Are You Shocked I'm Doing an Olympic Blog? Really???

Take away the tears, all the medals and world records made and to me the 30th Olympics the Messiest Olympics ever. Gosh I have never seen so many reports about controversy in my life. After the 1st week I just stop talking about things on my Facebook page that were controversial.

Gabby Douglas's hair was one. Hey yeah, I snickered at home, (I snickered at Phelps wing flap & Farrah hitting his head to celebrate, also) but to go on Twitter and such and complain about her hair like her hairstyle was tallied in the points for her Gold medal was silly. Especially the black women going in. Sweethearts some of you won't work out because of your hair. This slim trim young lady got the Gold while you became more out of shape sitting at home watching her get it.

SideNote: I didn't think the monkey doing gymnastics was a racist nod to Gabby. 1) The monkey is male and not on the same apparatus as Gabby. 2) NBC played the same commercial many time before Gabby got the Gold. Sometimes The Race Sensitive need to think. Some of you guys didn't mind it either until the Story Broke. STHU & Use your heads

Poor Usain Bolt!!! Not a major fan (I'm a Walter Dix & Yohan Blake Fan) but give the guy a break. Bottle gets thrown in his direction. Carl Lewis opened his yap. So he responded. Had Lewis not made a comment about Drug Testing in Jamaica, we would not ever know that Bolt lose all respect for the Former Olympian & Record Holder. Now the IOC says to "Expect more drug testing for Jamaica. All because he's The Fastest Man in the World now.

Folks could not focus on Phelps becoming the Most Decorated Olympian for pointing out that he didn't win every race or the infamous picture with the Marijuana Bong. Let his past be his past. And Most Decorated includes all the Bronzes and the Silvers, not just the Golds. I want some of these opinionated reporters to stop stirring the pot. The Cooking Pot not the Illegal Drugs.

Speaking of Illegal Drugs. Everybody that were banned from the Games, Athletes and Fans, deserved to be Banned. Oh there were The Racist Tweets, The sprinter, who didn't make roll call, the drunken woman athlete, the fans that made monkey noises at the Nigerian Basketball Players, the American test Positive for Marijuana (what were you doing eating baked goods while in training) and any other actions that got someone thrown out of the Olympics. People really showed their behinds these games. Next Olympics games there should be Behavior seminars for Athletes and Behavior pamphlets with all the tickets for the fans. Sad to do this to Adults but its need

I will say I did enjoy the games so far (one moiré day) despite controversy. I cried during the Opening Ceremony's. I cried when Mo Farrah and Galen Rupp beat the Bekele brothers in the 10,000m. I felt proud to see Gabrielle Douglas get Gold. I was proud to Phelps wave a golden goodbye on a Great career. South Africa's Oscar Pistorious & Caster Semena are always Great inspiration. My voice should be gone for yelling at all the USA racers, the swimmers but especially the Track & Field. But that come from being in "Track & Field Nerd" Daughters Mode.

But next Olympics can we do away with the E! News, Perez Hilton style of reporting the controversies. It has to stop. Alright more Gold to Win.

A Blog about My Addiction

Now that you ran over here (To get some hot gossip on me , I bet (Shame on You) or Because I sent you over here), Listen up!!!
My name is ________OUTSPOKEN_DIVA_______ and I am addicted to Black Web Series & Vlogs. I'm jonesing right now because my YouTube App on my phone has been acting up for the passed 35 hours and I have to watch stuff on my slow PC. If you are an FBF you already knew this to some point. My "little brother" B.J. is gonna cuss me out if I suggest one more Web Series or Vlog. I got it BAD Just checked my phone, ERROR!

I read an article last year wondering why "black sitcoms/dramas" aren't on TV but Online (which I agree with, The ONLY "black" show (scripted or reality) on TV I'm watching this summer is Single Ladies (women friends with more money than me with men issues I so can relate)). So I went to YouTube, FaceBook and Twitter to look for some of the titles and ran smack dab into my truth. Let me see I found shows or vlogs that deal topics like "Single with a crush but date others", "Secret love of ghetto songs that you still pick apart the lyrics but you still dance to" "Weirded out by co-workers (in my case former (a self-employment benefit)) because of attitudes and culture", "Nerdy & Full of Love of "the '80 or '90's", "Single & Dating", "Like dating Men but the ones you like still got issues and you start to think it could be you" "Awkward Phone Calls" and "College study Groups". Part of my Truth. All I need to do is find a good Christan show and my life will be cover by the Web Series. Okay here my list of my favorites. If it's Green, that's the link.

10. Fail - I avoided study groups in College because I once had an experience like of these. Not telling!!! Mine wasn't so funny. I fail on my own not because of others. 8D Episode 1 (The theme song is Great)

9. Venus Vs. Mars - It's British but this American can relate. What happens after your boyfriend breaks up with you, you try to date while your family and friends are in relationships? Pilot Episode

8. Black and Single TV - They are perfect for each other. Will they ever meet? Episode 1

7. She Got Problems - Little sister of a real-life famous actress that wants to do a musical about her dating life. She had me at "Black Guys are a few of My Favorite Things". Anthony Mackie is on my Top Ten 10 list too. She Got Problems by Allison McDonald

6. Black Nerd Comedy - I swear he acts like my cousin, D.D. D.D. is the cousin I was mostly around growing and one of the ones I'm kind of similar to (Trust me the other cousins know. They won't be offended). This Vlog is filled with Top List, Rants Raves & Reviews about video games, movies, TV Shows, etc. Lot of current stuff and a lot of stuff from the 80's & 90's. Check this episode out You also have to check out his Rant of Charles Barkley. Barkley asked for it, IMO.

5. HangUp!!! - Ever had a phone call go WRONG First Time You Should Hang Up!

4 . Corporate Brother - Ever been the only "Black Person" at work or in class. And the non-blacks want to "talk" to you about you being just that. Best episode "The Black History Month Program" Episode 2. But first Episode 1

3. Unwritten Rules - Female version of Corporate Brother. Some of her co-workers are rude also. Based on a Book Yes, (I plan to read) The Hair Episode I swear it's straight from the book of my life.  Episode 1

Okay the Top Two are Both written by the same person  Issa Rae. She has another show "Fly Guys" Kinda cute. Just not for me but check it out, It might be yours.

2. RatchetPiece Theatre - Rae's Vlog were she analyzes some of her favorite Songs, that We All Know the lyrics are Vile, Vulgar, Degrading, Morally Wrong, Ghetto,etc but that Beat makes us bounce our butts to it anyway Oh and she's classy about it too. Need a definition of Ratchet? Episode one, she provides the perfect one. Episode 1

1. Awkward Black Girl (ABG to my possibly annoyed FBF) - You know you are on to something when Pharrell Williams put your Season 2 on his IamOther channel on YouTube. When the main character J. asked if she was only person that acts like she in the video when singing in the car, while singing a new ratchet favorite of mine "Booty Shawts", I was HOOKED. She had me at the first sentence, first scene, & first song of Episode 1 of Season 1. Issa Rae says she was just wanted the "black" Liz Lemon from 30 Rock. She made comedy genius to me. She's awkward at Dating. She's awkward at Work. She has awkward Co-workers (i.e. Germy Patty, "A", Sister Mary, Baby Voice, Darius are Some). She has an awkward BFF. She is Awkward and Black and I love it. (Maybe because I'm a true ABG, also) The show even has character shorts between seasons. Season 1 Episode 1   Season 2 Episode 1

Okay so now you see why I Don't Watch the various Wives, Ex Wives, Love and whatever and all the rest. I'm watching This Stuff. I relate to Web Shows better.

Now these are the one's I like. I am want you to go a look up "Black Web Series" no look up "Web Series"(my next venture, blame the article) and find what you'll. There many out there. Issa Rae and Black Nerd rave about a "reality show" called "K-Town" (Asian version of Jersey Show). Issa Rae also has the "Fly Guys" and soon out "I Hate LA Dudes". I know the makers of "HangUp" also, have "The Couple" & "The Number". On the Iamother channel there's A man on the street show called "StereoTypes" My friends rave about a series about blacks lesbians called "Between Women". There is even a "reality show" about black male strippers suppose to be out. It looked interesting enough. Oh and there are Vlogs Galore. Are you already watching some? What are you watching?

There is Something for everybody. Where TV can let you Web Series can boost you back up. Oh yeah I check my phone still an error message!!! LoL, I'm so Addicted!!!

An Apology!!!

If you want to call this blog “Fifty Shades of an Apology”, Knock yourself out. Yeah, I’ve talked crap about the book but ended up reading it. BIG WHOOP!  Just know that only some that are into the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy get an apology, not all of you.

If you think/thought this book was good because it is/was so romantic and you swoon for Grey, You will get No Apology. I won’t call you Lonely.  I’m southern I’ll say “Bless Your Heart”. The "Love a Person Through it" part was not lost on me, but I told you I like my men as Whole as possible, even the fictional ones. Pick up  “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day" or “Some Things I Never Thought I’d Do"  both by Pearl Cleage. Eddie and Blue will make you swoon.  If you thought it was good because it’s really kinky and freaky, You will get No Apology. I'll bet Dollars to Donuts you are waiting for HBO’s “Real Sex” to be a box set so you can have it for your library. The Sex scenes were scan-able after the first two for ME. Plus I’m not into the S&M lifestyle. Hit me, tie/lock me up, or gag me and that is a Fight and I’m calling the police. To Jail, you Go!!!

Now if you like this book for the Drama, Revenge, Crazy People, and the Who Done It, I APOLOGIZE to You.  This is a Good Book (still reading, trying to be done by Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics (may not make it)). Thank my friend R.B. (Close friend, About 65% similar tastes on the popular/trendy stuff) for urging me to read it. Now I thought Book 1 (took me a while to push through it,) ended wonderfully. I didn’t understand why there needed to be a Book 2 or 3. Then Book 2 made me understand what many saw in this Trilogy. Book 3 is cute also. I already know how this end (yes R.B. I cheated) because I read the last chapter after a Chapter 9 was not going my way (Yes I spoil myself not others). But I went back to Chapter 10 and I’m still reading. I’m going to see it through. I’ll even light a fire under one of my male best friends (Mr. White not Lorenzo for the nosey) & my “little brother” B.J. to catch up. It’s that Book 1 hump you have to get over.

So again I APOLOGIZE to those who Liked the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy for the Action. Note I’m still waiting for “Magic Mike” to come to cables, not Pay-Per-View cables, like Premium Cable channels or even Basic Cable channels.

Will Penn State Football Ever Recover?

Frankly I don't care if the university's football program ever get back after these disciplinary sanctions have been handed down by the NCAA. How about will the victims ever recover. Has anyone thought about the student athletes getting their scholarships taken? I'll bet dollars to donut, the answer is NO!  They are Real victims of these sanctions. How are they going to pay for college? Are they going to have to drop out of school?

Fact: Sports bring lots of $$$ to schools. So because of that fact much society has been programmed to put major emphasis one part of a school. If this incident happened in the Geology department after the trial/before the trial in some cases, we would have gone on with our lives. Focus might has been given to the victims instead of the people who didn't do there jobs and tell the authorities i.e. Coach Paterno.

Did you know when Joe Paterno was fired one of Sandusky's victims were bullied and told he was the reason Paterno was ousted? When you hear that does that break your heart? Now think about how he and his fellow victims of Sandusky and their families feel when they see focus put on "W's" being taken away. YES, money will given to programs to help educate about Abuse. But that is a Band-Aid place over a crater of a wound that will possibly take lots of time to heal.

I swear the Priorities in this are screwed. Maybe during the ATHLETIC punishment time for Penn State maybe they can focus on being a Premiere ACADEMIC facility. It is an University, right?

Okay The Skin Tone Blog

If you want to know some of the most over argued topics I've ever heard, Skin Color within the Black Race is somewhere on my top 20 (natural/relaxed hair & working/stay-at-home moms are tied for #1) list. Boy, Massa did a number on us on the Ol' Plantation. It is 2012 and it is still can be a heated topic. It is unnerving for news or talk shows to have this topic on their schedule. But like a bad train wreck I watch them anyway. Maybe it the “Kum Bah Yah” in me to see if there is a different outcome

I'm not one who is color struck. I kind of wince at people teasing others about their skin tone. I don't believe "Two "light skins" can't be friends". I don't have mostly "dark skinned" friends so I'll be the cute "light skinned" friend. The first time I heard I was "light-skinned" was kindergarten on the black top and a "dark skinned" girl was rubbing my arm saying "Ooh you so light". I snatched my arm back. I thought it was weird that she was rubbing on me. Umm, can we say creepy? When I did, I hurt feeling and she then said "She think she's better than caused she light". I had no clue what she was talking about. As I got older I wondered where did she get that from. One day it clicked, like racism, it was taught to her at an early age. I feel sorry for people who grew up with Skin Tone issues.
I didn't always grow up in a family that talked about skin tones like that. It's was latere I've learned which older relatives have/had skin color issues. I don't know why because if you stretch just my mother's side of my family without in-laws and we look like a Gorgeous African-American Rainbow.

I try not to even jokingly tease people about their skin color. An ex-boyfriend turned best friend (who happens to be "dark skinned") learned the hard way. He called me a "house n-word" as a joke. I didn't take it as a joke and called him a "field n-word" as mean as I could. He learned then how I felt about those kinds of insults. I Don't like anyone being teased about their skin tone. It's Gross!!!

And before you say OutSpoken you're "light skinned" you don't understand how hard it is to "Dark Skinned" This is all easy for you to say. Well hurt "dark-skinned" people how many people “lighter” than you have you took your hurt feelings out on. Yeah, you guys have hurt other people in the name of skin tone also. I know because I was tease because others teased somebody else "dark skinned". Not going to call names. Not even tell y'all how I know this particular lady (girl back then) because she's kind of a popular person in some circles in my area of the country. But because she had to hear she was "Cute for a Dark Girl" or "That Black girl can... (almost slipped) she made it a point to refer to the color of my stockings (cafe au lait or nude) or me turning red or getting darker on the sun any chance she got. And other things that I will not talk about. Kinda screwed up and still hurtful to harp on. I never teased her about her skin color back (I didn't know how) (trust me I got her back one day and I went out with a BANG and she never bullied me again ). When my niece was born people was standing around raving and she said "But she so bright". By then I knew HURT PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE. That's her cross to bear. Again I feel sorry for people who grew up with Skin Tone issues. But the "dark skinned" don't have the monopoly of being teased because skin tones. It's just more visible.

It's an issue I wish would die. There can't be a funeral quick enough for it. Trust me I will not mourn for it either. I'll wear my Fuchsia Suit with the gold buttons and my Gold Pumps and Holy Ghost dance on that day because I will be to glad to put it to rest. Might as well be fierce on that Happy Day.

P.S. Yes I used” ____-Skinned” to make a point.

Dating with Skin Tone Issues

The other night my close friend T.T. posted a fun question on Facebook, "What do you prefer your mate to be? Sweet suckable chocolate, smooth tasty caramel or creamy luscious vanilla? Taking about skin tone". My answer is/was "As long I can see the brown in their skin. No Extremes (light or dark) for me. Just my preference. My favorite Nice Creamy Peanut Butter. 8D I'm going to date one (of my favorite) One Day. Just One! That all! Won't know where I start and where he ends. 8D Then I'll marry the Mr. Chocolate that I attract. 8D ". The topic jarred this blog.

YES I have a dating preference and a favorite within my preference. Most of us who are honest do. Nothing wrong with that. What I think is Wrong for me to date, A Man with Skin Tone Issues. Oh I'm not talking about fair skin guys who Hate dating dark skin ladies or Dark skin men that think Fair skin women are ugly. Trust Me, I Don't Like that either and a BLOG about that is next. I'm talking about "Same Skin Tone" Hatred. For example a dark skin man that Hates dark skin women. Another example a fair skin guy dating a dark skin lady because she's a "Real Sister". Preference is one thing. Hatred and being Hurtful is another.

Why I won't date a man that thinks that way? 1) He has some hurting issues from the past that need to be healed. (Probably was teased earlier in life) And I don't date severe fragments of men. That issue is on the list. I will pray for you while you work through it but I will not date you. 2) I am not a JIF (the best peanut butter, in my opinion) colored trophy. Just like Some Black men who only date outside their race think they have some won a prize. Men who date their "winning" skin color feel they have Arrived, also. Just because Mr. Peanut Butter is my favorite to look at but I'm not hurtful to all the other flavors. Mr. Hershey Dark and Mr. White Chocolate can be just as tasty. For me to be nasty towards them, just makes the whole flavor profile distasteful. In non-food terms, It makes the race look bad. Just another example of lack of unity within us, African Americans. Check out the next BLOG.

Mr. Peanut Butter, if you are out there, I Will Not Date you or your pal Chocolate, best friend Vanilla, or cousin Caramel have if you Hatred within you. I will say this again, Preference is one thing. Hatred and being Hurtful is another.

P.S. No Food was eaten during the writing of this blog. *smiling* I'm not even hungry!!! Blame T.T. *giggling*

Why the name OUTSPOKEN_DIVA?

 I get asked that all the time.

Well Big Mouth B-word is what a past person in my life called me. LoL Who embraces insults? ME!!!

OUTSPOKEN_DIVA was originally my poetry pen. One day I'll share some it on here.
The story of the attitude behind the name is not as harsh. I've never had the chance to meet a stranger but I don't keep many friends. I have the ability to sit places and people sit beside me and yammer like I give a care.

It's started as a child in church when my mom would sit me beside "my peers" to socialize (not to social then) and they went on & on about stuff they wanted, who they didn't like, etc. I guess I look trusting to people. But it honed my opinion skills. Not something I like and by middle school I realized what to do with all this random craziness people say to me.
SPEAK ABOUT IT.
Well, OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's personality was born then.

70% of the time if I know about something, anything, I have an opinion. The other 30% I'm preparing one. Now do I voice it all times NOOOO just sometimes. *blushing* And never ask me for my opinion because you will get it.
THAT'S JUST ME!!!