Social networking has definitely created many benefits in many aspects of life for people all over the world. Although it can be a great thing, I really feel like it is causing problems in the simplest place: human interaction. It’s not just that there have been problems, it’s that people have become stupid. Maybe not totally stupid, but definitely lacking in common sense.

I get extremely irritated by people who take the shortcuts in life and lack the decency to execute what were once commonly practiced social norms. It really bothers me that a former friend, who really is no longer a friend, can go a year without speaking and then have the audacity to send me a friend request on Facebook. It especially bothers me that I purposefuly and intently deleted this former friend, deleted her number, and didn’t respond to the ONE text message she sent me over the course of a year. Yet without sending an email, calling, emailing, or initiating any other form of contact – without initiating a conversation about the rift – this person thinks it’s okay to send a friend request.

There is something wrong with the world when people think it is socially acceptable to just send a friend request and call a truce. As if becoming friends in the online world excuses and relinqueshes any fault or damage. No, that is not what happens. In the world, in my life, things don’t just magically get better without an active discussion about what went wrong in the first place. It actually pisses me off even more when people try to dodge an issue than it does when they create the issue in the first place.

So really, Delete Request. Piss off.

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I’m not sure what it is about this beautiful mass of dust, gas and metals, but it just gets to me. Most notably so is this image from 2006 when the robotic spaceprob Cassini captured a total eclipse of the sun from the opposite side of Saturn. Maybe I’m just a total nerd, I’m not sure, but the first time I saw this picture I was literally brought to tears. It was one of those rare moments in life when something is so beautiful that you can’t do anything but cry. It could be a combination of things: the way it looks, knowing the history of the space program, knowing what an accomplishment Cassini is for astronomers, scientists, and fanatics alike. I’m not totally sure. But it just moves me.

Click the image for a much larger version. And notice the tiny blue dot just left of and above the segment of rings, that would be earth in the distance.

The MTV boy band spoof 2gether is planning a reunion after more than 10 years off the radar. The group shot to fame following the debut of the original MTV movie in 2000. Soon after the immediate success, the boy band continued to film a tv series that lasted nearly two seasons. The second season ended early due to the death of member Michael Cuccione.

The four remaining members of the band have been discussing a reunion since November of 2011, and have finally set a date for an appearance at the Jon Lovitz comedy club next month. They’re calling it a teaser of what’s to come, as they will only be performing 2-3 songs and only 3 members will be present.

Yesterday Evan, Kevin, Noah, and Alex were caught outside of the Newsroom Cafe in Beverly Hills after they met to discuss their plans. They talked reunion ideas with fans and a TMZ photographer then proceeded to give an impromptu performance of the song “U + Me = Us (calculus)”. This was their first time performing together in over 10 years and they sound fantastic. They clearly still remember their harmony parts. I definitely plan on attending their teaser at the Jon Lovitz comedy club and any other reunion appearances they make. The 13 year old in me is still a huge fan of 2gether. Spoof or not, they’re hilarious and talented guys who know how to entertain. Apparently they’re planning on making a new movie, releasing a CD, and doing a “buttload” (Chad Linus reference for the old school fans) of collaborations with some of the favorite pop stars of the 90s. This will be good!

Curlformers work on all hair types for all ethnicities, from fine and thin, to thick and curly and even the tight and coily manes of African-American women. The kits come in different sizes of width and height including narrow, wide, extra wide, short, long, and extra long. Each size can create unique looks that can be worn casually or in more formal styles.

For me, the most important thing about Curlformers is that they do not require heat to create defined, glossy, uniformed curls. Because I am in the process of transitioning to all natural hair, I am only using styling methods that do not use heating tools. I don’t plan on using curling or flat irons ever again. All it takes to make the curls is damp hair and a conditioning or styling cream to create a hold. The Curlformers can be worn overnight or for a short period during the day (hair needs to be completely dry before removing curlformers).

The cost of kits ranges between $48 and $68, depending on the size. But starter packs can also be purchased for $11.99. They can be purchased online through Curlformers.com, SallyBeauty.com or at a local Sally retail store.

Here are some pictures of hair styled with Curlformers. I grabbed examples of different textures from hair blogs from around the internet.

Jessie J. will be spending about two weeks in Los Angeles making television appearances and writing for her sophomore album.

In all, it was a great day for the time I spent there. And it was nice to see a few legendary acts get back on the stage. Thanks to Vans OTW for providing me with the tickets! Greatly apprecated. And here are a few photos of Wu Tang, also courtesy of Vans.

Here are my not-so-fancy photos from the event. More photos (of the professional liking) can be seen on the Buzzine writeup by Seth.

The transition from relaxed, or chemically straightened, hair can be extremely dramatic and tough for the women who is experiencing it, and for several reasons. The most difficult part of transitioning (and why most black women don’t do it) is the backlash that can and most likely will be received from society, peers, friends, strangers, and even family. In American society, the standards of beauty are undoubtedly bound to eurocentric features. One of the most common and longest running ways for black Americans to attempt to fit into this standard of beauty is by altering their hair to make it as “white” as possible: long, silky, and smoothe. Many black women who transition are often looked at negatively, either by people who will speak with condescending undertones or come right out and say what they’re thinking. Which is usually, “when are you going to do something with your hair.” Luckily for me, I haven’t had any run ins with the negative people.

The second most difficult part of transitioning is simply relearning how to take care of your newly naptural hair. It is hard when most of all you’ve learned is how to damage your into looking pretty. It’s difficult because although ethnic hair care is a multi-billion dollar industry that composes more than 90% of the hair care industry as a whole, it is almost impossible to find resources and products that are targeted toward women who want to maintain beautiful, natural hair with natural products. The black hair care industry is made for women who want to have that “good hair”.

Making the transition from chemically altered hair to naptural hair requires new products, new regimines, attention, and devotion. It requires relearning everything you’ve ever been taught about hair. Suddenly water, which used to be the epitome of evil, is now the best friend and savior. I’ve recently purchased a new product line in my search for my hair’s perfect match. I’ll probably have a lot to say about this whole process over the next few months. I’ve spent most of the past 2 or 3 days reading through articles and advice columns on this hair adventure, but it’s still a daunting task when you want to do it right. Still, I am determined to continue on this path and not try to force myself into a box that society has deemed beautiful. I do hope that as I and many other women make the choice to go natural, the women who so often say “you are so brave” will find the courage and strength to do the same.

Watch the trailer for Chris Rock’s [hilarious] documentary film Good Hair!

Additional reading:

White Women Dyeing, Black Women Relaxing: Why It’s Not the Same

It’s “Just Hair”…or is it?

The announcement comes after over a year of rocketing success for the pop star who attended the same school as other Brit stars Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Leona Lewis. Last year, Jessie J became the only artist to ever perform on SNL prior to releasing an album within the US after her singles “Do It Like a Dude” and “Pricetag” hit the charts in the UK.  Her album, Who You Are quickly became the most anticipated UK release of 2011 due to her winning the Critics Choice award at the 2011 Brit Awards and topping the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll. She is currently a judge on the UK adaptation of the hit show The Voice.

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This week BMW revealed its third addition to the new i8 concept car, the i8 Spyder. This gas-electric hybrid is based on the previous i8 that was revealed in 2011, but takes on a sporty look by making it a drop top and removing the two back seats. Ultimately, this is the futuristic version of the classic two-seater sports car.

The i8 Spyder is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 5 seconds and tops out at 155mph. Considerably exceptional for a hybrid car. It also reports using 3 liters of fuel for every 62 miles and 19 miles of autonomy on solely electric power.

I do absolutely love the new drop top feature on this model, though I am not a fan of two seater cars. I’m still sold on the original i8 concept, but would love to see it as a convertible. These cars are looking like the wave of the future, idealizing the futuristic look seen in magazines and movies since the 50s. Now, if only they could incorporate Google’s self driving technology.