Brandy's experiment with Timbaland as the mastermind behind her Afrodisiac project didn't work out so well. No one seemed to be as interested in the project as much as her previous releases. I wonder why? Are people over Timbaland's sound? Or her? Was their blend not palatable? Were the songs that uninteresting? Perhaps her new sexy image was too much to digest (I know I found the "Really, I'm sexy. Look at me" thing I bit disturbing). Or, has the public's need for all things new caused them to move on to the next 'it' girls?
Now that she's released one lackluster album, I wonder if she'll change her formula of letting one producer shape the sound for her projects then filling out the albums with compatible songs? Or, will she go the all-star production route - let a bunch of mega-producers (insert: Neptunes; Lil Jon; Scott Storch) produce so-called 'hits' for her without regard for cohesion then add a bunch of artist collaborations to the mix to lure the music buying audience (insert: MTV-BET) back?
I'm very interested to see where she goes next.
Brandy - Nodding Off (Unreleased)
Sunday, May 29
Thursday, May 26
Drunk Man
Try and see how far you can keep the drunk man up. You just move your mouse left to right (no clicking) to keep him walking in a straight line. The object of the game is to keep him walking, without falling over, by using your mouse from left to right or right to left - you can't see your mouse which makes it more difficult. The record is 82 meters! It's in German:
http://www.wagenschenke.ch/
http://www.wagenschenke.ch/
Sunday, May 22
Who Is White?
Ran across this book review by Tamara K. Nopper for Who is White?:Latinos, Asians, and the New Black/Nonblack Divide by George Clancey. Though I've never heard of this book, the review has piqued my interest enough to spark a visit to the bookstore.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
...George Yancey’s book Who is White?: Latinos, Asians, and the New Black/Nonblack Divide is such a necessary read. Yancey, a sociologist at the University of North Texas, provides compelling evidence that supports the (unstated) hypothesis that the color line of the twentieth century will remain firmly entrenched in the twenty-first. Using as his point of departure the popular projection that whites will soon be a minority group, Yancey opens his book by arguing that whites will remain the majority despite the growing populations of Latino/as and Asian Americans. How can the increase of Latino/as and Asian Americans enforce, rather than disrupt, the color line? Simple. By 2050, according to Yancey, most Latino/as and Asian Americans will be white.
...his argument is grounded in an understanding of how whiteness, like any racial category, is socially and politically defined yet enacted in real and meaningful ways. Whiteness is also fluid and maintains itself when threatened by incorporating previously excluded groups. In the chapter “How to be White,” Yancey covers ground commonly discussed by practitioners of what is becoming institutionalized as “whiteness studies,” including the racialized discrimination and nativism that different European ethnic groups faced before they eventually became socially accepted by Anglos and then later by a more expansive pan-European race simply known as “white."
Previous research on majority group domination tends to be built upon either the concept that white supremacy is, or was, the dominant ideology among majority group members, or the concept that dominant group members utilize notions of color blindness to protect their racial position of privilege. Both concepts lead to an understanding of an American racial hierarchy formed by a white/nonwhite dichotomy. In such a system all non-European groups face social rejection and theoretically all non-European groups deserve an equal amount of academic attention – even if they have not been receiving it. Yet given the merging of nonblack racial minorities into the dominant culture, this white/nonwhite dichotomy is losing relevance. A black/nonblack dichotomy produces more understanding about contemporary race relations. It suggests that the informal rejection of African Americans, rather than a tendency by the majority to oppress all minority groups in a roughly equal manner, is the linchpin to the American contemporary racial hierarchy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Read entire review click here
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Browning and Yellowing of Whiteness
By Tamara K. Nopper
...George Yancey’s book Who is White?: Latinos, Asians, and the New Black/Nonblack Divide is such a necessary read. Yancey, a sociologist at the University of North Texas, provides compelling evidence that supports the (unstated) hypothesis that the color line of the twentieth century will remain firmly entrenched in the twenty-first. Using as his point of departure the popular projection that whites will soon be a minority group, Yancey opens his book by arguing that whites will remain the majority despite the growing populations of Latino/as and Asian Americans. How can the increase of Latino/as and Asian Americans enforce, rather than disrupt, the color line? Simple. By 2050, according to Yancey, most Latino/as and Asian Americans will be white.
...his argument is grounded in an understanding of how whiteness, like any racial category, is socially and politically defined yet enacted in real and meaningful ways. Whiteness is also fluid and maintains itself when threatened by incorporating previously excluded groups. In the chapter “How to be White,” Yancey covers ground commonly discussed by practitioners of what is becoming institutionalized as “whiteness studies,” including the racialized discrimination and nativism that different European ethnic groups faced before they eventually became socially accepted by Anglos and then later by a more expansive pan-European race simply known as “white."
Previous research on majority group domination tends to be built upon either the concept that white supremacy is, or was, the dominant ideology among majority group members, or the concept that dominant group members utilize notions of color blindness to protect their racial position of privilege. Both concepts lead to an understanding of an American racial hierarchy formed by a white/nonwhite dichotomy. In such a system all non-European groups face social rejection and theoretically all non-European groups deserve an equal amount of academic attention – even if they have not been receiving it. Yet given the merging of nonblack racial minorities into the dominant culture, this white/nonwhite dichotomy is losing relevance. A black/nonblack dichotomy produces more understanding about contemporary race relations. It suggests that the informal rejection of African Americans, rather than a tendency by the majority to oppress all minority groups in a roughly equal manner, is the linchpin to the American contemporary racial hierarchy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Read entire review click here
Saturday, May 21
Thursday, May 19
RIP
UPN has cancelled Kevin Hill. Hill joins the list of dramas featuring a black cast or a black central character not able to make a successful run on a major (non cable) network.
The list of other short lived black dramas includes: “Frank’s Place,” starring Tim Reid, in 1988; ABC’s “Gabriel’s Fire,” starring James Earl Jones, in 1992; CBS’s “Under One Roof” starring Jones, Joe Morton and an ensemble cast, in 1995; and “City of Angels,” starring Blair Underwood, Vivica A. Fox. Most of them barely lasted one season.
Excluding City of Angels, it deserved to be cancelled 'cause it was terrible, some good, quailty dramatic shows have gone by the wayside because time and time again white America refuses to even try and identify with our experience on a serious level. They seem more willing to laugh at us, but ask them to see us as human beings with similar life experiences/issues/values and you run into an obstacle. Moreover, the major networks don't support black dramas like other (white) shows with poor ratings because black shows with poor ratings have a limited demographic - which tranlates into less advertising dollars the networks can sell to advertisers. The networks get to say they tried to launch a black show but it just didn't work.
Hill had potential. I'm sad to see it go; especially after watching last night's season finale. The last 20 minutes were the show's best of the season.
RIP - Kevin Hill
RIP - My Wife & Kids
-I wasn't a fan but understood it's significance. Black shows on the major 4 networks are hard to come by. There's no telling when ABC will find another. For that reason, I am sad to see it go.
The list of other short lived black dramas includes: “Frank’s Place,” starring Tim Reid, in 1988; ABC’s “Gabriel’s Fire,” starring James Earl Jones, in 1992; CBS’s “Under One Roof” starring Jones, Joe Morton and an ensemble cast, in 1995; and “City of Angels,” starring Blair Underwood, Vivica A. Fox. Most of them barely lasted one season.
Excluding City of Angels, it deserved to be cancelled 'cause it was terrible, some good, quailty dramatic shows have gone by the wayside because time and time again white America refuses to even try and identify with our experience on a serious level. They seem more willing to laugh at us, but ask them to see us as human beings with similar life experiences/issues/values and you run into an obstacle. Moreover, the major networks don't support black dramas like other (white) shows with poor ratings because black shows with poor ratings have a limited demographic - which tranlates into less advertising dollars the networks can sell to advertisers. The networks get to say they tried to launch a black show but it just didn't work.
Hill had potential. I'm sad to see it go; especially after watching last night's season finale. The last 20 minutes were the show's best of the season.
RIP - Kevin Hill
RIP - My Wife & Kids
-I wasn't a fan but understood it's significance. Black shows on the major 4 networks are hard to come by. There's no telling when ABC will find another. For that reason, I am sad to see it go.
Wednesday, May 18
Hmmph!
Mexico's Fox sorry for race remarks
President expresses regret in talks with Jackson, Sharpton
By Traci Carl
Associated Press
Published May 17, 2005
MEXICO CITY -- President Vicente Fox reversed course Monday and apologized for saying that Mexicans in the United States do the work that blacks won't.
Despite growing criticism that included a stern U.S. response, Fox had refused repeatedly to back away from the comment he made Friday, saying his remark had been misinterpreted.
But in phone conversations with Jesse Jackson Sr. and Al Sharpton, Fox said he "regretted" the statement.
"The president regretted any hurt feelings his statements may have caused," the Foreign Relations Department said in a written statement. "He expressed the great respect he and his administration [have] for the African-American community in the United States."
Jackson told Fox that he was sure Fox had no racist intent, and suggested the two men meet to discuss joint strategies between blacks and immigrant groups in the United States, Fox spokesman Ruben Aguilar said.
Fox agreed to set up a visit to Mexico by Jackson, Sharpton and a group of American black leaders.
Many Mexicans hadn't considered Fox's remark Friday offensive.
Blackface comedy is considered funny here, and many people hand out nicknames based on skin color.
"The president was just telling the truth," said Celedonio Gonzalez, a 35-year-old carpenter who worked illegally in Dallas for six months in 2001. "Mexicans go to the United States because they have to. Blacks want to earn better wages, and the Mexican--because he is illegal--takes what they pay him."
But Lisa Catanzarite, a sociologist at Washington State University, disputed Fox's assertion. She said there is intense competition for lucrative working-class jobs like construction and that employers usually prefer to hire immigrants who don't know their rights.
"What Vicente Fox called a willingness to work ... translates into extreme exploitability," she said.
Fox made the comment at an appearance in Puerto Vallarta: "There's no doubt that Mexican men and women--full of dignity, willpower and a capacity for work--are doing the work that not even blacks want to do in the United States."
The issue reflected Fox's growing frustration with U.S. immigration policy.
Even Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, the archbishop of Mexico City, had defended Fox's comments: "The declaration had nothing to do with racism. It is a reality in the United States that anyone can prove."
Earlier, Fox's spokesman said Fox's comments were in defense of Mexican migrants as they come under attack by new U.S. immigration measures that include a wall along the Mexico-California border, and were not meant to offend anybody.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City had raised the issue with the Mexican government.
While Mexico has a few, isolated black communities, the population is dominated by the country's native Indians and descendants of its Spanish colonizers. Comments that generally would be considered openly racist in the United States generate little attention here.
One afternoon television program regularly features a comedian in blackface chasing actresses in skimpy outfits while an advertisement for a small, chocolate pastry called the "negrito"--or little black man--shows a white boy sprouting an afro as he eats the sweet.
Victor Hugo Flores, a 30-year-old bond salesman, cringed when asked what he thought of Fox's Friday comment, but said it isn't too different from popular sayings celebrating what Mexicans see as a strong work ethic among blacks.
"It was bad, but it really isn't racist," he said. "Maybe the president shouldn't have said it. But here we say things like, `He works like a black person,' and it's normal."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
President expresses regret in talks with Jackson, Sharpton
By Traci Carl
Associated Press
Published May 17, 2005
MEXICO CITY -- President Vicente Fox reversed course Monday and apologized for saying that Mexicans in the United States do the work that blacks won't.
Despite growing criticism that included a stern U.S. response, Fox had refused repeatedly to back away from the comment he made Friday, saying his remark had been misinterpreted.
But in phone conversations with Jesse Jackson Sr. and Al Sharpton, Fox said he "regretted" the statement.
"The president regretted any hurt feelings his statements may have caused," the Foreign Relations Department said in a written statement. "He expressed the great respect he and his administration [have] for the African-American community in the United States."
Jackson told Fox that he was sure Fox had no racist intent, and suggested the two men meet to discuss joint strategies between blacks and immigrant groups in the United States, Fox spokesman Ruben Aguilar said.
Fox agreed to set up a visit to Mexico by Jackson, Sharpton and a group of American black leaders.
Many Mexicans hadn't considered Fox's remark Friday offensive.
Blackface comedy is considered funny here, and many people hand out nicknames based on skin color.
"The president was just telling the truth," said Celedonio Gonzalez, a 35-year-old carpenter who worked illegally in Dallas for six months in 2001. "Mexicans go to the United States because they have to. Blacks want to earn better wages, and the Mexican--because he is illegal--takes what they pay him."
But Lisa Catanzarite, a sociologist at Washington State University, disputed Fox's assertion. She said there is intense competition for lucrative working-class jobs like construction and that employers usually prefer to hire immigrants who don't know their rights.
"What Vicente Fox called a willingness to work ... translates into extreme exploitability," she said.
Fox made the comment at an appearance in Puerto Vallarta: "There's no doubt that Mexican men and women--full of dignity, willpower and a capacity for work--are doing the work that not even blacks want to do in the United States."
The issue reflected Fox's growing frustration with U.S. immigration policy.
Even Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, the archbishop of Mexico City, had defended Fox's comments: "The declaration had nothing to do with racism. It is a reality in the United States that anyone can prove."
Earlier, Fox's spokesman said Fox's comments were in defense of Mexican migrants as they come under attack by new U.S. immigration measures that include a wall along the Mexico-California border, and were not meant to offend anybody.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City had raised the issue with the Mexican government.
While Mexico has a few, isolated black communities, the population is dominated by the country's native Indians and descendants of its Spanish colonizers. Comments that generally would be considered openly racist in the United States generate little attention here.
One afternoon television program regularly features a comedian in blackface chasing actresses in skimpy outfits while an advertisement for a small, chocolate pastry called the "negrito"--or little black man--shows a white boy sprouting an afro as he eats the sweet.
Victor Hugo Flores, a 30-year-old bond salesman, cringed when asked what he thought of Fox's Friday comment, but said it isn't too different from popular sayings celebrating what Mexicans see as a strong work ethic among blacks.
"It was bad, but it really isn't racist," he said. "Maybe the president shouldn't have said it. But here we say things like, `He works like a black person,' and it's normal."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May 16
Email Attachments
Received these in email yet?
Turn sound on
http://www.softlab.ece.ntua.gr/~sivann/pub/swf/may02-smilepop-soapbox4.swf
http://www.glumbert.com/media/dancewhiteboy.html
Turn sound on
http://www.softlab.ece.ntua.gr/~sivann/pub/swf/may02-smilepop-soapbox4.swf
http://www.glumbert.com/media/dancewhiteboy.html
Sunday, May 15
Not Again...
I'm watching the NBA playoff game on ABC today and I happen to catch a preview for this mess http://abc.go.com/specials/nickjess_tourofduty.html
Now, I'm the first to admit that I am thoroughly entertained by Nick & Jessica on MTV's Newlyweds but that's where I draw the line. These love birds need to sit their happy asses down - preferably in front of a few cameras - and record some random conversation that's sure to make me laugh. That singing is cruel unusual punishment to the ears.
ABC, are people actually watching these specials? I guess so.
Now, I'm the first to admit that I am thoroughly entertained by Nick & Jessica on MTV's Newlyweds but that's where I draw the line. These love birds need to sit their happy asses down - preferably in front of a few cameras - and record some random conversation that's sure to make me laugh. That singing is cruel unusual punishment to the ears.
ABC, are people actually watching these specials? I guess so.
In His Own Words
"I'm not crazy. I'm not smoking crack. I'm definitely stressed out."
That's the update from Dave Chappelle, who, after being MIA for the past few weeks, has turned up in South Africa, where he granted a interview to Time magazine for its new issue.
The entertainer skipped out on Chappelle's Show, his hit Comedy Central sketch series, late last month, forcing the cable net to shut down production and indefinitely postpone the May 31 premiere date of the third season--and causing headline-making speculation into why Chappelle disappeared and where exactly disappeared to.
Newsweek took a stab at the former, reporting last week that friends blamed Chappelle's meltdown on a combination of too much partying, overwhelming pressure to live up to his $50 million contract and creative sparring with Comedy Central over the direction of his show. Entertainment Weekly, meantime, reported that Chappelle checked himself into a psychiatric hospital in South Africa for undisclosed treatment.
To Time, Chappelle cops to meeting with a psychiatrist for one 40-minute session after arriving in South Africa, but he says he's staying with a family friend. "I'm not in a mental facility," he says in a Q&A that took place Friday and lasted 90 minutes.
A converted Muslim, he says he flew to the country last month for a "spiritual retreat."
"I'm a difficult kind of dude....I have trust issues.," he says. "There were some things about myself that I didn't like. People got to take inventory from time to time. That's what this [coming to South Africa] is for.
"I'm an introspective dude. I enjoy my own thoughts sometimes. And I've been doing a lot of thinking here," he tells the magazine.
As for the other explanations for his abrupt absence. "There were things that overwhelmed me," he says. "But not in the way that people are saying. I haven't spent any of the money. All that stuff about partying and taking crack is not true.
"I haven't smoked marijuana in months. My drugs these days are nicotine and coffee."
What he does admit to is struggling with expectations--his fans', the network's, but mostly his own--for the third season of Chappelle's Show.
"My personal feeling is I didn't like the direction of the show. I was trying to explain it to people, and no one was feeling me. There's a lot of resistance to my opinions, so I decided, Let me remove myself from this situation.
"So I figured, let me just cut myself off from everybody, take a minute and pull a Flintstone--stop a speeding car by using my bare feet as the brakes."
Chappelle says he first shut down production late last year after he became unsatisfied with the first batch of season-three skits. That led Comedy Central to bump the original February premiere date to May--a delay initially reported as due to a Chappelle "illness" and subsequent inability to stockpile enough scripts to meet the launch.
Now, a peeved Comedy Central boss Doug Herzog, suddenly scrambling to replace one of his biggest hits, says he doesn't foresee Chappelle's Show back on the air in 2005. For his part, Chappelle tells Time he is unsure of when he will be back in the States or what will happen to his titular series.
"When I get back, [I hope] everything will be up and running, or we'll make other arrangements. I don't know what the lay of the land is.
"I want to make sure I'm dancing and not shuffling," he continues. "What ever decisions I make right now I'm going to have live with. Your soul is priceless." The first two seasons of his show "had a real spirit to them," he says. "I want to make sure whatever I do has spirit."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damn media had us thinking he's looney tunes.
That's the update from Dave Chappelle, who, after being MIA for the past few weeks, has turned up in South Africa, where he granted a interview to Time magazine for its new issue.
The entertainer skipped out on Chappelle's Show, his hit Comedy Central sketch series, late last month, forcing the cable net to shut down production and indefinitely postpone the May 31 premiere date of the third season--and causing headline-making speculation into why Chappelle disappeared and where exactly disappeared to.
Newsweek took a stab at the former, reporting last week that friends blamed Chappelle's meltdown on a combination of too much partying, overwhelming pressure to live up to his $50 million contract and creative sparring with Comedy Central over the direction of his show. Entertainment Weekly, meantime, reported that Chappelle checked himself into a psychiatric hospital in South Africa for undisclosed treatment.
To Time, Chappelle cops to meeting with a psychiatrist for one 40-minute session after arriving in South Africa, but he says he's staying with a family friend. "I'm not in a mental facility," he says in a Q&A that took place Friday and lasted 90 minutes.
A converted Muslim, he says he flew to the country last month for a "spiritual retreat."
"I'm a difficult kind of dude....I have trust issues.," he says. "There were some things about myself that I didn't like. People got to take inventory from time to time. That's what this [coming to South Africa] is for.
"I'm an introspective dude. I enjoy my own thoughts sometimes. And I've been doing a lot of thinking here," he tells the magazine.
As for the other explanations for his abrupt absence. "There were things that overwhelmed me," he says. "But not in the way that people are saying. I haven't spent any of the money. All that stuff about partying and taking crack is not true.
"I haven't smoked marijuana in months. My drugs these days are nicotine and coffee."
What he does admit to is struggling with expectations--his fans', the network's, but mostly his own--for the third season of Chappelle's Show.
"My personal feeling is I didn't like the direction of the show. I was trying to explain it to people, and no one was feeling me. There's a lot of resistance to my opinions, so I decided, Let me remove myself from this situation.
"So I figured, let me just cut myself off from everybody, take a minute and pull a Flintstone--stop a speeding car by using my bare feet as the brakes."
Chappelle says he first shut down production late last year after he became unsatisfied with the first batch of season-three skits. That led Comedy Central to bump the original February premiere date to May--a delay initially reported as due to a Chappelle "illness" and subsequent inability to stockpile enough scripts to meet the launch.
Now, a peeved Comedy Central boss Doug Herzog, suddenly scrambling to replace one of his biggest hits, says he doesn't foresee Chappelle's Show back on the air in 2005. For his part, Chappelle tells Time he is unsure of when he will be back in the States or what will happen to his titular series.
"When I get back, [I hope] everything will be up and running, or we'll make other arrangements. I don't know what the lay of the land is.
"I want to make sure I'm dancing and not shuffling," he continues. "What ever decisions I make right now I'm going to have live with. Your soul is priceless." The first two seasons of his show "had a real spirit to them," he says. "I want to make sure whatever I do has spirit."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damn media had us thinking he's looney tunes.
You Serious?
Headline: "LUDACRIS DROPS RAP NAME FOR MOVIES"
Hip-hop star LUDACRIS has decided to ditch his stage name - but only when he's starring in movies.
The AREA CODES rapper, real name CHRISTOPHER BRIDGES, is excitedly preparing for the release of his films CRASH and HUSTLE + FLOW, and while he's promoting them he wants to discard his hip-hop moniker.
He says, "I don't ever want anyone to look at me as Ludacris on film. So it's Chris Bridges, man, this is who I am."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ha! Don't ditch the name Luda, ditch the acting
Hip-hop star LUDACRIS has decided to ditch his stage name - but only when he's starring in movies.
The AREA CODES rapper, real name CHRISTOPHER BRIDGES, is excitedly preparing for the release of his films CRASH and HUSTLE + FLOW, and while he's promoting them he wants to discard his hip-hop moniker.
He says, "I don't ever want anyone to look at me as Ludacris on film. So it's Chris Bridges, man, this is who I am."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ha! Don't ditch the name Luda, ditch the acting
Candles, Lotions & More
Check out this website: http://www.badanbody.com I've been ordering lotion, bodywash and candles from this woman for a few years now. All of the products I've tried, thus far, have been excellent. You candle lovers will love the candles - very, very fragrant. The lotions are shea butter based and natural.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Someone asked me this past week if I did anything special to my skin. I told him not really just wash and moisturize. He replied you must get facials too? I chuckled. Nope! Even though he thought I was lying he asked me what products I use.
I highly recommend The Body Shop's Grapeseed Facial Wash it's a really good, inexpensive mild facial cleanser.
I have sensitive skin so I have to be careful what I use on my face.
Another good, mild facial cleanser I recommend is Aveda's All-Sensitive Cleanser . I don't like that price anymore but it's a good product.
Aveda's All-Sensitive Moisturizer works well. It doesn't have a greasy feel but seems to get the job done.
Oddly enough, I also use Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion as a moisturizer. It's for sensitive skin and it's 97.31% natural - which I like a lot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Someone asked me this past week if I did anything special to my skin. I told him not really just wash and moisturize. He replied you must get facials too? I chuckled. Nope! Even though he thought I was lying he asked me what products I use.
I highly recommend The Body Shop's Grapeseed Facial Wash it's a really good, inexpensive mild facial cleanser.
I have sensitive skin so I have to be careful what I use on my face.
Another good, mild facial cleanser I recommend is Aveda's All-Sensitive Cleanser . I don't like that price anymore but it's a good product.
Aveda's All-Sensitive Moisturizer works well. It doesn't have a greasy feel but seems to get the job done.
Oddly enough, I also use Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion as a moisturizer. It's for sensitive skin and it's 97.31% natural - which I like a lot.
Thursday, May 12
Aww Damn
Comedy Central star Dave Chappelle has checked himself into a mental health facility in South Africa, the magazine Entertainment Weekly reported on Wednesday.
- DAAAMMNN! DAAAMMMN! DAAAAMMMN! He's so dang funny why he gotta be loopy in the head? Now that I think about it, the great ones are usually a bit off. Seriously, I hope all is well with him or moving in that direction. Damn this sucks!
http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ap/20050511/111587478000.html
- DAAAMMNN! DAAAMMMN! DAAAAMMMN! He's so dang funny why he gotta be loopy in the head? Now that I think about it, the great ones are usually a bit off. Seriously, I hope all is well with him or moving in that direction. Damn this sucks!
http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ap/20050511/111587478000.html
Wednesday, May 11
Washingtong Mutual Copy
More than likely I won't know when or in what markets the radio ad will be airing so here's a copy of the ad:
------------------------------------------------------------------
VO: Washington Mutual recently hit the streets to ask people what the hardest part of getting a home loan is.
MAN 1: The hardest part? I don't know where to start.
WOMAN 1: When I gotta give my whole life story for my credit background.
MAN 2: Finding a bank that understands my family's situation.
WOMAN 2: Getting a home loan that includes 5 male housekeepers of my choice. Whew!
VO: Though we can't make any promises on that last one, we can help out with the rest. Washington Mutual has created a new program called Solid Start", a step-by-step educational program that offers classes to teach you how to manage your finances and build credit so that you can qualify for a home loan. And since we hire our consultants from within the community and create our own flexible programs, applying for a home loan is now even easier. And the best part of Solid Start", it's free. So, even though we can't promise everything you want in the home loan process, there isn't much we leave out.
WOMAN 2: Okay, no housekeepers, but how about a couple of cabana boys?
VO: We'll work on it. Stop by your neighborhood Washington Mutual Johnson Development Corporation Home Loan Center or call 1-800-906-9268 and sign up for the free Solid Start" program. We'll help you turn your dream of owning a home into a reality. Washington Mutual. More Human Interest. Equal Housing Lender.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The commercial features all black voices. So, you know it'll only be playing on the urban stations.
------------------------------------------------------------------
VO: Washington Mutual recently hit the streets to ask people what the hardest part of getting a home loan is.
MAN 1: The hardest part? I don't know where to start.
WOMAN 1: When I gotta give my whole life story for my credit background.
MAN 2: Finding a bank that understands my family's situation.
WOMAN 2: Getting a home loan that includes 5 male housekeepers of my choice. Whew!
VO: Though we can't make any promises on that last one, we can help out with the rest. Washington Mutual has created a new program called Solid Start", a step-by-step educational program that offers classes to teach you how to manage your finances and build credit so that you can qualify for a home loan. And since we hire our consultants from within the community and create our own flexible programs, applying for a home loan is now even easier. And the best part of Solid Start", it's free. So, even though we can't promise everything you want in the home loan process, there isn't much we leave out.
WOMAN 2: Okay, no housekeepers, but how about a couple of cabana boys?
VO: We'll work on it. Stop by your neighborhood Washington Mutual Johnson Development Corporation Home Loan Center or call 1-800-906-9268 and sign up for the free Solid Start" program. We'll help you turn your dream of owning a home into a reality. Washington Mutual. More Human Interest. Equal Housing Lender.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The commercial features all black voices. So, you know it'll only be playing on the urban stations.
It's Not Mine I Say
Vikings running back Onterrio Smith, who has a history of violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, was briefly detained by airport police last month after they found an elaborate kit used to beat drug tests.
- uh oh! smells like trouble.
Smith told officers it was dried urine used in conjunction with a device called ``The Original Whizzinator.'' The officer who filed the report wrote that Smith ``told me that it was dried urine for making a clean urine test.'' In addition, he had a bottle of pills labeled ``cleansing formula.''
-just tell all the business why don't ya? Without consulting a lawyer. How 'bout that?
Smith told police he was taking the vials to his cousin.
- Officer you don't think this belongs to me do you? Hmmph! I may be a snitch but I'm no drug addict.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said league rules state that failing to cooperate with a drug test was the same as failing it, but he wasn't sure whether there was any penalty for possessing a device designed to beat such a test
- Something tells me the bosses will be closing that loophole shortly
Smith was suspended last season for four games after testing positive for marijuana. It was his second ``strike'' in the NFL's substance-abuse program. He would earn a yearlong suspension for a third violation.
...a tube of toothpaste set off an alarm as a bag Smith was carrying was being scanned. Six or seven vials of white powder were discovered in the bag. Smith was detained, questioned and allowed to leave, the report said.
- And you were carrying the bag with you because...?
- uh oh! smells like trouble.
Smith told officers it was dried urine used in conjunction with a device called ``The Original Whizzinator.'' The officer who filed the report wrote that Smith ``told me that it was dried urine for making a clean urine test.'' In addition, he had a bottle of pills labeled ``cleansing formula.''
-just tell all the business why don't ya? Without consulting a lawyer. How 'bout that?
Smith told police he was taking the vials to his cousin.
- Officer you don't think this belongs to me do you? Hmmph! I may be a snitch but I'm no drug addict.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said league rules state that failing to cooperate with a drug test was the same as failing it, but he wasn't sure whether there was any penalty for possessing a device designed to beat such a test
- Something tells me the bosses will be closing that loophole shortly
Smith was suspended last season for four games after testing positive for marijuana. It was his second ``strike'' in the NFL's substance-abuse program. He would earn a yearlong suspension for a third violation.
...a tube of toothpaste set off an alarm as a bag Smith was carrying was being scanned. Six or seven vials of white powder were discovered in the bag. Smith was detained, questioned and allowed to leave, the report said.
- And you were carrying the bag with you because...?
Tuesday, May 10
Can't Believe It But I'll Take It
Boy was I surprised when my agent called to tell me I'd booked a job. What? Me? I thought! I had to replay the message 2 times.
I guess it still surprises me that more times than not I book jobs that I'm not all that enthused about. I show up to the audition, do my thang then head out of the door without breaking a sweat. I usually consider those auditions practice for the jobs I really want. However, it never fails, the jobs I don't think twice about I end up booking. And the jobs I really chase after I never get. Go figure!
Nevertheless, it's always exciting to hear that you've booked a job. And I'm even more ecstatic that I've booked my very first voice-over (VO) job - a radio commercial for Washington Mutual.
I honestly didn't really think this day would come. I've been audtioning for VO gigs for 9 months with absolutely no success. Not booking anything really had me puzzled and discouraged. I nearly cancelled my audition last week for this Washington Mutual radio commercial because I have been thinking about packing it in and giving up pursuit of VO work. Somehow, I convinced myself to go to the audition in spite of my reservations and look what happened, yesterday I get the phone call I've been waiting for for 9 long months, "Hey Shawn! You booked that spot."
Life is so very peculiar. Just when I was ready to give up hope something nice comes my way. I still can't believe it but I'll take it.
I guess it still surprises me that more times than not I book jobs that I'm not all that enthused about. I show up to the audition, do my thang then head out of the door without breaking a sweat. I usually consider those auditions practice for the jobs I really want. However, it never fails, the jobs I don't think twice about I end up booking. And the jobs I really chase after I never get. Go figure!
Nevertheless, it's always exciting to hear that you've booked a job. And I'm even more ecstatic that I've booked my very first voice-over (VO) job - a radio commercial for Washington Mutual.
I honestly didn't really think this day would come. I've been audtioning for VO gigs for 9 months with absolutely no success. Not booking anything really had me puzzled and discouraged. I nearly cancelled my audition last week for this Washington Mutual radio commercial because I have been thinking about packing it in and giving up pursuit of VO work. Somehow, I convinced myself to go to the audition in spite of my reservations and look what happened, yesterday I get the phone call I've been waiting for for 9 long months, "Hey Shawn! You booked that spot."
Life is so very peculiar. Just when I was ready to give up hope something nice comes my way. I still can't believe it but I'll take it.
Monday, May 9
The More I Think About It
- Why do I hate people who leave doo doo stains in the toilet bowl - especially if there's a toilet brush cleaner sitting next to the bowl
- Why am I offended that the Customer Service Rep for Circuity City burst into hysterical laughter when I called to thank CC for sending my rebate check weeks earlier than expected
- Why do people act so touchy and easily get bent out of shape when conversing on the 'net
- Why did I take precalculus in College yet I struggle to do basic math these days
- Why does sex feel better in a darkened room with sexy music playing softly in the background
- Why is David Stern a prick and wins the award for 'Overreaction of the year' over Jeff Van Gundy's statements about officiating
- Why do I want to pull my hair out and scream when I hear people say 'hatin' and 'hater' - honestly, can't people express their disgust or disdain for something you like or someone you like....or be entitled to a difference of opinion...is that ok
- Why have I morphed into a sight reader in recent years and can no longer sound out an unfamilar or unknown word without stumbling like an illiterate
- Why do I hate patronizing black owned and managed establishments where customer service skills are nonexistent....Jay Bee's is lucky I was buying that bbq for my aunt yesterday or I would have left
- Why do I hate being in the middle of sharing a good story with a friend over the phone and suddenly they say "let me call you back"
- Why can't more people appreciate sitting in comfortable silence....sometimes it's ok not to speak even though you are sitting in a room with someone you know
- Why are so many people afraid of being single 'til they meet the right person - instead of staying in troubled relationships that drive them crazy
- Why do your married friends act like they don't know you anymore once they tie the knot
- Why do I find it more than a little bizzarre that Doug & Jackie Christie remarry every year on July 8th...I can't wait to see their reality show...they might give Nick & Jessica and Flavor Flav & Brigitte a run for their money
- Why is Cheaters one of the funniest tv shows I've ever watched in my life
- Why am I aghast every time I see Jermaine O'Neal's head...it's humongous
- Why do I absolutely love ESPN's Sportscenter commercials
- Why should the Ying Yang Twins whisper on every song they make 'cause Wait (The Whisper Song) is hot
- Why does it seem like most black music producers want to be bigger stars than artist they work with...Puff and Pharell have crossed over into stardom now it looks like we have a new attention whore: Jazze Pha...oh boy!
- Why can't I get enough of MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge...I so appreciate Coral not competing this go 'round
- Why do people come to the gym reeking of perfume/cologne
- Why doesn't the NBA ban its players from doing those silly rituals when taking free throws....*rolling eyes* Gilbert Arenas - Richard Hamilton...just shoot the damn ball already
Saturday, May 7
Why Why Why
- Why do I hate shopping for gifts
- Why do the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I hear people praise bad singers and actors...yuck!
- Why is no one supporting Tweet's 2nd album - it's hot... stand out cuts: "You" "Cab" and "Small Change"
- Why did it take a year for me to see Carl Thomas' vision on Let's Talk About It I'm really feeling this album now
- Why do I occasionally wake up in the wee hours of the morning speaking in tongues for like 30 seconds then I roll over and go back to sleep....what's that all about
- Why do I have blackheads on my back that I can't get rid of
- Why do I hate randomly running into people that I know but haven't seen for years when I am out and about
- Why am I guilty of loving Ciara's new video "Oh"....yeah yeah yeah I know she can't sing...me being a former dancer, there's something about the choreography in that video moves me
- Why am I pissed that one my friend's cares about me so much that after 3 months of not returning her calls she's trying to track me down through some of my other friends - FYI she's done nothing to me I just don't feel like being social...yeah I know it's mean but oh well...I wish she'd get the hint that I need some space right now
- Why are The Apprentice and America's Next Top Model so boring this season
- Why have I been amused by Kobe Bryant's fall from grace
- Why is Tracy McGrady the new Kevin Garnett and can't make it out of the 1st round of the playoffs
- Why did I spend 3 hours re-twisting my hair on Thursday and didn't realize 'til today that I twisted some hair in one direction and some hair in another direction and my hair looks as confused as I must've been to do such an idiotic thing
- Why haven't I traveled out of California since the 9/11 tragedy
- Why am I really annoyed that more and more cities are adopting the use cameras at intersections to monitor illegal traffic infractions....I haven't been caught on cam yet but the sheer threat of being caught makes me slam on brakes and raises my pressure when I find myself nearing one of those intersections
- Why do I hate that several people have tried to convince me that Joss Stone can sing....that Gap commecial is the worst....if that's the new sound of soul music kill me now
- Why all the craze over Desperate Housewives and Lost... I watched a few episodes of both shows and thought: Housewives - cheesy Lost - interesting idea, moves too slow for my liking
- Why is Pat O'Brien a freak...I ain't mad at cha
- Why do the New York Yankees suck right now
Friday, May 6
Clark vs Abdul
Corey Clark , the second coming of El DeBarge , appeared on the Howard Stern show this morning to discuss his book and reason for coming forward with the allegations against Paula Abdul - to get the 900 lb gorilla, American Idol, off his back. Supposedly, they have undermined his career by bad mouthing him to record companies that have been interested in signing him as an artist and have wrongfully painted him as a criminal in press releases which prevents him from securing work. According to Clark, Abdul is the key to getting AI to back down. As I listened to his interviewed, I was shocked at how much graphic detail he offered about his sexual exploits with Paula Abdul. I hope the information he revealed on Howard Stern is contained in his book, if not, he really went over board. Among the things exposed:
1)The shape of her pubic hair
2)Does she swallow?
3)Does she do anal?
4)Loud in bed?
5)Protection or no protection?
Acknowledging a sexual affair is one thing, putting people's private, sexual habits out there for everyone to gawk at to make yourself look better is something else altogether. What an ass!
If everything he says about AI pretty much blackballing him is true, I hope his plan works out. He actually can sing and deserves the opportunity to launch his career without their interference.
1)The shape of her pubic hair
2)Does she swallow?
3)Does she do anal?
4)Loud in bed?
5)Protection or no protection?
Acknowledging a sexual affair is one thing, putting people's private, sexual habits out there for everyone to gawk at to make yourself look better is something else altogether. What an ass!
If everything he says about AI pretty much blackballing him is true, I hope his plan works out. He actually can sing and deserves the opportunity to launch his career without their interference.
It's My Party...
As stated in an earlier post, I am a food addict. The downside of my food addiction is I tend to be an emotional eater. When things aren't going well and the depths of my despair sinks to a level where I believe nothing will ever be right in my life, I throw myself a 'party' - a celebration where me and an a guest (one of my favorite snacks) hang out.
Today, I invited Banana Cream Cheesecake of the Cheesecake Factory Cheesecakes over for a visit. We don't get to see each other as much as we use to but it's always a good time when we do.
Today, I invited Banana Cream Cheesecake of the Cheesecake Factory Cheesecakes over for a visit. We don't get to see each other as much as we use to but it's always a good time when we do.
Wednesday, May 4
Immortal Youth
Kellen Winslow Jr.'s internal injuries from a motorcycle accident are improving but the Cleveland Browns are concerned with damage to his right knee.
Winslow was injured in an accident that sent him flying over the handlebars of his newly purchased motorcycle Sunday night.
Winslow's injuries are another setback for him and the struggling Browns. His rookie season ended when he broke his right leg during an onside kick in a Week 2 loss against Dallas. He lost a $5.3 million bonus last season because of the leg injury that dealt a severe blow to Cleveland's offense.
With his leg still on the mend, Winslow purchased a sport bike last month and was learning how to ride it in a parking lot when he hit a curb. He complained of chest pains after the crash.
Winslow's use of a motorcycle may have violated standard NFL player contract language that prohibits players from engaging in dangerous activities. If so, Cleveland could require him to pay back a $4.4 million signing bonus he received in March.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is this like being captured on camera carrying heavy boxes after filing a worker's comp claim?
Why would you take the risk?
Winslow was injured in an accident that sent him flying over the handlebars of his newly purchased motorcycle Sunday night.
Winslow's injuries are another setback for him and the struggling Browns. His rookie season ended when he broke his right leg during an onside kick in a Week 2 loss against Dallas. He lost a $5.3 million bonus last season because of the leg injury that dealt a severe blow to Cleveland's offense.
With his leg still on the mend, Winslow purchased a sport bike last month and was learning how to ride it in a parking lot when he hit a curb. He complained of chest pains after the crash.
Winslow's use of a motorcycle may have violated standard NFL player contract language that prohibits players from engaging in dangerous activities. If so, Cleveland could require him to pay back a $4.4 million signing bonus he received in March.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is this like being captured on camera carrying heavy boxes after filing a worker's comp claim?
Why would you take the risk?
Invisible Line in the Sand
Have you ever had one of those crazy, random questions pop into your head out of nowhere? At first thought, the question makes you smile or giggle as you wonder, "where did that come from?" You try to move on to another thought but can't, your mind is fixated and wants to give attention to this "oh so suddenly pressing question" that you know you can't answer because there are no answers to this question. Nevertheless you let your mind do it's thing - you ponder possible answers in hopes of satisfying your psyche so you can regain control of your thoughts and move on the next. That ever happen to you?
Yesterday, I was minding my own business when this random thought dropped by, unannouced for a visit: Would Jesus still have been close friends with Judas if he hadn't been killed? I laughed and thought, "yeah, right!" I was ready to move on to the next thought but Mr. Unannouced Visitor wanted more attention. So, I gave him a bit more attention hoping he'd get the hint that I wanted him to leave soon because I really didn't feel like being bothered. Not to mention, I had more pressing issues to think about like what's for dinner, you know? Anyhow, I communed with Mr. UV a while longer as he just sat there not saying a word taking up space. Needless to say, I was pissed he wouldn't leave. However, after my anger dissipated, the purpose of his visit became more clear, there was a bigger issue that really wanted my attention: handling betrayal.
When people betray me intentionally, I don't do so well with the 'all is forgiven let's pretend it never happened,' game people like to play. Instead, I systematically breakdown the events that lead to the betrayal. I analyze each participant's role, determine the percentage of blame each participant is responsible for and I ponder other solutions not explored by betrayor to resolve the issue. Next, I give numerical value to the sheer magnitude of the betrayal, I explore the betrayor's track record for other questionable offenses. I then ponder the value of the relationship in the past and weigh that against what I anticipate the value of the relationship to be in the future. When it's all computed I know exactly what action to take:
1)Let's not ever talk again
2)Let's be friends from a distance
3)Let's clear the air-cuss each other out-and ease back into a close fellowship
Ok, let's focus on option 2. Whenever I choose option 2, the relationship becomes convolted with all kinds of unspoken conditions and rules like I won't go the extra mile for that person, conversations are very impersonal-matter of fact- and brief, anything perceived as a slight will be considered a slight with no benefit of the doubt and will be held against them, I don't hang out with that person, I generally don't initiate contact they must call me...the list goes on. I arbitrarily add and remove conditions as needed. You get the point right?
Last year, I was doing business with 2 friends and they renigged on the original 50-50 agreements, they wanted to cut me such lopsided deals that it was plain ridiculous. Naturally, our relationships were broken and needed fixing or an overhaul. At the time, I knew I had to maintain a functional relationship with each because of the pending business deals. Thus, an option 2, condition laden relationship emerged. However, the betrayal warranted an option 1 response. Sadly enough, the business deals fell through and our relationships remained in ruin.
I have maintained a safe distance from each friend since the incident and only held conversation with both parties when absolutely necessary in the past 6-8 months. Recently, both of their birthdays passed, so I left birthday messages for both but have yet to hear back from either. Ain't that about a bitch!
Thus, there is a new condition to option 2 relationships:
Article - Don'tbeaJackAss hereafter referred to as Article DbJA
1)if you are on shaky ground with me, acknowledge the fact that I reached out to you on your special day. Because honestly, I didn't have to do so. I could have been really petty and acted as if the day never meant anything to me though I've celebrated this day with you the past12 years.
* Violation of said condition is grounds for dismissal without further notice.
Yesterday, I was minding my own business when this random thought dropped by, unannouced for a visit: Would Jesus still have been close friends with Judas if he hadn't been killed? I laughed and thought, "yeah, right!" I was ready to move on to the next thought but Mr. Unannouced Visitor wanted more attention. So, I gave him a bit more attention hoping he'd get the hint that I wanted him to leave soon because I really didn't feel like being bothered. Not to mention, I had more pressing issues to think about like what's for dinner, you know? Anyhow, I communed with Mr. UV a while longer as he just sat there not saying a word taking up space. Needless to say, I was pissed he wouldn't leave. However, after my anger dissipated, the purpose of his visit became more clear, there was a bigger issue that really wanted my attention: handling betrayal.
When people betray me intentionally, I don't do so well with the 'all is forgiven let's pretend it never happened,' game people like to play. Instead, I systematically breakdown the events that lead to the betrayal. I analyze each participant's role, determine the percentage of blame each participant is responsible for and I ponder other solutions not explored by betrayor to resolve the issue. Next, I give numerical value to the sheer magnitude of the betrayal, I explore the betrayor's track record for other questionable offenses. I then ponder the value of the relationship in the past and weigh that against what I anticipate the value of the relationship to be in the future. When it's all computed I know exactly what action to take:
1)Let's not ever talk again
2)Let's be friends from a distance
3)Let's clear the air-cuss each other out-and ease back into a close fellowship
Ok, let's focus on option 2. Whenever I choose option 2, the relationship becomes convolted with all kinds of unspoken conditions and rules like I won't go the extra mile for that person, conversations are very impersonal-matter of fact- and brief, anything perceived as a slight will be considered a slight with no benefit of the doubt and will be held against them, I don't hang out with that person, I generally don't initiate contact they must call me...the list goes on. I arbitrarily add and remove conditions as needed. You get the point right?
Last year, I was doing business with 2 friends and they renigged on the original 50-50 agreements, they wanted to cut me such lopsided deals that it was plain ridiculous. Naturally, our relationships were broken and needed fixing or an overhaul. At the time, I knew I had to maintain a functional relationship with each because of the pending business deals. Thus, an option 2, condition laden relationship emerged. However, the betrayal warranted an option 1 response. Sadly enough, the business deals fell through and our relationships remained in ruin.
I have maintained a safe distance from each friend since the incident and only held conversation with both parties when absolutely necessary in the past 6-8 months. Recently, both of their birthdays passed, so I left birthday messages for both but have yet to hear back from either. Ain't that about a bitch!
Thus, there is a new condition to option 2 relationships:
Article - Don'tbeaJackAss hereafter referred to as Article DbJA
1)if you are on shaky ground with me, acknowledge the fact that I reached out to you on your special day. Because honestly, I didn't have to do so. I could have been really petty and acted as if the day never meant anything to me though I've celebrated this day with you the past12 years.
* Violation of said condition is grounds for dismissal without further notice.
Disturbed
Cruising around blogspot last night I happened upon the post below at: http://mightymama.blogspot.com/
Fantasia-singer, stripper, simpleton???
I gotta tell you I am sick and tired of our music industry and Hollyhood, glorifying people who have no business in the limelight! I heard the song by third season, American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, BABY's MaMas. Let's all feel sorry for all of the single mamas in America. Well, I am sorry Fantasia. I don't feel bad that your baby's daddy beat your ass, and blackened both your eyes. What I am sorry for is that you didn't have enough self-worth, for yourself to keep your legs closed. I am sorry that your Bible beating preacher MaMa showed and taught you the lies about being Baptist. I am sorry that she gave you a name fit for a stripper. But I am truly sorry that all you think you are good at is singing.....I am sorry that no one encouraged you to aspire to go into the field of medicine, public service, or education.
So before you call call me a racist white bitch. First off you are right about one thing I am white. However, I am no way shape or form a racist. My husband is a African American and is my equal. He agrees with me 100% on this subject. We would never encourage our children to be apart of the Hollyhood subculture or the sports arena. Women in general whether black, white, purple, yellow, orange or even freakin' clear, are guilty of selling themselves cheap to the music industry, sex, or even sports. Singing like a humming bird, sucking a mean dick, or even bouncing a basketball doesn't mean shit it; if your frontal lobe is stimulated by a good book or lecture every now and then. I am all for children exploring their god given talents, however the reality of making a career out of them is rare. Compared to population numbers it just doesn't happen that often. I know many of people who have received sports scholarships that are idiots. Why? Because all they did was run around with their head cut off like a chicken, or bounced a basketball so much it rattled their brains. Getting a education was no longer the focus, performance in the sport or exploitation of the musical talent was.
I don't mean to discredit the talents of our youth, but to aspire for more. In the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it is explained that entertainment was the objective, no matter how much of an ass you are made. As long as it pays the bills people will fall for making fools of themselves. They are getting caught in the hype. Slavery of the millinium is what I call it.
I for one tonight will tell my children that they can and will be whatever they want as long as it is honorable. They will not sell their bodies by shakin' their groove thangs, sing unarticulate lyrics to songs, or bounce a basketball while their books are left in their backpacks. My children are worth so much more, and so are yours readers. Set the standard at a higher level and expect more from them. Maybe our future leaders of tomorrow, will be much more capable than those of today.
NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:
If you think I am a total whack job, think again. Can I suggest you read the Mis-Education of The Negro BY Carter G. Woodson. If you don't want to read a book watch the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it will clear many misconceptions up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mental note to self, "When you're bored Shawn, don't just keep randomly clicking on links to blogs at blogspot."
Fantasia-singer, stripper, simpleton???
I gotta tell you I am sick and tired of our music industry and Hollyhood, glorifying people who have no business in the limelight! I heard the song by third season, American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, BABY's MaMas. Let's all feel sorry for all of the single mamas in America. Well, I am sorry Fantasia. I don't feel bad that your baby's daddy beat your ass, and blackened both your eyes. What I am sorry for is that you didn't have enough self-worth, for yourself to keep your legs closed. I am sorry that your Bible beating preacher MaMa showed and taught you the lies about being Baptist. I am sorry that she gave you a name fit for a stripper. But I am truly sorry that all you think you are good at is singing.....I am sorry that no one encouraged you to aspire to go into the field of medicine, public service, or education.
So before you call call me a racist white bitch. First off you are right about one thing I am white. However, I am no way shape or form a racist. My husband is a African American and is my equal. He agrees with me 100% on this subject. We would never encourage our children to be apart of the Hollyhood subculture or the sports arena. Women in general whether black, white, purple, yellow, orange or even freakin' clear, are guilty of selling themselves cheap to the music industry, sex, or even sports. Singing like a humming bird, sucking a mean dick, or even bouncing a basketball doesn't mean shit it; if your frontal lobe is stimulated by a good book or lecture every now and then. I am all for children exploring their god given talents, however the reality of making a career out of them is rare. Compared to population numbers it just doesn't happen that often. I know many of people who have received sports scholarships that are idiots. Why? Because all they did was run around with their head cut off like a chicken, or bounced a basketball so much it rattled their brains. Getting a education was no longer the focus, performance in the sport or exploitation of the musical talent was.
I don't mean to discredit the talents of our youth, but to aspire for more. In the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it is explained that entertainment was the objective, no matter how much of an ass you are made. As long as it pays the bills people will fall for making fools of themselves. They are getting caught in the hype. Slavery of the millinium is what I call it.
I for one tonight will tell my children that they can and will be whatever they want as long as it is honorable. They will not sell their bodies by shakin' their groove thangs, sing unarticulate lyrics to songs, or bounce a basketball while their books are left in their backpacks. My children are worth so much more, and so are yours readers. Set the standard at a higher level and expect more from them. Maybe our future leaders of tomorrow, will be much more capable than those of today.
NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:
If you think I am a total whack job, think again. Can I suggest you read the Mis-Education of The Negro BY Carter G. Woodson. If you don't want to read a book watch the Spike Lee film Bamboozled, it will clear many misconceptions up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mental note to self, "When you're bored Shawn, don't just keep randomly clicking on links to blogs at blogspot."
Tuesday, May 3
Ok! You Got Me!
I took a trip to Wild Oats Market today to browse a larger selection of veggie food items than Trader Joe's , my number one store, offers. I've been to Wild Oats a gazillion times before but today I felt a renewed sense of vigor to really find an unknown gem that would send me, Mr. Food-a-holic, into a frenzy. Slowly and methodically I worked my way up and down every isle carefully reading the food labels of the foods I was interested in purchasing. By the way, I get a bit carried away sometimes. Why was I in the market for over an hour? Though I am equipped a bit more knowledge, reading labels is very time consuming and frustrating. And there's always something on the ingredient list that's not supposed to be there in the eyes of the health experts. Anywho, when I got to the frozen food section, I went absolutely crazy. Everything I saw looked incredibly delicious. Who knew there was so much vegetarian stuff on the market? I know I sure didn't. Ok! After I calmed myself down, I focused my attention on the veggie pizzas. I was suddenly overcome with a need for tomato sauce and cheese. I didn't have that craving when I first walked in the store but at that moment I knew my day wouldn't be complete unless I chose the right veggie pizza to buy for lunch. After 10 minutes of label comparing, I settled on A.C. LaRocco's Tomato & Feta pizza. MMM MMM MMM! My mouth was watering as I read about fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, fresh garlic and basil. I hurried to finish the rest of my grocery shopping so I could get home as soon as possible. Once the groceries were unpacked, I warmed up my Tomato & Feta pizza. When the garlic-y aroma started to overpower the air in the house I knew I had chosen a winner. Patiently I waited 25 minutes to get my first taste of heaven. Well, color me surprised after that first bite. Why was I eating what tasted like a slice of wheat bread with tomato sauce and cheese on it? So much for reading labels. Folks, beware! Whole wheat and honey pizza crusts aren't all there cracked up to be. Congratulations Mr. LaRocco, you got me! LOL!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Find
My vegetarian food exploration does have an upside. I've found new treat - Soy Delicious Non-dairy, frozen dessert (soy ice cream). So far I've tried Creamy Vanilla and Praline Pecan and I'm hooked.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Find
My vegetarian food exploration does have an upside. I've found new treat - Soy Delicious Non-dairy, frozen dessert (soy ice cream). So far I've tried Creamy Vanilla and Praline Pecan and I'm hooked.
Sunday, May 1
Knowing limitations
Far be it from me to kill anyone's dream. Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passion. However... sometimes having a Simon Cowell or someone like myself in your life might not be such a bad thing. Simon and I aren't afraid of telling the truth, as harsh as it may be, about someone's talent. There's a time for everything; a time for encouragement and inspiration; and a time for truth and honest evaluation. Honest evaluation is what I do best. If you're into singing and can appreciate those with the gift of song, please follow the link below and take a listen
http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=3841399&Mytoken=20050501204751
In reference to the above artist, I'm laughing as I type the word "artist" lol! I'm trying to be gracious, as I listened to her music something a friend shared with me once came to mind - "There'd be less accidents if people stayed in their own lane." Ain't that the truth? Can I get an Amen brother!
My ears were so offended I wanted to track this broad down and beat her ass with the studio microphone. Especially considering that she has a nice, pleasant picture posted on her site and the quality of her tracks isn't too bad. But let's be honest, who told this chick she could or should sing? I tell you, the day I find the person that told her anything other than the truth, which is, "singing's just not your thing babygirl. By the way, what's this experimental thing you're trying where the music is in one key but you sing in a completely different key? That's not cute," Im'a poke 'em in the eye.
Speaking of beating somebody's ass for encouraging those with questionable talent, has anyone ever seen the VH-1 Save the Music commercial where Mary J. Blige sits at a piano, plays some chords and attempts to scat? She then proceeds to acknowledge a former teacher of her's that encouraged her to keep singing. I can't wait to find that teacher so I can give her a serious beat down. Has Mary ever sung a song and stayed on pitch throughout? Please point me in the direction of one those tunes if you can!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On to more pressing matters, today I noticed that there's a growing trend in Men's grooming that is absolutely appalling - the razor thin mustache. In case you've never seen this absurdity, take a peek at Mr. Johnny Wright currently of MTV's Making the Band 3 fame. Sir, is that facial hair or black eye liner on your lip? I'm hoping the trend will die some. In case you thin mustache wearers didn't know, it looks like you made a boo boo while trimming your mustache and you tried to salvage the little hair you had left in hopes no one would notice your shaving mistake. Guess what? I noticed. And it looks like there's a smudge on your face. Now hold still while I soak the bottom of my t-shirt in my saliva so I can wipe that grime off your face. In truth, thin mustaches are on the same level as the Hitler mustache - just plain ridiculous. Please tell your Dads, uncles, brothers, boyfriends, etc. to trim the 'stache off or low but never, ever, ever, ever thin.
http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=3841399&Mytoken=20050501204751
In reference to the above artist, I'm laughing as I type the word "artist" lol! I'm trying to be gracious, as I listened to her music something a friend shared with me once came to mind - "There'd be less accidents if people stayed in their own lane." Ain't that the truth? Can I get an Amen brother!
My ears were so offended I wanted to track this broad down and beat her ass with the studio microphone. Especially considering that she has a nice, pleasant picture posted on her site and the quality of her tracks isn't too bad. But let's be honest, who told this chick she could or should sing? I tell you, the day I find the person that told her anything other than the truth, which is, "singing's just not your thing babygirl. By the way, what's this experimental thing you're trying where the music is in one key but you sing in a completely different key? That's not cute," Im'a poke 'em in the eye.
Speaking of beating somebody's ass for encouraging those with questionable talent, has anyone ever seen the VH-1 Save the Music commercial where Mary J. Blige sits at a piano, plays some chords and attempts to scat? She then proceeds to acknowledge a former teacher of her's that encouraged her to keep singing. I can't wait to find that teacher so I can give her a serious beat down. Has Mary ever sung a song and stayed on pitch throughout? Please point me in the direction of one those tunes if you can!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On to more pressing matters, today I noticed that there's a growing trend in Men's grooming that is absolutely appalling - the razor thin mustache. In case you've never seen this absurdity, take a peek at Mr. Johnny Wright currently of MTV's Making the Band 3 fame. Sir, is that facial hair or black eye liner on your lip? I'm hoping the trend will die some. In case you thin mustache wearers didn't know, it looks like you made a boo boo while trimming your mustache and you tried to salvage the little hair you had left in hopes no one would notice your shaving mistake. Guess what? I noticed. And it looks like there's a smudge on your face. Now hold still while I soak the bottom of my t-shirt in my saliva so I can wipe that grime off your face. In truth, thin mustaches are on the same level as the Hitler mustache - just plain ridiculous. Please tell your Dads, uncles, brothers, boyfriends, etc. to trim the 'stache off or low but never, ever, ever, ever thin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
