Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 8 Recap: "Cynthia Confronts Peter"

On the new season of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" Cynthia confronted Peter about the video of him and another woman getting too close and personal. Porsha introduced her new young man. Kenya stirred the pot with former cast mate Sheree who also returned to the season. Kandi and Todd discussed Phaedra and Apollo.

This season Cynthia is standing her ground and she's not taking no mess from anybody, not even Peter. She confronted Peter about the video of him getting a little too cozy with another woman in Charlotte. Peter claim there's nothing between the two but his wife wanted him to know that his behavior was embarrassing and unacceptable.

Todd and Kandi are about to be new parents but while Kandi is waiting to deliver, there's still unresolved issues involving Phaedra and Todd. Todd claims Phaedra owes him money from the video he helped her with but Phaedra thinks Todd has other issues with her. She believes Todd doesn't like her becaue of Apollo. She also believes Kandi isn't supportive of her because of Todd's and Apollo's friendship.

Porsha who was once married to former NFL player Kordell Stewart has a new man but he's the opposite of Kordell. While Kordell was much older than Porsha she is close to ten years older than her new boo, Duke. Porsha says age ain't nothing but a number but her family disapproves. In reality Porsha is no longer with Duke but let's just see how things play out!

Earlier in the first episode Kenya showed Cynthia her new crib in Atlanta while throwing shade at Chateau Sheree at the same time. She was so bold she addressed Sheree who made her grand entrance at Cynthia's eyeglasses launch party. But Sheree isn't no punk and she threw shade back at Kenya double time. 

Sheree is noone to play with and Kenya will soon find that out. Every season she initiates conflict with one of her cast mates. This season it just so happens to be Sheree. 

Also this season Porscha's overly egotistical ways is going to cause her to make some enemies.

Stay tuned for more 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Sunday's on Bravo!

Tamara M. Anderson

@mstekeyla

That's A Burger: Best Burger Joint In Avalon Chicago

If you're looking for a good handmade burger That's A Burger is one of the best burger joints on Chicago's south side. The fresh homemade burger joint recently moved from South Shore area to Avalon.

That's A Burger has a variety of burgers on the menu including Turkey Burger, Cheesy Lovers Burger, Veggie Burger, Whammy Burger and Chicken Burger. They also have Turkey Hot Dog, Fish Fillet, Chicken Strips, Polish, Turkey Tacos, regular and turkey chili.

Other menu items include French Fries, Onion Rings, Zucchini, Tamales and desserts like lemon cake and carrot cake.

If you have a taste for a good beef, turkey, chicken or veggie burger and you don't want a patty, That's A Burger is the way to go. It's best to order on the phone. The wait ranges from 45 minutes to an hour but it's well worth the wait. Five Guys ain't got nothing on That's A Burger!

That's A Burger is located at 8301 S. Stony Island. Call 773-721-6777 to place order!
Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla

'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