'Big Brother 17 Finale Recap: "Steve Wins"

Congratulations to Steve on winning Big Brother 17!

This may not have been one of the best seasons of Big Brother but for every season there's a winner. It was a close game for Vanessa who almost made it to the final two. Vanessa played a good game throughout the season but she didn't get her hands dirty, as Jason pointed out.

After getting rid of Johnny Mac for the second time it was down to Vanessa, Steve and Liz. Steve and Vanessa competed against each other in the final game of the season. It was a very close call for Vanessa but Steve beat her by one point. Immediately, Steve was required to evict either Vanessa or Liz. He praised Vanessa's game play during the season and he sent her to jury.

During the voting process both Liz and Steve were tied at three. As Julie Chen continued on Steve had four votes and then five and then it was revealed that Shelly voted for Steve as well. 

Did Steve deserve to win? Well, he did play a more strategic game than Vanessa, which he explained during the Q&A for the BB17 houseguests who were evicted early on. With Vanessa gone and most of the strong players gone he deserved to win over Liz.

Steve won $500,000, Liz won $50,000. 

America's fan favorite top three nominees was between Johnny Mac, James and Jason. As lovable as John was it was James who won the $25,000.
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

The N Word: From Offensive to Casually Speaking

It is very important for parents and elders from older generations to teach their children, grandchildren and younger generations the history of their ethnicity and their ancestors. Every culture lives a different lifestyle and uphold specific beliefs and values; therefore, it is important to educate our youth before they become mockeries of society.

In this case I am referring to the N word, a derogatory term once used to describe black people during slavery. It is also a word used now as an expression, a figure of speech, mostly used by males in greetings and general conversations.

Many are wondering how an expression once used as a demeaning term towards blacks, all of a sudden turned out to be acceptable by blacks. But if one of another race uses the N word, blacks become irate and ready to fight, because then it’s insulting to them and disrespectful towards the black race. Older generations find the N word offensive and disrespectful to the black race, while generations thereafter embrace it. The younger generations are only repeating what they hear on a constant bases, which is why i strongly believe some repetitive patterns need to be broken, or ceased before it becomes a habit.

Hip Hop artists, videos, and cable programs have been blamed for the popular use of the N word. The truth is the N word didn’t just start being used in any of those things. During the early 70s and thereafter, comedians and actors often used the N word in stand up comedy shows, skits and black films. Rather it’s from the television or the radio, the N word’s influential power has caused criticism, which has brought about major controversial attacks. The N word has also been banned from television networks, and radio shows, but banning the N word doesn’t stop people from using it!

It is easy for a child to repeat what they hear and not know what it means. When my sons were younger they often heard the N word. The first time they said it, I immediately encouraged them not to say it again. As they became older I explained why the meaning of the word is offensive to some and why others feel more comfortable using it.

How the N word was used decades ago is different than the way it is perceived now. Even though some blacks use the term as an expression, or a general way of speaking, I don’t use the N word simply because I choose not to and it’s not apart of my vocabulary. I feel it is not appropriate to address someone in that manner. I also feel that if it’s not okay for the opposite race to use it, then it’s not okay for African Americans to use it either.

Is it a good thing or a bad thing for blacks to call one another the N word? I won’t say it’s a good thing or a bad thing, who am I to judge. However, it means the same thing no matter how you use it or spell it. I am not saying those who use it are wrong;, however, it does send off a misconception. It's no different than the holidays. How we celebrate them is different from it's initial meaning!

Sometimes we have to be responsible for our own actions and set by example. Even if we don’t have children we still should be more careful of what we say and more aware of what we do, not just for ourselves but for our upcoming youth!

By: Tamara M. Anderson

This article was orginally published in January 2011!

'The Haves And The Have Nots' Season 4 Finale: "Is Quincy Dead"

On the finale of 'The Haves and the Have Nots' The Cryers, Candace, The Harringtons, Hannah and Quincy were all in for a big surprise, some for the good and some for the bad.

First Hannah and Benny confronted Candace about the job she never had, Hannah's burning house, Benny's new house and the towing company. They drilled her on where she got $7 million from but she never told them. She did show them proof that the two houses and Benny's tow building was paid for in full. Still and all Hannah wanted nothing to do with anything that came from Candace and her dirty money. The good news is Hannah was granted custody of her grandson Quincy jr. 

When Candace tried to prove to them that she had over $4 million left her account appeared to be empty. There was no money. Candace  called Oscar immediately asking about her money. Oscar pretended to not know what she was talking about. When he arrived at Candace place he denied taking her money in the beginning. He then admitted to taking it and how he went about taking it. Candace was right all along but it was too late. She wasn't smart enough to catch on soon enough. As it turns out Oscar aka Brandon was working for David. He set her up from the moment she bribed Jim after taking him hostage.

Candace went into rage and tried to stab Oscar with a knife. Oscar overpowered Candace but Quincy came to her rescue letting Oscar get away. Unfortunately, Candace wasn't off the hook just yet. Quincy was out for blood and he almost killed Candace until Jeffery came to her rescue. Quincy had the upper hand over both Jeffery and Candace. Once he was in control again he started slapping Candace around in the face. Jeffery got a hold of the knife and stabbed Quincy several times in the back. Is Quincy dead?

Meanwhile after Jim Cryer announced he would be running for governor both he and his wife and were Veronica and David were arrested for their part in covering up a murder.

It was Jefferey and Wyatt who found Jeffery's car that was apart of the hit and run that killed an innocent little girl. They found it at the tow yard where they also found Veronica making out with Benny. 

'The Haves and the Have Nots' season 4 has come to and end. Next season what is going to happen to the Harringtons and the Cryers? Is Quincy out of Candace life for good? Where is Hannah going to live? Will she move in the Cryer's house? How will Jim take it when he finds out David is running for governor?

'The Haves and the Have Nots' will return in January 2016!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

;Black Ink Crew' Season 4, Ep. 5: "Ceaser Wants Dutchess To Sign Pre-nup"

This week on 'Black Ink Crew' Ceaser meets with Med about buying Ink 124. Sky writes her sons a letter. Ceasar talks to Dutchess about a pre-nup and he and Puma meet again.

Ceasar is having mixed feelings about moving to North Carolina. He doesn't like to see Dutchess cry so he gave in to what she wanted. When they returned to New York, Ceas met up with Med in regards to buying Ink 124. Although Ceas wanted to buy it he turned down Med's offer. Ceas wants to please Dutchess but is he setting himself up for disaster?

Things got even worse when Ceas brought up having a pre-nup. Dutchess quickly went from being calm and sweet to the wicked witch of the east. She hit below the belt when she told ceas that Black Ink is barely kicking rocks. She claims she helped Ceas bring up Black Ink, forgetting about how she became a better tattoo artist. But Dutchess knows how to get what she wants from Ceas. She pulled out her crocodile tears and he gave in once again.

While Sky was struggling with being without her two sons she took her friends advice and wrote them a letter. Sky was very emotional while writing her words down on paper. One can only imagine how hard it was for her to do but she did it!

Meanwhile Ceasar and Puma finally met up for the first time after the fight at Fashion Week. Ceasar who had intentions on talking to Puma couldn't get passed the fact that Puma and his crew jumped on him. To him he didn't feel he had a fair fight. Ceas challenged Puma by telling him he was going to give him what he didn't give to him. He told Puma to stand up. Puma stood up and Ceas swung on him repeatedly til security stepped in. Puma didn't get a lick in. As a matter of fact he wasn't even trying to fight Ceasar. Is it because he can't or he just felt he deserved to get his a** whipped!

Tune in to 'Black Ink Crew' Mondays on VH1!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Season 2, Ep.3: "Lil B Surprises Max At The Studio"

On this weeks episode of 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Teairra and Hazel settled their differences. Lil Fizz tells Kamiah the real deal. Nia Nas go for another round over Soulja Boy. Milan suspects Miles of cheating. Lil B surprises her husband at the studio.

Last season Lil Fizz had his eyes set on Nikki but this season a new girl name Kamiah was in the mix. Fizz let Kamiah stay at his crib while he was out of town. He wasn't too happy with how Kamiah rearranged his furniture and made his home her home. Later on he met up with Kamiah to let her know he's not looking for anything serious. He said she was like an appetizer and he wasn't ready for the main course yet. Kamiah who thought they were building something didn't like being referred to as an appetizer. She said what he wants to do is not apart of her plans. Does that mean she's off the menu?

After almost getting into a physical altercation with Nia, Nas went to see Soulja Boy while he was shooting a video at his home. She wanted Soulja Boy to tell Nia the truth about them. It seems as though Nas doesn't understand the difference between someone who just wants to get in her panties and someone who wants to be with her. Just because she and Soulja had a little thing on the side doesn't mean he is her man. 

After Nas interrupted Soulja Boy and Nia met up with Apryl, Nia decided to call Nas to try to hash things out. Nas was still convinced that she and Soulja have a thing going on. Nia who called Nas a satan thot tried to tell her several times that Soulja is with her but Nas just wasn't listening.

Lil B and Max are one of the new couples added to the show. Max is a producer who once cheated on his wife in the past. Lil B who is the God daughter of the late  Whitney Houston will go through great lengths to make sure her husband is faithful. When their son found his wedding ring she surprised him at the studio with the help of Nikki. Nikki pretended she left her phone charger in the kitchen and just like that they got in the building where the studio was.

Max was in the studio with some random females listening to music. He wasn't doing anything wrong with the ladies but that didn't stop Lil B from walking in on him. Lil B immediately demanded one of the females to take her paws off her husband. Max grabbed his wife before she ended up in a fight with some females she knows nothing about.

Last but not least, Milan suspects Miles of cheating after he missed their dinner date and haven't been spending the nights at his place. He wanted Miles to come out to his friends and family like he has but Miles just isn't ready. When Milan told Miles he has other men at his place while he's gone that was Miles cue to leave.

Does that mean it's over between Miles and Milan? On the next episode Max throws his wedding ring and Nas and Nia meet up for the third time. What more do they have to talk about?

Tune in to 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Mondays on VH1!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Married To Medicine' Season Finale: "Heroes of Heath"

On the finale of 'Married To Medicine' season three the couples spent their last day in the Bahamas. Dr. Heavenly decided not to attend Quad's "Heroes of Health" event. Toya and Mariah ended things on a sour note.

Mariah who was still in her feelings made it clear that Quad wasn't being a true friend but she was really mad at Toya. After a few words between Mariah and Toya, both their husbands stepped in which only made matters worse. Once Cecil diffused the situation the couples headed home.

Despite the tension between Mariah and Toya, Quad invited all the couples to her "Heroes of Health" event. Dr. Heavenly decided not to attend at the last minute. She told her husband Dr. Damon that she was tired of the drama and just didn't want to be around the ladies.

During the event everyone appeared to be getting along well, at least until Mariah showed up. Mariah was still upset with Toya so she found Toya and Eugene to start some mess. She started out by speaking but then she followed her hello by reminding Toya that they were mad at each other.

Knowing Toya would respond, Mariah pushed her buttons even more by bringing up why she was really mad at her. Mariah wasn't ready to be around the group. Instead of taking time to get herself together she went on a rant towards her cast mates. 

Mariah's behavior didn't make the group want to accept her back in. It only made things worse. She felt no one called her after she miscarried with twins. They all apologized and that still wasn't good enough!

Stay tuned for the reunion to 'Married To Medicine' Sunday on BravoTv!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

New Video From Miles aka Sir Brock of 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood'

Many of us know him as Miles of 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' but he is also known as a rapper named Sir Brock. 

On the show Miles is in a relationship with Milan but he doesn't want everybody to know just yet. While Miles is keeping the L&HHH fans in suspense he has released his first video to the single "West Coast" featuring Ashad.

Despite the role he is portraying on television the song received more good views than bad. Regardless of his sexuality you can't deny a hit or good talent when you see it!

Check out the song and share it or comment!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

Apollo Nida Request Money For Books From Female Pen Pal

Apollo Nida who is married to Phaedra Parks of 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' is requesting female pen pals to send him money for his books while serving time for bank fraud and identity theft.

According to The Shade Room, Nida reportedly asked one of his female fans who thanked him for reading a book she wrote, to put at least $20-$50 on his books for him.


“I just wrote him back, thanked him for reading the book & respectfully told him that I have a daughter and b4 I send money to a guy I don’t know I’d rather put that 25 in her savings account.”

In response to the female Apollo said some mean words.


“He said he didn’t know 25.00 was a lot and he will pray that I gain [financial] wealth so that I can afford to put more than $25 dollars in my daughters savings. Lol.”

The female didn't say much to Apollo after that but she gave him a few words that will make him think twice about making a woman feel like she owes him.


“I may not have a lot of money, but at least I can walk across the street,” the female fan added.

This makes you wonder how many other female pen pals did he ask for money? And how many actually put money on his books? How dare he get mad at this woman for not sending him money when she doesn't even know him? The nerve of people!

Why should anyone sent Apollo money while he is in prison? He is serving a 8 year sentence which is noone's fault but his own. What he did involved money, or did he forget?
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Black Ink Crew Chicagp' Coming Soon To VH1

Coming soon to VH1 is 'Black Ink Crew Chicago'! 

While many have become accustomed to 'Black Ink Crew' in New York, VH1 has put a spin on things by adding a new city to the mix. 

The cast for 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' includes Ryan who is the owner of 9Mag, tattoo artists Kat and Phor, Charmaine who is the event planner, Phor's little brother, Don, Danielle who is the receptionist and Van who happens to be a rival of Ryan's. 

'Black Ink Crew' in New York started out with Ceasar, Puma, Oh S**t, Sassy, Alex, Teddy, Walter and Dutchess. Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances Alex is no longer on the show. Sky and Donna are the latest editions who have been added to the series.

'Black Ink Crew Chicago' is set to premiere on October 26th on VH1!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Black Ink Crew' Season 4: "Will Ceasar Give Dutchess What She Wants"

This week on 'Black Ink Crew' Dutchess and Ceasar went to North Carolina to look at a new home. Max confronts Oh S**t. Quani says good bye to New York and Sky tries to get Puma to man-up!

Dutchess has big dreams! She wants to move back to North Carolina and start her own tattoo shop. Ceasar who is on a different page doesn't want to make a living in the south.

During their visit Ceas and Dutchess went to see about a home. Dutchess liked the home right away but Ceas wasn't feeling it. Ceas acknowledges he may have money not enough to afford a $2 million dollar home. Will Ceasar give Dutchess what she wants or will he continue to fulfil his dreams and build an empire in New York?

Donna who was fired from the shop after a verbal altercation between her and Ceasar was working on her tattooing skills. She met up with Oh S**t outside her and Max apartment to show him her work. Max didn't appreciate Donna bringing her ex to his place of residence. He felt if they were just friends that he should have been inside instead of outside. Maybe out of respect Donna didn't bring him on the inside but he did have a valid point. An ex is an ex and that's where he should stay!

Sadly, Quani, Puma's wife decided she had enough of the drama in New York and moved to Atlanta. Before Puma said good-bye to his family Sky gave him some words of advice. She told Puma he and Ceasar need to fight. In the upcoming episode he will meet up with Ceasar. From the look of things the two settle their differences with their fists!

Stay tuned for more 'Black Ink Crew' Mondays on Vh1!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla 

'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Season 2: "Moniece Covers Tattoo For Rich Dollaz"

On this week's episode of 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Nia and her former friend Nas face off. Milan and Miles were at odds about taking their relationship to the next level. Princess and Teairra's new friendship raises suspicions and Moniece covers up tattoo for her new boo.

While Princess is still living with Ray J she decided to meet up with his ex Teairra and start a new friendship. After meeting up with Teairra, Princess ran into Ray J as she was on her way out to a party his ex invited her to. Ray wasn't happy with Princess going out with Teairra nor what she was wearing . He demanded Princess to not only change her clothes but not to go party with his ex but she ignored his demands.

The following day Ray met up with Teairra hoping to discuss why she and Princess are hanging out. Teairra told Ray she only agreed to meet him because she thought he was issuing an apology for how he treated her. After Ray apologized he was expecting to get more answers from Teairra but she kept it cute by not giving him any details on what was said between her and Princess.

Moniece appears to be happily in love with Rich Dollaz but does he feel the same way? Rich asked Moniece to cover up a tattoo that reminded her of one of her ex-boyfriends. Moniece agreed to cover up the tattoo but she also had a request. She wanted Rich to move to LA permanently so they can be together but the producer doesn't seem like he's ready to take that step, at least not at the moment.

Milan wants Miles to open up more and come out of the closet but Miles isn't ready. While waiting for Miles, Milan realized that he has become more distant but doesn't know why. Miles doesn't know what he wants to do because he caught in between his relationship with Amber and Milan. When Milan asked Miles about moving in with him, he said he wasn't ready. Should Milan keep waiting for Miles or just move on?

So when Nia former friend Nas met up with Nikki and Teairra she revealed that she and Nia's current boyfriend rapper Soulja Boy were together. Nikki being Nia's friend relayed the message to Nia.

Nikki invited Nia to Nas bootcamp workout without Nas knowing. Before the workout became Nas confronted Nia. They went back and forth for a minute but before things got physical security stepped in. As security grabbed Nas one way and Nia another, Nas bragged about still having sexual relations with Soulja Boy. 

Stay tuned for what happens next on 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Mondays on Vh1!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Hollywood Divas Season 2 Finale Recap: 'Paula & Forrest Renew Their Vows"

On the finale of 'Hollywood Divas' season 2 Elisa showed her true backstabbing colors when she decided to continue to work on the "White Sisters" project without Lisa, Golden and Countess. This news came after Elise made a fake pack with the other ladies saying they were putting an end to the project.

When Lisa visited Paula while she was getting ready to renew her vows to her husband Forrest, Paula revealed that Elise is still on the "White Sisters". Lisa was surprised to hear that. She was furious and Elise and couldn't wait to tell Golden who then told Countess.

The highlight of the finale was when Paula and Forrest renewed their vows. During the ceremony the couple read their written vows and topped thing off by sharing a bottle of Hennessey. This was the first ghetto fabulous wedding in Vh1 history!

Following the private ceremony Lisa had a small reception planned for the renewed couple. Golden, Countess and Shar Jackson arrived before Elise and had a mild discussion about Elise bold move. When Elise walked in she acted as if she did nothing wrong. 

After some drinks and mingling with the married couple Lisa confronted Elise about her and Golden's relationship. Elise wasn't interested in making amends with Golden. Little did she know that was just Lisa's way of getting to the real reason why she confronted her. As usual Elise wanted to avoid the real issue but it will all come to head at the reunion.
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Big Brother 17 Eviction Ceremony Preview: "Who's Going Home Tonight?"

Wednesday on 'Big Brother 17' James won the Power of Veto forcing Vanessa to have to put up Julia as a replacement to go up against Meg. Now we all know Julia has more votes so more than likely Julia a just a pawn. Is it time for one of the twins to say good-bye?

James is Meg's only ally but with Vanessa flopping back and forth she probably can sway Johnny Mac who earned his way back into the house and Steve to keep her in the house. However, tonight is a double eviction and Meg won't be the only one walking out of that door. 

There is one person who definitely should have been gone but has managed to remain in the Big Brother house and that is Vanessa. Vanessa is a true backstabber. She goes from one person to the next. The only loyalty she has is to herself. She don't know if she should trust Steve, Johnny Mac, Austin or the twins. Could her time be over in the BB17 house?

Tune in to 'Big Brother 17' tonight on CBS to see which two houseguests will be going to the jury house!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'She's Got Game' Episode 4 Recap: "Game Gets 3 New Girls"

This week on 'She's Got Game' the rapper's friends and assistant introduced Game to three new girls and the other girls were not happy. Game had his eyes set on Briona who was a college student from Miami. 

After Game got to know the girls on a personal level the next day he took Brittany and Briona on a date. The other girls didn't like the fact that he took a new girl instead of one of them. 

While they were on the riverboat Briona kept Game entertained. Brittany was just sitting on the side line waiting on Game to make a move but she will learn that he like a woman with a little aggression. To make matters more interesting Game kissed Briona on the lips in front of Brittany.

After Brittany told the others what Game did Rebecca confronted Game. Game explained to Rebecca that it wasn't all that it was made out to be. To prove it to her he shared an intimate kiss with Game not like the one he gave Briona. Well, somebody was satisfied!

Unfortunately, Game was left with a tough decision in the end. Although Brittany nearly had a emotional breakdown over a kiss it was Melissa who was sent home. Melissa may have been Game's type on the physical side but she wasn't  living in the same world. She appeared to be lost at times and didn't quite fit in with the other girls. So it was time for her to go!

Tune in to 'She's Got Game' next Monday on Vh1 to see who goes home next!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Black Ink Crew Season 3, Episode 14: "Bad News At The Water Park"

This week on 'Black Ink Crew' Sky's fun at the water park came to a halt when Dutchess revealed bad news. Just when Sky thought she and Teddy really had something she found out he had sexual relations with a rival mixie.

Dutchess who calls herself a queen is the queen of messy boots. She is a true drama queen. She claim she told Sky because she's her friend but what friend would pick that moment in time to do such a thing. Dutchess knew Sky was going to be in a funk. How can you still have fun when you hear something like that?

However, on another note before Ceasar decided to be so generous he and Donna had it out from the shop to the streets. Ceasar felt Donna was being disrespectful because she wasn't listening so he continued to talk down to her with no remorse for her feelings. Donna defending herself as best she could but when Ceas called her a b***h that was the beginning of a new war.

Donna immediately called her new boyfriend Max who was ready to come after Ceasar until once again messy Dutchess got involved. Dutchess called Max and gave him the run down on Donna to the point where he turned against her. 

Now we all know that if a dude called Dutchess a b***h she would have told Ceas and he would have tried to fight the dude. How is him calling Donna a b***h any different?
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta' Season 4 Reunion Part 2 (VIDEO)

Last week on 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta' part one reunion things got heated but the fire was blazing high on part two!

Joseline continued where she left off and revealed a possible threesome with her, Mimi and Stevie. Mimi didn't deny Joseline accusations. In fact she gave Joseline her props on her head game. Stevie didn't deny what Joseline said either. Accoriding to him, it was one of those foggy nights.

Lil Scrappy and Erica faced off over child support. The Bambi added her seven cents which was irrelevant to Erica. She continued to campaign no child support from Scrappy. Momma Dee put an end to things when she said "If you don't want babies put an condom on".

Jessica Dime and Tiffany Foxx faced off. It was the red hair versus black and blue hair. Although things didn't get resolved between the two Dime and Mimi could be working together sooner than you think.

Rasheeda was addressed for her semi-messiness and Joseline had a few things to say about her name being mentioned. Rasheeda made it clear that she don't interact with Joseline but the Puerto Rican princess told the proclaimed boss chick to keep her name out of her mouth being that she don't talk about her.

The good news is Kaleena and Deb made amends and Joseline put on a show for the first time on television.

Joseline put it down on the stage, showcasing her exotic dancing skills with the help of her dancer and her husband Stevie J on one of the tracks. 

Lo and behold Mimi gave the fans and the viewers a surprise when she came onto the stage and blessed Joseline the way she did. That must have been a good threesome!

Overall the reunion will have the fans talking about how this reunion was one of the best reunions in 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta' history.
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla