Friday's Top Ways to Keep Up...

On Friday's List:

Book to Read
A Flash Back in History
Lesson learned form death of Steve McNair
Chris Brown's tributes to MJ


1. I hope that you are still increasing the amount of books that you are reading. I just finished reading Fall On You Knees, by Ann-Marie MacDonald.


Photobucket

The Piper family is steeped in secrets, lies, and unspoken truths. At the eye of the storm is one secret that threatens to shake their lives...even destroy them. Set on stormy Cape Breton Island off Nova Scotia, "Fall on Your Knees" is an internationally acclaimed multigenerational saga that chronicles the lives of four unforgettable sisters. Theirs is a world filled with driving ambition, inescapable family bonds, and forbidden love. Compellingly written, by turns menacingly dark and hilariously funny, this an epic tale of five generations of sin, guilt, and redemption.

This is a very long read, but will have you feeling like you are watching a motion picture. The author paints vivid pictures, but somehow allows your imagination to run wild!


2. A Flash Back in History: In this day and age there is still much discrimination going on, and it is not just towards black people. Many people come up with intense arguments on why certain people should be discriminated against. Sadly we do it too! Let's take a look at the arguments that were made against us. It is always important to know as much about your history as possible!

Following are some arguments supporting slavery:

It was biblical. Proslavery proponents noted the many instances of slavery in the Bible. For them, the "curse of Ham" (more accurately the "curse of Canaan"), when Noah punished Ham's son Canaan to life as a servant, was immediate proof of God's intention that African Americans, then often referenced as the "children of Ham," be enslaved. Jesus, according to proslavery supporters, never specifically denounced slavery.

It allowed American advancement. According to Edward Brown in Notes on the Origin and Necessity of Slavery (1826), "slavery has ever been the stepping ladder by which countries have passed from barbarism to civilization." South Carolina Governor and one-time U.S. Senator James Henry Hammond added, in his 1858 address to the U.S. Senator James Henry Hammond added, in his 1858 address to the U.S. Senate, that "In all social systems there must be class to do the menial duties, to perform the drudgery of life."

It ensured the security of the nation. Proslavery forces contended that slavery helped maintain the social order. Without it, they argued, violence would erupt and white people, especially white women, would be unsafe. Slavery, in their assessment, was a positive good.

African American Hisotry for Dummies by Ronda Racha Penrice

3. Watch who you date and deal with. It has been a sad time to witness the tragic death of Steve McNair. It is like a crazy drama that we wish could have just been on an episode of Law and Order. However, this is a real story, and we we will not be lucky to hear the sounds of the famous Law and Order beat.

I keep telling these athletes and entertainers that having sex with all of these random females across the country can come back to haunt you. What many write off as fun times can lead to a not so happy moment. While most of their situations will not end up in a tragic death, it could end up in STD's, wives leaving them, rape cases, and more.

Keeping Up would be thinking about the choices you make and who you have sex with! It just isn't worth all of the drama.

May you RIP Steve McNair


Steve McNair and Wife
Steve McNair and Wife (She deserves respect at this time)


4. I know a lot of people were pretty upset that Chris Brown still hasn't been allowed to do a tribute to MJ...so I decided to pull up some pass clips of Chris imitating MJ. (Although his performance was not missed by me. I think that he is a young black man that is in the process of learning his lesson. I wish sometimes people would let God work so that people can become greater than they already are)




object width="425" height="344">

The boy is good tho!

Not Keeping Up: Swim Club Accused of Racial Discrimination


Keeping Up with the Huxtables,Im Keeping Up,The Creative Steps Day Care



Here we go again! Of course we all know that racism still exist and probably will forever, but I cannot believe that people still manage to exercise racial discrimination. I know that negative thoughts go through some people's heads probably every time they see black people, but how can people still feel comfortable exercising their thoughts? They act like some news station isn't going to cover it, some person isn't going to sue, and Al isn't going to hold a rally.


But of course people tend to do things without thinking or caring for that matter. Well someone strikes again. This time is was a private swim club against a Day Care center.



A Philadelphia-area day care center said Thursday that members of a private swim club made racist comments about the center's children, and the club then canceled their swimming privileges. The Creative Steps Day Care children -- ages kindergarten through seventh grade -- went to the Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, on June 29.

The day center's director, Alethea Wright, had contracted to use the club once a week. During their first visit, some children said they heard club members asking why African-American children were there.
One of the boys told the Philadelphia Inquirer that a woman at the club said she feared the children "might do something" to her child. Days later, the day care center's $1,950 check was returned without explanation, Wright said.




continue reading here


Photobucket









4th of July- Three Socialites Hit Up 3 Different Places! Who was Keeping Up?

Okay were back from the weekend...I hope that everyone had a happy 4th of July! You know the Socialite had to hit the scene, but this time I went back to my hometown, Detroit. (I know its so cold in the D...but it got "warm" enough for me to enjoy some great Detroit festivities)

The fun didn't end with the D; I made sure to capture some other "Socailites" and their experiences in some other crazy cities!

Take a minute to see which Socialites were "Keeping Up"...


The Lost Tapes of Dewey Beach…(Socialite 1: RockStartTCook)


Photobucket


The one thing I learned this Fourth of July was to never underestimate Delaware and its party scene. Unfortunately in the craze of events many tapes of video footage were either lost, destroyed, or confiscated, but luckily no children were hurt in the making of this documentary (that we know of).

Our venture started with an hour drive to Dewey Beach. Equipped with a large jug of sangria, we parked up, fed the meter for 6 hours and headed to the sands. While there we managed to meet a great group of guys who suggested we follow them to a naked-fest party. We respectfully declined. Then two of us decided to split up and walk the beach. We got lost, attacked, and dehydrated. Finally back at our camp, the sangria was finished and it was off to get some more (drinks) food.


video

After downing a few margaritas and rum runners at the shore-side restaurant playing live soca and calypso, we headed to Bottle n Cork for the “Jam Fest.” There was a rock band on stage playing covers of the latest “hits,” and the cocktail waitresses were serving up endless bottles of Bud and jello shots.

This is where things get fuzzy [insert hangover experience here] and there’s nothing left but these random photos…enjoy


Keeping Up with the Huxtables


Keeping Up with the Huxtables


Keeping up with the Huxtables


Keeping up with the Huxtables


Keeping up with the Huxtables


Photobucket


Photobucket


*some or all of these events may or may not have happened…


Diddy's White Party....(Socialite 2: NyDelight)


Photobucket



Fresh off the BET weekend, Puffy decided to take his white party to the west coast. If ever one wanted to know what its like when urban celeb meets Hollywood, a Diddy party is definitely that. Who's Who of A B C and D list checked innnn....

Decor:

Women were swinging from the pool. There were others on stiltz. Not to mention the women who rolled around in bubbles. There were two areas to eat, a gifting suite, and Puffy teamed up with a nonprofit organization to stop Malaria in Africa.


> Chris Brown celebrated with a red J cut in his head as a MJ tribute. He gave a tribute to MJ like he never beat a bitch. He danced the night away before getting close to thee lone date star Amber Rose (who came KanyeLESS)

>Lauren London was there in the preggers flesh. She also cut in front of me to use the restroom, politely of course, but nonetheless a damsel in distress....

> Ashton Kutcher swung over the pool with the drapes; he just barely made it without falling in.

> Kim Porter roamed party with a head piece made of Swarovski letting Cassie and others know that she is the QUEEN. Her twins were carried by nannies following behind her during the early part of the party.

>Rev Run roamed the party, while his children played with other celeb kids on the volleyball court.

> Amber rose delighted the party with her fresh blonde cut.

> Cassie attempted to go for the sexy chic look, but fell short. She also twisted at her bungalow and pitched a mini fit. I guess Puffy wasn't giving her enough attention; ANY attention!

> Local PR chica Tracy Nguyen was there with Estelle; although, she seemed to be more concerned with snagging pics with celebs.

>Tila Tequila also was there. She has to be the tinyest person I've seen in real life.

> I also spotted my favorite white girl Lindsay Lohan with a ciroc lemonade.

> New Yorks own DJ Kiss was rocking the party all night.

> Mel B, and her manufactured hot bod, was with her husband. She was one of many in the same white American Apparel dress.

>Teyana Taylor was pushing up on Chris Brown. I just saw her a few nights ago pushing up on Wale.. Clearly she is reaching.

>2008 Miss Universe, Daytona Mendoza, checked in with her satchel.

>Dawn and Q are sooo in love. They were connected at the hip.


Other Celebs:

Marlon Wayans, Tyrese, Andre Harrell, Busta Rhymes, Elise Neal, Marla Maples, Comedian Niecy Nash, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussy Cat Dolls, Tara Reid, Demi Moore, Lil Kim, Jonah Hill


A More Traditional Story....(The Socailite [me] )


Photobucket


No I didn't get shot up a whole bunch of times(or make up shit in a whole bunch of lines), re-live the hangover movie(although I have many times since that movie), or get to see celebrities in the same white outfits swaping dates all night, but I did enjoy some traditional 4th of July festivities.

We have all heard of the Taste of Chicago, but many sleep on the Tastefest held in the heart of Detroit. Take a look into a place that many of you know as "Being so cold in the D":


Photobucket

Of course we got 64 tickets...If I was a millionaire half of my money would go towards food, and the other half towards chairty of course (before yall say im not "keeping up")

Photobucket

As you can see 64 tickets won't go far...

Photobucket

The Womack's were in the building...drinks were on the house (as we watch our 64 tickets slowly decrease)

Photobucket

Dad is goinnnnn innnnnnnnnnn


Photobucket

www.iamabouttomaxonthisfood.com


Photobucket

We took our wine like it was a shot! Start with straight shots...and then pop bottles. (instead we did them both at the same time)


Photobucket

Im enjoying life when i'm young...what are you doing now that you are grown?


Photobucket

Beat those drums like you hear MJ screamin in the background...BEAT IT!!!


Photobucket

Let the play time begin...

Photobucket


Photobucket

Photobucket


Photobucket

As the Jazz band plays everyone comes together and dances the day away (I'm glad that all races could join together to celebrate. MJ said it best, "It don't matter if your black or white)

You know The Socialite had to give you some 4th of July moments, but this time I decided to give you a taste of how a few other Socialites live. There are people all over enjoying every moment that they can....is there a socialite in you?

-Keep Up and Enjoy life!

Feel free to send me your socialite moments anytime (bwomack@imkeepingup.com)

(Don't forget to vote for me on the side of my blog for best culture blog, blog to watch, and best microblog)

Michael Jackson Apollo Tribute

Hey Fam! The Socialite was on the scene again. I headed down to the Apollo yesterday to witness the Michael Jackson Apollo celebration. Take a look at the amazing love that the people of NYC showed MJ!!!!


This was the first official imkeepingup production...
Special thanks to Brett Roman Williams, an up-and-coming film maker and writer.

Young and Keeping Up: Success and the Struggle to get there..

Always going with the theme of helping people "Keep Up" or speaking to the struggles of doing so, are two brothers Mekka and Chazz. Both have been featured before on the list of "Young and Keeping Up". Check out new videos from both of them.

Mekka: MEKKA DON AND BIZZY BONE - "IV THE LOVE" REMIX
Chazz: No More Monday (The Official Music Video)


BET Awards...Who are They Keeping Up With?

Bob Johnson (BET Founder) and Debra Lee (BET CEO)

Interesting conclusion after watching the BET awards last night....our creativity as a race is slowly going downward with the introduction of the mediocre standards that have been recently set. We have traded in our souls. We have given up our creativity in exchange for easy ways to make money. Let's talk about how the show made me come to this conclusion: (but before I do...let me give BET some props)

1. It is great that you were able to incorporate Mike last minute. That is never an easy task in three days.

2. Your set design for the awards show was better than it has been in the past.

3. I will always be grateful that you honor our black stars and bring us all together.

4. You have continued to change up your pre-show, and I think it is nice how you gave out awards before the show (it just isn't enough time during and everyone should be honored)

5. It is always amazing to know that my people put something together. It takes alot of time, dedication, and creativity to put any major production together.


BUT....

1. There was not one performance that created a memory in my head that would last forever. Every one's performance was average at best, and no I did not see Black Star Power last night.

Drake and Wayne had little girls on stage
Oh snaps I don't remember anything else....

2. When you talk about coming up with a tribute for a man that pushed greatness to its limit, you do not picture the show that was put on last night. Granted you must take into consideration that they only had a few days to put something together. I give props to BET for being able to incorporate Mike last minute. That is not an easy task no matter which way you swing it. But you are talking about our generations "greats", a black network, and a world icon that has passed...this couldn't create something amazing?

3. Thanks to the fact that I was watching the awards live, I could not rewind through the commercials. That pissed me off for more than one reason. The main reason is that I had to sit there and watch the sorry excuse for television shows that BET is coming out with. Could there be anything worse than seeing TI's girl and Wayne's ex girl on a reality TV show? Yes I agree that it would probably be funny, but have we given up on being creative, and rather put an easy laugh on TV? Mind you we will be laughing at them not with them.

4. Ok so I remember being able to watch some of the pass generations greats, and all they needed was a mic and their voice. They didn't need the fancy lights, back up dancers, and props. But someone reminded me that our generation looks for all of that. SO WHERE THE HELL WAS IT? I need either great talent or an amazing production. What are we left with...oh the BET awards.

The problem that we are facing when it comes to our generation, is that we will do anything that makes money at the cost of losing ourselves. For example: It is true that making reality television shows is more cost effective and an easy production. So in an exchange for taking the time out to create another show like Fresh Prince, we rather put out five more reality shows that will bring us fast ratings.

Another example: We have three days to put on a production that will not only honor our current celebrities, but one of the greatest performers to ever live. So we take only one day to practice, and leave the rest to figuring out what we are going to wear to the show.

Third example: We will continue to listen to the top executives at Viacom and not to the comments of the viewers. "But Socialite they will take away our funding if we don't" -BET Staff
"Create something that they cannot deny...they want to make money as much as you do. If it is a great idea they will not turn it down" -The Socialite (If you gave them something such as the Cosby's show...they would be fools to turn it down)

Forth example: We will focus more on glitz and glam. We will not perfect our crafts and become better than we already are. It is more about becoming celebrities than actually expanding the talents that God gave us. Damn even the people behind the scenes want to shine these days. Who cares what you wear on the red carpet, you hold a huge camera in the front of your dress.

People let's bring back what made us stand out from the rest. Let's remind them who created Rock & Roll, Jazz, hip-hop, DC, blood transfusions, traffic lights, hot comb, soul food, and carried the entire U.S. on their backs for over 400 years.

They followed us before....why the hell are we following them now? Creativity in exchange for money has never been our goal. We used creativity, brains, and our passions to make life better for ourselves. (and the entire freakin country)


-Keep Up!

Celebrating the life of Michael Jackson (1958- 2009) through his music...








Today we celebrate the life of a "World Icon". Thursday, June 25th, the King of Pop passed away after suffering from cardiac arrest. The world lost a legend, but gained an angle.

Let us take time not to mourn for his death, but to celebrate the miraculous life he lived and the millions of lives he touched with his music.
Since Michael was young he spent his time performing to give others enjoyment, lessons, love, and hope. Michaell also showed a deep love for the youth and dedicated his time to making them smile. The world witnessed a musical genius and one of the greatest talents to ever exist.


MJ you will be missed...

Michael Jackson Albums:


Invincible (October 30th, 2001)

1. Unbreakable

2. Heartbreaker

3. Invincible

4. Break Of Dawn

5. Heaven Can Wait

6. You Rock My World

7. Butterflies

8. Speechless

9. 2000 Watts

10. You Are My Life

11. Privacy

12. Don't Walk Away

13. Cry

14. The Lost Children

15. Whatever Happens

16. Threatened


Blood on the Dance Floor (May 1997)


Blood On The Dance Floor (written by Michael Jackson)

Morphine (written by Michael Jackson)

Superfly Sister (written by Michael Jackson)

Ghosts (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)

Is It Scary (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris & Terry Lewis)

Scream Louder - Flyte Time Remix (written by Michael and Janet Jackson, James Harris & Terry Lewis)

Money - Fire Island Radio Edit (written by Michael Jackson)

2 Bad - Refugee Camp Mix (written by Michael Jackson)

Stranger In Moscow - Tee's In-House Club Mix (written by Michael Jackson)

This Time Around - D.M Radio Mix (written by Michael Jackson)

Earth Song - Hani's Club Experience (written by Michael Jackson)

You Are Not Alone - Classic Club Mix (written by R. Kelly)

History - Tony Moran's History Lesson (written by Michael Jackson)



HIStory (June 20th, 1995)


DISC ONE:
Billie Jean (written by Michael Jackson)
The Way You Make Me Feel (written by Michael Jackson)
Black Or White (written by Michael Jackson)
Rock With You (written by Rod Temperton)
She's Out Of My Life (written by Tom Bahler)
Bad (written by Michael Jackson)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You (written by Michael Jackson)
Man In The Mirror (written by Siedah Garrett & Glen Ballard)
Thriller (written by Rod Temperton)
Beat It (written by Michael Jackson)
The Girl Is Mine (written by Michael Jackson)
Remember The Time (written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley & Bernard Bell)
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (written by Michael Jackson)
Wanna Be Startin' Somthin' (written by Michael Jackson)
Heal The World (written by Michael Jackson)


DISC TWO
Scream (Duet with Janet Jackson) (written by Michael and Janet Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
They Don't Care About Us (written by Michael Jackson)
Stranger In Moscow (written by Michael Jackson)
This Time Around (written by Michael Jackson)
Earth Song (written by Michael Jackson)
D.S (written by Michael Jackson)
Money (written by Michael Jackson)
Come Together (written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
You Are Not Alone (written by R. Kelly)
Childhood (Theme from Free Willy 2) (written by Michael Jackson)
Tabloid Junkie (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
2 Bad (written by Michael Jackson)
HIStory (written by Michael Jackson, James Harris III & Terry Lewis)
Little Susie (written by Michael Jackson)
Smile (written by John Turner & Geoffrey Parsons)



Dangerous (November 26th, 1991)


Jam (written by Michael Jackson)
Why You Wanna Trip On Me (written by Teddy Riley & Bernard Bell)
In The Closet (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)
She Drives Me Wild (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)
Remember The Time (written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley & Bernard Bell)
Can't Let Her Get Away (written by Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley)
Heal The World (written by Michael Jackson)
Black Or White (written by Michael Jackson & Bill Bottrell)
Who Is It (written by Michael Jackson)
Give In To Me (written by Michael Jackson & Bill Bottrell)
Will You Be There (written by Michael Jackson)
Keep The Faith (written by Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett, & Michael Jackson)
Gone Too Soon (written by Larry Grossman & Buz Kohan)
Dangerous (written by Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell & Teddy Riley)


Bad (1987)


1. Bad

2. The Way You Make Me Feel

3. Speed Demon

4. Liberian Girl

5. Just Good Friends (Duet with Stevie Wonder)

6. Another Part of Me

7. Man in the Mirror

8. I Just Can't Stop Loving You

9. Dirty Diana" (Jackon)
10. Smooth Criminal" (Jackson)
Extra track on the CD

11. Leave Me Alone" (Jackson)




Thriller (1982)

1.Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" (Jackson)

2.Baby Be Mine" (Temperton)

3. The Girl Is Mine" (with Paul McCartney) (Jackson)

4. Thriller" (Temperton)

5. Beat It" (Jackson)

6. Billie Jean" (Jackson)

7. Human Nature" (Bettis/Porcaro)

8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" (Ingram/Jones)

9 The Lady In My Life" (Temperton)



Off the Wall (1979)


1. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

2. Rock with You

3. Working Day and Night

4. Get on the Floor5. Off the Wall

6. Girlfriend" (McCartney)

7. She's out of My Life" (Tom Bahler)

8. I Can't Help It

9. It's the Falling in Love

10. Burn This Disco Out



What's your favorite MJ song or video?



Copyright © 2008 - Keeping up with the Huxtables - is proudly powered by Blogger Smashing Magazine - Design Disease - Blog and Web - Dilectio Blogger Template - edited by Norell Alesse at Batch! Please