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NEW Column coming called “SPEAKING OUT”

SPEAKING OUT will be the voice of people from Philly speaking out about things happening in our city that need to be vented upon. We are tired of all the senseless acts of violence going on and you will here from us PMZ about it.

A Nigger Moment will no doubt leave the jaw dropped

Tamesha001Deciding not to second-guess her brain waves, TS Hawkins [aka Tamesha Hawkins] follows the synapses of the pen to spin her tale. Far from fairy kisses and “happily-ever-after”, TS allows you to tour the confines of her mental den, carte blanche, to fill up on the lessons constructed in six imagery-drenched paragraphs.

A Nigger Moment will no doubt leave the jaw dropped and the head twirling! Those familiar with TS’s work in her publications Sugar Lumps and Black Eye Blues and Confectionately Yours will see a clearer development in her word-smithing while others just dipping their phalanges into her mental pond will be intrigued. Whether experiencing a positive or negative reaction to the work, you will leave the piece feeling inspired to look beyond the façade of the everyday moments to take stake the essence of reality.

A Nigger Moment

Should have left me a Nigger
Shackled by my own insecurity
Chains jangling like a baby carousel above my head
Providing sugar plum nonsense
Lulling me to night terrors
And daydreams
Brain farting what freedom could smell like

At least then I’d be fooling myself
But you came along
Connected the dots to the fallacy puzzle
Naming my hallucinations
With saccharine coated theories
This American Apparel
Is moth infested
It adorns my back
Heavy atop the shoulder
Holding this pile
This boulder
This American Dream
That slashed through the Pearl of Africa
To fill the Gap
In what was left behind
Your milieu never suited me

Should have left me a Nigger
This American Pie is a bit stale
Without enough Lagers nor ales to cleanse the bitter palette
Lie dormant
Drunk in the happenstance
That maybe
When you gave me a free ticket on the cruise ship
CORRECTION: Slave ship
You would look out for me
But it was my fault for not reading the fine print
That “I would never be free again”
The saving grace was that I was light enough
Bright enough to work in the House
But even the house didn’t have any Representatives that looked like me
Continually on hands and knees
Attempting to please those who would never care
Bought and sold by Capitalistas
Because Democracy is slowly becoming a hypocrisy
So I remain in the middle
A passage that never had its Rights read
But mirandized for double standards

Should have left me a Nigger
Because even as a Black Panther
I was just a wild cat
With no place to call, home
A stray
Being lead astray
With violence and leather fringe
Binging harmony
Leaving anorexic dreams deferred in fickle legacy
Surprised that the KKK and we, were enemies
In most cases, we dotted the wrong “i’s”
Crossed our own “t’s”
And set them a blaze for the world to see
The only difference between them and we
We were too poor to buy the sheet
We still kill our own peace
With sheets of parchment
Titled Degrees
That we use to keep us “separate but equal”
And had the gall to yell at Jim Crow
When the fare is paid
And we still take the backseat
Constantly bringing up the rear
Or giving up our rearing principles
Noosing our youth to bad habits, illiteracy and stupidity
Knowing we are one tree away from swinging to our demise
Jena wasn’t the first time we heard of this news
Just the first time in the millennium we decided to pay attention

Should have left me a Nigger
Drifting on the island seas
Believing my ancestry wasn’t birthed in the womb of the Motherland
Being upset when someone titles me as Black
When I wish to live the deception of being a Caribbean
And while on American soil
Pledge to God and the Almighty dollar
That there is “justice for all”
Who succumb to the monotony of the B.S. of A
A…Land in which we built
B…Rebuilt thanks to Katrina’s reign
C…Where reparations is a taboo word
With an apology seesawing with amnesia
While playing rock, paper, scissors
Shoot, we lost our place in line to the Jews
And their suffrage didn’t even happen here
But took their “ghetto” terminology and made it our own
Suppose freedom is not what we are looking for?
Just a hollow cost
For a cold shower and a final resting place
So what to do when the nation constructed on your involuntary servitude
Continues to screw you
And your future, too

Should have left me a Nigger
Remember…
“Its shake and bake and I helped”
Helped mammy the master’s youth
With nothing more to lend to our own
Yet show scorn when the prisons are filled with our own
Because the streets and cartoon cable stations raised them
Morals taught by Wild E. Coyote
Mothering by SpongeBob
With his pineapple under the sea
And when our children
Dumpster dive in search for their parental guidance
Then we show a backbone to the government
When its way too late
Our treasures become tombstones
And the cycle repeats one more time
When the government called our bluff
And put our babies on the front line
What made it worse…?
They were more at more harm and danger
When they “asked and told”
That their soul
Belonged to another that had the same anatomy as them
We gave the nation weapons of mass destruction to kill them
Only to run to the little comforts of our Bibles
Those same words used for prayer to save their lives
Now lancets to their eternal downfall
And we continue to hide in the lies
To say Leviticus foretold it anyway

Should have left me a Nigger
Then I knew where I stood
On action block
Poked and prodded
Nude
Hung
A barren strange fruit

Want to know more about TS?
Visit her at:

www.myspace.com/tameshahawkins
www.giveagirlapen.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Tamesha-S-Hawkins
www.facebook.com/pages/Cipher-This
www.wordclay.com

Next setting the microphone ablaze is Nina “Lyrispect” Ball and Ariana Santiago!

Bachelorette (and Bachelor) Party Locations in Center City, Philadelphia and Beyond…

For those of you single, dating or even attached in and around Center City

IMG_0424Are you going to be a bride or a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding, or are you at least going to be attending an upcoming bachelorette party? Whether it’s your wedding or a relative’s or best friend’s, read on for some ideas on bachelorette (and bachelor) party locations in Philly (Center City and Manayunk) and Atlantic City, NJ.

When I accepted an invitation from a good friend to be a bridesmaid in her wedding in the summer of ‘08, I knew there were some expenses and duties involved, yet, of course, I wanted to be a part of her big day, along with eight other girls. So, I did what any other good friend would do…I said “yes!”

I could go on and on about this topic, since some brides choose to have their bridesmaids highly involved in the wedding, while others do not. However, I chose just to focus on one particularly enjoyable aspect of the wedding planning experience: the bachelorette party. As the bachelorette party is a fun event that you, as a bride, bridesmaid, friend, or relative, will either be involved with or attending, the following will shed some light with information about the best locations to hold the event.

Since all females are different, all bachelorette parties are different as well. There is something to suit nearly every taste. From a wild night out at a bar or club to an afternoon at the spa, there is something to please just about everyone in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.

Center City (Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Columbus Blvd./Delaware Ave.):

In Philadelphia, there are always some Old City hotspots to check out: the ever-crowded Mad River at 126 Chestnut St. in Old City with its two floors always packed with partygoers. Other notable Old City favorites include Bleu Martini, 24 S. 2nd St., Plough and the Stars, 123 Chestnut Street (a favorite of mine!), and Cuba Libre, 10 S. 2nd Street (a favorite of my engaged friend who loves salsa dancing)!

IMG_0357
If you’d rather head over to Rittenhouse Square for its swanky appeal, there is always the ultra chic Continental Mid-Town at 1801 Chestnut St. complete with swing chairs and rooftop bar. A new Rittenhouse hotspot complete with its own rooftop bar is Vango Lounge at 116 S. 18th St. Here, you’ll find a trendy lounge with excellent appetizers and skybar complete with heat lamps and comfy beds. If the outdoor idea appeals to you, also check out Cavanaugh’s River Deck at 417 N. Columbus Blvd. located directly on the Delaware River, the nearby Bamboo Bar at 927 N. Delaware Avenue, complete with a tropical theme amid palm trees and pools.

Or, if it’s an Irish pub you wish to explore, Philadelphia has plenty. If you want an Irish pub with live bands, check out Finnigan’s Wake at 547 N. 3rd St. in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, which features three floors of bars, dancing, and live music every weekend. Or, walk over to nearby McFadden’s, 461 N. 3rd Street. Fado Irish Pub, located at 1500 Locust Street, is one of my personal favorites due to its laid-back vibe, yet there is always a hip crowd of young professionals and an excellent time.

Other city locations include the Walnut Room, 1709 Walnut St., with its ultra-trendy but intimate feel, and Public House, 1801 Arch St., a huge restaurant/bar/club in the heart of the city’s financial district with plenty of space for all your guests. Don’t forget about the swanky G Lounge, 111 S. 17th Street, and Pearl, 1904 Chestnut Street. Make sure to ask about their bachelorette party packages.

For an upscale, but low-key affair, try some afternoon tea at the Swann Lounge within the Four Seasons, 1 Logan Square, or try Rouge, 205 S. 18th St., an upscale, chic bistro for dinner and drinks, or the hip Steven Starr French bistro, Parc, 227 S. 18th Street, right next door.

For a more laid-back approach to a bachelorette party, try an afternoon at the spa at Toppers Spa Salon, 117 S. 19th St. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and bonding with the girls. Make sure to ask about the massage and facial packages. Or pamper yourself and your friends at the Nail Bar, 133 S. 18th St., a full-service nail salon, which serves complimentary wine and champagne.

Manayunk:

If you’re not in the mood for Center City or live closer to the Manayunk/Roxborough area, this is another good choice. The Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant (or as most locals like to call it, “The Brew Pub”), Mad River, and Kildare’s Pub are three of my favorite spots in the area. The Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant at 4120 Main Street, which has its own outdoor deck overlooking the Schuylkill River, as well as live bands, is a good option. Just practically next door, Mad River Bar and Grille, 4100 Main Street, would provide for a wild night of dancing (with another location in Old City, Philadelphia, as well). Although more of an Irish Pub, Kildare’s Manayunk, 4417 Main Street, is not your average Irish Pub. This place is always packed and is sure to be a good time for all!

Atlantic City, NJ:

For one of those wild nights, try hitting up the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way, in the heart Atlantic City, New Jersey. Enjoy a night of gambling and then choose from one of four bars/nightclubs: Gypsy Bar, B Bar, MIXX, and mur.mur, which features celebrity guest DJs. In the morning, you and the girls might want to check out Spa Toccare, Borgata’s 54,000 square-foot spa featuring rejuvenating treatments along with an indoor pool, fitness center, and salon. Two other hot locations: Dusk Nightclub at Caesar’s Palace, 2100 Pacific Avenue, and the Pool at Harrah’s, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. Also, try The Quarter at Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk, where you’ll find clubs, such as Providence, Cuba Libre, and 32 Degrees.

A Few Select Bachelorette Party Packages:

Bleu Martini (24 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia): At Bleu Martini, you’ll find a number of options, including private party areas, free appetizers with party packages, and a number of package options for open bar, drink specials, and full-bottle service.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ): At the Borgata, you have the option of signature table service with a variety of open bar packages at mur.mur, or check out one of the other three nightlife options. Fine dining, a spa, and the casino await you at the Borgata.

Cavanaugh’s River Deck (417 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia): Cavanaugh’s features several open bar packages for ten people or more. Male entertainers also can be arranged.

Nail Bar (133 S. 18th St., Philadelphia): At the Nail Bar, you and the girls will be able to pamper yourselves for the afternoon. Indulge in a manicure, pedicure, or spa treatment, all while enjoying complimentary wine and champagne!

Bachelorette (and Bachelor Party) Location Directory:

For a complete listing of locations, along with their addresses (listed above), phone numbers, and web addresses, look no further (those with an * can double for bachelor parties, too):

Center City, Philadelphia:

IMG_0356
Mad River: 215-923-5666; www.madriverphilly.com *
Plough and the Stars: 215-733-0300; www.ploughstars.com *
Bleu Martini: 215-940-7900; www.bleumartinionline.com *
Continental Mid-Town: 215-567-1800; www.continentalmidtown.com *
Vango Lounge: 215-568-1020; www.vangoloungeandskybar.com *
Cavanaugh’s River Deck: 215-629-7400; www.theriverdeck.com *
Bamboo Bar: 215-931-0101; www.bamboobarphilly.com *
Finnigan’s Wake: 215-574-9240; www.finnigans.com *
McFadden’s: 215-253-3216; www.mcfaddensphilly.com *
Fado Irish Pub: 215-893-9700; www.fadoirishpub.com *
Walnut Room: 215-751-0201; www.walnut-room.com *
Public House: 215-587-9040; www.publichousephilly.com *
G Lounge: 215-564-1515; www.thebestlounge.com *
Pearl: 215-564-9090; www.mypearlphilly.com *
Topper’s Spa Salon: 215-496-9966; www.toppersspa.site.dejazzd.com
Swann Lounge: 215-963-1500; www.fourseasons.com
Rouge: 215-732-6622; www.rouge98.com
Parc: 215-545-2262; www.parc-restaurant.com
Nail Bar: 267-687-8117; www.nailbarpa.com

Manayunk, Philadelphia:

Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant: 215-482-8220; www.manayunkbrewery.com *
Mad River Bar and Grille: 215-482-2666; www.madrivermanayunk.com *
Kildare’s Manayunk: 215-482-7242; www.kildarespub.com *

Atlantic City, NJ:

Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa (Gypsy Bar, B Bar, MIXX, and mur.mur): 866-692-6742; www.theborgata.com *
Dusk: 609-345-DUSK; www.duskac.com *
The Pool at Harrah’s: 609-441-5585; www.harrahsresort.com *
Providence: 609-345-7800; www.providenceclubac.com *
Cuba Libre: 609-348-6700; www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/ac *
32 Degrees: 609-572-0032; www.32lounge.com *

What about strip clubs?

Philadelphia:

The Cave, 700 N. Delaware Ave.; 215-923-3628
Delilah’s Den, 100 Spring Garden St. @ Front St.; 215-625-2800 *
Club Risqué, 1700 S. Columbus Blvd.; 215-463-6900 *

Atlantic City, NJ:

Bare Exposure, 2303 Pacific Ave.; 609-449-0999 *
Babes Gentleman Club, 137 South New York Avenue; 609-347-0800 *

I have two weddings to attend in 2010, which means two bachelorette parties, too! I don’t know where they will be, but with so many options, there has got to be somewhere sure to please!

By, Erica Brooke Fajge

Any other suggestions or comments? Contact me at EBF82@aol.com.

Ciphet This! – Taking a bold leap, Rachel ‘Rae’ Carson

Rachel_RaeTaking a bold leap to the parchment sound stage is Rachel ‘Rae’ Carson. Without a prophylactic large enough to wrap around the microphone, Rae brings a reality that there is no such thing as safe poetry. Celebrating the beauty in being young, black and gifted in the 21st century, this Temple University alum finds solace in self-peace and the written word. Currently residing in Atlanta, she has not forgotten her Philadelphia roots and displays that love and honesty in her work. Rae’s piece “She-gasm” will leave you writhing under covers, titillated beyond imagination, and ready to pounce in between the sheets of reflection.

She-gasm

french manicured fingertips
caress cocoa colored skin
lines trace down supple breasts
to curvy hips
and over smooth legs
repeatedly
making senses come alive
that were thought to be dead
she pants and breathes hard
biting down on her bottom lip
to suppress the cries
that are deep within
on the brink of yet another release
muffled moans escape
from parted lips
as this ride is too decadent
avoiding anti-climatic distractions
that may come between her
and her sweet victory that
is awaiting in the wings
her skin hot to the touch
as sweat perspires on her brow
the nape of her neck
and even the small of her back
this wave of ecstasy causes
her hands to clench bed sheets
as her back arches
wanting more
of this decadent lovemaking
prolonging each and every orgasm
as she has mastered the art of controlling
the sensation that burns between her thighs
she looks at the clock
and has decided she has had enough
and allows the levies to finally break
giving way to the violent waters
sheets now wet
and fingers soaked
she laughs at what has just occurred
skin is flushed red
from the workout she just endured
she walks into the bathroom
on legs still wobbly
she winks at herself in the mirror
as she steps into the shower
appreciating the beauty of self love

Want to know more about Rae?

Check out her websites, blogs and follow her on Twitter!

www.rae-writingsonthewall.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/simplyrae922

www.twitter.com/simplyrae922

www.myspace.com/simplyrae922

Next up to the mic…TS Hawkins and Nina “Lyrispect” Ball

Tamesha S. Hawkins
Writer/Creator of Cipher This!
**check out her books Sugar Lumps and Black Eye Blues (2007)
and Confectionately Yours (2009) at www.wordclay.com **

PMZ Website for Cipher This!:
www.pmzmagazine.com

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1. Submit two (2) poems
2. Biography
3. Picture
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