. Had Takeisha Berry known when Destini began lessons two months ago that Zissoff didn't allow locks, she would have taken her daughter elsewhere.

Zissoff's rules require girls to wear their hair in a bun for recitals. Berry did pull Destini's hair into a bun, but it wasn't good enough for Zissoff.

And that's what has stuck in my craw, this persistent, insidious notion that natural black hair isn't good enough.

Look no further than the proliferation of beauty supply stores hawking long, straight, fake hair for black women to sew onto their scalps, and the boxes of chemical relaxers lining store shelves to see that many black women and men buy into that lie.

We're barely out of the womb before adults start evaluating and grading our hair based on its natural texture. Straight, long hair is "good" hair. Nappy, kinky, coarse, ultra-curly or short hair is "bad" hair.

By styling Destini's hair into locks, Berry was consciously resisting the pressure to make her daughter's hair mimic the European standard of beauty. She was telling her daughter that her hair is fine just as it is.

Complaining that ballet traditions are being destroyed, or insisting this is just another example of nonconforming black people who won't follow the rules is to miss the lesson.

Black and white people are alike, and we are different. Acknowledge the similarities and celebrate the differences. Don't crush them.

Inspired by the Maasai

Any one who knows me, knows that I am really into my BrotherLocks. When I saw them for the first time I know I had to have them, because I thought that I if was going to get locks that this would best fit my lifestyle. The only thing that I really knew about the locks was that they were a trademarked technique started by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in 93' & that you should only go to a certified consultant for services, and most importantly: you are going to pay a pretty penny for this method.

The true beauty of this locking option was that I could wash my hair as often as possible with out the worry that my baby locks would wash away as they would with traditional locks (product & twist assisted). I did start off with traditional locks but had to move on after not washing my hair for 4 months, I could not take it anymore. So here I am 1.6 years later with wonderful almost fully locked BrotherLocks. On other thing I think I need to mention is that Brother & Sister locks are one in the same, the only difference is the size & most obviously the gender of the wearer.

There are many other techniques for locking hair out there, but one other popular method is NappyLocs & this summer a bitter court battle came to an end. The fight was between Dr. JoAnne Cornwell & those who she thought bit her idea & tried to get away with it. By the time it was all over I learned something new about the BrotherLock technique & there is hope for the little guy. Here is an excerpt from the judge’s statement:

"Dr. Cornwell's assertion in this case that these elements are somehow proprietary is in direct conflict with the position adopted by Plaintiff in Cornwell v California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, No. 97-CV-138. In that case, Dr. Cornwell, as one plaintiff, emphasized the extensive historical traditions behind natural hair care...

Some Maasai Tribe members wear their hair in small, thin locks similar in appearance to Sisterlocks. Like Sisterlocks, the typical number of locks for a Massai Tribe member would be around 400 to 450....

The preponderance of the evidence at trial showed that the use of tools to make locks and loop the hair had commonly occurred prior to the development of Sisterlocks... Plaintiff's own statements from her previous California Board of cosmetology case, also shows that in developing her technique, Plaintiff was relying, incorporating, and building on her extensive knowledge as an academic in the field of African Studies and on well- known hair styling techniques that "originated" many centuries in Africa" and had continued to be practiced and refined by innumerable individuals since then. Just as Plaintiff (Cornwell) benefited from her learning and experiences with these practices and African culture, she cannot prevent others from building creatively on these skills..."

So basically, after I was exposed to this information I had to do some ghetto style internet research & found out the following on the Maasai people

The Maasai are more commonly associated with Kenya, but they’ve been a presence around the Ngorongoro Crater of Tanzania for over a 150 years and are the area’s main residents. Traditionally nomadic cattlemen, in recent years they have been encouraged to make settlements.

Quick Massai facts:

• The Massai are one of the most recognized African groups (famous for the beautifully colored beads)
• They live in mud and dung huts called inkajijik that are built by the women in fenced enclosures called inkangitie
• Color their hair & sometimes skin with red ochre
• They survive almost exclusively on cow's meat and milk mixed with blood
• The practice of lion hunting is viewed by the Maasai society as bravery and achievement.
• In the past, when the lion population was high, the community encouraged solo lion hunting
• At puberty (around 15), boys are circumcised, a few days before the operation, a boy must herd cattle for seven full days. On the eighth day, he is circumcised
• Uneducated females are also circumcised & often married off to much older men Many spell Maasai "Masai," which is the incorrect colonial spelling

Ironically, the young Maasai are leaving the bush to make money doing hair in places like Tanzania, which is proving to be a successful business. Link to BBC Africa article. No matter if you are an African, African American or African Whatever; you can get paid braiding & locking some hair!!!

Oslo or Detroit?

Last night I attended a Party @ Oslo Sushi Bar & Lounge given by Zana S. owner of Spectacles Detroit. This was my 1^st time there & I was majorly impressed with everything from the décor, to the diverse crowd, exotic menu & everything in between. While there I decided to par take in the culinary offerings, & tried some sushi, so I ordered the Philadelphia (salmon & cream cheese) & The Avocado (avocado & wasabi). I really like poached & smoked salmon so I was happy to try the salmon, but then the waiter (Jeremy) told me it was raw after the fact, but it was so good that I did not care, he told me that it would be best if I did not think about it as a first timer. Overall, Jeremy was really cool & makes one hell of a B52 martini.

While on my 2^nd martini, I happen to glance over my shoulder & noticed that Amp Fiddler was in the house & was kicking it with Zana. I decided that since I had a slight buzz, that I would introduce myself & join the conversation. Zana did an introduction & the rest was down hill from there! Amp & I actually kicked it for a while talking about music with a specific focus on Detroit artists such as Penny Wells, Conya Doss, Dwele, & Slum Village (whom was in the house with DJ Dez Spinning). It was awesome to discuss this topic with someone how is in the music industry & talk about the frustrations. One interesting topic we discussed was the fact that I was a fan of Ski Oakenfull’s “Rising Sun” album where Amp is doing the vocals on one of my favorite cuts “Hang On”. Amp was totally surprised that I even knew who Ski was & that I had the album, good thing I am well rounded (not referring to my body shape).

After my 4^th martini, it was time to dance, the music was hype & so was the crowd! While on the dance floor the music started in the last 70’s to early - mid 90’s by the time I left. I really felt like I was at my 11 grade homecoming dance based on the music (Luke, Poison Clan etc) & oh yeah the weed smoke (I had a major contact buzz). After 3 hours of non stop dancing, I had to bounce, it would be a long drive home back to the country, but before I left I decided to hit Brion up & winded up going to Motor City Casino. After some bullshiting back & forth we got in line to get a corned beef sandwich that we never got after waiting for 40 minutes in 2 different lines. Bottom line we never got anything to eat after a debate over pizza! Brion & I have debated on everything under the sun for over 20 years, he thinks he wins all the time but I know that the real winner (not Brion). I think me & Brion should have a point counter point show.

We parted ways & I hit 94 again & I was thirsty as hell, major cotton mouth. So I got home @ 5ish & by this time my cotton mouth was so bad that it also included crack mouth (ashy lips & crusty corners, YUK!). After a Strawberry Kiwi Mistic, fried chicken, hand full of white cheddar cheez-its & I shower, I crashed, hoping to wake up sometime on Sunday. In the words of Dj Quick “To the man up above, the whole thanks I give I'll never drink again if you just let me live”.

OK this blog entry is not over, it’s time for a Quinten Tarintono moment. So by the time I went to bed I had been up for 21 hours. I started Saturday off @ 8am for my hair appointment with Pam @ Everette’s Corn-Rows, which was from 9-3pm (yes it takes a long time but it is well worth it). After my locks were back to normal I decided to shop for a Dashiki & winded up a African Ceremonial Robe from Ki's & Jul's Fashions Etc. for only 60 bucks which was a total steal considering that they can cost upward of several hundred dollars, ah the power of a good sell. After leaving Ki's & Jul's, I stumbled upon Art on the Ave for the 1^st time & I was taken aback by this awesome art gallery. It was not only organized very well, but it totally provided some serious visual stimulation. Art on the Ave has to have one of Detroit’s largest African & African American art or at least it seems.

My little shopping trip on Livernois was actually a good cultural activity for the day & left my SOUL feeling good. After all of this, I had to hurry home so that I could pitch in around the house & get ready for the part at Oslo’s & meet up with Zana of Spectacles of Detroit. I am so tired.

NPR Amp Fiddler Interview (2004)

Lice Sucks

I was debating on posting this because I thought it was too embarrassing, but I guess life happens, why be shamed. When you gots’ kids anything can jump off.

Weeks ago my daughter had an itchy scalp for about a week +, so we got her some Head & Shoulders shampoo from a Dermatologist. For a few days she was fine, and then it started all over again. A week or so later the whole family started itching so we thought it could be anything but never lice. When culprit was revealed we were shocked to discover LICE! We all went to our PCP & was told that the itching was a heat related skin reaction, after our scalps were check and nothing found. We then washed all of the bed linens just in case.

Last week my wife noticed bugs in her hair after washing it & on the towel. She then checked the kids & found the culprit of all the itching drama, it was lice (YUK!) & SURPRISE NIGAAZZZ!!! After the discovery was made she hit the pharmacy to get treatment for the family. Ironically, all of this was going on as I was getting my Brotherlocks tightened so I informed my consultant immediately and she checked my scalp & saw no creepy crawlers then she proceeded to earn her money. When I got home I had my wife check me again & still nothing.

I went online & found the following sites that had a specific reference to lice & African Americans/Blacks whatever:

• Headlice.org
• About.com
• University of California
• Find Articles.com
• Emedicine.com
• Doityouself.com

My wife (Suite Suzy) has wavy-straight hair (mixed/multi-racial), my daughter (Olivia) has very straight-tight curly hair & my little sister (Sade) has nappy hair in 2 strand twist, yet all infected. Although I found no live lice, I gave myself a treatment in case I may have had eggs. Everyone is now itch free, but we still cannot figure or determine where it all started.

Today we did a follow up lice treatment I definitely saw a decrease in the parasites so things are looking good. My story basically dispels the urban legend/myth that Black peeples don’t get no lice. Black Americans get 1% of all annual lice cases. Brazilian & African Blacks are far more likely to get lice infections (I forgot where I read this). Just wanted to share this experience & information.

Peace