I've heard the Obamas are considering my Alma Mater...

... for their girls' education. I know they have many options to consider, but I am extremely excited that there's even a possibility that I may be a fellow alum to the children of the 44th First Family. Many have read that I feel blessed by the sacrifices my parents made, in order for me to attend one of DC's top independent schools.

Now, I am always brainstorming ways to "give back" by educating others about school choices for their children. Too often I've heard Middle Class Parents of Color state that private education is too expensive and not worth the expense. I'd like to help change that mindset. Please check out my poll (& website) in the left column to let me know what U think. Thank you!

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Is Education Still Important to Parents?

Just returned from an amazingly emotional weekend. I attended my ....th High School Reunion from one of DC's top independent schools AND the retirement party of two sistahs who headed the scholarship foundation who financed a great deal of that education. Talk about surreal!

My parents were both considered "blue collar" level workers before they retired. They felt the education of their children was important enough to sacrifice for. My grade school education was probably the single, most expensive investment my parents ever made (I proudly paid my own college loans;-). Even if most of the actual funding came from scholarships and grants, my parents sacrificed their time and energy to apply, get and keep me there until graduation!

Do "working" parents still make those kinds of sacrifices for their children's education? I knew of some folk who were blessed with amazing positions that paid upwards of $75K and when I discussed the independent school option the response was: "That's too expensive!" As I watched their young children with cell phones, every electronic gadget and designer labelled clothing, I said, "Yea, you have a point. Education is so expensive these days."

Do me a favor - if you have a minute. Check out the site below then let me know if it sounds like it's over the top, or if those sound like viable tips that you appreciate as a parent:

http://www.schools2choose.com/

Thanx!!

How Do U Feel About Porn Enthusiasts?

Blog Family of readers - How do U all feel about porn? I mean especially: How do u feel if your partner needs/wants it and u don't? How do u think your partner feels if u need/want it and s/he doesn't?

Ok, I know it's a billion dollar industry. I know it's getting huge press in light of Spitzer's "dethroning", R. Kelly's never ending saga and Prim Kristin Davis' rumors. And, maybe I am just a wee bit naive when it really gets down to it. Porn - in my head - is a bit different than "freaky", consensual sex with your partner of choice where u may choose to include a porn-flick in your session. Maybe I've been 'lying' to myself to justify. Or maybe I really just don't know. But, to be honest, I tend to think that serious porn enthusiasts are perverts - like the smelly dudes you see in public libraries all day renewing their time on the computer.

The one time in college I entered a dorm room with a "skin flick" on - the "action" looked so stilted that I've never had any incentive to see another (maybe they've gotten better - but I'll pass). Yes, I'm very secure in myself with a chosen individual intimately. But, I'm not comfortable with group intimacy, exhibitionist behavior, or casual flings on vacations. However, the more I "date" the more I'm discovering that I'm in some moral "minority". I try not to register the pure shock (read: disgust) on my face when a man I'm dating reveals his interest in porn. I try to display the nonchalant attitude that I "know" that "boys will be boys". But, you know the most shocking aspect to me - is not just the "yuck" factor (okay - yea, I'm a dweeb;-) - but the MONEY that gets poured into such a past time! I'm not [generally;-)] a judgmental person - what u do is your thang, but - I'm sayin' ... what if it affects me (or your significant other)?

Please don't throw tomatoes as u leave comments - i just wanna know! And please be sensitive to my sensitivity in your comments. LOL!

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I MUST See This Movie

I've GOT to see: The Great Debaters. And I think everyone else should, too.
And I'm glad to learn that this is one HBCU that has not closed its doors - even though I'd never heard of the school until I heard about the movie. Wiley College: maybe the movie will garner more support for them.

REAL Wise move! Gotta share this TODAY!

MIT is offering FREE courses ONLINE!! Thanx to KellyPea's comment over on Dave's site I learned about this amazing opportunity and I'm sharing it with all who venture here!
Please check it out and take advantage! Oh, it's only for personal enrichment - but that in & of itself is great to me:-). http://ocw.mit.edu/index.html

*click on image for source.