Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!!"
Sweet Tooth Media is a sound board for all things poetically entertaining, entreprenuerial, cultured. Since its inception Sweet Tooth Media has provided positive press and honest commentary for artists and events. It exists to continue doing that work, however we are expanding to include social and political change as experienced in the climate of the 21st century.
Mark Cuban is a name synonymous with words such as risky, outlandish, and bold. An avid business man and known "shark" is once again engaging in venturesome activity. Mark Cuban has announced that he is considering women's basketball star, Brittney Griner in the 2013 2nd round draft pick. Cuban states even if she isn't selected he's considering giving her a spot on the team's summer league squad. Cuban's logic behind sexually integrating the NBA is that there is great marketing opportunities and that she's the best option considering those players remaining after the 1st round draft pick. Cuban believes she's capable and wants to give her the opportunity to prove that she is.
Houston native, Brittney Griner has an impressive basketball record. The 6'8'' Baylor player has earned three consecutive Big 12 player of the year awards and she is the second all time scorer in Women's NCAA Division One basketball. She is arguably the most transcendent female college basketball player of all time. Noted for her athleticism and physicality, in a male dominated industry it is no wonder that she is also criticized for those same qualities. Often being likened to a man on the court, Brittney has received some negative feedback for her authority and achievement on the court. Responding to Cuban, with "lets do it" will equally get Griner praised and condemned.
The best part about this potential endeavor is that it speaks volumes
to the movement of equality. Though Cuban's move isn't pioneering in integrating the sexes in sports, it most certainly is a critical move during time of revolution. Let's think that Cuban's sole motivation for considering Griner isn't JUST marketing and earning opportunity, but maybe this move is revolutionary in that equality is based on skill and merit not sex or the perception of it. Maybe on the court he sees an outstanding, well deserving talent. However, there is still concern about the perils Griner will face if she makes it to the team. Sure we'd like to think that we live in a day and time in which women can do the same things a man can do probably better because women think differently. And while this "new" way have thinking has done some wonderful things for women, femininity and the female empowerment movement, Griner being accepted as a part of the Dallas Mavericks would only add to the de-feminizing rhetoric that she's already been exposed to. For a moment, I thought that the WNBA no longer existed. Certainly we know of the inequalities that exists between the WNBA and the NBA such as salary, air time and the like. If she makes it to the NBA what will that mean for the WNBA? Will it be no more? Will other women players seek try out opportunities in the NBA before considering the WNBA? Will women become more susceptible to negative innuendos from those currently players and the low-level players that are chosen after a girl? We all know the effects of misogynistic bullying and the outcome could be a major fall out for women's liberation movement, but I think its worth the risk.
The key for all women and sports fans alike is to remain optimistic that the Cuban along with team officials will be make the best choice. I'm sure that Griner, will bring her best with her to try outs.
Jessica Holter, Author / Producer / Activist and Creator of the Punany Poets is one of the most marvelous women, whom I've had the pleasure of working with. As a multifaceted, multi-talented writer, that has connected her passion to her purpose Jessica continues to produce some of the most amazing shows in the world. Addressing taboo topics in minority communities, more specifically, African-American communities, she faces some criticisms, however, she takes pride in being totally supported by her fan base. In a time where HIV/AIDS cases exist at an alarming rate, Jessica, approaches the topic seductively and poetically, to bring awareness to the epidemic that has been infectious in our community. Jessica's lyrical attack on the subject matter has been just as infectious. Engaging audiences across the globe, Jessica and the Punany Poets, performs on a platform that encourages couples to open up lines of communication, experience sheer sensuality and have a healthy and productive sexual relationship. Jessica states, that ..."knowledge is freedom and we cant continue living in ignorance with education readily made available to us..."
Her latest adventure is the 2013 PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION TOUR and is coming to a city and venue near you!!! Jessica Holter's The Punany Poets star in The Punany Experience, A scintillating showcase of Storytelling, Erotic Verse, Comedy, Theatrics Exotic Dance (Adult Language, Artistic Nudity, Audience Interaction *Adults Only) Catch the Newest Punany Poet, MsNightLyfe on the Public Displays of Affection Tour! The 2013 PUBLIC DSPLAYS OF AFFECTION TOUR is a three-movement suite of Poetry, Song, Spoken Word, and Dramatizaton. The individual movements within the 2013 PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION are as follows: The PUNANY EXPERIENCE, The HEAD DOCTOR SHOW, and The SECRET Of The PEARL. Catch the Show ANY WHERE!!!
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and for all the lovers out there its a wonderful thing. Mates join in the commercialized hustle and bustle to show their significant other JUST how much they love them as they profess all for the world to see. For the skeptics and singles, Valentine's Day is OverRated and is viewed as just another day. While both of those extremes are present, I come to aid the "gray matters" in arriving at a common ground. Being single during any celebratory occasion can be quite disappointing, but that's only for the pessimists of the world. Who better than to spend the day of Love with, than the person you love the most: Yourself? To see the world differently, we must change our perception and thought process. Not having a date on Valentine's day isn't the end of the world. As a matter of fact, being alone on V-Day can be just as much fun as hanging out with some random date or the person you've been meaning to break up with for months but don’t have the balls to do it. Being alone is cheaper, easier and probably a hell of a better idea. Now one may ask what in the world can I do on V-Day to ensure that I'm not dwelling on the fact that I'm alone...The answer is simple, you can do plenty. As a lover of all things self, it no longer bothers me to see others happy and in love. It restores my faith in the existence of true love and provides me with that flicker of hope that a love interest that shares my vision will come along. So, don't focus on the PDA shown by lovers around you, internalize that and show yourself a little PDA as its necessary to lover yourself so much that you allow others the temporary enjoyment of your company. In lieu of Valentine's Day AND the Punany Poets Public Displays of Affection Tour, I recommend the following PRIOR to Valentine's Day. 1. Put yourself in a position to meet other singles- It is important to understand that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are thousands of available singles out there just like you and just like retailers capitalize on V-Day, matching services, party promoters, and the like also capitalize on your singledom by offering a variety of events to attend. In creating events where others, like you are just wanting to have a good time and mingle, planners understand the need to target the singles. Plan to attend these events, you may meet total jerks but you may also meet a few good ones. Either way enjoy the moment.
2. Enjoy your singledom...DATE as many or as few people as you would like to! By now you should have had time to mentally prepare yourself for being "alone" on V-Day. In that preparation your suitors or suitees await the moment to spend as much or as little time with you as you allow. So, schedule at least three dates for V-Day. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having breakfast, lunch and dinner with a different person in one day. Its fun, reassuring, and allows others to have a sample of the best you. 3. Treat YOURSELF- Take yourself on a date! Enjoy all those things that you have really been wanting to do. Have cocktails, do something daring, or plan to spend a quite evening at home with tons of "toys". Whatever it is, no one will treat you better than you.
Loving you, makes it easy for others to love you too...Know your worth.
You've watched the Presidential Debates...the ONLY thing left to say is: VOTE! The earlier the better. Surely the headache waiting in line, with some of the world's most unfriendliest people is the LAST thing you want to do, yet VOTING is the FIRST thing you need to do. Sooo VOTE, and do it EARLY. All you need is a VALID TEXAS ID. Voting during the early voting period couldn’t be easier and more convenient! Registered and eligible voters may vote at ANY early voting location located in the county of residence. Whether you are at home, work or out running errands, you will be able to find a polling place near you. Check it Out: Early Voting Hours of Operation October 22 - October 26: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. October 27: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. October 28: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. October 29 - November 2: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
July 17, 2012 Dallas, TX-The XStudcee™ Brand was created to highlight the unique nature of those masculine identifying women. Our diversity is often foreign and misunderstood by the common individual. Yet, naturally we are intriguing and poised. XStudcee™ will be worn ONLY by those that are comfortable in their skin, confident in their abilities and proud of who they are! XStudcee™solidifies the handsome beauty that adorns the shoulders of androgynous women, also known as STUDS. Our traits define us genuinely.
XStudcee ™was founded by Marcel Terrell, an outgoing and motivated entrepreneur that has always been passionate about writing. The XStudcee ™ Brand was inspired by her second novel, XStudceeHer Panty Wetta ™. She initially began exploring her creative side through writing poems, which led to rhymes and free styling with her classmates at age 11. Years later, Terrell decided to share her creative writing with an audience, through her first urban erotica collection of short stories. As the CEO of All Mine Publishing and with her current book, Passions of Seduction, Volume 1, Marcel hopes to accommodate readers with love, passion, romance and lust. She is a native resident of Dallas, Texas where she resides . More information about Marcel Terrell and her other work can be found at www.MarcelTerrell.com.
XStudcee ™ represents everything from the strength and character of a dominant female to the sensual and sexual satisfaction we have been known to bring. XStudcee™is a combination of everything us studs have to offer. We come in many shades, shapes and sizes and both collectively and individually we are sexy, strong, intelligent, dominant, erotic and exotic…just to name a few. XStudcee™ is induced without the faintest touch! Mentally stimulating, the XStudcee™ Brand is seductively dubbed, Her Panty Wetta. It takes a confident individual to walk in our shoes and spread XStudcee's™Pleasure. XStudcee ™bring with its name: apparel, a calendar, and a formal evening line creating a definite path right on top of the box. Ready to go to XStudcee ™... Indulge With Us.
On August 5, 2012 New Jocc City Ent. and All Mine Publishing Presents: The XStudcee™ Party MiXXXer at THE RED ROOM in Addison. The party will introduce to the rest of the world, the XStudcee™Brand, allow patrons to purchase XStudcee™ t-shirts and afford opportunities to support the brand and meet the author, Marcel Terrell. . LIVE Event and Red Carpet Coverage will be provided by Sweet Tooth Media
As an educator, I am always instructing my students to write in color, after redirecting them advising them that I don't mean write using a crayon, rather use magic words that make colors appear before their readers very eyes. Those words work together with great expression to help readers visualize. Many of them take off and create literary masterpieces that could be hung as the finest painting known to man. Its rather exciting to be a colorful expressionist, but to meet others makes me more than ecstatic. I had the pleasure of meeting Denise "Niecy" Whitmore, CEO/Creative Director of Whitmore Art Studios.
Every First Friday the Whitmore Art Studio hosts parties to invite the community to come and view the new exhibits. On July 6th the studio for featured black and white art with a splash of color by local DFW artists. Live music was provided by Michael Smith who performed music from his newly released album Beyond. A piece of art and a personal painting session hosted by Denise Whitmore was raffled! The Personal Painting session allowed for the winner and a friend to have a one on one painting session with Denise! It was here that I experienced first hand the power of Ms. Whitmore's talent. There was a since of nostalgia as I entered Whitmore Art Studios, maybe it was the live music, the warm greetings, or the dynamic beauty in each piece of art. Whatever it was, I journeyed through the studio slow and deliberately and on my discovery path, Ms. Whitmore joined me. She explained each painting, introduced the artists; yet I felt there was something more to know. So, I obliged my inquisitive tugs and asked Ms. Whitmore to share the beginning of her intimate affair with the Arts. She begin by telling me that she started with poetry. I stopped her and shared that I love colorful writing and expression. She stated, "To read aloud, to project my voice clearly. I took that to mean creatively not mere enunciating. So I painted my poems, eager to see the faces, and emotions expressed through my literature. I began to submit for art shows. My first two art shows in Jacksonville, Florida. The Women's Center, and The Lavilla Ritz Museum. I was accepted for both shows only months after my first paintings. Ridiculously ecstatic I began to exhibit by invitation and submission on a regular basis. I felt at home. I was also invited to join a group of local Lakeland, Fl. artist that I dubbed the Local Famous. We met weekly and exhibited regularly.
I still consider myself a southern folk and urban Florida artist, self taught, hungry, motivated and inspired by the sea breeze, palms, and flowers in every color imaginable. My art like my heart is open. Moving to Texas or like I usually say, Big Texas has given me a different delicious perspective. Unlike seeing green 365 days of the year, I have been moved by the browns, grays, and natural hues that provide foundation for the colorful spirit I own. I can’t wait to let Texas take over me on canvas. I’m ready."
Having been a poet for more then 20 years and self publishing 3 volumes of poetry, its no mystery that Ms. Whitmore has a 3 year collection of paintings. She continues to write about her most intimate, emotional moments to date. She discloses that, "Intimate to me is the delicate relationship with self. How and who you are when you sit quiet and write, paint, and just be. How you react to you when life is worth celebrating or when your are struggling to get up from a fall and begin yet again. I love life and people who passionately attack it with kindness and good deeds. Being actively involved in your greatest desires and truth is poetic." With a slogan: Live Life In Color...Paint Yourself Free Ms. Whitmore encourages us all to grow intimate with self and Live BOLDly! Check Out the Video Interview!!!
As of late, we have witnessed the government and all of its entities utilize an excessive exertion of power in every facet of our daily lives. Most times its subtlely swept under the carpet or tucked back in the corners of our mind, without considering the lasting and often damaging effects that it has on those involved, directly or indirectly. What has become painstakingly reality is that many individuals, children, and families don't fully return to that oh so familiar since of normalcy, especially when in the land of the free, mother's (biological, universe appointed or otherwise) can't protect their children and fathers cant provide for their home, without the governments approval or dictatorship of who, when what, where, and why (and thats on a good day, when tax payer opinions are chosen to be acknowledged, let alone heard). My thought process used to be, right will prevail, that is until legislative and judicial bullying put me in my place. Sadly enough, thousands of families are torn apart by this "because I said so" mentality. Baby Sarah and her universe appointed/CPS approved family, the Smith family has provided Sweet Tooth Media, with their first hand experience of this madness.
According to Harris County Child Abuse Task Force, the Texas child population at the end of fiscal year 2009 was 6, 510, 210. In addition to that, Texas had 213, 332 reports of abuse and neglect and 25, 428 of those reports occurred in Harris County. Take a look at other stats reported:
Confirmed Findings of child abuse/neglect: Texas: 24.3% Harris County: 20.4%
Child Abuse Related Fatalities Texas: 280 Harris County: 67
Children in Foster Care at the End of the Fiscal Year Texas: 19,992 Harris County: 4,962
Number of children adopted Texas: 4,859 Harris County: 933
Alarming, I know, but whats even more alarming is that 41.8 % of referrals/allegations were for Neglect not to mention that its 2012 and the numbers have increased. Now certainly the existence of child abuse and neglect isn't a new phenomena, but what seems to be constant in many of these cases is that, state agencies appointed to oversee the cases are making decisions prematurely and blindly. Child Protective Services have been in the news more for the harm their decisions cause, as opposed to the help that they were established to provide. According to www.RT.com, The parents of a 4-year-old girl are outraged after their daughter was placed under the care of Child Protective Services and then heavily medicated with psychotropic drugs. The child was allegedly removed from the home and her parent's rights suspended when the child was only three years old because the mother tested positive for cocaine. It is unclear to Sweet Tooth Media, who made the CPS referral or why but it was reported that CPS testified that the child had not been abused or neglected. Furthermore, the child who when removed was reported to be a happy and healthy child, but while in the care of CPS, the then three year old was prescribed psychotropic meds such as Risperdal, to calm the child who clearly acted out because she desired to be with her family. As a former CPS worker, I know all to well the dark side of CPS and all those involved. This child, is not the only child 'medicated' so that the adults who removed them from the family can 'deal' with them and foster parents can collect payments for them. RT.com states, "A report from ABC News published in November 2011 reveals that around one-fourth of foster children examined by the Government Accountability Office were prescribed at least one psychiatric drugs, with thousands of youngsters forced to take doses higher than what the FDA approves.
“And hundreds of foster children received five or more psychiatric drugs at the same time despite absolutely no evidence supporting the simultaneous use or safety of this number of psychiatric drugs taken together,” ABC adds in their report.
The network adds that in Texas, home of the Harrison Family, children are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs than non-foster children in four other states examined — Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan and Oregon — and not just by a little.
“In Texas, foster children were 53 times more likely to be prescribed five or more psychiatric medications at the same time than non-foster children,” the ABC report reveals. Nationally speaking, children in foster care are nearly five times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs than non-foster children.
In the case of little Rachel Harrison, her parents say a CPS-appointed physician filled out a Risperdal prescription for their daughter, but only after he met with the girl for 16 minutes. Dr. Osagie ignored attempts from Fox to comment on the issue, the station reports, which very well be because he is very busy — they network adds that he has so far treated 755 children in CPS foster care.
“When a parents messes up, you call CPS. Who do you call when CPS messes up?” asks Christina Harrison to Houston’s Fox 26.
“There’s nothing you can do.”
Yolanda Smith, a leader/entrepreneur in OUR community and her family, share similar feelings as the Harrison family. Two years ago, July 17, 2010 (to be exact) she and her family were blessed with an unexpected package that came in the form of a child, Baby Sarah. Sarah's biological family was not able to care for her. The mother is mentally ill and believed to be using drugs and left Baby Sarah in the home with her grandmother who is physically ill and non-ambulatory. Being only a few months old and for days on end, Baby Sarah would be left an a bug ridden bed, in soiled diapers, drinking clabbered milk. The grandmother received home health care and as a professional that individual was required to report the obvious neglect that existed in the home. Once CPS removed the child, and placed in the Smith home at the request of the mother, because Mrs. Smith had been acting as a guardian angel to the family by bringing them food and other items to help. Baby Sarah, born with several difficulties and ailments, has undergone at least 2 surgeries all within the first year of her life. The Smith family, not her biological family were there to support her and see to it that she recovered successfully. Doctors said that she would never walk or live a normal life. To date, Baby Sarah is walking, talking and living a fully functional with no help or encouragement from her biological family.
Fast forward to 2012, the grandmother begun to encourage the mother to get Baby Sarah back because the Smith family begin speaking adoption and figured that since the CPS case has been open for two years without placing the child back in the home of the biological family that adoption would be painless and in the best interest of the child. It has been everything but simple. On June 27, 2012 the Smith family with baby Sarah in tow, found themselves in a CPS court in which the mother requested that the child be removed from the Smith home and placed in a licensed foster care home/facility. Clearly distraught the Smith family, had no clue what happened and wonder who was actually acting in the best interest of the child. The biological family's home is still in no condition to return the child and the mother barely completed any of the courses assigned by CPS, which shows that she is unable or unwilling to provide proper care and a safe, nurturing environment for the child. Since Sarah's removal, the Smith family has been unable to see Baby Sarah, is unaware of her Guardian Ad Litem, and are generally unclear about what has gone wrong. In addition to that they have been contacting the CPS offices, supervisors and program directors over at the Eastex office but to no avail hasnt received any response back. Mrs. Smith disclosed that, " Sarah is on medication and because I had to leave her there at the court she doesnt have any of her personal belongings, including medication. I called for three days at the Chimney Rock Center before anyone came to get her medicine. I don't even know if it is being administered as prescribed..." Mrs. Smith also told Sweet Tooth Media, that the acting case worker is being reassigned but doesn't have any information on who the new case worker will be. These are all normal concerns that a caring parent would have...so you're probably wondering the same thing that I am, Why was it so easy for them to destroy this family?
The answer to that is unknown. Why are people who have no knowledge of the families, and individuals that make up the family able to decide what happens? What evidence was presented to have the child removed aside from the request of a mother who couldn't/didn't care for her in the first place? Was the best interest of the child even considered? All to often, people with no stake in our lives make decisions for us based on, the air up there! This blog isnt to say that the child should not be with her biological family, because as with CPS, I believe that children should be with those that will care and provide for them in a thriving environment and in this case, the Smith Family are those people. It is my hope that something be done to reunite Baby Sarah with her REAL family-The Smiths. To help, it is asked that you read and share until a fair decision has been made in this case.
Help us Fight in the Safe Return of Baby Sarah, by sharing and signing this petition:
You tell me, after TWO years, is this the face of a child that has NOT been properly cared for??? Of Course not, but the GREAT state of Texas has other plans for this child, to satisfy their own sick interest instead of the Child's Best Interest! Where is the logic?
Mark Cuban is a name synonymous with words such as risky, outlandish, and bold. An avid business man and known "shark" is once again engaging in venturesome activity. Mark Cuban has announced that he is considering women's basketball star, Brittney Griner in the 2013 2nd round draft pick. Cuban states even if she isn't selected he's considering giving her a spot on the team's summer league squad. Cuban's logic behind sexually integrating the NBA is that there is great marketing opportunities and that she's the best option considering those players remaining after the 1st round draft pick. Cuban believes she's capable and wants to give her the opportunity to prove that she is.
Houston native, Brittney Griner has an impressive basketball record. The 6'8'' Baylor player has earned three consecutive Big 12 player of the year awards and she is the second all time scorer in Women's NCAA Division One basketball. She is arguably the most transcendent female college basketball player of all time. Noted for her athleticism and physicality, in a male dominated industry it is no wonder that she is also criticized for those same qualities. Often being likened to a man on the court, Brittney has received some negative feedback for her authority and achievement on the court. Responding to Cuban, with "lets do it" will equally get Griner praised and condemned.
The key for all women and sports fans alike is to remain optimistic that the Cuban along with team officials will be make the best choice. I'm sure that Griner, will bring her best with her to try outs.
