iFelicitaciones España!

After only a week, we’ve hit over 140,000 views. If you haven’t seen what the buzz is about, check it out below!

Catch the next sketch, 24/7, produced by your truly, premiering this Wednesday on Global Grind.

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Many Thanks and with lots of love,

These Alis

Written and directed by Rodrigo García, an accomplished auteur and son of legendary writer, Gabriel García Márquez, Mother and Child chronicles the special bond between mothers and their children. Tatyana is in it. She plays opposite Naomi Watts as Samuel L. Jackson’s daughter–a far cry from when Tatyana and Samuel L. Jackson acted alongside each other in Eddie Murphy Raw.

As Variety’s Todd McCarthy puts it,

“Rodrigo García’s reputation as a writer for and director of women will increase exponentially with Mother and Child, an insightfully observed and exceptionally acted ensemble piece precisely about what the title suggests.”

Kerry Washington and Annette Bening are in it too, so if you haven’t seen it already, go!

Kerry Washington and Tatyana Ali at the premiere of "Mother and Child"

More Sue Wong…

Exxon Valdez Spill, 1989

On April 20, 2010, a British Petroleum (BP) oil-drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, causing the presumed death of 11 missing workers. The main difference between the Exxon Valdez spill and the “Deepwater” BP spill is this: whereas Exxon was a self-contained tank, the BP rig tapped into a natural oil well, meaning that unless the leaks are tapped, the underground oil will continue to bleed into the ocean. So far, one out of the three leaks has been fixed.

The well is currently leaking 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) a day, and oil has reached the coastline of Louisiana, threatening wildlife and the fishing industry, the backbone of the region. Fishing accounts for one-third of domestic seafood consumed in the continental United States and generates about $2.4 billion a year.** The ecological disaster has yet to be calculated.

BP Deepwater Oil Spill, 2010

To prevent the spill from affecting more wildlife, workers have begun controlled burns. BP has also put giant domes out to sea, meant to capture oil.

According to federal law, BP is in for a world of law suits and is liable for ten of millions (potentially billions) of dollars for its negligence.

There’s plenty to learn from the Exxon Valdez spill, though Deepwater is expected to climax that tragedy. Let’s hope for the best and pray that our government ensures that such companies must comply with a stricter set of regulations to ensure that this never happens again.

* Source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=environmental-effects-of
** Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-05-02-oilspill_N.htm?csp=hf).

By now all of you know a little about my older sisters Tatyana and Anastasia, however you might not know much about me. My name is Kimberly, and yes I am the youngest of the “These Alis.” However, I’m not as young as I might look! I am 24-years-old, and I have just graduated from Pepperdine University, having received a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a concentration in American Politics and Economics. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought my life would have taken me to the beaches of Malibu.

Upon entering Pepperdine University, I can honestly say that I had no clue what I was getting myself into and what kind of journey I was about to take. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to use my degree as an outlet to help our disadvantaged communities and those in need. In trying to serve others, this experience taught me so much more about myself. My two years at Pepperdine have gone by so quickly, and being there strengthened me as an adult by expanding my knowledge of the world.

I got my Master's in Public Policy!

I can remember my first week at Pepperdine. Our professors hosted a math refresher boot camp course for first-year students. I must admit that I have never been a math wiz, and with every equation, assignment and worksheet handed out, I became more overwhelmed and unsure.I remember looking around the room, trying to figure out how I fit amongst this group of brilliant minds. Flash forward to today: those 54 students that I met during the first week of school have become more like friends. Through the all-night study sessions (where we were expected to memorize the Constitution) to some very heated political debates, I can truly say that my classmates and I have broadened our understanding about each other and the world, because let’s face it, when a group of people talk politics for eight hours a day, you learn more about them than you know some of your closest friends.

My family (left to right): Anastasia, Grandma, Mommy, Me, Daddy, Tia Marcia, Tatyana

This journey has taught me to challenge my mind and to think outside of the box. However, more importantly, it has taught me to be confident in my abilities. Now two weeks fresh out of graduating from Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy, I am ready to start a new chapter in my life. With a little help from the beautiful ocean scenery and from, of course, my family and friends, I am so proud to say that I have come this far. Congratulations to the class of 2010. To quote Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, “WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Tatyana talks to Dorothy Height at Dunbar High School, March 2010

What an honor it was to meet Dr. Height and hear her speak amongst a group of women–professionals and students alike–at Dunbar High School about a month ago in D.C. As we mourn our collective loss, Dr. Height’s own words ring truer than ever:

“I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom… . I want to be remembered as one who tried.”

She tried and in doing so, she accomplished more than we can ascertain. Even up until her last breath, she chose to speak to the ladies of Dunbar in the hopes of reminding them of their infinite potential. Let us never forget her message of hope and humanity as we continue her legacy by uplifting each other.

Beginning at 10:00 AM EDT, CENTRIC will air Dr. Height’s memorial service live. The event will also stream live on BET.com. Please watch.