HAPPY 18th B(EARTH) DAY DEVIN LORENZO "YUNG SPITTA" MILLENER

Being a mother has been the best experience of my life. My children are my world..the reason for my very being, happiness and yes, sometimes, my strife.

But the day you were born was more spectacular than most. It was the year Jordan faced Barkley and sad for them, the Suns lost.

My uncle "Mutt" had died and my parents were in Louisiana. In labor I waited three hours for their return, perming my hair and eating several bananas.

Mrs. Walters was with me and so were your god mom and dad. They kept me calm, made me laugh..easiest labor pains I ever had.

On the way to the hospital, I focused on the game. I loved my first son so much how could I possibly love you the same?

But when you freed yourself from my womb, immediately your smile at me, let me know I could love you too.

And since that day, you've never disappointed. I love all my children, but you're the one anointed: with artistry and dare, with humbleness and care. Your smile is contagious, your energy amazing and definitely your thoughts are outrageous!

I hope I've lived up to your standards. I hope you don't regret choosing me as your parent. I've given you my heart, your heart bears my soul. You're 18 now, I hope I've taught you enough life lessons to last until you're old.

Enjoy this day. You're now a grown man. Keep moving forward. I love you and if you ever need me, reach back, you'll feel my hand.

HAPPY B(EARTH) DAY! MAMA...

The Time Is Now!

The Dallas Mavericks didn't let the Miami Heat beat them and their fans didn't let the Dallas heat beat them. I don't need to mention the details about the celebratory parade. The broadcast, radio and Internet news and sports stations have probably done that to death and will continue to do so for weeks to come.

There's nothing new I can report about the heat, the number of fans, the activities or the excitement of the parade. Today was an emotional, memorable day that will last for decades in the minds of the players, fans, coaches and powers that be. Even the "haters" didn't disappoint. On Facebook, I saw a post of a rising rapper who posted that he's tired of "seeing Mavs shirts." What if those were shirts promoting the release of his CD . . . I'm just saying.

Nevertheless, the confetti has fallen, the streets have been cleared, the lights in the American Airlines Center have been dimmed. It was simply a pleasure being a part of it all.

A funny thing though: whether you're a Mavericks fan or not, it appears that everyone on the Planet is elated for the Dallas Mavericks franchise. They are especially ecstatic for Kidd, the Jet and Dirk - the "old guys" by athletics standards - for finally making it to the top, and not only validating their skill as a team, but solidifying their place among champions.

Well done and Happy B(earth) Day Dirk. The Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy...what a great present!

PS-Where were the Mavs dancers?! Did I miss them? Didn't see them much at all.

Beyonce' Runs the World, Girls

Since she began her career, there has been much debate about Beyonce's talent. I won't even touch on that because anyone that questions her innate skill is clearly doing their job. Hatin'.

What I want to address is a conversation I had recently with another writer who questioned her integrity as a role model for girls with her new cut and vid, "Run the World (Girls)." My writer-friend believes that Beyonce is lowering her standards by performing rather angrily in scantily-clad outfits and influencing "divaness" as the key to success.

On the contrary. Brilliantly, Beyonce is meeting young girls where they are. Today, young girls are aggressive, overly sexy and they curse like sailors. This song is a movement that speaks directly to Gen X girls and a lot of grown women today. Her message is a definitive challenge for girls to change their perception of what diva or tough means and go out and get degrees, have successful careers and let men be an accessory to you, not crutches to lean on for finances or to define their very being.

On their level, where they are, Beyonce tells girls that they have power, and to use that power in a way that it uplifts and glorifies them rather than diminishes them. When Beyonce says, "Make your check come at they neck," she's encouraging girls and women to break through glass ceilings and be on equal playing fields with men in their careers.

When she sings, "Boy you know you love it/How we're smart enough to make these millions/Strong enough to bare the children/Then get back to business," her energy is just as symbolic as her message to girls and women that men are more attracted to women who show strength and capability instead of those who show neediness and weakness and lose site of their identity.

For ages, women have been pillars of strength. Today, however, girls and grown women are allowing themselves to be defined by societal standards, or limitations, and have all but lost their sense of self. Uniquely, Beyonce has found a way to decipher the mindsets of most young girls and women today and translate encouragement in a language that is relevant to them, now. The girl is fierce!