Deanna Kimberly Burrell's Blog: The Red Cup Adventures, page 11
August 25, 2012
Fifty Shades of Black: Some Random Musings
Musing #1 Fifty Shades of Grey Book Review
I finally read Fifty Shades of Grey. Here’s my synopsis of what happens. Virgin and broke college girl meets super rich and attractive man who turns out to be into really kinky submissive/dominant/bondage sex stuff. She loses her virginity to him. He buys her a bunch of expensive stuff and wants her to be his sex slave. He’s moody and mean. She agrees to try the kinky stuff. She likes it but she wants more…she wants a real boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. They have sex like ten times a day. References to yeast infections and bacteria vaginosis were omitted though the college girl does meet with an OBGYN for birth control pills because he’s tired of wearing condoms. He gets nice, then mean, then nice, then meaner, then he buys her more stuff. He beats the snot out of her. She breaks up with him and gives him back all his stuff. The sex wasn’t that hot and the book was disturbing. I didn’t like the message that women should stay with men who beat them and then buy them stuff. There are two more books in the trilogy that I won’t be reading. I’m sure they will include them getting back together, him buying her more stuff, and more sex. Fifty Shades of NOT!
Musing #2 Obama Black
I was at a get together last weekend and a friend was telling me about his student teaching experience at a predominately black high school on the south side. My friend is a black male teacher and he’s excited about being able to make a positive impact on black teens. My friend has a fair skin complexion (he’s yellow), is well-spoken, and witty. Actually, he’s the male version of me. He was talking to a class of students about their upcoming ACT exam and said he was upset that less than 20% of Chicago Public School students pass the ACT. (I’m not sure what the exact statistic is, but it was something dismal like that.) Then he asked the class how they felt about that. One girl raised her hand and said, “I don’t know why you’re upset cause you not black.” He was flabbergasted. He actually grew up in the neighborhood around the school where he was teaching. When he was growing up, it was called the Low End and the title was well deserved. Now it’s called South Loop/Bronzeville and when he tells the kids he grew up around there they look at him like he grew up in the suburbs. They don’t know how much the neighborhood has gentrified. He asked, “If I’m not black, then what do you think I am?” She shrugged her shoulders. A young man in the back of room spoke up. “See, we regular. We regular black. But you…you Obama black.”
At this point, I stopped him. “Wait, Obama black? So that’s a race now?” Then I exploded into laughter and fell out of my chair. Since he’s the male version of me, I guess that makes me…Michelle?
Musing #3 Mirror, Mirror
I don’t watch a lot of television and I didn’t see much of the Olympics. The few times I watched the women’s gymnastics, I was extremely proud of Gabby Douglass. I also remember thinking, “I wish her mother would have done something to her hair.” Yes, I did. I wouldn’t have posted it on Twitter, but I did think it. Just like every morning when I go for a walk and I’m behind a young man whose pants are sagging below his butt. I don’t want to start my morning looking at a stranger’s underwear. I don’t understand why some black men think it’s cute to have their pants falling down. I think, “I wish his mother and especially his father would do something about this wardrobe malfunction.”
Our young black children need some serious help in the appearance department. I’m not talking about Gabby because I have low self-esteem or hair issues as I have read many a blogger and commenter claim about anyone who speaks ill of the young woman’s hair. I have high self-esteem because my parents and grandparents instilled that in me. One of my favorite memories of my grandfather was the time he saw me about to leave my house in a wrinkled shirt. He explained to me that his grandchildren don’t do that. I represent him, my family, and myself every time I leave out my front door and that means I have to look, speak, and act like a lady. A lady doesn’t wear wrinkled clothes. So I changed into a t-shirt and my grandfather and I ironed my shirt together. When I changed back into my pressed shirt, I felt different. I held my head higher, my shoulders squarer, and my back straighter because I wanted to represent my grandfather well. Growing up, there were times when my mother looked at my hair or outfit and she said, “You aren’t going outside looking like that.” I marched right back to my room and fixed myself up. I wish the parents and grandparents of our youth today would look them over before they come outside with messy hair, satin bonnets, and inappropriate outfits. Mirror, mirror on the wall…HELP!
Deanna Burrell is the author of the dynamic novel “Single Girl Summer.” Described as the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if “Waiting to Exhale” and “Sex and the City” procreated, Single Girl Summer is available in paperback and ebook download. Visit http://www.singlegirlsummer.com/ for more information. Your summer won't be complete without it!
I finally read Fifty Shades of Grey. Here’s my synopsis of what happens. Virgin and broke college girl meets super rich and attractive man who turns out to be into really kinky submissive/dominant/bondage sex stuff. She loses her virginity to him. He buys her a bunch of expensive stuff and wants her to be his sex slave. He’s moody and mean. She agrees to try the kinky stuff. She likes it but she wants more…she wants a real boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. They have sex like ten times a day. References to yeast infections and bacteria vaginosis were omitted though the college girl does meet with an OBGYN for birth control pills because he’s tired of wearing condoms. He gets nice, then mean, then nice, then meaner, then he buys her more stuff. He beats the snot out of her. She breaks up with him and gives him back all his stuff. The sex wasn’t that hot and the book was disturbing. I didn’t like the message that women should stay with men who beat them and then buy them stuff. There are two more books in the trilogy that I won’t be reading. I’m sure they will include them getting back together, him buying her more stuff, and more sex. Fifty Shades of NOT!
Musing #2 Obama Black
I was at a get together last weekend and a friend was telling me about his student teaching experience at a predominately black high school on the south side. My friend is a black male teacher and he’s excited about being able to make a positive impact on black teens. My friend has a fair skin complexion (he’s yellow), is well-spoken, and witty. Actually, he’s the male version of me. He was talking to a class of students about their upcoming ACT exam and said he was upset that less than 20% of Chicago Public School students pass the ACT. (I’m not sure what the exact statistic is, but it was something dismal like that.) Then he asked the class how they felt about that. One girl raised her hand and said, “I don’t know why you’re upset cause you not black.” He was flabbergasted. He actually grew up in the neighborhood around the school where he was teaching. When he was growing up, it was called the Low End and the title was well deserved. Now it’s called South Loop/Bronzeville and when he tells the kids he grew up around there they look at him like he grew up in the suburbs. They don’t know how much the neighborhood has gentrified. He asked, “If I’m not black, then what do you think I am?” She shrugged her shoulders. A young man in the back of room spoke up. “See, we regular. We regular black. But you…you Obama black.”
At this point, I stopped him. “Wait, Obama black? So that’s a race now?” Then I exploded into laughter and fell out of my chair. Since he’s the male version of me, I guess that makes me…Michelle?
Musing #3 Mirror, Mirror
I don’t watch a lot of television and I didn’t see much of the Olympics. The few times I watched the women’s gymnastics, I was extremely proud of Gabby Douglass. I also remember thinking, “I wish her mother would have done something to her hair.” Yes, I did. I wouldn’t have posted it on Twitter, but I did think it. Just like every morning when I go for a walk and I’m behind a young man whose pants are sagging below his butt. I don’t want to start my morning looking at a stranger’s underwear. I don’t understand why some black men think it’s cute to have their pants falling down. I think, “I wish his mother and especially his father would do something about this wardrobe malfunction.”
Our young black children need some serious help in the appearance department. I’m not talking about Gabby because I have low self-esteem or hair issues as I have read many a blogger and commenter claim about anyone who speaks ill of the young woman’s hair. I have high self-esteem because my parents and grandparents instilled that in me. One of my favorite memories of my grandfather was the time he saw me about to leave my house in a wrinkled shirt. He explained to me that his grandchildren don’t do that. I represent him, my family, and myself every time I leave out my front door and that means I have to look, speak, and act like a lady. A lady doesn’t wear wrinkled clothes. So I changed into a t-shirt and my grandfather and I ironed my shirt together. When I changed back into my pressed shirt, I felt different. I held my head higher, my shoulders squarer, and my back straighter because I wanted to represent my grandfather well. Growing up, there were times when my mother looked at my hair or outfit and she said, “You aren’t going outside looking like that.” I marched right back to my room and fixed myself up. I wish the parents and grandparents of our youth today would look them over before they come outside with messy hair, satin bonnets, and inappropriate outfits. Mirror, mirror on the wall…HELP!
Deanna Burrell is the author of the dynamic novel “Single Girl Summer.” Described as the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if “Waiting to Exhale” and “Sex and the City” procreated, Single Girl Summer is available in paperback and ebook download. Visit http://www.singlegirlsummer.com/ for more information. Your summer won't be complete without it!
August 16, 2012
Black Chicago Weekend Events Aug 16-19
People always ask me "what's going on this weekend?" because they know I know. I'm the queen of the Red Cup Adventure. Here's my rundown of the hottest events for Black Chicago this weekend August 16-19:
Thurday, August 16th
-AJ's Speak It. Receive It. Achieve It. VIP Launch Party :: Stop the Violence Appreciation Party. Celebrate the release of Mr. Adam Jackson's (aka the Sweet Potato Guy) new book. The night will feature DJ Murf, Flavored Cigars, Champagne from Billionaires Row, and special invited guests. FREE, BUT RSVP ON THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE. Sawtooth Restaurant and Lounge, 1350 W Randolph, 6pm ~10pm.
-A&S Wine and Spirits 30th Anniversary Soirée. Get ready to experience fine Champagnes, Wines, Spirits and Food on the Black Wallstreet while listening to the sweet sounds of Morrissette Music Productions. Complimentary Valet Available. 308 E 75th Street, 7pm-9pm. FREE.
-DJ VINCE ADAMS, singer KHARI LEMUEL, and others are BRINGING THE HEAT. This party will benefit Whitney Young Dolphins Making a Difference, a non-profit mentoring organization, and the Lost Count Scholarship Fund. $10 donation, silent auction at Red Kiva, 1108 West Randolph, 5pm-9pm.
Friday, August 17th
-Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour. Every third Friday enjoy a tour of Bronzeville's Art Galleries. The trolleys run continuously between the Faie African Art Gallery, Gallery Guichard, and the South Side Community Art Center. Complimentary cupcakes and white sangria. For more information, call 773.791.7003. 3521 S. King Drive. 6pm-10pm. Free Admission, but donations welcome.
-The 16th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents FREE African Groove dance lessons by Tosha Alston and live music by Chicago Afrobeat Project, performing Afro-Cuban Funk music. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 6-9:30pm.
-Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream. Cheer on our WNBA superstars. With batteries recharged after a month-long break thanks to the London Olympics, the Chicago Sky looks to start the second half of the season on a high note. 730pm at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road in Rosemont. $15-$50 tickets available at Ticketmaster.
Saturday, August 18th
-Morris Chestnut & Friends Hosts The White Chocolate Affair and Chicago's Largest Leo/Virgo Bash! 9:00 p.m. at The CLUB/Eagle Arena located on 7600 South Cicero. $20 advance tickets.
-Chicago Westside Music Festival. A FREE day of food, family, fun, and festivities. Featuring DJ Continental, Douglas Park Dancers, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, ZZaje featuring Carla Prather, Alex Boyd, Syleena Johnson, Carl Thomas, and Musiq Soulchild. Garfield Park (Corner of Central Park and Jackson on the baseball fields), 12noon-8pm.
-South Shore Summer Festival. SSA #42 & South Shore Chamber, Inc. present this festival of live entertainment, vendors, food and fun for the entire family. Entertainment includes Chico DeBarge, The Delfonics, Christopher Williams, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Ray Goodman & Brown, Universal Alley Jazz Jam, and The South Shore Drill Team. 73rd Street from Stony Island to Jeffrey. 10am-8pm. Free.
-Wood-star Music Festival. Soul in the City R&B Concert featuring Robin Thicke, Monica, Estelle, Dawn Richard, and Fantasia. Proceeds benefit the Shannon Brown Foundation. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph Ave. $55 for one day or $100 for a 2 day pass. Doors open at 2pm. Lawn seating so you may bring lawn chairs and blankets.
-The 16th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents FREE Salsa dance lessons by Studio Viva and live music by Rica Obsesion, performing Salsa music. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 6-9:30pm.
-Air and Water Show. One of the largest free air shows in the United States. This annual event began in 1959, attracts over 2 million spectators every year, and showcases various aviation acts ranging from military aircraft to corporate sponsored aerobatic teams. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm. FREE.
Sunday, August 12th
-Wood-star Music Festival. Kangols & Eight Ball Jackets Classic Hip Hop Block Party featuring Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Rakim, MC Lyte, and Naughty by Nature. Proceeds benefit the Shannon Brown Foundation. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph Ave. $55 for one day or $100 for a 2 day pass. Doors open at 2pm. Lawn seating so you may bring lawn chairs and blankets.
-Air and Water Show. One of the largest free air shows in the United States. This annual event began in 1959, attracts over 2 million spectators every year, and showcases various aviation acts ranging from military aircraft to corporate sponsored aerobatic teams. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm. FREE.
Also, check out the movie Sparkle which opens on Friday or hit one of my recommended rooftops for drinks. Grab your friends or a date and hit the town for some fun. Remember, the Red Cup Adventure standard is to hit 5 spots. Click here to find out why. Good luck!
Deanna Burrell is the author of the dynamic novel “Single Girl Summer.” Described as the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if “Waiting to Exhale” and “Sex and the City” procreated, Single Girl Summer is available in paperback and ebook download. Visit http://www.singlegirlsummer.com/ for more information. Your summer won't be complete without it!
Thurday, August 16th
-AJ's Speak It. Receive It. Achieve It. VIP Launch Party :: Stop the Violence Appreciation Party. Celebrate the release of Mr. Adam Jackson's (aka the Sweet Potato Guy) new book. The night will feature DJ Murf, Flavored Cigars, Champagne from Billionaires Row, and special invited guests. FREE, BUT RSVP ON THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE. Sawtooth Restaurant and Lounge, 1350 W Randolph, 6pm ~10pm.
-A&S Wine and Spirits 30th Anniversary Soirée. Get ready to experience fine Champagnes, Wines, Spirits and Food on the Black Wallstreet while listening to the sweet sounds of Morrissette Music Productions. Complimentary Valet Available. 308 E 75th Street, 7pm-9pm. FREE.
-DJ VINCE ADAMS, singer KHARI LEMUEL, and others are BRINGING THE HEAT. This party will benefit Whitney Young Dolphins Making a Difference, a non-profit mentoring organization, and the Lost Count Scholarship Fund. $10 donation, silent auction at Red Kiva, 1108 West Randolph, 5pm-9pm.
Friday, August 17th
-Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour. Every third Friday enjoy a tour of Bronzeville's Art Galleries. The trolleys run continuously between the Faie African Art Gallery, Gallery Guichard, and the South Side Community Art Center. Complimentary cupcakes and white sangria. For more information, call 773.791.7003. 3521 S. King Drive. 6pm-10pm. Free Admission, but donations welcome.
-The 16th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents FREE African Groove dance lessons by Tosha Alston and live music by Chicago Afrobeat Project, performing Afro-Cuban Funk music. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 6-9:30pm.
-Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream. Cheer on our WNBA superstars. With batteries recharged after a month-long break thanks to the London Olympics, the Chicago Sky looks to start the second half of the season on a high note. 730pm at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road in Rosemont. $15-$50 tickets available at Ticketmaster.
Saturday, August 18th
-Morris Chestnut & Friends Hosts The White Chocolate Affair and Chicago's Largest Leo/Virgo Bash! 9:00 p.m. at The CLUB/Eagle Arena located on 7600 South Cicero. $20 advance tickets.
-Chicago Westside Music Festival. A FREE day of food, family, fun, and festivities. Featuring DJ Continental, Douglas Park Dancers, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, ZZaje featuring Carla Prather, Alex Boyd, Syleena Johnson, Carl Thomas, and Musiq Soulchild. Garfield Park (Corner of Central Park and Jackson on the baseball fields), 12noon-8pm.
-South Shore Summer Festival. SSA #42 & South Shore Chamber, Inc. present this festival of live entertainment, vendors, food and fun for the entire family. Entertainment includes Chico DeBarge, The Delfonics, Christopher Williams, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Ray Goodman & Brown, Universal Alley Jazz Jam, and The South Shore Drill Team. 73rd Street from Stony Island to Jeffrey. 10am-8pm. Free.
-Wood-star Music Festival. Soul in the City R&B Concert featuring Robin Thicke, Monica, Estelle, Dawn Richard, and Fantasia. Proceeds benefit the Shannon Brown Foundation. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph Ave. $55 for one day or $100 for a 2 day pass. Doors open at 2pm. Lawn seating so you may bring lawn chairs and blankets.
-The 16th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents FREE Salsa dance lessons by Studio Viva and live music by Rica Obsesion, performing Salsa music. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 6-9:30pm.
-Air and Water Show. One of the largest free air shows in the United States. This annual event began in 1959, attracts over 2 million spectators every year, and showcases various aviation acts ranging from military aircraft to corporate sponsored aerobatic teams. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm. FREE.
Sunday, August 12th
-Wood-star Music Festival. Kangols & Eight Ball Jackets Classic Hip Hop Block Party featuring Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Rakim, MC Lyte, and Naughty by Nature. Proceeds benefit the Shannon Brown Foundation. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph Ave. $55 for one day or $100 for a 2 day pass. Doors open at 2pm. Lawn seating so you may bring lawn chairs and blankets.
-Air and Water Show. One of the largest free air shows in the United States. This annual event began in 1959, attracts over 2 million spectators every year, and showcases various aviation acts ranging from military aircraft to corporate sponsored aerobatic teams. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm. FREE.
Also, check out the movie Sparkle which opens on Friday or hit one of my recommended rooftops for drinks. Grab your friends or a date and hit the town for some fun. Remember, the Red Cup Adventure standard is to hit 5 spots. Click here to find out why. Good luck!
Deanna Burrell is the author of the dynamic novel “Single Girl Summer.” Described as the healthy, bouncing baby that would be produced if “Waiting to Exhale” and “Sex and the City” procreated, Single Girl Summer is available in paperback and ebook download. Visit http://www.singlegirlsummer.com/ for more information. Your summer won't be complete without it!
The Red Cup Adventures
Welcome to the Red Cup Adventures. You're probably wondering "Why the Red Cup Adventures"? Because they are the universal symbols of fun. They’re ambassadors of good times and the perfect decorative h
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