...Can't Effin Sleep - UGH

Up late because I slept in and drank coffee [yea...it's my own fukin fault...whatever]
Watching a Lockdown marathon...episode I saw already was on, and I just rambled in my SK...whatever. Hoping the computer light will lull me to sleep as I type...
-Ashley

Why did you do it?
Why did you leave this way?
I still talk to you often, see your face occasionally - but not as often as I should.
Did you think you were invincible?
...Even Superman has Kryptonite
What thoughts were going through your head?
...Couldn't of been any because that would've meant you were thinking
It's your life no doubt, but it's not just you that's suffering
Nothing could be that great to take your life and throw it away....
Years pass that you'll NEVER get back and the only one to blame is YOU
The judge didn't help you, the guards ain't set you up - it was a decision you obviously made alone.
You could've talked to me, your kids, and your whole family but you robbed us of that time
Now the only way for us to even remember you exist are the collect calls and letters you send
It's your life I understand, Go ahead - Be A Man...but it's not just you that's suffering
If we move on we're wrong, but for years you've been gone
I can take it all in stride, but out here you're not alive
...locked away until further notice in prison...

...My Flippin Eye Candy

All guys always post half nekkid photos of the girls with giant asses or boobs that are "models"...
...so I'm gonna post MY eye candy...whether it be a model, actor, or even a regular person I know or saw...if they catch my eye they come here. My current fav.....Keston Karter :)

Love it!! Google him, get his calendar, find his Myspace...whatever...support the sexy
-Ashley

...Watch Me YUUUUULLLLL!!!!!

Kinda funny... just had to do it

Theee newww souljaaaaa boyyyy dance is soooo siccckkkk..it's as easy as ridin a......


Dick how u feel bout soulja boy's new song?

...enjoy
-Ashley

...Ay Shawty Lemme Holla Atcha

For most females, it's a regular thing for you to walk down the street and at some point some guys may try to talk to you - no big deal. In this documentary they get really into the deeper thoughts of it all...like how we may feel we're constantly being judged or appraised, disrespected by the manner of which males decide to approach us, and even the danger of ignoring or refusing said person. It also shortly speaks on how others notice that our white counterparts don't behave in the same manner and how an outside person could perceive that kind of behavior. I didn't think it was a big deal, but after hearing them talk..kinda made me think...*shrugs*
Here's a Youtube clip of it - I'm off to go shopping and eat P.F. Chang's :)...enjoy
-Ashley

...Fav. Song Of The Moment

People can always hate and have their comparisons...but there are none. They're two different people, but they both sing this song in their own form of utter perfection.
[Ashley Service Announcement: Please, stop comparing people or putting down an entire movement because you so happen to dislike a specific person. The beautiful thing about life is there are choices and options. If there is something you don't like you have the option to listen to it or not. Then you make your choice and be done with it. Follow that and leave the negativity out of it, it'll make things alot better...]
It's been revived because of the movie Cadillac Records - but I've always loved this song. With both versions I'm posting "I'd Rather Go Blind", originally sang by Etta James and resung by Beyonce....enjoy
-Ashley

Etta James:


Beyonce:

...Blogger Won't Let Me Leave Today!!!

I just was forwarded an awesome game...
It helps with hand/eye coordination, and is fun all at the same time
Click the link below to play...I'm sure you'll enjoy
-Ashley

See If You Can Hit The Fool With Your Shoe

...Are You Suffering From BOONDOCKS Withdrawal?

I know I am, but I've been recently watching it's Youtube channel...CRAZY!!!!
I got one of the videos from there on my Christmas post "Happy Birthday Black Jesus"
Click the link below for the channel

Boondocks Bootlegg!!!

MY Favz are the ones with John Witherspoon and Black Jesus...too funny
-Ashley

Watch, Subscribe, Enjoy BITCH!!!

...High Times Vol. 4

Ain't posted one of these in awhile, and one occured same time last year...pure herbal hilarious enlightenment...enjoy
-Ashley

High Times

Vol. 4

Tyk

12/25/2007

Today's Topic: Getting Naked

While inhaling herb...I came to the revelation that...Males are always quick to drop everything when it comes to getting naked. Why the fuck are males that are fat with DDD titties and asses bigger than Buffy's so comfortable with they bodies and some broads aint? Why a male can just walk around shirtless no matter what they size or the weather, but the most free-spirited outspoken female can be the shyest of em all to even wear a two piece.

You know how males be wanting to seduce you, they be pulling at your shirt and then you tell him to stop you'll do it yourself...damn.

So you end up making him work for it..get the shirt off [ah ha forgot the tank top]...get that off - find out you got on 2 tube tops 2 bras with a rubber band on top. Now you get to the pants...[ahhhaa got shorts on, then boyshorts and 3 pairs of underwear]..ok now you cool...

It's crazy we need to appreciate our bodies as much as males appreciate theirs...

To all my weed smoking haters, I do this shit because I like it not because I need to relax because it's one of my everyday hobbies...If you don't like this shit dont read it - or even better dont talk to me...Fuck you......Fuck you

Oh..and Merry Christmas Nukka...From PINKY Nukka!

...Merry Christmas...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
Christmas was a beautiful day filled with happiness and family togetherness. Again for a holiday...a first in a long time, the only people here were actually family. It was a calm and relaxing day with my family. Just me, my parents, grandparents, and aunt with her husband. Then later on my cousins came around, we put something in the air - watched a movie and ate more food [greedy ass lol]. I received more presents than I ever imagined getting and I'm like ULTRA thankful, especially because the gifts will ALL go to immediate great use :). Saturday I'm going shopping for myself and peoples' gifts and tomorrow I order my bestie Bran's dream shower curtain for her apartment.
Didn't go party tonight like I wanted but I'm going out tomorrow with my cousins to a club, I believe named Plush. Should be fun...and interesting. I'm in a real good mood and I'm gonna work on maintaining this.
Also...never forget the real reason for the season [JESUS fool!] Gotta give the major thanks where it is due...
Happy Birthday Black Jesus!


In honor of the holiday, my favorite Christmas song...


Happy Holidays!!!! :)
-Ashley

...Randomnezzzzz

After much discussion, we finally put our tree up, of course the later we put it up the longer it stays up...so it'll probably be up until mid February. Yesterday I hung out with my Dad, I took him for a few runs and then we all got food for the family. We picked up my Christmas gift [I finally got a real Ipod instead of just the little shuffle] so my computer won't crash on me from all the music I download, and my dad bought me a pair of boots I wanted. We then went to Famous Dave's for the food for the family and just chilled.
I still haven't gone shopping for ANYBODY...but that's because I shop after Christmas. I don't try to get people things I THINK they'll like, I go out with them and get them things I KNOW they like because they just said so. It always works :)

On another note...
With alot of the recent news and headlines, it's really got me thinking. It's snowing in Las Vegas and New Orleans but it's like 60 degrees over here in the middle of December...anyone who has ever read the Bible would know that those are some "telltale" signs of the end of the world. Another one is one that I'd really like for it to NOT be true, but we can never be to sure. The man who has brought the country together in ways we never imagined, could possibly be the Anti-Christ? He's supposed to be a man that we all love and could never think anything wrong of, and the parallels are quite scary...I'm not saying it's definite but it sure as hell something to look out for. In thesee times we can never pretend to b so sure of anything because it can all change in a split second...Just a thought
-Ashley

...I'm Effin Sick!!!

Been sick for the past two weeks...sux
...Couldn't even do anything which drives me insane
But that helped me catch up on some movie time...Divine quality bootlegg of course
I watched Seven Pounds [good movie & message]
Madagascar 2 [funny...but not sure it's for kids]
Eagle Eye [pure madness]
Cadillac Records [I know everyone hates Beyonce for whatever reason...but watch the movie!]


Also found this song...apparently it's going to be FOR Rihanna, but it's NOT her singing on this. It just became my favorite song of the moment...it's called Bitch I'm Special...awesome - right?
...enjoy
-Ashley

...Evaporate

Lying in the grass staring at the clouds, trying to figure out what's wrong with me. Watching them slowly glide by contemplating - why can't I?
Life is the biggest adventure we could ever embark on but it seems like it has so many rules - why can't we just be free?
Free to roam, free to dream, free to love, free to 'be', free help, free care, free food, free land...I mean it's not really OURS anyway...
Who said society had to be this way?
I just wish I could slowly glide by and never wonder why because I'm free...
Free to roam, dream, love, and be as happy as that carefree cloud in the sky knowing there's absolutely nothing wrong with me....

...Vonnie Got Married!!!!!

An earlier post mentioned my wonderful cousin was getting married. It happened October 20. 2008. I was a bridesmaid and it was a fun and beautiful thing. She looked so happy the whole day...she said she'd never smiled so much in one day!! We had the Wedding at Childs Memorial Baptist Church, then the reception was at a small hall down SW round Woodland Ave, then we all went to the after party up North...I forget the clubs name. We actually started partying while we were taking pictures and it kept on until early in the morning. It was really fun and everyone was really cool. Picz tell it better....enjoy
-Ashley

Yea...we're kind of a big deal

They did it!

Kimmie

I know..I'm cheesing - eff you

Yaz

Eb

E$$

He looks so happy

The bride & her children

...Fav. Song Of The Moment

...Not only did I neglect this, but I slacked on my Google/Youtube kick of the day. Since I didn't feel the need to find every bit of info on anyone at the moment, I'm starting another category...hence the title.
Feeling this song very much...and not just because I'm a grown ass Chris Brown groupie [hehe]
No but songs hot - awesome concept...atleast in my opinion - which is the only one that matters here :) ....enjoy
-Ashley

"You say it's Now or Never...I pick NEVER - we can't be together, so calm down..."

...Confessions Of A Commitmentphobe

I was thinking long and hard about myself. I noticed in the past couple of years I've kept all prospects at arms length even if people on the outside noticed the chemistry or atleast that my current showed an interest in me. It was then after speaking with a few friends I declared that I possibly turned into a commitmentphobe. As life goes you try things, they don't always work, and sometimes you get hurt - but sometimes some wounds don't heal as quickly as others or they open other wounds that you may not have fuly dealt with from the past as far back as childhood. Then after googling it and seeing it's really a phobia I came up with this 3 part series as a creative way to kind of get the emotion out and also help me cope and move on, because if not I'll stay in the same vicious cycle...C.O.C. part one...enjoy...

Arachnophobia? [scared of spiders] – Nope
Acrophobia? [scared of heights] – Not at all
Anthrophobia? [scared of people] – NEVER
Coulrophobia [scared of clowns] – Ok, maybe a little
But my phobia is commitment.
Sounds crazy right?
Normally you’d believe females LIVE for commitment and only dread NEVER finding it
…Not me
My brain seems to translate commitment into the ghosts of relationships past, the visual of present unhappy souls, and the terror of the future if one sudden decision is made.
It’s synonymous to settling
Settling equals death
Death equals a routine falling into place, and life as you KNEW it – is over
It’s that unsettling feeling of what will be given up in order for this partnership to sustain and fear it would be all for nothing.
Come on, people can barely stick with a hair color or a pair of shoes, much less another person – especially when there’s so much variety out there
Marriage & Stability all sounds grand
Who would deny “true love” and a pretty ring on their hand?
Everyone in the world has a soul mate – right?
The promises of lifetime devotion, affection and happiness – what more could you ask for?!
But if that’s broken, what happens next…?
Am I just destined to continue to give my all just to watch it crumble beneath me?
I’ve rearranged my name, my ways – shit my whole life
I’ve listened to the pretty words and felt the tender touch, only to find out he bailed to see if the grass was greener with a cheap thrill or regardless of how much time and effort I put in, it’s never enough…
The nerve of that ungrateful son of a bitch!
…and Reversal is a motherfucker!
All that time invested, now to start anew…again
Trial & error is how we figure out what works best
It’s also the easiest route to grey hairs and stress
Apparently I see “LOVE” is just a fly-by-night emotion
Dedication seems to be only for the older generation – and even they’re slipping
I’m tired of having my heart ripped out
I don’t want to constantly have nagging feelings of frustration, distrust and confusion.
I’m terrified that the only results will be yet another sad and painful story
I don’t have the strength for it…
If I could actually encounter a person who is genuinely honest and not full of shit, this probably wouldn’t exist.
Stop feeding me poetic lines with no substance. Don’t tell me things you think I want to hear. I don’t even want you to tell me I look nice when I obviously look wrecked, because even little white lies can turn into a whale story in 10 seconds flat.
When I was younger I did dream of one day having the whole family ordeal
Now it’s just a painful conclusion that a similar real life situation is either a bad decision with permanent ramifications or a fleeting ideal from the Medieval days….
2BCont

...The Catch Up

Ok...
Summer is gone and apparently - so is fall. Obviously that also means November has passed and we have a new president...my ideal husband BARACK HUSEEIN OBAMA!!!!

Our First Family

BALLIN!!!

Never before did I pay such close attention to a candidate. Of course in the beginning the intrigue began when I realized a person of African American descent was really running and it wasn't Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson. With the initial intrigue came the trance he would literally put you in while he so eloquently spoke of change and regulations with the swagger smoother than a well-seasoned pimp talking a girl onto a corner. EVERY time he spoke I listened and learned something. I even believe I'm smarter just from listening to him. With his historic win I'm overjoyed and I'm ready to see how he will attempt to handle the GINORMOUS mess G.W. Bush left for him to clean up. I also truly hope that with the state of the country today, and personally speaking for my city with all the senseless violence, school drop outs, mobs of uneducated drug dealers, wannabe rappers and any other male falling into all of the general stereotypes - they can look at Obama and want something more out of life beecause there's living proof that it's attainable. Young people and families are now really hearing their children if they say they want to be the President. Yes We Can became Yes We Did. Now there's no excuse about the man because now "The Man" is one of us.

Christmas is about a week away which is pretty cool to say the least, and of course the week after will be New Years :) Not exactly sure what I'll be doing...probably hanging with my Neumann homies in DE w/ Tyk. Next year though, I know for sure I'll be celebrating in a whole new venue. I may actually go to the ball my aunt and parents go to. It's this big executive thing that could cost up to $500 a ticket...Everyone is dressed up real nice, open bar and buffet....swanky.


With my internet ban still in effect (not like they were ever going to uplift it) my search to find something to preoccupy my mind has ended. I now just WRITE - I know real epiphany huh. I occasionally write pieces but I'd only really have the urge when I'm either really angry or upset. With all of my free time on the job it gives me time to just think on alot of things, and with the thought process comes my writings. Anything inspires me now - a question someone asked me the day before, even a random thought derived from a song I was listening to. I also now kind of write what I'm thinking or how I feel in a more literary sense as to put more depth into that moment instead of just writing a run down of what happened/made me mad/etc...
...Speaking of New Year's...I've decided on a resolution. Normally every year I say the same one [lose weight/exercise] but never follow through. As of now I know I don't have the determination or motivation to do it, and I'm not a bad size as it is so for now I'm no longer going to stress over that. My new resolution will be to say YES to everything. I got the inspiration from the movie of the similar name "YES Man", and I actually find it to be a good idea. You never know where life can take you if you say no to the opportunities that could arise if you just say yes to something. I know I'm good for being slightly paranoid or should I say suspicious of people and their motives and I'll say no before I even know what their asking...so I'd like to change that. I was helping my co-worker with an english project and one of the topics were to write your own obituary, and when I started to write I didn't feel I had enough highlights to put in it to show what kind of mark I left on the Earth, and in peoples lives - so I gotta change...take more risks, and worry less about the consequences of my actions unless it's of a malicious nature [of course if they deserve it then its sooooo necessary]. Soooo...yea...that's my thoughts on that
Well, I'm really going to update this more often so that I can post more things and just keep it updated without having to do these catch up posts that can last 4everrrr.
I'll be back with something :)
-Ashley

...The Rant

I’m tired…
I work hard everyday – just like everyone else
I don’t ask questions, I just do it.
Money, Independence, & Success are my motivations
My motto: ‘Hustle Now To Chill Later…’
…Inspirational - right?
When I explain these things I get acclaim of determination
“You won’t have time for anything,” is all I hear though…
…Didn’t I just state my goals in the beginning?
I’d love to have leisure time – but where would that take me?
An idle mind breeds trouble and idle hands wage war
So am I to be blacklisted for keeping busy?

I’m tired…
I’m human – just like everyone else
I’m imperfect in every way imaginable, but that’s me.
Love, Happiness, & Stability are my motivations
My motto: ‘If It Makes You Happy, It Makes Me Happier…’
…Sounds great - right?
When I say that, a smile that could illuminate the sky appears
“You won’t have time for me,” is all I hear though…
…Didn’t you just say you understood and respected my hustle?
I’d give my last because I thought of you first – but where did that leave us?
An idle heart could turn cold if you let it, and a cold heart can wage wars
So am I to be neglected because I’m driven?

Since I’m not around you bitch, but if I was always there you’d be quick to ask
“What are you doing with your life…?”
I’m not idle or stirring trouble, I’m getting my life in order
…but I’m getting criticized from all corners
What do you want from me?! – You know what…I don’t care
All I know is, I’ll be damned if I’m always at fault
I’m Fucking Focused – deal with it
…Man…I’m just tired

...Such The Slacker

Ok so I got some catching up to do....

So I've kinda been banned from the internet at work. Basically all I can really do is put my hours in, check the work website, and all work related things...I Can't Even GOOGLE!!! So work has become even worse in the boring factor...but it's all good.

Now since June...

I spoke with random people from the past again (Winchell)

Got rid of other people after a year and some change (Ghana)

And ignored others just for the hell of it (Cali)

Then my birthday came :)

I had a little gathering at my house, then went to my cousins tattoo party.

Then Me & Tyk went to Rehobeth Beach which was awesome. An evil wave smacked us and broke my camera (but I got a replacement - no prob). I had lots of food, liquor, and my herbal medication. And the important thing i didn't have was DRAMA :)

I was the subject of a $500 bet, that I would become someone's girlfriend...but I shut that down long before I knew of it HA!

Out of nowhere I found another person from the past who now plays basketball overseas which is very awesome

A REAL out of the blue is a random old object of class distraction from XULA

...but I'm not complaining at all

Now it's August..summer is basically over. Tomorrow the family is going to Ocean City (MD) for the weekend for Daddy's birthday which should be awesome as well.

Oh yea, I also took more photos with a new photographer named Don. He's supposed to have shot with Caridee, Jaslene, etc...I didn't really care about the name drops though - I just wanted cute picz :)

Life has been pretty interesting...but for the most part normal and boring. I wonder what the fall season has instore for me because this summer in one word has been INTERESTING...indeed

-Ashley

...Back Again

And may I say the month of June has been VERY interesting. So it starts of with a bang - literally. Some dumb bum runs into the passenger side of my car, which sucks major ass I can't even believe it. I took the car in this morning to finally get fixed :) They said it would take a week and a half, but now he said it may be finished by the end of this week which would be so much cooler! If that's the case I may keep the rental they gave me until it's over. It's free for the first 4 days and then I pay like 30 dollars a day after which actually isn't bad.

T-Mobile is a company full of asses, charging me tons of money for a phone I NEVER got! Incredible bull - but I'm slowing getting out of this rut.

My supplement came on Saturday - which is awesome too. It will help me out ALOT. I always said that it was going to come when I needed it the most and it certainly has. I'm upset the economy is the way it is, but I'm happy to randomly recieve some money.

I'm hoping all this bad stuff is happening now so I can have the GREATEST month of July ever. I mean it's 4th of July, it's my birthday and that's pure awesomeness in itself so I gotta have fun during my birth month - its mandatory! And I'm turning the double deuce...kinda freaky I'm getting all old and stuff...older you get the more responsibility you have and etc. I'm plotting to sue Toy R Us for lying about always being a kid...bastards.

Well I'm @ work so I'm just gonna marinate for now. All the real things I'm thinking of I'll do later...

...I Feel Pretty...Click-Click-FLASH

Sooooooo, some of my shot from my session with Lauri are back. She posted them on her blog and I must say they are really cool. She is an awesome photographer and I'm so happy I got the chance to work with her. I told her if she ever needs a test dummy I'd be more than willing to oblige. If you haven't looked already make sure you visit her website [ www.laleephotography.com ]. From her favorite shots she posted on her blog, here are the shots I took while at work :) Enjoy

-Ashley

Working the door lol

Gotta Love Nature

I'm Not Afraid Of A Little Electricity

Maybe...I Am Batman

A Sexy Ass Nap lol

I'm Nowhere Close, But When I Look @ This Pic I Think "Easy - Breezy - Beautiful -Covergirl"

Bish...Where's My Ride?

I love these photos and they're just the beginning. I can't wait for the CD to come so I can see them ALL. Now I must return to work lol

...Important Google - Youtube Kick Of The Day

I have not one clue of why this person hasn't been placed in my blog - guess I was expanding my knowledge for a bit. But this person is the greatest MUSICIAN ever, in my opinion of course...but dont argue with me about it because you will lose. In all of his albums it was guaranteed to see Written/Produced/Composed/Instruments/Performed all by PRINCE!!!

Prince Rogers Nelson aka The symbol aka The Artist aka The Artist (Formerly known as Prince) is in one word....Awesome. I'm not even going to put his bio up because if you have not one clue about this man you live in the core of the earth with the rest of the losers. He is a creative being who expresses himself through his music, style, and performance. He is the true definition of an artist and a performer. I [heart] him. I love everything he does, but here are my favorite songs of all time. Enjoy.

-Ashley

Diamonds & Pearls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0yTEb4WM1s

Adore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdNQ3BGle9M

I Would Die For You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eupsoUPIFFo

...Mini Update

Yea, so it's already been established I'm trying to get into a little modeling. My parents and now Grandmom Audrey & probably Ms. Thelma knows too. Grandmom always told me because I'm tall I should do it, now I finally am so that should be cool to her.

Anyway, I went to this audition/fitting I was invited to, and now I'm apart of the company (Axiskeys) and I'm doing my first event May 30th @ Triada (www.triadalounge.com). I'm inviting everyone I know so I'll have a little cushion to chill with in the midst of networking and mingling with the other people at the event. So far the outfits we'll be wearing sound cool. Everything I need for the event will be provided for me, (i.e.: hair & makeup, wardrobe, accessories, even shoes!). There will be a fashion show I believe and then after we just all walk around and socialize & have a good time basically all while getting things done.

This group basically serves as the middle man for models just starting and not sure where to go. We're not tied down to them, but they help book us for things and then once there we work out whatever deal with that client. One of their models is now in the Phillipines with the guy Apple from the Black Eyed Peas, so I guess they're kind of a big deal. Their main goal is to get Philly up there like NY. It's well on its way since NY is getting TOO saturated with everyone trying to be there, handle business there, etc...and alot of people who lived or work in NY are now moving to Philly because of the cost of living, space issues, and comfort, so why not make Philly the next mecca of all things as well. The nightlife scene is starting to take off in a major way, which then leads to more publicity, more people coming to visit and the expansion can continue. We're right at the start of this movement so it can become easy to just catch on to the wave and ride it to the top as long as everyone apart of it works it correctly. I'm hoping I have the confidence to pull this off and able to turn my charm on in full effect and be noticed. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain if done right so I should have no fear. What's the worse that can happen - they say no...big deal - move on to the next and do better.

Let's see how this goes...

-Ashley

...The Randomness That Is ME

So I'm out with Bran & Tyk down Olde City and you know who I happen to notice? - That stripper from Philly or somewhere around it from the Real World. I think her name is Brianna.

I spotted her and was yelling to my friends "Hey, that's that girl from Real World." No big deal but I wanted to inform them she was there. She heard me, then turned around and was like "Hey Girl! How are you?" I answered her but kept it moving since she's not really that important, and she was on her way into the club, I didn't wanna interrupt her flow or mines. In after thought, I probably should of taken a picture. Normally I do with my poparatzi acting self. But I have witnesses and it's part of my memory. It was cool & random :)

...The Update Part Deux

Spring Fever still in full effect :)

Still running the streets like there's no tomorrow. Hanging out for days then crashing when I finally get home - it's awesome. It's slowly starting to be consistently warm now so that helps. Since it's warm, so I'm not always in the car and can fully enjoy the nice weather I reverted back to my high school ways of taking the "hoe stroll" with Tyk that we invented around the neighborhood to wherever it takes me. Usually we end up at a park, marinate for a bit then when it gets dark we'll head back to wherever I left the car. It's good exercise for someone who won't do it at all I figure - besides walking is good for everybody.

I now got a random inspiration, so now I'm going to try and pursue a little modeling over the summer and see what happens. I don't have any real photos besides the one time I did a mini shoot with Jasen, but I don't really count them - I just think of them as pretty pictures because thats all I really wanted them for. When I took those I wasn't trying to be a model, I just wanted some nice pictures that I didn't take myself to put on Myspace (lol). Yesterday I did some shooting with a photographer named Lauri Carbone who has her own company called Lalee Photography ( http://www.laleephotography.com/ ). It was really fun - she was really cool and a very nice person all around. She made me real comfortable and the whole experience was cool. We shot down South St. around the mosaic mirror garden area, and some of the people who live there also have designed garage doors which made for more scenery. Everything in that area is either painted or designed so it gave our location alot of variety. Brandi was my mentor, make up artist, pep coach, and stylist. She came with me and I'd notice her behind the photographer nodding her head, giving me the thumbs up. She told me I did a good job for my first actual shoot, so hopefully I can continue to grow and get better. The photographer said I did a great job, she said I should've tried out for Top Model and asked why I wasn't already a model *blush* I don't believe her, I'm not gonna pipe my head up like that but it was nice to know I possibly did a good job. I'll fully know how it turned out when the photos come back in a few weeks. She's going to contact me when she finishes editing them and send me the CD with the images - I can't wait to see them and I hope they look nice.

I'm even talking Tyk into getting into it and I believe she's thinking of actually doing it with me. She keeps saying she's not pretty enough to model, but I'm like you'll never know until you do it. We always say life's too short so we do whatever the fuck we want to, so why not try this too. Who knows what could happen with this whole thing- why settle for just being the pretty girl in the hood when you could be one of the pretty girls of the world. I'm just taking a chance and seeing what could happen and making her come along with me to try it as well - what's the worse that could happen?

I'll update again when the photos return. Now I'll stop typing at work and try to do some work.

-Ashley

...The Penile Bandit Outbreak!

Even if I tried to really explain this, you'd think I'm making this up - so just read the story

Full Story:
http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2319603620080423?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&rpc=22&sp=true

...Long Time No See

Ashley UPDATE

I've been slacking on most things internet based since the weather started warming up. This year I have a terrible (but wonderful) case of what I like to call Spring Fever. Once the weather gets warm I get this undying urge to be outside. It makes not one bit of difference where I am, where I'm going, and who is with me just as long as I'm outside soaking up the sunshine and the warmth that comes along with it. It's usually the worst on weekends when I go out on Friday night and come back Saturday or Sunday around 10am (LOL) .
My family notices it too. My dad always knew I'd occasionally disappear so he doesn't really worry much, but now my mom notices and seems like she really cares & I think she even misses me *shocked face*. She was talking to my Aunt Sheila and she asked how I was, my mom says "She's doing fine I think, I hardly ever see her because she's always running the streets." I personally don't think I do too bad, not like I go out EVERY night...just most of them. I see nothing wrong with it, as long as the weather is nice, somebody has somewhere they want me to go, & I have something to wear - I leave. And what makes it even better is everything I've done so far has been FREE. I'm 21 going on 22, I should be having all sorts of fun regardless of the consequence of work the next day. I'll have to work pretty much everyday for the rest of my life until I retire, so that isn't gonna be an excuse to keep me in the house.
If the way I'm acting this way in SPRING...I'm not even gonna think about what may occur this summer. This should be interesting....

Yesterday was the Democratic primaries. Yes I voted *dust my shoulders off*. I did my duty and paid my debt to society - so yay me.

My cousin Vonnie is getting married!!! I'm so happy for her. AND I'm a bridesmaid which is awesome. That will be the first wedding I'm apart of so that should be cool. I was gonna be apart of my cousin Smiley's wedding, but it never happened so of course that didn't work. We're supposed to go look at dressed and stuff on Saturday and she already knows our dresses are gonna be lavender tube dresses so that should be cute.

Next couple weeks I should be on my way to Richmond to see my friend JENN! She's graduating from Hampton and invited me down for the festivitites so hopefully I can go and it should be fun and filled with pictures! I can't wait. I know for a fact I'll be able to go if my dad helps me, he made a hint that he'd help me with some things if I need it so I may just ask him this one favor. It shouldn't be too bad since I haven't asked him or anyone for anything in a long time.

Also, I'm slowly converting and I'm starting to wear the one thing I swore up and down would never be on my feet unless it was really necessary - heels. I wore them out in Olde City and a few places a couple times and had the best time and I looked sharp as shit - I get it now. So now I actually go shopping for heels, I bought a few dresses knowing I'd need to wear heels with them and I look good if I do say so myself :) [If I don't think so, no one else will so eff it]

Now I must stop slacking off at work. Catch up on this soon

-Ashley

...Talking Politics

I'm not very political. I don't even like keeping up with campaigns because they always overpower the actual message and issues with propaganda, libel, slander, and a television day full of ads of what that person did or did not do for whatever reason to push the vote on their sides.

I used to claim democrat. I'm still registered as one, but now I don't even pick a side..not even independent. I just go with who seems to make the most sense, and who also has what it takes to fix this fucked up ass country that we live in and that many are trying to get into like a crowded night at the club.

Only thing so far that has caught my eye during this whole Presidental race isn't that there's a black man, or a woman running...it was just Obama's speech "A More Perfect Union" while he was here in Philly.He broke it all down and talked to the world like regular adults...He didn't try to cover anything up or swing some words around so you can decipher it how you want and make up 15 meanings that aren't even close...All he wants is a better America, and if there's anyone that doesn't want that...shouldn't live here.

So take it how you want it, but I believe he truly is one smart man that could possibly do some great things - but only if given the chance...and even after that only time will tell...After the whole Vote Or Die campaigns, making the giant effort to boost voting in the community and waiting 10 hours in line in New Orleans to vote for the first time and for the whole state of Louisiana to already be handed over to Bush before I and a long ass line behind me even got CLOSE to the voting booth - I kinda swore off the government. This the one and probably only time out of every 4 years you'll ever really witness me talking politics...soak it in & enjoy

-Ashley

To See The Speech, Click Link Below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo

...Students Plot To Kill Teacher

At 8 or 9 I just would just declare my deep hatred for my teacher if they made me mad...
THESE kids now a days - are on a WHOLE other level...





For The Full Story Click This Link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080401/ap_on_re_us/children_s_plot;_ylt=Ak0E14Q8Cf4pnF4y.0M2ZdRvzwcF

...The Past Always Has A Way Of Catching Up With You

Just another day in the life...until I receive a message from my ex-husband.

It has been so long since we had last spoken and yet ... Is it too out in the beyond to say that when everything become quiet in my world and all I have is time to reflect, the first thing that comes to my mind is you. It's funny, everytime I feel like I am at a crossroad the only thing that center me still is the thought of you.

Right now it is 4am and I am sitting in bed with the laptop listening to music. I have so much to say and yet as I am typing this to you I find myself withholding the words I would usually share with you. And it is frustrating. Since we had stop talking, do you know how many women came after you? And yet, I am here and not there. I come to you because I expect you to figure this out... To figure me out.

People say I am good with words, but sometimes I would rather not explain everything. Sometimes I would rather have the person I am with to just understand without me having to lead the way towards it. Do you know what frustrated me so much about you? It was that you understood me and that made it difficult for me to do things half-way.It is so much that I wish I had given you the chance to teach me. To love harder and deeper. To be more understanding. To be considerate. These things aren't easy you know. But for some reason, it came to you naturally.

You are probably thinking 'what are you trying to get at Asad.' Honestly, I don't know. At a moment like this, it would be helpful if you lived close by lol. I could do for a nice steaming mug of whatever you can't burn lol and a good conversation. I guess that is what I am really thirsty for.. a thought quenching debate from minds on the same level. A give and take that could go on for eons.

Don't ever let anyone tell you that you are less than amazing. For I have stared into the face of it and saw your brown eyes looking back at me knowingly. You will always be Relly Bear to me, never forget it.

-Cor'an

Anyone that knew me during that era (Fall 04-Spring/Summer 06) knows the drama, madness, head over hills and even out of control relationship we had. It was a sum up case of 'good girl & bad guy like each other, they fall in love, bad guy tries to change for the better & plan a future but can't, good girl tries to help but inevitably loses.' Another factor was both people have real bad similar tempers & when one got mad, the other got madder. Both almost perfect for each other, but it just wasn't the right time. Even though it sucks it ended, it's still sweet to know that even in the seperation HE knows I was the one he let slip away...& a part of his <3 will always belong to me...

...Random

An acquaintance of mine recently had a revelation about life. Read & interpret yourself, it's alot easier than trying to explain...:

We are alive to live. We die to give time meaning. There is no such thing as heaven, you were given life to exist. No being is superior to another, we are all equal. There is a God, but we will never understand God - It's simply out of our comprehension. Karma is real, it's proof of God. We are not responsible for the state of the world. We are responsible for how we impact it. Perfection isn't real. Life is a gift.

...think on that

-Ashley

...How You Know Gas Is Fucking Up Peoples Lives

In Arizona, a woman REALLY wanted some gas money. She offered a gentleman oral sex and when he refused, she decided to stab him a couple times for denying her. Now instead of getting gas, she now has aggravated assault charges.

For the full story click the link:

http://www.fox11az.com/news/topstories/stories/tucson-20080318-sex-gas-agreement-stab.2d0f946.html

...Greatest Party Day Since I've Been Legal

One Friday because a club was having a 25 cent drink special until 11:30 me & Tyk decided to go party, since that's what we do best...and besides it's fucking Friday. We get to the club, but the drink special is over so we get our usual fav. poison of choice (Long Island Ice Tea). It's $12 and stingy but whatever it's Friday we're ballin. It's the first time we ever went to this place and it's small and crowded as shit. We're dressed fly as shit and we're getting alot of looks and compliments so that made us happy, but its too crowded and we can't move or mingle, so we leave. We go to a bar like two doors down. They have no cover charge & $5 Corona's - can't beat that, so we chill and drink them and jam. We then decided to check the rest of the bars on the block before we settle and carry our drinks with us in my purse (lol). They're not as cool, and the other club across the street has a long ass line that we weren't waiting in, so we go back to our spot. We get a couple more beers, some random guy buys us this AWESOME shot, and we buy another one because it's good. It gets close to closing time so we get a couple dances in, get a couple numbers and leave the bar. We get outside to head to the car and get a couple more numbers during the walk to the car and while just standing outside. We then not head home, we go chill with some guys smoke a little laughed a little and got some free stuff just for being pretty - literally.
We finally decided to stroll in the house at like 7ish smoke a blunt and then finally decide to sleep at like 10:30 after eating some pancakes :)
After all of that, we didn't even need to party the rest of the weekend lol. It was a wonderful time. If that's my summer preview I'm ready!

...Night of Fun Turned To Shit

Me & Tyk go out for St. Patrick's Day & to also reunite her with one of her friends she hadn't seen in a long time. We had a great time until it was time to leave.
First off, we're way off in the Boondocks of the Northeast and I don't really know it like the back of my hand so I need exact directions so I make sure I don't get lost. Getting there was absolutely perfect, everything rolled wonderfully. We got there had a nice catch up time and walked to the bar and chilled and had a nice evening. When it's time to leave though is a whole other story. I get to my car to realize it looked like somebody egg'd the back windshield. I let it slide, it's nothing a car wash can't fix - fuck it. I then try to head home, my 95 route is blocked off for some God forsaken reason, I somehow end up in Jersey and have to pay damn toll. I then get talked into taking a random quick trip to South Philly (mind you it's Monday & I do have to work the next day). On the way there I get a moving violation for $118.50. We finally get there, we both have to pee like some racehorses and the bastards don't answer the phone or the doorbell. We hit someone else's bell by accident and they think we're crazy for being out there and damn near fear for their safety. All of this drama and we STILL have to pee! I then finally lose my temper, throw my phone against a wall and speed off into the sunset to just get home as soon as possible. I should've just listened to my first instinct and just went home once we finished hanging up Northeast.
I then wake up in the morning, get ready to head to work, and lucky me has a damn flat tire. Not only did whoever egg my car, but they slashed my tire as well - fucking great.
Now I have to shell out bout $200 in one day all because of that one evening that I only planned on spending $40. So needless to say I'm not going anywhere for a little bit, and my tax rebate check I was so happy to see and get is now going to everything except what I wanted it to.
...ain't life grand

...High Times Vol. 3

Tyk
High Times
Vol. 3

Todays Topic: Crazy Ass Niggaz & The Girls Who Love Them

While inhaling some herb I came to the revelation - Niggaz is crazy!... One day you wanna love me the next u ready to beat me up. I need one or the other so I know if I should go - not both at the same time. You're supposed to love me, cherish me, and whisper sweet nothings in my ear - not sweet death wishes. You can't even play with ya man, play fight, and can't say shit or he'll act like he wanna hit you. Saying crazy shit like "I'm gonna break your neck..".
But you know what I still love him. That's still my boo. I know it sounds kind of crazy but that's how I know he loves me, because that's his way of showing it when he's fucked up. Crazy, Drunk, High or not I know he loves me...he just need to get a handle on his extra curricular activites...What The Fuck.... What The Fuck...

...Fruity Drug Bust

The DEA busted three men in California for allegedly selling lots of candy flavored cocaine. The agents found eight pounds of the candy coke in various flavors including:

lemon, cinnamon, strawberry and coconut.

Sources are saying the flavored coke was very popular with young drug users - mostly women

..I wonder why it hadn't gotten to the east coast, they'd of made a killing!

...Is This What We're Teaching Our Kids?

...and we wonder why things are the way they are. Then we want to cry and say 'he/she was such a good kid', but you encourage them, videotape them, and post on YOUTUBE for all the world to see like the little girl has just made a major accomplisment. In actually all she has done is display the failure of her parent or even sibling. Even adults don't need to speak the way this girl is, who is probably no older than maybe 5. Besides what real issues would this child have to need to say all that about whomever. Shit is not cute - at all.

...just watch

-Ashley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jkg11Ch-aQ

Google Kick Of The Day

...haven't done this in awhile :)

Today's subject was inspired by a quote from Mos Def I was looking at today

Our prioritites is getting fucked up. Lil Jon - I love his
music, but why are the East Side Boyz names Big Sam & Lil Bo? What the fuck?
What's next Kunta and Kinte? The south should know better. This is the same
country that ran up in Fred Hampton crib and shot him in bed with his pregnant
wife. You think the rules changed because niggaz got #1 records? What are we
supposed to tell our kids? After Malcolm, Martin & DuBois we got Sam-Bo? I'm
supposed to be down with that "because it makes me dance..."?

So..todays topic is Fred Hampton. I had never heard of him before so I decided to investigate.

He was born in Chicago in 1948. After graduating from Proviso East High School in 1966 and enrolling at Triton Junior College where he studied law - he joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was appointed leader of the Youth Council of the organization's West Suburban branch.

October 1966 is the year The Black Panther Party was formed in Oakland. Hampton then founded a Chicago chapter November 1968 and immediately established a community service program. This included provision of free breakfasts for schoolchildren and a medical clinic that didn't charge patients for treatment.

One of Hampton's greatest achievements was to persuade Chicago's most powerful street gangs to stop fighting against each other. In May 1969 Hampton held a press conference where he announced a nonaggression pact between the gangs and the formation of what he called a "rainbow coalition" (a multiracial alliance of black, Puerto Rican, and poor youths).
Later that year Hampton was arrested and charged with stealing $71 worth of sweets, which he then allegedly gave away to local children. Hampton was initially convicted of the crime but the decision was eventually overturned.
The activities of the Black Panthers in Chicago came to the attention of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. Hoover described the Panthers as "the greatest threat to the internal security of the country" and urged the Chicago police to launch an all-out assault on the organization. In 1969 the Panther party headquarters on West Monroe Street was raided three times and over 100 members were arrested.
In the early hours of the 4th December, 1969, the Panther headquarters was raided by the police for the fourth time. The police later claimed that the Panthers opened fire and a shoot-out took place. During the next ten minutes Fred Hampton and Mark Clark were killed. Witnesses claimed that Hampton was wounded in the shoulder and then executed by a shot to the head.
The panthers left alive, including Deborah Johnson, Hampton's girlfriend, who was eight months pregnant at the time, were arrested and charged with attempting to murder the police. Afterwards, ballistic evidence revealed that only one bullet had been fired by the Panthers whereas nearly a hundred came from police guns.
After the resignation of President Richard Nixon, the Senate Intelligence Committee conducted a wide-ranging investigation of America's intelligence services. Frank Church of Idaho, the chairman of the committee, revealed in April, 1976 that William O'Neal, Hampton's bodyguard, was a FBI agent-provocateur who, days before the raid, had delivered an apartment floor-plan to the Bureau with an "X" marking Hampton's bed. Ballistic evidence showed that most bullets during the raid were aimed at Hampton's bedroom.

..so in history every person that tried to do good for their community is a threat to the government supposedly. It's a conspiracy - a sin & a shame, but that's just how our world seems to work.

For your visual entertainment here is a four part series on The Murder of Fred Hampton

Part One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn0PiDvVXDY

Part Two

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgwrD-dOI70

Part Three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6CEaS0PBhc

Part Four

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPrYLhh2mPs

...enjoy

-Ashley

...I Can Haz Insurence? I Soberz I Swearz!

Those funny little pictures & also facebook bumper stickers of the cats speaking with the worst grammar, is actually a whole website! - who knew.



http://www.icanhascheezburger.com/

I think they're ridiculously hilarious - for no reason!
Now you can think so too - if you didn't already know

It's also been named #8 in The world's 50 most powerful blogs. For the full story click the link

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/09/blogs

...enjoy

-Ashley

...Get It Together

...God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I can not change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference...

-Ashley

...Google Kick Of The Day

She is the costar in one of the most controversial relationships in our nations history. During a time where it was unheard of to mix races since the one was 'inferior', unless it was to breed more workers. This woman was a product of that, and became a focal point once discovered through oral history and recent DNA study's that she gave birth to Thomas Jefferson, our third presidents, children.

There isn't much concrete evidence of this relationship, but there are plenty of books, documetaries and a two part movie that all tell different interpretations, but the same message. To sum it up they began their relationship in Paris, and continued it once back in America on Jefferson's land of Montichello for a total of 38 years & 6 children (I believe only 4 survived). Of course because of the time this all conspired, no one would want this kind of information to be known of the President and all sorts of documents could of easily been destroyed without penalty.

In honor of one of the first documented interracial loves, and in my thoughts - the first love struck broad that stayed no matter what, my Google kick of the day is Sally Hemings

-Ashley

...It Still Hurts

On a personal note...

Today, more than usual, I've been thinking about my Grammy & Aunt Joyce...mainly my Grammy. This morning 'Yesterday' sung by Mary Mary came on my ipod on my way to work *tear, which was one of my Aunt Joyce's favorite songs and it just made me think of my Grammy in general.
I miss my Aunt Joyce more & more each day I look at my hair. She's the only hairdresser I know and I never thought my life would be this upside down without her here.
In my Grammy's final years I know I distanced myself from her because I hated seeing the state she was in because of her disease, but desperately I miss being around her & just being able to know that she is there even if she didn't know who I was (although she never forgot me, she just wouldn't recognize me or call me by my mother's name & my mother by my name). I still can't stop calling the house she lived in hers even though she's not there. I can't accept the fact that they're going to sell the house and some other family is going to live where I grew up and where she took her last breath. Death has come into my life on a few occasions but this one has hurt me the most.
I still remember going to her funeral & not being able to even walk in the church...seeing her in the casket & expecting at any moment for her to inhale and prove everyone wrong...to know my Grammy, the woman who raised & nurtured me for as long as I can remember is now just reduced to a pearl white & gold trimmed box underground hurts deep. It's still recent (August 17th) so of course I wouldn't be 'over it,' but...I don't know - I just miss my Grammy :(

...Google Kick Of The Day

Today Huey Newton just popped in my head. I didn't watch any black history movies or anything, so - I figured that he should be my Google/Youtube kick and I'm glad he is.

Short sweet quick bio I found

An illiterate high-school graduate, Newton taught himself how to read before attending Merritt College in Oakland and the San Francisco School of Law, where he met Seale. In Oakland in 1966 they formed the Black Panther group in response to incidents of police brutality and racism and as an illustration of the need for black self-reliance. At the hieght of its popularity during the late 1960s, the party had 2,000 members in chapters in several cities.
In 1967 Newton was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of a police officer, but his conviction was overturned 22 months later, and he was released from prison. In 1971 he announced that the party would adopt a nonviolent manifesto and dedicate itself to providing social services to the black community. In 1974 he was accused of another murder and fled to Cuba for three years before returning to face charges; two trials resulted in hung juries.
Newton received a Ph.D in social philosophy from the University of California at Santa Cruz (1980); his dissertation, "War Against the Panthers" was subtitled "A Study of Repression in America." Succumbing to factionalism and pressure from government agencies, the party disbanded in 1982. In March 1989 Newton was sentenced to a six-month jail term for misappropriating public funds intended for a Panther-founded Oakland school. In August of that year he was found shot dead on a street in Oakland.

For visual enjoyment here's footage of Huey in an interview from jail *holds up a fist*...enjoy

-Ashley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuU7bEqKcLk

...High Times Vol. 2

High Times
Vol. 2

by Tyk

Todays Topic: Pretty Faces Don't Last Long
While inhaling herb I came to the revelation...that pretty face bitches don't be using what they have. If you know that you are a dime why the fuck aren't you using it to milk a nigga? Just find a nigga thats doing something with himself :doctors, lawyers, basketball players - whatever. Give him a little of the power, make him fall in love, get knocked up (yes you have to sacrfice the body for a bit but you're still pretty, pretend you want a happy home and get married, wait until he gets some big time promotion, raise - get and executive job - a somebody not the flunky, divorce his ass when the kid is 6 so he can still have child support & you can get the alimony, get a divorce and start making money off his money. Use pretty faces. You won't always be skinny, You won't always be shaped just right, You're going to get old. It won't last forever...what the fuck...what the fuck

...Google Kick of The Day

Today's feature is of course a fav. She's from my hometown (Philadelphia) and basically lived the fairytale dream. She was a beautiful and highly acclaimed actress and later became a princess. Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco Grace Patricia Kelly.

In honor of this timeless beauty & actress, here's a clip from A Hitchcock film "Rear Window" and a tribute slideshow...enjoy

-Ashley

Rear Window

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhynlS1-o_c

Grace Kelly Tribute

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_ZE9NyfioI

...Scared To Have Ugly Kids

I'm starting my work day news ritual, and I'm glancing at Dear Abby and this is the funny foolishness I got to read. I know it's a thought that can run through a person's mind...but is it really that serious to write to the paper about?...:

DEAR ABBY: I am married but have two children, "Venus" and "Adonis," from a previous relationship.
These children are very good-looking, and I'm not just saying that because I'm their mom.
My husband, "Herman," is ready for us to start our own family soon.
Not to sound shallow, but Herman was not a very cute kid. He wore thick glasses and braces as a child.
Whenever I am asked by either Herman or his family if I think he was a cute baby, I lie.
I know I would love our babies as much as I do Venus and Adonis, but I'm afraid they will not be as cute, and that everyone will know my older children have a different father.
These worries are causing me to have doubts about having kids with Herman.
Am I that shallow?
Am I not in love enough with Herman because I'm scared our children will be . . . ugly?
This is killing me.
Herman wants to start trying for a family this summer.
Help!
- Worried About Genetics,
Clarksville, Tenn.


DEAR WORRIED: I have news for you. Herman was a typical kid - and look how he turned out. He's attractive enough that you married him.
There are no guarantees regardless of the gene pool you're fishing in.
I firmly believe that each generation is becoming more beautiful than the last - or at least that's how it appears to me as I look around.
But please understand that nobody else cares who fathered Venus and Adonis, and it's time to give up your obsession about it.

...High Times Vol. 1

My other BFF Tykerra & I on occasion come up with these short 'columns' if you'd like to call them that. I find them highly amusing and since this is my blog I'm going to post them :)

Today's Topic: Lightskinned People
While inhaling herb, I came to a revelation that all light skinned people look the fuck the same. They look like plastic.They all change colors the same time. One minute your dark as shit like other black people then you're light and white and your name is Becky....five minutes ago your name was Consuela. fuck you...fuck you...fuck you

...Daily News from Bran

My BFF Bran loves to send me random news, websites, etc...because she is Bran - and because she knows I'll read it. So, I shall feature her in my blog with her Random news :)

P.S. For further reference she is also a fashion stylist

Ancient "devil frog" may have eaten baby dinosaurs

By Will Dunham Mon Feb 18, 5:03 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It was the biggest, baddest, meanest froggy ever to have hopped on Earth.
Scientists on Monday announced the discovery in northwestern Madagascar of a bulky amphibian dubbed the "devil frog" that lived 65 million to 70 million years ago and was so nasty it may have eaten newborn dinosaurs.
This brute was larger than any frog living today and may be the biggest frog ever to have existed, according to paleontologist David Krause of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York, one of the scientists who found the remains.
Its name, Beelzebufo ampinga, came from Beelzebub, the Greek for devil, and bufo -- Latin for toad. Ampinga means "shield," named for an armor-like part of its anatomy.
Beelzebufo (pronounced bee-el-zeh-BOOF-oh) was 16 inches
long and weighed an estimated 10 pounds (4.5 kg).
It was powerfully built and possessed a very wide mouth and powerful jaws. It probably didn't dine daintily.
"It's not outside the realm of possibility that Beelzebufo took down lizards and mammals and smaller frogs, and even -- considering its size -- possibly hatchling dinosaurs," Krause said in a telephone interview.
"It would have been quite mean," added paleontologist Susan Evans of University College London, another of the scientists.
Their findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Even though it lived far away, Beelzebufo appears to be closely related to a group of frogs that live today in South America, the scientists said. They are nicknamed "Pac-Man" frogs due to their huge mouths. Some have little horns on their heads, and the scientists think Beelzebufo also may have had horns -- a fitting touch for the "devil frog."
Beelzebufo was bigger than any of its South American kin or any other living frog -- "as if it was on steroids," Krause said. The largest one today is the goliath frog of West Africa, up to 12.5 inches long and 7.2 pounds (3.3 kg).
The presence of Beelzebufo in Madagascar and its modern relatives in South America is the latest sign a long-lost land bridge once may have linked Madagascar to Antarctica -- much warmer then -- and South America, the scientists said.
That would have let animals move overland among those land masses. Fossils have been found of other animals in Madagascar from Beelzebufo's time similar to South American ones.
KING OF FROGS
The first frogs appeared about 180 million years ago, and their basic body plan has remained unchanged. Beelzebufo lived during the Cretaceous Period at the end of the age of dinosaurs, which went extinct along with many other types of animals 65 million years ago when a huge space rock clobbered Earth.
Beelzebufo did not live an aquatic lifestyle, hopping among lily pads, the scientists said. Instead, it lived in a semi-arid environment and may have hunted like its modern-day relatives, which camouflage themselves and jump out at prey.
Its first fragmentary fossils were found in 1993, and the scientists have since assembled enough fragments to piece its remains together like a jigsaw puzzle, Krause said.
While it was the king of frogs, Beelzebufo is not the largest amphibian ever to have lived. Many reached truly astounding dimensions, such as the crocodile-like Prionosuchus that grew to an estimated 30 feet during the Permian Period, which ended about 250 million years ago.
(Editing by Peter Cooney)