Soooooooooo, today I finally take Pride in saying that I have a Bachelors Degree in COMMUNICATIONS!!!

Have I Mastered it yet...No
Do I have a Masters in it yet...No
Am I the most articulate person in the world...No, I even stutter sometimes.
Do I sometimes say things in a way that isn't most pleasing to the ears...Dayuum Right!!!

Even with all of my Communication flaws...I am No longer ashamed to admit ----
I spent a WHOLE LOT OF MONEY so that I can learn how to COMMUNICATE ;-)

Okay, I will admit...I am being a little sarcastic, but a part of me shares this with good intentions.

Let me tell you about my day...

*in my French accent* Wait, I'll spare the details & give you what I came up with after 'a many conversations...

It is my belief that COMMUNICATION is to blame for 90% of your Failed or Successful Business & Personal relationships.

DISCLAIMERs:
1) I don't know what makes up the other 10% yet & 1 day, the numbers might change...Who knows ;-)
and
2) This could just be a knock-off version of a Great 13th Century Philosopher's findings...It's even a possibility that I've seen this quote before & just don't remember...I'm not sure...But I do know that those words never made as much sense to me as they do today...

Soooooo, I've taken the liberty to share with you some of the quotes I just Googled that address COMMUNICATING because after I read them, I am certain now that COMMUNICATION REALLY IS A BIG FRICKIN DEAL!!!

With All of that being said - I'd like to Thank WMU's Communications Department (Especially Dr. Spellers, Dr. Potter, Dr. Hearit) because I am Proud to have studied COMMUNICATIONS during my Undergrad & hopefully 1 Day, How I COMMUNICATE will afford me to pay off all the loans/money it cost me...

Wait a sec...Maybe had I just read these quotes first...I wouldn't have so much debt.

Oh well, "Spilled Milk" as the say

At least I met some GREAT people & learned how to research at the same time...So enjoy these quote
&
Til Next Time...COMMUNICATE w/COMPASSION
Ms. Dia
;-)


“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.” - Epictetus

“Communication works for those who work at it.” -John Powell

"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.” -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others." = Anthony Robbins

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” -Epictetus

I don't do RED Meat John ;-)

Sooooooo John Mayer is crying while he apologizes for his remarks...Get outta here John ;-O

Love how he pulled the "I got Black friends, Check out my Musicians & Background Singers"...Cute


Why is John crying a river? Well, in a recent Playboy interview he used the "N Word" in an attempt to be "Clever" when discussing hood passes. WAIT: Did I just say "N Word"? LMAO
“Someone asked me the other day, ‘what does it feel like now to have a hood pass?’ And by the way, it’s sort of a contradiction in terms, because if you really had a hood pass, you could call it a n****r pass.,’” Mayer said. “Why are you pulling a punch and calling it a hood pass if you really have a hood pass? But I said, ‘I can’t really have a hood pass. I’ve never walked into a restaurant, asked for a table and been told ‘we’re full.’”

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm, I'm trying to get the whole "I was trying to be clever thing"....I'll re-read it a couple times...Maybe call Sampson Simpson & see if somehow this dude is so Clever that it went right over my head.

Anyways, I didn't know about the "Nigga" talk, I only knew that his "penis was like a White Supremacist"...In the Playboy interview, he had this to say about dating Black Women...

PLAYBOY: Do black women throw themselves at you?

MAYER: I don’t think I open myself to it. My di-k is sort of like a white supremacist. I’ve got a Benetton heart and a fu–in’ David Duke cock. I’m going to start dating separately from my di-k.

PLAYBOY: Let’s put some names out there. Let’s get specific.

MAYER: I always thought Holly Robinson Peete was gorgeous. Every white dude loved Hilary from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And Kerry Washington. She’s superhot, and she’s also white-girl crazy. Kerry Washington would break your heart like a white girl. Just all of a sudden she’d be like, “Yeah, I sucked his di-k. Whatever.” And you’d be like, “What? We weren’t talking about that.”


Well John, I still think you make some pretty DOPE music, but as I often say to people that need to shut their mouths...Go SAD!!! But wait, I don't think I had to tell him to do that...He was probably already taking care of that one ;-O

By the way, I don't do Red Meat Anyways John...How U like that

Always,
Ms. Dia
;-)

SHOWtime @ The Apache ft. SHAMORA & the "Not So Amateur" Open Mic

Alright, soooooooooooooo Friday Feb.19th we're bringing back SHOWtime @ the Apache because Soooooooooooo many people said they enjoyed the other ones & we want to provide a platform for ALL genres to Rock! Now, this one is gonna be AMAZING too because even if those that sign the list are not good (which I doubt)...we have an INCREDIBLE Vocalist that will be featuring - SHAMORA! Many of you know her from her debut album "HOW IT FEELS" (A MUST HAVE)...Seriously, you MUST have that 1. With songs like Betcha, My Life, Stronger & "My Fav" Cry No More, this album is certified CLASSIC in my book. If you loved How It Feels, you're gonna Love SUBSTANCE ABUSE! Here is just a lil sample of Shamora singing one of the songs from her new album Substance Abuse...I Hear Ya Shamora!!!

It's time for another I LOVE RAP!!! Yall know, we have such a GREAT time at ALL of them & this 1 is gonna be NO exception. Check out the promo Video for it...SAY IT LOUD BAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYBEEEEEE!




Now, unfortunately there are no more performance opportunities for Thursdays I LOVE Rap show...However, if you're looking to perform - you are able to Friday @ SHOWtime @ the Apache!

Soooooooooooooooo, I'm in a DETroit State of Mind right now...I know it might sound cliche, but seriously...I am! Soooooooo, I felt like hearing Monica Blaire sing "I'm From Deeeeeeeeeeeetroit" & I went to Youtube only to find that a number of versions are now available...Okay, so I went thru all of them & here is my take on each song...The Good! The Bad & The WTF were U thinkin!

DISCLAIMER: My City is like a Family Member...Yeah, the Family can Talk about her, but when people outside of the Family talk about her...It hit my ears in a way I'm not too happy with...Anyways, let's go!

Ro Spit & Monica Blaire - Renaissance State of Mind ( Official Video ) by VANDAL



GOOD: Well Executed...Tight Verses...Video Quality is Dope...MONICA killed that hook!!! GO MONICA!

BAD: I can honestly say I HATE when people say they rep a city that they are not from. Tho Ro acknowledged he's from Pontiac (Whatup Yac-town)...I'm NOT feelin that!

UGLY: They did such a good job with it (especially Monica) that I keep it in Heavy Rotation...Just wish Slum V, Royce, Boog Brown or Black Milk would've connected w/Monica to get it done...Still Wish U the Best Ro ;-)


DETROIT STATE OF MIND BY HIIP HOP



GOOD: I really liked his verses...I thought it was a good representation of Detroit...Intelligent, yet Hood ;-)...and...The news clips were good!

BAD: Tho I liked the Clips, that song is All about the release you get when it's time to SING!

UGLY: Ro already got Monica...Dayuum!



D-Boy - Factory State of Grind (Empire State of Mind/Detroit Version)



GOOD: He Admitted that he is NOT from Detroit...Str8 up, when Young Whites (18-35) claim they are from Detroit...DO A BACKGROUND CHECK...Hey, I Love my White folks, but TRUST when I say, if we're talking about Detroit-Detroit...Ummmmmmmmmmm, it's not hard to find out if they were Really raised there because it was only like 5 in every school. Another Good...Dude can Rhyme & it was Smart, Clever...I liked it.

BAD: Lil Momma didn't move me all that much, but she was cool.

UGLY: Ummmmmmmmm, don't really have anything else to say...I liked him.

Detroit State of Mind - Mike Young & Karolina McGovern



GOOD: I'M AN AMERICAN & I HAD THE RIGHT TO EXIT OUT OF THAT BS! Wait, It was 1 Good thing...I LMAO @ the Chick creepin around the corner on the hook like she was about to Go to Church on us...;0

BAD: WE DON'T HAVE A PATROL BOOTH SET UP ONLINE THAT WILL DO THE BACKGROUND CHECK I MENTIONED IN THE PREVIOUS SECTION...I GOTTA SEE YOUR TRANSCRIPT FELLA, IF IT'S NOT AT LEAST 1 DPS on THERE...CITIZENSHIP REVOKED!

UGLY: It's was soooooooooo Ugly, I Cried ;-)

DETROITers....What's your take on the songs?

I'm out,

Ms. Dia

"DILLA DAY IN THE A"

COME HANG WITH US ALLLLLLL DAY SATURDAY - OCT 24TH - FOR "DILLA DAY IN THE A"

WE'RE STARTING WITH THE WALK @ 9AM
REGISTER WITH THE J.DILLA PROJECT BY VISITING THIS LINK
Http://walk.lupusresearch.org/goto/jaydee

Highwoods Century Center
October 24th, 2009

Distance: 5K (3.1 Miles)
Participants do not have to walk the entire distance to participate in the event.
Registration begins at 9 AM, Walk begins at 10 AM

Getting There:

* I-85N/GA-403 N toward Greenville
* Take EXIT 91 toward US-23/Clairmont Rd./GA-155/DECATUR
* Stay straight to go onto I-85 N/Northeast Expy
* Turn LEFT onto CLAIRMONT RD NE
* Turn RIGHT onto CENTURY BLVD NE
* Follow signs

THEN WE'RE HEADING TO THE BENCH FOR FOOD, DILLA'S DREAM CAMP, DILLA'S NAMING CEREMONY...PLUS



PERFORMANCES BY ILLA J & ATL HIP HOPPAS


$5 FOR REGISTERED WALKERS/$10 NON-WALKERS

FOR MORE INFO - DisFaDilla@yahoo.com
Dia @ (678)663-5998

Black Milk, Black Spade & Gotta Be Karim in ATL on THE SHOW!

Shouts to SENOR KAOS, CHICAGOrilla, Obanga & the Crew for the footage!


We had BLACK MILK, BLACK SPADE & GOTTA BE KARIM on THE SHOW - ATL & it was good finally meeting them. If you have not Checked for these guys....DO SO!

We talked about the Music, DILLA, Detroit & Radio...Here is the Black Milk Interview!

Sooooooooo I Know...I Know....It's been a long time : (

I know......It's been a long time, but we're working on that : ) Anyways, some GREAT things went down since we've been together.

1 - 3 on 3rd was the BEST it's ever been! I'm not speaking just of the Talent...Though they were incredible...I'm speaking of it being overall what I planned when coming up with the concept. The Audience was INCREDIBLE!!! Looking forward to the next one, but in the meantime, make sure you come see us at Apache - Oct 16th for I LOVE FASHION! I'm premiering my PURSE-N-ALL-EYES-IT line!




2 - GOODIE MOB REUNION in ATL!!! OMG! This was one of the BEST nights EVER! I can't say what it meant to Atlanta Natives because I'm sure it was something bigger than what any of us "transplants" could understand, but as a HIP HOPPAH & SOUL CHILD...It was Magical! Georgie Me hosting was the BEST marriage of the Minds & I can seriously say I was soooooooooooo Proud of ALL involved!





3 - I said BYE to Betsy : ( She's been w/me for a long time, but now it's time to Move On!!! Thanks Pops for her...I loved her : )

AMERICA I AM

Sooooooooooo,

I got a chance to check out the AMERICA I AM exhibit today. Cool! Ummmm, first of all, when we walked in my mind instantly turned into CRIMINAL MINDED!!! They had some of the DOPEST Light Installation Art - EVER!!! Can't say that it was the biggest learning experience, but the visuals were OFF THE HOOK!

It reminded me of a poem I wrote some years ago...Like to hear it...Here it goes...

Now, I AM Beautiful & Everything about me is cool
Now, I AM Intriguing & You Read about me in school
Now, I AM Deep & Always in your head
Now, I AM Exotic & You want me in your bed
Now, I AM The Trendsetter & You repeat everything you see
Now, I AM like a rare Painting & You want a Piece of Me
Now, I AM no longer mute & You hear what I have to say
Well Hear this
Now, I AM THE SAME & YOU JUST FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ME YESTERDAY

Here is the video of Myself & my homeboy Ced L. Young "Gimme the Tracks"...I'm a FLAKE! We were practicing my RAP but I got scared cause I ain't want Walmart ppl coming after me for wasting their time. LOL!

http://video3.frontandcenterproductions.com/video_email/B5/25/4A5A4B26.asp

3 on 3rd turns 1!!!! We're PARTYING w/ I LOVE MOTOWN pt.1: THE PARTY

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Happy that we are here celebrating the 1 year Anniversary of 3 on 3rd. Over this last year, we've had some GREAT shows - thanks to the number of Talented Artists we've featured & the FANTABULOUS crowds.

For the Anniversary Party, we're going to straight up PARTY! Check out the video below for all of the details. Make sure you GO GET YOUR MOTOWN/50s GEAR & come party with us.

HHAW 2009 Concert w/KRS ONE, BUCKSHOT & ATL ALLSTARS...OH BOI

I'm not going to say much...I'll let the videos speak!
"HATE ME NOW" lol- THANKS TEACHA


"LEMME TELL YOU WHAT BEHIND THE SCENES REALLY MEAN"


KILLER MIKE KILLS IT!




BOBBY CREEKWATER & STAT QUO


KRS ONE & MC SHAN


SPARKY D EVEN HIT THE STAGE


ATL EMCEES GETTIN BUSY


CLASS IS IN SESSION


HECTIC GETTIN BUSY

The Real JUNETEENTH/I LOVE GOSPEL

"If we can put the names of our faiths aside for the moment and look a principles, we will find a common thread running through all the great religious expressions."

I don't think I could've said it any better than that. Louis Farrakhan was seriously on to something when he made that statement. Since announcing that we were doing "I LOVE GOSPEL"...I've wondered if it would only appeal to the Christian audience and on the record I say...THIS IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTIANS...THIS IS FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF AFRICAN DESCENT.

This celebration is also recognizing JUNETEENTH (www.JUNETEENTH.com). So, it is far more than a Gospel Concert...it is an educational experience.

We do a number of "I LOVE..." shows & in an effort to acknowledge the contributions of SOUL ARTISTS in ALL GENRES...and it was only fitting to combine the JUNETEENTH & I LOVE GOSPEL shows together.

So who should come? EVERYONE!!! This is going to be a Beautiful Day! I am beyond excited about this event & I pray that we see everyone from your Gospel Artists to the dopest Emcees in Atlanta in the building. This is soooooo much bigger than what you might perceive it to be....

"Is a Woman's Attraction to Status/Stability any different than a Man's Attraction to Beauty?" - Casual Convo Topic 5/10/09

Soooooooo, this morning on "THE SHOW" (89.3 fm WRFG-ATL or www.WRFG.org) our Casual Conversation piece topic was "Is a Woman's Attraction to Status/Stability any different than a Man's Attraction to Beauty?"

Personally, I think it's the same...What do you think....I'll explain as we start this conversation :)

JUNETEENTH - I LOVE GOSPEL - CELEBRATION -Fri.6/19 @ APACHE

(Courtesy of www.Juneteenth.com)

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.


From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.



We're celebrating w/a Tribute to Gospel Music by some of Atlanta's most talented Vocalists. Please come out & enjoy the music that speaks to our spirit!!!

JUNE is BLACK MUSIC MONTH

Yes, June is BLACK MUSIC MONTH & as a Board Member of the BLACK MUSIC MONTH FOUNDATION I urge ALL of US to CELEBRATE, EDUCATE & PARTICIPATE in the 2009 BLACK MUSIC MONTH activities as this year marks the 30th Anniversary since Pres. Jimmy Carter pronounced June as BMM!

At Apache Cafe, we're hosting SNL-Saturday Nights Live every Saturday to celebrate BLACK MUSIC MONTH.

The first show had RAHBI, Muffy & Blount Harvey. It was AMAZING! That RAHBI...Boy, oh Boy! I know heavens are smiling on him. Muffy was in the building & we had another Incredible set by Blount Harvey (out of Greenville)

Check out the Video Promo

Day 19 - Yeah, we're there...Not actually, but practically!

"Since new developments are the products of a creative mind, we must therefore stimulate and encourage that type of mind in every way possible." -George Washington Carver

Making Dinner today had a huge LESSON behind it. (Let me rewind)Not long ago,I walked into a restaurant called "SOUTHERN KITCHEN" or something like that. So, I'm thinking somebody's Auntie or Granny would be in there frying fish & chicken, but to my surprise-it was an all Asian & Mexican staff. Not to discriminate, but I'm like "WHY DO WE LET EVERYBODY COME SELL BACK TO US OUR CREATIONS"?

So, I decided to learn how to cook things outside or your typical soul food.I know for many,it's like "Girl, you late" but seriously, I had NO IDEA how much I was NOT tapping into the rest of the world.I think it's the "Off Limits" signs we place on anything that does not have our face on it. Long story short - I'M NOT GIVIN ANOTHA M-Fa my HARD EARNED $$ FOR STUFF THAT I RESPECTED AS "THEIRS" WHEN THEY SELL ME "MINE"

BTW, THAT SH&T WAS GREAT!!!

"I LOVE SPOKEN WORD/POETRY" is soon...

Hey,

Many of you met me as the "Girl that does Spoken Word" because when I first moved to Atlanta, I would frequent the spoken word spots. On the other hand, there are a number of people that have no idea that I am a writer/spoken word Artists/Poet...well, I AM!

Not often am I inspired, but when I am...it comes flowing like the nile. Kinda crazy because when I'm not...I can't form a stanza to save my life. Well, not actually, but you know what I mean.

Anyways, May is National Poetry Month, therefore "3 on 3rd" will present "I LOVE SPOKEN WORD/POETRY" on Friday, May 17th. It's going to be an INCREDIBLE show as a number of local spoken word Artists are coming out to do tributes & perform some of their original works.



Make sure you come on by...and if you do, let them know that you read on my blog that I was giving $3 OFF to anyone that subscribes. :)

BTW, Don't get mad at me...the REAL blogging is coming...Just overloaded with work right now. I PROMISE :)

See ya,
Ms. Dia

Check out the video to see all of the Artists performing

Day 13 - Almost 1/2 way there...Can feel it!

Day 13 - "Just don't give up trying 2 do what u really want 2 do.Where there's love & inspiration,I don't think u can go wrong" -Ella Fitzgerald

It's amazing how much we're willing to devote to what we don't love doing, but when it's time to put energy into what we're passionate about...we lack the time or the encouragement from others.

SCREW THAT!!!

If there was EVER a time for us to go HARD with the things we REALLY LOVE...IT IS NOW!

I'm not saying it's gonna be easy...Lord knows I'm not. But riddle me this...What is?

But I bet you one thing...It's fulfilling!

Kinda wierd, but lately I've been simply THANKING THE HEAVENS for the Love & Support I've received from my Family & Extended Family to follow my dreams! From the purchases of baskets, purses & even the bath salts I packaged in old baby food containers :)

I share that with you to remind you that when you are on your path...your people will recognize it and help you along the way.

Don't know who this is reaching, but whoever needs to hear this...PLEASE ACT ON IT!!!

1 Love,
Ms. Dia
It's Day 13...Almost 1/2 way there :O CAN FEEL IT!!!

Say it all together...Girl Hush!!!

So, I was so excited about this at first. Then, I don't know what went down. Maybe this little thing called LIFE!

NOPE! That's BS! I just didn't stick to my word and I am woman enough to admit it. So, what I'm gonna do is update ya'll on days 4-12...

Day 4- "No 2 people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music." - Billie Holiday

Day 5 - "Art for art's sake is just another piece of deodorized dog-shit" - Chinua Achebe. -WORD- 3 on 3rd is tonight @ APACHE.Twitts $3 off

Day 6 - "Passion is NOT friendly.It is arrogant, superbly contemptuous of all that is not itself..."James Baldwin - Good Morning!

Day 7-"If we can put names of our faiths aside for the moment & look @ principles, we find a common thread running thru all"-Louis Farrakhan

Day 8 - "The very time I thought I was lost,my dungeon shook & my chains fell off"-African-American Folk Saying...Be FREE...Feeling Good!

Day 9 - "When you are looking for obstacles, you can't find opportunities." - J.C.Bell So real!!! Change your focus!!!

Day 10 - "If you haven't got it...You can't show it. If you have got it...You can't hide IT!" - Zora Neale Hurston - Let's GET,GET,GET IT!!!

Day 11 - "When you're creating your own shit...even the sky ain't the limit." - Miles Davis

and finally

Day 12 - "People see God every day, they just don't recognize Him." - Pearl Bailey

I'm a let ya'll ponder on those and be back tomorrow with day 13. I know you're like "Is this what her blog gone be like?"

HELL YEAH! If it's what I'm going thru. LOL! No seriously, it's gonna get good, but I must finish this 30 Better Me!

LET'S ROLL!!!!

Day 3...Ooops :)

"Either you deal with the reality, or you can be sure that the reality is going to deal with you." - Alex Haley

You might say...what is the purpose of blogging if you don't want to talk.

Hell, I don't know, but sometimes it's okay to shut up and let others speak for you.

Enjoy the quote! See ya soon!

Ms. Dia