Sunday, October 31, 2010

Solomon's Choice

Some see video games as a waste of time and money - that's a decision for each to make on his own.
But I think they are a good model for Creation.
Before the game begins, one is able to choose the traits with which he would like to start his digital life.
Some choose a strong but slow character, others choose weaker but more agile characters, while others choose magical characters.
Each character is able to increase his skill but the highest level of each skill is determined by the preset limits (DNA?) of each type of character.

Maybe Solomon's choice of wisdom to rule in a just manner was made even before he was born.
Maybe we are all just living lives set to predetermined limits based on the choices our souls made even before we were born.

B(C)S!!!

Most years I write about the vaunted, heralded and sublime USC Football program.
But after years of gloating, I thought that I was becoming too haughty.
That I needed to take some time away from being superior to those who only dream of having their team win 11 national titles, or spending a record 33 consecutive weeks ranked as the #1 team in the country, or having 7 Heisman trophy winners, or playing in a record 7 BCS Bowl games, or...
I'm sure even Alabama (The only school with more bowl victories than USC) fans are getting tired as well.
It just gets old feeling as though ones deserves to always be better than the rest.
So I'm taking this year off from college football.
In fact, I'm so jaded by the tradition of greatness that I will more than likely take next year off as well.
But I have to give brohammas his due - he is correct, the BSC is just a beauty pageant with it's teams being chosen in popularity contest-like balloting.
I'm so jaded by the hypocrisy that I need to just enjoy the game for what it is without being mired in a tradition of greatness.
Until then, I'll leave this frivolity to those so inclined.

Beggin' Pagans

 I love Halloween.
No, not because I'm into Santeria, Voodoo or (intentionally) Paganism - I just like to give out the "Big Candy" to kids.
I like to play tricks on my little cousins to scare them.
As a kid, we always knew the 'good house'.
Mine was not one, my parents gave out those little fun size candies.
I know my Halloween practices scream 'classism' - but too bad.
I live in a fairly good neighborhood.
Most houses are built and inherited while few are bought and sold.
Most neighbors give out bags of candy - not just handfuls of nasty candy corn, Dum-Dums, Tootsie Rolls or Mary Janes.

I give out three classes of bags;
Neighborhood Kids - 2 large candy bars and/or bags of Skittles, 6 fun size bars and 6 small (Nerds, Skittles and/or Starburst)
Kids I Know - 4 large candy bars and/or bags of Skittles, 10 fun size bars and 10 small
Adults and 'The Caravan' (Kids from other neighborhoods who travel across town to Trick-or-Treat in our neighborhood) - 1 large candy bar and six small.
Is this classist? Sure.
Is it fair? Yep, everyone gets more than they expected so they leave happy.

But how can I tell the difference?
Kids from my neighborhood are all Black and come out early.
Kids from other neighborhoods come later and are from all races.
Times must be hard.
When I was a kid, we thought we had to stay in the "White Neighborhood" to get the best candy.
Now, I have just as many white kids walking my all Black neighborhood as I do Blacks or Asians or Hispanics.


Twenty-three.
This year I had twenty-three adults show up at the crib begging for candy.
(After 12 - it's not Trick-or-Treating, it's begging.)
I'm not talking about high school kids making a late run to scoop up the leftovers - I'm talking about thirty, forty and fifty years olds holding out WalMart bags begging for candy.

Friday, October 29, 2010

The Breasts' Best Friend

As we age, those pesky wrinkles tend to sneak up on us and sometimes in unexpected places such as the chest area. On a recent episode of the Doctors, they showcased a product called Kush that offers relief and support for larger chested women that are uncomfortable sleeping on their side.

Kush is a dumbbell-shaped, plastic breast pillow That is tucked between the breasts to reduce pressure from the weight of the breasts. This weight is believed to be one of the major causes in the formation of wrinkles in between and above the breasts. But let’s not kid ourselves; we all know that the primary cause of wrinkles is over exposure to the sun. The breast pillow might be a good option for you if you want to stop the wrinkles from getting worse or have just noticed tiny wrinkles beginning to form on your chest however.

A more effective treatment for the décolletage area is the Obagi Elastiderm Décolletage System that we carry here at our Orlando Plastic Surgery, Skin Care and Hair Restoration Center. The Obagi system has a skin lightening complex that works to correct, restore and maintain the radiant, youthful glow of décolletage skin by lightening the discolorations and sun spots on the skin. It also comes with a skin firming lotion that will visibly improve your lovely neckline.

If the fear of a wrinkly décolletage is something that keeps you up at night, there is nothing to lose in trying the breast pillow and the Obagi system. But please ladies, stay out of the sun to prevent further damage! 


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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Kendra Wilkinson arrives at a Fourth of July weekend celebration

Kendra Wilkinson Television personality Kendra Wilkinson appears during a Fourth of July weekend celebration at the Moorea Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino July 3, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kendra Wilkinson Television personality Kendra Wilkinson appears during a Fourth of July weekend celebration at the Moorea Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino July 3, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kendra Wilkinson Television personality Kendra Wilkinson appears during a Fourth of July weekend celebration at the Moorea Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino July 3, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.


Kendra Wilkinson Television personality Kendra Wilkinson appears during a Fourth of July weekend celebration at the Moorea Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino July 3, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kendra Wilkinson Television personality Kendra Wilkinson arrives at a Fourth of July weekend celebration at the Moorea Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino July 3, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.


Kendra Wilkinson Television personality Kendra Wilkinson arrives at a Fourth of July weekend celebration at the Moorea Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino July 3, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Like 16:1-8

Having, myself, lived through the hood, gang fights, riots, natural disasters, police raids and the like - why is it important NOT to remove oneself from the people?
Having become too soft to dig and too proud to beg - of what use would most Americans be when our imagined Utopias become Dystopic?
Having become so dependent on technologies - what would most of us do when these niceties are no longer readily available?
In a world where lessons learned from past experiences, imagination and adaptability are the true tests of knowledge - of what use are esoteric philosophies?

The Biggest Fear

If Elegba were to show up in Valhalla, the self serving gods would quake.
"How could one as clever as he dwell among the greats?", they would ask.
But Edshu would not fear,
he would not be impressed,
he would not bow down - for he is a deity as well.

At Home Nose Job - File This Under Ridiculous!

Have you ever dreamed of having a smaller, slimmer nose or getting rid of that unsightly bump? Well, for the low price of $18.90, you too can have a beautiful nose thanks to Nose Huggie! This product looks like nothing more than a small chip clip with ear plugs attached at the end. The manufacturer claims that after wearing this on your nose for 15 minutes a day in just 2 short weeks you will see noticeable results. 

The “science” behind Nose Huggie is simple – due to that fact that the cartilage in the nose is made up of mostly water, applying consistent pressure over time will change its appearance. One website testimonial: “…My goal was for a thinner nose but I decided to squeeze my nostrils for a couple days and that is how I ended up with one (nostril) larger than the other.” 

I’m sure intelligent people won’t be flooding their website with orders after that stellar recommendation and concrete scientific evidence, but unfortunately there will be some  people taken in...

As far as nonsurgical rhinoplasty goes, there isn’t really an effective option available to make the nose smaller and thinner. Some plastic surgeons can use fillers to help repair the poor outcome of a nose job or camouflage small irregularities - but these options are just a temporary solution. 

During a rhinoplasty procedure, the nasal bones and cartilage are reshaped and trimmed, in order to create a more beautiful nose. To think that a tiny external clip can produce the same effect is just a little more than wishful thinking.

If you are one of the many that have always wanted a more proportional nose, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Armando Soto.  Here at Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of cosmetic solutions that are not only safe but effective too! Don’t waste your time and energy on gimmicks like the Nose Huggie - visit our website at www.drarmandosoto.com for a complete listing of our products and services.www.drarmandosoto.com


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Clarisonic - A Must Have for Clear Skin!

Do you love that squeaky clean feeling after you wash your face?  Well hold on to your face towel ladies! 

Adding the Clarisonic Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush will make you wonder how you ever got by without it.
           
The Clarisonic Brush is a sonic skin cleansing system that is to skin care what the Sonicare toothbrush is to dental care. The gentle ultrasound massage action loosens the day’s dirt and oil deep within your pores.

When using the Clarisonic Brush your skin is cleansed two times more effectively than manual cleansing can achieve.  The result is the reduced appearance of visible pores, oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes.  Who wouldn’t want to attain these great benefits with a simple 60-second routine that can be used with your favorite cleanser once or twice daily?

Men too love how the Clarisonic leaves their skin feeling like a smooth pane of glass- ready for the perfect shave!

In addition to the benefits of better skin health, regular use can make your skin appear younger and firmer.  Studies have shown that your favorite topical skin creams are absorbed 61% more effectively after cleansing with the Clarisonic Brush than when applied after a hand wash.

Due to the improved removal of makeup, dirt and debris removed from your skin, your products are absorbed more efficiently into the skin and therefore better utilized.  This means the money you are spending on your anti-aging products such as antioxidants, growth factors or peptides is a more cost effective investment towards achieving youthful, glowing skin.

Come by our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery and Skincare Center today to pick up your Clarisonic Brush!  The brush is available in a Pro system that offers 4 speeds as well as a more compact system with one speed called the Mia.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

CoolSculpting - Have You Heard?

There’s a cool new procedure making a buzz in the media and shocking viewers everywhere.  CoolSculpting by Zeltiq is the cutting edge technology that gets rid of problem areas, such as belly bulges, love handles, and back fat - permanently!  It is a quick and easy fat fix that almost sounds too good to be true.  Just this month, it has been featured on “The Doctors” and “The Dr. Oz Show” ... even Jonathan Cheban (Kim Kardashian’s PR guy) from the “Spin Crowd” has tried it out!

“The Doctors” has Dr. Ablan perform a live CoolSculpting by Zeltiq procedure to freeze the fat on her patient’s stomach pooch leaving her with a flatter, more sculpted tummy. 

The applicator is simply placed on her abdomen for an hour and sucks up the skin - freezing 20-25% of the fat cells in that area.  In about 4-6 weeks, the dead fat cells will have dissolved and left the body forever! 

When asked how it feels, the patient comfortably confirms that the non-invasive treatment is as painless as it looks.  

To view the patient’s LIVE treatment and her before and after pictures after just ONE application watch the clip at:

Ladies’ favorite “doctor”, Dr. Oz, has a patient in his own studio audience volunteer for a live treatment proving how uncomplicated and pain-free fat freezing can really be.  Dr. Oz shows a step-by-step diagram of how cryolipolysis works to get rid of unwanted fat. 

A study done 40 years ago on kids, popsicles, and dimples led to this revelation in fat reduction. The exposure to constant cold from the popsicles caused a loss of fat tissue in the children’s cheeks and over time the reduction of the fat cells resulted in dimples. 

CoolSculpting uses this same technique, but on stubborn problem areas of the body. To see this episode and view the LIVE treatment watch the clip at:

CoolSculpting is receiving SOOOO MUCH attention in the media- confirming our own enthusiasm for the technology and procedure. However, Dr. Soto wants to remind you that just because a television personality endorses something doesn't always mean it's the best thing since sliced bread (after all, these folks are really in pursuit of ratings- not necessarily good medical care).

Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery is the only center in Central Florida to have the CoolSculpting by Zeltiq capability.  To learn more about CoolSculpting by Zeltiq, Visit www.OrlandoCoolSculpting.com

To see if you are a candidate, visit our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery, Skincare & Hair Restoration Center for a complimentary consultation today!


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Chris Brown Wallpapers

Chris Brown Pic
Chris Brown Wallpaper
Chris Brown with GirlFriend
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Chris Brown and his Girl Friend

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Cross


 The Cross has been used as a religious and political symbol by many for centuries.
But what is the meaning behind such imagery?
 The Eastern crosses seem to possess a sort of fractal-like quality.
They seem to resemble an outgrowth of another cross from the foundation of the primary cross.
These crosses seem to symbolize more than just a church.
 These crosses seem to have some sort of esoteric meaning behind their design and usage.
 From the Rosicrucians we get the Rose cross.
These men thought of themselves as keepers of the light.
Judging by their association with Lutherism, Freemasonry and other esoteric beliefs - maybe they were.

There is a belief that if one converts from the Eastern Church to Catholicism, he will become a vampire.
If those from the East are truly the keepers of the true faith, what does that say about those who are ruled by the New Rome of the West and it's teachings?
While the vampire idea may seem silly at first - what would we call the Western philosophy that teaches one group should conquer another and then suck the livelihood from that culture?
Hasn't Roman-influenced Colonialism been a form of Vampirism?
Aren't our current political and economic practices forms of Vampirism?
Maybe the Vampire stories were meant as allegories warning us to stay away from the Western school of thought.
Maybe many of us cannot help it that we consume so much that we will eventually use up all of our resources.
Maybe, being from the West, it's just in our DNA.

Benefit

Generally speaking, more efficiency leads to a bigger benefit.
But this is not always the case.
The ability to provide cheaper food, merchandise and services seems to be the only goal of those who really run the country.
But at what expense?
In many areas, it is cheaper to manufacture products overseas, import food from other countries, and outsource call centers to foreign countries.
Sure, we get these things at a lower price but at what cost?
With fewer Americans employed - who will be able to purchase them?

Hollywood Backlash on Cosmetic Procedures


Recently, stars such as Dana Delaney, Lisa Rinna and Kim Kardashian have been featured in magazines proclaiming their lack of satisfaction with cosmetic procedures, mainly Botox and fillers.  Audrina Patridge and Jessica Alba have also gone on record to state they would NEVER have plastic surgery. But wait a second; hasn’t Audrina had a breast augmentation?  Hmmm….Sounds like it might not be the plastic surgery but the work the plastic surgeon they chose they aren’t so happy with.  

For the small handful of vocal Hollywood women that state their dissatisfaction, there are thousands of Hollywood starlets and women that are thrilled with their outcome and would rather keep hush hush about the cosmetic procedures they’ve had to maintain a refreshing, youthful look.

Any surgical procedure, including injectables and fillers such as Botox and Juvederm, come with risks. These risks are greatly diminished by visiting a trained provider that has extensive experience in the procedure that they are performing. A patient that understands their goals and has realistic expectations is far more likely to be satisfied with the results of cosmetic procedures.

Here at our Orlando Plastic Surgery, Skin Care and Hair Restoration Center, both board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Armando Soto, and Nurse Practitioner, Michelle Boone have many years of expertise in a variety of cosmetic procedures. They would be delighted to meet with you and find out how they can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.  Call today to set up a consultation to meet Dr. Soto or Michelle!  407.218.4550.

Introducing OrlandoMommyMakeover.com

More good news to share with our readers-

I am happy to announce that our newest educational website has launched!

With MommyMakeoverOrlando.com, we hope to provide answers to any and all questions women have about their options for, and the process of, restoring their bodies to the pre-pregnancy (or better!) appearance.

As time goes by, I also hope to include real patient testimonials, frequently asked questions, video tutorials, and other useful information.

If you or a friend is unhappy with body contour changes after your pregnancies, take a look- and send me any questions you may have. If I use your question (you'll be kept anonymous), we'll send you a nice little beauty gift (until we run out!).


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Introducing New Links to Help You Know and Understand Truth in Aesthetic Surgery

Because there is so much fraud and outright quackery in the provision of aesthetic care in Florida, one of my overriding goals for this blog has always been to help the average patient become better educated and empowered to make decisions that are in his/her best interests.

I am happy to have added links to The Plastic Surgery Channel and to Coolsculpting.com

I hope anyone and everyone interested in aesthetic medicine and surgery will take advantage of these resources-

Remember- it doesn't matter how good the doctor offering you a treatment promises you're going to look if you aren't safe!

Trust your safety and happiness only to an experienced, ethical, surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

http://www.coolsculpting.com

http://www.theplasticsurgerychannel.com


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Monday, October 25, 2010

Stop Lying

Just type in "(fill in your pastor's name)" and "Scandal" - does your pastor's name come up?
If so, you may belong to the wrong church.

Is your ass broke while your pastor rides in a Bentley sedan or a Gulfstream jet?
Well, that "Name It and Claim It" shit is not Biblical.
Chances are that your pastor read "The Secret", is a member of Scientology or used to follow Werner Erhard and his Est teachings.
You also need to find a better church.

When pastors start preaching the same philosophies of the banking industry - you're in serious trouble.
When church leaders begin to act the same way as those they are supposed to correct - you're in serious trouble.
When your church membership is predicated on popularity - maybe it's time for your church to grow up.
When your church leaders begin to have the same values as the secular world - you may as well convert to the Eastern Orthodox church.
The sooner you start to hold your 'most respected leaders' accountable, the better off you will be.
The sooner you stop making excuses for your leadership - the sooner you will take control back from these used car salesmen,
C,mon... it's not that hard.
Chances are that members of your church are no better than those who don't even believe in God.
Just stop lying and start to do what you know is right.

Stop Lying

 This is how a woman should wear red.
 Not this.
I'm tired of all these 'big-boned' women hating on fit women who are actually attractive.
I'm sick of all these women trying to change the rules for the worse instead of trying to change themselves for the better.
 If you're not fit and attractive (by society's standards) - develop other attributes.
Why waste your days trying to be something you're not?
Sure, you could lose weight - but don't get mad when a guy tells you that you are too big for his tastes.
Society has it's standards and most people would prefer to have a thick juicy steak to a bucket of lard made from fat.
(Notice how "thick" and "fat" are not the same thing? Thick= Meat - Fat=Fat)

What Happened To Black Men?

 While I'm getting pretty tired of the trifling mothers of the kids with which I deal - I'm not sure that with them is where the majority of the blame lies when it comes to young Black children.
As many of my young cousins and their friends are getting older, most now have girlfriends.
It seems that these young ladies have just as poor role models as do our boys.
Not only do I have young men seeking my advice, many now have young ladies in tow seeking advice,help or direction.
But these girls seem to have it together.
Most have jobs, are in school and none have police records.
But why are they with these scrubs?
Why do they take the place of these boys' mothers in mothering them?
Have their mothers taught them to be enablers by example?
Why do these young ladies feel as though they are to be mistreated and used by boys who lack an education, skills, and in many cases, ambition?
When did it become acceptable for young boys to act as pimps to their ho's instead of protectors of their partners?
When did these young women lose their self worth?

One of the Jazz, R&B and Zydeco clubs I run is right next door to a larger young adult oriented club.
The young girls at the younger club dress like hookers.
Many of the older men from the Jazz club stand outside and ogle the young ladies as they make their way through the parking lot to the club.

But this is some sad, sick and  sorry shit.
These young ladies are young enough to be their daughters.
These young ladies are supposed to be valued and protected by those from an older generation - not gawked at like a plate of links and ribs by these old fat men.
If these 'respected' men of the community treat young women like hookers and ho's - how are these women supposed to act?
If these men teach their sons - what are their sons supposed to think about women.
More than forty years ago, Malcolm X gave instructions on the treatment of women.
But even today, few listen.

I must look young for my age.
I still get hit on by young women who are just entering adulthood.
"How does yo' mama look?", I ask in a polite declining manner.
Why do so many "self-aware' men still look at young women as something to hit (figuratively and literally)?
When did young women start to believe that's all they were?
Why don't more men get involved in mentoring these young women?
Or are too many men not to be trusted around young women who are not their own daughters?
If this is the case - maybe many Black men from this perverse generation need to be in prison.