nudeREFLECTION

The Foreign Exchange feat. Muhsinah - "House Of Cards

2009-11-28T08:32:00.001-08:00

The Foreign Exchange feat. Muhsinah - "House Of Cards" from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

Sade - Soldier Of Love - The new album - Worldwide release February 8th 2010

2009-11-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

Sade - Soldier Of Love - The new album - Worldwide release February 8th 2010

Blitz

2009-11-28T07:43:00.000-08:00

A woman wanting to be loved and understood
The eyes of a miracle, approachable, commends her
Potential love could never be fooled
No invasion could interrupt nor concur

The future that upheld this beautiful sense of measures
Could never be left untouched without the motion that permits
The everlasting love that’s overshadows other pleasures
Yet longing for connectivity without the intention to blitz
-Cedes

VENT STATION: THE PARTY OF NO - STFU

2009-11-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

Guess what world? I’m upset.
Upset with the politics of this so called land of the free, country. The country that embraces change and the unexpected, the country to embraces communication and appreciates ones leader. Well that’s all a bunch of bullshit now! Since president Obama has been in office, and let me remind the folks reading this that it has only been 10months, his approval rating has been diminishing. This has got to be the most hardest working man in America, who is pretty much trying to HELP the people of this country and yet, half of these dumbfu*ks are ridiculing him and belittling his attempt for good.

Fr president Bush pretty much took a nice car with benefits and tossed it down a ditch, present president Obama with his administration are steadily trying to raise that car out of the ditch, with LITTLE TO NO HELP from the right, conservative politicians and their buddies at the Rush Limbaugh & Glenn Beck department of Idiotation of Ignorantlism who wish for Obama’s administration, hold on… the President of The UNITED STATES, your country, to fail…Pretty much implying that he wants all of America to drown in spit and fall apart just to prove a point.

Oh wait!

No he didn’t mean the USA, he just meant progressiveness to fail, my mistake.
Is there a box big enough to dump these Right wing celebrity radio host and TV show hosting pricks in, w/ a load of prescription drugs to keep them satisfied for a 8 years? I need it over here!

What are President Obama’s ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 10MONTHS AS PRESIDENT?!

Passing the "largest" economic stimulus bill in American history.
Ordering the closing of Guantanamo Bay military detention facility and abolishing "enhanced interrogation techniques."
Setting a fixed timetable for withdrawing U.S. combat forces from Iraq.
Ordering 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan and enlisting, with modest new assistance, European allies in a new multi-layered strategy there and in Pakistan.
"Returning science to its rightful place" by lifting the Bush restrictions on federally funded embryonic stem cell research.
Signing laws to expand children's health insurance (financed by a 61-cent per pack increase in the federal cigarette tax the adviser did not tout).
Signing a law meant to improve the ability of women who allege pay discrimination to sue their employer.
Diminishing the role of lobbyists in the White House
"Forge a meaningful statement from the United Nations" criticizing North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile.
Lifting travel and remittance restrictions for Cuban Americans who seek to travel more frequently to the island and send more US currency to their immediate family.
Appointed the first Latina to the US Supreme Court
Engaging world leaders in Europe, Turkey, Latin American and the Caribbean with "strength and humility."

And here is a link to 10 other accomplishments from Huffingtonpost.com http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/29/obamas-first-100-days-10_n_192603.html

NO OTHER PRESIDENT HAS DONE THIS MUCH IN 10MONTHS.

Fr. PRESIDENT BUSH played Golf and chilled at Crawford TX for 9months before 9/11 before he remembered “OH WAIT.. GEE GOLLY IM THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA!”
Republican politicians do Americans a favor and stop ALWAYS SAYING NO to EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING THE PRESIDENT tries to do. This man is not out to start an OBAMA USA, WHERE black people ruled the world, hell black people don’t want to ruled the work, we just want our lives to be a lot simpler and less stressful, like every other human being in this world.
Instead of watching Obama pull the car out of the ditch, how about lending a hand and HELPING.

Republican party = The party of “NO” …
Yall remind me of 2years old who just learned the word and response to anything is “no”
Grow the hell up!

...and the end most come of my vent-station

Soulclap

2009-11-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

Loving you is like a SoulClap... from cedesbenz on Vimeo.

DEFUND ACORN?!

2009-09-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

First and Foremost, I'm a fan of Rachael Maddow, because she brings the truth out about serious issues, despite her majority liberal siding, she is known for her objective views even in the case of this so called ACORN allegations that have been brought to surface. She produced a segment lastnight about ACORN and discussed congresses intentions of passing a DEFUND ACORN BILL, which is then, AGAINST THE LAW. And also, if congress wants to target unlawful federal funding programs, they should target all of them, and NOT BE biased. HOW? Take a look at the video

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Whitney

2009-09-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

I'm inlove with her Album.
Great Job Whitney, and Welcome back!

-Cedes

its been a while

2009-08-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

its been a while . . . from cedesbenz on Vimeo.

Dead Prez Summertime music video directed by Tao Ruspoli

2009-07-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

I'm Extra late on this video.
But I love it, check it out, comment.

Wedding Entrance was BEAUTIFUL

2009-07-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

I just thought I should share this video with anyone and everyone. This is how a wedding should be celebrated, smiles, enjoyment, FUN! I almost got emotional watching it because it was probably THE best entrance I've seen at a wedding ceremony. Love it, hope you do too!

-Cedes

3 Albums on Repeat

2009-07-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Three Albums on Repeat

Demon's intentions [a dream i had]

2009-07-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

It was an extremely dark dream. Felt so realistic, daring and feeling of consciousness.
There were human-like beings, men, attractive and seductive who fed on a woman's body. Seducing her mind sexually then eventually killing her for his personal thirst. Young women were being found brutally murdered and people started realizing what was happening. I and a few other women started tracking these men down and killing them one by one, however some were harder to recognize. So even within the women who followed me, they slowly started dying off because of these human like men who would seduce them without their knowledge of their danger.
Eventually we were able to destroy most of these men, however there was one powerful one who I was never able to identify, his face was over covered by a shadow in the dream. However even when I was not able to identify him, I felt drawn to him, curious, obligated to know and understand his being, and existence. At this point it was only me and one other female who had survived, but however he was after her. Unfortunately she was interested in someone else. A Human man, who he felt threaten by, eventually killing. . . I woke up after that. For the first 3 seconds I seriously thought it was real, until I came back to reality.

The dream felt longer...

....Wonder what it all meant...

Swim club accused of racial discrimination against kids

2009-07-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

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.
Some kids from the the Creative Steps Day Care center said club members made racial remarks.
Some kids from the the Creative Steps Day Care center said club members made racial remarks.
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.
The stepfather of one of the children was filing a complaint against the club with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the panel's chairman, Stephen Glassman, said Thursday.
The commission is investigating the allegations, spokeswoman Shannon Powers said, and will attempt to resolve the conflict out of court.
Sen. Arlen Specter's office said the Pennsylvania Democrat has sent a letter to the Valley Swim Club president asking him to reinstate the contract with Creative Steps, saying, "I think that you would agree that there is no place for racism in America today."
CNN attempted to speak with club President John Duesler on Thursday. He said he had no comment and asked CNN to leave the club property.
But Duesler told two Philadelphia television stations that the children had changed "the complexion" and "atmosphere" of the club.
A small group of protesters gathered in front of the club Thursday and said they think Duesler's statements prove that the club's action was racially motivated.
"I was hoping it wouldn't be something that was so blatantly apparent. I was hoping that it was overcrowding," one protester said. "When I read the statement by the club president, it made it blatant."
Jim Flynn, who said he was one of the club members who made a complaint against the children, said it was not racially motivated.
"There were a lot of children in the pool and not enough lifeguards," he said. "As general members, we were not told that they were coming. If we knew, we could decide to not come when the pool was crowded or come anyway. We could have had an option."
He said two other day-care centers, neither of which included minority children, had previously been similarly disinvited.
A private Philadelphia boarding school said Thursday that it plans to help the day care center.
"We thought it was appalling what happened," Girard College Admissions Director Tamara Leclair said.
She is meeting with the director of Creative Steps to sign a contract allowing the children to use Girard's facilities this summer, as early as Monday.
"We've had a wonderful response. I even received an e-mail from a woman in Florida telling us we did the right thing.

MR. HUDSON ft. KANYE WEST - “SUPERNOVA”

2009-07-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Awapo in Nigeria

2009-07-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Awapo in Nigeria from Reel Nice on Vimeo.

This short film follows Berni Widemann on a journey to Abeokuta in Nigeria to talk about the problems facing people with disabilities. Berni, who grew up in Nigeria has returned after years of working with disabled individuals in the UK to start a school for disabled children in Abeokuta with his charity, Awapo. You can find out more at Awapo.co.

Check it out. Semester RAMBLING!

2009-06-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Semester Long Rambling! from cedesbenz on Vimeo.

I decided to put a video together of some of my rambling last semester (Jan-June 2009)
I'M either looking a hot mess [no make up zombie] or looking kinda decent.
Enjoy!

RIP MICHAEL JACKSON

2009-06-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

RIP MICHAEL JACKSON
WE WILL TRULY MISS YOU!
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson Family, he made his début on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1969, and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Jackson was referred to as the "King of Pop"in subsequent years; his 1982 album Thriller is the world's best-selling record of all time and four other solo Studio work are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).

Should African Americans judge a person by what complexion they prefer?

2009-06-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Every human being in this world has a preference on what type of person they consider themselves dating and being with relationship-wise. However I’m narrowing it down to African American men and African American women, or African women (Black) women in general. I’ve sat around some African American men whose preference only depends solely on skin complexion. I remember having a conversation with a man who said he only dated lighter skin African Americans (yellow, red bones) is how he “described them” because they were a lot prettier and a lot more “mainstream”. He said darker skin women were always angry and are even less attractive then the lighter skin women. I’m sure there are a lot of men who agree w/ him and understand his position.

I really do not want to conclude that most men who think like him are brainwashed by the media and other reasons for believing such thoughts. There is a deeper meaning into the whole controversial issue within the African American world and the divide of the darker and lighter complexion of the same race. Such as the speaking of

“Lighter-skinned children of slaves and their owners were given better treatment and less strenuous household chores than darker slaves who toiled in the fields."

It goes back to the whiter the better, the darker the dirtier. White is pure, dark is evil. List goes on. There have been researches that prove that the lighter would always succeed more than the darker despite their equal level of positions.

However listen to this point. Not all men who prefer the light complexion reasons for being more attracted to them is similar to the man I discussed with. Not all men who like lighter skin complexion women reasons are discriminatory or prejudice. I have no reasons why, but there are exceptions everywhere. I believe if a woman wants to know why a man is only attracted to one complexion of a race rather than another, she should ask. If he gives a reasonable unbiased point, then I don’t necessarily believe you can conclude them are being brainwashed or ignorant.

I really truly believe that women of the darker complexion should not be upset and angered by the position such men take in their interest in light skin African American women, they should not insult or taunt or try to educate these men about their position, because many of their minds you cannot change. Instead I truly believe the darker complexion should embrace themselves, hold themselves with confidence and rather try to find the man that appreciates you and your complexion. The man who isn’t swayed by the media portrayal of the lighter the better and isn’t swayed by the manipulation of others in promoting lighter is better.

We can also discuss vis versa. I talked to a lighter skin African American woman who told me she only preferred darker skin black men because they just always looked sexier to her. She said she always embraced darker skin men as the true connection to Africa and the land she never visited. Her reasons mostly faced around the connection culturally and as well physically. Can a lighter skin African American man feel insulted by such a comment? Is it only darker skin men that only have a better connection too their roots? I beg to differ because my mother is light skin, and she’s 10000% Nigerian.

If its either a lighter skin woman liking a darker skin man, darker skin man liking a lighter skin woman, lighter skin man liking a darker skin woman, or a darker skin woman liking a lighter skin man because they want their child to have “good hair” Oh LORD that’s another topic on its own, I don’t believe we should get all bent out of shape about it.

I also believe that most light skin men who prefer darker skin men or lighter skin women who prefer darker skin men should treated better than the opposite. I’ve noticed that as well. However all and all, there’s so much to really mention about it all.

What is my conclusion: I feel that without much understanding of the African American history without the bias of the media, there will never be a true understanding of the race as a whole. I honestly just believe if many look past complexion and look into the deeper meaning of who one is, this issue of lighter and darker wouldn’t be a big issue compared to many more relevant issues in the African American community such as health and education.

MAKE UP & MORE.

2009-06-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

Talking about makeup and what I'm using for my face to prevent blemishing and oily face & mac lip gloss.
Look past the crappy webcam quality.
ENJOY!

QUESTIONS FOR REPUBLICANS

2009-06-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

I decided to ask supporters of republicans or people who identify themselves are republicans various questions about the current administration and some controversial policies on youtube.

Take a look!

If American is a country that separates church from state, why do most republicans reason for elimination of abortion goes by to religious beliefs?

Do you believe in anything the democrats believe in?

A party is suppose to represent the people of America. Why is the Republican Party vastly consisted of mostly white men, little women and little minorities. Why do you believe that the democrat party consists of mostly minorities and women of all ethnic groups. Don’t you believe that is a real representation of these United States?

How do you feel about president Obama and his plans thus far for this country?

Do you believe he is more intelligent than our previous president?

What is your opinion about Judge Sotomayor as the next Supreme Court justice?

Statistics have shown that the Republican Party is declining more into a southern states party? Why do you believe many people are leaving the Republican Party?

What is your stand on immigration and undocumented people living in this country?

Do you believe some of the plans republicans support is anti-minorities such as many social programs?

Do you support affirmative action? If no, why?

Do you identify President Obama as your president?

Since President Obama won, many countries around the world have supported him 100%. Do you believe this will bring the United States reputation and image back on top?

Are you a supporter of Dick Cheney?

Red or Blue, which color do you like better?

& finally

What race are you?

Lebron/Kobe Weightloss Dick Cheney Electrik Red

2009-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Lebron/Kobe Weightloss Dick Cheney Eletrik Red from cedesbenz on Vimeo.

So last night I decided to make a video w/ my disgusting webcam. (how crappy is that?) About a few subjects. First I discuss about Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, then I discussed my weight and how i was planning on working out all through summer, talked a little politics when I discussed Dick Cheney and last I discussed about a new group called Electrik Red as well.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor nominated

2009-05-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Judge Sonia Sotomayor was nominated by President Barack Obama May 26, 2009 to serve in the highest court of these United States, the Supreme Court. According to CNN Sotomayor graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and went on to attend Yale law school, where she was editor of the Yale Law Journal. In her three-decade career, she has worked at nearly every level of the judicial system, and on Tuesday she became President Obama's pick to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor currently serves as a judge on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The liberal-leaning justice was named a district judge by President George H.W. Bush in 1992 and was elevated to her current seat by President Clinton. Supporters say her appointment history, along with what they describe as her moderate-liberal views, will give her some bipartisan backing in the Senate. Sotomayor presided over about 450 cases while on the district court. Prior to her judicial appointments, Sotomayor was a partner at a private law firm and spent time as an assistant district attorney prosecuting violent crimes. Sotomayor thanked Obama for "the most humbling honor of my life."

"I hope that as the Senate and American people learn more about me, they will see that I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences. Today is one of those experiences," she said.

I believe that Judge Sonia Sotomayor is the best choice for supreme court justice. Why? because not only does she have the experience to be part of the other 8 justices, she has the experience living a poor lifestyle yet surpassed those trials and tribulations and succeeded with determination and dedication to her future. She is a minority who was/is intelligent enough and ambitious enough to ignore and strive through discrimination and prejudices to gain the success of her life. She is experience enough in making extremely difficult decisions in cases that will be brought before her.

Her critics call her an activist judge, yet she has achieved and succeeded what many other federal judges cannot not. The nomination.

SOURCE: CNN

Q-Tip, D'Angelo & Raphael Saadiq - Lynwood Rose [Cedes's Quick review]

2009-05-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

So my baby sent me this album last night. As I checked it out and liked it a lot. It's again one of those relaxed type, play while you're in the shower or on the road type albums. Q-Tip, D'Angelo & Raphael Saadiq all have their own solo songs as well as collaborations on the album. A mix up of their own personal type and styles alike. Its good. If you're into all three artist, I'm sure you will not be disappointed by what you hear.
There could be a few songs that could be more refine, but I'm not the artist, this is how they wanted it.

The album cover sucks balls though.

......that's my quick review

Rate : B-

DOWNLOAD: CLICK HERE.

BOTTEGA VENETA

2009-05-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

Bottega Veneta is a manufacturer of luxury leather goods, most famous for its Intrecciato line of woven leather. The company is based in Vicenza, in the Veneto region of northeast Italy. A family firm founded in 1966, Bottega Veneta was bought by Gucci in 2001. Bottega Veneta is best known for its hand-woven leather goods - bags, belts, and shoes. They are all handcrafted in Italy and retail for €1000 or more. Current Bottega handbags typically boast clean lines, the softest Intreciatto woven leathers, and a classic palette. Major trends are nodded to (such as patent leather and studs in autumn 2007), but always in a toned-down, easy-to-wear way. They are generally only labelled on the inside, although under Deacon, the metalwork had small, subtle logos). Bottega Veneta’s approach is best summed up by a company slogan that loosely translates as "When your own initials are enough".

CEDES ON Bottega Veneta:

I love their product. I have a hobo type handbag from their collection some years ago. Very comfortable, fabric and texture is amazing. I carried it everywhere w/ me to the point where it started to wear off. I need to get it cleaned and fresh like it was originally because I am not done with it yet!

I'M also loving their KNOX and their Bottega Veneta Python Fold Over Clutch As http://www.purseblog.com/

"The copper python has stitch detailing at the corners, zipped and pouch compartments and is fully lined in suede. Sure, all the materials come together brilliantly. This clutch is nothing less than gorgeous. The shade of copper is perfect for so many seasons and so many outfits I don’t know where to begin. Pair it with a rich-colored dress or perhaps take the more casual approach and let the clutch to the talking."

This purses is $4100 big ones. I couldnt do it.

My mom just purchased the NERO INTRECCIATO SATIN KNOT back from the 2004/2005 collection. She loves it and is ready to buy more. Shes eying the "BLONDE ORIGAMI (as seen in the pic) KNOT"from the 2008/2009 collection as well which is approx $368o.

Should I encourage her?

SOURCE: http://www.purseblog.com/

http://www.bottegaveneta.com/

school STRESSED OUT ANCE ON THE FACE!

2009-05-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

School & Acne [STRESSED OUT!] from cedesbenz on Vimeo.

So I made a short video of my goofiness and me complaining about how school is stressing me out and breaking me out. LITERALLY ON MY FACE. I look like the episode of pizza and hamburger face. Like What the hell, I got people questioning my eating habits. ITS SCHOOL! FINALS! GRADUATION! LSAT PREP! LSAT EXAMS! LAW SCHOOL! PARENTS! FRIENDS! NO MAN IN MY LIFE YET!

These are the reasons I'm so much like this!! *cries* lol

Cedes

LIL KIM: Dancing w/ the Stars

2009-05-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Lil Kim was eliminated from dancing with the stars last week. Goes to show, what’s the point of the judges on the show, if they are going to, regardless vote of THE best dancer off the show???? I was never a fan of dancing with the stars what so ever until lil kim was cast as one of the contenders to win. Note: I am also not a fan of her music, nor her bleaching OF the skin. But this show is about talent and dance skills, not about physical appearance, or being a hip-hop rapper. Watching the show, and not knowing any of the contestants at all. There was a big HYPE on this newbie reality chick from some bachelor show MELISSA. She came into the show with everyone sympathizing with her because apparently the dude off the reality show broke her heart. Blah blah, get over it. So she came on the show with a fan base of sympathizers. And how did she get the celebrity status off one show? I don’t know. Regardless she is a great dancer, with previous dance experience. I always assumed she and lil Kim would be among the top three. Its truly pathetic how the show is so off balanced now. We have 2 stiff people Ty and Shawn, who I adore, the Italian dude and Melissa.
I remember how I use to get all my lil kim episodes on YouTube because I was never available to watch the show on television. Welp, since that’s over so is my interest in DWTS.

I understand this is an American voting based show, but I also thought the judges had a big influence on the show as well. Not only that, I thought AMERICANS were good observers and were capable of telling who is a good dancer and who isn’t. TY looked like a robot all through the competition, bless his little heart. Even his dance partner and himself looked shocked when lil kim was called for elimination because THEY knew that lil kim was a show stopper. It just comes to show what background influence of producers and sponsers have on this show and how little the judges on the shows matter. Like a youtuber LILKIMZONE said:

" ..... the judges are just puppets for the producers/sponsors/behind the scenes dictators. This "creative" group behind the show already had in mind who they wanted/who they didn't want to win-they already knew before one foot was even set on the dance floor. Melissa was on ABC's the bachelor which is targeted at the exact same demographic.who watch dancing with the stars. She won the bachelor and then the guy dumped her, garnering her amongst ABC's target demographic many "i've been there too" sympathy points"

Pretty much, just like I said.

Cedes

FIRST 100 DAYS: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

2009-04-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

President Obama finally reached his first 100 days in office today, April 29, 2009. And it seems like the world is grading this man on his performance as president of the United States.

…including myself.
President Obama came into office with an agenda. And that agenda was to eliminate the economic crisis, improve health care, education and foreign policy rulings another relevant aspect of the United States and the world.
President Obama first initial action in office was the closing of Guantanamo Bay, next was to promote the Reinvestment stimulus bill, which was later past, he also went to G-20 to promote countries all over the world to work on stimulus for their own countries and help fight for peace and the elimination of terrorist groups around the world, removed the ban on Stem cell research, which would help prevent many and cure many diseases in society today, lifted Cuban restrictions from the united States, the list goes on. And I personally think giving Eric Holder the Job as Attorney General was probably the most appropriate thing to do for this nation, this man as poise, experience and the intelligence to lead as attorney general.
Obama has done more for this country in his first 100 days than bush did in 8 years.
He’s released more ideas and plans for the future and interacted responsively to the international world w/o threats or intimidation. This man has proven himself in the first 100 days he is the right person for the job.
President Obama has shown leadership skills and the readiness to take any action in keeping America and safe and efficient.

So what is my Grade for Obama? A

CHEWING GUM IS HEALTHY

2009-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

According to a CNN report, If you're looking to curb your appetite and improve your memory, you're probably exercising, eating healthier foods and trying to get some sleep.

In one study, students who chewed gum had better final grades compared with the non-chompers.
Those things are all good, but maybe you should try chomping on a stick of sugar-free gum.

At least that's what research funded by the Wrigley Science Institute and being presented at the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting this week may have you think. The data are part of a growing body of research that is giving Americans more reasons to pop some gum in their mouths and chew away.

One line of research suggests that gum should no longer be treated as contraband in schools. This newest study indicates that chewing gum can lead to better academic performance.

Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine took 108 eighth-grade math students from a Houston, Texas, charter school and divided them into two groups, following them for 14 weeks. One group chewed gum while doing homework and during test-taking situations. The other group did not chew gum at all.

The results were surprising. The gum-chewing students had a 3 percent increase in their standardized math test scores compared with those who did not chew gum. Also, the students who chewed gum had better final grades compared with the non-chompers.

SOURCE

CEDES

The Coat

2009-04-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

So I haven't had a chance to really get on here and do what I usually do. But I recently saw this really excellent coat that Beyonce was wearing to a Letterman taping for the tonight show. Flawless. The dress is extra simple, but I'm guessing the price is hijacked. However to me, its irrelevant. My eyes was trapped and hypnotized by the extremely flawless coat.

That's all I wanted to say
Cedes

Weird/Odd/Crazy news post #1

2009-04-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

Man stabbed for farting in motel room

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • April 10, 2009

WACO, Texas — A man was stabbed after causing a stink — literally — in a motel room while eating with a friend, police said.

Five men from the Houston area were sharing a Waco motel room Tuesday night, and two were inside the room eating when one had a flatulence problem, Waco police Officer Steve Anderson said. One man was so upset about the gas that he threw a large knife at him, cutting his leg, and then stabbed him in the chest, Anderson said.

The 35-year-old man was transported to a Waco hospital, where he was treated for what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries, Anderson said.

Jose Braule Ramirez, 33, of Houston, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police said. He was arraigned Wednesday and was being held in the McLennan County Jail on $15,000 bond and placed on an immigration hold, according to jail records. He cannot be released, even if he posts bond, until authorities verify he is in the country legally.

A jail spokeswoman who declined to give her name said she was not allowed to release information on whether Ramirez had an attorney.

Source:

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090410/NEWS06/90410018

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh my goodness, what in the world?! My mom told me about this incident this afternoon, and I was like "Whaat?". So she told me to look it up online. We both started laughing because it's just so bizarre! Someone farts too much so you stab them? Surely there could have been a better way to deal with this problem than that. Either the guy with the gas problem should have gone outside if he could not control himself, or the guy who became angry should have walked out himself...go somewhere, calm down, and return. So not only does this man Jose Braule Ramirez have charges against him because of the stabbing, but now he could possibly face deportation. Well, if he's here illegally then so be it!

-Ashley

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE A PLUS IS THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

2009-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

America Idol is a total fail. I don't understand why the show still gets the kind of review they do. The show has not been great since Carrie Underwood, and ironically I never watched the season. Just based on her success, it shows she deserved it. But besides her, Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia, the other winners haven't done as well as they should have. What is wrong with Idol?

Besides my Idol rant, I feel that alot of new artist out there aren't as talented as they should be. (The ones getting recognition). Their talent is wack, but their physical appearance is great.

Since when has physical appearance been relevant when listening to a musician on your mp3 player on computer?

The stress of perfect physical appearances puts a big spoil on musical talent. There are true musical talents out there who aren't getting recognition because they don't have the commercial look. They don't match the media's presentation of "sexy" and "beautiful".

When I listen to music, I listen to voice, i listen to talent, i listen to originality and something i can vibe with. I'm not worried about their physical appearance and their sexiness. HOWEVER it is a plus.

But is a plus really THAT important to jeopardize talent?

TO BE CONTINUE...

when I feel like continuing.

aye.

2009-04-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

So I've been M.I.A for a week.
Reason why, school has me around its finger.
I'm heading to some LSAT seminars this week.
And this whole summer, I will be studying intensely for this exam.
It's no joke.

Better update tomorrow.

A great HERO.

2009-03-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

It’s crazy, this week. I just want this week to be over, because then I’ll know I would have finished 2 essays that I have due on both Monday and Tuesday. Insanity I tell you. This week has taking a toll on my internal and external being, from my personal life to future realities. Does that make sense? Future realities? My blog, my words. From relationship issues to school and professors pressures, I’ve dealt with it.

On other news...
I just read something about an African American Surgeon Dr. Carnell Cooper, from Baltimore surgeon. “Since becoming a trauma surgeon 16 years ago, he has dedicated himself to treating the many young African-American men who've been shot, stabbed or beaten, only to see them return to the ER with another severe injury just months later.But when one of his patients was readmitted with a fatal gunshot wound to the head in 1996, it changed Cooper's life."The night that we pronounced that young man dead and my colleagues said there's really nothing we can do in these situations. ... I just didn't believe that," said Cooper, 54. "From that day forward, I said, 'Let's see what we can do.'

He decided to create a Violence Intervention Program (VIP) at the Shock Trauma Unit of the University of Maryland Medical Center, the state's busiest hospital for violent injuries. It became one of the country's first hospital-based anti-violence programs.The success of Cooper's program has made it a model for others around the country and inspired the doctor to develop a larger initiative, the Violence Prevention Program, which includes other hospital-based efforts targeting young people in at-risk communities.

Read more at CNN.COM
Watch Video about African American Surgeon Dr. Carnell Cooper and his excellent work. (Video)
NOMINATE HIM A HERO @ CNN.COM/HEROES TODAY!

drink never again/twitter

2009-03-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was nice.
I enjoyed every min of it.
Spent time w/ GS.
Had lunch together, went to see Watchmen. The movie was disgraceful and BORING. Graphics were hot, but we left that ish after and hour, wanted our money back but they gave us 2 free passes to any movie we wanted.
Later on we got a drink at D&B watched Texas V Duke. Duck..eh I mean Duke won.
We ended the night at his house...............

One more thing, I will never drink again in my life.
Shit messed up my MIND. Lost some valuable brain cells.

I'm tired of seeing this ish on twitter. Twitter population is getting crazy. So I'm sure its hard keeping this thing working properly 24/7. But this is 2009, you should have that problem fixed by now. Moving on...

Blackplanet BLOGGER wants to stir up Controversy?

2009-03-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

I was reading on newsone, a black planet blog, and I saw a posting about the recent commercial from old navy. A blogger by the name of Nazneen Patel wrote a blog called “JUST CURIOUS: What Do You Think about the New Old Navy Commercial?”
Ok ok let me get down to the point of making this blog post. I think this poor woman is silly. She starts off her “rant” or “opinion” about the commercial by saying that the talk of “post-racial society” is a load of BS. Wow! That’s a nice way to start a blog, by disrespecting the attempt of a positive light in the future of this country. Then she reminds us of the struggles of African Americans in this country. Let me remind you, this is a OLD NAVY COMMERCIAL-based blog. She then states :

"Black men are always portrayed as the savage, sexually-superior antithesis to all things decent about white men.”

Now if we take a look at the commercial, when the Black mannequin clothes got ripped by a buyer or consumer, what color was the “savaging sexually motivated plastic that took advantage of the moment to look at naked plastic body?” Wasn’t it the white mannequin? Yes I believe it was. And who was the one protecting his “plastic wife’s naked body?” the African American husband. Was it not? Yeah I believe it was.
The blogger then goes on to say

“So when a Black woman sees a mannequin meant to resemble her, from the hairstyle to skin color, to the twangy regional dialect, it’s hard to separate the mannequin from what it represents. It becomes difficult to understand why she is stripped of her clothing and left standing there with her “plastic” unmentionables censored. It just seems a little unnecessary doesn’t it? Why even go there?”

What on earth is she talking about? She tries to justify the reasons of the commercial being racial; by assuming “just because” its a mannequin of color with a certain hairstyle and “twangy regional dialect” it represents some type of discriminatory efforts. This commercial is based on profit, as all commercials are. It has nothing to do with degrading or belittling African American women or men. From what I noticed, the voice used to play the mannequin of color was actually more mainstream than the white mannequin. The white one had the typical stereotypical blond “like oh my god” dialect than both mannequins that represented African Americans. So what this chick is seeing, I’m not seeing.

She ends her blog post by saying “while I personally am not going to read too much into this commercial, I can understand completely why Black women viewing this ad might feel at best, uncomfortable, and at worst, outraged.”

Yes she was looking way too much into this commercial; by posting her blog on a popular African American website, which she was hired to blog for, was pretty much a purposeful reason to stir controversy against Old Navy. Also as a woman color myself, I don’t view this commercial as uncomfortable or outrageous and finally according to the many made replies on this blog, majority of black women disagree with this female blogger accusations against Old Navy as well. One of the replies from an African American woman said:

I think blogs like this is why we are idled on racism in todays society. I’m not saying racism is non-existent but when you pick apart something that was obviously meant to entertain you have a self-absorbed grudge looking for a fight. If this was a white mannequin someone somewhere would comment on why there wasn’t any black mannequins. I have this feeling that ever since Obama has been President, I’ve heard so much more about racism than ever before. I thought his election would help (not totally eliminate) and bring us up out of this. Let’s get it together people! I believe we are a much stronger unity to let something so minor set us back.

So lets end this and move on.

OBAMA/OCTAMOM/MAKE UP

2009-03-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

OBAMA/OCTAMOM/MAKE UP from cedesbenz on Vimeo.

So I made this video last week. Never uploaded it. I made several videos actually. But anywho, I talked about the octa mom and her plans of buying a bigger place, and the suspicion of where the money she is getting is coming from. I also talked about President Obama’s education agenda when it comes to people who are dropping out of high school.
Check it out!

AIG IS 'BOUT TO GET CRAP'D ON...

2009-03-17T20:37:00.001-07:00

This AIG situation is irritating me.
However it’s a complicated situation… is it not? AIG received 30 Billion dollars from the Obama administration; however AIG used 165 million to pay bonuses to the employees of a subsidiary that caused AIG's near collapse, no less. According to CNN, “The payments to workers at AIG's derivatives-happy financial products group have been widely condemned in Washington.”
These contracts were established over a year ago. So regardless of anything, the money promised to these people cannot be denied. Did we forget what a contract was? Let me refresh minds here.

A contract is an exchange of promises between two or more parties to do, or
refrain from doing, an act which is enforceable in a court of law.

It is a binding legal agreement Now I am not supporting AIG’s circumstance, however I am just reminding folks that you cannot go back on a contract despite the situation and problems you face.

Now this whole situation is an “IT’S HIS FAULT, NAH ITS THEIR FAULT” blame game. Republicans blame the Obama administration and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner for not carefully reviewing these contracts and restricting these bonuses, while the Democrats are blaming the bush administration saying they first gave AIG their first installment and were more aware of these contracts. I don’t give a damn who fault it is.. FIX IT. These folks do not deserve the bonuses. WHY? Based on what Paul R. La Monica from CNNMoney.com said “Paying out $165 million in bonuses to people at a company that lost nearly $100 billion last year is, to quote Woody Allen, "a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham."These bonus contracts should never have been promised in the first place. Why reward people who have done nothing but dismantle the company?
And on top of that, most of the people who got these big checks DON’T even work for the company anymore!
American International Group CEO Ed Liddy will appear before Congress on Wednesday [MARCH 18]
Dude is going to get shitted on…

SHAME ON YOU MARK SANFORD!

2009-03-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

I was watching CNN 2 nights ago and they were talking about Ty’Sheoma Bethea [She wrote in movingly, hauntingly to ask that her falling-down “school” provided by the state be brought up to code.]
Well apparently the Governor of the state, South Carolina, called Obama Recovery plan “financially reckless” and plans to use his share ($700 million) of the recovery plan money not to fix the schools or other domestic problems of the city but to use it to pay of South Carolina debts. “Governor Mark Sanford’s decision to turn down $500 million off the $700 in education funds means that 7,500 teachers in SC will get laid.”
My opinion: ARE YOU kidding me? This is what I’m talking about right here. How do you expect a plan to work, if you have people like Gov. Sanford refusing to use the stimulus to take care of the problems and issues of his state? Guess what happens, God forbid, if the plan doesn’t pan out? These same republicans will blame President Obama for “wasteful spending”. In this situation, it takes 50 to tango, and this isn’t going to work, if you have republican governors refusing to use the money to fix the economic issues in their state. The refusal of the money is immature and disheartening. It’s disgraceful and disrespectful, not to your president but to the people you represent in your state, the people who put you in office to do the good. If S. Carolina re-elects this dumbass, I swear all of them have issues.
Just because you disagree w/ a policy of the executive office does not mean you have to sacrifice the people you represent’s wants and needs. It’s selfish and it’s shameful. SHAME ON YOU MARK SANFORD!

88, 78 palette.

2009-03-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

I’ve always been a fan of makeup.

The application and viewing others apply it, while using their creativity, has always been something I enjoyed. The love of makeup has grown over the past year when I started going through my mom’s make up boxes and use them. I never use to wear eye shadow or mascara before because I guess I never thought about it or cared. But the opportunity came when I was going to an extravagant party, and I had to look the a little more presentable than usual. So I went “all out”. I couldn’t believe how different I looked and how impressed I was w/ the look. I continued it from then on.
I have a couple of favorite YouTube makeup applicators online. Michellephan and QueenofBlendingMUA both lovely ladies.

So I decided to purchase both an 88 palette and 78 palettes. I’ve worn mostly MAC and Clinque makeup, but I decided to try something new. This is has been out for a while, and a lot of females are purchasing it. It’s inexpensive and very pigmented, which I love. If you’re curious about this, check it out, I think you’ll love it.

PURCHASE HERE: Artisktick Cosmetic Professional

Hello All!

2009-03-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

So I thought it was time I make my first post on here. Just a bit of an introduction I guess, and want to start off by saying "Hi". I'm Ashley - co-blogger alongside Cedes. I've never done a joint blog like this before, or just a public blog in general. The ones I have I usually make private--friends only--so this is going to be something a bit different for me, but I think it'll be fun =)

What Cedes has said in the first post is very true--she's more into politics, which really I don't have much of an interest in, if any, so I don't like to talk about it. She can have that haha. Also, current events--I do like to know what's going on locally, nationally, and internationally, but probably not as much as she does. So I might post a little bit about that, but I'll leave the majority of it to her. I am much more into entertainment, and celebrity news/gossip (though not over the top obsessive...sometimes...actually it just depends on who the celebrity is haha) than Cedes is, and alot she could care less about. But I also like random, funny, odd news and stuff that just makes you go "Wtf?". So you can expect to see me posting and commenting on things like that.

As far as music goes, since I have very different taste in that too, I can share some of my likes here. Maybe a new song I've come across, or maybe not so new but something I can't stop playing on repeat for some reason, I just might decide to share it here too =) We shall see...

Anyway, I think I've rambled on enough for this first post of mine. You'll more than likely be able to tell who's posting what in the future if either of us don't tell you straight out. So...yeah...hope to make another post soon! I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

JOE THOMAS, NEW MAN

2009-03-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

Quick Review

I don’t know where the hell I was, but apparently Joe had an album that came out August 2008 called JOE THOMAS, NEW MAN.

The single out of that joint was “New Man” which was again the typical techno R&B, which a lot of musicians are getting into these days, because it’s the thing to do.

The song is pretty much talking about how his girl made him a new man, hence the title. The song is catchy, typical, however something you can bop too.

There’s 16 total tracks on this album, majority of them have that techno/dance feel to it.

I picked out a handful of songs and review it.

“Why just be friends” beat sound like recycled Michael Jackson leftovers. But the lyrics are nice, so it makes the song less cheesy that it might appear. I enjoy it.

“Man in your life” automatically reminded me of Nas- Hero’s instrumental, but its fades away seconds later, but that quick instance brought me back to that song. However, overall its still a R&B smooth yet good dance music.

“Start over Again” sounded like something I’ve heard before. Didn’t stick out to me.

“Chameleon” What saved this song was the nice and easy beat. As you probably notice I really think the beat/instrumental saves a lot of songs these days. But I feel the lyrics and the format of the song could have been done better. The chorus sucked.

The album started out pretty good, it had me interested, but as it we got to track “Start over again” and so on, the songs just sounded like recycled, or already done music. It didn’t stick out to me, it felt bland and boring.

You can check out the Album if you want, but like Nicholas, a friend of mine, told me before I reviewed it:
"I don't Think You Missed Much”

Get the album at Amazon

Despite Economic Crisis, President Obama’s is still popular with Americans!

2009-03-03T16:59:00.001-08:00

According to Mark Murry of NBC news, President Obama's favorability rating is at an all-time high. Two-thirds feel hopeful about his leadership and six in 10 approve of the job he's doing in the White House.

In a survey that was released, 68 percent have a favorable opinion of the
president, including 47 percent whose opinion is "very positive" — both all-time
highs for Obama in the poll. Moreover, 67 percent say they feel more hopeful
about his leadership and 60 percent approve of his job in the White House.

Yet the percentage of Americans who are confident that Obama has the right goals and policies for the country — 54 percent — is slightly smaller, suggesting that the president is more popular than his policies are. An example: 57 percent tend to support the stimulus, compared with 34 percent who tend to oppose it.
Still, these attitudes about Obama have helped fuel a big jump in the percentage of Americans who believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction, according to the poll. In January’s NBC/Journal poll, 26 percent said the country was on the right track; now 41 percent think that.

COMMENT.

Coast Guard want to END SEARCH!?

2009-03-03T13:37:00.001-08:00

WHY!?

It’s wonderful that Nick Schuyler survived this incident, however I don’t approve of the Coast Guard calling off the search at sundown. NFL's Corey Smith and football player William Bleakley and Marquis Cooper are still out there and this 2 day search is not enough time. Those men are still out there.

LINK

Comment

Introduction

2009-03-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to

NUDEREFLECTION

Where the naked truth is EXPOSED!

omgah, that sounded corny like a motherF*ker.

<- IGNORE him.

But on the realios, Welcome to my new blog/site/home away from home, whatever works for you site. I am pretty excited about this, hopefully I'll be on it like butter and... ice sticky cheese. [i dont know] I always wanted to have a public blog so everyone who is anyone out there could view my thoughts and ideas on different issues out there, from politics to gossip. I like talking about particular things, but I would like to have a broader audience. So I'm having a friend of mine with a different taste than myself help out. The coolest female on the planet comes in, ASHLEY. Ashley is a long time friend of mine, since freshman in high school. Shes really into the blah blah gossip and more exciting entertainment of this world, while I'm more into the lame, yet THRILLING, politics and current events! OH BOY! Nah for realios, the things we'll be discussing will be eye opening and insightful, so don't press the X button yet. I'm a comical person, I'm freaking hysterical, as ya'll probably can tell, so the things I will be posting on here will not put you to sleep, I promise you. I promise you so bad, that I'll send you 50 bucks to your paypal account RIGHT NOW... sike.

I'm big on hiphop, neo-soul, R&B, Jazz, etc I will be talking about upcoming artist, updates on relevant artist. I do appreciate request, but yo, if I don't like the music, I'm going to critic that shit and if you don't like it my critic-ing... you can kiss my ass.

Ashley will cover the pop/rock/alternative.

Why we decided to do a blog together?
Both of us have different interests. When it comes to music, style, fashion, men, we are complete opposites. It's crazy how we are still cool as hell. (Elaborate in the future)

The site is still a working progress, so ignore all the "problems for now an concentrate on the body, the meat of the site. Enjoy :)

To be continue...