Now this is a song we are ALL familiar with. While I have your attention, let me put you on to its history, which you probaby don't know...In 1814 Francis Scott Key composed the poem "Defense of Fort McHenry", which was later paired with the tune of "The Anacreonic Song" by John Stafford Smith. It was then retitled to "The Star Spangled Banner". In 1931, Congress proclaimed it as our national anthem. Many souls have tried their hand, (or should I say vocal chords) at singing its words in perfection.
Most of us witnessed Christina Aguilera mix up the words & over sing the song during the 45th Super Bowl on February 6, 2011. (By the way...what's up w/ her hair?!?!
But in her defense, at least her voice was well tuned before taking on the task. That's more than I can say for Carl Lewis' pitiful attempt at a 1983 NBA game (Chicago Bulls vs New Jersey Nets).
Can you say, "Boooooooooooooo?!?!?". We all know there's no way in hell Carl would've earned a gold medal for THAT!
So you ask, who holds the record for having sung our national anthem the best? That's EASY!!! Hands down, it is Marvin Gaye's rendition which he sang at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game...ENJOY!
Here I pose the age old question...is a woman more beautiful with long flowing tresses (please don't forget the diva-fan as Tyra Banks would say, 2 playfully blow through her hair, lol!) or with a sassy short style?
Many men envision their fantasy woman as one with long luxurious hair. I've even known a few who have opted not 2 date someone because they had short hair. I know...crazy isn't it!
Women on the other hand tend 2 be accepting of either hair choice. In today's day & age there are sooo many styling options we can choose from.
Some women however, seem 2 be a stickler for long hair. This is especially true with the recent onset of excellent hair weave options. If a woman (or man) doesn't want 2 grow their hair long or is incapable of doing so, she can have a stylist add some that will match her own hair type and no one would know the difference, lolol!
We have all been a witness of women who have changed their look seemingly overnight by chopping off their locks or by growing (or adding 2) their hair. Some were a serious beauty boost! :0D Others, a definite bad move. :0(
As I procede with this discusion, let me start by showcasing my most favorite of all...Halle Berry. Here is a photo diary of her journey with various styles as she grew her hair from short 2 long:
**Here is Halle Berry wearing her signature pixie cut. This is by far my most favorite look on Halle! It showcases her stunningly gorgeous face so eloquently**
**This shot captures the beginning stages of Halle's journey to growing out her short cut. I love this style too. It's very sassy yet sophisticated**
**At one point, Halle even rocked an asymetrical bob. This too is a great style for her**
**Here Halle sports a full bob, not 1 of my favs, but her beauty helps pull it off, lol. To me it looks a little too blah...very "girl next door" if u get my drift**
**Not sure if it's Halle's real hair or not, but it's a GOOD look!**
**Last but not least, Halle also wore her long hair straight before returning to her classic short do**
I wanted to show some other famous faces of celebrities who have toyed with different looks. Its damn near impossible to showcase them all, but here are a few... **Eva Longoria; I say "stay long my dear"**
**Rhianna; either one is working for her**
**When it comes 2 Lady Gaga, anything goes**
**I never even knew Jessica Simpson ever wore her hair short**
**I'm thinking long hair for J-Lo**
**Madonna ALWAYS keeps it versitile**
**Cameron Diaz should keep it long**
**Kim Kardashian could go short with such a pretty face, but I don't see her going any further with it than the wig she's wearing in this pic**
**Victoria Beckham just wouldn't be the same without a new stunning style every few months or so**
**Katie Holmes looks best with a bob style**
**WHOA!!! Brittnay definitely can't get away with the Sinead O'Connor look**
**Gotta love Demi Moore! She can get away with it all**
**Alyssa Milano; I'm thinking long is best**
**Selma Blair; the shorter style was kinda fly**
**Reese Witherspoon; definitely long**
**Paris Hilton; either or**
**Natalie Portman; ummmm, speechless**
As a Fashion Fiend, I love all styles! Long, short, medium, weaved and braided. All I ask is that the hair be well-maintained & styled...no ragedy heads Ladies!!! To me, all are beautiful and can depict a woman's true personality.
By now, I'm sure you have all heard of Ted Williams
Ever since this clip hit the Internet, millions have listened 2 Ted's "Golden voice" and his life has changed forever.
His story seems like a familiar one; a man with a bright future that was later torn 2 pieces by drug and alcohol abuse. Now he appears 2 have stumbled in2 fortune and fame on the strength of something so basic. Something we all tend 2 take for granted...our voice!
Job well done on the commercial, Ted! As an avid macNcheese lover, I can honestly admit that yes I will purchase a bag or 2 for when I'm too lazy to bake up my own home style batch, lol!
I am also anxiously awaiting 2 hear him announce for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Who knows, hopefully it will assist Ted in launching his career 2 the next level...no matter what that will be.
I'm really praying this dude cleans up his life for good and flies right. Supposedly, he has been clean from drugs and alcohol for 2 years. We all know fame, especially the instant kind, can cause people to fall in2 some deep, dark pits. Let's hope my man Ted doesn't succumb to any of them.
I love this clip because it captures the raw emotion of Ted after not having seen his Mom for more than a decade. You can tell he REALLY loves and misses her. It makes him seem more of a real person, someone we all can relate to. Prayerfully, this relationship rekindles and prospers along with that of his numerous children.
I'm pulling for your success and full recovery, Ted! He might just be the biggest "Rags 2 Riches" story of the new year!
Pregnancy was truly a GREAT experience for me! Glowing skin, bodacious curves, and the satisfaction of knowing that this precious little being was growing in my tummy.
However! The result of a routine sneeze during allergy season was a RUDE awakening, lol! Was I destined 2 sport adult diapers for the rest of my 9 month term?!? Depends Diapers didn't exactly fall in2 the "sexy panty" category...
Thank God adult diapers weren't my destiny!!! That's sooo not a good look, lol! Kegel exercises saved my life!
WHAT??? Your pregnant?!?! Preggers?!? Preggo?!? Knocked up?!?!
OMgoodness, Girl! Congrats, but damn! I mean, aren't you worried about being confined to style-starving maternity clothing that the average chick wouldn't want 2 be caught dead in and fat ankles (also known as "Kankles)??? Nooo more looks of admiration from the opposite sex 4 u!!!
Ladies, don't stress! Bringing a preciously cute little baby into the world doesn't have 2 mean that you are doomed 2 wear unflattering "Mom Jeans" for the rest of your life?!? In my mind's eye, that's simply crazy talk!!!
**Ms. Jessica Simpson performing @ the 2009 99.9 KISS Country 24th Annual Chili Cook Off in Pembroke Pines, FL. Since this performance, she has been accused of sporting "Mom Jeans" even though she's childless! Although I must admit, her belt is fly & her "weave-ologist" did the damn thang on styling her hair**
Countless Divas have proven that having a baby (or 2, or 3) does not mean that Mommy can't be attractive, sophisticated and even, dare I say "Sexy". For many of us, pregnancy has if you will, enhanced our beauty naturally.
In my case, pregnancy blessed me with qualities that I would not have had otherwise. I mean, what woman wouldn't love the benefits of long beautiful nails, thick healthy hair, & of course porn star boobs w/out the expense and pain of plastic surgery, right?!?
The media has shown us sooo many celebrities who have made the "Baby Bump" a coveted badge of honor. Here are my favs...
**Here is the stunningly gorgeous Halle Berry @ the 2008 London Film Festival, wearing Versace while 5 months pregnant w/ her daughter Nahla**
**Here the lovely Catherine Zeta Jones (@ the 2003 Academy Awards) represented for us Moms**
**Jessica Alba is glowingly gorgeous @ the 2008 Oscars in this plum dress by Marchesa**
**Garcelle Beauvais; still looking like a runway model**
**Heidi Klum @ the 2009 Emmy Awards; I am sooo love'n this black Marchesa dress!**
**Jennifer Lopez @ Movies Rock in 2007 wearing Versace**
**Ms. Paula Patton adorning the cover of the May 2010 Ebony magazine cover. This is a great idea for those of you looking for ideas for your own personal pregnancy pictures**
**Angelina Jolie @ the 2008 Cannes Film Festival in a green gown by Max Azria**
**Last but not least, the infamous August 1991 Vanity Fair cover with Demi Moore**
So Ladies, join me in my embrace of "Mommyhood"! Acknowledge all the beautiful qualities graced upon you during your 9 glowing months...even when you may not feel that way. Relish the honor and privilege of carrying your beautifully healthy child.
Pregnancy is the 1st step of the Mommyhood journey. Proudly display your Baby-Bump. Make an effort to style your tresses and apply your make-up. You are more beautiful than ever before ;0)
