CEDTalks

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." Who created that phrase? Slap yourself. Names ,  and on a broader scale words ,  carry the power to unite leaders of countries, empower races, motivate youth, and foster growth. If used incorrectly, isn't is possible to hurt someone? Try this experiment (if you dare to be so bold): the next time you are around a couple having an argument, scream out "b$@ch!" near the female arguing. For safety, throw your voice like a ventriloquist and make it seem like the boyfriend is doing it. The word not only hurts her, it might hurt HIM.  Words carry more weight than people believe. As a writer and linguist (fancy word I used to use on the ladies in '05), I've had incredible experiences with words and they create resounding effects. My lexicon has provided me opportunities professionally and socially that I only could have dreamed of. In addition, it put me in positions to listen to...

"That's passé." They'll have a song out soon. In my friend circle, we use this phrase commonly to highlight actions and behaviors that are frowned upon. An activity that would most CERTAINLY be considered passé here at Y.M.e? is the recent scuffle between  my light skinned twin Chris Brown (you know they call me "Chris Brown-skin") and his lighter counterpart, Drake. This nightclub...FIASCO is disheartening for several reasons. First, two light-skinned people shouldn't be fighting; it's counterproductive to y'all comeback and El Debarge would not appreciate it. Secondly, it's rumored that the fight surfaced over the two's previous involvement with a former flame, Ri-Ri. Now I know that Caribbean women are nice with it, but my Lord! It's NEVER to cool to fight over the past. If these claims are true, it leads me to back to the respective "break-ups" of these singing/rapping individuals with the previously menti...

Horrid. Appalling. Terrible. ABYSMAL. These are not adjectives describing my win-loss record on Madden (I'm nice on NBA 2K though). It's a reference to the disturbing fashion trends created, maintained, and perpetrated by my generation. As you look out your window, drive through the neighborhood, or shop at the local Super Fresh, you serve witness to god awful fashion statements that make you question yourself. Are these the descendants of Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Run DMC, Denzel, Halle Berry, Pam...Grier (say it slow, for emphasis)? Have you ever seen Elizabeth Taylor...Hugh Hefner...shoot, James Bond movies? I mention the previous, because these fashion "faux pas" know no race, and apparently no gender. In 2012, it is possible to see both women AND men be...as the kids say, "Ratchet!" .  There's a difference...one of these accessories needs to stay in the house. Looking at the stylish personalities of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, it mak...