Since when did bitches and hoes refer ONLY to Black women?

Of course this refers to this whole debacle regarding Imus calling the Black women on the Rutgers basketball team "nappy headed hos" and "jiggaboos" along with a few other words.Here it is in case you haven't seen it yet:

Link

The thing that has my head spinning is how easily people, especially Black women, have been totally and completely swayed from focus. Imus said some ill shit but what he did holds no precedent to what just happened. The focus went from White racism, in the likes of Imus and Micheal Richards, to rap music, dominated by Black men! How!? How in the hell did it become an issue of Black men vs Black women? The thing that offends me the most - something not ONE Black woman has even opened her eyes to - since when does "bitch" and "hoe" refer ONLY to Black women? Answer that question ladies! Since when does "bitch" and "hoe" refer ONLY to Black women?

This is the flip. How in the hell did these terms become exclusive to Black women? Who in the hell set this false concept into motion in the first place? Everyone wants to lynch a Black man because it's been the popular thing to do and Black women are hopping on this bandwagon immediately (not a good look on your part ladies, not at all)! Yet, not one person has been able to address this issue. But, you know I will be doing it here!

All women KNOW that other women, other than Black women, can be bitches and hoes. This is NOT exclusive to Black women only. There are plenty of White bitches running around this planet. Just as there are plenty of White bitches, so too exist, Asian bitches, Indian bitches, Spanish bitches and all kinds of bitches in between. But, we all know that not all women are bitches! Let's say this again because this simple FACT has a lot of people dumbfounded. "Like wow! All women aren't bitches! Really?!?" Yes, it's true. NOT ALL WOMEN ARE BITCHES. Who doesn't know that? Honestly, if you didn't know that, you've got to be one silly son of a bitch (go figure).

Now, let me address this rap music nonsense. Rap is basically Black male dominant - true! But, since when in the use of the words "bitch" and "hoe" did it become a reference for ONLY Black women? This question pops up quite often here doesn't it!?

Let's hold a dialogue of sorts!

You only see Black women dancing in these music videos! Well damn, I suppose a Black man's idea of beauty happens to be Black women! And these women make their own choice to dance. GO FIGURE!

No, that's bullshit. Black men don't like or respect Black women which is why they are in the videos! Besides, are they saying that only Black women are beautiful enough to dance in videos? Hmmmm! Well, yeah! Fuck it, I will say it! I love Black women! We love... LOVE our Black women. Rappers LOVE Black women! Black men LOVE Black women! Everyone loves Black women. And no other women can compare! If we didn't love to see our Black women, they wouldn't be in our videos! Snoop Dogg said it best, "We don't love them hoes!" But, we do love our Black women!

Well if you only have Black women in the videos and you talk about "bitches and hoes" how else are we supposed to see Black women? Is rap music your only view into the Black community? You don't know anything else about Black people outside of rap? (There's the pitiful crutch people like Imus have used to almost absolve themselves of their own racism and turn it back on the Black community.)

PICK UP A FUCKIN BOOK! ASK A QUESTION.
The reality of a lot of White people including Imus is that they are very racist... VERY RACIST! They do NOT like anything Black. So, for them this is an opportunity to cause strife within our own community. Read the message boards, forum posts, article talk-back sections etc etc etc. Racism is alive and strong in the US. You think these people give a rat's ass about Black women or are they just using rap music and Black women as a way to further lynch Black men? Think about it. How many Black women truly believe Black men, in general, do not respect them? So, why are we fighting each other for beliefs we do NOT hold internally?

I do believe rap music needs a major overhaul. But, it's not an overhaul of the terminology nor ideology but instead an overhaul of the marketing and distribution support system. There's a reason every other song is about rims and grills and nothing else! Do you really believe that Black men, rappers, only rap about these meaningless things? You don't believe there are any other types of music that exist out there? Who's fault is that? Who signs these people to their labels with national and international marketing contracts? Who gave Cash Money millions to set up Cash Money? Who put money in Snoop Dogg's pockets? You want to stop degrading rap music, answer those questions first and start there! We can sit here and blame Black men all we want but it isn't going to stop WHO gets support in the music industry! Think on it!

Finally, the answer
Question: Since when does "bitch" and "hoe" refer ONLY to Black women?
Answer: NEVER DID IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Don't let other people decide what you already know to be true! Think on it for yourselves.

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Visit Extreme Rugged Remote Parashant Canyon National Monument

Visit Extreme Rugged Remote Parashant Canyon National Monument
by: Bob Therrien

Grand Canyon Parashant Canyon National Monument is not as well known as it’s bigger sister next door. On January 11, 2000, President Bill Clinton established the 1.1-million-acre Monument. This vast monument protects much of the Shivwits Plateau. The Shivwits is ecologically unique because it's where the Sonoran, Great Basin, and Mojave Deserts intersect. This region is a wildlife habitat for several endangered or threatened species. California condors, desert tortoises, willow flycatchers, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope call this area home.

This is a very remote and undeveloped Monument. Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is located in northwest Arizona, bordered by the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon National Park to the south and east, Nevada and Lake Mead to the west. Many people fly into Las Vegas as a Hub, and plan their visit from there.

The Monument information center is located in the lobby of the BLM Office in St. George, Utah. The address is 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah, 84790. There you will find maps, field guides, books, and other items. Staff members are available to answer questions and provide safety information.

If you decide to add this to your adventure tours, here is the mileage from closest major cities: To Saint George from Las Vegas 118 miles, 190 km, From Phoenix 435 miles, 700 km, From Denver 631 miles, 1015 km.

There are only two semi-maintained trails in the Monument – Mt. Trumbull and Mt. Dellenbaugh. All other hiking is on unmarked routes or requires bushwhacking through dense brush or rugged terrain. Grand Canyon Parashant provides a sense of solitude to those who trek into its isolated areas. Located on the edge of the Grand Canyon, the Monument's expansive landscape showcases both natural and cultural history.

Of the points of interest in the Monument, here are the ones that the Bureau of Land Management point out:

• Virgin River Gorge Campground
• Condor Release Viewing Site
• Pakoon Springs
• Mt Trumbull Schoolhouse
• Sawmill Historic Site
• Witch’s Point
• Uinkaret Pueblo
• Nampaweap Petroglyph Site
• Tuweep Ranger Station
• Toroweap Campground
• Toroweap Overlook
• Tassi Spring
• Pearce Ferry Campground
• Pearce Ferry

To travel here, you must use caution, as it is off the beaten track. You must have the appropriate maps to find your way to and around the Monument. There are entry roads from Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Plan your entrance point by your travel route. There are no paved roads or visitor services within the Monument's million-plus acres, so visitors need to be prepared by traveling with an appropriate high-clearance vehicle equipped with two full-sized spare tires. Some content provided by The National Park Service and AZ BLM.

About The Author
Bob Therrien is a travel writer and has traveled all over North America. He currently operates the website at Parashant Canyon.

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Fiance Visas - U.S. Immigration

Fiance Visas - U.S. Immigration
by: Maury D. Beaulier

Overview

We have successfully obtained thousands of fiancee and marriage visas. These include visas for wives and husbands in all countries including Latin America (Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama), asian countries (China, Viet Nam, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China), the former USSR (Russia, the Ukraine, Czechoslovakia), the Phillipeans, Europe Canada and more.

The length of time it takes us to obtain a fiancee visa depends on the state in which you reside, the country in which your fiancee lives and the immigration processing center where the application is processed. We will do all of the work and provide you with a realistic time estimate based upon your situation. We obtain fiancee visas for clients from every state in the U.S. Call us at (952) 746-2153.

Whether you met that special someone on a trip overseas or while she/he was visiting the United States or even in an online chat-room, if you’re ready to join as husband and wife, or at least fiances, you may be eligible to bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. to finalize your union in marriage.

If you are a U.S. citizen and your fiancé(e) lives abroad, the Fiancé Visa may be just what you’ve been looking for. The Fiancé Visa is a relatively fast process that allows your fiancé to enter the U.S. to marry you and then adjust his/her status to lawful permanent resident based on the marriage (without having to leave the U.S.). Compared to other types of permanent status visas like the Family Based Petition, Employment Based Petition, or the Diversity Lottery program, the Fiancé Visa has a relatively fast processing time and when done properly, can reunite you and your fiancé(e) in the United States.

Procedure

The first step is to file the Fiancé Visa Petition with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), with supporting documents. It is very important to submit the necessary supporting documents; failure to do so can result in long delays or even denial of the petition.

Once the petition is approved, the INS will forward the petition to the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) resides. Your fiancé(e) would then be contacted by the embassy or consulate for an interview. Some of the documents that your fiancé(e) may need to present at the interview include: a valid passport, evidence of support, birth certificate, medical examination report, divorce decree or death certificate of any previous spouse, police certificates from all places lived since age sixteen (16), evidence of the validity of your relationship; and passports and medical examinations for any accompanying children.

Upon issuance of the visa, your fiancé(e) would be allowed into the U.S. to marry you; however, the marriage must take place within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States. If you do not marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days or your fiancé(e) marries someone other than you (the U.S. citizen filing the Petition for Alien Fiancé), your fiancé(e) will be required to leave the United States. In addition, your fiancé(e) may not obtain an extension of the 90-day original admission. Therefore, it is very important to marry during the 90 admission period. If your fiancé(e) does not marry you and stays beyond the 90 days, he/she will be subject to deportation as well as possible bars from returning to the United States for specified periods of time.

Permanent Residence (Green Card)

After you marry, your fiancé(e) may apply to become a permanent resident (Green Card). Your fiancé(e), now spouse, will receive conditional permanent residence status because the status is based on a marriage that was less than two years old on the day he/she was given permanent residence. The status is conditional because you and your new spouse must prove that you did not get married to evade the immigration laws of the United States. The conditional status will last for two years, at which point you must apply for removal of the conditions on the status.

Employment Authorization

Although it may take months or longer for approval of the green card, your new spouse may apply for employment authorization while the green card application is pending. Employment authorization would allow your new spouse to work legally while waiting for permanent residence.

Reminder

An important reminder is that only U.S. citizens may take advantage of the Fiancé Petition. Presently, there is no provision that allows lawful permanent residents to use the Fiancé Petition.

If there is someone special in your life whom you are considering to be your husband or wife, we have been very successful in assisting our clients with Fiancé(e) Visas and would gladly assist you with yours. Call (952) 746-2153 or visit www.workvisalawyers.com.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is part of a 29 attorney immigration law firm handling cases for clients across the United States and abroad. The firm and its members are recognized leaders in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization process including asylum cases, work visas, investor visas and family based immigration. You may reach Mr. Beaulier at (952) 746-2153 or through his immigration website located at Work Visa Lawyers.

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Working in America. The H1B Visa

Working in America. The H1B Visa
by: Maury D. Beaulier

What is a Visa?

A "Visa" is simply a stamp in a passport that gives the passport holder authorization to enter the United States. The INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) handles most matters involving visas. You may find an immigration lawyer to help you with your H1 visa or any other visa on this site.

What is the H1-B Visa?

The H1-B visa is also commonly called a "work visa" or "work permit." This is the most common form of temporary work visa. It enables the foreign worker to enter the United States to work temporarily in a professional capacity. H1B Employment opportunities in the state of Minnesota, which reflect the national trend, are abundant, so abundant that employers are seeking out the assistance of foreign workers to fill the gaps in the workplace. To locate an H1B job in the U.S. use the links at the right to draft and post your resume.

The government requires at least five agencies to certify a foreign employee for H1B work in the United States, often a long process in itself. But the government recently made this process even more arduous by reducing its funding to one key player in the certification process, the State Economic Security Department. This cut in funding has had a grave impact on this state’s, as well as this country’s, ability to recruit and retain foreign professionals for employment, especially those H1B professionals with technical experience and in the field of health care.

How Do I Qualify?

To qualify for an H1-B foreign workers must fit into a category of "priority workers" which include:

H1B workers with advanced degrees or exceptional ability;

H1B professionals (Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent);

H1B skilled workers and others.

Generally, foreign workers must also demonstrate that the occupation sought is of a special nature that cannot be easily filled with the workforce available in the United States. Oftentimes demonstrating the special nature of a position requires a statement by the sponsoring employer. The applicant should also be able to demonstrate advanced education skills either through a degree from a foreign university or equivalent employment history. Within each of these three main categories, there are H1B sub-groups, all with their own requirements. It should be noted that there is typically a backlog for H1B workers from China and India in the second and third H1B preference category. To qualify as a H1B "professional" under U.S. immigration laws, you must have at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Work experience may satisfy this prerequisite if the work was in a field that generally requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, the foreign worker must be employed in a "professional capacity." This means that the employment must be a legitimate professional job requiring a professional education and paying a commensurate salary. The foreign worker cannot simply be engaged in the employment as a hobby or for religious purposes.

Click Here To View an Employer/Employee Checklist for the H1-B.

The H1-B visa is not only for those attempting to gain entry into the United States, but also for those already in this country, for example, an individual in the United States on a student visa may seek an H1-B visa to remain in this country after their student visa expires. Requirements for foreign nationals already in the U.S. is similar to the requirements for non-resident aliens. They must also demonstrate their specialty and credentials just as if applying from abroad.

The H1-B visa is also linked to the particular employer sponsoring the foreign worker. Not only must you have a sponsoring employer to apply, but the H1-B cannot be transferred for employment with any other employer. In other words, if you seek to change jobs, you must re-qualify and reapply with the new employer.

In today's employment market, professionals in the areas of software development, informational systems, nurses and other health care professionals are in short supply and high demand. As a result, numerous H1-B visas are issued in these fields each year. However, the number of H1-B visas issues each year is strictly limited and is reached earlier and earlier each year. The application process for H1-B visas begins in October. In 2000, the H1-B quota was reached by mid-March.

Even after the limit of H1-B visas is reached each year, demand for professional workers remains high. It is for that reason that the U.S. legislature has debated increasing the number of H1-B visas for these particular professions. Despite these efforts, to date, no additional visa categories have been authorized.

REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. Bachelors Degree or foreign equivalent (if degree is foreign) analysis by independent credentials evaluations service attesting that foreign degree is equivalent to U.S. Bachelors Degree; or

Professional job offer which closely parallels the training and background of the particular employee; and

Filing of a Labor Condition Attestation with the U.S. Department of Labor;

Prevailing wage survey conducting by the local state employment agency to protect the employer

I-129H petition approved by INS.

Must I Leave my Family?

No.

A professional worker's spouse and any unmarried children under the age of twenty-one (21) are also allowed to reside in the United States for the same period of time as the H1-B remains in effect. The spouse and minor children must complete a H4 visa application before residency is allowed.

How Long May I Remain in The United States on the H1-B Visa?

Generally, the H1-B visa is valid for three years. However, it may also be extended for an additional three years resulting in a six-year maximum. If you seek a second H1-B because you changed employers, this will not extend your stay under the H1-B for another six years. The absolute maximum duration for a visa under the "H" category is six years.

What Happens when my H1-B expires?

After your H1-B visa expires, you must leave the country for no less than one year. After the one year period has elapsed, you may once again reapply for the H1-B. However, one of the greatest advantages to the H1-B visa is that it allows the professional worker to seek permanent residency, or a "Green Card" for the worker and his/her entire nuclear family while working in the United States.

Given the complexities of the system, professional representation for those seeking employment in the United States is well advised. Often, mitigating circumstances may be overlooked by those unfamiliar with the system. Language barriers often lead to even more difficulties and frustration.

FOR A CONSULTATION, CONTACT US AT 952.746.2153 or visit Work Visa Lawyers.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is part of a 29 attorney immigration law firm handling cases for clients across the United States and abroad. The firm and its members are recognized leaders in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization process including asylum cases, work visas, investor visas and family based immigration. You may reach Mr. Beaulier at (952) 746-2153 or thorugh his immigration website located at Work Visa Lawyers.

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Tropical New England

Tropical New England
by: Nate Soule

For New Englanders a tropical island seems about as remote as the Pyramids. A summer getaway to the beach usually means a trip to the Cape or to Maine where while the rocky shores may look beautiful, the water is somewhat less than welcoming. Few could imagine that just off the shores of Rhode Island near Narragansett Bay lies Block Island the closest thing to a Caribbean escape that one could dream of finding in the North East.

More than ten thousand years ago the glaciers left behind a piece of land that today stands as a refuge from busy city life, or the harsh New England weather. As you arrive via a ferry from Point Judith, New London, or Montauk you are immediately immersed in a world quite separate from the one you left on the mainland. The beats and rhythms from Ballard’s Inn and club greet all arrivals, and the site of fellow travelers sipping drinks as they lie in the sand makes it difficult for anyone to continue on to their original destination. A boat half way up the beach which has been converted to a bar sits just next to the stage where live beach music forces one to question just how far that ferry took you.

The center of town is right off the ferry landing and provides numerous restaurants, shops, boutiques, clubs, pubs, and more. Many of the hotels and inns are within walking distance, but taxis await to take you any farther, and moped rentals offer a fun alternative. You won’t find a Marriott, Hilton, or any other corporate style accommodations on the island. What you will find is everything from small cozy inns to large manor like hotels, all providing some sort of island getaway mystique. Most places serve wine and cheese around 5:00, which acts as a great way to meet your fellow travelers, or to just enjoy a nice drink in a rocking chair overlooking the ocean.

If you came to relax by the water you certainly won’t have a hard time finding an open spot. With 17 miles of beaches there’s more than enough room for everyone. Thanks to the island’s natural springs there are also 365 freshwater ponds, and the 32 miles of trails will let you visit almost all of them. If you would prefer a faster paced tour a quick bike or moped ride will take you past beautiful rolling hills and beaches to both of the islands historic lighthouses. For those with more of a hunger for adventure you can get a great glimpse of it all in just one sitting while parasailing high above the waters.

After a nice day in the sun a nice night out is easy to find. There are many delicious restaurants, and just as many fun clubs and pubs. From the rocking live bands at McGovern's Yellow Kittens Tavern, to martini night at the Spring House there’s something for every night life seeker. Don’t worry too much about staying out late, as the biggest decision of the next morning is often which beach to enjoy.

Perhaps so few people know about Block Island because it’s hard to believe that such a place exists in the north. Perhaps it’s because those who visit are reluctant to share their tales, worrisome that too many visitors may change the atmosphere of their private paradise. Whatever it is, there’s something special, and something not to be missed about this unique island where New England meets the Caribbean.

About The Author

Nate Soule is a travel enthusiast and helps maintain the travel website AcrossDistance.com (Across Distance).

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Marijuana Strains and Potency

Strains
There are two types of marijuana regardless of the strains. I suppose you can say three but I will hit that soon. Indica and Sativa.

Indica gives that heavy, lazy feeling that relaxes you. It helps you focus a bit more because you are more relaxed. This is good for me when I am working on a project because I have a touch of ADD or ADHD and it's easy for me to lose focus. Another example is seeing my cousin install a car stereo. Usually, he's very talkative but when high and working, you can't stop him til it's done! A lot of strains tend to be heavy indica.

Sativa gives those psychedelic effects but it's not as strong as most people might fear. It's very light and it more or less enhances the moment than anything. This is what makes people find mundane things incredibly hilarious! Sometimes, you may even see flashes of color and images. Don't worry, you are still in your right mind and you won't have the urge to play superman at all!

The "sort of" third is basically the cross between the two. For example, some strains may be 70/30 Indica or even 60/40 Sativa depending on the dominance of the strains. It's very scientific when you get down to it if you understand biology and so on.

Potency
Arizona will most likely be the first kind of weed most people would be able to try especially coming from the city. This is the weakest and cheapest strain of marijuana available. It's grown mainly in Mexico with their dry, arid land. So, the yield will never be as potent as other strains. They also grow quite a lot of marijuana so it's very cheap and easy to get. Usually, your neighborhood dealer will have this. It's good to start out on but it gets annoying after a while. Haze is another "hood" favorite. It's stronger than Arizona but it ain't the best. Other stronger strains that I've tried include Super Silver Haze, White Widow, Grapefruit, Mango, OG Kush, Jack Herer (The Emperpor Wears No Clothes), Hempstar, Sugarbear, BC Big Bud, Chase and I can't remember the others. Some of these are cross strains. Basically, that's just the child of two different strains. For example, my most recent "partaking" included a cross between OG Kush and Grapefruit from a private grower which has no official name yet! It reminded me a lot of Hempstar because it was high in THC and it was FUNKY!

Here's a little story for you to let you know the potency of these strains. I had smoked half a blunt of Hempstar. My boy was coming through so I set up a little gift package for him. The rest of the blunt and enough on the side for him to roll one when he gets home. Before we smoked, we hit up the movies. He was holding the "package" in his coat pocket. About half-hour into the movie, I started to smell it. I asked my boy if he had it out and he said no, it was in his inside coat pocket. Well damn, maybe it's just me. Who could smell it through all of that insulation. Five minutes later, he says that he could smell it too. It ain't my imagination. Fifteen minutes later, a woman two seats away from my boy, three from me, speaking as loudly as any Harlem hoodrat could in a movie theater blurts out that it smells like someone is smoking weed. I just started laughing out loud. My boy apologized and just said that's how potent it is. You can smell that shit that far away. At least, she didn't get stupid about it outside of being a typical loudmouth. Anyway, we get back to my other boy's crib and they hit the half-blunt. These dudes eyes closed right up and I was just watching and laughing at them.

Neither Arizona nor Haze will do that. That's how you know you have quality.

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What would it be like if Europe didn't loot Africa?

I was just day dreaming about what life would be like in Africa if white folks kept their greedy, resource hungry asses in Europe!

I'd wake up in my duplex hut at the break of dawn. Scratch my ass (much like I do now)! Squeeze my wife's exposed tiddy gently to wake her up (like I did with my ex). She'd hit me for squeezin' her boob and grunt (like my ex did). I'd laugh because I like to make her mad! Walk out to the tree and take a good looooong piss (much like I do now)! Hunt for breakfast with my trusty handmade bow and arrow. I'd shoot down a few birds to bring back for my wife to cook. She'd see I got a lil food and proceed to cut it up and cook. Some days, I'd pluck the birds but today was kind of slow so I am a little tired. But, I do go wake up the kids for breakfast.

As they eat and get crazy, I'd take a nap before taking Anthony Jr. out for hunting lessons with the rest of the fellas and their kids. I would take him in the morning but I like my "me" time! We gotta bring back some elk! The women folk are tending to the huts, gathering fruits and berries, and water! My wife, always the go-getter that she is, decides she and her friend will brew some tea so they gather the tea leaves. She knows how I love tea... mmm mmm mmmmm delicious!

We come back to the village with the dead animals. The women begin to skin it, carve it up, season it, and cook it. The men tell stories around the fire with the children listening. However, I am a little way off watching the usual festivities with Anthony Jr. because he's 14. He's almost ready to become a man which involved some crazy ritual. He's more worried about the wife I picked out for him. I would tell him, "Look at me! You know how I get dooooown! I won't do you dirty little man! I got ya back! We gon hook up a nice little hut for you while you are on your trial and when you get back, it'll be done and your wife will be waiting for you. And, trust me, you'll know what to do when you get back!"

Then, a shiver will run down my spine as my daughter comes to tell me dinner is ready. She's my heart, my pride and joy! The spine shiver comes from the fact that she's just started her cycle for the first time. I ain't lettin no one know shit! No one taking my little girl from me. Then again, she's such a cutie pie. She'll fetch a serious dowry. I am sure I can get some cattle and chickens to start a little farm of my own. Eh, I am hungry. My wife brings my plate and surprises me with my favorite tea. I love this woman! We all sit and eat, one big village. It's like a cookout, every night!

The wife and I would walk out into the forest a bit and sit under our tree. I'd hear a noise in the distance, pull out my knife that Mbubu made for me, and get into my kill-something stance. Wifey is all tense and attentive. It turns out it was just a small rat. Damn rats all over I swear! Wifey would calm down and get real hot off of seeing me be such a fuckin protector and provider. We'd do it right there under the stars!

PEACEFUL

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