Robots Ate My Grandmother

Weekend Wrap-Up

2009-01-26T16:11:00.003-06:00

I stayed in Friday. Hung around the home-front with the fam, which wasn't very boring at all (you have to know my folks, lol).

I almost stayed in Saturday too. Tried to cancel our plans, but I didn't want to leave the BFF hanging (Carrie wasn't having that shiit anyway).
First up was a house party in Bartlett ~~I think~~. It was a birthday bash for the brother of an extended friend {extended friend = friend of/made through another friend}.
Next up was Westy's on North Main St. F-U-N! The atmosphere was nice and Reggie the bartender is one of the most fun people I've met in my entire 24 year old life.
After that, I headed to D's tattoo spot to catch up with my long lost friend {que "reunited" by peaches & herb}.
I got in about 7:30 Sunday morn and after being up, out & about for a whopping 23 hrs, I crashed out.

Today is $4 You Call It night at Swanky's. A co-worker & pals will be there, but I don't think I'll make it this week. I have to work this Saturday, and get my hair braided Sunday. Oh, and I have to get moved too.

Sidenote:
*listening to Gnarles Barkley*
One of these days, someone is going to walk past my office and catch me mid chair dance/fake microphone singing. Hopefully, they'll make it a duet!

Live Love Laugh, Bitches!
~Mandii

Catching Up...

2009-01-23T16:23:00.003-06:00

Sunday 01/18 ~ The Paradiso & Coletta's
Me & BFF Carrie went to see My Bloody Valentine in 3-D. I won't dish any spoilers cause...well...it didn't exactly fall into my Best Movie Ever category. If you haven't seen it, see it in 3-D. The awesome visual effects are more than enough to make you forget you're watching yet another cheesy, poorly plotted slasher film.
We ate at an Italian restaurant named Coletta's, in Germantown. I've heard people talk about it a lot, but had never gone because the only location I knew of was in South Memphis. Not knocking anyone, but I don't go that route - literally. Anywho, the food was great and so was the staff.

Monday 01/19 ~ Swanky's
Swanky's drink special for Monday nights is $4 You Call It. And they mean just that - whatever drink you can dream up & call out (oh, and the classics too) for $4. I went for the alcohol, but after going all day without eating, the food was calling my name. I had a burrito bowl with all kinds of crap piled on it. Dee-lish. If you're feeling like desert, Swanky's fried cheesecake is a tastii choice. But stay away from the creme brulee, lol.

Thursday 01/22 ~ Chili's
Everyone has been to Chili's twenty-leven times, so I don't have to talk about the food. However, I'm usually there with the fam, so I'd never really delved into their drinks. But that wasn't the case last night. I went with Carrie & De'el, and we had: Bud Lights w/lime, Calypso Coolers, Blue Pacific Margaritas, and their Jamaican Paradise as our last round. I give them all a solid A+.
And lest we forget...Thursdays, Chili's has a 2 for 1 drink special on beers, wines and classic margaritas.

Westy's is up tomorrow night. Can't wait =]

A New Chapter

2009-01-23T15:24:00.004-06:00

Brandy - Brokenhearted

"Life's not over. I can start again".

If you haven't guessed it yet, I'm in the midst of a break-up. Normally, a few nights out with the homies laced with alcohol, laughter & story sharing is enough to bounce me back. But the circumstances of my ~~failed~~ relationship make this time a lot different. In the 10 months we were together, I went through a lot (some good, some bad) with this person. When things were bad, they were BAD. But when things were good, it couldn't get any better.
I don't regret a single moment shared with him. He wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for me. It's incredible to feel that way about someone. And as much as I like to be optimistic about life, I can't help but feel that something like that doesn't happen twice.
In the day, I have so many distractions that I don't think about it much. However, night time is an entirely different story. I lay in my bed alone, something that I haven't done unwillingly in a long time, and I have nothing left to think about. Nothing other than how much I miss him, and how much I wish that we hadn't fallen apart.
I've lost more than a relationship. I've lost a friendship. And that's what hurts the most.

APPROACHING WOMEN ~ With Asa Thibodaux

2008-12-18T10:41:00.002-06:00

Part One

Part Two

Asa's YouTube Channel
Asa's Myspace Page

"DO DA STANKY LEGG"

2008-12-17T08:00:00.004-06:00

*eli porter pause*

TTYL

2008-12-15T11:27:00.002-06:00

I have the sicklies, so...no posts today.
=(

BUT...scroll to my Blog Roll & check out some my favorite Bloggers.

KNOW YOUR ROLE, AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH ~ HOW TO BE HER MAN ON THE SIDE

2008-12-11T12:55:00.003-06:00

From what I've seen so far, a number of men claim to be qualified for the job, but lack the necessary skills to take on the task. But fellas, you're in luck! Listen up as this blog ~~not very gently~~ teaches you what it takes to be her Man on the Side.

Rule number 1: Know Your Role.

What it means ~

Not.

Rule Number 2: Shut Your Mouth

What it means ~

I love you

thinking of you

baby I'll do this & that for you

So there you have it, the two basic guidelines to being her Man on the Side - knowing your role and shutting your mouth.

WHAT'S EATING MANDII NICHOLE?

2008-12-10T09:06:00.002-06:00

Trey's words have been ringing in my ears all morning. I don't condone cheating. Nope, not at all. I've never cheated. But it isn't until now that I've taken a moment to question why. I could say that it's because I have morals and I know its wrong. I could say that it's because I'd never want to hurt/disrespect someone like that. I could say that it's because the risk of disease is too high to sleep around. All of those things are true, but they simply aren't the number one reason why I've never cheated.

So what is the one thing that stands between Me & cheating? Opportunity.

I wasn't always the relationship type. I didn't sleep around, but I dated of course - you know how it goes...dinners, movies, concerts & other events. I never led anyone to believe that they were the only person I was spending time with (unless they really were). Pretty hard to cheat if you're not committed in the first place.

I believe in choices. So I don't mean to imply that I am no longer able to remain faithful in my relationship. I'm just...possibly...no longer willing to.

Opportunity has knocked. Will I answer?

2008-12-10T07:58:00.002-06:00

I was checking out one of my favorite bloggers, Lucky Lushington, and she hit a subject that I'm a bit too familiar with right now. Fellas, check out her entry, My Least Favorite Things: The Female Version of Blue Balls. It may ~~prevent a black eye~~ save your relationship...

WORD OF THE DAY ~ Opportunity

2008-12-10T07:48:00.003-06:00

Main Entry: op·por·tu·ni·ty

Pronunciation: \ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē, -ˈtyü-\ Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural op·por·tu·ni·ties
Date: 14th century

Merriam-Webster says:
1 : a favorable juncture of circumstances (the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment)
2 : a good chance for advancement or progress

Mandii Says:
1 : there is a yes for every no out there. you just have to know where to look
2 : when one door closes, another opens

When opportunity knocks, will you answer?

CEASE & DESIST ~ GUYS ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

2008-12-06T11:08:00.003-06:00

Mandii Nichole
R.A.M.G., robotsatemygrandmother.blogspot.com
Memphis, TN

December 6, 2008

Guys On Social Networking Sites
Myspace, Mocospace, Facebook, Etc.
Innernets Worldwide

Re: "Tongue Pics"

Dear Guys On Social Networking Sites:

This will serve as your official notice pursuant to the Fair Innernets Surfing Act, 15 U.S.C. section 805, to cease and desist all further subjection to the above referenced conduct. You are hereby instructed to cease this grossly ineffective seduction effort immediately or face legal sanctions under applicable Innernets law.

Nauseatedly Yours,
Mandii Nichole

I APOLOGIZE

2008-11-06T10:11:00.003-06:00

Oh yea! Where are my manners...

I'M BACK, BITCHES!!!

(I don't have the slightest idea why I like that phrase so much, lol.)

LISTEN UP ~ My Girl Gets Mad If I Don't Fuck Her

2008-11-06T09:52:00.004-06:00

In the movie Alpha Dog, there is a scene where one of the guys says he has to leave (from watching Zack as their kidnap victim) because, "My girl gets mad if I don't fuck her".

This man, my male friends, has the right dayum idea. Fellas, don't believe the hype when it comes to what you've been conditioned to believe about women & sex. A number of us women {keyword: women, not "girls"} are ~~freaks~~ what homeboy Xilla from Blogxilla.com refers to as Sexual Intellectuals and don't shy away from our urges.

One key thing to understand about women is that we aren't used to being turned down sexually. Its in the top 5 of our "stuff that isn't supposed to happen" list. So when you give her the not tonight, don't be surprised when she displays major attitude.

MOMENTS WITH MANDII - I Hate "Women"

2008-11-06T07:45:00.006-06:00

So yesterday afternoon I'm sitting at my desk perusing the innernets and trying to decide what to make for dinner. At exactly 2:05p CST, my mobile rings. Its not an assigned ringtone so I give a sigh, preparing myself to speak with a vendor. I glance at the screen as I pick up my phone & it reads: withheld. With a raised eyebrow, I silence my phone and place it back on my desk. It rings again at 2:07, and I ignore it again. It rings again at 2:09, and this time I answer. "Hello?", I say, and some poor unfortunate ignorant soul proceeds with, "you dirty white bitch" and promptly ends the call.

My first thought was, I'm not even white (lol). So I'm thinking, what kind of sick ass wrong number bullshit is this. Not being naive enough to swallow the "wrong number" pill, I go through my mental list of people I've been in contact with lately. Anyone new? Nope. Anyone I've had a fight or argument with? Nope. Anyone known to have a crazy bitch or two who has done this exact type of shit in the past? Bingo! I'm also thinking, who has access to my mobile number but doesn't know me well enough to know that (despite my hair texture and skin color), I'm black (lol). I'd figured out enough to no longer care about the call and went back to my precious innernets.

Fast forward through the rest of my day (dinner was great, BTW - baked stuffed pasta shells and homemade italian meatballs). I'm drifting away to slumber land and at 11:41p CST, my mobile rings again and again the screen reads withheld. Already irritated from an unrelated matter, I pick up my phone and, without giving her a chance to breathe a word, say "don't start this bullshit with me right now" and end the call. 11:42, the phone rings again and I hit ignore. Not even a minute later, the phone rings again and this time I hit ignore and power the phone off. And just before it goes down, I hear it begin to ring again. So yea, 3 of the calls came in within a 60 second time frame.

At 11:47, I power my phone back on and immediately call the man behind this ignorant little tramp. He didn't answer, so I politely left him a message suggesting that he tell his bitch to find something better to do than call me in the middle of the day and the middle of the night, not forgetting to add that it wouldn't be shit for me to find out who and where she is.

This was no idle threat. We all knew that I had the who part down already from a past run-in. Where wouldn't be difficult. Not long ago, I found out that we have a few mutual people in our lives. One of which being a very close homegirl of mine. I called homegirl this morning to let her know what happened and to verify that I had the right person.

Tho I'm young, I'm an adult. I don't play these games. If you have a problem with me, come to me and lets talk about what we can do to get it resolved. If you're incapable of such civil behavior, then stand the fuck down. What bothers me most about this is the fact that I've been face to face with her before. She'd called me on the same tip, making threats & such. Until the night she walked into a place where I stood, in the flesh. She had nothing bold to say then. Tho she'd previously threatened to "bash my head in", she stood with her hands loosely at her sides and quietly walked away...

A MOMENT WITH MANDII - Creepy Freak

2008-11-04T11:09:00.002-06:00

You know what's creepy as hell? - when you're driving, and glance into your rear view mirror only to notice that the driver behind you is looking at you through your rear view.

lol

that is all

CHEATING SPOUSES ~ Ladies, Stop Reading Cosmo

2008-11-03T12:33:00.008-06:00

So I just read an article on Cosmo titled How To Keep Him From Cheating, and it was as ridiculous as expected...

Cosmo Says: Hang with his co-workers. The other women he works with will be more likely to hang back if they can put a face to a name. Plus, your guy will feel extra bonded as a couple if he is able to share another part of his life with you.
Mandii Says: O Rly? So becoming a hanger-on will deter his female co-workers from scheming? And Mr. Man will happily receive my uber clingy behavior? :::Borat voice::: Naahhht!!! Ladies, even if you COULD place yourself in every setting your guy will be in, is this the kind of relationship you want? If you can't trust your guy to keep his peen in his pants at the annual company picnic, it may be time to reevaluate this partnership.

Cosmo Says: Ask him questions. If your guy feels like he can’t talk to you about the stuff going on at work, he’ll likely turn to someone else who understands (like his cute cubemate). Make a point to ask him how a difficult project is going or if anything funny happened that day. If you’re well-versed in what’s going on in his world, it’ll be harder for him to pull that whole “I’ve got a big deadline — must work late” excuse.
Mandii Says: Negative. Just because he's talking to you about his workday doesn't mean he'll refrain from discussing work matters with his co-workers - including "his cute cubemate". Who better to discuss workshiz with than the very people you work with? And come on...a liar is a liar. And a good one always has a "spare". Asking your sweetie "hey, how was your day" should be a question of interest. Not an interrogation.

Cosmo Says: Stay on his mind. Take advantage of his dominate sense and give him a photo for his desk of you two. The photo will have more meaning and be a constant reminder of just how much fun he has with you. Looking at it will boost his mood, and his loyalty.
Mandii Says: WRONG! This type of smothering behavior falls into a category I like to call "secret stalking". It's somewhere between phone snooping and "I was in the neighborhood & decided to stop by". Besides, more office affairs turn physical once the two start ca noodling outside of work. And I doubt your guy will flash back to that nicely framed couple pic while he's out having a dance & a drink with his cute cubemate. I'm not knocking desk pics. But it should be there because he wants it there, not because you shoved it in his briefcase as a cheating deterrent.

In closing...if your other half is going to dip, they're going to dip. And becoming obsessive is not going to keep their fidelity in order.

And who REALLY takes Cosmo articles seriously? lol

ISLE BEE BACH

2008-09-18T09:38:00.001-05:00

Going to be away from the blogging world for a few weeks.

xoxoxo
mandii

CUSSIN COMICS ~ ALL-STAR BATMAN #10

2008-09-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

So, I'm checking out PerezHilton.com & stumble across this article. Then bits of the telephone conversation I had with my comp's DC Brand Manager start to replay in my mind: We have to stop shipping these immediately. Usually its a smear/smudge, duplicate page, error on a character's costume or some other thing that only comic fanatics go into a frenzy about. I'm thinking, no big deal. Wrong!
Our shipments hit trucks as early as 6 am. I got the call around 9 am. So what does that mean? Quiiiite a few of these were already on their merry little way to comic book retailers worldwide. A standard notice was sent to our customers:

***** SHIPPING ADVISORY: DC COMICS’ ALL STAR BATMAN & ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #10
Dear Diamond Customer:

Please be advised that copies of DC Comics’ ALL-STAR BATMAN & ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #10 (FEB080203-4D) may be included in your September 10 shipment.

At DC’s request, please do not place this book out for sale to your customers. Instead, please destroy any copies that you receive. You will be credited for these copies on your September 17 invoice.

Diamond apologizes for any inconvenience this creates for you or your customers. If you have additional questions, please contact your Diamond Customer Service Representative. Thank you.

Oh yea...I'm looking at both the regular cover & the variant. And yes, the potty mouth dialogue is there - its a lot more than the tidbits listed by Perez.
As for the ebay auctions...dammit! Diamond prohibits employees to participate in sales & auctions outside of a one time sale of private collections. I like my job, so I'm staying out of that one. But to anyone interested in this ebay listing: There is no CGC edition of All-Star Batman & Robin #10. So that "beautiful", "Great Investment" by an "Authorized CGC Dealer" is a knock-off, so keep your $499.99.

**UPDATE** The "CGC" is now listed as a presale. Ha!

CERTIFIED HONEST BLOGGER

2008-09-10T00:30:00.001-05:00

Because I'm total hottness, I was awarded the Certified Honest Blogger award by Big Cheekz of ran-Dumb-ness. But it doesn't stop there...

The Rules:
1. When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who gave it to you and link them back.
2. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in their content or design.
3. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing them they were prized with the Honest Weblog Award.
4. Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you gave the prize to, (optional).
5. Then you pass it on.
7. The guys before me added 10 things about themselves & I'm keeping with the trend, (optional).

Naive At Best
Truth Merchants
The Goodie Bag
Ask Y and X
RawDawgBuffalo
2 Ditzy Broads
United States of Anthony

About Mandii Nichole:
1. I tend to obsess over germs. I refuse to let anyone use my phone. And bathrooms (no matter how clean they appear/smell) freak me out. I also wash my hands waayyy more than anyone should.
2. I'm terribly afraid of insects & creepy crawlies. One time a friend of mine chased me & pretended to have a slug in her hand. Even after she showed me that she didn't really have one, I cried - I was like, 16 at the time.
3. I'm into tattoos, piercings & other body mods but other than that, I'm probably one of the most "square" people you'll meet.
4. I must have chap stick with me at all times - preferably ChapStick Naturals Botanical Medley.
5. Even tho I'm dominate/aggressive on the outside, I'm a total creampuff on the inside.
6. One of my favorite words is "shenanigans".
7. I love love love Disney movies.
8. When I smell cigg smoke on people it makes my stomach turn, even tho I'm an occasional smoker.
9. I love kittens, but I can't stand to be around most adult cats.
10. I once owned 3 iguanas and a ball python, at the same time.

BRISTOL PALIN ~ SCANDALICIOUS

2008-09-08T10:38:00.003-05:00

I'll cut right to the chase...

In this video, LA native "Kevin" ~~convincingly~~ claims to be the father of Bristol's baby.

I have NO IDEA what's up with the song on this vid, but interesting pictures.

In this vid, they zoom in on the caption of a myspace pic of Sarah Palin & Levi's sister holding a baby. The caption reads: "Mommy Inlaw Trig and Myself".

Mrs. Palin...care to explain?

DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE

2008-09-06T07:38:00.000-05:00

A summary from Allison Hobbs' website:

Chanelle Lawson is tired of the sex industry and is ready to hang up her G-string, but not before she snags Mr. Right--someone who is not only handsome but rich enough to cater to her every material desire. When she finally meets the ideal "catch" she soon suspects that he has a dark side and the man of her dreams might be her worst nightmare.

After three years of marriage, Dayna Reynolds begins to feel the overwhelming urge to conceive a child. Getting pregnant, she believes will revitalize her failing marriage and justify her enormous weight gain. Conceiving a child, however, isn’t as easy as she’d thought. For one thing, her husband is hardly ever at home and when he is, sex certainly isn’t on the agenda. Feeling unattractive and unloved, a vulnerable Dayna easily succumbs to the advances of an enigmatic stranger.

Reed Reynolds is striving for success by hobnobbing with members of an elite society. His new associates would be shocked to learn of his secret life—a life so sordid it jeopardizes his marriage, financial stability, and any chance of a successful career. Reed is a sex addict and his addiction has spiraled way out of control. Fully aware that he should seek professional help, he continues to recklessly indulge his perverted sexual urges, until they escalate into an unspeakably sinister act that’s beyond reason…beyond belief.

The character that brought this book to life for me...Reed Reynolds. Reckless & perverted only scratch the surface. I put this book down only when I absolutely had to. Dangerously In Love is definitely one for your collection.

MANDII LETTER ~ TO THE GAY BEST FRIEND THAT I LONG FOR

2008-08-29T10:35:00.001-05:00

Dear Gay Best Friend That I Long For,

I look forward to the wonderful adventures we will have once we meet. Going to drag shows, raving out in gay clubs & bars. I can't dance worth a crap, but you know all the latest moves. And even come up with some hott ones of your own. It'll be so much fun having our own little mani/pedi parties while sharing make-up & fashion tips, sipping mojitos and cosmopolitans.
Gay Best Friend, you are truly the best of both worlds. A girl-friend and a guy-friend all rolled into one flamboyant masterpiece.
Not only do you love the peen...you POSSES one. You're the perfect person to swap sex tips with. The abundance of peen-pleasing tips & tricks I will learn from you is invaluable.
Gay Best Friend That I Long For, I hope & pray to see you soon.

ZOO BREW

2008-08-29T09:58:00.005-05:00

Zoo Brew is today! And guess what...I'M GOING =D
I didn't catch the event last year. But this go round, I purchased tickets just in time.
*happy, happy...joy joy*
I'll be attending the event with a family member and a colleague.

From memphiszoo.org:
Beer lovers from around the Mid-South are invading the Memphis Zoo for the second annual Zoo Brew, on Friday, August 29. Zoo Brew is a beer tasting event featuring 40 beers from around the world, provided by Southwestern Beverage and Distributing.

This marks the second year of this extremely popular event, and with a sell-out crowd last year, the Memphis Zoo is looking to go bigger this time around. Cindy Krag Catering will also be bringing delicious appetizers to enjoy with the libations.

The Doc Shots Trio will be providing soulful sounds for entertainment, and guests can delight in the beauty of renowned artist Hayden Hall’s pottery in an exclusive show. Wine and soft drinks will also be available for purchase.

Although there's no limit to the number of beers you can sample, servers will be pouring responsibly.

Samples include several international beers, including Kronenberg 1664 (France), Moretti Xingu (Brazil), Warsteiner (Germany), Famosa (Guatemala), Singha (Philippines), Murphy's Irish Stout (Ireland), Tilsburg Stout Brown (Netherlands) and many others. Brews from the States include Abita (Louisiana), Yazoo Hefeweizen (Nashville), and Sea Dog (Maine). Local featured brews from the Naked Lion Brewing Company and Ghost River Brewing: the new beer company from Bosco's founder Chuck Skypeck. We'll also have several home brews to sample from the great folks at the Bluff City Brewers and Connoisseurs.

Proceeds from Zoo Brew will go to support animal care and programs at the Memphis Zoo.

(Italy), This event has sold out for the second year in a row. We look forward to seeing you next year!

**UPDATE**
And Mr. Man is coming too!
=D

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME

2008-08-27T10:08:00.005-05:00

I think my miracle pill is failing me.

I started taking Yaz earlier this year (see post Keyword: Control), and all was well - no side effects, no pregnancy.

But for the last couple of weeks, I have been a royal BITCH. I can cling to people like a lint ball and then want everyone the hell away from me within the hour. Some days I can't eat anything & others, I can't eat enough. I cry all the time, have virtually no patience, wake up already annoyed & irritated, I can't concentrate and even the smallest things leave me completely frustrated.

I'm determined to at least finish the 2 packs I have left from my last prescription fill. Maybe this is temporary. But I may have to get a fckn Nuva Ring or something before I kill someone.

I am a pile of emotionally unstable wreckage.

MR. GRIND

2008-08-26T09:26:00.005-05:00

Check out these hilarious vids from Montgomery, Alabama's Mr. Grind.

Mr. Grind (as Rico) - I Like Your Girl Parody

How Does It Feel - D'Angelo Remake - Rico Butt Naked

For more, and there is plenty, visit Mr. Grind's Myspace Page & Mr. Grind's YouTube Channel.

MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE

2008-08-25T12:43:00.005-05:00

On Thursday August 21st, I visited Mesquite Chop House in Southaven, MS for their August Beer Dinner featuring four new frosty treats from Rogue Ales. What's the verdict? Lets take a look...

First Course:

Peking Duck Wontons served with the Morimoto Soba Ale (pictured above, second from left)
Just looking at this picture makes my mouth water all over again. The pastry was crisp without being too flaky & the duck was cooked to tender perfection.

Second Course:

House Smoked Amber Jack with a Key Lime Mustard Sauce and a Sweet and Sour Slaw served with the American Amber (pictured above, third from left)
This was my first time having amber jack. Its a pretty light fishy (think tilapia), but the key lime mustard sauce drizzled over the top made sparks fly.

Third Course:

Cocoa and Coffee Dusted Medallions of Beef with a Sweet Potato Casserole and served with the Mocha Porter (pictured above, far right)
My fave of the night. Josh Cobbs (Head Chef of the Southaven location, recently promoted to General Manager), you WILL personally teach me how to prepare this one.

Fourth Course:

Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding Ala Mode served with the Chocolate Stout (pictured above, far left)
Ahh, desert. It's triple chocolate, for Heaven's sake. Do I really need to say more?

The atmosphere: exquisite / The menu: flawless / The service: impeccable / The price: just $40 per person

The beer tasting is a monthly event for Mesquite - every third Wednesday. Mesquite also hosts a wine dinner the first Wednesday of each month for $50 per person.

2008 ANIMAL PLANET EXPO

2008-08-25T11:30:00.006-05:00

Saturday Aug 23 & Sunday Aug 24, Discovery Channel's Animal Planet wrapped up their 2008 Animal Planet Expo Tour at Shelby Farms Park Conservancy in Memphis, TN.

I attended this event Saturday along with crowds of people & pets from Memphis and surrounding areas. Despite sketchy weather, the turnout was great. Activities included full face painting, a frisbee dog show, the Happy Gator obstacle course, a Giant King Croc slide and a live animal showing on the main stage.

Moment of the day?: When the guys at Animal Planet presented a $5000.00 donation check to the Collierville Animal Shelter.

If you're an animal lover like me, take a moment to visit www.aspca.org. While you're there, consider joining in the fight to end animal cruelty.
I have...

NEED....MORE....TIME.....

2008-08-25T08:52:00.002-05:00

I had a GREAT weekend, and I have SO MUCH to blog about. The last 4 days have been bonkers =] I may not be able to update until tonight, but I promise not to leave you hanging any longer than that.

<333
mandii

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~ TO ME

2008-08-21T07:56:00.001-05:00

FROM THE BLACK MAN, TO THE BLACK WOMAN

2008-08-20T14:06:00.003-05:00

Whatever you're doing right now...STOP! And read this post from Truth Merchants.

That's all I'm going to say.
(once you read it, you'll understand why)

RAW DAWG BUFFALO

2008-08-20T11:05:00.007-05:00

The blogging world wasn't out of my mind during my recent hiatus. Even tho I couldn't make it to my computer to actually post, I was still thinking of new material & concepts.

Now on to the one I'm most excited about sharing with you: Showing love to my fellow bloggers.

Up first, Raw Dawg Buffalo. Dawg describes his material as "the truth, uncut funk, da bomb", and I couldn't agree more.

So visit his site! And while you're there, be sure to check out his hilariously accurate memphis slang translations in the post Intro to Memphisian 101.

JOHNNYBOY & STANKY PUSSY

2008-08-20T10:35:00.005-05:00

Trantastic tart JohnnyBoy tells the world how he feels about stanky chocha...

Visit JohnnyBoy's YouTube channel & Myspace Page for even more from this crazay queen.

HIV POSITIVE MAN RAPES 17 YEAR OLD GIRL

2008-08-20T09:52:00.003-05:00

From WREG News Channel 3 in Memphis, TN:
Omari.Fleming@wreg.com

(Memphis, TN 8/19/2008) Kenya Pipkins is outraged. "That babies life is destroyed and it could have been avoided. That's just wrong."

While she may be outraged, she's not at all surprised Timothy Payne is now charged with raping a 17-year-old girl, while knowing he was infected with HIV.

"It just makes me sick to my stomach." In late June, right before Memphis City pools re-opened and about a month before the suspected rape, Pipkins says the 37-year-old man made her a very indecent proposal.

"He said he could give her a job making ten dollars an hour answering phones but she needed to go home and get some little shorts or a swimming suit to work in."

Pipkins says her daughter never took the pool attendant up on his offer. Instead she told her mom what happened. Pipkin says when she took her concerns to managers at the Westwood Community Center, nothing was done.

"It breaks my heart to hear that they didn't take us more seriously, that they waited until something bad happens to do something."

Police believe Payne has had consensual sex with several other underage females. A quick background check shows eight convictions between 19-92 and 2003. They include a misdemeanor assault which was reduced from rape. He also violated a protection order. In the complaint, Payne's ex-girlfriend says he slashed her car tires and bashed the car with a crowbar. One more reason Kenya Pipkins is calling for better background checks

"We need to be able to trust our children are not working around predators."

Payne was a temporary employee who was fired August 1st. There were no background checks for temporary employees until last year. Payne was hired in 2006. We're still working to find out when he contracted HIV.

CREEPY DOLLS & AUTOPSY BABIES

2008-08-19T14:59:00.004-05:00

Says doll artist Jade Perez:
I have been an artist since I was born. I was always creating art work as a child, drawing animals and still life. After time I developed my own unique dark art style. Drawing and painting gothic, creepy art became my thing. After years of making paintings that I kept in the closet for safe keeping, I decided that I wanted to create something you could hold and take places with you. Something that wasn't hidden away. So I began creating dolls. After my first doll was made, I knew this would be the new form of art that I was looking for.

I am in love with Jade's work. Visit Jade's site & check out her doll galleries!

From creator Jeremi Rimel's web page:
Autopsy Babies or "Autopsy Zombie Staple babies" are a series of one of a kind, hand-painted custom horror dolls by artist Jeremi Rimel (Miscreation) Each Autopsy Baby is made from a recycled vinyl baby doll body as a platform, often second hand. Dissected and mis-created, the dolls are made in a high quality fashion with durable parts and superb textures and details.
Jeremi Rimel also known as "Miscreation" has been mutilating and stapling dolls for many years, creating strange and unusual art for a living. In 2007 Jeremi started a vinyl art toy company called Miscreation Toys that is independently run and owned. Miscreation toys produces original vinyl art toys like the product "Think-UP" a blank do it yourself vinyl bust, that artists use as a canvas for masterpieces of their own. See www.miscreationtoys.com for more details.

Jeremi's creations make you uneasy. His babies make you think, make you feel, make you squirm. But isn't art supposed to?

Don't forget to check out Jeremi's site. And for some real fun, visit Jeremi's You Tube Channel and Myspace Page!

JERRY BUCK INMAN

2008-08-19T14:47:00.003-05:00

One of the reasons I remain an advocate for capital punishment...

From CNN.com:
PICKENS, South Carolina (AP) -- A convicted sex offender has admitted he strangled a 20-year-old South Carolina college student, leaving her body in her off-campus apartment with her bikini top still wrapped around her neck. Jerry Buck Inman pleaded guilty Tuesday to kidnapping, raping and murdering Tiffany Marie Souers of Ladue, Missouri.

The 37-year-old Inman could face the death penalty.

The Clemson University engineering student's body was found in May 2006.

Inman's DNA matched samples taken from Souers' apartment and he was arrested near his mother's home in Dandridge, Tennessee, about two weeks after her body was found.

Inman spent about 18 years in prison in North Carolina and Florida for rapes committed in those states as a teenager.

EEW, EWW, EWW!!!

2008-08-19T14:33:00.003-05:00

And people always give me the side~eye treatment for being a "germ~freak"...

From CNN.com:
CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- A man who contends he got a 9-foot tapeworm after eating undercooked fish has sued a Chicago restaurant.

In the lawsuit filed Monday, Anthony Franz said he ordered salmon salad for lunch from Shaw's Crab House in 2006 and fell violently ill. He later passed the giant parasite, which a pathologist determined came from undercooked fish, such as salmon.

Franz's lawsuit seeks $100,000 from Shaw's and its parent company, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, contending the restaurant's staff was negligent in serving him improperly cooked fish.

But Carrol Symank, vice president of food safety for Lettuce Entertain You, said the tapeworm didn't come from Shaw's.

"We have done a thorough investigation, and we're confident the restaurant is not the source," he said.

According to the Web site mayoclinic.com, tapeworms can measure up to 50 feet long.

MANDII LETTER ~ TO A HATER

2008-08-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

First, I want to say NO! No, I haven't changed my opinion on the song. It's still one of the most annoying things I've heard lately.

And now I want to say NO again. No, I am not about to "thank the haters". Why would I? I give credit where credit is due. And the "love" of a hater is NOT the driving force behind my success. I am. My God is. But a hater? Nah, you don't have that kind of power.

Now that that's out of the way...

Dear Hater,

I'd pay a nice piece of cash to have seen your initial reaction/expression when you realized your failure. I applaud you though. You actually had me going for a minute. Fool me once, the buck stops here - there are no second chances.
You see, Hater...I may become distracted at times & lose sight, but I always regain focus. Confidence, faith, trust, morale, goodwill, intellect...I have all of these things & more. And they prevent me from falling short.
So, Hater...now that you have failed once, what's next? Will you learn from this experience with me? Or will you continue your shenanigans, only to fall flat on your ass again?

SAMWELL ~ MY GAY BEST FRIEND[in the head]

2008-08-19T11:53:00.006-05:00

So unless you haven't touched your computer in the last year, you already know who this juicy nugget is. He reached internet superstar status with his video "What What (In the Butt)". Check out these other gems featuring my gay best friend[in the head], Samwell...

Samwell Goes To The Spa

Samwell "Interviewed" Part 1

Samwell "Interviewed" Part 2

And the infamous What What (In the Butt)

Watch Butters from Comedy Central's Southpark funk out What What (In the Butt)

Visit Samwell's Myspace Page!

PEACHEZ FRIED CHICKEN

2008-08-19T11:29:00.003-05:00

"Gone & wash ya hands, cuz ya gone be lick'n 'em"

I TATTOO'D MY TEETH

2008-08-19T09:03:00.006-05:00

Not really, lol. But what if I wanted to? Steve Heward has made it a possibility.

From Steve Heward's website:
Normally this artwork is done on the back teeth, the molars. Some people prefer having it on the cheek side of the tooth, some on the tongue side. These tattoos are maybe considered a white collar tattoo. They are seen only when the person that has one wants to share what they have, by pulling their cheek out so it could be seen. The other advantage to these tattoos is that they can easily be removed in five minutes in the dentist’s office with just a little grinding with a rubber wheel. We show the artwork on the front teeth so people can see our artistic abilities.

Hott concept. I call Steve a creative genius. But for practicality's sake, I call this a no~go. With the artwork being so small, seems like you'd look as if you have cavities =|

A FEW THINGS EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW...

2008-08-18T12:03:00.002-05:00

10 Reasons Why A Brotha Ain't Gettin No Play

This priceless gem comes from Odara at The Goodie Bag.

JEALOUS MUCH???

2008-08-18T09:37:00.005-05:00

From Wikipedia:

Envy may be defined as an emotion that "occurs when a person lacks another’s superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it."^[1]

It can also derive from a sense of low self-esteem that results from an upward social comparison threatening a person's self image: another person has something that the envier considers to be important to have. If the other person is perceived to be similar to the envier, the aroused envy will be particularly intense, because it signals to the envier that it just as well could have been him or her who had the desired object.^[2]^[3]

Bertrand Russell said envy was one of the most potent causes of unhappiness.^[4] It is a universal and most unfortunate aspect of human nature because not only is the envious person rendered unhappy by his envy, but also wishes to inflict misfortune on others.

It's no wonder envy is one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Envy begets acts of evil for the purpose of destruction. Envy broods in the mind and festers in the heart. Envy is the vice, and kindness is the virtue. For as long as people are envious of what I possess, I shall be sympathetic of what they lack. Through my kindness, I will continue to flourish. And through their malevolence, they will continue to fade.

KEYWORD: CONTROL

2008-07-07T11:08:00.003-05:00

I've recently started Yaz as my primary birth control method. So far, so good ~ meaning: no side effects & I'm not pregnant.

Why Yaz, you say? I'll admit...marketing sucked me in. The cutesy commercial really got my attention. But before I decided to tell my OB/GYN that Yaz was my choice, I did my homework. Their site (linked throughout this post, btw) is very informative. But I didn't stop there. For nearly two weeks, I read every Google & Yahoo!Answers post I could find.

This morning, I was wondering: Why isn't BC discussed more? When I had my first menstrual cycle, the sex & birth control talk came along with the package. But I was given the short version of everything.
Lucky for me, my ~~over-analytical~~ inquisitive nature kept me from turning into another case of Little Black Girl Lost. I quickly realized that the information I wanted wasn't going to fall in my lap, so I became proactive about it (remember: you are your body's sole protector).

So I ask:
Ladies: If you're using BC, what's your primary method? What made you choose this?
If you aren't using BC, why not?

Men: Is this something that you discuss with the lady (or ladies) in your life?

PRESIDENT BUSH 2.0

2008-07-07T09:53:00.001-05:00

Vote Obama!

SPIRIT OF TRUTH

2008-07-03T14:39:00.001-05:00

Another YouTube all time favorite of mine.

THAT'S MY NINJA

2008-07-03T09:24:00.003-05:00

No matter how many times I watch this, the hilariousness of it never fades. Enjoy.

I LOVE YOU vs I LUV U

2008-07-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

Me & my BFF homegirl Carrie were talking about this the other day & both agreed that it would be an interesting blog topic. (I <3 your opinions)

In our tech savy age, text messages & e-mails have made the love letter pretty darn obsolete. I too have found myself beaming sweet nothings into my sweetie's inboxes sometimes more than his ears.

With emoticons & abbreviations being standard for the uber texter, I ask this: Does "I luv u" carry the same weight as "I love you"?

For me, it doesn't. I see "I love you", and I can feel the words like a whisper. But "I luv u" (and its variations) come across as cheap as a knock-off.

HOW TO BREAK UP ~ in 64 easy steps

2008-07-02T18:20:00.002-05:00

*video by Levni (Lev) Yilmaz*click his name to check out his youtube channel*

I love Lev's Tales of Mere Existence series. Don't forget to check out his YouYube channel.

GADGET ADDICTION

2008-07-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

I was reading this article on pravda, and it got my mind wondering. Is tech addiction real? Better yet...am I tech addicted?!?

I have the AT&T Samsung Blackjack II. My first dabble in the pda/smartphone arena. My sister has the ~~Crackberry~~ Blackberry Curve. Its like some kind of advanced evolution struck me & this thing (I say "this" as apposed to "that" b/c its sitting right in front of me - of course) has become my new appendage. Now, I don't fall into the category of people who "forget about everything else, including food and sex", but "euphoria and ecstasy from buying a new gadget" or "inability to stay away from appliances for long", yea...that's me. Sadly, I realized just yesterday that I'm a member of the text~whilst~driving club.

Looking back, I've always gotten glitzy~eyed over electronics. I remember when Apple dropped the ipod. You better believe I paid that $300+ tab. And I've been computer obsessed since back in the day when it was still considered weird behavior.

Before I got my blackjack, I was all over ebay like a Trekkie @ Comic-Con because I felt like I just couldn't wait for my upgrade discount date. Heck, I get a delightful chill down my spine each time I walk into a Best Buy.

Are you gadget addicted?

INTEGRITY

2008-07-01T10:50:00.008-05:00

in·teg·ri·ty [in-teg-ri-tee]
–noun

1.	adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

2.	the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3.	a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.

—Synonyms 1. rectitude, probity, virtue.
—Antonyms 1. dishonesty.

What ever happened to integrity? What happened to: I'm going to do this because it's the right thing to do. Or: I'm not going to do that because it's the wrong thing to do. Soon, I'm going to start a petition for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to list "People With Integrity" on the Federal Endangered Species List ~ somewhere between the Puerto Rican Boa and the Hawaiian Goose.

MICHAEL TURNER SPEAKS ABOUT FATAL SHOOTING

2008-07-01T09:50:00.007-05:00

In a jailhouse interview, 29 year old Michael Turner admits to fatally shooting his wife and injuring his two children. His ~~excuse~~ reason: "I can't control myself".

click here to see the video / click here to read the story

coming soon to a PC near you...

2008-06-30T15:36:00.001-05:00

Because OCD is real, I have to have an absolutely PERFECT setup before I can officially begin posting.

But don't fret! I will be assaulting you with my random thoughts, peculiar questions and delusions of grandeur soon enough!

xoxoxo
mandii
=]